Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 28, 2017

 

1933 Act Registration File No. 033-20827

1940 Act File No. 811- 05518

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM N-1A

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [X]
Pre-Effective Amendment No.     [  ]
Post-Effective Amendment No. 232   [X]

 

and/or

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [X]
Amendment No. 234   [X]

 

(Check Appropriate Box or Boxes)

 

THE RBB FUND, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

615 East Michigan Street,
Milwaukee, Wisconsin  53202

(Address of Principal Executive Offices, including Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code:   (302) 791-1851

Copies to:

 

SALVATORE FAIA   MICHAEL P. MALLOY, ESQUIRE
The RBB Fund, Inc.   Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
615 East Michigan Street,   One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Milwaukee, Wisconsin  53202   Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-6996

 

Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: As soon as practicable after the Registration Statement becomes effective.

 

[  ]

immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)

[X]

on December 31, 2017 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)

[  ]

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.

 

 

 

ABBEY CAPITAL FUTURES STRATEGY FUND
of
THE RBB FUND, INC.

 

CLASS I SHARES (TICKER: ABYIX)

CLASS A SHARES (TICKER: ABYAX)

CLASS C SHARES (TICKER: ABYCX)

CLASS T SHARES (Not Currently Available for Sale)

 

PROSPECTUS

 

December 31, 2017

 

Investment Adviser:

 

ABBEY CAPITAL LIMITED
1-2 Cavendish Row
Dublin 1, Ireland

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission have not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 
 

Table of Contents

 

SUMMARY SECTION 1
FUND INFORMATION 9
More Information About Fund Investments 9
More Information About Risks 10
Principal Risks 10
Non-Principal Risks 14
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS 15
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND 15
Investment Adviser 15
Trading Advisers 16
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION 24
Pricing of Fund Shares 24
Sales Charges 25
Purchase of Fund Shares 29
Redemption of Fund Shares 32
Market Timing 34
Exchange Privilege 35
Dividends and Distributions 35
More Information About Taxes 35
Distribution Arrangements 38
Additional Information 39
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 40
APPENDIX A A-1
   
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND Back Cover

 

 
 

SUMMARY SECTION

 

Investment Objective

 

The investment objective of the Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund (the "Fund") is to seek long-term capital appreciation. Current income is a secondary objective.

 

Expenses and Fees

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (the "Shares"). You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $25,000 in Class A Shares or at least $250,000 in Class T Shares of the Fund. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional, in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Information – Sales Charges" and in the section of the Fund's Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") entitled "Purchase and Redemption Information – Reducing or Eliminating the Front-End Sales Charge." Financial intermediaries may impose different sales charge waivers for Class A Shares and Class T Shares, and these variations are described in Appendix A of the Prospectus.

 

  Class I Class A Class C Class T
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)        
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
(as a percentage of offering price)
None 5.75% None 2.50%
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) None None (1) 1.00% (2) None
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends None None None None
Redemption Fee (as a percentage of amount redeemed,
if applicable)
None None None None
         
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay
each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
       
Management Fees (3)(4) 1.77% 1.77% 1.77% 1.77%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees None 0.25% 1.00% 0.25%
Other Expenses 0.16% 0.16% 0.16% 0.16% (5)
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 1.93% 2.18% 2.93% 2.18%
Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements (6) -0.14% -0.14% -0.14% -0.14%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses after Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements (6) 1.79% 2.04% 2.79% 2.04%

 

(1) A contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) of 1.00% is assessed on certain redemptions of Class A Shares made within 12 months after purchase where no initial sales charge was paid at time of purchase as part of an investment of $1,000,000 or more.
(2) The CDSC applies to redemptions of Class C Shares made within 12 months of purchase and will be assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of the offering price at the time of purchase of the shares redeemed and the net asset value of the shares redeemed at the time of redemption.
(3) Management Fees have been restated to reflect current expenses. Prior to February 28, 2017, the management fee was 1.97%.
(4) Management Fees include advisory fees paid to both Abbey Capital Limited (the "Adviser") and one or more trading advisers (the "Trading Advisers"). There are no performance fees charged by the Adviser or Trading Advisers either at the Fund or at the Fund's wholly-owned Subsidiary.
(5) “Other Expenses” for Class T Shares are estimated for the current fiscal year.
(6) The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) to 1.79%, 2.04%, 2.79% and 2.04% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class T Shares, respectively. In determining the Adviser's obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to exceed 1.79%, 2.04%, 2.79% or 2.04%, as applicable: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2018 for Class I Shares, Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class T Shares, and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”). If at any time the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.79%, 2.04%, 2.79% and 2.04%, as applicable, the Adviser may recoup any waived or reimbursed amounts from the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made by the Adviser, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

1  
 

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 Class A, Class C and Class T Shares, and $1,000,000 in Class I Shares, 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 Fund's operating expenses remain the same (taking into account the contractual expense limitation until its expiration). Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs of investing in the Fund would be:

 

  1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
Class I Shares $18,187 $59,259 $102,891 $224,245
Class A Shares $770 $1,205 $1,665 $2,934
Class C Shares $382 $893 $1,530 $3,242
Class T Shares $452 $902 $1,378 $2,690

 

You would pay the following expenses on Class C Shares if you did not redeem your shares at the end of the period:

 

  1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
Class C Shares $282 $893 $1,530 $3,242

 

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 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 Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 0% of the average value of its portfolio. In accordance with industry practice, derivative instruments and instruments with a maturity of one year or less at the time of acquisition are excluded from the calculation of the portfolio turnover rate, which leads to the 0% portfolio turnover rate reported above. If those instruments were included in the calculation, the Fund would have a high portfolio turnover rate.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by allocating its assets between a "Managed Futures" strategy and a "Fixed Income" strategy.

 

The Managed Futures strategy will be achieved by the Fund investing up to 25% of its total assets in Abbey Capital Offshore Fund Limited, a wholly-owned and controlled subsidiary of the Fund organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the "Subsidiary"). The Adviser may allocate assets of the Subsidiary to a single Managed Futures portfolio or multiple Managed Futures portfolios that include investment styles or sub-strategies such as (i) trend following, (ii) discretionary, fundamentals-based investing with a focus on macroeconomic analysis, (iii) strategies that pursue both fundamental and technical trading approaches, (iv) other specialized approaches to specific or individual market sectors such as equities, interest rates, metals, agricultural and soft commodities and (v) systematic trading strategies which incorporate technical and fundamental variables.

 

2  
 

The Managed Futures strategy investments are designed to achieve capital appreciation in the financial and commodities futures markets. The Adviser intends to allocate the assets of the Subsidiary to one or more Trading Advisers to manage in percentages determined at the discretion of the Adviser. Each Trading Adviser invests according to a Managed Futures strategy in one or a combination of (i) options, (ii) futures, (iii) forwards, (iv) spot contracts or (v) swaps, including total return swaps, each of which may be tied to (i) commodities, (ii) financial indices and instruments, (iii) foreign currencies, or (iv) equity indices. Each current Trading Adviser is registered with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the "CFTC") as a Commodity Trading Advisor. Trading Advisers that are not registered with the SEC as investment advisers provide advice only regarding matters that do not involve securities.

 

The Fixed Income strategy invests the Fund's assets primarily in investment grade fixed income securities (of all durations and maturities) in order to generate interest income and capital appreciation, which may add diversification to the returns generated by the Fund's Managed Futures strategy. The Fund must set aside liquid assets, or engage in other SEC or staff-approved measures, to "cover" open positions with respect to certain kinds of derivative instruments. The Fixed Income strategy investments may be used to help cover the Fund's derivative positions.

 

The Fund's Adviser seeks returns, in part, by (i) using Managed Futures strategy investments that are not expected to have returns that are highly correlated to the broad equity market and (ii) through actively managed Fixed Income strategy investments that are not expected to have returns that are highly correlated to the broad equity market or the Managed Futures strategy. The Adviser believes that utilizing non-correlated strategies may mitigate losses in generally declining markets. However, there can be no assurance that losses will be avoided. Investment strategies that have historically been non-correlated or demonstrated low correlations to one another or to major world financial market indices may become correlated at certain times, such as during a liquidity crisis in global financial markets.

 

The trading strategies employ several different trading styles using different research and trading methodologies, in a wide range of global financial and commodity markets operating over multiple time frames. Many of the styles use systematic, automated trading systems, using a combination of mathematical, statistical, technical analysis, pattern recognition and macroeconomic models aimed at profiting from market trends of different durations. Trading Advisers may use discretionary approaches aimed at identifying value investments and turning points in trends. All Trading Advisers utilize a disciplined approach to risk management. The Adviser and Trading Advisers from time to time will employ hedging techniques. Key principles of the Fund's sell discipline include predetermined relative-value objectives for sectors, issuers and specific securities, pricing performance or fundamental performance that varies from expectations, deteriorating fundamentals, overvaluation and alternative investments offering the opportunity to achieve more favorable risk-adjusted returns.

 

The markets traded include bonds, money markets, foreign exchange markets and commodity markets. Most of the trading is done in derivative markets, usually listed futures markets, but some trading in cash markets may take place when this is the most effective way to enter or exit a trading position. Both long and short positions will be taken in all markets traded. Contracts are positioned either long or short based on various characteristics related to their prices. For example, the Fund may short a particular underlying security or instrument if the Adviser or a Trading Adviser believes the price of the underlying security or instrument will decrease. The Fund invests in U.S. and non-U.S. markets and in developed and emerging markets.

 

3  
 

As much of the trading within the Fund is in futures markets, the Fund is likely to have cash balances surplus to margin requirements. The cash portfolio will be invested on a short-term, highly liquid, basis, to meet margin calls on the futures positions.

 

The Fund is "non-diversified" for purposes of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the "1940 Act") which means that the Fund may invest in fewer securities at any one time than a diversified fund. The Fund may not invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities. The Fund's investments in certain derivative instruments and its short selling activities involve the use of leverage.

 

Generally, the Subsidiary invests primarily in commodity futures, but it may also invest in financial futures, option and swap contracts, fixed income securities, pooled investment vehicles, including those that are not registered pursuant to the 1940 Act and other investments intended to serve as margin or collateral for the Subsidiary's derivative positions. The Fund invests in the Subsidiary in order to gain exposure to the commodities markets within the limitations of the federal tax laws, rules and regulations that apply to registered investment companies. Unlike the Fund, the Subsidiary may invest without limitation in commodity-linked derivatives, however, the Subsidiary complies with the same 1940 Act asset coverage requirements with respect to its investments in commodity-linked derivatives that are applicable to the Fund's transactions in derivatives. The Fund complies with Section 8 and Section 18 of the 1940 Act, governing investment policies and capital structure and leverage, respectively, on an aggregate basis with the Subsidiary. The Subsidiary also complies with Section 17 of the 1940 Act relating to affiliated transactions and custody.

 

In addition, to the extent applicable to the investment activities of the Subsidiary, the Subsidiary is subject to the same fundamental investment restrictions and will follow the same compliance policies and procedures as the Fund. Unlike the Fund, the Subsidiary will not seek to qualify as a regulated investment company ("RIC") under Subchapter M of Subtitle A, Chapter 1, of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). The Fund is the sole shareholder of the Subsidiary and does not expect shares of the Subsidiary to be offered or sold to other investors.

 

Principal Investment Risks

 

Risk is inherent in all investing. The value of your investment in the Fund, as well as the amount of return you receive on your investment, may fluctuate significantly from day to day and over time. You may lose part or all of your investment in the Fund or your investment may not perform as well as other similar investments.

 

The principal risk factors affecting shareholders' investments in the Fund (and, indirectly, in the Subsidiary) are set forth below.

 

Commodity Sector Risk: Exposure to the commodities markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of commodity-linked derivative instruments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. The prices of energy, industrial metals, precious metals, agriculture and livestock sector commodities may fluctuate widely due to factors such as changes in value, supply and demand and governmental regulatory policies. The commodity-linked securities in which the Fund invests may be issued by companies in the financial services sector, and events affecting the financial services sector may cause the Fund's Share value to fluctuate.

 

Counterparty Risk: Counterparty risk is the risk that the other party(s) to an agreement or a participant to a transaction, such as a broker or the FCM, might default on a contract or fail to perform by failing to pay amounts due or failing to fulfill the obligations of the contract or transaction.

 

Credit Risk: Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of the security will not be able to make principal and interest payments when due. Changes in an issuer's credit rating or the market's perception of an issuer's creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund's investment in that issuer. Securities rated in the four highest categories by the rating agencies are considered investment grade but they may also have some speculative characteristics. Investment grade ratings do not guarantee that bonds will not lose value.

 

4  
 

Currency Risk: Investment in foreign securities also involves currency risk associated with securities that trade or are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and which may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates. An increase in the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to a foreign currency may cause the U.S. dollar value of an investment in that country to decline. Foreign currencies also are subject to risks caused by inflation, interest rates, budget deficits and low savings rates, political factors and government controls. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts may limit potential gains from a favorable change in value between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Unanticipated changes in currency pricing may result in poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not engaged in these contracts.

 

Derivatives Risk: The Fund's investments in derivative instruments including options, forward currency exchange contracts, swaps and futures, which may be leveraged, may result in losses. Investments in derivative instruments may result in losses exceeding the amounts invested.

 

Emerging Markets Risk: Investment in emerging market securities involves greater risk than that associated with investment in foreign securities of developed foreign countries. These risks include volatile currency exchange rates, periods of high inflation, increased risk of default, greater social, economic and political uncertainty and instability, less governmental supervision and regulation of securities markets, weaker auditing and financial reporting standards, lack of liquidity in the markets, and the significantly smaller market capitalizations of emerging market issuers.

 

Fixed Income Securities Risk: Fixed income securities in which the Fund may invest are subject to certain risks, including: interest rate risk, prepayment risk and credit/default risk. Interest rate risk involves the risk that prices of fixed income securities will rise and fall in response to interest rate changes. Prepayment risk involves the risk that in declining interest rate environments prepayments of principal could increase and require the Fund to reinvest proceeds of the prepayments at lower interest rates. Credit risk involves the risk that the credit rating of a security may be lowered.

 

Foreign Investments Risk: International investing is subject to special risks, including currency exchange rate volatility, political, social or economic instability, and differences in taxation, auditing and other financial practices. The Fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers either directly or through depositary receipts. Depositary receipts may be available through "sponsored" or "unsponsored" facilities. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all of the costs of the unsponsored facility. The depository of an unsponsored facility is frequently under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through, to the holders of the receipts, voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. The depository of unsponsored depositary receipts may provide less information to receipt holders.

 

Forward and Futures Risk: The successful use of forward and futures contracts draws upon the Adviser's and Trading Advisers' skill and experience with respect to such instruments and are subject to special risk considerations. The primary risks associated with the use of futures contracts are (a) the imperfect correlation between the change in market value of instruments held by the Fund and the price of the forward or futures contract; (b) possible lack of a liquid secondary market, and possible regulatory position limits and restrictions, for a forward or futures contract and the resulting inability to close a forward or futures contract when desired; (c) losses caused by unanticipated market movements, which are potentially unlimited; (d) the Adviser's and Trading Advisers' inability to predict correctly the direction of securities prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and other economic factors; (e) the possibility that the counterparty will default in the performance of its obligations; and (f) if the Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell securities from its portfolio to meet daily variation margin requirements, and the Fund may have to sell securities at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so.

 

Hedging Transactions Risk: The Adviser and Trading Advisers from time to time employ various hedging techniques. The success of the Fund's hedging strategy will be subject to the Adviser's and Trading Advisers' ability to correctly assess the degree of correlation between the performance of the instruments used in the hedging strategy and the performance of the investments in the portfolio being hedged. Since the characteristics of many securities change as markets change or time passes, the success of the Fund's hedging strategy will also be subject to the Adviser's and Trading Advisers' ability to continually recalculate, readjust, and execute hedges in an efficient and timely manner. For a variety of reasons, the Adviser and Trading Advisers may not seek to establish a perfect correlation between such hedging instruments and the portfolio holdings being hedged. Such imperfect correlation may prevent the Fund from achieving the intended hedge or expose the Fund to risk of loss. In addition, it is not possible to hedge fully or perfectly against any risk, and hedging entails its own cost.

 

5  
 

High Portfolio Turnover Risk: The risk that when investing on a shorter-term basis, the Fund may as a result trade more frequently and incur higher levels of brokerage fees and commissions, and cause higher levels of current tax liability to shareholders in the Fund.

 

Interest Rate Risk: Interest rate risk is the risk that prices of fixed income securities generally increase when interest rates decline and decrease when interest rates increase. The Fund may lose money if short term or long term interest rates rise sharply or otherwise change in a manner not anticipated by the Adviser and Trading Advisers. It is likely there will be less governmental action in the near future to maintain low interest rates. The negative impact on fixed income securities from the resulting rate increases for that and other reasons could be swift and significant.

 

Leveraging Risk: Investments in derivative instruments may give rise to a form of leverage. Trading Advisers may engage in speculative transactions which involve substantial risk and leverage, such as making short sales. The use of leverage by the Adviser and Trading Advisers may increase the volatility of the Fund. These leveraged instruments may result in losses to the Fund or may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value ("NAV") or total return, because instruments that contain leverage are more sensitive to changes in interest rates. The Fund may also have to sell assets at inopportune times to satisfy its obligations in connection with such transactions.

 

Manager Risk: If the Adviser and Trading Advisers make poor investment decisions, it will negatively affect the Fund's investment performance.

 

Management Risk: The Fund is subject to the risk of poor stock selection. In other words, the individual stocks in the Fund may not perform as well as expected, and/or the Fund's portfolio management practices do not work to achieve their desired result.

 

Market Risk: The NAV of the Fund will change with changes in the market value of its portfolio positions. Investors may lose money.

 

Multi-Manager Dependence Risk: The success of the Fund's investment strategy depends both on the Adviser's ability to select Trading Advisers and to allocate assets to those Trading Advisers and on each Trading Adviser's ability to execute the relevant strategy and select investments for the Fund and the Subsidiary. The Trading Advisers' investment styles may not always be complementary, which could adversely affect the performance of the Fund.

 

New Adviser Risk: The Trading Advisers may be newly registered or not registered with the SEC and/or have not previously managed a mutual fund. Accordingly, investors in the Fund bear the risk that a Trading Adviser's inexperience may limit its effectiveness.

 

Non-Diversification Risk: The Fund is non-diversified. Compared to other funds, the Fund may invest more of its assets in a smaller number of companies. Gains or losses on a single stock may have greater impact on the Fund.

 

Quantitative Trading Strategies Risk: The Adviser and Trading Advisers may use quantitative methods to select investments. Securities or other investments selected using quantitative methods may perform differently from the market as a whole or from their expected performance for many reasons, including factors used in building the quantitative analytical framework, the weights placed on each factor, and changing sources of market returns, among others. Any errors or imperfections in quantitative analyses or models, or in the data on which they are based, could adversely affect the ability of the Adviser or a Trading Adviser to use such analyses or models effectively, which in turn could adversely affect the Fund’s performance. There can be no assurance that these methodologies will help the Fund to achieve its investment objective.

 

Short Sales Risk: Short sales of securities may result in gains if a security's price declines, but may result in losses if a security's price rises. In a rising market, short positions may be more likely to result in losses because securities sold short may be more likely to increase in value. Short selling also involves the risks of: increased leverage, and its accompanying potential for losses; the potential inability to reacquire a security in a timely manner, or at an acceptable price; the possibility of the lender terminating the loan at any time, forcing the Fund to close the transaction under unfavorable circumstances; the additional costs that may be incurred; and the potential loss of investment flexibility caused by the Fund's obligations to provide collateral to the lender and set aside assets to cover the open position. The Fund may engage in short sales that are either "uncovered" or "against the box." A short sale is "against the box" if at all times during which the short position is open, the Fund owns at least an equal amount of the securities or securities convertible into, or exchangeable without further consideration for, securities of the same issue as the securities that are sold short. Short sales "against the box" may protect the Fund against the risk of losses in the value of a portfolio security because any decline in value of the security should be wholly or partially offset by a corresponding gain in the short position. Any potential gains in the security, however, would be wholly or partially offset by a corresponding loss in the short position. Short sales that are not "against the box" involve a form of investment leverage, and the amount of the Fund's loss on a short sale is potentially unlimited.

 

6  
 

Subsidiary Risk: By investing in the Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the Subsidiary's investments. The derivatives and other investments held by the Subsidiary are generally similar to those that are permitted to be held by the Fund and are subject to the same risks that apply to similar investments if held directly by the fund. The Subsidiary is not registered under the 1940 Act, and, unless otherwise noted in this Prospectus, is not subject to all the investor protections of the 1940 Act. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Fund and/or the Subsidiary to continue to operate as it does currently and could adversely affect the Fund.

 

Tax Risk: In order to qualify as a RIC, the Fund must meet certain requirements regarding the source of its income, the diversification of its assets and the distribution of its income. Under the test regarding the source of a RIC’s income, at least 90% of the gross income of the RIC each year must be qualifying income, which consists of dividends, interest, gains on investment assets and other categories of investment income. In 2006, the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") published a ruling that income realized from swaps with respect to a commodities index would not be qualifying income. The Fund's investment in the Subsidiary is expected to provide the Fund with exposure to the commodities markets within the limitations of the Code for qualification as a RIC, but there is a risk that the IRS could assert that the income derived from the Fund's investment in the Subsidiary and certain commodity-linked structured notes will not be considered qualifying income for purposes of the Fund remaining qualified as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In addition, pursuant to recent guidance issued by the Treasury and the IRS, the Subsidiary’s commodity related income for a taxable year will only be treated as qualifying income to the extent the Subsidiary actually distributes such income out of its earnings and profits to the Fund for such taxable year. If the Fund were to fail to qualify as a RIC and became subject to federal income tax, shareholders of the Fund would be subject to diminished returns. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Fund and/or its Subsidiary to operate as described in this Prospectus and the SAI and could adversely affect the Fund. For example, the Cayman Islands does not currently impose any income, corporate or capital gains tax or withholding tax on the Subsidiary. If Cayman Islands law changes such that the Subsidiary must pay Cayman Islands taxes, Fund shareholders would likely suffer decreased investment returns.

 

Performance Information

 

The following performance information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart below shows the performance of the Fund’s Class I Shares from year to year. Performance information represents only past performance, before and after taxes, and does not necessarily indicate future results. Updated performance information is available online at www.abbeycapital.com or by calling 1-844-261-6484 (toll free).

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund – Class I Shares

Total Return for Calendar Year Ended December 31

 

 

 

7  
 

During the period shown in the chart, the highest quarterly return was 8.86% (for the quarter ended March 31, 2015) and the lowest quarterly return was -4.90% (for the quarter ended June 30, 2015). The year-to-date total return for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was -4.99%.

 

Average Annual Total Returns

 

The table below compares the average annual total returns of the Class I Shares, Class A Shares and Class C Shares for one year and since inception to a broad-based market index for the same periods. Average annual returns for Class T Shares are not included because they had not commenced operations prior to the date of this Prospectus. The returns for Class T Shares would be substantially similar to returns for Class I Shares because the shares are invested in the same portfolio of securities, and would differ only to the extent that the classes have different expenses.

 

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the

Periods Ended December 31, 2016

 

 

 

1 Year

Since

Inception

July 1, 2014

Since

Inception

August 29, 2014

Since

Inception

October 6, 2015

Class I Shares        
– Return Before Taxes -3.81% 7.14% N/A N/A
– Return After Taxes on Distributions (1) -3.81% 6.73% N/A N/A
– Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares (1) -2.16% 5.31% N/A N/A
Class A Shares        
– Return Before Taxes -9.60% N/A 3.13% N/A
Class C Shares        
– Return Before Taxes -4.72% N/A N/A -3.23%

S&P 500 ® Total Return Index

(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses and taxes)

11.96% 7.43% 7.11% 12.92%

 

(1) 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 investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. In certain cases, the figure representing “Return after Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares” may be higher than the other return figures for the same period, since a higher after-tax return results when a capital loss occurs upon redemption and provides an assumed tax deduction that benefits the investor. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. After-tax returns are shown for Class I Shares only. After-tax returns for Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class T Shares will vary.

 

Management of the Fund

 

Investment Adviser and Trading Advisers

 

Abbey Capital Limited, 1-2 Cavendish Row, Dublin 1, Ireland, serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Altis Partners (Jersey) Limited, Aspect Capital Limited, Cantab Capital Partners LLP, Eclipse Capital Management, Inc., Graham Capital Management, LP, Harmonic Capital Partners LLP, P/E Global, LLC, Revolution Capital Management, LLC, Trigon Investment Advisors LLC and Welton Investment Partners LLC each serve as a Trading Adviser to the Fund.

 

Portfolio Managers
The Fund is managed by the following co-portfolio managers.

 

  Title Portfolio Manager Since:
Abbey Capital Limited    
Anthony Gannon Chief Executive Officer Inception (July 1, 2014)
Mick Swift Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Research Director Inception (July 1, 2014)

 

8  
 

Purchase and Sale Information

 

The minimum initial investment for Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class T Shares is $2,500, and the minimum initial investment for Class I Shares is $1,000,000. There is a minimum amount of $100 for subsequent investment in Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class T Shares, and $1,000 in Class I Shares. Class T Shares are not currently available for sale.

 

You can only purchase and redeem Shares of the Fund on days the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open. Shares of the Fund may be available through certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals that have entered into a distribution agreement with the Distributor (collectively, "Service Organizations"). Class T Shares are available only to investors who are investing through a Service Organization. Not all Service Organizations make Class T Shares available to their clients. You may redeem Class T Shares on any business day by contacting your Service Organization. Consult Appendix A and a representative of your Service Organization about the availability of Class T Shares. Class I Shares, Class A Shares and Class C Shares of the Fund may also be purchased and redeemed directly through The RBB Fund, Inc. (the "Company") by the means described below.

 

Purchase and Redemption by Mail:

 

Regular Mail:
Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701
Overnight Delivery:
Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Purchase by Wire:

 

Before sending any wire, call U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (the "Transfer Agent") at 1-844-261-6484 to confirm the current wire instructions for the Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund.

 

Redemption by Telephone:

 

Call the Transfer Agent at 1-844-261-6484.

 

Taxes

 

The Fund intends to make distributions that generally may be taxed at ordinary income or capital gains rates.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

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

 

FUND INFORMATION

 

More Information About Fund Investments

 

This section provides some additional information about the Fund's investments and certain portfolio management techniques that the Fund may use. More information about the Fund's investments and portfolio management techniques, and related risks, is included in the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").

 

The Fund's investment objective is non-fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") without the approval of the Fund's shareholders. However, as a matter of policy, the Fund would not materially change its investment objective without informing shareholders at least 60 days in advance of any such change.

 

The investments and strategies described in this Prospectus are those that the Fund uses under normal conditions. The Fund may depart from its principal investment strategy in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions by taking temporary defensive positions (up to 100% of its assets) in all types of money market and short-term debt securities. If the Fund were to take a temporary defensive position, it may be unable for a time to achieve its investment objective.

 

9  
 

This Prospectus describes the Fund's principal investment strategies, and the Fund will normally invest in the types of securities described in this Prospectus. In addition to the investments and strategies described in this Prospectus, the Fund also may invest, to a lesser extent, in other securities, use other strategies and engage in other investment practices that are not part of its principal investment strategy. These investments and strategies, as well as those described in this Prospectus, are described in detail in the Fund's SAI. There is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

More Information About Risks

 

The following provides additional information about the principal and certain non-principal risks of investing in the Fund and, indirectly, in the Subsidiary. More information about the Fund's risks is included in the SAI.

 

Principal Risks

 

Commodity-Linked Derivatives. The Fund may gain exposure to the commodities markets through commodity-linked structured notes, swap agreements and commodity futures and options. These instruments have one or more commodity-dependent components. They are derivative instruments because at least part of their value is derived from the value of an underlying commodity index, commodity futures contract, index or other readily measurable economic variable. The prices of commodity-linked derivative instruments may move in different directions than investments in traditional equity and debt securities when the value of those traditional securities is declining due to adverse economic conditions. As an example, during periods of rising inflation, historically debt securities have tended to decline in value due to the general increase in prevailing interest rates. Conversely, during those same periods of rising inflation, historically the prices of certain commodities, such as oil and metals, have tended to increase. There cannot be any guarantee that derivative instruments will perform in that manner in the future, and at certain times the price movements of commodity-linked investments have been parallel to debt and equity securities.

 

Counterparties. To the extent the Fund invests in loans or securities traded over-the-counter, swaps, "synthetic" or derivative instruments, repurchase agreements, certain types of options or other customized financial instruments, the Fund takes the risk of non-performance by the other party to the contract. This risk may include credit risk of the counterparty and the risk of settlement default. This risk may differ materially from those entailed in exchange-traded transactions that generally are supported by guarantees of clearing organizations, daily marking-to-market and settlement, and segregation and minimum capital requirements applicable to intermediaries. Transactions entered directly between two counterparties generally do not benefit from such protections and expose the parties to the risk of counterparty default.

 

Credit/Default Risk. The credit rating of an issuer or guarantor of a security in which the Fund invests may be lowered or an issuer or guarantor of a security or the counterparty to a derivatives contract or a repurchase agreement may default on its payment obligations. The risk of loss due to default by issuers of lower-rated securities is greater because low-rated securities generally are unsecured and often are subordinated to the rights of other creditors of the issuers of such securities. The Fund also may incur additional expenses in seeking recovery on defaulted securities. The creditworthiness of firms used by the Fund to effect securities transactions in emerging and frontier market countries may not be as strong as in some developed countries. As a result, the Fund could be subject to a greater risk of loss on its securities transactions if a firm defaults on its responsibilities.

 

Derivative Contracts. The Fund may, but need not, use derivative contracts for any of the following purposes:

 

To seek to hedge against the possible adverse impact of changes in stock market prices, currency exchange rates or interest rates in the market value of its securities or securities to be purchased;

 

As a substitute for buying or selling currencies or securities; or

 

To seek to enhance the Fund's return in non-hedging situations (which is considered a speculative activity).

 

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Examples of derivative contracts include: futures and options on securities, securities indices or currencies; options on these futures; forward foreign currency contracts; and interest rate or currency swaps. The Fund may use derivative contracts involving foreign currencies. A derivative contract will obligate or entitle the Fund to deliver or receive an asset or cash payment that is based on the change in value of one or more securities, currencies or indices. Even a small investment in derivative contracts can have a big impact on the Fund's stock market, currency and interest rate exposure. Therefore, using derivatives can disproportionately increase losses and reduce opportunities for gains when stock prices, currency rates or interest rates are changing. The Fund may not fully benefit from or may lose money on derivatives if changes in their value do not correspond accurately to changes in the value of the Fund's holdings. The other parties to certain derivative contracts present the same types of default risk as issuers of fixed income securities in that the counterparty may default on its payment obligations or become insolvent. Derivatives can also make the Fund less liquid and harder to value, especially in declining markets.

 

Fixed Income Investments. The Fund invests a portion of its assets in fixed income securities. Fixed income investments include bonds, notes (including structured notes), mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, convertible securities, Eurodollar and Yankee dollar instruments, preferred stocks and money market instruments. Fixed income securities may be issued by corporate and governmental issuers and may have all types of interest rate payment and reset terms, including (without limitation) fixed rate, adjustable rate, zero coupon, contingent, deferred, payment-in-kind and auction rate features. The principal debt investments of the Fund will be fixed and floating rate securities with no reset terms.

 

The credit quality of securities held in the Fund's portfolio is determined at the time of investment. If a security is rated differently by multiple ratings organizations, the Fund treats the security as being rated in the higher rating category. The Fund invests primarily in investment grade fixed income securities that are rated as low as Baa by Moody’s Investors Service or BBB by S&P Global Ratings (or their equivalents, or, if unrated, determined by the Adviser or applicable Sub-Adviser to be of comparable credit quality). The Fund may choose not to sell securities that are downgraded below those credit ratings after their purchase. Periods of rising interest rates may result in decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the fixed income markets. Periods of rising interest rates may result in decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the fixed income markets.

 

Foreign Securities. The Fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers that are traded or denominated in U.S. dollars (including equity securities of foreign issuers trading in U.S. markets) through American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs"), European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs") or International Depositary Receipts ("IDRs"). Depositary receipts may be available through "sponsored" or "unsponsored" facilities. A sponsored facility is established jointly by the issuer of the security underlying the receipt and the depository, whereas an unsponsored facility is established by the depository without participation by the issuer of the underlying security. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all of the costs of the unsponsored facility. The depository of an unsponsored facility is frequently under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through, to the holders of the receipts, voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. The depository of unsponsored depositary receipts may provide less information to receipt holders.

 

In addition, the Fund may invest in securities traded or denominated in foreign currencies and in multinational currencies such as the Euro. The Fund will value its securities and other assets in U.S. dollars. Investments in securities of foreign entities and securities denominated or traded in foreign currencies involve special risks. These include possible political and economic instability and the possible imposition of exchange controls or other restrictions on investments. Changes in foreign currency rates relative to the U.S. dollar will affect the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's assets denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Emerging market investments offer the potential for significant gains but also involve greater risks than investing in more developed countries. Political or economic instability, lack of market liquidity and government actions such as currency controls or seizure of private business or property may be more likely in emerging markets.

 

Interest Rate Risk. During periods of rising interest rates, the market value of the Fund's fixed-income securities will tend to be lower than prevailing market interest rates. In periods of falling interest rates, the market value of the Fund's fixed-income securities generally will tend to be higher than prevailing market interest rates. Prices of longer-term fixed income securities are typically more sensitive to changes in interest rates than prices of shorter-term fixed-income securities. Significant upward pressure on domestic interest rates and a corresponding widening of credit spreads could negatively impact the market price of emerging debt markets.

 

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Interest Rate Swaps, Total Return Swaps, Credit Default Swaps, Options on Swaps and Interest Rate Caps, Floors and Collars.

 

Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, such as an exchange of fixed-rate payments for floating rate payments.

 

Total return swaps are contracts that obligate one party to pay the other party an amount equal to the total return on a defined underlying asset or a non-asset reference during a specified period of time. The underlying asset might be a security or basket of securities or a non-asset reference such as a securities index. In return, the other party would make periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate or on the total return from a different underlying asset or non-asset reference.

 

Credit default swaps are contracts whereby one party makes periodic payments to a counterparty in exchange for the right to receive from the counterparty a payment equal to the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation in the event of a default by the issuer of the debt obligation.

 

Options on swaps ("swaptions") are options to enter into a swap agreement. The Fund may also purchase and write (sell) swaptions. Like other types of options, the buyer of a swaption pays a non-refundable premium for the option and obtains the right, but not the obligation, to enter into an underlying swap on agreed-upon terms. The seller of a swaption, in exchange for the premium, becomes obligated (if the option is exercised) to enter into an underlying swap on agreed-upon terms.

 

Interest rate caps entitle the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined interest rate, to receive payment of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling such interest rate cap.

 

Interest rate floors entitle the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling the interest rate floor.

 

Interest rate collars combine a cap and a floor that are designed to preserve a certain return within a predetermined range of interest rates.

 

The Fund may enter into the transactions described above for hedging purposes or to seek to increase total return (which is considered a speculative activity). The use of swaps, swaptions, and interest rate caps, floors and collars is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If the Adviser or a Trading Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of market values and interest rates, the investment performance of the Fund would be less favorable than it would have been if these investment techniques were not used.

 

Leveraging Risk. The Fund's use of futures, forward contracts, swaps, other derivative instruments and selling securities short will have the economic effect of financial leverage. The use of leverage by the Adviser and Trading Advisers may increase the volatility of the Fund. These leveraged instruments may result in losses to the Fund or may adversely affect the Fund's NAV or total return, because instruments that contain leverage are more sensitive to changes in interest rates. The Fund may also use borrowed funds to create leverage. Although the use of leverage by the Fund may create an opportunity for increased return, it also results in additional risks and can magnify the effect of any losses. If the income and gains earned on the securities and instruments purchased with leverage proceeds are greater than the cost of the leverage, the Fund's return will be greater than if leverage had not been used. Conversely, if the income and gains from the securities and instruments purchased with such proceeds does not cover the cost of leverage, the Fund's return will be less than if leverage had not been used. In the event of a sudden, precipitous drop in value of the Fund's assets, the Fund may not be able to liquidate assets quickly enough to pay off its borrowing. Short sales of securities also involve the use of leverage. Using this investment technique may adversely affect the Fund's NAV or total return.

 

12  
 

To limit leverage risk, the Fund will segregate assets determined by the Adviser to be liquid in accordance with procedures established by the Board, or, when permissible, enter into offsetting transactions, to cover its obligations resulting from its use of derivative instruments. Securities held in a segregated account cannot be sold while the futures contract, option or other derivative is outstanding, unless they are replaced with other suitable assets. As a result, it is possible that segregating a large percentage of the Fund's assets could impede portfolio management or its ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.

 

Quantitative Trading Strategies Risk. The Adviser and Trading Advisers may use quantitative methods to select investments. Securities or other investments selected using quantitative methods may perform differently from the market as a whole or from their expected performance for many reasons, including factors used in building the quantitative analytical framework, the weights placed on each factor, changing sources of market returns, changes from the factors’ historical trends, and technical issues in the construction and implementation of the models (including, for example, data problems and/or software issues), among others. Any errors or imperfections in quantitative analyses or models, or in the data on which they are based, could adversely affect the ability of the Adviser or a Trading Adviser to use such analyses or models effectively, which in turn could adversely affect the Fund’s performance. There can be no assurance that these methodologies will help the Fund to achieve its investment objective.

 

Short Sales. The Fund engages in short sales – including those that are not "against the box," which means that the Fund may make short sales where the Fund does not currently own or have the right to acquire, at no added cost, securities identical to those sold short – in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act. In a typical short sale, the Fund borrows from a broker a security in order to sell the security to a third party. The Fund is then obligated to return a security of the same issuer and quantity at some future date. The Fund realizes a loss to the extent the security increases in value or a profit to the extent the security declines in value (after taking into account any associated costs). Short sales "against the box" may protect the Fund against the risk of losses in the value of a portfolio security because any decline in value of the security should be wholly or partially offset by a corresponding gain in the short position. Any potential gains in the security, however, would be wholly or partially offset by a corresponding loss in the short position. Short sales that are not "against the box" involve a form of investment leverage, and the amount of the Fund's loss on a short sale is potentially unlimited. The Fund will not make a short sale if, immediately before the transaction, the market value of all securities sold short exceeds 95% of the value of the Fund's assets.

 

Until the Fund closes its short position, the Fund will: (a) maintain a segregated account containing cash or liquid securities at such a level that (i) the amount deposited in the account plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will equal the current value of the security sold short; and (ii) the amount deposited in the segregated account plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will not be less than the market value of the security at the time the security was sold short; or (b) otherwise cover the Fund's short position.

 

Subsidiary Risk. The Fund will make investments through a wholly-owned Subsidiary organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands. By investing in the Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the Subsidiary's investments. The derivatives and other investments held by a Subsidiary are generally similar to those that are permitted to be held by the Fund and are subject to the same risks that apply to similar investments if held directly by the Fund. These risks are described elsewhere in this Prospectus. There can be no assurance that the investment objective of the Subsidiary will be achieved.

 

The Subsidiary is not registered under the 1940 Act, and, unless otherwise noted in this Prospectus, is not subject to all the investor protections of the 1940 Act. However, the Fund wholly owns and controls the Subsidiary, making it unlikely that the Subsidiary will take action contrary to the interests of the Fund and its shareholders. The Board has oversight responsibility for the investment activities of the Fund, including its investment in the Subsidiary, and the Fund's role as sole shareholder of the Subsidiary. The Subsidiary will be subject to the same investment restrictions and limitations, and follow the same compliance policies and procedures, as the Fund.

 

Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of a fund and/or its Subsidiary to operate as described in this Prospectus and in the SAI and could adversely affect the Fund. For example, the Cayman Islands does not currently impose any income, corporate or capital gains tax or withholding tax on the Subsidiary. If Cayman Islands law changes such that the Subsidiary must pay Cayman Islands taxes, Fund shareholders would likely suffer decreased investment returns.

 

13  
 

Tax Risk. There is a risk that the IRS could assert that the income derived from the Fund's investment in the Subsidiary or in certain commodity-linked structured notes will not be considered qualifying income for purposes of the Fund remaining qualified as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In 2016, the Treasury and the IRS issued proposed regulations that provide that the income from a foreign subsidiary that is a controlled foreign corporation is qualifying income for purposes of a fund remaining qualified as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes only to the extent such income is actually distributed by the foreign subsidiary to the RIC each year. In 2006, the IRS had published a ruling that income realized from swaps with respect to a commodities index would not be qualifying income. In a number of private letter rulings issued during 2006-2011, the IRS ruled that the income of such a foreign subsidiary would be qualified income each year even if it is not actually distributed to the RIC each year, but in 2011 the IRS suspended the issuance of such rulings. The new proposed regulations, if adopted as proposed, will apply for taxable years of RICs that begin on or after 90 days after the date of publication of the final regulations. If the proposed regulations are adopted as proposed, the Subsidiary will have to distribute its income each year in order for such income to be treated as qualifying income of the Fund. In addition, during 2006-2011, the IRS had also issued private letter rulings to registered investment companies concluding that income derived from their investment in certain commodity-linked structured notes would constitute qualifying income to the fund. In 2011, the IRS indicated that the granting of these types of private letter rulings was suspended, pending further internal review of the subject. In 2016, the IRS announced that it would not issue any such rulings in the future, and it revoked the previously issued rulings. If the Fund were to fail to qualify as a RIC and became subject to federal income tax, shareholders of the Fund would be subject to diminished returns. For more information, see “More Information About Taxes”.

 

Non-Principal Risks

 

Equity and Equity-Related Securities. The Fund may invest in equity securities, including exchange-traded and over-the-counter common and preferred stocks, warrants, rights, convertible securities, depositary receipts and shares, trust certificates, limited partnership interests, shares of other investment companies and real estate investment trusts ("REITs"), and equity participations. Investments in equity securities and equity derivatives in general are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. The value of a convertible security may not increase or decrease as rapidly as the underlying common stock. Common stocks may decline over short or even extended periods of time. The purchase of rights or warrants involves the risk that the Fund could lose the purchase value of a right or warrant if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not executed prior to the right's or warrant's expiration. The value of securities convertible into equity securities, such as warrants or convertible debt, is also affected by prevailing interest rates, the credit quality of the issuer and any call provision. Investing in REITs may involve risks similar to those associated with investing in small capitalization companies. REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. State law governing partnerships is often less restrictive than state law governing corporations. Accordingly, there may be fewer protections afforded to investors in a limited partnership than investors in a corporation. Fluctuations in the value of equity securities in which a mutual fund invests will cause the Fund's NAV to fluctuate. The number of issuers in the Fund's portfolio will vary over time.

 

Exchange-Traded Funds ("ETFs"). The Fund may invest in ETFs to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and applicable SEC orders. ETFs are registered investment companies whose shares are listed and traded on U.S. stock exchanges or otherwise traded in the over-the-counter market. As a shareholder in an ETF, the Fund will bear its pro rata portion of an ETF's expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to its own expenses. The Fund may incur brokerage fees in connection with its purchase of ETF shares.

 

Illiquid Securities Risk. Investing in illiquid securities is subject to certain risks, such as limitations on resale and uncertainty in determining valuation. Limitations on resale may adversely affect the marketability of portfolio securities and the Fund might be unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemptions within seven days. The Fund might, in order to dispose of restricted securities, have to register securities resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of such securities.

 

Other Investment Companies. The Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in the securities of other investment companies (including issues that would be investment companies but for sections 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act), but may not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of any one investment company or acquire more than 3% of the voting securities of any other investment company. Among other things, the Fund may invest in money market mutual funds for cash management purposes by "sweeping" excess cash balances into such funds until the cash is invested or otherwise utilized. The Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by investment companies in which it invests in addition to the advisory and administration fees paid by the Fund. Investments in issues that would be investment companies but for sections 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act will generally be considered illiquid investments and would be subject to the Fund's 15% limitation on investments in illiquid securities.

 

14  
 

Redemptions. The Fund may need to sell its holdings in order to meet shareholder redemption requests. The Fund could experience a loss when selling securities to meet redemption requests if the redemption requests are unusually large or frequent, occur in times of overall market turmoil or declining prices for the securities sold, or when the securities the Fund wishes to or is required to sell are illiquid. The Fund may be unable to sell illiquid securities at its desired time or price. Illiquidity can be caused by a drop in overall market trading volume, an inability to find a ready buyer, or legal restrictions on the securities' resale. Certain securities that were liquid when purchased may later become illiquid, particularly in times of overall economic distress. Liquidity issues may also make it difficult to value the Fund’s investments.

 

Temporary Investments. The Fund may depart from its principal investment strategy in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions by taking temporary defensive positions (up to 100% of its assets) in all types of money market and short-term debt securities. If the Fund were to take a temporary defensive position, it may be unable for a time to achieve its investment objective.

 

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

A description of the Company's policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund's portfolio securities is available in the Fund's SAI. The SAI is incorporated herein.

 

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

 

Investment Adviser

 

Abbey Capital Limited, an Irish limited company founded in 2000, serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. The Adviser's principal place of business is located at 1-2 Cavendish Row, Dublin 1, Ireland. As of November 30, 2017, the Adviser had over $3.9 billion in assets under management. The Adviser is registered as an Investment Adviser with the SEC and as a Commodity Trading Advisor (or "CTA") and a Commodity Pool Operator (or "CPO") with the CFTC, and is a member of the National Futures Association (the "NFA").

 

The Fund is managed by the Adviser and one or more Trading Advisers unaffiliated with the Adviser. The Adviser also has the ultimate responsibility to oversee the Trading Advisers, and to recommend their hiring, termination, and replacement, subject to approval by the Board. The Fund compensates the Adviser for its services at the annual rate of 1.77% of its average annual net assets, payable on a monthly basis in arrears. Prior to February 28, 2017, the Fund compensated the Adviser for its services at the annual rate of 1.97% of its average daily net assets. The Adviser compensates the Trading Advisers out of the advisory fee that it receives from the Fund.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) to 1.79%, 2.04%, 2.79% and 2.04% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class T Shares, respectively. In determining the Adviser's obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to exceed 1.79%, 2.04%, 2.79% or 2.04% as applicable: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2018 for Class I Shares, Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class T Shares and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board. If at any time the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses for a year are less than 1.79%, 2.04%, 2.79% or 2.04%, as applicable, the Adviser may recoup any waived amount from the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made by the Adviser if such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed existing expense limitations. Prior to February 28, 2017, the Adviser had agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding those items discussed above) to 1.99%, 2.24% and 2.99% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, Class A Shares and Class C Shares, respectively. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, after waivers, the Adviser received 1.73% of the Fund's average net assets in investment advisory fees from the Fund. Had fee waivers not been in place, the Adviser would have received 1.87% of the Fund's average net assets in investment advisory fees from the Fund.

 

15  
 

Anthony Gannon and Mick Swift are the portfolio managers primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund.

 

Anthony Gannon (CEO) founded the Adviser in 2000 with a vision to create an alternative investment business providing multi-manager funds specializing in the managed futures and foreign exchange sectors of the hedge fund industry. Over its seventeen year history, Mr. Gannon has overseen the Adviser's growth from a start-up to a global company which is currently one of the largest independent allocators in the CTA industry. Prior to founding the Adviser, Mr. Gannon was a co-founder of Allied Irish Capital Management (AICM), a multi-manager CTA, in conjunction with Allied Irish Banks. He helped to grow the company to become one of the largest European CTAs, with funds under management growing from an initial $50 million to in excess of $1.4 billion. Mr. Gannon has more than 25 years of investment experience in the managed futures industry. He is recognized and acknowledged as a leader in the industry globally and is a regular guest speaker at alternative investment industry conferences. Mr. Gannon graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a Masters in Business Studies with Finance from University College Dublin, Ireland.

 

Mick Swift is the Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Research Director at the Adviser. Mr. Swift is a member of the Adviser's Board of Directors and Investment Committee, and is a Principal of the firm. As Research Director, he manages and oversees the Adviser's research and risk management processes as well as portfolio construction. Mr. Swift joined the Adviser in May 2002 after fifteen years as a trader and manager of trading teams. Prior to joining the Adviser, Mr. Swift was a Director at AICM, a Dublin-based CTA from 1998 to 2002. While at AICM, he worked in a trading capacity and also on product research and risk management. Previously, Mr. Swift was the Head of Foreign Exchange and European Interest Rate Trading at Bank of Ireland in Dublin from 1997 to 1998. Previously, Mr. Swift was Treasurer and EVP at Bank of Ireland's New York branch, where he ran the trading and sales operation from 1994 to 1997. He initially joined the Treasury Division of Bank of Ireland in 1984 where he traded foreign exchange and interest rate markets on a proprietary basis. In 1992, he became Head of Interest Rate trading at the bank. A frequent guest speaker and presenter at conferences throughout Europe, Asia and the U.S., Mr. Swift has addressed topics including alternative investment policy development, risk management and the managed futures industry. Mr. Swift graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Commerce from University College Galway and holds an ACMA qualification.

 

The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers' ownership of shares of the Fund.

 

Trading Advisers

 

The Adviser has entered into a trading advisory agreement with each Trading Adviser to manage a portion of the Subsidiary's assets. Each Trading Adviser makes investment decisions for the assets it has been allocated to manage. The Adviser oversees the Trading Advisers for compliance with the Fund's investment objective, policies, strategies and restrictions, and monitors each Trading Adviser's adherence to its investment style. The Board supervises the Adviser and the Trading Advisers, establishes policies that they must follow in their management activities, and oversees the hiring, termination and replacement of Trading Advisers recommended by the Adviser.

 

The Fund and the Adviser have received an exemptive order from the SEC that permits the Adviser, without shareholder approval and subject to certain conditions, to terminate existing Trading Advisers or hire new Trading Advisers for the Fund, to materially amend the terms of particular agreements with Trading Advisers or to continue the employment of existing Trading Advisers after events that would otherwise cause an automatic termination of a trading advisory agreement. This arrangement has been approved by the Board and the Fund's initial shareholder. Consequently, under the exemptive order, the Adviser has the right to hire, terminate and replace Trading Advisers when the Board and the Adviser feel that a change would benefit the Fund. The exemptive order enables the Fund to operate with greater efficiency and without incurring the expense and delays associated with obtaining shareholder approval of trading advisory agreements.

 

Not all of the Trading Advisers listed for the Subsidiary may be actively managing assets for the Subsidiary at all times. Subject to the oversight of the Board, the Adviser may temporarily allocate Subsidiary assets away from a Trading Adviser. Situations in which the Adviser may make such a determination include changes in the level of assets in the Fund, changes to the Adviser's view of the Trading Adviser's current opportunities, changes in a Trading Adviser's personnel or a Trading Adviser's adherence to an investment strategy.

 

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The following provides additional information about each Trading Adviser and the Trading Adviser's investment teams.

 

Altis Partners (Jersey) Limited

The Adviser has entered into a trading advisory agreement with Altis Partners (Jersey) Limited ("Altis") to manage a portion of the Fund's assets using the Altis Emerald Futures Program. Altis is a Limited Company formed in 2000 and based in the States of Jersey, Channel Islands. Altis' main office is located at Le Quai House, Le Quai D’Auvergne, St Helier JE2 3TN, Jersey. Altis is registered as a CTA and CPO with the CFTC, is a member of the NFA and has been trading since July 2001. Altis focuses on systematic and quantitative trading, applying rigorous research into markets combining established scientific principles and advanced technology.

 

Zbigniew Hermaszewski – Partner: Mr. Hermaszewski's primary focus is on the development of research and technology. Mr. Hermaszewski received his Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from Imperial College London. Mr. Hermaszewski has over 35 years' experience including stock broking, market making, investment research and the development and implementation of trading systems. Previously, Mr. Hermaszewski was senior researcher at AHL and head of research at Sabre Fund Management before creating the Altis Portfolio Management platform.

 

Alex Brunwin – Partner: Mr. Brunwin's primary focus is on technology and research. Mr. Brunwin's background is in physics where he received a Bachelor of Science Honours degree from Bristol University. Mr. Brunwin has over 25 years' experience within the technology sector, specialising in front and middle office trading. Previous to Altis, Mr. Brunwin was an analyst programmer at Sabre Fund Management and Director of Information Technology at Quality Capital Management Limited where he managed all IT projects and developed and implemented their system and trading infrastructure.

 

Stephen Hedgecock – Partner: Mr. Hedgecock task consists of business development and corporate operations of Altis' business. Mr. Hedgecock has a background in trading, previously working as a trader with Citibank, Moore Capital and Nederlandse Varia Maatschappij. From 1991 to 1995, Mr. Hedgecock was Executive Director of Sabre Funds Management before becoming Executive Director at Quality Capital Management where he was responsible for the day to day management of the company and involved in developing, and maintaining client relationships.

 

Aspect Capital Limited

The Adviser has entered into a trading advisory agreement with Aspect Capital Limited (“Aspect”) to manage a portion of the Fund’s assets using the Aspect Core Diversified Program. Aspect is a private limited company formed in 1998 and based in London, United Kingdom. Aspect’s main office is located at 10 Portman Square, London W1H 6AZ, United Kingdom. Aspect is registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission as both a Commodity Trading Advisor and a Commodity Pool Operator and is a member of the National Futures Association in such capacities. Aspect’s philosophy is predominantly focused on capturing medium-term trend opportunities across a broad spectrum of diversified market sectors, applying a systematic and research driven approach.

 

All portfolio and investment procedures for the Aspect Core Diversified Program are overseen by Aspect's Risk Management Committee ("RMC"). Aspect’s RMC has overall responsibility for the operation of all of Aspect’s Programs. The RMC is chaired by Anthony Todd (Chief Executive Officer) and also comprises Martin Lueck (Research Director) and Anna Hull (Chief Risk Officer).

 

Anthony Todd – Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Todd co-founded Aspect in September 1997 and is the Chief Executive Officer of Aspect. He has been a CFTC listed principal, as an Associated Member and as an Associated Person of Aspect from October 13, 1999 to the present. Mr. Todd has also been listed with the CFTC as a principal of ACI since April 14, 2005 as he indirectly owns more than 10% of the share capital of ACI. Mr. Todd has been approved as a swaps Associated Person of Aspect since 27 December 2012. Mr. Todd chairs Aspect’s Executive Board, which determines Aspect’s overall corporate and strategic direction. Mr. Todd also chairs Aspect’s Risk Management Committee and is a member of Aspect’s Investment Management Committee. Before establishing Aspect, Mr. Todd worked for five years (from March 1992 to October 1997) at Adam, Harding and Lueck Limited (“AHL”) initially as Director of Financial Engineering and Product Development, before moving to Switzerland as Director of Marketing and Institutional Sales. Prior to this role, Mr. Todd was a strategy consultant at Mars & Co., a Paris based consultancy, from September 1990 to March 1992. From July 1989 to July 1990, Mr. Todd studied at INSEAD in France, and from September 1982 to June 1989 he was with UBS, an international investment bank, in London as Assistant Director in the International Government Bond Group. Mr. Todd holds a B.A. in Physics from Oxford University and an M.B.A. from INSEAD in France.

 

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Martin Lueck – Co-Founder and Research Director

Mr. Lueck co-founded Aspect in September 1997, and has been listed with the CFTC as a principal, as an Associated Member and as an Associated Person of Aspect from October 13, 1999 to the present. As President of ACI, Mr. Lueck has also been listed with the CFTC as a principal of ACI since October 2004 and as an associated person of ACI since December 2004. Mr. Lueck has been approved as a swaps Associated Person of each of Aspect and ACI since 27 December 2012. His duties as a principal of ACI are to assist and supervise the sales team of ACI. As Research Director, he oversees the Research team which is responsible for generating and analyzing fundamental research hypotheses for development of all Aspect’s investment programs. Mr. Lueck chairs Aspect’s Investment Management Committee and is a member of Aspect’s Risk Management Committee. Prior to founding Aspect, Mr. Lueck was with AHL, which he co-founded in February 1987 with Michael Adam and David Harding. Man Group plc (a leading global provider of alternative investment products and solutions) completed the purchase of AHL in 1994 and Mr. Lueck left in 1996. At AHL, Mr. Lueck was instrumental in developing AHL’s trading systems and approach to research as well as the proprietary software language that provided the platform for all of AHL’s product engineering and implementation. During the period from May 1989 to April 1996, Mr. Lueck was listed with the CFTC as a principal and associated person of AHL. From May 1996 through August 1997, Mr. Lueck was on gardening leave from AHL during which time he helped establish his wife’s publishing business Barefoot Books. Mr. Lueck was a Director of Research at Brockham Securities Limited, a London based commodity trading advisor, from October 1984 to February 1987 and an executive in the Japanese Equity Sales department of Nomura International, a provider of financial services for individual, institutional, corporate, and government clients, from January to October 1984. Mr. Lueck serves on the Board of the National Futures Association. He holds an M.A. in Physics from Oxford University and currently serves as Chair of the Oxford Physics Development Board.

 

Anna Hull – Chief Risk Officer

Mrs. Hull joined Aspect in June 2008 and was appointed to Aspect’s Executive Board as Chief Risk Officer in February 2017. Mrs. Hull has been listed with the CFTC as a principal of Aspect effective 24 July 2014. Mrs. Hull is in charge of Aspect’s Risk team, which is responsible for the oversight of all market, model and operational risks across Aspect. Additionally, Mrs. Hull is a member of Aspect’s Risk Management Committee. Between February 2014 and February 2017, Mrs. Hull held the role of Director of Risk within Aspect’s Risk team. Prior to becoming Director of Risk, Mrs. Hull was Aspect’s Director of Investment Solutions. In this capacity, Mrs. Hull led the Investment Solutions team in its role of providing transparency and quantitative expertise to Aspect’s clients. Before joining Aspect, Mrs. Hull was a Senior Portfolio Manager at Old Mutual Asset Managers (U.K.), an asset management firm owned by the international financial services company Old Mutual. Mrs. Hull joined Old Mutual Asset Managers (UK) in August 2004 and left in May 2008, and was responsible for managing a range of quantitative hedge fund strategies and long-only portfolios. In January 2003, Mrs. Hull joined Northern Trust Global Investments (the asset management division of Northern Trust, a global financial services company) as part of its acquisition of the quantitative investment divisions of Deutsche Asset Management. Mrs. Hull was a Senior Portfolio Manager there, and left in July 2004. Mrs. Hull joined Deutsche Asset Management, then known as Morgan Grenfell, in August 1998. Deutsche Asset Management was the global asset management division of Deutsche Bank, the global banking firm. Mrs. Hull worked as a Quantitative Portfolio Manager at Deutsche Asset Management until January 2003, transferring to Northern Trust as part of the acquisition. Mrs. Hull holds an MA in Mathematical Sciences from Oxford University. She is also a Certified FRM and a CFA charterholder.

 

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Cantab Capital Partners, LLP

The Adviser has entered into a trading advisory agreement with Cantab Capital Partners, LLP ("Cantab"), to manage a portion of the Fund's assets using the Core Macro Program. Cantab is a Cambridge UK-based Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) formed in 2006. Cantab's main office is located at City House, 126-130 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 1RE, UK. Cantab is registered with the CFTC as a CTA and CPO, is a member of the NFA and is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Cantab is also registered as an investment adviser with the SEC. Cantab was acquired by GAM in October 2016 and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of GAM Holdings, AG. Cantab now forms the cornerstone of GAM’s new entity “GAM Systematic”. Cantab retains full responsibilities for managing its funds, research and development and hiring into the investment team. Cantab's investment philosophy is based on a multi-strategy, multi-asset approach looking to identify several distinct sources of return from persistent statistical relationships between assets.

 

Dr. Ewan Kirk – Chief Investment Officer and co-founder of Cantab. Dr. Ewan Kirk is Chief Investment Officer of Cantab. He co-founded Cantab Capital Partners in 2006, which became part of GAM Systematic in October 2016. His daily focus is research and development, risk management and managing the Cantab quantitative team. Prior to founding Cantab, Ewan Kirk ran the 120-strong Goldman Sachs Strategies Group in Europe, where he was responsible for all of Goldman Sachs’ quantitative technology. Ewan Kirk holds a PhD in Mathematics (General Relativity) from the University of Southampton, a Certificate in Advanced Study in Applied Mathematics from the University of Cambridge and achieved a First Class degree in Natural Philosophy and Astronomy at the University of Glasgow.

 

Dr. Tom Howat – Chief Technology Officer. Dr. Tom Howat is Chief Technology Officer at Cantab Capital Partners, which became part of GAM Systematic in October 2016. He heads up the team of scientists responsible for Cantab’s ongoing infrastructure development. Much of the framework underpinning all of Cantab’s critically important functions has been designed by Tom Howat and his team. This includes the back-testing systems; trading and automated execution; real-time risk management and signal computation; and trade allocations between different managed accounts. Prior to joining Cantab, Tom Howat spent seven years at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he obtained degrees in Mathematics and a PhD in Mathematical Biology.

 

Dr. Matthew Killeya – Head of Research. Dr. Matthew Killeya is Head of Research at Cantab Capital Partners, which became part of GAM Systematic in October 2016. His primary focus is on strategy development and he has driven ideas in all areas of the portfolio. His current interests include the application of Bayesian analysis to the investment problem, the use of information from options markets for strategy signalling, and short term prediction and optimization for execution algorithms. Matt Killeya has spent over eleven years in the industry implementing and managing systematic strategy research and was previously a senior managing researcher at Winton Capital Management. Matt Killeya holds a PhD in Bayesian statistics and a first class Master of Mathematics degree from Durham University.

 

Dr. Genia Diamond – Head of Business Development. Dr. Genia Diamond is Head of Business Development at GAM Systematic, with responsibility for investor-focused activities. She was previously Head of Business Development at Cantab Capital Partners, which became part of GAM Systematic in October 2016. Prior to joining Cantab in 2011, she was at OMAM UK, Solent Capital and BlueCrest Capital. She started her career in asset management as a senior researcher at PAAMCO fund of hedge funds. Genia Diamond is a frequent speaker at asset management industry forums. She co-chairs the London Chapter of Senior Practitioners for 100 Women in Hedge Funds and was included in the “50 Leading Women in Hedge Funds 2013” list published by Hedge Fund Journal and Ernst & Young LLP. Genia Diamond holds a PhD in linguistics from Moscow State University, an MBA from Erasmus University in the Netherlands and an MA (Honours) in Linguistics & Culture Studies from Moscow State University. She is a CAIA charterholder.

 

Adam Glinsman – Co-Head of GAM Systematic. Adam Glinsman is Co-Head of GAM Systematic and focuses on the management and evolution of all non-investment aspects of the business. He was CEO of Cantab Capital Partners, which became part of GAM Systematic in October 2016. Before joining Cantab, Adam Glinsman was COO and a Partner of Lansdowne Partners between 2003 and 2009. He is a founding board member of Cambridge Innovation Capital, a leading institutional investor in high-growth, intellectual property rich technology companies across the Cambridge eco-system, and the only preferred investor for the University of Cambridge. Adam Glinsman holds a BSc (Econ.) with First Class Honours from the London School of Economics and an MPhil in International Relations from Cambridge University.

 

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Anthony Lawler – Co-Head of GAM Systematic. Anthony Lawler is Co-Head of GAM Systematic. Prior to joining GAM in November 2011, he spent eight years with Man Group based in London and Chicago, recently as head of portfolio management, leading a global team covering all of Man Investments’ multi-manager mandates. Prior to this, Anthony Lawler was head of hedge fund research at Man Glenwood, a US alternative investment firm. Before that, he was an equity research analyst at Prudential Securities. Prior to this, he was a manager at venture capital firm, Castling Group. He began his career as an M&A analyst at Merrill Lynch in San Francisco. Anthony Lawler holds an MBA in Finance and Economics from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and a BS (highest honors) in Finance from the University of Illinois.

 

Fraser McIntyre – Chief Operating Officer. Fraser McIntyre is Chief Operating Officer of GAM Systematic, overseeing all operational areas of the business, including finance, operations, legal and compliance. He was previously COO at Cantab Capital Partners, which became part of GAM Systematic in October 2016. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant with 15 years of experience in the hedge fund industry. Fraser McIntyre started his career in the Prime Broking divisions at Goldman Sachs and UBS, followed by a series of COO/CFO roles at single managers, including Meditor Capital Management in London. He joined Cantab in 2013. Fraser McIntyre holds a degree in Business Studies and Accounting from the University of Edinburgh.

 

Eclipse Capital Management, Inc.

The Adviser has entered into a trading advisory agreement with Eclipse Capital Management, Inc ("Eclipse") to manage a portion of the Fund's assets using the Eclipse Emerald Futures Program. Eclipse is a Missouri-based corporation formed in 1983. Eclipse's main office is located at 7700 Bonhomme Ave, Suite 500, St. Louis, MO. Eclipse is registered with CFTC as a CTA and is a member of the NFA. Eclipse focuses on a systematic approach designed to profit primarily from intermediate- and long-term price trends in multiple market sectors.

 

Thomas W. Moller – CEO: Mr. Moller serves as CEO and head of Eclipse's Business Management Group and drives the firm's product development activities. Mr. Moller holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Business Administration from Vanderbilt University and a Master's in Accounting from the University of Kentucky. Prior to founding Eclipse, Mr. Moller fulfilled a number of roles including Associated Person of Geldermann & Company, principal of Interest Rate Management Inc. and Associated Person of Man International Inc.

 

Fran Olszweski – Managing Director and CIO: Mr. Olszweski's primary responsibility is the research and development, implementation, and maintenance of Eclipse's trading strategies. Mr. Olszweski's background is in Economics where he holds a Bachelor's degree from Washington University. Previously, Mr. Olszweski served as trading manager for Hollingsworth Trading Company before moving to the Capital Markets Group of Nippon Credit Bank where he worked as a proprietary trader. Mr. Olszweski then held the role of Assistant Vice President and proprietary trader within the Derivatives Dealing Team of UFJ Group before joining Eclipse in 2001.

 

Graham Capital Management, LP

The Adviser has entered into a trading advisory agreement with Graham Capital Management, L.P. ("GCM") to manage a portion of the Fund's assets using the Graham Tactical Trend Program. GCM is a Connecticut based company formed in 1994. GCM's main offices are located at Rock Ledge Financial Centre, 40 Highland Avenue, Rowayton, CT 06853. GCM is registered with the CFTC as a CTA and CPO and is a member of the NFA. GCM is also registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an Investment Adviser. GCM offers clients a broad array of quantitative and discretionary global macro trading programs. GCM's quantitative trading programs or models produce trading signals on a largely automated basis when applied to market data. In GCM's discretionary trading programs, trades are determined subjectively on the basis of its traders' assessment of market conditions rather than through application of an automated system.

 

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Kenneth G. Tropin – Chairman: Mr. Tropin founded GCM in May 1994. Mr. Tropin developed the firm's original trading programs and is responsible for the overall management of the organization, including the investment of its proprietary trading capital.

 

Pablo Calderini – President and Chief Investment Officer: Mr. Calderini is responsible for the management and oversight of the discretionary and systematic trading businesses at GCM. He joined GCM in August 2010 and became an Associated Person and Principal of GCM effective August 13, 2010. Mr. Calderini received a BA in Economics from Universidad Nacional de Rosario in 1987 and a Masters in Economics from Universidad del Cema in 1988, each in Argentina.

 

Harmonic Capital Partners LLP

The Adviser has entered into a trading advisory agreement with Harmonic Capital Partners LLP ("HCP") to manage a portion of the Fund's assets using the Harmonic Emerald Futures Program. HCP is a limited liability partnership formed in 2002. HCP's main office is located at 14 Berkeley Street, London, W1J 8DX, UK. HCP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom, is registered with the CFTC as a CTA and CPO and is a member of the NFA. HCP is also registered with the SEC as an Investment Adviser. HCP uses a systematic multi-strategy approach aiming to capture alpha from futures and currency markets through macro-economic understanding.

 

Dr. Patrik Säfvenblad – CIO and Investment Partner: As chair of the Harmonic Investment Committee, he is responsible for setting the firm's research agenda, delivering investment research and oversight of portfolio risk management. Prior to joining HCP in 2009, Dr. Säfvenblad worked for DnB NOR Asset Management as Head of Hedge Fund Research. Before joining DnB NOR in 2007, he was Head of Portfolio Management at RPM Risk and Portfolio Management in Stockholm. In this role he managed the firm's investment team and had overall responsibility for research, due diligence and investment analysis. Before joining RPM in 2000, he was Assistant Professor of Finance at the Stockholm School of Economics. His academic research focused on price formation, in particular the information flow in complex markets. He holds a PhD in Finance from the Stockholm School of Economics.

 

Romael Karam – CEO: Mr. Karam’s primary focus is the management and leadership of HCP's overall business. He was previously Head of Dealing at Harmonic before assuming his current role. Prior to joining HCP in 2003, Mr. Karam was a Multi-Asset Execution Trader at MAN-Fidex from 2000-2003. Before joining MAN-Fidex, Romael worked at Marshall, French and Lucas as a Futures and Options Trader from 1998-2000. Mr. Karam holds a degree in Economics from Kingston University.

 

Samir Sheldenkar – Investment Partner: As an Investment Partner, he is responsible for researching, implementing and managing systematic trading strategies at Harmonic, and is a member of the Harmonic Investment Committee. Prior to joining HCP in 2006, Mr. Sheldenkar worked at Application Networks/Thomson Reuters as a Risk and Valuation software engineer, developing and delivering a suite of sophisticated risk analytics to financial services clients. Mr. Sheldenkar holds a degree in Mathematics from Cambridge University and a Masters Degree in Computer Science from Oxford University.

 

Per Ivarsson – Investment Partner: As an Investment Partner, he is responsible for researching, implementing and managing systematic trading strategies at Harmonic, and is a member of the Harmonic Investment Committee. Prior to joining HCP in 2007, Mr. Ivarsson worked at Ocado where he developed software to increase the efficiency of delivering customer orders across the UK. He has a first class honours degree in Engineering Physics from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm.

 

P/E Global, LLC

The Adviser has entered into a trading advisory agreement with P/E Global, LLC ("P/E") to manage a portion of the Fund's assets using the P/E Emerald Futures Program. P/E is a Boston-based Limited Liability Company (LLC) formed in 2000. P/E's main office is located at 75 State Street, 31st Floor, Boston, MA. P/E is registered with the CFTC as a CTA and CPO, is a member of the NFA and is registered with the SEC as an Investment Adviser. P/E uses fundamental macroeconomic and financial factors in all aspects of its research in order to develop adaptive quantitative processes.

 

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Warren Naphtal – CIO: CIO: Mr. Naphtal has extensive experience in the portfolio management and securities trading fields. He is the co-founder of P/E Investments, and serves as Chief Investment Officer. From 1993 to 1995, Mr. Naphtal was a Senior Vice President and Head of Derivative Strategies at Putnam Investments, managing $3.5 Billion. He was also responsible for Putnam’s commodity investments and foreign exchange overlay areas working extensively with core clients in the U.S. and Japan. Mr. Naphtal served on Putnam’s Capital Market Committee, setting the firm’s overall investment strategy and was a founding member of Putnam’s Risk Management Committee. From 1989 to 1993, Mr. Naphtal was a Managing Director of Continental Bank, where his responsibilities included Head of Global Risk Management, Head of Proprietary Trading and Managing Partner of Cardinal Capital Management. From 1987 to 1989, Mr. Naphtal was a Vice President of Continental Bank, where he was responsible for Derivatives Trading. From 1985 to 1986, Mr. Naphtal traded equity options for O’Connor & Associates, a leading options trading concern that was subsequently acquired by Swiss Bank. Mr. Naphtal is a graduate of both the Sloan School of Management at M.I.T., where he was a COGME Scholar, and received a S.M. in Management in 1985, and the University of California, Berkeley where he received a B.S. in Civil Engineering in 1983.

 

Mary Stephens Naphtal – COO: Ms. Naphtal contributes expertise in the areas of strategic analysis, operations, and macroeconomic research. Ms. Naphtal Co-Founded P/E Investments in 1995, and currently serves as Chief Operating Officer. From 1991 to 1994, Ms. Naphtal was a Strategic Consultant advising major corporations. From 1986 to 1991, Ms. Naphtal was a management consultant for McKinsey & Co. in the areas of corporate strategy and organizational effectiveness. At McKinsey, she advised a diverse set of U.S. and European clients in multiple industries including Financial Institutions, Electronics, Telecommunications, Media, Consumer Goods and Industrial Manufacturing. Previously, Ms. Naphtal worked for Morgan Stanley & Co., where she participated in corporate finance and mergers & acquisitions transactions. From 1981 to 1984, Ms. Naphtal was a Client Manager at Harper and Schuman, a financial software concern. Ms. Naphtal is a graduate of Sloan School of Management at M.I.T., where she received a S.M. in Management in 1986, and the Colorado College, where she received a B.A. in Economics, magna cum laude in 1981. Ms. Naphtal is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and a recipient of a full Boettcher Scholarship.

 

Revolution Capital Management, LLC

The Adviser has entered into a trading advisory agreement with Revolution Capital Management, LLC ("RCM") to manage a portion of the Fund's assets using the Revolution Emerald Futures Program. RCM is a Colorado-based Limited Liability Company (LLC) formed in 2004. RCM's main office is located at 1400 16 th Street, Suite 510, Denver, Colorado. RCM is registered with the CFTC as a CTA and CPO and is a member of the NFA. RCM has been trading proprietary capital since January 2005. RCM focuses on short-term, systematic and quantitative trading, applying rigorous statistical analysis to all aspects of research, development, and operations.

 

Michael Mundt – Principal: Dr. Mundt's tasks primarily consist of model development, business/marketing, and coordinating RCM's overall business and trading strategy. Dr. Mundt's background is in engineering and applied science. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Colorado in 1989. He was awarded a PhD in Aerospace Engineering in 1993, also from the University of Colorado; his thesis involved the exploration of chaos and turbulence in simple weather/climate models. After the completion of his academic studies, Dr. Mundt transitioned into the technology industry. He was employed by Seagate Technology, a hard-disk drive company, as an engineer specializing in computational fluid mechanics between March 1998 and July 2007.

 

T. Robert Olson – Principal: Dr. Olson oversees the architecture and development of the hardware and software computing infrastructure at RCM. Dr. Olson received his Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Arizona in 1989. He received his Master's and Doctorate degrees in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Colorado in 1992 and 1996, respectively. Dr. Olson was employed at Raytheon Technology, an aerospace defense contractor, from June 1996 through June 2006. His primary job duties included code/software development, data analysis, and the development of statistical algorithms to process high-frequency real-time data.

 

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Trigon Investment Advisors, LLC

The Adviser has entered into a trading advisory agreement with Trigon Investment Advisors, LLC ("Trigon") to manage a portion of the Fund's assets using the Trigon Emerald Futures Program. Trigon is a New York based company founded in 2002. Trigon's main office is located in Wall Street Plaza, 88 Pine Street, New York. Trigon is registered with the CFTC as a CTA and CPO and is a member of the NFA. Trigon manages both discretionary and systematic investment programs with a focus on top-down analysis of fundamentals.

 

Paul D. Mastroddi – Principal and Co-Founder: Mr. Mastroddi co-manages Trigon's discretionary portfolios in addition to overseeing their systematic programs. Mr. Mastroddi worked at JPMorgan (1985-96), where he was Managing Director and chief US economist. He was ranked one of the top economists on Wall Street in the mid-1990s in polls conducted by Institutional Investor and Greenwich Associates. Mr. Mastroddi became an investment manager in 1996. He began his career as an investment manager at Lattanzio Group, where he ran the macro overlay for that equity-oriented hedge fund start-up (1996-97). In 1998, the Lattanzio partners joined Omega Advisors as a group and Mr. Mastroddi briefly advised and traded for Omega Advisors (1998). Mr. Mastroddi had sole responsibility for managing up to $100 million in capital at Moore Capital Management (1999-2000). He joined the MLC family of funds in early 2001 to team with Mr. Basic. Mr. Mastroddi graduated from Fordham University in 1981 with a BA in Economics and Philosophy and holds a PhD in Economics from Yale University (1985).

 

Ante Basic – Principal and Co-Founder: Mr. Basic co-manages Trigon's discretionary portfolios in addition to overseeing their systematic programs. Mr. Basic started his career at the Chase Manhattan Bank (1990-96), where he was the head trader of a quantitative trading group responsible for portfolio management, research and development of systematic and quantitative trading strategies. Mr. Basic was co-founder, President and head trader of Global Capital Markets Strategies, Inc., a fund consultant and commodity trading advisory company (1996-99). From 1999 to 2000, he was Senior Vice President of Refco Fund Holdings, where he traded proprietary capital and oversaw the firm’s alternative asset division. Mr. Basic joined the MLC family of funds in 2000 as Managing Director. He was co-manager with Mr. Mastroddi of the MLC “house book”. Mr. Basic graduated from Brooklyn College of City University of New York with a B.S. in Business Management and Finance and he received his M.S. in Global Affairs from New York University. He serves on the Board of Trustees of the Brooklyn College Foundation as Treasurer and is a member of the Investment as well as Audit and Finance Committees.

 

Welton Investment Partners LLC

The Adviser has entered into a trading advisory agreement with Welton Investment Partners LLC (“Welton”) to manage a portion of the Fund’s assets using the Welton Trend program. Welton is a Delaware limited liability company formed in June 2014 to provide all of the investment advisory and day-to-day operational services previously assumed by Welton Investment Corporation (its “predecessor”), a Delaware corporation that merged in May 1997 with a California corporation originally formed in 1988. Welton’s main office is located at Eastwood Building, San Carlos between 5 th and 6 th , P.O. Box 6147, Carmel, California 93921, United States. Welton is registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission as both a Commodity Trading Advisor and a Commodity Pool Operator and is a member of the NFA in such capacities. Welton is also registered with the SEC as an investment adviser. Welton’s Trend program utilizes select medium and long-term trend-following models to capture specific recurrent market phenomena generated by behavioral inefficiencies amongst capital market participants. The systematic portfolio embeds risk management at multiple layers to ensure a stable risk profile over time.

 

Dr. Patrick Welton (Chief Executive Officer & Chief Investment Officer) – Dr. Welton is the founder and a principal of Welton and serves as the CEO and CIO. He is actively involved in an ongoing basis as he chairs Welton’s Investment Committee. He sets the strategic direction of the firm. Dr. Welton has served on committees for the Managed Funds Association and was a member of the Board of Directors of the NFA from 1997-2000. He has spoken at numerous conferences globally, participated in panel presentations, and has authored numerous articles about alternative investments, macroeconomic impacts on markets, and investment theory. Dr. Welton currently chairs the investment committee of a foundation and a California pension plan. His former research experience includes molecular biological work in gene sequencing, biophysics with a focus on positron emission neurofunctional brain imaging, and oncology. He holds undergraduate, doctoral and postdoctoral degrees from the University of Wisconsin, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Stanford University, respectively.

 

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Justin Balas, CAIA (Head of Quantitative Macro Group) – Mr. Balas, who joined Welton in 2004, is a principal of the firm and oversees the firm’s proprietary research and product development for the Quantitative Macro Group. He also oversees multistrategy portfolio allocation in conjunction with the firm’s Portfolio Science and Global Trading Operations and Oversight teams. Mr. Balas’ past experience includes open outcry markets as well as quantitative trading and portfolio management. Prior to Welton he ran a quantitative equity and derivatives portfolio specializing in high frequency equities trading and implied volatility spread strategies between equity index options. Mr. Balas holds an MBA in Finance and Innovation Entrepreneurship from Northeastern University, is a graduate of the Stanford Executive Program, and holds a BA from UC Santa Cruz. He also holds the CAIA designation.

 

Todd Merrell, CPA, CA (Chief Financial Officer) – Mr. Merrell, who joined Welton in 2009, is a principal of the firm and is responsible for all aspects of finance, middle- and back-office operations for Welton. This includes: corporate finance, fund accounting, fund administration, trade oversight, and investor reporting. Prior to joining Welton, Mr. Merrell was employed with JPMorgan Chase Hedge Fund Services in Bermuda and previously worked for Deloitte in Canada where he qualified as a Chartered Accountant (CA). Mr. Merrell holds memberships with the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) in both Bermuda and Saskatchewan. He earned a Master of Professional Accounting degree and a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Finance from the University of Saskatchewan.

 

Guillaume Detrait (Chief Operating Officer & Chief Enterprise Risk Officer) – Mr. Detrait joined Welton in 2008. He is a principal of the firm and chairs the Operating Committee. He is responsible for overseeing the overall operations of the firm, helping each department adopt sound business practices and mitigating all major risks. Previously he was a Vice President at HSBC and a Senior Business Manager at Capital One. He began his career with KPMG where he served as an audit manager to the firm’s Paris and Los Angeles practices. Mr. Detrait holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and a BS in Economics from ESC Reims in France.

 

David Nowlin (Chief Compliance Officer) – Mr. Nowlin, who has been with Welton since 1993, is a principal of the firm and oversees compliance, legal and internal departmental reviews. Previously, he worked as an Associate with the firms formerly known as Price Waterhouse and Dean Witter Reynolds. Mr. Nowlin successfully completed the FINRA ® Institute at Wharton Certified Regulatory and Compliance Professional (CRCP) program. Mr. Nowlin earned an MBA from Santa Clara University and a BA from Westmont College.

 

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Fund's investment advisory agreement with the Adviser and trading advisory agreements with the Trading Advisers is available in the Fund's annual report to shareholders for the fiscal period ended August 31, 2017, and the Fund’s Semi-Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal period ended February 28, 2017, in relation to the approval of Aspect Capital Limited, and both may be obtained by calling 1-844-261-6484 or visiting the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

 

Pricing of Fund Shares

 

Class I Shares and Class C Shares of the Fund are sold at their net asset value ("NAV"). Class A Shares and Class T Shares of the Fund are sold at their NAV, plus a front-end sales charge, if applicable. The NAV of a class of the Fund is calculated as follows:

 

24  
 

   Value of Assets Attributable to a Class
NAV = Value of Liabilities Attributable to the Same Class
   Number of Outstanding Shares of the Class

 

The Fund's NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. The NYSE is generally open Monday through Friday, except national holidays. The NYSE also may be closed on national days of mourning or due to natural disaster or other extraordinary events or emergency. Due to the fact that different expenses are charged to the Class I Shares, Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class T Shares of the Fund, the NAV of the four classes of the Fund may vary. The Fund will effect purchases of Shares at the NAV, plus any applicable sales charge, next determined after receipt by the Transfer Agent of your purchase order in good order as described below. The Fund will effect redemptions of Shares at the NAV next calculated after receipt by the Transfer Agent of your redemption request in good order as described below. If the Fund holds securities that are primarily listed on non-U.S. exchanges, the NAV of the Fund's shares may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem the Fund's shares.

 

The Fund's equity securities listed on any national or foreign exchange market system will be valued at the last sale price, except for the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System ("NASDAQ"). Equity securities listed on the NASDAQ will be valued at the official closing price. Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions on that day, equity securities will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. When prices are not available from such service or are deemed to be unreliable, securities may be valued by dealers who make markets in such securities. Forward exchange contracts are valued by interpolating between spot and forward currency rates as quoted by an independent pricing service. Futures contracts are generally valued using the settlement price determined by the relevant exchange. Options for which the primary market is a national securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which they are traded, or, in the absence of any sale, will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Options not traded on a national securities exchange are valued at the last quoted bid price for long option positions and the closing ask price for short option positions.

 

Investments in other open-end investment companies are valued based on the NAV of those investment companies (which may use fair value pricing as discussed in their prospectuses). Investments in exchange-traded funds, REITs and closed-end funds will be valued at their market price.

 

If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable by the Fund's administrator, in consultation with the Adviser and Trading Advisers, securities will be valued by the Adviser and Trading Advisers in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board and under the Board’s ultimate supervision. Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation involves the risk that the values used by the Fund to price its investments may be higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.

 

Sales Charges

 

Different Service Organizations may impose different sales charge waivers and these variations are described in Appendix A to this Prospectus.

 

Class A Shares Sales Charges. Purchases of Class A Shares of the Fund are subject to a front-end sales charge of up to 5.75% of the total purchase price; however, sales charges may be reduced for large purchases as indicated below. For Class A Shares sold by the Distributor, the Distributor will receive the sales charge imposed on purchases of Class A Shares (or any contingent deferred sales charge paid on redemptions) and may retain the full amount of such sales charge. The sales charges or underwriter concessions (the difference between the sales charge and the dealer reallowance) received by the Distributor may be made available to the Fund for pre-approved marketing expenses or may be used to offset the compensation owed by the Adviser to the Distributor for its services. Sales charges are not imposed on Shares that are purchased with reinvested dividends or other distributions. The table below indicates the front-end sales charge as a percentage of both the offering price and the net amount invested. The term “offering price” includes the front-end sales charge. Because of rounding in the calculation of the “offering price”, the actual sales charge you pay may be more or less than that calculated using the percentages shown below.

 

25  
 

Amount of Purchase of
Class A Shares
  Sales Charge as a
% of Offering Price
  Sales Charge as a
% of Net Amount
Invested
  Dealer Compensation
as a Percentage of

Offering Price
 
Less than $25,000     5.75 %     6.10 %     5.00 %  
At least $25,000 but less than $50,000     5.00 %     5.26 %     4.25 %  
At least $50,000 but less than $100,000     4.75 %     4.99 %     4.00 %  
At least $100,000 but less than $250,000     3.75 %     3.83 %     3.25 %  
At least $250,000 but less than $500,000     2.50 %     2.56 %     2.00 %  
At least $500,000 but less than $1,000,000     2.00 %     2.04 %     1.75 %  
$1,000,000 or greater     None       None       **see below    

 

 
** No sales charge is payable at the time of purchase on investments of $1,000,000 or more; however, a 1% contingent deferred sales charge is imposed in the event of redemption within 12 months following any such purchase. The Fund's Distributor will pay a commission at the rate of 1% to certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals, including affiliates of the Adviser who initiate and are responsible for purchases of $1,000,000 or more. Contingent deferred sale charges may be waived or varied by certain Service Organizations as described in Appendix A to this Prospectus.

 

Class T Shares Sales Charges. Purchases of Class T Shares of the Fund are subject to a front-end sales charge of up to 2.50% of the total purchase price; however, sales charges may be reduced for large purchases as indicated below. Sales charges are not imposed on Shares that are purchased with reinvested dividends or other distributions, and the Fund does not impose a deferred sales charge on Class T Shares. The table below indicates the front-end sales charge as a percentage of both the offering price and the net amount invested. The term “offering price” includes the front-end sales charge.

 

Amount of Purchase of
Class T Shares
 

Sales Charge as a
% of Offering Price

 

Sales Charge as a
% of Net Amount
Invested

 

Dealer Compensation
as a Percentage of
Offering Price

 
Less than $250,000     2.50 %   2.56%     2.50 %
At least $250,000 but less than $500,000     2.00 %   2.04%     2.00 %
At least $500,000 but less than $1,000,000     1.50 %   1.52%     1.50 %
$1,000,000 or greater     1.00 %   1.01%     1.00 %
                       

Rights of Accumulation. You may combine your new purchase of Class A Shares with Class A Shares and/or Class C Shares currently owned for the purpose of qualifying for the lower initial sales charge rates that apply to larger purchases. The applicable sales charge for the new purchase is based on the total of your current purchase and the current Net Asset Value of all other shares you own. You may combine your account, your spouse’s account, and the account(s) of your children under age 25.

 

This privilege is also extended to certain employee benefit plans and trust estates. The following purchases may be combined for purposes of determining the “Amount of Purchase:” (a) individual purchases, if made at the same time, by a single purchaser, the purchaser’s spouse and children under the age of 25 purchasing Class A Shares for their own accounts, including shares purchased by a qualified retirement plan(s) exclusively for the benefit of such individual(s) (such as an IRA, individual-type section 403(b) plan or single-participant Keogh-type plan) or by a “Company,” as defined in Section 2(a)(8) of the 1940 Act, solely controlled as defined in the 1940 Act, by such individual(s), or (b) individual purchases by trustees or other fiduciaries purchasing Class A Shares (i) for a single trust estate or a single fiduciary account, including an employee benefit plan, or (ii) concurrently by two or more employee benefit plans for a single employer or of employers affiliated with each other in accordance with Section 2(a)(3)(c) of the 1940 Act (excluding in either case an employee benefit plan described in (a) above), provided such trustees or other fiduciaries purchase shares in a single payment. Purchases made for nominee or street name accounts may not be combined with purchases made for such other accounts. You may also further discuss the combined purchase privilege with your investment broker, brokerage firm, financial institution, or other industry professional, including affiliates of the Adviser.

 

You will need to provide written instruction with respect to the other accounts whose purchases should be considered in Rights of Accumulation.

 

Rights of Accumulation do not apply to Class T Shares and Class I Shares.

 

26  
 

Letter of Intent. If you anticipate purchasing a specific dollar amount of Class A Shares within a 13-month period, the shares may be purchased at a reduced sales charge by completing and returning a Letter of Intent (the "Letter"), which can be provided to you by your investment broker or other Service Organization. The reduced sales charge may also be obtained on Class A Shares purchased within the 90 days prior to the date of receipt of the Letter. Shares purchased under the Letter are eligible for the same reduced sales charge that would have been available had all the shares been purchased at the same time. There is no obligation to purchase the full amount of shares indicated in the Letter. Should you invest more or less than indicated in the Letter during the 13-month period, the sales charge will be recalculated based on the actual amount purchased. A portion of the amount of the intended purchase normally will be held in escrow in the form of Shares pending completion of the intended purchase. If you do not purchase the full amount of Class A Shares indicated in the Letter, the appropriate amount of shares held in escrow will be redeemed by the Transfer Agent to pay the sales charge that was not applied to your purchase.

 

Letters of Intent do not apply to Class T Shares.

 

Class T Shares Eligibility. Class T Shares are available only through certain Service Organizations that make the Shares available to their clients. Not all Service Organizations make Class T Shares available to their clients. Certain Service Organizations, through whom you may invest in Class T Shares, may impose their own investment fees, policies and procedures for purchasing and selling Class T Shares, which are not described in this Prospectus or the SAI, and which will depend on the policies, procedures and trading platforms of the Service Organization. Consult Appendix A and a representative of your Service Organization about the availability of Class T Shares of the Fund and the Service Organization’s policies, procedures and other information. Rights of accumulation, letters of intent, rights of reinstatement and exchange privileges are not available on purchases of Class T Shares.

 

Class A Sales Charge Waivers. The sales charge on purchases of Class A Shares is waived for certain types of investors, including:

 

Current and retired directors and officers of the Fund sponsored by the Adviser or any of its subsidiaries, their families (e.g., spouse, children, mother or father) and any purchases referred through the Adviser.

 

Employees of the Adviser and their families, or any full-time employee or registered representative of the Distributor or of broker-dealers having selling agreements with the Distributor (a "Selling Broker") and their immediate families (or any trust, pension, profit sharing or other benefit plan for the benefit of such persons).

 

Any full-time employee of a bank, savings and loan, credit union or other financial institution that utilizes a Selling Broker to clear purchases of the fund's shares and their immediate families.

 

Participants in certain "wrap-fee" or asset allocation programs or other fee-based arrangements sponsored by broker-dealers and other financial institutions that have entered into agreements with the Distributor.

 

Clients of financial intermediaries that have entered into arrangements with the Distributor providing for the shares to be used in particular investment products made available to such clients and for which such registered investment advisors may charge a separate fee.

 

Institutional investors (which may include bank trust departments and registered investment advisers).

 

Any accounts established on behalf of registered investment advisers or their clients by broker dealers that charge a transaction fee and that have entered into agreements with the Distributor.

 

Separate accounts used to fund certain unregistered variable annuity contracts or Section 403(b) or 401(a) or (k) accounts.

 

Whether a sales charge waiver is available for your retirement plan or charitable account depends upon the policies and procedures of your Service Organization and if your Service Organization has entered into an agreement with the Company or the Distributor. Please consult your financial adviser for further information.

 

In order to take advantage of a sales charge waiver, a purchaser must certify to the Service Organization eligibility for a waiver and must notify the Service Organization whenever eligibility for a waiver ceases to exist. A Service Organization reserves the right to request additional information from a purchaser in order to verify that such purchaser is so eligible. Such information may include account statements or other records regarding Shares of the Fund held by you or your immediate family household members.

 

27  
 

Appendix A of this Prospectus provides more information about special sales charge arrangements through Service Organizations, and the circumstances in which sales charges may be reduced or waived for certain investors and certain types of purchases or redemptions.

 

Class T Sales Charge Waivers. Class T Shares may be available for purchase by certain Service Organization clients with the front-end load waived as described in Appendix A to this Prospectus.

 

Appendix A of this Prospectus provides more information about special sales charge arrangements through Service Organizations, and the circumstances in which sales charges may be reduced or waived for certain investors and certain types of purchases or redemptions.

 

Contingent Deferred Sales Charge on Certain Redemptions – Class A Shares. Purchases of $1,000,000 or more in Class A Shares are not subject to an initial sales charge; however, a contingent deferred sales charge is payable on these investments in the event of a share redemption within 12 months following the share purchase, at the rate of 1% of the lesser of the value of the shares redeemed (exclusive of reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions) or the total cost of such shares. In determining whether a contingent deferred sales charge is payable, and the amount of the charge, it is assumed that shares purchased with reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions and then other shares held the longest are the first redeemed. Contingent Deferred Sales Charges may be waived or reduced by certain Service Organizations as described in Appendix A to this Prospectus.

 

Contingent Deferred Sales Charge on Certain Redemptions – Class I Shares and Class T Shares. Contingent Deferred Sales Charges do not apply to redemptions of Class I Shares and Class T Shares.

 

Contingent Deferred Sales Charge on Certain Redemptions – Class C Shares. No sales load is payable by a shareholder at the time of purchase, although the Distributor advances applicable Service Organizations the first year distribution and services fee at a rate of 1.00% on investments in the Fund’s Class C Shares. This advancement is solely financed by the Adviser and not by investors or the Fund. As a result, the Fund imposes a CDSC of 1.00% on redemptions of investments made within 12 months of purchase. The financing party receives the CDSC from the Distributor as reimbursement for the up-front sales commission that has been financed. The CDSC is assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of the offering price at the time of purchase of the shares redeemed and the net asset value of shares redeemed at the time of redemption. When Class C Shares are redeemed, the redemption order is processed so that the lowest deferred sales charge is charged, and Class C Shares that are not subject to the deferred sales charge are redeemed first. Any CDSC paid on the redemptions of Class C Shares expressed as a percentage of the applicable redemption amount may be higher or lower than the charge described due to rounding. No CDSC is imposed on increases in NAV above the or Fund shares acquired as reinvested Fund distributions.

 

The CDSC will be waived for Class C Shares in the following circumstances:

Redemptions of shares purchased through certain employer-sponsored retirement plans and rollovers of current investments in the Fund through such plans;

Exchanges pursuant to the exchange privilege, as described in “Shareholder Information — Exchange Privilege”;

Redemptions made in connection with minimum required distributions from IRA or 403(b)(7) accounts due to the shareholder reaching the age of 701/2;

Certain post-retirement withdrawals from an IRA or other retirement plan if you are over 591⁄2 years old and you purchased your shares prior to October 2, 2006;

Redemptions made with respect to certain retirement plans sponsored by the Fund;

Redemptions resulting from shareholder death as long as the waiver request is made within one year of death or, if later, reasonably promptly following completion of probate (including in connection with the distribution of account assets to a beneficiary of the decedent);

Withdrawals resulting from shareholder disability (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code) as long as the disability arose subsequent to the purchase of the shares;

Involuntary redemptions made of shares in accounts with low balances;

Redemptions related to the payment of custodial IRA fees, if any; and

Redemptions when a shareholder can demonstrate hardship, in the absolute discretion of the Fund.

 

28  
 

Purchase of Fund Shares

 

Shares representing interests in the Fund are offered continuously for sale by Quasar Distributors, LLC (the "Distributor").

 

General. You may purchase Shares of the Fund at the NAV per Share, plus any applicable sales charge, next calculated after your order is received by the Transfer Agent in good order as described below. The Fund's NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. After an initial purchase is made, the Transfer Agent will set up an account for you on the Company records. The minimum initial investment in Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class T Shares is $2,500, and the minimum initial investment for Class I Shares is $1,000,000. There is a minimum amount of $100 for subsequent investment in Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class T Shares and of $1,000 in Class I Shares. The Fund may accept initial investments of smaller amounts in its sole discretion. You can only purchase Shares of the Fund on days the NYSE is open and through the means described below. Class T Shares are not currently available for sale.

 

Purchases Through Intermediaries. Shares of the Fund may also be available through certain Service Organizations. Certain features of the Shares, such as the initial and subsequent investment minimums and certain trading restrictions, may be modified or waived by Service Organizations. Service Organizations may impose minimum investment requirements. Service Organizations may also impose transaction or administrative charges or other direct fees, which charges and fees would not be imposed if Shares are purchased directly from the Company. Therefore, you should contact the Service Organization acting on your behalf concerning the fees (if any) charged in connection with a purchase or redemption of Shares and should read this Prospectus in light of the terms governing your accounts with the Service Organization. Service Organizations will be responsible for promptly transmitting client or customer purchase and redemption orders to the Company in accordance with their agreements with the Company or its agent and with clients or customers. Service Organizations or, if applicable, their designees that have entered into agreements with the Company or its agent may enter confirmed purchase orders on behalf of clients and customers, with payment to follow no later than the Company's pricing on the following business day. If payment is not received by such time, the Service Organization could be held liable for resulting fees or losses. The Company will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when a Service Organization, or, if applicable, its authorized designee, accepts a purchase or redemption order in good order if the order is actually received by the Company in good order not later than the next business morning. If a purchase order is not received by the Fund in good order, the Transfer Agent will contact the financial intermediary to determine the status of the purchase order. Orders received by the Company in good order will be priced at the Fund's NAV, plus any applicable sales charges, next computed after such orders are deemed to have been received by the Service Organization or its authorized designee.

 

For administration, sub-accounting, transfer agency and/or other services, the Adviser or its affiliates may pay Service Organizations and certain recordkeeping organizations a fee (the "Service Fee") based on the average annual NAV of accounts with the Company maintained by such Service Organizations or recordkeepers. The Service Fee payable to any one Service Organization is determined based upon a number of factors, including the nature and quality of services provided, the operations processing requirements of the relationship and the standardized fee schedule of the Service Organization or recordkeeper.

 

Purchases By Telephone. Investors may purchase additional Class I, Class A and Class C Shares of the Fund by calling 1-844-261-6484. If you elected this option on your account application, and your account has been open for at least 15 calendar days, telephone orders, in amounts of $100 or more for Class A Shares and Class C Shares, and $1,000 or more for Class I Shares, will be accepted via electronic funds transfer from your bank account through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network. You must have banking information established on your account prior to making a purchase. If your order is received prior to 4 p.m. Eastern time, your shares will be purchased at the net asset value calculated on the day your order is placed.

 

29  
 

Telephone trades must be received by or prior to market close for same day pricing. During periods of high market activity, shareholders may encounter higher than usual call waits. Please allow sufficient time to place your telephone transaction.

 

Initial Investment By Mail. Class I, Class A and Class C Shares of the Fund may be purchased by mail. Subject to acceptance by the Fund, an account may be opened by completing and signing an Account Application and mailing it to the Fund at the address noted below, together with a check payable to Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund. All checks must be in U.S. Dollars drawn on a domestic bank. The Fund will not accept payment in cash or money orders. The Fund does not accept post-dated checks or any conditional order or payment. To prevent check fraud, the Fund will not accept third party checks, Treasury checks, credit card checks, traveler’s checks or starter checks for the purchase of Shares.

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701

 

or overnight to:

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

The Transfer Agent will charge a $25 fee against a shareholder’s account, in addition to any loss sustained by the Fund, for any payment that is returned. It is the policy of the Fund not to accept applications under certain circumstances or in amounts considered disadvantageous to shareholders. The Fund reserves the right to reject any application.

 

The Fund does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, deposit in the mail or with such services, or receipt at U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC’s post office box, of purchase orders or redemption requests does not constitute receipt by the transfer agent of the Fund. Receipt of purchase orders or redemption requests is based on when the order is received at the Transfer Agent’s offices.

 

Shares will be purchased at the NAV plus any applicable sales charge next computed after the time the application and funds are received in proper order and accepted by the Fund.

 

Initial Investment By Wire. Class I, Class A and Class C Shares may also be purchased by wire. If you are making your first investment in the Fund, before you wire funds, the Transfer Agent must have a completed account application. You may mail or overnight deliver your account application to the Transfer Agent. Upon receipt of your completed account application, the Transfer Agent will establish an account for you. The account number assigned will be required as part of the instruction that should be provided to your bank to send the wire. Your bank must include both the name of the Fund you are purchasing, the account number, and your name so that monies can be correctly applied. Your bank should transmit funds by wire to:

 

Wire Instructions:

 

U.S. Bank National Association

777 East Wisconsin Ave

Milwaukee WI 53202

ABA 075000022

Credit:

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

Account #112-952-137

 

30  
 

For Further Credit to:

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

(shareholder registration)

(shareholder account number)

 

Wired funds must be received prior to 4:00 p.m. Eastern time to be eligible for same day pricing. The Fund and U.S. Bank, N.A. are not responsible for the consequences of delays resulting from the banking or Federal Reserve wire system, or from incomplete wiring instructions.

 

Subsequent Investments – By Wire. Before sending your wire, please contact the Transfer Agent to advise them of your intent to wire funds. This will ensure prompt and accurate credit upon receipt of your wire.

 

Additional Investments. Additional investments may be made at any time by purchasing Shares at the NAV per Share, plus any applicable sales charge of the Fund by mailing a check to the Transfer Agent at the address noted above under “Investment by Mail” or by wiring as outlined above under “Investment by Wire”. Initial and additional purchases made by check cannot be redeemed until payment of the purchase has been collected. This may take up to 15 calendar days from the purchase date. There is a minimum amount of $100 for subsequent investments in Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class T Shares, and of $1,000 in Class I Shares.

 

Retirement Plans/IRA Accounts. The Fund offers prototype documents for a variety of retirement accounts for individuals and small businesses. Please call 1-844-261-6484 for information.

 

There may be special distribution requirements for a retirement account, such as required distributions or mandatory Federal income tax withholding. For more information, call the number listed above. You may be charged a $15 annual account maintenance fee for each retirement account up to a maximum of $30 annually and a $25 fee for transferring assets to another custodian or for closing a retirement account.

 

Purchases in Kind. In certain circumstances, Shares of the Fund may be purchased "in kind" (i.e. in exchange for securities, rather than cash). The securities rendered in connection with an in-kind purchase must be liquid securities that are not restricted as to transfer and have a value that is readily ascertainable in accordance with the Company's valuation procedures. Securities accepted by the Fund will be valued, as set forth in this Prospectus, as of the time of the next determination of net asset value after such acceptance. The Shares of the Fund that are issued to the investor in exchange for the securities will be determined as of the same time. All dividend, subscription, or other rights that are reflected in the market price of accepted securities at the time of valuation become the property of the Fund and must be delivered to the Fund by the investor upon receipt from the issuer. The Fund will not accept securities in exchange for its Shares unless such securities are, at the time of the exchange, eligible to be held by the Fund and satisfy such other conditions as may be imposed by the Adviser or the Company. Purchases in-kind may result in the recognition of gain or loss for federal income tax purposes on the securities transferred to the Fund.

 

Other Purchase Information. The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to suspend the offering of Shares or to reject purchase orders when, in the judgment of management, such suspension or rejection is in the best interests of the Fund. The Adviser will monitor the Fund's total assets and may, subject to Board's approval, decide to close the Fund at any time to new investments or to new accounts due to concerns that a significant increase in the size of the Fund may adversely affect the implementation of the Fund's strategy. The Adviser, subject to the Board's approval, may also choose to reopen the Fund to new investments at any time, and may subsequently close the Fund again should concerns regarding the Fund's size recur. If the Fund closes to new investments, the Fund may be offered only to certain existing shareholders of the Fund and certain other persons who may be subject to cumulative, maximum purchase amounts, as follows:

 

a. persons who already hold Shares of the closed Fund directly or through accounts maintained by brokers by arrangement with the Adviser;

 

b. existing and future clients of financial advisers and planners whose clients already hold Shares of the Fund;

 

c. employees of the Adviser and their spouses, parents and children; and

 

d. directors of the Company.

 

31  
 

Distributions to all shareholders of the closed Fund will continue to be reinvested unless a shareholder elects otherwise. The Adviser, subject to the Board's discretion, reserves the right to implement other purchase limitations at the time of closing, including limitations on current shareholders.

 

Purchases of the Fund's Shares will be made in full and fractional Shares of the Fund calculated to three decimal places. Certificates for Shares will not be issued.

 

Shares may be purchased and subsequent investments may be made by principals and employees of the Adviser and their family members, either directly or through their IRAs, and by any pension and profit-sharing plan of the Adviser, without being subject to the minimum investment limitation. The Adviser is authorized to waive the minimum initial investment requirement.

 

Good Order. A purchase request is considered to be in good order when the purchase request includes the name of the Fund and share class, the dollar amount of shares to be purchased, your account application or investment stub, a check payable to the Fund, and any other information requested. Purchase requests not in good order may be rejected.

 

Customer Identification Program. Federal law requires the Company to obtain, verify and record identifying information, which may include the name, residential or business street address, date of birth (for an individual), social security or taxpayer identification number or other identifying information for each investor who opens or reopens an account with the Company. Applications without the required information, or without any indication that a social security or taxpayer identification number has been applied for, may not be accepted. After acceptance, to the extent permitted by applicable law or its customer identification program, the Company reserves the right (a) to place limits on transactions in any account until the identity of the investor is verified; or (b) to refuse an investment in a Company portfolio or to involuntarily redeem an investor's shares and close an account in the event that an investor's identity is not verified. The Company and its agents will not be responsible for any loss in an investor's account resulting from the investor's delay in providing all required identifying information or from closing an account and redeeming an investor's Shares when an investor's identity cannot be verified.

 

Redemption of Fund Shares

 

You may redeem Fund Shares at the next NAV calculated after a redemption request is received by the Transfer Agent in good order. The Fund's NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. You can only redeem Shares of the Fund on days the NYSE is open and through the means described in this section. You may redeem Fund Shares by mail, or, if you are authorized, by telephone. The value of Shares redeemed may be more or less than the purchase price, depending on the market value of the investment securities held by the Fund.

 

Redemption By Mail. Your redemption request should be sent to:

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

P. O. Box 701

Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701

 

If sent by overnight mail to:

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

The Fund does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, deposit in the mail or with such services, or receipt at U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC’s post office box, of purchase orders or redemption requests does not constitute receipt by the transfer agent of the Fund. Receipt of purchase orders or redemption requests is based on when the order is received at the Transfer Agent’s offices.

 

32  
 

A signature guarantee, from either a Medallion program member or a non-Medallion program member (as described below), is required in the following situations:

 

If ownership is being changed on your account;

When redemption proceeds are payable or sent to any person, address or bank account not on record;

When a redemption is received by the Transfer Agent and the account address or bank details have changed within the last 15 calendar days;

For all redemptions in excess of $25,000 from any shareholder account.

 

The Fund may waive any of the above requirements in certain instances. In addition to the situations described above, the Fund and/or the Transfer Agent reserve the right to require a signature guarantee in other instances based on the circumstances relative to the particular situation.

 

Non-financial transactions, including establishing or modifying certain services on an account, may require a signature guarantee, signature verification from a Signature Validation Program member, or other acceptable form of authentication from a financial institution source.

 

Signature guarantees will generally be accepted from non-Medallion program members who are domestic banks, brokers, dealers, credit unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies and savings associations, as well as from participants in the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program and the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (“STAMP”). A notary public is not an acceptable signature guarantor.

 

Redemption By Telephone. In order to utilize the telephone redemption option, you must indicate that option on your Account Application. You may then initiate a redemption of Shares in an amount not exceeding $25,000 by calling the Transfer Agent at 1-844-261-6484.

 

Investors may have a check sent to the address of record, proceeds may be wired to a shareholder’s bank account of record, or funds may be sent via electronic funds transfer through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, also to the bank account of record. Wires are subject to a $15 fee paid by the investor, but the investor does not incur any charge when proceeds are sent via the ACH system.

 

Once a telephone transaction has been placed, it cannot be canceled or modified after the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern time).

 

Telephone trades must be received by or prior to market close for same day pricing. During periods of high market activity, shareholders may encounter higher than usual call waits. Please allow sufficient time to place your telephone transaction.

 

Before executing an instruction received by telephone, the Transfer Agent will use reasonable procedures to confirm that the telephone instructions are genuine. The telephone call may be recorded and the caller may be asked to verify certain personal identification information. If the Fund or its agents follow these procedures, they cannot be held liable for any loss, expense or cost arising out of any telephone redemption request that is reasonably believed to be genuine. This includes fraudulent or unauthorized requests. If an account has more than one owner or authorized person, the Fund will accept telephone instructions from any one owner or authorized person.

 

IRA and Other Retirement Plan Redemptions. If you have an IRA, you must indicate on your written redemption request whether or not to withhold federal income tax. Redemption requests failing to indicate an election to have tax withheld will be subject to 10% withholding.

 

Shares held in IRA accounts may be redeemed by telephone at 1-844-261-6484. Investors will be asked whether or not to withhold taxes from any distribution.

 

Involuntary Redemption. The Fund reserves the right to redeem a shareholder's account in the Fund at any time the value of the account falls below $500 as a result of a redemption or an exchange request. Shareholders will be notified in writing that the value of their account in the Fund is less than $500 and will be allowed 30 days to make additional investments before the redemption is processed. The Fund may assert the right to redeem your Shares at current NAV at any time and without prior notice if, and to the extent that, such redemption is necessary to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of your failure to make full payment for Shares of the Fund you previously purchased or subscribed for.

 

33  
 

Other Redemption Information. Redemption proceeds for Shares of the Fund recently purchased by check or electronic funds transfer through the ACH network may not be distributed until payment for the purchase has been collected, which may take up to fifteen calendar days from the purchase date. Shareholders can avoid this delay by utilizing the wire purchase option. Other than as described above, payment of the redemption proceeds will be made within seven days after receipt of an order for a redemption. The Company may suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date at times when the NYSE is closed or under any emergency circumstances as determined by the SEC. The Funds typically expect to meet redemption requests by paying out proceeds from cash or cash equivalent portfolio holdings, or by selling portfolio securities. In stressed market conditions, redemption methods may include redeeming in kind.

 

If the Board determines that it would be detrimental to the best interests of the remaining shareholders of the Fund to make payment wholly or partly in cash, redemption proceeds may be paid in whole or in part by an in-kind distribution of readily marketable securities held by the Fund instead of cash in conformity with applicable rules of the SEC. Investors generally will incur brokerage charges on the sale of portfolio securities so received in the payment of redemptions. If a shareholder receives redemption proceeds in-kind, the shareholder will bear the market risk of the securities received until their disposition and should expect to incur transaction costs upon the disposition of the securities. The Company has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act, so that the Fund is obligated to redeem its Shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its NAV during any 90-day period for any one shareholder of the Fund.

 

Good Order. A redemption request is considered to be in good order when the redemption request includes the name of the Fund and share class, the number of shares or dollar amount to be redeemed, the account number, signatures by all of the shareholders whose names appear on the account registration with a signature guarantee, if applicable, and any other information requested. Redemption requests not in good order may be delayed.

 

Market Timing

 

In accordance with the policy adopted by the Board, the Company discourages and does not accommodate market timing and other excessive trading practices. Purchases should be made with a view to longer-term investment only. Excessive short-term (market timing) trading practices may disrupt portfolio management strategies, increase brokerage and administrative costs, harm Fund performance and result in dilution in the value of Fund Shares held by long-term shareholders. The Company and the Adviser reserve the right to (i) reject a purchase or exchange order, (ii) delay payment of immediate cash redemption proceeds for up to seven calendar days, (iii) revoke a shareholder's privilege to purchase Fund Shares (including exchanges), or (iv) limit the amount of any exchange involving the purchase of Fund Shares. An investor may receive notice that their purchase order or exchange has been rejected after the day the order is placed or after acceptance by a financial intermediary. It is currently expected that a shareholder would receive notice that its purchase order or exchange has been rejected within 48 hours after such purchase order or exchange has been received by the Company in good order. The Company and the Adviser will not be liable for any loss resulting from rejected purchase orders. To minimize harm to the Company and its shareholders (or the Adviser), the Company (or the Adviser) will exercise its right if, in the Company's (or the Adviser's) judgment, an investor has a history of excessive trading or if an investor's trading, in the judgment of the Company (or the Adviser), has been or may be disruptive to the Fund. No waivers of the provisions of the policy established to detect and deter market timing and other excessive trading activity are permitted that would harm the Fund and its shareholders or would subordinate the interests of the Fund and its shareholders to those of the Adviser or any affiliated person or associated person of the Adviser.

 

Pursuant to the policy adopted by the Board, the Adviser has developed criteria that it uses to identify trading activity that may be excessive. The Adviser reviews on a regular, periodic basis available information related to the trading activity in the Fund in order to assess the likelihood that the Fund may be the target of excessive trading. As part of its excessive trading surveillance process, the Adviser, on a periodic basis, examines transactions that exceed certain monetary thresholds or numerical limits within a period of time. If, in its judgment, the Adviser detects excessive, short-term trading, it may reject or restrict a purchase request and may further seek to close an investor's account with the Fund. The Adviser may modify its surveillance procedures and criteria from time to time without prior notice regarding the detection of excessive trading or to address specific circumstances. The Adviser will apply the criteria in a manner that, in its judgment, will be uniform.

 

34  
 

There is no assurance that the Fund will be able to identify market timers, particularly if they are investing through intermediaries.

 

If necessary, the Company may prohibit additional purchases of Shares by a financial intermediary or by certain customers of the financial intermediary. Financial intermediaries may also monitor their customers' trading activities in the Fund. The criteria used by intermediaries to monitor for excessive trading may differ from the criteria used by the Company. If a financial intermediary fails to enforce the Company's excessive trading policies, the Company may take certain actions, including terminating the relationship.

 

Exchange Privilege

 

Beneficial holders with financial intermediary sponsored fee-based programs are eligible to exchange their Shares in a particular share class of the Fund for Shares in a different share class of the Fund if the shareholder meets the eligibility requirements for that class of Shares or the shareholder is otherwise eligible to purchase that class of Shares. Such an exchange will be effected at the NAV of the Shares next calculated after the exchange request is received by the Transfer Agent in good order. Shares of each class of the Fund represent equal pro rata interests in the Fund and accrue dividends and calculate NAV and performance quotations in the same manner. The performance of each class is quoted separately due to different actual expenses. Total return can be expected to differ among classes of the Fund. Shareholders who exercise the exchange privilege will generally not recognize a taxable gain or loss for federal income tax purposes. The Fund reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to change or discontinue the exchange privilege, or to temporarily suspend the privilege during unusual market conditions when, in the judgment of management, such change or discontinuance is in the best interests of the Fund.

 

Exchange Privileges do not apply to Class T Shares.

 

Dividends and Distributions

 

The Fund will distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, to its shareholders. All distributions are reinvested in the form of additional full and fractional Shares of the Fund unless a shareholder elects otherwise. The Fund will declare and pay dividends from net investment income annually. Net realized capital gains (including net short-term capital gains), if any, will be distributed by the Fund at least annually.

 

The Fund may pay additional distributions and dividends at other times if necessary for the Fund to avoid U.S. federal tax. The Fund's distributions and dividends, whether received in cash or reinvested in additional Shares, are subject to U.S. federal income tax.

 

All distributions will be reinvested in Fund shares unless you elect to receive cash. If you elect to receive distributions and/or capital gains paid in cash, and the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver the check, or if a check remains outstanding for six months, the Fund reserves the right to reinvest the distribution check in your account, at the Fund's current net asset value, and to reinvest all subsequent distributions. You may change the distribution option on your account at any time. You should notify the Transfer Agent in writing or by telephone at least five (5) days prior to the next distribution.

 

More Information About Taxes

 

The following is a summary of certain U.S. tax considerations relevant under current law, which may be subject to change in the future. Except where otherwise indicated, the discussion relates to investors who are individual U.S. citizens or residents. You should consult your tax adviser for further information regarding federal, state, local and/or foreign tax consequences relevant to your specific situation.

 

Distributions. The Fund contemplates distributing as dividends each year all or substantially all of its taxable income, including its net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss).

 

Except as otherwise discussed below, you will be subject to federal income tax on Fund distributions regardless of whether they are paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares. Fund distributions attributable to short-term capital gains and net investment income will generally be taxable to you as ordinary income, except as discussed below.

 

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Distributions attributable to the net capital gain of the Fund will be taxable to you as long-term capital gain, no matter how long you have owned your Fund shares. The maximum long-term capital gain rate applicable to individuals, estates, and trusts is currently 23.8% (which includes a 3.8% Medicare tax). You will be notified annually of the tax status of distributions to you.

 

Distributions from the Fund will generally be taxable to you in the taxable year in which they are paid, with one exception. Distributions declared by the Fund in October, November or December and paid in January of the following year are taxed as though they were paid on December 31.

 

A portion of distributions paid by the Fund to shareholders that are corporations may also qualify for the dividends-received deduction for corporations, subject to certain holding period requirements and debt financing limitations. The amount of the dividends qualifying for this deduction may, however, be reduced as the result of the Fund's securities lending activities (if any), by a high portfolio turnover rate or by investments in debt securities or foreign corporations.

 

The Fund may be subject to foreign withholding or other foreign taxes on income or gain from certain foreign securities. If more than 50% of the value of the total assets of the Fund consists of stocks and securities (including debt securities) of foreign corporations at the close of a taxable year, the Fund may elect, for federal income tax purposes, to treat certain foreign taxes paid by it, including generally any withholding and other foreign income taxes, as paid by its shareholders. If the Fund makes this election, the amount of those foreign taxes paid by the Fund will be included in its shareholders' income pro rata (in addition to taxable distributions actually received by them), and each such shareholder will be entitled either (1) to credit that proportionate amount of taxes against U.S. federal income tax liability as a foreign tax credit or (2) to take that amount as an itemized deduction. If the Fund is not eligible or chooses not to make this election the Fund will be entitled to deduct any such foreign taxes in computing the amounts it is required to distribute.

 

If you purchase shares just before a distribution, the purchase price will reflect the amount of the upcoming distribution, but you will be taxed on the entire amount of the distribution received, even though, as an economic matter, the distribution simply constitutes a return of capital. This is known as "buying into a dividend."

 

Sales of Shares. You will generally recognize taxable gain or loss for federal income tax purposes on a sale or redemption of your shares based on the difference between your tax basis in the shares and the amount you receive for them. Generally, you will recognize long-term capital gain or loss if you have held your Fund shares for over twelve months at the time you dispose of them.

 

Any loss realized on shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends that were received on the shares. Additionally, any loss realized on a disposition of shares of the Fund may be disallowed under "wash sale" rules to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced with other shares of the Fund within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the shares are disposed of, such as pursuant to a dividend reinvestment in shares of the Fund. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in an upward adjustment to the basis of the shares acquired.

 

The Fund (or relevant broker or financial adviser) is required to compute and report to the IRS and furnish to Fund shareholders cost basis information when such shares are sold. The Fund has elected to use the average cost method, unless you instruct the Fund to use a different IRS-accepted cost basis method, or choose to specifically identify your shares at the time of each sale. If your account is held by your broker or other financial adviser, they may select a different cost basis method. In these cases, please contact your broker or other financial adviser to obtain information with respect to the available methods and elections for your account. You should carefully review the cost basis information provided by the Fund and make any additional basis, holding period or other adjustments that are required when reporting these amounts on your federal and state income tax returns. Fund shareholders should consult with their tax advisers to determine the best IRS-accepted cost basis method for their tax situation and to obtain more information about how the cost basis reporting requirements apply to them.

 

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IRAs and Other Tax-Qualified Plans. The one major exception to the preceding tax principles is that distributions on, and sales and redemptions of, shares held in an IRA (or other tax-qualified plan) will not be currently taxable unless such shares were acquired with borrowed funds.

 

Backup Withholding. The Fund may be required in certain cases to withhold and remit to the IRS a percentage of taxable dividends or gross proceeds realized upon sale payable to shareholders who have failed to provide a correct tax identification number in the manner required, or who are subject to withholding by the IRS for failure to properly include on their return payments of taxable interest or dividends, or who have failed to certify to the Fund that they are not subject to backup withholding when required to do so or that they are "exempt recipients." The current backup withholding rate is 28%.

 

U.S. Tax Treatment of Foreign Shareholders. Generally, nonresident aliens, foreign corporations and other foreign investors are subject to a 30% withholding tax on dividends paid by a U.S. corporation, although the rate may be reduced for an investor that is a qualified resident of a foreign country with an applicable tax treaty with the United States. In the case of a RIC such as the Fund, however, certain categories of dividends are exempt from the 30% withholding tax. These generally include dividends attributable to the Fund's net capital gains (the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital loss) and dividends attributable to the Fund's interest income from U.S. obligors and dividends attributable to net short-term capital gains of the Fund.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally not be subject to U.S. tax on gains realized on the sale or redemption of shares of the Fund, except that a nonresident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in a calendar year will be taxable on such gains and on capital gain dividends from the Fund.

 

In contrast, if a foreign investor conducts a trade or business in the United States and the investment in the Fund is effectively connected with that trade or business, then the foreign investor's income from the Fund will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax at graduated rates in a manner similar to the income of a U.S. citizen or resident.

 

The Fund will also generally be required to withhold 30% tax on certain payments to foreign entities that do not provide a Form W-8BEN-E that evidences their compliance with, or exemption from, specified information reporting requirements under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act.

 

All foreign investors should consult their own tax advisers regarding the tax consequences in their country of residence of an investment in the Fund.

 

Shares of the Fund have not been registered for sale outside of the United States and certain United States territories.

 

State and Local Taxes. You may also be subject to state and local taxes on income and gain from Fund shares. State income taxes may not apply, however, to the portions of the Fund's distributions, if any, that are attributable to interest on U.S. government securities. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the tax status of distributions in your state and locality.

 

Tax Risks of Investment in Subsidiary. The investment of up to 25% of a fund’s assets in a foreign subsidiary such as the Subsidiary is a structure that has been used by a number of RICs as a way of indirectly making commodities-related investments that would not generate qualifying income if they were made directly by the RIC. Section 851(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) provides that income earned by a controlled foreign corporation (a “CFC”), such as the Subsidiary, will be treated as qualifying income for a RIC provided that CFC distributes those earnings out to the RIC each year. During the period 2006-2011, the IRS issued a number of private letter rulings to other funds in which the IRS ruled that income derived from a fund’s investment in a CFC such as the Subsidiary will generally constitute qualifying income for the fund, even if the CFC itself engages in transactions that would not generate qualifying income if they were engaged in by the fund itself and even if the earnings of the CFC are not distributed to the fund each year. In 2011, however, the IRS suspended the issuance of such private letter rulings pending further review of the subject. In 2016, after completion of that review, the IRS issued proposed regulations that will provide that the income from a foreign subsidiary is qualifying income for RIC purposes only to the extent the income is actually distributed by the foreign subsidiary to the RIC each year – consistent with what is provided in the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, the Fund intends to cause the Subsidiary to make such distributions to the Fund each year, so that the income of the Subsidiary will be qualifying income for the Fund.

 

37  
 

If, however, the IRS were to determine that income derived from the Fund’s investment in the Subsidiary (or from certain commodity-linked notes) does not constitute qualifying income and if such positions were upheld by a court, or if future legislation or Treasury regulations were to adversely affect the tax treatment of such investments, the Fund might cease to qualify as a RIC and would be required to reduce its exposure to such investments which might result in difficulty in implementing its investment strategy. In a Senate subcommittee hearing on the subject of RIC commodities-related investments in 2012, Senator Levin, the subcommittee chairman, expressed the view that a wholly-owned foreign subsidiary such as the Subsidiary, which is used by a RIC to make investments or otherwise to engage in transactions that the RIC could not accomplish directly under the applicable tax rules, should be disregarded as a separate entity for federal income tax purposes. Senator Levin’s view was not endorsed by the IRS Commissioner and the Treasury Acting Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy in their hearing testimony and their post-hearing responses to supplemental questions from Senator Levin. If the IRS were ultimately to adopt such a view, however, and if that position were to be sustained by the courts, the Fund may be unable to meet the 90% qualifying income test and therefore may not qualify as a RIC. In that event, the Fund’s taxable income would be subject to tax at the Fund level at regular corporate tax rates (without reduction for distributions to shareholders) and to a further tax at the shareholder level when such income is distributed. In such an event, in order to re-qualify for taxation as a regulated investment company, the Fund may be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest and make certain distributions.

 

Taxation of the Subsidiary. There is, at present, no direct taxation in the Cayman Islands and interest, dividends and gains payable to the Subsidiary will be received free of all Cayman Islands taxes. The Subsidiary is registered as an "exempted company" pursuant to the Companies Law (as amended). The Subsidiary has applied for, and expects to receive, an undertaking from the Governor in Cabinet of the Cayman Islands to the effect that, for a period of twenty years from the date of the undertaking, no law that thereafter is enacted in the Cayman Islands imposing any tax or duty to be levied on profits, income or on gains or appreciation, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, will apply to any property comprised in or any income arising under the Subsidiary, or to the shareholders thereof, in respect of any such property or income.

 

More information about taxes is contained in the SAI.

 

Distribution Arrangements

 

The Board has adopted a Plan of Distribution for the Class A Shares, the Class C Shares and the Class T Shares (the "Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, the Fund's Distributor is entitled to receive from the Fund a distribution fee with respect to the Shares, which is accrued daily and paid monthly, of up to 0.25% on an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Class A Shares and Class T Shares and up to 1.00% of the Class C Shares. The actual amount of such compensation under the Plan is agreed upon by the Board and by the Distributor. Because these fees are paid out of the Fund's assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.

 

Amounts paid to the Distributor under the Plan may be used by the Distributor to cover expenses that are related to (i) the sale of the Shares, (ii) ongoing servicing and/or maintenance of the accounts of shareholders, and (iii) sub-transfer agency services, sub-accounting services or administrative services related to the sale of the Shares, all as set forth in the Fund's 12b-1 Plan. Ongoing servicing and/or maintenance of the accounts of shareholders may include updating and mailing prospectuses and shareholder reports, responding to inquiries regarding shareholder accounts and acting as agent or intermediary between shareholders and the Fund or its service providers. The Distributor may delegate some or all of these functions to Service Organizations. See "Purchases Through Intermediaries" above.

 

The Plan obligates the Fund, during the period it is in effect, to accrue and pay to the Distributor on behalf of the Shares the fee agreed to under the Distribution Agreement. Payments under the Plan are not tied exclusively to expenses actually incurred by the Distributor, and the payments may exceed distribution expenses actually incurred.

 

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Additional Information

 

Householding. In an effort to decrease costs, the Fund intends to reduce the number of duplicate prospectuses and Annual and Semi-Annual Reports you receive by sending only one copy of each to those addresses shared by two or more accounts and to shareholders we reasonably believe are from the same family or household. Once implemented, if you would like to discontinue householding for your accounts, please call toll-free at 1-844-261-6484 to request individual copies of these documents. Once the Fund receives notice to stop householding, we will begin sending individual copies thirty days after receiving your request. This policy does not apply to account statements.

 

Lost Shareholders, Inactive Accounts and Unclaimed Property. It is important that the Fund maintains a correct address for each shareholder. An incorrect address may cause a shareholder’s account statements and other mailings to be returned to the Fund. Based upon statutory requirements for returned mail, the Fund will attempt to locate the shareholder or rightful owner of the account. If the Fund is unable to locate the shareholder, then it will determine whether the shareholder’s account can legally be considered abandoned. Your mutual fund account may be transferred to the state government of your state of residence if no activity occurs within your account during the “inactivity period” specified in your state’s abandoned property laws. The Fund is legally obligated to escheat (or transfer) abandoned property to the appropriate state’s unclaimed property administrator in accordance with statutory requirements. The shareholder’s last known address of record determines which state has jurisdiction. Please proactively contact the Transfer Agent toll-free at 1-844-261-6484 at least annually to ensure your account remains in active status.

 

If you are a resident of the state of Texas, you may designate a representative to receive notifications that, due to inactivity, your mutual fund account assets may be delivered to the Texas Comptroller. Please contact the Transfer Agent if you wish to complete a Texas Designation of Representative form.

 

NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN THE FUND'S SAI INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR ITS DISTRIBUTOR. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING BY THE COMPANY OR BY THE DISTRIBUTOR IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

The table below sets forth certain financial information for the periods indicated, including per share information results for a single share of the Fund. The term "Total investment return" indicates how much your investment would have increased or decreased during this period of time and assumes that you have reinvested all dividends and distributions. This information has been derived from the Fund's financial statements and has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm. This information should be read in conjunction with the Fund's financial statements which, together with the report of the independent registered public accounting firm, are included in the Fund's annual report, which is available upon request (see back cover for ordering instructions). Class T Shares had not commenced operations prior to the date of this Prospectus and financial highlights are not yet available for Class T Shares.

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund — Class I Shares

 

    For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2017
    For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2016
    For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2015
    For the
Period Ended
August 31, 2014 (1)
 
Per Share Operating Performance                        
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 11.80     $ 12.03     $ 10.36     $ 10.00  
Net investment income/(loss) ((2)     (0.15 )     (0.21 )     (0.24 )     (0.03 )
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments     (0.45 )     0.01       2.14       0.39  
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     (0.60 )     (0.20 )     1.90       0.36  
Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:                                
Net investment income           (0.03 )     (0.22 )      
Net realized gains                 (0.01 )      
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders           (0.03 )     (0.23 )      
Net asset value, end of period   $ 11.20     $ 11.80     $ 12.03     $ 10.36  
Total investment return (3)     (5.00 )%     (1.68 )%     18.46 %     3.60 % (4)
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)   $ 772,413     $ 739,842     $ 220,441     $ 24,349  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements (including interest expense) (6)     1.89 %     2.01 %     2.03 %     2.01 % (5)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements (excluding interest expense) (6)     1.89 %     1.99 %     1.99 %     1.99 % (5)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements (including interest expense) (6)     2.03 %     2.17 %     2.46 %     4.71 % (5)
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets     (1.35 )%     (1.76 )%     (1.98 )%     (1.99 )% (5)
Portfolio turnover rate (7)     0.00 %     0.00 %     0.00 %     0.00 % (4)

 

(1) Inception date of Class I Shares of the Fund was July 1, 2014.
(2) Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.
(3) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.
(4) Not annualized.
(5) Annualized.
(6) Effective February 28, 2017, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired Fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 1.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares. Prior to February 28, 2017, the contractual fee waiver limited total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 1.99% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares .
(7) Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

40  
 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund — Class A Shares

 

    For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2017
   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2016

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2015 (1)

 
Per Share Operating Performance                  
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 11.77     $ 12.01     $ 10.36  
Net investment income/(loss) (2)     (0.18 )     (0.24 )     (0.27 )
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments     (0.44 )     0.01       2.14  
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     (0.62 )     (0.23 )     1.87  
Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:                        
Net investment income           (0.01 )     (0.21 )
Net realized gains                 (0.01 )
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders           (0.01 )     (0.22 )
Net asset value, end of period   $ 11.15     $ 11.77     $ 12.01  
Total investment return (3)     (5.18 )%     (1.94 )%     18.17 %
Ratios/Supplemental Data                        
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)   $ 15,401     $ 17,125     $ 11,013  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements (including interest expense) (4)     2.14 %     2.26 %     2.28 %
Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements (excluding interest expense) (4)     2.14 %     2.24 %     2.24 %
Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements (including interest expense) (4)     2.28 %     2.42 %     2.71 %
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets     (1.60 )%     (2.01 )%     (2.23 )%
Portfolio turnover rate (5)     0.00 %     0.00 %     0.00 %

 

(1) Inception date of Class A Shares of the Fund was August 29, 2014.
(2) Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.
(3) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each year reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any. Total return does not reflect any applicable sales charge.
(4) Effective February 28, 2017, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired Fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 2.04% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares. Prior to February 28, 2017, the contractual fee waiver limited total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 2.24% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares.
(5) Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

41  
 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund — Class C Shares

 

   

For the

Year Ended
August 31, 2017

   

For the

Period Ended
August 31, 2016 (1)

 
Per Share Operating Performance            
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 11.71     $ 11.99  
Net investment income/(loss) (2)     (0.26 )     (0.30 )
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments     (0.44 )     0.03  
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     (0.70 )     (0.27 )
Net investment income           (0.01 )
Net realized gains            
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders           (0.01 )
Net asset value, end of period   $ 11.01     $ 11.71  
Total investment return (3)     (5.89 )%     (2.22 )% (4)
Ratios/Supplemental Data                
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)   $ 9,462     $ 8,380  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers
and reimbursements (including interest expense) (6)
    2.89 %     3.01 % (5)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers
and reimbursements (excluding interest expense) (6)
    2.89 %     2.99 % (5)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers
and reimbursements (including interest expense) (6)
    3.03 %     3.17 % (5)
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets     (2.35 )%     (2.76 )% (5)
Portfolio turnover rate (7)     0.00 %     0.00 % (4)

 

(1) Inception date of Class C Shares of the Fund was October 6, 2015.

(2) Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

(3) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of the period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(4) Not annualized.

(5) Annualized.

(6) Effective February 28, 2017, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired Fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 2.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares. Prior to February 28, 2017, the contractual fee waiver limited total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 2.99% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares.

(7) Portfolio Turnover Rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

42  
 

APPENDIX A

 

THE INFORMATION ENCLOSED IN THIS APPENDIX IS PART OF, AND INCORPORATED IN, THE ABBEY CAPITAL FUTURES STRATEGY FUND’S PROSPECTUS DATED DECEMBER 31, 2017.

 

Waivers and Discounts Available from Service Organizations

 

The availability of certain sales charge waivers and discounts will depend on whether you purchase your shares directly from the Fund or through a Service Organization. Service Organizations may have different policies and procedures regarding the availability of front-end sales charge waivers or contingent deferred (back-end) sales charge (“CDSC”) waivers, which are discussed below.

 

In all instances, it is the purchaser’s responsibility to notify the Fund or the purchaser’s Service Organization at the time of purchase of any relationship or other facts qualifying the purchaser for sales charge waivers or discounts. Some waivers and discounts may not be made available through a particular Service Organization, and shareholders will have to purchase Shares directly from the Fund or through another Service Organization to receive these waivers or discounts.

 

Merrill Lynch

 

Effective April 10, 2017, shareholders purchasing Class A Shares through a Merrill Lynch platform or account will be eligible only for the following waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in the Fund’s Prospectus or SAI.

 

Front-end Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares available at Merrill Lynch
Employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan
Class A Shares purchased by or through a 529 Plan
Class A Shares purchased through a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program
Class A Shares purchased by third party investment advisors on behalf of their advisory clients through Merrill Lynch’s platform
Class A Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family)
Class A Shares exchanged from Class C Shares ( i.e. level-load) shares of the same fund in the month of or following the 10-year anniversary of the purchase date
Employees and registered representatives of Merrill Lynch or its affiliates and their family members
Directors of the Fund, and employees of the Adviser or any of its affiliates, as described in this Prospectus
Class A Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge (known as Rights of Reinstatement)

 

A- 1
 

CDSC Waivers on Class A Shares available at Merrill Lynch
Death or disability of the shareholder
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s Prospectus
Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching age 70½
Shares sold to pay Merrill Lynch fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Merrill Lynch
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement
Shares held in retirement brokerage accounts that are exchanged for a lower cost share class due to transfer to certain fee based accounts or platforms (applicable to Class A Shares only)

Front-end load Discounts Available at Merrill Lynch: 

Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation & Letters of Intent

Breakpoints as described in this Prospectus
Rights of Accumulation (ROA) which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Merrill Lynch. Eligible Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund assets not held at Merrill Lynch may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets
Letters of Intent (LOI) which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within the Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund, through Merrill Lynch, over a 13-month period of time

 

Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

 

Share Class Eligibility

 

Class T Shares are available to Morgan Stanley Wealth Management (“Morgan Stanley”) clients who purchase Class T Shares through a transactional brokerage account. Other share classes offered through this Prospectus will not be available to Morgan Stanley clients through a Morgan Stanley account. Rights of accumulation, letters of intent, rights of reinstatement and exchange privileges are not available on purchases of Class T Shares.

 

Front-End Sales Charge Waivers for Class T Shares

 

Purchases of Class T Shares are subject to a front-end sales charge of up to 2.50% of the total purchase price. Sales charges are not imposed on Class T Shares that are purchased with reinvested dividends or other distributions. Sales charges for Morgan Stanley clients may be reduced for large purchases as indicated below:

 

A- 2
 

Amount of Purchase of
Class T Shares

Sales Charge

as a % of

Offering Price

Sales Charge

as a % of

Net Amount Invested

Dealer Compensation

as a Percentage of
Offering Price

Less than $250,000 2.50 % 2.56% 2.50%
At least $250,000 but less than $500,000 2.00 % 2.04% 2.00%
At least $500,000 but less than $1,000,000 1.50 % 1.52% 1.50%
$1,000,000 or greater 1.00 % 1.01% 1.00%

 

Rights of Accumulation. Class T Shares offered to Morgan Stanley clients are not eligible for any waivers or reductions of the sales charges through Rights of Accumulation.

 

Letter of Intent. Morgan Stanley clients are not eligible for any waivers or reductions of the Class T Shares sales charges through Letters of Intent.

 

Sales Charge Waivers. Morgan Stanley clients may purchase Class T Shares with the sales charge waived as follows:

Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans does not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans; however these plans are eligible to purchase Class T Shares through a Morgan Stanley transactional brokerage account.

Morgan Stanley employee and employee-related accounts according to Morgan Stanley’s account linking rules.

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund shares exchanged from an existing position in the Fund as part of a share class conversion instituted by Morgan Stanley.

 

Unless specifically described above, no other front-end load waivers are available to Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund purchases by Morgan Stanley clients in transactional brokerage accounts.

 

A- 3
 

PRIVACY NOTICE

FACTS WHAT DOES THE ABBEY CAPITAL FUTURES STRATEGY FUND DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?
Why? Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.
What?

The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include:

• Social Security number

• account balances

• account transactions

• transaction history

• wire transfer instructions

• checking account information

When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.

How? All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons the Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.
 

 Reasons we can share your information

Does the Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund share?

 

Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purpose —

such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus

Yes No

For our marketing purposes —

to offer our products and services to you

Yes No
For joint marketing with other financial companies No We don’t share.
For affiliates’ everyday business purposes — information about your transactions and experiences Yes No
For affiliates’ everyday business purposes — information about your creditworthiness No We don’t share
For our affiliates to market to you No We don’t share
For nonaffiliates to market to you No We don’t share
Questions? Call 1-844-261-6484 or go to www.abbeycapital.com
         

 

What we do  
How does the Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund protect my personal information? To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.
How does the Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

• open an account

• provide account information

• give us your contact information

• make a wire transfer

• tell us where to send the money

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

• sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes — information about your creditworthiness

• affiliates from using your information to market to you

• sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing.

Definitions  
Affiliates

Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

•     Our affiliates include Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund’s investment adviser, Abbey Capital Limited, and each sub-adviser.

Nonaffiliates

Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

•     The Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund doesn’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

   The Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund does not jointly market.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND

 

This Prospectus contains important information you should know before you invest. Read it carefully and keep it for future reference. Information about different sales charge variations is provided in Appendix A, which is incorporated into this Prospectus by reference. More information about the Fund is available free of charge, upon request, including:

Annual/Semi-annual Reports: These reports contain additional information about the Fund's investments, describe the Fund's performance, list portfolio holdings and discuss recent market conditions and economic trends. The annual report includes Fund strategies that significantly affected the Fund's performance during its last fiscal year. The Fund's annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders are available on the Adviser's website at www.abbeycapital.com or by calling 1-844-261-6484.

 

Statement of Additional Information ("SAI"): The Fund's SAI, dated December 31, 2017, has been filed with the SEC. The SAI, which includes additional information about the Fund, and the Fund's Annual and Semi-Annual reports, may be obtained free of charge by calling 1-844-261-6484. The SAI, as supplemented from time to time, is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and is legally considered a part of this Prospectus. The SAI is available on the Adviser's website at www.abbeycapital.com.

 

Shareholder Inquiries: Representatives are available to discuss account balance information, mutual fund prospectuses, literature, programs and services available. Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Eastern time) Monday-Friday. Call: 1-844-261-6484.

 

Purchases and Redemptions: Call your registered representative or 1-844-261-6484.

 

Written Correspondence:
P.O. Box Address:

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701

 

Street Address:

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Securities and Exchange Commission: You may view and copy information about the Company and the Fund, including the SAI, by visiting the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. or the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at www.sec.gov. You may also obtain copies of Fund documents by paying a duplicating fee and sending an electronic request to the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by sending your written request and a duplicating fee to the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090.

 

Investment Company Act File No. 811-05518

 

 

 

ADARA SMALLER

COMPANIES FUND

(formerly, the Altair Smaller Companies Fund)

of The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

Prospectus

 

December 31, 2017

 

Investment Adviser:

Altair Advisers LLC

 

 

THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED IN THIS PROSPECTUS HAVE BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (THE “SEC”). THE SEC, HOWEVER, HAS NOT JUDGED THESE SECURITIES FOR THEIR INVESTMENT MERIT AND HAS NOT DETERMINED THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANYONE WHO TELLS YOU OTHERWISE IS COMMITTING A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

 

 

 

Table of Contents

   

SUMMARY SECTION 1
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND’S INVESTMENTS AND RISKS 8
Broad-Based Securities Market Index 10
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings 10
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND 10
Investment Adviser 10
Sub-Advisers 11
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION 13
Pricing of Fund Shares 13
Market Timing 14
Purchase of Fund Shares 15
Redemption of Fund Shares 18
Dividends and Distributions 20
More Information About Taxes 20
Additional Information 22
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 23
APPENDIX A 24
For More Information Back Cover

 

i  

 

SUMMARY SECTION

 

Investment Objective

 

The Adara Smaller Companies Fund (formerly, the Altair Smaller Companies Fund) (the “Fund”) seeks capital appreciation.

 

Expenses and Fees

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (the “Shares”).

 

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

 

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) None
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends None
Redemption Fee (as a percentage of amount redeemed, if applicable) None
Exchange Fee None

 

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

 

Management (1) 0.77%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees None
Other Expenses 0.15%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (2) 0.03%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.95%

 

(1) The Fund is currently only available to clients of the Fund’s investment adviser, Altair Advisers LLC (the “Adviser”) and to other investors at the Fund’s discretion. Investors in the Fund who are also clients of the Adviser will incur additional fees based on the total assets of the client under management with the Adviser. The Adviser does not receive a separate management fee from the Fund, although the Adviser is reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses in connection with its compliance monitoring of Fund trading, up to 0.01% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The management fee shown above reflects the aggregate fees paid by the Fund to the Sub-Advisers for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2017, plus anticipated reimbursements to the Adviser for out-of-pocket expenses. Investors in the Fund who are also clients of the Adviser should review the information provided separately by the Adviser for a discussion of fees and expenses charged by the Adviser.
(2) Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other mutual funds, including money market funds and exchange traded funds. Please note that the amount of Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses shown in the above table will differ from the “Financial Highlights” section of the Prospectus, which reflects the operating expenses of the Fund and does not include indirect expenses such as Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses.

 

1  

 

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 Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

1 Year   3 Years   5 Years   10 Years  
$ 97     $ 303     $ 525     $ 1,166    

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 Fund’s performance. Portfolio turnover may vary from year to year, as well as within a year. For the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 88% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Summary of Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets (including borrowing for investment purposes) in equity securities of small or micro-cap companies. Small or micro-cap companies are generally considered to be those whose market capitalization are, at the time the Fund makes an investment, within the range of the market capitalization of companies in the Russell Microcap Index ($8 million to $2.0 billion as of November 30, 2017), the Russell 2000 ® Index ($22 million to $9.4 billion as of November 30, 2017), or the S&P SmallCap 600 Index ($62 million to $8.4 billion as of November 30, 2017). Securities of companies whose market capitalization no longer meet this definition after purchase may continue to be held by the Fund.

 

The Fund utilizes a “multi-manager” approach whereby the Fund’s assets are allocated to one or more sub-advisers (“Sub-Advisers”) in percentages determined at the discretion of the Fund’s investment adviser, Altair Advisers LLC (the “Adviser”). The Adviser also monitors Sub-Adviser trading with the dual objectives of maximizing each Sub-Adviser’s investment flexibility and assuring that the Fund as a whole complies with its investment restrictions. Otherwise, each Sub-Adviser acts independently from the others and utilizes its own distinct investment style in selecting securities. However, each Sub-Adviser must operate within the constraints of the Fund’s investment objective and strategies and the particular investment restrictions applicable to that Sub-Adviser.

 

The Sub-Advisers will implement a number of different investment strategies and styles within the small and micro-cap universe. The Sub-Advisers will implement one or more of the following investment strategies summarized below:

 

Small or Micro-Cap Growth — A Sub-Adviser following a growth investment style is expected to invest primarily in small or micro-cap companies with consistent or accelerating growth in earnings, revenues, cash flow, and/or other financial metrics.

 

Small or Micro-Cap Value — A Sub-Adviser following a value investment style is expected to invest primarily in small or micro-cap companies that are out of favor and/or undervalued in comparison to their peers or their growth prospects.

 

Small or Micro-Cap Core — A Sub-Adviser following a core investment style is expected to invest in small or micro-cap companies that have both value characteristics and growth characteristics.

 

Tax Loss Harvesting — A Sub-Adviser following a tax loss harvesting style is expected to hold a portfolio of securities that will have a pre-tax return similar to the performance of the S&P SmallCap 600 Index. The Sub-Adviser will seek to generate strong-after tax returns by timing trades to avoid realizing capital gains and to harvest losses when possible. The Fund may use losses generated from the tax loss harvesting Sub-Adviser to offset gains from other Sub-Advisers.

 

The Fund’s Sub-Advisers will invest primarily in equities and equity-related instruments of small and micro-cap companies. Equities and equity-related instruments include common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible securities, sponsored and unsponsored depositary receipts, warrants and rights. The Fund may participate as a purchaser in initial public offerings of securities (“IPOs”). An IPO is a company’s first offering of stock to the public. The Fund may also invest in companies that may experience unusual and possibly unique developments, or “special situations”, which may create a special opportunity for significant returns. Special situations include: significant technological improvements or important discoveries; reorganizations, recapitalizations or mergers; favorable resolutions of litigation; new management or material changes in company policies; and actual or potential changes in control of a company. The Sub-Advisers may also invest in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), debt securities, and foreign securities (directly and through depository receipts).

 

Summary of Principal Risks

 

As with all mutual funds, a shareholder is subject to the risk that his or her investment could lose money. The principal risk factors affecting shareholders’ investments in the Fund are set forth below.

 

2  

 

Management Risk. The Fund is subject to the risk of poor stock selection. In other words, the individual stocks in the Fund may not perform as well as expected, and/or the Fund’s portfolio management practices do not work to achieve their desired result.

 

Market Risk. The net asset value (“NAV”) of the Fund will change with changes in the market value of its portfolio positions. Investors may lose money.

 

Equity Securities Risk. The Fund is designed for investors who can accept the risks of investing in a portfolio with significant holdings of equity securities. Equity securities tend to be more volatile than other investment choices, such as debt and money market instruments. The value of your investment may decrease in response to overall stock market movements or the value of individual securities held by the Fund.

 

Small and Micro-Cap Risk. The securities of small and micro-cap companies may be more volatile in price, have wider spreads between their bid and ask prices, and have significantly lower trading volumes than the securities of larger capitalization companies. As a result, the purchase or sale of more than a limited number of shares of the securities of a smaller company may affect its market price. The Fund may need a considerable amount of time to purchase or sell its positions in these securities. Some small and micro-cap companies are followed by few, if any, securities analysts, and there tends to be less publicly available information about such companies. The small and micro-cap securities in which the Fund invests may be traded only in the over-the-counter market or on a regional securities exchange, may be listed only in the quotation service commonly known as the “pink sheets,” and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. They generally have even more limited trading volumes and are subject to even more abrupt or erratic market price movements than are mid and large cap securities, and the Fund may be able to deal with only a few market-makers when purchasing and selling securities. Small and micro-cap companies also may have limited markets, financial resources or product lines, may lack management depth, and may be more vulnerable to adverse business or market developments. Smaller company stocks may fall out of favor relative to mid or large cap stocks, which may cause the Fund to underperform other equity funds that focus on mid or large cap stocks. Moreover, the lack of an efficient market for the securities may make them difficult to value.

 

Growth Stock Risk. Growth stocks are typically priced higher than other stocks, in relation to earnings and other measures, because investors believe they have more growth potential. This potential may or may not be realized and, if it is not realized, may result in a loss to the Fund. Growth stock prices also tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Because different types of stocks go out of favor with investors depending on market and economic conditions, the Fund’s return may be adversely affected during a market downturn and when growth stocks are out of favor.

 

Value Stock Risk. Value investing involves buying stocks that are out of favor and/or undervalued in comparison to their peers or their prospects for growth. Typically, their valuation levels are less than those of growth stocks. Because different types of stocks go out of favor with investors depending on market and economic conditions, the Fund’s return may be adversely affected during a market downturn and when value stocks are out of favor.

 

REIT Risk. REITs may be affected by economic forces and other factors related to the real estate industry. These risks include possible declines in the value of real estate, possible lack of availability of mortgage funds and unexpected vacancies of properties. REITs that invest in real estate mortgages are also subject to prepayment risk. Investing in REITs may involve risks similar to those associated with investing in small capitalization companies. REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. Historically, small capitalization stocks, such as REITs, have been more volatile in price than the larger capitalization stocks included in the S&P 500 ® Index. The Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any expenses, including management fees, paid by an externally managed REIT in which it invests.

 

Special Situations Risk. The Fund will seek to benefit from “special situations,” such as mergers, reorganizations, or other unusual events expected to affect a particular issuer. There is a risk that the “special situation” might not occur or involve longer time frames than originally expected, which could have a negative impact on the price of the issuer’s securities and fail to produce gains or produce a loss for the Fund.

 

Allocation Risk. The Fund’s overall risk level will depend on the market sectors in which the Sub-Advisers are invested. Although the Fund will not concentrate in any industry, because the Fund may have significant weightings in a particular company, industry or market sector, the value of Shares may be affected by events that adversely affect that company, industry or market sector and may fluctuate more than that of a less focused fund.

 

3  

 

Multi-Manager Dependence Risk. The success of the Fund’s investment strategy depends both on the Adviser’s ability to select Sub-Advisers and to allocate assets to those Sub-Advisers and on each Sub-Adviser’s ability to execute the relevant strategy and select investments for the Fund. The Sub-Advisers’ investment styles may not always be complementary, which could affect the performance of the Fund and lead to higher transaction expenses as compared to a fund using a single investment management style.

 

Sub-Adviser and Strategy Concentration Risk. Because the Adviser will not be subject to fixed limitations upon the amount of Fund assets that may be invested with a single Sub-Adviser or in a single investment strategy, the Fund may be more heavily exposed to the investment judgments of one or more Sub-Advisers or the possible increased risk of investing in a limited number of investment strategies.

 

Illiquid Securities Risk. Investing in illiquid securities is subject to certain risks, such as limitations on resale and uncertainty in determining valuation. Limitations on resale may adversely affect the marketability of portfolio securities and the Fund might be unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemptions within seven days. The Fund might, in order to dispose of restricted securities, have to register securities resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of such securities.

 

IPO Risk. IPO risk is the risk that the market value of IPO shares will fluctuate considerably due to certain factors, such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, the small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. IPO shares are subject to market risk and liquidity risk. When the Fund’s asset base is small, a significant portion of the Fund’s performance could be attributable to investments in IPOs, because such investments would have a magnified impact on the Fund. As the Fund’s assets grow, the effect of the Fund’s investments in IPOs on the Fund’s performance probably will decline, which could reduce the Fund’s performance. Because of the price volatility of IPO shares, the Fund may choose to hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the Fund’s portfolio and may lead to increased expenses to the Fund, such as commissions and transaction costs. In addition, the Adviser cannot guarantee continued access to IPOs.

 

Unseasoned Issuers Risk. Unseasoned issuers may not have an established financial history and may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources. Unseasoned issuers may depend on a few key personnel for management and may be susceptible to losses and risks of bankruptcy. As a result, such securities may be more volatile and difficult to sell.

 

Convertible Securities Risk. Securities that can be converted into common stock, such as certain securities and preferred stock, are subject to the usual risks associated with fixed income investments, such as interest rate risk and credit risk. In addition, because they react to changes in the value of the equity securities into which they will convert, convertible securities are also subject to the risks associated with equity securities.

 

Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Adviser and Sub-Advisers will not consider portfolio turnover rate a limiting factor in making investment decisions consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and policies. Therefore, it is possible that the Fund may experience high rates of portfolio turnover. High portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur higher brokerage commissions and transaction costs, which could lower the Fund’s performance. In addition to lower performance, high portfolio turnover could result in taxable capital gains. A portfolio turnover rate of 100% is considered to be high.

 

Fund Performance

 

The following performance information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by illustrating the variability of the Fund’s returns. The chart assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The bar chart shows changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. Performance information represents only past performance, before and after taxes, and does not necessarily indicate future results. Updated performance information is available by calling 1-844-261-6482 (toll free).

 

4  

 

Adara Smaller Companies Fund

Total Return For Calendar Year Ended December 31

 

 

During the period shown in the chart, the highest quarterly return was 10.21% (for the quarter ended September 30, 2016) and the lowest quarterly return was -11.41% (for the quarter ended September 30, 2015). The year-to-date total return for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 12.45%.

 

The table below compares the average annual returns of the Fund for one year and since inception to the average total returns of a broad-based market index for the same periods.

 

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the

Periods Ended December 31, 2016

  1 Year

Since Inception

October 21, 2014

– Return Before Taxes 19.47% 9.53%
– Return After Taxes on Distributions 19.47% 9.53%
– Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares 11.02% 7.35%
Russell 2000 Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses and taxes) 21.31% 11.07%

 

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 investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

Management of the Fund

 

Investment Adviser and Sub-Advisers

 

Altair Advisers LLC, 303 W. Madison, Suite 600, Chicago, Illinois 60606, serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Aperio Group, LLC, Driehaus Capital Management LLC, Granite Investment Partners, LLC, Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC, Pier Capital LLC, and River Road Asset Management, LLC each serves as a Sub-Adviser to the Fund.

 

5  

 

Portfolio Managers
         
    Title   Portfolio
Manager
of Fund since:
Altair Advisers LLC
Steven B. Weinstein   President, Chief Investment Officer   October 21, 2014
Jason M. Laurie   Managing Director   October 21, 2014
Bryan R. Malis   Managing Director   October 21, 2014
Donald J. Sorota   Managing Director   October 23, 2015
David J. Lin   Director of Research   July 19, 2017
Aperio Group, LLC
Ran Leshem   Chief Investment Officer   October 21, 2014
Robert Tymoczko   Manager of Portfolio Trading and Analytics   October 21, 2014
Jonathan Liu, CFA   Associate Portfolio Manager   December 31, 2017
Driehaus Capital Management LLC
Jeffrey James   Portfolio Manager   October 21, 2014
Michael Buck   Assistant Portfolio Manager   October 21, 2014
Granite Investment Partners, LLC
Jeffrey J. Hoo, CFA   Lead Portfolio Manager   October 21, 2014
Peter O. Lopez   Co-Portfolio Manager   October 21, 2014
Joshua D. Shaskan, CFA   Co-Portfolio Manager   October 21, 2014
Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC
Mark D. Cooper, CFA   President, Senior Portfolio Manager   October 21, 2014
Dominic R. Marshall, CFA   Senior Portfolio Manager   October 21, 2014
Pier Capital LLC
Alexander Yakirevich   Portfolio Manager   October 21, 2014
River Road Asset Management, LLC
R. Andrew Beck   President, Chief Executive Officer, Senior Portfolio Manager   October 21, 2014
James Shircliff   Co-Chief Investment Officer   October 21, 2014
J. Justin Akin   Portfolio Manager   October 21, 2014

 

6  

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

There is no minimum investment amount for initial or subsequent investments. You can only purchase and redeem Shares of the Fund on days the New York Stock Exchange is open. Shares of the Fund are currently only available to new and existing clients of the Adviser and to other investors at the Fund’s discretion. Shares may be purchased through certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals. Shares of the Fund may also be purchased and redeemed directly through The RBB Fund, Inc. by the means described below.

 

Purchase and Redemption By Mail:

 

Regular Mail:   Overnight Delivery:  
Adara Smaller Companies Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701
  Adara Smaller Companies Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202-5207
 

 

Purchase By Wire:

 

Before sending any wire, call U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (the “Transfer Agent”) at 1-844-261-6482 to confirm the current wire instructions for the Fund.

 

Redemption By Telephone:

 

Call the Transfer Agent at 1-844-261-6482.

 

Taxes

 

The Fund intends to make distributions that generally may be taxed at ordinary income or capital gains rates.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund or the Adviser may pay the intermediary for the sale of Shares and other related services. Ask your broker-dealer or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.

 

7  

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND’S INVESTMENTS AND RISKS

 

This section provides some additional information about the Fund’s investments and certain portfolio management techniques that the Fund may use. More information about the Fund’s investments and portfolio management techniques, and related risks, is included in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).

 

The Fund’s investment objective is non-fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) without the approval of the Fund’s shareholders. However, as a matter of policy, the Fund would not materially change its investment objective without informing shareholders at least 60 days in advance of any such change.

 

Equity and Equity-Related Securities. The Fund invests in all types of equity securities. Equity securities include exchange-traded and over-the-counter common and preferred stocks, warrants, rights, convertible securities, depositary receipts and shares, trust certificates, limited partnership interests, shares of other investment companies and real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), and equity participations. Investments in equity securities in general are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. The value of a convertible security may not increase or decrease as rapidly as the underlying common stock. Common stocks may decline over short or even extended periods of time. The purchase of rights or warrants involves the risk that the Fund could lose the purchase value of a right or warrant if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not executed prior to the right’s or warrant’s expiration. The value of such securities convertible into equity securities, such as warrants or convertible debt, is also affected by prevailing interest rates, the credit quality of the issuer and any call provision. Investing in REITs may involve risks similar to those associated with investing in small capitalization companies. REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. State law governing partnerships is often less restrictive than state law governing corporations. Accordingly, there may be fewer protections afforded to investors in a limited partnership than investors in a corporation. Fluctuations in the value of equity securities in which a mutual fund invests will cause the Fund’s net asset value to fluctuate. The number of issuers in the Fund’s portfolio will vary over time.

 

Fixed Income Investments. The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in fixed income securities. Fixed income investments include bonds, notes (including structured notes), mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, convertible securities, Eurodollar and Yankee dollar instruments, preferred stocks and money market instruments. Fixed income securities may be issued by corporate and governmental issuers and may have all types of interest rate payment and reset terms, including (without limitation) fixed rate, adjustable rate, zero coupon, contingent, deferred, payment-in-kind and auction rate features. The principal debt investments of the Fund will be fixed and floating rate securities with no reset terms.

 

The credit quality of securities held in the Fund’s portfolio is determined at the time of investment. If a security is rated differently by multiple ratings organizations, the Fund treats the security as being rated in the higher rating category. The Fund may invest in fixed income securities that are not investment grade but are rated as low as B by Moody’s Investors Service or by S&P Global Ratings (or their equivalents, or, if unrated, determined by the Adviser or applicable Sub-Adviser to be of comparable credit quality). The Fund may choose not to sell securities that are downgraded below the Fund’s minimum accepted credit rating after their purchase. Periods of rising interest rates may result in decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the fixed income markets.

 

Foreign Securities. The Fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers that are traded or denominated in U.S. dollars (including equity securities of foreign issuers trading in U.S. markets) through American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”), European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) or International Depositary Receipts (“IDRs”). Depositary receipts may be available through “sponsored” or “unsponsored” facilities. A sponsored facility is established jointly by the issuer of the security underlying the receipt and the depository, whereas an unsponsored facility is established by the depository without participation by the issuer of the underlying security. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all of the costs of the unsponsored facility. The depository of an unsponsored facility is frequently under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through, to the holders of the receipts, voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. The depository of unsponsored depositary receipts may provide less information to receipt holders.

 

8  

 

In addition, the Fund may invest in securities traded or denominated in foreign currencies and in multinational currencies such as the Euro. The Fund will value its securities and other assets in U.S. dollars. Investments in securities of foreign entities and securities denominated or traded in foreign currencies involve special risks. These include possible political and economic instability and the possible imposition of exchange controls or other restrictions on investments. Changes in foreign currency rates relative to the U.S. dollar will affect the U.S. dollar value of the Fund’s assets denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Emerging market investments offer the potential for significant gains but also involve greater risks than investing in more developed countries. Political or economic instability, lack of market liquidity and government actions such as currency controls or seizure of private business or property may be more likely in emerging markets.

 

Interest Rate Risk. During periods of rising interest rates, the market value of the Fund’s fixed-income securities will tend to be lower than prevailing market interest rates. In periods of falling interest rates, the market value of the Fund’s fixed-income securities generally will tend to be higher than prevailing market interest rates. Prices of longer-term fixed income securities are typically more sensitive to changes in interest rates than prices of shorter-term fixed-income securities.

 

Credit/Default Risk. The credit rating of an issuer or guarantor of a security in which the Fund invests may be lowered or an issuer or guarantor of a security or the counterparty to a derivatives contract or a repurchase agreement may default on its payment obligations.

 

Liquidity Risk. Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are difficult to purchase or sell. The Fund’s investments in illiquid securities may reduce the returns of the Fund because it may be unable to sell the illiquid securities at an advantageous time or price. Illiquidity can be caused by a drop in overall market trading volume, an inability to find a ready buyer, or legal restrictions on the securities’ resale. Certain securities that were liquid when purchased may later become illiquid, particularly in times of overall economic distress.

 

Convertible Securities Risk. Convertible securities have characteristics of both equity and fixed income securities. The value of a convertible security tends to move with the market value of the underlying stock, but may also be affected by interest rates, the credit quality of the issuer and any call provisions. In particular, when interest rates rise, fixed income securities will decline in value. Convertible securities frequently have speculative characteristics and may be acquired without regard to minimum quality ratings. Lower quality convertible securities, also known as “junk bonds,” involve greater risk of default or price changes due to the issuer’s creditworthiness. The market prices of these securities may fluctuate more than those of higher quality securities and may decline significantly in periods of general economic difficulty, which may follow periods of rising interest rates. Securities in the lowest quality category may present the risk of default, or may be in default.

 

REIT Risk. REITs may be affected by economic forces and other factors related to the real estate industry. These risks include possible declines in the value of real estate, possible lack of availability of mortgage funds and unexpected vacancies of properties. REITs that invest in real estate mortgages are also subject to prepayment risk. Investing in REITs may involve risks similar to those associated with investing in small capitalization companies. REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. Historically, small capitalization stocks, such as REITs, have been more volatile in price than the larger capitalization stocks included in the S&P 500 ® Index. The Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any expenses, including management fees, paid by an externally managed REIT in which it invests.

 

Portfolio Turnover. The Fund may engage in active and frequent trading, resulting in high portfolio turnover. This may lead to the realization and distribution to shareholders of higher capital gains, increasing their tax liability. A portfolio turnover rate of 100% is considered to be high. Frequent trading may also increase transaction costs, which could detract from the Fund’s performance.

 

Temporary Investments. The Fund may depart from its principal investment strategy in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions by taking temporary defensive positions (up to 100% of its assets) in all types of money market and short-term debt securities. In response to such conditions, the Fund may also utilize derivatives, including purchasing put options. A put option gives the purchaser of the option, upon payment of a premium, the right to sell, and the seller the obligation to buy, the underlying security, index, currency or other instrument at the exercise price. If the Fund were to take a temporary defensive position, it may be unable for a time to achieve its investment objective.

 

9  

 

Broad-Based Securities Market Index

 

The Russell 2000 ® Index is an unmanaged index that is comprised of the 2,000 smallest of the 3,000 largest U.S. domiciled corporations, ranked by market capitalizations. As of November 30, 2017, the minimum market capitalization of the Russell 2000 ® Index was $22 million and the largest stock was $9.4 billion. Please note that this information is as of a particular point in time and is subject to change.

 

Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings

 

A description of the Company’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio securities is available in the SAI. The SAI is incorporated herein.

 

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

 

Investment Adviser

 

Altair Advisers LLC, a registered investment adviser located at 303 W. Madison, Suite 600, Chicago, Illinois 60606, provides investment advisory services to the Fund subject to the general supervision of the Board. The Adviser was founded in June 2002. As of September 30, 2017, the Adviser had over $4.4 billion in assets under management.

 

The Fund is currently only available to clients of the Adviser and to other investors at the Fund’s discretion. The Adviser does not receive a separate management fee from the Fund. However, pursuant to the Fund’s investment advisory agreement with the Adviser, the Adviser is entitled to receive reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses it incurs in connection with its compliance monitoring of Fund trading, up to 0.01% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

The Fund is managed by the Adviser and one or more Sub-Advisers unaffiliated with the Adviser. The Adviser also has the ultimate responsibility to oversee the Sub-Advisers, and to recommend their hiring, termination, and replacement, subject to approval by the Board. The Adviser has an investment team that is jointly responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund. The investment team consists of Steven B. Weinstein, Jason M. Laurie, Bryan R. Malis, Donald J. Sorota and David J. Lin.

 

Steven B. Weinstein, President and Chief Investment Officer. Mr. Weinstein founded the Adviser in June of 2002. He has been counseling wealthy families, business owners, and senior executives on their investment, tax, retirement and estate planning matters for over 36 years. He is a member of the Adviser’s Board of Managers as well as the Adviser’s Investment Committee. Mr. Weinstein is a CFA ® charterholder and a Certified Financial Planner TM certificant. He is a member of the Illinois and California bar. Mr. Weinstein graduated with Distinction in Political Science and Communication from Stanford University in 1974, and earned both his MBA and JD degrees, with Distinction, from Northwestern University in 1978.

 

Jason M. Laurie, Managing Director. Mr. Laurie is a founding partner of the Adviser. His role includes client service, business development, and he is the Chairman of the Adviser’s Investment Committee. Mr. Laurie is a CFA ® charterholder and a Certified Financial Planner TM certificant. Mr. Laurie earned his B.B.A. in Finance and Computer Applications from the University of Notre Dame (cum laude).

 

Bryan R. Malis, Managing Director. Mr. Malis is a founding partner of the Adviser. His role includes serving as a lead adviser to a variety of clients, developing new business, and participating in firm management. He is a member of the Adviser’s Board of Managers as well as the Adviser’s Investment Committee. Mr. Malis is a CFA ® charterholder and a Certified Financial Planner TM certificant. Mr. Malis earned his B.A. in Accounting and Finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

 

Donald J. Sorota, Managing Director. Mr. Sorota is a founding partner of the Adviser. His role includes client services business development. He served as the Adviser’s Finance Director for the Adviser’s first three years due to his tax expertise as a CPA. He is also a member of the Adviser’s Investment Committee. Mr. Sorota is a Certified Financial Planner TM and a Certified Public Accountant. Mr. Sorota holds a B.S. in accounting from DePaul University.

 

10  

 

David J. Lin, Director of Research. Mr. Lin is the Director of Research of the Adviser. He is responsible for leading the research team’s ongoing due diligence efforts, which include identifying, evaluating, selecting, and monitoring investment managers across various asset classes and vehicle structures. Mr. Lin also serves on the Adviser’s Investment Committee. Mr. Lin is a CFA ® charterholder and earned his B.S. in Finance from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

 

Sub-Advisers

 

The Company and the Adviser have received an exemptive order from the SEC with respect to the Fund that permits the Adviser to engage or terminate a Sub-Adviser, and to enter into and materially amend an existing sub-advisory agreement, upon the approval of the Board, without obtaining shareholder approval. This arrangement has been approved by the Board. Consequently, under the exemptive order, the Adviser has the right to hire, terminate and replace Sub-Advisers when the Board and the Adviser feel that a change would benefit the Fund. The exemptive order enables the Fund to operate with greater efficiency and without incurring the expense and delays associated with obtaining shareholder approval of sub-advisory agreements.

 

The Sub-Advisers provide investment advisory services to the portion of the Fund’s portfolio allocated to them by the Adviser. The Adviser and the Fund have entered into sub-advisory agreements with the following Sub-Advisers to manage the Fund, subject to supervision of the Adviser and the Board, and in accordance with the investment goal and restrictions of the Fund. For their services, each Sub-Adviser is entitled to receive a fee based upon a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets, which will be paid by the Fund and not by the Adviser. The Adviser selects Sub-Advisers based upon the Sub-Adviser’s skills in managing assets pursuant to particular investment styles and strategies. The Adviser monitors existing Sub-Advisers based on their investment styles, strategies, and results in managing assets for specific asset classes. Each Sub-Adviser will have discretion to select portfolio securities for its portion of the Fund, but must select those securities according to the Fund’s investment objectives and restrictions. The Fund is not required to invest with any minimum number of Sub-Advisers, and does not have minimum or maximum limitations with respect to allocations of assets to any Sub-Adviser. The Adviser may change the allocation of the Fund’s assets among the available Sub-Advisers, and may add or remove Sub-Advisers, at any time, which may change the sub-advisory fees payable by the Fund. However, in no event will the total sub-advisory fees exceed the annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

Aperio Group, LLC (“Aperio”), a registered investment adviser located at Three Harbor Drive, Suite 315, Sausalito, California 94965, has served as a Sub-Adviser to the Fund since its inception. Ran Leshem, Robert Tymoczko and Jonathan Liu, CFA, each serve as portfolio managers primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the portion of the Fund sub-advised by Aperio. Mr. Leshem is Aperio’s Chief Investment Officer. He oversees the portfolio management and operations of Aperio’s US, Foreign, and Global products. Mr. Leshem has extensive expertise in applying quantitative techniques and information technology to complex operational problems. Prior to joining Aperio in 2006, Mr. Leshem was a Manager, Operating Strategy at the GAP, Inc. At the GAP, Mr. Leshem managed the development of a store level forecasting system utilizing clustering and data mining algorithms to predict sales based on historical data. Mr. Leshem received a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Waterloo, Canada, where he received the Hewlett Packard Award for academic excellence, and his MBA from the University of California at Berkeley. Mr. Tymoczko is Manager of Portfolio Trading and Analytics. Mr. Tymoczko joined Aperio in 2012 and he is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day portfolio management and strategy implementation of all investment products. Prior to joining Aperio, Mr. Tymoczko was a Managing Partner at AlphaStream Capital Management, LLC from 2002 to 2011, where he was responsible for quantitative research and portfolio management. From 1997 to 2002, Mr. Tymoczko was Lead Portfolio Manager and Co-head of U.S. Quantitative Equity Products at Zurich Scudder Investments. Mr. Tymoczko received a BA in Quantitative Economics from Stanford University and his MBA with concentrations in Finance and Econometrics from the University of Chicago. Mr. Liu is a portfolio manager at Aperio and provides analytical support in the research, portfolio management, and trading of client portfolios. He graduated from San Francisco State University, with a BS in corporate finance and financial services. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is a member of the CFA Society of San Francisco.

 

Driehaus Capital Management LLC (“Driehaus”), a registered investment adviser located at 25 E Erie St, Chicago, Illinois 60611, has served as a Sub-Adviser to the Fund since its inception. Jeffrey James serves as the portfolio manager primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the portion of the Fund sub-advised by Driehaus. Mr. James joined Driehaus in 1997 as a sector analyst covering the information technology and energy sectors. In 1998, he assumed portfolio management duties for the Driehaus Micro Cap Growth strategy, in 2006 for the Driehaus Small Cap Growth strategy and in 2012 for the Driehaus Small/Mid Cap Growth strategy. He began his career with Lehman Brothers in 1990. From 1991 through 1997, Mr. James worked at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago as an analyst. Mr. James received his B.S. in Finance from Indiana University in 1990 and an M.B.A. from DePaul University in 1995. Michael Buck supports Mr. James with investment research, security selection and portfolio construction. Mr. Buck has investment decision-making responsibilities subject to Mr. James’ approval. Mr. Buck began his career in 2001 with Deloitte Consulting. In 2002, he joined Driehaus, where he also serves as a senior research analyst focusing on U.S. micro-cap and small-cap stocks within the consumer discretionary, consumer staples and financials sectors. Mr. Buck is also the assistant portfolio manager for the Driehaus Small Cap Growth strategy and the Driehaus Small/Mid Cap Growth strategy. Mr. Buck received a B.A. in Economics and Cello Performance from Northwestern University in 2000.

 

11  

 

Granite Investment Partners, LLC (“Granite”), a registered investment adviser located at The Plaza at Continental Park, 2121 Rosecrans Ave, Suite 2360, El Segundo, California 90245, has served as Sub-Adviser to the Fund since its inception. Jeffrey J. Hoo, CFA is the portfolio manager primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the portion of the Fund sub-advised by Granite. Mr. Hoo joined Granite in 2011. Mr. Hoo is a Principal and Portfolio Manager and manages portfolios in the small cap, small/mid cap and micro-cap equity asset classes. Mr. Hoo has been the Lead Portfolio Manager of the Micro Cap Equity product since inception. He is also the lead portfolio manager for the firm’s small/mid cap portfolio and Small Core portfolio. Prior to joining Granite, Mr. Hoo was a Principal and Portfolio Manager at Transamerica Investment Management, LLC (TIM) where he managed mutual funds and institutional accounts. He joined TIM in 2005 when the firm acquired Westcap Investors, LLC where he was a Principal, Portfolio Manager and Equity Analyst specializing in Healthcare and Technology from 1997 through 2005. Prior to Westcap, Mr. Hoo worked at Sony Pictures Entertainment and KPMG. Mr. Hoo has 16 years of investment industry experience. Joshua D. Shaskan, CFA serves as a co-portfolio manager and joined Granite in 2011. Mr Shaskan is a Principal and Portfolio Manager. Mr. Shaskan manages portfolios in the small cap, small/mid cap and all cap equity asset classes. He is the lead portfolio manager for the firm’s Small Cap Growth portfolio. Prior to Granite, Mr. Shaskan was a Principal and Portfolio Manager for TIM. He joined TIM in 2005 when the firm acquired Westcap Investors LLC. Prior to Westcap, Mr. Shaskan served as an investment specialist for three years at Wells Fargo Securities and was also previously a financial advisor at Prudential Securities. Mr. Shaskan has 19 years of investment industry experience. Peter O. Lopez serves as a co-portfolio manager and joined Granite in 2011. Mr. Lopez is a Principal and Portfolio Manager. Mr. Lopez manages portfolios in the small cap and all cap equity asset classes. He is the lead portfolio manager for the firm’s All Cap portfolio. Prior to joining Granite, Mr. Lopez was CEO and Director of Research for TIM. Prior to joining TIM in 2003, Mr. Lopez was managing director at Centre Pacific, LLC. He previously served as senior fixed income analyst for Transamerica Investment Services, Inc. from 1997 to 2000. Mr. Lopez also served as an assistant vice president at Alliance Capital and an associate at TIAA-CREF. Mr. Lopez has 20 years of investment industry experience.

 

Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC (“Pacific Ridge”), a registered investment adviser located at 4900 Meadows Rd Suite 320, Lake Oswego, Oregon 97035, has served as a Sub-Adviser to the Fund since its inception. Mark D. Cooper, CFA and Dominic R. Marshall, CFA are the portfolio managers primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the portion of the Fund sub-advised by Pacific Ridge. Mr. Cooper has been with Pacific Ridge since 2010 and brings more than 24 years of investment industry experience to the presidency of Pacific Ridge. Previously, Mr. Cooper was a senior portfolio manager at Wells Capital Management from 2003 to 2010 and co-founder and president of Benson Associates from 1997 to 2003. Prior to that, he was employed by Qualivest Capital Management (a subsidiary of U.S. Bancorp) as a portfolio manager of the Qualivest Small Companies Value strategy from 1996 to 1997, where he co-managed all of the small cap portfolios. He also served as an associate at Bankers Trust Company in New York and Los Angeles. Mr. Cooper earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from the University of California at Los Angeles in 1990 and a master’s degree from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania in 1996. Mr. Marshall has been with Pacific Ridge since 2010 and brings 21 years of investment experience to Pacific Ridge. Prior to Pacific Ridge, Mr. Marshall was president and senior portfolio manager at Scott Creek Capital Management from 2006 to 2009. Prior to that, he served as a portfolio manager for the Benson Value Team at Wells Capital Management from 2003 to 2006 and a portfolio manager at Benson Associates from 1998 to 2003. He was also an equity analyst at The Red Chip Review and research associate at CTC Consulting. Mr. Marshall earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington in 1993 and a master’s degree in Finance from the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame in 1998.

 

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Pier Capital LLC (“Pier Capital”), a registered investment adviser located at 600 Summer Street, Suite 203, Stamford, Connecticut 06901, has served as a Sub-Adviser to the Fund since its inception. Alexander Yakirevich is the portfolio manager primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the portion of the Fund sub-advised by Pier Capital. Mr. Yakirevich has been the Portfolio Manager of the Small-Cap Growth Strategy at Pier Capital since 2008. He joined Pier Capital in 2004 as a Research Analyst. Mr. Yakirevich earned his Bachelors of Science degree in 1993 and his MBA in 2003 both from New York University. Prior to joining Pier Capital, Mr. Yakirevich was at Richmond Consulting & Research from 2002 to 2004, Individual Investors Group from 1997 to 2001, and Value Line from 1995 to 1997. Mr. Yakirevich has over 20 years of investment industry experience.

 

River Road Asset Management, LLC (“River Road”), a registered investment adviser located at 462 S 4th St #2000, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, has served as a Sub-Adviser to the Fund since its inception. James C. Shircliff, R. Andrew Beck, and J. Justin Akin are the portfolio managers responsible for the day-to-day management of the portion of the Fund sub-advised by River Road. Mr. Shircliff serves as Chief Investment Officer for River Road. Additionally, he is Portfolio Manager for River Road’s Small Cap Value and Small-Mid Cap Value Portfolios and Portfolio Manager for River Road’s Dividend All-Cap Value Portfolios. Prior to co-founding River Road in 2005, Mr. Shircliff served as EVP, Portfolio Manager and Director of Research for SMC Capital Inc. (Commonwealth SMC), a registered investment advisor and affiliate of Commonwealth Trust Co. Mr. Shircliff began his career in 1973 as Research Analyst for First Kentucky Trust, where he later served as Director of Research. In 1983, he joined Oppenheimer Management Co. as Special Situations Analyst and, later, Oppenheimer’s Target Fund as Portfolio Manager. In 1986, Mr. Shircliff joined Southeastern Asset Management (Longleaf Funds) as Partner, Portfolio Manager and Director of Research. In 1997, he joined SMC Capital Inc., where he launched River Road’s Small Cap Value and Dividend All-Cap Value Portfolios. Mr. Shircliff graduated from the University of Louisville with a B.S. in Finance. He earned the Chartered Financial Analyst ® designation in 1978 and is a member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society Louisville. Mr. Beck serves as President & Chief Executive Officer for River Road. Additionally, he is Portfolio Manager for River Road’s Small Cap Value and Small-Mid Cap Value Portfolios and Lead Portfolio Manager of the firm’s Focused Absolute Value ® Portfolio. Prior to co-founding River Road in 2005, Mr. Beck served as Senior Research Analyst and, later, Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager for SMC Capital Inc. (Commonwealth SMC). Mr. Beck earned a B.S. in Finance from the University of Louisville and an M.B.A. from the F.W. Olin School at Babson College. Mr. Akin serves as Portfolio Manager for River Road’s Small Cap Value and Small-Mid Cap Value Portfolios. He previously served as Senior Equity Analyst for the firm. Prior to joining River Road in 2005, Mr. Akin worked with the firm’s founders at Commonwealth SMC as Equity Research Analyst for the Small Cap Value and Dividend All-Cap Value Portfolios. Mr. Akin earned a B.S. in Economics from Centre College. Mr. Akin is a member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society Louisville.

 

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

 

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Fund’s investment advisory agreement with the Adviser and sub-advisory agreements with the Sub-Advisers is available in the Fund’s annual report to shareholders dated August 31, 2017.

 

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

 

Pricing of Fund Shares

 

The Shares are priced at their net asset value (“NAV”). The NAV per Share of the Fund is calculated as follows:

 

    Value of Assets Attributable to the Shares
NAV = - Value of Liabilities Attributable to the Shares
    Number of Outstanding Shares of the Shares

 

The Fund’s NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. The NYSE is generally open Monday through Friday, except national holidays. The NYSE also may be closed on national days of mourning or due to natural disaster or other extraordinary events or emergency. The Fund will effect purchases of Shares at the NAV next determined after receipt by the Transfer Agent of your purchase order in good order. The Fund will effect redemptions of Shares at the NAV next calculated after receipt by the Fund’s Transfer Agent of your redemption request in good order as described below.

 

The Fund’s equity securities listed on any national or foreign exchange market system will be valued at the last sale price, except for the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”). Equity securities listed on the NASDAQ will be valued at the official closing price. Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions on that day, equity securities will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market value at the close of the market. Foreign securities, currencies and other securities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of such currencies against the U.S. dollar provided by a pricing service. All assets denominated in foreign currencies will be converted into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the time of valuation. If the Fund holds foreign equity securities, the calculation of the Fund’s NAV will not occur at the same time as the determination of the value of the foreign equities securities in the Fund’s portfolio, since these securities are traded on foreign exchanges.

 

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Investments in other open-end investment companies are valued based on the NAV of those investment companies (which may use fair value pricing as discussed in their prospectuses). Investments in exchange-traded funds, REITs and closed-end funds will be valued at their market price.

 

If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable by the Fund’s administrator, in consultation with the Adviser and Sub-Advisers, securities will be valued by the Adviser and Sub-Advisers in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board and under the Board’s ultimate supervision. In addition, the prices of foreign securities may be affected by events that occur after the close of a foreign market but before the Fund prices its Shares. In such instances, a foreign security may be fair valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board. Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation involves the risk that the values used by the Fund to price its investments may be higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.

 

Market Timing

 

In accordance with the policy adopted by its Board, the Company discourages and does not accommodate market timing and other excessive trading practices. Purchases should be made with a view to longer-term investment only. Excessive short-term (market timing) trading practices may disrupt portfolio management strategies, increase brokerage and administrative costs, harm Fund performance and result in dilution in the value of Shares held by long-term shareholders. The Company and the Adviser reserve the right to (i) reject a purchase or exchange order, (ii) delay payment of immediate cash redemption proceeds for up to seven calendar days, (iii) revoke a shareholder’s privilege to purchase Shares (including exchanges), or (iv) limit the amount of any exchange involving the purchase of Shares. An investor may receive notice that their purchase order or exchange has been rejected after the day the order is placed or after acceptance by a financial intermediary. It is currently expected that a shareholder would receive notice that its purchase order or exchange has been rejected within 48 hours after such purchase order or exchange has been received by the Company in good order. The Company and the Adviser will not be liable for any loss resulting from rejected purchase orders. To minimize harm to the Company and its shareholders (or the Adviser), the Company (or the Adviser) will exercise its right if, in the Company’s (or the Adviser’s) judgment, an investor has a history of excessive trading or if an investor’s trading, in the judgment of the Company (or the Adviser), has been or may be disruptive to the Fund. No waivers of the provisions of the policy established to detect and deter market timing and other excessive trading activity are permitted that would harm the Fund and its shareholders or would subordinate the interests of the Fund and its shareholders to those of the Adviser or any affiliated person or associated person of the Adviser.

 

Pursuant to the policy adopted by the Board, the Adviser has developed criteria that it uses to identify trading activity that may be excessive. The Adviser reviews on a regular, periodic basis available information related to the trading activity in the Fund in order to assess the likelihood that the Fund may be the target of excessive trading. As part of its excessive trading surveillance process, the Adviser, on a periodic basis, examines transactions that exceed certain monetary thresholds or numerical limits within a period of time. If, in its judgment, the Adviser detects excessive, short-term trading, it may reject or restrict a purchase request and may further seek to close an investor’s account with the Fund. The Adviser may modify its surveillance procedures and criteria from time to time without prior notice regarding the detection of excessive trading or to address specific circumstances. The Adviser will apply the criteria in a manner that, in its judgment, will be uniform.

 

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If necessary, the Company may prohibit additional purchases of Shares by a financial intermediary or by certain customers of the financial intermediary. Financial intermediaries may also monitor their customers’ trading activities in the Fund. The criteria used by intermediaries to monitor for excessive trading may differ from the criteria used by the Company. If a financial intermediary fails to enforce the Company’s excessive trading policies, the Company may take certain actions, including terminating the relationship.

 

There is no assurance that the Fund will be able to identify market timers, particularly if they are investing through intermediaries.

 

Purchase of Fund Shares

 

Shares of the Fund are currently only available to new and existing clients of the Adviser and to other investors at the Fund’s discretion. Shares representing interests in the Fund are offered continuously for sale by Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”).

 

General. You may purchase Shares of the Fund at the NAV per Share next calculated after your order is received by the Transfer Agent in good order as described below. The Fund’s NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. After an initial purchase is made, the Transfer Agent will set up an account for you on the Company records. There is no minimum investment amount for initial or subsequent investments. You can only purchase Shares of the Fund on days the NYSE is open and through the means described below.

 

Purchases Through Intermediaries. Shares of the Fund may also be available through certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals (collectively, “Service Organizations”). Certain features of the Shares, such as the initial and subsequent investment minimums and certain trading restrictions, may be modified or waived by Service Organizations. Service Organizations may impose minimum investment requirements. Service Organizations may also impose transaction or administrative charges or other direct fees, which charges and fees would not be imposed if Shares are purchased directly from the Company. Therefore, you should contact the Service Organization acting on your behalf concerning the fees (if any) charged in connection with a purchase or redemption of Shares and should read this Prospectus in light of the terms governing your accounts with the Service Organization. Service Organizations will be responsible for promptly transmitting client or customer purchase and redemption orders to the Company in accordance with their agreements with the Company or its agent and with clients or customers. Service Organizations or, if applicable, their designees that have entered into agreements with the Company or its agent may enter confirmed purchase orders on behalf of clients and customers, with payment to follow no later than the Company’s pricing on the following business day. If payment is not received by such time, the Service Organization could be held liable for resulting fees or losses. The Company will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when a Service Organization, or, if applicable, its authorized designee, accepts a purchase or redemption order in good order if the order is actually received by the Company in good order not later than the next business morning. If a purchase order is not received by the Fund in good order, the Transfer Agent will contact the financial intermediary to determine the status of the purchase order. Orders received by the Company in good order will be priced at the Fund’s NAV next computed after such orders are deemed to have been received by the Service Organization or its authorized designee.

 

For administration, subaccounting, transfer agency and/or other services, the Fund or the Adviser may pay Service Organizations and certain recordkeeping organizations a fee (the “Service Fee”). The Service Fee payable to any one Service Organization is determined based upon a number of factors, including the nature and quality of services provided, the operations processing requirements of the relationship and the standardized fee schedule of the Service Organization or recordkeeper.

 

Initial Investment By Mail. An account may be opened by completing and signing an account application and mailing it to the Transfer Agent at the address noted below, together with a check payable to the Adara Smaller Companies Fund.

 

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Regular Mail:   Overnight Mail:  
Adara Smaller Companies Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701
  Adara Smaller Companies Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202-5207
 

 

The Fund does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, deposit in the mail or with such services, or receipt at U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC’s post office box, of purchase orders or redemption requests does not constitute receipt by the transfer agent of the Fund. Receipt of purchase orders or redemption requests is based on when the order is received at the Transfer Agent’s offices.

 

All checks must be in U.S. Dollars drawn on a domestic bank. The Fund will not accept payment in cash or money orders. The Fund does not accept post-dated checks or any conditional order or payment. To prevent check fraud, the Fund will not accept third party checks, Treasury checks, credit card checks, traveler’s checks or starter checks for the purchase of shares.

 

Shares will be purchased at the NAV next computed after the time the application and funds are received in proper order and accepted by the Fund. The Transfer Agent will charge a $25 fee against a shareholder’s account, in addition to any loss sustained by the Fund, for any payment that is returned. It is the policy of the Fund not to accept applications under certain circumstances or in amounts considered disadvantageous to shareholders. The Fund reserves the right to reject any application.

 

Initial Investment By Wire. If you are making your first investment in the Fund, before you wire funds, the Transfer Agent must have a completed account application. You may mail or overnight deliver your account application to the Transfer Agent. Upon receipt of your completed account application, the Transfer Agent will establish an account for you. The account number assigned will be required as part of the instruction that should be provided to your bank to send the wire. Your bank must include both the name of the Fund you are purchasing, the account number, and your name so that monies can be correctly applied. Your bank should transmit funds by wire to:

 

U.S. Bank, N.A.

777 East Wisconsin Avenue

Milwaukee, WI 53202

ABA #075000022

Credit:

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

Account #112-952-137

Further Credit:

Adara Smaller Companies Fund

(shareholder registration)

(shareholder account number)

 

Wired funds must be received prior to 4:00 p.m. Eastern time to be eligible for same day pricing. The Fund and U.S. Bank, N.A. are not responsible for the consequences of delays resulting from the banking or Federal Reserve wire system, or from incomplete wiring instructions.

 

Subsequent Investments By Wire. Before sending your wire, please contact the Transfer Agent to advise them of your intent to wire funds. This will ensure prompt and accurate credit upon receipt of your wire.

 

Additional Investments. Additional investments may be made at any time by purchasing Shares of the Fund at the NAV per Share of the Fund by mailing a check to the Transfer Agent at the address noted under “Initial Investment by Mail” (payable to Adara Smaller Companies Fund) or by wiring monies to U.S. Bank, N.A., as outlined under “Initial Investment by Wire.” Notification must be given to the Transfer Agent at 1-844-261-6482 prior to 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the wire date. Initial and additional purchases made by check or electronic funds transfer through the ACH network cannot be redeemed until payment of the purchase has been collected. This may take up to 15 calendar days from the purchase date.

 

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Automatic Investment Plan. Once your account has been opened with the initial minimum investment, you may make additional purchases at regular intervals through an automatic investment plan (the “Automatic Investment Plan”). The Automatic Investment Plan provides a convenient method to have monies deducted from your bank account, for investment into the Fund, on a monthly or quarterly basis. In order to participate in the Automatic Investment Plan, each purchase must be in the amount of $250 or more, and your financial institution must be a member of the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network. If your bank rejects your payment, the Fund’s transfer agent will charge a $25 fee to your account. To begin participating in the Automatic Investment Plan, please complete the Automatic Investment Plan section on the account application or call the Fund’s transfer agent at 1-844-261-6482 for instructions. Any request to change or terminate your Automatic Investment Plan should be submitted to the Transfer Agent five (5) days prior to effective date.

 

Retirement Plans/IRA Accounts. The Fund offers prototype documents for a variety of retirement accounts for individuals and small businesses. Please call 1-844-261-6482 for information on:

 

Individual Retirement Plan, including Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs
Small Business Retirement Plans, including Simple IRAs and SEP IRAs
Coverdell Education Savings Accounts

 

There may be special distribution requirements for a retirement account, such as required distributions or mandatory Federal income tax withholding. For more information, call the number listed above. You may be charged a $15 annual account maintenance fee for each retirement account up to a maximum of $30 annually and a $25 fee for transferring assets to another custodian or for closing a retirement account.

 

Purchases in Kind. In certain circumstances, Shares of the Fund may be purchased “in kind” (i.e. in exchange for securities, rather than cash). The securities rendered in connection with an in-kind purchase must be liquid securities that are not restricted as to transfer and have a value that is readily ascertainable in accordance with the Company’s valuation procedures. Securities accepted by the Fund will be valued, as set forth in this Prospectus, as of the time of the next determination of net asset value after such acceptance. The Shares of the Fund that are issued to the investor in exchange for the securities will be determined as of the same time. All dividend, subscription, or other rights that are reflected in the market price of accepted securities at the time of valuation become the property of the Fund and must be delivered to the Fund by the investor upon receipt from the issuer. The Fund will not accept securities in exchange for its Shares unless such securities are, at the time of the exchange, eligible to be held by the Fund and satisfy such other conditions as may be imposed by the Adviser or the Company. Purchases in-kind may result in the recognition of gain or loss for federal income tax purposes on the securities transferred to the Fund.

 

Other Purchase Information. The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to suspend the offering of Shares or to reject purchase orders when, in the judgment of management, such suspension or rejection is in the best interest of the Fund. The Adviser will monitor the Fund’s total assets and may, subject to Board approval, decide to close the Fund at any time to new investments or to new accounts due to concerns that a significant increase in the size of the Fund may adversely affect the implementation of the Fund’s strategy. The Adviser, subject to Board approval, may also choose to reopen the Fund to new investments at any time, and may subsequently close the Fund again should concerns regarding the Fund’s size recur. If the Fund closes to new investments, the Fund may be offered only to certain existing shareholders of the Fund and certain other persons who may be subject to cumulative, maximum purchase amounts, as follows:

 

a. Persons who already hold Shares of the closed Fund directly or through accounts maintained by brokers by arrangement with the Adviser;

 

b. Existing and future clients of financial advisers and planners whose clients already hold Shares of the closed Fund;

 

c. Employees of the Adviser and their spouses, parents and children; and

 

d. Directors of the Company.

 

Distributions to all shareholders of the closed Fund will continue to be reinvested unless a shareholder elects otherwise. The Adviser, subject to the Board’s discretion, reserves the right to implement other purchase limitations at the time of closing, including limitations on current shareholders.

 

Purchases of the Shares will be made in full and fractional Shares of the Fund calculated to three decimal places.

 

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Certificates for Shares will not be issued.

 

Good Order. A purchase request is considered to be in good order when the purchase request includes the name of the Fund, the dollar amount of shares to be purchased, your account application or investment stub, and a check payable to the Fund. Purchase requests not in good order may be rejected.

 

Customer Identification Program. Federal law requires the Company to obtain, verify and record identifying information, which may include the name, residential or business street address, date of birth (for an individual), social security or taxpayer identification number or other identifying information for each investor who opens or reopens an account with the Company. Applications without the required information, or without any indication that a social security or taxpayer identification number has been applied for, may not be accepted. After acceptance, to the extent permitted by applicable law or its customer identification program, the Company reserves the right (a) to place limits on transactions in any account until the identity of the investor is verified; or (b) to refuse an investment in a Company portfolio or to involuntarily redeem an investor’s Shares and close an account in the event that an investor’s identity is not verified. The Company and its agents will not be responsible for any loss in an investor’s account resulting from the investor’s delay in providing all required identifying information or from closing an account and redeeming an investor’s Shares when an investor’s identity cannot be verified.

 

Redemption of Fund Shares

 

You may redeem Shares at the next NAV calculated after a redemption request is received by the Transfer Agent in good order. The Fund’s NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. You can only redeem Shares of the Fund on days the NYSE is open and through the means described below. You may redeem Fund Shares by mail, or, if you are authorized, by telephone. The value of Shares redeemed may be more or less than the purchase price, depending on the market value of the investment securities held by the Fund.

 

Redemption By Mail. Your redemption request should be addressed to Adara Smaller Companies Fund, c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701, or for overnight delivery to Adara Smaller Companies Fund, c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

 

The Fund does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, deposit in the mail or with such services, or receipt at U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC’s post office box, of purchase orders or redemption requests does not constitute receipt by the Transfer Agent of the Fund. Receipt of purchase orders or redemption requests is based on when the order is received at the Transfer Agent’s offices.

 

Signature guarantees will generally be accepted from domestic banks, brokers, dealers, credit unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies and savings associations, as well as from participants in the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program and the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (“STAMP”). A notary public is not an acceptable signature guarantor.

 

A signature guarantee, from either a Medallion program member or a non-Medallion program member, is required in the following situations:

 

If ownership is being changed on your account;
When redemption proceeds are payable or sent to any person, address or bank account not on record; and
For all redemptions in excess of $50,000 from any shareholder account.

 

The Fund may waive any of the above requirements in certain instances. In addition to the situations described above, the Fund and/or the Transfer Agent reserve the right to require a signature guarantee in other instances based on the circumstances relative to the particular situation.

 

Nonfinancial transactions, including establishing or modifying certain services on an account, may require a signature guarantee, signature verification from a Signature Validation Program member, or other acceptable form of authentication from a financial institution source.

 

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Redemption By Telephone. In order to utilize the telephone redemption option, you must indicate that option on your Account Application. You may then initiate a redemption of Shares in the amount of up to $50,000 by calling the Transfer Agent at 1-844-261-6482.

 

Investors may have a check sent to the address of record, proceeds may be wired to a shareholder’s bank account of record, or funds may be sent via electronic funds transfer through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, also to the bank account of record. Wires are subject to a $15 fee paid by the investor, but the investor does not incur any charge when proceeds are sent via the ACH system.

 

Once a telephone transaction has been placed, it cannot be canceled or modified after the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern time).

 

Telephone trades must be received by or prior to market close. During periods of high market activity, shareholders may encounter higher than usual call waits. Please allow sufficient time to place your telephone transaction.

 

Before executing an instruction received by telephone, the Transfer Agent will use reasonable procedures to confirm that the telephone instructions are genuine. The telephone call may be recorded and the caller may be asked to verify certain personal identification information. If the Fund or its agents follow these procedures, they cannot be held liable for any loss, expense or cost arising out of any telephone redemption request that is reasonably believed to be genuine. This includes fraudulent or unauthorized requests. If an account has more than one owner or authorized person, the Fund will accept telephone instructions from any one owner or authorized person.

 

IRA and Other Retirement Plan Redemptions. If you have an IRA, you must indicate on your written redemption request whether or not to withhold federal income tax. Redemption requests failing to indicate an election to have tax withheld will be subject to 10% withholding.

 

Shares held in IRA accounts may be redeemed by telephone at 1-844-261-6484. Investors will be asked whether or not to withhold taxes from any distribution.

 

Involuntary Redemption. The Fund reserves the right to redeem a shareholder’s account in the Fund at any time the value of the account falls below $5,000 as the result of a redemption or an exchange request. Shareholders will be notified in writing that the value of their account in the Fund is less than $5,000 and will be allowed 30 days to make additional investments before the redemption is processed. The transaction fee applicable to the Fund will not be charged when Shares are involuntarily redeemed.

 

The Fund may assert the right to redeem your Shares at current NAV at any time and without prior notice if, and to the extent that, such redemption is necessary to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of your failure to make full payment for Shares of the Fund you previously purchased or subscribed for.

 

Other Redemption Information. Redemption proceeds for Shares of the Fund recently purchased by check or electronic funds transfer through the ACH network may not be distributed until payment for the purchase has been collected, which may take up to fifteen calendar days from the purchase date. Shareholders can avoid this delay by utilizing the wire purchase option.

 

Other than as described above, payment of the redemption proceeds will be made within seven days after receipt of an order for a redemption. The Company may suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date at times when the NYSE is closed or under any emergency circumstances as determined by the SEC. The Fund will typically expect to meet redemption requests by paying out proceeds from cash or cash equivalent portfolio holdings, or by selling portfolio securities. In stressed market conditions, redemption methods may include redeeming in kind.

 

If the Board determines that it would be detrimental to the best interests of the remaining shareholders of the Fund to make payment wholly or partly in cash, redemption proceeds may be paid in whole or in part by an in-kind distribution of readily marketable securities held by the Fund instead of cash in conformity with applicable rules of the SEC. If a shareholder receives redemption proceeds in-kind, the shareholder will bear the market risk of the securities received in the redemption until their disposition and should expect to incur transaction costs upon the disposition of the securities. The Company has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act, so that the Fund is obligated to redeem its Shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its NAV during any 90-day period for any one shareholder of the Fund.

 

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Good Order. A redemption request is considered to be in good order when the redemption request includes the name of the Fund, the number of shares or dollar amount to be redeemed, the account number, and signatures by all of the shareholders whose names appear on the account registration with a signature guarantee, if applicable. Redemption requests not in good order may be delayed.

 

Dividends and Distributions

 

The Fund will distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, to its shareholders. All distributions are reinvested in the form of additional full and fractional Shares of the Fund unless a shareholder elects otherwise.

 

The Fund will declare and pay dividends from net investment income annually. Net realized capital gains (including net short-term capital gains), if any, will be distributed by the Fund at least annually.

 

The Fund may pay additional distributions and dividends at other times if necessary for the Fund to avoid U.S. federal tax. The Fund’s distributions and dividends, whether received in cash or reinvested in additional Shares, are subject to U.S. federal income tax.

 

All distributions will be reinvested in Fund shares unless you elect to receive cash. If you elect to receive distributions and/or capital gains paid in cash, and the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver the check, or if a check remains outstanding for six months, the Fund reserves the right to reinvest the distribution check in your account, at the Fund’s current net asset value, and to reinvest all subsequent distributions. You may change the distribution option on your account at any time by telephone or in writing. You should notify the Transfer Agent in writing or by telephone at least five (5) days prior to the next distribution.

 

More Information About Taxes

 

The following is a summary of certain United States tax considerations relevant under current law, which may be subject to change in the future. Except where otherwise indicated, the discussion relates to investors who are individual United States citizens or residents. You should consult your tax adviser for further information regarding federal, state, local and/or foreign tax consequences relevant to your specific situation.

 

Distributions. The Fund contemplates distributing as dividends each year all or substantially all of its taxable income, including its net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss). Except as otherwise discussed below, you will be subject to federal income tax on Fund distributions regardless of whether they are paid in cash or reinvested in additional Shares. Fund distributions attributable to short-term capital gains and net investment income will generally be taxable to you as ordinary income, except as discussed below.

 

Distributions attributable to the net capital gain of the Fund will be taxable to you as long-term capital gain, no matter how long you have owned your Shares. The maximum long-term capital gain rate applicable to individuals, estates, and trusts is currently 23.8% (which includes a 3.8% Medicare tax). You will be notified annually of the tax status of distributions to you.

 

Distributions of “qualifying dividends” will also generally be taxable to you at long-term capital gain rates, as long as certain requirements are met. In general, if 95% or more of the gross income of the Fund (other than net capital gain) consists of dividends received from domestic corporations or ‘qualified” foreign corporations (“qualifying dividends”), then all distributions paid by the Fund to individual shareholders will be taxed at long-term capital gains rates. But if less than 95% of the gross income of the Fund (other than net capital gain) consists of qualifying dividends, then distributions paid by the Fund to individual shareholders will be qualifying dividends only to the extent they are derived from qualifying dividends earned by the Fund. For the lower rates to apply, you must have owned your Fund shares for at least 61 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date that is 60 days before the Fund’s ex-dividend date (and the Fund will need to have met a similar holding period requirement with respect to the shares of the corporation paying the qualifying dividend). The amount of the Fund’s distributions that qualify for this favorable treatment may be reduced as a result of the Fund’s securities lending activities (if any), a high portfolio turnover rate or investments in debt securities or non-qualified foreign corporations.

 

20  

 

Distributions from the Fund will generally be taxable to you in the taxable year in which they are paid, with one exception. Distributions declared by the Fund in October, November or December and paid in January of the following year are taxed as though they were paid on December 31.

 

A portion of distributions paid by the Fund to shareholders that are corporations may also qualify for the dividends-received deduction for corporations, subject to certain holding period requirements and debt financing limitations. The amount of the dividends qualifying for this deduction may, however, be reduced as a result of the Fund’s securities lending activities (if any), by a high portfolio turnover rate or by investments in debt securities or foreign corporations.

 

If you purchase Shares just before a distribution, the purchase price will reflect the amount of the upcoming distribution, but you will be taxed on the entire amount of the distribution received, even though, as an economic matter, the distribution simply constitutes a return of capital. This is known as “buying into a dividend.”

 

Sales of Shares. You will generally recognize taxable gain or loss for federal income tax purposes on a sale or redemption of your Shares based on the difference between your tax basis in the Shares and the amount you receive for them. Generally, you will recognize long-term capital gain or loss if you have held your Shares for over twelve months at the time you dispose of them.

 

Any loss realized on Shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends that were received on the Shares. Additionally, any loss realized on a disposition of Shares of the Fund may be disallowed under “wash sale” rules to the extent the Shares disposed of are replaced with other Shares of the Fund within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the Shares are disposed of, such as pursuant to a dividend reinvestment in Shares of the Fund. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in an upward adjustment to the basis of the Shares acquired.

 

The Fund (or relevant broker or financial adviser) is required to compute and report to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and furnish to Fund shareholders cost basis information when Shares are sold. The Fund has elected to use the average cost method, unless you instruct the Fund to use a different IRS-accepted cost basis method, or choose to specifically identify your Shares at the time of each sale. If your account is held by your broker or other financial adviser, they may select a different cost basis method. In these cases, please contact your broker or other financial adviser to obtain information with respect to the available methods and elections for your account. You should carefully review the cost basis information provided by the Fund and make any additional basis, holding period or other adjustments that are required when reporting these amounts on your federal and state income tax returns. Fund shareholders should consult with their tax advisers to determine the best IRS-accepted cost basis method for their tax situation and to obtain more information about how the cost basis reporting requirements apply to them.

 

IRAs and Other Tax-Qualified Plans. The one major exception to the preceding tax principles is that distributions on, and sales and redemptions of, Shares held in an IRA (or other tax-qualified plan) will not be currently taxable unless such Shares were acquired with borrowed funds.

 

Backup Withholding. The Fund may be required in certain cases to withhold and remit to the IRS a percentage of taxable dividends or gross proceeds realized upon sale payable to shareholders who have failed to provide a correct tax identification number in the manner required, or who are subject to withholding by the IRS for failure to properly include on their return payments of taxable interest or dividends, or who have failed to certify to the Fund that they are not subject to backup withholding when required to do so or that they are “exempt recipients.” The current backup withholding rate is currently 28%.

 

U.S. Tax Treatment of Foreign Shareholders. Generally, nonresident aliens, foreign corporations and other foreign investors are subject to a 30% withholding tax on dividends paid by a U.S. corporation, although the rate may be reduced for an investor that is a qualified resident of a foreign country with an applicable tax treaty with the United States. In the case of a regulated investment company such as the Fund, however, certain categories of dividends are exempt from the 30% withholding tax. These generally include dividends attributable to the Fund’s net capital gains (the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital loss) and dividends attributable to the Fund’s interest income from U.S. obligors and dividends attributable to net short-term capital gains of the Fund.

 

21  

 

Foreign shareholders will generally not be subject to U.S. tax on gains realized on the sale or redemption of shares in the Fund, except that a nonresident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in a calendar year will be taxable on such gains and on capital gain dividends from the Fund.

 

In contrast, if a foreign investor conducts a trade or business in the United States and the investment in the Fund is effectively connected with that trade or business, then the foreign investor’s income from the Fund will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax at graduated rates in a manner similar to the income of a U.S. citizen or resident.

 

The Fund will also generally be required to withhold 30% tax on certain payments to foreign entities that do not provide a Form W-8BEN-E that evidences their compliance with, or exemption from, specified information reporting requirements under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act.

 

All foreign investors should consult their own tax advisers regarding the tax consequences in their country of residence of an investment in the Fund.

 

Shares of the Fund have not been registered for sale outside of the United States and certain United States territories.

 

State and Local Taxes. You may also be subject to state and local taxes on income and gain from Fund shares. State income taxes may not apply, however, to the portions of the Fund’s distributions, if any, that are attributable to interest on U.S. government securities. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the tax status of distributions in your state and locality.

 

More information about taxes is contained in the SAI.

 

Additional Information

 

Lost Shareholders, Inactive Accounts and Unclaimed Property. It is important that the Fund maintains a correct address for each shareholder. An incorrect address may cause a shareholder’s account statements and other mailings to be returned to the Fund. Based upon statutory requirements for returned mail, the Fund will attempt to locate the shareholder or rightful owner of the account. If the Fund is unable to locate the shareholder, then it will determine whether the shareholder’s account can legally be considered abandoned. Your mutual fund account may be transferred to the state government of your state of residence if no activity occurs within your account during the “inactivity period” specified in your state’s abandoned property laws. The Fund is legally obligated to escheat (or transfer) abandoned property to the appropriate state’s unclaimed property administrator in accordance with statutory requirements. The shareholder’s last known address of record determines which state has jurisdiction. Please proactively contact the Transfer Agent at 1-844-261-6482 (toll free) at least annually to ensure your account remains in active status.

 

If you are a resident of the state of Texas, you may designate a representative to receive notifications that, due to inactivity, your mutual fund account assets may be delivered to the Texas Comptroller. Please contact the Transfer Agent if you wish to complete a Texas Designation of Representative form.

 

NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN THE FUND’S SAI INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR ITS DISTRIBUTOR. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING BY THE COMPANY OR BY THE DISTRIBUTOR IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.

 

22  

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

The table below sets forth certain financial information for the periods indicated, including per share information results for the Fund. The term “Total investment return” indicates how much your investment would have increased or decreased during this period of time and assumes that you have reinvested all dividends and distributions. This information has been derived from the Fund’s financial statements and has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm. This information should be read in conjunction with the Fund’s financial statements which, together with the report of the independent registered public accounting firm, are included in the Fund’s annual report, which is available upon request (see back cover for ordering instructions).

 

    For the Year Ended
August 31, 2017
    For the Year Ended
August 31, 2016
    For the Period Ended
October 21, 2014 (1) to
August 31, 2015
 
Per Share Operating Performance                  
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 11.20     $ 10.59     $ 10.00  
Net investment income/(loss) (2)     (0.02 )     (0.03 )     (0.04 )
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments     1.76       0.64       0.63  
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     1.74       0.61       0.59  
Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:                        
Net realized capital gains     —         —   (3)     —    
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders     —         —         —    
Net asset value, end of period   $ 12.94     $ 11.20     $ 10.59  
Total investment return (4)     15.54 %     5.76 %     5.90 % (5)
Ratios/Supplemental Data                        
Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)   $ 262,480     $ 225,101     $ 212,934  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets     0.92 %     1.15 %     1.15 % (6)
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets     (0.15 )%     (0.26 )%     (0.41 )% (6)
Portfolio turnover rate     88 %     101 %     95 % (5)

 

(1) Commencement of operations.

(2) Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

(3) Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.

(4) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(5) Not annualized.

(6) Annualized.

 

23  

 

APPENDIX A

 

Prior Performance of Similarly Advised Accounts

 

The Sub-Advisers have experience in managing other accounts with substantially similar investment objectives, policies and strategies as the portion of the Fund’s portfolio allocated to them by the Adviser. The tables below are provided to illustrate the past performance of each Sub-Adviser in managing all of its other similarly advised accounts and does not represent the performance of the Fund. Investors should not consider this performance information as a substitute for the performance of the Fund, nor should investors consider this information as an indication of the future performance of the Fund or of the Sub-Advisers. This performance history is net of all fees (including any applicable sales loads) charged to investors in the other accounts. The composite includes other accounts that pay lower expenses than those paid by shareholders of the Fund. Higher expenses reduce returns to investors. The use of the Fund’s expense structure would have lowered the performance results. The Fund’s results in the future also may be different because the other accounts are not subject to certain investment limitations, diversification requirements and other restrictions imposed on mutual funds under applicable U.S. securities and tax laws that, if applicable, could have adversely affected the performance of the other accounts. In addition, the securities held by the Fund will not be identical to the securities held by the other accounts.

 

The performance of the other accounts is also compared to the performance of an appropriate broad-based securities benchmark index. These indexes are unmanaged and are not subject to fees and expenses typically associated with managed funds, including the Fund. Investors cannot invest directly in any broad-based securities index.

 

SUMMARY STATISTICS (periods ended December 31, 2016)
RETURN

    1 Year     3 Year     5 Year     10 Year     Inception
(Jan
1996)
 
Driehaus     17.87 %     8.55 %     19.92 %     10.84 %     20.69 %
Russell Micro Cap Growth TR     6.86 %     2.33 %     13.53 %     5.31 %     n/a  
Russell 2000 TR     21.31 %     6.74 %     14.46 %     7.07 %     8.62 %

 

SUMMARY STATISTICS (periods ended December 31, 2016)
RETURN

    1 Year     3 Year     5 Year     10 Year     Inception
(Jan
2004)
 
Granite     10.45 %     -3.33 %     10.74 %     8.11 %     10.51 %
Russell Micro Cap TR     20.37 %     5.77 %     15.59 %     5.47 %     6.70 %
Russell 2000 TR     21.31 %     6.74 %     14.46 %     7.07 %     8.53 %

 

SUMMARY STATISTICS (periods ended December 31, 2016)
RETURN

    1 Year     3 Year     5 Year     10 Year     Inception
(Apr
2007)
 
Pacific Ridge     36.70 %     13.63 %     21.70 %     n/a       9.69 %
Russell Micro Cap Value TR     30.59 %     8.01 %     16.92 %     5.26 %     5.20 %
Russell 2000 TR     21.31 %     6.74 %     14.46 %     7.07 %     6.75 %

 

24  

 

SUMMARY STATISTICS (periods ended December 31, 2016)
RETURN

    1 Year     3 Year     5 Year     10 Year     Inception
(July
1987)
 
Pier Capital     6.27 %     2.57 %     12.34 %     8.50 %     10.75 %
Russell 2000 Growth TR     11.32 %     5.05 %     13.74 %     7.76 %     7.12 %
Russell 2000 TR     21.31 %     6.74 %     14.46 %     7.07 %     9.01 %

 

SUMMARY STATISTICS (periods ended December 31, 2016)
RETURN

    1 Year     3 Year     5 Year     10 Year     Inception
(Jan
1998)
 
River Road     27.45 %     8.23 %     13.64 %     6.02 %     10.68 %
Russell 2000 Value TR     31.74 %     8.31 %     15.07 %     6.26 %     8.66 %
Russell 2000 TR     21.31 %     6.74 %     14.46 %     7.07 %     7.55 %

 

25  

 

FACTS WHAT DOES THE ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?
Why? Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.
What?

The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include:

•     Social Security number

•     account balances

•      account transactions

•      transaction history

•     wire transfer instructions

•     checking account information

When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.

How? All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons the Adara Smaller Companies Fund chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

 

Reasons we can share your information Does the Adara Smaller Companies Fund share? Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purpose

such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal

investigations, or report to credit bureaus

Yes No

For our marketing purposes

to offer our products and services to you

Yes No
For joint marketing with other financial companies Yes No
For affiliates’ everyday business purposes — information about your transactions and experiences Yes No
For affiliates’ everyday business purposes — information about your creditworthiness No We don’t share
For our affiliates to market to you No We don’t share
For nonaffiliates to market to you No We don’t share
Questions? Call 1-844-261-6482

 

 

What we do
How does the Adara Smaller Companies Fund protect my personal information? To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.
How does the Adara Smaller Companies Fund collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

•     open an account

•     provide account information

•     give us your contact information

•     make a wire transfer

•     tell us where to send the money

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

•     sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes — information about your creditworthiness

•     affiliates from using your information to market to you

•     sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing.

Definitions
Affiliates

Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

•      Our affiliates include Altair Advisers, LLC, the investment adviser to the Adara Smaller Companies Fund.

Nonaffiliates

Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

•      Adara Smaller Companies Fund doesn’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

•      Adara Smaller Companies Fund may share your information with other financial institutions with whom they have joint marketing arrangements who may suggest additional fund services or other investments products which may be of interest to you. We do not currently have any joint marketing arrangements with other financial institutions.

 

 

Adara Smaller Companies Fund
of
The RBB Fund, Inc.
(1-844-261-6482)

 

For More Information

 

This Prospectus contains important information you should know before you invest. Read it carefully and keep it for future reference. More information about the Adara Smaller Companies Fund is available free of charge, upon request, including:

 

Annual/Semi-Annual Reports

 

These reports contain additional information about the Fund’s investments, describe the Fund’s performance, list portfolio holdings, and discuss recent market conditions and economic trends. The annual report includes fund strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during its last fiscal year.

 

The Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders may be obtained by calling 1-844-261-6482.

 

Statement of Additional Information

 

The Fund’s SAI (“SAI”), dated December 31, 2017, has been filed with the SEC. The SAI, which includes additional information about the Fund, may be obtained free of charge, along with the annual and semi-annual reports, by calling 1-844-261-6482. The SAI, as supplemented from time to time, is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus (and is legally part of this Prospectus). The SAI is not available on the Adviser’s website, but a copy may be obtained by calling 1-844-261-6482.

 

Shareholder Inquiries

 

Representatives are available to discuss account balance information, mutual fund prospectuses, literature, programs and services available. Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Eastern time) Monday-Friday. Call: 1-844-261-6482.

 

Purchases and Redemptions
Call 1-844-261-6482.

 

Written Correspondence
Street Address:

Adara Smaller Companies Fund ,
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202-5207

 

P.O. Box Address:

Adara Smaller Companies Fund ,
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701

 

Securities and Exchange Commission

 

You may view and copy information about the Company and the Fund, including the SAI, by visiting the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. or the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at www.sec.gov. You may also obtain copies of Fund documents by paying a duplicating fee and sending an electronic request to the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by sending your written request and a duplicating fee to the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520. You may obtain information on the operation of the public reference room by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090.

 

Investment Company Act File No.
811-05518
RBBALT

 

 

 

BOGLE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT

SMALL CAP GROWTH FUND

Ticker: BOGIX

 

A series of

THE RBB FUND, INC.

 

PROSPECTUS

December 31, 2017

 

The securities described in this prospectus have been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The SEC, however, has not judged these securities for their investment merit and has not determined the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Anyone who tells you otherwise is committing a criminal offense.

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

SUMMARY SECTION 1
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE 1
EXPENSES AND FEES 1
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES 2
PRINCIPAL RISKS 2
RISK/RETURN INFORMATION 3
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND 4
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES 4
TAX INFORMATION 5
PAYMENTS TO BROKER-DEALERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES 5
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE FUND’S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND PRINCIPAL STRATEGIES 6
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND 7
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS 8
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND 8
INVESTMENT ADVISER 8
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION 8
PRICING OF FUND SHARES 8
MARKET TIMING 9
PURCHASE OF FUND SHARES 10
REDEMPTION OF FUND SHARES 14
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS 16
TAXES 17
CONSIDERATIONS FOR TAXABLE INVESTORS 19
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 19
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 21
FOR MORE INFORMATION Back Cover

 

i  

 

SUMMARY SECTION

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

 

The investment objective of the Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”) is to provide long-term capital appreciation.

 

EXPENSES AND FEES

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

 

SHAREHOLDER FEES (fees paid directly from your investment)        
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)     None  
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)     None  
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends     None  
Redemption Fee (as a percentage of amount redeemed, if applicable)     None  
Exchange Fee     None  

 

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Management Fees     1.00%  
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees     None  
Other Expenses (1)     0.35%  
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses     1.35%  
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement (2)     -0.10%  
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement     1.25%  

 

(1) “Other Expenses” has been restated to reflect current expenses.
(2) Bogle Investment Management, L.P. (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive management fees and reimburse expenses to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed 1.25% for the Fund. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and certain of these expenses could cause net Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to exceed 1.25%: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2018 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. The Adviser may discontinue these arrangements any time after December 31, 2018.

 

1  

 

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 below shows what you would pay if you invested $10,000 in the Fund over the various time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same (taking into account the contractual expense limitation for the first year). Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
$127 $418 $730 $1,615

 

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 Fund’s performance. Portfolio turnover may vary from year to year, as well as within a year. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 366.41% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

 

The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing under normal circumstances at least 80% of the net assets of the portfolio (including borrowings for investment purposes) in the stocks of U.S. companies with market capitalizations, at the time of purchase, that are within the trailing twelve-month range of the market capitalizations of those companies that are included in the Russell 2000 ® Index (“Small Cap Stocks”). For purposes of this investment policy, stocks of U.S. companies are stocks that are listed on a securities exchange or market inside the United States. Because the Russell 2000 ® Index (“Index”) is modified (“reconstituted”) regularly (usually each year) to replace companies that no longer qualify for inclusion in the Index due to, among other reasons, having market capitalizations that have grown too large, the Adviser uses the trailing twelve-month range of market capitalizations to mitigate the need to trade stocks in the portfolio due to Index reconstitution. Further, the Adviser will not sell from the portfolio any holdings that the Adviser believes are likely to appreciate more than the Index solely because the market capitalizations of such holdings cause the portfolio to hold less than 80% of its net assets within this range. As such, the Fund may, from time to time, hold less than 80% of its net assets within this range. The Fund attempts to achieve its objective by taking long positions in Small Cap Stocks that the Adviser believes are undervalued given their future earnings growth prospects. As part of its investment strategy, the Adviser will continue to invest in Small Cap Stocks that the Adviser believes will appreciate more than the Index. Shareholders will be notified by the Fund sixty days in advance of any change in this 80% policy.

 

PRINCIPAL RISKS

 

• Common stocks may decline over short or even extended periods of time. Equity markets tend to be cyclical; there are times when stock prices generally increase, and other times when they generally decrease. Therefore, you could lose money by investing in the Fund.

 

• Small Cap Risk. The Fund will invest in Small Cap Stocks that may be more volatile than investments in issuers with larger market capitalizations. Issuers of Small Cap Stocks are not as diversified in their business activities as issuers with larger market capitalizations and are more susceptible to changes in the business cycle. Small companies may also have limited product lines, markets or financial resources and may be dependent on relatively small or inexperienced management groups. Additionally, the trading volume of small company securities may make them more difficult to sell than those of larger companies. Moreover, the lack of an efficient market for the securities may make them difficult to value.

 

2  

 

• Market Risk. The net asset value (“NAV”) of the Fund will fluctuate with changes in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio holdings.

 

• Value Stock Risk. Although the Fund will invest in stocks that the Adviser believes to be undervalued, there is no guarantee that the prices of these stocks will not move even lower. Because different types of stocks go out of favor with investors depending on market and economic conditions, the Fund may be adversely affected during a market turndown and when value stocks are out of favor.

 

• Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may frequently trade its portfolio holdings. High portfolio turnover will cause the Fund to incur higher brokerage commissions and other transaction costs, which could lower the Fund’s performance. In addition to lower performance, high portfolio turnover could result in higher taxable capital gains. A portfolio turnover rate of 100% is considered to be high.

 

RISK/RETURN INFORMATION

 

The chart below illustrates the long-term performance of the Fund. The information shows you how the Fund’s performance has varied year by year and provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by illustrating the variability of the Fund’s returns. The chart assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. As with all such investments, past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future results. Performance reflects fee waivers in effect. If fee waivers were not in place, the Fund’s performance would be reduced. Updated performance information may be obtained at www.boglefunds.com or by calling 1-877-264-5346.

 

TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE CALENDAR YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31

 

 

 

Best and Worst Quarterly Performance (for the periods reflected in the chart above):

Best Quarter: 33.34% (quarter ended June 30, 2009)

Worst Quarter: -28.64% (quarter ended December 31, 2008)

Year-to-date total return for the nine months ended September 30, 2017: 12.90%

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

 

The table below compares the Fund’s average annual total returns for the past calendar year, the past five calendar years and the past ten calendar years to the average annual total returns of a broad-based securities market index for the same periods. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indicator of how the Fund will perform in the future.

 

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AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016

  1 Year 5 Years 10 Years
Return Before Taxes 19.77% 15.97% 6.30%
Return After Taxes on Distributions (1) 19.77% 14.22% 5.29%
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares (1) 11.19% 12.53% 4.90%
Russell 2000 ® Index 21.31% 14.46% 7.07%

 

(1) 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 investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts (IRA).

 

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

 

Investment Adviser
Bogle Investment Management, L.P.

 

Portfolio Manager
John C. Bogle, Jr., President, since inception

 

PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES

 

Minimum Initial Investment  
$10,000 ($2,000 minimum for IRA accounts)  

 

You can only purchase and redeem shares of the Fund on days the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) is open. Shares of the Fund may be available through certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals (collectively, “Service Organizations”). Shares of the Fund may also be purchased and redeemed directly through The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) by the means described below.

 

Purchase and Redemption by Mail:

Regular Mail:
Bogle Investment Management

Small Cap Growth Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701

Overnight Delivery:
Bogle Investment Management

Small Cap Growth Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202-5207

 

Purchase by Wire:

Before sending any wire, call U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (the “Transfer Agent”) at 1-877-264-5346 to confirm the current wire instructions for the Fund.

 

Redemption by Telephone:

Call the Transfer Agent at 1-877-264-5346.

 

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TAX INFORMATION

 

The Fund intends to make distributions that generally may be taxed at ordinary income or capital gains rates.

 

PAYMENTS TO BROKER-DEALERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES

 

If you purchase 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 intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.

 

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE FUND’S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND PRINCIPAL STRATEGIES

 

The investment objective of the Fund is to provide long-term capital appreciation. In seeking this objective, the Fund attempts to achieve a total return greater than the total return of the Russell 2000 ® Index. The Russell 2000 ® Index is an unmanaged index that is comprised of the 2,000 smallest of the 3,000 largest U.S. domiciled corporations, ranked by market capitalizations.

 

The Fund attempts to achieve its objective by taking long positions in Small Cap Stocks that the Adviser believes are undervalued given their future earnings growth prospects. The Fund will primarily invest in securities principally traded in the U.S. markets. The Fund may also invest in futures contracts and options on futures contracts as an alternative to purchasing a specified type of security.

 

The Adviser will determine the size of each position by analyzing the tradeoff between the attractiveness of each position and its impact on the risk of the overall portfolio. The Board of Directors of the Company can change the investment objective of the Fund. However, shareholders will be given notice before any change is made.

 

The Fund’s long positions may include (without limit) equity securities of foreign issuers that are traded in the markets of the United States as sponsored American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”). ADRs are receipts issued by a U.S. bank or trust company evidencing ownership of the underlying foreign securities. Generally, ADRs, in registered form, are designed for use in U.S. securities markets. The ADRs may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the foreign securities underlying the ADRs. The Fund will not invest directly in equity securities that are principally traded outside of the United States.

 

In addition to investments expected to meet the preceding criteria, the Fund may also invest in certain instruments related to the Standard & Poor’s 500 ® Composite Stock Price Index (the “S&P 500 ® Index”) and the Russell 2000 ® Index (described above). The S&P 500 ® Index is an unmanaged index composed of 500 common stocks, most of which are listed on the NYSE. The S&P 500 ® Index assigns relative values to the stocks included in the index, weighted according to each stock’s total market value relative to the total market value of the other stocks included in such index. The Fund may invest in S&P 500 ® Index futures, options on S&P 500 ® Index futures, Russell 2000 ® Index futures and equity swap contracts.

 

The Fund may seek to increase its income by lending portfolio securities to institutions, such as certain broker- dealers. Portfolio securities loans are secured continuously by collateral maintained on a current basis at an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned. The value of the securities loaned by the Fund will not exceed 33 1/3 % of the value of the Fund’s total assets. The Fund may experience a loss or delay in the recovery of its securities if the borrowing institution breaches its agreement with the Fund. Lending the Fund’s portfolio securities involves a variety of risks, not limited to the risk of delay in receiving additional collateral if the value of the securities goes up while they are on loan. The Fund may lose money from securities lending if, for example, it is delayed in or prevented from selling the collateral after the loan is made or recovering the securities loaned or if it incurs losses on the reinvestment of cash collateral.

 

Sell decisions are generally triggered by an adverse change in either the fundamental outlook for a company or investors’ beliefs about future stock price performance. Fundamental signals that could signal a sale include a significant appreciation in price, a poor quarterly earnings announcement or an indication that management is aggressive with its financial accounting. Adverse changes in investors’ beliefs about future stock prices are related to investors’ behavioral biases. Given the diversified nature of the stock selection process, it is likely that more than one of these signals would have to be declining in order to trigger a sale.

 

The Fund may hold cash or cash equivalents pending investment or to meet redemption requests. In addition, for defensive purposes due to abnormal market or economic situations, as determined by the Adviser, the Fund may reduce its holdings in other securities and invest up to 100% of its assets in cash or certain short-term (less than twelve months to maturity) and medium-term (not greater than five years to maturity) interest-bearing instruments or deposits of U.S. and foreign issuers. Such investments may include, but are not limited to, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, variable or floating rate notes, bankers’ acceptances, time deposits, government securities and money-market deposit accounts. To the extent the Fund employs a temporary investment strategy, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

 

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

 

GENERAL

 

There can be no assurance that the investment methodology employed will satisfy the Fund’s objective of long-term capital appreciation. Additionally, an investment in the Fund will be subject to the risk of poor stock selection by the Adviser. In other words, the Adviser may not be successful in executing its strategy and may invest in stocks that underperform the market.

 

The value of fixed income securities held by the Fund, and thus the NAV of the shares of the Fund, generally will vary inversely in relation to changes in prevailing interest rates.

 

The value of Fund shares may increase or decrease depending on market, economic, political, regulatory and other conditions affecting the Fund’s portfolio. Investment in shares of the Fund is more volatile and risky than some other forms of investment.

 

SECURITIES OF SMALL COMPANIES

 

Investments in common stocks in general are subject to market, economic and business risks that will cause their price to fluctuate over time. While securities of small market value companies may offer greater opportunity for capital appreciation than the securities of larger companies, investment in smaller companies presents greater risks than investment in larger, more established companies. Historically, small market value stocks have been more volatile in price than larger market value stocks. Among the reasons for the greater price volatility of small market value stocks are the lower degree of liquidity in the markets for such stocks, and the potentially greater sensitivity of such small companies to changes in or failure of management and changes in competitive, business, industry and economic conditions. Besides exhibiting greater volatility, small company stocks may, to a degree, fluctuate independently of larger company stocks. Small company stocks may decline in price as large company stocks rise, or rise in price as large company stocks decline. You should therefore expect that the price of the Fund’s shares will be more volatile than the shares of a fund that invests in larger capitalization stocks. Additionally, such securities may trade less frequently and in smaller volume than more widely held securities. The values of these securities may fluctuate more sharply than those of other securities, and the Fund may experience some difficulty in establishing or closing out positions in these securities at prevailing market prices. There may be less publicly available information about the issuers of these securities or less market interest in such securities than in the case of larger companies, and it may take a longer period of time for the prices of such securities to reflect the full value of their issuers’ underlying earnings potential or assets. The Fund should not be considered suitable for you if you are unable or unwilling to assume the risks of loss associated with such an investment program, nor should investment in the Fund be considered a balanced or complete investment program.

 

DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS

 

The Fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers indirectly through depositary receipts. Depositary receipts may be available through “sponsored” or “unsponsored” facilities. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all of the costs of the unsponsored facility. The depository of an unsponsored facility is frequently under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through, to the holders of the receipts, voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. The depository of unsponsored depositary receipts may provide less information to receipt holders.

 

BROAD-BASED SECURITIES MARKET INDEX

 

The Russell 2000 ® Index is an unmanaged index that is comprised of the 2,000 smallest of the 3,000 largest U.S. domiciled corporations, ranked by market capitalizations. As of November 30, 2017, the minimum market capitalization of the Russell 2000 ® Index was $4 million and the largest stock was $8.5 billion. Please note that this information is as of a particular point in time and is subject to change.

 

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DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

A description of the Company’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio securities is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). The SAI is incorporated herein.

 

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

 

INVESTMENT ADVISER

 

The Adviser’s principal address is 2310 Washington Street, Suite 310, Newton Lower Falls, Massachusetts 02462. The Adviser manages the Fund’s investment activities, subject to the authority of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Adviser has provided investment management and investment advisory services to the Fund and other institutional accounts since 1999.

 

Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with the Company, the Adviser is entitled to an advisory fee computed daily and payable monthly at the annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive management fees and reimburse expenses to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed 1.25% for the Fund. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and certain of these expenses could cause net Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to exceed 1.25%: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. The Adviser may not recoup waived management fees or reimbursed expenses. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2018 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Company’s Board of Directors. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, after waivers, the Adviser received 0.90% of the Fund’s average net assets in investment advisory fees from the Fund. Had fee waivers not been in place, the Adviser would have received 1.00% of the Fund’s average net assets in investment advisory fees from the Fund.

 

A discussion regarding the basis for the Company’s Board of Directors approving the Fund’s investment advisory agreement with the Adviser is available in the Fund’s annual report to shareholders dated August 31, 2017.

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGER

 

John C. Bogle, Jr. serves as portfolio manager of the Fund. Mr. Bogle founded the Adviser in 1999 and currently serves as its President. From 1990 to 1999, Mr. Bogle was a Managing Director of Numeric Investors LLC ® (formerly Numeric Investors L.P.), a quantitative investment management firm.

 

The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio manager’s compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio manager and the portfolio manager’s ownership of shares in the Fund.

 

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

 

PRICING OF FUND SHARES

 

Shares of the Fund are priced at their NAV. The NAV of the Fund is calculated as follows:

 

NAV =  Value of Assets Attributable to the Fund  
- Value of Liabilities Attributable to the Fund  
 Number of Outstanding Shares of the Fund  

 

The Fund’s NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. The NYSE is generally open Monday through Friday, except national holidays. The NYSE also may be closed on national days of mourning or due to a natural disaster or other extraordinary events or emergency. The Fund will effect purchases and redemptions of Fund shares at the NAV next calculated after receipt by the Transfer Agent of your purchase order or redemption request in good order.

 

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The Fund’s equity securities listed on any national or foreign exchange market system will be valued at the last sale price, except for the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”). Equity securities listed on the NASDAQ will be valued at the official closing price. Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions on that day, equity securities will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Fixed income securities are valued using independent pricing services which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. If the Fund holds securities that are primarily listed on non-U.S. exchanges, the NAV of the Fund’s shares may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem the Fund’s shares.

 

Investments in other open-end investment companies are valued based on the NAV of those investment companies (which may use fair value pricing as discussed in their prospectuses). Investments in exchange-traded and closed-end funds will be valued at their market price.

 

If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable by the Fund’s administrator, in consultation with the Adviser, securities will be fair valued by the Adviser in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors and under the Board of Directors’ ultimate supervision. Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation involves the risk that the values used by the Fund to price its investments may be higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.

 

MARKET TIMING

 

In accordance with the policy adopted by its Board of Directors, the Company discourages and does not accommodate market timing and other excessive trading practices. Purchases should be made with a view to longer-term investment only. Excessive short-term (market timing) trading practices may disrupt portfolio management strategies, increase brokerage and administrative costs, harm Fund performance and result in dilution in the value of Fund shares held by long-term shareholders. The Company and the Adviser reserve the right to (i) reject a purchase or exchange order, (ii) delay payment of immediate cash redemption proceeds for up to seven calendar days, (iii) revoke a shareholder’s privilege to purchase Fund shares (including exchanges), or (iv) limit the amount of any exchange involving the purchase of Fund shares. An investor may receive notice that their purchase order or exchange has been rejected after the day the order is placed or after acceptance by a financial intermediary. It is currently expected that a shareholder would receive notice that its purchase order or exchange has been rejected within 48 hours after such purchase order or exchange has been received by the Company in good order. The Company and the Adviser will not be liable for any loss resulting from rejected purchase orders. To minimize harm to the Company and its shareholders (or the Adviser), the Company (or the Adviser) will exercise its right if, in the Company’s (or the Adviser’s) judgment, an investor has a history of excessive trading or if an investor’s trading, in the judgment of the Company (or the Adviser), has been or may be disruptive to the Fund. No waivers of the provisions of the policy established to detect and deter market timing and other excessive trading activity are permitted that would harm the Fund and its shareholders or would subordinate the interests of the Fund and its shareholders to those of the Adviser or any affiliated person or associated person of the Adviser.

 

Pursuant to the policy adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors, the Adviser has developed criteria that it uses to identify trading activity that may be excessive. If, in its judgment, the Adviser detects excessive, short-term trading, the Adviser may reject or restrict a purchase request and may further seek to close an investor’s account with the Fund.

 

There is no assurance that the Fund will be able to identify market timers, particularly if they are investing through intermediaries.

 

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If necessary, the Company may prohibit additional purchases of Fund shares by a financial intermediary or by certain customers of the financial intermediary. Financial intermediaries may also monitor their customers’ trading activities in the Fund. The criteria used by intermediaries to monitor for excessive trading may differ from the criteria used by the Company. If a financial intermediary fails to enforce the Company’s excessive trading policies, the Company may take certain actions, including terminating the relationship.

 

PURCHASE OF FUND SHARES

 

PURCHASE OF SHARES OF THE FUND THROUGH AN INSTITUTIONAL ORGANIZATION

 

Shares of the Fund may be sold to corporations or other institutions such as trusts, foundations or broker-dealers purchasing for the accounts of others (“Institutional Organizations”). If you purchase shares of the Fund through an Institutional Organization, you may be charged a transaction-based fee or other fee for the services of such organization. Each Institutional Organization is responsible for transmitting to its customers a schedule of any such fees and information regarding any additional or different conditions regarding purchases. Customers of Institutional Organizations should read this Prospectus in light of the terms governing accounts with their Institutional Organization. The Fund does not pay compensation to or receive compensation from Institutional Organizations for the sale of shares of the Fund.

 

Certain Institutional Organizations may have agreements with the Fund and may be responsible for promptly transmitting client or customer purchase and redemption orders to the Fund in accordance with such agreements. An Institutional Organization or, if applicable, its designee that has entered into such an agreement with the Fund or its agent may enter confirmed purchase orders on behalf of clients and customers, with payment to follow no later than the Fund’s pricing on the following business day. If payment is not received by such time, the Institutional Organization could be held liable for resulting fees or losses. The Fund will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when an Institutional Organization, or if applicable, its authorized designee, accepts a purchase or redemption order in good order. Orders received by the Fund in good order will be priced at the Fund’s NAV next computed after they are accepted by the Institutional Organization or its authorized designee. If a purchase order is not received by the Fund in good order, the Transfer Agent will contact the Institutional Organization to determine the status of the purchase order.

 

PURCHASE OF SHARES OF THE FUND THROUGH A SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGENT

 

Purchase orders for shares of the Fund may be placed through a financial intermediary (“Shareholder Servicing Agent”) and are subject to such investment minimums and other terms and conditions as may be imposed by Shareholder Servicing Agents from time to time. Shareholder Servicing Agents may offer additional services to their customers. For further information as to how to direct a Shareholder Servicing Agent to purchase shares of the Fund on your behalf, you should contact your Shareholder Servicing Agent or the Fund’s distributor.

 

Certain Shareholder Servicing Agents may have agreements with the Fund and may be responsible for promptly transmitting client or customer purchase and redemption orders to the Fund in accordance with such agreements. A Shareholder Servicing Agent or, if applicable, its designee that has entered into such an agreement with the Fund or its agent may enter confirmed purchase orders on behalf of clients and customers, with payment to follow no later than the Fund’s pricing on the following business day. If payment is not received by such time, the Shareholder Servicing Agent could be held liable for resulting fees or losses. The Fund will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when the Shareholder Servicing Agent, or if applicable, its authorized designee, accepts a purchase or redemption order in good order. Orders received by the Fund in good order will be priced at the Fund’s NAV next computed after they are accepted by the Shareholder Servicing Agent or its authorized designee. If a purchase order is not received by the Fund in good order, the Transfer Agent will contact the Shareholder Servicing Agent to determine the status of the purchase order.

 

PAYMENTS TO INSTITUTIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGENTS

 

Effective December 31, 2016, the Fund has certain arrangements in place to compensate Institutional Organizations and Shareholder Servicing Agents directly for services that they provide to beneficial shareholders (“Shareholder Services”). Shareholder Services may include sub-accounting, sub-transfer agency, participant recordkeeping, shareholder or participant reporting, shareholder or participant transaction processing, maintenance of shareholder records, preparation of account statements and provision of customer service. Payments for Shareholder Services vary by selling agent but generally are not expected, with certain limited exceptions, to exceed 0.10% of the average daily net asset value of the shares beneficially owned by the selling agent’s clients.

 

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PURCHASE OF SHARES OF THE FUND THROUGH THE FUND’S TRANSFER AGENT

 

You may also purchase shares of the Fund directly from the Fund at the NAV per share next calculated after your order is received by the Transfer Agent in good order. The Fund’s NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. After an initial purchase is made, the Transfer Agent will set up an account for you on the Fund’s records, which will show all of your transactions and the balance of the shares you own. You can only purchase shares of the Fund on days the NYSE is open and through the means described below. The Adviser is authorized to waive the minimum initial and subsequent investment requirements.

 

Initial Investment By Mail. Subject to acceptance by the Fund, an account may be opened by completing and signing an account application and mailing it to the Fund at the address noted below, together with a check ($10,000 minimum; $2,000 minimum for IRA accounts) payable to Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund. All checks must be in U.S. Dollars drawn on a domestic bank. The Fund will not accept payment in cash or money orders. The Fund does not accept post-dated checks or any conditional order or payment. To prevent check fraud, the Fund will not accept third party checks, Treasury checks, credit card checks, traveler’s checks or starter checks for the purchase of shares.

 

Regular Mail: Overnight Mail:
   
Bogle Investment Management Bogle Investment Management
Small Cap Growth Fund Small Cap Growth Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701 615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701 Milwaukee, WI 53202-5207

 

The Fund does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, deposit in the mail or with such services, or receipt at U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC’s post office box, of purchase orders or redemption requests does not constitute receipt by the Transfer Agent of the Fund. Receipt of purchase orders or redemption requests is based on when the order is received at the Transfer Agent’s offices.

 

Shares of the Fund will be purchased at the NAV next computed after the time the application and funds are received in proper order and accepted by the Fund. The Transfer Agent will charge a $25 fee against a shareholder’s account, in addition to any loss sustained by the Fund, for any payment that is returned. It is the policy of the Fund not to accept applications under certain circumstances or in amounts considered disadvantageous to shareholders. The Fund reserves the right to reject any application.

 

Initial Investment By Wire. If you are making your first investment in the Fund, before you wire funds, the Transfer Agent must have a completed account application. You may mail or overnight deliver your account application to the Transfer Agent. Upon receipt of your completed account application, the Transfer Agent will establish an account for you. The account number assigned will be required as part of the instruction that should be provided to your bank to send the wire. Your bank must include both the name of the Fund you are purchasing, the account number, and your name so that monies can be correctly applied. Your bank should transmit funds by wire to:

 

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Wire Instructions:

U.S. Bank National Association

777 East Wisconsin Ave

Milwaukee WI 53202

ABA 075000022

Credit:

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

Account #112-952-137

For Further Credit to:

Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund

(shareholder registration)

(shareholder account number)

 

Wired funds must be received prior to 4:00 p.m. Eastern time to be eligible for same day pricing. The Fund and U.S. Bank, N.A. are not responsible for the consequences of delays resulting from the banking or Federal Reserve wire system, or from incomplete wiring instructions.

 

Subsequent Investments By Wire

Before sending your wire, please contact the Transfer Agent to advise them of your intent to wire funds. This will ensure prompt and accurate credit upon receipt of your wire.

 

Additional Investments. Additional investments may be made at any time ($250 minimum; $100 minimum for IRA accounts) by purchasing shares at the NAV per share of the Fund by mailing a check to the Transfer Agent at the address noted under “Initial Investment By Mail” or by wiring monies as outlined above under “Initial Investment By Wire.” Initial and additional purchases made by check cannot be redeemed until payment of the purchase has been collected. This may take up to 15 calendar days from the purchase date.

 

Automatic Investment Plan. Once your account has been opened with the initial minimum investment you may make additional purchases at regular intervals through the automatic investment plan (the “Automatic Investment Plan”). The Automatic Investment Plan provides a convenient method to have monies deducted from your bank account, for investment into the Fund, on a monthly or quarterly basis. In order to participate in the Automatic Investment Plan, your financial institution must be a member of the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network. The minimum monthly payment for Fund shares is $100, and the minimum quarterly payment is $300. If your bank rejects your payment, the Fund’s transfer agent will charge a $25 fee to your account. To begin participating in the Automatic Investment Plan, please complete the Automatic Investment Plan section on the account application or call the Fund’s transfer agent at 1-877-264-5346. Any request to change or terminate your Automatic Investment Plan should be submitted to the Transfer Agent five (5) days prior to effective date.

 

Retirement Plans/IRA Accounts. The Fund offers prototype documents for a variety of retirement accounts for individuals and small businesses. Please call 1-877-264-5346 for information on:

 

Individual Retirement Plans, including Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs
Small Business Retirement Plans, including Simple IRAs and SEP IRAs
Coverdell Education Savings Accounts

 

There may be special distribution requirements for a retirement account, such as required distributions or mandatory Federal income tax withholding. For more information, call the number listed above. You will be charged up to a $15 annual account maintenance fee for each retirement account up to a maximum of $30 annually and a $25 fee for transferring assets to another custodian or for closing a retirement account.

 

Purchases in Kind. In certain circumstances, shares of the Fund may be purchased “in kind” (i.e. in exchange for securities, rather than cash). The securities rendered in connection with an in-kind purchase must be liquid securities that are not restricted as to transfer and have a value that is readily ascertainable in accordance with the Company’s valuation procedures. Securities accepted by the Fund will be valued, as set forth in this Prospectus, as of the time of the next determination of net asset value after such acceptance. The Shares of the Fund that are issued to the investor in exchange for the securities will be determined as of the same time. All dividend, subscription, or other rights that are reflected in the market price of accepted securities at the time of valuation become the property of the Fund and must be delivered to the Fund by the investor upon receipt from the issuer. The Fund will not accept securities in exchange for its shares unless such securities are, at the time of the exchange, eligible to be held by the Fund and satisfy such other conditions as may be imposed by the Adviser or the Company. Purchases in-kind may result in the recognition of gain or loss for federal income tax purposes on the securities transferred to the Fund.

 

12  

 

Purchases by Telephone . Investors may purchase additional shares of the Fund by calling 1-877-264-5346. If you elected this option on your account application, and your account has been open for at least 15 days, telephone orders will be accepted via electronic funds transfer from your bank account through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network. You must have banking information established on your account prior to making a purchase. If your order is received prior to 4 p.m. Eastern time, your shares will be purchased at the NAV calculated on the day your order is placed. Telephone trades must be received by or prior to market close. During periods of high market activity, shareholders may encounter higher than usual call waits. Please allow sufficient time to place your telephone transaction.

 

OTHER PURCHASE INFORMATION

 

The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to suspend the offering of shares of the Fund or to reject purchase orders when, in the judgment of management, such suspension or rejection is in the best interest of the Fund. The Adviser will monitor the Fund’s total assets and, subject to Board of Directors approval, may decide to close the Fund at any time to new investments or to new accounts due to concerns that a significant increase in the size of the Fund may adversely affect the implementation of the Fund’s strategy. The Adviser, subject to Board of Directors approval, may also choose to reopen the Fund to new investments at any time, and may subsequently close the Fund again should concerns regarding the Fund’s size recur. If the Fund closes to new investments, the Fund may be offered only to certain existing shareholders of the Fund and certain other persons, who may be subject to cumulative, maximum purchase amounts, as follows:

 

a. persons who already hold shares of the closed Fund directly or through accounts maintained by brokers by arrangement with the Adviser;

b. existing and future clients of the Adviser and of Financial Advisers and Planners whose clients already hold shares of the closed Fund;

c. employees of the Adviser and their families (including, among others, spouses, parents and children); and

d. Directors of the Company.

 

Distributions to all shareholders of the closed Fund will continue to be reinvested unless a shareholder elects otherwise. The Adviser, subject to the Board of Directors’ discretion, reserves the right to implement other purchase limitations at the time of closing, including limitations on current shareholders.

 

Purchases of the Fund’s shares will be made in full and fractional shares of the Fund calculated to three decimal places. Certificates for shares will not be issued.

 

Shares may be purchased and subsequent investments may be made by principals and employees of the Adviser, and by their family members, either directly or through their IRAs and by any pension and profit- sharing plan of the Adviser, without being subject to the minimum investment limitation. The Company’s officers are authorized to waive the minimum initial and subsequent investment requirements.

 

Good Order. A purchase request is considered to be in good order when the purchase request includes the name of the Fund, the dollar amount of shares to be purchased, your account application or investment stub, and a check payable to the Fund. Purchase requests not in good order may be rejected.

 

CUSTOMER IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM

 

Federal law requires the Company to obtain, verify and record identifying information, which may include the name, residential or business street address, date of birth (for an individual), social security or taxpayer identification number or other identifying information for each investor who opens or reopens an account with the Company. Applications without the required information, or without any indication that a social security or taxpayer identification number has been applied for, may not be accepted. After acceptance, to the extent permitted by applicable law or its customer identification program, the Company reserves the right (a) to place limits on transactions in any account until the identity of the investor is verified; or (b) to refuse an investment in a Company portfolio or to involuntarily redeem an investor’s shares and close an account in the event that an investor’s identity is not verified. The Company and its agents will not be responsible for any loss in an investor’s account resulting from the investor’s delay in providing all required identifying information or from closing an account and redeeming an investor’s shares when an investor’s identity cannot be verified.

 

13  

 

REDEMPTION OF FUND SHARES

 

You may redeem shares of the Fund at the next NAV calculated after a redemption request is received by the Transfer Agent in good order. The Fund’s NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. You can only redeem shares of the Fund on days the NYSE is open and through the means described below.

 

You may redeem shares of the Fund by mail, or, if you are authorized, by telephone. The value of shares redeemed may be more or less than the purchase price, depending on the market value of the portfolio holdings held by the Fund or other factors.

 

Redemption By Mail. Your redemption request should be sent to:

 

Bogle Investment Management

Small Cap Growth Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701

 

If sent by overnight mail to:

 

Bogle Investment Management

Small Cap Growth Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202-5207

 

The Fund does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, deposit in the mail or with such services, or receipt at U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC’s post office box, of purchase orders or redemption requests does not constitute receipt by the Transfer Agent of the Fund. Receipt of purchase orders or redemption requests is based on when the order is received at the Transfer Agent’s offices.

 

A signature guarantee, from either a Medallion program member or a non-Medallion program member, is required in the following situations:

 

If ownership is being changed on your account;
When redemption proceeds are payable or sent to any person, address or bank account not on record;
When a redemption is received by the Transfer Agent and the account address has changed within the last 15 calendar days;
For all redemptions in excess of $50,000 from any shareholder account.

 

14  

 

The Fund may waive any of the above requirements in certain instances. In addition to the situations described above, the Fund and /or the Transfer Agent reserve the right to require a signature guarantee in other instances based on the circumstances relative to the particular situation.

 

Non-financial transactions, including establishing or modifying certain services on an account, may require a signature guarantee, signature verification from a Signature Validation Program member, or other acceptable form of authentication from a financial institution source.

 

Signature guarantees will generally be accepted from domestic banks, brokers, dealers, credit unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies and savings associations, as well as from participants in the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program and the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (“STAMP”). A notary public is not an acceptable signature guarantor.

 

Redemption By Telephone. In order to utilize the telephone redemption option, you must indicate that option on your account application. You may then initiate a redemption of shares up to $50,000 by calling the Transfer Agent at 1-877-264-5346.

 

Investors may have a check sent to the address of record, proceeds may be wired to a shareholder’s bank account of record, or funds may be sent via electronic funds transfer through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, also to the bank account of record. Wires are subject to a $15 fee paid by the investor, but the investor does not incur any charge when proceeds are sent via the ACH system.

 

Once a telephone transaction has been placed, it cannot be canceled or modified after the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern time).

 

Telephone trades must be received by or prior to market close. During periods of high market activity, shareholders may encounter higher than usual call waits. Please allow sufficient time to place your telephone transaction.

 

Before executing an instruction received by telephone, the Transfer Agent will use reasonable procedures to confirm that the telephone instructions are genuine. The telephone call may be recorded and the caller may be asked to verify certain personal identification information. If the Fund or its agents follow these procedures, they cannot be held liable for any loss, expense or cost arising out of any telephone redemption request that is reasonably believed to be genuine. This includes fraudulent or unauthorized requests. If an account has more than one owner or authorized person, the Fund will accept telephone instructions from any one owner or authorized person.

 

IRA and other retirement plan redemptions

 

If you have an IRA, you must indicate on your written redemption request whether or not to withhold federal income tax. Redemption requests failing to indicate an election to have tax withheld will be subject to 10% withholding.

 

Shares held in IRA accounts may be redeemed by telephone at 1-877-264-5346. Investors will be asked whether or not to withhold taxes from any distribution.

 

Involuntary Redemption. The Fund reserves the right to redeem a shareholder’s account in the Fund (other than those in an IRA account) at any time the value of the account falls below $500. Shareholders will be notified in writing that the value of their account is below $500 and will be allowed 30 days to make additional investments before the involuntary redemption is processed.

 

The Fund may assert the right to redeem your shares at the current NAV at any time and without prior notice if, and to the extent that, such redemption is necessary to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of your failure to make full payment for shares of the Fund you previously purchased or for which you subscribed.

 

If you purchased Fund shares through a Shareholder Servicing Agent, you must place all redemption orders for Fund shares through that Shareholder Servicing Agent in accordance with instructions or limitations pertaining to your account with your Shareholder Servicing Agent. Redemption orders for Fund shares are effected at the NAV next determined after the order is received by the Transfer Agent. While no redemption fee is imposed by the Fund, Shareholder Servicing Agents may charge your account for redemption services. You should contact your Shareholder Servicing Agent or the Transfer Agent for further information regarding redemption of Fund shares, including the availability of wire or telephone redemption privileges, or whether you may elect to participate in a systematic withdrawal plan.

 

15  

 

Systematic Withdrawal Plan . As another convenience, you may redeem your Fund shares through the Systematic Withdrawal Plan (the “Plan”). Under the Plan, you may choose to receive a specified dollar amount, generated from the redemption of shares in your account, on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis. In order to participate in the Plan, your account balance must be at least $10,000 and each payment should be a minimum of $100. If you elect this method of redemption, the Fund will send a check to your address of record or will send the payment via electronic funds transfer through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network directly to your bank account. For payment through the ACH network, your bank must be an ACH member and your bank account information must be maintained on your Fund account. This Plan may be terminated at any time by the Fund. You may also elect to terminate your participation in this Plan at any time by contacting the Transfer Agent at least five days prior to the next scheduled withdrawal.

 

A withdrawal under the Plan involves a redemption of shares and may result in a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes. In addition, if the amount requested to be withdrawn exceeds the amount available in your account, which includes any dividends credited to your account, the account will ultimately be depleted.

 

OTHER REDEMPTION INFORMATION

 

Redemption proceeds for shares of the Fund recently purchased by check or electronic funds transfer through the ACH network may not be distributed until payment for the purchase has been collected, which may take up to fifteen calendar days from the purchase date. Shareholders can avoid this delay by utilizing the wire purchase option. Redemption proceeds will ordinarily be paid within seven business days after a redemption request is received by the Transfer Agent in good order. The Company may suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date at times when the NYSE or the bond market is closed or under any emergency circumstances as determined by the SEC. The Fund typically expects to meet redemption requests by paying out proceeds from cash or cash equivalent portfolio holdings, or by selling portfolio securities. In stressed market conditions, redemption methods may include redeeming in kind.

 

If the Board of Directors determines that it would be detrimental to the best interests of the remaining shareholders of the Fund to make payment wholly or partly in cash, the Fund may pay the redemption proceeds in whole or in part by a distribution in-kind of readily marketable securities held by the Fund in lieu of cash in conformity with applicable rules of the SEC. Investors generally will incur brokerage charges on the sale of portfolio securities so received in the payment of redemptions. If a shareholder receives redemption proceeds in-kind, the shareholder will bear the market risk of the securities received in the redemption until their disposition and should expect to incur transaction costs upon the disposition of the securities. The Company has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, so that the Fund is obligated to redeem its shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its NAV during any 90-day period for any one shareholder of the Fund.

 

Good Order. A redemption request is considered to be in good order when the redemption request includes the name of the Fund, the number of shares or dollar amount to be redeemed, the account number, and signatures by all of the shareholders whose names appear on the account registration with a signature guarantee, if applicable.

 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

 

The Fund declares and pays dividends of substantially all of its net investment income annually. The Fund distributes, at least annually, substantially all net realized capital gains, if any, earned. The Fund will inform shareholders of the amount and nature of all such income or gains.

 

16  

 

Dividends are paid in the form of additional shares of the Fund, unless you have elected prior to the date of distribution to receive payment in cash. Dividends that are otherwise taxable are taxable to you whether received in cash or in additional shares of the Fund.

 

All distributions will be reinvested in Fund shares unless you elect to receive cash. If you elect to receive distributions and/or capital gains paid in cash, and the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver the check, or if a check remains outstanding for six months, the Fund reserves the right to reinvest the distribution check in your account, at the Fund’s current net asset value, and to reinvest all subsequent distributions. You may change the distribution option on your account at any time. You should notify the Transfer Agent in writing or by telephone at least five (5) days prior to the next distribution.

 

TAXES

 

The following is a summary of certain U.S. tax considerations relevant under current law, which may be subject to change in the future. Except where otherwise indicated, the discussion relates to investors who are individual U.S. citizens or residents. You should consult your tax adviser for further information regarding federal, state, local and/or foreign tax consequences relevant to your specific situation.

 

Federal Taxes of Distributions. The Fund contemplates distributing as dividends each year all or substantially all of its taxable income, including its net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss). Except as otherwise discussed below, you will be subject to federal income tax on Fund distributions regardless of whether they are paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares. Fund distributions attributable to short-term capital gains and net investment income will generally be taxable to you as ordinary income, except as discussed below.

 

Distributions attributable to the net capital gain of the Fund will be taxable to you as long-term capital gain, no matter how long you have owned your Fund shares. The maximum long-term capital gain rate applicable to individuals, estates, and trusts is currently 23.8% (which includes a 3.8% Medicare tax). You will be notified annually of the tax status of distributions to you.

 

Distributions of “qualifying dividends” will also generally be taxable to you at long-term capital gain rates, as long as certain requirements are met. In general, if 95% or more of the gross income of the Fund (other than net capital gain) consists of dividends received from domestic corporations or “qualified” foreign corporations (“qualifying dividends”), then all distributions paid by the Fund to individual shareholders will be taxed at long-term capital gains rates. But if less than 95% of the gross income of the Fund (other than net capital gain) consists of qualifying dividends, then distributions paid by the Fund to individual shareholders will be qualifying dividends only to the extent they are derived from qualifying dividends earned by the Fund. For the lower rates to apply, you must have owned your Fund shares for at least 61 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date that is 60 days before the Fund’s ex-dividend date (and the Fund will need to have met a similar holding period requirement with respect to the shares of the corporation paying the qualifying dividend). The amount of the Fund’s distributions that qualify for this favorable treatment may be reduced as a result of the Fund’s securities lending activities (if any), a high portfolio turnover rate or investments in debt securities or non-qualified foreign corporations.

 

Distributions from the Fund will generally be taxable to you in the taxable year in which they are paid, with one exception. Distributions declared by the Fund in October, November or December and paid in January of the following year are taxed as though they were paid on December 31.

 

A portion of distributions paid by the Fund to shareholders that are corporations may also qualify for the dividends-received deduction for corporations, subject to certain holding period requirements and debt financing limitations. The amount of dividends qualifying for this deduction may, however, be reduced as a result of the Fund’s securities lending activities (if any), by a high portfolio turnover rate or by investments in debt securities or foreign corporations.

 

17  

 

If you purchase shares just before a distribution, the purchase price will reflect the amount of the upcoming distribution, but you will be taxed on the entire amount of the distribution received, even though, as an economic matter, the distribution simply constitutes a return of capital. This is known as “buying into a dividend.”

 

Sales of Shares. You will generally recognize taxable gain or loss for federal income tax purposes on a sale or redemption of your shares based on the difference between your tax basis in the shares and the amount you receive for them. Generally, you will recognize long-term capital gain or loss if you have held your Fund shares for over twelve months at the time you dispose of them.

 

Any loss realized on shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends that were received on the shares. Additionally, any loss realized on a disposition of shares of the Fund may be disallowed under “wash sale” rules to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced with other shares of the Fund within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the shares are disposed of, such as pursuant to a dividend reinvestment in shares of the Fund. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in an upward adjustment to the basis of the shares acquired.

 

For shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012, the Fund (or relevant broker or financial adviser) is required to compute and report to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and furnish to Fund shareholders cost basis information when such shares are sold. The Fund has elected to use the average cost method, unless you instruct the Fund to use a different IRS-accepted cost basis method, or choose to specifically identify your shares at the time of each sale. If your account is held by your broker or other financial adviser, they may select a different cost basis method. In these cases, please contact your broker or other financial adviser to obtain information with respect to the available methods and elections for your account. You should carefully review the cost basis information provided by the Fund and make any additional basis, holding period or other adjustments that are required when reporting these amounts on your federal and state income tax returns. Fund shareholders should consult with their tax advisers to determine the best IRS-accepted cost basis method for their tax situation and to obtain more information about how the cost basis reporting requirements apply to them.

 

IRAs and Other Tax-Qualified Plans. The one major exception to the preceding tax principles is that distributions on, and sales and redemptions of, shares held in an IRA (or other tax-qualified plan) will not be currently taxable unless such shares were acquired with borrowed funds.

 

Backup Withholding. The Fund may be required in certain cases to withhold and remit to the IRS a percentage of taxable dividends or gross proceeds realized upon sale payable to shareholders who have failed to provide a correct tax identification number in the manner required, or who are subject to withholding by the IRS for failure to properly include on their return payments of taxable interest or dividends, or who have failed to certify to the Fund that they are not subject to backup withholding when required to do so or that they are “exempt recipients.” The current backup withholding rate is 28%.

 

U.S. Tax Treatment of Foreign Shareholders. Generally, nonresident aliens, foreign corporations and other foreign investors are subject to a 30% withholding tax on dividends paid by a United States corporation, although the rate may be reduced for an investor that is a qualified resident of a foreign country with an applicable tax treaty with the U.S. In the case of a regulated investment company such as the Fund, however, certain categories of dividends are exempt from the 30% withholding tax. These generally include dividends attributable to the Fund’s net capital gains (the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital loss) and dividends attributable to the Fund’s interest income from U.S. obligors and dividends attributable to net short-term capital gains of the Fund.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally not be subject to U.S. tax on gains realized on the sale or redemption of shares of the Fund, except that a nonresident alien individual who is present in the U.S. for 183 days or more in a calendar year will be taxable on such gains and on capital gain dividends from the Fund.

 

In contrast, if a foreign investor conducts a trade or business in the United States and the investment in the Fund is effectively connected with that trade or business, then the foreign investor’s income from the Fund will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax at graduated rates in a manner similar to the income of a U.S. citizen or resident.

 

18  

 

The Fund will also generally be required to withhold 30% tax on certain payments to foreign entities that do not provide a Form W-8BEN-E that evidences their compliance with, or exemption from, specified information reporting requirements under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act.

 

All foreign investors should consult their own tax advisers regarding the tax consequences in their country of residence of an investment in the Fund.

 

Shares of the Fund have not been registered for sale outside of the United States or certain United States territories.

 

State and Local Taxes. You may also be subject to state and local taxes on income and gain from Fund shares. State income taxes may not apply, however, to the portions of the Fund’s distributions, if any, that are attributable to interest on U.S. government securities. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the tax status of distributions in your state and locality.

 

More information about taxes is contained in the Fund’s SAI.

 

CONSIDERATIONS FOR TAXABLE INVESTORS

 

Those investment strategies that require periodic changes to portfolio holdings with the expectation of outperforming equity indices are typically referred to as “active” strategies. These strategies contrast with “passive” (“index”) strategies that buy and hold only the stocks in the equity indices. Passive strategies tend to trade infrequently — only as the stocks in the indices change (largely due to changes in the sizes of the companies in the indices, takeovers or bankruptcies). Most equity mutual funds pursue active strategies, which have higher portfolio turnover than passive strategies.

 

The generally higher portfolio turnover of active investment strategies can adversely affect taxable investors, especially those in higher marginal tax brackets, in two ways. First, fund short-term capital gains, which often accompany higher turnover investment strategies, are currently taxed to shareholders as ordinary income. Ordinary income tax rates are higher than long-term capital gain tax rates for middle and upper income taxpayers. Thus, the tax liability is often higher for investors in active strategies. Second, the more frequent realization of gains caused by higher turnover investment strategies means that taxes will be paid sooner. Such acceleration of the tax liability is financially more costly to investors. Less frequent realization of capital gains allows the payment of taxes to be deferred until later years, allowing more of the gains to compound before taxes are paid. Consequently, after-tax compound rates of return will generally be higher for taxable investors using investment strategies with very low turnover, compared with high turnover strategies. The difference is particularly large when the general market rates of return are higher than average.

 

Although tax considerations should not typically drive investment decisions, the Adviser recommends that all of its investors consider their ability to allocate tax-deferred or non-taxable assets (such as IRAs and other retirement plans) to active strategies, and taxable assets to lower turnover passive strategies, when considering their investment options.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

Householding. In an effort to decrease costs, the Fund intends to reduce the number of duplicate prospectuses and annual and semi-annual reports you receive by sending only one copy of each to those addresses shared by two or more accounts and to shareholders we reasonably believe are from the same family or household. Once implemented, if you would like to discontinue householding for your accounts, please call toll-free at 1-877-264-5346 to request individual copies of these documents. Once the Fund receives notice to stop householding, we will begin sending individual copies thirty days after receiving your request. This policy does not apply to account statements.

 

Lost Shareholders, Inactive Accounts and Unclaimed Property . It is important that the Fund maintains a correct address for each shareholder. An incorrect address may cause a shareholder’s account statements and other mailings to be returned to the Fund. Based upon statutory requirements for returned mail, the Fund will attempt to locate the shareholder or rightful owner of the account. If the Fund is unable to locate the shareholder, then it will determine whether the shareholder’s account can legally be considered abandoned. Your mutual fund account may be transferred to the state government of your state of residence if no activity occurs within your account during the “inactivity period” specified in your state’s abandoned property laws. The Fund is legally obligated to escheat (or transfer) abandoned property to the appropriate state’s unclaimed property administrator in accordance with statutory requirements. The shareholder’s last known address of record determines which state has jurisdiction. Please proactively contact the Transfer Agent at 1-877-264-5346 (toll free) at least annually to ensure your account remains in active status.

 

19  

 

If you are a resident of the state of Texas, you may designate a representative to receive notifications that, due to inactivity, your mutual fund account assets may be delivered to the Texas Comptroller. Please contact the Transfer Agent if you wish to complete a Texas Designation of Representative form.

 

NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN THE FUND’S SAI INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR ITS DISTRIBUTOR. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING BY THE COMPANY OR BY THE DISTRIBUTOR IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.

 

20  

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

The table below sets forth certain financial information for the periods indicated, including per share information results for a single Fund share. The term “Total investment return” indicates how much your investment would have increased or decreased during this period of time and assumes that you have reinvested all dividends and distributions. This information has been derived from the Fund’s financial statements audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm. This information should be read in conjunction with the Fund’s financial statements which, together with the report of the independent registered public accounting firm, are included in the Fund’s annual report, which is available upon request (see back cover for ordering instructions).

 

    Year Ended August 31, 2017     Year Ended August 31, 2016     Year Ended August 31, 2015     Year Ended August 31, 2014     Year Ended August 31, 2013  
Per Share Operating Performance                              
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 27.00     $ 30.00     $ 38.07     $ 29.49     $ 21.76  
Net investment income/(loss) (1)     (0.18 )     (0.13 )     (0.18 )     (0.23 )     0.10  
Net realized and unrealized gain/ (loss) from investments     5.22       1.21       (3.09 )     8.87       7.63  
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     5.04       1.08       (3.27 )     8.64       7.73  
Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:                                        
Net investment income                       (0.06 )      
Net realized capital gain           (4.08 )     (4.80 )            
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders           (4.08 )     (4.80 )     (0.06 )      
Net asset value, end of period   $ 32.04     $ 27.00     $ 30.00     $ 38.07     $ 29.49  
Total investment return (2)     18.69 %     4.37 %     (8.99 )%     29.34 %     35.52 %
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                        
Net assets, end of period(000’s omitted)   $ 106,278     $ 57,180     $ 88,086     $ 117,923     $ 98,898  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements     1.27 %     1.25 %     1.25 %     1.25 %     1.25 %
Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements (3)     1.37 %     1.42 %     1.35 %     1.32 %     1.39 %
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets     (0.61 )%     (0.50 )%     (0.53 )%     (0.66 )%     0.37 %
Portfolio turnover rate     366.41 %     380.45 %     196.15 %     175.06 %     237.59 %

 

(1) Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.
(2) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.
(3) During the current fiscal period, certain fees were waived and/or reimbursed. If such fee waivers and/or reimbursements had not occurred, the ratios would have been as indicated.

 

21  

 

PRIVACY NOTICE

FACTS

WHAT DOES THE BOGLE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SMALL CAP GROWTH

FUND DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Why? Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.
What?

The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include:

Social Security number

account balances

account transactions

transaction history

wire transfer instructions

checking account information

When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.

How? All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons the Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.
 
Reasons we can share your personal information Does the Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund share? Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purposes —

such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus

Yes No

For our marketing purposes —

to offer our products and services to you

Yes No
For joint marketing with other financial companies No We don’t share.

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes —

information about your transactions and experiences

Yes No

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes —

information about your creditworthiness

No We don’t share.
For our affiliates to market to you No We don’t share.
For nonaffiliates to market to you No We don’t share.
       

 

22  

 

Questions? Call (877) 264-5346 or go to www.boglefunds.com
What we do
How does the Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund protect my personal information? To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.
How does the Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

• open an account

• provide account information

• give us your contact information

• make a wire transfer

• tell us where to send the money

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

• sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness

• affiliates from using your information to market to you

• sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing.

  Definitions
Affiliates

Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

Our affiliates include Bogle Investment Management, L.P.

Nonaffiliates

Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

The Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund doesn’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you. The Fund may share

information with nonaffiliates that perform marketing services on our behalf.

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

The Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund does not jointly

market.

     

 

 

BOGLE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT

SMALL CAP GROWTH FUND

P.O. BOX 701
MILWAUKEE, WI 53201
1-877-264-5346

FOR MORE INFORMATION

This Prospectus contains important information you should know before you invest. Read it carefully and keep it for future reference. More information about the Fund is available free of charge, upon request, including:

 

ANNUAL/SEMI-ANNUAL REPORTS

These reports contain additional information about the Fund’s investments, describe the Fund’s performance, list portfolio holdings and discuss recent market conditions and economic trends. The annual report includes Fund strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during its last fiscal year. The Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders may be obtained free of charge by calling 1-877-264-5346 and are available on the Adviser’s website at www.boglefunds.com.

 

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

An SAI, dated December 31, 2017, has been filed with the SEC. The SAI, which includes additional information about the Fund, and the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports, may be obtained free of charge by calling 1-877-264-5346. The SAI, as supplemented from time to time, is incorporated by reference into this prospectus and is legally considered a part of this Prospectus. The SAI is available on the Adviser’s website at www.boglefunds.com.

 

SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES

Representatives are available to discuss account balance information, mutual fund prospectuses, literature, programs and services available. Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Eastern time) Monday-Friday. Call: 1-877-264-5346.

 

PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS

Call your registered representative or 1-877-264-5346.

 

WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE

Post Office Address:
 

Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

P.O. Box 701

Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701

Street Address:
 
 

Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202-5207

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

You may view and copy information about the Company and the Fund, including the SAI, by visiting the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. or the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at www.sec.gov. You may also obtain copies of Fund documents by paying a duplicating fee and sending an electronic request to the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov , or by sending your request and a duplicating fee to the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090.

 

INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT FILE NO. 811-05518

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Institutional Class
Boston Partners Investment Funds

of The RBB Fund, Inc.

Prospectus December 31, 2017

 

Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II – BPSIX

Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund – BPAIX

Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund – BPLSX

Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund – BPIRX

WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund – WPGTX

Boston Partners Global Equity Fund – BPGIX

Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund – BGLSX

Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund – BELSX

Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund – BPEMX

 

The securities described in this prospectus have been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The SEC, however, has not judged these securities for their investment merit and has not determined the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Anyone who tells you otherwise is committing a criminal offense.

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

 

SUMMARY SECTION — BOSTON PARTNERS SMALL CAP VALUE FUND II 2
SUMMARY SECTION — BOSTON PARTNERS ALL-CAP VALUE FUND 7
SUMMARY SECTION — BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT EQUITY FUND 12
SUMMARY SECTION — BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND 18
SUMMARY SECTION — WPG PARTNERS SMALL/MICRO CAP VALUE FUND 25
SUMMARY SECTION — BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL EQUITY FUND 30
SUMMARY SECTION — BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND 3 6
SUMMARY SECTION — BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS LONG/SHORT FUND 44
SUMMARY SECTION — BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS FUND 52
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS' INVESTMENTS AND RISKS 58
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS 63
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION 70
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 81
APPENDIX A 83
APPENDIX B 85
APPENDIX C 87
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 89
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Back Cover

 

A look at the investment objectives, strategies, risks, expenses and financial history of each of the Boston Partners Investment Funds offered in this Prospectus.

 

Details about the Boston Partners Investment Funds' service providers offered in this Prospectus.

 

Policies and instructions for opening, maintaining and closing an account in any of the Boston Partners Investment Funds offered in this Prospectus.

 

   

 

SUMMARY SECTION — BOSTON PARTNERS SMALL CAP VALUE FUND II

 

Investment Objective

 

The Fund seeks to provide long-term growth of capital primarily through investment in equity securities. Current income is a secondary objective.

 

Expenses and Fees

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Institutional Class shares of the Fund.

 

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

1.00%

Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees

None

Other expenses (1)

0.19%

Total annual Fund operating expenses

1.19%

Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement (2)

(0.08)%

Total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement

1.11%

 

(1) Other Expenses” includes acquired fund fees and expenses, which are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other mutual funds, including money market funds and exchange traded funds. Please note that the amount of Total annual Fund operating expenses and Total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement shown in the above table will differ from the “Financial Highlights” section of the prospectus, which reflects the operating expenses of the Fund and does not include indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses.

 

(2) The Fund's investment adviser, Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. (the "Adviser"), has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the Total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) for the Fund's Institutional Class shares exceeds 1.10% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund's Institutional Class shares. In determining the Adviser's obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net Total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 1.10%: acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until February 28, 2019 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. Effective as of May 28, 2014, if at any time the Fund's Total annual Fund operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.10% or the expense cap then in effect, whichever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

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 $100,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and that you sell all of your shares at the end of the period. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the operating expenses of the Fund remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

2  

 

  1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
Institutional Class $1,132 $3,699 $6,466 $14,361

 

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 Fund's performance. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the portfolio turnover rate for the Fund was 24% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Summary of Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Fund pursues its objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets (including borrowings for investment purposes) in a diversified portfolio consisting primarily of equity securities, such as common stocks of issuers with small market capitalizations and identified by the Adviser as having value characteristics. A small market capitalization issuer generally is considered to be one whose market capitalization is, at the time the Fund makes the investment, similar to the market capitalization of companies in the Russell 2000 ® Value Index. The Russell 2000 ® Value Index is an unmanaged index that contains stocks from the Russell 2000 ® Index with less than average growth orientation. As of November 30, 2017, the median market capitalization of this index was $1.77 billion and the largest stock was $7.25 billion. Please note that this range is as of a particular point in time and is subject to change.

 

The Fund generally invests in the equity securities of small companies. The Adviser will seek to invest in companies it considers to be well managed and to have attractive fundamental financial characteristics. The Adviser believes greater potential for price appreciation exists among small companies since they tend to be less widely followed by other securities analysts and thus may be more likely to be undervalued by the market. The Fund may invest from time to time a portion of its assets, not to exceed 20% (under normal conditions) at the time of purchase, in companies with larger market capitalizations.

 

The Adviser examines various factors in determining the value characteristics of such issuers including price to book value ratios and price to earnings ratios. These value characteristics are examined in the context of the issuer's operating and financial fundamentals such as return on equity, earnings growth and cash flow. The Adviser selects securities for the Fund based on a continuous study of trends in industries and companies, earnings power and growth and other investment criteria.

 

The Adviser will sell a stock when it no longer meets one or more investment criteria, either through obtaining target value or due to an adverse change in fundamentals or business momentum. Each holding has a target valuation established at purchase, which the Adviser constantly monitors and adjusts as appropriate.

 

The Fund may also invest up to 25% of its total assets in non U.S. dollar-denominated securities.

 

The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, including securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily available market or legal or contractual restrictions on resale.

 

The Fund may participate as a purchaser in initial public offerings of securities (“IPO”). An IPO is a company's first offering of stock to the public.

 

In general, the Fund's investments are broadly diversified over a number of industries and, as a matter of policy, the Fund is limited to investing a maximum of 25% of its total assets in any one industry.

 

While the Adviser intends to fully invest the Fund's assets at all times in accordance with the above-mentioned policies, the Fund reserves the right to hold up to 100% of its assets, as a temporary defensive measure, in cash and eligible U.S. dollar-denominated money market instruments and make investments inconsistent with its investment objective. The Adviser will determine when market conditions warrant temporary defensive measures.

 

3  

 

Summary of Principal Risks

 

Management Risk. The Fund is subject to the risk of poor stock selection. In other words, the individual stocks in the Fund may not perform as well as expected, and/or the Fund's portfolio management practices do not work to achieve their desired result.

 

Market Risk. The net asset value ("NAV") of the Fund will change with changes in the market value of its portfolio positions. Investors may lose money. Although the Fund will invest in stocks the Adviser believes to be undervalued, there is no guarantee that the prices of these stocks will not move even lower.

 

Foreign Securities Risk. International investing is subject to special risks, including, but not limited to, currency exchange rate volatility, political, social or economic instability, and differences in taxation, auditing and other financial practices.

 

Small Cap Companies Risk. The Fund will invest in smaller issuers which are more volatile and less liquid than investments in issuers with a market capitalization greater than the market capitalization of companies in the Russell 2000 ® Value Index. Small market capitalization issuers are not as diversified in their business activities as issuers with market capitalizations greater than the market capitalization of companies in the Russell 2000 ® Value Index and are more susceptible to changes in the business cycle.

 

The small capitalization equity securities in which the Fund invests may be traded only in the over-the-counter market or on a regional securities exchange, may be listed only in the quotation service commonly known as the "pink sheets," and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. These securities may also be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. The trading market for any given small capitalization equity security may be sufficiently small as to make it difficult for the Fund to dispose of a substantial block of such securities. The sale by the Fund of portfolio securities to meet redemptions may require the Fund to sell its small capitalization securities at a discount from market prices or during periods when, in the Adviser's judgment, such sale is not desirable. Moreover, the lack of an efficient market for these securities may make them difficult to value.

 

Illiquid Securities Risk. Investing in illiquid securities is subject to certain risks, such as limitations on resale and uncertainty in determining valuation. Limitations on resale may adversely affect the marketability of portfolio securities and the Fund might be unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemptions within seven days. The Fund might, in order to dispose of restricted securities, have to register securities resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of such securities.

 

IPO Risk. IPO risk is the risk that the market value of IPO shares will fluctuate considerably due to certain factors, such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, the small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. IPO shares are subject to market risk and liquidity risk. When the Fund's asset base is small, a significant portion of the Fund's performance could be attributable to investments in IPOs, because such investments would have a magnified impact on the Fund. As the Fund's assets grow, the effect of the Fund's investments in IPOs on the Fund's performance probably will decline, which could reduce the Fund's performance. Because of the price volatility of IPO shares, the Fund may choose to hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the Fund's portfolio and may lead to increased expenses to the Fund, such as commissions and transaction costs. In addition, the Adviser cannot guarantee continued access to IPOs.

 

Performance Information

 

The bar chart and table below illustrate the long-term performance of the Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II's Institutional Class. The bar chart below shows you how the performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class has varied year by year and provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. As with all such investments, past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future results. Performance reflects fee waivers in effect. If fee waivers were not in place, the Fund's performance would be reduced. Updated performance information is available at www.boston-partners.com or 1-888-261-4073.

 

4  

 

Total Returns for the Calendar Years Ended December 31

 

 

Best and Worst Quarterly Performance (for the periods reflected in the chart above):

 

Best Quarter: 29.32% (quarter ended June 30, 2009)
Worst Quarter: -26.32% (quarter ended December 31, 2008)

 

The year-to-date total return for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 6.43%.

 

Average Annual Total Returns

 

The table below compares the average annual total returns for the Fund's Institutional Class both before and after taxes for the past calendar year, past five calendar years and past ten calendar years to the average annual total returns of a broad-based securities market index for the same periods.

 

  Average Annual Total Returns
for the Periods Ended December 31, 2016
  1 Year 5 Years 10 Years
Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II
Returns Before Taxes

25.97%

15.76% 7.97%
Returns After Taxes on Distributions (1) 25.32% 15.22% 7.00%
Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares 15.24% 12.68% 6.31%
Russell 2000 ® Value Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) 31.74% 15.07% 6.26%

 

(1) 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 investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

5  

 

Management of the Fund

 

Investment Adviser

Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc.
909 Third Avenue, 32 nd Floor, New York, New York 10022

 

Portfolio Managers

David M. Dabora, Senior Portfolio Manager since 2000
George Gumpert, Portfolio Manager since 2005

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

Minimum Initial Investment: $100,000
Minimum Additional Investment: $5,000

 

You can only purchase and redeem Institutional Class shares of the Fund on days the New York Stock Exchange is open. Institutional Class shares of the Fund may be available through certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals (collectively, "Service Organizations"). Shares of the Fund may also be purchased and redeemed directly through The RBB Fund, Inc. by the means described below.

 

Purchase and Redemption By Mail:
Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701
Purchase and Redemption By Wire:
Request routing instructions by calling the Fund's
transfer agent at 1-888-261-4073.

 

Redemption By Telephone: If you select the option on your account application, you may call the Fund's transfer agent at 1-888-261-4073.

 

Taxes

 

The Fund intends to make distributions that generally may be taxed at ordinary income or capital gains rates.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase 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 other related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

 

6  

 

SUMMARY SECTION — BOSTON PARTNERS ALL-CAP VALUE FUND

 

Investment Objective

 

The Fund seeks to provide long-term growth of capital primarily through investment in equity securities. Current income is a secondary objective.

 

Expenses and Fees

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Institutional Class shares of the Fund.

 

  Institutional Class
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Management fees (1) 0.70%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees None
Other expenses (2) 0.19%
Total annual Fund operating expenses 0.89%
Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement (3) (0.08)%
Total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement 0.81 %

 

(1) Prior to February 28, 2017, the management fee was 0.80%.

 

(2) Other Expenses” includes acquired fund fees and expenses, which are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other mutual funds, including money market funds and exchange traded funds. Please note that the amount of Total annual Fund operating expenses and Total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement shown in the above table will differ from the “Financial Highlights” section of the prospectus, which reflects the operating expenses of the Fund and does not include indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses.

 

(3) The Fund's Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the Total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) for the Fund's Institutional Class shares exceeds 0.80% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund's Institutional Class shares. In determining the Adviser's obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net Total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 0.80%: acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until February 28, 2019 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. The Adviser may not recoup any of its waived investment advisory fees.

 

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 $100,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and that you sell all of your shares at the end of the period. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the operating expenses of the Fund remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

  1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
Institutional Class $827 $2,759 $4,852 $10,887

 

7  

 

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 Fund's performance. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the portfolio turnover rate for the Fund was 27% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Summary of Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Fund pursues its objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets (including borrowings for investment purposes) in a diversified portfolio consisting primarily of equity securities, such as common stocks of issuers across the capitalization spectrum and identified by the Adviser as having value characteristics.

 

The Adviser examines various factors in determining the value characteristics of such issuers including price to book value ratios and price to earnings ratios. These value characteristics are examined in the context of the issuer's operating and financial fundamentals, such as return on equity and earnings growth and cash flow. The Adviser selects securities for the Fund based on a continuous study of trends in industries and companies, earnings power and growth and other investment criteria.

 

The Adviser will sell a stock when it no longer meets one or more investment criteria, either through obtaining target value or due to an adverse change in fundamentals or business momentum. Each holding has a target valuation established at purchase, which the Adviser constantly monitors and adjusts as appropriate.

 

The Fund may also invest up to 20% of its total assets in non U.S. dollar-denominated securities.

 

The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, including securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily available market or legal or contractual restrictions on resale.

 

The Fund may participate as a purchaser in initial public offerings of securities ("IPO"). An IPO is a company's first offering of stock to the public.

 

The Fund may invest up to 10% of its net assets in securities that can be converted into common stock, such as certain debt securities and preferred stock.

 

The Fund may hedge overall portfolio exposure up to 40% of its net assets through the purchase and sale of index and individual put and call options.

 

In general, the Fund's investments are broadly diversified over a number of industries and, as a matter of policy, the Fund is limited to investing less than 25% of its total assets in any one industry.

 

While the Adviser intends to fully invest the Fund's assets at all times in accordance with the above-mentioned policies, the Fund reserves the right to hold up to 100% of its assets, as a temporary defensive measure, in cash and eligible U.S. dollar-denominated money market instruments and make investments inconsistent with its investment objective. The Adviser will determine when market conditions warrant temporary defensive measures.

 

Summary of Principal Risks

 

Management Risk. The Fund is subject to the risk of poor stock selection. In other words, the individual stocks in the Fund may not perform as well as expected, and/or the Fund's portfolio management practices do not work to achieve their desired result.

 

Market Risk. The net asset value ("NAV") of the Fund will change with changes in the market value of its portfolio positions. Investors may lose money. Although the Fund will invest in stocks the Adviser believes to be undervalued, there is no guarantee that the prices of these stocks will not move even lower.

 

Foreign Securities Risk. International investing is subject to special risks, including, but not limited to, currency exchange rate volatility, political, social or economic instability, and differences in taxation, auditing and other financial practices.

 

Micro-Cap Companies Risk. Micro-cap stocks may be very sensitive to changing economic conditions and market downturns because the issuers often have narrow markets for their products or services, fewer product lines, and more limited managerial and financial resources than larger issuers. The stocks of micro-cap companies may therefore be more volatile and the ability to sell them at a desirable time or price may be more limited.

 

8  

 

Small-Cap Companies Risk. The stocks of smaller companies may be subject to more abrupt, erratic market movements than stocks of larger, more established companies. Small companies may have limited product lines or financial resources, or may be dependent on a small or inexperienced management group, and their securities may trade less frequently and in lower volume than securities of larger companies, which could lead to higher transaction costs. Generally, the smaller the company size, the greater the risk.

 

Mid-Cap Companies Risk. The stocks of mid-sized companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than stocks of larger, more established companies.

 

Convertible Securities Risk. Securities that can be converted into common stock, such as certain securities and preferred stock, are subject to the usual risks associated with fixed income investments, such as interest rate risk and credit risk. In addition, because they react to changes in the value of the equity securities into which they will convert, convertible securities are also subject to the risks associated with equity securities.

 

Options Risk. An option is a type of derivative instrument that gives the holder the right (but not the obligation) to buy (a "call") or sell (a "put") an asset in the near future at an agreed upon price prior to the expiration date of the option. The Fund may "cover" a call option by owning the security underlying the option or through other means. The value of options can be highly volatile, and their use can result in loss if the Adviser is incorrect in its expectation of price fluctuations.

 

Illiquid Securities Risk. Investing in illiquid securities is subject to certain risks, such as limitations on resale and uncertainty in determining valuation. Limitations on resale may adversely affect the marketability of portfolio securities and the Fund might be unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemptions within seven days. The Fund might, in order to dispose of restricted securities, have to register securities resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of such securities.

 

IPO Risk. IPO risk is the risk that the market value of IPO shares will fluctuate considerably due to certain factors, such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, the small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. IPO shares are subject to market risk and liquidity risk. When the Fund's asset base is small, a significant portion of the Fund's performance could be attributable to investments in IPOs, because such investments would have a magnified impact on the Fund. As the Fund's assets grow, the effect of the Fund's investments in IPOs on the Fund's performance probably will decline, which could reduce the Fund's performance. Because of the price volatility of IPO shares, the Fund may choose to hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the Fund's portfolio and may lead to increased expenses to the Fund, such as commissions and transaction costs. In addition, the Adviser cannot guarantee continued access to IPOs.

 

Performance Information

 

The bar chart and table below illustrate the long-term performance of the Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund's Institutional Class. The bar chart below shows you how the performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class has varied year by year and provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. As with all such investments, past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future results. Performance reflects fee waivers in effect. If fee waivers were not in place, the Fund's performance would be reduced. Updated performance information is available at www.boston-partners.com or 1-888-261-4073.

 

9  

 

Total Returns for the Calendar Years Ended December 31

 

 

Best and Worst Quarterly Performance (for the periods reflected in the chart above):

 

Best Quarter: 18.60% (quarter ended June 30, 2009)
Worst Quarter: -17.49% (quarter ended September 30, 2011)

 

The year-to-date total return for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 12.39%.

 

Average Annual Total Returns

The table below compares the average annual total returns for the Fund's Institutional Class both before and after taxes for the past calendar year, past five calendar years and past ten calendar years to the average annual total returns of a broad-based securities market index for the same periods.

 

  Average Annual Total Returns
for the Periods Ended December 31, 2016
  1 Year 5 Years 10 Years
Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund
Returns Before Taxes

14.82%

15.96% 8.53%
Returns After Taxes on Distributions (1) 13.81% 14.76% 7.54%
Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares 9.25% 12.70% 6.75%
Russell 3000 ® Value Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) 18.40% 14.81% 5.76%

 

(1) 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 investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

Management of the Fund

 

Investment Adviser

Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc.
909 Third Avenue, 32 nd Floor, New York, New York 10022

 

Portfolio Manager

Duilio Ramallo, Senior Portfolio Manager since 2007

 

10  

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

Minimum Initial Investment: $100,000
Minimum Additional Investment: $5,000

 

You can only purchase and redeem Institutional Class shares of the Fund on days the New York Stock Exchange is open. Institutional Class shares of the Fund may be available through certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals (collectively, "Service Organizations"). Shares of the Fund may also be purchased and redeemed directly through The RBB Fund, Inc. by the means described below.

 

Purchase and Redemption By Mail:
Boston Partners All Cap Value Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701
Purchase and Redemption By Wire:
Request routing instructions by calling the Fund's
transfer agent at 1-888-261-4073.

 

Redemption By Telephone: If you select the option on your account application, you may call the Fund's transfer agent at 1-888-261-4073.

 

Taxes

The Fund intends to make distributions that generally may be taxed at ordinary income or capital gains rates.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase 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 other related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

 

11  

 

SUMMARY SECTION — BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

Investment Objective

 

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation while reducing exposure to general equity market risk. The Fund seeks a total return greater than that of the S&P 500 ® Index over a full market cycle.

 

Expenses and Fees

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Institutional Class shares of the Fund.

 

  Institutional Class
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Management fees 2.25 %
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees None
Short Sales Expenses: (1)
Dividend expense on short sales 0.16%
Interest expense on borrowings 0.25%
Other expenses (2) 0.15%
Total annual Fund operating expenses (3) 2.81%

 

(1) There are additional costs associated with the use of short sales. Short-sale dividends generally reduce the market value of the securities by the amount of the dividend declared; thus increasing the Fund's unrealized gain or reducing the Fund's unrealized loss on the securities sold short.

 

(2) Other Expenses” includes acquired fund fees and expenses, which are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other mutual funds, including money market funds and exchange traded funds. Please note that the amount of Total annual Fund operating expenses shown in the above table will differ from the “Financial Highlights” section of the prospectus, which reflects the operating expenses of the Fund and does not include indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses.

 

(3) The Fund's Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the Total annual Fund operating expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for the Fund's Institutional Class exceeds 2.50% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund's Institutional Class shares. Because dividend expenses on short sales, acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes are excluded from the expense limitation, Total annual Fund operating expenses (after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) are expected to exceed 2.50%. This contractual limitation is in effect until February 28, 2019 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. The Adviser may not recoup any of its waived investment advisory fees.

 

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 $100,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and that you sell all of your shares at the end of the period. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the operating expenses of the Fund remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

12  

 

  1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
Institutional Class $2,841 $8,710 $14,840 $31,377

 

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 Fund's performance. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the portfolio turnover rate for the Fund was 63% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Summary of Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Fund invests in long positions in stocks identified by the Adviser as undervalued and takes short positions in stocks that the Adviser has identified as overvalued. The cash proceeds from short sales will be invested in short-term cash instruments to produce a return on such proceeds just below the federal funds rate. Short sales are considered speculative transactions and a form of leverage. The Fund invests, both long and short, in securities principally traded in the United States markets. The Fund may invest in securities of companies operating for three years or less ("unseasoned issuers"). The Adviser will determine the size of each long or short position by analyzing the tradeoff between the attractiveness of each position and its impact on the risk of the overall portfolio. The Fund seeks to construct a portfolio that has less volatility than the United States equity market generally. The Adviser examines various factors in determining the value characteristics of such issuers including price-to-book value ratios and price-to-earnings ratios. These value characteristics are examined in the context of the issuer's operating and financial fundamentals such as return on equity, earnings growth and cash flow. The Adviser selects securities for the Fund based on a continuous study of trends in industries and companies, earnings power and growth and other investment criteria.

 

The Fund intends, under normal circumstances, to invest at least 80% of its net assets (including borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities. Under normal circumstances, the Adviser expects that the Fund's long positions will not exceed approximately 125% of the Fund's net assets.

 

The Fund's long and short positions may involve (without limit) equity securities of foreign issuers that are traded in the markets of the United States. The Fund may also invest up to 20% of its total assets directly in equity securities of foreign issuers.

 

To meet margin requirements, redemptions or pending investments, the Fund may also temporarily hold a portion of its assets in full faith and credit obligations of the United States government and in short-term notes, commercial paper or other money market instruments.

 

The Adviser will sell a stock when it no longer meets one or more investment criteria, either through obtaining target value or due to an adverse change in fundamentals or business momentum. Each holding has a target valuation established at purchase, which the Adviser constantly monitors and adjusts as appropriate.

 

The Fund may participate as a purchaser in initial public offerings of securities ("IPO"). An IPO is a company's first offering of stock to the public.

 

The Fund may invest from time to time a significant portion of its assets in smaller issuers which are more volatile and less liquid than investments in issuers with larger market capitalizations.

 

The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, including securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily available market or legal or contractual restrictions on resale.

 

In general, the Fund's investments are broadly diversified over a number of industries and, as a matter of policy, the Fund is limited to investing a maximum of 25% of its total assets in any one industry.

 

The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in high yield debt obligations, such as bonds and debentures, used by corporations and other business organizations. High yield debt obligations are referred to as "junk bonds" and are not considered to be investment grade.

 

While the Adviser intends to fully invest the Fund's assets at all times in accordance with the above-mentioned policies, the Fund reserves the right to hold up to 100% of its assets, as a temporary defensive measure, in cash and eligible U.S. dollar-denominated money market instruments and make investments inconsistent with its investment objective. The Adviser will determine when market conditions warrant temporary defensive measures.

 

13  

 

Summary of Principal Risks

 

Market Risk. The net asset value ("NAV") of the Fund will change with changes in the market value of its portfolio positions. Investors may lose money. Although the long portfolio of the Fund will invest in stocks the Adviser believes to be undervalued, there is no guarantee that the prices of these stocks will not move even lower.

 

High Yield Debt Obligations Risk. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in high yield debt obligations, such as bonds and debentures, issued by corporations and other business organizations. An issuer of debt obligations may default on its obligation to pay interest and repay principal. Also, changes in the financial strength of an issuer or changes in the credit rating of a security may affect its value. Such high yield debt obligations are referred to as "junk bonds" and are not considered to be investment grade.

 

Foreign Securities Risk. International investing is subject to special risks, including, but not limited to, currency exchange rate volatility, political, social or economic instability, and differences in taxation, auditing and other financial practices.

 

Management Risk. The Fund is subject to the risk of poor stock selection. In other words, the Adviser may not be successful in its strategy of taking long positions in stocks the manager believes to be undervalued and short positions in stocks the manager believes to be overvalued. Further, since the Adviser will manage both a long and a short portfolio, there is the risk that the Adviser may make more poor investment decisions than an adviser of a typical stock mutual fund with only a long portfolio may make.

 

Short Sales Risk. Short sales of securities may result in gains if a security's price declines, but may result in losses if a security's price rises.

 

Unseasoned Issuers Risk. Unseasoned issuers may not have an established financial history and may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources. Unseasoned issuers may depend on a few key personnel for management and may be susceptible to losses and risks of bankruptcy. As a result, such securities may be more volatile and difficult to sell.

 

Small-Cap Companies Risk. The small capitalization equity securities in which the Fund may invest may be traded only in the over-the-counter market or on a regional securities exchange, may be listed only in the quotation service commonly known as the "pink sheets," and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. These securities may also be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. The trading market for any given small capitalization equity security may be sufficiently small as to make it difficult for the Fund to dispose of a substantial block of such securities. The sale by the Fund of portfolio securities to meet redemptions may require the Fund to sell its small capitalization securities at a discount from market prices or during periods when, in the Adviser's judgment, such sale is not desirable. Moreover, the lack of an efficient market for these securities may make them difficult to value.

 

Portfolio Turnover Risk. If the Fund frequently trades its portfolio securities, the Fund will incur higher brokerage commissions and transaction costs, which could lower the Fund's performance. In addition to lower performance, high portfolio turnover could result in taxable capital gains. A portfolio turnover rate of 100% is considered to be high. The annual portfolio turnover rate for the Fund is not expected to exceed 400%; however, it may be higher if the Adviser believes it will improve the Fund's performance.

 

Segregated Account Risk. A security held in a segregated account cannot be sold while the position it is covering is outstanding, unless it is replaced with a similar security. As a result, there is a possibility that segregation of a large percentage of the Fund's assets could impede portfolio management or the Fund's ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.

 

Illiquid Securities Risk. Investing in illiquid securities is subject to certain risks, such as limitations on resale and uncertainty in determining valuation. Limitations on resale may adversely affect the marketability of portfolio securities and the Fund might be unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemptions within seven days. The Fund might, in order to dispose of restricted securities, have to register securities resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of such securities.

 

14  

 

IPO Risk. IPO risk is the risk that the market value of IPO shares will fluctuate considerably due to certain factors, such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, the small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. IPO shares are subject to market risk and liquidity risk. When the Fund's asset base is small, a significant portion of the Fund's performance could be attributable to investments in IPOs, because such investments would have a magnified impact on the Fund. As the Fund's assets grow, the effect of the Fund's investments in IPOs on the Fund's performance probably will decline, which could reduce the Fund's performance. Because of the price volatility of IPO shares, the Fund may choose to hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the Fund's portfolio and may lead to increased expenses to the Fund, such as commissions and transaction costs. In addition, the Adviser cannot guarantee continued access to IPOs.

 

Performance Information

 

The bar chart and table below illustrate the long-term performance of the Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund's Institutional Class. The bar chart below shows you how the performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class has varied year by year and provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. As with all such investments, past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future results. Performance reflects fee waivers in effect. If fee waivers were not in place, the Fund's performance would be reduced. Updated performance information is available at www.boston-partners.com or 1-888-261-4073.

 

Total Returns for the Calendar Years Ended December 31

 

 

Best and Worst Quarterly Performance (for the periods reflected in the chart above):

 

Best Quarter: 38.60% (quarter ended June 30, 2009)
Worst Quarter: -19.45% (quarter ended December 31, 2008)

 

The year-to-date total return for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 0.00%.

 

15  

 

Average Annual Total Returns

 

The table below compares the average annual total returns for the Fund's Institutional Class both before and after taxes for the past calendar year, past five calendar years and past ten calendar years to the average annual total returns of a broad-based securities market index for the same periods. Although the Fund compares its average total return to a broad-based securities market index, the Fund seeks returns that are not correlated to securities market returns. The Fund seeks to achieve a 12-15% return over a full market cycle; however, there can be no guarantee that such returns will be achieved.

 

  Average Annual Total Returns
for the Periods Ended December 31, 2016
  1 Year 5 Years 10 Years
Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund
Returns Before Taxes

 22.48%

9.01% 11.00%
Returns After Taxes on Distributions (1) 22.48% 7.55% 8.70%
Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares 12.72% 6.89% 8.12%
S&P 500 ® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) 11.96% 14.66% 6.95%

 

(1) 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 investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

Management of the Fund

 

Investment Adviser

Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc.
909 Third Avenue, 32 nd Floor, New York, New York 10022

 

Portfolio Managers

Robert T. Jones, Senior Portfolio Manager since 1995

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

Minimum Initial Investment: $100,000
Minimum Additional Investment: $5,000

 

The Fund is currently closed due to concerns that a significant increase in the size of the Fund may adversely affect the implementation of the Fund's strategy. The Fund will still be offered to existing shareholders of the Fund and certain other persons, as described in the section entitled "Purchase of Fund Shares" in this prospectus.

 

You can only purchase and redeem Institutional Class shares of the Fund on days the New York Stock Exchange is open. Institutional Class shares of the Fund may be available through certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals (collectively, "Service Organizations"). Shares of the Fund may also be purchased and redeemed directly through The RBB Fund, Inc. by the means described below.

 

16  

 

Purchase and Redemption By Mail:
Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701

Purchase and Redemption By Wire:
Request routing instructions by calling the Fund's
transfer agent at 1-888-261-4073.

 

Redemption By Telephone: If you select the option on your account application, you may call the Fund's transfer agent at 1-888-261-4073.

 

Taxes

 

The Fund intends to make distributions that generally may be taxed at ordinary income or capital gains rates.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase 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 other related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

 

17  

 

SUMMARY SECTION — BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND

 

Investment Objective

 

The Fund seeks to provide long-term total return.

 

Expenses and Fees

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Institutional Class shares of the Fund.

 

  Institutional Class
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a
percentage of the value of your investment)
Management fees 1.25%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees None
Short Sales Expenses: (1)
Dividend expense on short sales (1) 0.80%
 Interest expense on borrowings 0.06%
Other expenses (2) 0.13%
Total annual Fund operating expenses (3) 2.24%

 

(1) There are additional costs associated with the use of short sales. Short-sale dividends generally reduce the market value of the securities by the amount of the dividend declared; thus increasing the Fund's unrealized gain or reducing the Fund's unrealized loss on the securities sold short.

 

(2) Other Expenses” includes acquired fund fees and expenses, which are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other mutual funds, including money market funds and exchange traded funds. Please note that the amount of Total annual Fund operating expenses shown in the above table will differ from the “Financial Highlights” section of the prospectus, which reflects the operating expenses of the Fund and does not include indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses.

 

(3) The Fund's Adviser has contractually agreed to forgo all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the Total annual Fund operating expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) exceeds 1.50% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund's Institutional Class shares. Because acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes are excluded from the expense limitation, Total annual Fund operating expenses (after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) are expected to exceed 1.50%. This contractual limitation is in effect until at least February 28, 2019 and may not be terminated without Board approval. Effective as of the effective date of the Fund's first advisory agreement with the Adviser, if at any time the Fund's Total annual Fund operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.50% or the expense cap then in effect, whichever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

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 $100,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and that you sell all of your shares at the end of the period. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the operating expenses of the Fund remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

18  

 

  1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
Institutional Class $2,271 $7,002 $11,999 $25,748

 

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 Fund's performance. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the portfolio turnover rate for the Fund was 54% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Summary of Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Fund uses a hedged strategy. The Fund actively invests in long positions in stocks identified by the Adviser as undervalued and takes short positions in stocks that the Adviser has identified as overvalued. The cash proceeds from short sales (i.e. sales of securities the Fund does not own) are invested in short-term cash instruments to produce a return on such proceeds just below the federal funds rate. Short sales are considered speculative transactions and a form of leverage.

 

The Fund invests, both long and short, in equity securities issued by large-, mid- and small (or "micro") cap companies, as well as other instruments that are convertible into equity securities. Selling securities short is a form of leverage. Equity securities in which the Fund may invest include exchange-traded and over-the-counter common and preferred stocks, warrants, rights, convertible securities, depositary receipts and shares, trust certificates, limited partnership interests, shares of other investment companies and real estate investment trusts ("REITs"), and equity participations. An equity participation is a type of loan that gives the lender a portion of equity ownership in a property, in addition to principal and interest payments. A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. The Fund may invest in securities of companies operating for three years or less ("unseasoned issuers"). The Fund may also invest in depositary receipts and equity securities of foreign companies (denominated in either U.S. dollars or foreign currencies), put and call options, futures, indexed securities and fixed-income securities (including bonds, notes, asset-backed securities, convertible securities, Eurodollar and Yankee dollar instruments, preferred stocks and money market instruments) and high yield securities (commonly referred to as "junk bonds"). Fixed income securities in which the Fund invests include those rated between AAA and D by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization, or deemed of comparable quality by the Adviser. The Adviser may also temporarily invest uninvested cash in money market funds and similar collective investment vehicles. The Fund may also seek to increase its income by lending portfolio securities.

 

The Adviser determines the size of each long or short position by analyzing the tradeoff between the attractiveness of each position and its impact on the risk of the overall portfolio. The Fund seeks to construct a portfolio that has less volatility than the U.S. equity market by investing less than 100% of its assets in net long positions. Selection of individual securities to be held long or sold short will be based on a mix of quantitative techniques and fundamental security analysis. The Adviser selects stocks on the basis of three criteria: value, fundamental business strength and momentum. The Adviser examines various factors in determining the value characteristics of such issuers including price-to-book value ratios and price-to-earnings ratios. These value characteristics are examined in the context of the issuer's operating and financial fundamentals such as return on equity, earnings growth and cash flow. The Adviser selects securities for the Fund based on a continuous study of trends in industries and companies, earnings power and growth and other investment criteria.

 

Although the Fund seeks to follow a hedged strategy, there can be no assurance that the Fund's portfolio or investments will be insulated from market moves or effectively hedged against risk.

 

19  

 

In general, the Fund's investments are broadly diversified over a number of industries and, as a matter of policy, the Fund is limited to investing less than 25% of its total assets in any one industry, except that the Fund may invest in exchange traded funds to the extent permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), and applicable SEC orders.

 

The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, including securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily available market or legal or contractual restrictions on resale.

 

The Adviser will sell a stock when it no longer meets one or more investment criteria, either through obtaining target value or due to an adverse change in fundamentals or business momentum. Each holding has a target valuation established at purchase, which the Adviser constantly monitors and adjusts as appropriate.

 

The principal derivative instruments in which the Fund invests are futures and options on securities, securities indices or currencies, options on these futures, forward foreign currency contracts and interest rate or currency swaps. The Fund's investments in derivative instruments may be leveraged and result in losses exceeding the amounts invested.

 

While the Adviser intends to fully invest the Fund's assets at all times in accordance with the above-mentioned policies, the Fund reserves the right to hold up to 100% of its assets, as a temporary defensive measure, in cash and eligible U.S. dollar-denominated money market instruments and make investments inconsistent with its investment objective. The Adviser will determine when market conditions warrant temporary defensive measures.

 

Summary of Principal Risks

 

Market Risk. The net asset value ("NAV") of the Fund will change with changes in the market value of its portfolio positions. Investors may lose money. Although the long portfolio of the Fund will invest in stocks the Adviser believes to be undervalued, there is no guarantee that the price of these stocks will not move even lower.

 

High Yield Debt Obligations Risk. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in high yield debt obligations (of any rating, including defaulted securities and unrated securities), including bonds and debentures, issued by corporations and business organizations. An issuer of debt obligations may default on its obligation to pay interest and repay principal. Also, changes in the financial strength of an issuer or changes in the credit rating of a security may affect its value. Such high yield debt obligations are referred to as "junk bonds" and are not considered to be investment grade.

 

Foreign Securities Risk. International investing is subject to special risks, including currency exchange rate volatility, political, social or economic instability, and differences in taxation, auditing and financial practices.

 

Currency Risk. Investment in foreign securities also involves currency risk associated with securities that trade or are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and which may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates. An increase in the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to a foreign currency may cause the U.S. dollar value of an investment in that country to decline. Foreign currencies also are subject to risks caused by inflation, interest rates, budget deficits and low savings rates, political factors and government controls.

 

Management Risk. The Fund is subject to the risk of poor stock selection. The Adviser may be incorrect in the stocks it buys and believes to be undervalued and in stocks it sells short and believes to be overvalued. Further, since the Adviser will manage both a long and a short portfolio, there is the risk that the Adviser may make more poor investment decisions than an adviser of a typical stock mutual fund with only a long portfolio.

 

Short Sales Risk. Short sales of securities may result in gains if a security's price declines, but may result in losses if a security's price rises. In a rising market, short positions may be more likely to result in losses because securities sold short may be more likely to increase in value. Short selling also involves the risks of: increased leverage, and its accompanying potential for losses; the potential inability to reacquire a security in a timely manner, or at an acceptable price; the possibility of the lender terminating the loan at any time, forcing the Fund to close the transaction under unfavorable circumstances; the additional costs that may be incurred; and the potential loss of investment flexibility caused by the Fund's obligations to provide collateral to the lender and set aside assets to cover the open position. Short sales "against the box" may protect the Fund against the risk of losses in the value of a portfolio security because any decline in value of the security should be wholly or partially offset by a corresponding gain in the short position. Any potential gains in the security, however, would be wholly or partially offset by a corresponding loss in the short position. Short sales that are not "against the box" involve a form of investment leverage, and the amount of the Fund's loss on a short sale is potentially unlimited.

 

20  

 

Unseasoned Issuers Risk. Unseasoned issuers may not have an established financial history and may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources. Unseasoned issuers may depend on a few key personnel for management and may be susceptible to losses and risks of bankruptcy. As a result, such securities may be more volatile and difficult to sell.

 

Small-Cap Companies Risk. The small capitalization equity securities in which the Fund may invest may be traded only in the over-the-counter market or on a regional securities exchange, may be listed only in the quotation service commonly known as the "pink sheets," and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. These securities may also be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. The trading market for any given small capitalization equity security may be sufficiently small as to make it difficult for the Fund to dispose of a substantial block of such securities. The sale by the Fund of portfolio securities to meet redemptions may require the Fund to sell its small capitalization securities at a discount from market prices or during periods when, in the Adviser's judgment, such sale is not desirable. Moreover, the lack of an efficient market for these securities may make them difficult to value.

 

REITs Risk. REITs may be affected by economic forces and other factors related to the real estate industry. These risks include possible declines in the value of real estate, possible lack of availability of mortgage funds and unexpected vacancies of properties. REITs that invest in real estate mortgages are also subject to prepayment risk. Investing in REITs may involve risks similar to those associated with investing in small capitalization companies. REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. Historically, small capitalization stocks, such as REITs, have been more volatile in price than the larger capitalization stocks included in the S&P 500 ® Index.

 

Portfolio Turnover Risk. If the Fund frequently trades its portfolio securities, the Fund will incur higher brokerage commissions and transaction costs, which could lower the Fund's performance. In addition to lower performance, high portfolio turnover could result in taxable capital gains. A portfolio turnover rate of 100% is considered to be high. The annual portfolio turnover rate for the Fund is not expected to exceed 300%; however, it may be higher if the Adviser believes it will improve the Fund's performance.

 

Illiquid Securities Risk. Investing in illiquid securities is subject to certain risks, such as limitations on resale and uncertainty in determining valuation. Limitations on resale may adversely affect the marketability of portfolio securities and the Fund might be unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemptions within seven days.

 

Derivatives Risk. The Fund's investments in derivative instruments, which include futures and options on securities, securities indices or currencies, options on these futures, forward foreign currency contracts and interest rate or currency swaps, may be leveraged and result in losses exceeding the amounts invested.

 

Indexed Securities Risk. The Fund may invest in indexed securities whose value is linked to securities indices. Most such securities have values that rise and fall according to the change in one or more specified indices and may have characteristics similar to direct investments in the underlying securities. Depending on the index, such securities may have greater volatility than the market as a whole.

 

Securities Lending Risk. The Fund may lend portfolio securities to institutions, such as certain broker-dealers. The Fund may experience a loss or delay in the recovery of its securities if the borrowing institution breaches its agreement with the Fund.

 

Exchange-Traded Fund Risk. Exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") are a type of investment company bought and sold on a securities exchange. An ETF typically represents a fixed portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market index. The risks of owning an ETF generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying securities that they are designed to track, although lack of liquidity in an ETF could result in its being more volatile. Some ETFs are actively-managed by an investment adviser and/or sub-advisers. Actively-managed ETFs are subject to the risk of poor investment selection. The Fund may incur brokerage fees in connection with its purchase of ETF shares. The purchase of shares of ETFs may result in duplication of expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to the Fund's own expenses.

 

21  

 

Performance Information

 

The bar chart and table below illustrate the long-term performance of the Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund's Institutional Class. The bar chart below shows you how the performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class has varied year by year and provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. As with all such investments, past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future results. Performance reflects fee waivers in effect. If fee waivers were not in place, the Fund's performance would be reduced. Updated performance information is available at www.boston-partners.com or 1-888-261-4073.

 

Total Returns for the Calendar Years Ended December 31

 

 

Best and Worst Quarterly Performance (for the periods reflected in the chart above):

 

Best Quarter: 8.37% (quarter ended December 31, 2011)
Worst Quarter: -9.89% (quarter ended September 30, 2011)

 

The year-to-date total return for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 6.08%.

 

Average Annual Total Returns

The table below compares the average annual total returns for the Fund's Institutional Class both before and after taxes for the past calendar year, past five calendar years and since inception to the average annual total returns of a broad-based securities market index for the same periods.

 

22  

 

  Average Annual Total Returns
for the Periods Ended December 31, 2016
  1 Year 5 Years Since Inception
(September 30, 2010)
Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund
Returns Before Taxes  3.62% 8.52% 8.48%
Returns After Taxes on Distributions (1) 3.62% 8.20% 8.20%
Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares 2.05% 6.73% 6.76%
S&P 500 ® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) 11.96% 14.66% 13.78%

 

(1) 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 investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

Management of the Fund

 

Investment Adviser

Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc.
909 Third Avenue, 32 nd Floor, New York, New York 10022

 

Portfolio Managers

Joseph F. Feeney, Jr., Chief Investment Officer of Boston Partners, Portfolio Manager since inception of the Fund
Eric Connerly, Director of Research-Quantitative, Portfolio Manager since inception of the Fund

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

Minimum Initial Investment: $100,000
Minimum Additional Investment: $5,000

 

You can only purchase and redeem Institutional Class shares of the Fund on days the New York Stock Exchange is open. Institutional Class shares of the Fund may be available through certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals (collectively, "Service Organizations"). Shares of the Fund may also be purchased and redeemed directly through The RBB Fund, Inc. by the means described below.

 

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Purchase and Redemption By Mail:
Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701
Purchase and Redemption By Wire:
Request routing instructions by calling the Fund's transfer agent at 1-888-261-4073.

 

Redemption By Telephone: If you selected the option on your account application, you may call the Fund's transfer agent at 1-888-261-4073.

 

Taxes

 

The Fund intends to make distributions that generally may be taxed at ordinary income or capital gains rates.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase 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 other related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

 

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SUMMARY SECTION — WPG PARTNERS SMALL/MICRO CAP VALUE FUND

 

Investment Objective

 

The Fund seeks capital appreciation by investing primarily in common stocks, securities convertible into common stocks and in special situations.

 

Expenses and Fees

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Institutional Class shares of the Fund.

 

  Institutional Class
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Management fees 0.80%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees None
Other expenses 0.49%
Total annual Fund operating expenses 1.29%
Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement (1) (0.19)%
Total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement 1.10%

 

(1) The Fund's Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the Total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) for the Fund's Institutional Class shares exceeds 1.10% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund's Institutional Class shares. In determining the Adviser's obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net Total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 1.10%: acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until February 28, 2019 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. Effective as of May 28, 2014, if at any time, the Fund’s total annual fund operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.10% or the expense cap then in effect, whichever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

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 $100,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and that you sell all of your shares at the end of the period. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the operating expenses of the Fund remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

  1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
Institutional Class $1,121 $3,902 $6,894 $15,398

 

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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 Fund's performance. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the portfolio turnover rate for the Fund was 78% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Summary of Principal Investment Strategies

 

Currently, the Fund pursues its objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets (including borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities of U.S. companies that, at the time of purchase, have a market capitalization that is within the range of the market capitalization of issuers in the Russell 2000 ® Value Index. As of November 30, 2017, the median market capitalization of the companies in the Russell 2000 ® Value Index is $726 million and the largest stock is $9.33 billion. The Fund may invest in depository receipts and equity securities of foreign companies. Although the Fund invests primarily in common stocks, the Fund may invest in all types of equity and equity-related securities, including (without limitation):

 

• Securities convertible into common stocks.

 

• Shares of real estate investment trusts ("REITs").

 

• Warrants and rights to purchase common stocks.

 

• Preferred stocks.

 

• Exchange traded limited partnerships.

 

Special Situations: The Fund may invest in companies that may experience unusual and possibly unique developments which may create a special opportunity for significant returns. Special situations include: significant technological improvements or important discoveries; reorganizations, recapitalizations or mergers; favorable resolutions of litigation; new management or material changes in company policies; and actual or potential changes in control of a company.

 

Strategies: The Adviser uses a value approach to select the Fund's investments. Using this investment style, the Adviser seeks securities selling at substantial discounts to their underlying values and then holds these securities until the market values reflect what the Adviser believes to be their intrinsic values. The Adviser employs a bottom-up strategy, focusing on undervalued industries that the Adviser believes are experiencing positive change. The Adviser then uses both qualitative and quantitative methods to assess a security's potential value. The portfolio managers managing the Fund meet with a multitude of companies annually to identify companies with increasing returns on capital in their core businesses which are selling at attractive valuations.

 

Factors the Adviser looks for in selecting investments include (without limitation):

 

• Increasing returns on invested capital.

 

• Companies who have demonstrated an ability to generate high return on invested capital (ROIC).

 

• Companies which provide solid cash flows with appropriate capital.

 

• Potential catalysts such as new products, cyclical upturns and changes in management.

 

• Low market valuations relative to earnings forecast, book value, cash flow and sales.

 

The Adviser will sell a stock when it no longer meets one or more investment criteria, either through obtaining target value or due to an adverse change in fundamentals or business momentum. Each holding has a target valuation established at purchase, which the Adviser constantly monitors and adjusts as appropriate.

 

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Summary of Principal Risks

 

Market Risk. The net asset value ("NAV") of the Fund will change with changes in the market value of its portfolio positions. Investors may lose money. Although the Fund will invest in stocks the Adviser believes to be undervalued, there is no guarantee that the price of these stocks will not move even lower.

 

Foreign Securities Risk. International investing is subject to special risks, including, but not limited to, currency exchange rate volatility, political, social or economic instability, and differences in taxation, auditing and other financial practices.

 

Management Risk. The Fund is subject to the risk of poor stock selection. In other words, the individual stocks in the Fund may not perform as well as expected, and/or the Fund's portfolio management practices do not work to achieve their desired result.

 

Small Cap Companies Risk. The small capitalization equity securities in which the Fund may invest will often be traded only in the over-the-counter market or on a regional securities exchange, may be listed only in the quotation service commonly known as the "pink sheets," and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. These securities may also be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. The trading market for any given small capitalization equity security may be sufficiently small as to make it difficult for the Fund to dispose of a substantial block of such securities. The sale by the Fund of portfolio securities to meet redemptions may require the Fund to sell its small capitalization securities at a discount from market prices or during periods when, in the Adviser's judgment, such sale is not desirable. Moreover, the lack of an efficient market for these securities may make them difficult to value.

 

Convertible Securities Risk. Securities that can be converted into common stock, such as certain securities and preferred stock, are subject to the usual risks associated with fixed income investments, such as interest rate risk and credit risk. In addition, because they react to changes in the value of the equity securities into which they will convert, convertible securities are also subject to the risks associated with equity securities.

 

REITs Risk. REITs may be affected by economic forces and other factors related to the real estate industry. These risks include possible declines in the value of real estate, possible lack of availability of mortgage funds and unexpected vacancies of properties. REITs that invest in real estate mortgages are also subject to prepayment risk. Investing in REITs may involve risks similar to those associated with investing in small capitalization companies. REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. Historically, small capitalization stocks, such as REITs, have been more volatile in price than the larger capitalization stocks included in the S&P 500 ® Index.

 

Special Situations Risk. The Fund will seek to benefit from "special situations," such as mergers, reorganizations, or other unusual events expected to affect a particular issuer. There is a risk that the "special situation" might not occur or involve longer time frames than originally expected, which could have a negative impact on the price of the issuer's securities and fail to produce gains or produce a loss for the Fund.

 

Rights and Warrants Risk. The purchase of rights or warrants involves the risk that the Fund could lose the purchase value of a right or warrant if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not executed prior to the right's or warrant's expiration. Also, the purchase of rights and/or warrants involves the risk that the effective price paid for the right and/or warrant added to the subscription price of the related security may exceed the value of the subscribed security's market price such as when there is no movement in the level of the underlying security.

 

Performance Information

 

The bar chart and table below illustrate the long-term performance of the WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund's Institutional Class. The bar chart below shows you how the performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class has varied year by year and provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. As with all such investments, past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future results. Performance reflects fee waivers in effect. If fee waivers were not in place, the Fund's performance would be reduced. Updated performance information is available at www.boston-partners.com or 1-888-261-4073.

 

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Total Returns for the Calendar Years Ended December 31

 

 

Best and Worst Quarterly Performance (for the periods reflected in the chart above):

 

Best Quarter: 28.51% (quarter ended June 30, 2009)
Worst Quarter: -30.21% (quarter ended December 31, 2008)

 

The year-to-date total return for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 1.65%.

 

Average Annual Total Returns

 

The table below compares the average annual total returns for the Fund's Institutional Class both before and after taxes for the past calendar year, past five calendar years and past ten calendar years to the average annual total returns of a broad-based securities market index for the same periods.

 

  Average Annual Total Returns
(for the Periods Ended December 31, 2016)
  1 Year 5 Years 10 Years
WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund
Return Before Taxes

 19.63%

11.67% 4.49%
Return After Taxes on Distributions (1) 19.51% 10.06% 3.30%
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Shares 11.21% 8.96% 3.25%
Russell 2000 ® Value Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) 31.74% 15.07% 6.26%

 

(1) 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 investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

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Management of the Fund

 

Investment Adviser

Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc.
909 Third Avenue, 32 nd Floor, New York, New York 10022

 

Portfolio Managers

Richard Shuster, Senior Portfolio Manager since 1999
Gregory Weiss, Portfolio Manager since 1999

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

Minimum Initial Investment: $100,000
Minimum Additional Investment: $5,000

 

You can only purchase and redeem Institutional Class shares of the Fund on days the New York Stock Exchange is open. Institutional Class shares of the Fund may be available through certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals (collectively, "Service Organizations"). Shares of the Fund may also be purchased and redeemed directly through The RBB Fund, Inc. by the means described below.

 

Purchase and Redemption By Mail:
WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701
Purchase and Redemption By Wire:
Request routing instructions by calling the Fund's transfer agent at 1-888-261-4073.

 

Redemption By Telephone: If you select the option on your account application, you may call the Fund's transfer agent at 1-888-261-4073.

 

Taxes

 

The Fund intends to make distributions that generally may be taxed at ordinary income or capital gains rates.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase 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 other related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

 

29  

 

SUMMARY SECTION — BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL EQUITY FUND

 

Investment Objective

 

The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital growth.

 

Expenses and Fees

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Institutional Class shares of the Fund.

 

  Institutional Class
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Management fees 0.90%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees None
Other expenses (1) 0.15%
Total annual Fund operating expenses 1.05%
Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement (2) (0.09)%
Total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement 0.96%

 

(1) Other Expenses” includes acquired fund fees and expenses, which are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other mutual funds, including money market funds and exchange traded funds. Please note that the amount of Total annual Fund operating expenses and Total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement shown in the above table will differ from the “Financial Highlights” section of the prospectus, which reflects the operating expenses of the Fund and does not include indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses.

 

(2) The Fund's Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the Total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) for the Fund's Institutional Class shares exceeds 0.95% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund's Institutional Class shares. In determining the Adviser's obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net Total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 0.95%: acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until February 28, 2019 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. Effective as of the effective date of the Fund's first advisory agreement with the Adviser, if at any time the Fund's Total annual Fund operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 0.95% or the expense cap then in effect, or whichever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees waived and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

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 $100,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and that you sell all of your shares at the end of the period. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the operating expenses of the Fund remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

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  1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
Institutional Class $979 $3,251 $5,706 $12,744

 

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 Fund's performance. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the portfolio turnover rate for the Fund was 83% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Summary of Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Fund pursues its objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets (including borrowings for investment purposes) in a non-diversified portfolio of equity and equity-related securities issued by U.S. and non-U.S. companies of any capitalization size. The Fund may invest in all types of equity and equity- related securities, including without limitation exchange-traded and over-the-counter common and preferred stocks, warrants, options, rights, convertible securities, sponsored and unsponsored depositary receipts and shares, trust certificates, participatory notes, limited partnership interests, shares of other investment companies (including exchanged-traded funds ("ETFs")), real estate investment trusts ("REITs") and equity participations. An equity participation is a type of loan that gives the lender a portion of equity ownership in a property, in addition to principal and interest payments. A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula.

 

The Fund defines non-U.S. companies as companies (i) that are organized under the laws of a foreign country; (ii) whose principal trading market is in a foreign country; or (iii) that have a majority of their assets, or that derive a significant portion of their revenue or profits from businesses, investments or sales, outside of the United States. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests significantly (ordinarily at least 40% — unless market conditions are not deemed favorable by the Adviser, in which case the Fund would invest at least 30%) in non-U.S. companies. The Fund principally will be invested in issuers located in countries with developed securities markets, but may also invest in issuers located in emerging markets. The Fund will allocate its assets among various regions and countries, including the United States (but in no less than three different countries).

 

The Fund generally invests in the equity securities of issuers believed by the Adviser to be undervalued in the marketplace, focusing on issuers that combine attractive valuations with catalysts for change. The Adviser applies a bottom-up stock selection process (i.e., one that focuses primarily on issuer-specific factors) in managing the Fund, using a combination of fundamental and quantitative analysis. In selecting investments for the Fund, the Adviser considers various factors such as price-to-book value, price-to-sales and earnings ratios, dividend yields, strength of management, and cash flow to identify securities that are trading at a price that appears to be lower than the issuer's inherent value.

 

The Adviser will sell a stock when it no longer meets one or more investment criteria, either through obtaining target value or due to an adverse change in fundamentals or business momentum. Each holding has a target valuation established at purchase, which the Adviser constantly monitors and adjusts as appropriate.

 

The Fund may (but is not required to) invest in derivatives, including put and call options, futures, forward contracts and swaps, in lieu of investing directly in a security, currency or instrument, for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

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The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, including securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily available market or legal or contractual restrictions on resale.

 

The Fund may participate as a purchaser in initial public offerings of securities ("IPO"). An IPO is a company's first offering of stock to the public. The Fund may also seek to increase its income by lending portfolio securities.

 

While the Adviser intends to fully invest the Fund's assets at all times in accordance with the above-mentioned policies, the Fund reserves the right to hold up to 100% of its assets, as a temporary defensive measure, in cash and eligible U.S. dollar-denominated money market instruments and make investments inconsistent with its investment objective. The Adviser will determine when market conditions warrant temporary defensive measures.

 

Summary of Principal Risks

 

Management Risk. The Fund is subject to the risk of poor stock selection. In other words, the individual stocks in the Fund may not perform as well as expected, and/or the Fund's portfolio management practices do not work to achieve their desired result.

 

Market Risk. The net asset value ("NAV") of the Fund will change with changes in the market value of its portfolio positions. Investors may lose money. Although the Fund will invest in stocks the Adviser believes to be undervalued, there is no guarantee that the prices of these stocks will not move even lower.

 

Foreign Securities Risk. International investing is subject to special risks, including, but not limited to, currency exchange rate volatility, political, social or economic instability, and differences in taxation, auditing and other financial practices. The Fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers either directly or depositary receipts. Depositary receipts may be available through "sponsored" or "unsponsored" facilities. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all of the costs of the unsponsored facility. The depository of an unsponsored facility is frequently under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through, to the holders of the receipts, voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. The depository of unsponsored depositary receipts may provide less information to receipt holders. Participatory notes ("P-notes") are derivative instruments used by investors to take positions in certain foreign securities. P-notes present similar risks to investing directly in such securities and also expose investors to counterparty risk.

 

Emerging Markets Risk. Investment in emerging market securities involves greater risk than that associated with investment in securities of issuers in developed foreign countries. These risks include volatile currency exchange rates, periods of high inflation, increased risk of default, greater social, economic and political uncertainty and instability, less governmental supervision and regulation of securities markets, weaker auditing and financial reporting standards, lack of liquidity in the markets, and the significantly smaller market capitalizations of emerging market issuers.

 

Currency Risk. Investment in foreign securities also involves currency risk associated with securities that trade or are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and which may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates. An increase in the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to a foreign currency may cause the U.S. dollar value of an investment in that country to decline. Foreign currencies also are subject to risks caused by inflation, interest rates, budget deficits and low savings rates, political factors and government controls.

 

Convertible Securities Risk. Securities that can be converted into common stock, such as certain securities and preferred stock, are subject to the usual risks associated with fixed income investments, such as interest rate risk and credit risk. In addition, because they react to changes in the value of the equity securities into which they will convert, convertible securities are also subject to the risks associated with equity securities.

 

Options Risk. An option is a type of derivative instrument that gives the holder the right (but not the obligation) to buy (a "call") or sell (a "put") an asset in the near future at an agreed upon price prior to the expiration date of the option. The Fund may "cover" a call option by owning the security underlying the option or through other means. The value of options can be highly volatile, and their use can result in loss if the Adviser is incorrect in its expectation of price fluctuations.

 

Derivatives Risk. The Fund's investments in derivative instruments, which include futures and options on securities, securities indices or currencies, options on these futures, forward foreign currency contracts and interest rate or currency swaps, may be leveraged and result in losses exceeding the amounts invested.

 

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REITs Risk. REITs may be affected by economic forces and other factors related to the real estate industry. These risks include possible declines in the value of real estate, possible lack of availability of mortgage funds and unexpected vacancies of properties. REITs that invest in real estate mortgages are also subject to prepayment risk. Investing in REITs may involve risks similar to those associated with investing in small capitalization companies. REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. Historically, small capitalization stocks, such as REITs, have been more volatile in price than the larger capitalization stocks included in the S&P 500 ® Index.

 

Micro-Cap Companies Risk. Micro-cap stocks may be very sensitive to changing economic conditions and market downturns because the issuers often have narrow markets for their products or services, fewer product lines, and more limited managerial and financial resources than larger issuers. The stocks of micro-cap companies may therefore be more volatile and the ability to sell them at a desirable time or price may be more limited.

 

Small-Cap Companies Risk. The stocks of smaller companies may be subject to more abrupt, erratic market movements than stocks of larger, more established companies. Small companies may have limited product lines or financial resources, or may be dependent on a small or inexperienced management group, and their securities may trade less frequently and in lower volume than securities of larger companies, which could lead to higher transaction costs. Generally, the smaller the company size, the greater the risk.

 

Mid-Cap Companies Risk. The stocks of mid-sized companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than stocks of larger, more established companies.

 

Securities Lending Risk. The Fund may lend portfolio securities to institutions, such as certain broker- dealers. The Fund may experience a loss or delay in the recovery of its securities if the borrowing institution breaches its agreement with the Fund.

 

Exchange-Traded Fund Risk. Exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") are a type of investment company bought and sold on a securities exchange. An ETF typically represents a fixed portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market index. The risks of owning an ETF generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying securities that they are designed to track, although lack of liquidity in an ETF could result in its being more volatile. Some ETFs are actively-managed by an investment adviser and/or sub-advisers. Actively-managed ETFs are subject to the risk of poor investment selection. The Fund may incur brokerage fees in connection with its purchase of ETF shares. The purchase of shares of ETFs may result in duplication of expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to the Fund's own expenses.

 

Illiquid Securities Risk. Investing in illiquid securities is subject to certain risks, such as limitations on resale and uncertainty in determining valuation. Limitations on resale may adversely affect the marketability of portfolio securities and the Fund might be unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemptions within seven days. The Fund might, in order to dispose of restricted securities, have to register securities resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of such securities.

 

IPO Risk. IPO risk is the risk that the market value of IPO shares will fluctuate considerably due to certain factors, such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, the small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. IPO shares are subject to market risk and liquidity risk. When the Fund's asset base is small, a significant portion of the Fund's performance could be attributable to investments in IPOs, because such investments would have a magnified impact on the Fund. As the Fund's assets grow, the effect of the Fund's investments in IPOs on the Fund's performance probably will decline, which could reduce the Fund's performance. Because of the price volatility of IPO shares, the Fund may choose to hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the Fund's portfolio and may lead to increased expenses to the Fund, such as commissions and transaction costs. In addition, the Adviser cannot guarantee continued access to IPOs.

 

Non-Diversification Risk. The Fund is non-diversified. Compared to other funds, the Fund may invest more of its assets in a smaller number of companies. Gains or losses on a single stock may have greater impact on the Fund.

 

33  

 

Performance Information

 

The bar chart and table below illustrate the long-term performance of the Boston Partners Global Equity Fund's Institutional Class. The bar chart below shows you how the performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class has varied year by year and provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. As with all such investments, past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future results. Performance reflects fee waivers in effect. If fee waivers were not in place, the Fund's performance would be reduced. Updated performance information is available at www.boston-partners.com or 1-888-261-4073.

 

Total Returns for the Calendar Years Ended December 31

 

 

Best and Worst Quarterly Performance (for the periods reflected in the chart above):

 

Best Quarter: 11.70% (quarter ended March 31, 2012)
Worst Quarter: -9.22% (quarter ended September 30, 2015)

 

The year-to-date total return for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 13.77%.

 

Average Annual Total Returns

The table below compares the average annual total returns for the Fund's Institutional Class both before and after taxes for the past calendar year, past five calendar years and since inception to the average annual total returns of a broad-based securities market index for the same periods.

 

  Average Annual Total Returns
(for the Periods Ended December 31, 2016)
  1 Year 5 Years Since Inception
(December 30, 2011)
Boston Partners Global Equity Fund
Return Before Taxes  8.50%  11.79% 11.79%
Return After Taxes on Distributions (1) 8.02%  11.15% 11.14%
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Shares 5.21% 9.29%  9.29%
MSCI World Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)  8.15%  11.04% 11.04%

 

(1) 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 investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

34  

 

Management of the Fund

 

Investment Adviser

Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc.
909 Third Avenue, 32 nd Floor, New York, New York 10022

 

Portfolio Managers

Christopher K. Hart, Portfolio Manager, and a Portfolio Manager of the Fund since inception
Joshua Jones, a Portfolio Manager of the Fund since June, 2013
Joseph F. Feeney, Jr., Chief Investment Officer of Boston Partners, Portfolio Manager of the Fund since inception and oversees both the team and the strategy

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

Minimum Initial Investment: $100,000
Minimum Additional Investment: $5,000

 

You can only purchase and redeem Institutional Class shares of the Fund on days the New York Stock Exchange is open. Institutional Class shares of the Fund may be available through certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals (collectively, "Service Organizations"). Shares of the Fund may also be purchased and redeemed directly through The RBB Fund, Inc. by the means described below.

 

Purchase and Redemption By Mail:
Boston Partners Global Equity Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701
Purchase and Redemption By Wire:
Request routing instructions by calling the Fund's transfer agent at 1-888-261-4073.

 

Redemption By Telephone: If you select the option on your account application, you may call the Fund's transfer agent at 1-888-261-4073.

 

Taxes

 

The Fund intends to make distributions that generally may be taxed at ordinary income or capital gains rates.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase 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 other related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund versus another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

 

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SUMMARY SECTION — BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND

 

Investment Objective

 

The Fund seeks long-term growth of capital.

 

Expenses and Fees

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Institutional Class shares of the Fund.

 

  Institutional Class
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Management fees 1.50%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees None
Short Sales Expenses: (1)
Dividend expense on short sales 0.88%
Interest expense on borrowings 0.05%
Other expenses (2) 0.21%
Total annual Fund operating expenses (3) 2.64%

 

(1) There are additional costs associated with the use of short sales. Short-sale dividends generally reduce the market value of the securities by the amount of the dividend declared; thus increasing the Fund's unrealized gain or reducing the Fund's unrealized loss on the securities sold short.

 

(2) Other Expenses” includes acquired fund fees and expenses, which are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other mutual funds, including money market funds and exchange traded funds. Please note that the amount of Total annual Fund operating expenses shown in the above table will differ from the “Financial Highlights” section of the prospectus, which reflects the operating expenses of the Fund and does not include indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses.

 

(3) The Fund's Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the Total annual Fund operating expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for the Fund's Institutional Class shares exceeds 2.00% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund's Institutional Class shares. Because dividend expenses on short sales, acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes are excluded from the expense limitation, Total annual Fund operating expenses (after fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements) are expected to exceed 2.00%. This contractual limitation is in effect until February 28, 2019 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. Effective as of the effective date of the Fund's first advisory agreement with the Adviser, if at any time the Fund's Total annual Fund operating expenses for that year are less than 2.00% or the expense cap then in effect, or whichever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees waived and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made.

 

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 $100,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and that you sell your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and Fund operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs and returns might be different, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

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  1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
Institutional Class $2,671 $8,204 $14,001 $29,734

 

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 Fund's performance. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the portfolio turnover rate for the Fund was 109% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Summary of Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Fund invests in long positions in stocks identified by the Adviser as undervalued and takes short positions in stocks that the Adviser has identified as overvalued. The cash proceeds from short sales will be invested in short-term cash instruments to produce a return on such proceeds just below the federal funds rate. Short sales are considered speculative transactions and a form of leverage. The Fund invests, both long and short, in securities issued by U.S. and non-U.S. companies of any capitalization size.

 

With a long position, the Fund purchases a stock outright; with a short position, the Fund sells a security that it does not own and must borrow to meet its settlement obligations. The Fund may invest in securities of companies operating for three years or less ("unseasoned issuers"). The Adviser will determine the size of each long or short position by analyzing the tradeoff between the attractiveness of each position and its impact on the risk of the overall portfolio. The Adviser examines various factors in determining the value characteristics of such issuers including price-to-book value ratios and price-to-earnings ratios. These value characteristics are examined in the context of the issuer's operating and financial fundamentals, including return on equity, earnings growth and cash flow. The Adviser selects securities for the Fund based on a continuous study of trends in industries and companies, earnings power and growth and other investment criteria.

 

The Fund may invest in all types of equity and equity-related securities, including without limitation exchange-traded and over-the-counter common and preferred stocks, warrants, options, rights, convertible securities, sponsored and unsponsored depositary receipts and shares, trust certificates, limited partnership interests, shares of other investment companies (including exchanged-traded funds ("ETFs")), real estate investment trusts ("REITs") and equity participations. An equity participation is a type of loan that gives the lender a portion of equity ownership in a property, in addition to principal and interest payments. A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula.

 

The Fund defines non-U.S. companies as companies (i) that are organized under the laws of a foreign country; (ii) whose principal trading market is in a foreign country; or (iii) that have a majority of their assets, or that derive a significant portion of their revenue or profits from businesses, investments or sales, outside of the United States. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests significantly (ordinarily at least 40% — unless market conditions are not deemed favorable by the Adviser, in which case the Fund would invest at least 30%) in non-U.S. companies. The Fund principally will be invested in issuers located in countries with developed securities markets, but may also invest in issuers located in emerging markets. The Fund will allocate its assets among various regions and countries, including the United States (but in no less than three different countries).

 

The Fund's portfolio is rebalanced regularly. The Adviser assesses each investment's changing characteristics relative to its contribution to portfolio risk. The Adviser will sell an investment held long or close out a short position that the Adviser believes no longer offers an appropriate return-to-risk tradeoff.

 

Under normal circumstances, the Adviser expects to sell securities short so that the Fund's portfolio is approximately 50% net long with an average of between 30% and 70% net long.

 

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To meet margin requirements, redemptions or pending investments, the Fund may also temporarily hold a portion of its assets in full faith and credit obligations of the United States government and in short-term notes, commercial paper or other money market instruments.

 

The Adviser will sell a stock when it no longer meets one or more investment criteria, either through obtaining target value or due to an adverse change in fundamentals or business momentum. Each holding has a target valuation established at purchase, which the Adviser constantly monitors and adjusts as appropriate.

 

The Fund may participate as a purchaser in initial public offerings of securities ("IPO"). An IPO is a company's first offering of stock to the public.

 

The Fund may invest from time to time a significant portion of its assets in smaller issuers which are more volatile and less liquid than investments in issuers with larger market capitalizations.

 

The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, including securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily available market or legal or contractual restrictions on resale.

 

In general, the Fund's investments are broadly diversified over a number of industries and, as a matter of policy, the Fund is limited to investing a maximum of 25% of its total assets in any one industry.

 

The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in high yield debt obligations, such as bonds and debentures, used by U.S. and foreign corporations and other business organizations (e.g. trusts or limited liability companies). Such high yield debt obligations are not considered to be investment grade. Non-investment grade fixed income securities (commonly known as "junk bonds") are rated BB or lower by Standard & Poor's Rating Group, or have a comparable rating by another nationally recognized statistical rating organization (or, if unrated are determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality at the time of investment). The Fund may invest in securities of the lowest rating category, including securities in default. The Adviser may, but is not required to, sell a bond or note held by the Fund in the event that its credit rating is downgraded.

 

The Fund may (but is not required to) invest in derivatives, including put and call options, futures, forward contracts and swaps, in lieu of investing directly in a security, currency or instrument, for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

While the Adviser intends to fully invest the Fund's assets at all times in accordance with the above-mentioned policies, the Fund reserves the right to hold up to 100% of its assets, as a temporary defensive measure, in cash and eligible U.S. dollar-denominated money market instruments and make investments inconsistent with its investment objective. The Adviser will determine when market conditions warrant temporary defensive measures.

 

Summary of Principal Risks

 

Management Risk. The Fund is subject to the risk of poor stock selection. In other words, the Adviser may not be successful in its strategy of taking long positions in stocks the manager believes to be undervalued and short positions in stocks the manager believes to be overvalued. Further, since the Adviser will manage both a long and a short portfolio, there is the risk that the Adviser may make more poor investment decisions than an adviser of a typical stock mutual fund with only a long portfolio may make.

 

Market Risk. The net asset value ("NAV") of the Fund will change with changes in the market value of its portfolio positions. Investors may lose money. Although the long portfolio of the Fund will invest in stocks the Adviser believes to be undervalued, there is no guarantee that the prices of these stocks will not move even lower.

 

High Yield Debt Obligations Risk. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in high yield debt obligations, such as bonds and debentures, issued by corporations and other business organizations. An issuer of debt obligations may default on its obligation to pay interest and repay principal. Also, changes in the financial strength of an issuer or changes in the credit rating of a security may affect its value. Such high yield debt obligations are referred to as "junk bonds" and are not considered to be investment grade.

 

Foreign Securities Risk. International investing is subject to special risks, including, but not limited to, currency exchange rate volatility, political, social or economic instability, and differences in taxation, auditing and other financial practices. The Fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers either directly or through depositary receipts. Depositary receipts may be available through "sponsored" or "unsponsored" facilities. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all of the costs of the unsponsored facility. The depository of an unsponsored facility is frequently under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through, to the holders of the receipts, voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. The depository of unsponsored depositary receipts may provide less information to receipt holders. Participatory notes ("P-notes") are derivative instruments used by investors to take positions in certain foreign securities. P-notes present similar risks to investing directly in such securities and also expose investors to counterparty risk.

 

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Emerging Markets Risk. Investment in emerging market securities involves greater risk than that associated with investment in securities of issuers in developed foreign countries. These risks include volatile currency exchange rates, periods of high inflation, increased risk of default, greater social, economic and political uncertainty and instability, less governmental supervision and regulation of securities markets, weaker auditing and financial reporting standards, lack of liquidity in the markets, and the significantly smaller market capitalizations of emerging market issuers.

 

Currency Risk. Investment in foreign securities also involves currency risk associated with securities that trade or are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and which may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates. An increase in the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to a foreign currency may cause the U.S. dollar value of an investment in that country to decline. Foreign currencies also are subject to risks caused by inflation, interest rates, budget deficits and low savings rates, political factors and government controls.

 

Short Sales Risk. Short sales of securities may result in gains if a security's price declines, but may result in losses if a security's price rises. In a rising market, short positions may be more likely to result in losses because securities sold short may be more likely to increase in value. Short selling also involves the risks of: increased leverage, and its accompanying potential for losses; the potential inability to reacquire a security in a timely manner, or at an acceptable price; the possibility of the lender terminating the loan at any time, forcing the Fund to close the transaction under unfavorable circumstances; the additional costs that may be incurred; and the potential loss of investment flexibility caused by the Fund's obligations to provide collateral to the lender and set aside assets to cover the open position. Short sales "against the box" may protect the Fund against the risk of losses in the value of a portfolio security because any decline in value of the security should be wholly or partially offset by a corresponding gain in the short position. Any potential gains in the security, however, would be wholly or partially offset by a corresponding loss in the short position. Short sales that are not "against the box" involve a form of investment leverage, and the amount of the Fund's loss on a short sale is potentially unlimited. The use of short sales may cause the Fund to have higher expenses than those of other equity mutual funds because of higher transaction costs, premiums, interest or dividends payable to the lender.

 

Convertible Securities Risk. Securities that can be converted into common stock, such as certain securities and preferred stock, are subject to the usual risks associated with fixed income investments, such as interest rate risk and credit risk. In addition, because they react to changes in the value of the equity securities into which they will convert, convertible securities are also subject to the risks associated with equity securities.

 

Options Risk. An option is a type of derivative instrument that gives the holder the right (but not the obligation) to buy (a "call") or sell (a "put") an asset in the near future at an agreed upon price prior to the expiration date of the option. The Fund may "cover" a call option by owning the security underlying the option or through other means. The value of options can be highly volatile, and their use can result in loss if the Adviser is incorrect in its expectation of price fluctuations. Losses incurred by the Fund in writing options can be potentially unlimited.

 

Derivatives Risk. The Fund's investments in derivative instruments, which include futures and options on securities, securities indices or currencies, options on these futures, forward foreign currency contracts and interest rate or currency swaps, may be leveraged and result in losses exceeding the amounts invested.

 

REITs Risk. REITs may be affected by economic forces and other factors related to the real estate industry. These risks include possible declines in the value of real estate, possible lack of availability of mortgage funds and unexpected vacancies of properties. REITs that invest in real estate mortgages are also subject to prepayment risk. Investing in REITs may involve risks similar to those associated with investing in small capitalization companies. REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. Historically, small capitalization stocks, such as REITs, have been more volatile in price than the larger capitalization stocks included in the S&P 500 ® Index. The Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any expenses, including management fees, paid by an externally managed REIT in which it invests.

 

39  

 

Unseasoned Issuers Risk. Unseasoned issuers may not have an established financial history and may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources. Unseasoned issuers may depend on a few key personnel for management and may be susceptible to losses and risks of bankruptcy. As a result, such securities may be more volatile and difficult to sell.

 

Small-Cap Companies Risk. The small capitalization equity securities in which the Fund may invest may be traded only in the over-the-counter market or on a regional securities exchange, may be listed only in the quotation service commonly known as the "pink sheets," and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. These securities may also be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. The trading market for any given small capitalization equity security may be sufficiently small as to make it difficult for the Fund to dispose of a substantial block of such securities. The sale by the Fund of portfolio securities to meet redemptions may require the Fund to sell its small capitalization securities at a discount from market prices or during periods when, in the Adviser's judgment, such sale is not desirable. Moreover, the lack of an efficient market for these securities may make them difficult to value.

 

Portfolio Turnover Risk. If the Fund frequently trades its portfolio securities, the Fund will incur higher brokerage commissions and transaction costs, which could lower the Fund's performance. In addition to lower performance, high portfolio turnover could result in taxable capital gains. A portfolio turnover rate of 100% is considered to be high. The annual portfolio turnover rate for the Fund is not expected to exceed 400%; however, it may be higher if the Adviser believes it will improve the Fund's performance.

 

Segregated Account Risk. A security held in a segregated account cannot be sold while the position it is covering is outstanding, unless it is replaced with a similar security. As a result, there is a possibility that segregation of a large percentage of the Fund's assets could impede portfolio management or the Fund's ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.

 

Illiquid Securities Risk. Investing in illiquid securities is subject to certain risks, such as limitations on resale and uncertainty in determining valuation. Limitations on resale may adversely affect the marketability of portfolio securities and the Fund might be unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemptions within seven days. The Fund might, in order to dispose of restricted securities, have to register securities resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of such securities.

 

IPO Risk. IPO risk is the risk that the market value of IPO shares will fluctuate considerably due to certain factors, such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, the small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. IPO shares are subject to market risk and liquidity risk. When the Fund's asset base is small, a significant portion of the Fund's performance could be attributable to investments in IPOs, because such investments would have a magnified impact on the Fund. As the Fund's assets grow, the effect of the Fund's investments in IPOs on the Fund's performance probably will decline, which could reduce the Fund's performance. Because of the price volatility of IPO shares, the Fund may choose to hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the Fund's portfolio and may lead to increased expenses to the Fund, such as commissions and transaction costs. In addition, the Adviser cannot guarantee continued access to IPOs.

 

Securities Lending Risk. The Fund may lend portfolio securities to institutions, such as certain broker-dealers. The Fund may experience a loss or delay in the recovery of its securities if the borrowing institution breaches its agreement with the Fund.

 

40  

 

Exchange-Traded Fund Risk. Exchange traded funds ("ETFs") are a type of investment company bought and sold on a securities exchange. An ETF typically represents a fixed portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market index. The risks of owning an ETF generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying securities that they are designed to track, although lack of liquidity in an ETF could result in its being more volatile. Some ETFs are actively-managed by an investment adviser and/or sub-advisers. Actively-managed ETFs are subject to the risk of poor investment selection. The Fund may incur brokerage fees in connection with its purchase of ETF shares. The purchase of shares of ETFs may result in duplication of expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to the Fund's own expenses.

 

Non-Diversification Risk. The Fund is non-diversified. Compared to other funds, the Fund may invest more of its assets in a smaller number of companies. Gains or losses on a single stock may have greater impact on the Fund.

 

Performance Information

 

The bar chart and table below illustrate the long-term performance of the Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund's Institutional Class. The bar chart below shows you how the performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class has varied year by year and provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. As with all such investments, past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future results. Performance reflects fee waivers in effect. If fee waivers were not in place, the Fund's performance would be reduced. Updated performance information is available at www.boston-partners.com or 1-888-261-4073.

 

Total Returns for the Calendar Year Ended December 31

 

 

Best and Worst Quarterly Performance (for the periods reflected in the chart above):

 

Best Quarter: 4.10% (quarter ended June 30, 2015)
Worst Quarter: -2.06% (quarter ended September 30, 2015)

 

The year-to-date total return for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 4.09%.

 

Average Annual Total Returns

 

The table below compares the average annual total returns for the Fund's Institutional Class both before and after taxes for the past calendar year and since inception to the average annual total returns of a broad-based securities market index for the same periods.

 

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  Average Annual Total Returns
for the Periods Ended December 31, 2016
  1 Year Since Inception
(December 31, 2013)
Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund
Returns Before Taxes

2.36%

3.41%
Returns After Taxes on Distributions (1) 2.30% 3.36%
Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares 1.38% 2.62%
MSCI ® World Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) 8.15% 4.38%

 

(1) 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 investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

Management of the Fund

 

Investment Adviser

Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc.
909 Third Avenue, 32 nd Floor, New York, New York 10022

 

Portfolio Managers

Christopher K. Hart, Portfolio Manager of the Fund since inception
Joshua Jones, Portfolio Manager of the Fund since inception
Joseph F. Feeney, Jr., Chief Investment Officer of Boston Partners, Portfolio Manager of the Fund since inception and oversees both the team and the strategy

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

Minimum Initial Investment: $100,000
Minimum Additional Investment: $5,000

 

You can only purchase and redeem Institutional Class shares of the Fund on days the New York Stock Exchange is open. Institutional Class shares of the Fund may be available through certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals (collectively, "Service Organizations"). Shares of the Fund may also be purchased and redeemed directly through The RBB Fund, Inc. by the means described below.

 

Purchase and Redemption By Mail:
Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701
Purchase and Redemption By Wire:
Request routing instructions by calling the Fund's transfer agent at 1-888-261-4073.

 

Redemption By Telephone: If you select the option on your account application, you may call the Fund's transfer agent at 1-888-261-4073.

 

42  

 

Taxes

 

The Fund intends to make distributions that generally may be taxed at ordinary income or capital gains rates.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase 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 other related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

 

43  

 

SUMMARY SECTION — BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS LONG/SHORT FUND

 

Investment Objective

 

The Fund seeks long-term growth of capital.

 

Expenses and Fees

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Institutional Class shares of the Fund.

 

  Institutional Class
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Management fees 1.85%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees None
Short Sale Expenses: (1)
Dividend expense on short sales 0.06%
Interest expense on borrowings 0.01%
Other expenses 1.07%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (2) 0.05%
Total annual Fund operating expenses 3.04%
Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement (3) (0.86)%
Total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement 2.18%

 

(1) There are additional costs associated with the use of short sales. Short-sale dividends generally reduce the market value of the securities by the amount of the dividend declared, thus increasing the Fund’s unrealized gain or reducing the Fund’s unrealized loss on the securities sold short.

 

(2) A cquired fund fees and expenses are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other mutual funds, including money market funds and exchange traded funds. Please note that the amount of Total annual Fund operating expenses and Total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement shown in the above table will differ from the “Financial Highlights” section of the prospectus, which reflects the operating expenses of the Fund and does not include indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses.

 

(3) Effective as of June 13, 2017, the Fund’s Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the Total annual Fund operating expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares exceeds 2.00% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Institutional Class shares. Because acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes are excluded from the expense limitation, Total annual Fund operating expenses (after fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements) are expected to exceed 2.00%. This contractual limitation is in effect until February 28, 2019 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. If at any time the Fund’s Total annual Fund operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 2.00% or the expense cap then in effect, whichever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

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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 $100,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and that you sell all of your shares at the end of the period. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the operating expenses of the Fund remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

  1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 years
Institutional Class $2,211 $8,585 $15,212 $32,950

 

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 Fund’s performance. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the portfolio turnover rate for the Fund was 184% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Summary of Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Fund will pursue its objective through a multi-strategy long-short portfolio of equity securities and financial investments with equity like characteristics designed to provide exposure to emerging markets. Securities are selected by the Adviser using its "three circles" approach which combines a quantitative screening with a fundamental bottom up selection process. This investment strategy is grounded in the following principles: (1) low valuation stocks outperform high valuation stocks; (2) companies with strong fundamentals, e.g. high and sustainable returns on invested capital, outperform companies with weak fundamentals; and (3) stocks with positive business momentum, e.g. rising earnings estimates, outperform stocks with negative business momentum. With a long position, the Fund purchases a stock outright; with a short position, the Fund sells a security that it does not own and must borrow to meet its settlement obligations. The Adviser examines various factors in determining the value characteristics of issuers, including price-to-book value ratios and price-to-earnings ratios. These value characteristics are examined in the context of the issuer’s operating and financial fundamentals, such as return-on-equity and earnings growth and cash flow.

 

The Fund intends, under normal circumstances, to invest at least 80% of its net assets (including borrowings for investment purposes) in the securities of emerging market issuers, related derivative instruments and other investments that are tied economically to emerging market countries. The Adviser considers an emerging market country to include any country that is: 1) generally recognized to be an emerging market country by the international financial community, including the World Bank; 2) classified by the United Nations as a developing country; or 3) included in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. Due to the unique relationship between China and its separately administered regions, the Adviser includes Hong Kong and Macau as emerging markets, independent of above definitions 1 through 3. The Adviser determines that an investment is tied economically to an emerging market if such investment satisfies one or more of the following conditions: 1) the issuer’s primary trading market is in an emerging market; 2) the issuer is organized under the laws of, derives at least 50% of its revenue from, or has at least 50% of its assets in emerging markets; 3) the investment is included in an index representative of emerging markets; and 4) the investment is exposed to the economic risks and returns of emerging markets.

 

In managing the Fund’s portfolio, the Adviser will seek to identify mispriced publicly traded equity securities of emerging market companies including shorting securities that the Adviser believes will underperform and purchasing securities that the Adviser believes will outperform.

 

The long portion of the portfolio will emphasize low valuation, positive business momentum and high quality securities. The short portfolio will emphasize securities with high valuation risk, high balance sheet risk and signs of slowing sales and earnings momentum.

 

The Fund’s portfolio is rebalanced regularly to maintain the optimal risk/return trade-off. The Adviser assesses each stock’s changing characteristics relative to its contribution to portfolio risk. The Adviser will sell a stock held long or close out a short position in a stock that the Adviser believes no longer offers an appropriate return-to-risk tradeoff.

 

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The equity securities in which the Fund will invest include equity securities issued by large-, mid- and small- or micro-cap companies, as well as exchange-traded and over-the-counter common and preferred stocks, warrants, options, rights, convertible securities, sponsored and unsponsored depositary receipts and shares, trust certificates, limited partnership interests, shares of other investment companies (including exchanged-traded funds ("ETFs")), real estate investment trusts ("REITs") and equity participations. An equity participation is a type of loan that gives the lender a portion of equity ownership in a property, in addition to principal and interest payments. A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. The Fund may invest in securities of companies operating for three years or less ("unseasoned issuers").

 

The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in high yield debt obligations, such as bonds and debentures, used by corporations and other business organizations (e.g. trusts or limited liability companies). Such high yield debt obligations are not considered to be investment grade. Non-investment grade fixed income securities (commonly known as "junk bonds") are rated BB or lower by Standard & Poor's Rating Group, or have a comparable rating by another nationally recognized statistical rating organization (or, if unrated are determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality at the time of investment). The Fund may invest in securities of the lowest rating category, including securities in default. The Adviser may, but is not required to, sell a bond or note held by the Fund in the event that its credit rating is downgraded. The Fund will primarily invest in fixed income instruments, including high yield fixed income obligations, when the Fund believes that such instruments offer a better risk/reward profile than comparable equity opportunities.

 

Under normal circumstances, the Adviser expects that the Fund’s long positions will not exceed approximately 50% of the Fund’s net assets with a typical range of 30% to 70% net long.

 

The Fund’s long and short positions may involve (without limit) equity securities of non-U.S. issuers that are traded in the markets of the United States.

 

In addition to the short sales discussed above, the Fund may make short sales "against the box," a transaction in which the Fund enters into a short sale of a security which the Fund owns. The proceeds of the short sale will be held by a broker until the settlement date at which time the Fund delivers the security to close the short position. The Fund receives the net proceeds from the short sale. It is currently expected that the majority of the Fund’s short sales will not be against the box.

 

To meet margin requirements, redemptions or pending investments, the Fund may also temporarily hold a portion of its assets in full faith and credit obligations of the United States government and in short-term notes, commercial paper or other money market instruments.

 

The Adviser will sell a stock when it no longer meets one or more investment criteria, either through obtaining target value or due to an adverse change in fundamentals or business momentum. Each holding has a target valuation established at purchase, which the Adviser constantly monitors and adjusts as appropriate.

 

In general, the Fund’s investments will be spread over a number of industries and, as a matter of policy, the Fund is limited to investing less than 25% of its total assets in any one industry, except that the Fund may invest in exchange traded funds to the extent permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), and applicable SEC orders.

 

The Fund may participate as a purchaser in initial public offerings of securities (“IPOs”). An IPO is a company’s first offering of stock to the public.

 

The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, including securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily available market or legal or contractual restrictions on resale.

 

The Fund may also seek to increase its income by lending portfolio securities.

 

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The Fund will invest in derivatives, including put and call options, futures, contracts for differences, forward contracts and swaps, in lieu of investing directly in a security, currency or instrument, for hedging and non-hedging purposes. Contracts for differences offer exposure to price changes in an underlying security without ownership of such security, typically by providing investors the ability to trade on margin. The Fund’s investments in derivative instruments may be leveraged and result in losses exceeding the amounts invested.

 

While the Adviser intends to fully invest the Fund’s assets at all times in accordance with the above-mentioned policies, the Fund reserves the right to hold up to 100% of its assets, as a temporary defensive measure, in cash and eligible U.S. dollar-denominated money market instruments and make investments inconsistent with its investment objective. The Adviser will determine when market conditions warrant temporary defensive measures.

 

Summary of Principal Risks

 

Limited Operating History Risk. The Fund has a limited operating history upon which prospective investors can evaluate its performance. Although the investment strategies described herein may have been utilized by investment accounts managed by the Adviser’s investment team, past performance is not indicative of future results.

 

New Fund Risk. As a new Fund, there can be no assurance that the Fund will grow to or maintain economically viable size.

 

Management Risk. The Fund is subject to the risk of poor stock selection. The Adviser may not be successful in its strategy of taking long positions in securities the Adviser believes to be undervalued and short positions in securities the Adviser believes to be overvalued. Further, since the Adviser will manage both a long and a short portfolio, there is the risk that the Adviser may make more poor investment decisions than an adviser of a typical stock mutual fund with only a long portfolio may make. Investments the Fund makes may not perform as well as expected, and/or the Fund’s portfolio management practices may not work to achieve their desired result.

 

Market Risk. The net asset value ("NAV") of the Fund will change with changes in the market value of its portfolio positions. Investors may lose money. Although the long portfolio of the Fund will invest in stocks the Adviser believes to be undervalued, there is no guarantee that the prices of these stocks will not move even lower.

 

Foreign Securities Risk. International investing is subject to special risks, including, but not limited to, currency exchange rate volatility, political, social or economic instability, and differences in taxation, auditing and other financial practices.

 

Emerging Markets Risk. Investment in emerging market securities involves greater risk than that associated with investment in securities of issuers in developed foreign countries. These risks include volatile currency exchange rates, periods of high inflation, increased risk of default, greater social, economic and political uncertainty and instability, less governmental supervision and regulation of securities markets, weaker auditing and financial reporting standards, lack of liquidity in the markets, and the significantly smaller market capitalizations of emerging market issuers.

 

Currency Risk. Investment in foreign securities also involves currency risk associated with securities that trade or are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and which may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates. An increase in the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to a foreign currency may cause the U.S. dollar value of an investment in that country to decline. Foreign currencies also are subject to risks caused by inflation, interest rates, budget deficits and low savings rates, political factors and government controls.

 

Short Sales Risk. Short sales of securities may result in gains if a security’s price declines, but may result in losses if a security’s price rises. In a rising market, short positions may be more likely to result in losses because securities sold short may be more likely to increase in value. Short selling is speculative and also involves the risks of: increased leverage, and its accompanying potential for losses; the potential inability to reacquire a security in a timely manner, or at an acceptable price; the possibility of the lender terminating the loan at any time, forcing the Fund to close the transaction under unfavorable circumstances; the additional costs that may be incurred; and the potential loss of investment flexibility caused by the Fund’s obligations to provide collateral to the lender and set aside assets to cover the open position. Short sales "against the box" may protect the Fund against the risk of losses in the value of a portfolio security because any decline in the value of the security should be wholly or partially offset by a corresponding gain in the short position. Any potential gains in the security, however, would be wholly or partially offset by a corresponding loss in the short position. Short sales that are not "against the box" involve a form of investment leverage, and the amount of the Fund’s loss on a short sale is potentially unlimited. The use of short sales may cause the Fund to have higher expenses than those of other equity mutual funds because of higher transaction costs, premiums, interest or dividends payable to the lender.

 

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Unseasoned Issuers Risk. Unseasoned issuers may not have an established financial history and may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources. Unseasoned issuers may depend on a few key personnel for management and may be susceptible to losses and risks of bankruptcy. As a result, such securities may be more volatile and difficult to sell.

 

Micro-Cap Companies Risk. Micro-cap stocks may be very sensitive to changing economic conditions and market downturns because the issuers often have narrow markets for their products or services, fewer product lines, and more limited managerial and financial resources than larger issuers. The stocks of micro-cap companies may therefore be more volatile and the ability to sell them at a desirable time or price may be more limited.

 

Small-Cap Companies Risk. The stocks of smaller companies may be subject to more abrupt, erratic market movements than stocks of larger, more established companies. Small companies may have limited product lines or financial resources, or may be dependent on a small or inexperienced management group, and their securities may trade less frequently and in lower volume than securities of larger companies, which could lead to higher transaction costs. Generally, the smaller the company size, the greater the risk.

 

Mid-Cap Companies Risk. The stocks of mid-sized companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than stocks of larger, more established companies.

 

REITs Risk. REITs may be affected by economic forces and other factors related to the real estate industry. These risks include possible declines in the value of real estate, possible lack of availability of mortgage funds and unexpected vacancies of properties. REITs that invest in real estate mortgages are also subject to prepayment risk. Investing in REITs may involve risks similar to those associated with investing in small capitalization companies. REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. Historically, small capitalization stocks, such as REITs, have been more volatile in price than the larger capitalization stocks included in the S&P 500 ® Index. The Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any expenses, including management fees, paid by an externally managed REIT in which it invests.

 

Portfolio Turnover Risk. If the Fund frequently trades its portfolio securities, the Fund will incur higher brokerage commissions and transaction costs, which could lower the Fund’s performance. In addition to lower performance, high portfolio turnover could result in taxable capital gains. A portfolio turnover rate of 100% is considered to be high. The annual portfolio turnover rate for the Fund is not expected to exceed 400%; however, it may be higher if the Adviser believes it will improve the Fund’s performance.

 

Segregated Account Risk. A security held in a segregated account cannot be sold while the position it is covering is outstanding, unless it is replaced with a similar security. As a result, there is a possibility that segregation of a large percentage of the Fund’s assets could impede portfolio management or the Fund’s ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.

 

Illiquid Securities Risk. Investing in illiquid securities is subject to certain risks, such as limitations on resale and uncertainty in determining valuation. Limitations on resale may adversely affect the marketability of portfolio securities and the Fund might be unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemptions within seven days. The Fund might, in order to dispose of restricted securities, have to register securities resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of such securities.

 

48  

 

Convertible Securities Risk. Securities that can be converted into common stock, such as certain securities and preferred stock, are subject to the usual risks associated with fixed income investments, such as interest rate risk and credit risk. In addition, because they react to changes in the value of the equity securities into which they will convert, convertible securities are also subject to the risks associated with equity securities.

 

Options Risk. An option is a type of derivative instrument that gives the holder the right (but not the obligation) to buy (a "call") or sell (a "put") an asset in the near future at an agreed upon price prior to the expiration date of the option. The Fund may "cover" a call option by owning the security underlying the option or through other means. The value of options can be highly volatile, and their use can result in loss if the Adviser is incorrect in its expectation of price fluctuations. Losses incurred by the Fund in writing options can be potentially unlimited.

 

Derivatives Risk. The Fund’s investments in derivative instruments, which include futures and options on securities, securities indices or currencies, options on these futures, contracts for differences, forward foreign currency contracts and interest rate or currency swaps, may be leveraged and result in losses exceeding the amounts invested.

 

IPO Risk. IPO risk is the risk that the market value of IPO shares will fluctuate considerably due to certain factors, such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, the small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. IPO shares are subject to market risk and liquidity risk. When the Fund’s asset base is small, a significant portion of the Fund’s performance could be attributable to investments in IPOs, because such investments would have a magnified impact on the Fund. As the Fund’s assets grow, the effect of the Fund’s investments in IPOs on the Fund’s performance probably will decline, which could reduce the Fund’s performance. Because of the price volatility of IPO shares, the Fund may choose to hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the Fund’s portfolio and may lead to increased expenses to the Fund, such as commissions and transaction costs. In addition, the Adviser cannot guarantee continued access to IPOs.

 

Exchange Traded Fund Risk. Exchange traded funds ("ETFs") are a type of investment company bought and sold on a securities exchange. An ETF typically represents a fixed portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market index. The risks of owning an ETF generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying securities that they are designed to track, although lack of liquidity in an ETF could result in its being more volatile. Some ETFs are actively-managed by an investment adviser and/or sub-advisers. Actively-managed ETFs are subject to the risk of poor investment selection. The Fund may incur brokerage fees in connection with its purchase of ETF shares. The purchase of shares of ETFs may result in the duplication of expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to the Fund’s own expenses.

 

Securities Lending Risk. The Fund may lend portfolio securities to institutions, such as certain broker-dealers. The Fund may experience a loss or delay in the recovery of its securities if the borrowing institution breaches its agreement with the Fund.

 

High Yield Debt Obligations Risk. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in high yield debt obligations, such as bonds and debentures, issued by corporations and other business organizations. An issuer of debt obligations may default on its obligation to pay interest and repay principal. Also, changes in the financial strength of an issuer or changes in the credit rating of a security may affect its value. Such high yield debt obligations are referred to as "junk bonds" and are not considered to be investment grade.

 

• Non-Diversification Risk. The Fund is non-diversified. Compared to other funds, the Fund may invest more of its assets in a smaller number of companies. Gains or losses on a single stock may have greater impact on the Fund.

 

Performance Information

 

The bar chart and table below illustrate the long-term performance of the Fund. The bar chart below shows you how the performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class has varied year by year and provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. As with all such investments, past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future results. Updated performance information is available at www.boston-partners.com or 1-888-261-4073.

 

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The Fund commenced operations as a series of The RBB Fund, Inc. on December 15, 2015, when substantially all of the assets of Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Equity (the “Prior Account”) transferred to the Fund. The Fund is managed in all material respects in a manner equivalent to the management of the Prior Account. Accordingly, the performance information shown below for periods prior to December 15, 2015 is that of the Prior Account. The Fund’s objectives, policies, guidelines and restrictions are in all material respects equivalent to the Prior Account. The Fund is managed by Joseph F. Feeney, Jr. and Paul Korngiebel, the same Prior Account portfolio managers that managed the Prior Account since its inception in 2015. The Prior Account was not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), and thus was not subject to certain investment and operational restrictions that are imposed by the 1940 Act. If the Prior Account had been registered under the 1940 Act, its performance may have been adversely affected. Accordingly, future Fund performance may be different than the Prior Account’s restated past performance. The Prior Account’s performance has been restated to reflect estimated expenses of the Fund. After-tax performance returns are not included for the Prior Account. The Prior Account was not a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code and therefore did not distribute current or accumulated earnings and profits and was not subject to the diversification and source of income requirements applicable to regulated investment companies.

 

Total Returns for the Calendar Year Ended December 31

 

 

Best and Worst Quarterly Performance (for the periods reflected in the chart above):

 

Best Quarter: 7.91% (quarter ended December 31, 2016)
Worst Quarter: -6.25% (quarter ended September 30, 2015)

 

The year-to-date total return for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 21.34%.

 

Average Annual Total Returns

The table below compares the average annual total returns for the Fund's Institutional Class, including the Prior Account, both before and after taxes for the past calendar year and since inception to the average annual total returns of a broad-based securities market index for the same periods.

 

  Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2016
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund 1 Year

Since Inception

(March 1, 2015)

     
Returns Before Taxes 7.91% 1.16%
Returns After Taxes on Distributions 4.04% -0.83%
Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares 4.55% 0.01%
MSCI ® Emerging Markets Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) 11.60% -4.51%

 

(1) The “Since Inception” performance includes performance from the Prior Account beginning on March 1, 2015 until the Fund’s commencement of operations on December 15, 2015.

 

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Management of the Fund

 

Investment Adviser

Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc.
909 Third Avenue, 32 nd Floor, New York, New York 10022

 

Portfolio Managers

Joseph F. Feeney, Jr., CFA, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Boston Partners, Portfolio Manager since inception
Paul Korngiebel, CFA, Global Generalist, Portfolio Manager since inception

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

Minimum Initial Investment: $100,000
Minimum Additional Investment: $5,000

 

You can only purchase and redeem Institutional Class shares of the Fund on days the New York Stock Exchange is open. Institutional Class shares of the Fund may be available through certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals (collectively, "Service Organizations"). Shares of the Fund may also be purchased and redeemed directly through The RBB Fund, Inc. by the means described below.

 

Purchase and Redemption By Mail:
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701
Purchase and Redemption By Wire:
Request routing instructions by calling the Fund’s transfer agent at 1-888-261-4073.

 

Redemption By Telephone: If you select the option on your account application, you may call the Fund’s transfer agent at 1-888-261-4073.

 

Taxes

 

The Fund intends to make distributions that generally may be taxed at ordinary income or capital gains rates.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase 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 other related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.

 

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SUMMARY SECTION — BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS FUND

 

Investment Objective

 

The Fund seeks long-term growth of capital.

 

Expenses and Fees

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Institutional Class shares of the Fund.

 

  Institutional Class
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Management fees 0.85%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees None
Other expenses (1) 0.49%
Total annual Fund operating expenses 1.34%
Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement (2) (0.24)%
Total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement 1.10%

 

(1) “Other Expenses” are estimated for the current fiscal year.

 

(2) The Fund’s Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the Total annual Fund operating expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares exceeds 1.10% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Institutional Class shares. Because acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes are excluded from the expense limitation, Total annual Fund operating expenses (after fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements) are expected to exceed 1.10%. This contractual limitation is in effect until February 28, 2019 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. If at any time the Fund’s Total annual Fund operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.10% or the expense cap then in effect, whichever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

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 $100,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and that you sell all of your shares at the end of the period. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the operating expenses of the Fund remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

  1 Year 3 Years
Institutional Class $1,121 $4,009

 

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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 Fund’s performance. No portfolio turnover rate is provided for the Fund because the Fund had not completed its first fiscal year as of the date of this Prospectus.

 

Summary of Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Fund will pursue its objective through a value oriented, research-driven strategy of investing in equity securities and financial instruments with equity like characteristics designed to provide exposure to emerging markets. Securities are selected by the Adviser using its "three circles" approach which combines a quantitative screening with a fundamental bottom up selection process. This investment strategy is grounded in the following principles: (1) low valuation stocks outperform high valuation stocks; (2) companies with strong fundamentals, e.g. high and sustainable returns on invested capital, outperform companies with weak fundamentals; and (3) stocks with positive business momentum, e.g. rising earnings estimates, outperform stocks with negative business momentum. The Adviser examines various factors in determining the value characteristics of issuers, including price-to-book value ratios and price-to-earnings ratios. These value characteristics are examined in the context of the issuer’s operating and financial fundamentals, such as return-on-equity and earnings growth and cash flow.

 

The Fund intends, under normal circumstances, to invest at least 80% of its net assets (including borrowings for investment purposes) in the securities of emerging market issuers, related derivative instruments and other investments that are tied economically to emerging market countries. The Adviser considers an emerging market country to include any country that is: 1) generally recognized to be an emerging market country by the international financial community, including the World Bank; 2) classified by the United Nations as a developing country; or 3) included in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. Due to the unique relationship between China and its separately administered regions, the Adviser includes Hong Kong and Macau as emerging markets, independent of above definitions 1 through 3. The Adviser determines that an investment is tied economically to an emerging market if such investment satisfies one or more of the following conditions: 1) the issuer’s primary trading market is in an emerging market; 2) the issuer is organized under the laws of, derives at least 50% of its revenue from, or has at least 50% of its assets in emerging markets; 3) the investment is included in an index representative of emerging markets; and 4) the investment is exposed to the economic risks and returns of emerging markets.

 

In managing the Fund’s portfolio, the Adviser will seek to identify mispriced publicly traded equity securities of emerging market companies and purchase securities that the Adviser believes will outperform, emphasizing low valuation, positive business momentum and high quality.

 

The Fund’s portfolio is rebalanced regularly to maintain the optimal risk/return trade-off. The Adviser assesses each stock’s changing characteristics relative to its contribution to portfolio risk. The Adviser will sell a stock that the Adviser believes no longer offers an appropriate return-to-risk tradeoff. The Fund’s investment adviser may engage in active trading, and will not consider portfolio turnover a limiting factor in making decisions for the Fund.

 

The equity securities in which the Fund will invest, which may include equity securities of non-U.S. issuers that are traded in the markets of the United States, include equity securities issued by large-, mid- and small- or micro-cap companies, as well as exchange-traded and over-the-counter common and preferred stocks, warrants, options, rights, convertible securities, sponsored and unsponsored depositary receipts and shares, trust certificates, limited partnership interests, shares of other investment companies (including exchanged-traded funds ("ETFs")), real estate investment trusts ("REITs") and equity participations. An equity participation is a type of loan that gives the lender a portion of equity ownership in a property, in addition to principal and interest payments. A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. The Fund may invest in securities of companies operating for three years or less ("unseasoned issuers").

 

The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in high yield debt obligations (commonly known as “junk bonds”), such as bonds and debentures, used by corporations and other business organizations (e.g. trusts or limited liability companies). Such high yield debt obligations are not considered to be investment grade. Junk bonds are rated BB or lower by Standard & Poor's Rating Group, or have a comparable rating by another nationally recognized statistical rating organization (or, if unrated are determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality at the time of investment). The Fund may invest in securities of the lowest rating category, including securities in default. The Adviser may, but is not required to, sell a bond or note held by the Fund in the event that its credit rating is downgraded. The Fund will primarily invest in fixed income instruments, including high yield debt obligations, when the Fund believes that such instruments offer a better risk/reward profile than comparable equity opportunities.

 

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To meet margin requirements, redemptions or pending investments, the Fund may also temporarily hold a portion of its assets in full faith and credit obligations of the United States government and in short-term notes, commercial paper or other money market instruments.

 

The Adviser will sell a stock when it no longer meets one or more investment criteria, either through obtaining target value or due to an adverse change in fundamentals or business momentum. Each holding has a target valuation established at purchase, which the Adviser constantly monitors and adjusts as appropriate.

 

In general, the Fund’s investments will be spread over a number of industries and, as a matter of policy, the Fund is limited to investing less than 25% of its total assets in any one industry, except that the Fund may invest in exchange traded funds to the extent permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), and applicable SEC orders.

 

The Fund may participate as a purchaser in initial public offerings of securities (“IPOs”). An IPO is a company’s first offering of stock to the public.

 

The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, including securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily available market or legal or contractual restrictions on resale.

 

The Fund may also seek to increase its income by lending portfolio securities.

 

The Fund will invest in derivatives, including put and call options, futures, contracts for differences, forward contracts and swaps, in lieu of investing directly in a security, currency or instrument, for hedging and non-hedging purposes. Contracts for differences offer exposure to price changes in an underlying security without ownership of such security, typically by providing investors the ability to trade on margin. The Fund’s investments in derivative instruments may be leveraged and result in losses exceeding the amounts invested.

 

While the Adviser intends to fully invest the Fund’s assets at all times in accordance with the above-mentioned policies, the Fund reserves the right to hold up to 100% of its assets, as a temporary defensive measure, in cash and eligible U.S. dollar-denominated money market instruments and make investments inconsistent with its investment objective. The Adviser will determine when market conditions warrant temporary defensive measures.

 

Summary of Principal Risks

 

Management Risk. The Fund is subject to the risk of poor stock selection. In other words, the individual stocks in the Fund makes may not perform as well as expected, and/or the Fund’s portfolio management practices may not work to achieve their desired result.

 

Market Risk. The net asset value ("NAV") of the Fund will change with changes in the market value of its portfolio positions. Investors may lose money. Although the long portfolio of the Fund will invest in stocks the Adviser believes to be undervalued, there is no guarantee that the prices of these stocks will not move even lower.

 

Foreign Securities Risk. International investing is subject to special risks, including, but not limited to, currency exchange rate volatility, political, social or economic instability, and differences in taxation, auditing and other financial practices.

 

Emerging Markets Risk. Investment in emerging market securities involves greater risk than that associated with investment in securities of issuers in developed foreign countries. These risks include volatile currency exchange rates, periods of high inflation, increased risk of default, greater social, economic and political uncertainty and instability, less governmental supervision and regulation of securities markets, weaker auditing and financial reporting standards, lack of liquidity in the markets, and the significantly smaller market capitalizations of emerging market issuers.

 

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Currency Risk. Investment in foreign securities also involves currency risk associated with securities that trade or are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and which may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates. An increase in the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to a foreign currency may cause the U.S. dollar value of an investment in that country to decline. Foreign currencies also are subject to risks caused by inflation, interest rates, budget deficits and low savings rates, political factors and government controls.

 

Unseasoned Issuers Risk. Unseasoned issuers may not have an established financial history and may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources. Unseasoned issuers may depend on a few key personnel for management and may be susceptible to losses and risks of bankruptcy. As a result, such securities may be more volatile and difficult to sell.

 

Micro-Cap Companies Risk. Micro-cap stocks may be very sensitive to changing economic conditions and market downturns because the issuers often have narrow markets for their products or services, fewer product lines, and more limited managerial and financial resources than larger issuers. The stocks of micro-cap companies may therefore be more volatile and the ability to sell them at a desirable time or price may be more limited.

 

Small-Cap Companies Risk. The stocks of smaller companies may be subject to more abrupt, erratic market movements than stocks of larger, more established companies. Small companies may have limited product lines or financial resources, or may be dependent on a small or inexperienced management group, and their securities may trade less frequently and in lower volume than securities of larger companies, which could lead to higher transaction costs. Generally, the smaller the company size, the greater the risk.

 

Mid-Cap Companies Risk. The stocks of mid-sized companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than stocks of larger, more established companies.

 

Large-Cap Companies Risk. The stocks of large capitalization companies as a group could fall out of favor with the market, causing the Fund to underperform investments that focus solely on small- or medium-capitalization stocks.

 

REITs Risk. REITs may be affected by economic forces and other factors related to the real estate industry. These risks include possible declines in the value of real estate, possible lack of availability of mortgage funds and unexpected vacancies of properties. REITs that invest in real estate mortgages are also subject to prepayment risk. Investing in REITs may involve risks similar to those associated with investing in small capitalization companies. REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. Historically, small capitalization stocks, such as REITs, have been more volatile in price than the larger capitalization stocks included in the S&P 500 ® Index. The Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any expenses, including management fees, paid by an externally managed REIT in which it invests.

 

Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may frequently trade its portfolio securities, resulting in higher brokerage commissions and transaction costs, which could lower the Fund’s performance. In addition to lower performance, high portfolio turnover could result in taxable capital gains. A portfolio turnover rate of 100% is considered to be high. The annual portfolio turnover rate for the Fund is not expected to exceed 400%; however, it may be higher if the Adviser believes it will improve the Fund’s performance.

 

Segregated Account Risk. The Fund’s transactions in derivative instruments may require the Fund to establish a segregated account consisting of cash or liquid securities in an amount sufficient to cover the transactions. A security held in a segregated account cannot be sold while the position it is covering is outstanding, unless it is replaced with a similar security. As a result, there is a possibility that segregation of a large percentage of the Fund’s assets could impede portfolio management or the Fund’s ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.

 

Illiquid Securities Risk. Investing in illiquid securities is subject to certain risks, such as limitations on resale and uncertainty in determining valuation. Limitations on resale may adversely affect the marketability of portfolio securities and the Fund might be unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemptions within seven days. The Fund might, in order to dispose of restricted securities, have to register securities resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of such securities.

 

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Convertible Securities Risk. Securities that can be converted into common stock, such as certain securities and preferred stock, are subject to the usual risks associated with fixed income investments, such as interest rate risk and credit risk. In addition, because they react to changes in the value of the equity securities into which they will convert, convertible securities are also subject to the risks associated with equity securities.

 

Options Risk. An option is a type of derivative instrument that gives the holder the right (but not the obligation) to buy (a "call") or sell (a "put") an asset in the near future at an agreed upon price prior to the expiration date of the option. The Fund may "cover" a call option by owning the security underlying the option or through other means. The value of options can be highly volatile, and their use can result in loss if the Adviser is incorrect in its expectation of price fluctuations. Losses incurred by the Fund in writing options can be potentially unlimited.

 

Derivatives Risk. The Fund’s investments in derivative instruments, which include futures and options on securities, securities indices or currencies, options on these futures, contracts for differences, forward foreign currency contracts and interest rate or currency swaps, may be leveraged and result in losses exceeding the amounts invested.

 

IPO Risk. IPO risk is the risk that the market value of IPO shares will fluctuate considerably due to certain factors, such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, the small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. IPO shares are subject to market risk and liquidity risk. When the Fund’s asset base is small, a significant portion of the Fund’s performance could be attributable to investments in IPOs, because such investments would have a magnified impact on the Fund. As the Fund’s assets grow, the effect of the Fund’s investments in IPOs on the Fund’s performance probably will decline, which could reduce the Fund’s performance. Because of the price volatility of IPO shares, the Fund may choose to hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the Fund’s portfolio and may lead to increased expenses to the Fund, such as commissions and transaction costs. In addition, the Adviser cannot guarantee continued access to IPOs.

 

Exchange Traded Fund Risk. Exchange traded funds ("ETFs") are a type of investment company bought and sold on a securities exchange. An ETF typically represents a fixed portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market index. The risks of owning an ETF generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying securities that they are designed to track, although lack of liquidity in an ETF could result in its being more volatile. Some ETFs are actively-managed by an investment adviser and/or sub-advisers. Actively-managed ETFs are subject to the risk of poor investment selection. The Fund may incur brokerage fees in connection with its purchase of ETF shares. The purchase of shares of ETFs may result in the duplication of expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to the Fund’s own expenses.

 

Securities Lending Risk. The Fund may lend portfolio securities to institutions, such as certain broker-dealers. The Fund may experience a loss or delay in the recovery of its securities if the borrowing institution breaches its agreement with the Fund.

 

High Yield Debt Obligations Risk. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in Junk Bonds, such as bonds and debentures, issued by corporations and other business organizations. An issuer of debt obligations may default on its obligation to pay interest and repay principal. Also, changes in the financial strength of an issuer or changes in the credit rating of a security may affect its value. Such Junk Bonds are not considered to be investment grade.

 

Equity Securities Risk. The Fund may invest in, or have exposure to, equity securities. Equity securities tend to be more volatile than other investment choices, such as debt and money market instruments. The value of your investment may decrease in response to overall stock market movements or the value of individual securities.

 

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Performance Information

 

Performance information for the Fund is not included because the Fund did not have one full calendar year of performance prior to the date of this Prospectus. Updated performance information is available at www.boston-partners.com or 1-888-261-4073.

 

Management of the Fund

 

Investment Adviser

Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc.
909 Third Avenue, 32 nd Floor, New York, New York 10022

 

Portfolio Managers

Joseph F. Feeney, Jr., CFA, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Boston Partners, Portfolio Manager since inception in 2017.
Paul Korngiebel, CFA, Global Generalist, Portfolio Manager since inception in 2017.

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

Minimum Initial Investment: $100,000
Minimum Additional Investment: $5,000

 

You can only purchase and redeem Institutional Class shares of the Fund on days the New York Stock Exchange is open. Institutional Class shares of the Fund may be available through certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals (collectively, "Service Organizations"). Shares of the Fund may also be purchased and redeemed directly through The RBB Fund, Inc. by the means described below.

 

Purchase and Redemption By Mail:
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701
Purchase and Redemption By Wire:
Request routing instructions by calling the Fund’s transfer agent at 1-888-261-4073.

 

Redemption By Telephone: If you select the option on your account application, you may call the Fund’s transfer agent at 1-888-261-4073.

 

Taxes

 

The Fund intends to make distributions that generally may be taxed at ordinary income or capital gains rates.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase 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 other related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.

 

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS' INVESTMENTS AND RISKS

 

Each of Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II, Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund, Boston Partners Global Equity Fund, Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund, Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund and Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund (collectively referred to as the "Boston Partners Investment Funds" or the "Funds") is a series of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the "Company"), a Maryland Corporation. This section provides some additional information about the Funds' investments and certain portfolio management techniques that certain Funds may use. More information about the Funds' investments and portfolio management techniques, some of which entail risks, is included in the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").

 

Investment Objectives

 

The Funds' investment objectives may be changed by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Company without shareholder approval. Shareholders will, however, receive 60 days' prior notice of any changes. Any such changes may result in the Funds having investment objectives different from the objectives that the shareholder considered appropriate at the time of investment in the Funds.

 

Additional Information About the Funds' Principal Investments and Risks

 

Derivative Contracts. Each of the Funds, except for the Boston Partners Small Cap Value II Fund, may, but need not, use derivative contracts for any of the following purposes:

 

• To seek to hedge against the possible adverse impact of changes in stock market prices, currency exchange rates or interest rates in the market value of its securities or securities to be purchased; or

 

• As a substitute for buying or selling currencies or securities.

 

The Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund, WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund, Boston Partners Global Equity Fund, Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund, Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund and Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund may, but need not, use derivative contracts for the following purpose:

 

• To seek to enhance the Fund's return in non-hedging situations.

 

Derivative contracts in which the Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund, WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, Boston Partners Global Equity Fund, Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund, Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund and Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund may invest include: futures and options on securities, securities indices or currencies; options on these futures; forward foreign currency contracts; and interest rate, total return or currency swaps. The Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund, Boston Partners Global Equity Fund, Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund, Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund and Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund may use derivative contracts involving foreign currencies. A derivative contract will obligate or entitle a Fund to deliver or receive an asset or cash payment that is based on the change in value of one or more securities, currencies or indices. Even a small investment in derivative contracts can have a big impact on a Fund's stock market, currency and interest rate exposure. Therefore, using derivatives can disproportionately increase losses and reduce opportunities for gains when stock prices, currency rates or interest rates are changing. A Fund may not fully benefit from or may lose money on derivatives if changes in their value do not correspond accurately to changes in the value of the Fund's holdings. The other parties to certain derivative contracts present the same types of default risk as issuers of fixed income securities in that the counterparty may default on its payment obligations or become insolvent. Derivatives can also make a Fund less liquid and harder to value, especially in declining markets.

 

Contracts for Differences. The Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund and the Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund may enter into contracts for differences (“CFDs”). CFDs are leveraged derivative instruments that allows the Funds to take a position on the change in the market price of an underlying asset, such as a stock, or the value of an index or currency exchange rate. With a long CFD, the Funds are seeking to profit from increases in the market price of a particular asset. With a short CFD the Funds are seeking to profit from falls in the market price of the asset. CFDs are subject to liquidity risk because the liquidity of CFDs is based on the liquidity of the underlying instrument, and are subject to counterparty risk, i.e., the risk that the counterparty to the CFD transaction may be unable or unwilling to make payments or to otherwise honor its financial obligations under the terms of the contract. It is also possible that the market price of the CFD will move between the time the order is placed by the Funds and when it is executed by the issuer, which can result in the trade being executed at a less favorable price. CFDs, like many other derivative instruments, involve the risk that, if the derivative security declines in value, additional margin would be required to maintain the margin level. The seller may require the Funds to deposit additional sums to cover this, and this may be at short notice. If additional margin is not provided in time, the seller may liquidate the positions at a loss for which a Fund is liable. Most CFDs are traded over-the-counter. CFDs are not registered with the SEC or any U.S. regulator, and are not subject to U.S. regulation.

 

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Interest Rate Swaps, Total Return Swaps, Credit Default Swaps and Options on Swaps.

 

Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund, and the Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, such as an exchange of fixed-rate payments for floating rate payments.

 

Total return swaps are contracts that obligate one party to pay the other party an amount equal to the total return on a defined underlying asset or a non-asset reference during a specified period of time. The underlying asset might be a security or basket of securities or a non-asset reference such as a securities index. In return, the other party would make periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate or on the total return from a different underlying asset or non-asset reference.

 

Credit default swaps are contracts whereby one party makes periodic payments to a counterparty in exchange for the right to receive from the counterparty a payment equal to the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation in the event of a default by the issuer of the debt obligation.

 

Options on swaps ("swaptions") are options to enter into a swap agreement. The Funds may also purchase and write (sell) swaptions. Like other types of options, the buyer of a swaption pays a non-refundable premium for the option and obtains the right, but not the obligation, to enter into an underlying swap on agreed-upon terms. The seller of a swaption, in exchange for the premium, becomes obligated (if the option is exercised) to enter into an underlying swap on agreed-upon terms.

 

The Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund, and Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund may enter into the transactions described above for hedging purposes or to seek to increase total return (which is considered a speculative activity). The use of swaps and swaptions is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If the Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of market values and interest rates, the investment performance of the Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund, and Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund would be less favorable than it would have been if these investment techniques were not used.

 

Short Sales. The Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund, and Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund will engage in short sales, and the Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund may engage in short sales — including those that are not "against the box," which means that each Fund may make short sales where the Fund does not currently own or have the right to acquire, at no added cost, securities identical to those sold short — in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act. In a typical short sale, the Funds borrow from a broker a security in order to sell the security to a third party. The Funds are then obligated to return a security of the same issuer and quantity at some future date. The Funds realize a loss to the extent the security increases in value or a profit to the extent the security declines in value (after taking into account any associated costs). Short sales "against the box" may protect the Funds against the risk of losses in the value of a portfolio security because any decline in value of the security should be wholly or partially offset by a corresponding gain in the short position. Any potential gains in the security, however, would be wholly or partially offset by a corresponding loss in the short position. Short sales that are not "against the box" involve a form of investment leverage, and the amount of each Fund's loss on a short sale is potentially unlimited.

 

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Equity and Equity-Related Securities. Each of the Funds may invest in all types of equity securities. Equity securities include exchange-traded and over-the-counter common and preferred stocks, warrants, rights, convertible securities, depositary receipts and shares, trust certificates, limited partnership interests, shares of other investment companies and REITs, and equity participations. Investments in equity securities and equity derivatives in general are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. The value of a convertible security may not increase or decrease as rapidly as the underlying common stock. Common stocks may decline over short or even extended periods of time. The purchase of rights or warrants involves the risk that the Fund could lose the purchase value of a right or warrant if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not executed prior to the right's or warrant's expiration. The value of such securities convertible into equity securities, such as warrants or convertible debt, is also affected by prevailing interest rates, the credit quality of the issuer and any call provision. Investing in REITs may involve risks similar to those associated with investing in small capitalization companies. REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. State law governing partnerships is often less restrictive than state law governing corporations. Accordingly, there may be fewer protections afforded to investors in a limited partnership than investors in a corporation. Fluctuations in the value of equity securities in which a mutual fund invests will cause the Fund's net asset value to fluctuate. The number of issuers in the Funds' portfolios will vary over time.

 

Fixed Income Investments. The Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund, WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund, Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund and Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund may each invest a portion of their assets in fixed income securities. Fixed income investments include bonds, notes (including structured notes), asset-backed securities, convertible securities, Eurodollar and Yankee dollar instruments, preferred stocks and money market instruments. Fixed income securities may be issued by corporate and governmental issuers and may have all types of interest rate payment and reset terms, including (without limitation) fixed rate, adjustable rate, zero coupon, contingent, deferred, payment-in-kind and auction rate features.

 

The credit quality of securities held in a Fund's portfolio is determined at the time of investment. If a security is rated differently by multiple ratings organizations, a Fund treats the security as being rated in the higher rating category. A Fund may choose not to sell securities that are downgraded below the Fund's minimum accepted credit rating after their purchase. Periods of rising interest rates may result in decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the fixed income markets.

 

Foreign Securities. Each of the Funds may invest in securities of foreign issuers that are traded or denominated in U.S. dollars (including equity securities of foreign issuers trading in U.S. markets) directly or through American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs"), European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs") or International Depositary Receipts ("IDRs"). Depositary receipts may be available through "sponsored" or "unsponsored" facilities. A sponsored facility is established jointly by the issuer of the security underlying the receipt and the depository, whereas an unsponsored facility is established by the depository without participation by the issuer of the underlying security. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all of the costs of the unsponsored facility. The depository of an unsponsored facility is frequently under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through, to the holders of the receipts, voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. The depository of unsponsored depositary receipts may provide less information to receipt holders.

 

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In addition, the Funds may also invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and in multinational currencies such as the Euro. The Funds will value their securities and other assets in U.S. dollars. Investments in securities of foreign issuers and securities denominated in foreign currencies involve special risks. These include possible political and economic instability and the possible imposition of exchange controls or other restrictions on investments. Changes in foreign currency rates relative to the U.S. dollar will affect the U.S. dollar value of a Fund's assets denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Emerging market investments offer the potential for significant gains but also involve greater risks than investing in more developed countries. Political or economic instability, lack of market liquidity and government actions such as currency controls or seizure of private business or property may be more likely in emerging and frontier markets. Frontier markets are a sub-set of emerging markets. Frontier market countries generally have smaller economies or less developed capital markets than traditional emerging markets, and, as a result, the risks of investing in emerging market countries are magnified in frontier countries. The economies of frontier countries are less correlated to global economic cycles than those of their more developed counterparts and their markets have low trading volumes and the potential for extreme price volatility and illiquidity. These factors make investing in frontier countries significantly riskier than in other countries and any one of them could cause the price of a Fund’s Shares to decline.

 

The Boston Partners Global Equity Fund, Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund, Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund, and Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund will normally invest a significant portion of their assets in the equity securities and equity-related instruments issued by non-U.S. companies. The Funds may invest in securities denominated in the currencies of a variety of developed, emerging and frontier market countries. Unless hedged, currency fluctuations may have a material impact on the performance of a portfolio of non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities and such a portfolio may experience a decline or increase in value, in U.S. dollar terms, due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Adviser may, from time to time, but is not required to, hedge foreign currency exposure in the Funds' portfolios. Further, the Funds may also from time to time enter into speculative currency positions independent of other positions in the Funds' portfolios.

 

The Boston Partners Global Equity Fund, Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund, Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund, and Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund may also invest in participatory notes. Participatory notes (commonly known as "P-notes") are equity access products structured as debt obligations and used by investors to take positions in certain foreign securities. P-notes are generally issued by the associates of foreign-based foreign brokerages and domestic institutional brokerages. P-notes represent interests in securities listed on certain foreign exchanges, and thus present similar risks to investing directly in such securities. P-notes also expose investors to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the entity issuing the note may not be able to honor its financial commitments.

 

Portfolio Concentration. Under normal market conditions, the Boston Partners Global Equity Fund and Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund portfolios will generally be diversified by country and geographic region.

 

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). Each Fund may invest in ETFs to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and applicable SEC orders. ETFs are registered investment companies whose shares are listed and traded on U.S. stock exchanges or otherwise traded in the over-the-counter market. In general, ETFs seek to track a specified securities index or a basket of securities that an "index provider," such as Standard & Poor's, selects as representative of a market, market segment or industry sector. An ETF portfolio generally holds the same stocks or bonds as the index it tracks or it may hold a representative sample of such securities. Thus, an ETF typically is designed so that its performance will correspond closely with that of the index it tracks. In some cases, an ETF may be actively-managed by an investment adviser and/or sub-advisers. Actively-managed ETFs are subject to the risk of poor investment selection, and the individual investments in an actively-managed ETF may not perform as well as its investment adviser and/or sub-advisers expected, and/or the actively-managed ETF's portfolio management practices do not work to achieve their desired result. As a shareholder in an ETF, the Fund will bear its pro rata portion of an ETF's expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to its own expenses.

 

The market for an ETF’s shares may become less liquid in response to deteriorating liquidity in the markets for the ETF’s underlying portfolio holdings, which could lead to differences between the market price of the ETF’s shares and the underlying value of those shares. An ETF’s market price may deviate from the value of the ETF’s underlying portfolio holdings, particularly in times of market stress, with the result that investors may pay significantly more or receive significantly less than the underlying value of the ETF shares bought or sold. An active trading market for shares of the ETF may not develop or be maintained. In times of market stress, market makers or authorized participants may step away from their respective roles in making a market in shares of the ETF and in executing purchase or redemption orders, which could also lead to variances between the market price of the ETF’s shares and the underlying value of those shares.

 

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Other Investment Companies. Each of the Funds may invest up to 10% of its total assets in the securities of other investment companies not affiliated with the Adviser, but may not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of any one investment company or acquire more than 3% of the voting securities of any other investment company. Each Fund may rely on SEC orders that permit it to invest in certain ETFs beyond these limits, subject to certain terms and conditions. Among other things, the Funds may invest in money market mutual funds for cash management purposes by "sweeping" excess cash balances into such funds until the cash is invested or otherwise utilized. A Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by investment companies in which it invests in addition to the advisory and administration fees paid by the Fund.

 

Private Investments in Public Equity. The WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund may purchase equity securities in private placements that are issued by issuers who have outstanding, publicly-traded equity securities of the same class ("private investments in public equity" or "PIPEs"). Shares in PIPEs generally are not registered with the SEC until after a certain time period from the date the private sale is completed. This restricted period can last many months. Until the public registration process is completed, PIPEs are restricted as to resale and the Fund cannot freely trade the securities. Generally, such restrictions cause the PIPEs to be illiquid during this time. PIPEs may contain provisions that the issuer will pay specified financial penalties to the holder if the issuer does not publicly register the restricted equity securities within a specified period of time, but there is no assurance that the restricted equity securities will be publicly registered, or that the registration will remain in effect. Please see the Fund's SAI for more information regarding illiquid securities.

 

Portfolio Turnover. Each of the Funds may engage in active and frequent trading, resulting in high portfolio turnover. This may lead to the realization and distribution to shareholders of higher capital gains, increasing their tax liability. Frequent trading may also increase transaction costs, which could detract from the Funds' performance.

 

Securities Lending. Each Fund may seek to increase its income by lending portfolio securities to institutions, such as certain broker-dealers. Portfolio security loans are secured continuously by collateral maintained on a current basis at an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned. The value of the securities loaned by a Fund will not exceed 33 1/3% of the value of the Fund's total assets. A Fund may experience a loss or delay in the recovery of its securities if the borrowing institution breaches its agreement with the Fund.

 

Large Shareholder Transactions Risk. Each of the Funds may experience adverse effects when certain large shareholders purchase or redeem large amounts of shares of a Fund. Such large shareholder redemptions may cause a Fund to sell its securities at times it would not otherwise do so, which may negatively impact its liquidity. In addition, large redemptions could lead to an increase in a Fund’s expense ratio due to a smaller asset base. However, this risk may be limited to the extent that the Adviser and a Fund have entered into a fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement arrangement. Large Fund share purchases may adversely affect a Fund’s performance to the extent that the Fund is delayed in investing new cash and is required to maintain a larger cash position than it ordinarily would.

 

Temporary Investments. Each of the Funds may depart from its principal investment strategy in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions by taking a temporary defensive position (up to 100% of its assets) in all types of money market and short-term debt securities. If a Fund were to take a temporary defensive position, it may be unable for a time to achieve its investment objective.

 

Broad-Based Securities Market Indices

 

The MSCI EAFE Index (Europe, Australasia, Far East) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the US & Canada.

 

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The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure equity market performance of emerging markets. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index consists of the following 23 emerging market country indexes: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.

 

The MSCI World Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets.

 

The Russell 2000 ® Value Index is an unmanaged index that contains stocks from the Russell 2000 ® Index with less than average growth orientation. Companies in this index generally have low price-to-book and price-to- earnings ratios, higher dividend yields and lower forecasted growth values. As of November 30, 2017, the median market capitalization of the companies in the Russell 2000 ® Value Index is $726 million and the largest stock is $9.33 billion. Please note that this range is as of a particular point in time and is subject to change. The Russell 2000 ® Value Index is a registered trademark of the Frank Russell Corporation.

 

The Russell 3000 ® Value Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of those Russell 3000 ® Index companies that typically display lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. The stocks in this index are also members of either the Russell 1000 ® Value or the Russell 2000 ® Value indices. The Russell 3000 ® Index measures the performance of the 3,000 largest U.S. companies based on total market capitalization, which represents approximately 98% of the investable U.S. equity market. As of November 30, 2017, the median market capitalization of the companies in the Russell 3000 ® Value Index is $1.50 billion and the largest stock is $374.31 billion. Please note that this range is as of a particular point in time and is subject to change. The Russell 3000 ® Value Index is a registered trademark of the Frank Russell Corporation.

 

The S&P 500 ® Index is an unmanaged index composed of 500 common stocks, classified in eleven industry sectors, which represent approximately 75% of the U.S. equities market. The S&P 500 ® Index assigns relative values to the stocks included in the index, weighted according to each stock's total market value relative to the total market value of the other stocks included in the index.

 

Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings

 

The complete portfolio holdings (or long positions only with respect to the Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, the Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund and Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund) of each of the Funds are publicly available on the Adviser's website at www.boston-partners.com as of the end of each calendar month, 15 days following the month end. Any postings will remain available on the website at least until the Funds file with the SEC their semi-annual or annual shareholder report or quarterly portfolio holdings report that includes such period. A further description of the Company's policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Funds' portfolio securities is available in the Funds' SAI.

 

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS

 

Investment Adviser

 

Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. provides investment management and investment advisory services to investment companies and other institutional and proprietary accounts.

 

Subject to the general supervision of the Board, the Adviser manages the Funds' portfolios and is responsible for the selection and management of all portfolio investments of the Funds in accordance with the Funds' respective investment objectives and policies.

 

The Adviser, located at 909 Third Avenue, 32 nd Floor, New York, New York 10022, is a subsidiary of Robeco Groep N.V., a Dutch public limited liability company ("Robeco Groep"). Founded in 1929, Robeco Groep is one of the world's oldest asset management organizations. Robeco Groep is owned by ORIX Corporation, an integrated financial services group based in Tokyo, Japan.

 

For its services to the Funds, the Adviser is entitled to receive a monthly advisory fee under the Advisory Agreement computed at an annual rate of 2.25% of the Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund's average daily net assets,1.00% of the Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II's average daily net assets, 0.70% of the Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund's average daily net assets, 1.25% of the Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund's average daily net assets, 0.90% of the Boston Partners Global Equity Fund's average daily net assets, 1.50% of the Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund's average daily net assets, 1.85% of the Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund's average daily net assets and 0.85% of the Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

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Until February 28, 2019, the Adviser has agreed to waive its fees to the extent necessary to maintain an annualized expense ratio for Institutional Class Shares of the Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, the Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund, the Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, the Boston Partners Global Equity Fund, the Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund, the Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II, the Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund and Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund, of 2.50%, 0.80%, 1.50%, 0.95%, 2.00%, 1.10%, 2.00% and 1.10% (excluding certain items discussed below), respectively. There can be no assurance that the Adviser will continue such waivers after February 28, 2019. In determining the Adviser's obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause a Fund's net annualized expense ratio to exceed the applicable expense limitation: acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes.

 

For its services to the WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund, the Adviser is entitled to receive a monthly advisory fee under the Advisory Agreement:

 

• 0.80% of average daily net assets up to $500 million

 

• 0.75% of average daily net assets in excess of $500 million

 

Until February 28, 2019, the Adviser has agreed to waive its fees to the extent necessary to maintain an annualized expense ratio of 1.10% (excluding certain items discussed below) for the WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund. In determining the Adviser's obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause the net annualized expense ratio of the WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund to exceed 1.10%: acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes. There can be no assurance that the Adviser will continue such waivers after February 28, 2019.

 

For the Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, Boston Partners Global Equity Fund, Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund, Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund and Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund, effective as of the effective date of a Fund's first advisory agreement with the Adviser, if at any time the Funds' total annual Fund operating expenses for that year are less than 1.50%, 0.95%, 2.00%, 2.00%, or 1.10%, respectively, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Funds of the advisory fees waived and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Funds within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made. For the Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II and WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund, effective as of May 28, 2014, if at any time the Funds' Total annual Fund operating expenses for that year are less than 1.10% and 1.10%, respectively, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Funds of the advisory fees waived or other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Funds within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made.

 

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Funds' (except for the Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund) Advisory Agreement with the Adviser is available in the Funds' annual report to shareholders dated August 31, 2017. For the Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund, a discussion regarding the basis of the Board’s approval of the Fund’s advisory agreement with the Adviser will be available in the Fund’s semi-annual report to shareholders dated February 28, 2018.

 

Portfolio Managers

 

The investment results for different strategies of the Adviser are not solely dependent on any one individual. There is a common philosophy and approach that is the backdrop for all of the investment strategies of the Adviser.

 

This philosophy is then executed through a very disciplined investment process managed by the designated portfolio manager for each of the strategies. This manager will be supported, not only by a secondary manager, but by the Adviser's general research staff and, very often, by dedicated analysts to the particular strategy.

 

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The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers' ownership of shares in the Funds.

 

Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II

 

David M. Dabora is the primary portfolio manager for the Fund and George Gumpert is the secondary portfolio manager.

 

Mr. Dabora is a senior portfolio manager of the Adviser responsible for the Boston Partners Small Cap Value, Small Cap Value II, and Small/Mid Cap Value portfolios. Mr. Dabora joined the firm in 1995. Prior to taking on day-to-day responsibilities for the Small Cap Value Fund II, Mr. Dabora was an assistant portfolio manager/analyst of the premium equity product of the Adviser, an all-cap value institutional product. Additionally, he was a research analyst with responsibility for a wide variety of industries. Mr. Dabora holds a B.S. degree in business administration from Pennsylvania State University and an M.B.A. degree from The Anderson School of Management at the University of California at Los Angeles. He is a member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of San Francisco and has over thirty years of investment experience.

 

Mr. Gumpert is a portfolio manager for the Boston Partners Small Cap Value products. Previously, he was a research analyst and specialized in the small capitalization sectors of the equity market. He joined the firm in 2000 from AIG International Asset Management where he was a commodities analyst. Mr. Gumpert holds a B.A. degree in economics from Amherst College. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. He has over eighteen years of investment experience.

 

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the Fund paid 0.92% (expressed as a percentage of average net assets) to the Adviser for its services. Had fee waivers not been in place, the Fund would have paid 1.00%.

 

Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund

   

Duilio Ramallo is the primary portfolio manager for the Fund.

 

Mr. Ramallo is a senior portfolio manager of the Adviser. He is responsible for managing the Boston Partners Premium Equity portfolios. Prior to assuming this role, he was the assistant portfolio fund manager for Boston Partners Small Cap Value portfolios and a research analyst. Mr. Ramallo joined the firm in 1995. He joined the firm from Deloitte & Touche LLP, where he spent three years, most recently in the Los Angeles office. He holds a B.A. degree in economics/business from the University of California, Los Angeles and an M.B.A. degree from the Anderson Graduate School of Management at UCLA. Mr. Ramallo holds the Chartered Financial Analyst ® designation. He has over twenty-two years of investment experience.

 

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the Fund paid 0.66% (expressed as a percentage of average net assets) to the Adviser for its services. Had fee waivers not been in place, the Fund would have paid 0.80%.

 

Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund

   

Robert T. Jones is the primary portfolio manager for the Fund.

 

Mr. Jones is the portfolio manager for Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund and related strategy. Previously, he was the Director of Research and portfolio manager for the Large Cap Value and Large Cap Value Focused products. He was a founding Partner of Boston Partners Asset Management. He joined the firm from The Boston Company Asset Management, Inc. where he spent seven years as Vice President and equity portfolio manager. Mr. Jones holds a B.A. degree in philosophy from Denison University. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. He has over twenty-nine years of investment experience.

 

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the Fund paid 2.25% (expressed as a percentage of average net assets) to the Adviser for its services.

 

Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund

 

Joseph F. Feeney, Jr. and Eric S. Connerly serve as portfolio managers for the Fund.

 

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Mr. Feeney is Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer for Boston Partners. He is responsible for the firm's strategic, financial and operating decisions, and all aspects of investment management including the firm's fundamental and quantitative research groups. He was one of the original partners of Boston Partners Asset Management in 1995. Prior to assuming these roles, he was Director of Research. Mr. Feeney joined the firm upon its inception in 1995 from Putnam Investments where he managed mortgage-backed securities portfolios. He began his career at the Bank of Boston where he was a loan officer specializing on highly leveraged loan portfolios. Mr. Feeney holds a B.S. degree in finance (Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa) from the University of New Hampshire and an M.B.A. with High Honors from the University of Chicago. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is past President of the Fixed Income Management Society of Boston. He has over thirty-two years of investment experience.

 

Mr. Connerly is the Director of Research-Quantitative for Boston Partners. Prior to assuming this role, he was a research analyst covering the financial, electronics, defense, transportation, and energy sectors and managed a merger arbitrage portfolio. He joined the firm from John Hancock Mutual Funds where he was an analyst and assisted in the management of a small cap portfolio. Prior to that, he was a senior equity analyst at SEI Investments overseeing their small cap equity portfolios. Mr. Connerly holds a BSFS degree cum laude in development economics from Georgetown University and an MBA degree in security analysis and investment management, Beta Gamma Sigma, from Columbia Business School. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. He has over twenty-four years of experience.

 

For the fiscal period ended August 31, 2017, the Fund paid 1.25% (expressed as a percentage of average net assets) to the Adviser for its services.

 

WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund

 

Richard Shuster and Gregory Weiss serve as portfolio managers for the Fund.

 

Mr. Shuster is the senior portfolio manager for the WPG Partners Small and Micro Cap Equity Products. He has served as managing director of the Adviser since 1999 as well as head of the Adviser's Small/Micro Cap Value Team. He holds a B.S. degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Shuster has over thirty years of investment experience fourteen of which were spent specializing in small cap equity investing.

 

Mr. Weiss joined WPG in mid-1999 to work on the firm's Small Cap Value team. He joined the firm from Bear Stearns where he began his investment career in 1995 as an equity analyst, responsible for covering the building materials, nonferrous metals, steel and steel-related industries. Mr. Weiss holds a B.A. degree in psychology from Cornell University. He has over twenty-one years of investment experience.

 

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the Fund paid 0.61% (expressed as a percentage of average net assets) to the Adviser for its services. Had fee waivers not been in place, the Fund would have paid 0.80%.

 

Boston Partners Global Equity Fund and Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund

 

Joseph F. Feeney, Jr., Christopher K. Hart and Joshua Jones serve as portfolio managers for each Fund. Mr. Feeney is the Chief Investment Officer of Boston Partners and oversees both the team and the strategy.

 

Mr. Feeney is Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Boston Partners. He is responsible for the firm's strategic, financial and operating decisions, and all aspects of investment management including the firm's fundamental and quantitative research groups. He was one of the original partners of Boston Partners Asset Management in 1995. Prior to assuming these roles, he was Director of Research. Mr. Feeney joined the firm upon its inception in 1995 from Putnam Investments where he managed mortgage-backed securities portfolios. He began his career at the Bank of Boston where he was a loan officer specializing on highly leveraged loan portfolios. Mr. Feeney holds a B.S. degree in finance (Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa) from the University of New Hampshire and an M.B.A. with High Honors from the University of Chicago. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is past President of the Fixed Income Management Society of Boston. He has over thirty-two years of investment experience.

 

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Mr. Hart is an equity portfolio manager for each Fund. Prior thereto, he was an assistant portfolio manager for the Boston Partners Small Cap Value products for three years. Before that, he was a research analyst and specialized in conglomerates, engineering and construction, building, machinery, aerospace & defense, and REITs sectors of the equity market. He joined the firm from Fidelity Investments where he was a research analyst. Mr. Hart holds a B.S. degree in finance, with a concentration in corporate finance from Clemson University. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. He has over twenty-six years of investment experience.

 

Mr. Jones is a portfolio manager of each Fund and also has research responsibilities for the the Adviser's Boston Partners investment team, specializing in the energy, metals and mining sectors of the equity market and is a global generalist. Mr. Jones has been with Boston Partners since 2006. He joined the firm from Cambridge Associates where he was a consulting associate specializing in hedge fund clients. Mr. Jones holds a B.A. degree in economics from Bowdoin College. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. He has over thirteen years of professional experience.

 

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the Boston Partners Global Equity Fund paid 0.81% (expressed as a percentage of average net assets), to the Adviser for its services. Had fee waivers not been in place, the Fund would have paid 0.90%. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund paid 1.50% (expressed as a percentage of average net assets) to the Adviser for its services.

 

Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund

 

Joseph F. Feeney, Jr. and Paul Korngiebel serve as portfolio managers for the Fund.

 

Mr. Feeney is Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer for Boston Partners. He is responsible for the firm's strategic, financial and operating decisions, and all aspects of investment management including the firm's fundamental and quantitative research groups. He was one of the original partners of Boston Partners Asset Management in 1995. Prior to assuming these roles, he was Director of Research. Mr. Feeney joined the firm upon its inception in 1995 from Putnam Investments where he managed mortgage-backed securities portfolios. He began his career at the Bank of Boston where he was a loan officer specializing on highly leveraged loan portfolios. Mr. Feeney holds a B.S. degree in finance (Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa) from the University of New Hampshire and an M.B.A. with High Honors from the University of Chicago. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is past President of the Fixed Income Management Society of Boston. He has over thirty-two years of investment experience.

 

Mr. Korngiebel is a global generalist with Boston Partners dedicated to the Global Team. He focuses on non-U.S. opportunities. Mr. Korngiebel joined the firm from Deccan Value Advisors, which he co-founded, and prior to that he worked at Brandes Investment Partners. Both firms are dedicated to global value investing. Mr. Korngiebel holds a B.A. from Bowdoin (Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa), M.A. degrees from Harvard and St. Johns College, and an M.B.A. degree from Northwestern (Beta Gamma Sigma). He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst ® designation. He has seventeen years of investment experience.

 

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund paid 1.00% (expressed as a percentage of average net assets), to the Adviser for its services. Had fee waivers not been in place, the Fund would have paid 1.85%.

 

Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund

 

Joseph F. Feeney, Jr. and Paul Korngiebel serve as portfolio managers for the Fund.

 

Mr. Feeney is Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer for Boston Partners. He is responsible for the firm's strategic, financial and operating decisions, and all aspects of investment management including the firm's fundamental and quantitative research groups. He was one of the original partners of Boston Partners Asset Management in 1995. Prior to assuming these roles, he was Director of Research. Mr. Feeney joined the firm upon its inception in 1995 from Putnam Investments where he managed mortgage-backed securities portfolios. He began his career at the Bank of Boston where he was a loan officer specializing on highly leveraged loan portfolios. Mr. Feeney holds a B.S. degree in finance (Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa) from the University of New Hampshire and an M.B.A. with High Honors from the University of Chicago. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is past President of the Fixed Income Management Society of Boston. He has over thirty-two years of investment experience.

 

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Mr. Korngiebel is a global generalist with Boston Partners dedicated to the Global Team. He focuses on non-U.S. opportunities. Mr. Korngiebel joined the firm from Deccan Value Advisors, which he co-founded, and prior to that he worked at Brandes Investment Partners. Both firms are dedicated to global value investing. Mr. Korngiebel holds a B.A. from Bowdoin (Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa), M.A. degrees from Harvard and St. Johns College, and an M.B.A. degree from Northwestern (Beta Gamma Sigma). He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst ® designation. He has seventeen years of investment experience.

 

Marketing Arrangements

 

The Adviser, or its affiliates may pay additional compensation, out of profits derived from the Adviser's management fees and not as an additional charge to the Funds managed by the Adviser, to certain financial institutions (which may include banks, securities dealers and other industry professionals) for the sale and/or distribution of Fund shares or the retention and/or servicing of Fund investors and Fund shares ("revenue sharing").These payments are in addition to any distribution or servicing fees payable under a 12b-1 distribution and/or service plan of the Funds, any record keeping or sub-transfer agency fees payable by the Funds, or other fees described in the fee table or elsewhere in this Prospectus or the SAI. Examples of "revenue sharing" payments include, but are not limited to, payment to financial institutions for "shelf space" or access to a third party platform or fund offering list or other marketing programs, including, but not limited to, inclusion of the Funds on preferred or recommended sales lists, mutual fund "supermarket" platforms and other formal sales programs; granting the Adviser access to the financial institution's sales force, conferences and meetings; assistance in training and educating the financial institution's personnel; and obtaining other forms of marketing support. The level of revenue sharing payments made to financial institutions may be a fixed fee or based upon one or more of the following factors: gross sales, current assets and/or number of accounts of the Funds attributable to the financial institution, or other factors as agreed to by the Adviser and the financial institution or any combination thereof. The amount of these revenue sharing payments is determined at the discretion of the Adviser from time to time, may be substantial, and may be different for different financial institutions depending upon the services provided by the financial institution. Such payments may provide an incentive for the financial institution to make shares of the Funds available to its customers and may allow the Funds greater access to the financial institution's customers.

 

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Other Service Providers. The following chart shows the Funds' service providers and includes their addresses and principal activities.

 

 

 

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SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

 

Pricing of Fund Shares

 

Institutional Class shares of the Funds ("Shares") are priced at their net asset value ("NAV"). The NAV per share of each Fund is calculated as follows:

 

  Value of Assets Attributable to the Institutional Class
NAV = - Value of Liabilities Attributable to the Institutional Class
  Number of Outstanding Shares of the Institutional Class

 

Each Fund's NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. The NYSE is generally open Monday through Friday, except national holidays. The NYSE also may be closed on national days of mourning or due to natural disaster or other extraordinary events or emergency. Each Fund will effect purchases and redemptions of Shares at the NAV next calculated after receipt by U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (the "Transfer Agent") of your purchase order or redemption request in good order (as described below). If a Fund holds securities that are primarily held on non-U.S. exchanges, the NAV of the Fund's Shares may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem the Fund's Shares.

 

A Fund's equity securities listed on any national or foreign exchange market system will be valued at the last sale price, except for the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System ("NASDAQ"). Equity securities listed on the NASDAQ will be valued at the official closing price. Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions on that day, equity securities will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. Foreign securities, currencies and other securities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of such currencies against the U.S. dollar provided by a pricing service. All assets denominated in foreign currencies will be converted into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the time of valuation. If a Fund holds foreign equity securities, the calculation of the Fund's NAV will not occur at the same time as the determination of the value of the foreign equities securities in the Fund's portfolio, since these securities are traded on foreign exchanges.

 

Investments in other open-end investment companies are valued based on the NAV of those investment companies (which may use fair value pricing as discussed in their prospectuses). Investments in ETFs, REITs and closed-end investments companies will be valued at their market price.

 

If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable by the Funds' administrator, in consultation with the Adviser, securities will be valued by the Adviser in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board and under the Board’s ultimate supervision. In addition, the prices of foreign securities may be affected by events that occur after the close of a foreign market but before a Fund prices its Shares. In such instances, a foreign security may be fair valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board. Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation involves the risk that the values used by a Fund to price its investments may be higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.

 

Market Timing

 

In accordance with the policy adopted by its Board, the Company discourages and does not accommodate market timing and other excessive trading practices. Purchases should be made with a view to longer-term investment only. Excessive short-term (market timing) trading practices may disrupt portfolio management strategies, increase brokerage and administrative costs, harm Fund performance and result in dilution in the value of Shares held by long-term shareholders. The Company and the Adviser reserve the right to (i) reject a purchase or exchange order, (ii) delay payment of immediate cash redemption proceeds for up to seven calendar days, (iii) revoke a shareholder's privilege to purchase Shares (including exchanges), or (iv) limit the amount of any exchange involving the purchase of Shares. An investor may receive notice that their purchase order or exchange has been rejected after the day the order is placed or after acceptance by a financial intermediary. It is currently expected that a shareholder would receive notice that its purchase order or exchange has been rejected within 48 hours after such purchase order or exchange has been received by the Company in good order. The Company and the Adviser will not be liable for any loss resulting from rejected purchase orders. To minimize harm to the Company and its shareholders (or the Adviser), the Company (or the Adviser) will exercise its right if, in the Company's (or the Adviser's) judgment, an investor has a history of excessive trading or if an investor's trading, in the judgment of the Company (or the Adviser), has been or may be disruptive to a Fund. No waivers of the provisions of the policy established to detect and deter market timing and other excessive trading activity are permitted that would harm a Fund and its shareholders or would subordinate the interests of a Fund and its shareholders to those of the Adviser or any affiliated person or associated person of the Adviser.

 

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The Funds generally limit the number of exchanges to six (6) exchanges per year and one exchange per calendar month. For further information on exchanges, please see the section titled "Shareholder Information — Exchange Privilege."

 

Pursuant to the policy adopted by the Board, the Adviser has developed criteria that it uses to identify trading activity that may be excessive. If, in its judgment, the Adviser detects excessive, short-term trading, the Adviser may reject or restrict a purchase request and may further seek to close an investor's account with the Fund.

 

If necessary, the Company may prohibit additional purchases of Shares by a financial intermediary or by certain customers of the financial intermediary. Financial intermediaries may also monitor their customers' trading activities in the Funds. The criteria used by intermediaries to monitor for excessive trading may differ from the criteria used by the Company. If a financial intermediary fails to enforce the Company's excessive trading policies, the Company may take certain actions, including terminating the relationship.

 

There is no assurance that a Fund will be able to identify market timers, particularly if they are investing through intermediaries.

 

Shareholder Service Fees

 

The Board has adopted a Shareholder Services Plan (the "Plan") for the WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund's Institutional Class Shares authorizing the WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund to pay securities dealers, plan administrators or other service organizations ("Service Organizations") who agree to provide certain shareholder and administrative services to plans or plan participants holding Institutional Class Shares of the Fund a service fee at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average daily net asset value of Institutional Class Shares beneficially owned by such plan participants. The services provided under the Plan include acting as a shareholder of record, processing purchase and redemption orders, maintaining participant account records and answering participant questions regarding the Fund. Please find more information on Service Organizations under the section entitled "Purchase of Fund Shares — Purchases through Intermediaries" in this Prospectus.

 

Purchase of Fund Shares

 

Shares representing interests in the Funds are offered continuously for sale by Quasar Distributors, LLC (the "Distributor"). Institutional Class Shares of the Funds are available for purchase by investors who meet the investment minimums described below under "General." An exchange between the Institutional Class shares and the Investor Class shares of any Fund is generally not permitted.

 

Purchases Through Intermediaries. Shares of the Funds may also be available through certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals (collectively, "Service Organizations"). Certain features of the Shares, such as the initial and subsequent investment minimums and certain trading restrictions, may be modified or waived by Service Organizations. Service Organizations may impose transaction or administrative charges or other direct fees, which charges and fees would not be imposed if Shares are purchased directly from the Company. Therefore, you should contact the Service Organization acting on your behalf concerning the fees (if any) charged in connection with a purchase or redemption of Shares and should read this Prospectus in light of the terms governing your accounts with the Service Organization. Service Organizations will be responsible for promptly transmitting client or customer purchase and redemption orders to the Company in accordance with their agreements with the Company or its agent and with clients or customers. Service Organizations or, if applicable, their designees that have entered into agreements with the Company or its agent may enter confirmed purchase orders on behalf of clients and customers, with payment to follow no later than the Company's pricing on the following Business Day. If payment is not received by such time, the Service Organization could be held liable for resulting fees or losses. The Company will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when a Service Organization, or, if applicable, its authorized designee, accepts a purchase or redemption order in good order if the order is actually received by the Company in good order not later than the next business morning. If a purchase order is not received by a Fund in good order, the Transfer Agent will contact the financial intermediary to determine the status of the purchase order. Orders received by the Company in good order will be priced at the appropriate Fund's NAV next computed after they are deemed to have been received by the Service Organization or its authorized designee.

 

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For administration, subaccounting, transfer agency and/or other services, the Adviser or its affiliates may pay Service Organizations and certain recordkeeping organizations a fee (the "Service Fee") relating to the average annual NAV of accounts with the Company maintained by such Service Organizations or recordkeepers. The Service Fee payable to any one Service Organization is determined based upon a number of factors, including the nature and quality of services provided, the operations processing requirements of the relationship and the standardized fee schedule of the Service Organization or recordkeeper.

 

General. You may also purchase Shares of each Fund at the NAV per share next calculated after your order is received by the Transfer Agent in good order as described below. The Funds' NAVs are calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. After an initial purchase is made, the Transfer Agent will set up an account for you on the Company records. The minimum initial investment in any Fund is $100,000 and the minimum additional investment is $5,000. The minimum initial and subsequent investment requirements may be reduced or waived from time to time. For purposes of meeting the minimum initial purchase, purchases by clients which are part of endowments, foundations or other related groups may be combined. You can only purchase Shares of each Fund on days the NYSE is open and through the means described below. Shares may be purchased by principals and employees of the Adviser and its subsidiaries and by their spouses and children either directly or through any trust that has the principal, employee, spouse or child as the primary beneficiaries, their individual retirement accounts, or any pension and profit-sharing plan of the Adviser and its subsidiaries without being subject to the minimum investment limitations.

 

Initial Investment By Mail. Subject to acceptance by the Funds, an account may be opened by completing and signing an account application and mailing it to the Funds at the address noted below, together with a check payable to Boston Partners Investment Funds. All checks must be in U.S. Dollars drawn on a domestic bank. The Funds will not accept payment in cash or money orders. The Funds do not accept post-dated checks or any conditional order or payment. To prevent check fraud, the Funds will not accept third party checks, Treasury checks, credit card checks, traveler’s checks or starter checks for the purchase of shares.

 

Regular Mail: Overnight Mail:
Boston Partners Investment Funds Boston Partners Investment Funds
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services
P.O. Box 701 615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701 Milwaukee, WI 53202-5207

 

The Funds do not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be their agents. Therefore, deposit in the mail or with such services, or receipt at U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC’s post office box, of purchase orders or redemption requests does not constitute receipt by the Transfer Agent of the Funds. Receipt of purchase orders or redemption requests is based on when the order is received at the Transfer Agent’s offices.

 

Shares will be purchased at the NAV next computed after the time the application and funds are received in proper order and accepted by the Funds. The Transfer Agent will charge a $25 fee against a shareholder’s account, in addition to any loss sustained by the Funds, for any payment that is returned. It is the policy of the Funds not to accept applications under certain circumstances or in amounts considered disadvantageous to shareholders. The Funds reserve the right to reject any application.

 

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Initial Investment By Wire. If you are making your first investment in the Funds, before you wire funds, the Transfer Agent must have a completed account application. You may mail or overnight deliver your account application to the Transfer Agent. Upon receipt of your completed account application, the Transfer Agent will establish an account for you. The account number assigned will be required as part of the instruction that should be provided to your bank to send the wire. Your bank must include both the name of the Fund you are purchasing, the account number, and your name so that monies can be correctly applied. Your bank should transmit funds by wire to:

 

U.S. Bank N.A.

777 East Wisconsin Ave

Milwaukee WI 53202

ABA 075000022

Credit:

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

Account #112-952-137

For Further Credit to:

Boston Partners Investment Funds

(shareholder registration)

(shareholder account number)

 

Wired funds must be received prior to 4:00 p.m. Eastern time to be eligible for same day pricing. The Funds and U.S. Bank, N.A. are not responsible for the consequences of delays resulting from the banking or Federal Reserve wire system, or from incomplete wiring instructions.

 

For Subsequent Investments – By wire

 

Before sending your wire, please contact the Transfer Agent to advise them of your intent to wire funds. This will ensure prompt and accurate credit upon receipt of your wire.

 

Telephone Purchase. Investors may purchase additional shares of the Funds by calling 1-888- 261-4073. If you elected this option on your account application, and your account has been open for at least 15 calendar days, telephone orders, in amounts of $5,000 or more, will be accepted via electronic funds transfer from your bank account through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network. You must have banking information established on your account prior to making a purchase. If you order is received prior to 4 p.m. Eastern time, your shares will be purchased at the net asset value calculated on the day your order is placed.

 

Telephone trades must be received by or prior to market close. During periods of high market activity, shareholders may encounter higher than usual call waits. Please allow sufficient time to place your telephone transaction.

 

Additional Investments. Additional investments may be made at any time (minimum additional investment $5,000) by purchasing Shares of any Fund at the NAV per Share of the Fund by mailing a check to the Transfer Agent at the address noted under "Initial Investment by Mail" (payable to Boston Partners [name of Fund]), by electronic funds transfer through the ACH network as indicated under “Telephone Purchase”, or by wiring monies as outlined under "Initial Investment by Wire." Initial and/or additional purchases made by check or electronic funds transfer through the ACH network cannot be redeemed until payment of the purchase has been collected. This may take up to 15 calendar days from the date of purchase.

 

Automatic Investment Plan. Once your account has been opened with the initial minimum investment you may make additional purchases at regular intervals through an automatic investment plan (the “Automatic Investment Plan”). The Automatic Investment Plan provides a convenient method to have monies deducted from your bank account, for investment into the Fund, on a monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual basis. In order to participate in the Automatic Investment Plan, each purchase must be in the amount of $5,000 or more ($50 or more for the WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund), and your financial institution must be a member of the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network. If your bank rejects your payment, the Fund’s transfer agent will charge a $25 fee to your account. To begin participating in the Automatic Investment Plan, please complete the Automatic Investment Plan section on the account application or call the Funds’ transfer agent at 1-888-261-4073 for instructions. Any request to change or terminate your Automatic Investment Plan should be submitted to the Transfer Agent five (5) days prior to effective date.

 

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Retirement Plans. The Funds offer prototype documents for a variety of retirement accounts for individuals and small businesses. Please call 1-888-261-4073 for information on:

 

Individual Retirement Plan, including Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs
Small Business Retirement Plans, including Simple IRAs and SEP IRAs
Coverdell Education Savings Accounts

 

There may be special distribution requirements for retirement accounts, such as required distributions or mandatory Federal income tax withholding. For more information, call the number listed above. You may be charged a $15 annual account maintenance fee for each retirement account up to a maximum of $30 annually and a $25 fee for transferring assets to another custodian or for closing a retirement account.

 

Purchases in Kind. In certain circumstances, Shares of the Funds may be purchased "in kind" (i.e. in exchange for securities, rather than cash). The securities rendered in connection with an in-kind purchase must be liquid securities that are not restricted as to transfer and have a value that is readily ascertainable in accordance with the Company's valuation procedures. Securities accepted by the Funds will be valued, as set forth in this Prospectus, as of the time of the next determination of net asset value after such acceptance. The Shares of the Funds that are issued to the investor in exchange for the securities will be determined as of the same time. All dividend, subscription, or other rights that are reflected in the market price of accepted securities at the time of valuation become the property of the Funds and must be delivered to the Funds by the investor upon receipt from the issuer. The Funds will not accept securities in exchange for its Shares unless such securities are, at the time of the exchange, eligible to be held by the Funds and satisfy such other conditions as may be imposed by the Adviser or the Company. Purchases in-kind may result in the recognition of gain or loss for federal income tax purposes on the securities transferred to the Funds.

 

Other Purchase Information. The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to suspend the offering of Shares or to reject purchase orders when, in the judgment of management, such suspension or rejection is in the best interests of the Funds. Subject to the Board’s discretion, the Adviser will monitor each Fund's total assets and may decide to close any of the Funds at any time to new investments or to new accounts due to concerns that a significant increase in the size of a Fund may adversely affect the implementation of the Fund's strategy. Subject to the Board’s discretion, the Adviser may also choose to reopen a closed Fund to new investments at any time, and may subsequently close such Fund again should concerns regarding the Fund's size recur. If a Fund closes to new investments, generally the closed Fund would be offered only to certain existing shareholders of the Fund and certain other persons, who are generally subject to cumulative, maximum purchase amounts, as follows:

 

a. Fee-based advisory model programs or financial advisors who manage fee-based wrap accounts that systematically trade in and out of the closed Fund based on model portfolio allocations;

 

b. Persons who already hold Shares of the closed Fund directly or through accounts maintained by brokers by arrangement with the Company;

 

c. Existing and future clients of registered investment advisers and planners whose clients already hold Shares of the closed Fund on transaction fee and non-transaction fee platforms;

 

d. Existing and future clients of consultants whose clients already hold shares of the closed Fund;

 

e. Certain financial intermediaries by arrangement with the Company;

 

f. Employees of the Adviser and their spouses, parents and children;

 

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g. Directors of the Company; and

 

h. Defined contribution retirement plans of private employers and governed by ERISA or of state and local governments.

 

Other persons who are shareholders of other Boston Partners Investment Funds are not permitted to acquire Shares of the closed Fund by exchange. Distributions to all shareholders of the closed Fund will continue to be reinvested unless a shareholder elects otherwise. The Adviser, subject to the Board’s discretion, reserves the right to implement other purchase limitations at the time of closing, including limitations on current shareholders.

 

Purchases of the Shares will be made in full and fractional shares of the Fund calculated to three decimal places.

 

The Adviser is authorized to waive the minimum initial and subsequent investment requirements.

 

The Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund is currently closed except to existing shareholders and certain other persons, as described above. Effective March 1, 2017, the Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund reopened for sale to all investors. However, the Adviser retains the discretion to close or limit the availability for sale of the Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund.

 

Shareholders of other Boston Partners Investment Funds that do not meet any of the above criteria are not permitted to acquire Shares of the Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund by exchange. Distributions to all shareholders of a closed Fund will continue to be reinvested unless a shareholder elects otherwise.

 

The Adviser, however, reserves the right to reopen the Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund to new investments from time to time at its discretion, should the assets of the Fund decline by more than 5% from the date of the last closing of the Fund. In addition, if the Adviser reopens the Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, the Adviser has discretion to close the Fund thereafter should the assets of the Fund increase by more than 5% from the date of the last reopening of the Fund. Subject to the approval of the Board, the Adviser may also choose to reopen the Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund to new investments at any time, and may subsequently close the Fund again should concerns regarding the Fund’s size recur.

 

Good Order. A purchase request is considered to be in good order when the purchase request includes the name of the Fund, the dollar amount of shares to be purchased, your account application or investment stub, and a check payable to the Fund. Purchase requests not in good order may rejected.

 

Customer Identification Program. Federal law requires the Company to obtain, verify and record identifying information, which may include the name, residential or business street address, date of birth (for an individual), social security or taxpayer identification number or other identifying information for each investor who opens or reopens an account with the Company. Applications without the required information, or without any indication that a social security or taxpayer identification number has been applied for, may not be accepted. After acceptance, to the extent permitted by applicable law or its customer identification program, the Company reserves the right (a) to place limits on transactions in any account until the identity of the investor is verified; or (b) to refuse an investment in a Company portfolio or to involuntarily redeem an investor's Shares and close an account in the event that an investor's identity is not verified. The Company and its agents will not be responsible for any loss in an investor's account resulting from the investor's delay in providing all required identifying information or from closing an account and redeeming an investor's Shares when an investor's identity cannot be verified.

 

Redemption of Fund Shares

 

Normally, your investment professional will send your request to redeem Shares to the Transfer Agent. Consult your investment professional for more information. You can redeem some or all of your Fund Shares directly through the Fund only if the account is registered in your name.

 

Investors may have a check sent to the address of record, proceeds may be wired to a shareholder’s bank account of record, or funds may be sent via electronic funds transfer through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, also to the bank account of record. Wires are subject to a $15 fee paid by the investor, but the investor does not incur any charge when proceeds are sent via the ACH system.

 

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IRA and other retirement plan redemptions

If you have an IRA, you must indicate on your written redemption request whether or not to withhold federal income tax. Redemption requests failing to indicate an election to have tax withheld will be subject to 10% withholding.

 

Shares held in IRA accounts may be redeemed by telephone at 1-888-261-4073. Investors will be asked whether or not to withhold taxes from any distribution.

 

Redemption By Mail. Your redemption request should be sent to:

Boston Partners Investment Funds

c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

P. O. Box 701

Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701

 

If sent by overnight mail to:

Boston Partners Investment Funds

c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

The Funds do not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be their agents. Therefore, deposit in the mail or with such services, or receipt at the U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC’s post office box, of purchase orders or redemption requests does not constitute receipt by the Transfer Agent of the Funds. Receipt of purchase orders or redemption requests is based on when the order is received at the Transfer Agent’s offices.

 

A signature guarantee, from either a Medallion program member or a non-Medallion program member, is required in the following situations:

 

If ownership is being changed on your account;
When redemption proceeds are payable or sent to any person, address or bank account not on record;
When a redemption is received by the Transfer Agent and the account address has changed within the last 15 calendar days.

 

The Funds may waive any of the above requirements in certain instances. In addition to the situations described above, the Funds and /or the Transfer Agent reserve the right to require a signature guarantee in other instances based on the circumstances relative to the particular situation.

 

Non-financial transactions, including establishing or modifying certain services on an account, may require a signature guarantee, signature verification from a Signature Validation Program member, or other acceptable form of authentication from a financial institution source.

 

Signature guarantees will generally be accepted from domestic banks, brokers, dealers, credit unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies and savings associations, as well as from participants in the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program and the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (“STAMP”). A notary public is not an acceptable signature guarantor.

 

Redemption By Telephone. In order to request a telephone redemption please call the Transfer Agent at 1-888-261-4073. You must have returned your account application containing a telephone election. Adding telephone redemption to an existing account may require a signature guarantee or other acceptable form of authentication from a financial institution source.

 

Investors may have a check sent to the address of record, proceeds may be wired to a shareholder’s bank account of record, or funds may be sent via electronic funds transfer through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, also to the bank account of record. Wires are subject to a $15 fee paid by the investor, but the investor does not incur any charge when proceeds are sent via the ACH system.

 

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Once a telephone transaction has been placed, it cannot be canceled or modified after the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern time).

Telephone trades must be received by or prior to market close. During periods of high market activity, shareholders may encounter higher than usual call waits. Please allow sufficient time to place your telephone transaction.

 

Before executing an instruction received by telephone, the Transfer Agent will use reasonable procedures to confirm that the telephone instructions are genuine. The telephone call may be recorded and the caller may be asked to verify certain personal identification information. If the Funds or its agents follow these procedures, they cannot be held liable for any loss, expense or cost arising out of any telephone redemption request that is reasonably believed to be genuine. This includes fraudulent or unauthorized requests. If an account has more than one owner or authorized person, the Funds will accept telephone instructions from any one owner or authorized person.

 

Systematic Withdrawal Plan — WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value. As another convenience, you may redeem your Fund shares through a systematic withdrawal plan (the “Systematic Withdrawal Plan”). Under the Systematic Withdrawal Plan, you may choose to receive a specified dollar amount, generated from the redemption of shares in your account, on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis. In order to participate in the Systematic Withdrawal Plan, your account balance must be at least $10,000 and each payment should be a minimum of $50. If you elect this method of redemption, the Fund will send a check to your address of record, or will send the payment via electronic funds transfer through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, directly to your bank account. For payment through the ACH network, your bank must be an ACH member and your bank account information must be maintained on your Fund account. The Systematic Withdrawal Plan may be terminated at any time by the Fund. You may also elect to terminate your participation in the Systematic Withdrawal Plan at any time by contacting the Transfer Agent in writing or by telephone at least five (5) days prior to the next withdrawal.

 

A withdrawal under the Systematic Withdrawal Plan involves a redemption of shares and may result in a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes. In addition, if the amount requested to be withdrawn exceeds the amount available in your account, which includes any dividends credited to your account, the account will ultimately be depleted.

 

Involuntary Redemption. The Funds reserve the right to redeem a shareholder's account in any Fund at any time the value of the account in such Fund falls below $500 as the result of a redemption or an exchange request. Shareholders will be notified in writing that the value of their account in a Fund is less than $500 and will be allowed 30 days to make additional investments before the redemption is processed.

 

The Funds may assert the right to redeem your shares at current NAV at any time and without prior notice if, and to the extent that, such redemption is necessary to reimburse a Fund for any loss sustained by reason of your failure to make full payment for shares of a Fund you previously purchased or subscribed for.

 

Other Redemption Information. Redemption proceeds for Shares of the Funds recently purchased by check or electronic funds transfer through the ACH network may not be distributed until payment for the purchase has been collected, which may take up to fifteen calendar days from the purchase date. Shareholders can avoid this delay by utilizing the wire purchase option.

 

Other than as described above, payment of the redemption proceeds will be made within seven days after receipt of an order for a redemption. The Company may suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date at times when the NYSE is closed or under any emergency circumstances as determined by the SEC. The Funds typically expect to meet redemption requests by paying out proceeds from cash or cash equivalent portfolio holdings, or by selling portfolio securities. In stressed market conditions, redemption methods may include redeeming in kind.

 

If the Board determines that it would be detrimental to the best interests of the remaining shareholders of the Funds to make payment wholly or partly in cash, redemption proceeds may be paid in whole or in part by an in-kind distribution of readily marketable securities held by a Fund instead of cash in conformity with applicable rules of the SEC. Investors generally will incur brokerage charges on the sale of portfolio securities so received in payment of redemptions. If a shareholder receives redemption proceeds in-kind, the shareholder will bear the market risk of the securities received in the redemption until their disposition and should expect to incur transaction costs upon the disposition of the securities. The Company has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act, so that a Fund is obligated to redeem its Shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its NAV during any 90-day period for any one shareholder of a Fund.

 

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Good Order. A redemption request is considered to be in good order when the redemption request includes the name of the Fund, the number of shares or dollar amount to be redeemed, the account number, and signatures by all of shareholders whose names appear on the account registration with a signature guarantee, if applicable. Redemption requests not in good order may be delayed.

 

Exchange Privilege

 

The exchange privilege is available to shareholders residing in any state in which the Shares being acquired may be legally sold. The Boston Partners Investment Funds reserve the right, at their sole discretion, to change or discontinue the exchange privilege, or temporarily suspend the privilege during unusual market conditions when, in the judgment of management, such change or discontinuance is in the best interests of the Funds. A shareholder may exchange Institutional Class Shares of any Boston Partners Investment Fund for Institutional Class Shares of another Boston Partners Investment Fund. Such an exchange will be effected at the NAV of the exchanged Institutional Class Shares and the NAV of the Institutional Class Shares to be acquired next determined after USBFS’s receipt of a request for an exchange. An exchange of Shares of one Boston Partners Investment Fund for Shares of another Boston Partners Investment Fund will be treated as a sale for federal income tax purposes. A shareholder may make an exchange by sending a written request to the Transfer Agent or, if authorized, by telephone (see "Redemption by Telephone" above). Defined contribution plans are not subject to the above exchange limitations.

 

If the exchanging shareholder does not currently own Institutional Class Shares of the Fund, a new account will be established with the same registration, dividend and capital gain options as the account from which Shares are exchanged, unless otherwise specified in writing by the shareholder with all signatures guaranteed. See "Redemption by Mail" for information on signature guarantees. The exchange privilege may be modified or terminated at any time, or from time to time, by the Funds, upon 60 days' written notice to shareholders.

 

If a shareholder wants to exchange Shares into a new account in a Fund, the dollar value of the Shares acquired must equal or exceed the Fund's minimum investment requirement for a new account. If a shareholder wants to exchange Shares into an existing account, the dollar value of the Shares must equal or exceed the Fund's minimum investment requirement for additional investments. If an amount remains in the Fund from which the exchange is being made that is below the minimum account value required, the account will be subject to involuntary redemption.

 

The Funds' exchange privilege is not intended to afford shareholders a way to speculate on short-term movements in the market. Accordingly, in order to prevent excessive use of the exchange privilege, which may potentially disrupt the management of the Funds and increase transaction costs, the Funds have established a policy of limiting excessive exchange activity. Notwithstanding these limitations, the Funds reserve the right to reject any purchase request (including exchange purchases from other Boston Partners Investment Funds) that is deemed to be disruptive to efficient portfolio management.

 

Dividends and Distributions

 

Each Fund will distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, to its shareholders. All distributions are reinvested in the form of additional full and fractional Shares of the Fund unless a shareholder elects otherwise.

 

The Funds will declare and pay dividends from net investment income annually. Net realized capital gains (including net short-term capital gains), if any, will be distributed by the Funds at least annually. The estimated amount of any annual distribution will be posted to the Adviser's website at www.boston-partners.com or a free copy may be obtained by calling 1-888-261-4073.

 

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The Funds may pay additional distributions and dividends at other times if necessary for a Fund to avoid U.S. federal tax. The Funds' distributions and dividends, whether received in cash or reinvested in additional Fund Shares, are subject to U.S. federal income tax.

 

All distributions will be reinvested in Fund shares unless you elect to receive cash. If you elect to receive distributions and/or capital gains paid in cash, and the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver the check, or if a check remains outstanding for six months, the Funds reserve the right to reinvest the distribution check in your account, at the Funds’ current net asset value, and to reinvest all subsequent distributions. You may change the distribution option on your account as any time. You should notify the Transfer Agent in writing or by telephone at least five (5) days prior to the next distribution.

 

Taxes

 

The following is a summary of certain United States tax considerations relevant under current law, which may be subject to change in the future. Except where otherwise indicated, the discussion relates to investors who are individual United States citizens or residents. You should consult your tax adviser for further information regarding federal, state, local and/or foreign tax consequences relevant to your specific situation.

 

Federal Taxes of Distributions. Each Fund contemplates distributing as dividends each year all or substantially all of its taxable income, including its net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss). Except as otherwise discussed below, you will be subject to federal income tax on Fund distributions regardless of whether they are paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares. Fund distributions attributable to short-term capital gains and net investment income will generally be taxable to you as ordinary income, except as discussed below.

 

Distributions attributable to the net capital gain of a Fund will be taxable to you as long-term capital gain, no matter how long you have owned your Fund shares. The maximum long-term capital gain rate applicable to individuals, estates, and trusts is currently 23.8% (which includes a 3.8% Medicare tax). You will be notified annually of the tax status of distributions to you.

 

Distributions of "qualifying dividends" will also generally be taxable to you at long-term capital gain rates, as long as certain requirements are met. In general, if 95% or more of the gross income of a Fund (other than net capital gain) consists of dividends received from domestic corporations or "qualified" foreign corporations ("qualifying dividends"), then all distributions paid by the Fund to individual shareholders will be taxed at long-term capital gains rates. But if less than 95% of the gross income of a Fund (other than net capital gain) consists of qualifying dividends, then distributions paid by the Fund to individual shareholders will be qualifying dividends only to the extent they are derived from qualifying dividends earned by the Fund. For the lower rates to apply, you must have owned your Fund shares for at least 61 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date that is 60 days before the Fund's ex-dividend date (and the Fund will need to have met a similar holding period requirement with respect to the shares of the corporation paying the qualifying dividend).The amount of a Fund's distributions that qualify for this favorable treatment may be reduced as a result of the Fund's securities lending activities (if any), a high portfolio turnover rate or investments in debt securities or non-qualified foreign corporations.

 

Distributions from a Fund will generally be taxable to you in the taxable year in which they are paid, with one exception. Distributions declared by a Fund in October, November or December and paid in January of the following year are taxed as though they were paid on December 31.

 

It is expected that the Boston Partners Global Equity Fund, the Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund, the Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund and the Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund will each be subject to foreign withholding or other foreign income taxes with respect to dividends or interest received from (and, in some cases, gains recognized on shares of stock of) non-U.S. companies. These Funds may, to the extent eligible, make an election to treat a proportionate amount of those taxes as constituting a distribution to each shareholder, which would allow you either (1) to credit that proportionate amount of taxes against U.S. federal income tax liability as a foreign tax credit, subject to applicable limitations, or (2) to take that amount as an itemized deduction.

 

A portion of distributions paid by a Fund to shareholders that are corporations may also qualify for the dividends-received deduction for corporations, subject to certain holding period requirements and debt financing limitations. Only the portions of Fund dividends that are attributable to dividends a Fund receives from U.S. companies may qualify for this dividends-received deduction. The amount of the dividends qualifying for this deduction may, however, be reduced as a result of the Fund's securities lending activities (if any), by a high portfolio turnover rate or by investments in debt securities or foreign corporations.

 

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If you purchase shares just before a distribution, the purchase price will reflect the amount of the upcoming distribution, but you will be taxed on the entire amount of the distribution received, even though, as an economic matter, the distribution simply constitutes a return of capital. This is known as "buying into a dividend."

 

Sales and Exchanges. You will generally recognize taxable gain or loss for federal income tax purposes on a sale, exchange or redemption of your shares, including an exchange for shares of another Fund, based on the difference between your tax basis in the shares and the amount you receive for them. Generally, you will recognize long-term capital gain or loss if you have held your Fund shares for over twelve months at the time you dispose of them.

 

Any loss realized on shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends that were received on the shares. Additionally, any loss realized on a disposition of shares of a Fund may be disallowed under "wash sale" rules to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced with other shares of the same Fund within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the shares are disposed of, such as pursuant to a dividend reinvestment in shares of a Fund. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in an upward adjustment to the basis of the shares acquired.

 

For shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012, each Fund (or relevant broker or financial adviser) is required to compute and report to the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") and furnish to Fund shareholders cost basis information when such shares are sold or exchanged. Each Fund has elected to use the average cost method, unless you instruct the Fund to use a different IRS-accepted cost basis method, or choose to specifically identify your shares at the time of each sale or exchange. If your account is held by your broker or other financial adviser, they may select a different cost basis method. In these cases, please contact your broker or other financial adviser to obtain information with respect to the available methods and elections for your account. You should carefully review the cost basis information provided by the Fund and make any additional basis, holding period or other adjustments that are required when reporting these amounts on your federal and state income tax returns. Fund shareholders should consult with their tax advisers to determine the best IRS-accepted cost basis method for their tax situation and to obtain more information about how the cost basis reporting requirements apply to them.

 

IRAs and Other Tax-Qualified Plans. The one major exception to the preceding tax principles is that distributions on, and sales, exchanges and redemptions of, shares held in an IRA (or other tax-qualified plan) will not be currently taxable unless such shares were acquired with borrowed funds.

 

Backup Withholding. The Funds may be required in certain cases to withhold and remit to the IRS a percentage of taxable dividends or gross proceeds realized upon sale payable to shareholders who have failed to provide a correct tax identification number in the manner required, or who are subject to withholding by the IRS for failure to properly include on their return payments of taxable interest or dividends, or who have failed to certify to the Fund that they are not subject to backup withholding when required to do so or that they are "exempt recipients." The current backup withholding rate is 28%.

 

U.S. Tax Treatment of Foreign shareholders. Generally, nonresident aliens, foreign corporations and other foreign investors are subject to a 30% withholding tax on dividends paid by a U.S. corporation, although the rate may be reduced for an investor that is a qualified resident of a foreign country with an applicable tax treaty with the United States. In the case of regulated investment companies such as the Funds, however, certain categories of dividends are exempt from the 30% withholding tax. These generally include dividends attributable to the Funds' net capital gains (the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital loss) and dividends attributable to the Funds' interest income from U.S. obligors and dividends attributable to net short-term capital gains of the Funds.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally not be subject to U.S. tax on gains realized on the sale, exchange or redemption of shares in the Funds, except that a nonresident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in a calendar year will be taxable on such gains and on capital gain dividends from the Funds.

 

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In contrast, if a foreign investor conducts a trade or business in the United States and the investment in a Fund is effectively connected with that trade or business, then the foreign investor's income from the Fund will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax at graduated rates in a manner similar to the income of a U.S. citizen or resident.

 

The Funds will also generally be required to withhold 30% tax on certain payments to foreign entities that do not provide a Form W-8BEN-E that evidences their compliance with, or exemption from, specified information reporting requirements under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act.

 

All foreign investors should consult their own tax advisers regarding the tax consequences in their country of residence of an investment in the Funds.

 

Shares of the Funds have not been registered for sale outside of the United States and certain United States territories.

 

State and Local Taxes. You may also be subject to state and local taxes on income and gain from Fund shares. State income taxes may not apply, however, to the portions of a Fund's distributions, if any, that are attributable to interest on U.S. government securities. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the tax status of distributions in your state and locality.

 

More information about taxes is contained in the SAI.

 

Multi-Class Structure

 

Each Fund, except the WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund, the Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund and the Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund, also offers Investor Class Shares, which are offered directly to individual investors in a separate prospectus. Shares of each class of a Fund represent equal pro rata interests in the Fund and accrue dividends and calculate NAV and performance quotations in the same manner. The performance of each class is quoted separately due to different actual expenses. The total return on Institutional Class Shares of a Fund can be expected to differ from the total return on Investor Class Shares of the same Fund. Information concerning other classes of the Funds can be requested by calling the Funds at 1-888-261-4073.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

Electronic Delivery

Consistent with the Funds’ commitment to environmental sustainability, you may sign up to receive quarterly statements, and tax forms statements electronically. You may also sign up to receive the Funds’ financial statements and Prospectuses electronically at www.boston-partners.com. You may change your delivery preference and resume receiving these documents through the mail at any time by updating your electronic delivery preferences at www.boston-partners.com or by contacting the Funds at 1-888-261-4073.

 

Householding

In an effort to decrease costs, the Funds intend to reduce the number of duplicate prospectuses and Annual and Semi-Annual Reports you receive by sending only one copy of each to those addresses shared by two or more accounts and to shareholders we reasonably believe are from the same family or household. Once implemented, if you would like to discontinue householding for your accounts, please call toll-free at 1-888- 261-4073 to request individual copies of these documents. Once the Funds receive notice to stop householding, we will begin sending individual copies thirty days after receiving your request. This policy does not apply to account statements.

 

Lost Shareholder, Inactive Accounts and Unclaimed Property

It is important that the Funds maintain a correct address for each shareholder. An incorrect address may cause a shareholder’s account statements and other mailings to be returned to the Fund. Based upon statutory requirements for returned mail, the Funds will attempt to locate the shareholder or rightful owner of the account. If the Funds are unable to locate the shareholder, then they will determine whether the shareholder’s account can legally be considered abandoned. Your mutual fund account may be transferred to the state government of your state of residence if no activity occurs within your account during the “inactivity period” specified in your state’s abandoned property laws. The Funds are legally obligated to escheat (or transfer) abandoned property to the appropriate state’s unclaimed property administrator in accordance with statutory requirements. The shareholder’s last known address of record determines which state has jurisdiction. Please proactively contact the Transfer Agent at 1-888-261-4073 (toll free) at least annually to ensure your account remains in active status.

 

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If you are a resident of the state of Texas, you may designate a representative to receive notifications that, due to inactivity, your mutual fund account assets may be delivered to the Texas Comptroller. Please contact the Transfer Agent if you wish to complete a Texas Designation of Representative form.

 

NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN THE FUNDS' SAI INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR ITS DISTRIBUTOR. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING BY THE COMPANY OR BY THE DISTRIBUTOR IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.

 

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APPENDIX A

 

Prior Performance of Similarly Advised Account of the Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund

 

The Adviser has experience in managing a private fund with substantially similar investment objectives, policies and strategies as the Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund. The table on the following page is provided to illustrate the past performance of the Adviser in managing the private fund and does not represent the performance of the Fund. Investors should not consider this performance information as a substitute for the performance of the Fund, nor should investors consider this information as an indication of the future performance of the Fund or of the Adviser. The performance information has been adjusted to show the performance of the private fund net of the Fund's annual fund operating expenses for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2011 (after contractual waivers that were in place through December 31, 2012).The fees and expenses of the Fund are higher than those of the private fund, in part, because the general partner of the private fund waived its right to receive an incentive allocation from each limited partner's capital account, generally equal to 20% of any profits achieved in a fiscal year after recoupment of prior losses. The Fund's results in the future also may be different because the private fund is not subject to certain investment limitations, diversification requirements and other restrictions imposed on mutual funds under applicable U.S. securities and tax laws that, if applicable, could have adversely affected the performance of the private fund. In addition, the securities held by the Fund will not be identical to the securities held by the private fund.

 

The performance of the private fund is also compared to the performance of an appropriate broad-based securities benchmark index. This index is unmanaged and is not subject to fees and expenses typically associated with managed funds, including the Fund. Investors cannot invest directly in the Index. The performance information is accompanied by additional disclosures, which are an integral part of the information.

 

Monthly Performance Table (since inception April 1, 2002) 1,2,3,4

 

PRO FORMA NET OF FEES

 

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

FY (ended

December

31)

2010 (1.02 )% 2.17 % 2.67 % 0.16 % (3.71 )% (3.46 )% 4.01 % (3.71 )% 5.96 %                
2009 (0.46 )% (5.50 )% 3.55 % 6.04 % 3.68% 2.12 % 2.16 % 2.78 % (0.28 )% (0.75 )% 2.80 % 1.35 % 18.40 %
2008 1.25 % 0.69 % (4.35 )% 2.02 % 2.78 % (3.24 )% 0.99 % 1.89 % (3.10 )% (4.68 )% (5.19 )% 2.79 % (8.38 )%
2007 0.98 % 0.73 % 0.61 % 2.69 % 1.29 % (0.69 )% (2.31 )% 0.87 % 2.37 % (0.74 )% 0.78 % (0.62 )% 6.01 %
2006 1.82 % (1.19 )% 0.17 % 0.67 % (0.58 )% 0.23 % 0.60 % 0.15 % 0.19 % (0.07 )% 0.30 % 1.22 % 3.54 %
2005 (0.68 )% 1.22 % 0.32 % (0.63 )% (0.50 )% 0.93 % 2.41 % 2.36 % 2.29 % 0.76 % 0.39 % 0.66 % 9.87 %
2004 0.45 % 1.29 % 2.39 % (1.14 )% (0.01 )% 3.25 % 0.98 % 0.19 % 1.42 % 0.62 % 5.48 % 2.09 % 18.21 %
2003 0.29 % (3.55 )% 0.05 % (1.71 )% (1.55 )% (0.05 )% 0.11 % (1.35 )% (0.98 )% (0.11 )% 0.65 % 0.19 % (7.79 )%
2002             0.10 % 3.62 % (2.36 )% (1.43 )% 1.97 % (2.35 )% 0.15 % 1.38 % 1.83 % 2.76 %

 

83  

 

GROSS OF FEES

 

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec FY (ended
December 31)
2010 (0.82 )% 2.38 % 2.87 % 0.36 % (3.51 )% (3.26 )% 4.22 % (3.50 )% 6.16 %                
2009 (0.26 )% (5.29 )% 3.75 % 6.25 % 3.88 % 2.32 % 2.36 % 2.99 % (0.08 )% (0.54 )% 3.01 % 1.56 % 21.31 %
2008 1.45 % 0.90 % (4.15 )% 2.22 % 2.98 % (3.04 )% 1.19 % 2.09 % (2.89 )% (4.47 )% (4.99 )% 2.99 % (6.08 )%
2007 1.18 % 0.93 % 0.81 % 2.89 % 1.49 % (0.48 )% (2.10 )% 1.08 % 2.57 % (0.54 )% 0.99 % (0.41 )% 8.64 %
2006 2.03 % (0.99 )% 0.38 % 0.87 % (0.38 )% 0.44 % 0.80 % 0.36 % 0.39 % 0.14 % 0.51 % 1.43 % 6.11 %
2005 (0.48 )% 1.43 % 0.52 % (0.43 )% (0.29 )% 1.13 % 2.61 % 2.57 % 2.50 % 0.96 % 0.60 % 0.87 % 12.59 %
2004 0.66 % 1.50 % 2.60 % (0.93 )% 0.19 % 3.45 % 1.19 % 0.40 % 1.62 % 0.82 % 5.69 % 2.29 % 21.11 %
2003 0.49 % (3.34 )% 0.25 % (1.51 )% (1.34 )% 0.15 % 0.31 % (1.14 )% (0.77 )% 0.10 % 0.85 % 0.40 % (5.48 )%
2002             0.31 % 3.83 % (2.15 )% (1.23 )% 2.17 % (2.15 )% 0.36 % 1.58 % 2.03 % 4.67 %

 

S&P 500 INDEX

 

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec FY (ended
December 31)
2010 (3.60 )% 3.10 % 6.03 % 1.58 % (7.98 )%  (5.24 )% 7.01 % (4.51 )% 8.92 %                
2009 (8.43 )% (10.65 )% 8.76 % 9.57 % 5.59 % 0.20 % 7.56 % 3.61 % 3.73 % (1.86 )% 6.00 % 1.93 % 26.45 %
2008 (6.00 )% (3.25 )% (0.43 )% 4.87 % 1.29 %   (8.43 )% (0.84 )% 1.45 % (8.91 )% (16.79 )% (7.17 )% 1.06 % (36.99 )%
2007 1.51 % (1.96 )% 1.12 % 4.43 % 3.49 %   (1.66 )% (3.10 )% 1.50 % 3.74 % 1.59 % (4.18 )% (0.69 )% 5.50 %
2006 2.65 % 0.27 % 1.24 % 1.34 % (2.88 )%   0.14 % 0.62 % 2.38 % 2.58 % 3.26 % 1.90 % 1.40 % 15.79 %
2005 (2.44 )% 2.10 % (1.77 )% (1.90 )% 3.18 %   0.14 % 3.72 % (0.91 )% 0.81 % (1.67 )% 3.78 % 0.03 % 4.89 %
2004 1.84 % 1.39 % (1.51 )% (1.57 )% 1.37 %   1.94 % (3.31 )% 0.40 % 1.08 % 1.53 % 4.05 % 3.40 % 10.87 %
2003 (2.62 )% (1.50 )% 0.97 % 8.24 % 5.27 %   1.27 % 1.76 % 1.95 % (1.06 )% 5.66 % 0.88 % 5.24 % 28.68 %
2002             (6.06 )% (0.74 )%   (7.12 )% (7.79 )% 0.66 % (10.87 )% 8.80 % 5.89 % (5.88 )% (22.31 )%

 

CALENDAR YEAR RETURNS 1,2,3,4

 

  2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Pro Forma Net Of Fees 2.76 % (7.79 )% 18.21 % 9.87 % 3.54 % 6.01 % (8.38 )% 18.40 %
Gross Of Fees 4.67 % (5.48 )% 21.11 % 12.59 % 6.11 % 8.64 % (6.08 )% 21.31 %
S&P 500 (22.31 )% 28.68 % 10.87 % 4.89 % 15.79 % 5.50 % (36.99 )% 26.45 %

 

SUMMARY STATISTICS (periods ended June 30, 2010) 1,2,3,4 RETURN

 

  YTD 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 5 year 7 Year Since
Inception
Pro Forma Net Of Fees 2.57 % 6.07 % 6.22 % 3.42 % 4.46 % 6.93 % 4.91 %
Gross Of Fees 4.48 % 8.70 % 8.85 % 5.99 % 7.05 % 9.57 % 7.51 %
S&P 500 3.89 % 10.16 % 1.26 % (7.16 )% 0.63 % 4.03 % 1.92 %

 

1 Performance was calculated using Global Investment Performance Standards ("GIPS"). This method of calculating performance differs from the SEC's standardized methodology, which may produce different results.

 

2 Performance is calculated using a net asset value to net asset value methodology which incorporates all trades, prices, accruals and updated security records on a trade date basis.

 

3 Performance is presented gross and net of the Fund's annual fund operating expenses for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2011 (after contractual waivers).

 

4 The S&P 500 ® Index is an unmanaged index composed of 500 common stocks, classified in eleven industry sectors, which represent approximately 75% of the U.S. equities market. The S&P 500 ® Index assigns relative values to the stocks included in the index, weighted according to each stock's total market value relative to the total market value of the other stocks included in the index.

 

84  

 

APPENDIX B

 

Prior Performance of Similarly Advised Accounts of the Boston Partners Global Equity Fund

 

The Adviser has experience in managing other accounts with substantially similar investment objectives, policies and strategies as the Boston Partners Global Equity Fund. The table on the following pages is provided to illustrate the past performance of Robeco in managing all such other accounts and does not represent the performance of the Fund. Investors should not consider this performance information as a substitute for the performance of the Fund, nor should investors consider this information as an indication of the future performance of the Fund or of the Adviser. The performance information has been adjusted to show the performance of the other accounts net of the Fund's annual operating expenses for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2011 (after contractual waivers that were in place until September 30, 2013). The other accounts' fees and expenses are lower than those of the Fund. The Fund's results in the future also may be different because the other accounts are not subject to certain investment limitations, diversification requirements and other restrictions imposed on mutual funds under applicable U.S. securities and tax laws that, if applicable, could have adversely affected the performance of the other accounts. In addition, the securities held by the Fund will not be identical to the securities held by the other accounts.

 

The performance of the other accounts is also compared to the performance of an appropriate broad-based securities benchmark index. This index is unmanaged and is not subject to fees and expenses typically associated with managed funds, including the Fund. Investors cannot invest directly in the Index. The performance information is accompanied by additional disclosures, which are an integral part of the information.

 

Monthly Returns (since July 31, 2008) 1,2,3,4,5

 

COMPOSITE — PRO FORMA NET OF FEES

 

   Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec FY (ended
December 31)
2011 1.90 % 3.43 % 0.83 % 4.56 % (1.85 )% (1.16 )% (1.11 )% (7.73 )% (8.67 )% 11.36 % (2.36 )%        
2010 (3.84 )% 0.42 % 5.94 % 0.28 % (9.73 )% (4.56 )% 7.66 % (3.68 )% 10.10 % 4.62 % (2.53 )% 8.79 % 11.93 %
2009 (8.69 )% (9.47 )% 5.20 % 11.74 % 8.46 % 0.05 % 7.44 % 5.34 % 4.35 % (1.10 )% 2.87 % 2.10 % 29.35 %
2008                         (2.35 )% (0.54 )% (9.54 )% (19.20 )% (6.15 )% 3.18 %    

 

COMPOSITE — GROSS OF FEES

   

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec FY (ended
December 31)
2011 2.01 % 3.54 % 0.94 % 4.67 % (1.74 )% (1.05 )% (1.00 )% (7.62 )% (8.56 )% 11.47 % (2.25 )%        
2010 (3.73 )% 0.52 % 6.05 % 0.39 % (9.62 )% (4.46 )% 7.77 % (3.58 )% 10.21 % 4.73 % (2.42 )% 8.90 % 13.38 %
2009 (8.59 )% (9.36 )% 5.31 % 11.85 % 8.57 % 0.16 % 7.54 % 5.45 % 4.46 % (1.00 )% 2.98 % 2.21 % 31.01 %
2008                         (2.24 )% (0.43 )% (9.43 )% (19.09 )% (6.04 )% 3.29 %    

 

85  

 

  MSCI ® WORLD INDEX

 

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec FY (ended
December 31)
2011 2.28 % 3.55 % (0.94 )% 4.31 % (1.97 )% (1.54 )% (1.79 )% (7.00 )% (8.60 )% 10.37 % (2.38 )%        
2010 (4.11 )% 1.45 % 6.25 % 0.07 % (9.48 )% (3.39 )% 8.13 % (3.69 )% 9.36 % 3.75 % (2.11 )% 7.39 % 12.34 %
2009 (8.73 )% (10.17 )% 7.60 % 11.32 % 9.19 % (0.41 )% 8.50 % 4.17 % 4.02 % (1.76 )% 4.14 % 1.83 % 30.79 %
2008                         (2.42 )% (1.36 )% (11.85 )% (18.93 )% (6.40 )% 3.26 %    

 

SUMMARY STATISTICS (periods ended November 30, 2011) 1,2,3,4,5 RETURN

 

  YTD 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years Since
July 1, 2008
Pro Forma Net Of Fees (2.33 )% 6.26 % 5.65 % 13.42 % (0.82 )%
Gross Of Fees (1.15 )% 7.64 % 7.03 % 14.89 % 0.48 %
MSCI ® World Index (5.00 )% 2.02 % 4.25 % 12.96 % (2.17 )%

 

1 Performance was calculated using Global Investment Performance Standards ("GIPS"). This method of calculating performance differs from the SEC's standardized methodology, which may produce different results.

 

2 Performance is calculated using a net asset value to net asset value methodology which incorporates all trades, prices, accruals and updated security records on trade date basis.

 

3 Performance is presented gross and net of the Fund's annual fund operating expenses (after contractual waivers that were in place until September 30, 2013).

 

4 The MSCI ® World Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets.

 

5 Although the other accounts commenced operations on January 1, 2007 or April 17, 1998, the other accounts only began investing in accordance with their current investment strategies on July 1, 2008. The performance shown represents performance since the other accounts began investing in accordance with their current investment strategies.

 

86  

 

APPENDIX C

 

Prior Performance of Similarly Advised Account of the Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund

 

The Adviser has experience in managing a private fund with substantially similar investment objectives, policies and strategies as the Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund. The table on the following page is provided to illustrate the past performance of the Adviser in managing the private fund and does not represent the performance of the Fund. Investors should not consider this performance information as a substitute for the performance of the Fund, nor should investors consider this information as an indication of the future performance of the Fund or of the Adviser. The performance information has been adjusted to show the performance of the private fund net of the Fund's annual fund operating expenses (after contractual waivers that were in place through December 31, 2015). The Fund's results in the future also may be different because the private fund is not subject to certain investment limitations, diversification requirements and other restrictions imposed on mutual funds under applicable U.S. securities and tax laws that, if applicable, could have adversely affected the performance of the private fund. In addition, the securities held by the Fund will not be identical to the securities held by the private fund.

 

The performance of the private fund is also compared to the performance of an appropriate broad-based securities benchmark index. This index is unmanaged and is not subject to fees and expenses typically associated with managed funds, including the Fund. Investors cannot invest directly in the Index. The performance information is accompanied by additional disclosures, which are an integral part of the information.

 

Monthly Performance Table (since inception July 1, 2013) 1,2,3,4,5

 

PRO FORMA NET OF FEES

 

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2014 (1.99 )% 2.28 % 0.55 % (0.81 )% 1.90 % (0.18 )% 1.26 % 0.88 % (1.18 )% (0.18 )% 1.06 %    
2013                         2.10 % (2.25 )% 1.68 % 2.82 % 1.89 % 1.61 %

 

GROSS OF FEES

 

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2014 (1.84 )% 2.28 % 0.70 % (0.66 )% 2.05 % (0.03 )% 1.40 % 1.03 % (1.04 )% (0.03 )% 1.20 %    
2013                         2.25 % (2.11 )% 1.82 % 2.96 % 2.04 % 1.76 %

 

MSCI ® WORLD INDEX

 

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov De c
2014 (3.68 )% 5.06 % 0.20 % 1.08 % 2.06 % 1.83 % (1.57 )% 2.24 % (2.67 )% 0.67 % 2.05 %    
2013                         5.29 % (2.09 )% 5.04 % 3.94 % 1.82 % 2.15 %

 

87  

 

SUMMARY STATISTICS (periods ended November 30, 2014) 1,2,3,4,5
RETURN

  3 Months YTD Since
Inception
Pro Forma Net Of Fees (0.32)% 3.56% 8.24%
Gross Of Fees 0.12% 5.09% 10.03%
MSCI ® World Index

(0.01)%  

7.19% 17.39%

 

1 Performance was calculated using Global Investment Performance Standards ("GIPS"). This method of calculating performance differs from the SEC's standardized methodology, which may produce different results.

 

2 Performance is calculated using a net asset value to net asset value methodology which incorporates all trades, prices, accruals and updated security records on a trade date basis.

 

3 Performance is presented gross and net of the Fund's annual fund operating expenses (after contractual waivers that were in place until December 31, 2014) of the Fund's average daily net assets.

 

4 The MSCI ® World Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets.

 

5 Although the private fund commenced operations on March 1, 2013, the private fund only began investing in accordance with its current investment strategies on July 1, 2013. The performance shown represents performance since the private fund began investing in accordance with its current investment strategies.

 

88  

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

The tables in the Financial Highlights section below set forth certain financial information for the periods indicated, including per share information results for a single Fund share. The term "Total investment return" indicates how much your investment would have increased or decreased during this period of time and assumes that you have reinvested all dividends and distributions. The information has been derived from the Funds' financial statements and has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Funds' independent registered public accounting firm. This information should be read in conjunction with the Funds' financial statements which, together with the report of the independent registered public accounting firm, are included in the Funds' annual report for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017 and is available at no cost upon request (see back cover for ordering instructions). Financial highlights are not available for the Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund because the Fund had not commenced operations prior to the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

89  

 

    Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II  
    For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2017
    For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2016
    For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2015
    For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2014
    For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2013
 
    Institutional Class  
Per Share Operating Performance
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 23.00     $ 21.89     $ 22.65     $ 19.06     $ 15.31  
Net investment income/(loss)*   $ 0.13     $ 0.18     $ 0.21     $ 0.15     $ 0.09  
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
on investments
  $ 2.38     $ 2.00     $ (0.54 )   $ 3.53     $ 3.75  
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   $ 2.51     $ 2.18     $ (0.33 )   $ 3.68     $ 3.84  
Dividends and distributions to
shareholders from:
                                       
Net investment income   $ (0.21 )   $ (0.12 )   $ (0.15 )   $ (0.09 )   $ (0.09 )
Net realized gains   $ (0.34 )   $ (0.95 )   $ (0.28 )            
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders   $ (0.55 )   $ (1.07 )   $ (0.43 )   $ (0.09 )   $ (0.09 )
Redemption fees*^           (3)           (3)      
Net asset value, end of period   $ 24.96     $ 23.00     $ 21.89     $ 22.65     $ 19.06  
Total investment return (1), (2)     10.92 %     10.67 %     (1.45 )%     19.33 %     25.19 %
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                        
Net assets, end of period (000)   $ 362,674     $ 279,049     $ 180,057     $ 102,112     $ 76,442  
Ratio of expenses to average net
assets with waivers,
reimbursements and
recoupments if any
    1.10 %     1.10 %     1.10 %     1.21 %     1.29 %
Ratio of expenses to average net
assets without waivers,
reimbursements and
recoupments if any
    1.18 %     1.22 %     1.23 %     1.23 %     1.29 %
Ratio of net investment income/
(loss) to average net assets with
waivers and reimbursements
    0.53 %     0.86 %     0.91 %     0.68 %     0.53 %
Portfolio turnover rate     24 %     29 %     14 %     16 %     19 %

 

* Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

^ Effective January 1, 2016, the Fund did not impose a redemption fee. Prior to January 1, 2016, there was a 1.00% redemption fee on shares redeemed that were held 60 days or less on BP Small Cap Value Fund II. The redemption fees were retained by the Fund for the benefit of the remaining shareholders and recorded as paid-in capital.

(1) Total return is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of the period and is not annualized if period is less than one year.

(2) Redemption fees, if any, are reflected in total return calculations.

(3) Amount is less than $0.005 per share.

 

90  

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

    Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund  
   

For the
Year Ended
August 31,

2017

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31,

2016

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31,

2015

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31,

2014

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31,

2013

 
    Institutional Class  
Per Share Operating Performance
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 23.12     $ 22.08     $ 23.00     $ 19.19     $ 15.57  
Net investment income/(loss)*   $ 0.20     $ 0.30     $ 0.30     $ 0.22     $ 0.24  
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
on investments
  $ 3.17     $ 2.15     $ (0.08 )   $ 4.39     $ 3.75  
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   $ 3.37     $ 2.45     $ 0.22     $ 4.61     $ 3.99  
Dividends and distributions to
shareholders from:
                                       
Net investment income   $ (0.27 )   $ (0.30 )   $ (0.22 )   $ (0.18 )   $ (0.27 )
Net realized gains   $ (0.65 )   $ (1.11 )   $ (0.92 )   $ (0.62 )   $ (0.10 )
Total dividends and distributions to
shareholders
  $ (0.92 )   $ (1.41 )     (1.14 )     (0.80 )     (0.37 )
Redemption fees*                              
Net asset value, end of period   $ 25.57     $ 23.12     $ 22.08     $ 23.00     $ 19.19  
Total investment return (1), (2)     14.88 %     11.68 %     0.88 %     24.52 %     26.11 %
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                        
Net assets, end of period (000)   $ 1,370,288     $ 1,016,106     $ 793,098     $ 736,475     $ 441,856  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements and recoupment, if any     0.80 %     0.77 %     0.70 %     0.70 %     0.70 %
Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements and recoupments, if any     0.88 %     0.96 %     0.95 %     0.94 %     0.97 %
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements and recoupments, if any     0.83 %     1.41 %     1.32 %     1.05 %     1.37 %
Portfolio turnover rate     27 %     30 %(3)     33 %     26 %     32 %

 

* Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

(1) Total return is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of the period and is not annualized if period is less than one year.

(2) Redemption fees, if any, are reflected in total return calculations.

(3) Portfolio turnover rate excludes securities delivered/received from processing redemptions/ subscriptions in-kind.

 

91  

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund
    For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2017
    For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2016
    For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2015
    For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2014
    For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2013
 
Institutional Class
Per Share Operating Performance
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 20.09     $ 19.04     $ 22.65     $ 20.94     $ 20.47  
Net investment income/(loss)*   $ (0.26 )   $ (0.35 )   $ (0.84 )   $ (0.63 )   $ (0.54 )
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
on investments
  $ 1.13     $ 3.04     $ (1.01 )   $ 3.57     $ 2.24  
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   $ 0.87     $ 2.69     $ (1.85 )   $ 2.94     $ 1.70  
Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:                                        
Net investment income                              
Net realized gains         $ (1.64 )     (1.77 )     (1.24 )     (1.24 )
Total dividends and distributions to
shareholders
        $ (1.64 )     (1.77 )     (1.24 )     (1.24 )
Redemption fees*^           (3)     0.01       0.01       0.01  
Net asset value, end of period   $ 20.96     $ 20.09     $ 19.04     $ 22.65     $ 20.94  
Total investment return (1)(2)     4.33 %     15.36 %     (8.35 )%     14.72 %     8.61 %
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                        
Net assets, end of period (000)   $ 858,821     $ 731,894     $ 493,751     $ 676,756     $ 620,804  
Ratio of expenses to average net
assets with waivers,
reimbursements and
recoupments if any
    2.80 %     3.57 %     5.64 %     4.33 %     4.30 %
Ratio of expenses to average net
assets with waivers,
reimbursements and
recoupments if any (excluding
dividend and interest expense)
    2.39 %     2.46 %     2.47 %     2.42 %     2.43 %
Ratio of expenses to average net
assets without waivers,
reimbursements and
recoupments if any
    2.80 %     3.57 %     5.64 %     4.33 %     4.30 %
Ratio of net investment gain/
(loss) to average net assets with
waivers and reimbursements
    (1.21 )%     (1.79 )%     (4.22 )%     (2.93 )%     (2.58 )%
Portfolio turnover rate     63 %     72 %     75 %     65 %     67 %

 

* Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

^ Effective January 1, 2016, the Fund did not impose a redemption fee. Prior to January 1, 2016, there was a 2.00% redemption fee on shares redeemed that were held 365 days or less on the BP Long/ Short Equity Fund. The redemption fees were retained by the Fund for the benefit of the remaining shareholders and recorded as paid-in capital.

(1) Total return is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of the period and is not annualized if period is less than one year.

(2) Redemption fees, if any, are reflected in total return calculations.

(3) Amount is less than $0.005 per share.

 

92  

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund
   

For the
Year Ended
August 31,

2017

    For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2016
    For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2015
    For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2014
    For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2013
 
Institutional Class
Per Share Operating Performance
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 15.23     $ 15.20     $ 15.14     $ 13.30     $ 11.91  
Net investment income/(loss)*   $ (0.12 )   $ (0.06 )(4)   $ (0.14 )   $ (0.12 )   $ (0.14 )
Net realized and unrealized
gain/(loss) on investments
  $ 1.16     $ 0.67     $ 0.40     $ 2.02     $ 1.66  
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets
resulting from operations
  $ 1.04     $ 0.61     $ 0.26     $ 1.90     $ 1.52  
Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:                                        
Net investment income                              
Net realized gains         $ (0.58 )   $ (0.20 )   $ (0.06 )   $ (0.13 )
Total dividends and distributions to
shareholders
        $ (0.58 )     (0.20 )     (0.06 )     (0.13 )
Redemption fees*^     (3)     (3)     (3)     (3)     (3)
Net asset value, end of period   $ 16.27     $ 15.23     $ 15.20     $ 15.14     $ 13.30  
Total investment return (1), (2)     6.83 %     4.10 %     1.73 %     14.28 %     12.81 %
                                         
Net assets, end of period (000)   $ 6,361,628     $ 6,403,404     $ 6,738,894     $ 5,054,388     $ 1,743,406  
Ratio of expenses to average net
assets with waivers,
reimbursements and
recoupments if any
    2.23 %     2.51 %     2.43 %     2.52 %     2.75 %
Ratio of expenses to average net
assets with waivers,
reimbursements and
recoupments if any (excluding
dividend and interest expense)
    1.37 %     1.41 %     1.39 %     1.39 %     1.48 %
Ratio of expenses to average net
assets without waivers,
reimbursements and
recoupments if any
    2.23 %     2.51 %     2.43 %     2.52 %     2.71 %
Ratio of net investment income/
(loss) to average net assets with
waivers and reimbursements
    (0.75 )%     (0.38 )%(4)     (0.92 )%     (0.81 )%     (1.09 )%
Portfolio turnover rate     54 %     53 %     62 %     57 %     65 %

 

* Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

^ Effective January 1, 2016, the Fund did not impose a redemption fee. Prior to January 1, 2016, there was a 1.00% redemption fee on shares redeemed that were held 60 days or less on BP Long/Short Research Fund. The redemption fees were retained by the Fund for the benefit of the remaining shareholders and recorded as paid-in capital.

(1) Total return is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of the period and is not annualized if period is less than one year.

(2) Redemption fees, if any, are reflected in total return calculations.

(3) Amount is less than $0.005 per share.

(4) Includes a non-recurring dividend. Without this dividend, net investment loss per share would have been $(0.10) for Institutional Class. The ratio of net investment loss would have been (0.66)% for Institutional Class.

 

93  

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund
    For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2017
    For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2016
    For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2015
    For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2014
    For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2013
 
Institutional Class
Per Share Operating Performance
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 15.50     $ 15.40     $ 20.42     $ 19.06     $ 14.32  
Net investment income/(loss)*   $ 0.05     $ 0.07     $ 0.13     $ 0.07     $ 0.07  
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
on investments
  $ 0.65     $ 0.46     $ (2.84 )   $ 3.16     $ 4.74  
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   $ 0.70     $ 0.53     $ (2.71 )   $ 3.23     $ 4.81  
Dividends and distributions to
shareholders from:
                                       
Net investment income   $ (0.07 )   $ (0.10 )   $ (0.13 )   $ (0.02 )   $ (0.07 )
Net realized gains         $ (0.33 )   $ (2.18 )   $ (1.85 )      
Total dividends and distributions to
shareholders
  $ (0.07 )   $ (0.43 )   $ (2.31 )   $ (1.87 )   $ (0.07 )
Redemption fees*^                 (3)            
Net asset value, end of period   $ 16.13     $ 15.50     $ 15.40     $ 20.42     $ 19.06  
Total investment return (1)(2)     4.50 %     3.74 %     (14.01 )%     17.46 %     33.71 %
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                        
Net assets, end of period (000)   $ 30,781     $ 33,929     $ 36,461     $ 46,008     $ 40,754  
Ratio of expenses to average net
assets with waivers and reimbursements and recoupment, if any
    1.10 %     1.10 %     1.10 %     1.36 %     1.54 %
Ratio of expenses to average net
assets without waivers and reimbursements and recoupments, if any
    1.29 %     1.55 %     1.41 %     1.42 %     1.54 %
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements and recoupments, if any     0.30 %     0.47 %     0.78 %     0.35 %     0.41 %
Portfolio turnover rate     78 %     62 %     80 %     75 %     72 %

 

* Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

^ Effective January 1, 2016, the Fund did not impose a redemption fee. Prior to January 1, 2016, the WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund had a 2.00% redemption fee on shares redeemed within 60 days of purchase. The redemption fees were retained by the Fund for the benefit of the remaining shareholders and recorded as paid-in capital.

(1) Total return is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of the period and is not annualized if period is less than one year.

(2) Redemption fees, if any, are reflected in total return calculations.

(3) Amount is less than $0.005.

 

94  

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

Boston Partners Global Equity Fund
   

For the Period
Ended
August 31,

2017

    For the Period
Ended
August 31,
2016
    For the Period
Ended
August 31,
2015
    For the Period
Ended
August 31,
2014
    For the Period
Ended
August 31,
2013
 
Institutional Class
Per Share Operating Performance
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 15.60     $ 14.66     $ 15.59     $ 12.97     $ 11.00  
Net investment income/(loss)*   $ 0.14     $ 0.35 (3)   $ 0.13     $ 0.18     $ 0.12  
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)
on investments
  $ 1.95     $ 0.66     $ (0.40 )   $ 2.82     $ 2.07  
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   $ 2.09     $ 1.01     $ (0.27 )   $ 3.00     $ 2.19  
Dividends and distribution to shareholders
from:
                                       
Net investment income   $ (0.30 )   $ (0.05 )   $ (0.14 )   $ (0.02 )   $ (0.13 )
Net realized gains         $ (0.02 )     (0.52 )     (0.36 )     (0.09 )
Total dividends and distributions to
shareholders
  $ (0.30 )   $ (0.07 )     (0.66 )     (0.38 )     (0.22 )
Redemption fees*^                              
Net asset value, end of period   $ 17.39     $ 15.60     $ 14.66     $ 15.59     $ 12.97  
Total investment return (1)(2)     13.59 %     6.90 %     (1.75 )%     23.39 %     20.14 %
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                        
Net assets, end of period (000)   $ 590,525     $ 415,999     $ 279,978     $ 60,087     $ 11,496  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
with waivers and reimbursements and recoupments, if any
    0.95 %     0.95 %     0.95 %     0.96 %     1.30 %
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
without waivers and reimbursements and recoupments, if any
    1.04 %     1.10 %     1.24 %     1.39 %     3.05 %
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to
average net assets with waivers and
reimbursements and recoupments, if any
    0.84 %     2.38 %(3)     0.86 %     1.20 %     1.00 %
Portfolio turnover rate     83 %     80 %     98 %     136 %     102 %

 

* Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

^ Effective January 1, 2016, the Fund did not impose a redemption fee. Prior to January 1, 2016, there was a 1.00% redemption fee on shares redeemed that were held 60 days or less on BP Global Equity Fund. The redemption fees were retained by the Fund for the benefit of the remaining shareholders and recorded as paid-in capital.

(1) Total return is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of the period and is not annualized if period is less than one year.

(2) Redemption fees, if any, are reflected in total return calculations.

(3) Includes a non-recurring dividend. Without this dividend, net investment income per share would have been $0.18. The ratio of net investment income would have been 1.25%.

 

95  

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund
   

For the Period
Ended
August 31,

2017

   

For the Period
Ended
August 31,

2016

   

For the Period
Ended
August 31,

2015

    For the Period
December 31, 2013**
through
August 31,
2014
 
Institutional Class
Per Share Operating Performance
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 10.90     $ 10.55     $ 10.30     $ 10.00  
Net investment gain/(loss)*   $ (0.11 )   $ 0.05 (6)     (0.13 )     (0.14 )
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments   $ 0.57     $ 0.34       0.38       0.44  
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   $ 0.46     $ 0.39       0.25       0.30  
Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:                                
Net investment income   $ (0.02 )                  
Net realized gains         $ (0.04 )            
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders   $ (0.02 )   $ (0.04 )            
Redemption fees*^           (3)     (3)     (3)
Net asset value, end of period   $ 11.34     $ 10.90     $ 10.55     $ 10.30  
Total investment return (1), (2)     4.26 %     3.74 %     2.43 %     3.00 %
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                
Net assets, end of period (000)   $ 1,008,234     $ 853,621     $ 317,600     $ 37,403  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements and recoupment, if any     2.63 %     2.99 %     3.09 %     3.88 % (4)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers, reimbursements (excluding dividend and interest expenses)     1.70 %     1.74 %     1.96 %     2.00 % (4)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements and recoupments, if any     2.63 %     2.99 %     3.05 %     4.89 % (4)
Ratio of net investment gain/(loss) to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements and recoupments, if any     (0.94 )%     0.47 % (6)     (1.27 )%     (2.04 )% (4)
Portfolio turnover rate     109 %     137 %     132 %     72 % (5)

 

* Calculated based on average shares outstanding.

^ Effective January 1, 2016, the Funds did not impose a redemption fee. Prior to January 1, 2016, there was a 1.00% redemption fee on shares redeemed that were held 60 days or less on BP Global Long/Short Fund. The redemption fees were retained by the Fund for the benefit of the remaining shareholders and recorded as paid-in capital.

** Commencement of operations.

(1) Total return is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of the period and is not annualized if period is less than one year.

(2) Redemption fees, if any, are reflected in total return calculations.

(3) Amount is less than $0.005 per share.

(4) Annualized.

(5) Not Annualized.

(6) Includes a non-recurring dividend. Without this dividend, net investment income (loss) per share would have been $(0.09) for Institutional Class. The ratio of net investment income (loss) per share would have been (0.88)% for Institutional Class.

 

96  

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund
    For the Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2017     For the Period
December 15, 2015**
through
August 31, 2016
 
Institutional Class
Per Share Operating Performance
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 11.15     $ 10.00  
Net investment gain/(loss)*   $ (0.07 )   $ (0.09 )
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments   $ 1.96     $ 1.24  
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   $ 1.89     $ 1.15  
Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:
Net investment income   $ (0.82 )      
Net realized gains   $ (0.10 )      
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders   $ (0.92 )      
Redemption fees*            
Net asset value, end of period   $ 12.12     $ 11.15  
Total investment return (1)(2)     18.71 %     11.50 %
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period (000)   $ 56,829     $ 10,938  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and
reimbursements
    2.13 %     3.87 % (4)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers, reimbursements
(excluding dividend and interest expenses)
    2.06 %     2.10 % (4)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and
reimbursements
    2.99 %     7.82 % (4)
Ratio of net investment gain/(loss) to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements     (0.60 )%     (1.26 )% (4)
Portfolio turnover rate     184 %     229 % (3)(5)

 

* Calculated based on average shares outstanding.
** Commencement of operations.
(1) Total return is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of the period and is not annualized if period is less than one year.
(2) Redemption fees, if any, are reflected in total return calculations.
(3) Portfolio turnover rate excludes securities delivered/received from processing redemptions/subscriptions in-kind.
(4) Annualized.
(5) Not Annualized.

 

97  

 

PRIVACY NOTICE

 

FACTS

WHAT DO THE BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Why? Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.
What?

The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include:

 

Social Security number

account balances

account transactions

transaction history

wire transfer instructions

checking account information

 

When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.

How? All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons the Boston Partners Investment Funds chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.
 
Reasons we can share your personal information Do the Boston Partners Investment Funds share? Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purposes —

such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus

Yes No

For our marketing purposes —

to offer our products and services to you

Yes No
For joint marketing with other financial companies No We don’t share.

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes —

information about your transactions and experiences

Yes No

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes —

information about your creditworthiness

No We don’t share.
For our affiliates to market to you Yes Yes
For nonaffiliates to market to you No We don’t share.
Questions? Call (888) 261-4073 or go to www.boston-partners.com
       

   

 

What we do
How do the Boston Partners Investment Funds protect my personal information? To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.
How do the Boston Partners Investment Funds collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

• open an account

 

• provide account information

• give us your contact information

• make a wire transfer

• tell us where to send the money

 

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only


• sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes-information about your creditworthiness

• affiliates from using your information to market to you

• sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you


State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing.

Definitions
Affiliates

Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies. Our affiliates include:

 

ORIX Corporation.

• Robeco Investment Management, Inc.

• Robeco Securities, LLC

Nonaffiliates

Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

 

      The Boston Partners Investment Funds don’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you. The Boston Partners Investment Funds may share information with nonaffiliates that perform marketing services on our behalf.

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

 

•        The Boston Partners Investment Funds may share your information with other financial institutions with whom we have joint marketing arrangements who may suggest additional fund services or other investment products which may be of interest to you.

 

   

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS
of
The RBB Fund, Inc.
1-888-261-4073
http://www.boston-partners.com

 

For More Information:

This Prospectus contains important information you should know before you invest. Read it carefully and keep it for future reference. More information about the Boston Partners Investment Funds is available free of charge, upon request, including:

 

Annual/Semi-Annual Reports

These reports contain additional information about each Fund's investments, describe each Fund's performance, list portfolio holdings, and discuss recent market conditions and economic trends. The annual report includes fund strategies that significantly affected the Funds' performance during their last fiscal year. The annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders may be obtained by visiting http://www.boston-partners.com.

 

Statement of Additional Information

The Funds' SAI, dated December 31, 2017, has been filed with the SEC. The SAI, which includes additional information about the Boston Partners Investment Funds, may be obtained free of charge, along with the annual and semi-annual reports, by calling 1-888-261-4073. The SAI, as supplemented from time to time, is incorporated by reference into this prospectus (and is legally part of the prospectus).The SAI is available on the Adviser's website at http://www.boston-partners.com.

 

Shareholder Inquiries

Representatives are available to discuss account balance information, mutual fund prospectuses, literature, programs and services available. Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Eastern time) Monday-Friday. Call: 1-888-261-4073 or visit the website of the Adviser at http://www.boston-partners.com.

 

Purchases and Redemptions

Call 1-888-261-4073.

 

Written Correspondence

Street Address:

Boston Partners Investment Funds, c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202

P.O. Box Address:

Boston Partners Investment Funds, c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701

 

Securities and Exchange Commission

You may also view and copy information about the Company and the Funds, including the SAI, by visiting the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC or the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at www.sec.gov.You may also obtain copies of Fund documents by paying a duplicating fee and sending an electronic request to the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by sending your written request and a duplicating fee to the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-1520.You may obtain information on the operation of the public reference room by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090.

 

INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT FILE NO. 811-05518

 

   

 

 

Investor Class
Boston Partners Investment Funds

of The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

Prospectus December 31, 2017

 

Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II – BPSCX

Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund – BPAVX

Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund – BPLEX

Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund – BPRRX

Boston Partners Global Equity Fund – BPGRX

Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund – BGRSX

 

The securities described in this prospectus have been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The SEC, however, has not judged these securities for their investment merit and has not determined the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Anyone who tells you otherwise is committing a criminal offense.

 

   

 

Table of Contents

 

SUMMARY SECTION — BOSTON PARTNERS SMALL CAP VALUE FUND II 1
SUMMARY SECTION — BOSTON PARTNERS ALL-CAP VALUE FUND 6
SUMMARY SECTION — BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT EQUITY FUND 11
SUMMARY SECTION — BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND 17
SUMMARY SECTION — BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL EQUITY FUND 23
SUMMARY SECTION — BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND 29
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS' INVESTMENTS AND RISKS 37
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS 41
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION 46
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 58
Appendix A 59
Appendix B 62
Appendix C 64
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 66

 

A look at the investment objectives, strategies, risks, expenses and financial history of each of the Boston Partners Investment Funds offered in this Prospectus.

 

Details about the Boston Partners Investment Funds' service providers offered in this Prospectus.

 

Policies and instructions for opening, maintaining and closing an account in any of the Boston Partners Investment Funds offered in this Prospectus.

 

2  

 

SUMMARY SECTION — BOSTON PARTNERS SMALL CAP VALUE FUND II

 

Investment Objective

 

The Fund seeks to provide long-term growth of capital primarily through investment in equity securities. Current income is a secondary objective.

 

Expenses and Fees

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Investor Class shares of the Fund.

 

  Investor Class
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a
percentage of the value of your investment)
Management fees 1.00 %
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees 0.25%
Other expenses (1) 0.19%
Total annual Fund operating expenses 1.44%
Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement (2) (0.08)%
Total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement 1.36%

 

(1) Other Expenses” includes acquired fund fees and expenses, which are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other mutual funds, including money market funds and exchange traded funds. Please note that the amount of Total annual Fund operating expenses and Total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement shown in the above table will differ from the “Financial Highlights” section of the prospectus, which reflects the operating expenses of the Fund and does not include indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses.

 

(2) The Fund's investment adviser, Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. (the "Adviser"), has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the Total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) for the Fund's Investor Class shares exceeds 1.35% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund's Investor Class shares. In determining the Adviser's obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net Total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 1.35%: acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until February 28, 2019 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. Effective as of May 28, 2014, if at any time, the Fund's Total annual Fund operating expenses(not including acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.35% or the expense cap then in effect, whichever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

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 that you sell all of your shares at the end of the period. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the operating expenses of the Fund remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

1  

 

  1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
Investor Class $ 138 $ 448 $779 $1,717

 

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 Fund's performance. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the portfolio turnover rate for the Fund was 24% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Summary of Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Fund pursues its objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets (including borrowings for investment purposes) in a diversified portfolio consisting primarily of equity securities, such as common stocks of issuers with small market capitalizations and identified by the Adviser as having value characteristics. A small market capitalization issuer generally is considered to be one whose market capitalization is, at the time the Fund makes the investment, similar to the market capitalization of companies in the Russell 2000 ® Value Index. The Russell 2000 ® Value Index is an unmanaged index that contains stocks from the Russell 2000 ® Index with less than average growth orientation. As of November 30, 2017, the median market capitalization of this index was $1.77 billion and the largest stock was $7.25 billion. Please note that this range is as of a particular point in time and is subject to change.

 

The Fund generally invests in the equity securities of small companies. The Adviser will seek to invest in companies it considers to be well managed and to have attractive fundamental financial characteristics. The Adviser believes greater potential for price appreciation exists among small companies since they tend to be less widely followed by other securities analysts and thus may be more likely to be undervalued by the market. The Fund may invest from time to time a portion of its assets, not to exceed 20% (under normal conditions) at the time of purchase, in companies with larger market capitalizations.

 

The Adviser will sell a stock when it no longer meets one or more investment criteria, either through obtaining target value or due to an adverse change in fundamentals or business momentum. Each holding has a target valuation established at purchase, which the Adviser constantly monitors and adjusts as appropriate.

 

The Adviser examines various factors in determining the value characteristics of such issuers including price to book value ratios and price to earnings ratios. These value characteristics are examined in the context of the issuer's operating and financial fundamentals such as return on equity, earnings growth and cash flow. The Adviser selects securities for the Fund based on a continuous study of trends in industries and companies, earnings power and growth and other investment criteria.

 

The Fund may also invest up to 25% of its total assets in non U.S. dollar-denominated securities.

 

The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, including securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily available market or legal or contractual restrictions on resale.

 

The Fund may participate as a purchaser in initial public offerings of securities ("IPO"). An IPO is a company's first offering of stock to the public.

 

In general, the Fund's investments are broadly diversified over a number of industries and, as a matter of policy, the Fund is limited to investing a maximum of 25% of its total assets in any one industry.

 

While the Adviser intends to fully invest the Fund's assets at all times in accordance with the above-mentioned policies, the Fund reserves the right to hold up to 100% of its assets, as a temporary defensive measure, in cash and eligible U.S. dollar-denominated money market instruments and make investments inconsistent with its investment objective. The Adviser will determine when market conditions warrant temporary defensive measures.

 

2  

 

Summary of Principal Risks

 

Management Risk. The Fund is subject to the risk of poor stock selection. In other words, the individual stocks in the Fund may not perform as well as expected, and/or the Fund's portfolio management practices do not work to achieve their desired result.

 

Market Risk. The net asset value ("NAV") of the Fund will change with changes in the market value of its portfolio positions. Investors may lose money. Although the Fund will invest in stocks the Adviser believes to be undervalued, there is no guarantee that the prices of these stocks will not move even lower.

 

Foreign Securities Risk. International investing is subject to special risks, including, but not limited to, currency exchange rate volatility, political, social or economic instability, and differences in taxation, auditing and other financial practices.

 

Small Cap Companies Risk. The Fund will invest in smaller issuers which are more volatile and less liquid than investments in issuers with a market capitalization greater than the market capitalization of companies in the Russell 2000 ® Value Index. Small market capitalization issuers are not as diversified in their business activities as issuers with market capitalizations greater than the market capitalization of companies in the Russell 2000 ® Value Index and are more susceptible to changes in the business cycle.

 

The small capitalization equity securities in which the Fund invests may be traded only in the over-the- counter market or on a regional securities exchange, may be listed only in the quotation service commonly known as the "pink sheets," and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. These securities may also be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. The trading market for any given small capitalization equity security may be sufficiently small as to make it difficult for the Fund to dispose of a substantial block of such securities. The sale by the Fund of portfolio securities to meet redemptions may require the Fund to sell its small capitalization securities at a discount from market prices or during periods when, in the Adviser's judgment, such sale is not desirable. Moreover, the lack of an efficient market for these securities may make them difficult to value.

 

Illiquid Securities Risk. Investing in illiquid securities is subject to certain risks, such as limitations on resale and uncertainty in determining valuation. Limitations on resale may adversely affect the marketability of portfolio securities and the Fund might be unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemptions within seven days. The Fund might, in order to dispose of restricted securities, have to register securities resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of such securities.

 

IPO Risk. IPO risk is the risk that the market value of IPO shares will fluctuate considerably due to certain factors, such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, the small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. IPO shares are subject to market risk and liquidity risk. When the Fund's asset base is small, a significant portion of the Fund's performance could be attributable to investments in IPOs, because such investments would have a magnified impact on the Fund. As the Fund's assets grow, the effect of the Fund's investments in IPOs on the Fund's performance probably will decline, which could reduce the Fund's performance. Because of the price volatility of IPO shares, the Fund may choose to hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the Fund's portfolio and may lead to increased expenses to the Fund, such as commissions and transaction costs. In addition, the Adviser cannot guarantee continued access to IPOs.

 

Performance Information

 

The bar chart and table below illustrate the long-term performance of the Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II's Investor Class. The bar chart below shows you how the performance of the Fund’s Investor Class has varied year by year and provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. As with all such investments, past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future results. Performance reflects fee waivers in effect. If fee waivers were not in place, the Fund's performance would be reduced. Updated performance information is available at www.boston-partners.com or 1-888-261-4073.

 

3  

 

Total Returns for the Calendar Years Ended December 31

 

 

Best and Worst Quarterly Performance (for the periods reflected in the chart above):

 

Best Quarter: 29.32% (quarter ended June 30, 2009)
Worst Quarter: -26.42% (quarter ended December 31, 2008)

 

The year-to-date total return for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 6.25%.

 

Average Annual Total Returns

 

The table below compares the average annual total returns for the Fund's Investor Class both before and after taxes for the past calendar year, past five calendar years and past ten calendar years to the average annual total returns of a broad-based securities market index for the same periods.

 

  Average Annual Total Returns
for the Periods Ended December 31, 2016
  1 Year 5 Years 10 Years
Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II
Returns Before Taxes

25.68%

15.47% 7.70%
Returns After Taxes on Distributions (1) 25.07% 14.96% 6.75%
Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares 15.04% 12.44% 6.09%
Russell 2000 ® Value Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) 31.74% 15.07% 6.26%

 

(1) 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 investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

Management of the Fund

 

Investment Adviser

Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc.
909 Third Avenue, 32 nd Floor, New York, New York 10022

 

4  

 

Portfolio Managers

David M. Dabora, Senior Portfolio Manager since 2000
George Gumpert, Portfolio Manager since 2005

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

Minimum Initial Investment: $2,500
Minimum Additional Investment: $100

 

You can only purchase and redeem Investor Class shares of the Fund on days the New York Stock Exchange is open. Investor Class shares of the Fund may be available through certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals (collectively, "Service Organizations"). Shares of the Fund may also be purchased and redeemed directly through The RBB Fund, Inc. by the means described below.

 

Purchase and Redemption By Mail:
Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701
Purchase and Redemption By Wire:
Request routing instructions by calling the Fund's transfer agent at 1-888-261-4073.

 

Redemption By Telephone: If you select the option on your account application, you may call the Fund's transfer agent at 1-888-261-4073.

 

Taxes

The Fund intends to make distributions that generally may be taxed at ordinary income or capital gains rates.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase 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 other related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

 

5  

 

SUMMARY SECTION — BOSTON PARTNERS ALL-CAP VALUE FUND

 

Investment Objective

 

The Fund seeks to provide long-term growth of capital primarily through investment in equity securities. Current income is a secondary objective.

 

Expenses and Fees

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Investor Class shares of the Fund.

  Investor Class
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Management fees (1) 0.70 %
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees 0.25%
Other expenses (2) 0.19%
Total annual Fund operating expenses 1.14%
Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement (3) (0.08)%
Total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement 1.06%

 

(1) Prior to February 28, 2017, the management fee was 0.80%.

 

(2) Other Expenses” includes acquired fund fees and expenses, which are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other mutual funds, including money market funds and exchange traded funds. Please note that the amount of Total annual Fund operating expenses and Total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement shown in the above table will differ from the “Financial Highlights” section of the prospectus, which reflects the operating expenses of the Fund and does not include indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses.

 

(3) The Fund's Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the Total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) for the Fund's Investor Class shares exceeds 1.05% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund's Investor Class shares. In determining the Adviser's obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net Total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 1.05%: acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until February 28, 2019 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. The Adviser may not recoup any of its waived investment advisory fees.

 

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 that you sell all of your shares at the end of the period. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the operating expenses of the Fund remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

  1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
Investor Class $108 $354 $620 $1,379

 

6  

 

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 Fund's performance. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the portfolio turnover rate for the Fund was 27% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Summary of Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Fund pursues its objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets (including borrowings for investment purposes) in a diversified portfolio consisting primarily of equity securities, such as common stocks of issuers across the capitalization spectrum and identified by the Adviser as having value characteristics.

 

The Adviser will sell a stock when it no longer meets one or more investment criteria, either through obtaining target value or due to an adverse change in fundamentals or business momentum. Each holding has a target valuation established at purchase, which the Adviser constantly monitors and adjusts as appropriate.

 

The Adviser examines various factors in determining the value characteristics of such issuers including price to book value ratios and price to earnings ratios. These value characteristics are examined in the context of the issuer's operating and financial fundamentals, such as return on equity and earnings growth and cash flow. The Adviser selects securities for the Fund based on a continuous study of trends in industries and companies, earnings power and growth and other investment criteria.

 

The Fund may also invest up to 20% of its total assets in non U.S. dollar denominated securities.

 

The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, including securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily available market or legal or contractual restrictions on resale.

 

The Fund may participate as a purchaser in initial public offerings of securities ("IPO"). An IPO is a company's first offering of stock to the public.

 

The Fund may invest up to 10% of its net assets in securities that can be converted into common stock, such as certain debt securities and preferred stock.

 

The Fund may hedge overall portfolio exposure up to 40% of its net assets through the purchase and sale of index and individual put and call options.

 

In general, the Fund's investments are broadly diversified over a number of industries and, as a matter of policy, the Fund is limited to investing less than 25% of its total assets in any one industry.

 

While the Adviser intends to fully invest the Fund's assets at all times in accordance with the above-mentioned policies, the Fund reserves the right to hold up to 100% of its assets, as a temporary defensive measure, in cash and eligible U.S. dollar-denominated money market instruments and make investments inconsistent with its investment objective. The Adviser will determine when market conditions warrant temporary defensive measures.

 

Summary of Principal Risks

 

Management Risk. The Fund is subject to the risk of poor stock selection. In other words, the individual stocks in the Fund may not perform as well as expected, and/or the Fund's portfolio management practices do not work to achieve their desired result.

 

Market Risk. The net asset value ("NAV") of the Fund will change with changes in the market value of its portfolio positions. Investors may lose money. Although the Fund will invest in stocks the Adviser believes to be undervalued, there is no guarantee that the prices of these stocks will not move even lower.

 

Foreign Securities Risk. International investing is subject to special risks, including, but not limited to, currency exchange rate volatility, political, social or economic instability, and differences in taxation, auditing and other financial practices.

 

7  

 

Small/Mid-Cap Companies Risk. Investing in securities of companies with micro, small or mid-sized capitalizations tends to be riskier than investing in securities of companies with large capitalizations. Securities of companies with micro, small and mid-sized capitalizations tend to be more volatile than those of large cap companies and, on occasion, may fluctuate in the opposite direction of large cap company securities or the broader stock market averages.

 

The small capitalization equity securities in which the Fund invests may be traded only in the over-the- counter market or on a regional securities exchange, may be listed only in the quotation service commonly known as the "pink sheets," and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. These securities may also be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. The trading market for any given small capitalization equity security may be sufficiently small as to make it difficult for the Fund to dispose of a substantial block of such securities. The sale by the Fund of portfolio securities to meet redemptions may require the Fund to sell its small capitalization securities at a discount from market prices or during periods when, in the Adviser's judgment, such sale is not desirable. Moreover, the lack of an efficient market for these securities may make them difficult to value.

 

Convertible Securities Risk. Securities that can be converted into common stock, such as certain securities and preferred stock, are subject to the usual risks associated with fixed income investments, such as interest rate risk and credit risk. In addition, because they react to changes in the value of the equity securities into which they will convert, convertible securities are also subject to the risks associated with equity securities.

 

Options Risk. An option is a type of derivative instrument that gives the holder the right (but not the obligation) to buy (a "call") or sell (a "put") an asset in the near future at an agreed upon price prior to the expiration date of the option. The Fund may "cover" a call option by owning the security underlying the option or through other means. The value of options can be highly volatile, and their use can result in loss if the Adviser is incorrect in its expectation of price fluctuations.

 

Illiquid Securities Risk. Investing in illiquid securities is subject to certain risks, such as limitations on resale and uncertainty in determining valuation. Limitations on resale may adversely affect the marketability of portfolio securities and the Fund might be unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemptions within seven days. The Fund might, in order to dispose of restricted securities, have to register securities resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of such securities.

 

IPO Risk. IPO risk is the risk that the market value of IPO shares will fluctuate considerably due to certain factors, such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, the small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. IPO shares are subject to market risk and liquidity risk. When the Fund's asset base is small, a significant portion of the Fund's performance could be attributable to investments in IPOs, because such investments would have a magnified impact on the Fund. As the Fund's assets grow, the effect of the Fund's investments in IPOs on the Fund's performance probably will decline, which could reduce the Fund's performance. Because of the price volatility of IPO shares, the Fund may choose to hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the Fund's portfolio and may lead to increased expenses to the Fund, such as commissions and transaction costs. In addition, the Adviser cannot guarantee continued access to IPOs.

 

Performance Information

 

The bar chart and table below illustrate the long-term performance of the Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund's Investor Class. The bar chart below shows you how the performance of the Fund’s Investor Class has varied year by year and provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. As with all such investments, past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future results. Performance reflects fee waivers in effect. If fee waivers were not in place, the Fund's performance would be reduced. Updated performance information is available at www.boston-partners.com or 1-888-261-4073.

 

8  

 

Total Returns for the Calendar Years Ended December 31

 


 

Best and Worst Quarterly Performance (for the periods reflected in the chart above):

 

Best Quarter: 18.56% (quarter ended June 30, 2009)
Worst Quarter: -17.62% (quarter ended September 30, 2011)

 

The year-to-date total return for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 12.19%.

 

Average Annual Total Returns

 

The table below compares the average annual total returns for the Fund's Investor Class both before and after taxes for the past calendar year, past five calendar years and past ten calendar years to the average annual total returns of a broad-based securities market index for the same periods.

 

  Average Annual Total Returns
for the Periods Ended December 31, 2016
  1 Year 5 Years 10 Years
Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund
Return Before Taxes

14.52%

15.70% 8.27%
Return After Taxes on Distributions (1) 13.56% 14.56% 7.34%
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares 9.03% 12.51% 6.55%
Russell 3000 ® Value Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) 18.40% 14.81% 5.76%

 

(1) 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 investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

Management of the Fund

 

Investment Adviser

Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc.
909 Third Avenue, 32 nd Floor, New York, New York 10022

 

Portfolio Manager

Duilio Ramallo, Senior Portfolio Manager since 2007

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

Minimum Initial Investment: $2,500
Minimum Additional Investment: $100

 

9  

 

You can only purchase and redeem Investor Class shares of the Fund on days the New York Stock Exchange is open. Investor Class shares of the Fund may be available through certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals (collectively, "Service Organizations"). Shares of the Fund may also be purchased and redeemed directly through The RBB Fund, Inc. by the means described below.

 

Purchase and Redemption By Mail:
Boston Partners All Cap Value Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701
Purchase and Redemption By Wire:
Request routing instructions by calling the Fund's transfer agent at 1-888-261-4073

 

Redemption By Telephone: If you select the option on your account application, you may call the Fund's transfer agent at 1-888-261-4073.

 

Taxes

The Fund intends to make distributions that generally may be taxed at ordinary income or capital gains rates.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase 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 other related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

 

10  

 

SUMMARY SECTION — BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT EQUITY FUND

 

Investment Objective

 

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation while reducing exposure to general equity market risk. The Fund seeks a total return greater than that of the S&P 500 ® Index over a full market cycle.

 

Expenses and Fees

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Investor Class shares of the Fund.

 

  Investor Class
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Management fees 2.25%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees 0.25 %
Short Sale Expenses: (1)
 Dividend expense on short sales 0.16 %
 Interest expense on borrowings 0.25 %
Other expenses (2) 0.15 %
Total annual Fund operating expenses (3) 3.06 %

 

(1) There are additional costs associated with the use of short sales. Short-sale dividends generally reduce the market value of the securities by the amount of the dividend declared; thus increasing the Fund's unrealized gain or reducing the Fund's unrealized loss on the securities sold short.

 

(2) Other Expenses” includes acquired fund fees and expenses, which are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other mutual funds, including money market funds and exchange traded funds. Please note that the amount of Total annual Fund operating expenses shown in the above table will differ from the “Financial Highlights” section of the prospectus, which reflects the operating expenses of the Fund and does not include indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses.

 

(3) The Fund's Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the Total annual Fund operating expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for the Fund's Investor Class shares exceeds 2.75% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund's Investor Class shares. Because dividend expenses on short sales, acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes are excluded from the expense limitation, Total annual Fund operating expenses (after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) are expected to exceed 2.75%.This contractual limitation is in effect until February 28, 2019 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. The Adviser may not recoup any of its waived investment advisory fees.

 

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 that you sell all of your shares at the end of the period. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the operating expenses of the Fund remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

  1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
Investor Class $309 $945 $1,606 $3,374

 

11  

 

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 Fund's performance. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the portfolio turnover rate for the Fund was 63% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Summary of Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Fund invests in long positions in stocks identified by the Adviser as undervalued and takes short positions in stocks that the Adviser has identified as overvalued. The cash proceeds from short sales will be invested in short-term cash instruments to produce a return on such proceeds just below the federal funds rate. Short sales are considered speculative transactions and a form of leverage. The Fund invests, both long and short, in securities principally traded in the United States markets. The Fund may invest in securities of companies operating for three years or less ("unseasoned issuers"). The Adviser will determine the size of each long or short position by analyzing the tradeoff between the attractiveness of each position and its impact on the risk of the overall portfolio. The Fund seeks to construct a portfolio that has less volatility than the United States equity market generally. The Adviser examines various factors in determining the value characteristics of such issuers including price-to-book value ratios and price-to-earnings ratios. These value characteristics are examined in the context of the issuer's operating and financial fundamentals such as return on equity, earnings growth and cash flow. The Adviser selects securities for the Fund based on a continuous study of trends in industries and companies, earnings power and growth and other investment criteria.

 

The Adviser will sell a stock when it no longer meets one or more investment criteria, either through obtaining target value or due to an adverse change in fundamentals or business momentum. Each holding has a target valuation established at purchase, which the Adviser constantly monitors and adjusts as appropriate.

 

The Fund intends, under normal circumstances, to invest at least 80% of its net assets (including borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities.

 

Under normal circumstances, the Adviser expects that the Fund's long positions will not exceed approximately 125% of the Fund's net assets.

 

The Fund's long and short positions may involve (without limit) equity securities of foreign issuers that are traded in the markets of the United States. The Fund may also invest up to 20% of its total assets directly in equity securities of foreign issuers.

 

To meet margin requirements, redemptions or pending investments, the Fund may also temporarily hold a portion of its assets in full faith and credit obligations of the United States government and in short-term notes, commercial paper or other money market instruments.

 

The Fund may participate as a purchaser in initial public offerings of securities ("IPO"). An IPO is a company's first offering of stock to the public.

 

The Fund may invest from time to time a significant portion of its assets in smaller issuers which are more volatile and less liquid than investments in issuers with larger market capitalizations.

 

The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, including securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily available market or legal or contractual restrictions on resale.

 

In general, the Fund's investments are broadly diversified over a number of industries and, as a matter of policy, the Fund is limited to investing a maximum of 25% of its total assets in any one industry.

 

The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in high yield debt obligations, such as bonds and debentures, used by corporations and other business organizations. High yield debt obligations are referred to as "junk bonds" and are not considered to be investment grade.

 

While the Adviser intends to fully invest the Fund's assets at all times in accordance with the above-mentioned policies, the Fund reserves the right to hold up to 100% of its assets, as a temporary defensive measure, in cash and eligible U.S. dollar-denominated money market instruments and make investments inconsistent with its investment objective. The Adviser will determine when market conditions warrant temporary defensive measures.

 

12  

 

Summary of Principal Risks

 

Market Risk. The net asset value ("NAV") of the Fund will change with changes in the market value of its portfolio positions. Investors may lose money. Although the long portfolio of the Fund will invest in stocks the Adviser believes to be undervalued, there is no guarantee that the prices of these stocks will not move even lower.

 

High Yield Debt Obligations Risk. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in high yield debt obligations, such as bonds and debentures, issued by corporations and other business organizations. An issuer of debt obligations may default on its obligation to pay interest and repay principal. Also, changes in the financial strength of an issuer or changes in the credit rating of a security may affect its value. Such high yield debt obligations are referred to as "junk bonds" and are not considered to be investment grade.

 

Foreign Securities Risk. International investing is subject to special risks, including, but not limited to, currency exchange rate volatility, political, social or economic instability, and differences in taxation, auditing and other financial practices.

 

Management Risk. The Fund is subject to the risk of poor stock selection. In other words, the Adviser may not be successful in its strategy of taking long positions in stocks the manager believes to be undervalued and short positions in stocks the manager believes to be overvalued. Further, since the Adviser will manage both a long and a short portfolio, there is the risk that the Adviser may make more poor investment decisions than an adviser of a typical stock mutual fund with only a long portfolio may make.

 

Short Sales Risk. Short sales of securities may result in gains if a security's price declines, but may result in losses if a security's price rises.

 

Unseasoned Issuers Risk. Unseasoned issuers may not have an established financial history and may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources. Unseasoned issuers may depend on a few key personnel for management and may be susceptible to losses and risks of bankruptcy. As a result, such securities may be more volatile and difficult to sell.

 

Small-Cap Companies Risk. The small capitalization equity securities in which the Fund may invest may be traded only in the over-the-counter market or on a regional securities exchange, may be listed only in the quotation service commonly known as the "pink sheets," and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. These securities may also be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. The trading market for any given small capitalization equity security may be sufficiently small as to make it difficult for the Fund to dispose of a substantial block of such securities. The sale by the Fund of portfolio securities to meet redemptions may require the Fund to sell its small capitalization securities at a discount from market prices or during periods when, in the Adviser's judgment, such sale is not desirable. Moreover, the lack of an efficient market for these securities may make them difficult to value.

 

Portfolio Turnover Risk. If the Fund frequently trades its portfolio securities, the Fund will incur higher brokerage commissions and transaction costs, which could lower the Fund's performance. In addition to lower performance, high portfolio turnover could result in taxable capital gains. A portfolio turnover rate of 100% is considered to be high. The annual portfolio turnover rate for the Fund is not expected to exceed 400%; however, it may be higher if the Adviser believes it will improve the Fund's performance.

 

Segregated Account Risk. A security held in a segregated account cannot be sold while the position it is covering is outstanding, unless it is replaced with a similar security. As a result, there is a possibility that segregation of a large percentage of the Fund's assets could impede portfolio management or the Fund's ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.

 

Illiquid Securities Risk. Investing in illiquid securities is subject to certain risks, such as limitations on resale and uncertainty in determining valuation. Limitations on resale may adversely affect the marketability of portfolio securities and the Fund might be unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemptions within seven days. The Fund might, in order to dispose of restricted securities, have to register securities resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of such securities.

 

13  

 

IPO Risk. IPO risk is the risk that the market value of IPO shares will fluctuate considerably due to certain factors, such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, the small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. IPO shares are subject to market risk and liquidity risk. When the Fund's asset base is small, a significant portion of the Fund's performance could be attributable to investments in IPOs, because such investments would have a magnified impact on the Fund. As the Fund's assets grow, the effect of the Fund's investments in IPOs on the Fund's performance probably will decline, which could reduce the Fund's performance. Because of the price volatility of IPO shares, the Fund may choose to hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the Fund's portfolio and may lead to increased expenses to the Fund, such as commissions and transaction costs. In addition, the Adviser cannot guarantee continued access to IPOs.

 

Performance Information

 

The bar chart and table below illustrate the long-term performance of the Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund's Investor Class. The bar chart below shows you how the performance of the Fund’s Investor Class has varied year by year and provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. As with all such investments, past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future results. Performance reflects fee waivers in effect. If fee waivers were not in place, the Fund's performance would be reduced. Updated performance information is available at www.boston-partners.com or 1-888-261-4073.

 

Total Returns for the Calendar Years Ended December 31

  

 

Best and Worst Quarterly Performance (for the periods reflected in the chart above):

 

Best Quarter: 38.45% (quarter ended June 30, 2009)
Worst Quarter: -19.44% (quarter ended December 31, 2008)

 

The year-to-date total return for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was -0.15%.

 

Average Annual Total Returns

The table below compares the average annual total returns for the Fund's Investor Class both before and after taxes for the past calendar year, past five calendar years and past ten calendar years to the average annual total returns of a broad-based securities market index for the same periods. Although the Fund compares its average total return to a broad-based securities market index, the Fund seeks returns that are not correlated to securities market returns. The Fund seeks to achieve a 12-15% return over a full market cycle; however, there can be no guarantee that such returns will be achieved.

 

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  Average Annual Total Returns
for the Periods Ended December 31, 2016
  1 Year 5 Years 10 Years
Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund
Returns Before Taxes

22.19%

8.74% 10.67%
Returns After Taxes on Distributions (1) 22.19% 7.19% 8.29%
Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares 12.56% 6.66% 7.82%
S&P 500 ® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) 11.96% 14.66% 6.95%

 

(1) 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 investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

Management of the Fund

 

Investment Adviser

Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc.
909 Third Avenue, 32 nd Floor, New York, New York 10022

 

Portfolio Managers

Robert T. Jones, Senior Portfolio Manager since 1995

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

Minimum Initial Investment: $2,500
Minimum Additional Investment: $100

 

The Fund is currently closed due to concerns that a significant increase in the size of the Fund may adversely affect the implementation of the Fund's strategy. The Fund will still be offered to existing shareholders of the Fund and certain other persons, as described in the section entitled "Purchase of Fund Shares" in this prospectus.

 

You can only purchase and redeem Investor Class shares of the Fund on days the New York Stock Exchange is open. Investor Class shares of the Fund may be available through certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals (collectively, "Service Organizations"). Shares of the Fund may also be purchased and redeemed directly through The RBB Fund, Inc. by the means described below.

 

Purchase and Redemption By Mail:
Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701
Purchase and Redemption By Wire:
Request routing instructions by calling the Fund's transfer agent at 1-888-261-4073

 

Redemption By Telephone: If you select the option on your account application, you may call the Fund's transfer agent at 1-888-261-4073.

 

Taxes

The Fund intends to make distributions that generally may be taxed at ordinary income or capital gains rates.

 

15  

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase 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 other related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

 

16  

 

SUMMARY SECTION — BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND

 

Investment Objective

 

The Fund seeks to provide long-term total return.

 

Expenses and Fees

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Investor Class shares of the Fund.

 

  Investor Class
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Management fees 1.25%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees 0.25%
Short sale expenses: (1)
Dividend expense on short sales 0.80%
Interest expense on borrowings 0.06%
Other expenses (2) 0.13%
Total annual Fund operating expenses (3) 2.49%

 

(1) There are additional costs associated with the use of short sales. Short-sale dividends generally reduce the market value of the securities by the amount of the dividend declared; thus increasing the Fund's unrealized gain or reducing the Fund's unrealized loss on the securities sold short.

 

(2) Other Expenses” includes acquired fund fees and expenses, which are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other mutual funds, including money market funds and exchange traded funds. Please note that the amount of Total annual Fund operating expenses shown in the above table will differ from the “Financial Highlights” section of the prospectus, which reflects the operating expenses of the Fund and does not include indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses.

 

(3) The Fund's Adviser has contractually agreed to forgo all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the Total Annual Fund operating expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) exceeds 1.75% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund's Investor Class shares. Because acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes are excluded from the expense limitation, Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) are expected to exceed 1.75%.This contractual limitation is in effect until at least February 28, 2019 and may not be terminated without Board approval. Effective as of the effective date of the Fund's first advisory agreement with the Adviser, if at any time the Fund's Total annual Fund operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.75% or the expense cap then in effect, whichever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

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 that you sell all of your shares at the end of the period. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the operating expenses of the Fund remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

17  

 

  1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
Investor Class $252 $ 776 $ 1,326 $2,826

 

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 Fund's performance. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the portfolio turnover rate for the Fund was 54% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Summary of Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Fund uses a hedged strategy. The Fund actively invests in long positions in stocks identified by the Adviser as undervalued and takes short positions in stocks that the Adviser has identified as overvalued. The cash proceeds from short sales (i.e. sales of securities the Fund does not own) are invested in short-term cash instruments to produce a return on such proceeds just below the federal funds rate. Short sales are considered speculative transactions and a form of leverage.

 

The Fund invests, both long and short, in equity securities issued by large-, mid- and small (or "micro")-cap companies, as well as other instruments that are convertible into equity securities. Equity securities in which the Fund may invest include exchange-traded and over-the-counter common and preferred stocks, warrants, rights, convertible securities, depositary receipts and shares, trust certificates, limited partnership interests, shares of other investment companies and real estate investment trusts ("REITs"), and equity participations. An equity participation is a type of loan that gives the lender a portion of equity ownership in a property, in addition to principal and interest payments. A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. The Fund may invest in securities of companies operating for three years or less ("unseasoned issuers"). The Fund may also invest in depository receipts and equity securities of foreign companies (denominated in either U.S. dollars or foreign currencies), put and call options, futures, indexed securities and fixed-income securities (including bonds, notes, asset-backed securities, convertible securities, Eurodollar and Yankee dollar instruments, preferred stocks and money market instruments) and high yield securities (commonly referred to as "junk bonds"). Fixed income securities in which the Fund invests include those rated between AAA and D by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization ("NRSRO"), or deemed of comparable quality by the Adviser. The Adviser may also temporarily invest uninvested cash in money market funds and similar collective investment vehicles. The Fund may also seek to increase its income by lending portfolio securities.

 

The Adviser determines the size of each long or short position by analyzing the tradeoff between the attractiveness of each position and its impact on the risk of the overall portfolio. The Fund seeks to construct a portfolio that has less volatility than the U.S. equity market by investing less than 100% of its assets in net long positions. Selection of individual securities to be held long or sold short will be based on a mix of quantitative techniques and fundamental security analysis. The Adviser selects stocks on the basis of three criteria: value, fundamental business strength and momentum. The Adviser examines various factors in determining the value characteristics of such issuers including price-to-book value ratios and price-to-earnings ratios. These value characteristics are examined in the context of the issuer's operating and financial fundamentals such as return on equity, earnings growth and cash flow. The Adviser selects securities for the Fund based on a continuous study of trends in industries and companies, earnings power and growth and other investment criteria.

 

Although the Fund seeks to follow a hedged strategy, there can be no assurance that the Fund's portfolio or investments will be insulated from market moves or effectively hedged against risk.

 

18  

 

The Adviser will sell a stock when it no longer meets one or more investment criteria, either through obtaining target value or due to an adverse change in fundamentals or business momentum. Each holding has a target valuation established at purchase, which the Adviser constantly monitors and adjusts as appropriate.

 

In general, the Fund's investments are broadly diversified over a number of industries and, as a matter of policy, the Fund is limited to investing less than 25% of its total assets in any one industry, except that the Fund may invest in exchange traded funds to the extent permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), and applicable SEC orders.

 

The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, including securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily available market or legal or contractual restrictions on resale.

 

The principal derivative instruments in which the Fund invests are futures and options on securities, securities indices or currencies, options on these futures, forward foreign currency contracts and interest rate or currency swaps. The Fund's investments in derivative instruments may be leveraged and result in losses exceeding the amounts invested.

 

While the Adviser intends to fully invest the Fund's assets at all times in accordance with the above-mentioned policies, the Fund reserves the right to hold up to 100% of its assets, as a temporary defensive measure, in cash and eligible U.S. dollar-denominated money market instruments and make investments inconsistent with its investment objective. The Adviser will determine when market conditions warrant temporary defensive measures.

 

Summary of Principal Risks

 

Market Risk. The net asset value ("NAV") of the Fund will change with changes in the market value of its portfolio positions. Investors may lose money. Although the long portfolio of the Fund will invest in stocks the Adviser believes to be undervalued, there is no guarantee that the price of these stocks will not move even lower.

 

High Yield Debt Obligations Risk. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in high yield debt obligations (of any rating, including defaulted securities and unrated securities), including bonds and debentures, issued by corporations and business organizations. An issuer of debt obligations may default on its obligation to pay interest and repay principal. Also, changes in the financial strength of an issuer or changes in the credit rating of a security may affect its value. Such high yield debt obligations are referred to as "junk bonds" and are not considered to be investment grade.

 

Foreign Securities Risk. International investing is subject to special risks, including currency exchange rate volatility, political, social or economic instability, and differences in taxation, auditing and financial practices.

 

Currency Risk. Investment in foreign securities also involves currency risk associated with securities that trade or are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and which may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates. An increase in the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to a foreign currency may cause the U.S. dollar value of an investment in that country to decline. Foreign currencies also are subject to risks caused by inflation, interest rates, budget deficits and low savings rates, political factors and government controls.

 

Management Risk. The Fund is subject to the risk of poor stock selection. The Adviser may be incorrect in the stocks it buys and believes to be undervalued and in stocks it sells short and believes to be overvalued. Further, since the Adviser will manage both a long and a short portfolio, there is the risk that the Adviser may make more poor investment decisions than an adviser of a typical stock mutual fund with only a long portfolio.

 

Short Sales Risk. Short sales of securities may result in gains if a security's price declines, but may result in losses if a security's price rises. In a rising market, short positions may be more likely to result in losses because securities sold short may be more likely to increase in value. Short selling also involves the risks of: increased leverage, and its accompanying potential for losses; the potential inability to reacquire a security in a timely manner, or at an acceptable price; the possibility of the lender terminating the loan at any time, forcing the Fund to close the transaction under unfavorable circumstances; the additional costs that may be incurred; and the potential loss of investment flexibility caused by the Fund's obligations to provide collateral to the lender and set aside assets to cover the open position. Short sales "against the box" may protect the Fund against the risk of losses in the value of a portfolio security because any decline in value of the security should be wholly or partially offset by a corresponding gain in the short position. Any potential gains in the security, however, would be wholly or partially offset by a corresponding loss in the short position. Short sales that are not "against the box" involve a form of investment leverage, and the amount of the Fund's loss on a short sale is potentially unlimited.

 

19  

 

Unseasoned Issuers Risk. Unseasoned issuers may not have an established financial history and may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources. Unseasoned issuers may depend on a few key personnel for management and may be susceptible to losses and risks of bankruptcy. As a result, such securities may be more volatile and difficult to sell.

 

Small-Cap Companies Risk. The small capitalization equity securities in which the Fund may invest may be traded only in the over-the-counter market or on a regional securities exchange, may be listed only in the quotation service commonly known as the "pink sheets," and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. These securities may also be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. The trading market for any given small capitalization equity security may be sufficiently small as to make it difficult for the Fund to dispose of a substantial block of such securities. The sale by the Fund of portfolio securities to meet redemptions may require the Fund to sell its small capitalization securities at a discount from market prices or during periods when, in the Adviser's judgment, such sale is not desirable. Moreover, the lack of an efficient market for these securities may make them difficult to value.

 

REITs Risk. REITs may be affected by economic forces and other factors related to the real estate industry. These risks include possible declines in the value of real estate, possible lack of availability of mortgage funds and unexpected vacancies of properties. REITS that invest in real estate mortgages are also subject to prepayment risk. Investing in REITs may involve risks similar to those associated with investing in small capitalization companies. REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. Historically, small capitalization stocks, such as REITs, have been more volatile in price than the larger capitalization stocks included in the S&P 500 ® Index.

 

Portfolio Turnover Risk. If the Fund frequently trades its portfolio securities, the Fund will incur higher brokerage commissions and transaction costs, which could lower the Fund's performance. In addition to lower performance, high portfolio turnover could result in taxable capital gains. A portfolio turnover rate of 100% is considered to be high. The annual portfolio turnover rate for the Fund is not expected to exceed 300%; however, it may be higher if the Adviser believes it will improve the Fund's performance.

 

Illiquid Securities Risk. Investing in illiquid securities is subject to certain risks, such as limitations on resale and uncertainty in determining valuation. Limitations on resale may adversely affect the marketability of portfolio securities and the Fund might be unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemptions within seven days.

 

Derivatives Risk. The Fund's investments in derivative instruments, which include futures and options on securities, securities indices or currencies, options on these futures, forward foreign currency contracts and interest rate or currency swaps, may be leveraged and result in losses exceeding the amounts invested.

 

Indexed Securities Risk. The Fund may invest in indexed securities whose value is linked to securities indices. Most such securities have values that rise and fall according to the change in one or more specified indices and may have characteristics similar to direct investments in the underlying securities. Depending on the index, such securities may have greater volatility than the market as a whole.

 

Securities Lending Risk. The Fund may lend portfolio securities to institutions, such as certain broker- dealers. The Fund may experience a loss or delay in the recovery of its securities if the borrowing institution breaches its agreement with the Fund.

 

Exchange-Traded Fund Risk. Exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") are a type of investment company bought and sold on a securities exchange. An ETF typically represents a fixed portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market index. The risks of owning an ETF generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying securities that they are designed to track, although lack of liquidity in an ETF could result in its being more volatile. Some ETFs are actively-managed by an Adviser and/or sub-advisers. Actively-managed ETFs are subject to the risk of poor investment selection. The Fund may incur brokerage fees in connection with its purchase of ETF shares. The purchase of shares of ETFs may result in duplication of expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to the Fund's own expenses.

 

20  

 

Performance Information

 

The bar chart and table below illustrate the long-term performance of the Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund's Investor Class. The bar chart below shows you how the performance of the Fund’s Investor Class has varied year to year and provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. As with all such investments, past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future results. Performance reflects fee waivers in effect. If fee waivers were not in place, the Fund's performance would be reduced. Updated performance information is available at www.boston-partners.com or 1-888-261-4073.

 

Total Returns for the Calendar Years Ended December 31  

 

 

Best and Worst Quarterly Performance (for the periods reflected in the chart above):

 

Best Quarter: 8.29% (quarter ended December 31, 2011)
Worst Quarter: -9.91% (quarter ended September 30, 2011)

 

The year-to-date total return for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 5.85%.

 

Average Annual Total Returns

 The table below compares the average annual total returns for the Fund's Investor Class both before and after taxes for the past calendar year, past five calendar years and since inception to the average annual total returns of a broad-based securities market index for the same periods.

 

21  

 

  Average Annual Total Returns
for the Periods Ended December 31, 2016
  1 Year 5 Years Since Inception
(November 29, 2010)
Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund
Returns Before Taxes

3.40%

8.25% 7.76%
Returns After Taxes on Distributions (1) 3.40% 7.94% 7.47%
Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares 1.92% 6.51% 6.16%
S&P 500 ® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) 11.96% 14.66% 10.30%

 

(1) 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 investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

Management of the Fund

 

Investment Adviser

Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc.
909 Third Avenue, 32 nd Floor, New York, New York 10022

 

Portfolio Managers

Joseph F. Feeney, Jr., Chief Investment Officer of Boston Partners, Portfolio Manager since
inception of the Fund
Eric Connerly, Director of Research-Quantitative, Portfolio Manager since inception of the Fund

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

Minimum Initial Investment: $2,500
Minimum Additional Investment: $100

 

You can only purchase and redeem Investor Class shares of the Fund on days the New York Stock Exchange is open. Investor Class shares of the Fund may be available through certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals (collectively, "Service Organizations"). Shares of the Fund may also be purchased and redeemed directly through The RBB Fund, Inc. by the means described below.

 

Purchase and Redemption By Mail:
Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701
  Purchase and Redemption By Wire:
Request routing instructions by calling the Fund's transfer agent at 1-888-261-4073.
 

 

Redemption By Telephone: If you selected the option on your account application, you may call the Fund's transfer agent at 1-888-261-4073.

 

Taxes

The Fund intends to make distributions that generally may be taxed at ordinary income or capital gains rates.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase 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 other related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

 

22  

 

SUMMARY SECTION — BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL EQUITY FUND

 

Investment Objective

 

The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital growth.

 

Expenses and Fees

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Investor Class shares of the Fund.

 

  Investor Class
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Management fees 0.90%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees 0.25%
Other expenses (1) 0.15%
Total annual Fund operating expenses 1.30%
Fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement (2) (0.09)%
Total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement 1.21 %

 

(1) Other Expenses” includes acquired fund fees and expenses, which are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other mutual funds, including money market funds and exchange traded funds. Please note that the amount of Total annual Fund operating expenses and Total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement shown in the above table will differ from the “Financial Highlights” section of the prospectus, which reflects the operating expenses of the Fund and does not include indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses.

 

(2) The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the Total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) for the Fund's Investor Class shares exceeds 1.20% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund's Investor Class shares. In determining the Adviser's obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net Total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 1.20%: acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until February 28, 2019 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. Effective as of the effective date of the Fund's first advisory agreement with the Adviser, if at any time the Fund's Total annual Fund operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.20% or the expense cap then in effect, or whichever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees waived and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

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 that you sell all of your shares at the end of the period. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the operating expenses of the Fund remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

23  

 

  1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
Investor Class $123 $403 $ 704 $1,560

 

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 Fund's performance. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the portfolio turnover rate for the Fund's Institutional Class was 83% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Summary of Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Fund pursues its objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets (including borrowings for investment purposes) in a non-diversified portfolio of equity and equity-related securities issued by U.S. and non-U.S. companies of any capitalization size. The Fund may invest in all types of equity and equity-related securities, including without limitation exchange-traded and over-the-counter common and preferred stocks, warrants, options, rights, convertible securities, sponsored and unsponsored depositary receipts and shares, trust certificates, participatory notes, limited partnership interests, shares of other investment companies (including exchanged-traded funds ("ETFs")) and real estate investment trusts ("REITs"), and equity participations. An equity participation is a type of loan that gives the lender a portion of equity ownership in a property, in addition to principal and interest payments. A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula.

 

The Fund defines non-U.S. companies as companies (i) that are organized under the laws of a foreign country; (ii) whose principal trading market is in a foreign country; or (iii) that have a majority of their assets, or that derive a significant portion of their revenue or profits from businesses, investments or sales, outside of the United States. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests significantly (ordinarily at least 40% — unless market conditions are not deemed favorable by the Adviser, in which case the Fund would invest at least 30%) in non-U.S. companies. The Fund principally will be invested in issuers located in countries with developed securities markets, but may also invest in issuers located in emerging markets. The Fund will allocate its assets among various regions and countries, including the United States (but in no less than three different countries).

 

The Fund generally invests in the equity securities of issuers believed by the Adviser to be undervalued in the marketplace, focusing on issuers that combine attractive valuations with catalysts for change. The Adviser applies a bottom-up stock selection process (i.e., one that focuses primarily on issuer-specific factors) in managing the Fund, using a combination of fundamental and quantitative analysis. In selecting investments for the Fund, the Adviser considers various factors such as price-to-book value, price-to-sales and earnings ratios, dividend yields, strength of management, and cash flow to identify securities that are trading at a price that appears to be lower than the issuer's inherent value.

 

The Adviser will sell a stock when it no longer meets one or more investment criteria, either through obtaining target value or due to an adverse change in fundamentals or business momentum. Each holding has a target valuation established at purchase, which the Adviser constantly monitors and adjusts as appropriate.

 

The Fund may (but is not required to) invest in derivatives, including put and call options, futures, forward contracts and swaps, in lieu of investing directly in a security, currency or instrument, for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, including securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily available market or legal or contractual restrictions on resale.

 

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The Fund may participate as a purchaser in initial public offerings of securities ("IPO").An IPO is a company's first offering of stock to the public. The Fund may also seek to increase its income by lending portfolio securities.

 

While the Adviser intends to fully invest the Fund's assets at all times in accordance with the above-mentioned policies, the Fund reserves the right to hold up to 100% of its assets, as a temporary defensive measure, in cash and eligible U.S. dollar-denominated money market instruments and make investments inconsistent with its investment objective. The Adviser will determine when market conditions warrant temporary defensive measures.

 

Summary of Principal Risks

 

Management Risk. The Fund is subject to the risk of poor stock selection. In other words, the individual stocks in the Fund may not perform as well as expected, and/or the Fund's portfolio management practices do not work to achieve their desired result.

 

Market Risk. The net asset value ("NAV") of the Fund will change with changes in the market value of its portfolio positions. Investors may lose money. Although the Fund will invest in stocks the Adviser believes to be undervalued, there is no guarantee that the prices of these stocks will not move even lower.

 

Foreign Securities Risk. International investing is subject to special risks, including, but not limited to, currency exchange rate volatility, political, social or economic instability, and differences in taxation, auditing and other financial practices. The Fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers either directly or through depositary receipts. Depositary receipts may be available through "sponsored" or "unsponsored" facilities. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all of the costs of the unsponsored facility. The depository of an unsponsored facility is frequently under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through, to the holders of the receipts, voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. The depository of unsponsored depositary receipts may provide less information to receipt holders. Participatory notes ("P-notes") are derivative instruments used by investors to take positions in certain foreign securities. P-notes present similar risks to investing directly in such securities and also expose investors to counterparty risk.

 

Emerging Markets Risk. Investment in emerging market securities involves greater risk than that associated with investment in securities of issuers in developed foreign countries. These risks include volatile currency exchange rates, periods of high inflation, increased risk of default, greater social, economic and political uncertainty and instability, less governmental supervision and regulation of securities markets, weaker auditing and financial reporting standards, lack of liquidity in the markets, and the significantly smaller market capitalizations of emerging market issuers.

 

Currency Risk. Investment in foreign securities also involves currency risk associated with securities that trade or are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and which may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates. An increase in the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to a foreign currency may cause the U.S. dollar value of an investment in that country to decline. Foreign currencies also are subject to risks caused by inflation, interest rates, budget deficits and low savings rates, political factors and government controls.

 

Convertible Securities Risk. Securities that can be converted into common stock, such as certain securities and preferred stock, are subject to the usual risks associated with fixed income investments, such as interest rate risk and credit risk. In addition, because they react to changes in the value of the equity securities into which they will convert, convertible securities are also subject to the risks associated with equity securities.

 

Options Risk. An option is a type of derivative instrument that gives the holder the right (but not the obligation) to buy (a "call") or sell (a "put") an asset in the near future at an agreed upon price prior to the expiration date of the option. The Fund may "cover" a call option by owning the security underlying the option or through other means. The value of options can be highly volatile, and their use can result in loss if the Adviser is incorrect in its expectation of price fluctuations.

 

Derivatives Risk. The Fund's investments in derivative instruments, which include futures and options on securities, securities indices or currencies, options on these futures, forward foreign currency contracts and interest rate or currency swaps, may be leveraged and result in losses exceeding the amounts invested.

 

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REITs Risk. REITs may be affected by economic forces and other factors related to the real estate industry. These risks include possible declines in the value of real estate, possible lack of availability of mortgage fund and unexpected vacancies of properties. REITs that invest in real estate mortgages are also subject to prepayment risk. Investing in REITs may involve risks similar to those associated with investing in small capitalization companies. REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. Historically, small capitalization stocks, such as REITs, have been more volatile in price than the larger capitalization stocks included in the S&P 500 ® Index.

 

Small/Mid-Cap Companies Risk. Investing in securities of companies with micro, small or mid-sized capitalizations tends to be riskier than investing in securities of companies with large capitalizations. Securities of companies with micro, small and mid-sized capitalizations tend to be more volatile than those of large cap companies and, on occasion, may fluctuate in the opposite direction of large cap company securities or the broader stock market averages.

 

The small capitalization equity securities in which the Fund invests may be traded only in the over-the- counter market or on a regional securities exchange, may be listed only in the quotation service commonly known as the "pink sheets," and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. These securities may also be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. The trading market for any given small capitalization equity security may be sufficiently small as to make it difficult for the Fund to dispose of a substantial block of such securities. Redemptions may require the Fund to sell its small capitalization securities at a discount from market prices or during periods when, in the Adviser's judgment, such sale is not desirable. Moreover, the lack of an efficient market for these securities may make them difficult to value.

 

Securities Lending Risk. The Fund may lend portfolio securities to institutions, such as certain broker- dealers. The Fund may experience a loss or delay in the recovery of its securities if the borrowing institution breaches its agreement with the Fund.

 

Exchange-Traded Fund Risk. Exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") are a type of investment company bought and sold on a securities exchange. An ETF typically represents a fixed portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market index. The risks of owning an ETF generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying securities that they are designed to track, although lack of liquidity in an ETF could result in its being more volatile. Some ETFs are actively-managed by an investment adviser and/or sub-advisers. Actively-managed ETFs are subject to the risk of poor investment selection. The Fund may incur brokerage fees in connection with its purchase of ETF shares. The purchase of shares of ETFs may result in duplication of expenses, including advisory fees in addition to the Fund's own expenses.

 

Illiquid Securities Risk. Investing in illiquid securities is subject to certain risks, such as limitations on resale and uncertainty in determining valuation. Limitations on resale may adversely affect the marketability of portfolio securities and the Fund might be unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemptions within seven days. The Fund might, in order to dispose of restricted securities, have to register securities resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of such securities.

 

IPO Risk. IPO risk is the risk that the market value of IPO shares will fluctuate considerably due to certain factors, such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, the small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. IPO shares are subject to market risk and liquidity risk. When the Fund's asset base is small, a significant portion of the Fund's performance could be attributable to investments in IPOs, because such investments would have a magnified impact on the Fund. As the Fund's assets grow, the effect of the Fund's investments in IPOs on the Fund's performance probably will decline, which could reduce the Fund's performance. Because of the price volatility of IPO shares, the Fund may choose to hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the Fund's portfolio and may lead to increased expenses to the Fund, such as commissions and transaction costs. In addition, the Adviser cannot guarantee continued access to IPOs.

 

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Non-Diversification Risk. The Fund is non-diversified. Compared to other funds, the Fund may invest more of its assets in a smaller number of companies. Gains or losses on a single stock may have greater impact on the Fund.

 

Performance Information

 

As of the date of this Prospectus, the Boston Partners Global Equity Fund's Investor Class has not yet commenced operations. The bar chart and table below illustrate the performance of the Fund's Institutional Class, which is offered in a separate Prospectus. Had the Investor Class been operational during the periods in the chart and table below, it would have had substantially similar annual returns as the Institutional Class because the Investor Class is invested in the same portfolio of securities. Annual returns would differ only to the extent that the Investor Class and Institutional Class do not have the same expenses. The bar chart below shows you how the performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class has varied year by year and provides some indication of the risk of investing in the Fund. The bar chart assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. As with all such investments, past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future results. Performance reflects fee waivers in effect. If fee waivers were not in place, the Fund's performance would be reduced. Updated performance information is available at www.boston-partners.com or 1-888-261-4073.

 

Total Returns for the Calendar Years Ended December 31  

 

 

Best and Worst Quarterly Performance (for the periods reflected in the chart above):

 

Best Quarter: 11.70% (quarter ended March 31, 2012)
Worst Quarter: -9.22% (quarter ended September 30, 2015)

 

The year-to-date total return for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 13.77%.

 

Average Annual Total Returns

The table below compares the average annual total returns for the Fund's Institutional Class both before and after taxes for the past calendar year, past five calendar years and since inception to the average annual total returns of a broad-based securities market index for the same periods.

 

  Average Annual Total Returns
for the Period Ended December 31, 2016
  1 Year 5 Years Since Inception
(December 30, 2011)
Boston Partners Global Equity Fund
Return Before Taxes 8.50% 11.79% 11.79%
Return After Taxes on Distributions (1) 8.02% 11.15% 11.14%
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Shares 5.21% 9.29% 9.29%
MSCI World Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) 8.15% 11.04% 11.04%

 

(1) 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 investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

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Management of the Fund

 

Investment Adviser

Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc.
909 Third Avenue, 32 nd Floor, New York, New York 10022

 

Portfolio Managers

Christopher K. Hart, Portfolio Manager, and a Portfolio Manager of the Fund since inception
Joshua Jones, a Portfolio Manager of the Fund since June, 2013
Joseph F. Feeney, Jr. Chief Investment Officer of Boston Partners, Portfolio Manager of the Fund since inception and oversees both the team and the strategy

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

Minimum Initial Investment: $2,500
Minimum Additional Investment: $100

 

You can only purchase and redeem Investor Class shares of the Fund on days the New York Stock Exchange is open. Investor Class shares of the Fund may be available through certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals (collectively, "Service Organizations"). Shares of the Fund may also be purchased and redeemed directly through The RBB Fund, Inc. by the means described below.

 

Purchase and Redemption By Mail:
Boston Partners Global Equity Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701
Purchase and Redemption By Wire:
Request routing instructions by calling the Fund's transfer agent at 1-888-261-4073.

 

Redemption By Telephone: If you select the option on your account application, you may call the Fund's transfer agent at 1-888-261-4073.

 

Taxes

The Fund intends to make distributions that generally may be taxed at ordinary income or capital gains rates.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase 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 other related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

 

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SUMMARY SECTION — BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND

 

Investment Objective

 

The Fund seeks long-term growth of capital.

 

Expenses and Fees

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Investor Class shares of the Fund.

 

  Investor Class
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Management fees 1.50%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) fees 0.25 %
Short sale expenses: (1)
 Dividend expense on short sales 0.88%
 Interest expense on borrowings 0.05%
Other expenses (2) 0.21%
Total annual Fund operating expenses (3) 2.89%

 

(1) There are additional costs associated with the use of short sales. Short-sale dividends generally reduce the market value of the securities by the amount of the dividend declared; thus increasing the Fund's unrealized gain or reducing the Fund's unrealized loss on the securities sold short.

 

(2) Other Expenses” includes acquired fund fees and expenses, which are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other mutual funds, including money market funds and exchange traded funds. Please note that the amount of Total annual Fund operating expenses shown in the above table will differ from the “Financial Highlights” section of the prospectus, which reflects the operating expenses of the Fund and does not include indirect expenses such as acquired fund fees and expenses.

 

(3) The Fund's Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the Total annual Fund operating expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for the Fund's Investor Class shares exceeds 2.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund's Investor Class shares. Because dividend expenses on short sales, acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes are excluded from the expense limitation, Total annual Fund operating expenses (after fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements) are expected to exceed 2.25%. This contractual limitation is in effect until February 28, 2019 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. Effective as of the effective date of the Fund's first advisory agreement with the Adviser, if at any time the Fund's Total annual Fund operating expenses for that year are less than 2.25% or the expense cap then in effect, or whichever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees waived and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made.

 

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 that you sell your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and Fund operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs and returns might be different, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

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  1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
Investor Class $292 $895 $1,523 $3,214

 

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 Fund's performance. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the portfolio turnover rate for the Fund was 109% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Summary of Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Fund invests in long positions in stocks identified by the Adviser as undervalued and takes short positions in stocks that the Adviser has identified as overvalued. The cash proceeds from short sales will be invested in short-term cash instruments to produce a return on such proceeds just below the federal funds rate. Short sales are considered speculative transactions and a form of leverage The Fund invests, both long and short, in securities issued by U.S. and non-U.S. companies of any capitalization size.

 

With a long position, the Fund purchases a stock outright; with a short position, the Fund sells a security that it does not own and must borrow to meet its settlement obligations. The Fund may invest in securities of companies operating for three years or less ("unseasoned issuers"). The Adviser will determine the size of each long or short position by analyzing the tradeoff between the attractiveness of each position and its impact on the risk of the overall portfolio. The Adviser examines various factors in determining the value characteristics of such issuers including price-to-book value ratios and price-to-earnings ratios. These value characteristics are examined in the context of the issuer's operating and financial fundamentals, including return on equity, earnings growth and cash flow. The Adviser selects securities for the Fund based on a continuous study of trends in industries and companies, earnings power and growth and other investment criteria.

 

The Fund may invest in all types of equity and equity-related securities, including without limitation exchange-traded and over-the-counter common and preferred stocks, warrants, options, rights, convertible securities, sponsored and unsponsored depositary receipts and shares, trust certificates, limited partnership interests, shares of other investment companies (including exchanged-traded funds ("ETFs")), real estate investment trusts ("REITs") and equity participations. An equity participation is a type of loan that gives the lender a portion of equity ownership in a property, in addition to principal and interest payments. A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula.

 

The Fund defines non-U.S. companies as companies (i) that are organized under the laws of a foreign country; (ii) whose principal trading market is in a foreign country; or (iii) that have a majority of their assets, or that derive a significant portion of their revenue or profits from businesses, investments or sales, outside of the United States. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests significantly (ordinarily at least 40% — unless market conditions are not deemed favorable by the Adviser, in which case the Fund would invest at least 30%) in non-U.S. companies. The Fund principally will be invested in issuers located in countries with developed securities markets, but may also invest in issuers located in emerging markets. The Fund will allocate its assets among various regions and countries, including the United States (but in no less than three different countries).

 

The Fund's portfolio is rebalanced regularly. The Adviser assesses each investment's changing characteristics relative to its contribution to portfolio risk. The Adviser will sell an investment held long or close out a short position that the Adviser believes no longer offers an appropriate return-to-risk tradeoff.

 

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Under normal circumstances, the Adviser expects to sell securities short so that the Fund's portfolio is approximately 50% net long with an average of between 30% and 70% net long.

 

To meet margin requirements, redemptions or pending investments, the Fund may also temporarily hold a portion of its assets in full faith and credit obligations of the United States government and in short-term notes, commercial paper or other money market instruments.

 

The Adviser will sell a stock when it no longer meets one or more investment criteria, either through obtaining target value or due to an adverse change in fundamentals or business momentum. Each holding has a target valuation established at purchase, which the Adviser constantly monitors and adjusts as appropriate.

 

The Fund may participate as a purchaser in initial public offerings of securities ("IPO"). An IPO is a company's first offering of stock to the public.

 

The Fund may invest from time to time a significant portion of its assets in smaller issuers which are more volatile and less liquid than investments in issuers with larger market capitalizations.

 

The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, including securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily available market or legal or contractual restrictions on resale.

 

In general, the Fund's investments are broadly diversified over a number of industries and, as a matter of policy, the Fund is limited to investing a maximum of 25% of its total assets in any one industry.

 

The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in high yield debt obligations, such as bonds and debentures, used by U.S. and foreign corporations and other business organizations (e.g. trusts or limited liability companies). Such high yield debt obligations are not considered to be investment grade. Non-investment grade fixed income securities (commonly known as "junk bonds") are rated BB or lower by Standard & Poor's Rating Group, or have a comparable rating by another nationally recognized statistical rating organization (or, if unrated are determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality at the time of investment). The Fund may invest in securities of the lowest rating category, including securities in default. The Adviser may, but is not required to, sell a bond or note held by the Fund in the event that its credit rating is downgraded.

 

The Fund may (but is not required to) invest in derivatives, including put and call options, futures, forward contracts and swaps, in lieu of investing directly in a security, currency or instrument, for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

 

While the Adviser intends to fully invest the Fund's assets at all times in accordance with the above-mentioned policies, the Fund reserves the right to hold up to 100% of its assets, as a temporary defensive measure, in cash and eligible U.S. dollar-denominated money market instruments and make investments inconsistent with its investment objectives. The Adviser will determine when market conditions warrant temporary defensive measures.

 

Summary of Principal Risks

 

Management Risk. The Fund is subject to the risk of poor stock selection. In other words, the Adviser may not be successful in its strategy of taking long positions in stocks the manager believes to be undervalued and short positions in stocks the manager believes to be overvalued. Further, since the Adviser will manage both a long and a short portfolio, there is the risk that the Adviser may make more poor investment decisions than an adviser of a typical stock mutual fund with only a long portfolio may make.

 

Market Risk. The net asset value ("NAV") of the Fund will change with changes in the market value of its portfolio positions. Investors may lose money. Although the long portfolio of the Fund will invest in stocks the Adviser believes to be undervalued, there is no guarantee that the prices of these stocks will not move even lower.

 

High Yield Debt Obligations Risk. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in high yield debt obligations, such as bonds and debentures, issued by corporations and other business organizations. An issuer of debt obligations may default on its obligation to pay interest and repay principal. Also, changes in the financial strength of an issuer or changes in the credit rating of a security may affect its value. Such high yield debt obligations are referred to as "junk bonds" and are not considered to be investment grade.

 

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Foreign Securities Risk. International investing is subject to special risks, including, but not limited to, currency exchange rate volatility, political, social or economic instability, and differences in taxation, auditing and other financial practices. The Fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers either directly or through depositary receipts. Depositary receipts may be available through "sponsored" or "unsponsored" facilities. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all of the costs of the unsponsored facility. The depository of an unsponsored facility is frequently under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through, to the holders of the receipts, voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. The depository of unsponsored depositary receipts may provide less information to receipt holders. Participatory notes ("P-notes") are derivative instruments used by investors to take positions in certain foreign securities. P-notes present similar risks to investing directly in such securities and also expose investors to counterparty risk.

 

Emerging Markets Risk. Investment in emerging market securities involves greater risk than that associated with investment in securities of issuers in developed foreign countries. These risks include volatile currency exchange rates, periods of high inflation, increased risk of default, greater social, economic and political uncertainty and instability, less governmental supervision and regulation of securities markets, weaker auditing and financial reporting standards, lack of liquidity in the markets, and the significantly smaller market capitalizations of emerging market issuers.

 

Currency Risk. Investment in foreign securities also involves currency risk associated with securities that trade or are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and which may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates. An increase in the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to a foreign currency may cause the U.S. dollar value of an investment in that country to decline. Foreign currencies also are subject to risks caused by inflation, interest rates, budget deficits and low savings rates, political factors and government controls.

 

Short Sales Risk. Short sales of securities may result in gains if a security's price declines, but may result in losses if a security's price rises. In a rising market, short positions may be more likely to result in losses because securities sold short may be more likely to increase in value. Short selling also involves the risks of: increased leverage, and its accompanying potential for losses; the potential inability to reacquire a security in a timely manner, or at an acceptable price; the possibility of the lender terminating the loan at any time, forcing the Fund to close the transaction under unfavorable circumstances; the additional costs that may be incurred; and the potential loss of investment flexibility caused by the Fund's obligations to provide collateral to the lender and set aside assets to cover the open position. Short sales "against the box" may protect the Fund against the risk of losses in the value of a portfolio security because any decline in value of the security should be wholly or partially offset by a corresponding gain in the short position. Any potential gains in the security, however, would be wholly or partially offset by a corresponding loss in the short position. Short sales that are not "against the box" involve a form of investment leverage, and the amount of the Fund's loss on a short sale is potentially unlimited. The use of short sales may cause the Fund to have higher expenses than those of other equity mutual funds because of higher transaction costs, premiums, interest or dividends payable to the lender.

 

Convertible Securities Risk. Securities that can be converted into common stock, such as certain securities and preferred stock, are subject to the usual risks associated with fixed income investments, such as interest rate risk and credit risk. In addition, because they react to changes in the value of the equity securities into which they will convert, convertible securities are also subject to the risks associated with equity securities.

 

Options Risk. An option is a type of derivative instrument that gives the holder the right (but not the obligation) to buy (a "call") or sell (a "put") an asset in the near future at an agreed upon price prior to the expiration date of the option. The Fund may "cover" a call option by owning the security underlying the option or through other means. The value of options can be highly volatile, and their use can result in loss if the Adviser is incorrect in its expectation of price fluctuations. Losses incurred by the Fund in writing options can be potentially unlimited.

 

Derivatives Risk. The Fund's investments in derivative instruments, which include futures and options on securities, securities indices or currencies, options on these futures, forward foreign currency contracts and interest rate or currency swaps, may be leveraged and result in losses exceeding the amounts invested.

 

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REITs Risk. REITs may be affected by economic forces and other factors related to the real estate industry. These risks include possible declines in the value of real estate, possible lack of availability of mortgage funds and unexpected vacancies of properties. REITs that invest in real estate mortgages are also subject to prepayment risk. Investing in REITs may involve risks similar to those associated with investing in small capitalization companies. REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. Historically, small capitalization stocks, such as REITs, have been more volatile in price than the larger capitalization stocks included in the S&P 500 ® Index. The Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any expenses, including management fees, paid by an externally managed REIT in which it invests.

 

Unseasoned Issuers Risk. Unseasoned issuers may not have an established financial history and may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources. Unseasoned issuers may depend on a few key personnel for management and may be susceptible to losses and risks of bankruptcy. As a result, such securities may be more volatile and difficult to sell.

 

Small-Cap Companies Risk. The small capitalization equity securities in which the Fund may invest may be traded only in the over-the-counter market or on a regional securities exchange, may be listed only in the quotation service commonly known as the "pink sheets," and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. These securities may also be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. The trading market for any given small capitalization equity security may be sufficiently small as to make it difficult for the Fund to dispose of a substantial block of such securities. The sale by the Fund of portfolio securities to meet redemptions may require the Fund to sell its small capitalization securities at a discount from market prices or during periods when, in the Adviser's judgment, such sale is not desirable. Moreover, the lack of an efficient market for these securities may make them difficult to value.

 

Portfolio Turnover Risk. If the Fund frequently trades its portfolio securities, the Fund will incur higher brokerage commissions and transaction costs, which could lower the Fund's performance. In addition to lower performance, high portfolio turnover could result in taxable capital gains. A portfolio turnover rate of 100% is considered to be high. The annual portfolio turnover rate for the Fund is not expected to exceed 400%; however, it may be higher if the Adviser believes it will improve the Fund's performance.

 

Segregated Account Risk. A security held in a segregated account cannot be sold while the position it is covering is outstanding, unless it is replaced with a similar security. As a result, there is a possibility that segregation of a large percentage of the Fund's assets could impede portfolio management or the Fund's ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.

 

Illiquid Securities Risk. Investing in illiquid securities is subject to certain risks, such as limitations on resale and uncertainty in determining valuation. Limitations on resale may adversely affect the marketability of portfolio securities and the Fund might be unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemptions within seven days. The Fund might, in order to dispose of restricted securities, have to register securities resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of such securities.

 

IPO Risk. IPO risk is the risk that the market value of IPO shares will fluctuate considerably due to certain factors, such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, the small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. IPO shares are subject to market risk and liquidity risk. When the Fund's asset base is small, a significant portion of the Fund's performance could be attributable to investments in IPOs, because such investments would have a magnified impact on the Fund. As the Fund's assets grow, the effect of the Fund's investments in IPOs on the Fund's performance probably will decline, which could reduce the Fund's performance. Because of the price volatility of IPO shares, the Fund may choose to hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the Fund's portfolio and may lead to increased expenses to the Fund, such as commissions and transaction costs. In addition, the Adviser cannot guarantee continued access to IPOs.

 

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Securities Lending Risk. The Fund may lend portfolio securities to institutions, such as certain broker-dealers. The Fund may experience a loss or delay in the recovery of its securities if the borrowing institution breaches its agreement with the Fund.

 

Exchange-Traded Fund Risk. Exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") are a type of investment company bought and sold on a securities exchange. An ETF typically represents a fixed portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market index. The risks of owning an ETF generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying securities that they are designed to track, although lack of liquidity in an ETF could result in its being more volatile. Some ETFs are actively-managed by an investment adviser and/or sub-advisers. Actively-managed ETFs are subject to the risk of poor investment selection. The Fund may incur brokerage fees in connection with its purchase of ETF shares. The purchase of shares of ETFs may result in duplication of expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to the Fund's own expenses.

 

Non-Diversification Risk. The Fund is non-diversified. Compared to other funds, the Fund may invest more of its assets in a smaller number of companies. Gains or losses on a single stock may have greater impact on the Fund.

 

Performance Information

 

The bar chart and table below illustrate the long-term performance of the Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund's Investor Class. The bar chart below shows you how the performance of the Fund’s Investor Class has varied year to year and provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. As with all such investments, past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future results. Performance reflects fee waivers in effect. If fee waivers were not in place, the Fund's performance would be reduced. Updated performance information is available at www.boston-partners.com or 1-888-261-4073.

 

Total Returns for the Calendar Year Ended December 31

 

 

Best and Worst Quarterly Performance (for the periods reflected in the chart above):

 

Best Quarter: 4.01% (quarter ended June 30, 2015)
Worst Quarter: -2.26% (quarter ended September 30, 2015)

 

The year-to-date total return for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 3.93%.

 

Average Annual Total Returns

The table below compares the average annual total returns for the Fund's Investor Class both before and after taxes for the past calendar year and since inception to the average annual total returns of a broad-based securities market index for the same periods.

 

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  Average Annual Total Returns
for the Periods Ended December 31, 2016
  1 Year Since Inception
(April 11, 2014)
Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund
Returns Before Taxes

2.09%

4.06%
Returns After Taxes on Distributions (1) 2.06% 4.01%
Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares 1.21% 3.12%
MSCI ® World Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) 8.15% 9.23%

 

(1) 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 investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

Management of the Fund

 

Investment Adviser

Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc.
909 Third Avenue, 32 nd Floor, New York, New York 10022

 

Portfolio Managers

Christopher K. Hart, Portfolio Manager of the Fund since inception
Joshua Jones, Portfolio Manager of the Fund since inception
Joseph F. Feeney, Jr., Chief Investment Officer of Boston Partners, Portfolio Manager of the Fund since inception and oversees both the team and the strategy

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

Minimum Initial Investment: $2,500
Minimum Additional Investment: $100

 

You can only purchase and redeem Investor Class shares of the Fund on days the New York Stock Exchange is open. Investor Class shares of the Fund may be available through certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals (collectively, "Service Organizations"). Shares of the Fund may also be purchased and redeemed directly through The RBB Fund, Inc. by the means described below.

 

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Purchase and Redemption By Mail:
Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701
Purchase and Redemption By Wire:
Request routing instructions by calling the Fund's transfer agent at 1-888-261-4073.

 

Redemption By Telephone: If you select the option on your account application, you may call the Fund's transfer agent at 1-888-261-4073.

 

Taxes

 

The Fund intends to make distributions that generally may be taxed at ordinary income or capital gains rates.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase 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 other related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

 

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS' INVESTMENTS AND RISKS

 

Each of Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II, Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, Boston Partners Global Equity Fund, and Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund (collectively referred to as the "Boston Partners Investment Funds" or the "Funds") is a series of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the "Company"), a Maryland Corporation. This section provides some additional information about the Funds' investments and certain portfolio management techniques that certain Funds may use. More information about the Funds' investments and portfolio management techniques, some of which entail risks, is included in the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").

 

Investment Objectives

 

The Funds' investment objectives may be changed by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Company without shareholder approval. Shareholders will, however, receive 60 days' prior notice of any changes. Any such changes may result in the Funds having investment objectives different from the objectives that the shareholder considered appropriate at the time of investment in the Funds.

 

Additional Information About the Funds' Principal Investments and Risks

 

Derivative Contracts. Each of the Funds, except for the Boston Partners Small Cap Value II Fund, may, but need not, use derivative contracts for any of the following purposes:

 

• To seek to hedge against the possible adverse impact of changes in stock market prices, currency exchange rates or interest rates in the market value of its securities or securities to be purchased; or

 

• As a substitute for buying or selling currencies or securities.

 

The Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund, Boston Partners Global Equity Fund, and Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund may, but need not, use derivative contracts for the following purpose:

 

• To seek to enhance the Fund's return in non-hedging situations.

 

Derivative contracts in which the Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, Boston Partners Global Equity Fund, and Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund may invest include: futures and options on securities, securities indices or currencies; options on these futures; forward foreign currency contracts; and interest rate, total return or currency swaps. The Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, Boston Partners Global Equity Fund, and Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund may use derivative contracts involving foreign currencies. A derivative contract will obligate or entitle a Fund to deliver or receive an asset or cash payment that is based on the change in value of one or more securities, currencies or indices. Even a small investment in derivative contracts can have a big impact on a Fund's stock market, currency and interest rate exposure. Therefore, using derivatives can disproportionately increase losses and reduce opportunities for gains when stock prices, currency rates or interest rates are changing. A Fund may not fully benefit from or may lose money on derivatives if changes in their value do not correspond accurately to changes in the value of the Fund's holdings. The other parties to certain derivative contracts present the same types of default risk as issuers of fixed income securities in that the counterparty may default on its payment obligations or become insolvent. Derivatives can also make a Fund less liquid and harder to value, especially in declining markets.

 

Interest Rate Swaps, Total Return Swaps, Credit Default Swaps and Options on Swaps.

 

Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, and the Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, such as an exchange of fixed-rate payments for floating rate payments.

 

Total return swaps are contracts that obligate one party to pay the other party an amount equal to the total return on a defined underlying asset or a non-asset reference during a specified period of time. The underlying asset might be a security or basket of securities or a non-asset reference such as a securities index. In return, the other party would make periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate or on the total return from a different underlying asset or non-asset reference.

 

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Credit default swaps are contracts whereby one party makes periodic payments to a counterparty in exchange for the right to receive from the counterparty a payment equal to the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation in the event of a default by the issuer of the debt obligation.

 

Options on swaps ("swaptions") are options to enter into a swap agreement. The Funds may also purchase and write (sell) swaptions. Like other types of options, the buyer of a swaption pays a non-refundable premium for the option and obtains the right, but not the obligation, to enter into an underlying swap on agreed-upon terms. The seller of a swaption, in exchange for the premium, becomes obligated (if the option is exercised) to enter into an underlying swap on agreed-upon terms.

 

The Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, and the Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund may enter into the transactions described above for hedging purposes or to seek to increase total return (which is considered a speculative activity). The use of swaps and swaptions is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If the Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of market values and interest rates, the investment performance of the Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, and the Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund would be less favorable than it would have been if these investment techniques were not used.

 

Short Sales. The Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, and Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund will engage in short sales and the Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund may engage in short sales — including those that are not "against the box," which means that each Fund may make short sales where the Fund does not currently own or have the right to acquire, at no added cost, securities identical to those sold short — in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act. In a typical short sale, the Funds borrow from a broker a security in order to sell the security to a third party. The Funds are then obligated to return a security of the same issuer and quantity at some future date. The Funds realize a loss to the extent the security increases in value or a profit to the extent the security declines in value (after taking into account any associated costs). Short sales "against the box" may protect the Funds against the risk of losses in the value of a portfolio security because any decline in value of the security should be wholly or partially offset by a corresponding gain in the short position. Any potential gains in the security, however, would be wholly or partially offset by a corresponding loss in the short position. Short sales that are not "against the box" involve a form of investment leverage, and the amount of each Fund's loss on a short sale is potentially unlimited.

 

Equity and Equity-Related Securities. Each of the Funds may invest in all types of equity securities. Equity securities include exchange-traded and over-the-counter common and preferred stocks, warrants, rights, convertible securities, depositary receipts and shares, trust certificates, limited partnership interests, shares of other investment companies and REITs, and equity participations. Investments in equity securities and equity derivatives in general are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. The value of a convertible security may not increase or decrease as rapidly as the underlying common stock. Common stocks may decline over short or even extended periods of time. The purchase of rights or warrants involves the risk that the Fund could lose the purchase value of a right or warrant if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not executed prior to the right's or warrant's expiration. The value of such securities convertible into equity securities, such as warrants or convertible debt, is also affected by prevailing interest rates, the credit quality of the issuer and any call provision. Investing in REITs may involve risks similar to those associated with investing in small capitalization companies. REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. State law governing partnerships is often less restrictive than state law governing corporations. Accordingly, there may be fewer protections afforded to investors in a limited partnership than investors in a corporation. Fluctuations in the value of equity securities in which a mutual fund invests will cause the Fund's net asset value to fluctuate. The number of issuers in the Funds' portfolios will vary over time.

 

Fixed Income Investments. The Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund and Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund may each invest a portion of its assets in fixed income securities. Fixed income investments include bonds, notes (including structured notes), asset-backed securities, convertible securities, Eurodollar and Yankee dollar instruments, preferred stocks and money market instruments. Fixed income securities may be issued by corporate and governmental issuers and may have all types of interest rate payment and reset terms, including (without limitation) fixed rate, adjustable rate, zero coupon, contingent, deferred, payment-in-kind and auction rate features.

 

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The credit quality of securities held in a Fund's portfolio is determined at the time of investment. If a security is rated differently by multiple ratings organizations, a Fund treats the security as being rated in the higher rating category. A Fund may choose not to sell securities that are downgraded below the Fund's minimum accepted credit rating after their purchase. Periods of rising interest rates may result in decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the fixed income markets.

 

Foreign Securities. Each of the Funds may invest in securities of foreign issuers that are traded or denominated in U.S. dollars (including equity securities of foreign issuers trading in U.S. markets) directly or through American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs"), European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs") or International Depositary Receipts ("IDRs"). Depositary receipts may be available through "sponsored" or "unsponsored" facilities. A sponsored facility is established jointly by the issuer of the security underlying the receipt and the depository, whereas an unsponsored facility is established by the depository without participation by the issuer of the underlying security. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all of the costs of the unsponsored facility. The depository of an unsponsored facility is frequently under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through, to the holders of the receipts, voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. The depository of unsponsored depositary receipts may provide less information to receipt holders.

 

In addition, the Funds may also invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies and in multinational currencies such as the Euro. The Funds will value their securities and other assets in U.S. dollars. Investments in securities of foreign issuers and securities denominated in foreign currencies involve special risks. These include possible political and economic instability and the possible imposition of exchange controls or other restrictions on investments. Changes in foreign currency rates relative to the U.S. dollar will affect the U.S. dollar value of a Fund's assets denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Emerging market investments offer the potential for significant gains but also involve greater risks than investing in more developed countries. Political or economic instability, lack of market liquidity and government actions such as currency controls or seizure of private business or property may be more likely in emerging markets.

 

The Boston Partners Global Equity Fund and Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund will normally invest a significant portion of their assets in the equity securities and equity-related instruments issued by non-U.S. companies. The Funds may invest in securities denominated in the currencies of a variety of developed, emerging and frontier market countries. Unless hedged, currency fluctuations may have a material impact on the performance of a portfolio of non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities and such a portfolio may experience a decline or increase in value, in U.S. dollar terms, due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Adviser may, from time to time, but is not required to, hedge foreign currency exposure in the Funds' portfolios. Further, the Funds may also from time to time enter into speculative currency positions independent of other positions in the Funds' portfolios.

 

The Boston Partners Global Equity Fund, and Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund may also invest in participatory notes. Participatory notes (commonly known as "P-notes") are equity access products structured as debt obligations and used by investors to take positions in certain foreign securities. P-notes are generally issued by the associates of foreign-based foreign brokerages and domestic institutional brokerages. P-notes represent interests in securities listed on certain foreign exchanges, and thus present similar risks to investing directly in such securities. P-notes also expose investors to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the entity issuing the note may not be able to honor its financial commitments.

 

Portfolio Concentration. Under normal market conditions, the Boston Partners Global Equity Fund, and Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund portfolios will generally be diversified by country and geographic region.

 

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Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). Each Fund may invest in ETFs to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and applicable SEC orders. ETFs are registered investment companies whose shares are listed and traded on U.S. stock exchanges or otherwise traded in the over-the-counter market. In general, ETFs seek to track a specified securities index or a basket of securities that an "index provider," such as Standard & Poor's, selects as representative of a market, market segment or industry sector. An ETF portfolio generally holds the same stocks or bonds as the index it tracks or it may hold a representative sample of such securities. Thus, an ETF is typically designed so that its performance will correspond closely with that of the index it tracks. In some cases, an ETF may be actively-managed by an investment adviser and/or sub-advisers. Actively-managed ETFs are subject to the risk of poor investment selection, and the individual investments in an actively-managed ETF may not perform as well as its investment adviser and/or sub-advisers expected, and/or the actively-managed ETF's portfolio management practices do not work to achieve their desired result. As a shareholder in an ETF, the Fund will bear its pro rata portion of an ETF's expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to its own expenses.

 

The market for an ETF’s shares may become less liquid in response to deteriorating liquidity in the markets for the ETF’s underlying portfolio holdings, which could lead to differences between the market price of the ETF’s shares and the underlying value of those shares. An ETF’s market price may deviate from the value of the ETF’s underlying portfolio holdings, particularly in times of market stress, with the result that investors may pay significantly more or receive significantly less than the underlying value of the ETF shares bought or sold. An active trading market for shares of the ETF may not develop or be maintained. In times of market stress, market makers or authorized participants may step away from their respective roles in making a market in shares of the ETF and in executing purchase or redemption orders, which could also lead to variances between the market price of the ETF’s shares and the underlying value of those shares.

 

Other Investment Companies. Each of the Funds may invest up to 10% of its total assets in the securities of other investment companies not affiliated with the Adviser, but may not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of any one investment company or acquire more than 3% of the voting securities of any other investment company. Each Fund may rely on SEC orders that permit it to invest in certain ETFs beyond these limits, subject to certain terms and conditions. Among other things, the Funds may invest in money market mutual funds for cash management purposes by "sweeping" excess cash balances into such funds until the cash is invested or otherwise utilized. A Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by investment companies in which it invests in addition to the advisory and administration fees paid by the Fund.

 

Portfolio Turnover. Each of the Funds may engage in active and frequent trading, resulting in high portfolio turnover. This may lead to the realization and distribution to shareholders of higher capital gains, increasing their tax liability. Frequent trading may also increase transaction costs, which could detract from the Funds' performance.

 

Securities Lending. Each Fund may seek to increase its income by lending portfolio securities to institutions, such as certain broker-dealers. Portfolio security loans are secured continuously by collateral maintained on a current basis at an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned. The value of the securities loaned by a Fund will not exceed 33 1 / 3 % of the value of the Fund's total assets. A Fund may experience a loss or delay in the recovery of its securities if the borrowing institution breaches its agreement with the Fund.

 

Large Shareholder Transactions Risk. Each of the Funds may experience adverse effects when certain large shareholders purchase or redeem large amounts of shares of a Fund. Such large shareholder redemptions may cause a Fund to sell its securities at times it would not otherwise do so, which may negatively impact its liquidity. In addition, large redemptions could lead to an increase in a Fund’s expense ratio due to a smaller asset base. However, this risk may be limited to the extent that the Adviser and a Fund have entered into a fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement arrangement. Large Fund share purchases may adversely affect a Fund’s performance to the extent that the Fund is delayed in investing new cash and is required to maintain a larger cash position than it ordinarily would.

 

Temporary Investments. Each of the Funds may depart from its principal investment strategy in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions by taking a temporary defensive position (up to 100% of its assets) in all types of money market and short-term debt securities. If a Fund were to take a temporary defensive position, it may be unable for a time to achieve its investment objective.

 

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Broad-Based Securities Market Indices

 

The MSCI EAFE Index (Europe, Australasia, Far East) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the US & Canada.

 

The MSCI World Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets.

 

The Russell 2000 ® Value Index is an unmanaged index that contains stocks from the Russell 2000 ® Index with less than average growth orientation. Companies in this index generally have low price-to-book and price-to- earnings ratios, higher dividend yields and lower forecasted growth values. As of November 30, 2017, the median market capitalization of the companies in the Russell 2000 ® Value Index is $726 million and the largest stock is $9.33 billion. Please note that this range is as of a particular point in time and is subject to change. The Russell 2000 ® Value Index is a registered trademark of the Frank Russell Corporation.

 

The Russell 3000 ® Value Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of those Russell 3000 ® Index companies that typically display lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. The stocks in this index are also members of either the Russell 1000 ® Value or the Russell 2000 ® Value indices. The Russell 3000 ® Index measures the performance of the 3,000 largest U.S. companies based on total market capitalization, which represents approximately 98% of the investable U.S. equity market. As of November 30, 2017, the median market capitalization of the companies in the Russell 3000 ® Value Index is $1.50 billion and the largest stock is $374.31 billion. Please note that this range is as of a particular point in time and is subject to change. The Russell 3000 ® Value Index is a registered trademark of the Frank Russell Corporation.

 

The S&P 500 ® Index is an unmanaged index composed of 500 common stocks, classified in eleven industry sectors, which represent approximately 75% of the U.S. equities market. The S&P 500 ® Index assigns relative values to the stocks included in the index, weighted according to each stock's total market value relative to the total market value of the other stocks included in the index.

 

Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings

 

The complete portfolio holdings (or long positions only with respect to the Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund and Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund) of each of the Funds are publicly available on the Adviser's website at www.boston-partners.com as of the end of each calendar month, 15 days following the month end. Any postings will remain available on the website at least until the Funds file with the SEC their semi-annual or annual shareholder report or quarterly portfolio holdings report that includes such period. A further description of the Company's policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Funds' portfolio securities is available in the Funds' SAI.

 

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS

 

Investment Adviser

 

Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. provides investment management and investment advisory services to investment companies and other institutional and proprietary accounts.

 

Subject to the general supervision of the Board, the Adviser manages the Funds' portfolios and is responsible for the selection and management of all portfolio investments of the Funds in accordance with the Funds' respective investment objectives and policies.

 

The Adviser, located at 909 Third Avenue, 32 nd Floor, New York, New York 10022, is a subsidiary of Robeco Groep N.V., a Dutch public limited liability company ("Robeco Groep"). Founded in 1929, Robeco Groep is one of the world's oldest asset management organizations. Robeco Groep is owned by ORIX Corporation, an integrated financial services group based in Tokyo, Japan.

 

For its services to the Funds, the Adviser is entitled to receive a monthly advisory fee under the advisory agreement computed at an annual rate of 2.25% of the Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund's average daily net assets, 1.00% of the Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II's average daily net assets, 0.70% of the Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund's average daily net assets, 1.25% of the Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund's average daily net assets, 0.90% of the Boston Partners Global Equity Fund's average daily net assets, and 1.50% of the Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund's average daily net assets. Prior to February 28, 2017, the Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund compensated the Adviser for its services at the annual rate of 0.80% of its average daily net assets. Until February 28, 2019, the Adviser has agreed to waive its fees to the extent necessary to maintain an annualized expense ratio for the Investor Class shareholders of Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, the Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund, the Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, the Boston Partners Global Equity Fund, the Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund, and the Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II of 2.75%, 1.05%, 1.75%, 1.20%, 2.25%, and 1.35% (excluding certain items discussed below), respectively. In determining the Adviser's obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause a Fund's net annualized expense ratio to exceed the applicable expense limitation: acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes. There can be no assurance that the Adviser will continue such waivers for the Funds after February 28, 2019.

 

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For the Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, Boston Partners Global Equity Fund, and Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund, effective as of the effective date of a Fund's first advisory agreement with the Adviser, if at any time the Fund's Total annual Fund operating expenses for that year are less than 1.75%, 1.20%, or 2.25%, respectively, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Funds of the advisory fees waived and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Funds within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made. For the Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II, effective as of May 28, 2014, if at any time the Fund's Total annual Fund operating expenses for the year are less than 1.35%, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees waived and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made. There can be no assurance that the Adviser will continue such waivers for the Funds after February 28, 2019.

 

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the Funds’ advisory agreement with the Adviser is available in the Funds' annual report to shareholders dated August 31, 2017.

 

Portfolio Managers

 

The investment results for different strategies of the Adviser are not solely dependent on any one individual. There is a common philosophy and approach that is the backdrop for all of the investment strategies of the Adviser. This philosophy is then executed through a very disciplined investment process managed by the designated portfolio manager for each of the strategies. This manager will be supported, not only by a secondary manager, but by the Adviser's general research staff and, very often, by dedicated analysts to the particular strategy.

 

The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers' ownership of shares in the Funds.

 

Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II

 

David M. Dabora is the primary portfolio manager for the Fund and George Gumpert is the secondary portfolio manager.

 

Mr. Dabora is a senior portfolio manager of the Adviser responsible for the Boston Partners Small Cap Value, Small Cap Value II, and Small/Mid Cap Value portfolios. Mr. Dabora joined the firm in 1995. Prior to taking on day-to-day responsibilities for the Small Cap Value Fund II, Mr. Dabora was an assistant portfolio manager of the premium equity product of the Adviser, an all-cap value institutional product. Additionally, he was a research analyst with responsibility for a wide variety of industries. Mr. Dabora holds a B.S. degree in business administration from Pennsylvania State University and an M.B.A. degree from The Anderson School of Management at the University of California at Los Angeles. He is a member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of San Francisco and has over thirty years of investment experience.

 

Mr. Gumpert is a portfolio manager for the Boston Partners Small Cap Value products. Previously, he was a research analyst and specialized in the small capitalization sectors of the equity market. He joined the firm in 2000 from AIG International Asset Management where he was a commodities analyst. Mr. Gumpert holds a B.A. degree in economics from Amherst College. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. He has over eighteen years of investment experience.

 

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For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the Fund paid 0.92% (expressed as a percentage of average net assets) to the Adviser for its services. Had fee waivers not been in place, the Fund would have paid 1.00%.

 

Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund

 

Duilio Ramallo is the primary portfolio manager for the Fund.

 

Mr. Ramallo is a senior portfolio manager of the Adviser. He is responsible for managing the Boston Partners Premium Equity portfolios. Prior to assuming this role, he was the assistant portfolio fund manager for the Boston Partners Small Cap Value portfolios and a research analyst. Mr. Ramallo joined the firm in 1995. He joined the firm from Deloitte & Touche LLP, where he spent three years, most recently in the Los Angeles office. He holds a B.A. degree in economics/business from the University of California, Los Angeles and an M.B.A. degree from the Anderson Graduate School of Management at UCLA. Mr. Ramallo holds the Chartered Financial Analyst ® designation. He has over twenty-two years of investment experience.

 

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the Fund paid 0.66% (expressed as a percentage of average net assets) to the Adviser for its services. Had fee waivers not been in place, the Fund would have paid 0.80%.

 

Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund

 

Robert T. Jones is the primary portfolio manager for the Fund.

 

Mr. Jones is the portfolio manager for Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund and related strategy. Previously, he was the Director of Research and portfolio manager for the Large Cap Value and Large Cap Value Focused products. He was a founding Partner of Boston Partners Asset Management. He joined the firm from The Boston Company Asset Management, Inc. where he spent seven years as Vice President and equity portfolio manager. Mr. Jones holds a B.A. degree in philosophy from Denison University. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. He has over twenty-nine years of investment experience.

 

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the Fund paid 2.25% (expressed as a percentage of average net assets) to the Adviser for its services.

 

Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund

 

Joseph F. Feeney, Jr. and Eric S. Connerly serve as portfolio managers for the Fund.

 

Mr. Feeney is Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer for Boston Partners. He is responsible for the firm's strategic, financial and operating decisions, and all aspects of investment management including the firm's fundamental and quantitative research groups. He was one of the original partners of Boston Partners Asset Management in 1995. Prior to assuming these roles, he was Director of Research. Mr. Feeney joined the firm upon its inception in 1995 from Putnam Investments where he managed mortgage-backed securities portfolios. He began his career at the Bank of Boston where he was a loan officer specializing on highly leveraged loan portfolios. Mr. Feeney holds a B.S. degree in finance (Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa) from the University of New Hampshire and an M.B.A. with High Honors from the University of Chicago. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is past President of the Fixed Income Management Society of Boston. He has over thirty-two years of investment experience.

 

Mr. Connerly is the Director of Research-Quantitative for Boston Partners. Prior to assuming this role, he was a research analyst covering the financial, electronics, defense, transportation, and energy sectors and managed a merger arbitrage portfolio. He joined the firm from John Hancock Mutual Funds where he was an analyst and assisted in the management of a small cap portfolio. Prior to that, he was a senior equity analyst at SEI Investments overseeing their small cap equity portfolios. Mr. Connerly holds a BSFS degree cum laude in development economics from Georgetown University and an MBA degree in security analysis and investment management, Beta Gamma Sigma, from Columbia Business School. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. He has over twenty-four years of experience.

 

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For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the Fund paid 1.25% (expressed as a percentage of average net assets) to the Adviser for its services.

 

Boston Partners Global Equity Fund and Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund

 

Joseph F. Feeney, Jr., Christopher K. Hart and Joshua Jones serve as portfolio managers for each Fund. Mr. Feeney is the Chief Investment Officer of Boston Partners and oversees both the team and the strategy.

 

Mr. Feeney is Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Boston Partners. He is responsible for the firm's strategic, financial and operating decisions, and all aspects of investment management including the firm's fundamental and quantitative research groups. He was one of the original partners of Boston Partners Asset Management in 1995. Prior to assuming these roles, he was Director of Research. Mr. Feeney joined the firm upon its inception in 1995 from Putnam Investments where he managed mortgage-backed securities portfolios. He began his career at the Bank of Boston where he was a loan officer specializing on highly leveraged loan portfolios. Mr. Feeney holds a B.S. degree in finance (Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa) from the University of New Hampshire and an M.B.A. with High Honors from the University of Chicago. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is past President of the Fixed Income Management Society of Boston. He has over thirty-two years of investment experience.

 

Mr. Hart is an equity portfolio manager for each Fund. Prior thereto, he was an assistant portfolio manager for the Boston Partners Small Cap Value products for three years. Before that, he was a research analyst and specialized in conglomerates, engineering and construction, building, machinery, aerospace & defense, and REITs sectors of the equity market. He joined the firm from Fidelity Investments where he was a research analyst. Mr. Hart holds a B.S. degree in finance, with a concentration in corporate finance from Clemson University. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. He has over twenty-six years of investment experience.

 

Mr. Jones is a portfolio manager of each Fund and also has research responsibilities for the Boston Partners investment team, specializing in the energy, metals and mining sectors of the equity market and is a global generalist. Mr. Jones has been with Boston Partners since 2006. He joined the firm from Cambridge Associates where he was a consulting associate specializing in hedge fund clients. Mr. Jones holds a B.A. degree in economics from Bowdoin College. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. He has over thirteen years of professional experience.

 

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the Boston Partners Global Equity Fund paid 0.81% (expressed as a percentage of average net assets) to the Adviser for its services. Had fee waivers not been in place, the Fund would have paid 0.90%. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund paid 1.50% (expressed as a percentage of average net assets) to the Adviser for its services.

 

Marketing Arrangements

 

The Adviser or its affiliates may pay additional compensation, out of profits derived from the Adviser's management fee and not as an additional charge to the Funds managed by the Adviser, to certain financial institutions (which may include banks, securities dealers and other industry professionals) for the sale and/or distribution of Fund shares or the retention and/or servicing of Fund investors and Fund shares ("revenue sharing"). These payments are in addition to any distribution or servicing fees payable under a 12b-1 distribution and/or service plan of the Funds, any record keeping or sub-transfer agency fees payable by the Funds, or other fees described in the fee table or elsewhere in the Prospectus or SAI. Examples of "revenue sharing" payments include, but are not limited to, payment to financial institutions for "shelf space" or access to a third party platform or fund offering list or other marketing programs, including, but not limited to, inclusion of the Funds on preferred or recommended sales lists, mutual fund "supermarket" platforms and other formal sales programs; granting the Adviser access to the financial institution's sales force; conferences and meetings; assistance in training and educating the financial institution's personnel; and obtaining other forms of marketing support. The level of revenue sharing payments made to financial institutions may be a fixed fee or based upon one or more of the following factors: gross sales, current assets and/or number of accounts of the Funds attributable to the financial institution, or other factors as agreed to by the Adviser and the financial institution or any combination thereof. The amount of these revenue sharing payments is determined at the discretion of the Adviser from time to time, may be substantial, and may be different for different financial institutions depending upon the services provided by the financial institution. Such payments may provide an incentive for the financial institution to make shares of the Funds available to its customers and may allow the Funds greater access to the financial institution's customers.

 

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Other Service Providers. The following chart shows the Funds' service providers and includes their addresses and principal activities.

 

 

 

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SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

 

Pricing of Fund Shares

 

Investor Class shares of the Funds ("Shares") are priced at their net asset value ("NAV").The NAV per share of each Fund is calculated as follows:

 

  Value of Assets Attributable to the Investor Class
NAV = - Value of Liabilities Attributable to the Investor Class
  Number of Outstanding Shares of the Investor Class

 

Each Fund's NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. The NYSE is generally open Monday through Friday, except national holidays. The NYSE also may be closed on national days of mourning or due to natural disaster or other extraordinary events or emergency. Each Fund will effect purchases and redemptions of Shares at the NAV next calculated after receipt by U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (the "Transfer Agent") of your purchase order or redemption request in good order (as described below). If a Fund holds securities that are primarily listed on non-U.S. exchanges, the NAV of the Fund's Shares may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem the Fund's shares.

 

A Fund's equity securities listed on any national or foreign exchange market system will be valued at the last sale price, except for the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System ("NASDAQ"). Equity securities listed on the NASDAQ will be valued at the official closing price. Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions on that day, equity securities will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. Foreign securities, currencies and other securities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of such currencies against the U.S. dollar provided by a pricing service. All assets denominated in foreign currencies will be converted into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the time of valuation. If a Fund holds foreign equity securities, the calculation of the Fund's NAV will not occur at the same time as the determination of the value of the foreign equities securities in the Fund's portfolio, since these securities are traded on foreign exchanges.

 

Investments in other open-end investment companies are valued based on the NAV of those investment companies (which may use fair value pricing as discussed in their prospectuses). Investments in ETFs, REITs and closed-end investment companies will be valued at their market price.

 

If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable by the Funds' administrator, in consultation with the Adviser, securities will be valued by the Adviser in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board and under the Board’s ultimate supervision. In addition, the prices of foreign securities may be affected by events that occur after the close of a foreign market but before a Fund prices its Shares. In such instances, a foreign security may be fair valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board. Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation involves the risk that the values used by a Fund to price its investments may be higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.

 

Market Timing

 

In accordance with the policy adopted by its Board, the Company discourages and does not accommodate market timing and other excessive trading practices. Purchases should be made with a view to longer-term investment only. Excessive short-term (market timing) trading practices may disrupt portfolio management strategies, increase brokerage and administrative costs, harm Fund performance and result in dilution in the value of Shares held by long-term shareholders. The Company and the Adviser reserve the right to (i) reject a purchase or exchange order, (ii) delay payment of immediate cash redemption proceeds for up to seven calendar days, (iii) revoke a shareholder's privilege to purchase Shares (including exchanges), or (iv) limit the amount of any exchange involving the purchase of Shares. An investor may receive notice that their purchase order or exchange has been rejected after the day the order is placed or after acceptance by a financial intermediary. It is currently expected that a shareholder would receive notice that its purchase order or exchange has been rejected within 48 hours after such purchase order or exchange has been received by the Company in good order. The Company and the Adviser will not be liable for any loss resulting from rejected purchase orders. To minimize harm to the Company and its shareholders (or the Adviser), the Company (or the Adviser) will exercise its right if, in the Company's (or the Adviser's) judgment, an investor has a history of excessive trading or if an investor's trading, in the judgment of the Company (or the Adviser), has been or may be disruptive to a Fund. No waivers of the provisions of the policy established to detect and deter market timing and other excessive trading activity are permitted that would harm a Fund and its shareholders or would subordinate the interests of a Fund and its shareholders to those of the Adviser or any affiliated person or associated person of the Adviser.

 

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The Funds generally limit the number of exchanges to six (6) exchanges per year (and one exchange per calendar month). For further information on redemptions and exchanges, please see the section titled "Shareholder Information — Exchange Privilege."

 

Pursuant to the policy adopted by the Board, the Adviser has developed criteria that it uses to identify trading activity that may be excessive. If, in its judgment, the Adviser detects excessive, short-term trading, the Adviser may reject or restrict a purchase request and may further seek to close an investor's account with the Fund.

 

If necessary, the Company may prohibit additional purchases of Shares by a financial intermediary or by certain customers of the financial intermediary. Financial intermediaries may also monitor their customers' trading activities in the Funds. The criteria used by intermediaries to monitor for excessive trading may differ from the criteria used by the Company. If a financial intermediary fails to enforce the Company's excessive trading policies, the Company may take certain actions, including terminating the relationship.

 

There is no assurance that a Fund will be able to identify market timers, particularly if they are investing through intermediaries.

 

Purchase of Fund Shares

 

Shares representing interests in the Funds are offered continuously for sale by Quasar Distributors, LLC (the "Distributor").The Board has approved a Distribution Agreement and adopted a separate Plan of Distribution for the shares (the "Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under the Plan, the Distributor is entitled to receive from the Funds a distribution fee with respect to the Shares, which is accrued daily and paid monthly, of up to 0.25% on an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Shares. The actual amount of such compensation under the Plan is agreed upon by the Board and by the Distributor. Because these fees are paid out of the Funds' assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.

 

Amounts paid to the Distributor under the Plan may be used by the Distributor to cover expenses that are related to (i) the sale of the Shares, (ii) ongoing servicing and/or maintenance of the accounts of shareholders, and (iii) sub-transfer agency services, subaccounting services or administrative services related to the sale of the Shares, all as set forth in the Funds' 12b-1 Plan. Ongoing servicing and/or maintenance of the accounts of shareholders may include updating and mailing prospectuses and shareholder reports, responding to inquiries regarding shareholder accounts and acting as agent or intermediary between shareholders and the Funds or their service providers. The Distributor may delegate some or all of these functions to Service Organizations. See "Purchases Through Intermediaries" below.

 

The Plan obligates the Funds, during the period it is in effect, to accrue and pay to the Distributor on behalf of the Shares the fee agreed to under the Distribution Agreement. Payments under the Plan are not tied exclusively to expenses actually incurred by the Distributor, and the payments may exceed distribution expenses actually incurred.

 

Purchases Through Intermediaries. Shares of the Funds may also be available through certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals (collectively, "Service Organizations"). Certain features of the Shares, such as the initial and subsequent investment minimums and certain trading restrictions, may be modified or waived by Service Organizations. Service Organizations may impose transaction or administrative charges or other direct fees, which charges and fees would not be imposed if Shares are purchased directly from the Company. Therefore, you should contact the Service Organization acting on your behalf concerning the fees (if any) charged in connection with a purchase or redemption of Shares and should read this Prospectus in light of the terms governing your accounts with the Service Organization. Service Organizations will be responsible for promptly transmitting client or customer purchase and redemption orders to the Company in accordance with their agreements with the Company or its agent and with clients or customers. Service Organizations or, if applicable, their designees that have entered into agreements with the Company or its agent may enter confirmed purchase orders on behalf of clients and customers, with payment to follow no later than the Company's pricing on the following Business Day. If payment is not received by such time, the Service Organization could be held liable for resulting fees or losses. The Company will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when a Service Organization, or, if applicable, its authorized designee, accepts a purchase or redemption order in good order if the order is actually received by the Company in good order not later than the next business morning. If a purchase order is not received by the Fund in good order, the Transfer Agent will contact the financial intermediary to determine the status of the purchase order. Orders received by the Company in good order will be priced at the appropriate Fund's NAV next computed after they are deemed to have been received by the Service Organization or its authorized designee.

 

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For administration, subaccounting, transfer agency and/or other services, the Adviser or its affiliates may pay Service Organizations and certain recordkeeping organizations a fee (the "Service Fee") relating to the average annual NAV of accounts with the Company maintained by such Service Organizations or recordkeepers. The Service Fee payable to any one Service Organization is determined based upon a number of factors, including the nature and quality of services provided, the operations processing requirements of the relationship and the standardized fee schedule of the Service Organization or recordkeeper.

 

General. You may also purchase Shares of each Fund at the NAV per share next calculated after your order is received by the Transfer Agent in good order as described below. The Funds' NAVs are calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. After an initial purchase is made, the Transfer Agent will set up an account for you on the Company records. The minimum initial investment in any Fund is $2,500 and the minimum additional investment is $100. The minimum initial and subsequent investment requirements may be reduced or waived from time to time. For purposes of meeting the minimum initial purchase, purchases by clients which are part of endowments, foundations or other related groups may be combined. You can only purchase Shares of each Fund on days the NYSE is open and through the means described below. Shares may be purchased by principals and employees of the Adviser and its subsidiaries and by their spouses and children either directly or through any trust that has the principal, employee, spouse or child as the primary beneficiaries, their individual retirement accounts, or any pension and profit-sharing plan of the Adviser and its subsidiaries without being subject to the minimum investment limitations.

 

Initial Investment By Mail. Subject to acceptance by the Funds, an account may be opened by completing and signing an account application and mailing it to the Funds at the address noted below, together with a check payable to Boston Partners Investment Funds. All checks must be in U.S. Dollars drawn on a domestic bank. The Funds will not accept payment in cash or money orders. The Funds do not accept post-dated checks or any conditional order or payment. To prevent check fraud, the Funds will not accept third party checks, Treasury checks, credit card checks, traveler’s checks or starter checks for the purchase of shares.

 

Regular Mail: Overnight Mail:
Boston Partners Investment Funds Boston Partners Investment Funds
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701 615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701 Milwaukee, WI 53202-5207

 

The Funds do not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be their agents. Therefore, deposit in the mail or with such services, or receipt at U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC’s post office box, of purchase orders or redemption requests does not constitute receipt by the Transfer Agent of the Funds. Receipt of purchase orders or redemption requests is based on when the order is received at the Transfer Agent’s offices.

 

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Shares will be purchased at the NAV next computed after the time the application and funds are received in proper order and accepted by the Funds. The Transfer Agent will charge a $25 fee against a shareholder’s account, in addition to any loss sustained by the Funds, for any payment that is returned. It is the policy of the Funds not to accept applications under certain circumstances or in amounts considered disadvantageous to shareholders. The Funds reserve the right to reject any application.

 

Initial Investment By Wire. If you are making your first investment in the Funds, before you wire funds, the Transfer Agent must have a completed account application. You may mail or overnight deliver your account application to the Transfer Agent. Upon receipt of your completed account application, the Transfer Agent will establish an account for you. The account number assigned will be required as part of the instruction that should be provided to your bank to send the wire. Your bank must include both the name of the Fund you are purchasing, the account number, and your name so that monies can be correctly applied. Your bank should transmit funds by wire to:

 

U.S. Bank N.A.

777 East Wisconsin Ave

Milwaukee WI 53202

ABA 075000022

Credit:

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

Account #112-952-137

For Further Credit to:

Boston Partners Investment Funds

(shareholder registration)

(shareholder account number)

 

Wired funds must be received prior to 4:00 p.m. Eastern time to be eligible for same day pricing. The Funds and U.S. Bank, N.A. are not responsible for the consequences of delays resulting from the banking or Federal Reserve wire system, or from incomplete wiring instructions.

 

For Subsequent Investments – By wire

 

Before sending your wire, please contact the Transfer Agent to advise them of your intent to wire funds. This will ensure prompt and accurate credit upon receipt of your wire.

 

Telephone Purchase. Investors may purchase additional shares of the Funds by calling 1-888-261-4073. If you elected this option on your account application, and your account has been open for at least 15 calendar days, telephone orders, in amounts of $100 or more, will be accepted via electronic funds transfer from your bank account through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network. You must have banking information established on your account prior to making a purchase. If you order is received prior to 4 p.m. Eastern time, your shares will be purchased at the net asset value calculated on the day your order is placed.

 

Telephone trades must be received by or prior to market close. During periods of high market activity, shareholders may encounter higher than usual call waits. Please allow sufficient time to place your telephone transaction.

 

Additional Investments. Additional investments may be made at any time (minimum additional investment $100) by purchasing Shares of any Fund at the NAV per Share of the Fund by mailing a check to the Transfer Agent at the address noted under "Initial Investment by Mail" (payable to Boston Partners [name of Fund]), by electronic funds transfer through the ACH network as indicated under “Telephone Purchase”, or by wiring monies as outlined under "Initial Investment by Wire." Initial and additional purchases made by check or electronic funds transfer through the ACH network cannot be redeemed until payment of the purchase has been collected. This may take up to 15 calendar days from the date of purchase.

 

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Automatic Investment Plan. Once your account has been opened with the initial minimum investment you may make additional purchases at regular intervals through an automatic investment plan (the “Automatic Investment Plan”). The Automatic Investment Plan provides a convenient method to have monies deducted from your bank account, for investment into the Fund, on a monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual basis. In order to participate in the Automatic Investment Plan, each purchase must be in the amount of $100 or more, and your financial institution must be a member of the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network. If your bank rejects your payment, the Fund’s transfer agent will charge a $25 fee to your account. To begin participating in the Automatic Investment Plan, please complete the Automatic Investment Plan section on the account application or call the Funds’ transfer agent at 1-888-261-4073 for instructions. Any request to change or terminate your Automatic Investment Plan should be submitted to the Transfer Agent five (5) days prior to effective date.

 

Retirement Plans. The Funds offer prototype documents for a variety of retirement accounts for individuals and small businesses. Please call 1-888-261-4073 for information on:

 

Individual Retirement Plan, including Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs

Small Business Retirement Plans, including Simple IRAs and SEP IRAs

Coverdell Education Savings Accounts

 

There may be special distribution requirements for retirement accounts, such as required distributions or mandatory Federal income tax withholding. For more information, call the number listed above. You may be charged a $15 annual account maintenance fee for each retirement account up to a maximum of $30 annually and a $25 fee for transferring assets to another custodian or for closing a retirement account.

 

Purchases in Kind. In certain circumstances, Shares of the Funds may be purchased "in kind" (i.e. in exchange for securities, rather than cash). The securities rendered in connection with an in-kind purchase must be liquid securities that are not restricted as to transfer and have a value that is readily ascertainable in accordance with the Company's valuation procedures. Securities accepted by the Funds will be valued, as set forth in this Prospectus, as of the time of the next determination of net asset value after such acceptance. Fund Shares that are issued to the investor in exchange for the securities will be determined as of the same time. All dividend, subscription, or other rights that are reflected in the market price of accepted securities at the time of valuation become the property of the receiving Fund and must be delivered to the Fund by the investor upon receipt from the issuer. A Fund will not accept securities in exchange for its Shares unless such securities are, at the time of the exchange, eligible to be held by the Fund and satisfy such other conditions as may be imposed by the Adviser or the Company. Purchases in-kind may result in the recognition of gain or loss for federal income tax purposes on the securities transferred to the receiving Fund.

 

Other Purchase Information. The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to suspend the offering of Shares or to reject purchase orders when, in the judgment of management, such suspension or rejection is in the best interests of the Funds. Subject to the Board’s discretion, the Adviser will monitor each Fund's total assets and may decide to close any of the Funds at any time to new investments or to new accounts due to concerns that a significant increase in the size of a Fund may adversely affect the implementation of the Fund's strategy. Subject to the Board’s discretion, the Adviser may also choose to reopen a closed Fund to new investments at any time, and may subsequently close such Fund again should concerns regarding the Fund's size recur. If a Fund closes to new investments, generally the closed Fund would be offered only to certain existing shareholders of the Fund and certain other persons, who are generally subject to cumulative, maximum purchase amounts, as follows:

 

a. Fee-based advisory model programs or financial advisors who manage fee-based wrap accounts that systematically trade in and out of the closed Fund based on model portfolio allocations;

b. Persons who already hold Shares of the closed Fund directly or through accounts maintained by brokers by arrangement with the Company;

c. Existing and future clients of registered investment advisers and planners whose clients already hold Shares of the closed Fund on transaction fee and non-transaction fee platforms;

 

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d. Existing and future clients of consultants whose clients already hold shares of the closed Fund;

e. Certain financial intermediaries by arrangement with the Company:

f. Employees of the Adviser and their spouses, parents and children;

g. Directors of the Company; and

h. Defined contribution retirement plans of private employers and governed by ERISA or of state and local governments.

 

Other persons who are shareholders of other Boston Partners Investment Funds are not permitted to acquire Shares of the closed Fund by exchange. Distributions to all shareholders of the closed Fund will continue to be reinvested unless a shareholder elects otherwise. The Adviser, subject to the Board's discretion, reserves the right to implement other purchase limitations at the time of closing, including limitations on current shareholders.

 

Purchases of the Shares will be made in full and fractional shares of the Fund calculated to three decimal places.

 

The Adviser is authorized to waive the minimum initial and subsequent investment requirements.

 

The Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund is currently closed except to existing shareholders and certain other persons, as described above. Effective March 1, 2017, the Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund reopened for sale to all investors. However, the Adviser retains the discretion to close or limit the availability for sale of the Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund.

 

Shareholders of other Boston Partners Investment Funds that do not meet any of the above criteria are not permitted to acquire Shares of the Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund by exchange. Distributions to all shareholders of a closed Fund will continue to be reinvested unless a shareholder elects otherwise.

 

The Adviser, however, reserves the right to reopen the Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund to new investments from time to time at its discretion, should the assets of the Fund decline by more than 5% from the date of the last closing of the Fund. In addition, if the Adviser reopens the Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, the Adviser has discretion to close the Fund thereafter should the assets of the Fund increase by more than 5% from the date of the last reopening of the Fund. Subject to the approval of the Board, the Adviser may also choose to reopen the Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund to new investments at any time, and may subsequently close the Fund again should concerns regarding the Fund’s size recur.

 

Good Order. A purchase request is considered to be in good order when the purchase request includes the name of the Fund, the dollar amount of shares to be purchased, your account application or investment stub, and a check payable to the Fund. Purchase requests not in good order may be delayed.

 

Customer Identification Program. Federal law requires the Company to obtain, verify and record identifying information, which may include the name, residential or business street address, date of birth (for an individual), social security or taxpayer identification number or other identifying information for each investor who opens or reopens an account with the Company. Applications without the required information, or without any indication that a social security or taxpayer identification number has been applied for, may not be accepted. After acceptance, to the extent permitted by applicable law or its customer identification program, the Company reserves the right (a) to place limits on transactions in any account until the identity of the investor is verified; or (b) to refuse an investment in a Company portfolio or to involuntarily redeem an investor's Shares and close an account in the event that an investor's identity is not verified. The Company and its agents will not be responsible for any loss in an investor's account resulting from the investor's delay in providing all required identifying information or from closing an account and redeeming an investor's Shares when an investor's identity cannot be verified.

 

Redemption of Fund Shares

 

Normally, your investment professional will send your request to redeem Shares to the Transfer Agent. Consult your investment professional for more information. You can redeem some or all of your Fund Shares directly through the Fund only if the account is registered in your name.

 

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Investors may have a check sent to the address of record, proceeds may be wired to a shareholder’s bank account of record, or funds may be sent via electronic funds transfer through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, also to the bank account of record. Wires are subject to a $15 fee paid by the investor, but the investor does not incur any charge when proceeds are sent via the ACH system.

 

IRA and other retirement plan redemptions

 

If you have an IRA, you must indicate on your written redemption request whether or not to withhold federal income tax. Redemption requests failing to indicate an election to have tax withheld will be subject to 10% withholding.

 

Shares held in IRA accounts may be redeemed by telephone at 1-888-261-4073. Investors will be asked whether or not to withhold taxes from any distribution.

 

Redemption By Mail. Your redemption request should be sent to:

 

Boston Partners Investment Funds

c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

P. O. Box 701

Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701

 

If sent by overnight mail to:

 

Boston Partners Investment Funds

c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

The Funds do not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be their agents. Therefore, deposit in the mail or with such services, or receipt at the U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC’s post office box, of purchase orders or redemption requests does not constitute receipt by the Transfer Agent of the Funds. Receipt of purchase orders or redemption requests is based on when the order is received at the Transfer Agent’s offices.

 

A signature guarantee, from either a Medallion program member or a non-Medallion program member, is required in the following situations:

 

If ownership is being changed on your account;

When redemption proceeds are payable or sent to any person, address or bank account not on record;

When a redemption is received by the Transfer Agent and the account address has changed within the last 15 calendar days.

 

The Funds may waive any of the above requirements in certain instances. In addition to the situations described above, the Funds and /or the Transfer Agent reserve the right to require a signature guarantee in other instances based on the circumstances relative to the particular situation.

 

Non-financial transactions, including establishing or modifying certain services on an account, may require a signature guarantee, signature verification from a Signature Validation Program member, or other acceptable form of authentication from a financial institution source.

 

Signature guarantees will generally be accepted from domestic banks, brokers, dealers, credit unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies and savings associations, as well as from participants in the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program and the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (“STAMP”). A notary public is not an acceptable signature guarantor.

 

Redemption By Telephone. In order to request a telephone redemption please call the Transfer Agent at 1-888-261-4073. You must have returned your account application containing a telephone election. Adding telephone redemption to an existing account may require a signature guarantee or other acceptable form of authentication from a financial institution source.

 

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Investors may have a check sent to the address of record, proceeds may be wired to a shareholder’s bank account of record, or funds may be sent via electronic funds transfer through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, also to the bank account of record. Wires are subject to a $15 fee paid by the investor, but the investor does not incur any charge when proceeds are sent via the ACH system.

 

Once a telephone transaction has been placed, it cannot be canceled or modified after the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern time).

 

Telephone trades must be received by or prior to market close. During periods of high market activity, shareholders may encounter higher than usual call waits. Please allow sufficient time to place your telephone transaction.

 

Before executing an instruction received by telephone, the Transfer Agent will use reasonable procedures to confirm that the telephone instructions are genuine. The telephone call may be recorded and the caller may be asked to verify certain personal identification information. If the Funds or its agents follow these procedures, they cannot be held liable for any loss, expense or cost arising out of any telephone redemption request that is reasonably believed to be genuine. This includes fraudulent or unauthorized requests. If an account has more than one owner or authorized person, the Funds will accept telephone instructions from any one owner or authorized person.

 

Systematic Withdrawal Plan. As another convenience, you may redeem your Fund shares through a systematic withdrawal plan (the “Systematic Withdrawal Plan”). Under the Systematic Withdrawal Plan, you may choose to receive a specified dollar amount, generated from the redemption of shares in your account, on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis. In order to participate in the Systematic Withdrawal Plan, your account balance must be at least $10,000 and each payment should be a minimum of $100. If you elect this method of redemption, the Fund will send a check to your address of record, or will send the payment via electronic funds transfer through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, directly to your bank account. For payment through the ACH network, your bank must be an ACH member and your bank account information must be maintained on your Fund account. The Systematic Withdrawal Plan may be terminated at any time by the Fund. You may also elect to terminate your participation in the Systematic Withdrawal Plan at any time by contacting the Transfer Agent in writing or by telephone at least five (5) days prior to the next withdrawal.

 

A withdrawal under the Systematic Withdrawal Plan involves a redemption of shares and may result in a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes. In addition, if the amount requested to be withdrawn exceeds the amount available in your account, which includes any dividends credited to your account, the account will ultimately be depleted.

 

Involuntary Redemption. The Funds reserve the right to redeem a shareholder's account in any Fund at any time the value of the account in such Fund falls below $500 as the result of a redemption or an exchange request. Shareholders will be notified in writing that the value of their account in a Fund is less than $500 and will be allowed 30 days to make additional investments before the redemption is processed.

 

The Funds may assert the right to redeem your shares at current NAV at any time and without prior notice if and to the extent that such redemption is necessary to reimburse a Fund for any loss sustained by reason of your failure to make full payment for shares of a Fund you previously purchased or subscribed for.

 

Other Redemption Information. Redemption proceeds for Shares of the Funds recently purchased by check or electronic funds transfer through the ACH network may not be distributed until payment for the purchase has been collected, which may take up to fifteen calendar days from the purchase date. Shareholders can avoid this delay by utilizing the wire purchase option.

 

Other than as described above, payment of the redemption proceeds will be made within seven days after receipt of an order for a redemption. The Company may suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date at times when the NYSE is closed or under any emergency circumstances as determined by the SEC. The Funds typically expect to meet redemption requests by paying out proceeds from cash or cash equivalent portfolio holdings, or by selling portfolio securities. In stressed market conditions, redemption methods may include redeeming in kind.

 

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If the Board determines that it would be detrimental to the best interests of the remaining shareholders of the Funds to make payment wholly or partly in cash, redemption proceeds may be paid in whole or in part by an in-kind distribution of readily marketable securities held by a Fund instead of cash in conformity with applicable rules of the SEC. Investors generally will incur brokerage charges on the sale of portfolio securities so received in payment of redemptions. If a shareholder receives redemption proceeds in-kind, the shareholder will bear the market risk of the securities received in the redemption until their disposition and should expect to incur transaction costs upon the disposition of the securities. The Company has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act, so that a Fund is obligated to redeem its Shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its NAV during any 90-day period for any one shareholder of a Fund.

 

Good Order. A redemption request is considered to be in good order when the redemption request includes the name of the Fund, the number of shares or dollar amount to be redeemed, the account number, and signatures by all of the shareholders whose names appear on the account registration with a signature guarantee, if applicable. Redemption requests not in good order may be delayed.

 

Exchange Privilege

 

The exchange privilege is available to shareholders residing in any state in which the Shares being acquired may be legally sold. The Boston Partners Investment Funds reserve the right, at their sole discretion, to change or discontinue the exchange privilege, or temporarily suspend the privilege during unusual market conditions when, in the judgment of management, such change or discontinuance is in the best interests of the Funds.

 

Beneficial holders with financial intermediary sponsored fee-based programs of Investor Class Shares of any Boston Partners Investment Fund are eligible to exchange their shares for Institutional Class Shares of the same Boston Partners Investment Fund if the accumulated value of their Investor Class Shares exceeds the minimum initial investment amount for Institutional Class Shares ($100,000) or the shareholder is otherwise eligible to purchase the Institutional Class Shares. The Fund will determine the eligibility of an investor to exercise the exchange privilege based on the current NAV of Investor Class Shares. Such an exchange will be effected at the NAV of the Investor Class Shares next calculated after the exchange request is received by the Transfer Agent in good order. Shares of each class of a Boston Partners Investment Fund represent equal pro rata interests in the Funds and accrue dividends and calculate NAV and performance quotations in the same manner. The performance of each class is quoted separately due to different actual expenses. The total return on Institutional Class Shares can be expected to differ from the total return on Investor Class Shares. Shareholders who exercise the exchange privilege will generally not recognize a taxable gain or loss for federal income tax purposes on an exchange of Investor Class Shares for Institutional Class Shares of the same Boston Partners Investment Fund. Under Internal Revenue Code section 1036, an exchange of shares of one class for shares of another class of the same Fund constitutes a nontaxable exchange for federal income tax purposes, and your basis and holding period for your existing shares will carry over to your new shares. The Funds intend to report any such exchange as an entirely nontaxable transaction.

 

In addition, a shareholder may exchange Investor Class Shares of any Boston Partners Investment Fund for Investor Class Shares of another Boston Partners Investment Fund. Such an exchange will be effected at the NAV of the exchanged Investor Class Shares and the NAV of the Investor Class Shares to be acquired next determined after USBFS’s receipt of a request for an exchange. An exchange of Investor Class Shares of one Boston Partners Investment Fund for Investor Class Shares of another Boston Partners Investment Fund will be treated as a sale for federal income tax purposes. A shareholder may make an exchange by sending a written request to the Transfer Agent or, if authorized, by telephone (see "Redemption by Telephone" above). Defined contribution plans are not subject to the above exchange limitations.

 

If the exchanging shareholder does not currently own Shares of the Fund, a new account will be established with the same registration, dividend and capital gain options as the account from which Shares are exchanged, unless otherwise specified in writing by the shareholder with all signatures guaranteed. See "Redemption by Mail" for information on signature guarantees. The exchange privilege may be modified or terminated at any time, or from time to time, by the Funds, upon 60 days' written notice to shareholders.

 

54  

 

If a shareholder wants to exchange Shares into a new account in a Fund, the dollar value of the Shares acquired must equal or exceed the Fund's minimum investment requirement for a new account. If a shareholder wants to exchange Shares into an existing account, the dollar value of the Shares must equal or exceed the Fund's minimum investment requirement for additional investments. If an amount remains in the Fund from which the exchange is being made that is below the minimum account value required, the account will be subject to involuntary redemption.

 

The Funds' exchange privilege is not intended to afford shareholders a way to speculate on short-term movements in the market. Accordingly, in order to prevent excessive use of the exchange privilege, which may potentially disrupt the management of the Funds and increase transaction costs, the Funds have established a policy of limiting excessive exchange activity. Notwithstanding these limitations, the Funds reserve the right to reject any purchase request (including exchange purchases from other Boston Partners Investment Funds) that is deemed to be disruptive to efficient portfolio management.

 

Dividends and Distributions

 

Each Fund will distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, to its shareholders. All distributions are reinvested in the form of additional full and fractional Shares of the Fund unless a shareholder elects otherwise.

 

The Funds will declare and pay dividends from net investment income annually. Net realized capital gains (including net short-term capital gains), if any, will be distributed by the Funds at least annually. The estimated amount of any annual distribution will be posted to the Adviser's website at www.boston-partners.com or a free copy may be obtained by calling 1-888-261-4073.

 

The Funds may pay additional distributions and dividends at other times if necessary for the Fund to avoid U.S. federal tax. The Funds' distributions and dividends, whether received in cash or reinvested in additional Fund Shares, are subject to U.S. federal income tax.

 

All distributions will be reinvested in Fund shares unless you elect to receive cash. If you elect to receive distributions and/or capital gains paid in cash, and the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver the check, or if a check remains outstanding for six months, the Funds reserve the right to reinvest the distribution check in your account, at the Funds’ current net asset value, and to reinvest all subsequent distributions. You may change the distribution option on your account as any time. You should notify the Transfer Agent in writing or by telephone at least five (5) days prior to the next distribution.

 

Taxes

 

The following is a summary of certain United States tax considerations relevant under current law, which may be subject to change in the future. Except where otherwise indicated, the discussion relates to investors who are individual United States citizens or residents. You should consult your tax adviser for further information regarding federal, state, local and/or foreign tax consequences relevant to your specific situation.

 

Federal Taxes of Distributions. Each Fund contemplates distributing as dividends each year all or substantially all of its taxable income, including its net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss). Except as otherwise discussed below, you will be subject to federal income tax on Fund distributions regardless of whether they are paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares. Fund distributions attributable to short-term capital gains and net investment income will generally be taxable to you as ordinary income, except as discussed below.

 

Distributions attributable to the net capital gain of a Fund will be taxable to you as long-term capital gain, no matter how long you have owned your Fund shares. The maximum long-term capital gain rate applicable to individuals, estates, and trusts is currently 23.8% (which includes a 3.8% Medicare tax). You will be notified annually of the tax status of distributions to you.

 

55  

 

Distributions of "qualifying dividends" will also generally be taxable to you at long-term capital gain rates, as long as certain requirements are met. In general, if 95% or more of the gross income of a Fund (other than net capital gain) consists of dividends received from domestic corporations or "qualified" foreign corporations ("qualifying dividends"), then all distributions paid by the Fund to individual shareholders will be taxed at long-term capital gains rates. But if less than 95% of the gross income of a Fund (other than net capital gain) consists of qualifying dividends, then distributions paid by the Fund to individual shareholders will be qualifying dividends only to the extent they are derived from qualifying dividends earned by the Fund. For the lower rates to apply, you must have owned your Fund shares for at least 61 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date that is 60 days before the Fund's ex-dividend date (and the Fund will need to have met a similar holding period requirement with respect to the shares of the corporation paying the qualifying dividend).The amount of a Fund's distributions that qualify for this favorable treatment may be reduced as a result of the Fund's securities lending activities (if any), a high portfolio turnover rate or investments in debt securities or non-qualified foreign corporations.

 

Distributions from a Fund will generally be taxable to you in the taxable year in which they are paid, with one exception. Distributions declared by a Fund in October, November or December and paid in January of the following year are taxed as though they were paid on December 31.

 

It is expected that the Boston Partners Global Equity Fund and the Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund will each be subject to foreign withholding or other foreign income taxes with respect to dividends or interest received from (and, in some cases, gains recognized on shares of stock of) non-U.S. companies. These Funds may, to the extent eligible, make an election to treat a proportionate amount of those taxes as constituting a distribution to each shareholder, which would allow you either (1) to credit that proportionate amount of taxes against U.S. federal income tax liability as a foreign tax credit, subject to applicable limitations, or (2) to take that amount as an itemized deduction.

 

A portion of distributions paid by a Fund to shareholders that are corporations may also qualify for the dividends-received deduction for corporations, subject to certain holding period requirements and debt financing limitations. The amount of the dividends qualifying for this deduction may, however, be reduced as a result of the Fund's securities lending activities (if any), by a high portfolio turnover rate or by investments in debt securities or foreign corporations.

 

If you purchase shares just before a distribution, the purchase price will reflect the amount of the upcoming distribution, but you will be taxed on the entire amount of the distribution received, even though, as an economic matter, the distribution simply constitutes a return of capital. This is known as "buying into a dividend."

 

Sales and Exchanges. You will generally recognize taxable gain or loss for federal income tax purposes on a sale, exchange or redemption of your shares, including an exchange for shares of another Fund, based on the difference between your tax basis in the shares and the amount you receive for them. Generally, you will recognize long-term capital gain or loss if you have held your Fund shares for over twelve months at the time you dispose of them.

 

Any loss realized on shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends that were received on the shares. Additionally, any loss realized on a disposition of shares of a Fund may be disallowed under "wash sale" rules to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced with other shares of the same Fund within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the shares are disposed of, such as pursuant to a dividend reinvestment in shares of a Fund. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in an upward adjustment to the basis of the shares acquired.

 

For shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012, each Fund (or relevant broker or financial adviser) is required to compute and report to the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") and furnish to Fund shareholders cost basis information when such shares are sold or exchanged. Each Fund has elected to use the average cost method, unless you instruct the Fund to use a different IRS-accepted cost basis method, or choose to specifically identify your shares at the time of each sale or exchange. If your account is held by your broker or other financial adviser, they may select a different cost basis method. In these cases, please contact your broker or other financial adviser to obtain information with respect to the available methods and elections for your account. You should carefully review the cost basis information provided by the Fund and make any additional basis, holding period or other adjustments that are required when reporting these amounts on your federal and state income tax returns. Fund shareholders should consult with their tax advisers to determine the best IRS-accepted cost basis method for their tax situation and to obtain more information about how the cost basis reporting requirements apply to them.

 

56  

 

IRAs and Other Tax-Qualified Plans. The one major exception to the preceding tax principles is that distributions on, and sales, exchanges and redemptions of, shares held in an IRA (or other tax-qualified plan) will not be currently taxable unless such shares were acquired with borrowed funds.

 

Backup Withholding. The Funds may be required in certain cases to withhold and remit to the IRS a percentage of taxable dividends or gross proceeds realized upon sale payable to shareholders who have failed to provide a correct tax identification number in the manner required, or who are subject to withholding by the IRS for failure to properly include on their return payments of taxable interest or dividends, or who have failed to certify to the Fund that they are not subject to backup withholding when required to do so or that they are "exempt recipients." The current backup withholding rate is 28%.

 

U.S. Tax Treatment of Foreign shareholders. Generally, nonresident aliens, foreign corporations and other foreign investors are subject to a 30% withholding tax on dividends paid by a U.S. corporation, although the rate may be reduced for an investor that is a qualified resident of a foreign country with an applicable tax treaty with the United States. In the case of regulated investment companies such as the Funds, however, certain categories of dividends are exempt from the 30% withholding tax. These generally include dividends attributable to the Funds' net capital gains (the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital loss) and dividends attributable to the Funds' interest income from U.S. obligors and dividends attributable to net short-term capital gains of the Funds.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally not be subject to U.S. tax on gains realized on the sale, exchange or redemption of shares in the Funds, except that a nonresident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in a calendar year will be taxable on such gains and on capital gain dividends from the Funds.

 

In contrast, if a foreign investor conducts a trade or business in the United States and the investment in a Fund is effectively connected with that trade or business, then the foreign investor's income from the Fund will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax at graduated rates in a manner similar to the income of a U.S. citizen or resident.

 

The Funds will also generally be required to withhold 30% tax on certain payments to foreign entities that do not provide a Form W-8BEN-E that evidences their compliance with, or exemption from, specified information reporting requirements under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act.

 

All foreign investors should consult their own tax advisers regarding the tax consequences in their country of residence of an investment in the Funds.

 

Shares of the Funds have not been registered for sale outside of the United States and certain United States territories.

 

State and Local Taxes. You may also be subject to state and local taxes on income and gain from Fund shares. State income taxes may not apply, however, to the portions of a Fund's distributions, if any, that are attributable to interest on U.S. government securities. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the tax status of distributions in your state and locality.

 

More information about taxes is contained in the SAI.

 

Multi-Class Structure

 

Each Fund also offers Institutional Class Shares, which are offered directly to institutional investors without distribution fees in a separate prospectus. Shares of each class of a Fund represent equal pro rata interests in the Fund and accrue dividends and calculate NAV and performance quotations in the same manner. The performance of each class is quoted separately due to different actual expenses. The total return on Investor Class Shares of a Fund can be expected to differ from the total return on Institutional Class Shares of the same Fund. Information concerning other classes of the Funds can be requested by calling the Funds at 1-888-261-4073.

 

57  

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

Electronic Delivery

Consistent with the Funds’ commitment to environmental sustainability, you may sign up to receive quarterly statements, and tax forms statements electronically. You may also sign up to receive the Funds’ financial statements and Prospectuses electronically at www.boston-partners.com. You may change your delivery preference and resume receiving these documents through the mail at any time by updating your electronic delivery preferences at www.boston-partners.com or by contacting the Funds at 1-888-261-4073.

 

Householding

In an effort to decrease costs, the Funds intend to reduce the number of duplicate prospectuses and Annual and Semi-Annual Reports you receive by sending only one copy of each to those addresses shared by two or more accounts and to shareholders we reasonably believe are from the same family or household. Once implemented, if you would like to discontinue householding for your accounts, please call toll-free at 1-888- 261-4073 to request individual copies of these documents. Once the Funds receive notice to stop householding, we will begin sending individual copies thirty days after receiving your request. This policy does not apply to account statements.

 

Lost Shareholder, Inactive Accounts and Unclaimed Property

It is important that the Funds maintain a correct address for each shareholder. An incorrect address may cause a shareholder’s account statements and other mailings to be returned to the Fund. Based upon statutory requirements for returned mail, the Funds will attempt to locate the shareholder or rightful owner of the account. If the Funds are unable to locate the shareholder, then they will determine whether the shareholder’s account can legally be considered abandoned. Your mutual fund account may be transferred to the state government of your state of residence if no activity occurs within your account during the “inactivity period” specified in your state’s abandoned property laws. The Funds are legally obligated to escheat (or transfer) abandoned property to the appropriate state’s unclaimed property administrator in accordance with statutory requirements. The shareholder’s last known address of record determines which state has jurisdiction. Please proactively contact the Transfer Agent at 1-888-261-4073 (toll free) at least annually to ensure your account remains in active status.

 
If you are a resident of the state of Texas, you may designate a representative to receive notifications that, due to inactivity, your mutual fund account assets may be delivered to the Texas Comptroller. Please contact the Transfer Agent if you wish to complete a Texas Designation of Representative form.

 

NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN THE FUNDS' SAI INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR ITS DISTRIBUTOR. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING BY THE COMPANY OR BY THE DISTRIBUTOR IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.

 

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Appendix A

 

Prior Performance of Similarly Advised Account of the Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund

 

The Adviser has experience in managing a private fund with substantially similar investment objectives, policies and strategies as the Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund. The table on the following page is provided to illustrate the past performance of the Adviser in managing the private fund and does not represent the performance of the Fund. Investors should not consider this performance information as a substitute for the performance of the Fund, nor should investors consider this information as an indication of the future performance of the Fund or of the Adviser. The performance information has been adjusted to show the performance of the private fund net of the Fund's annual fund operating expenses for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2011 (after contractual waivers that were in place through December 31, 2012).The fees and expenses of the Fund are higher than those of the private fund, in part, because the general partner of the private fund waived its right to receive an incentive allocation from each limited partner's capital account, generally equal to 20% of any profits achieved in a fiscal year after recoupment of prior losses. The Fund's results in the future also may be different because the private fund is not subject to certain investment limitations, diversification requirements and other restrictions imposed on mutual funds under applicable U.S. securities and tax laws that, if applicable, could have adversely affected the performance of the private fund. In addition, the securities held by the Fund will not be identical to the securities held by the private fund.

 

The performance of the private fund is also compared to the performance of an appropriate broad-based securities benchmark index. This index is unmanaged and is not subject to fees and expenses typically associated with managed funds, including the Fund. Investors cannot invest directly in the Index. The performance information is accompanied by additional disclosures, which are an integral part of the information.

 

Monthly Returns (since inception April 1, 2002) 1,2,3,4

 

PRO FORMA NET OF FEES

 

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec FY (ended
December 31)
2010 (1.05 )% 2.15 % 2.65 % 0.14 % (3.73 )% (3.48 )% 3.99 % (3.73 )% 5.93 %                
2009 (0.48 )% (5.52 )% 3.53 % 6.02 % 3.65 % 2.10 % 2.14 % 2.76 % (0.30 )% (0.78 )% 2.78 % 1.33 % 18.11 %
2008 1.23 % 0.67 % (4.37 )% 2.00 % 2.76 % (3.27 )% 0.96 % 1.87 % (3.12 )% (4.70 )% (5.21 )% 2.77 % (8.61 )%
2007 0.96 % 0.71 % 0.59 % 2.67 % 1.27 % (0.71 )% (2.33 )% 0.85 % 2.35 % (0.76 )% 0.76 % (0.64 )% 5.75 %
2006 1.80 % (1.21 )% 0.15 % 0.65 % (0.60 )% 0.21 % 0.58 % 0.13 % 0.16 % (0.09 )% 0.28 % 1.20 % 3.28 %
2005 (0.71 )% 1.20 % 0.30 % (0.65 )% (0.52 )% 0.91 % 2.39 % 2.34 % 2.27 % 0.74 % 0.37 % 0.64 % 9.60 %
2004 0.43 % 1.27 % 2.37 % (1.16 )% (0.03 )% 3.23 % 0.96 % 0.17 % 1.39 % 0.60 % 5.46 % 2.07 % 17.92 %
2003 0.27 % (3.57 )% 0.03 % (1.73 )% (1.57 )% (0.08 )% 0.09 % (1.37 )% (1.00 )% (0.13 )% 0.63 % 0.17 % (8.03 )%
2002             0.08 % 3.60 % (2.38 )% (1.45 )% 1.95 % (2.37 )% 0.13 % 1.36 % 1.81 % 2.57 %

 

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GROSS OF FEES

 

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec FY (ended
December 31)
2010 (0.82 )% 2.38 % 2.87 % 0.36 % (3.51 )% (3.26 )% 4.22 % (3.50 )% 6.16 %                
2009 (0.26 )% (5.29 )% 3.75 % 6.25 % 3.88 % 2.32 % 2.36 % 2.99 % (0.08 )% (0.54 )% 3.01 % 1.56 % 21.31 %
2008 1.45 % 0.90 % (4.15 )% 2.22 % 2.98 % (3.04 )% 1.19 % 2.09 % (2.89 )% (4.47 )% (4.99 )% 2.99 % (6.08 )%
2007 1.18 % 0.93 % 0.81 % 2.89 % 1.49 % (0.48 )% (2.10 )% 1.08 % 2.57 % (0.54 )% 0.99 % (0.41 )% 8.64 %
2006 2.03 % (0.99 )% 0.38 % 0.87 % (0.38 )% 0.44 % 0.80 % 0.36 % 0.39 % 0.14 % 0.51 % 1.43 % 6.11 %
2005 (0.48 )% 1.43 % 0.52 % (0.43 )% (0.29 )% 1.13 % 2.61 % 2.57 % 2.50 % 0.96 % 0.60 % 0.87 % 12.59 %
2004 0.66 % 1.50 % 2.60 % (0.93 )% 0.19 % 3.45 % 1.19 % 0.40 % 1.62 % 0.82 % 5.69 % 2.29 % 21.11 %
2003 0.49 % (3.34 )% 0.25 % (1.51 )% (1.34 )% 0.15 % 0.31 % (1.14 )% (0.77 )% 0.10 % 0.85 % 0.40 % (5.48 )%
2002             0.31 % 3.83 % (2.15 )% (1.23 )% 2.17 % (2.15 )% 0.36 % 1.58 % 2.03 % 4.67 %

 

S&P 500 INDEX

 

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec FY (ended
December 31)
2010 (3.60 )% 3.10 % 6.03 % 1.58 % (7.98 )% (5.24 )% 7.01 % (4.51 )% 8.92 %                
2009 (8.43 )% (10.65 )% 8.76 % 9.57 % 5.59 % 0.20 % 7.56 % 3.61 % 3.73 % (1.86 )% 6.00 % 1.93 % 26.45 %
2008 (6.00 )% (3.25 )% (0.43 )% 4.87 % 1.29 % (8.43 )% (0.84 )% 1.45 % (8.91 )% (16.79 )% (7.17 )% 1.06 % (36.99 )%
2007 1.51 % (1.96 )% 1.12 % 4.43 % 3.49 % (1.66 )% (3.10 )% 1.50 % 3.74 % 1.59 % (4.18 )% (0.69 )% 5.50 %
2006 2.65 % 0.27 % 1.24 % 1.34 % (2.88 )% 0.14 % 0.62 % 2.38 % 2.58 % 3.26 % 1.90 % 1.40 % 15.79 %
2005 (2.44 )% 2.10 % (1.77 )% (1.90 )% 3.18 % 0.14 % 3.72 % (0.91 )% 0.81 % (1.67 )% 3.78 % 0.03 % 4.89 %
2004 1.84 % 1.39 % (1.51 )% (1.57 )% 1.37 % 1.94 % (3.31 )% 0.40 % 1.08 % 1.53 % 4.05 % 3.40 % 10.87 %
2003 (2.62 )% (1.50 )% 0.97 % 8.24 % 5.27 % 1.27 % 1.76 % 1.95 % (1.06 )% 5.66 % 0.88 % 5.24 % 28.68 %
2002             (6.06 )% (0.74 )% (7.12 )% (7.79 )% 0.66 % (10.87 )% 8.80 % 5.89 % (5.88 )% (22.31 )%

 

CALENDAR YEAR RETURNS 1,2,3,4

 

  2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Pro Forma Net Of Fees 2.57 % (8.03 )% 17.92 % 9.60 % 3.28 % 5.75 % (8.61 )% 18.11 %
Gross Of Fees 4.67 % (5.48 )% 21.11 % 12.59 % 6.11 % 8.64 % (6.08 )% 21.31 %
S&P 500 (22.31 )% 28.68 % 10.87 % 4.89 % 15.79 % 5.50 % (36.99 )% 26.45 %

 

60  

 

SUMMARY STATISTICS (periods ended September 30, 2010) 1,2,3,4 RETURN

 

  YTD 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 5 year 7 Year Since
Inception
Pro Forma Net Of Fees 2.38 % 5.81 % 5.95 % 3.17 % 4.20 % 6.66 % 4.65 %
Gross Of Fees 4.48 % 8.70 % 8.85 % 5.99 % 7.05 % 9.57 % 7.51 %
S&P 500 3.89 % 10.16 % 1.26 % (7.16 )% 0.63 % 4.03 % 1.92 %

 

1 Performance was calculated using Global Investment Performance Standards ("GIPS"). This method of calculating performance differs from the SEC's standardized methodology, which may produce different results.

 

2 Performance is calculated using a net asset value to net asset value methodology which incorporates all trades, prices, accruals and updated security records on trade date basis.

 

3 Performance is presented gross and net of the Fund's annual fund operating expenses for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2011 (after contractual waivers).
   
4 The S&P 500 ® Index is an unmanaged index composed of 500 common stocks, classified in eleven industry sectors, which represent approximately 75% of the U.S. equities market. The S&P 500 ® Index assigns relative values to the stocks included in the index, weighted according to each stock's total market value relative to the total market value of the other stocks included in the index.

 

61  

 

Appendix B

 

Prior Performance of Similarly Advised Accounts of the Boston Partners Global Equity Fund

 

The Adviser has experience in managing other accounts with substantially similar investment objectives, policies and strategies as the Boston Partners Global Equity Fund. The table on the following pages is provided to illustrate the past performance of the Adviser in managing all such other accounts and does not represent the performance of the Fund. Investors should not consider this performance information as a substitute for the performance of the Fund, nor should investors consider this information as an indication of the future performance of the Fund or of the Adviser. The performance information has been adjusted to show the performance of the other accounts net of the Fund's annual operating expenses (after contractual waivers that were in place until September 30, 2013).The other accounts' fees and expenses are lower than those of the Fund. The Fund's results in the future also may be different because the other accounts are not subject to certain investment limitations, diversification requirements and other restrictions imposed on mutual funds under applicable U.S. securities and tax laws that, if applicable, could have adversely affected the performance of the other accounts. In addition, the securities held by the Fund will not be identical to the securities held by the other accounts.

 

The performance of the other accounts is also compared to the performance of an appropriate broad-based securities benchmark index. This index is unmanaged and is not subject to fees and expenses typically associated with managed funds, including the Fund. Investors cannot invest directly in the Index. The performance information is accompanied by additional disclosures, which are an integral part of the information.

 

Monthly Returns (since July 31, 2008) 1,2,3,4,5

 

COMPOSITE — PRO FORMA NET OF FEES

 

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec FY (ended
December 31)
2011 1.88 % 3.41 % 0.81 % 4.54 % (1.87 )% (1.18 )% (1.13 )% (7.75 )% (8.69 )% 11.34 % (2.38 )%        
2010 (3.86 )% 0.39 % 5.92 % 0.26 % (9.75 )% (4.59 )% 7.64 % (3.71 )% 10.08 % 4.60 % (2.55 )% 8.77 % 11.65 %
2009 (8.72 )% (9.49 )% 5.18 % 11.72 % 8.44 % 0.03 % 7.41 % 5.32 % 4.33 % (1.12 )% 2.85 % 2.08 % 29.03 %
2008                         (2.37 )% (0.56 )% (9.56 )% (19.22 )% (6.17 )% 3.16 %    

 

COMPOSITE — GROSS OF FEES

 

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec FY (ended
December 31)
2011 2.01 % 3.54 % 0.94 % 4.67 % (1.74 )% (1.05 )% (1.00 )% (7.62 )% (8.56 )% 11.47 % (2.25 )%        
2010 (3.73 )% 0.52 % 6.05 % 0.39 % (9.62 )% (4.46 )% 7.77 % (3.58 )% 10.21 % 4.73 % (2.42 )% 8.90 % 13.38 %
2009 (8.59 )% (9.36 )% 5.31 % 11.85 % 8.57 % 0.16 % 7.54 % 5.45 % 4.46 % (1.00 )% 2.98 % 2.21 % 30.01 %
2008                         (2.24 )% (0.43 )% (9.43 )% (19.09 )% (6.04 )% 3.29 %    

 

62  

 

MSCI ® WORLD INDEX

 

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec FY (ended
December 31
)
2011 2.28 % 3.55 % (0.94 )% 4.31 % (1.97 )% (1.54 )% (1.79 )% (7.00 )% (8.60 )% 10.37 % (2.38 )%        
2010 (4.11 )% 1.45 % 6.25 % 0.07 % (9.48 )% (3.39 )% 8.13 % (3.69 )% 9.36 % 3.75 % (2.11 )% 7.39 % 12.34 %
2009 (8.73 )% (10.17 )% 7.60 % 11.32 % 9.19 % (0.41 )% 8.50 % 4.17 % 4.02 % (1.76 )% 4.14 % 1.83 % 30.79 %
2008                         (2.42 )% (1.36 )% (11.85 )% (18.93 )% (6.40 )% 3.26 %    

 

SUMMARY STATISTICS (periods ended November 30, 2011) 1,2,3,4,5 RETURN

 

  YTD 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years Since July 1,
2008
Pro Forma Net Of Fees (2.55 )% 5.99 % 5.39 % 13.14 % (1.07 )%
Gross Of Fees (1.15 )% 7.64 % 7.03 % 14.89 % 0.48 %
MSCI ® World Index (5.00 )% 2.02 % 4.25 % 12.96 % (2.17 )%

 

1 Performance was calculated using Global Investment Performance Standards ("GIPS"). This method of calculating performance differs from the SEC's standardized methodology, which may produce different results.

 

2 Performance is calculated using a net asset value to net asset value methodology which incorporates all trades, prices, accruals and updated security records on trade date basis.

 

3 Performance is presented gross and net of the Fund's annual fund operating expenses (after contractual waivers that were in place until September, 2013).

 

4 The MSCI ® World Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets.

 

5 Although the other accounts commenced operations on January 1, 2007 or April 17, 1998, the other accounts only began investing in accordance with their current investment strategies on July 1, 2008.The performance shown represents performance since the other accounts began investing in accordance with their current investment strategies.

 

63  

 

Appendix C

 

Prior Performance of Similarly Advised Account of the Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund

 

The Adviser has experience in managing a private fund with substantially similar investment objectives, policies and strategies as the Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund. The table on the following page is provided to illustrate the past performance of the Adviser in managing the private fund and does not represent the performance of the Fund. Investors should not consider this performance information as a substitute for the performance of the Fund, nor should investors consider this information as an indication of the future performance of the Fund or of the Adviser. The performance information has been adjusted to show the performance of the private fund net of the Fund's annual fund operating expenses (after contractual waivers that were in place through December 31, 2015). The Fund's results in the future also may be different because the private fund is not subject to certain investment limitations, diversification requirements and other restrictions imposed on mutual funds under applicable U.S. securities and tax laws that, if applicable, could have adversely affected the performance of the private fund. In addition, the securities held by the Fund will not be identical to the securities held by the private fund.

 

The performance of the private fund is also compared to the performance of an appropriate broad-based securities benchmark index. This index is unmanaged and is not subject to fees and expenses typically associated with managed funds, including the Fund. Investors cannot invest directly in the Index. The performance information is accompanied by additional disclosures, which are an integral part of the information.

 

Monthly Performance Table (since inception July 1, 2013) 1,2,3,4,5

 

PRO FORMA NET OF FEES

 

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2014 (1.99 )% 2.28 % 0.55 % (0.81 )% 1.90 % (0.18 )% 1.26 % 0.88 % (1.18 )% (0.18 )% 1.06 %    
2013                         2.10 % (2.25 )% 1.68 % 2.82 % 1.89 % 1.61 %

 

GROSS OF FEES

 

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2014 (1.84 )% 2.28 % 0.70 % (0.66 )% 2.05 % (0.03 )% 1.40 % 1.03 % (1.04 )% (0.03 )% 1.20 %    
2013                         2.25 % (2.11 )% 1.82 % 2.96 % 2.04 % 1.76 %

 

MSCI ® WORLD INDEX

 

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2014 (3.68 )% 5.06 % 0.20 % 1.08 % 2.06 % 1.83 % (1.57 )% 2.24 % (2.67 )% 0.67 % 2.05 %    
2013                         5.29 % (2.09 )% 5.04 % 3.94 % 1.82 % 2.15 %

 

64  

 

SUMMARY STATISTICS (periods ended November 30, 2014) 1,2,3,4,5 RETURN

 

  3 Months YTD Since
Inception
Pro Forma Net Of Fees (0.32 )% 3.56% 8.24 %
Gross Of Fees 0.12% 5.09% 10.03%
MSCI ® World Index (0.01 )% 7.19% 17.39%

 

1 Performance was calculated using Global Investment Performance Standards ("GIPS"). This method of calculating performance differs from the SEC's standardized methodology, which may produce different results.

 

2 Performance is calculated using a net asset value to net asset value methodology which incorporates all trades, prices, accruals and updated security records on a trade date basis.

 

3 Performance is presented gross and net of the Fund's annual fund operating expenses (after contractual waivers that were in place until December 31, 2014) of the Fund's average daily net assets.

 

4 The MSCI ® World Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets.

 

5 Although the private fund commenced operations on March 1, 2013, the private fund only began investing in accordance with its current investment strategies on July 1, 2013. The performance shown represents performance since the private fund began investing in accordance with its current investment strategies.

 

65  

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

The tables in the Financial Highlights section below set forth certain financial information for the periods indicated, including per share information results for a single Fund share. The term "Total investment return" indicates how much your investment would have increased or decreased during this period of time and assumes that you have reinvested all dividends and distributions. The information has been derived from the Funds' financial statements and has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Funds' independent registered public accounting firm. This information should be read in conjunction with the Funds' financial statements which, together with the report of the independent registered public accounting firm, are included in the Funds' annual report for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017 and is available free of charge upon request (see back cover for ordering instructions). Because the Investor Class Shares of the Boston Partners Global Equity Fund have not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus, the financial highlights table provided below is for that Fund's Institutional Class Shares. The returns of Investor Class Shares would have been substantially similar to the returns of Institutional Class Shares; however, Investor Class Shares are subject to a 12b-1 fee, while Institutional Class Shares are not. Had the Investor Class Shares of the Boston Partners Global Equity Fund been operational during the periods shown, the dividend distributions (if any) and investment performance would have been lower.

 

Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II
   

For the
Year Ended
August 31,

2017

    For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2016
    For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2015
    For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2014
    For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2013
 
Investor Class
Per Share Operating Performance
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 22.06     $ 21.04     $ 21.79     $ 18.35     $ 14.74  
Net investment income/(loss)*   $ 0.07     $ 0.12     $ 0.14     $ 0.09     $ 0.05  
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments   $ 2.29     $ 1.92     $ (0.51 )   $ 3.40     $ 3.61  
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   $ 2.36     $ 2.04     $ (0.37 )   $ 3.49     $ 3.66  
Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:                                        
Net investment income   $ (0.16 )   $ (0.07 )   $ (0.10 )   $ (0.05 )   $ (0.05 )
Net realized gains   $ (0.34 )   $ (0.95 )   $ (0.28 )            
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders   $ (0.50 )   $ (1.02 )   $ (0.38 )   $ (0.05 )   $ (0.05 )
Redemption fees*^           (3)           (3)      
Net asset value, end of period   $ 23.92     $ 22.06     $ 21.04     $ 21.79     $ 18.35  
Total investment return (1)(2)     10.68 %     10.38 %     (1.68 )%     19.01 %     24.90 %
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                        
Net assets, end of period (000)   $ 159,271     $ 126,461     $ 129,474     $ 112,417     $ 87,237  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers, reimbursements and recoupments, if any     1.35 %     1.35 %     1.35 %     1.46 %     1.54 %
Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers, reimbursements and recoupments, if any     1.43 %     1.47 %     1.48 %     1.48 %     1.54 %
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements     0.28 %     0.61 %     0.66 %     0.43 %     0.28 %
Portfolio turnover rate     24 %     29 %     14 %     16 %     19 %

 

* Calculated based on average shares outstanding, unless otherwise noted.

^ Effective January 1, 2016, the Fund did not impose a redemption fee. Prior to January 1, 2016, there was a 1.00% redemption fee on shares redeemed that were held 60 days or less on BP Small Cap Value Fund II. The redemption fees were retained by the Fund for the benefit of the remaining shareholders and recorded as paid-in capital.

(1) Total return is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of the period and is not annualized if period is less than one year.

(2) Redemption fees, if any, are reflected in total return calculations.

(3) Amount is less than $0.005.

 

66  

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund
   

For the
Year Ended
August 31,

2017

    For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2016
    For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2015
    For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2014
    For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2013
 
Investor Class
Per Share Operating Performance
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 23.00     $ 21.98     $ 22.90     $ 19.12     $ 15.50  
Net investment income/(loss)*   $ 0.14     $ 0.25     $ 0.25     $ 0.17     $ 0.20  
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments   $ 3.15     $ 2.13     $ (0.08 )   $ 4.38     $ 3.75  
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations   $ 3.29     $ 2.38     $ 0.17     $ 4.55     $ 3.95  
Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:                                        
Net investment income   $ (0.22 )   $ (0.25 )   $ (0.17 )   $ (0.15 )   $ (0.23 )
Net realized gains   $ (0.65 )   $ (1.11 )   $ (0.92 )   $ (0.62 )   $ (0.10 )
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders   $ (0.87 )   $ (1.36 )   $ (1.09 )   $ (0.77 )   $ (0.33 )
Redemption fees*                              
Net asset value, end of period   $ 25.42     $ 23.00     $ 21.98     $ 22.90     $ 19.12  
Total investment return (1)(2)     14.56 %     11.39 %     0.66 %     24.29 %     25.93 %
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                        
Net assets, end of period (000)   $ 426,904     $ 347,954     $ 248,643     $ 217,590     $ 77,936  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements and recoupment, if any     1.05 %     1.02 %     0.95 %     0.95 %     0.95 %
Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and expense reimbursements and recoupments, if any     1.13 %     1.21 %     1.20 %     1.20 %     1.22 %
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements and recoupments, if any     0.58 %     1.16 %     1.07 %     0.80 %     1.12 %
Portfolio turnover rate     27 %     30 %(3)     33 %     26 %     32 %

 

* Calculated based on average shares outstanding.

(1) Total return is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of the period and is not annualized if period is less than one year.

(2) Redemption fees, if any, are reflected in total return calculations.

(3) Portfolio turnover rate excludes securities delivered/received from processing redemptions/ subscriptions in-kind.

 

67  

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund
    For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2017
    For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2016
    For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2015
    For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2014
    For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2013
 
Investor Class
Per Share Operating Performance
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 18.60     $ 17.79     $ 21.33     $ 19.84     $ 19.51  
Net investment income/(loss)*   $ (0.29 )   $ (0.37 )   $ (0.84 )   $ (0.65 )   $ (0.57 )
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments   $ 1.05     $ 2.82     $ (0.94 )   $ 3.37     $ 2.13  
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   $ 0.76     $ 2.45     $ (1.78 )   $ 2.72     $ 1.56  
Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:                                        
Net investment income                              
Net realized gains         $ (1.64 )   $ (1.77 )   $ (1.24 )   $ (1.24 )
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders         $ (1.64 )   $ (1.77 )   $ (1.24 )   $ (1.24 )
Redemption fees*^           (3)     0.01       0.01       0.01  
Net asset value, end of period   $ 19.36     $ 18.60     $ 17.79     $ 21.33     $ 19.84  
Total investment return (1)(2)     4.09 %     15.07 %     (8.55 )%     14.41 %     8.30 %
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                        
Net assets, end of period (000)   $ 88,103     $ 97,417     $ 94,459     $ 211,372     $ 220,307  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers, reimbursements and recoupments, if any     3.05 %     3.82 %     5.89 %     4.57 %     4.55 %
Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers, reimbursements and recoupments, if any (excluding dividend and interest expense)     2.64 %     2.71 %     2.72 %     2.66 %     2.68 %
Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers, reimbursements and recoupments, if any     3.05 %     3.82 %     5.89 %     4.57 %     4.55 %
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements     (1.46 )%     (2.04 )%     (4.47 )%     (3.18 )%     (2.83 )%
Portfolio turnover rate     63 %     72 %     75 %     65 %     67 %

 

* Calculated based on average shares outstanding.

^ Effective January 1, 2016, the Fund did not impose a redemption fee. Prior to January 1, 2016, there was a 2.00% redemption fee on shares redeemed that were held 365 days or less on the BP Long/ Short Equity Fund. The redemption fees were retained by the Fund for the benefit of the remaining shareholders and recorded as paid-in capital.

(1) Total return is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of the period and is not annualized if period is less than one year.

(2) Redemption fees, if any, are reflected in total return calculations.

(3) Amount is less than $0.005 per share.

 

68  

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund
    For the Year
Ended
August 31,
2017
    For the Year
Ended
August 31,
2016
    For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2015
    For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2014
    For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2013
 
Investor Class
Per Share Operating Performance
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 15.00     $ 15.01     $ 15.00     $ 13.21     $ 11.86  
Net investment income/(loss)*   $ (0.15 )   $ (0.09 ) (4)     (0.18 )     (0.15 )     (0.18 )
Net realized and unrealized gain /(loss) on investments   $ 1.14     $ 0.66       0.39       2.00       1.66  
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations   $ 0.99     $ 0.57       0.21       1.85       1.48  
Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:                                        
Net investment income                              
Net realized gains         $ (0.58 )     (0.20 )     (0.06 )     (0.13 )
Total dividends and distributions
to shareholders
        $ (0.58 )     (0.20 )     (0.06 )     (0.13 )
Redemption fees*^           (3)     (3)     (3)     (3)
Net asset value, end of period   $ 15.99     $ 15.00     $ 15.01     $ 15.00     $ 13.21  
Total investment return (1), (2)     6.60 %     3.88 %     1.41 %     13.99 %     12.52 %
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                        
Net assets, end of period (000)   $ 211,455     $ 259,400     $ 300,586     $ 294,249     $ 132,511  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers, reimbursements, and recoupments, if any     2.48 %     2.76 %     2.68 %     2.77 %     3.05 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers, reimbursements and recoupments, if any (excluding dividend and interest expenses)

    1.63 %     1.66 %     1.64 %     1.64 %     1.73 %
Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers, reimbursements and recoupments if any     2.48 %     2.76 %     2.68 %     2.77 %     3.01 %
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements     (1.00 )%     (0.63 )% (4)     (1.17 )%     (1.06 )%     (1.39 )%
Portfolio turnover rate     54 %     53 %     62 %     57 %     65 %

 

* Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

^ Effective January 1, 2016, the Fund did not impose a redemption fee. Prior to January 1, 2016, there was a 1.00% redemption fee on shares redeemed that were held 60 days or less on BP Long/Short Research Fund. The redemption fees were retained by the Fund for the benefit of the remaining shareholders and recorded as paid-in capital.

(1) Total return is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of the period and is not annualized if period is less than one year.

(2) Redemption fees, if any, are reflected in total return calculations.

(3) Amount is less than $0.005.

(4) Includes a non-recurring dividend. Without this dividend, net investment loss per share would have been $(0.13) for Investor Class. The ratio of net investment loss would have been (0.91)% for Investor Class.

 

69  

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund
    For the Period
Ended
August 31,
2017
    For the Period
Ended
August 31,
2016
    For the Period
Ended
August 31,
2015
    For the Period
April 11, 2014**
through
August 31,
2014
 
Investor Class
Per Share Operating Performance
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 10.85     $ 10.51     $ 10.29     $ 9.86  
Net investment income/(loss)*   $ (0.13 )   $ 0.02 (6)     (0.16 )     (0.09 )
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments   $ 0.54     $ 0.36       0.38       0.52  
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations   $ 0.41     $ 0.38       0.22       0.43  
Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:                                
Net Investment Income   $ (0.01 )                  
Net realized gains         $ (0.04 )            
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders   $ (0.01 )   $ (0.04 )            
Redemption fees*^           ( 3)     (3)     (3)
Net asset value, end of period   $ 11.25     $ 10.85     $ 10.51     $ 10.29  
Total investment return (1)(2)     3.92 %     3.66 %     2.14 %     4.36 %
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                
Net assets, end of period (000)   $ 34,030     $ 31,294     $ 59,919     $ 2,841  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements and recoupment, if any     2.88 %     3.24 %     3.34 %     4.12 % (4)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements and recoupments (excluding dividend and interest expenses)     1.95 %     1.99 %     2.21 %     2.25 % (4)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements and recoupment, if any     2.88 %     3.24 %     3.30 %     4.44 % (4)
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements and recoupment, if any     (1.17 )%     0.22 % (6)     (1.52 )%     (2.28 )% (4)
Portfolio turnover rate     109 %     137 %     132 %     72 % (5)

 

* Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

^ Effective January 1, 2016, the Fund did not impose a redemption fee. Prior to January 1, 2016, there was a 1.00% redemption fee on shares redeemed that were held 60 days or less on BP Global Long/Short Fund. The redemption fees were retained by the Fund for the benefit of the remaining shareholders and recorded as paid-in capital.

** Commencement of operations.

(1) Total return is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of the period and is not annualized if period is less than one year.

(2) Redemption fees, if any, are reflected in total return calculations.

(3) Amount is less than $0.005.

(4) Annualized.

(5) Not Annualized.

(6) Includes a non-recurring dividend. Without this dividend, net investment income (loss) per share would have been $(0.12) for Investor Class. The ratio of net investment income (loss) would have been (1.13)% for Investor Class.

 

70  

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

Boston Partners Global Equity Fund
   

For the Year
Ended
August 31,

2017

    For the Year
Ended
August 31,
2016
    For the Year
Ended
August 31,
2015
    For the Period
Ended
August 31,
2014
    For the Period
Ended
August 31,
2013
 
Institutional Class
Per Share Operating Performance
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 15.60     $ 14.66     $ 15.59     $ 12.97     $ 11.00  
Net investment income/(loss)*   $ 0.14     $ 0.35 (4)   $ 0.13     $ 0.18     $ 0.12  
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments   $ 1.95     $ 0.66     $ (0.40 )   $ 2.82     $ 2.07  
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   $ 2.09     $ 1.01     $ (0.27 )   $ 3.00     $ 2.19  
Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:                                        
Net Investment Income   $ (0.30 )   $ (0.05 )   $ (0.14 )   $ (0.02 )   $ (0.13 )
Net realized gains         $ (0.02 )     (0.52 )     (0.36 )     (0.09 )
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders   $ (0.30 )   $ (0.07 )     (0.66 )     (0.38 )     (0.22 )
Redemption fees*^                              
Net asset value, end of period   $ 17.39     $ 15.60     $ 14.66     $ 15.59     $ 12.97  
Total investment return (1)(2)     13.59 %     6.90 %     (1.75 )%     23.39 %     20.14 %
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                        
Net assets, end of period (000)   $ 590,525     $ 415,999     $ 279,978     $ 60,087     $ 11,496  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements and recoupment, if any     0.95 %     0.95 %     0.95 %     0.96 %     1.30 %
Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements and recoupment, if any     1.04 %     1.10 %     1.24 %     1.39 %     3.05 %
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements and recoupment, if any     0.84 %     2.38 % (4)     0.86 %     1.20 %     1.00 %
Portfolio turnover rate     83 %     80 %     98 %     136 %     102 %

 

* Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.
^ Effective January 1, 2016, the Fund did not impose a redemption fee. Prior to January 1, 2016, there was a 1.00% redemption fee on shares redeemed that were held 60 days or less on BP Global Equity Fund. The redemption fees were retained by the Fund for the benefit of the remaining shareholders and recorded as paid-in capital.

(1) Total return is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of the period and is not annualized if period is less than one year.

(2) Redemption fees, if any, are reflected in total return calculations.

(3) Amount is less than $0.005.

(4) Includes a non-recurring dividend. Without this dividend, net investment income per share would have been $0.18. The ratio of net investment income would have been 1.25%

 

71  

 

PRIVACY NOTICE
FACTS WHAT DO THE BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?
Why? Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.
What?

The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include:

 

• Social Security number

• account balances

• account transactions

• transaction history

• wire transfer instructions

• checking account information

 

When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.

How? All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons the Boston Partners Investment Funds chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.
Reasons we can share your personal information Do the Boston Partners Investment Funds share? Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purposes

 

such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus

Yes No

For our marketing purposes

 

to offer our products and services to you

Yes No
For joint marketing with other financial companies No We don’t share.
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your transactions and experiences Yes No
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness No We don’t share.
For our affiliates to market to you Yes Yes
For nonaffiliates to market to you No We don’t share.
Questions? Call (888) 261-4073 or go to www.boston-partners.com
       

 

   

 

What we do
How do the Boston Partners Investment Funds protect my personal information? To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.
How do the Boston Partners Investment Funds collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

• open an account

• provide account information

• give us your contact information

• make a wire transfer

• tell us where to send the money

 

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

• sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes-information about your creditworthiness

• affiliates from using your information to market to you

• sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing.

Definitions
Affiliates

Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies. Our affiliates include:

 

ORIX Corporation.

• Robeco Investment Management, Inc.

• Robeco Securities, LLC

Nonaffiliates

Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

 

The Boston Partners Investment Funds don’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you. The Boston Partners Investment Funds may share information with nonaffiliates that perform marketing services on our behalf.

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

 

• The Boston Partners Investment Funds may share your information with other financial institutions with whom we have joint marketing arrangements who may suggest additional fund services or other investment products which may be of interest to you.

 

   

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS
of
The RBB Fund, Inc.
1-888-261-4073
http://www.boston-partners.com

 

For More Information:

This Prospectus contains important information you should know before you invest. Read it carefully and keep it for future reference. More information about the Boston Partners Investment Funds is available free of charge, upon request, including:

 

Annual/Semi-Annual Reports

These reports contain additional information about each Fund's investments, describe each Fund's performance, list portfolio holdings, and discuss recent market conditions and economic trends. The annual report includes fund strategies that significantly affected the Funds' performance during their last fiscal year. The annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders may be obtained by visiting http://www.boston-partners.com.

 

Statement of Additional Information

The Funds' SAI dated December 31, 2017 has been filed with the SEC. The SAI, which includes additional information about the Boston Partners Investment Funds , may be obtained free of charge, along with the annual and semi-annual reports, by calling 1-888-261-4073.The SAI, as supplemented from time to time, is incorporated by reference into this prospectus (and is legally part of the prospectus).The SAI is available on the Adviser's website at http://www.boston-partners.com.

 

Shareholder Inquiries

Representatives are available to discuss account balance information, mutual fund prospectuses, literature, programs and services available. Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Eastern time) Monday–Friday. Call: 1-888-261-4073 or visit the website of the Adviser at http://www.boston-partners.com.

 

Purchases and Redemptions

Call 1-888-261-4073.

 

Written Correspondence

Street Address:

 

Boston Partners Investment Funds, c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202

P.O. Box Address:

 

Boston Partners Investment Funds, c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701

 

Securities and Exchange Commission

You may also view and copy information about the Company and the Funds, including the SAI, by visiting the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC or the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at www.sec.gov.You may also obtain copies of Fund documents by paying a duplicating fee and sending an electronic request to the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by sending your written request and a duplicating fee to the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-1520.You may obtain information on the operation of the public reference room by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090.

INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT FILE NO. 811-05518

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAMPBELL DYNAMIC TREND FUND

of
THE RBB FUND, INC.

INSTITUTIONAL SHARES (TICKER: CDRTX)

 

PROSPECTUS

 

December 31, 2017

 

Investment Manager:

 

CAMPBELL & COMPANY INVESTMENT ADVISER LLC
2850 Quarry Lake Drive
Baltimore, Maryland 21209

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission have not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

SUMMARY SECTION 1
FUND INFORMATION 10
More Information About Fund Investments 10
More Information About Risks 10
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings 18
More Information About Management of the Fund 18
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION 19
Pricing of Fund Shares 19
Purchase of Fund Shares 20
Redemption of Fund Shares 23
Market Timing 25
Dividends and Distributions 25
More Information About Taxes 26
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 28
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 30
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND Back Cover

 

i  

 

SUMMARY SECTION

 

Investment Objective

 

The investment objective of the Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund (the "Fund") is to seek capital appreciation.

 

Expenses and Fees

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (the "Shares").

 

    Institutional Shares  
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Management Fees     1.05 %
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fee     None  
Other Expenses     2.42 %
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses     3.47 %
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement (1)     -2.20 %
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses after
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement
    1.27 %

 

(1) Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC ("Campbell" or the "Manager") has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) to 1.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets. In determining the Manager's obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to exceed 1.25%: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2018 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. If at any time the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.25%, the Manager may recoup from the Fund any waived amount or other payments remitted by the Manager within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

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 Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

  1 Year   3 Years   5 Years   10 Years  
Institutional Shares $ 129     $ 860     $ 1,614     $ 3,601    

 

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 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 Fund's performance. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 0% of the average value of its portfolio. In accordance with industry practice, derivative instruments and instruments with a maturity of one year or less at the time of acquisition are excluded from the calculation of the portfolio turnover rate, which leads to the 0% portfolio turnover rate reported above. If those instruments were included in the calculation, the Fund would have a high portfolio turnover rate.

 

1

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Fund pursues its investment objective by (i) investing its assets pursuant to the Campbell Dynamic Trend Program; (ii) allocating up to 25% of its assets in its wholly-owned subsidiary, Campbell Core Offshore Limited (the "Subsidiary"), which is organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands and employs the Manager's Campbell Dynamic Trend Program (formerly, Manager’s Campbell Core Trend Program) (as described below), and (iii) allocating the remainder of its assets directly in a portfolio of investment grade securities (including government securities) for cash management purposes. Securities rated in the four highest categories by the ratings agencies are considered investment grade.

 

The Fund seeks to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns by exploiting the tendency of asset markets to exhibit persistent trends. The Fund is diversified across global futures and forward markets and can be either long or short, resulting in a low long-term correlation to traditional investments.

 

Campbell's investment philosophy is driven by a belief that markets are broadly efficient but trends emerge and remain due to shifts in supply, demand, and other economic factors. Asset mispricing can occur as a result of instability and uncertainty in markets, strongly-held opinions by market participants, or an unreliable flow of market information.

 

The Fund invests pursuant to the Manager's Dynamic Trend Program, which uses quantitative modeling to develop and maintain systematic trading strategies driven by scientific analysis of technical data across global financial and commodity markets. The Campbell Dynamic Trend Program is designed to analyze market data to identify trends occurring within and across markets and asset classes globally. Once identified, these trends are converted into mathematical models that can be historically tested. Once a model is developed and thoroughly tested, it undergoes a rigorous peer review process to evaluate strength of theory and robustness. Model assumptions and other criteria are also analyzed, including tail risk, broad level risk factor exposures, market diversification, correlation, and volatility as well as transaction costs. New models must demonstrate efficacy on a stand-alone basis while complimenting the existing portfolio.

 

Forecasts and positions for each asset are created by evaluating its historical risk-adjusted performance over a number of time horizons, considering the balance between potential trend reversals, measurement accuracy, and portfolio turnover. Campbell’s market-based trend strategies are combined with a dynamic risk targeting framework, which employs a feedback loop designed to enhance the portfolio’s effectiveness during long duration crisis periods. The framework is designed to vary portfolio risk, within predefined bounds, to closely align with equity volatility. In particular, the dynamic risk targeting process increases risk as equity volatility rises and correlation with the equity benchmark (the S&P 500 ® ) is low. Conversely, the dynamic risk targeting process decreases risk as equity volatility falls and correlation with the equity benchmark is high. By trading four major asset classes (equity index futures, fixed income futures, commodities and foreign exchange), the portfolio composition is diverse and expected to maintain low correlation with equities over time. The program uses the S&P 500 ® Index as a benchmark in order to achieve the Fund’s risk management objective to manage equity related crisis periods. Execution is controlled by Campbell’s intraday risk management and execution platform.

 

The Fund may use futures, forwards and other derivatives, such as swaps and options, each of which may be tied to equity and fixed income indices, financial instruments and indices, commodities, and currencies, across global markets, including emerging markets. The Fund will also invest in cash, cash equivalents or securities issued by the U.S. government with one year or less term to maturity for liquidity purposes, and to serve as margin or collateral for the derivatives positions of the Fund or the Subsidiary to the extent necessary.

 

The Fund is "non-diversified" for purposes of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the "1940 Act") which means that the Fund may invest in fewer securities at any one time than a diversified fund. The Fund may not invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities.

 

Investments in the Subsidiary, which has the same investment objective as the Fund, are intended to provide the Fund with indirect exposure to futures contracts and commodities in a manner consistent with the limitations and requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") that apply to the Fund, which limit the amount of income the Fund may receive from certain sources. Applicable federal tax requirements generally limit the degree to which the Fund may invest in the Subsidiary to an amount not exceeding 25% of its total assets. To the extent they are applicable to the investment activities of the Subsidiary, the Subsidiary will be subject to the same investment restrictions and limitations, and follow the same compliance policies and procedures, as the Fund.

 

2

 

Principal Investment Risks

 

Risk is inherent in all investing. The value of your investment in the Fund, as well as the amount of return you receive on your investment, may fluctuate significantly from day to day and over time. You may lose part or all of your investment in the Fund or your investment may not perform as well as other similar investments.

 

The principal risk factors affecting shareholders' investments in the Fund (and, indirectly, in the Subsidiary) are set forth below.

 

•   Strategy Risk. The profitability of any Fund investment depends primarily on the ability of the Manager to anticipate price movements in the relevant markets and underlying derivative instruments and futures contracts. Such price movements may be influenced by, among other things:

 

•  changes in interest rates;

 

•  governmental, agricultural, trade, fiscal, monetary and exchange control programs and policies;

 

•  weather and climate conditions;

 

•  natural disasters, such as hurricanes;

 

•  changing supply and demand relationships;

 

•  changes in balances of payments and trade;

 

•  U.S. and international rates of inflation and deflation;

 

•  currency devaluations and revaluations;

 

•  U.S. and international political and economic events; and

 

•  changes in philosophies and emotions of various market participants.

 

The Fund may not take all of these factors into account.

 

The successful use of forward and futures contracts draws upon the Manager's skill and experience with respect to such instruments and are subject to special risk considerations. The primary risks associated with the use of futures and forward contracts are:

 

•  Futures and forward contracts have a high degree of price variability and are subject to occasional rapid and substantial changes;

 

•  the imperfect correlation between the change in market value of the forward or futures contracts and the market value of the underlying instrument or reference assets with respect to such contracts;

 

•  possible lack of a liquid secondary market for a forward or futures contract and the resulting inability to close a forward or futures contract when desired;

 

•  possible market disruption or other extraordinary events, including but not limited to, governmental intervention;

 

•  potentially unlimited losses caused by unanticipated market movements;

 

•  the Fund's inability to predict correctly the direction of securities prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and other economic factors;

 

•  the possibility that the counterparty will default in the performance of its obligations; and

 

•  if the Fund has insufficient cash, it may either have to sell securities from its portfolio to meet daily variation margin requirements with respect to its derivative instruments or close certain positions at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so.

 

3

 

The use of futures contracts, forward contracts and derivative instruments will have the economic effect of financial leverage. Financial leverage magnifies exposure to the swings in prices of an asset class underlying an investment and results in increased volatility, which means the Fund will have the potential for greater losses than if the Fund did not employ leverage in its investment activity. Leveraging tends to magnify, sometimes significantly, the effect of any increase or decrease in the Fund's exposure to an asset class and may cause the value of the Fund's securities or related derivatives instruments to be volatile. Accordingly, the Fund's NAV may be volatile because of its investment exposure to the Fund.

 

There is no assurance that the Fund's investment in a derivative instrument with leveraged exposure to certain investments and markets will enable the Fund to achieve its investment objective.

 

•   Commodities Risk. Exposure to the commodities markets (including financial futures markets) may subject the Fund through its investment in the Subsidiary to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. Prices of commodities and related contracts may fluctuate significantly over short periods for a variety of reasons, including changes in interest rates, supply and demand relationships and balances of payments and trade; weather and natural disasters; and governmental, agricultural, trade, fiscal, monetary and exchange control programs and policies. The commodity markets are subject to temporary distortions and other disruptions. U.S. futures exchanges and some foreign exchanges have regulations that limit the amount of fluctuation in futures contract prices which may occur during a single business day. Limit prices have the effect of precluding trading in a particular contract or forcing the liquidation of contracts at disadvantageous times or prices.

 

•   Counterparty Risk. The derivative contracts entered into by the Fund or its Subsidiary may be privately negotiated in the over-the-counter market. These contracts also involve exposure to credit risk, since contract performance depends in part on the financial condition of the counterparty. Relying on a counterparty exposes the Fund to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Fund to suffer a loss. If a counterparty defaults on its payment obligations to the Fund, this default will cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease. In addition, to the extent the Fund deals with a limited number of counterparties, it will be more susceptible to the credit risks associated with those counterparties. The Fund is neither restricted from dealing with any particular counterparty nor from concentrating any or all of its transactions with one counterparty. The ability of the Fund to transact business with any one or number of counterparties and the absence of a regulated market to facilitate settlement may increase the potential for losses by the Fund.

 

•   Credit Risk. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of the security or a counterparty in respect of a derivative instrument will not be able to satisfy its payment obligations to the Fund when due. Changes in an issuer's credit rating or the market's perception of an issuer's creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund's investment in that issuer. Securities rated in the four highest categories by the rating agencies are considered investment grade but they may also have some speculative characteristics. Investment grade ratings do not guarantee that bonds will not lose value or default. In addition, the credit quality of securities may be lowered if an issuer's financial condition changes.

 

•   Currency Risk. The Fund's exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. Dollar, or, in the case of short positions, that the U.S. Dollar will decline in value relative to the currency that the Fund is short. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for any number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad.

 

•   Derivatives Risk. Derivatives include instruments and contracts that are based on, and are valued in relation to, one or more underlying securities, financial benchmarks or indices, such as futures, options, swap agreements and forward contracts. Derivatives typically have economic leverage inherent in their terms. Such leverage will magnify any losses. See "Leverage/Volatility Risk" below. The primary types of derivatives in which the Fund or its Subsidiary invest in are swap agreements, futures contracts and forward contracts. Futures contracts, forward contracts and swap agreements can be highly volatile, illiquid and difficult to value, and changes in the value of such instruments held directly or indirectly by the Fund may not correlate with the underlying instrument or reference assets, or the Fund's other investments. Although the value of futures contracts, forward contracts and swap agreements depend largely upon price movements in the underlying instrument or reference asset, there are additional risks associated with futures contracts, forward contracts and swap agreements that are possibly greater than the risks associated with investing directly in the underlying instruments or reference assets, including illiquidity risk, leveraging risk and counterparty credit risk. A small position in futures contracts, forward contracts or swap agreements could have a potentially large impact on the Fund's performance. Trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange, and government regulations may restrict trading in swap agreements, futures contracts and options and forward contracts.

 

4

 

•   Emerging Market Risk. The Fund intends to have exposure to emerging markets due to the Fund's investments in certain stock index futures and foreign exchange instruments. Emerging markets are riskier than more developed markets because they tend to develop unevenly and may never fully develop. Investments in emerging markets may be considered speculative. Emerging markets are more likely to experience hyperinflation and currency devaluations, which adversely affect returns to U.S. investors. In addition, many emerging financial markets have far lower trading volumes and less liquidity than developed markets.

 

• Equity Securities Risk. The Fund may invest in, or have exposure to, equity securities. Equity securities tend to be more volatile than other investment choices, such as debt and money market instruments. The value of your investment may decrease in response to overall stock market movements or the value of individual securities.

 

•   Fixed-Income Risk. Fixed income securities, such as U.S. Treasuries, or derivatives based on fixed income securities, are subject to credit risk and interest rate risk. Credit risk, as described more fully below, refers to the possibility that the issuer of a debt security will be unable to make interest payments or repay principal when it becomes due. Interest rate risk refers to fluctuations in the value of a debt security resulting from changes in the general level of interest rates. Prices of fixed income securities tend to move inversely with changes in interest rates. Typically, a rise in rates will adversely affect fixed income security prices and, accordingly, the Fund's returns and share price. In addition, the Fund may be subject to "call" risk, which is the risk that during a period of falling interest rates the issuer may redeem a security by repaying it early (which may reduce the Fund's income if the proceeds are reinvested at lower interest rates), and "extension" risk, which occurs during a rising interest rate environment because certain obligations will be paid off by an issuer more slowly than anticipated (causing the value of those securities held by the Fund to fall).

 

•   Foreign Market Risk. As a general rule, there is less legal and regulatory protection for investors in foreign markets than that available domestically. Additionally, trading on foreign exchanges is subject to the risks presented by exchange controls, expropriation, increased tax burdens and exposure to local economic declines and political instability. Some foreign derivative markets are so-called principals' markets in which performance is the responsibility only of the individual counterparty with whom the trader has entered into a commodity interest transaction and not of the exchange or clearing corporation. International trading activities are subject to foreign exchange risk.

 

•   General Market Risk. The Fund's net asset value ("NAV") and investment return will fluctuate based upon changes in the value of its portfolio securities. You could lose money on your investment in the Fund, or the Fund could underperform other investments.

 

•   Government Agency Risk: Direct obligations of the U.S. Government such as Treasury bills, notes and bonds are supported by its full faith and credit. Indirect obligations issued by Federal agencies and government-sponsored entities generally are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Accordingly, while U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities may be chartered or sponsored by Acts of Congress, their securities are neither issued nor guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury. Some of these indirect obligations may be supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury; others are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase the agency's obligations; still others are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality.

 

•   Government Intervention and Regulatory Changes. The recent instability in financial markets has led the government to take a number of unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions and segments of the financial markets that are exposed to extreme volatility and in some cases lack of liquidity. For example, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act") (which was passed into law in July 2010) significantly revises and expands the rulemaking, supervisory and enforcement authority of federal bank, securities and commodities regulators. It is unclear how these regulators will exercise these revised and expanded powers and whether they will undertake rulemaking, supervisory or enforcement actions that would adversely affect the Fund or investments made by the Fund. There can be no assurance that future regulatory actions authorized by the Dodd-Frank Act will not adversely impact the Fund. Major changes resulting from the Dodd-Frank Act or other legislative or regulatory actions could materially affect the profitability of the Fund or the value of investments made by the Fund or force the Fund to revise its investment strategy or divest certain of its investments. Any of these developments could expose the Fund to additional costs, taxes, liabilities, enforcement actions and reputational risk.

 

5

 

In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act established a new regulatory structure for derivatives. If more restrictive position limits are imposed on investors in the commodity futures and other derivative markets, the Fund may be adversely affected. Similarly, changes in the regulation of foreign currency-related trading arising from the Dodd-Frank Act may make such trading more expensive for the Fund, and otherwise limit the Fund's ability to engage in such trading, which could adversely affect the Fund.

 

• Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that prices of fixed income securities generally increase when interest rates decline and decrease when interest rates increase. The Fund may lose money if short term or long term interest rates rise sharply or otherwise change in a manner not anticipated by the Manager. It is likely there will be less governmental action in the near future to maintain low interest rates. The negative impact on fixed income securities from the resulting rate increases for that and other reasons could be swift and significant.

 

•   Leverage/Volatility Risk. Although the Fund will not borrow funds for trading, the Fund should be considered highly leveraged and is suitable only for investors with high tolerance for investment risk. Leverage embedded in the various derivative instruments traded may result in the Fund or its Subsidiary holding positions whose face or notional value may be many times the Fund's net asset value. For example, the amount of margin funds necessary to be deposited in order to enter into a futures, forward or option contract position is typically from 2% to 10% of the total face or notional value of the contract. As a result of this leveraging, even a small movement in the price of a commodity can cause a correspondingly large profit or loss. Losses incurred on leveraged investments increase in direct proportion to the degree of leverage employed.

 

Furthermore, derivative instruments and futures contracts are highly volatile and are subject to occasional rapid and substantial fluctuations. Consequently, you could lose all or substantially all of your investment in the Fund should the Fund's trading positions suddenly turn unprofitable.

 

The Fund's NAV is expected over short-term periods to be volatile because of the significant use of direct and indirect investments that have a leveraging effect. Volatility is a statistical measurement of the magnitude of up and down asset price fluctuations over time. Rapid and dramatic price swings will result in high volatility. The Fund's returns are expected to be volatile; however, the actual or realized volatility level for longer or shorter periods may be materially higher or lower depending on market conditions and investors may suffer a significant and possibly a complete loss on their investment in the Fund.

 

•   Liquidity Risk. The Fund is subject to liquidity risk primarily due to its investments in derivatives. Investments in derivative instruments involve the risk that the Fund may be unable to sell the derivative instrument or sell it at a reasonable price.

 

•   Management Risk. The Manager employs systematic modeling to make investment decisions about the attractiveness, value and potential positive or negative performance of the Fund. The models employed by the Manager may prove to be inaccurate and may not produce the desired results.

 

•   Limited Operating History Risk. The Fund has a limited operating history upon which prospective investors can evaluate its performance.

 

•   Non-Diversification Risk. The Fund is a non-diversified investment company, which means that more of the Fund's assets may be invested in the securities of a single issuer than could be invested in the securities of a single issuer by a diversified investment company. The Fund has a greater potential to realize losses upon the occurrence of adverse events affecting a particular issuer.

 

•   OTC Trading Risk. Certain of the derivatives in which the Fund may invest may be traded (and privately negotiated) in the "over-the-counter" or "OTC" market. While the OTC derivatives market is the primary trading venue for many derivatives, it is largely unregulated. As a result and similar to other privately negotiated contracts, the Fund is subject to counterparty credit risk with respect to such derivative contracts.

 

•   Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may frequently buy and sell portfolio securities and other assets to rebalance the Fund's exposure to various market sectors. Higher portfolio turnover may result in the Fund paying higher levels of transaction costs and generating greater tax liabilities for shareholders. Portfolio turnover risk may cause the Fund's performance to be less than you expect.

 

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•   Regulatory Risk. Governments, agencies or other regulatory bodies may adopt or change laws or regulations that could adversely affect the issuer, or market value, of an instrument held by the Fund or its Subsidiary or that could adversely impact the Fund's performance.

 

•   Short Sales Risk: The Fund may take a short position in a derivative instrument, such as a future, forward or swap or security. A short position on a derivative instrument or security involves the risk of a theoretically unlimited increase in the value of the underlying instrument. Short sales also involve transaction and other costs that will reduce potential Fund gains and increase potential Fund losses.

 

•   Subsidiary Risk: By investing in the Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the Subsidiary's investments. The derivatives and other investments held by the Subsidiary are generally similar to those that are permitted to be held by the Fund and are subject to the same risks that apply to similar investments if held directly by the Fund. The Subsidiary is not registered under the 1940 Act, and, unless otherwise noted in this Prospectus, is not subject to all the investor protections of the 1940 Act. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Fund and/or the Subsidiary to continue to operate as it does currently and could adversely affect the Fund.

 

•   Tax Risk: In order to qualify as a regulated investment company ("RIC"), the Fund must meet certain requirements regarding the source of its income, the diversification of its assets and the distribution of its income. Under the test regarding the source of a RIC’s income, at least 90% of the gross income of the RIC each year must be qualifying income, which consists of dividends, interest, gains on investment assets and other categories of investment income. In 2006, the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") published a ruling that income realized from swaps with respect to a commodities index would not be qualifying income. The Fund's investment in the Subsidiary is expected to provide the Fund with exposure to the commodities markets within the limitations of the Code for qualification as a RIC, but there is a risk that the IRS could assert that the income derived from the Fund's investment in the Subsidiary and certain commodity-linked structured notes will not be considered qualifying income for purposes of the Fund remaining qualified as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In addition, pursuant to recent guidance issued by the Treasury and the IRS, the Subsidiary’s commodity related income for a taxable year will only be treated as qualifying income to the extent the Subsidiary actually distributes such income out of its earnings and profits to the Fund for such taxable year. If the Fund were to fail to qualify as a RIC and became subject to federal income tax, shareholders of the Fund would be subject to diminished returns. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Fund and/or its Subsidiary to operate as described in this Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") and could adversely affect the Fund. For example, the Cayman Islands does not currently impose any income, corporate or capital gains tax, or withholding tax on the Subsidiary. If Cayman Islands law changes such that the Subsidiary must pay Cayman Islands taxes, Fund shareholders would likely suffer decreased investment returns.

 

Performance Information

 

The following past performance information is not indicative of any future results that may be obtained by Campbell, and it should not be assumed that investors of the Fund will experience returns, if any, comparable to those experienced by past or present investors in the Fund or in other pools and accounts managed by Campbell. Because of the potentially volatile nature of futures and forward contract prices, it is possible that the performance of the Fund or of some or all of the other pools and accounts advised by Campbell may change significantly during the continuing offering from the performance information which may be presented herein.

 

The past performance set forth below represents the Fund’s performance for one year and since inception, before and after taxes, and does not necessarily indicate future results. The bar chart below shows you how the Fund’s performance has varied year by year and provides some indication of the risk of investing in the Fund. Updated performance information is available online at www.campbell.com/DynamicTrend or by calling 1-844-261-6488 (toll free).

 

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Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund – Institutional Shares

Total Return For Calendar Year Ended December 31

 

 

The Fund’s year-to-date return as of September 30, 2017 was 0.22%. During the period shown in the chart, the highest quarterly return was 8.10% (for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 and the lowest quarterly return was -11.84% (for the quarter ended June 30, 2015).

 

Average Annual Total Returns

 

The table below compares the average annual total returns of the Fund for one year and since inception to a broad-based market index for the same periods.

 

 

Average Annual Total Returns

for the Periods Ended

December 31, 2016

  1 Year

Since Inception

December 31, 2014

Institutional Shares    
– Return Before Taxes -6.22% -5.03%
– Return After Taxes on Distributions (1) -6.22% -5.20%
– Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares (1) -3.58% -3.82%

Barclay BTOP 50 Index

(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses and taxes)

-4.44% -6.11%

 

(1) 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 investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares are higher than before-tax returns for certain periods shown because they reflect the tax benefit of capital losses realized on the redemption of Fund shares.

 

Management of the Fund

 

Investment Manager
Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC, 2850 Quarry Lake Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21209, serves as the investment manager to the Fund.

 

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Portfolio Managers

 

The Fund is managed by Campbell's Investment Committee. The six-member team, led by co-chairs G. William Andrews and Dr. Kevin Cole, has been responsible for the daily management of the Fund since its inception on December 31, 2014.

 

Purchase and Sale Information

 

The minimum initial investment in the Fund is $2,500. There is a minimum amount of $500 for subsequent investment.

 

You can only purchase and redeem Shares of the Fund on days the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open. Shares of the Fund may be available through certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals (collectively, "Service Organizations"). Shares of the Fund may also be purchased and redeemed directly through The RBB Fund, Inc. (the "Company") by the means described below.

 

Purchase and Redemption by Mail:

 

Regular Mail:
Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701

 

Overnight Delivery:
Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Purchase by Wire:

 

Before sending any wire, call U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (the "Transfer Agent") at 1-844-261-6488 to confirm the current wire instructions for the Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund.

 

Redemption by Telephone:

 

Call the Transfer Agent at 1-844-261-6488.

 

Taxes

 

The Fund intends to make distributions that generally may be taxed at ordinary income or capital gains rates.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

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

 

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FUND INFORMATION

 

More Information About Fund Investments

 

This section provides some additional information about the Fund's investments and certain portfolio management techniques that the Fund may use. More information about the Fund's investments and portfolio management techniques, and related risks, is included in the SAI.

 

The Fund's investment objective is non-fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") without the approval of the Fund's shareholders. However, as a matter of policy, the Fund would not materially change its investment objective without informing shareholders at least 60 days in advance of any such change.

 

The investments and strategies described in this Prospectus are those that the Fund uses under normal conditions. The Fund may depart from its principal investment strategy in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions by taking temporary defensive positions (up to 100% of its assets) in cash, cash equivalents and short-term U.S. government securities. If the Fund were to take a temporary defensive position, it may be unable for a time to achieve its investment objective.

 

This Prospectus describes the Fund's principal investment strategies, and the Fund will normally invest in the types of securities and other instruments described in this Prospectus. In addition to the investments and strategies described in this Prospectus, the Fund also may invest, to a lesser extent, in other securities, use other strategies and engage in other investment practices that are not part of its principal investment strategy. These investments and strategies, as well as those described in this Prospectus, are described in detail in the Fund's SAI. Of course, there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

More Information About Risks

 

The following provides additional information about the principal and certain non-principal risks of investing in the Fund and, indirectly, in the Subsidiary. More information about the Fund's risks is included in the SAI.

 

Principal Risks

 

Strategy Risk: The Fund's strategy involves actively trading derivative instruments using a variety of strategies and investment techniques that involve significant risks. Such derivative instruments may include futures, options and forward contracts and other derivative instruments that have inherent leverage and price volatility that result in greater risk than instruments used by a typical mutual fund, and the systematic programs used to trade them may rely on proprietary investment strategies that are not fully disclosed, which may in turn result in risks that are not anticipated.

 

The use of futures contracts, forward contracts and derivative instruments will have the economic effect of financial leverage. Financial leverage magnifies exposure to the swings in prices of an asset class underlying an investment and results in increased volatility, which means the Fund, through its investment in a derivative instrument, will have the potential for greater losses than if the Fund did not employ leverage in its investment activity. Leveraging tends to magnify, sometimes significantly, the effect of any increase or decrease in the Fund's exposure to an asset class and may cause the value of the Fund's investment to be volatile.

 

There is no assurance that the Fund's investment in a derivative instrument with leveraged exposure to certain investments and markets will enable the Fund to achieve its investment objective.

 

Commodities Risk: Exposure to the commodities markets (including financial futures markets) may subject the Fund through its investment in the Subsidiary to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The values of commodities and commodity-linked investments are affected by events that might have less impact on the values of stocks and bonds and have recently experienced periods of significant volatility. Prices of commodities and related contracts may fluctuate significantly over short periods for a variety of reasons, including: changes in interest rates, supply and demand relationships and balances of payments and trade; weather and natural disasters; governmental, agricultural, trade, fiscal, monetary and exchange control programs and policies; acts of terrorism, tariffs and U.S. and international economic, political, military and regulatory developments.

 

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The commodity markets are subject to temporary distortions or other disruptions. U.S. futures exchanges and some foreign exchanges have regulations that limit the amount of fluctuation in futures contract prices, which may occur during a single business day. Once a limit price has been reached in a particular contract, no trades may be made at a different price. Limit prices have the effect of precluding trading in a particular contract or forcing the liquidation of contracts at disadvantageous times or prices. These circumstances could adversely affect the value of the Fund's commodity-linked investments.

 

Derivatives Risk: Derivatives include instruments and contracts that are based on, and are valued in relation to, one or more underlying securities, financial benchmarks or indices, such as futures, options, swap agreements and forward contracts. The value of a derivative depends largely upon price movements in the underlying instrument. Many of the risks applicable to trading the underlying instrument are also applicable to derivatives trading. However, derivatives trading is subject to a number of additional risks. Transactions in certain derivatives are subject to clearance on a U.S. national exchange and to regulatory oversight, while other derivatives are subject to risks of trading in the over-the-counter markets or on non-U.S. exchanges. A small investment in derivative instruments could have a potentially large impact on the Fund's performance. Over-the-counter derivatives are subject to the risk of mispricing or improper valuation of the derivative.

 

Liquidity of Futures Contracts . The Fund utilizes futures as part of its strategy. Futures positions may be illiquid because certain commodity exchanges limit fluctuations in certain futures contract prices during a single day by regulations referred to as "daily price fluctuation limits" or "daily limits." Under such daily limits, during a single trading day no trades may be executed at prices beyond the daily limits. Once the price of a particular futures contract has increased or decreased by an amount equal to the daily limit, positions in that contract can neither be entered into nor liquidated unless traders are willing to effect trades at or within the limit. Futures prices have occasionally moved beyond the daily limits for several consecutive days with little or no trading. OTC instruments generally are not as liquid as instruments traded on recognized exchanges. These constraints could prevent the Fund from promptly liquidating unfavorable positions, thereby subjecting the Fund to substantial losses. In addition, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") and various exchanges limit the number of positions that the Fund may indirectly hold or control in particular commodities.

 

Non-U.S. Futures Transactions . Foreign futures transactions involve the execution and clearing of trades on a foreign exchange. This is the case even if the foreign exchange is formally "linked" to a domestic exchange, whereby a trade executed on one exchange liquidates or establishes a position on the other exchange. No domestic organization regulates the activities of a foreign exchange, including the execution, delivery, and clearing of transactions on such an exchange, and no domestic regulator has the power to compel enforcement of the rules of the foreign exchange or the laws of the foreign country. Moreover, such laws or regulations will vary depending on the foreign country in which the transaction occurs. For these reasons, the Fund may not be afforded certain of the protections that apply to domestic transactions. In particular, funds received from the Fund to margin (collateralize) foreign futures transactions may not be provided the same protections as funds received to margin futures transactions on domestic exchanges. In addition, the price of any foreign futures or option contract and, therefore, the resulting potential profit or loss, may be affected by any fluctuation in the foreign exchange rate between the time the order is placed and the foreign futures contract is liquidated or the foreign option contract is liquidated or exercised.

 

Forward Contracts . The Fund may utilize forward contracts that are not traded on exchanges and may not be regulated. There are no limitations on daily price movements of forward contracts. Banks and other dealers with which the Fund maintains accounts may require that the Fund deposit margin with respect to such trading. The Fund's counterparties are not required to continue making markets in such contracts. There have been periods during which certain counterparties have refused to continue to quote prices for forward contracts or have quoted prices with an unusually wide spread (the price at which the counterparty is prepared to buy and that at which it is prepared to sell). Arrangements to trade forward contracts may be made with only one or a few counterparties, and liquidity problems therefore might be greater than if such arrangements were made with numerous counterparties. The imposition of credit controls by governmental authorities might limit such forward trading to less than the amount that the Manager would otherwise recommend, to the possible detriment of the Fund.

 

Swap Agreements . The Fund may enter into swap agreements. Swap agreements can be individually negotiated and structured to include exposure to a variety of different types of investments or market factors. Depending on their structure, swap agreements may increase or decrease the Fund's exposure to long-term or short-term interest rates, foreign currency values, corporate borrowing rates, or other factors such as security prices, baskets of securities, or inflation rates. Swap agreements can take many different forms and are known by a variety of names. The Fund is not limited to any particular form of swap agreement if the Manager determines that other forms are consistent with the Fund's investment objective and policies.

 

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Swap agreements will tend to shift the Fund's investment exposure from one type of investment to another. For example, if the Fund agrees to exchange payments in dollars for payments in foreign currency, the swap agreement would tend to decrease the Fund's exposure to U.S. interest rates and increase its exposure to foreign currency and interest rates. Depending on how they are used, swap agreements may increase or decrease the overall volatility of the Fund's portfolio. The most significant factor in the performance of swap agreements is the change in the specific interest rate, currency, individual equity values or other factors that determine the amounts of payments due to and from the Fund. If a swap agreement calls for payments by the Fund, the Fund must be prepared to make such payments when due. In addition, the value of a swap agreement is likely to decline if the counterparty's creditworthiness declines. Such a decrease in value might cause the Fund to incur losses.

 

Recent market developments related to swaps have prompted increased scrutiny with respect to these instruments. As a result of the Dodd-Frank Act, swaps may in the future be subject to increased regulation. Such regulation may limit the Fund's ability to use swaps and increase the cost of using swaps.

 

Fixed-Income Risk: A substantial portion of the Fund's assets may be invested in securities issued by the U.S. Government. When interest rates change, the value of the Fund's fixed-income investments will be affected. Prices of fixed income securities tend to move inversely with changes in interest rates. Typically, a rise in rates will adversely affect fixed income security prices and, accordingly, the Fund's share price. The longer the effective maturity and duration of the Fund's portfolio, the more the Fund's share price is likely to react to interest rates. Some fixed income securities give the issuer the option to call, or redeem, the securities before their maturity dates. If an issuer calls its security during a time of declining interest rates, the Fund might have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield, and therefore might not benefit from any increase in value as a result of declining interest rates. During periods of market illiquidity or rising interest rates, prices of callable issues are subject to increased price fluctuation. In addition, the Fund may be subject to extension risk, which occurs during a rising interest rate environment because certain obligations will be paid off by an issuer more slowly than anticipated, causing the value of those securities held by the Fund to fall.

 

Fixed income investments are also subject to "Credit Risk" discussed below.

 

Counterparty Risk: Some of the derivatives entered into by the Fund or the Subsidiary are not traded on an exchange but instead will be privately negotiated in the over-the-counter market. This means that these instruments are traded between counterparties based on contractual relationships. Relying on a counterparty exposes the Fund to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Fund to suffer a loss. If a counterparty defaults on its payment obligations to the Fund, this default will cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease. In addition, to the extent the Fund deals with a limited number of counterparties, it will be more susceptible to the credit risks associated with those counterparties. The Fund is neither restricted from dealing with any particular counterparty nor from concentrating any or all of its transactions with one counterparty. The ability of the Fund to transact business with any one or number of counterparties and the absence of a regulated market to facilitate settlement may increase the potential for losses by the Fund. In situations in which the Fund is required to post margin or other collateral with a counterparty, including with a futures commission merchant or a clearing organization for futures or other derivative contracts, the counterparty may fail to segregate the collateral or may commingle the collateral with the counterparty's own assets. As a result, in the event of the counterparty's bankruptcy or insolvency, the Fund's collateral may be subject to the conflicting claims of the counterparty's creditors and the Fund may be exposed to the risk of being treated as a general unsecured creditor of the counterparty, rather than as the owner of the collateral.

 

The Fund is subject to the risk that issuers of the instruments in which it invests and trades may default on their obligations, and that certain events may occur that have an immediate and significant adverse effect on the value of those instruments. There can be no assurance that an issuer will not default, or that an event that has an immediate and significant adverse effect on the value of an instrument will not occur, and that the Fund will not sustain a loss on a transaction as a result.

 

12

 

Transactions entered into by the Fund may be executed on various U.S. and non-U.S. exchanges, and may be cleared and settled through various clearing houses, custodians, depositories and prime brokers throughout the world. A failure by any such entity may lead to a loss to the Fund.

 

Credit Risk: Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of the security will not be able to make principal and interest payments when due. Changes in an issuer's credit rating or the market's perception of an issuer's creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund's investment in that issuer. The degree of credit risk depends on both the financial condition of the issuer and the terms of the obligation. Securities rated in the four highest categories (S&P Global Ratings ("S&P") (AAA, AA, A and BBB), Fitch Ratings ("Fitch") (AAA, AA, A and BBB) or Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") (Aaa, Aa, A and Baa)) by the rating agencies are considered investment grade but they may also have some speculative characteristics, meaning that they carry more risk than higher rated securities and may have problems making principal and interest payments in difficult economic climates. Investment grade ratings do not guarantee that bonds will not lose value or default.

 

If a security issuer defaults on its payment obligations to the Fund, this default will cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease. Lower credit quality may lead to greater volatility in the price of a security and in shares of the Fund. Lower credit quality also may affect liquidity and make it difficult to sell the security. Default, or the market's perception that an issuer is likely to default, could reduce the value and liquidity of securities, thereby reducing the value of your investment in Fund shares. In addition, default may cause the Fund to incur expenses in seeking recovery of principal or interest on its portfolio holdings.

 

When the Fund invests in over-the-counter derivatives (including options), it is assuming a credit risk with regard to the party with which it trades and also bears the risk of settlement default. These risks may differ materially from risks associated with transactions effected on an exchange, which generally are backed by clearing organization guarantees, daily mark-to-market and settlement, segregation and minimum capital requirements applicable to intermediaries. Transactions entered into directly between two counterparties generally do not benefit from such protections. Relying on any counterparty exposes the Fund to the risk that such counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Fund to suffer a loss. If any counterparty defaults on its payment obligations to the Fund, this default will cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease.

 

In addition, to the extent the Fund deals with a limited number of counterparties, it will be more susceptible to the credit risks associated with those counterparties. The Fund is neither restricted from dealing with any particular counterparty nor from concentrating any or all of its transactions with one counterparty. The ability of the Fund to transact business with any one or number of counterparties and the absence of a regulated market to facilitate settlement may increase the potential for losses by the Fund.

 

Although U.S. Government Securities are generally considered to be among the safest type of investment in terms of credit risk, they are not guaranteed against price movements due to changing interest rates. Obligations issued by some U.S. Government agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises, such as the Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury, while obligations by others, such as Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae"), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Mac") and Federal Home Loan Banks ("FHLBs"), are backed solely by the ability of the entity to borrow from the U.S. Treasury or by the entity's own resources. No assurance can be given that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to U.S. Government agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises if it is not obliged to do so by law.

 

On September 7, 2008, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (collectively the "GSEs") were placed under the conservatorship of the Federal Housing Finance Agency to provide stability in the financial markets, mortgage availability and taxpayer protection by preserving the GSEs' assets and property and putting them in a sound and solvent condition. Under the conservatorship, the management of the GSEs was replaced. The future status and role of the GSEs could be impacted by (among other things) the actions taken and restrictions placed on the GSEs by the Federal Housing Finance Agency in its role as conservator, the restrictions placed on the GSEs’ operations and activities as a result of the senior preferred stock investment made by the U.S. Treasury, market responses to developments at the GSEs, and future legislative and regulatory action that alters the operations, ownership, structure and/or mission of these institutions, each of which may, in turn, impact the value of, and cash flows on, any mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by a GSE, including any such mortgage-backed securities held by the Fund.

 

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Currency Risk: The Fund's exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. Dollar, or, in the case of short positions, that the U.S. Dollar will decline in value relative to the currency that the Fund is short. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad. In addition, the Fund may incur transaction costs in connection with conversions between various currencies.

 

Emerging Market Risk: The Fund intends to have exposure to emerging markets due to its investments in certain stock index futures and foreign exchange instruments. Investing in emerging markets will, among other things, expose the Fund to all the risks described below in the Foreign Market Risk section, and you should review that section carefully. However, there are greater risks involved in investing in emerging market countries and/or their financial markets than there are in more developed countries and/or markets. Generally, economic structures in these countries are less diverse and mature than those in developed countries, and their political systems are less stable. Investments in emerging market countries may be affected by national policies that restrict foreign investment in certain issuers or industries. The small size of their financial markets and low trading volumes can make investments illiquid and more volatile than investments in developed countries and such securities may be subject to abrupt and severe price declines. The Fund may be required to establish special custody or other arrangements before investing. In addition, because the securities settlement procedures are less developed in these countries, the Fund may be required to deliver securities before receiving payment and may also be unable to complete transactions during market disruptions. The possible establishment of exchange controls or freezes on the convertibility of currency might adversely affect an investment in assets traded in foreign markets.

 

Foreign Market Risk: A substantial portion of the trades of the Fund are expected to take place on markets or exchanges outside the United States. There is no limit to the amount of assets of the Fund that may be committed to trading on foreign markets. The risk of loss in trading foreign futures and options on futures contracts can be substantial. Participation in foreign futures and options on futures contracts involves the execution and clearing of trades on, or subject to the rules of, a foreign board of trade or exchange. Some of these foreign markets, in contrast to U.S. exchanges, are so-called principals' markets in which performance is the responsibility only of the individual counterparty with whom the trader has entered into a commodity interest transaction and not of the exchange or clearing corporation. In these kinds of markets, there is risk of bankruptcy or other failure or refusal to perform by the counterparty.

 

Some foreign markets present additional risk, because they are not subject to the same degree of regulation as their U.S. counterparts. No U.S. regulatory agency or any domestic exchange regulates activities on any foreign boards of trade or exchanges (such as the execution, delivery and clearing of transactions) or has the power to compel enforcement of the rules of a foreign board of trade or exchange or of any applicable foreign laws. Similarly, the rights of market participants, in the event of the insolvency or bankruptcy of a foreign market or broker are also likely to be more limited than in the case of U.S. markets or brokers. As a result, in these markets, there is less legal and regulatory protection than that available domestically.

 

Additionally, trading on foreign exchanges is subject to the risks presented by exchange controls, expropriation, increased tax burdens and exposure to local economic declines and political instability. An adverse development with respect to any of these variables could reduce the profit or increase the loss earned on trades in the affected international markets. International trading activities are subject to foreign exchange risk.

 

General Market Risk: The Fund's NAV and investment return will fluctuate based upon changes in the value of its portfolio securities. The market value of securities in which the Fund or the Subsidiary invests is based upon the market's perception of value and is not necessarily an objective measure of a security's value. There is no assurance that the Fund will realize its investment objective, and an investment in the Fund is not, by itself, a complete or balanced investment program. You could lose money on your investment in the Fund, or the Fund could underperform other investments.

 

Government Intervention and Regulatory Changes: The recent instability in financial markets has led government to take a number of unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions and segments of the financial markets that are exposed to extreme volatility and in some cases lack of liquidity. For example, the Dodd-Frank Act significantly revises and expands the rulemaking, supervisory and enforcement authority of federal bank, securities and commodities regulators. It is unclear how these regulators will exercise these revised and expanded powers and whether they will undertake rulemaking, supervisory or enforcement actions that would adversely affect the Fund or investments made by the Fund. Possible regulatory actions taken under these revised and expanded powers may include actions related to financial consumer protection, proprietary trading and derivatives. There can be no assurance that future regulatory actions authorized by the Dodd-Frank Act will not adversely impact the Fund. Legislators and regulators in the United States are currently considering a wide range of proposals beyond the Dodd-Frank Act that, if enacted, could result in major changes to the way banking operations are regulated. Some of these major changes could materially affect the profitability of the Fund or the value of investments made by the Fund or force the Fund to revise its investment strategy or divest certain of its investments. Any of these developments could expose the Fund to additional costs, taxes, liabilities, enforcement actions and reputational risk.

 

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In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act established a new regulatory structure for derivatives. The new legislation requires regulators to set minimum capital requirements and minimum initial and variation margin requirements, repeals prior regulatory exemptions for OTC derivatives, provides substantial authority to the SEC and the CFTC with respect to position limits for certain swaps and may change the standards for determining manipulation. Much of the required rulemaking and regulations have yet to be implemented. Accordingly, the effect of the new legislation and its impact on the Fund cannot yet be known. If more restrictive position limits are imposed on investors in the commodity futures and other derivative markets the Fund may be adversely affected. Similarly, changes in the regulation of foreign currency-related trading arising from the Dodd-Frank Act may make it more expensive for the Fund and otherwise limit the Fund's ability to engage in such trading, which could adversely affect the Fund.

 

In 2012, the CFTC adopted certain rule amendments that significantly affected the exemptions from CFTC regulations that were available to the Fund and its Subsidiary. The Fund and its Subsidiary are subject to CFTC regulations because of these changes. At the time of the CFTC's adoption of the rule amendments, Campbell & Company, LP, the Manager's parent company, was (and continues to be) registered as a commodity pool operator ("CPO") and, accordingly, is subject to CFTC regulations. On August 13, 2013, the CFTC adopted final rules to "harmonize" the compliance obligations of CPOs with respect to commodity pools that are also registered investment companies under the 1940 Act. Under the final harmonization rules, the CPOs of such commodity pools may elect "substituted compliance" whereby such CPOs will be deemed to have substantially satisfied the CFTC-mandated disclosure, reporting and recordkeeping obligations by complying with the SEC's disclosure, reporting and recordkeeping regime under the 1940 Act, in lieu of complying with the CFTC's alternative requirements. The Fund intends to utilize the substituted compliance option.

 

Leverage/Volatility Risk: Although the Fund will not borrow funds for trading, the Fund should be considered highly leveraged and is suitable only for investors with high tolerance for investment risk. Leverage embedded in the various derivative instruments traded may result in the Fund or its Subsidiary holding positions whose face or notional value may be many times the Fund's net asset value. For example, the amount of margin funds necessary to be deposited in order to enter into a futures, forward or option contract position is typically from 2% to 10% of the total face or notional value of the contract. As a result of this leveraging, even a small movement in the price of a commodity can cause a correspondingly large profit or loss. Losses incurred on leveraged investments increase in direct proportion to the degree of leverage employed.

 

Furthermore, derivative contracts are highly volatile and are subject to occasional rapid and substantial fluctuations. Consequently, you could lose all or substantially all of your investment in the Fund should the trading positions of the Fund suddenly turn unprofitable.

 

The Fund's NAV is expected over short-term periods to be volatile because of the significant use of direct and indirect investments that have a leveraging effect. Volatility is a statistical measurement of the magnitude of up and down asset price fluctuations over time. Rapid and dramatic price swings will result in high volatility. The Fund's returns are expected to be volatile; however, the actual or realized volatility level for longer or shorter periods may be materially higher or lower depending on market conditions and investors may suffer a significant and possibly a complete loss on their investment in the Fund.

 

Liquidity Risk: The Fund may be subject to liquidity risk primarily due to investments in derivatives. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities or instruments. Derivatives, such as swaps, options and warrants, may not be readily marketable and, therefore, may be deemed to be illiquid. An asset is not readily marketable if it cannot be sold within seven business days in the ordinary course of business for approximately the amount at which it is valued. Investments in illiquid assets involve the risk that the Fund may be unable to sell the asset or sell it at a reasonable price. In addition, the Fund may be required to liquidate positions or close out derivatives on unfavorable terms at a time contrary to the interests of the Fund in order to raise cash to pay redemptions.

 

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An investment in derivatives is also subject to the risk that the Fund may not be able to terminate the derivatives effective on whatever date it chooses, or that the settlement of any early termination may depend on subsequent market movements. As a result, the Fund may be exposed to the risk of additional losses due to such delays.

 

Management Risk: The Manager's judgments about the attractiveness, value and potential positive or negative performance of any particular security or derivative in which the Fund invests or sells short may prove to be inaccurate and may not produce the desired results. The Manager's trading is highly model driven, and is materially subject to possible flaws in the models. As market dynamics (for example, due to changed market conditions and participants) shift over time, a previously highly successful model often becomes outdated or inaccurate, sometimes without the Manager recognizing that fact before substantial losses are incurred. In particular, the Fund may incur major losses in the event of disrupted markets and other extraordinary events that cause the Manager's pricing models to generate prices which deviate from the market. The risk of loss to the Fund in the case of disrupted markets is compounded by the number of different investment models of pricing, each of which may independently become wholly unpredictable during market disruptions. In addition, in disrupted derivatives markets, many positions may become illiquid, making it difficult or impossible to close out positions against which the markets are moving.

 

Even if the basic concepts of our models are sound, the Manager may make errors in developing algorithms for integrating the numerous factors and variables into them or in programming the algorithms. Those errors may cause the model to generate results different from those intended. They may be difficult to detect in many market conditions, possibly influencing outcomes only in periods of stress or change in market conditions.

 

The Manager anticipates the continued modification, enhancement and development of models. Each new generation of models (including incremental improvements to current models) exposes the Fund to the possibility of unforeseen losses from a variety of factors, including conceptual failures and implementation failures. There can be no assurance that the models used by the Manager will be effective or that they will be effectively utilized by the Manager. Moreover, these can be no assurance that the Manager will be able to continue to develop, maintain and update the models so as to effectively implement its trading strategy.

 

Limited Operating History Risk: The Fund has a limited operating history upon which prospective investors can evaluate its performance. The personnel of the Manager responsible for managing the Fund's investment portfolio have substantial experience in managing investments and private investment funds and have provided and continue to provide advisory and management services to clients and private and registered investment funds that have similar investment programs to that of the Fund. However, the past performance of the Fund or the Manager may not be construed as an indication of the future results of an investment in the Fund.

 

Non-Diversification Risk: The Fund is a non-diversified investment company, which means that more of the Fund's assets may be invested in the securities of a single issuer than could be invested in the securities of a single issuer by a diversified investment company. This may make the value of the Fund's shares more susceptible to certain risks than shares of a diversified investment company. As a non-diversified fund, the Fund has a greater potential to realize losses upon the occurrence of adverse events affecting a particular issuer.

 

OTC Trading Risk: Certain of the derivatives in which the Fund may invest, including swap agreements, may be traded (and privately negotiated) in the OTC market. While the OTC derivatives market is the primary trading venue for many derivatives, it is largely unregulated and lacks transparency with respect to the terms of OTC transactions. OTC derivatives are complex and often valued subjectively. Improper valuations can result in increased cash payment requirements to counterparties or a loss of value to the Fund. In addition, such derivative instruments are often highly customized and tailored to meet the needs of the counterparties. If a derivative transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price. As a result and similar to other privately negotiated contracts, the Fund is subject to counterparty credit risk with respect to such derivative contracts.

 

Portfolio Turnover Risk: The Fund may frequently buy and sell portfolio securities and other assets to rebalance the Fund's exposure to various market sectors. Higher portfolio turnover may result in the Fund paying higher levels of transaction costs and generating greater tax liabilities for shareholders. Portfolio turnover risk may cause the Fund's performance to be less than you expect.

 

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Regulatory Risk: Governments, agencies or other regulatory bodies may adopt or change laws or regulations that could adversely affect the issuer, or market value, of an instrument held by the Fund or the Fund's performance.

 

Short Sales Risk: The Fund engages in short sales of derivative instruments and securities – including those that are not "against the box," which means that the Fund may make short sales where the Fund does not currently own or have the right to acquire, at no added cost, instruments identical to those sold short – in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act. In a typical short sale, the Fund borrows from a broker an instrument in order to sell the instrument to a third party. The Fund then is obligated to replace the instrument borrowed by purchasing it at the market price at the time of replacement. The Fund realizes a loss to the extent the instrument increases in value or a profit to the extent the instrument declines in value (after taking into account any associated costs). Until the Fund closes its short position, the Fund will: (a) maintain a segregated account containing cash or liquid assets at such a level that (i) the amount deposited in the account plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will equal the current value of the instrument sold short; and (ii) the amount deposited in the segregated account plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will not be less than the market value of the instrument at the time the instrument was sold short; or (b) otherwise cover the Fund's short position.

 

Subsidiary Risk: The Fund will make investments through a wholly-owned Subsidiary organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands. By investing in the Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the Subsidiary's investments. The derivatives and other investments held by a Subsidiary are generally similar to those that are permitted to be held by the Fund and are subject to the same risks that apply to similar investments if held directly by the Fund. These risks are described elsewhere in this Prospectus. There can be no assurance that the investment objective of the Subsidiary will be achieved.

 

The Subsidiary is not registered under the 1940 Act, and, unless otherwise noted in this Prospectus, is not subject to all the investor protections of the 1940 Act. However, the Fund wholly owns and controls the Subsidiary, making it unlikely that the Subsidiary will take action contrary to the interests of the Fund and its shareholders. The Board has oversight responsibility for the investment activities of the Fund, including its investment in the Subsidiary, and the Fund's role as sole shareholder of the Subsidiary. The Subsidiary will be subject to the same investment restrictions and limitations, and follow the same compliance policies and procedures, as the Fund.

 

Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Fund and/or its Subsidiary to operate as described in this Prospectus and in the SAI and could adversely affect the Fund. For example, the Cayman Islands does not currently impose any income, corporate or capital gains tax, or withholding tax on the Subsidiary. If Cayman Islands law changes such that the Subsidiary must pay Cayman Islands taxes, Fund shareholders would likely suffer decreased investment returns.

 

Tax Risk: There is a risk that the IRS could assert that the income derived from the Fund’s investment in the Subsidiary or in certain commodity-linked structured notes will note be considered qualifying income for purposes of the Fund remaining qualified as a RIC for U.S. federal tax purposes. In 2016, the Treasury and the IRS issued proposed regulations that provide that the income from a foreign subsidiary is qualifying income for purposes of a fund remaining qualified as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes only to the extent such income is actually distributed by the foreign subsidiary to the RIC each year. In 2006, the IRS had published a ruling that income realized from swaps with respect to a commodities index would not be qualifying income. In a number of private letter rulings issued during 2006-2011, the IRS ruled that the income of such a foreign subsidiary would be qualified income each year even if it is not actually distributed to the RIC each year, but in 2011 the IRS suspended the issuance of such rulings. The new proposed regulations, if adopted as proposed, will apply for taxable years of RICs that begin on or after 90 days after the date of publication of the final regulations. If the proposed regulations are adopted as proposed the Subsidiary will have to distribute its income in order for such income to be treated as qualifying income of the Fund. In addition, during 2006-2011, the IRS had also issued private letter rulings to registered investment companies concluding that income derived from their investment in a certain commodity-linked structured notes would constitute qualifying income to the fund. The IRS has indicated that the granting of these types of private letter rulings is currently suspended, pending further internal discussion. In 2016, the IRS announced that it would not issue any such rulings in the future, and it revoked the previously issued rulings. If the Fund were to fail to qualify as a RIC and became subject to federal income tax, shareholders of the Fund would be subject to diminished returns. For more information, see “More Information About Taxes.”

 

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Non-Principal Risks

 

Cyber Security Issues. With the increased use of technologies such as the internet to conduct business, the Fund and Subsidiary are susceptible to operational, information security and related risks. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber-attacks include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (e.g., through "hacking" or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruption. Cyber-attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (i.e., efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). Cyber security failures or breaches by the Fund's adviser and other service providers (including, but not limited to, the Fund's accountant, custodian, transfer agent and administrator), and the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, interference with the Fund's ability to calculate its NAV, impediments to trading, the inability of Fund shareholders to transact business, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs. In addition, substantial costs may be incurred in order to prevent any cyber incidents in the future. While the Manager has established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent, such cyber-attacks, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and systems put in place by service providers to the Fund and issuers in which the Fund invests. The Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.

 

Redemptions. The Fund may need to sell its holdings in order to meet shareholder redemption requests. The Fund could experience a loss when selling securities to meet redemption requests if the redemption requests are unusually large or frequent, occur in times of overall market turmoil or declining prices for the securities sold, or when the securities the Fund wishes to or is required to sell are illiquid. The Fund may be unable to sell illiquid securities at its desired time or price. Illiquidity can be caused by a drop in overall market trading volume, an inability to find a ready buyer, or legal restrictions on the securities' resale. Certain securities that were liquid when purchased may later become illiquid, particularly in times of overall economic distress.

 

Temporary Investments. The Fund may depart from its principal investment strategy in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions by taking temporary defensive positions (up to 100% of its assets) in cash, cash equivalents and short-term U.S. government securities. If the Fund were to take a temporary defensive position, it may be unable for a time to achieve its investment objective.

 

Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings

 

A description of the Company's policies and procedures of the Company with respect to the disclosure of the Fund's portfolio securities is available in the Fund's SAI. The SAI is incorporated herein.

 

More Information About Management of the Fund

 

Investment Manager

 

Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC ("Campbell" or "Manager"), a Delaware corporation founded in January 2005, serves as the investment manager to the Fund. The Manager's principal place of business is located at 2850 Quarry Lake Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21209. As of August 31, 2017, the Manager together with its affiliates had approximately $3.7 billion in assets under management. The Manager is registered as an Investment Adviser with the SEC and as a Commodity Trading Advisor ("CTA") with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and is a member of the National Futures Association.

 

The Manager is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Campbell & Company, LP ("Campbell & Company"). Campbell & Company and its predecessor organization, Campbell & Company, Inc., were organized in 1972 and have over forty years of experience in creating and managing alternative investment vehicles. The Manager has appointed Campbell & Company as the Fund's Commodity Pool Operator ("CPO"). Campbell & Company is registered with the CFTC as a CPO and a CTA. Campbell & Company is a member of the NFA in such capacities.

 

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The Fund compensates the Manager for its services at the annual rate of 1.05% of its average annual net assets, payable on a monthly basis in arrears. The Manager has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) to 1.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets. In determining the Manager's obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to exceed 1.25%: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2018 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of The RBB Fund, Inc. If at any time the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses for a year are less than 1.25%, the Manager may recoup from the Fund any waived amount or other payments remitted by the Manager within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made if such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, after waivers and reimbursements, the Manager did not receive investment advisory fees from the Fund. Had fee waivers and reimbursement not been in place, the Manager would have received 1.05% of the Fund's average net assets in investment advisory fees from the Fund.

 

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the investment advisory agreement with the Manager is available in the Fund's Annual Report to shareholders dated August 31, 2017.

 

The Fund is managed by Campbell's Investment Committee. The six-member team, led by co-chairs G. William Andrews and Dr. Kevin Cole, is responsible for portfolio risk management, capital allocation and portfolio construction, and approves all changes to the portfolio, including new models and enhancements.

 

G. William Andrews, Chief Executive Officer, joined Campbell in April 1997, and in November 2012 he was appointed to the Board of Directors and as Chief Executive Officer. He formerly held the positions of Co-Director of Research from November 2011 to October 2012, Chief Operating Officer from January 2010 to May 2012, Vice President & Director of Operations from April 2007 to January 2010, Vice President & Director of Research Operations from March 2006 to April 2007, and Research Assistant from April 1997 to February 2006. In March 2010, Mr. Andrews was appointed a Co-Chair of Campbell's Investment Committee.

 

Dr. Kevin Cole, joined Campbell in October 2003 and has served as Chief Research Officer, since June 2017. In February 2017, Dr. Cole was appointed to serve Campbell and its affiliates as an executive officer. Since joining the firm, Dr. Cole has had a significant role in the ongoing research and development of Campbell’s trading systems and models.  Dr. Cole was appointed as Co-Chair of Campbell’s Investment Committee in September 2017.  As Chief Research Officer, Dr. Cole is responsible for the management of the research and investment process at the firm.

 

The SAI provides additional information about the co-chairs' compensation, other accounts managed by the co-chairs, and the co-chairs' ownership of shares of the Fund.

 

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

 

Pricing of Fund Shares

 

Shares of the Fund are sold at their net asset value ("NAV"). The NAV of the Fund is calculated as follows:

 

  Value of Assets Attributable to the Fund
NAV   = -     Value of Liabilities Attributable to the Fund
  Number of Outstanding Shares of the Fund

 

The Fund's NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. The NYSE is generally open Monday through Friday, except national holidays. The NYSE also may be closed on national days of mourning or due to natural disaster or other extraordinary events or emergency. The Fund will effect purchases of Fund Shares at the NAV next determined after receipt by the Transfer Agent of your purchase order in good order as described below. The Fund will effect redemptions of Fund Shares at the NAV next calculated after receipt by the Transfer Agent of your redemption request in good order as described below. If the Fund holds securities that are primarily listed on non-U.S. exchanges, the NAV of the Fund's shares may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem the Fund's shares.

 

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If available, the Fund's investments in securities and other exchange traded assets are generally valued based on market quotations. If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable by the Fund's administrator, in consultation with the Manager securities will be valued by the Manager in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board and under the Board’s ultimate supervision. The Fund will regularly value its investments in derivative instruments at fair value. The Fund may use independent pricing services to assist in calculating the value of the Fund's portfolio holdings. Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation involves the risk that the values used by the Fund to price its investments may be higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.

 

Applicable federal tax requirements generally limit the degree to which the Fund may invest in the Subsidiary to an amount not exceeding 25% of its total assets. The Subsidiary prices its portfolio investments pursuant to the same pricing and valuation methodologies and procedures employed by the Fund. The Subsidiary offers to redeem all or a portion of its shares at the current net asset value per share every day the Fund is open for business. The value of shares of the Subsidiary will fluctuate with the value of the Subsidiary's portfolio investments.

 

Purchase of Fund Shares

 

Shares representing interests in the Fund are offered continuously for sale by Quasar Distributors, LLC (the "Distributor").

 

General. You may purchase Shares of the Fund at the NAV per Share next calculated after your order is received by the Transfer Agent in good order as described below. The Fund's NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. After an initial purchase is made, the Transfer Agent will set up an account for you on the Company records. The minimum initial investment in the Fund is $2,500. There is a minimum amount of $500 for subsequent investments. The Fund may accept initial investments of smaller amounts in its sole discretion. You can only purchase Shares of the Fund on days the NYSE is open and through the means described below.

 

Purchases Through Intermediaries. Shares of the Fund may also be available through certain Service Organizations. Certain features of the Shares, such as the initial and subsequent investment minimums and certain trading restrictions, may be modified or waived by Service Organizations. Service Organizations may impose minimum investment requirements. Service Organizations may also impose transaction or administrative charges or other direct fees, which charges and fees would not be imposed if Shares are purchased directly from the Company. Therefore, you should contact the Service Organization acting on your behalf concerning the fees (if any) charged in connection with a purchase or redemption of Shares and should read this Prospectus in light of the terms governing your accounts with the Service Organization. Service Organizations will be responsible for promptly transmitting client or customer purchase and redemption orders to the Company in accordance with their agreements with the Company or its agent and with clients or customers. Service Organizations or, if applicable, their designees that have entered into agreements with the Company or its agent may enter confirmed purchase orders on behalf of clients and customers, with payment to follow no later than the Company's pricing on the following business day. If payment is not received by such time, the Service Organization could be held liable for resulting fees or losses. The Company will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when a Service Organization, or, if applicable, its authorized designee, accepts a purchase or redemption order in good order if the order is actually received by the Company in good order not later than the next business morning. If a purchase order is not received by the Fund in good order, the Transfer Agent will contact the financial intermediary to determine the status of the purchase order. Orders received by the Company in good order will be priced at the Fund's NAV next computed after such orders are deemed to have been received by the Service Organization or its authorized designee.

 

For administration, subaccounting, transfer agency and/or other services, the Manager, the Distributor or their affiliates may pay Service Organizations and certain recordkeeping organizations a fee (the "Service Fee") based on the average annual NAV of accounts with the Company maintained by such Service Organizations or recordkeepers. The Service Fee payable to any one Service Organization is determined based upon a number of factors, including the nature and quality of services provided, the operations processing requirements of the relationship and the standardized fee schedule of the Service Organization or recordkeeper.

 

Initial Investment By Mail. Subject to acceptance by the Fund, an account may be opened by completing and signing an account application and mailing it to the Fund at the address noted above, together with a check payable to the Fund. All checks must be in U.S. Dollars drawn on a domestic bank. The Fund will not accept payment in cash or money orders. The Fund does not accept post-dated checks or any conditional order or payment. To prevent check fraud, the Fund will not accept third party checks, Treasury checks, credit card checks, traveler’s checks or starter checks for the purchase of shares.

 

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Regular Mail: Overnight Mail:
Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services
P.O. Box 701 615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701 Milwaukee, WI 53202-5207

 

The Fund does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be their agents. Therefore, deposit in the mail or with such services, or receipt at U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC’s post office box, of purchase orders or redemption requests does not constitute receipt by the Transfer Agent of the Fund. Receipt of purchase orders or redemption requests is based on when the order is received at the Transfer Agent’s offices.

 

Shares will be purchased at the NAV next computed after the time the application and funds are received in proper order and accepted by the Fund. The Transfer Agent will charge a $25 fee against a shareholder’s account, in addition to any loss sustained by the Fund, for any payment that is returned. It is the policy of the Fund not to accept applications under certain circumstances or in amounts considered disadvantageous to shareholders. The Fund reserves the right to reject any application.

 

Initial Investment By Wire. If you are making your first investment in the Fund, before you wire funds, the Transfer Agent must have a completed account application. You may mail or overnight deliver your account application to the Transfer Agent. Upon receipt of your completed account application, the Transfer Agent will establish an account for you. The account number assigned will be required as part of the instruction that should be provided to your bank to send the wire. Your bank must include both the name of the Fund you are purchasing, the account number, and your name so that monies can be correctly applied. Your bank should transmit funds by wire to:

 

Wire Instructions:

U.S. Bank National Association

777 East Wisconsin Ave

Milwaukee WI 53202

ABA 075000022

Credit:

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services

Account #112-952-137

For Further Credit to:

Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund

(shareholder registration)

(shareholder account number)

 

Wired funds must be received prior to 4:00 p.m. Eastern time to be eligible for same day pricing. The Fund and U.S. Bank, N.A. are not responsible for the consequences of delays resulting from the banking or Federal Reserve wire system, or from incomplete wiring instructions.

 

Subsequent Investments – By Wire. Before sending your wire, please contact the Transfer Agent to advise them of your intent to wire funds. This will ensure prompt and accurate credit upon receipt of your wire.

 

Telephone Purchase. Investors may purchase additional shares of the Fund by calling 1-844-261-6488. If you elected this option on your account application, and your account has been open for at least 15 calendar days, telephone orders, in amounts of $500 or more, will be accepted via electronic funds transfer from your bank account through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network. You must have banking information established on your account prior to making a purchase. If you order is received prior to 4 p.m. Eastern time, your shares will be purchased at the net asset value calculated on the day your order is placed.

 

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Telephone trades must be received by or prior to market close. During periods of high market activity, shareholders may encounter higher than usual call waits. Please allow sufficient time to place your telephone transaction.

 

Additional Investments. Additional investments may be made at any time by purchasing Shares at the NAV per Share of the Fund by mailing a check to the Transfer Agent at the address noted above under "Initial Investment by Mail" or by wiring as outlined above under "Initial Investment by Wire." Initial and additional purchases made by check or electronic funds transfer through the ACH network cannot be redeemed until payment of the purchase has been collected. This may take up to 15 calendar days from the purchase date. There is a minimum amount of $500 for subsequent investment.

 

Retirement Plans/IRA Accounts. The Fund offers prototype documents for a variety of retirement accounts for individuals and small businesses. Please call 1-844-261-6488 for information on:

 

Individual Retirement Plan, including Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs
Small Business Retirement Plans, including Simple IRAs and SEP IRAs
Coverdell Education Savings Accounts

 

There may be special distribution requirements for a retirement account, such as required distributions or mandatory Federal income tax withholding. For more information, call the number listed above. You may be charged a $15 annual account maintenance fee for each retirement account up to a maximum of $30 annually and a $25 fee for transferring assets to another custodian or for closing a retirement account.

 

Purchases in Kind. In certain circumstances, Shares of the Fund may be purchased "in kind" (i.e. in exchange for securities, rather than cash). The securities rendered in connection with an in-kind purchase must be liquid securities that are not restricted as to transfer and have a value that is readily ascertainable in accordance with the Company's valuation procedures. Securities accepted by the Fund will be valued, as set forth in this Prospectus, as of the time of the next determination of net asset value after such acceptance. The Shares of the Fund that are issued to the investor in exchange for the securities will be determined as of the same time. All dividend, subscription, or other rights that are reflected in the market price of accepted securities at the time of valuation become the property of the Fund and must be delivered to the Fund by the investor upon receipt from the issuer. The Fund will not accept securities in exchange for its Shares unless such securities are, at the time of the exchange, eligible to be held by the Fund and satisfy such other conditions as may be imposed by the Manager or the Company. Purchases in-kind may result in the recognition of gain or loss for federal income tax purposes on the securities transferred to the Fund.

 

Other Purchase Information. The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to suspend the offering of Shares or to reject purchase orders when, in the judgment of management, such suspension or rejection is in the best interests of the Fund. The Manager will monitor the Fund's total assets and may, subject to Board’s approval, decide to close the Fund at any time to new investments or to new accounts due to concerns that a significant increase in the size of the Fund may adversely affect the implementation of the Fund's strategy. The Manager, subject to Board’s approval, may also choose to reopen the Fund to new investments at any time, and may subsequently close the Fund again should concerns regarding the Fund's size recur. If the Fund closes to new investments, the Fund may be offered only to certain existing shareholders of the Fund and certain other persons who may be subject to cumulative, maximum purchase amounts, as follows:

 

a.  persons who already hold Shares of the closed Fund directly or through accounts maintained by brokers by arrangement with the Manager;

 

b.  existing and future clients of financial advisers and planners whose clients already hold Shares of the Fund;

 

c.  employees of the Manager and their spouses, parents and children; and

 

d.  directors of the Company.

 

Distributions to all shareholders of the closed Fund will continue to be reinvested unless a shareholder elects otherwise. The Manager, subject to the Board’s discretion, reserves the right to implement other purchase limitations at the time of closing, including limitations on current shareholders.

 

22

 

Purchases of the Fund's Shares will be made in full and fractional Shares of the Fund calculated to three decimal places. Certificates for Shares will not be issued.

 

Shares may be purchased and subsequent investments may be made by principals and employees of the Manager and their family members, either directly or through their IRAs, and by any pension and profit-sharing plan of the Manager, without being subject to the minimum investment limitation. The Advisor is authorized to waive the minimum initial investment requirement.

 

Good Order. A purchase request is considered to be in good order when the purchase request includes the name of the Fund, the dollar amount of shares to be purchased, your account application or investment stub, and a check payable to the Fund. Purchase requests not in good order may be rejected.

 

Customer Identification Program. Federal law requires the Company to obtain, verify and record identifying information, which may include the name, residential or business street address, date of birth (for an individual), social security or taxpayer identification number or other identifying information for each investor who opens or reopens an account with the Company. Applications without the required information, or without any indication that a social security or taxpayer identification number has been applied for, may not be accepted. After acceptance, to the extent permitted by applicable law or its customer identification program, the Company reserves the right (a) to place limits on transactions in any account until the identity of the investor is verified; or (b) to refuse an investment in a Company portfolio or to involuntarily redeem an investor's shares and close an account in the event that an investor's identity is not verified. The Company and its agents will not be responsible for any loss in an investor's account resulting from the investor's delay in providing all required identifying information or from closing an account and redeeming an investor's Shares when an investor's identity cannot be verified.

 

Redemption of Fund Shares

 

You may redeem Fund Shares at the next NAV calculated after a redemption request is received by the Transfer Agent in good order. The Fund's NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. You can only redeem Shares of the Fund on days the NYSE is open and through the means described below. You may redeem Fund Shares by mail, or, if you are authorized, by telephone. The value of Shares redeemed may be more or less than the purchase price, depending on the market value of the investment securities held by the Fund.

 

Redemption By Mail. Your redemption request should be sent to: Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund, c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701. If sent by overnight mail to: Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund, c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

 

The Fund does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, deposit in the mail or with such services, or receipt at U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC post office box, of purchase orders or redemption requests does not constitute receipt by the transfer agent of the Fund. Receipt of purchase orders or redemption requests is based on when the order is received at the Transfer Agent’s offices.

 

A signature guarantee, from either a Medallion program member or a non-Medallion program member, is required in the following situations:

 

If ownership is being changed on your account;
When redemption proceeds are payable or sent to any person, address or bank account not on record;
When a redemption is received by the Transfer Agent and the account address has changed within the last 15 calendar days;
For all redemptions in excess of $10,000 from any shareholder account.

 

The Fund may waive any of the above requirements in certain instances. In addition to the situations described above, the Fund and/or the Transfer Agent reserve the right to require a signature guarantee in other instances based on the circumstances relative to the particular situation.

 

Nonfinancial transactions, including establishing or modifying certain services on an account, may require a signature guarantee, signature verification from a Signature Validation Program member, or other acceptable form of authentication from a financial institution source.

 

23

 

Signature guarantees will generally be accepted from domestic banks, brokers, dealers, credit unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies and savings associations, as well as from participants in the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program and the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (“STAMP”). A notary public is not an acceptable signature guarantor.

 

Redemption By Telephone. If you did not decline telephone options on your account application (or requested by subsequent arrangements in writing), and your account has been open for at least 15 days, you may initiate a redemption in any amount up to $10,000 by calling the Transfer Agent at 1-844-261-6488.

 

Investors may have a check sent to the address of record, proceeds may be wired to a shareholder’s bank account of record, or funds may be sent via electronic funds transfer through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, also to the bank account of record. Wires are subject to a $15 fee paid by the investor, but the investor does not incur any charge when proceeds are sent via the ACH system.

 

Once a telephone transaction has been placed, it cannot be canceled or modified after the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern time).

 

Telephone trades must be received by or prior to market close. During periods of high market activity, shareholders may encounter higher than usual call waits. Please allow sufficient time to place your telephone transaction.

 

Before executing an instruction received by telephone, the Transfer Agent will use reasonable procedures to confirm that the telephone instructions are genuine. The telephone call may be recorded and the caller may be asked to verify certain personal identification information. If the Fund or its agents follow these procedures, they cannot be held liable for any loss, expense or cost arising out of any telephone redemption request that is reasonably believed to be genuine. This includes fraudulent or unauthorized requests. If an account has more than one owner or authorized person, the Fund will accept telephone instructions from any one owner or authorized person.

 

IRA and Other Retirement Plan Redemptions. If you have an IRA, you must indicate on your written redemption request whether or not to withhold federal income tax. Redemption requests failing to indicate an election to have tax withheld will be subject to 10% withholding.

 

Shares held in IRA accounts may be redeemed by telephone at 1-844-261-6488. Investors will be asked whether or not to withhold taxes from any distribution.

 

Involuntary Redemption. The Fund reserves the right to redeem a shareholder's account in the Fund at any time the value of the account falls below $500 as a result of a redemption or an exchange request. Shareholders will be notified in writing that the value of their account in the Fund is less than $500 and will be allowed 30 days to make additional investments before the redemption is processed. The Fund may assert the right to redeem your Shares at current NAV at any time and without prior notice if, and to the extent that, such redemption is necessary to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of your failure to make full payment for Shares of the Fund you previously purchased or subscribed for.

 

Other Redemption Information. Redemption proceeds for Shares of the Fund recently purchased by check or electronic funds transfer through the ACH network may not be distributed until payment for the purchase has been collected, which may take up to fifteen calendar days from the purchase date. Shareholders can avoid this delay by utilizing the wire purchase option. Other than as described above, payment of the redemption proceeds will be made within seven days after receipt of an order for a redemption. The Company may suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date at times when the NYSE is closed or under any emergency circumstances as determined by the SEC. The Fund typically expects to meet redemption requests by paying out proceeds from cash or cash equivalent portfolio holdings, or by selling portfolio securities. In stressed market conditions, redemption methods may include redeeming in kind.

 

If the Board determines that it would be detrimental to the best interests of the remaining shareholders of the Fund to make payment wholly or partly in cash, redemption proceeds may be paid in whole or in part by an in-kind distribution of readily marketable securities held by the Fund instead of cash in conformity with applicable rules of the SEC. Investors generally will incur brokerage charges on the sale of portfolio securities so received in the payment of redemptions. If a shareholder receives redemption proceeds in-kind, the shareholder will bear the market risk of the securities received until their disposition and should expect to incur transaction costs upon the disposition of the securities. The Company has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act, so that the Fund is obligated to redeem its Shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its NAV during any 90-day period for any one shareholder of the Fund.

 

24

 

Good Order. A redemption request is considered to be in good order when the redemption request includes the name of the Fund, the number of shares or dollar amount to be redeemed, the account number, and signatures by all of the shareholders whose names appear on the account registration with a signature guarantee, if applicable. Redemption requests not in good order may be delayed.

 

Market Timing

 

In accordance with the policy adopted by the Board, the Company discourages and does not accommodate market timing and other excessive trading practices. Purchases should be made with a view to longer-term investment only. Excessive short-term (market timing) trading practices may disrupt portfolio management strategies, increase brokerage and administrative costs, harm Fund performance and result in dilution in the value of Fund Shares held by long-term shareholders. The Company and the Manager reserve the right to (i) reject a purchase or exchange order, (ii) delay payment of immediate cash redemption proceeds for up to seven calendar days, (iii) revoke a shareholder's privilege to purchase Fund Shares (including exchanges), or (iv) limit the amount of any exchange involving the purchase of Fund Shares. An investor may receive notice that their purchase order or exchange has been rejected after the day the order is placed or after acceptance by a financial intermediary. It is currently expected that a shareholder would receive notice that its purchase order or exchange has been rejected within 48 hours after such purchase order or exchange has been received by the Company in good order. The Company and the Manager will not be liable for any loss resulting from rejected purchase orders. To minimize harm to the Company and its shareholders (or the Manager), the Company (or the Manager) will exercise its right if, in the Company's (or the Manager's) judgment, an investor has a history of excessive trading or if an investor's trading, in the judgment of the Company (or the Manager), has been or may be disruptive to the Fund. No waivers of the provisions of the policy established to detect and deter market timing and other excessive trading activity are permitted that would harm the Fund and its shareholders or would subordinate the interests of the Fund and its shareholders to those of the Manager or any affiliated person or associated person of the Manager.

 

Pursuant to the policy adopted by the Board, the Manager has developed criteria that it uses to identify trading activity that may be excessive. The Manager reviews on a regular, periodic basis available information related to the trading activity in the Fund in order to assess the likelihood that the Fund may be the target of excessive trading. As part of its excessive trading surveillance process, the Manager, on a periodic basis, examines transactions that exceed certain monetary thresholds or numerical limits within a period of time. If, in its judgment, the Manager detects excessive, short-term trading, it may reject or restrict a purchase request and may further seek to close an investor's account with the Fund. The Manager may modify its surveillance procedures and criteria from time to time without prior notice regarding the detection of excessive trading or to address specific circumstances. The Manager will apply the criteria in a manner that, in the its judgment, will be uniform.

 

There is no assurance that the Fund will be able to identify market timers, particularly if they are investing through intermediaries.

 

If necessary, the Company may prohibit additional purchases of Shares by a financial intermediary or by certain customers of the financial intermediary. Financial intermediaries may also monitor their customers' trading activities in the Fund. The criteria used by intermediaries to monitor for excessive trading may differ from the criteria used by the Company. If a financial intermediary fails to enforce the Company's excessive trading policies, the Company may take certain actions, including terminating the relationship.

 

Dividends and Distributions

 

The Fund will distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, to its shareholders. All distributions are reinvested in the form of additional full and fractional Shares of the Fund unless a shareholder elects otherwise. The Fund will declare and pay dividends from net investment income annually. Net realized capital gains (including net short-term capital gains), if any, will be distributed by the Fund at least annually.

 

The Fund may pay additional distributions and dividends at other times if necessary for the Fund to avoid U.S. federal tax. The Fund's distributions and dividends, whether received in cash or reinvestment in additional Shares, are subject to U.S. federal tax.

 

25

 

All distributions will be reinvested in additional Fund shares unless you elect to receive cash via one of the following options: (1) receive distributions of net capital gains in cash while reinvesting net investment income distributions in additional Fund shares; (2) receive all distributions in cash; or (3) reinvest net capital gain distributions in additional Fund shares will receiving distributions of net investment income in cash.

 

If you elect to receive distributions and/or capital gains paid in cash, and the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver the check, or if a check remains outstanding for six months, the Fund reserves the right to reinvest the distribution check in your account, at the Fund’s current net asset value, and to reinvest all subsequent distributions.

 

You may change the distribution option on your account at any time. You should notify the Transfer Agent in writing or by telephone at least five (5) days prior to the next distribution.

 

More Information About Taxes

 

The following is a summary of certain U.S. tax considerations relevant under current law, which may be subject to change in the future. Except where otherwise indicated, the discussion relates to investors who are individual U.S. citizens or residents. You should consult your tax adviser for further information regarding federal, state, local and/or foreign tax consequences relevant to your specific situation.

 

Distributions. The Fund contemplates distributing as dividends each year all or substantially all of its taxable income, including its net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss). Except as otherwise discussed below, you will be subject to federal income tax on Fund distributions regardless of whether they are paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares. Fund distributions attributable to short-term capital gains and net investment income will generally be taxable to you as ordinary income, except as discussed below.

 

Distributions attributable to the net capital gain of the Fund will be taxable to you as long-term capital gain, no matter how long you have owned your Fund shares. The maximum long-term capital gain rate applicable to individuals, estates, and trusts is currently 23.8% (which includes a 3.8% Medicare tax). You will be notified annually of the tax status of distributions to you.

 

Distributions from the Fund will generally be taxable to you in the taxable year in which they are paid, with one exception. Distributions declared by the Fund in October, November or December and paid in January of the following year are taxed as though they were paid on December 31.

 

A portion of distributions paid by the Fund to shareholders that are corporations may also qualify for the dividends-received deduction for corporations, subject to certain holding period requirements and debt financing limitations. The amount of the dividends qualifying for this deduction may, however, be reduced as the result of the Fund's securities lending activities (if any), by a high portfolio turnover rate or by investments in debt securities or foreign corporations.

 

The Fund may be subject to foreign withholding or other foreign taxes on income or gain from certain foreign securities. If more than 50% of the value of the total assets of the Fund consists of stocks and securities (including debt securities) of foreign corporations at the close of a taxable year, the Fund may elect, for federal income tax purposes, to treat certain foreign taxes paid by it, including generally any withholding and other foreign income taxes, as paid by its shareholders. If the Fund makes this election, the amount of those foreign taxes paid by the Fund will be included in its shareholders' income pro rata (in addition to taxable distributions actually received by them), and each such shareholder will be entitled either (1) to credit that proportionate amount of taxes against U.S. federal income tax liability as a foreign tax credit or (2) to take that amount as an itemized deduction. If the Fund is not eligible or chooses not to make this election the Fund will be entitled to deduct any such foreign taxes in computing the amounts it is required to distribute.

 

If you purchase shares just before a distribution, the purchase price will reflect the amount of the upcoming distribution, but you will be taxed on the entire amount of the distribution received, even though, as an economic matter, the distribution simply constitutes a return of capital. This is known as "buying into a dividend."

 

Sales of Shares. You will generally recognize taxable gain or loss for federal income tax purposes on a sale or redemption of your shares based on the difference between your tax basis in the shares and the amount you receive for them. Generally, you will recognize long-term capital gain or loss if you have held your Fund shares for over twelve months at the time you dispose of them.

 

26

 

Any loss realized on shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends that were received on the shares. Additionally, any loss realized on a disposition of shares of the Fund may be disallowed under "wash sale" rules to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced with other shares of the Fund within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the shares are disposed of, such as pursuant to a dividend reinvestment in shares of the Fund. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in an upward adjustment to the basis of the shares acquired.

 

The Fund (or relevant broker or financial adviser) is required to compute and report to the IRS and furnish to Fund shareholders cost basis information when such shares are sold. The Fund has elected to use the average cost method, unless you instruct the Fund to use a different IRS-accepted cost basis method, or choose to specifically identify your shares at the time of each sale. If your account is held by your broker or other financial adviser, they may select a different cost basis method. In these cases, please contact your broker or other financial adviser to obtain information with respect to the available methods and elections for your account. You should carefully review the cost basis information provided by the Fund and make any additional basis, holding period or other adjustments that are required when reporting these amounts on your federal and state income tax returns. Fund shareholders should consult with their tax advisers to determine the best IRS-accepted cost basis method for their tax situation and to obtain more information about how the cost basis reporting requirements apply to them.

 

IRAs and Other Tax-Qualified Plans. The one major exception to the preceding tax principles is that distributions on, and sales and redemptions of, shares held in an IRA (or other tax-qualified plan) will not be currently taxable unless such shares were acquired with borrowed funds.

 

Backup Withholding. The Fund may be required in certain cases to withhold and remit to the IRS a percentage of taxable dividends or gross proceeds realized upon sale payable to shareholders who have failed to provide a correct tax identification number in the manner required, or who are subject to withholding by the IRS for failure to properly include on their return payments of taxable interest or dividends, or who have failed to certify to the Fund that they are not subject to backup withholding when required to do so or that they are "exempt recipients." The current backup withholding rate is 28%.

 

U.S. Tax Treatment of Foreign Shareholders. Generally, nonresident aliens, foreign corporations and other foreign investors are subject to a 30% withholding tax on dividends paid by a U.S. corporation, although the rate may be reduced for an investor that is a qualified resident of a foreign country with an applicable tax treaty with the United States. In the case of a regulated investment company such as the Fund, however, certain categories of dividends are exempt from the 30% withholding tax. These generally include dividends attributable to the Fund's net capital gains (the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital loss) and dividends attributable to the Fund's interest income from U.S. obligors and dividends attributable to net short-term capital gains of the Fund.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally not be subject to U.S. tax on gains realized on the sale or redemption of shares of the Fund, except that a nonresident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in a calendar year will be taxable on such gains and on capital gain dividends from the Fund.

 

In contrast, if a foreign investor conducts a trade or business in the United States and the investment in the Fund is effectively connected with that trade or business, then the foreign investor's income from the Fund will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax at graduated rates in a manner similar to the income of a U.S. citizen or resident.

 

The Fund will also generally be required to withhold 30% tax on certain payments to foreign entities that do not provide a Form W-8BEN-E that evidences their compliance with, or exemption from, specified information reporting requirements under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act.

 

All foreign investors should consult their own tax advisers regarding the tax consequences in their country of residence of an investment in the Fund.

 

Shares of the Fund have not been registered for sale outside of the United States and certain United States territories.

 

State and Local Taxes. You may also be subject to state and local taxes on income and gain from Fund shares. State income taxes may not apply, however, to the portions of the Fund's distributions, if any, that are attributable to interest on U.S. government securities. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the tax status of distributions in your state and locality.

 

27

 

Tax Risks of Investment in Subsidiary. The investment of up to 25% of a fund’s assets in a foreign subsidiary such as the Subsidiary is a structure that has been used by a number of RICs as a way of indirectly making commodities- related investments that would not generate qualifying income if they were made directly by the RIC. Section 851(b) the Code provides that income earned by a controlled foreign corporation (a “CFC”), such as the Subsidiary, will be treated as qualifying income for a RIC provided that CFC distributes those earnings out to the RIC each year. During the period 2006-2011, the IRS issued a number of private letter rulings to other funds in which the IRS ruled that income derived from a fund’s investment in a CFC such as the Subsidiary will generally constitute qualifying income for the fund, even if the CFC itself engages in transactions that would not generate qualifying income if they were engaged in by the fund itself and even if the earnings of the CFC are not distributed to the fund each year. In 2011, however, the IRS suspended the issuance of such private letter rulings pending further review of the subject. In 2016, after completion of that review, the IRS issued proposed regulations that will provide that the income from a foreign subsidiary is qualifying income for RIC purposes only to the extent the income is actually distributed by the foreign subsidiary to the RIC each year – consistent with what is provided in the Code. Accordingly, the Fund intends to cause the Subsidiary to make such distributions to the Fund each year, so that the income of the Subsidiary will be qualifying income for the Fund.

 

If, however, the IRS were to determine that income derived from the Fund’s investment in the Subsidiary (or from certain commodity-linked notes) does not constitute qualifying income and if such positions were upheld by a court, or if future legislation or Treasury regulations were to adversely affect the tax treatment of such investments, the Fund might cease to qualify as a RIC and would be required to reduce its exposure to such investments which might result in difficulty in implementing its investment strategy. In a Senate subcommittee hearing on the subject of RIC commodities-related investments in 2012, Senator Levin, the subcommittee chairman, expressed the view that a wholly-owned foreign subsidiary such as the Subsidiary, which is used by a RIC to make investments or otherwise to engage in transactions that the RIC could not accomplish directly under the applicable tax rules, should be disregarded as a separate entity for federal income tax purposes. Senator Levin’s view was not endorsed by the IRS Commissioner and the Treasury Acting Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy in their hearing testimony and their post-hearing responses to supplemental questions from Senator Levin. If the IRS were ultimately to adopt such a view, however, and if that position were to be sustained by the courts, the Fund may be unable to meet the 90% qualifying income test and therefore may not qualify as a RIC. In that event, the Fund’s taxable income would be subject to tax at the Fund level at regular corporate tax rates (without reduction for distributions to shareholders) and to a further tax at the shareholder level when such income is distributed. In such an event, in order to re-qualify for taxation as a regulated investment company, the Fund may be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest and make certain distributions.

 

Taxation of the Subsidiary. There is, at present, no direct taxation in the Cayman Islands and interest, dividends and gains payable to the Subsidiary will be received free of all Cayman Islands taxes. The Subsidiary is registered as an "exempted company" pursuant to the Companies Law (as amended). The Subsidiary has applied for, and expects to receive, an undertaking from the Governor in Cabinet of the Cayman Islands to the effect that, for a period of twenty years from the date of the undertaking, no law that thereafter is enacted in the Cayman Islands imposing any tax or duty to be levied on profits, income or on gains or appreciation, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, will apply to any property comprised in or any income arising under the Subsidiary, or to the shareholders thereof, in respect of any such property or income.

 

More information about taxes is contained in the SAI.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

Householding

 

In an effort to decrease costs, the Fund intends to reduce the number of duplicate prospectuses and Annual and Semi-Annual Reports you receive by sending only one copy of each to those addresses shared by two or more accounts and to shareholders we reasonably believe are from the same family or household. Once implemented, if you would like to discontinue householding for your accounts, please call toll-free at 1-844-261-6488 to request individual copies of these documents. Once the Fund receives notice to stop householding, we will begin sending individual copies thirty days after receiving your request. This policy does not apply to account statements.

 

28

 

Lost Shareholders, Inactive Accounts and Unclaimed Property

 

It is important that the Fund maintains a correct address for each shareholder.  An incorrect address may cause a shareholder’s account statements and other mailings to be returned to the Fund.  Based upon statutory requirements for returned mail, the Fund will attempt to locate the shareholder or rightful owner of the account.  If the Fund is unable to locate the shareholder, then it will determine whether the shareholder’s account can legally be considered abandoned.  Your mutual fund account may be transferred to the state government of your state of residence if no activity occurs within your account during the “inactivity period” specified in your state’s abandoned property laws.  The Fund is legally obligated to escheat (or transfer) abandoned property to the appropriate state’s unclaimed property administrator in accordance with statutory requirements.  The shareholder’s last known address of record determines which state has jurisdiction.  Please proactively contact the Transfer Agent at 1-844-261-6488 (toll free) at least annually to ensure your account remains in active status.

 

If you are a resident of the state of Texas, you may designate a representative to receive notifications that, due to inactivity, your mutual fund account assets may be delivered to the Texas Comptroller.  Please contact the Transfer Agent if you wish to complete a Texas Designation of Representative form.

 

NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN THE FUND'S SAI INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR ITS DISTRIBUTOR. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING BY THE COMPANY OR BY THE DISTRIBUTOR IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.

 

29

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

The table below sets forth certain financial information for the periods indicated, including per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return, ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the periods shown. This information has been derived from information provided in the consolidated financial statements and has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm. This information should be read in conjunction with the Fund's financial statements which, together with the report of the independent registered public accounting firm, are included in the Fund's annual report, which is available upon request.

 

    Institutional Class  
Per Share Operating Performance    

For the Year

Ended
August 31, 2017

     

For the Year

Ended
August 31, 2016

     

For the Period

Ended
August 31, 2015 (1)

 
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 9.26     $ 9.71     $ 10.00  
Net investment income/(loss) (2)     (0.07 )     (0.11 )     (0.08 )
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments     (0.18 )     (0.21 )     (0.21 )
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     (0.25 )     (0.32 )     (0.29 )
Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:                        
Net realized gains           (0.13 )      
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders           (0.13 )      
Net asset value, end of period   $ 9.01     $ 9.26     $ 9.71  
Total investment return (3)     (2.70 )%     (3.36 )%     (2.90 )% (6)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA                        
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)   $ 9,133     $ 9,386     $ 9,715  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements     1.27 % (4)     1.25 %     1.26 % (4)(5)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements     3.47 %     4.04 %     4.39 % (5)
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets     (0.80 )%     (1.13 )%     (1.25 )% (5)
Portfolio turnover rate     0.00 %     0.00 %     0.00 % (6)

 

(1) The Fund commenced investment operations on December 31, 2014.
(2) Calculated based on average shares outstanding method for the period.
(3) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.
(4) Expense ratio includes interest expense. Excluding such interest expense, the ratio of expenses to average net assets would be 1.25%.
(5) Annualized.
(6) Not annualized.

 

30

 

PRIVACY NOTICE
FACTS WHAT DOES THE CAMPBELL DYNAMIC TREND FUND DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?
Why? Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.
What?

The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include:

•        Social Security number

•        account balances

•        account transactions

•        transaction history

•        wire transfer instructions

•        checking account information

When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.

How? All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons the Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.
   

Reasons we can share your personal information Does the Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund share? Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purposes —

 

such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus

Yes No

For our marketing purposes —

 

to offer our products and services to you

Yes No
For joint marketing with other financial companies No We do not share.
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes — information about your transactions and experiences Yes No
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes — information about your creditworthiness No We do not share.
For our affiliates to market to you No We do not share.
For non-affiliates to market to you No We do not share.

Questions? Call 1-844-261-6488

 

 

 

What we do
How does the Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund protect my personal information? To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.
How does the Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

•        open an account

•        provide account information

•        give us your contact information

•        make a wire transfer

•        tell us where to send the money

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

•        sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your    creditworthiness

•        affiliates from using your information to market to you

•        sharing for non-affiliates to market to you

State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing.

Definitions
Affiliates

Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

•     Our affiliates include Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund’s investment adviser, Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC.

Non-affiliates

Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

•      The Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund does not share with non-affiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

•     The Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund does not jointly market.

 

 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND

 

This Prospectus contains important information you should know before you invest. Read it carefully and keep it for future reference. More information about the Fund will be available free of charge, upon request, including:

 

Annual/Semi-Annual Reports: These reports contain additional information about the Fund's investments, describe the Fund's performance, list portfolio holdings and discuss recent market conditions and economic trends. The annual report includes Fund strategies that significantly affected the Fund's performance during its last fiscal year. The annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders may be obtained by visiting www.campbell.com/DynamicTrend.

 

Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) The Fund's SAI, dated December 31, 2017, has been filed with the SEC. The SAI, which includes additional information about the Fund, and the Fund's annual and semi-annual reports, may be obtained free of charge by calling 1-844-261-6488 or by visiting www.campbell.com/DynamicTrend. The SAI, as supplemented from time to time, is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and is legally considered a part of this Prospectus.

 

Shareholder Inquiries Representatives are available to discuss account balance information, mutual fund prospectuses, literature, programs and services available. Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday-Friday. Call: 1-844-261-6488.

 

Purchases and Redemptions Call your registered representative or 1-844-261-6488.

 

Written Correspondence
P.O. Box Address:

Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
PO Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701

 

Street Address:

Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Securities and Exchange Commission You may view and copy information about the Company and the Fund, including the SAI, by visiting the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. or the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at www.sec.gov. You may also obtain copies of Fund documents by paying a duplicating fee and sending an electronic request to the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by sending your written request and a duplicating fee to the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090.

 

Investment Company Act File No. 811-05518

 

 

 

 

CAMPBELL MANAGED FUTURES 10V FUND
of
THE RBB FUND, INC.

 

 

Class UI [TICKER]

 

Class I [TICKER]

 

Class N [TICKER]

 

Class T [TICKER]

 

PROSPECTUS

 

December 31, 2017

 

Investment Manager:

 

CAMPBELL & COMPANY INVESTMENT ADVISER LLC
2850 Quarry Lake Drive
Baltimore, Maryland 21209

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission have not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

SUMMARY SECTION 1
More Information About Fund Investments 9
More Information About Risks 9
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings 18
More Information About Management of the Fund 18
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION 19
Pricing of Fund Shares 19
Sales Charges 19
Purchase of Fund Shares 20
Redemption of Fund Shares 23
Market Timing 25
Exchange Privilege 26
Dividends and Distributions 26
More Information About Taxes 26
Distribution Arrangements 29
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 29
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 31
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND Back Cover

 

i  

 

SUMMARY SECTION

 

Investment Objective

 

The investment objective of the Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund (the “Fund”) is to seek capital appreciation over the medium to long-term.

 

Expenses and Fees

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (the "Shares"). You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you invest at least $250,000 in Class T Shares of the Fund. More Information about these discounts is available from your financial professional, in the section of this Prospectus entitled “Shareholder Information – Sales Charges” and in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) entitled “Purchase and Redemption Information – Reducing or Eliminating the Front End Sales Charge.” Financial Intermediaries may impose different sales charge waivers for Class T Shares, and these variations are described in the section of this Prospectus entitled “Shareholder – Information – Sales Charges”.

 

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

 

SHAREHOLDER FEES (fees paid directly from your investment)   Class UI     Class I     Class N     Class T  
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases
(as a percentage of offering price)
    None       None       None       2.50 %
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)                                
Management Fees     1.50 %     1.50 %     1.50 %     1.50 %
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees     None       None       0.25 %     0.25 %
Other Expenses (1)     0.21 %     0.21 %     0.21 %     0.21 %
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses     1.71 %     1.71 %     1.96 %     1.96 %
Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements (2)     0.21 %     0.06 %     0.06 %     0.06 %
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses     1.50 %     1.65 %     1.90 %     1.90 %

 

(1) “Other Expenses” are estimated for the current fiscal year.
(2) Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC ("Campbell" or the "Manager") has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) to 1.50%, 1.65%, 1.90% and 1.90% of the Fund's average daily net assets for Class UI Shares, Class I Shares, Class N Shares and Class T Shares, respectively. In determining the Manager's obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to exceed 1.50%, 1.65%, 1.90% and 1.90%, as applicable: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2018 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. If at any time the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.50%, 1.65%, 1.90% and 1.90%, as applicable, the Manager may recoup from the Fund any waived amount or other payments remitted by the Manager within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

1  

 

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 Class N Shares and Class T Shares, $100,000,000 in Class UI Shares and $1,000,000 in Class I Shares, 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 Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:

 

  1 Year 3 Years
Class UI Shares $1,526,250 $5,183,364
Class I Shares $16,776 $53,295
Class N Shares $193 $609
Class T Shares $1,526,250 $594

 

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 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 Fund's performance. Portfolio turnover information is not available for the Fund because the Fund had not commenced operations prior to the date of this Prospectus.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Fund pursues its investment objective by (i) investing its assets pursuant to the Campbell Managed Futures 10V Program (ii) allocating up to 25% of its total assets in its wholly-owned subsidiary, Campbell Managed Futures LV Offshore Limited (the "Subsidiary"), which is organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands and employs the Manager's Managed Futures 10V Program (as described below), and (iii) allocating the remainder of its assets directly in a portfolio of investment grade securities (including government securities) for cash management purposes. Securities rated in the four highest categories by the ratings agencies are considered investment grade.

 

The Fund invests pursuant to the Manager's Campbell Managed Futures 10V Program, which uses quantitative modeling to develop and maintain systematic trading strategies driven by scientific analysis of financial data across global financial and commodity markets. The Campbell Managed Futures 10V strategy seeks to systematically identify price trends and to develop macro and fundamental themes that exploit asset mispricing. As a pioneer in systematic trend following, innovating modeling techniques can be developed to extract relationships and to identify trends occurring within and across markets and asset classes globally. Other complimentary systematic strategies are incorporated, such as relative value (i.e., a trading strategy that looks for opportunities based on an asset’s value as compared to the value of similar assets. In contrast, absolute value looks only at an asset’s intrinsic value and does not compare it to other assets) and mean reversion (i.e., a trading strategy based on the concept that prices and returns eventually move back toward the mean or average. This mean or average can be the historical average of the price or return, or another relevant average such as the growth in the economy or the average return of an industry). A systematic process eliminates emotion, “key person” risk, and provides an ability to participate in trends during periods of extended momentum without any directional bias. Key person risk is the risk that results when a fund’s investment program is highly dependent on the investment skill and dedication of a small number of “key” persons at an adviser, which can result in decreased investment results if these “key” persons become unable to apply their full attention to the management of a fund’s investments for health or other reasons. In addition, a diversity of investment style and the ability to invest long and short across global asset classes and markets enables investment opportunities in a variety of economic environments. The Managed Futures 10V Program will target a volatility of 10%, which is considered to be high. Greater volatility means that greater risk is undertaken in achieving performance. The Fund is generally intended to have a low correlation to the equity, bond and credit markets. There is no assurance, however, that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

The Fund intends to trade in a broad range of instruments, including but not limited to, futures (including commodity futures, index futures, equity futures, bond futures and interest rate futures), currency forwards, options and swaps (including commodity swaps, swaps on commodity futures, equity swaps, swaps on index futures, total return swaps and interest rate swaps), either by investing directly in the instruments or, indirectly, by investing in the Subsidiary which invests in the instruments. From time to time, the Fund can have significant exposure to non-U.S. dollar denominated currencies, including emerging markets currencies.

 

2  

 

The Manager will attempt to mitigate risk through diversification of holdings and through active monitoring of portfolio volatility, counterparties and other risk measures. Individual market positions are constrained to ensure that no one market or asset class represents an outsized portion of the Fund's portfolio risk. The Manager evaluates changes in signals daily, and execution is controlled by its intraday risk management and execution platform. The Fund may utilize proprietary or third party trading algorithms in order to minimize market impact and reduce trading costs.

 

The Fund is "non-diversified" for purposes of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the "1940 Act") which means that the Fund may invest in fewer securities at any one time than a diversified fund. The Fund may not invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities.

 

Investments in the Subsidiary, which has the same investment objective as the Fund, are intended to provide the Fund with indirect exposure to futures contracts and commodities in a manner consistent with the limitations and requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") that apply to the Fund, which limit the amount of income the Fund may receive from certain sources. Applicable federal tax requirements generally limit the degree to which the Fund may invest in the Subsidiary to an amount not exceeding 25% of its total assets. To the extent they are applicable to the investment activities of the Subsidiary, the Subsidiary will be subject to the same investment restrictions and limitations, and follow the same compliance policies and procedures, as the Fund. The Fund complies with Section 8 and Section 18 of the 1940 Act, governing investment policies and capital structure and leverage, respectively, on an aggregate basis with the Subsidiary. The Subsidiary also complies with Section 17 of the 1940 Act relating to affiliated transactions and custody.

 

Principal Investment Risks

 

Risk is inherent in all investing. The value of your investment in the Fund, as well as the amount of return you receive on your investment, may fluctuate significantly from day to day and over time. You may lose part or all of your investment in the Fund or your investment may not perform as well as other similar investments.

 

The principal risk factors affecting shareholders' investments in the Fund (and, indirectly, in the Subsidiary) are set forth below.

 

•   Strategy Risk: The profitability of any Fund investment depends primarily on the ability of the Manager to anticipate price movements in the relevant markets and underlying derivative instruments and futures contracts. Such price movements may be influenced by, among other things:

 

•  changes in interest rates;

 

•  governmental, agricultural, trade, fiscal, monetary and exchange control programs and policies;

 

•  weather and climate conditions;

 

•  natural disasters, such as hurricanes;

 

•  changing supply and demand relationships;

 

•  changes in balances of payments and trade;

 

•  U.S. and international rates of inflation and deflation;

 

•  currency devaluations and revaluations;

 

•  U.S. and international political and economic events; and

 

•  changes in philosophies and emotions of various market participants.

 

The Fund may not take all of these factors into account.

 

3  

 

• Futures and Forward Contracts and Related Risks: The successful use of forward and futures contracts draws upon the Manager's skill and experience with respect to such instruments and are subject to special risk considerations. The primary risks associated with the use of futures and forward contracts are:

 

•  Futures and forward contracts have a high degree of price variability and are subject to occasional rapid and substantial changes;

 

•  the imperfect correlation between the change in market value of the forward or futures contracts and the market value of the underlying instrument or reference assets with respect to such contracts;

 

•  possible lack of a liquid secondary market for a forward or futures contract and the resulting inability to close a forward or futures contract when desired;

 

•  possible market disruption or other extraordinary events, including but not limited to, governmental intervention;

 

•  potentially unlimited losses caused by unanticipated market movements;

 

•  the Fund's inability to predict correctly the direction of securities prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and other economic factors;

 

•  the possibility that the counterparty will default in the performance of its obligations; and

 

•  if the Fund has insufficient cash, it may either have to sell securities from its portfolio to meet daily variation margin requirements with respect to its derivative instruments or close certain positions at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so.

 

The use of futures contracts, forward contracts and derivative instruments will have the economic effect of financial leverage. Financial leverage magnifies exposure to the swings in prices of an asset class underlying an investment and results in increased volatility, which means the Fund will have the potential for greater losses than if the Fund did not employ leverage in its investment activity. Leveraging tends to magnify, sometimes significantly, the effect of any increase or decrease in the Fund's exposure to an asset class and may cause the value of the Fund's securities or related derivatives instruments to be volatile. Accordingly, the Fund's NAV may be volatile because of its investment exposure to the Fund.

 

There is no assurance that the Fund's investment in a derivative instrument with leveraged exposure to certain investments and markets will enable the Fund to achieve its investment objective.

 

•   Commodities Risk: Exposure to the commodities markets (including financial futures markets) may subject the Fund through its investment in the Subsidiary to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. Prices of commodities and related contracts may fluctuate significantly over short periods for a variety of reasons, including changes in interest rates, supply and demand relationships and balances of payments and trade; weather and natural disasters; and governmental, agricultural, trade, fiscal, monetary and exchange control programs and policies. The commodity markets are subject to temporary distortions and other disruptions. U.S. futures exchanges and some foreign exchanges have regulations that limit the amount of fluctuation in futures contract prices which may occur during a single business day. Limit prices have the effect of precluding trading in a particular contract or forcing the liquidation of contracts at disadvantageous times or prices.

 

•   Counterparty Risk: The derivative contracts entered into by the Fund or its Subsidiary may be privately negotiated in the over-the-counter market. These contracts also involve exposure to credit risk, since contract performance depends in part on the financial condition of the counterparty. Relying on a counterparty exposes the Fund to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Fund to suffer a loss. If a counterparty defaults on its payment obligations to the Fund, this default will cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease. In addition, to the extent the Fund deals with a limited number of counterparties, it will be more susceptible to the credit risks associated with those counterparties. The Fund is neither restricted from dealing with any particular counterparty nor from concentrating any or all of its transactions with one counterparty. The ability of the Fund to transact business with any one or number of counterparties and the absence of a regulated market to facilitate settlement may increase the potential for losses by the Fund.

 

•   Credit Risk: Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of the security or a counterparty in respect of a derivative instrument will not be able to satisfy its payment obligations to the Fund when due. Changes in an issuer's credit rating or the market's perception of an issuer's creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund's investment in that issuer. Securities rated in the four highest categories by the rating agencies are considered investment grade but they may also have some speculative characteristics. Investment grade ratings do not guarantee that bonds will not lose value or default. In addition, the credit quality of securities may be lowered if an issuer's financial condition changes.

 

4  

 

•   Currency Risk: The Fund's exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. Dollar, or, in the case of short positions, that the U.S. Dollar will decline in value relative to the currency that the Fund is short. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for any number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad.

 

•   Derivatives Risk: Derivatives include instruments and contracts that are based on, and are valued in relation to, one or more underlying securities, financial benchmarks or indices, such as futures, options, swap agreements and forward contracts. Derivatives typically have economic leverage inherent in their terms. Such leverage will magnify any losses. See "Leverage/Volatility Risk" below. The primary types of derivatives in which the Fund or its Subsidiary invest in are futures contracts and forward contracts. Futures contracts and forward contracts can be highly volatile, illiquid and difficult to value, and changes in the value of such instruments held directly or indirectly by the Fund may not correlate with the underlying instrument or reference assets, or the Fund's other investments. Although the value of futures contracts and forward contracts depends largely upon price movements in the underlying instrument or reference asset, there are additional risks associated with futures contracts and forward contracts that are possibly greater than the risks associated with investing directly in the underlying instruments or reference assets, including illiquidity risk, leveraging risk and counterparty credit risk. A small position in futures contracts or forward contracts could have a potentially large impact on the Fund's performance. Trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange, and government regulations may restrict trading in futures contracts and options and forward contracts.

 

•   Emerging Market Risk: The Fund intends to have exposure to emerging markets due to the Fund's investments in certain stock index futures and foreign exchange instruments. Emerging markets are riskier than more developed markets because they tend to develop unevenly and may never fully develop. Investments in emerging markets may be considered speculative. Emerging markets are more likely to experience hyperinflation and currency devaluations, which adversely affect returns to U.S. investors. In addition, many emerging financial markets have far lower trading volumes and less liquidity than developed markets.

 

•   Equity Securities Risk: The Fund may invest in, or have exposure to, equity securities. Equity securities tend to be more volatile than other investment choices, such as debt and money market instruments. The value of your investment may decrease in response to overall stock market movements or the value of individual securities.

 

•   Fixed-Income Risk: Fixed income securities, such as U.S. Treasuries, or derivatives based on fixed income securities, are subject to credit risk and interest rate risk. Credit risk, as described more fully below, refers to the possibility that the issuer of a debt security will be unable to make interest payments or repay principal when it becomes due. Interest rate risk refers to fluctuations in the value of a debt security resulting from changes in the general level of interest rates. Prices of fixed income securities tend to move inversely with changes in interest rates. Typically, a rise in rates will adversely affect fixed income security prices and, accordingly, the Fund's returns and share price. In addition, the Fund may be subject to "call" risk, which is the risk that during a period of falling interest rates the issuer may redeem a security by repaying it early (which may reduce the Fund's income if the proceeds are reinvested at lower interest rates), and "extension" risk, which occurs during a rising interest rate environment because certain obligations will be paid off by an issuer more slowly than anticipated (causing the value of those securities held by the Fund to fall).

 

•   Foreign Market Risk: As a general rule, there is less legal and regulatory protection for investors in foreign markets than that available domestically. Additionally, trading on foreign exchanges is subject to the risks presented by exchange controls, expropriation, increased tax burdens and exposure to local economic declines and political instability. Some foreign derivative markets are so-called principals' markets in which performance is the responsibility only of the individual counterparty with whom the trader has entered into a commodity interest transaction and not of the exchange or clearing corporation. International trading activities are subject to foreign exchange risk.

 

5  

 

•   General Market Risk: The Fund's net asset value ("NAV") and investment return will fluctuate based upon changes in the value of its portfolio securities. You could lose money on your investment in the Fund, or the Fund could underperform other investments.

 

•   Government Agency Risk: Direct obligations of the U.S. Government such as Treasury bills, notes and bonds are supported by its full faith and credit. Indirect obligations issued by Federal agencies and government-sponsored entities generally are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Accordingly, while U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities may be chartered or sponsored by Acts of Congress, their securities are neither issued nor guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury. Some of these indirect obligations may be supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury; others are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase the agency's obligations; still others are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality.

 

•   Government Intervention and Regulatory Changes: The recent instability in financial markets has led the government to take a number of unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions and segments of the financial markets that are exposed to extreme volatility and in some cases lack of liquidity. For example, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act") (which was passed into law in July 2010) significantly revises and expands the rulemaking, supervisory and enforcement authority of federal bank, securities and commodities regulators. It is unclear how these regulators will exercise these revised and expanded powers and whether they will undertake rulemaking, supervisory or enforcement actions that would adversely affect the Fund or investments made by the Fund. There can be no assurance that future regulatory actions authorized by the Dodd-Frank Act will not adversely impact the Fund. Major changes resulting from the Dodd-Frank Act or other legislative or regulatory actions could materially affect the profitability of the Fund or the value of investments made by the Fund or force the Fund to revise its investment strategy or divest certain of its investments. Any of these developments could expose the Fund to additional costs, taxes, liabilities, enforcement actions and reputational risk.

 

In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act established a new regulatory structure for derivatives. If more restrictive position limits are imposed on investors in the commodity futures and other derivative markets, the Fund may be adversely affected. Similarly, changes in the regulation of foreign currency-related trading arising from the Dodd-Frank Act may make such trading more expensive for the Fund, and otherwise limit the Fund's ability to engage in such trading, which could adversely affect the Fund.

 

No assurance can be made that the U.S. Government or any U.S. regulatory body (or other authority or regulatory body) will not continue to take further legislative or regulatory action in response to an economic crisis or otherwise. The Fund may incur additional costs to comply with new requirements as well as to monitor for compliance in the future. In addition, Congress may determine to repeal or revise the Dodd-Frank Act or portions thereof and other laws and regulations. The effect of such actions, if taken, cannot be known.

 

•   Interest Rate Risk: Interest rate risk is the risk that prices of fixed income securities generally increase when interest rates decline and decrease when interest rates increase. The Fund may lose money if short term or long term interest rates rise sharply or otherwise change in a manner not anticipated by the Manager. It is likely there will be less governmental action in the near future to maintain low interest rates. The negative impact on fixed income securities from the resulting rate increases for that and other reasons could be swift and significant.

 

•   Leverage/Volatility Risk: Although the Fund will not borrow funds for trading, the Fund should be considered highly leveraged and is suitable only for investors with high tolerance for investment risk. Leverage embedded in the various derivative instruments traded may result in the Fund or its Subsidiary holding positions whose face or notional value may be many times the Fund's net asset value. For example, the amount of margin funds necessary to be deposited in order to enter into a futures, forward or option contract position is typically from 2% to 10% of the total face or notional value of the contract. As a result of this leveraging, even a small movement in the price of a commodity can cause a correspondingly large profit or loss. Losses incurred on leveraged investments increase in direct proportion to the degree of leverage employed.

 

Furthermore, derivative instruments and futures contracts are highly volatile and are subject to occasional rapid and substantial fluctuations. Consequently, you could lose all or substantially all of your investment in the Fund should the Fund's trading positions suddenly turn unprofitable.

 

The Fund's NAV is expected over short-term periods to be volatile because of the significant use of direct and indirect investments that have a leveraging effect. Volatility is a statistical measurement of the magnitude of up and down asset price fluctuations over time. Rapid and dramatic price swings will result in high volatility. The Fund's returns are expected to be volatile; however, the actual or realized volatility level for longer or shorter periods may be materially higher or lower depending on market conditions and investors may suffer a significant and possibly a complete loss on their investment in the Fund.

 

6  

 

•   Liquidity Risk: The Fund is subject to liquidity risk primarily due to its investments in derivatives. Investments in derivative instruments involve the risk that the Fund may be unable to sell the derivative instrument or sell it at a reasonable price.

 

•   Management Risk: The Manager employs systematic modeling to make investment decisions about the attractiveness, value and potential positive or negative performance of the Fund. The models employed by the Manager may prove to be inaccurate and may not produce the desired results.

 

•   Limited Operating History Risk: The Fund has a limited operating history upon which prospective investors can evaluate its performance.

 

•   New Fund Risk: As a new Fund, there can be no assurance that the Fund will grow to or maintain economically viable size.

 

•   Non-Diversification Risk: The Fund is a non-diversified investment company, which means that more of the Fund's assets may be invested in the securities of a single issuer than could be invested in the securities of a single issuer by a diversified investment company. The Fund has a greater potential to realize losses upon the occurrence of adverse events affecting a particular issuer.

 

•   OTC Trading Risk: Certain of the derivatives in which the Fund may invest may be traded (and privately negotiated) in the "over-the-counter" or "OTC" market. While the OTC derivatives market is the primary trading venue for many derivatives, it is largely unregulated. As a result and similar to other privately negotiated contracts, the Fund is subject to counterparty credit risk with respect to such derivative contracts.

 

•   Portfolio Turnover Risk: The Fund may frequently buy and sell portfolio securities and other assets to rebalance the Fund's exposure to various market sectors. Higher portfolio turnover may result in the Fund paying higher levels of transaction costs and generating greater tax liabilities for shareholders. Portfolio turnover risk may cause the Fund's performance to be less than you expect.

 

•   Regulatory Risk: Governments, agencies or other regulatory bodies may adopt or change laws or regulations that could adversely affect the issuer, or market value, of an instrument held by the Fund or its Subsidiary or that could adversely impact the Fund's performance.

 

•   Short Sales Risk: The Fund may take a short position in a derivative instrument, such as a future, or forward, or swap or a security. A short position on a derivative instrument or security involves the risk of a theoretically unlimited increase in the value of the underlying instrument. Short sales also involve transaction and other costs that will reduce potential Fund gains and increase potential Fund losses.

 

•   Subsidiary Risk: By investing in the Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the Subsidiary's investments. The derivatives and other investments held by the Subsidiary are generally similar to those that are permitted to be held by the Fund and are subject to the same risks that apply to similar investments if held directly by the Fund. The Subsidiary is not registered under the 1940 Act, and, unless otherwise noted in this Prospectus, is not subject to all the investor protections of the 1940 Act. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Fund and/or the Subsidiary to continue to operate as it does currently and could adversely affect the Fund.

 

•   Tax Risk: In order to qualify as a regulated investment company ("RIC"), the Fund must meet certain requirements regarding the source of its income, the diversification of its assets and the distribution of its income. Under the test regarding the source of a RIC’s income, at least 90% of the gross income of the RIC each year must be qualifying income, which consists of dividends, interest, gains on investment assets and other categories of investment income. In 2006, the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") published a ruling that income realized from swaps with respect to a commodities index would not be qualifying income. The Fund's investment in the Subsidiary is expected to provide the Fund with exposure to the commodities markets within the limitations of the Code for qualification as a RIC, but there is a risk that the IRS could assert that the income derived from the Fund's investment in the Subsidiary and certain commodity-linked structured notes will not be considered qualifying income for purposes of the Fund remaining qualified as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In addition, pursuant to recent guidance issued by the Treasury and the IRS, the Subsidiary’s commodity related income for a taxable year will only be treated as qualifying income to the extent the Subsidiary actually distributes such income out of its earnings and profits to the Fund for such taxable year. If the Fund were to fail to qualify as a RIC and became subject to federal income tax, shareholders of the Fund would be subject to diminished returns. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Fund and/or its Subsidiary to operate as described in this Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") and could adversely affect the Fund. For example, the Cayman Islands does not currently impose any income, corporate or capital gains tax or withholding tax on the Subsidiary. If Cayman Islands law changes such that the Subsidiary must pay Cayman Islands taxes, Fund shareholders would likely suffer decreased investment returns.

 

7  

 

Performance Information

 

Performance information for the Fund is not included because the Fund had not commenced operations prior to the date of this Prospectus.  Updated performance information will be available online at www.campbell.com or by calling 1-844-261-6488.

 

Management of the Fund

 

Investment Manager

 

Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC, 2850 Quarry Lake Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21209, serves as the investment manager to the Fund.

 

Portfolio Managers

 

The Fund is managed by Campbell's Investment Committee. The six-member team, led by co-chairs G. William Andrews and Dr. Kevin Cole, has been responsible for the daily management of the Fund since its inception.

 

Purchase and Sale Information

 

The Fund offers Class UI Shares, Class I Shares, Class N Shares and Class T Shares. Each Class of the Fund’s shares has a pro rata interest in the Fund’s investment portfolio, but differs as to expenses, distribution arrangements and the types of investors who may be eligible to invest in the share class. Class UI and Class I Shares are designed for ultra-institutional and institutional investors, respectively. Class N Shares are offered through certain asset allocation, wrap fee and other similar programs offered by broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries. Class T Shares are available through certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals (collectively, "Service Organizations") that make the Shares available to their Clients.

 

The minimum initial investment is $100,000,000 for Class UI Shares and $1,000,000 for Class I Shares. The minimum initial investment for Class N and Class T Shares is $2,500. There is no minimum amount for subsequent investments. The Funds have the discretion to further modify, waiver or reduce the above investment minimum requirements.

 

Investors or financial advisers may aggregate accounts for purposes of determining whether the above minimum requirements have been met. Investors or financial advisers may also enter into letters of intent indicating that they intend to meet the minimum investment requirements within an 18-month period. This does not apply to Class T Shares.

 

You can only purchase and redeem Shares of the Fund on days the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open. Shares of the Fund may be available through certain Service Organizations. Shares of the Fund may also be purchased and redeemed directly through The RBB Fund, Inc. (the "Company") by the means described below.

 

Purchase and Redemption by Mail:

 

Regular Mail:
Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701

 

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Overnight Delivery:
Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Purchase by Wire:

 

Before sending any wire, call U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (the "Transfer Agent") at 1-844-261-6488 to confirm the current wire instructions for the Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund.

 

Redemption by Telephone:

 

Call the Transfer Agent at 1-844-261-6488.

 

Taxes

 

The Fund intends to make distributions that generally may be taxed at ordinary income or capital gains rates.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

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

 

FUND INFORMATION

 

More Information About Fund Investments

 

This section provides some additional information about the Fund's investments and certain portfolio management techniques that the Fund may use. More information about the Fund's investments and portfolio management techniques, and related risks, is included in the SAI.

 

The Fund's investment objective is non-fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board of Directors") without the approval of the Fund's shareholders. However, as a matter of policy, the Fund would not materially change its investment objective without informing shareholders at least 60 days in advance of any such change.

 

The investments and strategies described in this Prospectus are those that the Fund uses under normal conditions. The Fund may depart from its principal investment strategy in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions by taking temporary defensive positions (up to 100% of its assets) in cash, cash equivalents and short-term U.S. government securities. If the Fund were to take a temporary defensive position, it may be unable for a time to achieve its investment objective.

 

This Prospectus describes the Fund's principal investment strategies, and the Fund will normally invest in the types of securities and other instruments described in this Prospectus. In addition to the investments and strategies described in this Prospectus, the Fund also may invest, to a lesser extent, in other securities, use other strategies and engage in other investment practices that are not part of its principal investment strategy. These investments and strategies, as well as those described in this Prospectus, are described in detail in the Fund's SAI. Of course, there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

More Information About Risks

 

The following provides additional information about the principal and certain non-principal risks of investing in the Fund and, indirectly, in the Subsidiary. More information about the Fund's risks is included in the SAI.

 

Principal Risks

 

Strategy Risk: The Fund's strategy involves actively trading derivative instruments using a variety of strategies and investment techniques that involve significant risks. Such derivative instruments may include futures, options and forward contracts and other derivative instruments that have inherent leverage and price volatility that result in greater risk than instruments used by a typical mutual fund, and the systematic programs used to trade them may rely on proprietary investment strategies that are not fully disclosed, which may in turn result in risks that are not anticipated.

 

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The use of futures contracts, forward contracts and derivative instruments will have the economic effect of financial leverage. Financial leverage magnifies exposure to the swings in prices of an asset class underlying an investment and results in increased volatility, which means the Fund, through its investment in a derivative instrument, will have the potential for greater losses than if the Fund did not employ leverage in its investment activity. Leveraging tends to magnify, sometimes significantly, the effect of any increase or decrease in the Fund's exposure to an asset class and may cause the value of the Fund's investment to be volatile.

 

There is no assurance that the Fund's investment in a derivative instrument with leveraged exposure to certain investments and markets will enable the Fund to achieve its investment objective.

 

Commodities Risk: Exposure to the commodities markets (including financial futures markets) may subject the Fund through its investment in the Subsidiary to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The values of commodities and commodity-linked investments are affected by events that might have less impact on the values of stocks and bonds and have recently experienced periods of significant volatility. Prices of commodities and related contracts may fluctuate significantly over short periods for a variety of reasons, including: changes in interest rates, supply and demand relationships and balances of payments and trade; weather and natural disasters; governmental, agricultural, trade, fiscal, monetary and exchange control programs and policies; acts of terrorism, tariffs and U.S. and international economic, political, military and regulatory developments.

 

The commodity markets are subject to temporary distortions or other disruptions. U.S. futures exchanges and some foreign exchanges have regulations that limit the amount of fluctuation in futures contract prices, which may occur during a single business day. Once a limit price has been reached in a particular contract, no trades may be made at a different price. Limit prices have the effect of precluding trading in a particular contract or forcing the liquidation of contracts at disadvantageous times or prices. These circumstances could adversely affect the value of the Fund's commodity-linked investments.

 

Derivatives Risk: Derivatives include instruments and contracts that are based on, and are valued in relation to, one or more underlying securities, financial benchmarks or indices, such as futures, options, swap agreements and forward contracts. The value of a derivative depends largely upon price movements in the underlying instrument. Many of the risks applicable to trading the underlying instrument are also applicable to derivatives trading. However, derivatives trading is subject to a number of additional risks. Transactions in certain derivatives are subject to clearance on a U.S. national exchange and to regulatory oversight, while other derivatives are subject to risks of trading in the over-the-counter markets or on non-U.S. exchanges. A small investment in derivative instruments could have a potentially large impact on the Fund's performance. Over-the-counter derivatives are subject to the risk of mispricing or improper valuation of the derivative.

 

Liquidity of Futures Contracts . The Fund utilizes futures as part of its strategy. Futures positions may be illiquid because certain commodity exchanges limit fluctuations in certain futures contract prices during a single day by regulations referred to as "daily price fluctuation limits" or "daily limits." Under such daily limits, during a single trading day no trades may be executed at prices beyond the daily limits. Once the price of a particular futures contract has increased or decreased by an amount equal to the daily limit, positions in that contract can neither be entered into nor liquidated unless traders are willing to effect trades at or within the limit. Futures prices have occasionally moved beyond the daily limits for several consecutive days with little or no trading. OTC instruments generally are not as liquid as instruments traded on recognized exchanges. These constraints could prevent the Fund from promptly liquidating unfavorable positions, thereby subjecting the Fund to substantial losses. In addition, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") and various exchanges limit the number of positions that the Fund may indirectly hold or control in particular commodities.

 

Non-U.S. Futures Transactions . Foreign futures transactions involve the execution and clearing of trades on a foreign exchange. This is the case even if the foreign exchange is formally "linked" to a domestic exchange, whereby a trade executed on one exchange liquidates or establishes a position on the other exchange. No domestic organization regulates the activities of a foreign exchange, including the execution, delivery, and clearing of transactions on such an exchange, and no domestic regulator has the power to compel enforcement of the rules of the foreign exchange or the laws of the foreign country. Moreover, such laws or regulations will vary depending on the foreign country in which the transaction occurs. For these reasons, the Fund may not be afforded certain of the protections that apply to domestic transactions. In particular, funds received from the Fund to margin (collateralize) foreign futures transactions may not be provided the same protections as funds received to margin futures transactions on domestic exchanges. In addition, the price of any foreign futures or option contract and, therefore, the resulting potential profit or loss, may be affected by any fluctuation in the foreign exchange rate between the time the order is placed and the foreign futures contract is liquidated or the foreign option contract is liquidated or exercised.

 

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Forward Contracts . The Fund may utilize deliverable and non-deliverable forward contracts that are not traded on exchanges and may not be regulated. There are no limitations on daily price movements of forward contracts. Banks and other dealers with which the Fund maintains accounts may require that the Fund deposit margin with respect to such trading. The Fund's counterparties are not required to continue making markets in such contracts. There have been periods during which certain counterparties have refused to continue to quote prices for forward contracts or have quoted prices with an unusually wide spread (the price at which the counterparty is prepared to buy and that at which it is prepared to sell). Arrangements to trade forward contracts may be made with only one or a few counterparties, and liquidity problems therefore might be greater than if such arrangements were made with numerous counterparties. The Fund may trade forward contracts in the inter-bank currency market, whereby banks and dealers act as principals in these markets. As a result of Dodd-Frank, the CFTC now regulates non-deliverable forwards (including deliverable forwards where the parties do not take delivery). Changes in the forward markets may entail increased costs and result in burdensome reporting requirements. The imposition of credit controls by governmental authorities might limit such forward trading to less than the amount that the Manager would otherwise recommend, to the possible detriment of the Fund.

 

Swap Agreements . The Fund may enter into swap agreements. Swap agreements can be individually negotiated and structured to include exposure to a variety of different types of investments or market factors. Depending on their structure, swap agreements may increase or decrease the Fund's exposure to long-term or short-term interest rates, foreign currency values, corporate borrowing rates, or other factors such as security prices, baskets of securities, or inflation rates. Swap agreements can take many different forms and are known by a variety of names. The Fund is not limited to any particular form of swap agreement if the Manager determines that other forms are consistent with the Fund's investment objective and policies.

 

Swap agreements will tend to shift the Fund's investment exposure from one type of investment to another. For example, if the Fund agrees to exchange payments in dollars for payments in foreign currency, the swap agreement would tend to decrease the Fund's exposure to U.S. interest rates and increase its exposure to foreign currency and interest rates. Depending on how they are used, swap agreements may increase or decrease the overall volatility of the Fund's portfolio. The most significant factor in the performance of swap agreements is the change in the specific interest rate, currency, individual equity values or other factors that determine the amounts of payments due to and from the Fund. If a swap agreement calls for payments by the Fund, the Fund must be prepared to make such payments when due. In addition, the value of a swap agreement is likely to decline if the counterparty's creditworthiness declines. Such a decrease in value might cause the Fund to incur losses.

 

Recent market developments related to swaps have prompted increased scrutiny with respect to these instruments. As a result of the Dodd-Frank Act, swaps may in the future be subject to increased regulation. Such regulation may limit the Fund's ability to use swaps and increase the cost of using swaps.

 

Fixed-Income Risk: A substantial portion of the Fund's assets may be invested in securities issued by the U.S. Government. When interest rates change, the value of the Fund's fixed-income investments will be affected. Prices of fixed income securities tend to move inversely with changes in interest rates. Typically, a rise in rates will adversely affect fixed income security prices and, accordingly, the Fund's share price. The longer the effective maturity and duration of the Fund's portfolio, the more the Fund's share price is likely to react to interest rates. Some fixed income securities give the issuer the option to call, or redeem, the securities before their maturity dates. If an issuer calls its security during a time of declining interest rates, the Fund might have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield, and therefore might not benefit from any increase in value as a result of declining interest rates. During periods of market illiquidity or rising interest rates, prices of callable issues are subject to increased price fluctuation. In addition, the Fund may be subject to extension risk, which occurs during a rising interest rate environment because certain obligations will be paid off by an issuer more slowly than anticipated, causing the value of those securities held by the Fund to fall.

 

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Fixed income investments are also subject to "Credit Risk" discussed below.

 

Counterparty Risk: Some of the derivatives entered into by the Fund or the Subsidiary are not traded on an exchange but instead will be privately negotiated in the over-the-counter market. This means that these instruments are traded between counterparties based on contractual relationships. Relying on a counterparty exposes the Fund to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Fund to suffer a loss. If a counterparty defaults on its payment obligations to the Fund, this default will cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease. In addition, to the extent the Fund deals with a limited number of counterparties, it will be more susceptible to the credit risks associated with those counterparties. The Fund is neither restricted from dealing with any particular counterparty nor from concentrating any or all of its transactions with one counterparty. The ability of the Fund to transact business with any one or number of counterparties and the absence of a regulated market to facilitate settlement may increase the potential for losses by the Fund. In situations in which the Fund is required to post margin or other collateral with a counterparty, including with a futures commission merchant or a clearing organization for futures or other derivative contracts, the counterparty may fail to segregate the collateral or may commingle the collateral with the counterparty's own assets. As a result, in the event of the counterparty's bankruptcy or insolvency, the Fund's collateral may be subject to the conflicting claims of the counterparty's creditors and the Fund may be exposed to the risk of being treated as a general unsecured creditor of the counterparty, rather than as the owner of the collateral.

 

The Fund is subject to the risk that issuers of the instruments in which it invests and trades may default on their obligations, and that certain events may occur that have an immediate and significant adverse effect on the value of those instruments. There can be no assurance that an issuer will not default, or that an event that has an immediate and significant adverse effect on the value of an instrument will not occur, and that the Fund will not sustain a loss on a transaction as a result.

 

Transactions entered into by the Fund may be executed on various U.S. and non-U.S. exchanges, and may be cleared and settled through various clearing houses, custodians, depositories and prime brokers throughout the world. A failure by any such entity may lead to a loss to the Fund.

 

Credit Risk: Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of the security will not be able to make principal and interest payments when due. Changes in an issuer's credit rating or the market's perception of an issuer's creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund's investment in that issuer. The degree of credit risk depends on both the financial condition of the issuer and the terms of the obligation. Securities rated in the four highest categories (S&P Global Ratings ("S&P") (AAA, AA, A and BBB), Fitch Ratings ("Fitch") (AAA, AA, A and BBB) or Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") (Aaa, Aa, A and Baa)) by the rating agencies are considered investment grade but they may also have some speculative characteristics, meaning that they carry more risk than higher rated securities and may have problems making principal and interest payments in difficult economic climates. Investment grade ratings do not guarantee that bonds will not lose value or default.

 

If a security issuer defaults on its payment obligations to the Fund, this default will cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease. Lower credit quality may lead to greater volatility in the price of a security and in shares of the Fund. Lower credit quality also may affect liquidity and make it difficult to sell the security. Default, or the market's perception that an issuer is likely to default, could reduce the value and liquidity of securities, thereby reducing the value of your investment in Fund shares. In addition, default may cause the Fund to incur expenses in seeking recovery of principal or interest on its portfolio holdings.

 

When the Fund invests in over-the-counter derivatives (including options), it is assuming a credit risk with regard to the party with which it trades and also bears the risk of settlement default. These risks may differ materially from risks associated with transactions effected on an exchange, which generally are backed by clearing organization guarantees, daily mark-to-market and settlement, segregation and minimum capital requirements applicable to intermediaries. Transactions entered into directly between two counterparties generally do not benefit from such protections. Relying on any counterparty exposes the Fund to the risk that such counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Fund to suffer a loss. If any counterparty defaults on its payment obligations to the Fund, this default will cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease.

 

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In addition, to the extent the Fund deals with a limited number of counterparties, it will be more susceptible to the credit risks associated with those counterparties. The Fund is neither restricted from dealing with any particular counterparty nor from concentrating any or all of its transactions with one counterparty. The ability of the Fund to transact business with any one or number of counterparties and the absence of a regulated market to facilitate settlement may increase the potential for losses by the Fund.

 

Although U.S. Government Securities are generally considered to be among the safest type of investment in terms of credit risk, they are not guaranteed against price movements due to changing interest rates. Obligations issued by some U.S. Government agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises, such as the Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury, while obligations by others, such as Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae"), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Mac") and Federal Home Loan Banks ("FHLBs"), are backed solely by the ability of the entity to borrow from the U.S. Treasury or by the entity's own resources. No assurance can be given that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to U.S. Government agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises if it is not obliged to do so by law.

 

On September 7, 2008, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (collectively the "GSEs") were placed under the conservatorship of the Federal Housing Finance Agency to provide stability in the financial markets, mortgage availability and taxpayer protection by preserving the GSEs' assets and property and putting them in a sound and solvent condition. Under the conservatorship, the management of the GSEs was replaced. The future status and role of the GSEs could be impacted by (among other things) the actions taken and restrictions placed on the GSEs by the Federal Housing Finance Agency in its role as conservator, the restrictions placed on the GSEs’ operations and activities as a result of the senior preferred stock investment made by the U.S. Treasury, market responses to developments at the GSEs, and future legislative and regulatory action that alters the operations, ownership, structure and/or mission of these institutions, each of which may, in turn, impact the value of, and cash flows on, any mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by a GSE, including any such mortgage-backed securities held by the Fund.

 

Currency Risk: The Fund's exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. Dollar, or, in the case of short positions, that the U.S. Dollar will decline in value relative to the currency that the Fund is short. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad. In addition, the Fund may incur transaction costs in connection with conversions between various currencies.

 

Emerging Market Risk: The Fund intends to have exposure to emerging markets due to its investments in certain stock index futures and foreign exchange instruments. Investing in emerging markets will, among other things, expose the Fund to all the risks described below in the Foreign Market Risk section, and you should review that section carefully. However, there are greater risks involved in investing in emerging market countries and/or their financial markets than there are in more developed countries and/or markets. Generally, economic structures in these countries are less diverse and mature than those in developed countries, and their political systems are less stable. Investments in emerging market countries may be affected by national policies that restrict foreign investment in certain issuers or industries. The small size of their financial markets and low trading volumes can make investments illiquid and more volatile than investments in developed countries and such securities may be subject to abrupt and severe price declines. The Fund may be required to establish special custody or other arrangements before investing. In addition, because the securities settlement procedures are less developed in these countries, the Fund may be required to deliver securities before receiving payment and may also be unable to complete transactions during market disruptions. The possible establishment of exchange controls or freezes on the convertibility of currency might adversely affect an investment in assets traded in foreign markets.

 

Foreign Market Risk: A substantial portion of the trades of the Fund are expected to take place on markets or exchanges outside the United States. There is no limit to the amount of assets of the Fund that may be committed to trading on foreign markets. The risk of loss in trading foreign futures and options on futures contracts can be substantial. Participation in foreign futures and options on futures contracts involves the execution and clearing of trades on, or subject to the rules of, a foreign board of trade or exchange. Some of these foreign markets, in contrast to U.S. exchanges, are so-called principals' markets in which performance is the responsibility only of the individual counterparty with whom the trader has entered into a commodity interest transaction and not of the exchange or clearing corporation. In these kinds of markets, there is risk of bankruptcy or other failure or refusal to perform by the counterparty.

 

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Some foreign markets present additional risk, because they are not subject to the same degree of regulation as their U.S. counterparts. No U.S. regulatory agency or any domestic exchange regulates activities on any foreign boards of trade or exchanges (such as the execution, delivery and clearing of transactions) or has the power to compel enforcement of the rules of a foreign board of trade or exchange or of any applicable foreign laws. Similarly, the rights of market participants, in the event of the insolvency or bankruptcy of a foreign market or broker are also likely to be more limited than in the case of U.S. markets or brokers. As a result, in these markets, there is less legal and regulatory protection than that available domestically.

 

Additionally, trading on foreign exchanges is subject to the risks presented by exchange controls, expropriation, increased tax burdens and exposure to local economic declines and political instability. An adverse development with respect to any of these variables could reduce the profit or increase the loss earned on trades in the affected international markets. International trading activities are subject to foreign exchange risk.

 

General Market Risk: The Fund's NAV and investment return will fluctuate based upon changes in the value of its portfolio securities. The market value of securities in which the Fund or the Subsidiary invests is based upon the market's perception of value and is not necessarily an objective measure of a security's value. There is no assurance that the Fund will realize its investment objective, and an investment in the Fund is not, by itself, a complete or balanced investment program. You could lose money on your investment in the Fund, or the Fund could underperform other investments.

 

Government Intervention and Regulatory Changes: The recent instability in financial markets has led government to take a number of unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions and segments of the financial markets that are exposed to extreme volatility and in some cases lack of liquidity. For example, the Dodd-Frank Act significantly revises and expands the rulemaking, supervisory and enforcement authority of federal bank, securities and commodities regulators. It is unclear how these regulators will exercise these revised and expanded powers and whether they will undertake rulemaking, supervisory or enforcement actions that would adversely affect the Fund or investments made by the Fund. Possible regulatory actions taken under these revised and expanded powers may include actions related to financial consumer protection, proprietary trading and derivatives. There can be no assurance that future regulatory actions authorized by the Dodd-Frank Act will not adversely impact the Fund. Legislators and regulators in the United States are currently considering a wide range of proposals beyond the Dodd-Frank Act that, if enacted, could result in major changes to the way banking operations are regulated. Some of these major changes could materially affect the profitability of the Fund or the value of investments made by the Fund or force the Fund to revise its investment strategy or divest certain of its investments. Any of these developments could expose the Fund to additional costs, taxes, liabilities, enforcement actions and reputational risk.

 

In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act established a new regulatory structure for derivatives. The new legislation requires regulators to set minimum capital requirements and minimum initial and variation margin requirements, repeals prior regulatory exemptions for OTC derivatives, provides substantial authority to the SEC and the CFTC with respect to position limits for certain swaps and may change the standards for determining manipulation. Much of the required rulemaking and regulations have yet to be implemented. Accordingly, the effect of the new legislation and its impact on the Fund cannot yet be known. If more restrictive position limits are imposed on investors in the commodity futures and other derivative markets the Fund may be adversely affected. Similarly, changes in the regulation of foreign currency-related trading arising from the Dodd-Frank Act may make it more expensive for the Fund and otherwise limit the Fund's ability to engage in such trading, which could adversely affect the Fund.

 

In 2012, the CFTC adopted certain rule amendments that significantly affected the exemptions from CFTC regulations that were available to the Fund and its Subsidiary. The Fund and its Subsidiary are subject to CFTC regulations because of these changes. At the time of the CFTC's adoption of the rule amendments, Campbell & Company, LP, the Manager's parent company, was (and continues to be) registered as a commodity pool operator ("CPO") and, accordingly, is subject to CFTC regulations. On August 13, 2013, the CFTC adopted final rules to "harmonize" the compliance obligations of CPOs with respect to commodity pools that are also registered investment companies under the 1940 Act. Under the final harmonization rules, the CPOs of such commodity pools may elect "substituted compliance" whereby such CPOs will be deemed to have substantially satisfied the CFTC-mandated disclosure, reporting and recordkeeping obligations by complying with the SEC's disclosure, reporting and recordkeeping regime under the 1940 Act, in lieu of complying with the CFTC's alternative requirements. The Fund intends to utilize the substituted compliance option.

 

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Leverage/Volatility Risk: Although the Fund will not borrow funds for trading, the Fund should be considered highly leveraged and is suitable only for investors with high tolerance for investment risk. Leverage embedded in the various derivative instruments traded may result in the Fund or its Subsidiary holding positions whose face or notional value may be many times the Fund's net asset value. For example, the amount of margin funds necessary to be deposited in order to enter into a futures, forward or option contract position is typically from 2% to 10% of the total face or notional value of the contract. As a result of this leveraging, even a small movement in the price of a commodity can cause a correspondingly large profit or loss. Losses incurred on leveraged investments increase in direct proportion to the degree of leverage employed.

 

Furthermore, derivative contracts are highly volatile and are subject to occasional rapid and substantial fluctuations. Consequently, you could lose all or substantially all of your investment in the Fund should the trading positions of the Fund suddenly turn unprofitable.

 

The Fund's NAV is expected over short-term periods to be volatile because of the significant use of direct and indirect investments that have a leveraging effect. Volatility is a statistical measurement of the magnitude of up and down asset price fluctuations over time. Rapid and dramatic price swings will result in high volatility. The Fund's returns are expected to be volatile; however, the actual or realized volatility level for longer or shorter periods may be materially higher or lower depending on market conditions and investors may suffer a significant and possibly a complete loss on their investment in the Fund.

 

Liquidity Risk: The Fund may be subject to liquidity risk primarily due to investments in derivatives. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities or instruments. Derivatives, such as swaps, options and warrants, may not be readily marketable and, therefore, may be deemed to be illiquid. An asset is not readily marketable if it cannot be sold within seven business days in the ordinary course of business for approximately the amount at which it is valued. Investments in illiquid assets involve the risk that the Fund may be unable to sell the asset or sell it at a reasonable price. In addition, the Fund may be required to liquidate positions or close out derivatives on unfavorable terms at a time contrary to the interests of the Fund in order to raise cash to pay redemptions.

 

An investment in derivatives is also subject to the risk that the Fund may not be able to terminate the derivatives effective on whatever date it chooses, or that the settlement of any early termination may depend on subsequent market movements. As a result, the Fund may be exposed to the risk of additional losses due to such delays.

 

Management Risk: The Manager's judgments about the attractiveness, value and potential positive or negative performance of any particular security or derivative in which the Fund invests or sells short may prove to be inaccurate and may not produce the desired results. The Manager's trading is highly model driven, and is materially subject to possible flaws in the models. As market dynamics (for example, due to changed market conditions and participants) shift over time, a previously highly successful model often becomes outdated or inaccurate, sometimes without the Manager recognizing that fact before substantial losses are incurred. In particular, the Fund may incur major losses in the event of disrupted markets and other extraordinary events that cause the Manager's pricing models to generate prices which deviate from the market. The risk of loss to the Fund in the case of disrupted markets is compounded by the number of different investment models of pricing, each of which may independently become wholly unpredictable during market disruptions. In addition, in disrupted derivatives markets, many positions may become illiquid, making it difficult or impossible to close out positions against which the markets are moving.

 

Even if the basic concepts of our models are sound, the Manager may make errors in developing algorithms for integrating the numerous factors and variables into them or in programming the algorithms. Those errors may cause the model to generate results different from those intended. They may be difficult to detect in many market conditions, possibly influencing outcomes only in periods of stress or change in market conditions.

 

The Manager anticipates the continued modification, enhancement and development of models. Each new generation of models (including incremental improvements to current models) exposes the Fund to the possibility of unforeseen losses from a variety of factors, including conceptual failures and implementation failures. There can be no assurance that the models used by the Manager will be effective or that they will be effectively utilized by the Manager. Moreover, these can be no assurance that the Manager will be able to continue to develop, maintain and update the models so as to effectively implement its trading strategy.

 

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Limited Operating History Risk: The Fund has a limited operating history upon which prospective investors can evaluate its performance. The personnel of the Manager responsible for managing the Fund's investment portfolio have substantial experience in managing investments and private investment funds and have provided and continue to provide advisory and management services to clients and private and registered investment funds that have similar investment programs to that of the Fund. However, the past performance of the Fund or the Manager may not be construed as an indication of the future results of an investment in the Fund.

 

Non-Diversification Risk: The Fund is a non-diversified investment company, which means that more of the Fund's assets may be invested in the securities of a single issuer than could be invested in the securities of a single issuer by a diversified investment company. This may make the value of the Fund's shares more susceptible to certain risks than shares of a diversified investment company. As a non-diversified fund, the Fund has a greater potential to realize losses upon the occurrence of adverse events affecting a particular issuer.

 

OTC Trading Risk: Certain of the derivatives in which the Fund may invest, including swap agreements, may be traded (and privately negotiated) in the OTC market. While the OTC derivatives market is the primary trading venue for many derivatives, it is largely unregulated and lacks transparency with respect to the terms of OTC transactions. OTC derivatives are complex and often valued subjectively. Improper valuations can result in increased cash payment requirements to counterparties or a loss of value to the Fund. In addition, such derivative instruments are often highly customized and tailored to meet the needs of the counterparties. If a derivative transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price. As a result and similar to other privately negotiated contracts, the Fund is subject to counterparty credit risk with respect to such derivative contracts.

 

Portfolio Turnover Risk: The Fund may frequently buy and sell portfolio securities and other assets to rebalance the Fund's exposure to various market sectors. Higher portfolio turnover may result in the Fund paying higher levels of transaction costs and generating greater tax liabilities for shareholders. Portfolio turnover risk may cause the Fund's performance to be less than you expect.

 

Regulatory Risk: Governments, agencies or other regulatory bodies may adopt or change laws or regulations that could adversely affect the issuer, or market value, of an instrument held by the Fund or the Fund's performance.

 

Short Sales Risk: The Fund engages in short sales of derivative instruments and securities – including those that are not "against the box," which means that the Fund may make short sales where the Fund does not currently own or have the right to acquire, at no added cost, instruments identical to those sold short – in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act. In a typical short sale, the Fund borrows from a broker an instrument in order to sell the instrument to a third party. The Fund then is obligated to replace the instrument borrowed by purchasing it at the market price at the time of replacement. The Fund realizes a loss to the extent the instrument increases in value or a profit to the extent the instrument declines in value (after taking into account any associated costs). Until the Fund closes its short position, the Fund will: (a) maintain a segregated account containing cash or liquid assets at such a level that (i) the amount deposited in the account plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will equal the current value of the instrument sold short; and (ii) the amount deposited in the segregated account plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will not be less than the market value of the instrument at the time the instrument was sold short; or (b) otherwise cover the Fund's short position.

 

Subsidiary Risk: The Fund will make investments through a wholly-owned Subsidiary organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands. By investing in the Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the Subsidiary's investments. The derivatives and other investments held by a Subsidiary are generally similar to those that are permitted to be held by the Fund and are subject to the same risks that apply to similar investments if held directly by the Fund. These risks are described elsewhere in this Prospectus. There can be no assurance that the investment objective of the Subsidiary will be achieved.

 

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The Subsidiary is not registered under the 1940 Act, and, unless otherwise noted in this Prospectus, is not subject to all the investor protections of the 1940 Act. However, the Fund wholly owns and controls the Subsidiary, making it unlikely that the Subsidiary will take action contrary to the interests of the Fund and its shareholders. The Board of Directors has oversight responsibility for the investment activities of the Fund, including its investment in the Subsidiary, and the Fund's role as sole shareholder of the Subsidiary. The Subsidiary will be subject to the same investment restrictions and limitations, and follow the same compliance policies and procedures, as the Fund.

 

Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Fund and/or its Subsidiary to operate as described in this Prospectus and in the SAI and could adversely affect the Fund. For example, the Cayman Islands does not currently impose any income, corporate or capital gains tax or withholding tax on the Subsidiary. If Cayman Islands law changes such that the Subsidiary must pay Cayman Islands taxes, Fund shareholders would likely suffer decreased investment returns.

 

Tax Risk: There is a risk that the IRS could assert that the income derived from the Fund's investment in the Subsidiary or in certain commodity-linked structured notes will not be considered qualifying income for purposes of the Fund remaining qualified as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In 2016, the Treasury and the IRS issued proposed regulations that provide that the income from a foreign subsidiary that is a controlled foreign corporation is qualifying income for purposes of a fund remaining qualified as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes only to the extent such income is actually distributed by the foreign subsidiary to the RIC each year. In 2006, the IRS had published a ruling that income realized from swaps with respect to a commodities index would not be qualifying income. In a number of private letter rulings issued during 2006-2011, the IRS ruled that the income of such a foreign subsidiary would be qualified income each year even if it is not actually distributed to the RIC each year, but in 2011 the IRS suspended the issuance of such rulings. The new proposed regulations, if adopted as proposed, will apply for taxable years of RICs that begin on or after 90 days after the date of publication of the final regulations. If the proposed regulations are adopted as proposed, the Subsidiary will have to distribute its income each year in order for such income to be treated as qualifying income of the Fund. In addition, during 2006-2011, the IRS had also issued private letter rulings to registered investment companies concluding that income derived from their investment in certain commodity-linked structured notes would constitute qualifying income to the fund. In 2011, the IRS indicated that the granting of these types of private letter rulings was suspended, pending further internal review of the subject. In 2016, the IRS announced that it would not issue any such rulings in the future, and it revoked the previously issued rulings. If the Fund were to fail to qualify as a RIC and became subject to federal income tax, shareholders of the Fund would be subject to diminished returns. For more information, see “More Information About Taxes,” infra.

 

Non-Principal Risks

 

Cyber Security Issues. With the increased use of technologies such as the internet to conduct business, the Fund and Subsidiary are susceptible to operational, information security and related risks. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber-attacks include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (e.g., through "hacking" or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruption. Cyber-attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (i.e., efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). Cyber security failures or breaches by the Fund's adviser and other service providers (including, but not limited to, Fund accountant, custodian, transfer agent and administrator), and the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, interference with the Fund's ability to calculate its NAV, impediments to trading, the inability of Fund shareholders to transact business, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs. In addition, substantial costs may be incurred in order to prevent any cyber incidents in the future. While the Manager has established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent, such cyber-attacks, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and systems put in place by service providers to the Fund and issuers in which the Fund invests. The Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.

 

Redemptions. The Fund may need to sell its holdings in order to meet shareholder redemption requests. The Fund could experience a loss when selling securities to meet redemption requests if the redemption requests are unusually large or frequent, occur in times of overall market turmoil or declining prices for the securities sold, or when the securities the Fund wishes to or is required to sell are illiquid. The Fund may be unable to sell illiquid securities at its desired time or price. Illiquidity can be caused by a drop in overall market trading volume, an inability to find a ready buyer, or legal restrictions on the securities' resale. Certain securities that were liquid when purchased may later become illiquid, particularly in times of overall economic distress.

 

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Temporary Investments. The Fund may depart from its principal investment strategy in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions by taking temporary defensive positions (up to 100% of its assets) in cash, cash equivalents and short-term U.S. government securities. If the Fund were to take a temporary defensive position, it may be unable for a time to achieve its investment objective.

 

Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings

 

A description of the Company's policies and procedures of the Company with respect to the disclosure of the Fund's portfolio securities is available in the Fund's SAI. The SAI is incorporated herein.

 

More Information About Management of the Fund

 

Investment Manager

 

Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC ("Campbell" or "Manager"), a Delaware corporation founded in January 2005, serves as the investment manager to the Fund. The Manager's principal place of business is located at 2850 Quarry Lake Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21209. As of August 31, 2017, the Manager together with its affiliates had approximately $3.7 billion in assets under management. The Manager is registered as an Investment Adviser with the SEC and as a Commodity Trading Advisor ("CTA") with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and is a member of the National Futures Association.

 

The Manager is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Campbell & Company, LP ("Campbell & Company"). Campbell & Company and its predecessor organization, Campbell & Company, Inc., were organized in 1972 and have over forty years of experience in creating and managing alternative investment vehicles. The Manager has appointed Campbell & Company as the Fund's Commodity Pool Operator ("CPO"). Campbell & Company is registered with the CFTC as a CPO and a CTA. Campbell & Company is a member of the NFA in such capacities.

 

The Fund compensates the Manager for its services at the annual rate of 1.50% of its average annual net assets, payable on a monthly basis in arrears. The Manager has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) to 1.50%, 1.65%, 1.90% and 1.90% of the Fund's average daily net assets for Class UI Shares, Class I Shares, Class N Shares and Class T Shares, respectively. In determining the Manager's obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to exceed 1.50%, 1.65%, 1.90% and 1.90%, as applicable: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2018 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. If at any time the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.50%, 1.65%, 1.90% and 1.90%, as applicable, the Manager may recoup from the Fund any waived amount or other payments remitted by the Manager within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Directors' approval of the investment advisory agreement with the Manager will be available in the Fund's first Semi-Annual or Annual Report to shareholders.

 

The Fund is managed by Campbell's Investment Committee. The six-member team, led by co-chairs G. William Andrews and Dr. Kevin Cole, is responsible for portfolio risk management, capital allocation and portfolio construction, and approves all changes to the portfolio, including new models and enhancements.

 

G. William Andrews, Chief Executive Officer, joined Campbell in April 1997, and in November 2012 he was appointed to the Board of Directors and as Chief Executive Officer. He formerly held the positions of Co-Director of Research from November 2011 to October 2012, Chief Operating Officer from January 2010 to May 2012, Vice President & Director of Operations from April 2007 to January 2010, Vice President & Director of Research Operations from March 2006 to April 2007, and Research Assistant from April 1997 to February 2006. In March 2010, Mr. Andrews was appointed a Co-Chair of Campbell's Investment Committee.

 

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Dr. Kevin Cole, joined Campbell in October 2003 and has served as Chief Research Officer, since June 2017. In February 2017, Dr. Cole was appointed to serve Campbell and its affiliates as an executive officer. Since joining the firm, Dr. Cole has had a significant role in the ongoing research and development of Campbell’s trading systems and models.  Dr. Cole was appointed as Co-Chair of Campbell’s Investment Committee in September 2017. As Chief Research Officer, Dr. Cole is responsible for the management of the research and investment process at the firm.

 

The SAI provides additional information about the co-chairs' compensation, other accounts managed by the co-chairs, and the co-chairs' ownership of shares of the Fund.

 

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

 

Pricing of Fund Shares

 

Class UI Shares, Class I Shares and Class N Shares of the Fund are sold at their net asset value ("NAV"). Class T Shares of the Fund are sold at its NAV, plus a front-end sales charge, if applicable. The NAV of a Class of the Fund is calculated as follows:

 

       Value of Assets Attributable to a Class
NAV = −   Value of Liabilities Attributable to the Same Class
      Number of Outstanding Shares of the Class

 

The Fund's NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. The NYSE is generally open Monday through Friday, except national holidays. The NYSE also may be closed on national days of mourning or due to natural disaster or other extraordinary events or emergency.  Fund shares will generally not be priced on any day the NYSE is closed. The Fund will effect purchases of Fund Shares at the NAV next determined after receipt by the Transfer Agent of your purchase order in good order as described below. Due to the fact that different expenses are charged to the Class UI Shares, Class I Shares, Class N Shares and Class T Shares of the Fund, the NAV of the four classes of the Fund will vary. The Fund will effect redemptions of Fund Shares at the NAV next calculated after receipt by the Transfer Agent of your redemption request in good order as described below. If the Fund holds securities that are primarily listed on non-U.S. exchanges, the net asset value of the Fund's shares may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem the Fund's shares.

 

If available, the Fund's investments in securities and other exchange traded assets are generally valued based on market quotations. If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable by the Fund's administrator, in consultation with the Manager, securities will be valued by the Manager in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company's Board of Directors and under the Board of Directors’ ultimate supervision. The Fund will regularly value its investments in derivative instruments at fair value. The Fund may use independent pricing services to assist in calculating the value of the Fund's portfolio holdings. Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation involves the risk that the values used by the Fund to price its investments may be higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.

 

Applicable federal tax requirements generally limit the degree to which the Fund may invest in the Subsidiary to an amount not exceeding 25% of the Fund’s total assets. The Subsidiary prices its portfolio investments pursuant to the same pricing and valuation methodologies and procedures employed by the Fund. The Subsidiary offers to redeem all or a portion of its shares at the current net asset value per share every day the Fund is open for business. The value of shares of the Subsidiary will fluctuate with the value of the Subsidiary's portfolio investments.

 

Sales Charges

 

Different Service Organizations may impose different sales charges and these variations are described in the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

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Class T Shares Sales Charges. Purchases of Class T Shares of the Fund are subject to a front-end sales charge of up to 2.50% of the total purchase price; however, sales charges may be reduced for large purchases as indicated below. Sales charges are not imposed on Shares that are purchased with reinvested dividends or other distributions, and the Fund does not impose a deferred sales charge on Class T Shares. The table below indicates the front-end sales charge as a percentage of both the offering price and the net amount invested. The term “offering price” includes the front-end sales charge.

 

Amount of Purchase of
Class T Shares
  Sales Charge as a
% of Offering Price
 

Sales Charge as a %

of Net Amount

Invested

Dealer Compensation
as a Percentage of
Offering Price
 
Less than $250,000     2.50 %   2.56%     2.50 %
At least $250,000 but less than $500,000     2.00 %   2.04%     2.00 %
At least $500,000 but less than $1,000,000     1.50 %   1.52%     1.50 %
$1,000,000 or greater     1.00 %   1.01%     1.00 %
                       

  Rights of Accumulation and Letters of Intent. Rights of Accumulation and Letters of Intent do not apply to Class T Shares.

 

Class T Shares Eligibility. Class T Shares may be made available through certain Service Organizations that make the Shares available to their clients. Certain Service Organizations, through whom you may invest in Class T Shares, may impose their own investment fees, policies and procedures for purchasing and selling Shares, which are not described in this Prospectus or the SAI, and that will depend on the policies, procedures and trading platforms of the Service Organization. Consult a representative of your Service Organization about the availability of Class T Shares of the Fund and the Service Organization’s policies, procedures and other information. Rights of accumulation, letters of intent, rights of reinstatement and exchange privileges are not available on purchases of Class T Shares.

 

Class T Shares Sales Charge Waivers. Class T Shares are not available for purchase as of the date of this Prospectus.

 

No reductions or waivers of sales charges are available for Class T Shares except as may be noted in this Prospectus.

 

Purchase of Fund Shares

 

Shares representing interests in the Fund are offered continuously for sale by Quasar Distributors, LLC (the "Distributor").

 

General. You may purchase Shares of the Fund at the NAV per Share next calculated after your order is received by the Transfer Agent in good order as described below. The Fund's NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. After an initial purchase is made, the Transfer Agent will set up an account for you on the Company records. The minimum initial investment in the Fund is $100,000,000 for Class UI Shares and $1,000,000 for Class I Shares. The minimum initial investment for Class N Shares and Class T Shares is $2,500. There no minimum amount for subsequent investments. The Fund may accept initial investments of smaller amounts in its sole discretion. You can only purchase Shares of the Fund on days the NYSE is open and through the means described below.

 

Purchases Through Intermediaries. Shares of the Fund may also be available through certain Service Organizations. Certain features of the Shares, such as the initial and subsequent investment minimums and certain trading restrictions, may be modified or waived by Service Organizations. Service Organizations may impose minimum investment requirements. Service Organizations may also impose transaction or administrative charges or other direct fees, which charges and fees would not be imposed if Shares are purchased directly from the Company. Therefore, you should contact the Service Organization acting on your behalf concerning the fees (if any) charged in connection with a purchase or redemption of Shares and should read this Prospectus in light of the terms governing your accounts with the Service Organization. Service Organizations will be responsible for promptly transmitting client or customer purchase and redemption orders to the Company in accordance with their agreements with the Company or its agent and with clients or customers. Service Organizations or, if applicable, their designees that have entered into agreements with the Company or its agent may enter confirmed purchase orders on behalf of clients and customers, with payment to follow no later than the Company's pricing on the following business day. If payment is not received by such time, the Service Organization could be held liable for resulting fees or losses. The Company will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when a Service Organization, or, if applicable, its authorized designee, accepts a purchase or redemption order in good order if the order is actually received by the Company in good order not later than the next business morning. If a purchase order is not received by the Fund in good order, the Transfer Agent will contact the financial intermediary to determine the status of the purchase order. Orders received by the Company in good order will be priced at the Fund's NAV next computed after such orders are deemed to have been received by the Service Organization or its authorized designee.

 

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For administration, subaccounting, transfer agency and/or other services, the Manager, the Distributor or their affiliates may pay Service Organizations and certain recordkeeping organizations a fee (the "Service Fee") based on the average annual NAV of accounts with the Company maintained by such Service Organizations or recordkeepers. The Service Fee payable to any one Service Organization is determined based upon a number of factors, including the nature and quality of services provided, the operations processing requirements of the relationship and the standardized fee schedule of the Service Organization or recordkeeper.

 

Initial Investment By Mail. Subject to acceptance by the Fund, an account may be opened by completing and signing an account application and mailing it to the Fund at the address noted below, together with a check payable to the Fund. All checks must be in U.S. Dollars drawn on a domestic bank. The Fund will not accept payment in cash or money orders. The Fund does not accept post-dated checks or any conditional order or payment. To prevent check fraud, the Fund will not accept third party checks, Treasury checks, credit card checks, traveler’s checks or starter checks for the purchase of shares.

 

Regular Mail: Overnight Mail:
Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services
P.O. Box 701 615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701 Milwaukee, WI 53202-5207

 

The Fund does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, deposit in the mail or with such services, or receipt at U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC’s post office box, of purchase orders or redemption requests does not constitute receipt by the Transfer Agent of the Fund. Receipt of purchase orders or redemption requests is based on when the order is received at the Transfer Agent’s offices.

 

Shares will be purchased at the NAV next computed after the time the application and funds are received in proper order and accepted by the Fund. The Transfer Agent will charge a $25 fee against a shareholder’s account, in addition to any loss sustained by the Fund, for any payment that is returned. It is the policy of the Fund not to accept applications under certain circumstances or in amounts considered disadvantageous to shareholders. The Fund reserves the right to reject any application.

 

Initial Investment By Wire. If you are making your first investment in the Fund, before you wire funds, the Transfer Agent must have a completed account application. You may mail or overnight deliver your account application to the Transfer Agent. Upon receipt of your completed account application, the Transfer Agent will establish an account for you. The account number assigned will be required as part of the instruction that should be provided to your bank to send the wire. Your bank must include both the name of the Fund you are purchasing, the account number, and your name so that monies can be correctly applied. Your bank should transmit funds by wire to:

 

Wire Instructions:

U.S. Bank National Association

777 East Wisconsin Ave

Milwaukee WI 53202

ABA 075000022

 

Credit:

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services

Account #112-952-137

For Further Credit to:

Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund

(shareholder registration)

(shareholder account number)

 

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Wired funds must be received prior to 4:00 p.m. Eastern time to be eligible for same day pricing. The Fund and U.S. Bank, N.A. are not responsible for the consequences of delays resulting from the banking or Federal Reserve wire system, or from incomplete wiring instructions.

 

Subsequent Investments – By Wire. Before sending your wire, please contact the Transfer Agent to advise them of your intent to wire funds. This will ensure prompt and accurate credit upon receipt of your wire.

 

Telephone Purchase. Investors may purchase additional shares of the Fund by calling 1-844-261-6488. If you elected this option on your account application, and your account has been open for at least 15 calendar days, telephone orders will be accepted via electronic funds transfer from your bank account through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network. You must have banking information established on your account prior to making a purchase. If you order is received prior to 4 p.m. Eastern time, your shares will be purchased at the net asset value calculated on the day your order is placed.

 

Telephone trades must be received by or prior to market close. During periods of high market activity, shareholders may encounter higher than usual call waits. Please allow sufficient time to place your telephone transaction.

 

Additional Investments. Additional investments may be made at any time by purchasing Shares at the NAV per Share of the Fund by mailing a check to the Transfer Agent at the address noted above under "Initial Investment by Mail" or by wiring as outlined above under "Initial Investment by Wire." Initial and additional purchases made by check or electronic funds transfer through the ACH network cannot be redeemed until payment of the purchase has been collected. This may take up to 15 calendar days from the purchase date. There is no minimum amount for subsequent investments.

 

Retirement Plans/IRA Accounts. The Fund offers prototype documents for a variety of retirement accounts for individuals and small businesses. Please call 1-844-261-6488 for information on:

 

Individual Retirement Plan, including Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs
Small Business Retirement Plans, including Simple IRAs and SEP IRAs
Coverdell Education Savings Accounts

 

There may be special distribution requirements for a retirement account, such as required distributions or mandatory Federal income tax withholding. For more information, call the number listed above. You may be charged a $15 annual account maintenance fee for each retirement account up to a maximum of $30 annually and a $25 fee for transferring assets to another custodian or for closing a retirement account.

 

Purchases in Kind. In certain circumstances, Shares of the Fund may be purchased "in kind" (i.e. in exchange for securities, rather than cash). The securities rendered in connection with an in-kind purchase must be liquid securities that are not restricted as to transfer and have a value that is readily ascertainable in accordance with the Company's valuation procedures. Securities accepted by the Fund will be valued, as set forth in this Prospectus, as of the time of the next determination of net asset value after such acceptance. The Shares of the Fund that are issued to the investor in exchange for the securities will be determined as of the same time. All dividend, subscription, or other rights that are reflected in the market price of accepted securities at the time of valuation become the property of the Fund and must be delivered to the Fund by the investor upon receipt from the issuer. The Fund will not accept securities in exchange for its Shares unless such securities are, at the time of the exchange, eligible to be held by the Fund and satisfy such other conditions as may be imposed by the Manager or the Company. Purchases in-kind may result in the recognition of gain or loss for federal income tax purposes on the securities transferred to the Fund.

 

Other Purchase Information. The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to suspend the offering of Shares or to reject purchase orders when, in the judgment of management, such suspension or rejection is in the best interests of the Fund. The Manager will monitor the Fund's total assets and may, subject to Board of Director's approval, decide to close the Fund at any time to new investments or to new accounts due to concerns that a significant increase in the size of the Fund may adversely affect the implementation of the Fund's strategy. The Manager, subject to Board of Director's approval, may also choose to reopen the Fund to new investments at any time, and may subsequently close the Fund again should concerns regarding the Fund's size recur. If the Fund closes to new investments, the Fund may be offered only to certain existing shareholders of the Fund and certain other persons who may be subject to cumulative, maximum purchase amounts, as follows:

 

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a.  persons who already hold Shares of the closed Fund directly or through accounts maintained by brokers by arrangement with the Manager;

 

b.  existing and future clients of financial advisers and planners whose clients already hold Shares of the Fund;

 

c.  employees of the Manager and their spouses, parents and children; and

 

d.  directors of the Company.

 

Distributions to all shareholders of the closed Fund will continue to be reinvested unless a shareholder elects otherwise. The Manager, subject to the Board of Director's discretion, reserves the right to implement other purchase limitations at the time of closing, including limitations on current shareholders.

 

Purchases of the Fund's Shares will be made in full and fractional Shares of the Fund calculated to three decimal places. Certificates for Shares will not be issued.

 

Shares may be purchased and subsequent investments may be made by principals and employees of the Manager and their family members, either directly or through their IRAs, and by any pension and profit-sharing plan of the Manager, without being subject to the minimum investment limitation. The Manager is authorized to waive the minimum initial investment requirement.

 

Good Order. A purchase request is considered to be in good order when the purchase request includes the name of the Fund, the dollar amount of shares to be purchased, your account application or investment stub, and a check payable to the Fund. Purchase requests not in good order may be rejected.

 

Customer Identification Program. Federal law requires the Company to obtain, verify and record identifying information, which may include the name, residential or business street address, date of birth (for an individual), social security or taxpayer identification number or other identifying information for each investor who opens or reopens an account with the Company. Applications without the required information, or without any indication that a social security or taxpayer identification number has been applied for, may not be accepted. After acceptance, to the extent permitted by applicable law or its customer identification program, the Company reserves the right (a) to place limits on transactions in any account until the identity of the investor is verified; or (b) to refuse an investment in a Company portfolio or to involuntarily redeem an investor's shares and close an account in the event that an investor's identity is not verified. The Company and its agents will not be responsible for any loss in an investor's account resulting from the investor's delay in providing all required identifying information or from closing an account and redeeming an investor's Shares when an investor's identity cannot be verified.

 

Redemption of Fund Shares

 

You may redeem Fund Shares at the next NAV calculated after a redemption request is received by the Transfer Agent in good order. The Fund's NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. You can only redeem Shares of the Fund on days the NYSE is open and through the means described below. You may redeem Fund Shares by mail, or, if you are authorized, by telephone. The value of Shares redeemed may be more or less than the purchase price, depending on the market value of the investment securities held by the Fund.

 

Redemption By Mail. Your redemption request should be sent to: Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund, c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701. If sent by overnight mail to: Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund, c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

 

23  

 

The Fund does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, deposit in the mail or with such services, or receipt at U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC’s post office box, of purchase orders or redemption requests does not constitute receipt by the Transfer Agent of the Fund. Receipt of purchase orders or redemption requests is based on when the order is received at the Transfer Agent’s offices.

 

A signature guarantee, from either a Medallion program member or a non-Medallion program member, is required in the following situations:

 

If ownership is being changed on your account;
When redemption proceeds are payable or sent to any person, address or bank account not on record;
When a redemption is received by the Transfer Agent and the account address has changed within the last 15 calendar days;
For all redemptions in excess of $10,000 from any shareholder account.

 

The Fund may waive any of the above requirements in certain instances. In addition to the situations described above, the Fund and/or the Transfer Agent reserve the right to require a signature guarantee in other instances based on the circumstances relative to the particular situation.

 

Nonfinancial transactions, including establishing or modifying certain services on an account, may require a signature guarantee, signature verification from a Signature Validation Program member, or other acceptable form of authentication from a financial institution source.

 

Signature guarantees will generally be accepted from domestic banks, brokers, dealers, credit unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies and savings associations, as well as from participants in the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program and the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (“STAMP”). A notary public is not an acceptable signature guarantor.

 

Redemption By Telephone. If you did not decline telephone options on your account application (or requested by subsequent arrangements in writing), and your account has been open for at least 15 days, you may initiate a redemption in any amount up to $10,000 by calling the Transfer Agent at 1-844-261-6488.

 

Investors may have a check sent to the address of record, proceeds may be wired to a shareholder’s bank account of record, or funds may be sent via electronic funds transfer through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, also to the bank account of record. Wires are subject to a $15 fee paid by the investor, but the investor does not incur any charge when proceeds are sent via the ACH system.

 

Once a telephone transaction has been placed, it cannot be canceled or modified after the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern time).

 

Telephone trades must be received by or prior to market close. During periods of high market activity, shareholders may encounter higher than usual call waits. Please allow sufficient time to place your telephone transaction.

 

Before executing an instruction received by telephone, the Transfer Agent will use reasonable procedures to confirm that the telephone instructions are genuine. The telephone call may be recorded and the caller may be asked to verify certain personal identification information. If the Fund or its agents follow these procedures, they cannot be held liable for any loss, expense or cost arising out of any telephone redemption request that is reasonably believed to be genuine. This includes fraudulent or unauthorized requests. If an account has more than one owner or authorized person, the Fund will accept telephone instructions from any one owner or authorized person.

 

IRA and Other Retirement Plan Redemptions. If you are redeeming shares from an IRA or other retirement plan, you must indicate on your written redemption request whether or not to withhold federal income tax. Redemption requests failing to indicate an election to have tax withheld will be subject to 10% withholding.

 

Shares held in IRA accounts may be redeemed by telephone at 1-844-261-6488. Investors will be asked whether or not to withhold taxes from any distribution.

 

Involuntary Redemption. The Fund reserves the right to redeem a shareholder's account in the Fund at any time the value of the account falls below $500 as a result of a redemption or an exchange request. Shareholders will be notified in writing that the value of their account in the Fund is less than $500 and will be allowed 30 days to make additional investments before the redemption is processed. The Fund may assert the right to redeem your Shares at current NAV at any time and without prior notice if, and to the extent that, such redemption is necessary to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of your failure to make full payment for Shares of the Fund you previously purchased or subscribed for.

 

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Other Redemption Information. Redemption proceeds for Shares of the Fund recently purchased by check or electronic funds transfer through the ACH network may not be distributed until payment for the purchase has been collected, which may take up to fifteen calendar days from the purchase date. Shareholders can avoid this delay by utilizing the wire purchase option. Other than as described above, payment of the redemption proceeds will be made within seven days after receipt of an order for a redemption. The Company may suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date at times when the NYSE is closed or under any emergency circumstances as determined by the SEC. The Fund typically expects to meet redemption requests by paying out proceeds from cash or cash equivalent portfolio holdings, or by selling portfolio securities. In stressed market conditions, redemption methods may include redeeming in kind.

 

If the Board of Directors determines that it would be detrimental to the best interests of the remaining shareholders of the Fund to make payment wholly or partly in cash, redemption proceeds may be paid in whole or in part by an in-kind distribution of readily marketable securities held by the Fund instead of cash in conformity with applicable rules of the SEC. Investors generally will incur brokerage charges on the sale of portfolio securities so received in the payment of redemptions. If a shareholder receives redemption proceeds in-kind, the shareholder will bear the market risk of the securities received until their disposition and should expect to incur transaction costs upon the disposition of the securities. The Company has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act, so that the Fund is obligated to redeem its Shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its NAV during any 90-day period for any one shareholder of the Fund.

 

Good Order. A redemption request is considered to be in good order when the redemption request includes the name of the Fund, the number of shares or dollar amount to be redeemed, the account number, and signatures by all of the shareholders whose names appear on the account registration with a signature guarantee, if applicable. Redemption requests not in good order may be delayed.

 

Market Timing

 

In accordance with the policy adopted by the Board of Directors, the Company discourages and does not accommodate market timing and other excessive trading practices. Purchases should be made with a view to longer-term investment only. Excessive short-term (market timing) trading practices may disrupt portfolio management strategies, increase brokerage and administrative costs, harm Fund performance and result in dilution in the value of Fund Shares held by long-term shareholders. The Company and the Manager reserve the right to (i) reject a purchase or exchange order, (ii) delay payment of immediate cash redemption proceeds for up to seven calendar days, (iii) revoke a shareholder's privilege to purchase Fund Shares (including exchanges), or (iv) limit the amount of any exchange involving the purchase of Fund Shares. An investor may receive notice that their purchase order or exchange has been rejected after the day the order is placed or after acceptance by a financial intermediary. It is currently expected that a shareholder would receive notice that its purchase order or exchange has been rejected within 48 hours after such purchase order or exchange has been received by the Company in good order. The Company and the Manager will not be liable for any loss resulting from rejected purchase orders. To minimize harm to the Company and its shareholders (or the Manager), the Company (or the Manager) will exercise its right if, in the Company's (or the Manager's) judgment, an investor has a history of excessive trading or if an investor's trading, in the judgment of the Company (or the Manager), has been or may be disruptive to the Fund. No waivers of the provisions of the policy established to detect and deter market timing and other excessive trading activity are permitted that would harm the Fund and its shareholders or would subordinate the interests of the Fund and its shareholders to those of the Manager or any affiliated person or associated person of the Manager.

 

Pursuant to the policy adopted by the Board of Directors, the Manager has developed criteria that it uses to identify trading activity that may be excessive. The Manager reviews on a regular, periodic basis available information related to the trading activity in the Fund in order to assess the likelihood that the Fund may be the target of excessive trading. As part of its excessive trading surveillance process, the Manager, on a periodic basis, examines transactions that exceed certain monetary thresholds or numerical limits within a period of time. If, in its judgment, the Manager detects excessive, short-term trading, it may reject or restrict a purchase request and may further seek to close an investor's account with the Fund. The Manager may modify its surveillance procedures and criteria from time to time without prior notice regarding the detection of excessive trading or to address specific circumstances. The Manager will apply the criteria in a manner that, in the its judgment, will be uniform.

 

25  

 

There is no assurance that the Fund will be able to identify market timers, particularly if they are investing through intermediaries.

 

If necessary, the Company may prohibit additional purchases of Shares by a financial intermediary or by certain customers of the financial intermediary. Financial intermediaries may also monitor their customers' trading activities in the Fund. The criteria used by intermediaries to monitor for excessive trading may differ from the criteria used by the Company. If a financial intermediary fails to enforce the Company's excessive trading policies, the Company may take certain actions, including terminating the relationship.

 

Exchange Privilege

 

Beneficial holders with financial intermediary sponsored fee-based programs are eligible to exchange their Shares in a particular share class of the Fund for Shares in a different share class of the Fund if the shareholder meets the eligibility requirements for that class of Shares or the shareholder is otherwise eligible to purchase that class of Shares. Such an exchange will be effected at the NAV of the Shares next calculated after the exchange request is received by the Transfer Agent in good order. Shares of each class of the Fund represent equal pro rata interests in the Fund and accrue dividends and calculate NAV and performance quotations in the same manner. The performance of each class is quoted separately due to different actual expenses. Total return can be expected to differ among classes of the Fund. Shareholders who exercise the exchange privilege will generally not recognize a taxable gain or loss for federal income tax purposes. The Fund reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to change or discontinue the exchange privilege, or to temporarily suspend the privilege during unusual market conditions when, in the judgment of management, such change or discontinuance is in the best interests of the Fund.

 

Exchange Privileges do not apply to Class T Shares.

 

Dividends and Distributions

 

The Fund will distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, to its shareholders. All distributions are reinvested in the form of additional full and fractional Shares of the Fund unless a shareholder elects otherwise. The Fund will declare and pay dividends from net investment income annually. Net realized capital gains (including net short-term capital gains), if any, will be distributed by the Fund at least annually.

 

The Fund may pay additional distributions and dividends at other times if necessary for the Fund to avoid U.S. federal tax. The Fund's distributions and dividends, whether received in cash or reinvestment in additional Shares, are subject to U.S. federal income tax for shareholders other than IRAs or other tax-qualified plans.

 

All distributions will be reinvested in additional Fund shares unless you elect to receive cash via one of the following options: (1) receive distributions of net capital gain in cash, while reinvesting net investment income distributions in additional Fund shares; (2) receive all distributions in cash; or (3) reinvest net capital gains distributions in additional Fund shares, while receiving distributions of net investment income in cash.

 

If you elect to receive distributions and/or capital gains paid in cash, and the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver the check, or if a check remains outstanding for six months, the Fund reserves the right to reinvest the distribution check in your account, at the Fund’s current net asset value, and to reinvest all subsequent distributions.

 

You may change the distribution option on your account at any time. You should notify the Transfer Agent in writing or by telephone at least five (5) days prior to the next distribution.

 

More Information About Taxes

 

The following is a summary of certain U.S. tax considerations relevant under current law, which may be subject to change in the future. Except where otherwise indicated, the discussion relates to investors who are individual U.S. citizens or residents. You should consult your tax adviser for further information regarding federal, state, local and/or foreign tax consequences relevant to your specific situation.

 

26  

 

Distributions. The Fund contemplates distributing as dividends each year all or substantially all of its taxable income, including its net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss). Except as otherwise discussed below, you will be subject to federal income tax on Fund distributions regardless of whether they are paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares. Fund distributions attributable to short-term capital gains and net investment income will generally be taxable to you as ordinary income, except as discussed below.

 

Distributions attributable to the net capital gain of the Fund will be taxable to you as long-term capital gain, no matter how long you have owned your Fund shares. The maximum long-term capital gain rate applicable to individuals, estates, and trusts is currently 23.8% (which includes a 3.8% Medicare tax). You will be notified annually of the tax status of distributions to you.

 

Distributions from the Fund will generally be taxable to you in the taxable year in which they are paid, with one exception. Distributions declared by the Fund in October, November or December and paid in January of the following year are taxed as though they were paid on December 31 st .

 

A portion of distributions paid by the Fund to shareholders that are corporations may also qualify for the dividends-received deduction for corporations, subject to certain holding period requirements and debt financing limitations. The amount of the dividends qualifying for this deduction may, however, be reduced as the result of the Fund's securities lending activities (if any), by a high portfolio turnover rate or by investments in debt securities or foreign corporations.

 

The Fund may be subject to foreign withholding or other foreign taxes on income or gain from certain foreign securities. If more than 50% of the value of the total assets of the Fund consists of stocks and securities (including debt securities) of foreign corporations at the close of a taxable year, the Fund may elect, for federal income tax purposes, to treat certain foreign taxes paid by it, including generally any withholding and other foreign income taxes, as paid by its shareholders. If the Fund makes this election, the amount of those foreign taxes paid by the Fund will be included in its shareholders' income pro rata (in addition to taxable distributions actually received by them), and each such shareholder will be entitled either (1) to credit that proportionate amount of taxes against U.S. federal income tax liability as a foreign tax credit or (2) to take that amount as an itemized deduction. If the Fund is not eligible or chooses not to make this election the Fund will be entitled to deduct any such foreign taxes in computing the amounts it is required to distribute.

 

If you purchase shares just before a distribution, the purchase price will reflect the amount of the upcoming distribution, but you will be taxed on the entire amount of the distribution received, even though, as an economic matter, the distribution simply constitutes a return of capital. This is known as "buying into a dividend."

 

Sales of Shares. You will generally recognize taxable gain or loss for federal income tax purposes on a sale or redemption of your shares based on the difference between your tax basis in the shares and the amount you receive for them. Generally, you will recognize long-term capital gain or loss if you have held your Fund shares for over twelve months at the time you dispose of them.

 

Any loss realized on shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends that were received on the shares. Additionally, any loss realized on a disposition of shares of the Fund may be disallowed under "wash sale" rules to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced with other shares of the Fund within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the shares are disposed of, such as pursuant to a dividend reinvestment in shares of the Fund. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in an upward adjustment to the basis of the shares acquired.

 

The Fund (or relevant broker or financial adviser) is required to compute and report to the IRS and furnish to Fund shareholders cost basis information when such shares are sold. The Fund has elected to use the average cost method, unless you instruct the Fund to use a different IRS-accepted cost basis method, or choose to specifically identify your shares at the time of each sale. If your account is held by your broker or other financial adviser, they may select a different cost basis method. In these cases, please contact your broker or other financial adviser to obtain information with respect to the available methods and elections for your account. You should carefully review the cost basis information provided by the Fund and make any additional basis, holding period or other adjustments that are required when reporting these amounts on your federal and state income tax returns. Fund shareholders should consult with their tax advisers to determine the best IRS-accepted cost basis method for their tax situation and to obtain more information about how the cost basis reporting requirements apply to them.

 

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IRAs and Other Tax-Qualified Plans. The one major exception to the preceding tax principles is that distributions on, and sales and redemptions of, shares held in an IRA (or other tax-qualified plan) will not be currently taxable unless such shares were acquired with borrowed funds.

 

Backup Withholding. The Fund may be required in certain cases to withhold and remit to the IRS a percentage of taxable dividends or gross proceeds realized upon sale payable to shareholders who have failed to provide a correct tax identification number in the manner required, or who are subject to withholding by the IRS for failure to properly include on their return payments of taxable interest or dividends, or who have failed to certify to the Fund that they are not subject to backup withholding when required to do so or that they are "exempt recipients." The current backup withholding rate is 28%.

 

U.S. Tax Treatment of Foreign Shareholders. Generally, nonresident aliens, foreign corporations and other foreign investors are subject to a 30% withholding tax on dividends paid by a U.S. corporation, although the rate may be reduced for an investor that is a qualified resident of a foreign country with an applicable tax treaty with the United States. In the case of a regulated investment company such as the Fund, however, certain categories of dividends are exempt from the 30% withholding tax. These generally include dividends attributable to the Fund's net capital gains (the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital loss) and dividends attributable to the Fund's interest income from U.S. obligors and dividends attributable to net short-term capital gains of the Fund.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally not be subject to U.S. tax on gains realized on the sale or redemption of shares of the Fund, except that a nonresident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in a calendar year will be taxable on such gains and on capital gain dividends from the Fund.

 

In contrast, if a foreign investor conducts a trade or business in the United States and the investment in the Fund is effectively connected with that trade or business, then the foreign investor's income from the Fund will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax at graduated rates in a manner similar to the income of a U.S. citizen or resident.

 

The Fund will also generally be required to withhold 30% tax on certain payments to foreign entities that do not provide a Form W-8BEN-E that evidences their compliance with, or exemption from, specified information reporting requirements under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act.

 

All foreign investors should consult their own tax advisers regarding the tax consequences in their country of residence of an investment in the Fund.

 

Shares of the Fund have not been registered for sale outside of the United States and certain United States territories.

 

State and Local Taxes. You may also be subject to state and local taxes on income and gain from Fund shares. State income taxes may not apply, however, to the portions of the Fund's distributions, if any, that are attributable to interest on U.S. government securities. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the tax status of distributions in your state and locality.

 

Tax Risks of Investment in Subsidiary. The investment of up to 25% of a fund’s assets in a foreign subsidiary such as the Subsidiary is a structure that has been used by a number of RICs as a way of indirectly making commodities-related investments that would not generate qualifying income if they were made directly by the RIC. Section 851(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) provides that income earned by a controlled foreign corporation (a “CFC”), such as the Subsidiary, will be treated as qualifying income for a RIC provided that CFC distributes those earnings out to the RIC each year. During the period 2006-2011, the IRS issued a number of private letter rulings to other funds in which the IRS ruled that income derived from a fund’s investment in a CFC such as the Subsidiary will generally constitute qualifying income for the fund, even if the CFC itself engages in transactions that would not generate qualifying income if they were engaged in by the fund itself and even if the earnings of the CFC are not distributed to the fund each year. In 2011, however, the IRS suspended the issuance of such private letter rulings pending further review of the subject. In 2016, after completion of that review, the IRS issued proposed regulations that will provide that the income from a foreign subsidiary is qualifying income for RIC purposes only to the extent the income is actually distributed by the foreign subsidiary to the RIC each year – consistent with what is provided in the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, the Fund intends to cause the Subsidiary to make such distributions to the Fund each year, so that the income of the Subsidiary will be qualifying income for the Fund.

 

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If, however, the IRS were to determine that income derived from the Fund’s investment in the Subsidiary (or from certain commodity-linked notes) does not constitute qualifying income and if such positions were upheld by a court, or if future legislation or Treasury regulations were to adversely affect the tax treatment of such investments, the Fund might cease to qualify as a RIC and would be required to reduce its exposure to such investments which might result in difficulty in implementing its investment strategy. In a Senate subcommittee hearing on the subject of RIC commodities-related investments in 2012, Senator Levin, the subcommittee chairman, expressed the view that a wholly-owned foreign subsidiary such as the Subsidiary, which is used by a RIC to make investments or otherwise to engage in transactions that the RIC could not accomplish directly under the applicable tax rules, should be disregarded as a separate entity for federal income tax purposes. Senator Levin’s view was not endorsed by the IRS Commissioner and the Treasury Acting Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy in their hearing testimony and their post-hearing responses to supplemental questions from Senator Levin. If the IRS were ultimately to adopt such a view, however, and if that position were to be sustained by the courts, the Fund may be unable to meet the 90% qualifying income test and therefore may not qualify as a RIC. In that event, the Fund’s taxable income would be subject to tax at the Fund level at regular corporate tax rates (without reduction for distributions to shareholders) and to a further tax at the shareholder level when such income is distributed. In such an event, in order to re-qualify for taxation as a regulated investment company, the Fund may be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest and make certain distributions.

 

Taxation of the Subsidiary. There is, at present, no direct taxation in the Cayman Islands and interest, dividends and gains payable to the Subsidiary will be received free of all Cayman Islands taxes. The Subsidiary is registered as an "exempted company" pursuant to the Companies Law (as amended). The Subsidiary has applied for, and expects to receive, an undertaking from the Governor in Cabinet of the Cayman Islands to the effect that, for a period of twenty years from the date of the undertaking, no law that thereafter is enacted in the Cayman Islands imposing any tax or duty to be levied on profits, income or on gains or appreciation, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, will apply to any property comprised in or any income arising under the Subsidiary, or to the shareholders thereof, in respect of any such property or income.

 

More information about taxes is contained in the SAI.

 

Distribution Arrangements

 

The Board of Directors has adopted a Plan of Distribution for Class N Shares and Class T Shares of the Fund (the "Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, the Fund's Distributor is entitled to receive from the Fund a distribution fee with respect to the Shares, which is accrued daily and paid monthly, of up to 0.25% on an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Class N Shares and Class T Shares of the Fund. The actual amount of such compensation under the Plan is agreed upon by the Company's Board of Directors and by the Distributor. Because these fees are paid out of the Fund's assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.

 

Amounts paid to the Distributor under the Plan may be used by the Distributor to cover expenses that are related to (i) the sale of the Shares, (ii) ongoing servicing and/or maintenance of the accounts of shareholders, and (iii) sub-transfer agency services, subaccounting services or administrative services related to the sale of the Shares, all as set forth in the Fund's 12b-1 Plan. Ongoing servicing and/or maintenance of the accounts of shareholders may include updating and mailing prospectuses and shareholder reports, responding to inquiries regarding shareholder accounts and acting as agent or intermediary between shareholders and the Fund or its service providers. The Distributor may delegate some or all of these functions to Service Organizations. See "Purchases Through Intermediaries" above.

 

The Plan obligates the Fund, during the period it is in effect, to accrue and pay to the Distributor on behalf of the Shares the fee agreed to under the Distribution Agreement. Payments under the Plan are not tied exclusively to expenses actually incurred by the Distributor, and the payments may exceed distribution expenses actually incurred.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

Householding

 

In an effort to decrease costs, the Fund intends to reduce the number of duplicate prospectuses and Annual and Semi-Annual Reports you receive by sending only one copy of each to those addresses shared by two or more accounts and to shareholders we reasonably believe are from the same family or household. Once implemented, if you would like to discontinue householding for your accounts, please call toll-free at 1-844-261-6488 to request individual copies of these documents. Once the Fund receives notice to stop householding, we will begin sending individual copies thirty days after receiving your request. This policy does not apply to account statements.

 

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Lost Shareholder, Inactive Accounts and Unclaimed Property

 

It is important that the Fund maintains a correct address for each shareholder.  An incorrect address may cause a shareholder’s account statements and other mailings to be returned to the Fund.  Based upon statutory requirements for returned mail, the Fund will attempt to locate the shareholder or rightful owner of the account.  If the Fund is unable to locate the shareholder, then it will determine whether the shareholder’s account can legally be considered abandoned.  Your mutual fund account may be transferred to the state government of your state of residence if no activity occurs within your account during the “inactivity period” specified in your state’s abandoned property laws.  The Fund is legally obligated to escheat (or transfer) abandoned property to the appropriate state’s unclaimed property administrator in accordance with statutory requirements.  The shareholder’s last known address of record determines which state has jurisdiction.  Please proactively contact the Transfer Agent at 1-844-261-6482 (toll free) at least annually to ensure your account remains in active status.

 

If you are a resident of the state of Texas, you may designate a representative to receive notifications that, due to inactivity, your mutual fund account assets may be delivered to the Texas Comptroller.  Please contact the Transfer Agent if you wish to complete a Texas Designation of Representative form.

 

NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN THE FUND'S SAI INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR ITS DISTRIBUTOR. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING BY THE COMPANY OR BY THE DISTRIBUTOR IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

There are no financial highlights for the Fund because it had not commenced operations prior to the date of this Prospectus.

 

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APPENDIX A

 

PERFORMANCE OF COMPARABLE ACCOUNTS

 

Campbell has experience in managing other accounts with substantially similar investment objectives, policies and principal strategies as the Fund. The below table is provided to illustrate how a composite of all such similarly managed accounts performed over the period shown and does not represent the performance of the Fund. Investors should not consider this performance information as a substitute for the performance of the Fund, nor should investors consider this information as an indication of the future performance of the Fund or of Campbell. The performance information has been adjusted to show the performance of the composite accounts net of the Class I Shares’ annual fund operating expenses (after contractual waivers that will be in place through December 31, 2018) to reflect the Fund’s target volatility of 10%. The Fund’s results in the future also may be different because the composite accounts were not subject to certain investment limitations, diversification requirements and other restrictions imposed on mutual funds under applicable U.S. securities and tax laws that, if applicable, could have adversely affected the performance of the composite accounts. In addition, the securities held by the Fund will not be identical to the securities held by the composite accounts.

 

The performance of the composite accounts is also compared to the performance of an appropriate broad-based securities benchmark index. This index is unmanaged and is not subject to fees and expenses typically associated with managed funds, including the Fund. Investors cannot invest directly in the index. The performance information is accompanied by additional disclosures, which are an integral part of the information.

 

MONTHLY PERFORMANCE TABLE

 

COMPOSITE - PRO FORMA NET OF FEES 1,2,3

 

YEAR  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec YTD
1988 3.65% 1.81% -1.63% -1.94% 1.01% 6.45% -0.55% -0.21% 3.54% 0.36% -0.38% -0.22% 12.18%
1989 6.32% -2.42% 8.88% 1.24% 11.32% 1.19% 0.49% -0.76% -3.42% -4.86% 1.66% 8.80% 30.56%
1990 2.13% 0.51% 4.00% 3.85% -8.60% 5.26% 8.01% 10.35% 1.59% 0.58% -1.16% -0.58% 27.66%
1991 -5.83% -1.21% 15.16% -1.46% 2.03% 1.19% -5.71% 2.66% 4.26% 0.43% -1.54% 14.03% 24.04%
1992 -3.82% -2.48% 0.79% -1.94% 0.83% 7.73% 8.28% 3.95% -1.47% -3.29% 4.44% -0.19% 12.58%
1993 -0.47% 10.68% -4.26% 2.36% 2.28% 2.45% 4.49% -3.39% -3.44% -4.51% 0.51% 0.02% 5.86%
1994 -3.11% -4.96% 5.12% -1.18% -1.90% 4.01% -3.03% -2.56% 5.08% 0.37% -4.97% -3.60% -10.89%
1995 -4.00% 4.13% 6.77% 1.48% 0.56% -0.71% -2.97% 4.08% -2.54% 0.77% -0.23% 4.79% 12.15%
1996 3.81% -4.03% 3.99% 2.48% -1.23% 0.91% -0.01% 1.24% 1.74% 9.61% 10.32% -3.62% 27.02%
1997 4.38% 1.91% -1.78% -2.11% -1.36% 1.57% 7.21% -4.17% 3.34% 1.99% 0.47% 4.16% 16.11%
1998 2.74% -1.97% 4.12% -4.18% 3.16% 1.51% -2.57% 7.15% 2.50% 3.93% -0.38% 0.56% 17.22%
1999 -3.39% 1.14% 0.70% 4.36% -2.48% 3.77% -0.04% 1.03% 1.53% -2.96% 0.49% 2.70% 6.71%
2000 3.08% -0.23% -1.50% -1.22% 2.06% 1.63% -1.12% 2.36% -2.25% 2.39% 4.98% 2.06% 12.65%
2001 -0.80% 0.53% 5.85% -5.73% 0.89% -1.19% 1.08% 1.51% 5.10% 4.29% -7.48% 2.69% 6.00%
2002 -0.45% -1.37% -1.08% -2.88% 3.01% 5.87% 6.42% 3.26% 3.52% -3.36% -0.90% 2.65% 15.04%
2003 6.42% 6.95% -3.79% 2.52% 1.92% -0.61% -3.18% 1.85% -0.88% 2.15% 0.74% 3.75% 18.66%
2004 2.20% 9.73% 1.00% -4.67% -0.28% -2.13% -0.26% -0.60% -0.91% 1.94% 3.12% 0.77% 9.66%
2005 -1.38% -0.58% 0.27% 0.56% 3.80% 5.04% 1.02% -3.74% 2.92% 3.18% 1.95% -1.95% 11.25%
2006 1.78% -0.98% 3.52% -1.75% -1.81% -0.10% 0.11% -0.07% -1.81% 1.45% 0.77% 5.84% 6.86%
2007 2.14% -3.90% -2.11% 1.73% 4.31% 3.41% -7.59% -4.69% 1.50% 4.17% -4.29% -1.40% -7.33%
2008 -0.15% 1.31% 0.04% -1.65% 1.72% 4.12% -0.62% -0.85% -0.73% -0.53% -0.77% 0.57% 2.34%
2009 0.28% 0.92% -1.32% -3.12% -0.29% -1.37% 0.31% -0.59% 2.96% -0.83% 2.60% -2.39% -2.98%
2010 -4.94% 1.24% 1.73% 2.03% -1.91% -0.18% -0.97% 3.81% 3.48% 3.12% -0.93% 3.78% 10.31%
2011 -0.63% 2.01% -4.49% 5.09% -2.17% -2.73% 6.74% 0.47% -3.39% -3.04% -0.75% 2.32% -1.23%
2012 2.37% 2.21% -1.86% 0.50% 3.89% -3.65% 4.14% -1.14% 0.11% -5.78% 0.08% 2.85% 3.25%
2013 2.97% 0.47% 0.93% 5.74% -0.12% -1.48% -0.42% -0.62% -1.07% 1.63% 1.49% -0.49% 9.18%
2014 -1.78% -3.24% -2.92% -0.06% 1.66% 1.80% -0.03% 4.85% 5.15% 1.32% 5.66% 3.36% 16.39%
2015 4.50% -0.29% 2.37% -2.99% -0.74% -6.78% 2.24% -0.12% 0.64% -1.04% 3.58% -2.66% -1.80%
2016 1.97% 0.78% -2.52% -3.99% -1.10% 2.80% 2.82% -3.20% -2.35% -1.98% -1.37% 0.41% -7.74%
2017 -1.85% 2.85% -1.02% 1.18% -0.25% -3.71% 1.91% 0.60% -0.92% 4.23%  0.48%   3.29%

 

32  

 

BARCLAY BTOP50 INDEX (the “BTOP50 Index”) 4

 

YEAR  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec YTD
1988 -3.67% 1.10% -0.19% -3.93% 5.59% 12.93% -1.76% 0.78% 0.66% 2.22% 0.07% 1.05% 14.71%
1989 3.37% -3.60% 2.55% -1.70% 7.31% -0.17% 0.04% -3.92% -1.32% -3.02% 1.31% 3.11% 3.40%
1990 0.08% 0.44% 1.23% 2.99% -3.15% 0.22% 3.63% 4.93% 2.29% 2.08% 0.74% -0.94% 15.26%
1991 -4.93% 0.24% 5.61% 0.58% -2.38% 2.87% -1.85% -0.50% 4.44% -1.46% 1.46% 10.63% 14.68%
1992 -6.63% -2.32% -0.30% -3.16% 0.27% 5.84% 7.40% 5.15% -2.08% -0.47% 1.29% -1.57% 2.55%
1993 -0.91% 6.87% -0.48% 3.17% 1.25% 1.12% 3.14% -0.15% -0.89% -0.92% -0.91% 1.66% 13.41%
1994 -3.10% -2.15% 2.09% -0.83% 2.12% 3.48% -1.99% -2.99% 1.03% 0.87% 1.37% -0.65% -1.01%
1995 -2.68% 2.93% 7.15% 1.29% 1.48% -1.58% -1.78% 2.00% -1.28% 0.46% 1.81% 3.69% 13.89%
1996 2.61% -4.95% 0.07% 3.74% -1.70% 0.34% 0.02% -0.32% 2.80% 5.23% 4.78% -1.54% 11.12%
1997 3.15% 2.51% 0.27% -1.10% -1.31% 0.94% 4.97% -3.03% 0.63% -0.08% 1.58% 2.09% 10.87%
1998 0.83% -1.21% 1.85% -3.13% 2.30% 0.27% 0.16% 5.54% 4.60% 1.81% -2.38% 2.16% 13.18%
1999 -2.01% 2.41% -0.66% 2.52% -0.93% 3.05% -1.63% 0.99% -0.01% -3.71% 1.55% 0.28% 1.63%
2000 0.71% -1.90% -2.51% -2.55% 0.24% -1.74% -1.31% 0.40% -2.84% 2.05% 6.87% 9.83% 6.61%
2001 0.64% 0.13% 5.16% -4.20% 0.50% -0.85% -0.48% 2.05% 2.52% 3.84% -6.96% 2.05% 3.85%
2002 -0.50% -2.87% 0.21% -1.72% 2.91% 7.29% 3.58% 2.17% 3.39% -4.06% -2.57% 5.76% 13.67%
2003 5.22% 5.61% -5.80% 1.61% 5.53% -2.42% -1.81% 1.99% -0.49% 2.36% -0.43% 3.84% 15.52%
2004 0.71% 3.92% -0.83% -4.28% -1.37% -2.72% -1.01% -1.20% 0.30% 3.05% 4.11% 0.55% 0.87%
2005 -2.87% 0.98% 0.20% -2.18% 1.45% 2.00% -0.24% -0.01% 1.83% 0.16% 2.71% -1.14% 2.77%
2006 1.11% -0.59% 2.13% 2.43% -1.74% -1.11% -1.39% -0.41% -0.29% 1.23% 2.13% 2.08% 5.59%
2007 1.12% -1.63% -1.10% 2.35% 2.60% 1.71% -1.20% -2.79% 3.47% 2.42% -0.11% 0.70% 7.58%
2008 1.83% 4.77% -0.24% -1.45% 1.22% 2.22% -2.20% -1.91% -0.04% 4.91% 2.36% 1.63% 13.58%
2009 0.16% 0.04% -1.95% -1.64% 0.98% -1.66% -0.37% 0.39% 1.43% -1.69% 2.09% -2.53% -4.76%
2010 -1.98% 0.69% 1.97% 0.86% -2.40% -0.38% -0.69% 3.14% 1.65% 2.05% -1.77% 3.29% 6.40%
2011 -1.16% 0.46% -1.33% 2.26% -2.60% -1.08% 1.94% -0.39% 0.09% -2.41% 0.01% 0.00% -4.25%
2012 0.58% 0.60% -1.72% 0.37% 1.80% -1.74% 2.29% -1.39% -0.89% -2.40% 0.31% 0.46% -1.83%
2013 1.42% 0.27% 0.23% 1.52% -1.40% -1.53% -1.14% -1.20% -0.44% 1.21% 1.08% 0.81% 0.76%
2014 -1.00% -0.22% -0.08% 0.33% 1.48% 0.03% -0.73% 2.64% 1.86% 1.26% 5.20% 1.08% 12.34%
2015 4.04% -0.60% 1.46% -2.82% -0.68% -4.38% 2.47% -1.90% 1.73% -1.16% 2.88% -1.61% -0.92%
2016 2.86% 2.28% -2.89% -2.14% -1.59% 2.09% 1.48% -2.12% -1.69% -2.16% -0.83% 0.41% -4.44%
2017 -1.42% 0.56% -0.92% -0.57% 0.10% -2.60% 0.62% 1.87% -2.00% 3.08%  -0.34%     -1.73%

 

33  

 

SUMMARY STATISTICS (periods ended December 31, 2016) 1,2,3,4

 

  1 Year 5 Years 10 Years Since
Inception
(January 1, 1988)
Composite 7.74% 3.52% 1.77% 9.22%
Barclay BTOP50 Index
(reflects no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes)
4.44% 1.02% 2.23% 6.24%

 

1 Performance was calculated pursuant to the standards set forth in 17 C.F.R. Sections 4.25 and 4.35 (the “Part 4 Rules” enacted pursuant to the Commodity Exchange Act) and the National Futures Association Compliance Rule 2-34.
2 Performance is presented net of the Fund’s Class I Shares’ annual fund operating expenses (after contractual waivers that will be in place until December 31, 2018).
3 Performance of the Composite was scaled by a factor of 0.7143 to achieve a 10% annualized standard deviation of returns. Fees and expenses have been offset by 70% of the historical 3-month Treasury bill rate as to replicate invested excess cash.
4 The BTOP50 Index seeks to replicate the overall composition of the managed futures industry with regard to trading style and overall market exposure. The BTOP50 Index employs a top-down approach in selecting its constituents. The largest investable trading advisor programs, as measured by assets under management, are selected for inclusion in the BTOP50 Index. The BTOP50 Index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

 

34  

 

PRIVACY NOTICE
FACTS WHAT DOES THE CAMPBELL MANAGED FUTURES 10V FUND DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?
Why? Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.
What?

The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include:

•        Social Security number

•        account balances

•        account transactions

•        transaction history

•        wire transfer instructions

•        checking account information

When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.

How? All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons the Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.
 

 

Reasons we can share your personal information

Does the Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund share? Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purposes —

 

such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus

Yes No

For our marketing purposes —

 

to offer our products and services to you

Yes No
For joint marketing with other financial companies No We do not share.
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes — information about your transactions and experiences Yes No
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes — information about your creditworthiness No We do not share.
For our affiliates to market to you No We do not share.
For non-affiliates to market to you No We do not share.

Questions? Call 1-844-261-6488

 

 

 

What we do
How does the Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund protect my personal information? To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.
How does the Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

•        open an account

•        provide account information

•        give us your contact information

•        make a wire transfer

•        tell us where to send the money

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

•       sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your   creditworthiness

•       affiliates from using your information to market to you

•       sharing for non-affiliates to market to you

State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing.

Definitions
Affiliates

Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

•     Our affiliates include Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund’s investment adviser, Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC.

Non-affiliates

Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

•     The Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund does not share with non-affiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

•     The Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund does not jointly market.

 

 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND

 

This Prospectus contains important information you should know before you invest. Read it carefully and keep it for future reference. More information about the Fund will be available free of charge, upon request, including:

 

Annual/Semi-Annual Reports: These reports, when available, will contain additional information about the Fund’s investments, describe the Fund’s performance, list portfolio holdings and discuss recent market conditions and economic trends. The Annual Report will include Fund strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during its last fiscal year.

 

Statement of Additional Information ("SAI"): The Fund's SAI, dated December 31, 2017, has been filed with the SEC. The SAI, which includes additional information about the Fund, and the Fund's Annual and Semi-Annual Reports, may be obtained free of charge by calling 1-844-261-6488 or by visiting www.campbell.com. The SAI, as supplemented from time to time, is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and is legally considered a part of this Prospectus.

 

Shareholder Inquiries: Representatives are available to discuss account balance information, mutual fund prospectuses, literature, programs and services available. Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday-Friday. Call: 1-844-261-6488.

 

Purchases and Redemptions: Call your registered representative or 1-844-261-6488.

 

Written Correspondence:
P.O. Box Address:

Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
PO Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701

 

Street Address:

Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Securities and Exchange Commission: You may view and copy information about the Company and the Fund, including the SAI, by visiting the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. or the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at www.sec.gov. You may also obtain copies of Fund documents by paying a duplicating fee and sending an electronic request to the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by sending your written request and a duplicating fee to the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090.

 

Investment Company Act File No. 811-05518

 

 

 

 

CAMPBELL MULTI-ASSET CARRY FUND
of
THE RBB FUND, INC.

 

 

INSTITUTIONAL SHARES (TICKER: CCRYX)

 

PROSPECTUS

 

December 31, 2017

 

Investment Manager:

 

CAMPBELL & COMPANY INVESTMENT ADVISER LLC
2850 Quarry Lake Drive
Baltimore, Maryland 21209

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission have not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

Table of Contents

 

SUMMARY SECTION 1
FUND INFORMATION 10
More Information About Fund Investments 10
More Information About Risks 10
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings 18
More Information About Management of the Fund 18
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION 19
Pricing of Fund Shares 19
Purchase of Fund Shares 20
Redemption of Fund Shares 23
Market Timing 25
Dividends and Distributions 26
More Information About Taxes 26
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 29
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 30
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND Back Cover

 

i  

 

SUMMARY SECTION

 

Investment Objective

 

The investment objective of the Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Fund (the “Fund”) is to seek positive absolute returns. A positive 'absolute return' seeks to earn a positive total return over a reasonable period of time regardless of market conditions or general market direction.

 

Expenses and Fees

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund (the "Shares").

 

    Institutional Shares  
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Management Fees     1.05 %
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fee     None  
Other Expenses     1.31 %
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses     2.36 %
Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements (1)     -1.08 %
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement     1.28 %

 

(1) Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC ("Campbell" or the "Manager") has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) to 1.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets. In determining the Manager's obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to exceed 1.25%: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2018 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. If at any time the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.25%, the Manager may recoup from the Fund any waived amount or other payments remitted by the Manager within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

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 Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

  1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
Institutional Shares $130 $633 $1,162 $2,613

 

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 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 Fund's performance. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 0% of the average value of its portfolio. In accordance with industry practice, derivative instruments and instruments with a maturity of one year or less at the time of acquisition are excluded from the calculation of the portfolio turnover rate, which leads to the 0% portfolio turnover rate reported above. If those instruments were included in the calculation, the Fund would have a high portfolio turnover rate.

 

1  

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Fund pursues its investment objective by (i) investing its assets pursuant to the Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Program (formerly, Campbell Core Carry Program); (ii) allocating up to 25% of its assets in its wholly-owned subsidiary, Campbell Core Carry Offshore Limited (the "Subsidiary"), which is organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands and employs the Manager's Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Program (as described below), and (iii) allocating the remainder of its assets directly in a portfolio of investment grade securities (including government securities) for cash management purposes. Securities rated in the four highest categories by the ratings agencies are considered investment grade.

 

The Fund invests pursuant to the Manager's Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Program, which uses quantitative modeling to develop and maintain systematic trading strategies driven by scientific analysis of financial data across global financial and commodity markets. The Campbell Multi-Asset Carry strategy seeks to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns by evaluating "carry premium" in different asset classes. Carry premium is the economic benefit that one can achieve by holding or "carrying" a particular investment, less the costs associated with holding that asset. The type of economic benefit varies by asset type; for example stocks may pay dividends and bonds may pay a coupon. Certain investments may actually have a negative carry premium, meaning that the economic benefit is exceeded by the costs of holding the investment (financing costs, storage costs, etc.).

 

At its most basic level, a strategy that seeks to benefit from the carry premium would hold long positions on investments/markets that pay a carry premium and hold short positions on investments/markets that have a negative carry premium. The Campbell Multi-Asset Carry strategy will determine whether to go long or short each investment/market by evaluating that investment/market's carry premium and other factors, including risk management as discussed below, and will gain exposure to any of the various asset types (equities, fixed income, etc.) by using derivatives rather than holding those assets directly. The Fund is generally intended to have a low correlation to the equity, bond and credit markets. There is no assurance, however, that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

The Fund intends to trade in a broad range of instruments, including but not limited to, futures (including commodity futures, index futures, equity futures, bond futures and interest rate futures), currency forwards, options and swaps (including commodity swaps, swaps on commodity futures, equity swaps, swaps on index futures, total return swaps and interest rate swaps), either by investing directly in the instruments or, indirectly, by investing in the Subsidiary which invests in the instruments. From time to time, the Fund can have significant exposure to non-U.S. dollar denominated currencies, including emerging markets currencies.

 

The Manager will attempt to mitigate risk through diversification of holdings and through active monitoring of portfolio volatility, counterparties and other risk measures. Individual market positions are constrained to ensure that no one market or asset class represents an outsized portion of the Fund's portfolio risk. The Manager evaluates changes in signals daily, and execution is controlled by its intraday risk management and execution platform. The Fund may utilize proprietary or third party trading algorithms in order to minimize market impact and reduce trading costs.

 

The Fund is "non-diversified" for purposes of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the "1940 Act") which means that the Fund may invest in fewer securities at any one time than a diversified fund. The Fund may not invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities.

 

Investments in the Subsidiary, which has the same investment objective as the Fund, are intended to provide the Fund with indirect exposure to futures contracts and commodities in a manner consistent with the limitations and requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") that apply to the Fund, which limit the amount of income the Fund may receive from certain sources. Applicable federal tax requirements generally limit the degree to which the Fund may invest in the Subsidiary to an amount not exceeding 25% of its total assets. To the extent they are applicable to the investment activities of the Subsidiary, the Subsidiary will be subject to the same investment restrictions and limitations, and follow the same compliance policies and procedures, as the Fund.

 

2  

 

Principal Investment Risks

 

Risk is inherent in all investing. The value of your investment in the Fund, as well as the amount of return you receive on your investment, may fluctuate significantly from day to day and over time. You may lose part or all of your investment in the Fund or your investment may not perform as well as other similar investments.

 

The principal risk factors affecting shareholders' investments in the Fund (and, indirectly, in the Subsidiary) are set forth below.

 

•   Strategy Risk: The profitability of any Fund investment depends primarily on the ability of the Manager to anticipate price movements in the relevant markets and underlying derivative instruments and futures contracts. Such price movements may be influenced by, among other things:

 

•  changes in interest rates;

 

•  governmental, agricultural, trade, fiscal, monetary and exchange control programs and policies;

 

•  weather and climate conditions;

 

•  natural disasters, such as hurricanes;

 

•  changing supply and demand relationships;

 

•  changes in balances of payments and trade;

 

•  U.S. and international rates of inflation and deflation;

 

•  currency devaluations and revaluations;

 

•  U.S. and international political and economic events; and

 

•  changes in philosophies and emotions of various market participants.

 

The Fund may not take all of these factors into account.

 

The successful use of forward and futures contracts draws upon the Manager's skill and experience with respect to such instruments and are subject to special risk considerations. The primary risks associated with the use of futures and forward contracts are:

 

•  Futures and forward contracts have a high degree of price variability and are subject to occasional rapid and substantial changes;

 

•  the imperfect correlation between the change in market value of the forward or futures contracts and the market value of the underlying instrument or reference assets with respect to such contracts;

 

•  possible lack of a liquid secondary market for a forward or futures contract and the resulting inability to close a forward or futures contract when desired;

 

•  possible market disruption or other extraordinary events, including but not limited to, governmental intervention;

 

•  potentially unlimited losses caused by unanticipated market movements;

 

•  the Fund's inability to predict correctly the direction of securities prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates and other economic factors;

 

•  the possibility that the counterparty will default in the performance of its obligations; and

 

•  if the Fund has insufficient cash, it may either have to sell securities from its portfolio to meet daily variation margin requirements with respect to its derivative instruments or close certain positions at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so.

 

The use of futures contracts, forward contracts and derivative instruments will have the economic effect of financial leverage. Financial leverage magnifies exposure to the swings in prices of an asset class underlying an investment and results in increased volatility, which means the Fund will have the potential for greater losses than if the Fund did not employ leverage in its investment activity. Leveraging tends to magnify, sometimes significantly, the effect of any increase or decrease in the Fund's exposure to an asset class and may cause the value of the Fund's securities or related derivatives instruments to be volatile. Accordingly, the Fund's NAV may be volatile because of its investment exposure to the Fund.

 

3  

 

There is no assurance that the Fund's investment in a derivative instrument with leveraged exposure to certain investments and markets will enable the Fund to achieve its investment objective.

 

•   Commodities Risk: Exposure to the commodities markets (including financial futures markets) may subject the Fund through its investment in the Subsidiary to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. Prices of commodities and related contracts may fluctuate significantly over short periods for a variety of reasons, including changes in interest rates, supply and demand relationships and balances of payments and trade; weather and natural disasters; and governmental, agricultural, trade, fiscal, monetary and exchange control programs and policies. The commodity markets are subject to temporary distortions and other disruptions. U.S. futures exchanges and some foreign exchanges have regulations that limit the amount of fluctuation in futures contract prices which may occur during a single business day. Limit prices have the effect of precluding trading in a particular contract or forcing the liquidation of contracts at disadvantageous times or prices.

 

•   Counterparty Risk: The derivative contracts entered into by the Fund or its Subsidiary may be privately negotiated in the over-the-counter market. These contracts also involve exposure to credit risk, since contract performance depends in part on the financial condition of the counterparty. Relying on a counterparty exposes the Fund to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Fund to suffer a loss. If a counterparty defaults on its payment obligations to the Fund, this default will cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease. In addition, to the extent the Fund deals with a limited number of counterparties, it will be more susceptible to the credit risks associated with those counterparties. The Fund is neither restricted from dealing with any particular counterparty nor from concentrating any or all of its transactions with one counterparty. The ability of the Fund to transact business with any one or number of counterparties and the absence of a regulated market to facilitate settlement may increase the potential for losses by the Fund.

 

•   Credit Risk: Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of the security or a counterparty in respect of a derivative instrument will not be able to satisfy its payment obligations to the Fund when due. Changes in an issuer's credit rating or the market's perception of an issuer's creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund's investment in that issuer. Securities rated in the four highest categories by the rating agencies are considered investment grade but they may also have some speculative characteristics. Investment grade ratings do not guarantee that bonds will not lose value or default. In addition, the credit quality of securities may be lowered if an issuer's financial condition changes.

 

•   Currency Risk: The Fund's exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. Dollar, or, in the case of short positions, that the U.S. Dollar will decline in value relative to the currency that the Fund is short. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for any number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad.

 

•   Derivatives Risk: Derivatives include instruments and contracts that are based on, and are valued in relation to, one or more underlying securities, financial benchmarks or indices, such as futures, options, swap agreements and forward contracts. Derivatives typically have economic leverage inherent in their terms. Such leverage will magnify any losses. See "Leverage/Volatility Risk" below. The primary types of derivatives in which the Fund or its Subsidiary invest in are futures contracts and forward contracts. Futures contracts and forward contracts can be highly volatile, illiquid and difficult to value, and changes in the value of such instruments held directly or indirectly by the Fund may not correlate with the underlying instrument or reference assets, or the Fund's other investments. Although the value of futures contracts and forward contracts depends largely upon price movements in the underlying instrument or reference asset, there are additional risks associated with futures contracts and forward contracts that are possibly greater than the risks associated with investing directly in the underlying instruments or reference assets, including illiquidity risk, leveraging risk and counterparty credit risk. A small position in futures contracts or forward contracts could have a potentially large impact on the Fund's performance. Trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange, and government regulations may restrict trading in futures contracts and options and forward contracts.

 

•   Emerging Market Risk: The Fund intends to have exposure to emerging markets due to the Fund's investments in certain stock index futures and foreign exchange instruments. Emerging markets are riskier than more developed markets because they tend to develop unevenly and may never fully develop. Investments in emerging markets may be considered speculative. Emerging markets are more likely to experience hyperinflation and currency devaluations, which adversely affect returns to U.S. investors. In addition, many emerging financial markets have far lower trading volumes and less liquidity than developed markets.

 

4  

 

•   Equity Securities Risk: The Fund may invest in, or have exposure to, equity securities. Equity securities tend to be more volatile than other investment choices, such as debt and money market instruments. The value of your investment may decrease in response to overall stock market movements or the value of individual securities.

 

•   Fixed-Income Risk: Fixed income securities, such as U.S. Treasuries, or derivatives based on fixed income securities, are subject to credit risk and interest rate risk. Credit risk, as described more fully below, refers to the possibility that the issuer of a debt security will be unable to make interest payments or repay principal when it becomes due. Interest rate risk refers to fluctuations in the value of a debt security resulting from changes in the general level of interest rates. Prices of fixed income securities tend to move inversely with changes in interest rates. Typically, a rise in rates will adversely affect fixed income security prices and, accordingly, the Fund's returns and share price. In addition, the Fund may be subject to "call" risk, which is the risk that during a period of falling interest rates the issuer may redeem a security by repaying it early (which may reduce the Fund's income if the proceeds are reinvested at lower interest rates), and "extension" risk, which occurs during a rising interest rate environment because certain obligations will be paid off by an issuer more slowly than anticipated (causing the value of those securities held by the Fund to fall).

 

•   Foreign Market Risk: As a general rule, there is less legal and regulatory protection for investors in foreign markets than that available domestically. Additionally, trading on foreign exchanges is subject to the risks presented by exchange controls, expropriation, increased tax burdens and exposure to local economic declines and political instability. Some foreign derivative markets are so-called principals' markets in which performance is the responsibility only of the individual counterparty with whom the trader has entered into a commodity interest transaction and not of the exchange or clearing corporation. International trading activities are subject to foreign exchange risk.

 

•   General Market Risk: The Fund's net asset value ("NAV") and investment return will fluctuate based upon changes in the value of its portfolio securities. You could lose money on your investment in the Fund, or the Fund could underperform other investments.

 

•   Government Agency Risk: Direct obligations of the U.S. Government such as Treasury bills, notes and bonds are supported by its full faith and credit. Indirect obligations issued by Federal agencies and government-sponsored entities generally are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Accordingly, while U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities may be chartered or sponsored by Acts of Congress, their securities are neither issued nor guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury. Some of these indirect obligations may be supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury; others are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase the agency's obligations; still others are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality.

 

•   Government Intervention and Regulatory Changes: The recent instability in financial markets has led the government to take a number of unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions and segments of the financial markets that are exposed to extreme volatility and in some cases lack of liquidity. For example, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act") (which was passed into law in July 2010) significantly revises and expands the rulemaking, supervisory and enforcement authority of federal bank, securities and commodities regulators. It is unclear how these regulators will exercise these revised and expanded powers and whether they will undertake rulemaking, supervisory or enforcement actions that would adversely affect the Fund or investments made by the Fund. There can be no assurance that future regulatory actions authorized by the Dodd-Frank Act will not adversely impact the Fund. Major changes resulting from the Dodd-Frank Act or other legislative or regulatory actions could materially affect the profitability of the Fund or the value of investments made by the Fund or force the Fund to revise its investment strategy or divest certain of its investments. Any of these developments could expose the Fund to additional costs, taxes, liabilities, enforcement actions and reputational risk.

 

In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act established a new regulatory structure for derivatives. If more restrictive position limits are imposed on investors in the commodity futures and other derivative markets, the Fund may be adversely affected. Similarly, changes in the regulation of foreign currency-related trading arising from the Dodd-Frank Act may make such trading more expensive for the Fund, and otherwise limit the Fund's ability to engage in such trading, which could adversely affect the Fund.

 

5  

 

•   Interest Rate Risk: Interest rate risk is the risk that prices of fixed income securities generally increase when interest rates decline and decrease when interest rates increase. The Fund may lose money if short term or long term interest rates rise sharply or otherwise change in a manner not anticipated by the Manager. It is likely there will be less governmental action in the near future to maintain low interest rates. The negative impact on fixed income securities from the resulting rate increases for that and other reasons could be swift and significant.

 

•   Leverage/Volatility Risk: Although the Fund will not borrow funds for trading, the Fund should be considered highly leveraged and is suitable only for investors with high tolerance for investment risk. Leverage embedded in the various derivative instruments traded may result in the Fund or its Subsidiary holding positions whose face or notional value may be many times the Fund's net asset value. For example, the amount of margin funds necessary to be deposited in order to enter into a futures, forward or option contract position is typically from 2% to 10% of the total face or notional value of the contract. As a result of this leveraging, even a small movement in the price of a commodity can cause a correspondingly large profit or loss. Losses incurred on leveraged investments increase in direct proportion to the degree of leverage employed.

 

Furthermore, derivative instruments and futures contracts are highly volatile and are subject to occasional rapid and substantial fluctuations. Consequently, you could lose all or substantially all of your investment in the Fund should the Fund's trading positions suddenly turn unprofitable.

 

The Fund's NAV is expected over short-term periods to be volatile because of the significant use of direct and indirect investments that have a leveraging effect. Volatility is a statistical measurement of the magnitude of up and down asset price fluctuations over time. Rapid and dramatic price swings will result in high volatility. The Fund's returns are expected to be volatile; however, the actual or realized volatility level for longer or shorter periods may be materially higher or lower depending on market conditions and investors may suffer a significant and possibly a complete loss on their investment in the Fund.

 

•   Liquidity Risk: The Fund is subject to liquidity risk primarily due to its investments in derivatives. Investments in derivative instruments involve the risk that the Fund may be unable to sell the derivative instrument or sell it at a reasonable price.

 

•   Management Risk: The Manager employs systematic modeling to make investment decisions about the attractiveness, value and potential positive or negative performance of the Fund. The models employed by the Manager may prove to be inaccurate and may not produce the desired results.

 

•   Limited Operating History Risk: The Fund has a limited operating history upon which prospective investors can evaluate its performance.

 

•   Non-Diversification Risk: The Fund is a non-diversified investment company, which means that more of the Fund's assets may be invested in the securities of a single issuer than could be invested in the securities of a single issuer by a diversified investment company. The Fund has a greater potential to realize losses upon the occurrence of adverse events affecting a particular issuer.

 

•   OTC Trading Risk: Certain of the derivatives in which the Fund may invest may be traded (and privately negotiated) in the "over-the-counter" or "OTC" market. While the OTC derivatives market is the primary trading venue for many derivatives, it is largely unregulated. As a result and similar to other privately negotiated contracts, the Fund is subject to counterparty credit risk with respect to such derivative contracts.

 

•   Portfolio Turnover Risk: The Fund may frequently buy and sell portfolio securities and other assets to rebalance the Fund's exposure to various market sectors. Higher portfolio turnover may result in the Fund paying higher levels of transaction costs and generating greater tax liabilities for shareholders. Portfolio turnover risk may cause the Fund's performance to be less than you expect.

 

•   Regulatory Risk: Governments, agencies or other regulatory bodies may adopt or change laws or regulations that could adversely affect the issuer, or market value, of an instrument held by the Fund or its Subsidiary or that could adversely impact the Fund's performance.

 

•   Short Sales Risk: The Fund may take a short position in a derivative instrument, such as a future, or forward, or swap or a security. A short position on a derivative instrument or security involves the risk of a theoretically unlimited increase in the value of the underlying instrument. Short sales also involve transaction and other costs that will reduce potential Fund gains and increase potential Fund losses.

 

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•   Subsidiary Risk: By investing in the Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the Subsidiary's investments. The derivatives and other investments held by the Subsidiary are generally similar to those that are permitted to be held by the Fund and are subject to the same risks that apply to similar investments if held directly by the Fund. The Subsidiary is not registered under the 1940 Act, and, unless otherwise noted in this Prospectus, is not subject to all the investor protections of the 1940 Act. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Fund and/or the Subsidiary to continue to operate as it does currently and could adversely affect the Fund.

 

•   Tax Risk: In order to qualify as a regulated investment company ("RIC"), the Fund must meet certain requirements regarding the source of its income, the diversification of its assets and the distribution of its income. Under the test regarding the source of a RIC’s income, at least 90% of the gross income of the RIC each year must be qualifying income, which consists of dividends, interest, gains on investment assets and other categories of investment income. In 2006, the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") published a ruling that income realized from swaps with respect to a commodities index would not be qualifying income. The Fund's investment in the Subsidiary is expected to provide the Fund with exposure to the commodities markets within the limitations of the Code for qualification as a RIC, but there is a risk that the IRS could assert that the income derived from the Fund's investment in the Subsidiary and certain commodity-linked structured notes will not be considered qualifying income for purposes of the Fund remaining qualified as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In addition, pursuant to recent guidance issued by the Treasury and the IRS, the Subsidiary’s commodity related income for a taxable year will only be treated as qualifying income to the extent the Subsidiary actually distributes such income out of its earnings and profits to the Fund for such taxable year. If the Fund were to fail to qualify as a RIC and became subject to federal income tax, shareholders of the Fund would be subject to diminished returns. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Fund and/or its Subsidiary to operate as described in this Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") and could adversely affect the Fund. For example, the Cayman Islands does not currently impose any income, corporate or capital gains tax or withholding tax on the Subsidiary. If Cayman Islands law changes such that the Subsidiary must pay Cayman Islands taxes, Fund shareholders would likely suffer decreased investment returns.

 

Performance Information

 

The following past performance information is not indicative of any future results that may be obtained by Campbell, and it should not be assumed that investors of the Fund will experience returns, if any, comparable to those experienced by past or present investors in the Fund or in other pools and accounts managed by Campbell. Because of the potentially volatile nature of futures and forward contract prices, it is possible that the performance of the Fund or of some or all of the other pools and accounts advised by Campbell may change significantly during the continuing offering from the performance information which may be presented herein. The bar chart shows the Fund’s performance for a one year period.

 

The past performance set forth below represents the Fund’s performance for one year and since inception, before and after taxes, and does not necessarily indicate future results. The bar chart below provides some indication of the risk of investing in the Fund. Updated performance information is available online at www.campbell.com/multiassetcarry or by calling 1-844-261-6488 (toll free).

 

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Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Fund – Institutional Shares

Total Return For Calendar Year Ended December 31

 

 

The Fund’s year-to-date return as of September 30, 2017 was -1.62%. During the period shown in the chart, the highest quarterly return was 5.36% (for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 and the lowest quarterly return was -5.83% (for the quarter ended December 31, 2016).

 

Average Annual Total Returns

 

The table below compares the average annual total returns of the Fund for one year and since inception to a broad-based market index for the same periods.

 

 

Average Annual Total Returns

for the Periods Ended

December 31, 2016

  1 Year

Since Inception

December 21, 2015

Institutional Shares    
– Return Before Taxes -1.26% -2.38%
– Return After Taxes on Distributions (1) -5.36% -6.33%
– Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares (1) 0.21% -3.09%

Barclay BTOP 50 Index

(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses and taxes)

-4.44% -5.52%

 

(1) 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 investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares are higher than before-tax returns for certain periods shown because they reflect the tax benefit of capital losses realized on the redemption of Fund shares.

 

Management of the Fund

 

Investment Manager
Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC, 2850 Quarry Lake Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21209, serves as the investment manager to the Fund.

 

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Portfolio Managers

The Fund is managed by Campbell's Investment Committee. The six-member team, led by co-chairs G. William Andrews and Dr. Kevin Cole, has been responsible for the daily management of the Fund since its inception on December 21, 2015.

 

Purchase and Sale Information

 

The minimum initial investment in the Fund is $2,500. There is a minimum amount of $500 for subsequent investment.

 

You can only purchase and redeem Shares of the Fund on days the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open. Shares of the Fund may be available through certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals (collectively, "Service Organizations"). Shares of the Fund may also be purchased and redeemed directly through The RBB Fund, Inc. (the "Company") by the means described below.

 

Purchase and Redemption by Mail:

 

Regular Mail:
Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701

 

Overnight Delivery:
Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Purchase by Wire:

 

Before sending any wire, call U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (the "Transfer Agent") at 1-844-261-6488 to confirm the current wire instructions for the Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Fund.

 

Redemption by Telephone:

 

Call the Transfer Agent at 1-844-261-6488.

 

Taxes

 

The Fund intends to make distributions that generally may be taxed at ordinary income or capital gains rates.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

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

 

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FUND INFORMATION

 

More Information About Fund Investments

 

This section provides some additional information about the Fund's investments and certain portfolio management techniques that the Fund may use. More information about the Fund's investments and portfolio management techniques, and related risks, is included in the SAI.

 

The Fund's investment objective is non-fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") without the approval of the Fund's shareholders. However, as a matter of policy, the Fund would not materially change its investment objective without informing shareholders at least 60 days in advance of any such change.

 

The investments and strategies described in this Prospectus are those that the Fund uses under normal conditions. The Fund may depart from its principal investment strategy in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions by taking temporary defensive positions (up to 100% of its assets) in cash, cash equivalents and short-term U.S. government securities. If the Fund were to take a temporary defensive position, it may be unable for a time to achieve its investment objective.

 

This Prospectus describes the Fund's principal investment strategies, and the Fund will normally invest in the types of securities and other instruments described in this Prospectus. In addition to the investments and strategies described in this Prospectus, the Fund also may invest, to a lesser extent, in other securities, use other strategies and engage in other investment practices that are not part of its principal investment strategy. These investments and strategies, as well as those described in this Prospectus, are described in detail in the Fund's SAI. Of course, there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

More Information About Risks

 

The following provides additional information about the principal and certain non-principal risks of investing in the Fund and, indirectly, in the Subsidiary. More information about the Fund's risks is included in the SAI.

 

Principal Risks

 

Strategy Risk: The Fund's strategy involves actively trading derivative instruments using a variety of strategies and investment techniques that involve significant risks. Such derivative instruments may include futures, options and forward contracts and other derivative instruments that have inherent leverage and price volatility that result in greater risk than instruments used by a typical mutual fund, and the systematic programs used to trade them may rely on proprietary investment strategies that are not fully disclosed, which may in turn result in risks that are not anticipated.

 

The use of futures contracts, forward contracts and derivative instruments will have the economic effect of financial leverage. Financial leverage magnifies exposure to the swings in prices of an asset class underlying an investment and results in increased volatility, which means the Fund, through its investment in a derivative instrument, will have the potential for greater losses than if the Fund did not employ leverage in its investment activity. Leveraging tends to magnify, sometimes significantly, the effect of any increase or decrease in the Fund's exposure to an asset class and may cause the value of the Fund's investment to be volatile.

 

There is no assurance that the Fund's investment in a derivative instrument with leveraged exposure to certain investments and markets will enable the Fund to achieve its investment objective.

 

Commodities Risk: Exposure to the commodities markets (including financial futures markets) may subject the Fund through its investment in the Subsidiary to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The values of commodities and commodity-linked investments are affected by events that might have less impact on the values of stocks and bonds and have recently experienced periods of significant volatility. Prices of commodities and related contracts may fluctuate significantly over short periods for a variety of reasons, including: changes in interest rates, supply and demand relationships and balances of payments and trade; weather and natural disasters; governmental, agricultural, trade, fiscal, monetary and exchange control programs and policies; acts of terrorism, tariffs and U.S. and international economic, political, military and regulatory developments.

 

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The commodity markets are subject to temporary distortions or other disruptions. U.S. futures exchanges and some foreign exchanges have regulations that limit the amount of fluctuation in futures contract prices, which may occur during a single business day. Once a limit price has been reached in a particular contract, no trades may be made at a different price. Limit prices have the effect of precluding trading in a particular contract or forcing the liquidation of contracts at disadvantageous times or prices. These circumstances could adversely affect the value of the Fund's commodity-linked investments.

 

Derivatives Risk: Derivatives include instruments and contracts that are based on, and are valued in relation to, one or more underlying securities, financial benchmarks or indices, such as futures, options, swap agreements and forward contracts. The value of a derivative depends largely upon price movements in the underlying instrument. Many of the risks applicable to trading the underlying instrument are also applicable to derivatives trading. However, derivatives trading is subject to a number of additional risks. Transactions in certain derivatives are subject to clearance on a U.S. national exchange and to regulatory oversight, while other derivatives are subject to risks of trading in the over-the-counter markets or on non-U.S. exchanges. A small investment in derivative instruments could have a potentially large impact on the Fund's performance. Over-the-counter derivatives are subject to the risk of mispricing or improper valuation of the derivative.

 

Liquidity of Futures Contracts . The Fund utilizes futures as part of its strategy. Futures positions may be illiquid because certain commodity exchanges limit fluctuations in certain futures contract prices during a single day by regulations referred to as "daily price fluctuation limits" or "daily limits." Under such daily limits, during a single trading day no trades may be executed at prices beyond the daily limits. Once the price of a particular futures contract has increased or decreased by an amount equal to the daily limit, positions in that contract can neither be entered into nor liquidated unless traders are willing to effect trades at or within the limit. Futures prices have occasionally moved beyond the daily limits for several consecutive days with little or no trading. OTC instruments generally are not as liquid as instruments traded on recognized exchanges. These constraints could prevent the Fund from promptly liquidating unfavorable positions, thereby subjecting the Fund to substantial losses. In addition, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") and various exchanges limit the number of positions that the Fund may indirectly hold or control in particular commodities.

 

Non-U.S. Futures Transactions . Foreign futures transactions involve the execution and clearing of trades on a foreign exchange. This is the case even if the foreign exchange is formally "linked" to a domestic exchange, whereby a trade executed on one exchange liquidates or establishes a position on the other exchange. No domestic organization regulates the activities of a foreign exchange, including the execution, delivery, and clearing of transactions on such an exchange, and no domestic regulator has the power to compel enforcement of the rules of the foreign exchange or the laws of the foreign country. Moreover, such laws or regulations will vary depending on the foreign country in which the transaction occurs. For these reasons, the Fund may not be afforded certain of the protections that apply to domestic transactions. In particular, funds received from the Fund to margin (collateralize) foreign futures transactions may not be provided the same protections as funds received to margin futures transactions on domestic exchanges. In addition, the price of any foreign futures or option contract and, therefore, the resulting potential profit or loss, may be affected by any fluctuation in the foreign exchange rate between the time the order is placed and the foreign futures contract is liquidated or the foreign option contract is liquidated or exercised.

 

Forward Contracts . The Fund may utilize forward contracts that are not traded on exchanges and may not be regulated. There are no limitations on daily price movements of forward contracts. Banks and other dealers with which the Fund maintains accounts may require that the Fund deposit margin with respect to such trading. The Fund's counterparties are not required to continue making markets in such contracts. There have been periods during which certain counterparties have refused to continue to quote prices for forward contracts or have quoted prices with an unusually wide spread (the price at which the counterparty is prepared to buy and that at which it is prepared to sell). Arrangements to trade forward contracts may be made with only one or a few counterparties, and liquidity problems therefore might be greater than if such arrangements were made with numerous counterparties. The imposition of credit controls by governmental authorities might limit such forward trading to less than the amount that the Manager would otherwise recommend, to the possible detriment of the Fund.

 

Swap Agreements . The Fund may enter into swap agreements. Swap agreements can be individually negotiated and structured to include exposure to a variety of different types of investments or market factors. Depending on their structure, swap agreements may increase or decrease the Fund's exposure to long-term or short-term interest rates, foreign currency values, corporate borrowing rates, or other factors such as security prices, baskets of securities, or inflation rates. Swap agreements can take many different forms and are known by a variety of names. The Fund is not limited to any particular form of swap agreement if the Manager determines that other forms are consistent with the Fund's investment objective and policies.

 

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Swap agreements will tend to shift the Fund's investment exposure from one type of investment to another. For example, if the Fund agrees to exchange payments in dollars for payments in foreign currency, the swap agreement would tend to decrease the Fund's exposure to U.S. interest rates and increase its exposure to foreign currency and interest rates. Depending on how they are used, swap agreements may increase or decrease the overall volatility of the Fund's portfolio. The most significant factor in the performance of swap agreements is the change in the specific interest rate, currency, individual equity values or other factors that determine the amounts of payments due to and from the Fund. If a swap agreement calls for payments by the Fund, the Fund must be prepared to make such payments when due. In addition, the value of a swap agreement is likely to decline if the counterparty's creditworthiness declines. Such a decrease in value might cause the Fund to incur losses.

 

Recent market developments related to swaps have prompted increased scrutiny with respect to these instruments. As a result of the Dodd-Frank Act, swaps may in the future be subject to increased regulation. Such regulation may limit the Fund's ability to use swaps and increase the cost of using swaps.

 

Fixed-Income Risk: A substantial portion of the Fund's assets may be invested in securities issued by the U.S. Government. When interest rates change, the value of the Fund's fixed-income investments will be affected. Prices of fixed income securities tend to move inversely with changes in interest rates. Typically, a rise in rates will adversely affect fixed income security prices and, accordingly, the Fund's share price. The longer the effective maturity and duration of the Fund's portfolio, the more the Fund's share price is likely to react to interest rates. Some fixed income securities give the issuer the option to call, or redeem, the securities before their maturity dates. If an issuer calls its security during a time of declining interest rates, the Fund might have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield, and therefore might not benefit from any increase in value as a result of declining interest rates. During periods of market illiquidity or rising interest rates, prices of callable issues are subject to increased price fluctuation. In addition, the Fund may be subject to extension risk, which occurs during a rising interest rate environment because certain obligations will be paid off by an issuer more slowly than anticipated, causing the value of those securities held by the Fund to fall.

 

Fixed income investments are also subject to "Credit Risk" discussed below.

 

Counterparty Risk: Some of the derivatives entered into by the Fund or the Subsidiary are not traded on an exchange but instead will be privately negotiated in the over-the-counter market. This means that these instruments are traded between counterparties based on contractual relationships. Relying on a counterparty exposes the Fund to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Fund to suffer a loss. If a counterparty defaults on its payment obligations to the Fund, this default will cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease. In addition, to the extent the Fund deals with a limited number of counterparties, it will be more susceptible to the credit risks associated with those counterparties. The Fund is neither restricted from dealing with any particular counterparty nor from concentrating any or all of its transactions with one counterparty. The ability of the Fund to transact business with any one or number of counterparties and the absence of a regulated market to facilitate settlement may increase the potential for losses by the Fund. In situations in which the Fund is required to post margin or other collateral with a counterparty, including with a futures commission merchant or a clearing organization for futures or other derivative contracts, the counterparty may fail to segregate the collateral or may commingle the collateral with the counterparty's own assets. As a result, in the event of the counterparty's bankruptcy or insolvency, the Fund's collateral may be subject to the conflicting claims of the counterparty's creditors and the Fund may be exposed to the risk of being treated as a general unsecured creditor of the counterparty, rather than as the owner of the collateral.

 

The Fund is subject to the risk that issuers of the instruments in which it invests and trades may default on their obligations, and that certain events may occur that have an immediate and significant adverse effect on the value of those instruments. There can be no assurance that an issuer will not default, or that an event that has an immediate and significant adverse effect on the value of an instrument will not occur, and that the Fund will not sustain a loss on a transaction as a result.

 

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Transactions entered into by the Fund may be executed on various U.S. and non-U.S. exchanges, and may be cleared and settled through various clearing houses, custodians, depositories and prime brokers throughout the world. A failure by any such entity may lead to a loss to the Fund.

 

Credit Risk: Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of the security will not be able to make principal and interest payments when due. Changes in an issuer's credit rating or the market's perception of an issuer's creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund's investment in that issuer. The degree of credit risk depends on both the financial condition of the issuer and the terms of the obligation. Securities rated in the four highest categories (S&P Global Ratings ("S&P") (AAA, AA, A and BBB), Fitch Ratings ("Fitch") (AAA, AA, A and BBB) or Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") (Aaa, Aa, A and Baa)) by the rating agencies are considered investment grade but they may also have some speculative characteristics, meaning that they carry more risk than higher rated securities and may have problems making principal and interest payments in difficult economic climates. Investment grade ratings do not guarantee that bonds will not lose value or default.

 

If a security issuer defaults on its payment obligations to the Fund, this default will cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease. Lower credit quality may lead to greater volatility in the price of a security and in shares of the Fund. Lower credit quality also may affect liquidity and make it difficult to sell the security. Default, or the market's perception that an issuer is likely to default, could reduce the value and liquidity of securities, thereby reducing the value of your investment in Fund shares. In addition, default may cause the Fund to incur expenses in seeking recovery of principal or interest on its portfolio holdings.

 

When the Fund invests in over-the-counter derivatives (including options), it is assuming a credit risk with regard to the party with which it trades and also bears the risk of settlement default. These risks may differ materially from risks associated with transactions effected on an exchange, which generally are backed by clearing organization guarantees, daily mark-to-market and settlement, segregation and minimum capital requirements applicable to intermediaries. Transactions entered into directly between two counterparties generally do not benefit from such protections. Relying on any counterparty exposes the Fund to the risk that such counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Fund to suffer a loss. If any counterparty defaults on its payment obligations to the Fund, this default will cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease.

 

In addition, to the extent the Fund deals with a limited number of counterparties, it will be more susceptible to the credit risks associated with those counterparties. The Fund is neither restricted from dealing with any particular counterparty nor from concentrating any or all of its transactions with one counterparty. The ability of the Fund to transact business with any one or number of counterparties and the absence of a regulated market to facilitate settlement may increase the potential for losses by the Fund.

 

Although U.S. Government Securities are generally considered to be among the safest type of investment in terms of credit risk, they are not guaranteed against price movements due to changing interest rates. Obligations issued by some U.S. Government agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises, such as the Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury, while obligations by others, such as Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae"), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Mac") and Federal Home Loan Banks ("FHLBs"), are backed solely by the ability of the entity to borrow from the U.S. Treasury or by the entity's own resources. No assurance can be given that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to U.S. Government agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises if it is not obliged to do so by law.

 

On September 7, 2008, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (collectively the "GSEs") were placed under the conservatorship of the Federal Housing Finance Agency to provide stability in the financial markets, mortgage availability and taxpayer protection by preserving the GSEs' assets and property and putting them in a sound and solvent condition. Under the conservatorship, the management of the GSEs was replaced. The future status and role of the GSEs could be impacted by (among other things) the actions taken and restrictions placed on the GSEs by the Federal Housing Finance Agency in its role as conservator, the restrictions placed on the GSEs’ operations and activities as a result of the senior preferred stock investment made by the U.S. Treasury, market responses to developments at the GSEs, and future legislative and regulatory action that alters the operations, ownership, structure and/or mission of these institutions, each of which may, in turn, impact the value of, and cash flows on, any mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by a GSE, including any such mortgage-backed securities held by the Fund.

 

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Currency Risk: The Fund's exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. Dollar, or, in the case of short positions, that the U.S. Dollar will decline in value relative to the currency that the Fund is short. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad. In addition, the Fund may incur transaction costs in connection with conversions between various currencies.

 

Emerging Market Risk: The Fund intends to have exposure to emerging markets due to its investments in certain stock index futures and foreign exchange instruments. Investing in emerging markets will, among other things, expose the Fund to all the risks described below in the Foreign Market Risk section, and you should review that section carefully. However, there are greater risks involved in investing in emerging market countries and/or their financial markets than there are in more developed countries and/or markets. Generally, economic structures in these countries are less diverse and mature than those in developed countries, and their political systems are less stable. Investments in emerging market countries may be affected by national policies that restrict foreign investment in certain issuers or industries. The small size of their financial markets and low trading volumes can make investments illiquid and more volatile than investments in developed countries and such securities may be subject to abrupt and severe price declines. The Fund may be required to establish special custody or other arrangements before investing. In addition, because the securities settlement procedures are less developed in these countries, the Fund may be required to deliver securities before receiving payment and may also be unable to complete transactions during market disruptions. The possible establishment of exchange controls or freezes on the convertibility of currency might adversely affect an investment in assets traded in foreign markets.

 

Foreign Market Risk: A substantial portion of the trades of the Fund are expected to take place on markets or exchanges outside the United States. There is no limit to the amount of assets of the Fund that may be committed to trading on foreign markets. The risk of loss in trading foreign futures and options on futures contracts can be substantial. Participation in foreign futures and options on futures contracts involves the execution and clearing of trades on, or subject to the rules of, a foreign board of trade or exchange. Some of these foreign markets, in contrast to U.S. exchanges, are so-called principals' markets in which performance is the responsibility only of the individual counterparty with whom the trader has entered into a commodity interest transaction and not of the exchange or clearing corporation. In these kinds of markets, there is risk of bankruptcy or other failure or refusal to perform by the counterparty.

 

Some foreign markets present additional risk, because they are not subject to the same degree of regulation as their U.S. counterparts. No U.S. regulatory agency or any domestic exchange regulates activities on any foreign boards of trade or exchanges (such as the execution, delivery and clearing of transactions) or has the power to compel enforcement of the rules of a foreign board of trade or exchange or of any applicable foreign laws. Similarly, the rights of market participants, in the event of the insolvency or bankruptcy of a foreign market or broker are also likely to be more limited than in the case of U.S. markets or brokers. As a result, in these markets, there is less legal and regulatory protection than that available domestically.

 

Additionally, trading on foreign exchanges is subject to the risks presented by exchange controls, expropriation, increased tax burdens and exposure to local economic declines and political instability. An adverse development with respect to any of these variables could reduce the profit or increase the loss earned on trades in the affected international markets. International trading activities are subject to foreign exchange risk.

 

General Market Risk: The Fund's NAV and investment return will fluctuate based upon changes in the value of its portfolio securities. The market value of securities in which the Fund or the Subsidiary invests is based upon the market's perception of value and is not necessarily an objective measure of a security's value. There is no assurance that the Fund will realize its investment objective, and an investment in the Fund is not, by itself, a complete or balanced investment program. You could lose money on your investment in the Fund, or the Fund could underperform other investments.

 

Government Intervention and Regulatory Changes: The recent instability in financial markets has led government to take a number of unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions and segments of the financial markets that are exposed to extreme volatility and in some cases lack of liquidity. For example, the Dodd-Frank Act significantly revises and expands the rulemaking, supervisory and enforcement authority of federal bank, securities and commodities regulators. It is unclear how these regulators will exercise these revised and expanded powers and whether they will undertake rulemaking, supervisory or enforcement actions that would adversely affect the Fund or investments made by the Fund. Possible regulatory actions taken under these revised and expanded powers may include actions related to financial consumer protection, proprietary trading and derivatives. There can be no assurance that future regulatory actions authorized by the Dodd-Frank Act will not adversely impact the Fund. Legislators and regulators in the United States are currently considering a wide range of proposals beyond the Dodd-Frank Act that, if enacted, could result in major changes to the way banking operations are regulated. Some of these major changes could materially affect the profitability of the Fund or the value of investments made by the Fund or force the Fund to revise its investment strategy or divest certain of its investments. Any of these developments could expose the Fund to additional costs, taxes, liabilities, enforcement actions and reputational risk.

 

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In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act established a new regulatory structure for derivatives. The new legislation requires regulators to set minimum capital requirements and minimum initial and variation margin requirements, repeals prior regulatory exemptions for OTC derivatives, provides substantial authority to the SEC and the CFTC with respect to position limits for certain swaps and may change the standards for determining manipulation. Much of the required rulemaking and regulations have yet to be implemented. Accordingly, the effect of the new legislation and its impact on the Fund cannot yet be known. If more restrictive position limits are imposed on investors in the commodity futures and other derivative markets the Fund may be adversely affected. Similarly, changes in the regulation of foreign currency-related trading arising from the Dodd-Frank Act may make it more expensive for the Fund and otherwise limit the Fund's ability to engage in such trading, which could adversely affect the Fund.

 

In 2012, the CFTC adopted certain rule amendments that significantly affected the exemptions from CFTC regulations that were available to the Fund and its Subsidiary. The Fund and its Subsidiary are subject to CFTC regulations because of these changes. At the time of the CFTC's adoption of the rule amendments, Campbell & Company, LP, the Manager's parent company, was (and continues to be) registered as a commodity pool operator ("CPO") and, accordingly, is subject to CFTC regulations. On August 13, 2013, the CFTC adopted final rules to "harmonize" the compliance obligations of CPOs with respect to commodity pools that are also registered investment companies under the 1940 Act. Under the final harmonization rules, the CPOs of such commodity pools may elect "substituted compliance" whereby such CPOs will be deemed to have substantially satisfied the CFTC-mandated disclosure, reporting and recordkeeping obligations by complying with the SEC's disclosure, reporting and recordkeeping regime under the 1940 Act, in lieu of complying with the CFTC's alternative requirements. The Fund intends to utilize the substituted compliance option.

 

Leverage/Volatility Risk: Although the Fund will not borrow funds for trading, the Fund should be considered highly leveraged and is suitable only for investors with high tolerance for investment risk. Leverage embedded in the various derivative instruments traded may result in the Fund or its Subsidiary holding positions whose face or notional value may be many times the Fund's net asset value. For example, the amount of margin funds necessary to be deposited in order to enter into a futures, forward or option contract position is typically from 2% to 10% of the total face or notional value of the contract. As a result of this leveraging, even a small movement in the price of a commodity can cause a correspondingly large profit or loss. Losses incurred on leveraged investments increase in direct proportion to the degree of leverage employed.

 

Furthermore, derivative contracts are highly volatile and are subject to occasional rapid and substantial fluctuations. Consequently, you could lose all or substantially all of your investment in the Fund should the trading positions of the Fund suddenly turn unprofitable.

 

The Fund's NAV is expected over short-term periods to be volatile because of the significant use of direct and indirect investments that have a leveraging effect. Volatility is a statistical measurement of the magnitude of up and down asset price fluctuations over time. Rapid and dramatic price swings will result in high volatility. The Fund's returns are expected to be volatile; however, the actual or realized volatility level for longer or shorter periods may be materially higher or lower depending on market conditions and investors may suffer a significant and possibly a complete loss on their investment in the Fund.

 

Liquidity Risk: The Fund may be subject to liquidity risk primarily due to investments in derivatives. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities or instruments. Derivatives, such as swaps, options and warrants, may not be readily marketable and, therefore, may be deemed to be illiquid. An asset is not readily marketable if it cannot be sold within seven business days in the ordinary course of business for approximately the amount at which it is valued. Investments in illiquid assets involve the risk that the Fund may be unable to sell the asset or sell it at a reasonable price. In addition, the Fund may be required to liquidate positions or close out derivatives on unfavorable terms at a time contrary to the interests of the Fund in order to raise cash to pay redemptions.

 

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An investment in derivatives is also subject to the risk that the Fund may not be able to terminate the derivatives effective on whatever date it chooses, or that the settlement of any early termination may depend on subsequent market movements. As a result, the Fund may be exposed to the risk of additional losses due to such delays.

 

Management Risk: The Manager's judgments about the attractiveness, value and potential positive or negative performance of any particular security or derivative in which the Fund invests or sells short may prove to be inaccurate and may not produce the desired results. The Manager's trading is highly model driven, and is materially subject to possible flaws in the models. As market dynamics (for example, due to changed market conditions and participants) shift over time, a previously highly successful model often becomes outdated or inaccurate, sometimes without the Manager recognizing that fact before substantial losses are incurred. In particular, the Fund may incur major losses in the event of disrupted markets and other extraordinary events that cause the Manager's pricing models to generate prices which deviate from the market. The risk of loss to the Fund in the case of disrupted markets is compounded by the number of different investment models of pricing, each of which may independently become wholly unpredictable during market disruptions. In addition, in disrupted derivatives markets, many positions may become illiquid, making it difficult or impossible to close out positions against which the markets are moving.

 

Even if the basic concepts of our models are sound, the Manager may make errors in developing algorithms for integrating the numerous factors and variables into them or in programming the algorithms. Those errors may cause the model to generate results different from those intended. They may be difficult to detect in many market conditions, possibly influencing outcomes only in periods of stress or change in market conditions.

 

The Manager anticipates the continued modification, enhancement and development of models. Each new generation of models (including incremental improvements to current models) exposes the Fund to the possibility of unforeseen losses from a variety of factors, including conceptual failures and implementation failures. There can be no assurance that the models used by the Manager will be effective or that they will be effectively utilized by the Manager. Moreover, these can be no assurance that the Manager will be able to continue to develop, maintain and update the models so as to effectively implement its trading strategy.

 

Limited Operating History Risk: The Fund has a limited operating history upon which prospective investors can evaluate its performance. The personnel of the Manager responsible for managing the Fund's investment portfolio have substantial experience in managing investments and private investment funds and have provided and continue to provide advisory and management services to clients and private and registered investment funds that have similar investment programs to that of the Fund. However, the past performance of the Fund or the Manager may not be construed as an indication of the future results of an investment in the Fund.

 

Non-Diversification Risk: The Fund is a non-diversified investment company, which means that more of the Fund's assets may be invested in the securities of a single issuer than could be invested in the securities of a single issuer by a diversified investment company. This may make the value of the Fund's shares more susceptible to certain risks than shares of a diversified investment company. As a non-diversified fund, the Fund has a greater potential to realize losses upon the occurrence of adverse events affecting a particular issuer.

 

OTC Trading Risk: Certain of the derivatives in which the Fund may invest, including swap agreements, may be traded (and privately negotiated) in the OTC market. While the OTC derivatives market is the primary trading venue for many derivatives, it is largely unregulated and lacks transparency with respect to the terms of OTC transactions. OTC derivatives are complex and often valued subjectively. Improper valuations can result in increased cash payment requirements to counterparties or a loss of value to the Fund. In addition, such derivative instruments are often highly customized and tailored to meet the needs of the counterparties. If a derivative transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price. As a result and similar to other privately negotiated contracts, the Fund is subject to counterparty credit risk with respect to such derivative contracts.

 

Portfolio Turnover Risk: The Fund may frequently buy and sell portfolio securities and other assets to rebalance the Fund's exposure to various market sectors. Higher portfolio turnover may result in the Fund paying higher levels of transaction costs and generating greater tax liabilities for shareholders. Portfolio turnover risk may cause the Fund's performance to be less than you expect.

 

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Regulatory Risk: Governments, agencies or other regulatory bodies may adopt or change laws or regulations that could adversely affect the issuer, or market value, of an instrument held by the Fund or the Fund's performance.

 

Short Sales Risk: The Fund engages in short sales of derivative instruments and securities – including those that are not "against the box," which means that the Fund may make short sales where the Fund does not currently own or have the right to acquire, at no added cost, instruments identical to those sold short – in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act. In a typical short sale, the Fund borrows from a broker an instrument in order to sell the instrument to a third party. The Fund then is obligated to replace the instrument borrowed by purchasing it at the market price at the time of replacement. The Fund realizes a loss to the extent the instrument increases in value or a profit to the extent the instrument declines in value (after taking into account any associated costs). Until the Fund closes its short position, the Fund will: (a) maintain a segregated account containing cash or liquid assets at such a level that (i) the amount deposited in the account plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will equal the current value of the instrument sold short; and (ii) the amount deposited in the segregated account plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will not be less than the market value of the instrument at the time the instrument was sold short; or (b) otherwise cover the Fund's short position.

 

Subsidiary Risk: The Fund will make investments through a wholly-owned Subsidiary organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands. By investing in the Subsidiary, the Fund is indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the Subsidiary's investments. The derivatives and other investments held by a Subsidiary are generally similar to those that are permitted to be held by the Fund and are subject to the same risks that apply to similar investments if held directly by the Fund. These risks are described elsewhere in this Prospectus. There can be no assurance that the investment objective of the Subsidiary will be achieved.

 

The Subsidiary is not registered under the 1940 Act, and, unless otherwise noted in this Prospectus, is not subject to all the investor protections of the 1940 Act. However, the Fund wholly owns and controls the Subsidiary, making it unlikely that the Subsidiary will take action contrary to the interests of the Fund and its shareholders. The Board has oversight responsibility for the investment activities of the Fund, including its investment in the Subsidiary, and the Fund's role as sole shareholder of the Subsidiary. The Subsidiary will be subject to the same investment restrictions and limitations, and follow the same compliance policies and procedures, as the Fund.

 

Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Fund and/or its Subsidiary to operate as described in this Prospectus and in the SAI and could adversely affect the Fund. For example, the Cayman Islands does not currently impose any income, corporate or capital gains tax or withholding tax on the Subsidiary. If Cayman Islands law changes such that the Subsidiary must pay Cayman Islands taxes, Fund shareholders would likely suffer decreased investment returns.

 

Tax Risk: There is a risk that the IRS could assert that the income derived from the Fund’s investment in the Subsidiary or in certain commodity-linked structured notes will not be considered qualifying income for purposes of the Fund remaining qualified as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In 2016, the Treasury and the IRS issued proposed regulations that provide that the income from a foreign subsidiary is qualifying income for purposes of a fund remaining qualified as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes only to the extent such income is actually distributed by the foreign subsidiary to the RIC each year. In 2006, the IRS had published a ruling that income realized from swaps with respect to a commodities index would not be qualifying income. In a number of private letter rulings issued during 2006-2011, the IRS ruled that the income of such a foreign subsidiary would be qualified income each year even if it is not actually distributed to the RIC each year, but in 2011 the IRS suspended the issuance of such rulings. The new proposed regulations, if adopted as proposed, will apply for taxable years of RICs that begin on or after 90 days after the date of publication of the final regulations. If the proposed regulations are adopted as proposed the Subsidiary will have to distribute its income currently in order for such income to be treated as qualifying income of the Fund. In addition, during 2006-2011, the IRS has issued private letter rulings to registered investment companies concluding that income derived from their investment in certain commodity-linked structured notes would constitute qualifying income to the fund. The IRS has indicated that the granting of these types of private letter rulings is currently suspended, pending further internal discussion. In 2016, the IRS announced that it would not issue any such rulings in the future, and it revoked the previously issued rulings. If the Fund were to fail to qualify as a RIC and became subject to federal income tax, shareholders of the Fund would be subject to diminished returns. For more information, see “More Information About Taxes.”

 

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Non-Principal Risks

 

Cyber Security Issues. With the increased use of technologies such as the internet to conduct business, the Fund and Subsidiary are susceptible to operational, information security and related risks. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber-attacks include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (e.g., through "hacking" or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, or causing operational disruption. Cyber-attacks may also be carried out in a manner that does not require gaining unauthorized access, such as causing denial-of-service attacks on websites (i.e., efforts to make network services unavailable to intended users). Cyber security failures or breaches by the Fund's adviser and other service providers (including, but not limited to, Fund accountant, custodian, transfer agent and administrator), and the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, interference with the Fund's ability to calculate its NAV, impediments to trading, the inability of Fund shareholders to transact business, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs. In addition, substantial costs may be incurred in order to prevent any cyber incidents in the future. While the Manager has established business continuity plans in the event of, and risk management systems to prevent, such cyber-attacks, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified. Furthermore, the Fund cannot control the cyber security plans and systems put in place by service providers to the Fund and issuers in which the Fund invests. The Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.

 

Redemptions. The Fund may need to sell its holdings in order to meet shareholder redemption requests. The Fund could experience a loss when selling securities to meet redemption requests if the redemption requests are unusually large or frequent, occur in times of overall market turmoil or declining prices for the securities sold, or when the securities the Fund wishes to or is required to sell are illiquid. The Fund may be unable to sell illiquid securities at its desired time or price. Illiquidity can be caused by a drop in overall market trading volume, an inability to find a ready buyer, or legal restrictions on the securities' resale. Certain securities that were liquid when purchased may later become illiquid, particularly in times of overall economic distress.

 

Temporary Investments. The Fund may depart from its principal investment strategy in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions by taking temporary defensive positions (up to 100% of its assets) in cash, cash equivalents and short-term U.S. government securities. If the Fund were to take a temporary defensive position, it may be unable for a time to achieve its investment objective.

 

Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings

 

A description of the Company's policies and procedures of the Company with respect to the disclosure of the Fund's portfolio securities is available in the Fund's SAI. The SAI is incorporated herein.

 

More Information About Management of the Fund

 

Investment Manager

 

Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC ("Campbell" or "Manager"), a Delaware corporation founded in January 2005, serves as the investment manager to the Fund. The Manager's principal place of business is located at 2850 Quarry Lake Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21209. As of August 31, 2017, the Manager together with its affiliates had approximately $3.7 billion in assets under management. The Manager is registered as an Investment Adviser with the SEC and as a Commodity Trading Advisor ("CTA") with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and is a member of the National Futures Association.

 

The Manager is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Campbell & Company, LP ("Campbell & Company"). Campbell & Company and its predecessor organization, Campbell & Company, Inc., were organized in 1972 and have over forty years of experience in creating and managing alternative investment vehicles. The Manager has appointed Campbell & Company as the Fund's Commodity Pool Operator ("CPO"). Campbell & Company is registered with the CFTC as a CPO and a CTA. Campbell & Company is a member of the NFA in such capacities.

 

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The Fund compensates the Manager for its services at the annual rate of 1.05% of its average annual net assets, payable on a monthly basis in arrears. The Manager has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) to 1.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets. In determining the Manager's obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to exceed 1.25%: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2018 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of The RBB Fund, Inc. If at any time the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses for a year are less than 1.25%, the Manager may recoup from the Fund any waived amount or other payments remitted by the Manager within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made if such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, after waivers and reimbursements, the Manager did not receive investment advisory fees from the Fund. Had fee waivers and reimbursements not been in place, the Manager would have received 1.05% of the Fund’s average net assets in investment advisory fees from the Fund.

 

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the investment advisory agreement with the Manager is available in the Fund's Annual Report to shareholders dated August 31, 2017.

 

The Fund is managed by Campbell's Investment Committee. The six-member team, led by co-chairs G. William Andrews and Dr. Kevin Cole, is responsible for portfolio risk management, capital allocation and portfolio construction, and approves all changes to the portfolio, including new models and enhancements.

 

G. William Andrews, Chief Executive Officer, joined Campbell in April 1997, and in November 2012 he was appointed to the Board of Directors and as Chief Executive Officer. He formerly held the positions of Co-Director of Research from November 2011 to October 2012, Chief Operating Officer from January 2010 to May 2012, Vice President & Director of Operations from April 2007 to January 2010, Vice President & Director of Research Operations from March 2006 to April 2007, and Research Assistant from April 1997 to February 2006. In March 2010, Mr. Andrews was appointed a Co-Chair of Campbell's Investment Committee.

 

Dr. Kevin Cole, joined Campbell in October 2003 and has served as Chief Research Officer since June 2017. In February 2017, Dr. Cole was appointed to serve Campbell and its affiliates as an executive officer. Since joining the firm, Dr. Cole has had a significant role in the ongoing research and development of Campbell’s trading systems and models.  Dr. Cole was appointed as Co-Chair of Campbell’s Investment Committee in September 2017. As Chief Research Officer, Dr. Cole is responsible for the management of the research and investment process at the firm.

 

The SAI provides additional information about the co-chairs' compensation, other accounts managed by the co-chairs, and the co-chairs' ownership of shares of the Fund.

 

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

 

Pricing of Fund Shares

 

Shares of the Fund are sold at their net asset value ("NAV"). The NAV of the Fund is calculated as follows:

 

  Value of Asset
NAV = -Value of Liabilities
  Number of Outstanding Shares

 

The Fund's NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. The NYSE is generally open Monday through Friday, except national holidays. The NYSE also may be closed on national days of mourning or due to natural disaster or other extraordinary events or emergency.  Fund shares will generally not be priced on any day the NYSE is closed. The Fund will effect purchases of Fund Shares at the NAV next determined after receipt by the Transfer Agent of your purchase order in good order as described below. The Fund will effect redemptions of Fund Shares at the NAV next calculated after receipt by the Transfer Agent of your redemption request in good order as described below. If the Fund holds securities that are primarily listed on non-U.S. exchanges, the net asset value of the Fund's shares may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem the Fund's shares.

 

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If available, the Fund's investments in securities and other exchange traded assets are generally valued based on market quotations. If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable by the Fund's administrator, in consultation with the Manager, securities will be valued by the Manager in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board and under the Board’s ultimate supervision. The Fund will regularly value its investments in derivative instruments at fair value. The Fund may use independent pricing services to assist in calculating the value of the Fund's portfolio holdings. Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation involves the risk that the values used by the Fund to price its investments may be higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.

 

Applicable federal tax requirements generally limit the degree to which the Fund may invest in the Subsidiary to an amount not exceeding 25% of its total assets. The Subsidiary prices its portfolio investments pursuant to the same pricing and valuation methodologies and procedures employed by the Fund. The Subsidiary offers to redeem all or a portion of its shares at the current net asset value per share every day the Fund is open for business. The value of shares of the Subsidiary will fluctuate with the value of the Subsidiary's portfolio investments.

 

Purchase of Fund Shares

 

Shares representing interests in the Fund are offered continuously for sale by Quasar Distributors, LLC (the "Distributor").

 

General. You may purchase Shares of the Fund at the NAV per Share next calculated after your order is received by the Transfer Agent in good order as described below. The Fund's NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. After an initial purchase is made, the Transfer Agent will set up an account for you on the Company records. The minimum initial investment in the Fund is $2,500. There is a minimum amount of $500 for subsequent investments. The Fund may accept initial investments of smaller amounts in its sole discretion. You can only purchase Shares of the Fund on days the NYSE is open and through the means described below.

 

Purchases Through Intermediaries. Shares of the Fund may also be available through certain Service Organizations. Certain features of the Shares, such as the initial and subsequent investment minimums and certain trading restrictions, may be modified or waived by Service Organizations. Service Organizations may impose minimum investment requirements. Service Organizations may also impose transaction or administrative charges or other direct fees, which charges and fees would not be imposed if Shares are purchased directly from the Company. Therefore, you should contact the Service Organization acting on your behalf concerning the fees (if any) charged in connection with a purchase or redemption of Shares and should read this Prospectus in light of the terms governing your accounts with the Service Organization. Service Organizations will be responsible for promptly transmitting client or customer purchase and redemption orders to the Company in accordance with their agreements with the Company or its agent and with clients or customers. Service Organizations or, if applicable, their designees that have entered into agreements with the Company or its agent may enter confirmed purchase orders on behalf of clients and customers, with payment to follow no later than the Company's pricing on the following business day. If payment is not received by such time, the Service Organization could be held liable for resulting fees or losses. The Company will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when a Service Organization, or, if applicable, its authorized designee, accepts a purchase or redemption order in good order if the order is actually received by the Company in good order not later than the next business morning. If a purchase order is not received by the Fund in good order, the Transfer Agent will contact the financial intermediary to determine the status of the purchase order. Orders received by the Company in good order will be priced at the Fund's NAV next computed after such orders are deemed to have been received by the Service Organization or its authorized designee.

 

For administration, subaccounting, transfer agency and/or other services, the Manager, the Distributor or their affiliates may pay Service Organizations and certain recordkeeping organizations a fee (the "Service Fee") based on the average annual NAV of accounts with the Company maintained by such Service Organizations or recordkeepers. The Service Fee payable to any one Service Organization is determined based upon a number of factors, including the nature and quality of services provided, the operations processing requirements of the relationship and the standardized fee schedule of the Service Organization or recordkeeper.

 

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Initial Investment By Mail. Subject to acceptance by the Fund, an account may be opened by completing and signing an account application and mailing it to the Fund at the address noted below, together with a check payable to the Fund. All checks must be in U.S. Dollars drawn on a domestic bank. The Fund will not accept payment in cash or money orders. The Fund does not accept post-dated checks or any conditional order or payment. To prevent check fraud, the Fund will not accept third party checks, Treasury checks, credit card checks, traveler’s checks or starter checks for the purchase of shares.

 

Regular Mail: Overnight Mail:
Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Fund Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services
P.O. Box 701 615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701 Milwaukee, WI 53202-5207

 

The Fund does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, deposit in the mail or with such services, or receipt at U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC’s post office box, of purchase orders or redemption requests does not constitute receipt by the Transfer Agent of the Fund. Receipt of purchase orders or redemption requests is based on when the order is received at the Transfer Agent’s offices.

 

Shares will be purchased at the NAV next computed after the time the application and funds are received in proper order and accepted by the Fund. The Transfer Agent will charge a $25 fee against a shareholder’s account, in addition to any loss sustained by the Fund, for any payment that is returned. It is the policy of the Fund not to accept applications under certain circumstances or in amounts considered disadvantageous to shareholders. The Fund reserves the right to reject any application.

 

Initial Investment By Wire. If you are making your first investment in the Fund, before you wire funds, the Transfer Agent must have a completed account application. You may mail or overnight deliver your account application to the Transfer Agent. Upon receipt of your completed account application, the Transfer Agent will establish an account for you. The account number assigned will be required as part of the instruction that should be provided to your bank to send the wire. Your bank must include both the name of the Fund you are purchasing, the account number, and your name so that monies can be correctly applied. Your bank should transmit funds by wire to:

 

Wire Instructions:

U.S. Bank National Association

777 East Wisconsin Ave

Milwaukee WI 53202

ABA 075000022

 

Credit:

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services

Account #112-952-137

For Further Credit to:

Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Fund

(shareholder registration)

(shareholder account number)

 

Wired funds must be received prior to 4:00 p.m. Eastern time to be eligible for same day pricing. The Fund and U.S. Bank, N.A. are not responsible for the consequences of delays resulting from the banking or Federal Reserve wire system, or from incomplete wiring instructions.

 

Subsequent Investments – By Wire. Before sending your wire, please contact the Transfer Agent to advise them of your intent to wire funds. This will ensure prompt and accurate credit upon receipt of your wire.

 

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Telephone Purchase. Investors may purchase additional shares of the Fund by calling 1-844-261-6488. If you elected this option on your account application, and your account has been open for at least 15 calendar days, telephone orders, in amounts of $500 or more, will be accepted via electronic funds transfer from your bank account through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network. You must have banking information established on your account prior to making a purchase. If you order is received prior to 4 p.m. Eastern time, your shares will be purchased at the net asset value calculated on the day your order is placed.

 

Telephone trades must be received by or prior to market close. During periods of high market activity, shareholders may encounter higher than usual call waits. Please allow sufficient time to place your telephone transaction.

 

Additional Investments. Additional investments may be made at any time by purchasing Shares at the NAV per Share of the Fund by mailing a check to the Transfer Agent at the address noted above under "Initial Investment by Mail" or by wiring as outlined above under "Initial Investment by Wire." Initial and additional purchases made by check or electronic funds transfer through the ACH network cannot be redeemed until payment of the purchase has been collected. This may take up to 15 calendar days from the purchase date. There is a minimum amount of $500 for subsequent investment.

 

Retirement Plans/IRA Accounts. The Fund offers prototype documents for a variety of retirement accounts for individuals and small businesses. Please call 1-844-261-6488 for information on:

 

Individual Retirement Plan, including Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs
Small Business Retirement Plans, including Simple IRAs and SEP IRAs
Coverdell Education Savings Accounts

 

There may be special distribution requirements for a retirement account, such as required distributions or mandatory Federal income tax withholding. For more information, call the number listed above. You may be charged a $15 annual account maintenance fee for each retirement account up to a maximum of $30 annually and a $25 fee for transferring assets to another custodian or for closing a retirement account.

 

Purchases in Kind. In certain circumstances, Shares of the Fund may be purchased "in kind" (i.e. in exchange for securities, rather than cash). The securities rendered in connection with an in-kind purchase must be liquid securities that are not restricted as to transfer and have a value that is readily ascertainable in accordance with the Company's valuation procedures. Securities accepted by the Fund will be valued, as set forth in this Prospectus, as of the time of the next determination of net asset value after such acceptance. The Shares of the Fund that are issued to the investor in exchange for the securities will be determined as of the same time. All dividend, subscription, or other rights that are reflected in the market price of accepted securities at the time of valuation become the property of the Fund and must be delivered to the Fund by the investor upon receipt from the issuer. The Fund will not accept securities in exchange for its Shares unless such securities are, at the time of the exchange, eligible to be held by the Fund and satisfy such other conditions as may be imposed by the Manager or the Company. Purchases in-kind may result in the recognition of gain or loss for federal income tax purposes on the securities transferred to the Fund.

 

Other Purchase Information. The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to suspend the offering of Shares or to reject purchase orders when, in the judgment of management, such suspension or rejection is in the best interests of the Fund. The Manager will monitor the Fund's total assets and may, subject to Board’s approval, decide to close the Fund at any time to new investments or to new accounts due to concerns that a significant increase in the size of the Fund may adversely affect the implementation of the Fund's strategy. The Manager, subject to Board’s approval, may also choose to reopen the Fund to new investments at any time, and may subsequently close the Fund again should concerns regarding the Fund's size recur. If the Fund closes to new investments, the Fund may be offered only to certain existing shareholders of the Fund and certain other persons who may be subject to cumulative, maximum purchase amounts, as follows:

 

a.  persons who already hold Shares of the closed Fund directly or through accounts maintained by brokers by arrangement with the Manager;

 

b.  existing and future clients of financial advisers and planners whose clients already hold Shares of the Fund;

 

c.  employees of the Manager and their spouses, parents and children; and

 

22  

 

d.  directors of the Company.

 

Distributions to all shareholders of the closed Fund will continue to be reinvested unless a shareholder elects otherwise. The Manager, subject to the Board’s discretion, reserves the right to implement other purchase limitations at the time of closing, including limitations on current shareholders.

 

Purchases of the Fund's Shares will be made in full and fractional Shares of the Fund calculated to three decimal places. Certificates for Shares will not be issued.

 

Shares may be purchased and subsequent investments may be made by principals and employees of the Manager and their family members, either directly or through their IRAs, and by any pension and profit-sharing plan of the Manager, without being subject to the minimum investment limitation. The Manager is authorized to waive the minimum initial investment requirement.

 

Good Order. A purchase request is considered to be in good order when the purchase request includes the name of the Fund, the dollar amount of shares to be purchased, your account application or investment stub, and a check payable to the Fund. Purchase requests not in good order may be rejected.

 

Customer Identification Program. Federal law requires the Company to obtain, verify and record identifying information, which may include the name, residential or business street address, date of birth (for an individual), social security or taxpayer identification number or other identifying information for each investor who opens or reopens an account with the Company. Applications without the required information, or without any indication that a social security or taxpayer identification number has been applied for, may not be accepted. After acceptance, to the extent permitted by applicable law or its customer identification program, the Company reserves the right (a) to place limits on transactions in any account until the identity of the investor is verified; or (b) to refuse an investment in a Company portfolio or to involuntarily redeem an investor's shares and close an account in the event that an investor's identity is not verified. The Company and its agents will not be responsible for any loss in an investor's account resulting from the investor's delay in providing all required identifying information or from closing an account and redeeming an investor's Shares when an investor's identity cannot be verified.

 

Redemption of Fund Shares

 

You may redeem Fund Shares at the next NAV calculated after a redemption request is received by the Transfer Agent in good order. The Fund's NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. You can only redeem Shares of the Fund on days the NYSE is open and through the means described below. You may redeem Fund Shares by mail, or, if you are authorized, by telephone. The value of Shares redeemed may be more or less than the purchase price, depending on the market value of the investment securities held by the Fund.

 

Redemption By Mail. Your redemption request should be sent to: Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Fund , c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701. If sent by overnight mail to: Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Fund , c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

 

The Fund does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, deposit in the mail or with such services, or receipt at U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC’s post office box, of purchase orders or redemption requests does not constitute receipt by the Transfer Agent of the Fund. Receipt of purchase orders or redemption requests is based on when the order is received at the Transfer Agent’s offices.

 

A signature guarantee, from either a Medallion program member or a non-Medallion program member, is required in the following situations:

 

If ownership is being changed on your account;
When redemption proceeds are payable or sent to any person, address or bank account not on record;
When a redemption is received by the Transfer Agent and the account address has changed within the last 15 calendar days;
For all redemptions in excess of $10,000 from any shareholder account.

 

23  

 

The Fund may waive any of the above requirements in certain instances. In addition to the situations described above, the Fund and/or the Transfer Agent reserve the right to require a signature guarantee in other instances based on the circumstances relative to the particular situation.

 

Nonfinancial transactions, including establishing or modifying certain services on an account, may require a signature guarantee, signature verification from a Signature Validation Program member, or other acceptable form of authentication from a financial institution source.

 

Signature guarantees will generally be accepted from domestic banks, brokers, dealers, credit unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies and savings associations, as well as from participants in the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program and the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (“STAMP”). A notary public is not an acceptable signature guarantor.

 

Redemption By Telephone. If you did not decline telephone options on your account application (or requested by subsequent arrangements in writing), and your account has been open for at least 15 days, you may initiate a redemption in any amount up to $10,000 by calling the Transfer Agent at 1-844-261-6488.

 

Investors may have a check sent to the address of record, proceeds may be wired to a shareholder’s bank account of record, or funds may be sent via electronic funds transfer through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, also to the bank account of record. Wires are subject to a $15 fee paid by the investor, but the investor does not incur any charge when proceeds are sent via the ACH system.

 

Once a telephone transaction has been placed, it cannot be canceled or modified after the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern time).

 

Telephone trades must be received by or prior to market close. During periods of high market activity, shareholders may encounter higher than usual call waits. Please allow sufficient time to place your telephone transaction.

 

Before executing an instruction received by telephone, the Transfer Agent will use reasonable procedures to confirm that the telephone instructions are genuine. The telephone call may be recorded and the caller may be asked to verify certain personal identification information. If the Fund or its agents follow these procedures, they cannot be held liable for any loss, expense or cost arising out of any telephone redemption request that is reasonably believed to be genuine. This includes fraudulent or unauthorized requests. If an account has more than one owner or authorized person, the Fund will accept telephone instructions from any one owner or authorized person.

 

IRA and Other Retirement Plan Redemptions. If you have an IRA, you must indicate on your written redemption request whether or not to withhold federal income tax. Redemption requests failing to indicate an election to have tax withheld will be subject to 10% withholding.

 

Shares held in IRA accounts may be redeemed by telephone at 1-844-261-6488. Investors will be asked whether or not to withhold taxes from any distribution.

 

Involuntary Redemption. The Fund reserves the right to redeem a shareholder's account in the Fund at any time the value of the account falls below $500 as a result of a redemption or an exchange request. Shareholders will be notified in writing that the value of their account in the Fund is less than $500 and will be allowed 30 days to make additional investments before the redemption is processed. The Fund may assert the right to redeem your Shares at current NAV at any time and without prior notice if, and to the extent that, such redemption is necessary to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of your failure to make full payment for Shares of the Fund you previously purchased or subscribed for.

 

Other Redemption Information. Redemption proceeds for Shares of the Fund recently purchased by check or electronic funds transfer through the ACH network may not be distributed until payment for the purchase has been collected, which may take up to fifteen calendar days from the purchase date. Shareholders can avoid this delay by utilizing the wire purchase option. Other than as described above, payment of the redemption proceeds will be made within seven days after receipt of an order for a redemption. The Company may suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date at times when the NYSE is closed or under any emergency circumstances as determined by the SEC. The Fund typically expects to meet redemption requests by paying out proceeds from cash or cash equivalent portfolio holdings, or by selling portfolio securities. In stressed market conditions, redemption methods may include redeeming in kind.

 

24  

 

If the Board determines that it would be detrimental to the best interests of the remaining shareholders of the Fund to make payment wholly or partly in cash, redemption proceeds may be paid in whole or in part by an in-kind distribution of readily marketable securities held by the Fund instead of cash in conformity with applicable rules of the SEC. Investors generally will incur brokerage charges on the sale of portfolio securities so received in the payment of redemptions. If a shareholder receives redemption proceeds in-kind, the shareholder will bear the market risk of the securities received until their disposition and should expect to incur transaction costs upon the disposition of the securities. The Company has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act, so that the Fund is obligated to redeem its Shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its NAV during any 90-day period for any one shareholder of the Fund.

 

Good Order. A redemption request is considered to be in good order when the redemption request includes the name of the Fund, the number of shares or dollar amount to be redeemed, the account number, and signatures by all of the shareholders whose names appear on the account registration with a signature guarantee, if applicable. Redemption requests not in good order may be delayed.

 

Market Timing

 

In accordance with the policy adopted by the Board, the Company discourages and does not accommodate market timing and other excessive trading practices. Purchases should be made with a view to longer-term investment only. Excessive short-term (market timing) trading practices may disrupt portfolio management strategies, increase brokerage and administrative costs, harm Fund performance and result in dilution in the value of Fund Shares held by long-term shareholders. The Company and the Manager reserve the right to (i) reject a purchase or exchange order, (ii) delay payment of immediate cash redemption proceeds for up to seven calendar days, (iii) revoke a shareholder's privilege to purchase Fund Shares (including exchanges), or (iv) limit the amount of any exchange involving the purchase of Fund Shares. An investor may receive notice that their purchase order or exchange has been rejected after the day the order is placed or after acceptance by a financial intermediary. It is currently expected that a shareholder would receive notice that its purchase order or exchange has been rejected within 48 hours after such purchase order or exchange has been received by the Company in good order. The Company and the Manager will not be liable for any loss resulting from rejected purchase orders. To minimize harm to the Company and its shareholders (or the Manager), the Company (or the Manager) will exercise its right if, in the Company's (or the Manager's) judgment, an investor has a history of excessive trading or if an investor's trading, in the judgment of the Company (or the Manager), has been or may be disruptive to the Fund. No waivers of the provisions of the policy established to detect and deter market timing and other excessive trading activity are permitted that would harm the Fund and its shareholders or would subordinate the interests of the Fund and its shareholders to those of the Manager or any affiliated person or associated person of the Manager.

 

Pursuant to the policy adopted by the Board, the Manager has developed criteria that it uses to identify trading activity that may be excessive. The Manager reviews on a regular, periodic basis available information related to the trading activity in the Fund in order to assess the likelihood that the Fund may be the target of excessive trading. As part of its excessive trading surveillance process, the Manager, on a periodic basis, examines transactions that exceed certain monetary thresholds or numerical limits within a period of time. If, in its judgment, the Manager detects excessive, short-term trading, it may reject or restrict a purchase request and may further seek to close an investor's account with the Fund. The Manager may modify its surveillance procedures and criteria from time to time without prior notice regarding the detection of excessive trading or to address specific circumstances. The Manager will apply the criteria in a manner that, in the its judgment, will be uniform.

 

There is no assurance that the Fund will be able to identify market timers, particularly if they are investing through intermediaries.

 

If necessary, the Company may prohibit additional purchases of Shares by a financial intermediary or by certain customers of the financial intermediary. Financial intermediaries may also monitor their customers' trading activities in the Fund. The criteria used by intermediaries to monitor for excessive trading may differ from the criteria used by the Company. If a financial intermediary fails to enforce the Company's excessive trading policies, the Company may take certain actions, including terminating the relationship.

 

25  

 

Dividends and Distributions

 

The Fund will distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, to its shareholders. All distributions are reinvested in the form of additional full and fractional Shares of the Fund unless a shareholder elects otherwise. The Fund will declare and pay dividends from net investment income annually. Net realized capital gains (including net short-term capital gains), if any, will be distributed by the Fund at least annually.

 

The Fund may pay additional distributions and dividends at other times if necessary for the Fund to avoid U.S. federal tax. The Fund's distributions and dividends, whether received in cash or reinvestment in additional Shares, are subject to U.S. federal tax.

 

All distributions will be reinvested in additional Fund shares unless you elect to receive cash via one of the following options: (1) receive distributions of net capital gains in cash, while reinvesting net investment income distributions in additional Fund shares; (2) receive all distributions in cash; or (3) reinvest net capital gain distributions in additional Fund shares, while receiving distributions of net investment income in cash.

 

If you elect to receive distributions and/or capital gains paid in cash, and the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver the check, or if a check remains outstanding for six months, the Fund reserves the right to reinvest the distribution check in your account, at the Fund’s current net asset value, and to reinvest all subsequent distributions.

 

You may change the distribution option on your account at any time. You should notify the Transfer Agent in writing or by telephone at least five (5) days prior to the next distribution.

 

More Information About Taxes

 

The following is a summary of certain U.S. tax considerations relevant under current law, which may be subject to change in the future. Except where otherwise indicated, the discussion relates to investors who are individual U.S. citizens or residents. You should consult your tax adviser for further information regarding federal, state, local and/or foreign tax consequences relevant to your specific situation.

 

Distributions. The Fund contemplates distributing as dividends each year all or substantially all of its taxable income, including its net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss). Except as otherwise discussed below, you will be subject to federal income tax on Fund distributions regardless of whether they are paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares. Fund distributions attributable to short-term capital gains and net investment income will generally be taxable to you as ordinary income, except as discussed below.

 

Distributions attributable to the net capital gain of the Fund will be taxable to you as long-term capital gain, no matter how long you have owned your Fund shares. The maximum long-term capital gain rate applicable to individuals, estates, and trusts is currently 23.8% (which includes a 3.8% Medicare tax). You will be notified annually of the tax status of distributions to you.

 

Distributions from the Fund will generally be taxable to you in the taxable year in which they are paid, with one exception. Distributions declared by the Fund in October, November or December and paid in January of the following year are taxed as though they were paid on December 31 st .

 

A portion of distributions paid by the Fund to shareholders that are corporations may also qualify for the dividends-received deduction for corporations, subject to certain holding period requirements and debt financing limitations. The amount of the dividends qualifying for this deduction may, however, be reduced as the result of the Fund's securities lending activities (if any), by a high portfolio turnover rate or by investments in debt securities or foreign corporations.

 

The Fund may be subject to foreign withholding or other foreign taxes on income or gain from certain foreign securities. If more than 50% of the value of the total assets of the Fund consists of stocks and securities (including debt securities) of foreign corporations at the close of a taxable year, the Fund may elect, for federal income tax purposes, to treat certain foreign taxes paid by it, including generally any withholding and other foreign income taxes, as paid by its shareholders. If the Fund makes this election, the amount of those foreign taxes paid by the Fund will be included in its shareholders' income pro rata (in addition to taxable distributions actually received by them), and each such shareholder will be entitled either (1) to credit that proportionate amount of taxes against U.S. federal income tax liability as a foreign tax credit or (2) to take that amount as an itemized deduction. If the Fund is not eligible or chooses not to make this election the Fund will be entitled to deduct any such foreign taxes in computing the amounts it is required to distribute.

 

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If you purchase shares just before a distribution, the purchase price will reflect the amount of the upcoming distribution, but you will be taxed on the entire amount of the distribution received, even though, as an economic matter, the distribution simply constitutes a return of capital. This is known as "buying into a dividend."

 

Sales of Shares. You will generally recognize taxable gain or loss for federal income tax purposes on a sale or redemption of your shares based on the difference between your tax basis in the shares and the amount you receive for them. Generally, you will recognize long-term capital gain or loss if you have held your Fund shares for over twelve months at the time you dispose of them.

 

Any loss realized on shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends that were received on the shares. Additionally, any loss realized on a disposition of shares of the Fund may be disallowed under "wash sale" rules to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced with other shares of the Fund within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the shares are disposed of, such as pursuant to a dividend reinvestment in shares of the Fund. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in an upward adjustment to the basis of the shares acquired.

 

The Fund (or relevant broker or financial adviser) is required to compute and report to the IRS and furnish to Fund shareholders cost basis information when such shares are sold. The Fund has elected to use the average cost method, unless you instruct the Fund to use a different IRS-accepted cost basis method, or choose to specifically identify your shares at the time of each sale. If your account is held by your broker or other financial adviser, they may select a different cost basis method. In these cases, please contact your broker or other financial adviser to obtain information with respect to the available methods and elections for your account. You should carefully review the cost basis information provided by the Fund and make any additional basis, holding period or other adjustments that are required when reporting these amounts on your federal and state income tax returns. Fund shareholders should consult with their tax advisers to determine the best IRS-accepted cost basis method for their tax situation and to obtain more information about how the cost basis reporting requirements apply to them.

 

IRAs and Other Tax-Qualified Plans. The one major exception to the preceding tax principles is that distributions on, and sales and redemptions of, shares held in an IRA (or other tax-qualified plan) will not be currently taxable unless such shares were acquired with borrowed funds.

 

Backup Withholding. The Fund may be required in certain cases to withhold and remit to the IRS a percentage of taxable dividends or gross proceeds realized upon sale payable to shareholders who have failed to provide a correct tax identification number in the manner required, or who are subject to withholding by the IRS for failure to properly include on their return payments of taxable interest or dividends, or who have failed to certify to the Fund that they are not subject to backup withholding when required to do so or that they are "exempt recipients." The current backup withholding rate is 28%.

 

U.S. Tax Treatment of Foreign Shareholders. Generally, nonresident aliens, foreign corporations and other foreign investors are subject to a 30% withholding tax on dividends paid by a U.S. corporation, although the rate may be reduced for an investor that is a qualified resident of a foreign country with an applicable tax treaty with the United States. In the case of a regulated investment company such as the Fund, however, certain categories of dividends are exempt from the 30% withholding tax. These generally include dividends attributable to the Fund's net capital gains (the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital loss) and dividends attributable to the Fund's interest income from U.S. obligors and dividends attributable to net short-term capital gains of the Fund.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally not be subject to U.S. tax on gains realized on the sale or redemption of shares of the Fund, except that a nonresident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in a calendar year will be taxable on such gains and on capital gain dividends from the Fund.

 

In contrast, if a foreign investor conducts a trade or business in the United States and the investment in the Fund is effectively connected with that trade or business, then the foreign investor's income from the Fund will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax at graduated rates in a manner similar to the income of a U.S. citizen or resident.

 

The Fund will also generally be required to withhold 30% tax on certain payments to foreign entities that do not provide a Form W-8BEN-E that evidences their compliance with, or exemption from, specified information reporting requirements under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act.

 

27  

 

All foreign investors should consult their own tax advisers regarding the tax consequences in their country of residence of an investment in the Fund.

 

Shares of the Fund have not been registered for sale outside of the United States and certain United States territories.

 

State and Local Taxes. You may also be subject to state and local taxes on income and gain from Fund shares. State income taxes may not apply, however, to the portions of the Fund's distributions, if any, that are attributable to interest on U.S. government securities. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the tax status of distributions in your state and locality.

 

Tax Risks of Investment in Subsidiary. The investment of up to 25% of a fund’s assets in a foreign subsidiary such as the Subsidiary is a structure that has been used by a number of RICs as a way of indirectly making commodities related investments that would not generate qualifying income if they were made directly by the RIC. Section 851(b) the Code provides that income earned by a controlled foreign corporation (a “CFC”), such as the Subsidiary, will be treated as qualifying income for a RIC provided that CFC distributes those earnings out to the RIC each year. During the period 2006-2011, the IRS issued a number of private letter rulings to other funds in which the IRS ruled that income derived from a fund’s investment in a CFC such as the Subsidiary will generally constitute qualifying income for the fund, even if the CFC itself engages in transactions that would not generate qualifying income if they were engaged in by the fund itself and even if the earnings of the CFC are not distributed to the fund each year. In 2011, however, the IRS suspended the issuance of such private letter rulings pending further review of the subject. In 2016, after completion of that review, the IRS issued proposed regulations that will provide that the income from a foreign subsidiary is qualifying income for RIC purposes only to the extent the income is actually distributed by the foreign subsidiary to the RIC each year – consistent with what is provided in the Code. Accordingly, the Fund intends to cause the Subsidiary to make such distributions to the Fund each year, so that the income of the Subsidiary will be qualifying income for the Fund.

 

If, however, the IRS were to determine that income derived from the Fund’s investment in the Subsidiary (or from certain commodity-linked notes) does not constitute qualifying income and if such positions were upheld by a court, or if future legislation or Treasury regulations were to adversely affect the tax treatment of such investments, the Fund might cease to qualify as a RIC and would be required to reduce its exposure to such investments which might result in difficulty in implementing its investment strategy. In a Senate subcommittee hearing on the subject of RIC commodities-related investments in 2012, Senator Levin, the subcommittee chairman, expressed the view that a wholly-owned foreign subsidiary such as the Subsidiary, which is used by a RIC to make investments or otherwise to engage in transactions that the RIC could not accomplish directly under the applicable tax rules, should be disregarded as a separate entity for federal income tax purposes. Senator Levin’s view was not endorsed by the IRS Commissioner and the Treasury Acting Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy in their hearing testimony and their post-hearing responses to supplemental questions from Senator Levin. If the IRS were ultimately to adopt such a view, however, and if that position were to be sustained by the courts, the Fund may be unable to meet the 90% qualifying income test and therefore may not qualify as a RIC. In that event, the Fund’s taxable income would be subject to tax at the Fund level at regular corporate tax rates (without reduction for distributions to shareholders) and to a further tax at the shareholder level when such income is distributed. In such an event, in order to re-qualify for taxation as a regulated investment company, the Fund may be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest and make certain distributions.

 

Taxation of the Subsidiary. There is, at present, no direct taxation in the Cayman Islands and interest, dividends and gains payable to the Subsidiary will be received free of all Cayman Islands taxes. The Subsidiary is registered as an "exempted company" pursuant to the Companies Law (as amended). The Subsidiary has applied for, and expects to receive, an undertaking from the Governor in Cabinet of the Cayman Islands to the effect that, for a period of twenty years from the date of the undertaking, no law that thereafter is enacted in the Cayman Islands imposing any tax or duty to be levied on profits, income or on gains or appreciation, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, will apply to any property comprised in or any income arising under the Subsidiary, or to the shareholders thereof, in respect of any such property or income.

 

More information about taxes is contained in the SAI.

 

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

Householding

 

In an effort to decrease costs, the Fund intends to reduce the number of duplicate prospectuses and Annual and Semi-Annual Reports you receive by sending only one copy of each to those addresses shared by two or more accounts and to shareholders we reasonably believe are from the same family or household. Once implemented, if you would like to discontinue householding for your accounts, please call toll-free at 1-844-261-6488 to request individual copies of these documents. Once the Fund receives notice to stop householding, we will begin sending individual copies thirty days after receiving your request. This policy does not apply to account statements.

 

Lost Shareholders, Inactive Accounts and Unclaimed Property

 

It is important that the Fund maintains a correct address for each shareholder.  An incorrect address may cause a shareholder’s account statements and other mailings to be returned to the Fund.  Based upon statutory requirements for returned mail, the Fund will attempt to locate the shareholder or rightful owner of the account.  If the Fund is unable to locate the shareholder, then it will determine whether the shareholder’s account can legally be considered abandoned.  Your mutual fund account may be transferred to the state government of your state of residence if no activity occurs within your account during the “inactivity period” specified in your state’s abandoned property laws.  The Fund is legally obligated to escheat (or transfer) abandoned property to the appropriate state’s unclaimed property administrator in accordance with statutory requirements.  The shareholder’s last known address of record determines which state has jurisdiction.  Please proactively contact the Transfer Agent at 1-844-261-6482 (toll free) at least annually to ensure your account remains in active status.

 

If you are a resident of the state of Texas, you may designate a representative to receive notifications that, due to inactivity, your mutual fund account assets may be delivered to the Texas Comptroller.  Please contact the Transfer Agent if you wish to complete a Texas Designation of Representative form.

 

NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN THE FUND'S SAI INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR ITS DISTRIBUTOR. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING BY THE COMPANY OR BY THE DISTRIBUTOR IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

The table below sets forth certain financial information for the period indicated, including per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return, ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the period. This information has been derived from information provided in the consolidated financial statements and has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm. This information should be read in conjunction with the Fund's financial statements which, together with the report of the independent registered public accounting firm, are included in the Fund's annual report, which is available upon request.

 

     

  Institutional Class

Per Share Operating Performance     For the Year
Ended
August 31, 2017
      For the Period
Ended
August 31, 2016 (1)
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 10.55     $ 10.00  
Net investment income/(loss) (2)     (0.08 )     (0.08 )
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments     (0.79 )     0.63  
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     (0.87 )     0.55  
Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:                
Net investment income     (0.05 )      
Net realized gain     (1.10 )      
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders     (1.15 )      
Net asset value, end of period   $ 8.53     $ 10.55  
Total investment return (3)     (8.60 )%     5.50 % (5)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA                
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)   $ 14,500     $ 15,848  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements     1.28 % (6)     1.25 % (4)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements     2.36 %     3.29 % (4)
Ratio of net investment income /(loss) to average net assets     (0.85 )%     (1.09 )% (4)
Portfolio turnover rate     0.00 %     0.00 % (5)

 

(1) The Fund commenced investment operations on December 21, 2015.
(2) Calculated based on average shares outstanding method for the period.
(3) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.
(4) Annualized.
(5) Not annualized.
(6) Expense ratio includes interest expense. Excluding such interest expense, the ratio of expenses to average net assets would be 1.25%

 

30  

 

 

PRIVACY NOTICE

FACTS WHAT DOES THE CAMPBELL MULTI-ASSET CARRY FUND DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?
Why? Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.
What?

The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include:

•        Social Security number

•        account balances

•        account transactions

•        transaction history

•        wire transfer instructions

•        checking account information

When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.

How? All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons the Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Fund chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

 

Reasons we can share your personal information Does the Campbell Multi- Asset Carry Fund share? Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purposes —

 

such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus

Yes No

For our marketing purposes —

 

to offer our products and services to you

Yes No
For joint marketing with other financial companies No We do not share.
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes — information about your transactions and experiences Yes No
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes — information about your creditworthiness No We do not share.
For our affiliates to market to you No We do not share.
For non-affiliates to market to you No We do not share.

Questions? Call 1-844-261-6488

 

 

What we do
How does the Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Fund protect my personal information? To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.
How does the Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Fund collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

•        open an account

•        provide account information

•        give us your contact information

•        make a wire transfer

•        tell us where to send the money

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

•        sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your    creditworthiness

•        affiliates from using your information to market to you

•        sharing for non-affiliates to market to you

State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing.

Definitions
Affiliates

Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

•     Our affiliates include Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Fund’s investment adviser, Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC.

Non-affiliates

Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

•     The Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Fund does not share with non-affiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

•      The Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Fund does not jointly market.

 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND

 

This Prospectus contains important information you should know before you invest. Read it carefully and keep it for future reference. More information about the Fund will be available free of charge, upon request, including:

 

Annual/Semi-Annual Reports: These reports contain additional information about the Fund's investments, describe the Fund's performance, list portfolio holdings and discuss recent market conditions and economic trends. The annual report includes Fund strategies that significantly affected the Fund's performance during its last fiscal year. The annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders may be obtained by visiting www.campbell.com/multiassetcarry.

 

Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”): The Fund's SAI, dated December 31, 2017, has been filed with the SEC. The SAI, which includes additional information about the Fund, and the Fund's annual and semi-annual reports, may be obtained free of charge by calling 1-844-261-6488 or by visiting www.campbell.com/multiassetcarry. The SAI, as supplemented from time to time, is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and is legally considered a part of this Prospectus.

 

Shareholder Inquiries: Representatives are available to discuss account balance information, mutual fund prospectuses, literature, programs and services available. Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday-Friday. Call: 1-844-261-6488.

 

Purchases and Redemptions: Call your registered representative or 1-844-261-6488.

 

Written Correspondence:
P.O. Box Address:

Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
PO Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701

 

Street Address:

Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Securities and Exchange Commission: You may view and copy information about the Company and the Fund, including the SAI, by visiting the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. or the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at www.sec.gov. You may also obtain copies of Fund documents by paying a duplicating fee and sending an electronic request to the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by sending your written request and a duplicating fee to the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090.

 

Investment Company Act File No. 811-05518

 

 

 

 

FREE MARKET U.S. EQUITY FUND
FREE MARKET INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND
FREE MARKET FIXED INCOME FUND
of
THE RBB FUND, INC.

 

PROSPECTUS

 

December 31, 2017

 

Investment Adviser:

 

MATSON MONEY, INC.
5955 Deerfield Blvd.
Mason, OH 45040

 

The securities described in this Prospectus have been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The SEC, however, has not judged these securities for their investment merit and has not determined the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Anyone who tells you otherwise is committing a criminal offense.

 

Ticker Symbols
Free Market U.S. Equity Fund –FMUEX
Free Market International Equity Fund –FMNEX
Free Market Fixed Income Fund –FMFIX

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS 1
FREE MARKET U.S. EQUITY FUND 1
FREE MARKET INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND 6
FREE MARKET FIXED INCOME FUND 12
MORE ABOUT EACH FUND'S INVESTMENTS AND RISKS 18
Investment Strategies 18
More About Underlying Investment Company Investments 19
Investment Risks 21
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings 24
Broad-Based and Composite Indices 24
Credit Ratings 25
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS 26
Investment Adviser 26
Portfolio Managers 26
Management Fees 26
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION 26
Pricing of Fund Shares 26
Market Timing 27
Purchase of Fund Shares 28
Redemption of Fund Shares 29
Exchange Privilege 30
Dividends and Distributions 30
Taxes 30
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 34
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MATSON MONEY FAMILY OF FUNDS Back Cover

 

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

FREE MARKET U.S. EQUITY FUND

FMUEX

 

Investment Objective

 

The Free Market U.S. Equity Fund (the “Fund”) seeks long-term capital appreciation.

 

Expenses and Fees

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

 

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

 

Management Fees 0.49%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees None
Other Expenses 0.07%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (1) 0.29%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.85 %
(1) Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other mutual funds, including money market funds and exchange traded funds. Please note that the amount of Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses shown in the above table will differ from the “Financial Highlights” section of the Prospectus, which reflects the operating expenses of the Fund and does not include indirect expenses such as Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses.

 

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 that you sell your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs and returns might be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
$ 87 $ 271 $ 471 $ 1,049

 

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 Fund's performance. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 5% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Summary of Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Fund pursues its investment objective by investing under normal circumstances at least 80% of its net assets, including any borrowings for investment purposes, in shares of registered, open-end investment companies and exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") (collectively, "investment companies") that have either adopted policies to invest at least 80% of their assets in equity securities, such as common stocks, preferred stocks or securities convertible into stocks, of U.S. companies, or invest substantially all of their assets in such equity securities. The Fund will diversify its investments by investing primarily in investment companies focusing on different segments of the equity markets, including large ("large-cap"), small ("small-cap") and micro-capitalization ("micro-cap") equity securities that the Fund's investment adviser ("Adviser") believes offer the prospect of long-term capital appreciation. The purchase of shares of investment companies may result in duplication of expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to the Fund's own expenses.

 

1  

 

Under normal market conditions, the Adviser expects substantially all of the Fund's net assets to be invested in the securities of investment companies that invest in the types of securities described in each asset class below, with less than 2% of the net assets invested in cash or money market instruments.

 

U.S. Large Cap Value Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase common stocks and other equity securities of large cap companies that the underlying investment adviser(s) determine to be value stocks at the time of purchase. An issuer's securities are considered value stocks primarily because they have a high book value in relation to their market value (a "book to market ratio"). In assessing value, the underlying investment adviser(s) may consider additional factors such as price to cash flow or price to earnings ratios as well as economic conditions and developments in the issuer's industry. The criteria used for assessing value are subject to change from time to time. As of December 2016, large cap companies generally were those companies with a market capitalization of $4.23 billion or greater. This dollar amount will change from time to time due to market conditions.

 

U.S. Small Cap Value Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase common stocks and other equity securities of small cap companies that the underlying investment adviser(s) determine to be value stocks at the time of purchase. An issuer's securities are considered value stocks primarily because they have a high book value in relation to their market value (a "book to market ratio"). In assessing value, the underlying investment adviser(s) may consider additional factors such as price to cash flow or price to earnings ratios as well as economic conditions and developments in the issuer's industry. The criteria used for assessing value are subject to change from time to time. As of December 2016, small cap companies generally were those companies with a market capitalization of $4.23 billion or less. This dollar amount will change from time to time due to market conditions.

 

U.S. Large Company Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase all of the stocks that comprise the S&P 500 ® Index in approximately the proportions they are represented in the S&P 500 ® Index. Generally, these are the U.S. stocks with the largest market capitalizations and, as a group, they represent approximately 75% of the total market capitalization of all publicly traded U.S. stocks.

 

U.S. Small Cap Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase common stocks and other equity securities of small cap companies primarily based on market capitalization. As of December 2016, small cap companies were generally those with a market capitalization of $4.23 billion or less. This dollar amount will change from time to time due to market conditions. There may be some overlap in the companies in which the U.S. small cap asset class and the U.S. micro cap asset class invest.

 

U.S. Micro Cap Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase common stocks and other equity securities of micro cap companies. As of December 2016, micro cap companies were generally those companies with a market capitalization of $2.14 billion or less. This dollar amount will change from time to time due to market conditions. There may be some overlap in the companies in which the U.S. micro cap asset class and the U.S. small cap asset class invest.

 

The underlying investment companies may use derivatives, such as futures contracts and options on futures contracts for U.S. equity securities and indices, to gain market exposure on its uninvested cash pending investment in securities or to maintain liquidity to pay redemptions. Underlying index-based ETFs may use derivatives, including futures contracts, options on futures contracts, options and swaps to help the ETF track its underlying index.

 

The Fund reserves the right to hold up to 100% of its assets as a temporary defensive measure in cash and money market instruments such as U.S. government securities, bank obligations and commercial paper. To the extent the Fund employs a temporary defensive measure, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective. Periodically the Adviser will review the allocations for the Fund in each underlying investment company and may add or remove underlying investment companies and/or change the investment allocation percentages of the Fund in the underlying investment companies without notice to shareholders.

 

Summary of Principal Risks

 

As with all mutual funds, a shareholder is subject to the risk that his or her investment could lose money. An investment in the Fund involves the same investment risks as those of the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests. These risks may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value ("NAV") and investment performance. The Fund is subject to the following principal risks:

 

2  

 

• Stocks of large cap, small cap or micro cap companies in which the Fund's underlying investment companies invest or in which the Fund invests directly may temporarily fall out of favor with investors or may be more volatile than the rest of the U.S. market as a whole.

 

• The smaller the capitalization of a company, generally the less liquid its stock and the more volatile its price. Companies with smaller market capitalizations also tend to have unproven track records and are more likely to fail than companies with larger market capitalizations.

 

• Although the Fund will invest in other investment companies that follow a value oriented strategy, value stocks may perform differently from the market as a whole and such a strategy may cause the Fund at times to underperform equity funds that use other investment strategies.

 

• Companies in which the Fund's underlying investment companies invest may suffer unexpected losses or lower than expected earnings or their securities may become difficult or impossible to sell at the time and for the price that the underlying investment adviser(s) would like.

 

• The Adviser's judgment about the attractiveness or potential appreciation of a particular underlying investment company security could prove to be wrong or the Fund could miss out on an investment opportunity because the assets necessary to take advantage of such opportunity are tied up in less advantageous investments.

 

• Because under normal circumstances the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in shares of registered investment companies that emphasize investments in U.S. equity securities, the NAV of the Fund will change with changes in the share prices of the investment companies in which the Fund invests.

 

• There is a risk that large, small or micro capitalization stocks may not perform as well as other asset classes or the U.S. stock market as a whole. In the past, large, small and micro capitalization stocks have gone through cycles of doing better or worse than the stock market in general.

 

• There is a risk that the Fund, which is passively managed, may not perform as well as funds with more active methods of investment management, such as selecting securities based on economic, financial, and market analysis.

 

• The derivative instruments in which the underlying investment companies may invest are subject to a number of risks including liquidity, interest rate, market, credit and management risks, and the risk of improper valuation. Changes in the value of a derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index, and it is possible to lose more than the principal amount invested.

 

• The performance of the Fund will depend on how successfully the investment adviser(s) to the underlying investment companies pursue their investment strategies.

 

More information about the Fund's investments and risks is contained under the section entitled "More About Each Fund's Investments and Risks."

 

3  

 

Performance Information

 

The chart below illustrates the long-term performance of the Fund. The information shows you how the Fund's performance has varied year by year and provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The chart assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Past performance (before and after taxes) does not necessarily indicate how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated information is available at www.matsonmoney.com or by calling (866) 780-0357 Ext. 3863.

 

 

Best and Worst Quarterly Performance (for the period reflected in the chart above)

 

Best Quarter: 22.80% (quarter ended June 30, 2009)
Worst Quarter: -26.63% (quarter ended December 31, 2008)
Year to Date Total Return as of September 30, 2017: 8.27%

 

Average Annual Total Returns

 

The table below compares the average annual total returns of the Fund before and after taxes for the past calendar year, the past five calendar years and since inception to the average total returns of a broad-based securities market index for the same periods.

 

  Average Annual Total Returns for the
Periods Ended December 31, 2016
  1 Year 5 Year Since Inception
(December 31,
2007)
Fund Returns Before Taxes 21.22% 15.47% 9.27%
Fund Returns After Taxes on Distributions* 19.90% 14.28% 8.58%
Fund Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares* 13.10% 12.35% 7.48%
Russell 2500 ® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) 17.59% 14.54% 8.41%
Composite Index** 20.50% 14.84% 7.55%
* 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 will depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
** The Composite Index is comprised of the S&P 500 ® Index, Russell 1000 ® Value Index, Russell 2000 ® Index and Russell 2000 ® Value Index, each weighted 25%, 25%, 25% and 25%, respectively. Additional information about the Composite Index can be found under the section entitled "More About Each Fund's Investments and Risks."

 

4  

 

Management of the Fund

 

Investment Adviser
Matson Money, Inc.

 

Portfolio Managers
Mark E. Matson: Chief Executive Officer and Director, since 1991
Steven B. Miller: President and Portfolio Manager, since 2004
Kenneth E. Gatliff: Portfolio Manager, since 2007

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

The Fund has no minimum initial investment or minimum subsequent investment. The Fund is exclusively available to clients or customers of service organizations approved by the Adviser, including certain brokerage firms, investment advisers, financial institutions and other industry professionals ("Service Organizations"). Only persons or entities having relationships with these Service Organizations may invest in the Fund. You may submit redemption requests on any business day to your Service Organization in person or by telephone, mail or wire.

 

You can only purchase and redeem shares of the Fund on days the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open.

 

Taxes

 

The Fund intends to make distributions that generally may be taxed at ordinary income or capital gains rates.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase 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 other related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

 

5  

 

FREE MARKET INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND FMNEX

 

Investment Objective

 

The Free Market International Equity Fund (the "Fund") seeks long-term capital appreciation.

 

Expenses and Fees

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

 

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

 

Management Fees 0.50%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees None
Other Expenses 0.08%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (1) 0.43%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 1.01%
(1) Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other mutual funds, including money market funds and exchange traded funds. Please note that the amount of Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses shown in the above table will differ from the “Financial Highlights” section of the Prospectus, which reflects the operating expenses of the Fund and does not include indirect expenses such as Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses.

 

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 that you sell your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs and returns might be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
$ 103 $ 322 $ 558 $ 1,236

 

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 Fund's performance. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 2% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Summary of Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Fund pursues its investment objective by investing under normal circumstances at least 80% of its net assets, including any borrowings for investment purposes, in shares of registered, open-end investment companies and exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") (collectively, "investment companies") that have either adopted policies to invest at least 80% of their assets in equity securities, such as common stocks, preferred stocks or securities convertible into stocks, of foreign companies, or invest substantially all of their assets in such equity securities. The Fund will diversify its investments by investing primarily in investment companies that focus on different segments of the foreign equity markets, including emerging markets, with little or no focus on domestic equity markets. The purchase of shares of investment companies may result in duplication of expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to the Fund's own expenses.

 

6  

 

Under normal market conditions, the Adviser expects substantially all of the Fund's net assets to be invested in the securities of investment companies that invest in the types of securities described in each asset class below, with less than 5% of the net assets invested in cash or money market instruments.

 

International Small Cap Value Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase the stocks and other equity securities, directly or through sponsored or unsponsored depositary receipts, of small companies in foreign countries with developed markets that the underlying investment adviser(s) determine to be value stocks at the time of purchase. An issuer's securities are considered value stocks primarily because they have a high book value in relation to their market value (a "book to market ratio"). In assessing value, the underlying investment adviser(s) may consider additional factors such as price to cash flow or price to earnings ratios as well as economic conditions and developments in the issuer's industry. The criteria used for assessing value are subject to change from time to time. As of December 2016, the highest maximum market capitalization of a small company in any country in which an underlying investment company invested was $5.56 billion. This threshold will vary by country or region, and the dollar amount will change from time to time due to market conditions.

 

International Large Cap Value Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase the stocks and other equity securities, directly or through sponsored or unsponsored depositary receipts, of large companies in foreign countries with developed markets that the underlying investment adviser(s) determine to be value stocks at the time of purchase. An issuer's securities are considered value stocks primarily because they have a high book value in relation to their market value (a "book to market ratio"). In assessing value, the underlying investment adviser(s) may consider additional factors such as price to cash flow or price to earnings ratios as well as economic conditions and developments in the issuer's industry. The criteria used for assessing value are subject to change from time to time. As of December 2016, the lowest minimum market capitalization of a large company in any country or region in which an underlying investment company invested was $1.98 billion. This threshold will vary by country or region, and the dollar amount will change from time to time due to market conditions.

 

International Small Company Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase the stocks and other equity securities, directly or through sponsored or unsponsored depositary receipts, of small companies in foreign countries with developed markets. As of December 2016, the highest maximum market capitalization of a small company in any country in which an underlying investment company invested was $5.56 billion. This threshold will vary by country or region, and the dollar amount will change from time to time due to market conditions.

 

International Large Cap Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase the stocks and other equity securities, directly or through sponsored or unsponsored depositary receipts, of large companies in foreign countries with developed markets. As of December 2016, the lowest minimum market capitalization of a large company in any country or region in which an underlying investment company invested was $1.98 billion. This threshold will vary by country or region, and the dollar amount will change from time to time due to market conditions.

 

Emerging Markets Asset Class, Emerging Markets Value Asset Class, and Emerging Markets Small Cap Asset Class (collectively, the "Emerging Markets Asset Classes"): Underlying investment companies comprising each Emerging Markets Asset Class generally will purchase stocks and other equity securities, directly or through sponsored or unsponsored depositary receipts, of companies located in emerging market countries. The underlying investment companies investing in securities of the Emerging Markets Asset Class and the Emerging Markets Small Cap Asset Class will generally purchase the equity securities of larger and smaller companies, respectively, within each country. The underlying investment adviser(s) determine company size primarily based on market capitalization. As of December 2016, companies in the Emerging Markets Small Cap Asset Class generally were those companies with a market capitalization of $5.56 billion or less in the largest country and $5.56 billion in the smallest country. This threshold will vary by country or region. These dollar amounts will change from time to time due to market conditions.

 

The underlying investment companies in the Emerging Markets Value Asset Class generally will purchase emerging market equity securities that are deemed by the underlying investment adviser(s) to be value stocks at the time of purchase. An issuer's securities are considered value stocks primarily because they have a high book value in relation to their market value (a "book to market ratio"). In assessing value, the underlying investment adviser(s) may consider additional factors such as price to cash flow or price to earnings ratios as well as economic conditions and developments in the issuer's industry. The criteria used for assessing value are subject to change from time to time.

 

7  

 

The underlying investment companies may use derivatives, such as futures contracts and options on futures contracts for equity securities and indices, to gain market exposure on its uninvested cash pending investment in securities or to maintain liquidity to pay redemptions. Underlying index-based ETFs may use derivatives, including futures contracts, options on futures contracts, forward currency contracts, options and swaps to help the ETF track its underlying index.

 

The Fund reserves the right to hold up to 100% of its assets as a temporary defensive measure in cash and money market instruments such as U.S. government securities, bank obligations and commercial paper. To the extent the Fund employs a temporary defensive measure, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective. Periodically the Adviser will review the allocations for the Fund in each underlying investment company and may add or remove underlying investment companies and/or change the investment allocation percentages of the Fund in the underlying investment companies without notice to shareholders.

 

Summary of Principal Risks

 

As with all mutual funds, a shareholder is subject to the risk that his or her investment could lose money. An investment in the Fund involves the same investment risks as those of the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests. These risks may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value ("NAV") and investment performance. The Fund is subject to the following principal risks:

 

• The value of particular foreign equity securities which the Fund's underlying investment companies may purchase or foreign stock markets on which the securities they may purchase are traded may decline in value.

 

• Stocks of large cap or small cap foreign companies in which the Fund's underlying investment companies may invest may temporarily fall out of favor with investors or may be more volatile than particular foreign stock markets or foreign stock markets as a whole.

 

• The smaller the capitalization of a company, generally the less liquid its stock and the more volatile its price. Companies with smaller market capitalizations also tend to have unproven track records and are more likely to fail than companies with larger market capitalizations.

 

• Stocks of large cap or small cap foreign companies in which the Fund's underlying investment companies may invest may suffer unexpected losses or lower than expected earnings or such securities may become difficult or impossible to sell at the time and for the price the underlying investment advisers would like.

 

• Because the Fund owns shares of underlying investment companies that invest in foreign issuers, the Fund is subject to risks presented by investments in such issuers. Securities of foreign issuers may be negatively affected by political events, economic conditions, or inefficient, illiquid or unregulated markets in foreign countries. Foreign issuers may be subject to inadequate regulatory or accounting standards.

 

• Investments in emerging market securities by underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests are subject to higher risks than those in developed market countries because there is greater uncertainty in less established markets and economics.

 

• Currency risk is the risk that exchange rates for currencies in which securities held by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests are denominated will fluctuate daily. In general, the underlying investment companies do not hedge currency risk. As a result, if currencies in which foreign holdings are denominated depreciate against the U.S. Dollar, the value of your investment in the Fund may be adversely affected.

 

• The Adviser's judgment about the attractiveness or potential appreciation of a particular underlying investment company security could prove to be wrong or the Fund could miss out on an investment opportunity because the assets necessary to take advantage of such opportunity are tied up in less advantageous investments.

 

• Because under normal circumstances the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in shares of registered investment companies that emphasize investments in equity securities of foreign companies, the NAV of the Fund will change with changes in the share prices of the investment companies in which the Fund invests.

 

• There is a risk that the Fund, which is passively managed, may not perform as well as funds with more active methods of investment management, such as selecting securities based on economic, financial, and market analysis.

 

• The derivative instruments in which the underlying investment companies may invest are subject to a number of risks including liquidity, interest rate, market, credit and management risks, and the risk of improper valuation. Changes in the value of a derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index, and it is possible to lose more than the principal amount invested.

 

8  

 

• The performance of the Fund will depend on how successfully the investment adviser(s) to the underlying investment companies pursue their investment strategies.

 

More information about the Fund's investments and risks is contained under the section entitled "More Information About Each Fund's Investments and Risks."

 

Performance Information

 

The chart below illustrates the long-term performance of the Fund. The information shows you how the Fund's performance has varied year by year and provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The chart assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Past performance (before and after taxes) does not necessarily indicate how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated information is available at www.matsonmoney.com or by calling (866) 780-0357 Ext. 3863.

 

 

Best and Worst Quarterly Performance (for the period reflected in the chart above)

 

Best Quarter: 33.53% (quarter ended June 30, 2009)
Worst Quarter: -22.38% (quarter ended September 30, 2011)
Year to Date Total Return as of September 30, 2017: 21.89%

 

9  

 

Average Annual Total Returns

 

The table below compares the average annual total returns of the Fund before and after taxes for the past calendar year, the past five calendar years and since inception to the average total returns of a broad-based securities market index for the same periods.

 

  Average Annual Total Returns for the
Periods Ended December 31, 2016
  1 Year 5 Year Since Inception
(December 31,
2007)
Fund Returns Before Taxes 8.10% 7.57% 1.91%
Fund Returns After Taxes on Distributions* 7.34% 6.70% 1.29%
Fund Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares*, ** 5.27% 5.89% 1.45%
MSCI World (excluding U.S.) Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) 3.29% 6.59% 0.15%
Composite Index*** 4.96% 6.24% 0.19%
* 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 will depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
** In certain cases, the figure representing “Return after Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares” may be higher than the other return figures for the same period, since a higher after-tax return results when a capital loss occurs upon redemption and provides an assumed tax deduction that benefits the investor.
*** The Composite Index is comprised of the MSCI EAFE Index, MSCI EAFE Value Index, MSCI EAFE Small Company Index, and MSCI Emerging Markets Free Index, each weighted 25%, 25%, 25% and 25%, respectively. Additional information about the Composite Index can be found under the section entitled "More About Each Fund's Investments and Risks."

 

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Management of the Fund

 

Investment Adviser
Matson Money, Inc.

 

Portfolio Managers
Mark E. Matson: Chief Executive Officer and Director, since 1991
Steven B. Miller: President and Portfolio Manager, since 2004
Kenneth E. Gatliff: Portfolio Manager, since 2007

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

The Fund has no minimum initial investment or minimum subsequent investment. The Fund is exclusively available to clients or customers of service organizations approved by the Adviser, including certain brokerage firms, investment advisers, financial institutions and other industry professionals ("Service Organizations"). Only persons or entities having relationships with these Service Organizations may invest in the Fund. You may submit redemption requests on any business day to your Service Organization in person or by telephone, mail or wire.

 

You can only purchase and redeem shares of the Fund on days the NYSE is open.

 

Taxes

 

The Fund intends to make distributions that generally may be taxed at ordinary income or capital gains rates.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase 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 other related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

 

11  

 

FREE MARKET FIXED INCOME FUND FMFIX

 

Investment Objective

 

The Free Market Fixed Income Fund (the “Fund”) seeks total return (consisting of current income and capital appreciation).

 

Expenses and Fees

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

 

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

 

Management Fees 0.49%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees None
Other Expenses 0.07%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (1) 0.18%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 0.74%
(1) Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other mutual funds, including money market funds and exchange traded funds. Please note that the amount of Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses shown in the above table will differ from the “Financial Highlights” section of the Prospectus, which reflects the operating expenses of the Fund and does not include indirect expenses such as Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses.

 

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 that you sell your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs and returns might be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
$ 76 $ 237 $ 411 $ 918

 

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 Fund's performance. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 0% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Summary of Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Fund pursues its investment objective by investing under normal circumstances at least 80% of its net assets, including any borrowings for investment purposes, in shares of registered, open-end investment companies and exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") (collectively, "investment companies") that have either adopted policies to invest at least 80% of their assets in fixed income securities that the Adviser believes offer the prospect of providing total return, or invest substantially all of their assets in such fixed income securities. The purchase of shares of investment companies may result in duplication of expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to the Fund's own expenses.

 

Under normal market conditions, the Adviser expects substantially all of the Fund's net assets to be invested in the securities of investment companies that invest in the types of securities described in each asset class below, with less than 2% of the net assets invested in cash or money market instruments.

 

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One-Year Fixed Income Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase U.S. government obligations, U.S. government agency obligations, dollar-denominated obligations of foreign issuers issued in the U.S., foreign government and agency obligations, bank obligations, including the obligations of U.S. subsidiaries and branches of foreign banks, corporate obligations, commercial paper, repurchase agreements, and obligations of supranational organizations such as the World Bank, the European Investment Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank. Generally, obligations comprising this asset class will mature within one year from the date of settlement, but substantial investments may be made in obligations maturing within two years from the date of settlement when greater returns are available.

 

Two-Year Global Fixed Income Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. and foreign governments, their agencies and instrumentalities, corporate debt obligations, bank obligations, commercial paper, repurchase agreements, and other debt obligations of domestic and foreign issuers. Generally, obligations comprising this asset class have a weighted average maturity not exceeding two years, but investments may be made in obligations maturing in a shorter time period (from overnight to less than two years from the date of settlement). Because many of the investments of the underlying investment companies in this asset class will be denominated in foreign currencies, the underlying investment companies may also enter into forward foreign currency contracts to attempt to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency rates, to hedge against fluctuations in currency exchange rates or to transfer balances from one currency to another.

 

Intermediate Government Fixed Income Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase debt obligations of the U.S. government and U.S. government agencies. Generally, investment companies in the asset class will purchase securities with maturities of between five and fifteen years, however such investment companies ordinarily will have an average weighted maturity of between three and ten years.

 

Five-Year Global Fixed Income Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. and foreign governments, their agencies and instrumentalities, obligations of other foreign issuers, corporate debt obligations, bank obligations, commercial paper, and obligations of supranational organizations. Generally, obligations comprising this asset class have a weighted average maturity not exceeding five years. However, investments may be made in obligations maturing in a shorter time period (from overnight to less than five years from the date of settlement.) Because many of the investments of the underlying investment companies in this asset class will be denominated in foreign currencies, the underlying investment companies may also enter into forward foreign currency contracts to attempt to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency rates, to hedge against fluctuations in currency exchange rates or to transfer balances from one currency to another.

 

The underlying investment companies may also use derivatives, such as futures contracts and options on futures contracts for equity securities and indices, to gain market exposure on its uninvested cash pending investment in securities or to maintain liquidity to pay redemptions. Underlying index-based ETFs may use derivatives, including futures contracts, options on futures contracts, forward currency contracts, options and swaps to help the ETF track its underlying index.

 

Certain underlying investment companies may concentrate their investments (invest more than 25% of its total assets) in obligations of U.S. and foreign banks and bank holding companies when the yield to maturity on eligible portfolio investments in banking securities as a group generally exceeds the yield to maturity on all other eligible portfolio investments as a group generally for a period of five consecutive days when the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading. While the Fund will not concentrate its investments in any one industry, the Fund may be focused on banking sectors under certain circumstances.

 

The Fund reserves the right to hold up to 100% of its assets as a temporary defensive measure in cash and money market instruments such as U.S. government securities, bank obligations and commercial paper. To the extent the Fund employs a temporary defensive measure, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective. Periodically the Adviser will review the allocations for the Fund in each underlying investment company and may add or remove underlying investment companies and/or change the investment allocation percentages of the Fund in the underlying investment companies without notice to shareholders.

 

13  

 

Summary of Principal Risks

 

As with all mutual funds, a shareholder is subject to the risk that his or her investment could lose money. An investment in the Fund involves the same investment risks as those of the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests. These risks may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value ("NAV") and investment performance. The Fund is subject to the following principal risks:

 

• Fixed income securities in which the Fund's underlying investment companies may invest are subject to certain risks, including: interest rate risk, reinvestment risk, prepayment and extension risk, credit/default risk, and the risks associated with investing in repurchase agreements.

 

• Interest rate risk involves the risk that prices of fixed income securities will rise and fall in response to interest rate changes.

 

• Reinvestment risk involves the risk that proceeds from matured investments may be re-invested at lower interest rates.

 

• Prepayment risk involves the risk that in declining interest rates environments prepayments of principal could increase and require the Fund to reinvest proceeds of the prepayments at lower interest rates.

 

• Extension risk involves the risk that prepayments of principal will decrease when interest rates rise resulting in a longer effective maturity of a security.

 

• Credit risk is the risk that the issuer of a security may be unable to make interest payments and/or repay principal when due. Credit risk also involves the risk that the credit rating of a security may be lowered.

 

• Repurchase agreement risk involves the risk that the other party to a repurchase agreement will be unable to complete the transaction and the underlying investment company in which the Fund invests may suffer a loss as a result.

 

• Because the Fund owns shares of underlying investment companies that invest in foreign issuers, the Fund is subject to risks presented by investments in such issuers. Securities of foreign issuers may be negatively affected by political events, economic conditions, or inefficient, illiquid or unregulated markets in foreign countries. Foreign issuers may be subject to inadequate regulatory or accounting standards.

 

• Currency risk is the risk that exchange rates for currencies in which securities held by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests are denominated will fluctuate daily. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts may limit potential gains from a favorable change in value between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Unanticipated changes in currency pricing may result in poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not engaged in these contracts.

 

• The Adviser's judgment about the attractiveness or potential appreciation of a particular underlying investment company security could prove to be wrong or the Fund could miss out on an investment opportunity because the assets necessary to take advantage of such opportunity are tied up in less advantageous investments.

 

• Because under normal circumstances the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in shares of registered investment companies that emphasize investments in fixed income securities, the NAV of the Fund will change with changes in the share prices of the investment companies in which the Fund invests.

 

• Not all obligations of U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Some are backed only by the credit of the issuing agency or instrumentality. Accordingly, there may be some risk of default by the issuer in such cases.

 

• There is a risk that the Fund, which is passively managed, may not perform as well as funds with more active methods of investment management, such as selecting securities based on economic, financial, and market analysis.

 

• The derivative instruments in which the underlying investment companies may invest are subject to a number of risks including liquidity, interest rate, market, credit and management risks, and the risk of improper valuation. Changes in the value of a derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index, and it is possible to lose more than the principal amount invested.

 

• The performance of the Fund will depend on how successfully the investment adviser(s) to the underlying investment companies pursue their investment strategies.

 

14  

 

• Banks are very sensitive to changes in money market and general economic conditions. Adverse general economic conditions can cause financial difficulties for a bank's borrowers and the borrowers' failure to repay their loans can adversely affect the bank's financial situation. Banks are subject to extensive regulation and decisions by regulators may limit the loans banks make and the interest rates and fees they charge, which could reduce bank profitability.

 

More information about the Fund's investments and risks is contained under the section entitled "More About Each Fund's Investments and Risks."

 

Performance Information

 

The chart below illustrates the long-term performance of the Fund. The information shows you how the Fund's performance has varied year by year and provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The chart assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Past performance (before and after taxes) does not necessarily indicate how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated information is available at www.matsonmoney.com or by calling (866) 780-0357 Ext. 3863.

 

 

Best and Worst Quarterly Performance (for the period reflected in the chart above)

 

Best Quarter: 3.54% (quarter ended December 31, 2008)
Worst Quarter: -1.44% (quarter ended June 30, 2013)
Year to Date Total Return as of September 30, 2017: 1.26%

 

15  

 

Average Annual Total Returns

 

The table below compares the average annual total returns of the Fund before and after taxes for the past calendar year, the past five calendar years and since inception to the average total returns of a broad-based securities market index for the same periods.

 

  Average Annual Total Returns for the
Periods Ended December 31, 2016
  1 Year 5 Year Since Inception
(December 31,
2007)
Fund Returns Before Taxes 1.30% 0.63 % 1.59%
Fund Returns After Taxes on Distributions* 0.95% 0.34 % 1.14%
Fund Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares*,** 0.74% 0.39 % 1.07%
CitiGroup World Government Bond Index 1-5 Year Currency Hedged U.S. Dollar Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) 1.49% 1.42 % 2.24%
Composite Index*** 1.34% 1.10% 2.31%
* 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 will depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
** In certain cases, the figure representing “Return after Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares” may be higher than the other return figures for the same period, since a higher after-tax return results when a capital loss occurs upon redemption and provides an assumed tax deduction that benefits the investor.
*** The Composite Index is comprised of the Three-Month Treasury Bill Index, Barclays Capital Intermediate Government Bond Index, Merrill Lynch 1-3 Year US Government/Corporate Index and Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond Index, each weighted 25%, 25%, 25% and 25%, respectively. Additional information about the Composite Index can be found under the section entitled " More About Each Fund's Investments and Risks."

 

16  

 

Management of the Fund

 

Investment Adviser
Matson Money, Inc.

 

Portfolio Managers
Mark E. Matson: Chief Executive Officer and Director, since 1991
Steven B. Miller: President and Portfolio Manager, since 2004
Kenneth E. Gatliff: Portfolio Manager, since 2007

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

The Fund has no minimum initial investment or minimum subsequent investment. The Fund is exclusively available to clients or customers of service organizations approved by the Adviser, including certain brokerage firms, investment advisers, financial institutions and other industry professionals ("Service Organizations"). Only persons or entities having relationships with these Service Organizations may invest in the Fund. You may submit redemption requests on any business day to your Service Organization in person or by telephone, mail or wire.

 

You can only purchase and redeem shares of a Fund on days the NYSE is open.

 

Taxes

 

The Fund intends to make distributions that generally may be taxed at ordinary income or capital gains rates.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase 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 other related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

 

17  

 

MORE ABOUT EACH FUND'S INVESTMENTS AND RISKS

 

Investment Strategies

 

The Summary of Principal Investment Strategies and Summary of Principal Investment Risks sections describe the investment objective and principal investment strategies and risks of each Fund. This section provides some additional information about the Funds and the underlying investment companies in which the Funds may invest and certain portfolio management techniques that such underlying investment companies may use. More information about the Funds' investments and related risks is included in the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").

 

Each Fund's investment objective is not fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the "Company") upon prior written notice to shareholders. Shareholders will be given at least 60 days' prior written notice of any change to a Fund's investment objective.

 

Each Fund pursues its investment objective by investing under normal circumstances at least 80% of its net assets, including any borrowings for investment purposes, in shares of registered investment companies and ETFs. The Adviser focuses on the returns of investment companies within each of the asset classes while keeping trading costs to a minimum. Under normal market conditions, the Adviser expects substantially all of the Funds net assets to be invested in the securities of investment companies with less than 2% of the net assets of the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund and Free Market Fixed Income Fund, and 5% of the net assets of the Free Market International Equity Fund invested in cash or money market instruments.

 

Periodically, the Adviser will review the allocations for each Fund in each underlying investment company. From time to time, the Adviser may add or remove underlying investment companies and/or change the investment allocation percentages of a Fund in the underlying investment companies without notice to shareholders. In addition, when the Adviser determines that market forces have caused fundamental changes in the relative values of the assets of the underlying investment companies, the Adviser may modify the allocations of the Fund. To maintain allocation ranges, adjustments may be made by purchasing or selling shares of the underlying investment companies or applying future investments and redemptions by the Fund in proportions necessary to rebalance the investments in the underlying investment companies.

 

Each Fund may invest directly in individual securities. However, the Adviser will not invest directly in individual securities without prior approval of the Board, except as described in this Prospectus.

 

Investments in Investment Companies and the Investment Company Industry. Each Fund invests exclusively in investment companies that are not affiliated with it. These investment companies may be within the same fund complex and/or advised by the same investment adviser. The Funds invest primarily in securities of registered investment companies and will attempt to identify investment companies that have demonstrated superior management, favorable investment results, and relatively lower costs and expenses. There can be no assurance that this result will be achieved. Each Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by the investment companies in which it invests including the advisory and administration fees paid by the underlying fund. Fees and expenses related to each Fund's investments in underlying funds during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017 are disclosed in each Fund's expense table under "Acquired Fund fees and expenses." Some underlying investment companies may concentrate their investments in various industries or industry sectors and may use options, futures, or options on futures in their investment programs.

 

Investment decisions by the investment advisers of the underlying investment companies are made independently of the Funds and the Adviser. Therefore, the investment adviser of one underlying investment company may be purchasing shares of the same issuer whose shares are being sold by the investment adviser of another underlying investment company. The result of this would be an indirect expense to a Fund without accomplishing any investment purpose.

 

Each Fund expects that it will select the investment companies in which it will invest based, in part, upon an analysis of the past and projected performance and investment structure of the underlying investment companies. However, each Fund may consider other factors in the selection of investment companies. These other factors include, but are not limited to the investment company's size, shareholder services, liquidity, investment objective and investment techniques. Each Fund will be affected by the losses of its underlying investment companies and the level of risk arising from the investment practices of such investment companies and has no control over the risks taken by such investment companies.

 

18  

 

Investing in investment companies does not eliminate investment risk. When the Adviser has identified a significant upward trend in a particular asset class, each Fund retains the right to invest in investment companies that invest primarily in that particular asset class. Investment companies may have greater fluctuations in value when compared to other categories of investment companies that are not invested primarily in the particular asset class selected by the Adviser.

 

Each Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective will depend largely on the Adviser's ability to select the appropriate mix of underlying investment companies. In addition, achieving each Fund's investment objective will depend on the performance of the underlying investment companies, which depends on the ability of the underlying investment companies to meet their investment objectives. There can be no assurance that either the Funds or their underlying investment companies will achieve their investment objectives.

 

ETFs are a type of investment company bought and sold on a securities exchange. An ETF typically represents a fixed portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market index. The risks of owning an ETF generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying securities that they are designed to track, although lack of liquidity in an ETF could result in its being more volatile. Some ETFs are actively-managed by an investment adviser and/or sub-advisers. Actively-managed ETFs are subject to the risk of poor investment selection. A Fund may incur brokerage fees in connection with its purchase of ETF shares.

 

More About Underlying Investment Company Investments

 

Underlying Investment Companies. The underlying investment companies in which the Funds may invest reflect a broad spectrum of investment opportunities including equities, fixed income, domestic, foreign and emerging markets. These investment companies may invest in various obligations and employ various investment techniques. The following describes these obligations and techniques:

 

Derivative Contracts. The underlying investment companies in which each of the Funds invests may, but need not, use derivative contracts to seek to hedge against the possible adverse impact of changes in stock market prices, currency exchange rates (with respect to the Free Market International Equity Fund and Free Market Fixed Income Fund only) or interest rates in the market value of its securities or securities to be purchased.

 

Examples of derivative contracts include: futures and options on securities, securities indices or currencies; options on these futures; forward foreign currency contracts, and interest rate or currency swaps. A derivative contract will obligate or entitle an underlying investment company to deliver or receive an asset or cash payment that is based on the change in value of one or more securities, currencies or indices. Even a small investment in derivative contracts can have a big impact on an underlying investment company's stock market, currency and interest rate exposure. Therefore, using derivatives can disproportionately increase losses and reduce opportunities for gains when stock prices, currency rates or interest rates are changing. An underlying investment company may not fully benefit from or may lose money on derivatives if changes in their value do not correspond accurately to changes in the value of the investment company's holdings. The other parties to certain derivative contracts present the same types of default risk as issuers of fixed income securities in that the counterparty may default on its payment obligations or become insolvent. Derivatives can also make an underlying investment company less liquid and harder to value, especially in declining markets. The underlying investment companies may also utilize derivative contracts to gain market exposure on their uninvested cash pending investment in securities or to maintain liquidity to pay redemptions. The underlying investment companies of the Free Market International Equity Fund and the Free Market Fixed Income Fund may also enter into forward foreign currency contracts to transfer balances from one currency to another. The use of derivatives for non-hedging purposes may be considered more speculative than other types of investments.

 

Equity Investments. The underlying investment companies in which the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund and Free Market International Equity Fund invest may purchase all types of equity securities. The Free Market Fixed Income Fund may invest a portion of its assets in underlying investment companies that invest in equity securities, although these investments are not part of the Fund's Principal Investment Strategies. Equity securities include exchange-traded and over-the-counter common and preferred stocks, warrants, rights, convertible securities, depositary receipts and shares, trust certificates, limited partnership interests, and equity participations. Investments in equity securities and equity derivatives in general are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. The value of a convertible security may not increase or decrease as rapidly as the underlying common stock. Common stocks may decline over short or even extended periods of time. The purchase of rights or warrants involves the risk that an underlying investment company could lose the purchase value of a right or warrant if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not executed prior to the right's or warrant's expiration. The value of such securities convertible into equity securities, such as warrants or convertible debt, is also affected by prevailing interest rates, the credit quality of the issuer and any call provision. State law governing partnerships is often less restrictive than state law governing corporations. Accordingly, there may be fewer protections afforded to investors in a limited partnership than investors in a corporation.

 

19  

 

Fixed Income Investments. The underlying investment companies in which the Free Market Fixed Income Fund invests may purchase all types of fixed income securities. The Free Market U.S. Equity Fund and the Free Market International Equity Fund may invest a portion of their assets in underlying investment companies that invest in fixed income securities, although these investments are not part of such Funds' principal investment strategies. Fixed income investments include bonds, notes (including structured notes), mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, convertible securities, Eurodollar and Yankee dollar instruments, preferred stocks and money market instruments. Fixed income securities may be issued by corporate, governmental and foreign issuers and may have all types of interest rate payment and reset terms, including (without limitation) fixed rate, adjustable rate, zero coupon, contingent, deferred, payment-in-kind and auction rate features.

 

Foreign Securities. The securities held by the underlying investment companies in which the Free Market International Equity Fund invests are generally traded or denominated in foreign currencies. In addition, many of the securities held by the underlying investment companies in which the Free Market Fixed Income Fund invests are traded or denominated in foreign currencies. Investments in securities of foreign entities and securities denominated or traded in foreign currencies involve special risks. These include possible political and economic instability and the possible imposition of exchange controls or other restrictions on investments. Changes in foreign currency rates relative to the U.S. dollar will affect the U.S. dollar value of an underlying investment company's assets denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Emerging market investments offer the potential for significant gains but also involve greater risks than investing in more developed countries. Political or economic instability, lack of market liquidity and government actions such as currency controls or seizure of private business or property may be more likely in emerging markets.

 

The underlying investment companies in which the Free Market International Equity Fund invests may purchase depositary receipts. Depositary receipts may be available through "sponsored" or "unsponsored" facilities. A sponsored facility is established jointly by the issuer of the security underlying the receipt and the depository, whereas an unsponsored facility is established by the depository without participation by the issuer of the underlying security. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all of the costs of the unsponsored facility. The depository of an unsponsored facility is frequently under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through, to the holders of the receipts, voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. The depository of unsponsored depositary receipts may provide less information to receipt holders.

 

The underlying investment companies investing in stocks and other equity securities of issuers located in developed markets may invest in the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The investment adviser(s) of the underlying investment companies may also invest from time to time in securities of issuers located in other developed countries, at their discretion.

 

The underlying investment companies investing in stocks and other equity securities of issuers located in emerging market countries may invest in the following countries: Brazil, Chile, China, Columbia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Turkey. The investment adviser(s) of the underlying investment companies may also invest from time to time in securities of issuers located in other emerging market countries, at their discretion.

 

Mortgage-Backed Securities. The underlying investment companies in which the Free Market Fixed Income Fund invests may purchase mortgaged-backed securities as part of their principal investment strategies. Mortgage-backed securities in which the underlying investment companies invest may be issued by private companies or by agencies of the U.S. government. Mortgage-backed securities represent direct or indirect participation in, or are collateralized by and payable from, mortgage loans secured by real property.

 

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Certain debt instruments may only pay principal at maturity or may only represent the right to receive payments of principal or payments of interest on underlying pools of mortgage or government securities, but not both. The value of these types of instruments may change more drastically than debt securities that pay both principal and interest during periods of changing interest rates. Principal only mortgage-backed securities are particularly subject to prepayment risk. An underlying investment company may obtain a below market yield or incur a loss on such instruments during periods of declining interest rates. Interest only instruments are particularly subject to extension risk, which is the risk that principal repayments will not occur as quickly as anticipated, causing the expected maturity of a security to increase and making its price more sensitive to rate changes and more volatile. Mortgage derivatives and structural securities often employ features that have the effect of leverage. As a result, small changes in interest or prepayment rates may cause large and sudden price movements, especially compared to an investment in a security that is not leveraged. Mortgage derivatives can also become illiquid and hard to value in declining markets. Mortgage-backed securities also include mortgage pass-through certificates and multiple-class pass-through certificates, such as collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) and real estate mortgage investment conduits (REMICs).

 

The market for mortgage related securities has previously experienced substantial, often dramatic volatility with lower valuations and greatly reduced liquidity. These instruments may be subject to liquidity constraints, price volatility, credit downgrades and unexpected increases in default rates, and therefore may be more difficult to value and more difficult to dispose of than previously. These events may have an adverse impact on the Funds to the extent underlying investment companies invest in mortgage-related or other fixed income securities or instruments affected by the volatility in the fixed income markets.

 

Securities Lending. The underlying investment companies of the Funds may seek to increase their income by lending portfolio securities to institutions, such as certain broker-dealers. Portfolio securities loans are secured continuously by collateral maintained on a current basis at an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned. The value of the securities loaned by the underlying investment company will not exceed 33 1 / 3 % of the value of the investment company's total assets. The underlying investment company may experience a loss or delay in the recovery of its securities if the borrowing institution breaches its agreement with the investment company. Lending portfolio securities involves the risk of delay in receiving additional collateral if the value of the securities goes up while they are on loan.

Borrowing. The underlying investment companies of the Funds may borrow money for temporary or emergency (not leveraging) purposes. A Fund will not make any additional investments in an investment company while such investment company's borrowings exceed 5% of its total assets.

 

Temporary Investments. The Funds may depart from their principal investment strategies in response to adverse market, economic or political conditions by taking temporary defensive positions in cash or money market instruments. If a Fund were to take a temporary defensive position, it may be unable to achieve its investment objective.

 

Investment Risks

 

The following provides additional information about the risks of investing in the Funds:

 

Other Investment Companies. Each Fund's NAV will fluctuate due to business developments concerning a particular issuer or industry as well as general market and economic conditions affecting securities held by the particular underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests. Investment decisions by the investment advisers of the underlying investment companies in which the Funds invest are made independently of the Funds and the Adviser. Each Fund will be affected by the losses of its underlying investment companies and the risks involved in the investment practices of such investment companies. Neither the Funds nor the Adviser has any control over the risks taken by such investment companies. Some underlying investment companies may concentrate their investments in various industries or sectors and may invest in derivative securities, options or futures.

 

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Small Company Securities. While the securities of small capitalization companies in which the Free Market U.S. Equity and Free Market International Equity Funds' underlying investment companies invest may offer greater opportunity for capital appreciation than larger companies, investment in such companies presents greater risks than investment in larger, more established companies. Historically, small capitalization stocks have been more volatile in price than larger capitalization stocks. Among the reasons for the greater price volatility of these securities are the lower degree of liquidity in the markets for such stocks, and the potentially greater sensitivity of such small companies to changes in or failure of management, and to many other changes in competitive, business, industry and economic conditions, including risks associated with limited product lines, markets, management depth, or financial resources. Besides exhibiting greater volatility, micro and small company stocks may, to a degree, fluctuate independently of larger company stocks. Small company stocks may decline in price as large company stocks rise, or rise in price as large company stocks decline. Additionally, while the markets in securities of small companies have grown rapidly in recent years, such securities may trade less frequently and in smaller volume than more widely held securities. The values of these securities may fluctuate more sharply than those of other securities, and the underlying investment companies in which the Funds invest may experience some difficulty in establishing or closing out positions in these securities at prevailing market prices. There may be less publicly available information about the issuers of these securities or less market interest in such securities than in the case of larger companies and it may take a longer period of time for the prices of such securities to reflect the full value of their issuers' underlying earnings potential or assets.

 

Stock Market. Underlying investment companies in which the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund and Free Market International Equity Fund may invest are subject to fluctuations in the stock markets, which have periods of increasing and decreasing values. Equity securities typically have greater volatility than fixed income securities.

 

Foreign Investing. Foreign securities in which the Free Market International Equity Fund and Free Market Fixed Income Fund's underlying investment companies may invest pose additional risks over U.S.-based securities for a number of reasons. Investments in foreign securities may adversely affect the value of an investment in certain underlying investment companies. Foreign economic, governmental, and political systems may be less favorable than those of the U.S. Foreign governments and may exercise greater control over their economies, industries, and citizens' rights. Specific risk factors related to foreign securities include: inflation, structure and regulation of financial markets, liquidity and volatility of investments, currency exchange rates and regulations, and accounting standards. Foreign companies may also be subject to significantly higher levels of taxation than U.S. companies, including potentially confiscatory levels of taxation, thereby reducing their earnings potential, and amounts realized on foreign securities may be subject to high levels of foreign taxation and withholding. In addition, these underlying investment companies may incur higher costs and expenses when making foreign investments, which will affect the underlying investment companies' total return.

 

Currency Risk. With respect to investments in foreign securities by underlying investment companies in which the Free Market International Equity Fund and the Free Market Fixed Income Fund invest, exchange rates for currencies fluctuate daily. The combination of currency risk and market risk tends to make securities traded in foreign markets more volatile than securities traded exclusively in the U.S. Foreign securities are usually denominated in a foreign currency; therefore, changes in foreign currency exchange rates can affect the NAV of an underlying investment company. Diversification among foreign currencies will not protect the underlying investment companies against a general increase in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies.

 

Emerging Market Securities. Underlying investment companies in which the Free Market International Equity Fund invests may purchase the securities of issuers located in developing or emerging market countries. The risks of foreign investments are typically increased in less developed countries, which are sometimes referred to as emerging markets, because there is greater uncertainty in less established markets and economies. These risks include political, social or economic systems, smaller securities markets, lower trading volume, and substantial rates of inflation. To the extent an underlying investment company is invested in emerging market securities, it will be subject to higher risk than those investing in securities of developed market countries.

 

Interest Rate Risk. The underlying investment companies in which the Free Market Fixed Income Fund invests purchase fixed income securities as part of their Principal Investment Strategies. During periods of rising interest rates, an underlying investment company's yield and the market value of the investment company's fixed-income securities will tend to be lower than prevailing market interest rates. Periods of rising interest rates may result in decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the fixed income markets. In periods of falling interest rates, the underlying investment company's yield and the market value of the underlying investment company's fixed-income securities generally will tend to be higher than prevailing market interest rates. Prices of longer-term fixed income securities are typically more sensitive to changes in interest rates than prices of shorter-term fixed-income securities.

 

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Cash Flow Risk. The underlying investment companies in which the Free Market Fixed Income Fund invests purchase fixed income securities as part of their Principal Investment Strategies. Payment of principal on the mortgages or other assets underlying a particular fixed income security in which an underlying investment company invests may be faster or slower than estimated. Interest only instrument are particularly subject to extension risk, which is the risk that principal repayment will not occur as quickly as anticipated, causing the expected maturity of a security to increase and making its price more sensitive to rate change and more volatile. When interest rates decline, borrowers may pay off their mortgages or other loans sooner than expected and will typically shorten the average life of these instruments. This is known as prepayment risk.

 

Credit/Default Risk. The underlying investment companies in which the Free Market Fixed Income Fund invests purchase fixed income securities as part of their Principal Investment Strategies. The credit rating of an issuer or guarantor of a security in which an underlying investment company invests may be lowered or an issuer or guarantor of a security or the counterparty to a derivatives contract or a repurchase agreement may default on its payment obligations.

 

U.S. Government Securities Risk. Although a Fund's investments in U.S. government securities are considered to be among the safest investments, they are not guaranteed against price movements due to changing interest rates. Obligations issued by certain U.S. government agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises, such as the Government National Mortgage Association, are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury, while obligations issued by others, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae"), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Mac") and Federal Home Loan Banks, are backed solely by the ability of the entity to borrow from the U.S. Treasury or by the entity's own resources. No assurance can be given that the U.S. government would provide financial support to U.S. government agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises if it is not obligated to do so by law.

 

In September 2008, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Federal Housing Finance Agency ("FHFA") announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would be placed in conservatorship under the FHFA. On June 16, 2010, FHFA ordered Fannie Mae's and Freddie Mac's stock de-listed from the New York Stock Exchange after the price of common stock in Fannie Mae fell below the New York Stock Exchange's minimum average closing price of $1 for more than 30 days. The future status and role of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could be impacted by (among other things) the actions taken and restrictions placed on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac by the FHFA in its role as conservator, the restrictions placed on Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s operations and activities as a result of the senior preferred stock investment made by the U.S. Treasury, market responses to developments at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and future legislative and regulatory action that alters the operations, ownership, structure and/or mission of these institutions, each of which may, in turn, impact the value of, and cash flows on, any Mortgage-Backed Securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, including any such Mortgage-Backed Securities held by a Fund.

 

Derivatives Risk. The underlying investment companies of each Fund may utilize derivatives as part of their principal investment strategies. Loss may result from an underlying investment company's investments in futures, swaps, options and other derivative instruments. These instruments may be leveraged so that small changes in value may produce disproportionate losses to the underlying investment company. Using derivative instruments may involve risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments. An underlying investment company's investment in a derivative instrument could lose more than the principal amount invested. Also, suitable derivative transactions may not be available in all circumstances and there can be no assurance that the underlying investment company will engage in these transactions to reduce exposure to other risks when they would be beneficial. Pursuant to the Investment Company Act of 1940 and its rules and SEC interpretations thereunder, the registered investment companies in which the Funds invest are required to segregate cash or liquid securities or otherwise "cover" their positions in certain derivatives.

 

Non-Diversified Investments. The performance of large positions in certain equity or fixed income securities may significantly impact the performance of an underlying investment company of a Fund, resulting in greater volatility.

 

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Concentration. Concentration of investments within one industry or market sector may subject an underlying investment company to greater market fluctuations. The Funds will not knowingly concentrate their investments, directly or indirectly, in any industry.

 

Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings

A description of the Company's policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Funds' portfolio securities is available in the SAI. The SAI is incorporated herein.

 

Broad-Based and Composite Indices

Each Fund intends to evaluate its performance as compared to that of a broad-based index and a Composite Index. The information below reflects the most current information available to the Company as of the date of this Prospectus:

 

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund. The broad-based index is the Russell 2500 ® Index. The Composite Index is comprised of the S&P 500 ® Index, Russell 1000 ® Value Index, Russell 2000 ® Index and Russell 2000 ® Value Index, each weighted 25%, 25%, 25% and 25%, respectively. The following is a description of the broad-based index and each index comprising the Composite Index:

 

The Russell 2500 ® Index consists of the small- to mid-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe, commonly referred to as "smid" cap. The Russell 2500 ® Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the small to mid-cap segment and is completely reconstituted annually to ensure larger stocks do not distort the performance and characteristics of the Index. The Russell 2500 ® Index includes the smallest 2,500 securities in the Russell 3000 ® Index. The Russell 3000 ® Index is made up of 3,000 of the biggest U.S. stocks. As of November 30, 2017, the median market capitalization of the companies in the Russell 2500 ® Index was $1.3 billion and the largest stock was $16.8 billion.

 

The S&P 500 ® Index consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity and industry grouping, among other factors. The S&P 500 ® Index is designed to be a leading indicator of U.S. equities and is meant to reflect the risk/return characteristics of the large-cap universe. The S&P 500 ® Index is a market-value weighted index and each stock's weight in the index is proportionate to its market value.

 

The Russell 1000 ® Value Index consists of the large-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. The Russell 1000 ® Value Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer of the large-cap value market.

 

The Russell 2000 ® Index consists of the small-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe. The Russell 2000 ® Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased small-cap barometer and is completely reconstituted annually to ensure larger stocks do not distort the performance and characteristics of the Index. The Russell 2000 ® Index includes the smallest 2000 securities in the Russell 3000 ® Index.

 

The Russell 2000 ® Value Index consists of the small-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. The Russell 2000 ® Value Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer of the small-cap value market.

 

Free Market International Equity Fund. The broad-based index is the MSCI World (excluding U.S.) Index. The Composite Index is comprised of the MSCI EAFE Index, MSCI EAFE Value Index, MSCI EAFE Small Company Index, and MSCI Emerging Markets Free Index, each weighted 25%, 25%, 25% and 25%, respectively. The following is a description of the broad-based index and each index comprising the Composite Index:

 

The MSCI World (excluding U.S.) Index is a stock market index of 'world' stocks maintained by Morgan Stanley Capital International ("MSCI"). The index includes a selection of stocks of developed markets, as defined by MSCI. This index contains securities from the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom. As of November 30, 2017, the median capitalization of the MSCI World (excluding U.S.) Index was $4.9 billion and the weighted average market capitalization was $11.5 billion.

 

The MSCI Europe, Australasia, and Far East ("EAFE") Index is a stock market index of foreign stocks that covers 85% of the equity market of the following developed countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

 

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The MSCI EAFE Value Index is a subset of the EAFE Index and includes securities from Europe, Australasia (Australia and Asia) and the Far East. The Index generally represents approximately 50% of the market capitalization of the EAFE Index and consists of those securities classified by MSCI as most representing the value style.

 

The MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index targets 40% of the eligible small cap universe within each industry group, within each country. MSCI defines the small cap universe as all listed securities that have a market capitalization in the range of $200 million to $1.5 billion. The small cap segment covers the 85% – 99% range of each market's free float-adjusted market capitalization.

 

The MSCI Emerging Markets Free Index is designed to measure equity market performance in global emerging markets. The Index contains securities from the following emerging market countries: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand and Turkey.

 

Free Market Fixed Income Fund. The broad-based index is the CitiGroup World Government Bond Index 1-5 Year Currency Hedged U.S. Dollar Index. The Composite Index is comprised of the Three-Month Treasury Bill Index, Barclays Capital Intermediate Government Bond Index, Merrill Lynch 1-3 Year US Government/Corporate Index and Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond Index, each weighted 25%, 25%, 25% and 25%, respectively. The following is a description of the broad-based index and each index comprising the Composite Index:

 

CitiGroup World Government Bond Index 1-5 Year Currency Hedged U.S. Dollar Index includes the most significant and liquid government bond markets globally that carry at least an investment grade rating. Currently, this includes the 23 government bond markets of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

 

Three Month Treasury-Bill Index consists of three-month Treasury bills purchased at the beginning of each of three consecutive months. As each bill matures, all proceeds are rolled over or reinvested in a new three-month bill. The income used to calculate the monthly return is derived by subtracting the original amount invested from the maturity value. The index is rebalanced monthly by market capitalization.

 

Barclays Capital Intermediate Government Bond Index is a weighted index of U.S. government and government agency securities (other than mortgage securities) with maturities of one year or more.

 

Merrill Lynch 1-3 Year U.S. Government/Corporate Index is an unmanaged index of short-term U.S. government securities and short-term domestic investment-grade corporate bonds with maturities between 1 and 2.99 years.

 

Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond Index is a market capitalization-weighted index, meaning the securities in the index are weighted according to the market size of each bond type. Most U.S. traded investment grade bonds are represented. Municipal bonds and Treasury Inflation-Protected securities are excluded. The Index includes Treasury securities, Government agency bonds, mortgage-backed bonds, corporate bonds, and a small amount of foreign bonds traded in the U.S. The Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond Index is an intermediate term index. The average maturity is 7.88 years as of November 30, 2017.

 

Credit Ratings

Corporate debt obligations and dollar-denominated obligations of foreign issuers issued in the U.S. in which the underlying investment companies of the Free Market Fixed Income Fund may invest will be (i) rated Aa3 or better by Moody's, or AA- or better by S&P, or AA- or better by Fitch; or (ii) if there is no rating for the debt security, (ii) determined by the investment adviser(s) to the underlying investment companies to be of comparable quality to equivalent issues of the same issuer rated at least AA- or Aa3.

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS

 

Investment Adviser

 

Matson Money, Inc. ("Matson Money" or the "Adviser") is located at 5955 Deerfield Blvd., Mason, OH 45040. Matson Money was founded in 1991 and provides advisory services to individuals, trusts, corporations, non-profit organizations, retirement plans and foundations. Mark E. Matson, President, Chief Financial Officer and a Director of Matson Money, owns approximately 90% of Matson Money's outstanding voting securities. Matson Money had approximately $8.2 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2017.

 

Subject to the general supervision of the Board, Matson Money manages the Funds' portfolios and is responsible for the selection and management of all investments of the Funds in accordance with the Funds' respective investment objectives and policies.

 

Portfolio Managers

 

A team of portfolio managers, led by Kenneth E. Gatliff, is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Funds. Mark E. Matson and Steven B. Miller assist Mr. Gatliff in managing the assets of the Funds.

 

Mark E. Matson, Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Adviser, founded the Adviser in 1991 and serves as head portfolio manager at the Adviser.

 

Steven B. Miller, President of Operations and Portfolio Manager of the Adviser, has been employed by the Adviser as a Portfolio Manager since April 2004.

 

Kenneth E. Gatliff, Portfolio Manager of the Adviser, has been employed by the Adviser since April 2007 and has served as a Portfolio Manager since 2014. He is responsible for research, portfolio design, and management of the Funds.

 

The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers' ownership of shares in the Funds.

 

Management Fees

 

Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with the Company, the Adviser is entitled to an advisory fee at the annual rate of 0.50% of the first $1 billion of each Fund's average daily net assets, 0.49% of each Fund's average daily net assets over $1 billion to $5 billion and 0.47% of each Fund's average daily net assets over $5 billion, computed daily and payable monthly. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund and the Free Market Fixed Income Fund each paid 0.49%, and the Free Market International Equity Fund paid 0.50% (expressed as a percentage of average net assets) to Matson Money for its services. The Adviser has voluntarily agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to 1.13%, 1.35% and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund and Free Market Fixed Income Fund, respectively. The Adviser may not recoup waived advisory fees or reimbursed expenses. The Adviser may discontinue these arrangements at any time.

 

A discussion regarding the basis for Board’s approval of the investment advisory agreement with respect to the Funds is available in the Funds' annual report to shareholders dated August 31, 2017.

 

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

 

Pricing of Fund Shares

 

The Funds' shares ("Shares") are priced at their net asset value ("NAV"). The NAV per Share of each Fund is calculated as follows:

 

  Value of Assets Attributable to the Fund’s Shares
NAV = -Value of Liabilities Attributable to the Fund’s Shares
  Number of Outstanding Shares of the Fund

 

Each Fund's NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. The NYSE also may be closed on national days of mourning or due to natural disaster or other extraordinary events or emergency. The NYSE is generally open Monday through Friday, except national holidays. The Funds will effect purchases and redemptions of Shares at the NAV next calculated after receipt by the Fund's Transfer Agent of your purchase order or redemption request in good order (as described below). If a Fund holds securities that are primarily listed on non-U.S. exchanges, the NAV of the Fund's Shares may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem the Fund's Shares.

 

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Investments in underlying open-end investment companies are valued based on the NAV of those investment companies at the close of business that day. Investments in ETFs and closed-end funds will be valued at their market price. A Fund's direct investments in equity securities listed on any national or foreign exchange will be valued at the last sale price for all exchanges, except the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System ("NASDAQ"). Equity securities listed on the NASDAQ will be valued at the official closing price. Direct investments in equity securities traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions on that day, equity securities will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. A Fund's direct investments in fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. Direct investments in foreign securities, currencies and other securities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of such currencies against the U.S. dollar provided by a pricing service. All assets denominated in foreign currencies will be converted into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the time of valuation. If a Fund holds foreign securities, the calculation of the Fund's NAV will not occur at the same time as the determination of the value of the foreign equity securities in the Fund's portfolio, since these securities are traded on foreign exchanges.

 

If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable by the Funds' administrator, in consultation with the Adviser, the Fund's investments will be valued by the Adviser in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board and under the Board’s ultimate supervision. In addition, the prices of foreign securities may be affected by events that occur after the close of a foreign market but before a Fund prices its shares. In such instances, a foreign security may be fair valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board. The use of a pricing service and fair valuation involves the risk that the values used by a Fund to price its investments may be higher or lower than the values used by other mutual funds and investors to price the same investments.

 

Market Timing

 

In accordance with the policy adopted by its Board, the Company discourages and does not accommodate market timing and other excessive trading practices. Purchases should be made with a view to longer-term investment only. Excessive short-term (market timing) trading practices may disrupt Fund management strategies, increase brokerage and administrative costs, harm Fund performance and result in dilution in the value of Fund Shares held by long-term shareholders. The Company and the Adviser reserve the right to (i) reject a purchase or exchange order, (ii) delay payment of immediate cash redemption proceeds for up to seven calendar days, (iii) revoke a shareholder's privilege to purchase Fund Shares (including exchanges), or (iv) limit the amount of any exchange involving the purchase of Fund Shares. An investor may receive notice that their purchase order or exchange has been rejected after the day the order is placed or after acceptance by a financial intermediary. It is currently expected that a shareholder would receive notice that its purchase order or exchange has been rejected within 48 hours after such purchase order or exchange has been received by the Company in good order. The Company and the Adviser will not be liable for any loss resulting from rejected purchase orders. To minimize harm to the Company and its shareholders (or the Adviser), the Company (or the Adviser) will exercise their right if, in the Company's (or the Adviser's) judgment, an investor has a history of excessive trading or if an investor's trading, in the judgment of the Company or the Adviser, has been or may be disruptive to a Fund. No waivers of the provisions of the policy established to detect and deter market timing and other excessive trading activity are permitted that would harm a Fund and its shareholders or would subordinate the interests of a Fund and its shareholders to those of the Adviser or any affiliated person or associated person of the Adviser.

 

Pursuant to the policy adopted by the Board, the Adviser has developed criteria that it uses to identify trading activity that may be excessive. If, in its judgment, the Adviser detects excessive, short-term trading, the Adviser may reject or restrict a purchase request and may further seek to close an investor's account with a Fund.

 

There is no assurance that the Funds will be able to identify market timing, particularly if shareholders invest through intermediaries.

 

If necessary, the Company may prohibit additional purchases of Fund shares by a financial intermediary or by certain customers of the financial intermediary. Financial intermediaries may also monitor their customers' trading activities in the Funds. The criteria used by intermediaries to monitor for excessive trading may differ from the criteria used by the Company. If a financial intermediary fails to enforce the Company's excessive trading policies, the Company may take certain actions, including terminating the relationship.

 

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Purchase of Fund Shares

 

General. Shares of the Funds are offered continuously for sale at NAV by Quasar Distributors, LLC (the "Underwriter"). You can only purchase Shares through the means described below. The Funds have no minimum initial investment or minimum subsequent investment.

 

Purchases Through Intermediaries. The Funds are exclusively available to clients or customers of service organizations approved by the Adviser, including certain brokerage firms, investment advisers, financial institutions and other industry professionals ("Service Organizations"). Only persons or entities having relationships with these Service Organizations may invest in the Funds. If a shareholder terminates his or her relationship with a Service Organization, the shareholder will not be permitted to purchase additional Fund Shares except for Shares purchased as a result of the reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Service Organizations may impose transaction or administrative charges or other direct fees, which would not be imposed if shares of the Fund were purchased directly from the Company. Therefore, investors should contact the Service Organization acting on their behalf concerning the fees, if any, charged in connection with a purchase or redemption of shares of the Funds and should read this Prospectus in light of the terms governing their accounts with the Service Organization. Service Organizations may impose minimum initial and minimum subsequent investment requirements with respect to their clients' or customers' investments in the Funds and will be responsible for promptly transmitting client or customer purchase and redemption orders to the Company in accordance with their agreements with the Company and with clients and customers. A Service Organization or, if applicable, its designee that has entered into such an agreement with the Company or its agent may enter confirmed purchase orders on behalf of clients and customers, with payment to follow no later than the Fund's pricing on the following business day. If payment is not received by such time, the Service Organization could be held liable for resulting fees or losses.

 

Good Order. The Company will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when a Service Organization, or if applicable, its authorized designee, accepts a purchase or redemption order in good order. Orders received by a Service Organization in good order will be executed at the Fund's next determined NAV after they are accepted by the Service Organization or its authorized designee.

 

Retirement Plans. Shares of a Fund may be purchased in connection with various retirement plans, including Individual Retirement Accounts ("IRAs") and retirement plans for self-employed individuals, partnerships and corporations and their employees. Detailed information concerning retirement plans is available from your Service Organization. A $15 annual account maintenance fee for each retirement account is charged (up to a maximum of $30 annually) and a $25 fee is charged for transferring assets to another custodian or for closing a retirement account. For further information as to applications and annual fees, contact your Service Organization. To determine whether the benefits of an IRA are available and/or appropriate, you should consult with a tax advisor.

 

Other Purchase Information: The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to suspend the offering of Shares or to reject purchase orders when, in the judgment of management, such suspension or rejection is in the best interests of a Fund. The Adviser will monitor each Fund's total assets and may decide to close any of the Funds at any time to new investments or to new accounts due to concerns that a significant increase in the size of a Fund may adversely affect the implementation of the Fund's strategy. Subject to the Board’s discretion, the Adviser may also choose to reopen a Fund to new investments at any time and may subsequently close the Fund again should concerns regarding the Fund's size recur. If a Fund closes to new investments, the Fund would be offered only to certain existing shareholders of the Fund and certain other persons, who are generally subject to cumulative, maximum purchase amounts, as follows:

 

a. persons who already hold Shares of the closed Fund directly or through accounts maintained by brokers by arrangement with the Company;

 

b. existing and future clients of financial advisers and planners whose clients already hold Shares of the closed Fund;

 

c. employees of the Adviser and their spouses, parents and children; and

 

d. directors of the Company.

 

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Other persons who are shareholders of the other Free Market Funds are not permitted to acquire Shares of the closed Fund by exchange. Distributions to all shareholders of a closed Fund will continue to be reinvested unless a shareholder elects otherwise. The Adviser, subject to the Board’s discretion, reserves the right to implement other purchases limitations at the time of closing, including limitations on current shareholders.

 

Customer Identification Program: Federal law requires the Company to obtain, verify and record identifying information, which may include the name, residential or business street address, date of birth (for an individual), social security or taxpayer identification number or other identifying information for each investor who opens or reopens an account with the Company. Applications without the required information, or without any indication that a social security or taxpayer identification number has been applied for, may not be accepted. After acceptance, to the extent permitted by applicable law or its customer identification program, the Company reserves the right (a) to place limits on transactions in any account until the identity of the investor is verified; or (b) to refuse an investment in a Fund or to involuntarily redeem an investor's Shares and close an account in the event that an investor's identity is not verified. The Company and its agents will not be responsible for any loss in an investor's account resulting from the investor's delay in providing all required identifying information or from closing an account and redeeming an investor's Shares when an investor's identity cannot be verified.

 

Redemption of Fund Shares

 

General: You may submit redemption requests to your Service Organization in person or by telephone, mail or wire. Redemption requests are effected at the NAV next calculated after receipt of the redemption request by your Service Organization in proper form and transmission of the request to the Transfer Agent. The Fund's NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. You can only redeem Shares of a Fund on days the NYSE is open. Your Service Organization may refuse a telephone redemption request if it believes it is advisable to do so. You will bear the risk of loss from fraudulent or unauthorized instructions received over the telephone provided your Service Organization reasonably believes that the instructions are genuine. Shareholders requesting redemptions by wire are charged a transaction fee of $15.

 

Telephone Redemptions: During periods of dramatic economic or market changes, you may experience difficulty in implementing a telephone redemption with your Service Organization because of increased telephone volume.

 

Involuntary Redemption: Each Fund reserves the right to redeem a shareholder's account in the Fund at any time the value of the account falls below $500 as the result of a redemption or an exchange request. Shareholders will be notified in writing that the value of their account in a Fund is less than $500 and will be allowed 30 days to make additional investments before the redemption is processed.

 

Each Fund may assert the right to redeem your shares at current NAV at any time and without prior notice if, and to the extent that, such redemption is necessary to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of your failure to make full payment for shares of the Fund you previously purchased or subscribed for.

 

Other Redemption Information: Redemption proceeds for Shares of a Fund recently purchased by check may not be distributed until payment for the purchase has been collected, which may take up to fifteen days from the purchase date. Shareholders can avoid this delay by purchasing shares electronically through a wire transfer.

 

Other than as described above, payment of the redemption proceeds will be made within seven days after receipt of an order for a redemption. The Company may suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date at times when the NYSE is closed or under any emergency circumstances as determined by the SEC. The Funds typically expect to meet redemption requests by paying out proceeds from cash or cash equivalent portfolio holdings, or by selling portfolio securities. In stressed market conditions, redemption methods may include redeeming in kind.

 

If the Board determines that it would be detrimental to the best interests of the remaining shareholders of a Fund to make payment wholly or partly in cash, redemption proceeds may be paid in whole or in part by an in-kind distribution of readily marketable securities held by the Fund instead of cash in conformity with applicable rules of the SEC. If a shareholder receives redemption proceeds in-kind, the shareholders will bear the market risk of the securities received in the redemption until their disposition and should expect to incur transaction costs upon the disposition of the securities. The Company has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, so that a Fund is obligated to redeem its Shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund's NAV during any 90-day period for any one shareholder of the Fund.

 

29  

 

Good Order: A redemption request is considered to be in good order when all necessary information is provided and all required documents are properly completed, signed and delivered. Redemption requests not in good order may be delayed.

 

Exchange Privilege

 

The exchange privilege is available to shareholders residing in any state in which the Shares being acquired may be legally sold. A shareholder may exchange Shares of any Free Market Fund for Shares of another Free Market Fund up to six (6) times per year (one exchange per calendar month). Such an exchange will be effected at the NAV of the exchanged Shares and the NAV of the Shares to be acquired next determined after a Service Organization's receipt of a request for an exchange. An exchange of Shares will be treated as a sale for federal income tax purposes. A shareholder may make an exchange, if authorized, by telephone. Defined contribution plans and IRA accounts are not subject to the above exchange limitations.

 

If the exchanging shareholder does not currently own Shares of the Fund, a new account will be established with the same registration, dividend and capital gain options as the account from which Shares are exchanged, unless otherwise specified in writing by the shareholder. The exchange privilege may be modified or terminated at any time, or from time to time, by the Funds, upon 60 days' written notice to shareholders. If a shareholder wants to exchange Shares into a new account in a Fund, the dollar value of the Shares acquired must equal or exceed the Fund's minimum investment requirement for a new account. If a shareholder wants to exchange Shares into an existing account, the dollar value of the shares must equal or exceed the Fund's minimum investment requirement for additional investments. If an amount remains in the Fund from which the exchange is being made that is below the minimum account value required, the account will be subject to involuntary redemption.

 

The Funds' exchange privilege is not intended to afford shareholders a way to speculate on short-term movements in the market. Accordingly, in order to prevent excessive use of the exchange privilege, which may potentially disrupt the management of the Funds and increase transaction costs, the Funds have established a policy of limiting excessive exchange activity. Notwithstanding these limitations, the Funds reserve the right to reject any purchase request that is deemed to be disruptive to efficient portfolio management.

 

Dividends and Distributions

 

Each Fund will distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, to its shareholders. All distributions are reinvested in the form of additional full and fractional Shares of the Fund unless a shareholder elects otherwise.

 

The Free Market U.S. Equity Fund and the Free Market International Equity Fund will declare and pay dividends from net investment income annually. The Free Market Fixed Income Fund will declare and pay dividends from net investment income quarterly. Net realized capital gains (including net short-term capital gains), if any, will be distributed by the Funds at least annually.

 

All distributions will be reinvested in additional Fund shares unless you elect to receive cash via one of the following options: (1) receive distributions of net capital gains in cash, while reinvesting net investment income distributions in additional Fund shares; (2) receive all distributions in cash; or (3) reinvest net capital gain distributions in additional Fund shares, while receiving distributions of net investment income in cash. If you elect to receive distributions and/or capital gains paid in cash, and the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver the check, or if a check remains outstanding for six months, the Fund reserves the right to reinvest the distribution check in your account, at the Fund's current net asset value, and to reinvest all subsequent distributions. You may change the distribution option on your account as any time. You should notify the Transfer Agent in writing or by telephone at least five (5) days prior to the next distribution.

 

Taxes

 

The following is a summary of certain United States tax considerations relevant under current law, which may be subject to change in the future. Except where otherwise indicated, the summary assumes you are a U.S. citizen or resident or otherwise subject to U.S. federal income tax. Potential investors should consult their tax advisers for further information regarding federal, state, local and/or foreign tax consequences relevant to their specific situations.

 

30  

 

Each Fund contemplates declaring as dividends each year all or substantially all of its taxable income, including its net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss). Distributions attributable to the net capital gain of a Fund (including distributions attributable to net capital gains of underlying investment companies) will be taxable to you as long-term capital gain, regardless of how long you have held your Shares. The maximum long-term capital gain rate applicable to individuals, estates, and trusts is 23.8% (which includes a 3.8% Medicare tax). Other Fund distributions will generally be taxable as ordinary income, except as discussed below. A portion of those distributions, however, may be treated as "qualified dividend income" taxable to non-corporate U.S. shareholders at long-term capital gain rates, as long as certain requirements are met. A distribution is treated as qualified dividend income to the extent a Fund or an underlying investment company receives dividend income from taxable domestic corporations and certain qualified foreign corporations, provided that the holding period and other requirements are met by the Fund, the underlying investment company and the shareholder. Additionally, a portion of the distributions paid by a Fund may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders. Except as otherwise discussed below, you will be subject to federal income tax on Fund distributions regardless of whether they are paid in cash or reinvested in additional Shares. You will be notified annually of the tax status of distributions to you.

 

Distributions from a Fund will generally be taxable to you in the taxable year in which they are paid, with one exception. Distributions declared by a Fund in October, November or December and paid in January of the following year are taxed as though they were paid on December 31.

 

It is expected that the underlying funds of the Free Market International Equity Fund will be subject to foreign withholding or other foreign income taxes with respect to dividends or interest received from (and, in some cases, gains recognized on shares of stock of) non-U.S. companies. These underlying funds and the Free Market International Equity Fund may, to the extent eligible, make an election to treat a proportionate amount of those taxes as constituting a distribution to each shareholder, which would allow you either (1) to credit that proportionate amount of taxes against U.S. federal income tax liability as a foreign tax credit, subject to applicable limitations, or (2) to take that amount as an itemized deduction.

 

You should note that if you purchase Shares just before a distribution, the purchase price will reflect the amount of the upcoming distribution, but you will be taxed on the entire amount of the distribution received, even though, as an economic matter, the distribution simply constitutes a return of a portion of your purchase price. This is known as "buying into a dividend."

 

You will generally recognize taxable gain or loss for federal income tax purposes on a sale, exchange or redemption of your Shares, based on the difference, if any, between your tax basis in the Shares and the amount you receive for them. This gain or loss will generally be capital gain or loss if you hold your Fund Shares as capital assets and will be long-term if you held your Shares for more than twelve months at the time you dispose of them. Additionally, any loss realized on a disposition of Shares of a Fund may be disallowed under "wash sale" rules to the extent the Shares disposed of are replaced with other shares of the same Fund within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the Shares are disposed of, such as pursuant to a dividend reinvestment in Shares of the Fund. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in an upward adjustment to the basis of the Shares acquired.

 

Any loss realized on Shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends that were received on the Shares.

 

For Shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012, the Funds (or relevant broker or financial adviser) are required to compute and report to the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") and furnish to Fund shareholders cost basis information when such Shares are sold or exchanged. The Funds have elected to use the average cost method, unless you instruct the Funds to use a different IRS-accepted cost basis method, or choose to specifically identify your Shares at the time of each sale or exchange. If your account is held by your broker or other financial adviser, they may select a different cost basis method. In these cases, please contact your broker or other financial adviser to obtain information with respect to the available methods and elections for your account. You should carefully review the cost basis information provided by the Funds and make any additional basis, holding period or other adjustments that are required when reporting these amounts on your federal and state income tax returns. Fund shareholders should consult with their tax advisers to determine the best IRS-accepted cost basis method for their tax situation and to obtain more information about how the cost basis reporting requirements apply to them.

 

31  

 

IRAs and Other Tax-Qualified Plans: One major exception to the preceding tax principles is that distributions on, and sales, exchanges and redemptions of, shares held in an IRA (or other tax-qualified plan) will not be currently taxable unless such Shares were acquired with borrowed funds.

 

The Funds may be required in certain cases to withhold and remit to the IRS a percentage of taxable dividends or gross proceeds realized upon sale payable to shareholders who have failed to provide a correct tax identification number in the manner required, or who are subject to withholding by the IRS for failure to properly include on their return payments of taxable interest or dividends, or who have failed to certify to the Fund that they are not subject to backup withholding when required to do so or that they are "exempt recipients." The current backup withholding rate is 28%.

 

U.S. Tax Treatment of Foreign Shareholders: Generally, nonresident aliens, foreign corporations and other foreign investors are subject to a 30% withholding tax on dividends paid by a U.S. corporation, although the rate may be reduced for an investor that is a qualified resident of a foreign country with an applicable tax treaty with the United States. In the case of regulated investment companies such as the Funds, however, certain categories of dividends are exempt from the 30% witholding tax. These generally include dividends attributable to the Funds' net capital gains (the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital loss) and dividends attributable to the Funds' interest income from U.S. obligors and dividends attributable to net short-term capital gains of the Funds.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally not be subject to U.S. tax on gains realized on the sale, exchange or redemption of Shares in the Funds, except that a nonresident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in a calendar year will be taxable on such gains and on capital gain dividends from the Funds.

 

In contrast, if a foreign investor conducts a trade or business in the United States and the investment in a Fund is effectively connected with that trade or business, then the foreign investor's income from the Funds will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax at graduated rates in a manner similar to the income of a U.S. citizen or resident.

 

The Funds will also generally be required to withhold 30% tax on certain payments to foreign entities that do not provide a Form W-8BEN-E that evidences their compliance with, or exemption from, specified information reporting requirements under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act.

 

All foreign investors should consult their own tax advisers regarding the tax consequences in their country of residence of an investment in the Funds.

 

Shares of the Funds have not been registered for sale outside of the United States and certain United States territories.

 

State and Local Taxes: Shareholders may also be subject to state and local taxes on income and gain from Fund Shares. Shareholders should consult their advisers regarding the tax status of distributions in their state and locality.

 

More information about taxes is contained in the Funds' SAI.

 

Lost Shareholders, Inactive Accounts and Unclaimed Property. It is important that the Funds maintain a correct address for each shareholder. An incorrect address may cause a shareholder’s account statements and other mailings to be returned to the Fund. Based upon statutory requirements for returned mail, the Fund will attempt to locate the shareholder or rightful owner of the account. If the Funds are unable to locate the shareholder, then it will determine whether the shareholder’s account can legally be considered abandoned. Your mutual fund account may be transferred to the state government of your state of residence if no activity occurs within your account during the “inactivity period” specified in your state’s abandoned property laws. The Funds are legally obligated to escheat (or transfer) abandoned property to the appropriate state’s unclaimed property administrator in accordance with statutory requirements. The shareholder’s last known address of record determines which state has jurisdiction. Please proactively contact your service organization at least annually to ensure your account remains in active status.

 

If you are a resident of the state of Texas, you may designate a representative to receive notifications that, due to inactivity, your mutual fund account assets may be delivered to the Texas Comptroller. Please contact your service organization if you wish to complete a Texas Designation of Representative form.

 

32  

 

NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN THE FUNDS' SAI INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR ITS DISTRIBUTOR. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING BY THE COMPANY OR BY THE DISTRIBUTOR IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.

 

33  

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand each Fund's financial performance for the periods indicated. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the tables represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in each Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Funds' independent registered public accounting firm. This information should be read in conjunction with the Funds' financial statements which, together, with the report of the independent registered public accounting firm, are included in the Fund's annual report, which is available upon request (see back cover for ordering instructions).

 

FREE MARKET U.S. EQUITY FUND

 

    For the Year
Ended
August 31, 2017
    For the Year
Ended
August 31, 2016
    For the Year
Ended
August 31, 2015
    For the Year
Ended
August 31, 2014
    For the Year
Ended
August 31, 2013
 
Per Share Operating Performance
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 16.18     $ 16.08     $ 17.37     $ 14.66     $ 11.70  
Net investment income/(loss) (1)     0.12       0.18       0.13       0.09       0.12  
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments     2.13       1.18       (0.71 )     3.18       3.07  
Net increase/ (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     2.25       1.36       (0.58 )     3.27       3.19  
Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:                                        
Net investment income     (0.15 )     (0.15 )     (0.11 )     (0.10 )     (0.15 )
Net realized capital gains     (0.68 )     (1.11 )     (0.60 )     (0.46 )     (0.08 )
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders     (0.83 )     (1.26 )     (0.71 )     (0.56 )     (0.23 )
Net asset value, end of period   $ 17.60     $ 16.18     $ 16.08     $ 17.37     $ 14.66  
Total investment return (2)     13.97 %     9.10 %     (3.55 )%     22.49 %     27.61 %
Ratio/Supplemental Data                                        
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)   $ 2,724,995     $ 2,303,041     $ 1,971,430     $ 1,943,442     $ 1,355,653  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (3)     0.56 %     0.59 %     0.60 %     0.60 %     0.62 %
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets (3)     0.72 %     1.15 %     0.74 %     0.54 %     0.91 %
Portfolio turnover rate     5 %     1 %     6 %     3 %     6 %

 

(1) The selected per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding method for the period.
(2) Total investment return is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.
(3) The Fund also will indirectly bear its prorated share of expenses of the underlying funds. Such expenses are not included in the calculation of this ratio.

 

34  

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

FREE MARKET INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND

 

    For the Year
Ended
August 31, 2017
    For the Year
Ended
August 31, 2016
    For the Year
Ended
August 31, 2015
    For the Year
Ended
August 31, 2014
    For the Year
Ended
August 31, 2013
 
Per Share Operating Performance
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 9.24     $ 9.28     $ 10.92     $ 9.36     $ 8.04  
Net investment income/(loss) (1)     0.14       0.23       0.17       0.19       0.18  
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments     1.89       0.05       (1.39 )     1.71       1.36  
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     2.03       0.28       (1.22 )     1.90       1.54  
Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:                                        
Net investment income     (0.19 )     (0.16 )     (0.22 )     (0.19 )     (0.15 )
Net realized capital gains     (0.11 )     (0.16 )     (0.20 )     (0.15 )     (0.07 )
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders     (0.30 )     (0.32 )     (0.42 )     (0.34 )     (0.22 )
Net asset value, end of period   $ 10.97     $ 9.24     $ 9.28     $ 10.92     $ 9.36  
Total investment return (2)     22.50 %     3.13 %     (11.25 )%     20.49 %     19.44 %
Ratio/Supplemental Data                                        
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)   $ 2,190,068     $ 1,672,452     $ 1,443,094     $ 1,414,618     $ 964,096  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (3)     0.58 %     0.63 %     0.64 %     0.62 %     0.65 %
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets (3)     1.42 %     2.60 %     1.72 %     1.84 %     1.96 %
Portfolio turnover rate     2 %     1 %     3 %     2 %     3 %

 

(1) The selected per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding method for the period.
(2) Total investment return is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.
(3) The Fund also will indirectly bear its prorated share of expenses of the underlying funds. Such expenses are not included in the calculation of this ratio.

 

35  

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

FREE MARKET FIXED INCOME FUND

 

    For the Year
Ended
August 31, 2017
    For the Year
Ended
August 31, 2016
    For the Year
Ended
August 31, 2015
    For the Year
Ended
August 31, 2014
    For the Year
Ended
August 31, 2013
 
Per Share Operating Performance
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 10.43     $ 10.25     $ 10.31     $ 10.24     $ 10.54  
Net investment income/(loss) (1)     0.10       0.06       0.06       0.04       0.05  
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments     (0.06 )     0.17       (0.02 )     0.09       (0.21 )
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     0.04       0.23       0.04       0.13       (0.16 )
Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:                                        
Net investment income     (0.11 )     (0.03 )     (0.07 )     (0.04 )     (0.08 )
Net realized capital gains    

-–

      (0.02 )     (0.03 )     (0.02 )     (0.06 )
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders     (0.11 )     (0.05 )     (0.10 )     (0.06 )     (0.14 )
Net asset value, end of period   $ 10.36     $ 10.43     $ 10.25     $ 10.31     $ 10.24  
Total investment return (2)     0.39 %     2.26 %     0.37 %     1.34 %     (1.50 )%
Ratio/Supplemental Data                                        
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)   $ 2,503,032     $ 2,126,457     $ 2,004,504     $ 1,824,633     $ 1,316,799  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (3)     0.56 %     0.59 %     0.60 %     0.61 %     0.62 %
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets (3)     0.94 %     0.54 %     0.55 %     0.37 %     0.52 %
Portfolio turnover rate     0 %     31 %     2 %     0 %     0 %

 

(1) The selected per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding method for the period.
(2) Total investment return is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.
(3) The Fund also will indirectly bear its prorated share of expenses of the underlying funds. Such expenses are not included in the calculation of this ratio.

 

36  

 

FACTS WHAT DO THE FREE MARKET FUNDS DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?
Why? Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.
What?

The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include:

Social Security number

account balances

account transactions

transaction history

wire transfer instructions

checking account information

When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.

How? All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons the Free Market Funds choose to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

 

Reasons we can share your information

Do the Free Market Funds share?

 Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purposes

such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus

Yes No

For our marketing purposes

to offer our products and services to you

Yes No
For joint marketing with other financial companies Yes No
For affiliates’ everyday business purposes — information about your transactions and experiences Yes No
For affiliates’ everyday business purposes — information about your creditworthiness No We don’t share
For our affiliates to market to you No We don’t share
For nonaffiliates to market to you No We don’t share
Questions Call (866) 573-2152 or go to www.MatsonMoney.com

 

37  

 

What we do
How does the Free Market Funds protect my personal information? To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.
How does the Free Market Funds collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

   open an account

   provide account information

   give us your contact information

   make a wire transfer

   tell us where to send the money

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

   sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes — information about your creditworthiness

   affiliates from using your information to market to you

   sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing.

Definitions  
Affiliates

Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

   Our affiliates include McGriff Video Productions and Matson Money, Inc.

Nonaffiliates

Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

•     The Free Market Funds don’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you. The Funds may share information with nonaffiliates that perform marketing services on our behalf.

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

•     The Free Market Funds may share your information with other financial institutions with whom we have joint marketing arrangements who may suggest additional fund services or other investment products which may be of interest to you.

 

38  

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MATSON MONEY FAMILY OF FUNDS

This Prospectus contains important information you should know before you invest. Read it carefully and keep it for future reference. More information about the Funds is available free of charge, upon request, including:

 

Annual/Semi-Annual Reports

 

These reports contain additional information about the Funds' investments, describe the Funds' performance, list portfolio holdings, and discuss recent market conditions and economic trends. The Annual Report includes market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Funds' performance during the last fiscal year.

 

Statement of Additional Information ("SAI")

 

The Funds' SAI, dated December 31, 2017 has been filed with the SEC. The SAI, which includes additional information about the Funds, may be obtained free of charge, along with the Annual and Semi-Annual Reports when available, by calling (866) 780-0357 Ext. 3863 or at the Adviser's website at http://hosted.rightprospectus.com/matsonmoney.

 

The SAI, as supplemented from time to time, is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus (and is legally part of the Prospectus).

 

Shareholder Inquiries

 

Representatives are available to discuss account balance information, mutual fund prospectuses, literature programs and services available. Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Eastern time) Monday-Friday. Call: (866) 780-0357 Ext. 3863.

 

Purchases and Redemptions
Call (866) 780-0357 Ext. 3863

 

Written Correspondence
Street Address:

Matson Money, Inc. Family of Funds
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Securities and Exchange Commission

 

You may also view and copy information about the Company and the Fund, including the SAI, by visiting the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC or the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at www.sec.gov. You may also obtain copies of fund documents by paying a duplicating fee and sending an electronic request to the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by sending your written request and a duplicating fee to the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-1520. You may obtain information on the operation of the public reference room by calling the SEC at 1-202 -942-8090.

 

Investment Company Act File No. 811-05518

 

 

 

MATSON MONEY U.S. EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO
MATSON MONEY INTERNATIONAL EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO
MATSON MONEY FIXED INCOME VI PORTFOLIO
of
THE RBB FUND, INC.

 

PROSPECTUS

 

December 31, 2017

 

Investment Adviser:

 

MATSON MONEY, INC.
5955 Deerfield Blvd.
Mason, OH 45040

 

The securities described in this Prospectus have been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The SEC, however, has not judged these securities for their investment merit and has not determined the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Anyone who tells you otherwise is committing a criminal offense.

 

Shares of the Portfolios are offered to separate accounts of participating life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Shares of the Portfolios are not offered directly to the general public.

Ticker Symbols
Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio –FMVUX
Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio –FMVIX
Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio –FMVFX

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS 1
MATSON MONEY U.S. EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO 1
MATSON MONEY INTERNATIONAL EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO 6
MATSON MONEY FIXED INCOME VI PORTFOLIO 11
MORE ABOUT EACH PORTFOLIO'S INVESTMENTS AND RISKS 17
Investment Strategies 17
More About Underlying Investment Company Investments 18
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings 23
Broad-Based and Composite Indices 23
Credit Ratings 24
MANAGEMENT OF THE PORTFOLIOS 25
Investment Adviser 25
Portfolio Managers 25
Management Fees 26
PRIOR PERFORMANCE OF SIMILAR ACCOUNTS 27
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION 33
Pricing of Portfolio Shares 33
Market Timing 33
Purchase of Portfolio Shares 34
Redemption of Portfolio Shares 35
Voting Rights 35
Dividends and Distributions 36
Taxes 36
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 37
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MATSON MONEY FAMILY OF PORTFOLIOS Back Cover

 

i

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

MATSON MONEY U.S. EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO

FMVUX

 

Investment Objective

 

The Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) seeks long-term capital appreciation.

 

Expenses and Fees

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio. This table does not reflect the fees and expenses associated with any variable annuity contract or variable life insurance policy that uses the Portfolio as an investment option. Had those fees and expenses been included, overall fees and expenses would be higher.

 

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

 

Management Fees 0.50%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees None
Other Expenses 0.31%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (1) 0.27%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses 1.08%
(1) Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are indirect fees and expenses that the Portfolio incurs from investing in the shares of other mutual funds, including money market funds and exchange traded funds. Please note that the amount of Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses shown in the above table will differ from the “Financial Highlights” section of the Prospectus, which reflects the operating expenses of the Portfolio and does not include indirect expenses such as Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses.

 

Example

 

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. This Example does not reflect the fees and expenses associated with any variable annuity contract or variable life insurance policy that uses the Portfolio as an investment option. Had those fees and expenses been included, the costs shown below would be higher.

 

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and that you sell your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs and returns might be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
$110 $343 $595 $1,317

 

Portfolio Turnover

 

The Portfolio 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 Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio's performance. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the Portfolio's portfolio turnover rate was 21.00% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

1

 

Summary of Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Portfolio pursues its investment objective by investing under normal circumstances at least 80% of its net assets, including any borrowings for investment purposes, in shares of registered, open-end investment companies and exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") (collectively, "investment companies") that have either adopted policies to invest at least 80% of their assets in equity securities, such as common stocks, preferred stocks or securities convertible into stocks, of U.S. companies, or invest substantially all of their assets in such equity securities. The Portfolio will diversify its investments by investing primarily in investment companies focusing on different segments of the equity markets, including large ("large-cap"), small ("small-cap") and micro-capitalization ("micro-cap") equity securities that the Portfolio's investment adviser ("Adviser") believes offer the prospect of long-term capital appreciation. The purchase of shares of investment companies may result in duplication of expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to the Portfolio's own expenses.

 

Under normal market conditions, the Adviser expects substantially all of the Portfolio's net assets to be invested in the securities of investment companies, including other investment companies funded by insurance company separate accounts, that invest in the types of securities described in each asset class below, with less than 2% of the net assets invested in cash or money market instruments.

 

U.S. Large Cap Value Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase common stocks and other equity securities of large cap companies that the underlying investment adviser(s) determine to be value stocks at the time of purchase. An issuer's securities are considered value stocks primarily because they have a high book value in relation to their market value (a "book to market ratio"). In assessing value, the underlying investment adviser(s) may consider additional factors such as price to cash flow or price to earnings ratios as well as economic conditions and developments in the issuer's industry. The criteria used for assessing value are subject to change from time to time. As of December 2016, large cap companies generally were those companies with a market capitalization of $4.23 billion or greater. This dollar amount will change from time to time due to market conditions.

 

U.S. Small Cap Value Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase common stocks and other equity securities of small cap companies that the underlying investment adviser(s) determine to be value stocks at the time of purchase. An issuer's securities are considered value stocks primarily because they have a high book value in relation to their market value (a "book to market ratio"). In assessing value, the underlying investment adviser(s) may consider additional factors such as price to cash flow or price to earnings ratios as well as economic conditions and developments in the issuer's industry. The criteria used for assessing value are subject to change from time to time. As of December 2016, small cap companies generally were those companies with a market capitalization of $4.23 billion or less. This dollar amount will change from time to time due to market conditions.

 

U.S. Large Company Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase all of the stocks that comprise the S&P 500 ® Index in approximately the proportions they are represented in the S&P 500 ® Index. Generally, these are the U.S. stocks with the largest market capitalizations and, as a group, they represent approximately 75% of the total market capitalization of all publicly traded U.S. stocks.

 

U.S. Small Cap Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase common stocks and other equity securities of small cap companies primarily based on market capitalization. As of December 2016, small cap companies were generally those with a market capitalization of $4.23 billion or less. This dollar amount will change from time to time due to market conditions. There may be some overlap in the companies in which the U.S. small cap asset class and the U.S. micro cap asset class invest.

 

U.S. Micro Cap Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase common stocks and other equity securities of micro cap companies. As of December 2016, micro cap companies were generally those companies with a market capitalization of $2.14 billion or less. This dollar amount will change from time to time due to market conditions. There may be some overlap in the companies in which the U.S. micro cap asset class and the U.S. small cap asset class invest.

 

2

 

The underlying investment companies may use derivatives, such as futures contracts and options on futures contracts for U.S. equity securities and indices, to gain market exposure on its uninvested cash pending investment in securities or to maintain liquidity to pay redemptions. Underlying index-based ETFs may use derivatives, including futures contracts, options on futures contracts, options and swaps to help the ETF track its underlying index.

 

The Portfolio reserves the right to hold up to 100% of its assets as a temporary defensive measure in cash and money market instruments such as U.S. government securities, bank obligations and commercial paper. To the extent the Portfolio employs a temporary defensive measure, the Portfolio may not achieve its investment objective. Periodically the Adviser will review the allocations for the Portfolio in each underlying investment company and may add or remove underlying investment companies and/or change the investment allocation percentages of the Portfolio in the underlying investment companies without notice to shareholders or the holders of the variable annuity or variable life insurance policies.

 

Summary of Principal Risks

 

As with all mutual funds, a shareholder is subject to the risk that his or her investment could lose money. An investment in the Portfolio involves the same investment risks as those of the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests. These risks may adversely affect the Portfolio's net asset value ("NAV") and investment performance. The Portfolio is subject to the following principal risks:

 

• Stocks of large cap, small cap or micro cap companies in which the Portfolio's underlying investment companies invest or in which the Portfolio invests directly may temporarily fall out of favor with investors or may be more volatile than the rest of the U.S. market as a whole.

 

• The smaller the capitalization of a company, generally the less liquid its stock and the more volatile its price. Companies with smaller market capitalizations also tend to have unproven track records and are more likely to fail than companies with larger market capitalizations.

 

• Although the Portfolio will invest in other investment companies that follow a value oriented strategy, value stocks may perform differently from the market as a whole and such a strategy may cause the Portfolio at times to underperform equity funds that use other investment strategies.

 

• Companies in which the Portfolio's underlying investment companies invest may suffer unexpected losses or lower than expected earnings or their securities may become difficult or impossible to sell at the time and for the price that the underlying investment adviser(s) would like.

 

• The Adviser's judgment about the attractiveness or potential appreciation of a particular underlying investment company security could prove to be wrong or the Portfolio could miss out on an investment opportunity because the assets necessary to take advantage of such opportunity are tied up in less advantageous investments.

 

• Because under normal circumstances the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its net assets in shares of registered investment companies that emphasize investments in U.S. equity securities, the NAV of the Portfolio will change with changes in the share prices of the investment companies in which the Portfolio invests.

 

• There is a risk that large, small or micro capitalization stocks may not perform as well as other asset classes or the U.S. stock market as a whole. In the past, large, small and micro capitalization stocks have gone through cycles of doing better or worse than the stock market in general.

 

• There is a risk that the Portfolio, which is passively managed, may not perform as well as funds with more active methods of investment management, such as selecting securities based on economic, financial, and market analysis.

 

• The derivative instruments in which the underlying investment companies may invest are subject to a number of risks including liquidity, interest rate, market, credit and management risks, and the risk of improper valuation. Changes in the value of a derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index, and it is possible to lose more than the principal amount invested.

 

• The performance of the Portfolio will depend on how successfully the investment adviser(s) to the underlying investment companies pursue their investment strategies.

 

More information about the Portfolio's investments and risks is contained under the section entitled "More About Each Portfolio's Investments and Risks."

 

3

 

Performance Information

 

The chart below illustrates the performance of the Portfolio. The information shows you how the Portfolio's performance has varied year by year and provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio. The chart assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Past performance (before and after taxes) does not necessarily indicate how the Portfolio will perform in the future. Updated information is available at www.matsonmoney.com or by calling (866) 780-0357 Ext. 3863.

 

 

Best and Worst Quarterly Performance (for the period reflected in the chart above)

 

Best Quarter: 10.24% (quarter ended December 31, 2016)  
Worst Quarter: -9.83% (quarter ended September 30, 2015)  
Year to Date Total Return as of September 30, 2017: 8.15%  

 

Average Annual Total Returns

 

The following table compares the average annual total returns of the Portfolio before and after taxes for the past calendar year and since inception to the average total returns of a broad-based securities market index for the same periods.

 

  Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2016
  1 Year

Since Inception

(February 18,

2014)

Portfolio Returns Before Taxes 20.58% 7.80%
Portfolio Returns After Taxes on Distributions* 19.40% 7.01%
Portfolio Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares* 12.63% 5.95%
Russell 2500 ® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) 17.59% 7.98%
Composite Index** 20.50% 9.79%
* 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 will depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Portfolio shares through tax deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
** The Composite Index is comprised of the S&P 500 ® Index, Russell 1000 ® Value Index, Russell 2000 ® Index and Russell 2000 ® Value Index, each weighted 25%, 25%, 25% and 25%, respectively. Additional information about the Composite Index can be found under the section entitled "More About Each Portfolio's Investments and Risks."

 

4

 

Management of the Portfolio

 

Investment Adviser
Matson Money, Inc.

 

Portfolio Managers
Mark E. Matson: Chief Executive Officer and Director, since 1991
Steven B. Miller: President and Portfolio Manager, since 2004
Kenneth E. Gatliff: Portfolio Manager, since 2007

 

Purchase and Sale of Portfolio Shares

 

Portfolio shares are not sold directly to the public. Portfolio shares may be purchased and redeemed by separate accounts that fund variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts issued by participating insurance companies. Orders received from separate accounts to purchase or redeem Portfolio shares are effected on business days. Individual investors may purchase or redeem Portfolio shares indirectly through variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies offered through the separate accounts.

 

Taxes

 

Provided that the Portfolio and separate accounts investing in the Portfolio satisfy applicable tax requirements, the Portfolio will not be subject to federal tax, and the separate accounts will not be taxable on distributions from, or gains with respect to, the Portfolio. Special tax rules apply to life insurance companies, variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts. For information on federal income taxation of owners of variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts, see the prospectus for the applicable contract.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

The Portfolio may pay participating insurance companies and securities dealers for the sale of Portfolio shares and other related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the insurance company and your salesperson to recommend the Portfolio over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your insurance company's website for more information.

 

5

 

MATSON MONEY INTERNATIONAL EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO FMVIX

 

Investment Objective

 

The Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio (the "Portfolio") seeks long-term capital appreciation.

 

Expenses and Fees

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio. This table does not reflect the fees and expenses associated with any variable annuity contract or variable life insurance policy that uses the Portfolio as an investment option. Had those fees and expenses been included, overall fees and expenses would be higher.

 

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

 

Management Fees 0.50%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees None
Other Expenses 0.38%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (1) 0.44%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses 1.32%
(1) Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are indirect fees and expenses that the Portfolio incurs from investing in the shares of other mutual funds, including money market funds and exchange traded funds. Please note that the amount of Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses shown in the above table will differ from the “Financial Highlights” section of the Prospectus, which reflects the operating expenses of the Portfolio and does not include indirect expenses such as Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses.

 

Example

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. This Example does not reflect the fees and expenses associated with any variable annuity contract or variable life insurance policy that uses the Portfolio as an investment option. Had those fees and expenses been included, the costs shown below would be higher.

 

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and that you sell your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs and returns might be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
$134 $418 $723 $1,590

 

Portfolio Turnover

 

The Portfolio 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 Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio's performance. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the Portfolio's portfolio turnover rate was 21.23% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Summary of Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Portfolio pursues its investment objective by investing under normal circumstances at least 80% of its net assets, including any borrowings for investment purposes, in shares of registered, open-end investment companies and exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") (collectively, "investment companies") that have either adopted policies to invest at least 80% of their assets in equity securities, such as common stocks, preferred stocks or securities convertible into stocks, of foreign companies, or invest substantially all of their assets in such equity securities. The Portfolio will diversify its investments by investing primarily in investment companies that focus on different segments of the foreign equity markets, including emerging markets, with little or no focus on domestic equity markets. The purchase of shares of investment companies may result in duplication of expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to the Portfolio's own expenses.

 

6

 

Under normal market conditions, the Adviser expects substantially all of the Portfolio's net assets to be invested in the securities of investment companies, including other investment companies funded by insurance company separate accounts, that invest in the types of securities described in each asset class below, with less than 5% of the net assets invested in cash or money market instruments.

 

International Small Cap Value Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase the stocks and other equity securities, directly or through sponsored or unsponsored depositary receipts, of small companies in foreign countries with developed markets that the underlying investment adviser(s) determine to be value stocks at the time of purchase. An issuer's securities are considered value stocks primarily because they have a high book value in relation to their market value (a "book to market ratio"). In assessing value, the underlying investment adviser(s) may consider additional factors such as price to cash flow or price to earnings ratios as well as economic conditions and developments in the issuer's industry. The criteria used for assessing value are subject to change from time to time. As of December 2016, the highest maximum market capitalization of a small company in any country in which an underlying investment company invested was $5.56 billion. This threshold will vary by country or region, and the dollar amount will change from time to time due to market conditions.

 

International Large Cap Value Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase the stocks and other equity securities, directly or through sponsored or unsponsored depositary receipts, of large companies in foreign countries with developed markets that the underlying investment adviser(s) determine to be value stocks at the time of purchase. An issuer's securities are considered value stocks primarily because they have a high book value in relation to their market value (a "book to market ratio"). In assessing value, the underlying investment adviser(s) may consider additional factors such as price to cash flow or price to earnings ratios as well as economic conditions and developments in the issuer's industry. The criteria used for assessing value are subject to change from time to time. As of December 2016, the lowest minimum market capitalization of a large company in any country or region in which an underlying investment company invested was $1.98 billion. This threshold will vary by country or region, and the dollar amount will change from time to time due to market conditions.

 

International Small Company Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase the stocks and other equity securities, directly or through sponsored or unsponsored depositary receipts, of small companies in foreign countries with developed markets. As of December 2016, the highest maximum market capitalization of a small company in any country in which an underlying investment company invested was $5.56 billion. This threshold will vary by country or region, and the dollar amount will change from time to time due to market conditions.

 

International Large Cap Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase the stocks and other equity securities, directly or through sponsored or unsponsored depositary receipts, of large companies in foreign countries with developed markets. As of December 2016, the lowest minimum market capitalization of a large company in any country or region in which an underlying investment company invested was $1.98 billion.

 

This threshold will vary by country or region, and the dollar amount will change from time to time due to market conditions.

 

Emerging Markets Asset Class, Emerging Markets Value Asset Class, and Emerging Markets Small Cap Asset Class (collectively, the "Emerging Markets Asset Classes"): Underlying investment companies comprising each Emerging Markets Asset Class generally will purchase stocks and other equity securities, directly or through sponsored or unsponsored depositary receipts, of companies located in emerging market countries. The underlying investment companies investing in securities of the Emerging Markets Asset Class and the Emerging Markets Small Cap Asset Class will generally purchase the equity securities of larger and smaller companies, respectively, within each country. The underlying investment adviser(s) determine company size primarily based on market capitalization. As of December 2016, companies in the Emerging Markets Small Cap Asset Class generally were those companies with a market capitalization of $5.56 billion or less in the largest country and $5.56 billion in the smallest country. This threshold will vary by country or region. These dollar amounts will change from time to time due to market conditions.

 

7

 

The underlying investment companies in the Emerging Markets Value Asset Class generally will purchase emerging market equity securities that are deemed by the underlying investment adviser(s) to be value stocks at the time of purchase. An issuer's securities are considered value stocks primarily because they have a high book value in relation to their market value (a "book to market ratio"). In assessing value, the underlying investment adviser(s) may consider additional factors such as price to cash flow or price to earnings ratios as well as economic conditions and developments in the issuer's industry. The criteria used for assessing value are subject to change from time to time.

 

The underlying investment companies may use derivatives, such as futures contracts and options on futures contracts for equity securities and indices, to gain market exposure on its uninvested cash pending investment in securities or to maintain liquidity to pay redemptions. Underlying index-based ETFs may use derivatives, including futures contracts, options on futures contracts, forward currency contracts, options and swaps to help the ETF track its underlying index.

 

The Portfolio reserves the right to hold up to 100% of its assets as a temporary defensive measure in cash and money market instruments such as U.S. government securities, bank obligations and commercial paper. To the extent the Portfolio employs a temporary defensive measure, the Portfolio may not achieve its investment objective. Periodically the Adviser will review the allocations for the Portfolio in each underlying investment company and may add or remove underlying investment companies and/or change the investment allocation percentages of the Portfolio in the underlying investment companies without notice to shareholders or the holders of the variable annuity or variable life insurance policies.

 

Summary of Principal Risks

 

As with all mutual funds, a shareholder is subject to the risk that his or her investment could lose money. An investment in the Portfolio involves the same investment risks as those of the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests. These risks may adversely affect the Portfolio's net asset value ("NAV") and investment performance. The Portfolio is subject to the following principal risks:

 

• The value of particular foreign equity securities which the Portfolio's underlying investment companies may purchase or foreign stock markets on which the securities they may purchase are traded may decline in value.

 

• Stocks of large cap or small cap foreign companies in which the Portfolio's underlying investment companies may invest may temporarily fall out of favor with investors or may be more volatile than particular foreign stock markets or foreign stock markets as a whole.

 

• The smaller the capitalization of a company, generally the less liquid its stock and the more volatile its price. Companies with smaller market capitalizations also tend to have unproven track records and are more likely to fail than companies with larger market capitalizations.

 

• Stocks of large cap or small cap foreign companies in which the Portfolio's underlying investment companies may invest may suffer unexpected losses or lower than expected earnings or such securities may become difficult or impossible to sell at the time and for the price the underlying investment advisers would like.

 

• Because the Portfolio owns shares of underlying investment companies that invest in foreign issuers, the Portfolio is subject to risks presented by investments in such issuers. Securities of foreign issuers may be negatively affected by political events, economic conditions, or inefficient, illiquid or unregulated markets in foreign countries. Foreign issuers may be subject to inadequate regulatory or accounting standards.

 

• Investments in emerging market securities by underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests are subject to higher risks than those in developed market countries because there is greater uncertainty in less established markets and economics.

 

• Currency risk is the risk that exchange rates for currencies in which securities held by the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests are denominated will fluctuate daily. In general, the underlying investment companies do not hedge currency risk. As a result, if currencies in which foreign holdings are denominated depreciate against the U.S. Dollar, the value of your investment in the Portfolio may be adversely affected.

 

8

 

• The Adviser's judgment about the attractiveness or potential appreciation of a particular underlying investment company security could prove to be wrong or the Portfolio could miss out on an investment opportunity because the assets necessary to take advantage of such opportunity are tied up in less advantageous investments.

 

• Because under normal circumstances the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its net assets in shares of registered investment companies that emphasize investments in equity securities of foreign companies, the NAV of the Portfolio will change with changes in the share prices of the investment companies in which the Portfolio invests.

 

• There is a risk that the Portfolio, which is passively managed, may not perform as well as funds with more active methods of investment management, such as selecting securities based on economic, financial, and market analysis.

 

• The derivative instruments in which the underlying investment companies may invest are subject to a number of risks including liquidity, interest rate, market, credit and management risks, and the risk of improper valuation. Changes in the value of a derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index, and it is possible to lose more than the principal amount invested.

 

• The performance of the Portfolio will depend on how successfully the investment adviser(s) to the underlying investment companies pursue their investment strategies.

 

More information about the Portfolio's investments and risks is contained under the section entitled "More Information About Each Portfolio's Investments and Risks."

 

Performance Information

 

The chart below illustrates the performance of the Portfolio. The information shows you how the Portfolio's performance has varied year by year and provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio. The chart assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Past performance (before and after taxes) does not necessarily indicate how the Portfolio will perform in the future. Updated information is available at www.matsonmoney.com or by calling (866) 780-0357 Ext. 3863.

 

 

Best and Worst Quarterly Performance (for the period reflected in the chart above)

 

Best Quarter: 8.92% (quarter ended September 30, 2016)
Worst Quarter: -12.39% (quarter ended September 30, 2015)
Year to Date Total Return as of September 30, 2017: 21.32%
 

 

Average Annual Total Returns

 

The following table compares the average annual total returns of the Portfolio before and after taxes for the past calendar year and since inception to the average total returns of a broad-based securities market index for the same periods.

 

9

 

  Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2016
  1 Year

Since Inception

(February 18,

2014)

Portfolio Returns Before Taxes 7.70% -1.36%
Portfolio Returns After Taxes on Distributions* 6.96% -1.95%
Portfolio Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares*,** 5.11% -1.09%
MSCI World (excluding U.S.) Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) 3.29% -0.23%
Composite Index*** 4.96% 0.40%
* 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 will depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Portfolio shares through tax deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
** In certain cases, the figure representing “Return after Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares” may be higher than the other return figures for the same period, since a higher after-tax return results when a capital loss occurs upon redemption and provides an assumed tax deduction that benefits the investor.
*** The Composite Index is comprised of the MSCI EAFE Index, MSCI EAFE Value Index, MSCI EAFE Small Company Index, and MSCI Emerging Markets Free Index, each weighted 25%, 25%, 25% and 25%, respectively. Additional information about the Composite Index can be found under the section entitled "More About Each Portfolio's Investments and Risks."

 

Management of the Portfolio

 

Investment Adviser
Matson Money, Inc.

 

Portfolio Managers
Mark E. Matson: Chief Executive Officer and Director, since 1991
Steven B. Miller: President and Portfolio Manager, since 2004
Kenneth E. Gatliff: Portfolio Manager, since 2007

 

Purchase and Sale of Portfolio Shares

 

Portfolio shares are not sold directly to the public, Portfolio shares may be purchased and redeemed by separate accounts that fund variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts issued by participating insurance companies. Orders received from separate accounts to purchase or redeem Portfolio shares are effected on business days. Individual investors may purchase or redeem Portfolio shares indirectly through variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies offered through the separate accounts.

 

Taxes

 

Provided that the Portfolio and separate accounts investing in the Portfolio satisfy applicable tax requirements, the Portfolio will not be subject to federal tax, and the separate accounts will not be taxable on distributions from, or gains with respect to, the Portfolio. Special tax rules apply to life insurance companies, variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts. For information on federal income taxation of owners of variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts, see the prospectus for the applicable contract.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

The Portfolio may pay participating insurance companies and securities dealers for the sale of Portfolio shares and other related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the insurance company and your salesperson to recommend the Portfolio over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your insurance company's website for more information.


10

 

MATSON MONEY FIXED INCOME VI PORTFOLIO FMVFX

 

Investment Objective

 

The Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) seeks total return (consisting of current income and capital appreciation).

 

Expenses and Fees

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio. This table does not reflect the fees and expenses associated with any variable annuity contract or variable life insurance policy that uses the Portfolio as an investment option. Had those fees and expenses been included, overall fees and expenses would be higher.

 

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

 

Management Fees 0.50%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees None
Other Expenses 0.27%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (1) 0.18%
Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses 0.95%
(1) Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are indirect fees and expenses that the Portfolio incurs from investing in the shares of other mutual funds, including money market funds and exchange traded funds. Please note that the amount of Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses shown in the above table will differ from the “Financial Highlights” section of the Prospectus, which reflects the operating expenses of the Portfolio and does not include indirect expenses such as Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses.

 

Example

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. This Example does not reflect the fees and expenses associated with any variable annuity contract or variable life insurance policy that uses the Portfolio as an investment option. Had those fees and expenses been included, the costs shown below would be higher.

 

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and that you sell your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs and returns might be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
$97 $303 $525 $1,166

 

Portfolio Turnover

 

The Portfolio 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 Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio's performance. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the Portfolio's portfolio turnover rate was 10.82% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Summary of Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Portfolio pursues its investment objective by investing under normal circumstances at least 80% of its net assets, including any borrowings for investment purposes, in shares of registered, open-end investment companies and exchange-traded funds ("ETFs") (collectively, "investment companies") that have either adopted policies to invest at least 80% of their assets in fixed income securities that the Adviser believes offer the prospect of providing total return, or invest substantially all of their assets in such fixed income securities. The purchase of shares of investment companies may result in duplication of expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to the Portfolio's own expenses.

 

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Under normal market conditions, the Adviser expects substantially all of the Portfolio's net assets to be invested in the securities of investment companies, including other investment companies funded by insurance company separate accounts, that invest in the types of securities described in each asset class below, with less than 2% of the net assets invested in cash or money market instruments.

 

One-Year Fixed Income Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase U.S. government obligations, U.S. government agency obligations, dollar-denominated obligations of foreign issuers issued in the U.S., foreign government and agency obligations, bank obligations, including the obligations of U.S. subsidiaries and branches of foreign banks, corporate obligations, commercial paper, repurchase agreements, and obligations of supranational organizations such as the World Bank, the European Investment Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. Generally, obligations comprising this asset class will mature within one year from the date of settlement, but substantial investments may be made in obligations maturing within two years from the date of settlement when greater returns are available.

 

Two-Year Global Fixed Income Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. and foreign governments, their agencies and instrumentalities, corporate debt obligations, bank obligations, commercial paper, repurchase agreements, and other debt obligations of domestic and foreign issuers. Generally, obligations comprising this asset class have a weighted average maturity not exceeding two years, but investments may be made in obligations maturing in a shorter time period (from overnight to less than two years from the date of settlement). Because many of the investments of the underlying investment companies in this asset class will be denominated in foreign currencies, the underlying investment companies may also enter into forward foreign currency contracts to attempt to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency rates, to hedge against fluctuations in currency exchange rates or to transfer balances from one currency to another.

 

Intermediate Government Fixed Income Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase debt obligations of the U.S. government and U.S. government agencies. Generally, investment companies in the asset class will purchase securities with maturities of between five and fifteen years, however such investment companies ordinarily will have an average weighted maturity of between three and ten years.

 

Five-Year Global Fixed Income Asset Class: The underlying investment companies generally will purchase obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. and foreign governments, their agencies and instrumentalities, obligations of other foreign issuers, corporate debt obligations, bank obligations, commercial paper, and obligations of supranational organizations. Generally, obligations comprising this asset class have a weighted average maturity not exceeding five years. However, investments may be made in obligations maturing in a shorter time period (from overnight to less than five years from the date of settlement.) Because many of the investments of the underlying investment companies in this asset class will be denominated in foreign currencies, the underlying investment companies may also enter into forward foreign currency contracts to attempt to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency rates, to hedge against fluctuations in currency exchange rates or to transfer balances from one currency to another.

 

The underlying investment companies may also use derivatives, such as futures contracts and options on futures contracts for equity securities and indices, to gain market exposure on its uninvested cash pending investment in securities or to maintain liquidity to pay redemptions. Underlying index-based ETFs may use derivatives, including futures contracts, options on futures contracts, forward currency contracts, options and swaps to help the ETF track its underlying index.

 

Certain underlying investment companies may concentrate their investments (invest more than 25% of its total assets) in obligations of U.S. and foreign banks and bank holding companies when the yield to maturity on eligible portfolio investments in banking securities as a group generally exceeds the yield to maturity on all other eligible portfolio investments as a group generally for a period of five consecutive days when the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading. While the Portfolio will not concentrate its investments in any one industry, the Portfolio may be focused on banking sectors under certain circumstances.

 

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The Portfolio reserves the right to hold up to 100% of its assets as a temporary defensive measure in cash and money market instruments such as U.S. government securities, bank obligations and commercial paper. To the extent the Portfolio employs a temporary defensive measure, the Portfolio may not achieve its investment objective. Periodically the Adviser will review the allocations for the Portfolio in each underlying investment company and may add or remove underlying investment companies and/or change the investment allocation percentages of the Portfolio in the underlying investment companies without notice to shareholders or the holders of the variable annuity or variable life insurance policies.

 

Summary of Principal Risks

 

As with all mutual funds, a shareholder is subject to the risk that his or her investment could lose money. An investment in the Portfolio involves the same investment risks as those of the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests. These risks may adversely affect the Portfolio's net asset value ("NAV") and investment performance. The Portfolio is subject to the following principal risks:

 

• Fixed income securities in which the Portfolio's underlying investment companies may invest are subject to certain risks, including: interest rate risk, reinvestment risk, prepayment and extension risk, credit/default risk, and the risks associated with investing in repurchase agreements.

 

• Interest rate risk involves the risk that prices of fixed income securities will rise and fall in response to interest rate changes.

 

• Reinvestment risk involves the risk that proceeds from matured investments may be re-invested at lower interest rates.

 

• Prepayment risk involves the risk that in declining interest rates environments prepayments of principal could increase and require the Portfolio to reinvest proceeds of the prepayments at lower interest rates.

 

• Extension risk involves the risk that prepayments of principal will decrease when interest rates rise resulting in a longer effective maturity of a security.

 

• Credit risk is the risk that the issuer of a security may be unable to make interest payments and/or repay principal when due. Credit risk also involves the risk that the credit rating of a security may be lowered.

 

• Repurchase agreement risk involves the risk that the other party to a repurchase agreement will be unable to complete the transaction and the underlying investment company in which the Portfolio invests may suffer a loss as a result.

 

• Because the Portfolio owns shares of underlying investment companies that invest in foreign issuers, the Portfolio is subject to risks presented by investments in such issuers. Securities of foreign issuers may be negatively affected by political events, economic conditions, or inefficient, illiquid or unregulated markets in foreign countries. Foreign issuers may be subject to inadequate regulatory or accounting standards.

 

• Currency risk is the risk that exchange rates for currencies in which securities held by the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests are denominated will fluctuate daily. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts may limit potential gains from a favorable change in value between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Unanticipated changes in currency pricing may result in poorer overall performance for the Portfolio than if it had not engaged in these contracts.

 

• The Adviser's judgment about the attractiveness or potential appreciation of a particular underlying investment company security could prove to be wrong or the Portfolio could miss out on an investment opportunity because the assets necessary to take advantage of such opportunity are tied up in less advantageous investments.

 

• Because under normal circumstances the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its net assets in shares of registered investment companies that emphasize investments in fixed income securities, the NAV of the Portfolio will change with changes in the share prices of the investment companies in which the Portfolio invests.

 

• Not all obligations of U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Some are backed only by the credit of the issuing agency or instrumentality. Accordingly, there may be some risk of default by the issuer in such cases.

 

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• There is a risk that the Portfolio, which is passively managed, may not perform as well as funds with more active methods of investment management, such as selecting securities based on economic, financial, and market analysis.

 

• The derivative instruments in which the underlying investment companies may invest are subject to a number of risks including liquidity, interest rate, market, credit and management risks, and the risk of improper valuation. Changes in the value of a derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index, and it is possible to lose more than the principal amount invested.

 

• The performance of the Portfolio will depend on how successfully the investment adviser(s) to the underlying investment companies pursue their investment strategies.

 

• Banks are very sensitive to changes in money market and general economic conditions. Adverse general economic conditions can cause financial difficulties for a bank's borrowers and the borrowers' failure to repay their loans can adversely affect the bank's financial situation. Banks are subject to extensive regulation and decisions by regulators may limit the loans banks make and the interest rates and fees they charge, which could reduce bank profitability.

 

More information about the Portfolio's investments and risks is contained under the section entitled "More About Each Portfolio's Investments and Risks."

 

Performance Information

 

The chart below illustrates the performance of the Portfolio. The information shows you how the Portfolio's performance has varied year by year and provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio. The chart assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Past performance (before and after taxes) does not necessarily indicate how the Portfolio will perform in the future. Updated information is available at www.matsonmoney.com or by calling (866) 780-0357 Ext. 3863.

 

 

Best and Worst Quarterly Performance (for the period reflected in the chart above)

 

Best Quarter: 1.41% (quarter ended March 31, 2016)
Worst Quarter: -1.33% (quarter ended December 31, 2016)
Year to Date Total Return as of September 30, 2017: 1.13%
 

 

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Average Annual Total Returns

 

The table below compares the average annual total returns of the Portfolio before and after taxes for the past calendar year and since inception to the average total returns of a broad-based securities market index for the same periods.

 

  Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2016
  1 Year

Since Inception

(February 18,

2014)

Portfolio Returns Before Taxes 0.74% 0.23%
Portfolio Returns After Taxes on Distributions* 0.42% 0.02%
Portfolio Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares*,** 0.51% 0.10%
CitiGroup World Government Bond Index 1-5 Year Currency Hedged U.S. Dollar Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) 1.49% 1.36%
Composite Index*** 1.34% 1.24%
* 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 will depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Portfolio shares through tax deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
** In certain cases, the figure representing “Return after Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares” may be higher than the other return figures for the same period, since a higher after-tax return results when a capital loss occurs upon redemption and provides an assumed tax deduction that benefits the investor.
*** The Composite Index is comprised of the Three-Month Treasury Bill Index, Barclays Capital Intermediate Government Bond Index, Merrill Lynch 1-3 Year US Government/Corporate Index and Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond Index, each weighted 25%, 25%, 25% and 25%, respectively. Additional information about the Composite Index can be found under the section entitled "More About Each Portfolio's Investments and Risks."

 

Management of the Portfolio

 

Investment Adviser
Matson Money, Inc.

 

Portfolio Managers
Mark E. Matson: Chief Executive Officer and Director, since 1991
Steven B. Miller: President and Portfolio Manager, since 2004
Kenneth E. Gatliff: Portfolio Manager, since 2007

 

Purchase and Sale of Portfolio Shares

 

Portfolio shares are not sold directly to the public. Portfolio shares may be purchased and redeemed by separate accounts that fund variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts issued by participating insurance companies. Orders received from separate accounts to purchase or redeem Portfolio shares are effected on business days. Individual investors may purchase or redeem Portfolio shares indirectly through variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies offered through the separate accounts.

 

Taxes

 

Provided that the Portfolio and separate accounts investing in the Portfolio satisfy applicable tax requirements, the Portfolio will not be subject to federal tax, and the separate accounts will not be taxable on distributions from, or gains with respect to, the Portfolio. Special tax rules apply to life insurance companies, variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts. For information on federal income taxation of owners of variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts, see the prospectus for the applicable contract.


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Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

The Portfolio may pay participating insurance companies and securities dealers for the sale of Portfolio shares and other related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the insurance company and your salesperson to recommend the Portfolio over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your insurance company's website for more information.

 

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MORE ABOUT EACH PORTFOLIO'S INVESTMENTS AND RISKS

 

Investment Strategies

 

The Summary of Principal Investment Strategies and Summary of Principal Investment Risks sections describe the investment objective and principal investment strategies and risks of each Portfolio. This section provides some additional information about the Portfolios and the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolios may invest and certain portfolio management techniques that such underlying investment companies may use. More information about the Portfolios' investments and related risks is included in the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").

 

Each Portfolio's investment objective is not fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the "Company") upon prior written notice to shareholders. Shareholders will be given at least 60 days' prior written notice of any change to a Portfolio's investment objective.

 

Each Portfolio pursues its investment objective by investing under normal circumstances at least 80% of its net assets, including any borrowings for investment purposes, in shares of registered investment companies and ETFs. The Adviser focuses on the returns of investment companies within each of the asset classes while keeping trading costs to a minimum. Under normal market conditions, the Adviser expects substantially all of the Portfolios' net assets to be invested in the securities of investment companies, including other investment companies funded by insurance company separate accounts, with less than 2% of the net assets of the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio, and 5% of the net assets of the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio invested in cash or money market instruments.

 

Periodically, the Adviser will review the allocations for each Portfolio in each underlying investment company. From time to time, the Adviser may add or remove underlying investment companies and/or change the investment allocation percentages of a Portfolio in the underlying investment companies without notice to shareholders or the holders of the variable annuity or variable life insurance policies. In addition, when the Adviser determines that market forces have caused fundamental changes in the relative values of the assets of the underlying investment companies, the Adviser may modify the allocations of the Portfolio. To maintain allocation ranges, adjustments may be made by purchasing or selling shares of the underlying investment companies or applying future investments and redemptions by the Portfolio in proportions necessary to rebalance the investments in the underlying investment companies.

 

Each Portfolio may invest directly in individual securities. However, the Adviser will not invest directly in individual securities without prior approval of the Board, except as described in this Prospectus.

 

Investments in Investment Companies and the Investment Company Industry. Each Portfolio invests exclusively in investment companies that are not affiliated with it. These investment companies may be within the same fund complex and/or advised by the same investment adviser. The Portfolios invest primarily in securities of registered investment companies and will attempt to identify investment companies that have demonstrated superior management, favorable investment results, and relatively lower costs and expenses. There can be no assurance that this result will be achieved. Each Portfolio will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by the investment companies in which it invests including the advisory and administration fees paid by the underlying fund. Fees and expenses related to each Portfolio's investments in underlying funds for the fiscal period ended August 31, 2017 are disclosed in each Portfolio's expense table under "Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses." Some underlying investment companies may concentrate their investments in various industries or industry sectors and may use options, futures, or options on futures in their investment programs.

 

Investment decisions by the investment advisers of the underlying investment companies are made independently of the Portfolios and the Adviser. Therefore, the investment adviser of one underlying investment company may be purchasing shares of the same issuer whose shares are being sold by the investment adviser of another underlying investment company. The result of this would be an indirect expense to a Portfolio without accomplishing any investment purpose.

 

Each Portfolio expects that it will select the investment companies in which it will invest based, in part, upon an analysis of the past and projected performance and investment structure of the underlying investment companies. However, each Portfolio may consider other factors in the selection of investment companies. These other factors include, but are not limited to the investment company's size, shareholder services, liquidity, investment objective and investment techniques. Each Portfolio will be affected by the losses of its underlying investment companies and the level of risk arising from the investment practices of such investment companies and has no control over the risks taken by such investment companies.

 

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Investing in investment companies does not eliminate investment risk. When the Adviser has identified a significant upward trend in a particular asset class, each Portfolio retains the right to invest in investment companies that invest primarily in that particular asset class. Investment companies may have greater fluctuations in value when compared to other categories of investment companies that are not invested primarily in the particular asset class selected by the Adviser.

 

Each Portfolio's ability to achieve its investment objective will depend largely on the Adviser's ability to select the appropriate mix of underlying investment companies. In addition, achieving each Portfolio's investment objective will depend on the performance of the underlying investment companies, which depends on the ability of the underlying investment companies to meet their investment objectives. There can be no assurance that either the Portfolios or their underlying investment companies will achieve their investment objectives.

 

ETFs are a type of investment company bought and sold on a securities exchange. An ETF typically represents a fixed portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market index. The risks of owning an ETF generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying securities that they are designed to track, although lack of liquidity in an ETF could result in its being more volatile. Some ETFs are actively-managed by an investment Adviser and/or sub-advisers. Actively-managed ETFs are subject to risk of poor investment selection. A Portfolio may incur brokerage fees in connection with its purchase of ETF shares.

 

More About Underlying Investment Company Investments

 

Underlying Investment Companies. The underlying investment companies in which the Portfolios may invest reflect a broad spectrum of investment opportunities including equities, fixed income, domestic, foreign and emerging markets. These investment companies may invest in various obligations and employ various investment techniques. The following describes these obligations and techniques:

 

Derivative Contracts. The underlying investment companies in which each of the Portfolios invests may, but need not, use derivative contracts to seek to hedge against the possible adverse impact of changes in stock market prices, currency exchange rates (with respect to the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio and the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio only) or interest rates in the market value of its securities or securities to be purchased.

 

Examples of derivative contracts include: futures and options on securities, securities indices or currencies; options on these futures; forward foreign currency contracts, and interest rate or currency swaps. A derivative contract will obligate or entitle an underlying investment company to deliver or receive an asset or cash payment that is based on the change in value of one or more securities, currencies or indices. Even a small investment in derivative contracts can have a big impact on an underlying investment company's stock market, currency and interest rate exposure. Therefore, using derivatives can disproportionately increase losses and reduce opportunities for gains when stock prices, currency rates or interest rates are changing. An underlying investment company may not fully benefit from or may lose money on derivatives if changes in their value do not correspond accurately to changes in the value of the investment company's holdings. The other parties to certain derivative contracts present the same types of default risk as issuers of fixed income securities in that the counterparty may default on its payment obligations or become insolvent. Derivatives can also make an underlying investment company less liquid and harder to value, especially in declining markets.

 

The underlying investment companies may also utilize derivative contracts to gain market exposure on their uninvested cash pending investment in securities or to maintain liquidity to pay redemptions. The underlying investment companies of the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio and the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio may also enter into forward foreign currency contracts to transfer balances from one currency to another. The use of derivatives for non-hedging purposes may be considered more speculative than other types of investments.

 

Equity Investments. The underlying investment companies in which the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio and Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio invest may purchase all types of equity securities. The Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio may invest a portion of its assets in underlying investment companies that invest in equity securities, although these investments are not part of the Portfolio's principal investment strategies. Equity securities include exchange-traded and over-the-counter common and preferred stocks, warrants, rights, convertible securities, depositary receipts and shares, trust certificates, limited partnership interests, and equity participations. Investments in equity securities and equity derivatives in general are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. The value of a convertible security may not increase or decrease as rapidly as the underlying common stock. Common stocks may decline over short or even extended periods of time. The purchase of rights or warrants involves the risk that an underlying investment company could lose the purchase value of a right or warrant if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not executed prior to the right's or warrant's expiration. The value of such securities convertible into equity securities, such as warrants or convertible debt, is also affected by prevailing interest rates, the credit quality of the issuer and any call provision. State law governing partnerships is often less restrictive than state law governing corporations. Accordingly, there may be fewer protections afforded to investors in a limited partnership than investors in a corporation.

 

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Fixed Income Investments. The underlying investment companies in which the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio invests may purchase all types of fixed income securities. The Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio and the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio may invest a portion of their assets in underlying investment companies that invest in fixed income securities, although these investments are not part of such Portfolios' principal investment strategies. Fixed income investments include bonds, notes (including structured notes), mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, convertible securities, Eurodollar and Yankee dollar instruments, preferred stocks and money market instruments. Fixed income securities may be issued by corporate, governmental and foreign issuers and may have all types of interest rate payment and reset terms, including (without limitation) fixed rate, adjustable rate, zero coupon, contingent, deferred, payment-in-kind and auction rate features.

 

Foreign Securities. The securities held by the underlying investment companies in which the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio invests are generally traded or denominated in foreign currencies. In addition, many of the securities held by the underlying investment companies in which the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio invests are traded or denominated in foreign currencies. Investments in securities of foreign entities and securities denominated or traded in foreign currencies involve special risks. These include possible political and economic instability and the possible imposition of exchange controls or other restrictions on investments. Changes in foreign currency rates relative to the U.S. dollar will affect the U.S. dollar value of an underlying investment company's assets denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Emerging market investments offer the potential for significant gains but also involve greater risks than investing in more developed countries. Political or economic instability, lack of market liquidity and government actions such as currency controls or seizure of private business or property may be more likely in emerging markets.

 

The underlying investment companies in which the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio invests may purchase depositary receipts. Depositary receipts may be available through "sponsored" or "unsponsored" facilities. A sponsored facility is established jointly by the issuer of the security underlying the receipt and the depository, whereas an unsponsored facility is established by the depository without participation by the issuer of the underlying security. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all of the costs of the unsponsored facility. The depository of an unsponsored facility is frequently under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through, to the holders of the receipts, voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. The depository of unsponsored depositary receipts may provide less information to receipt holders.

 

The underlying investment companies investing in stocks and other equity securities of issuers located in developed markets may invest in the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The investment adviser(s) of the underlying investment companies may also invest from time to time in securities of issuers located in other developed countries, at their discretion.

 

The underlying investment companies investing in stocks and other equity securities of issuers located in emerging market countries may invest in the following countries: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Turkey. The investment adviser(s) of the underlying investment companies may also invest from time to time in securities of issuers located in other emerging market countries, at their discretion.

 

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Mortgage-Backed Securities. The underlying investment companies in which the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio invests may purchase mortgage-backed securities as part of their principal investment strategies. Mortgage-backed securities in which the underlying investment companies invest may be issued by private companies or by agencies of the U.S. government. Mortgage-backed securities represent direct or indirect participation in, or are collateralized by and payable from, mortgage loans secured by real property.

 

Certain debt instruments may only pay principal at maturity or may only represent the right to receive payments of principal or payments of interest on underlying pools of mortgage or government securities, but not both. The value of these types of instruments may change more drastically than debt securities that pay both principal and interest during periods of changing interest rates. Principal only mortgage-backed securities are particularly subject to prepayment risk. An underlying investment company may obtain a below market yield or incur a loss on such instruments during periods of declining interest rates. Interest only instruments are particularly subject to extension risk, which is the risk that principal repayments will not occur as quickly as anticipated, causing the expected maturity of a security to increase and making its price more sensitive to rate changes and more volatile. Mortgage derivatives and structural securities often employ features that have the effect of leverage. As a result, small changes in interest or prepayment rates may cause large and sudden price movements, especially compared to an investment in a security that is not leveraged. Mortgage derivatives can also become illiquid and hard to value in declining markets. Mortgage-backed securities also include mortgage pass-through certificates and multiple-class pass-through certificates, such as collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) and real estate mortgage investment conduits (REMICs).

 

The market for mortgage related securities has previously experienced substantial, often dramatic volatility with lower valuations and greatly reduced liquidity. These instruments may be subject to liquidity constraints, price volatility, credit downgrades and unexpected increases in default rates, and therefore may be more difficult to value and more difficult to dispose of than previously. These events may have an adverse impact on the Portfolios to the extent underlying investment companies invest in mortgage-related or other fixed income securities or instruments affected by the volatility in the fixed income markets.

 

Securities Lending. The underlying investment companies of the Portfolios may seek to increase their income by lending portfolio securities to institutions, such as certain broker-dealers. Portfolio securities loans are secured continuously by collateral maintained on a current basis at an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned. The value of the securities loaned by the underlying investment company will not exceed 33 1 / 3 % of the value of the investment company's total assets. The underlying investment company may experience a loss or delay in the recovery of its securities if the borrowing institution breaches its agreement with the investment company.

 

Lending portfolio securities involves the risk of delay in receiving additional collateral if the value of the securities goes up while they are on loan.

 

Borrowing. The underlying investment companies of the Portfolios may borrow money for temporary or emergency (not leveraging) purposes. A Portfolio will not make any additional investments in an investment company while such investment company's borrowings exceed 5% of its total assets.

 

Temporary Investments. The Portfolios may depart from their principal investment strategies in response to adverse market, economic or political conditions by taking temporary defensive positions in cash or money market instruments. If a Portfolio were to take a temporary defensive position, it may be unable to achieve its investment objective.

 

Investment Risks

 

The following provides additional information about the risks of investing in the Portfolios:

 

Other Investment Companies. Each Portfolio's NAV will fluctuate due to business developments concerning a particular issuer or industry as well as general market and economic conditions affecting securities held by the particular underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests. Investment decisions by the investment advisers of the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolios invest are made independently of the Portfolios and the Adviser. Each Portfolio will be affected by the losses of its underlying investment companies and the risks involved in the investment practices of such investment companies. Neither the Portfolios nor the Adviser has any control over the risks taken by such investment companies. Some underlying investment companies may concentrate their investments in various industries or sectors and may invest in derivative securities, options or futures.

 

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Small Company Securities. While the securities of small capitalization companies in which the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio's and Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio's underlying investment companies invest may offer greater opportunity for capital appreciation than larger companies, investment in such companies presents greater risks than investment in larger, more established companies. Historically, small capitalization stocks have been more volatile in price than larger capitalization stocks. Among the reasons for the greater price volatility of these securities are the lower degree of liquidity in the markets for such stocks, and the potentially greater sensitivity of such small companies to changes in or failure of management, and to many other changes in competitive, business, industry and economic conditions, including risks associated with limited product lines, markets, management depth, or financial resources. Besides exhibiting greater volatility, micro and small company stocks may, to a degree, fluctuate independently of larger company stocks. Small company stocks may decline in price as large company stocks rise, or rise in price as large company stocks decline. Additionally, while the markets in securities of small companies have grown rapidly in recent years, such securities may trade less frequently and in smaller volume than more widely held securities. The values of these securities may fluctuate more sharply than those of other securities, and the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolios invest may experience some difficulty in establishing or closing out positions in these securities at prevailing market prices. There may be less publicly available information about the issuers of these securities or less market interest in such securities than in the case of larger companies and it may take a longer period of time for the prices of such securities to reflect the full value of their issuers' underlying earnings potential or assets.

 

Stock Market. Underlying investment companies in which the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio and Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio may invest are subject to fluctuations in the stock markets, which have periods of increasing and decreasing values. Equity securities typically have greater volatility than fixed income securities.

 

Foreign Investing. Foreign securities in which the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio's and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio's underlying investment companies may invest pose additional risks over U.S.-based securities for a number of reasons. Investments in foreign securities may adversely affect the value of an investment in certain underlying investment companies. Foreign economic, governmental, and political systems may be less favorable than those of the U.S. Foreign governments and may exercise greater control over their economies, industries, and citizens' rights. Specific risk factors related to foreign securities include: inflation, structure and regulation of financial markets, liquidity and volatility of investments, currency exchange rates and regulations, and accounting standards. Foreign companies may also be subject to significantly higher levels of taxation than U.S. companies, including potentially confiscatory levels of taxation, thereby reducing their earnings potential, and amounts realized on foreign securities may be subject to high levels of foreign taxation and withholding. In addition, these underlying investment companies may incur higher costs and expenses when making foreign investments, which will affect the underlying investment companies' total return.

 

Currency Risk. With respect to investments in foreign securities by underlying investment companies in which the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio and the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio invest, exchange rates for currencies fluctuate daily. The combination of currency risk and market risk tends to make securities traded in foreign markets more volatile than securities traded exclusively in the U.S. Foreign securities are usually denominated in a foreign currency; therefore, changes in foreign currency exchange rates can affect the NAV of an underlying investment company. Diversification among foreign currencies will not protect the underlying investment companies against a general increase in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies.

 

Emerging Market Securities. Underlying investment companies in which the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio invests may purchase the securities of issuers located in developing or emerging market countries. The risks of foreign investments are typically increased in less developed countries, which are sometimes referred to as emerging markets, because there is greater uncertainty in less established markets and economies. These risks include political, social or economic systems, smaller securities markets, lower trading volume, and substantial rates of inflation. To the extent an underlying investment company is invested in emerging market securities, it will be subject to higher risk than those investing in securities of developed market countries.

 

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Interest Rate Risk. The underlying investment companies in which the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio invests purchase fixed income securities as part of their principal investment strategies. During periods of rising interest rates, an underlying investment company's yield and the market value of the investment company's fixed-income securities will tend to be lower than prevailing market interest rates. Periods of rising interest rates may result in decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the fixed income markets. In periods of falling interest rates, the underlying investment company's yield and the market value of the underlying investment company's fixed-income securities generally will tend to be higher than prevailing market interest rates. Prices of longer-term fixed income securities are typically more sensitive to changes in interest rates than prices of shorter-term fixed-income securities.

 

Cash Flow Risk. The underlying investment companies in which the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio invests purchase fixed income securities as part of their principal investment strategies. Payment of principal on the mortgages or other assets underlying a particular fixed income security in which an underlying investment company invests may be faster or slower than estimated. Interest only instrument are particularly subject to extension risk , which is the risk that principal repayment will not occur as quickly as anticipated, causing the expected maturity of a security to increase and making its price more sensitive to rate change and more volatile. When interest rates decline, borrowers may pay off their mortgages or other loans sooner than expected and will typically shorten the average life of these instruments. This is known as prepayment risk.

 

Credit/Default Risk. The underlying investment companies in which the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio invests purchase fixed income securities as part of their principal investment strategies. The credit rating of an issuer or guarantor of a security in which an underlying investment company invests may be lowered or an issuer or guarantor of a security or the counterparty to a derivatives contract or a repurchase agreement may default on its payment obligations.

 

U.S. Government Securities Risk. Although a Portfolio's investments in U.S. government securities are considered to be among the safest investments, they are not guaranteed against price movements due to changing interest rates. Obligations issued by certain U.S. government agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises, such as the Government National Mortgage Association, are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury, while obligations issued by others, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae"), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Mac") and Federal Home Loan Banks, are backed solely by the ability of the entity to borrow from the U.S. Treasury or by the entity's own resources. No assurance can be given that the U.S. government would provide financial support to U.S. government agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises if it is not obligated to do so by law.

 

In September 2008, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Federal Housing Finance Agency ("FHFA") announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would be placed in conservatorship under the FHFA. On June 16, 2010, FHFA ordered Fannie Mae's and Freddie Mac's stock de-listed from the New York Stock Exchange after the price of common stock in Fannie Mae fell below the New York Stock Exchange's minimum average closing price of $1 for more than 30 days. The future status and role of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could be impacted by (among other things) the actions taken and restrictions placed on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac by the FHFA in its role as conservator, the restrictions placed on Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s operations and activities as a result of the senior preferred stock investment made by the U.S. Treasury, market responses to developments at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and future legislative and regulatory action that alters the operations, ownership, structure and/or mission of these institutions, each of which may, in turn, impact the value of, and cash flows on, any Mortgage-Backed Securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, including any such Mortgage-Backed Securities held by a Portfolio.

 

Derivatives Risk. The underlying investment companies of each Portfolio may utilize derivatives as part of their principal investment strategies. Loss may result from an underlying investment company's investments in futures, swaps, options and other derivative instruments. These instruments may be leveraged so that small changes in value may produce disproportionate losses to the underlying investment company. Using derivative instruments may involve risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments. An underlying investment company's investment in a derivative instrument could lose more than the principal amount invested. Also, suitable derivative transactions may not be available in all circumstances and there can be no assurance that the underlying investment company will engage in these transactions to reduce exposure to other risks when they would be beneficial. Pursuant to the Investment Company Act of 1940 and its rules and SEC interpretations thereunder, the registered investment companies in which the Portfolios invest are required to segregate cash or liquid securities or otherwise "cover" their positions in certain derivatives.

 

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Non-Diversified Investments. The performance of large positions in certain equity or fixed income securities may significantly impact the performance of an underlying investment company of a Portfolio, resulting in greater volatility.

 

Concentration. Concentration of investments within one industry or market sector may subject an underlying investment company to greater market fluctuations. The Portfolios will not knowingly concentrate their investments, directly or indirectly, in any industry.

 

Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings

 

A description of the Company's policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Portfolios' portfolio securities is available in the SAI. The SAI is incorporated herein.

 

Broad-Based and Composite Indices

 

Each Portfolio intends to evaluate its performance as compared to that of a broad-based index and a Composite Index. The information below reflects the most current information available to the Company as of the date of this Prospectus:

 

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio. The broad-based index is the Russell 2500 ® Index. The Composite Index is comprised of the S&P 500 ® Index, Russell 1000 ® Value Index, Russell 2000 ® Index and Russell 2000 ® Value Index, each weighted 25%, 25%, 25% and 25%, respectively. The following is a description of the broad-based index and each index comprising the Composite Index:

 

The Russell 2500 ® Index consists of the small- to mid-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe, commonly referred to as "smid" cap. The Russell 2500 ® Index is constructed on a market-cap weighted basis to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the small to mid-cap segment and is completely reconstituted annually to ensure larger stocks do not distort the performance and characteristics of the Index. The Russell 2500 ® Index includes the smallest 2,500 securities in the Russell 3000 ® Index. The Russell 3000 ® Index is made up of 3,000 of the biggest U.S. stocks on a market-cap weighted basis. As of November 30, 2017, the median market capitalization of the companies in the Russell 2500 ® Index was $1.3 billion and the largest stock was $16.8 billion.

 

The S&P 500 ® Index consists of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity and industry grouping, among other factors. The S&P 500 ® Index is designed to be an indicator of U.S. equities and is meant to reflect the risk/return characteristics of the large-cap universe. The S&P 500 ® Index is a market-value weighted index and each stock's weight in the index is proportionate to its market value.

 

The Russell 1000 ® Value Index consists of the large-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. The Russell 1000 ® Value Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer of the large-cap value market.

 

The Russell 2000 ® Index consists of the small-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe. The Russell 2000 ® Index is constructed on a market-cap weighted basis to provide a comprehensive and unbiased small-cap barometer and is completely reconstituted annually to ensure larger stocks do not distort the performance and characteristics of the Index. The Russell 2000 ® Index includes the smallest 2000 securities in the Russell 3000 ® Index.

 

The Russell 2000 ® Value Index consists of the small-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. The Russell 2000 ® Value Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer of the small-cap value market.

 

Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio. The broad-based index is the MSCI World (excluding U.S.) Index. The Composite Index is comprised of the MSCI EAFE Index, MSCI EAFE Value Index, MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index, and MSCI Emerging Markets Index, each weighted 25%, 25%, 25% and 25%, respectively. The following is a description of the broad-based index and each index comprising the Composite Index:

 

The MSCI World (excluding U.S.) Index is a stock market index of 'world' stocks maintained by Morgan Stanley Capital International ("MSCI"). The index includes a selection of stocks of developed markets, as defined by MSCI. As of December 31, 2016, this index contained securities from the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom. As of November 30, 2017, the median capitalization of the MSCI World (excluding U.S.) Index was $4.9 billion and the weighted average market capitalization was $11.5 billion.

 

23

 

The MSCI Europe, Australasia, and Far East ("EAFE") Index is a stock market index of foreign stocks that generally covers 85% of the equity market of the following developed countries as of December 31, 2016: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

 

The MSCI EAFE Value Index is a subset of the EAFE Index and includes securities from Europe, Australasia (Australia and Asia) and the Far East. The Index generally represents approximately 50% of the market capitalization of the EAFE Index and consists of those securities classified by MSCI as most representing the value style.

 

The MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index generally covers the bottom 85% – 99% range of each market's free float-adjusted market capitalization.

 

The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is designed to measure equity market performance in global emerging markets. As of December 31, 2016, the Index contained securities from the following emerging market countries: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.

 

Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio. The broad-based index is the CitiGroup World Government Bond Index 1-5 Year Currency Hedged U.S. Dollar Index. The Composite Index is comprised of the Three-Month Treasury Bill Index, Barclays Capital Intermediate Government Bond Index, Merrill Lynch 1-3 Year US Government/Corporate Index and Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, each weighted 25%, 25%, 25% and 25%, respectively. The following is a description of the broad-based index and each index comprising the Composite Index:

 

CitiGroup World Government Bond Index 1-5 Year Currency Hedged U.S. Dollar Index includes the most significant and liquid government bond markets globally that carry at least an investment grade rating. Currently, this includes the 23 government bond markets of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

 

Three Month Treasury-Bill Index consists of three-month Treasury bills purchased at the beginning of each of three consecutive months. As each bill matures, all proceeds are rolled over or reinvested in a new three-month bill. The income used to calculate the monthly return is derived by subtracting the original amount invested from the maturity value. The index is rebalanced monthly by market capitalization.

 

Barclays Capital Intermediate Government Bond Index is a weighted index of U.S. government and government agency securities (other than mortgage securities) with maturities of one year to ten years.

 

Merrill Lynch 1-3 Year U.S. Government/Corporate Index is an unmanaged index of short-term U.S. government securities and short-term domestic investment-grade corporate bonds with maturities between 1 and 2.99 years.

 

Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a market capitalization-weighted index, meaning the securities in the index are weighted according to the market size of each bond type. Most U.S. traded investment grade bonds are represented. Municipal bonds and Treasury Inflation-Protected securities are excluded. The Index includes Treasury securities, Government agency bonds, mortgage-backed bonds, corporate bonds, and a small amount of foreign bonds traded in the U.S. The Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is an intermediate term index. The average maturity is 7.88 years as of November 30, 2017.

 

Credit Ratings

 

Corporate debt obligations and dollar-denominated obligations of foreign issuers issued in the U.S. in which the underlying investment companies of the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio may invest will be (i) rated Aa3 or better by Moody's, or AA- or better by S&P, or AA- or better by Fitch; or (ii) if there is no rating for the debt security, (ii) determined by the investment adviser(s) to the underlying investment companies to be of comparable quality to equivalent issues of the same issuer rated at least AA- or Aa3.

 

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Commercial paper in which the underlying investment companies may invest will be rated, at the time of purchase, A-1 or better by S&P or Prime-1 by Moody's, or, if unrated, issued by a corporation having an outstanding unsecured debt issue rated Aaa by Moody's or AAA by S&P.

 

MANAGEMENT OF THE PORTFOLIOS

 

Investment Adviser

 

Matson Money, Inc. ("Matson Money" or the "Adviser") is located at 5955 Deerfield Blvd., Mason, OH 45040. Matson Money was founded in 1991 and provides advisory services to individuals, trusts, corporations, non-profit organizations, retirement plans and foundations. Mark E. Matson, President, Chief Financial Officer and a Director of Matson Money, owns approximately 90% of Matson Money's outstanding voting securities. Matson Money had approximately $8.2 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2017.

 

Subject to the general supervision of the Board, Matson Money manages the Portfolios' portfolios and is responsible for the selection and management of all investments of the Portfolios in accordance with the Portfolios' respective investment objectives and policies.

 

Portfolio Managers

 

A team of portfolio managers, led by Kenneth E. Gatliff, is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Portfolios. Mark E. Matson and Steven B. Miller assist Mr. Gatliff in managing the assets of the Portfolios.

 

Mark E. Matson, Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Adviser, founded the Adviser in 1991 and serves as head portfolio manager at the Adviser. 

 

Steven B. Miller, President of Operations and Portfolio Manager of the Adviser, has been employed by the Adviser as a Portfolio Manager since April 2004.

 

Kenneth E. Gatliff, Portfolio Manager of the Adviser, has been employed by the Adviser since April 2007 and has served as a Portfolio Manager since 2014. He is responsible for research, portfolio design, and management of the Portfolios.

 

The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers' ownership of shares in the Portfolios.

 

25

 

Management Fees

 

Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with the Company, the Adviser is entitled to an advisory fee at the annual rate of 0.50% of the first $1 billion of each Portfolio's average daily net assets, 0.49% of each Portfolio's average daily net assets over $1 billion to $5 billion and 0.47% of each Portfolio's average daily net assets over $5 billion. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses to 1.13%, 1.35% and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio, respectively. In determining the Adviser's obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and certain of these expenses could cause net Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses to exceed 1.13%, 1.35% and 1.00%, as applicable: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. The Adviser may not recoup waived management fees or reimbursed expenses. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2018 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the Adviser received 0.50%, 0.50% and 0.50% of the average daily net assets of the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio, respectively.

 

A discussion regarding the basis for Board’s approval of the investment advisory agreement with respect to the Portfolios is available in the Portfolios’ annual report to shareholders dated August 31, 2017.

 

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PRIOR PERFORMANCE OF SIMILAR ACCOUNTS

 

The following performance information is of the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, the Free Market International Equity Fund and the Free Market Fixed Income Fund, each an investment portfolio of the Company (collectively, the "Free Market Funds"). The Adviser serves as investment adviser to both the Matson Money Portfolios and the Free Market Funds. The Matson Money Portfolios and the Free Market Funds also share the same portfolio managers. Each Matson Money Portfolio's portfolio will be managed substantially similarly to that of the corresponding Free Market Fund and therefore the following performance information below indicates some of the risks of investing in the Free Market Portfolios.

 

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

 

The chart below illustrates the long-term performance of the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund. The information shows you how the Fund's performance has varied year by year and provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund, and therefore the Free Market U.S. Equity Portfolio. The performance for the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio would differ from the information below only to the extent that the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio and the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund do not have the same expenses. If the fees and expenses imposed by the investment vehicle through which an investment in the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio is made were reflected, they would reduce returns. The chart assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total returns would have been lower had certain fees and expenses not been waived or reimbursed. Past performance (before and after taxes) does not necessarily indicate how the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund or the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio will perform in the future.

 

 

Best and Worst Quarterly Performance (for the period reflected in the chart above)

 

Best Quarter: 22.80% (quarter ended June 30, 2009)  
Worst Quarter: -26.63% (quarter ended December 31, 2008)  
Year to Date Total Return as of September 30, 2017: 8.27%  

 

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Average Annual Total Returns

 

The table below compares the average annual total returns of the Fund before and after taxes for the past calendar year and since inception to the average total returns of a broad-based securities market index for the same periods.

 

  Average Annual Total Returns for the
Periods Ended December 31, 2016
  1 Year 5 Year Since Inception*
(December 31,
2007
Fund Returns Before Taxes 21.22% 15.47% 9.27%
Fund Returns After Taxes on Distributions* 19.90% 14.28% 8.58%
Fund Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares* 13.10% 12.35% 7.48%
Russell 2500 ® Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes)

 17.59%

 14.54%

 8.41%

Composite Index** 20.50% 14.84% 7.55%
* 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 will depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
** The Composite Index is comprised of the S&P 500 ® Index, Russell 1000 ® Value Index, Russell 2000 ® Index and Russell 2000 ® Value Index, each weighted 25%, 25%, 25% and 25%, respectively. Additional information about the Composite Index can be found under the section entitled "More About Each Portfolio's Investments and Risks."

 

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Free Market International Equity Fund

 

The chart below illustrates the long-term performance of the Free Market International Equity Fund. The information shows you how the Fund's performance has varied year by year and provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund, and therefore the Free Market International Equity Portfolio. The performance for the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio would differ from the information below only to the extent that the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio and the Free Market International Equity Fund do not have the same expenses. If the fees and expenses imposes by the investment vehicle through which an investment in the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio is made were reflected, they would reduce returns. The chart assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total returns would have been lower had certain fees and expenses not been waived or reimbursed. Past performance (before and after taxes) does not necessarily indicate how the Free Market International Equity Fund or the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio will perform in the future.

 

 

Best and Worst Quarterly Performance (for the period reflected in the chart above)

 

Best Quarter: 33.53% (quarter ended June 30, 2009)  
Worst Quarter: -22.38% (quarter ended September 30, 2011)  
Year to Date Total Return as of September 30, 2017: 21.89%  

 

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Average Annual Total Returns

 

The table below compares the average annual total returns of the Fund before and after taxes for the past calendar year and since inception to the average total returns of a broad-based securities market index for the same periods.

 

  Average Annual Total Returns for the
Periods Ended December 31, 2016
  1 Year 5 Year Since Inception*
(December 31,
2007
Fund Returns Before Taxes 8.10% 7.57% 1.91%
Fund Returns After Taxes on Distributions* 7.34% 6.70% 1.29%
Fund Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares*, ** 5.27% 5.89% 1.45%
MSCI World (excluding U.S.) Index (reflects no deduction expenses or taxes)

 

3.29%

 

6.59%

 

0.15%

Composite Index*** 4.96% 6.24% 0.19%
* 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 will depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
** In certain cases, the figure representing “Return after Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares” may be higher than the other return figures for the same period, since a higher after-tax return results when a capital loss occurs upon redemption and provides an assumed tax deduction that benefits the investor.
*** The Composite Index is comprised of the MSCI EAFE Index, MSCI EAFE Value Index, MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index, and MSCI Emerging Markets Index, each weighted 25%, 25%, 25% and 25%, respectively. Additional information about the Composite Index can be found under the section entitled "More About Each Portfolio's Investments and Risks."

 

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Free Market Fixed Income Fund

 

The chart below illustrates the long-term performance of the Free Market Fixed Income Fund. The information shows you how the Fund's performance has varied year by year and provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund, and therefore the Free Market Fixed Income Portfolio. The performance for the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio would differ from the information below only to the extent that the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio and the Free Market Fixed Income Fund do not have the same expenses. If the fees and expenses imposes by the investment vehicle through which an investment in the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio is made were reflected, they would reduce returns. The chart assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total returns would have been lower had certain fees and expenses not been waived or reimbursed. Past performance (before and after taxes) does not necessarily indicate how the Free Market Fixed Income Fund or the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio will perform in the future.

 

 

Best and Worst Quarterly Performance (for the period reflected in the chart above)

 

Best Quarter: 3.54% (quarter ended December 31, 2008)  
Worst Quarter: -1.44% (quarter ended June 30, 2013)  
Year to Date Total Return as of September 30, 2017: 1.26%  

 

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Average Annual Total Returns

 

The table below compares the average annual total returns of the Fund before and after taxes for the past calendar year and since inception to the average total returns of a broad-based securities market index for the same periods.

 

  Average Annual Total Returns for the
Periods Ended December 31, 2016
  1 Year 5 Year Since Inception*
(December 31,
2007
Fund Returns Before Taxes 1.30% 0.63% 1.59%
Fund Returns After Taxes on Distributions* 0.95% 0.34% 1.14%
Fund Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares*,** 0.74% 0.39% 1.07%
CitiGroup World Government Bond Index 1-5 Year Currency Hedged U.S. Dollar Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) 1.49% 1.42% 2.24%
Composite Index*** 1.34% 1.10% 2.31%
* 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 will depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
** In certain cases, the figure representing “Return after Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares” may be higher than the other return figures for the same period, since a higher after-tax return results when a capital loss occurs upon redemption and provides an assumed tax deduction that benefits the investor.
*** The Composite Index is comprised of the Three-Month Treasury Bill Index, Barclays Capital Intermediate Government Bond Index, Merrill Lynch 1-3 Year US Government/Corporate Index and Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, each weighted 25%, 25%, 25% and 25%, respectively. Additional information about the Composite Index can be found under the section entitled "More About Each Portfolio's Investments and Risks."

 

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SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

 

Pricing of Portfolio Shares

 

The Portfolios' shares ("Shares") are priced at their net asset value ("NAV"). The NAV per Share of each Portfolio is calculated as follows:

 

  Value of Assets Attributable to the Portfolio’s Shares
NAV = -Value of Liabilities Attributable to the Portfolio’s Shares
  Number of Outstanding Shares of the Portfolio

 

Each Portfolio's NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. The NYSE is generally open Monday through Friday, except national holidays. The NYSE also may be closed on national days of mourning or due to natural disaster or other extraordinary events or emergency. The Portfolios will effect purchases and redemptions of Shares at the NAV next calculated after receipt by the Portfolio's Transfer Agent of your purchase order or redemption request in good order as (described below). If a Portfolio holds securities that are primarily listed on non-U.S. exchanges, the NAV of the Portfolio's Shares may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem the Portfolio's Shares.

 

Investments in underlying open-end investment companies are valued based on the NAV of those investment companies at the close of business that day. Investments in ETFs and closed-end funds will be valued at their market price. A Portfolio's direct investments in equity securities listed on any national or foreign exchange will be valued at the last sale price for all exchanges, except the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System ("NASDAQ"). Equity securities listed on the NASDAQ will be valued at the official closing price. Direct investments in equity securities traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions on that day, equity securities will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. A Portfolio's direct investments in fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. Direct investments in foreign securities, currencies and other securities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of such currencies against the U.S. dollar provided by a pricing service. All assets denominated in foreign currencies will be converted into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the time of valuation. If a Portfolio holds foreign securities, the calculation of the Portfolio's NAV will not occur at the same time as the determination of the value of the foreign equity securities in the Portfolio's portfolio, since these securities are traded on foreign exchanges.

 

If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable by the Portfolios' administrator, in consultation with the Adviser, the Portfolio's investments will be valued by the Adviser in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board and under the Board’s ultimate supervision. In addition, the prices of foreign securities may be affected by events that occur after the close of a foreign market but before a Portfolio prices its shares. In such instances, a foreign security may be fair valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board. The use of a pricing service and fair valuation involves the risk that the values used by a Portfolio to price its investments may be higher or lower than the values used by other mutual funds and investors to price the same investments.

 

Market Timing

 

In accordance with the policy adopted by its Board, the Company discourages and does not accommodate market timing and other excessive trading practices. Purchases should be made with a view to longer-term investment only. Excessive short-term (market timing) trading practices may disrupt Portfolio management strategies, increase brokerage and administrative costs, harm Portfolio performance and result in dilution in the value of Portfolio Shares held by long-term shareholders. The Company and the Adviser reserve the right to (i) reject a purchase or exchange order, (ii) delay payment of immediate cash redemption proceeds for up to seven calendar days, (iii) revoke a shareholder's privilege to purchase Portfolio Shares (including exchanges), or (iv) limit the amount of any exchange involving the purchase of Portfolio Shares. An investor may receive notice that their purchase order or exchange has been rejected after the day the order is placed or after acceptance by a financial intermediary. It is currently expected that a shareholder would receive notice that its purchase order or exchange has been rejected within 48 hours after such purchase order or exchange has been received by the Company in good order. The Company and the Adviser will not be liable for any loss resulting from rejected purchase orders. To minimize harm to the Company and its shareholders (or the Adviser), the Company (or the Adviser) will exercise their right if, in the Company's (or the Adviser's) judgment, an investor has a history of excessive trading or if an investor's trading, in the judgment of the Company or the Adviser, has been or may be disruptive to a Portfolio. No waivers of the provisions of the policy established to detect and deter market timing and other excessive trading activity are permitted that would harm a Portfolio and its shareholders or would subordinate the interests of a Portfolio and its shareholders to those of the Adviser or any affiliated person or associated person of the Adviser.

 

33

 

Pursuant to the policy adopted by the Board, the Adviser has developed criteria that it uses to identify trading activity that may be excessive. If, in its judgment, the Adviser detects excessive, short-term trading, the Adviser may reject or restrict a purchase request and may further seek to close an investor's account with a Portfolio.

 

Portfolio shares are generally held through omnibus arrangements maintained by participating insurance companies or other intermediaries. There is no assurance that the Portfolios will be able to identify market timing, particularly if shareholders invest through intermediaries.

 

If necessary, the Company may prohibit additional purchases of Portfolio shares by a financial intermediary or by certain customers of the financial intermediary. Financial intermediaries may also monitor their customers' trading activities in the Portfolios. The criteria used by intermediaries to monitor for excessive trading may differ from the criteria used by the Company. If a financial intermediary fails to enforce the Company's excessive trading policies, the Company may take certain actions, including terminating the relationship.

 

Purchase of Portfolio Shares

 

General. Shares of the Portfolio are not sold directly to the public. Instead, Portfolio shares are sold to separate accounts that fund variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts issued by participating insurance companies. You may purchase or sell (redeem) shares of the Portfolio through variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies offered through separate accounts. The variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies are described in the separate prospectuses issued by the participating insurance companies. You should refer to those prospectuses for information on how to purchase a variable annuity contract or variable life insurance policy, how to select a specific Portfolio as an investment option for your contract or policy and how to redeem monies from the Portfolio.

 

The separate accounts of the participating insurance companies place orders to purchase and redeem shares of the Portfolios based on, among other things, the amount of premium payments to be invested and the amount of surrender and transfer requests (as defined in the prospectus describing the variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies issued by the participating insurance companies) to be effected on that day pursuant to variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies.

 

Shares of the Portfolios may be purchased by separate accounts of both affiliated and unaffiliated participating insurance companies in order to fund both variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts, and also may be purchased by qualified plans. This may present certain conflicts of interests among variable annuity owners, variable life insurance policy owners and plan investors. The Board will monitor the Company for the existence of any materials irreconcilable conflict of interest. The Company currently does not foresee any disadvantages to the holders of variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies arising from the fact that interests of the holders of variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies may differ due to differences of tax treatment or other considerations or due to conflicts among the participating insurance companies. If, however, a material irreconcilable conflict arises between the holders of variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies of participating insurance companies, a participating insurance company may be required to withdraw the assets allocable to some or all of the separate accounts from the Portfolio. Any such withdrawal could disrupt orderly portfolio management to the potential detriment of such holders.

 

The Portfolios do not currently anticipate offering shares directly to qualified pension and profit-sharing plans.

 

Good Order. Purchase or redemption orders received by the Transfer Agent in good order will be executed at the Portfolio's next determined NAV.

 

Other Purchase Information. The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to suspend the offering of Shares or to reject purchase orders when, in the judgment of management, such suspension or rejection is in the best interests of a Portfolio. The Adviser will monitor each Portfolio's total assets and may decide to close any of the Portfolios at any time to new investments or to new accounts due to concerns that a significant increase in the size of a Portfolio may adversely affect the implementation of the Portfolio's strategy. Subject to the Board’s discretion, the Adviser may also choose to reopen a Portfolio to new investments at any time and may subsequently close the Portfolio again should concerns regarding the Portfolio's size recur. If a Portfolio closes to new investments, the Portfolio would be offered only to certain existing shareholders of the Portfolio.

 

34

 

Other persons who are shareholders of the other Matson Money VI Portfolios are not permitted to acquire Shares of the closed Portfolio by exchange. Distributions to all shareholders of the Portfolios will continue to be reinvested unless a shareholder elects otherwise. The Adviser reserves the right to implement other purchases limitations at the time of closing, including limitations on current shareholders.

 

Redemption of Portfolio Shares

 

General. Redemption requests may be placed by separate accounts of participating insurance companies. Redemption requests are effected at the NAV next calculated after receipt of the redemption request by the Transfer Agent in good order. The Portfolio's NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Shares of a Portfolio can only be redeemed on days the NYSE is open. Redemptions by wire are charged a transaction fee of $15.

 

Other Redemption Information. Payment of the redemption proceeds will be made within seven days after receipt of an order for a redemption. The Company may suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date at times when the NYSE is closed or under any emergency circumstances as determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Portfolios typically expect to meet redemption requests by paying out proceeds from cash or cash equivalent portfolio holdings, or by selling portfolio securities. In stressed market conditions, redemption methods may include redeeming in kind.

 

If the Board determines that it would be detrimental to the best interests of the remaining shareholders of a Portfolio to make payment wholly or partly in cash, redemption proceeds may be paid in whole or in part by an in-kind distribution of readily marketable securities held by the Portfolio instead of cash in conformity with applicable rules of the SEC. If a shareholder receives redemption proceeds in-kind, the shareholders will bear the market risk of the securities received in the redemption until their disposition and should expect to incur transaction costs upon the disposition of the securities. The Company has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, so that a Portfolio is obligated to redeem its Shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Portfolio's NAV during any 90-day period for any one shareholder of the Portfolio.

 

Good Order. A redemption request is considered to be in good order when all necessary information is provided and all required documents are properly completed, signed and delivered. Redemption requests not in good order may be delayed.

 

Voting Rights

 

Participating insurance companies, not the owners of the variable annuity contracts or variable life insurance policies or participants therein, are shareholders of the Portfolios. To the extent required by law:

 

• The participating insurance companies will vote Portfolio Shares held in the separate accounts in a manner consistent with timely voting instructions received from the holders of variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies.

 

• The participating insurance companies will vote Portfolio Shares held in the separate accounts for which no timely instructions are received from the holders of variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies, as well as shares they own, in the same proportion as those shares for which voting instructions are received.

 

As a result of proportional voting, a small number of holders of variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies could determine the outcome of a proposition subject to shareholder vote. It is anticipated that Portfolio Shares held by unregistered separate accounts or qualified plans generally will be voted for or against any proposition in the same proportion as all other Portfolio Shares are voted unless the unregistered separate account's participating insurance company or the plan makes other arrangements.

 

35

 

Additional information concerning voting rights of the participants in the separate accounts is more fully set forth in the prospectus relating to those accounts issued by the participating insurance companies.

 

Dividends and Distributions

 

Each Portfolio will distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, to its shareholders. All distributions are reinvested in the form of additional full and fractional Shares of the Portfolio unless a shareholder elects otherwise.

 

The Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio and the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio will declare and pay dividends from net investment income annually. The Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio will declare and pay dividends from net investment income quarterly. Net realized capital gains (including net short-term capital gains), if any, will be distributed by the Portfolios at least annually.

 

All distributions will be reinvested in additional Fund shares unless you elect to receive cash via one of the following options: (1) receive distributions of net capital gains in cash, while reinvesting net investment income distributions in additional Portfolio shares; (2) receive all distributions in cash; or (3) reinvest net capital gain distributions in additional Portfolio shares, while receiving distributions of net investment income in cash. If you elect to receive distributions and/or capital gains paid in cash, and the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver the check, or if a check remains outstanding for six months, the Portfolio reserves the right to reinvest the distribution check in your account, at the Portfolio's current net asset value, and to reinvest all subsequent distributions. You may change the distribution option on your account as any time. You should notify the Transfer Agent in writing or by telephone at least five (5) days prior to the next distribution.

 

Taxes

 

Each Portfolio is treated as a separate corporate entity for federal tax purposes. Each Portfolio has elected to be treated as a regulated investment company and intends to qualify for such treatment for each taxable year under Subchapter M of Subtitle A, Chapter 1, of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). In addition, each Portfolio intends to qualify under the Code with respect to the diversification requirements related to variable contracts. Provided that a Portfolio and a separate account investing in the Portfolio satisfy applicable tax requirements, the Portfolio will not be subject to federal tax, and the separate accounts will not be taxable on distributions from, or gains with respect to, the Portfolio.

 

Persons investing in variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts should refer to the prospectuses with respect to such contracts for further information regarding the tax treatment of the contracts and the separate accounts in which the contracts are invested.

 

NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN THE PORTFOLIOS' SAI INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR ITS DISTRIBUTOR. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING BY THE COMPANY OR BY THE DISTRIBUTOR IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.

 

36

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand each Portfolio's financial performance since the Portfolios' inception on February 18, 2014. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Portfolio share. The total returns in the tables represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in each Portfolio (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Portfolios' independent registered public accounting firm. This information should be read in conjunction with the Portfolios' financial statements which, together, with the report of the independent registered public accounting firm, are included in the Portfolios' annual report, which is available upon request (see back cover for ordering instructions).

 

MATSON MONEY U.S. EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO

 

    For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2017
    For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2016
    For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2015
    For the Period
February 18, 2014 (1)
Through
August 31, 2014
 
Per Share Operating Performance
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 26.80     $ 25.65     $ 26.79     $ 25.00  
Net investment income/(loss) (2)     0.14       0.19       0.03       (0.06 )
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments     3.44       1.96       (1.07 )     1.85  
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     3.58       2.15       (1.04 )     1.79  
Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:                                
Net investment income     (0.21 )     (0.15 )     (0.10 )      
Net realized capital gains     (1.02 )     (0.85 )            
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders     (1.23 )     (1.00 )     (0.10 )      
Net asset value, end of period   $ 29.15     $ 26.80     $ 25.65     $ 26.79  
Total investment return (3)     13.42 %     8.68 %     (3.92 )%     7.16 % (4)
Ratio/Supplemental Data                                
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)   $ 20,093     $ 17,491     $ 13,598     $ 7,816  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers, if any (5)     0.81 %     0.93 %     1.13 %     1.13 % (6)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers, if any (5)     0.81 %     0.93 %     1.44 %     4.07 % (6)
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets with waivers (5)     0.49 %     0.74 %     0.12 %     (0.47 )% (6)
Portfolio turnover rate     21.00 %     7.38 %     13.65 %     1.32 % (4)

 

(1) Commencement of operations.
(2) The selected per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding method for the period.
(3) Total investment return is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.
(4) Not annualized.
(5) The Portfolio also will indirectly bear its prorated share of expenses of the underlying funds. Such expenses are not included in the calculation of this ratio.
(6) Annualized.

 

37

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

MATSON MONEY INTERNATIONAL EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO

 

    For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2017
    For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2016
    For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2015
    For the Period
February 18, 2014 (1)
Through
August 31, 2014
 
Per Share Operating Performance
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 22.54     $ 22.48     $ 25.82     $ 25.00  
Net investment income/(loss) (2)     0.29       0.44       0.22       0.07  
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments     4.51       0.10       (3.26 )     0.75  
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     4.80       0.54       (3.04 )     0.82  
Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:                                
Net investment income     (0.44 )     (0.24 )     (0.30 )      
Net realized capital gains     (0.30 )     (0.24 )     (3)      
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders     (0.74 )     (0.48 )     (0.30 )      
Net asset value, end of period   $ 26.60     $ 22.54     $ 22.48     $ 25.82  
Total investment return (4)     21.90 %     2.47 %     (11.77 )%     3.28 % (5)
Ratio/Supplemental Data                                
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)   $ 15,019     $ 12,567     $ 9,641     $ 5,408  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers, if any (6)     0.88 %     1.02 %     1.35 %     1.35 % (7)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers, if any (6)     0.88 %     1.02 %     1.67 %     5.07 % (7)
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets with waivers (6)     1.22 %     2.03 %     0.91 %     0.49 % (7)
Portfolio turnover rate     21.23 %     4.52 %     14.90 %     2.47 % (5)

 

(1) Commencement of operations.
(2) The selected per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding method for the period.
(3) Amount is less than $(0.005) per share.
(4) Total investment return is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.
(5) Not annualized.
(6) The Portfolio also will indirectly bear its prorated share of expenses of the underlying funds. Such expenses are not included in the calculation of this ratio.
(7) Annualized.

 

38

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

MATSON MONEY FIXED INCOME VI PORTFOLIO

 

    For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2017
    For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2016
    For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2015
    For the Period
February 18, 2014 (1)
Through
August 31, 2014
 
Per Share Operating Performance
Net asset value, beginning of period     25.31     $ 24.93     $ 25.08     $ 25.00  
Net investment income/(loss) (2)     0.18       0.05       0.03       (0.05 )
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments     (0.13 )     0.36       (0.04 )     0.13  
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     0.05       0.41       (0.01 )     0.08  
Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:                                
Net investment income     (0.12 )           (0.14 )      
Net capital gains     (0.12 )     (0.03 )            
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders     (0.24 )     (0.03 )     (0.14 )      
Net asset value, end of period   $ 25.12     $ 25.31     $ 24.93     $ 25.08  
Total investment return (3)     0.19 %     1.66 %     (0.06 )%     0.32 % (4)
Ratio/Supplemental Data                                
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)   $ 26,017     $ 21,927     $ 18,098     $ 9,927  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers, if any (5)     0.77 %     0.85 %     1.00 %     1.00 % (6)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers, if any (5)     0.77 %     0.85 %     1.37 %     3.40 % (6)
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets with waivers (5)     0.70 %     0.21 %     0.10 %     (0.40 )% (6)
Portfolio turnover rate     10.82 %     40.27 %     10.90 %     0.55 % (4)

 

(1) Commencement of operations.
(2) The selected per share data was calculated using the average shares outstanding method for the period.
(3) Total investment return is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.
(4) Not annualized.
(5) The Portfolio also will indirectly bear its prorated share of expenses of the underlying funds. Such expenses are not included in the calculation of this ratio.
(6) Annualized.

 

39

 

PRIVACY NOTICE 

FACTS WHAT DO THE MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?
Why? Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.
What?

The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include:

• Social Security number

• account balances

• account transactions

• transaction history

• wire transfer instructions

• checking account information

When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.

How? All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons the Matson Money VI Portfolios choose to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

 

Reasons we can share your personal information Do the Matson Money VI Portfolios share? Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purposes —

such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus

Yes No

For our marketing purposes —

to offer our products and services to you

Yes No
For joint marketing with other financial companies Yes No

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes —

information about your transactions and experiences

Yes No

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes —

information about your creditworthiness

No We don’t share.
For our affiliates to market to you No We don’t share.
For nonaffiliates to market to you No We don’t share.
Questions? Call (866) 573-2152 or go to www.MatsonMoney.com

 

 

What we do

How do the Matson Money VI Portfolios protect my personal information? To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.
How do the Matson Money VI Portfolios collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

open an account

provide account information

give us your contact information

make a wire transfer

tell us where to send the money

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness

affiliates from using your information to market to you

sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing.

Definitions  

Affiliates

Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

•      Our affiliates include McGriff Video Productions and Matson Money, Inc.

Nonaffiliates

Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

    The Matson Money VI Portfolios don’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you. The Portfolios may share information with nonaffiliates that perform marketing services on our behalf.

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

    The Matson Money VI Portfolios may share your information with other financial institutions with whom we have joint marketing arrangements who may suggest additional fund services or other investment products which may be of interest to you.

 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MATSON MONEY FAMILY OF PORTFOLIOS

 

This Prospectus contains important information you should know before you invest. Read it carefully and keep it for future reference. More information about the Portfolios is available free of charge, upon request, including:

 

Annual/Semi-Annual Reports

 

These reports contain additional information about the Portfolios' investments, describe the Portfolios' performance, list portfolio holdings, and discuss recent market conditions and economic trends. The Annual Report includes market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Portfolios' performance during the last fiscal year.

 

Statement of Additional Information ("SAI")

 

The Portfolios' SAI, dated December 31, 2017 has been filed with the SEC. The SAI, which includes additional information about the Portfolios, may be obtained free of charge, along with the Annual and Semi-Annual Reports, by calling (866) 780-0357 Ext. 3863 or at the Adviser's website at http://hosted.rightprospectus.com/MatsonMoney. The SAI, as supplemented from time to time, is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus (and is legally part of the Prospectus).

 

Shareholder Inquiries

 

Representatives are available to discuss account balance information, mutual fund prospectuses, literature programs and services available. Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Eastern time) Monday-Friday. Call: (866) 780-0357 Ext. 3863.

 

Purchases and Redemptions
Call (866) 780-0357 Ext. 3863

 

Written Correspondence
Street Address:

Matson Money, Inc. Family of Portfolios
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Securities and Exchange Commission

 

You may also view and copy information about the Company and the Portfolios, including the SAI, by visiting the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC or the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at www.sec.gov. You may also obtain copies of Portfolio documents by paying a duplicating fee and sending an electronic request to the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by sending your written request and a duplicating fee to the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-1520. You may obtain information on the operation of the public reference room by calling the SEC at 1-202-942-8090.

 

Investment Company Act File No. 811-05518

 

 

 

THE RBB FUND, INC.

 

Motley Fool Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund

(formerly, the Motley Fool Great America Fund) (the “Fund”)

Investor Shares (TMFGX)

Institutional Shares (FOGIX)

 

 

 

Supplement dated December 28, 2017

to the Prospectus, Summary Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) each dated December 31, 2017

 

 

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING CHANGE IN INVESTMENT POLICY

 

Based on the recommendation of Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC (the “Adviser”) and effective as of March 1, 2018, the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. has changed an investment policy of the Fund.

 

Until March 1, 2018, please note the following changes:

 

Change in Investment Policy

 

The Fund currently has a non-fundamental policy to invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in securities issued by United States companies (“80% Policy”). As of March 1, 2018, the Fund will modify its 80% Policy to read as follows: “Under normal conditions, the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in securities issued by United States companies having smaller and mid-market capitalizations” Therefore, until March 1, 2018, the second paragraph of the section entitled “Summary Section – Principal Investment Strategies” in the Prospectus and the section entitled “Principal Investment Strategies” in the Summary Prospectus is deleted and replaced with the following:

 

Under normal market conditions, the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in securities issued by United States companies. The Adviser expects to focus on companies having smaller and mid-market capitalizations. For this purpose, the Adviser currently defines small and mid-market capitalization companies as having similar market capitalizations to the companies in the Russell 2500 Growth Index. That index is used for the purpose of determining range and not for targeting portfolio management. Under normal circumstances, the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund seeks to stay fully invested and does not attempt to time the market.

 

Also effective until March 1, 2018, the first paragraph of the section entitled “Fund Goals and Strategies – Principal Investment Strategies – Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund” in the Prospectus is deleted and replaced with the following:

 

 

 

The Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund pursues its investment objective by investing in a focused portfolio of the common stocks of high-quality companies organized in the United States that are engaged in a broad range of industries. Under normal market conditions, the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in securities issued by United States companies. The Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund employs a growth at a reasonable price investment strategy and seeks long-term performance by acquiring securities of companies at prices that the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund’s Adviser believes to be attractive. The Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund expects to focus its investments in companies with small and mid market capitalization. For this purpose, the Adviser defines small and mid market capitalization companies as having similar market capitalizations to the companies in the Russell 2500 Growth Index. That index is used for the purpose of determining range and not for targeting portfolio management.

 

Please retain this Supplement for your reference.

 

 

 

 

 

PROSPECTUS

dated December 31, 2017

 

Motley Fool Global Opportunities Fund

(formerly, the Motley Fool Independence Fund)

Investor Shares: FOOLX

Institutional Shares: FOIIX

 

Motley Fool Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund

(formerly, the Motley Fool Great America Fund)

Investor Shares: TMFGX

Institutional Shares: FOGIX

 

Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund

Investor Shares: TMFEX

 

 

December 31, 2017

Each a series of The RBB Fund, Inc.

2000 Duke Street

Suite 275

Alexandria, VA 22314

 

The investment objective of the Motley Fool Global Opportunities Fund, the Motley Fool Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund and the Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund (each a “Fund” and together the “Funds”) is to achieve long-term capital appreciation. The Motley Fool Global Opportunities Fund pursues its objective by investing primarily in common stocks of U.S. companies and of companies that are organized under the laws of other countries around the world. The Motley Fool Small- Mid Cap Growth Fund pursues its objective by investing primarily in common stocks of companies that are organized in the United States and that are engaged in a broad range of industries. The Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund pursues its objective by investing primarily in common stocks of emerging markets companies.

 

This prospectus has information about the Funds' Investor and Institutional Shares that you should know before you invest. You should read it carefully and keep it with your investment records.

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) has not approved or disapproved the Funds’ shares or determined whether this Prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS  

 

Motley Fool Global Opportunities Fund 2
Summary Section 2
Motley Fool Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund 9
Summary Section 9
Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund 16
Summary Section 16
Fund Goals and Strategies 23
Principal Risks 27
Additional Principal Risks of the Global Opportunities Fund and the Emerging Markets Fund 28
Additional Principal Risk of the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund 30
Who Should Invest in the Funds? 30
Non-Principal Fund Investment Practices and Their Risks 31
Non-Principal Risks of Investing in the Funds 36
Management of the Funds 37
Fund Expenses 41
Net Asset Value 41
How to Buy Shares 43
How to Redeem Shares 48
How to Exchange Shares 50
Share Class Conversion 51
Dividends, Distributions, and Taxes 52
Miscellaneous Information 54
General Information 55
Financial Highlights 57

 

No securities dealer, sales representative, or any other person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations, other than those contained in this prospectus or in approved sales literature in connection with the offer contained herein, and if given or made, such other information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Funds or The RBB Fund, Inc. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities offered hereby in any jurisdiction or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer.

 

What’s New?

•  The Motley Fool Great America Fund will now be known as The Motley Fool Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund and The Motley Fool Independence Fund will now be known as The Motley Fool Global Opportunities Fund. We believe these name changes more clearly reflects the Fund’s investing strategy, and that the new names will make it easier for prospective shareholders to know how the fund invests.

•   We have elected to remove the short-term redemption fee (2.00% redemption fee for shares that are redeemed within 90 days of purchasing) for all share classes. After much consideration, we concluded that the fee too often affected shareholders who were suffering unexpected hardships. Please note: we do not encourage excessive or short-term trading.

•   If you’d like to stay updated on fund performance, thoughts from our portfolio managers and announcements from our adviser, Motley Fool Asset Management, email help@foolfunds.com with the subject “I want to stay updated.”

 

 

 

SUMMARY SECTION

Motley Fool Global Opportunities Fund

(The “Global Opportunities Fund”)

(Formerly the Motley Fool Independence Fund)

 

1  

 

Motley Fool Global Opportunities Fund

(The “Global Opportunities Fund”)

 

Summary Section

 

Investment Objective

 

The investment objective of the Global Opportunities Fund (formerly, the Motley Fool Independence Fund) is to achieve long-term capital appreciation.

 

Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Global Opportunities Fund.

 

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment): Investor Class Institutional Class

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases

(as percentage of offering price)

NONE NONE
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of net asset value) NONE NONE
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends NONE NONE
Redemption Fee (as percentage of amount redeemed, if applicable) NONE NONE
Exchange Fee NONE NONE
Maximum Annual Small-Balance Account Fee (on accounts with balances less than $10,000) $24 $24

 

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

 
Management Fees 0.85% 0.85%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees NONE NONE
Other Expenses 0.30% 0.32%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 1.15% 1.17%
Fees Waived/Expenses Reimbursed (a) 0.00% -0.22%
Total Annual Operating Expenses After Recoupment 1.15% 0.95%

 

(a) The Global Opportunities Fund’s investment adviser, Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to pay, waive or absorb a portion of the Global Opportunities Fund’s Investor Shares and Institutional Shares expenses through the end of December 31, 2018, or such later date as may be determined by the Global Opportunities Fund and the Adviser, to the extent necessary to limit operating expenses (excluding brokerage commissions, taxes, interest expense, acquired fund fees and expenses, and any extraordinary expenses) to an amount not to exceed 1.15% and 0.95% annually of average daily net assets of the Investor Shares and Institutional Shares, respectively. If the excluded expenses are incurred, operating expenses may be higher than 1.15% and 0.95% annually, for the Investor Shares and Institutional Shares, respectively. The Adviser may recover from the Global Opportunities Fund’s fees and expenses previously paid, waived or absorbed for a period of three years after such fees or expenses were incurred, provided that the repayments do not cause operating expenses (excluding brokerage commissions, taxes, interest expense, acquired fund fees and expenses, and any extraordinary expenses) to exceed 1.15% and 0.95% annually of average daily net assets of Investor Shares and Institutional Shares, respectively or, if less, the expense limitation that was in place at the time the fees or expenses were paid, waived or absorbed. The expense limitation agreement will terminate automatically if the Adviser is no longer serving as investment adviser to the Global Opportunities Fund, but otherwise it can be terminated only by the Global Opportunities Fund’s Board of Directors.

 

Example

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Global Opportunities Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in Investor Shares or $100,000 in Institutional Shares of the Global Opportunities Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that: (1) your investment has a 5% return each year, and (2) the Global Opportunities Fund’s operating expenses remain the same (taking into account the contractual expense limitation agreement in place for one year). Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs of investing in the Fund would be:

 

2  

 

  1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
Investor Class $117 $365 $633 $1,398
Institutional Class $969 $3,498 $6,224 $14,008

 

Portfolio Turnover

 

The Global Opportunities 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 Global Opportunities Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Global Opportunities Fund’s performance. During the fiscal period from November 1, 2016 through August 31, 2017, the Global Opportunities Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 38%.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Global Opportunities Fund pursues its investment objective by using a growth at a reasonable price investing style. The Fund invests in a focused portfolio of the common stocks of high-quality U.S. companies and the common stocks and depositary receipts of high-quality companies that are organized under the laws of other countries around the world.

 

The Global Opportunities Fund will invest, under normal circumstances, in at least three different countries, and will invest at least 40% of its assets outside of the United States, or, if the conditions are not favorable, will invest at least 30% of its assets outside the United States. The Global Opportunities Fund seeks to stay fully invested and does not attempt to time the market. Although the Fund does not have market capitalization constraints for its investments, it is expected that investments in the securities of U.S. companies having smaller and middle market capitalizations and the securities in foreign companies, including companies organized under the laws of emerging market countries, will be important components of the Global Opportunities Fund’s investment program. As a result, the Global Opportunities Fund has the freedom to go anywhere to make investments for its shareholders.

 

In identifying investments for the Global Opportunities Fund, the Adviser looks for securities of companies that have high-quality businesses with strong market positions, manageable leverage, robust streams of free cash flow, and trade at attractive prices. In managing the Global Opportunities Fund’s investment portfolio, the Adviser regularly reviews and adjusts the Global Opportunities Fund’s allocations to particular markets and sectors to maintain a diversified mix of investments that the Adviser believes offer the best overall potential for long-term growth of capital. The Global Opportunities Fund will sell securities in which it has invested based upon the Adviser’s analysis of fundamental investment criteria, including its assessment of the current value of a security relative to the security’s current market price, business fundamentals relating to the issuer, and developments affecting the issuer’s business prospects and risks.

 

The Global Opportunities Fund prefers to invest in high-quality businesses when possible. To identify these high-quality businesses, the Adviser engages in research to evaluate each company under consideration using four criteria: management, culture, and incentives; the economics of the business; competitive advantage; and the durability of its competitive advantage period. The Adviser’s approach prizes a long-term mindset and a balance of qualitative and quantitative factors.

 

Management, Culture, and Incentives.

The Adviser believes that management is a key element to long-term success at most businesses. Among the factors the Adviser considers are: manager and board of director fit, the clarity of vision and strategies, main-line culture and turnover, ownership in the business, the sensibility of incentives, capital allocation choices and results, external transparency and candor, and overall treatment of stakeholders.

 

3  

 

Economics of the Business.

The Adviser believes that the economic performance of a business is a signal for quality. The Adviser’s process looks at the company’s long-term return on capital, the scalability of its business model, relative and absolute margins, business and product cyclicality, and other key performance indicators to gain insight into its potential for future performance.

 

Competitive Advantage.

The Adviser seeks companies that offer certain characteristics that allow them to generate and sustain outsized returns on capital on an absolute basis as well as in comparison to their peers. Competitive advantages may include pricing power, geographic barriers to entry, network effects, regulatory barriers to entry, and superior brands, among others. The Adviser also assesses the strength of the supporting capabilities each company possesses that reinforce these advantages to result in unique positioning.

 

Durability of Competitive Advantage Period.

Companies often display superior economics over the short term due to favorable product cycles, customer preference, temporary or tactical advantages or other reasons. As the Adviser’s desire is to own companies in the Fund that can be kept in the portfolio for many years, a core part of the Adviser’s process is to consider what the company might look like over a period of ten or more years. The Adviser considers whether the company seems likely to grow, to increase profitability through additional products or other offerings, and if it has optionality and the financial capacity that may make it a larger, stronger business in the future than it might be today.

 

The Global Opportunities Fund’s investment portfolio is focused, generally composed of at least 30 investment positions, with the 10 largest positions representing not more than 60% of the Global Opportunities Fund’s net assets. To limit the risks associated with highly concentrated holdings, the Global Opportunities Fund does not invest more than 5% of its net assets in any one class of the securities of any one issuer at the time of purchase. If a portfolio holding grows to be greater than 5% of the Global Opportunities Fund’s net assets the Adviser may not add additional capital to the position. However, the Adviser may maintain an allocation above 5% indefinitely, provided it continues to meet the Adviser’s investment criteria.

 

While investing in a particular sector is not a principal investment strategy of the Global Opportunities Fund, its portfolio may be significantly invested in a sector as a result of the portfolio management decisions made pursuant to its principal investment strategy.

 

Principal Investment Risks

 

The value of the Global Opportunities Fund’s investments may decrease, which will cause the value of the Global Opportunities Fund’s shares to decrease. As a result, you may lose money on your investment in the Global Opportunities Fund, and there can be no assurance that the Global Opportunities Fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

Company and Market Risk

The common stock of a company may not perform as well as expected, and may decrease in value, because of factors related to the company (such as poorer-than-expected earnings or management decisions, changes in the industry in which the company is engaged, or a reduction in the demand for a company’s products or services). General market and economic factors may adversely affect securities markets generally, which could adversely affect the value of the Global Opportunities Fund’s investments in common stocks. In addition, the rights of holders of common stock are subordinate to the rights of preferred shares and debt holders.

 

Investments in Small and Mid-Capitalization Companies

The Global Opportunities Fund invests in securities of companies of all sizes, including those that have relatively small market capitalizations. Investments in securities of these companies involve greater risks than do investments in larger, more established companies. The prices of securities of small-cap companies tend to be more vulnerable to adverse developments specific to the company or its industry, or the securities markets generally, than are securities of larger capitalization companies.

 

4  

 

Investment Style Risk

The Global Opportunities Fund pursues a quality growth at a reasonable price style of investing. Quality growth at a reasonable price investing focuses on companies that appear attractively priced in light of factors such as the quality of management, sustainability of competitive advantage, or growth potential of cash flow. If the Adviser’s assessment of a company’s quality or intrinsic value or its prospects for exceeding earnings expectations or market conditions is inaccurate, the Global Opportunities Fund could suffer losses or produce poor performance relative to other funds. In addition, the stocks of quality companies can continue to be undervalued by the market for long periods of time. As a consequence of our investing style we expect the Global Opportunities Fund will underperform the market and its peers over short timeframes.

 

Foreign Investments

The Global Opportunities Fund invests in the securities of foreign companies. Investing in securities of foreign companies involves risks generally not associated with investments in the securities of U.S. companies, including the risks associated with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, unreliable and untimely information about issuers, and political and economic instability.

 

Emerging Market Countries

Investing in emerging market countries involves risks in addition to and greater than those generally associated with investing in more developed foreign markets. In many less developed markets, there is less governmental supervision and regulation of business and industry practices, stock exchanges, brokers, and listed companies than there is in more developed markets. The securities markets of certain countries in which the Global Opportunities Fund may invest may also be smaller, less liquid, and subject to greater price volatility than those of more developed markets. The Global Opportunities Fund seeks to invest no more than 50% of its net assets in Emerging Market Countries.

 

Depositary Receipts

The Global Opportunities Fund may purchase depositary receipts (ADRs, EDRs, GDRs, and NVDRs) to facilitate its investments in foreign securities. By investing in ADRs rather than investing directly in the securities of foreign issuers, the Global Opportunities Fund can avoid currency risks during the settlement period for purchase and sales. However, ADRs do not eliminate all the risks inherent in investing in the securities of foreign issuers.

 

Securities Lending Risk

The Fund may lend portfolio securities to institutions, such as certain broker- dealers. The Fund may experience a loss or delay in the recovery of its securities if the borrowing institution breaches its agreement with the Fund.

 

Performance Information: The bar chart and performance table below illustrate the risks and volatility of an investment in the Global Opportunities Fund. The Global Opportunities Fund’s past performance, both before and after taxes, does not necessarily indicate how the Global Opportunities Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at www.foolfunds.com or by calling 1-888-863-8803 (toll free).

 

The Global Opportunities Fund commenced operations on December 21, 2016, by acquiring the assets and liabilities of the Motley Fool Independence Fund, a series of The Motley Fool Funds Trust (the “Predecessor Fund”), in exchange for shares of the Global Opportunities Fund. Accordingly, the performance information shown below for periods prior to December 21, 2016 is that of the Predecessor Fund, which was also a publicly-sold open-end mutual fund. The Predecessor Fund was also advised by the Adviser and had the same investment objective and strategies as the Global Opportunities Fund.

 

The bar chart shows changes in the performance of the Global Opportunities Fund’s Investor Shares from year to year.

 

5  

 

 

Best Quarter: 17.07% in the quarter ended September 30, 2010

Worst Quarter: (13.47)% in the quarter ended September 30, 2011

 

The year-to-date total return for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 22.05%.

 

The performance table shows how the Global Opportunities Fund’s Investor Shares and Institutional Shares average annual total returns for the periods indicated compare with those of the FTSE Global All Cap (Fair Value 16.00 EST) Net Tax (US RIC) Index, a broad measure of market performance.

 

PERFORMANCE TABLE

(Average annual total returns for the periods ended December 31, 2016)

 

Motley Fool Global Opportunities Fund

 

 

1 Year

3 Years

 

 

5 Years

Since
Inception,

June 16, 2009

Since

Inception,

June 17, 2014

Investor Shares*          
Return Before Taxes 2.78% 2.76% 8.75% 11.02% N/A
Return After Taxes on Distributions 2.09% 2.35% 8.41% 10.69% N/A
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares 2.21% 2.13% 6.93% 8.98% N/A
Institutional Shares**          
Return Before Taxes 2.87% N/A N/A N/A 1.14%
FTSE Global All Cap (Fair Value 16.00 EST) Net Tax (US RIC) Index (reflects no deduction for fees and expenses) 7.94% 3.62%

 

10.04%

10.57% 2.12%

 

* The Investor Shares of the Predecessor Fund commenced operations on June 16, 2009.
** The Institutional Shares of the Predecessor Fund commenced operations on June 17, 2014.

 

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 investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Global Opportunities Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The “Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares” is higher than the “Return After Taxes on Distributions” for the one year period because of realized losses that would have been sustained upon the sale of Global Opportunities Fund shares immediately after the relevant period.

 

Management

 

Investment Adviser

 

Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC serves as the Global Opportunities Fund’s investment adviser.

 

6  

 

Portfolio Managers

 

Team Member Primary Titles Start Date with Fund
Bryan C. Hinmon, CFA Chief Investment Officer; Senior and Lead Portfolio Manager 2014
Anthony L. Arsta Lead Portfolio Manager 2009
William S. Barker, CFA Portfolio Manager 2009
Nathan G. Weisshaar, CFA Portfolio Manager 2014
David A. Meier Portfolio Manager 2014
Charles L. Travers Jr. Portfolio Manager 2014

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

You may purchase, redeem or exchange shares of the Global Opportunities Fund on any business day online or through our website at www.foolfunds.com, by mail (Motley Fool Funds, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701), by express/overnight mail (Motley Fool Funds, 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202), or by telephone at 1-888-863-8803. The minimum initial investment in the Global Opportunities Fund’s Investor Shares is $500. Subsequent investments in the Investor Shares may be made in any amount of $50 or more. The minimum initial investment in the Global Opportunities Fund’s Institutional Shares is $100,000, subject to certain exceptions.

 

Subsequent investments in the Institutional Shares may be made in any amount. These investment minimums may be waived in certain circumstances.

 

Tax Information

 

The Global Opportunities Fund intends to make distributions that generally may be taxed at ordinary income or capital gains rates.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

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

 

7  

 

SUMMARY SECTION

Motley Fool Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund

(The “Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund”)

(Formerly the Motley Fool Great America Fund)

 

8  

 

Motley Fool Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund

( the “Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund ”)

 

Summary Section

 

Investment Objective

 

The investment objective of the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund (formerly, the Motley Fool Great America Fund) is to achieve long-term capital appreciation.

 

Fees and Expenses

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund.

 

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment): Investor Shares Institutional Shares

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases

(as a percentage of offering price)

NONE NONE

Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)

(as a percentage of net asset value)

NONE NONE
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends NONE NONE
Redemption Fee (as a percentage of amount redeemed, if applicable) NONE NONE
Exchange Fee NONE NONE

Maximum Annual Small-Balance Account Fee (on accounts with balances less than $10,000)

$24 $24

 

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

Management Fees 0.85% 0.85%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees NONE NONE
Other Expenses 0.31% 0.62%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 1.16% 1.47%
Fees Waived/Expenses Reimbursed (a) -0.01% -0.52%
Total Annual Operating Expenses After Expense Limitation 1.15% 0.95%

 

(a) The Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund’s investment adviser, Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to pay, waive or absorb a portion of the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund’s Investor Shares and Institutional Shares expenses through the end of December 31, 2018, or such later date as may be determined by the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund and the Adviser, to the extent necessary to limit operating expenses (excluding brokerage commissions, taxes, interest expense, acquired fund fees and expenses, and any extraordinary expenses) to an amount not to exceed 1.15% and 0.95% annually of average daily net assets of the Investor Shares and Institutional Shares, respectively. If the excluded expenses are incurred, operating expenses may be higher than 1.15% and 0.95% annually, for the Investor Shares and Institutional Shares, respectively. The Adviser may recover from the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund’s fees and expenses previously paid, waived or absorbed for a period of three years after such fees or expenses were incurred, provided that the repayments do not cause operating expenses (excluding brokerage commissions, taxes, interest expense, acquired fund fees and expenses, and any extraordinary expenses) to exceed 1.15% and 0.95% annually of average daily net assets of Investor Shares and Institutional Shares, respectively or, if less, the expense limitation that was in place at the time the fees or expenses were paid, waived or absorbed. The expense limitation agreement will terminate automatically if the Adviser is no longer serving as investment adviser to the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund, but otherwise it can be terminated only by the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund’s Board of Directors.

 

Example

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in Investor Shares or $100,000 in Institutional Shares in the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that: (1) your investment has a 5% return each year and (2) the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund operating expenses remain the same (taking into account the contractual expense limitation agreement in place for one year). Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs of investing in the Fund would be:

 

9  

 

  1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
Investor Class $117 $367 $637 $1,408
Institutional Class $969 $4,137 $7,553 $17,128

 

Portfolio Turnover

 

The Small-Mid Cap Growth 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 Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund’s performance. During the fiscal period from November 1, 2016 through August 31, 2017, the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 24%.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund pursues its investment objective by using a growth at a reasonable price investing style. The Fund invests in a focused portfolio of the common stocks of high-quality companies organized in the United States that are engaged in a broad range of industries.

 

Under normal market conditions, the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in securities issued by United States companies having smaller and mid-market capitalizations. For this purpose, the Adviser currently defines small and mid-market capitalization companies as having similar market capitalizations to the companies in the Russell 2500 Growth Index. That index is used for the purpose of determining range and not for targeting portfolio management. Under normal circumstances, the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund seeks to stay fully invested and does not attempt to time the market.

 

In identifying investments for the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund, the Adviser looks for securities of companies that have high-quality businesses with strong market positions, manageable leverage, robust streams of free cash flow, and trade at attractive prices. In managing the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund’s investment portfolio, the Adviser regularly reviews and adjusts the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund’s allocations to maintain a diversified mix of investments that the Adviser believes offer the best overall potential for long-term growth of capital. The Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund will sell securities in which it has invested based upon the Adviser’s analysis of fundamental investment criteria, including its assessment of the current value of a security relative to the security’s current market price, business fundamentals relating to the issuer, and developments affecting the issuer’s business prospects and risks.

 

The Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund prefers to invest in high-quality businesses when possible. To identify these high-quality businesses, the Adviser engages in research to evaluate each company under consideration using four criteria: management, culture, and incentives; the economics of the business; competitive advantage; and the durability of its competitive advantage period. The Adviser’s approach prizes a long-term mindset and a balance of qualitative and quantitative factors.

 

Management, Culture, and Incentives.

The Adviser believes that management is a key element to long-term success at most businesses. Among the factors the Adviser considers are: manager and board of director fit, the clarity of vision and strategies, main-line culture and turnover, ownership in the business, the sensibility of incentives, capital allocation choices and results, external transparency and candor, and overall treatment of stakeholders.

 

Economics of the Business.

The Adviser believes that the economic performance of a business is a signal for quality. The Adviser’s process looks at the company’s long-term return on capital, the scalability of its business model, relative and absolute margins, business and product cyclicality, and other key performance indicators to gain insight into its potential for future performance.

 

10  

 

Competitive Advantage.

The Adviser seeks companies that offer certain characteristics that allow them to generate and sustain outsized returns on capital on an absolute basis as well as in comparison to their peers. Competitive advantages may include pricing power, geographic barriers to entry, network effects, regulatory barriers to entry and superior brands, among others. The Adviser also assesses the strength of the supporting capabilities each company possesses that reinforce these advantages to result in unique positioning.

 

Durability of Competitive Advantage Period.

Companies often display superior economics over the short term due to favorable product cycles, customer preference, temporary or tactical advantages or other reasons. As the Adviser’s desire is to own companies in the Fund that can be kept in the portfolio for many years, a core part of the Adviser’s process is to consider what the company might look like over a period of ten or more years. The Adviser considers whether the company seems likely to grow, to increase profitability through additional products or other offerings, and if it has optionality and the financial capacity that may make it a larger, stronger business in the future than it might be today.

 

The Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund’s investment portfolio is focused, generally composed of at least 30 investment positions, with the 10 largest positions representing not more than 60% of the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund’s net assets. To limit the risks associated with highly concentrated holdings, the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund generally does not invest more than 5% of its net assets in securities of any one issuer at the time of purchase. If a portfolio holding grows to be greater than 5% of the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund’s net assets the Adviser may not add additional capital to the position. However, the Adviser may maintain an allocation above 5% indefinitely, provided it continues to meet the Adviser’s investment criteria.

 

While investing in a particular sector is not a principal investment strategy of the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund, its portfolio may be significantly invested in a sector as a result of the portfolio management decisions made pursuant to its principal investment strategy. Currently, the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund is significantly invested in the consumer discretionary sector, which means it will be more affected by the performance of the consumer discretionary sector than a fund that is not so significantly invested.

 

Principal Investment Risks

 

The value of the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund’s investments may decrease, which will cause the value of the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund’s shares to decrease. As a result, you may lose money on your investment in the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund, and there can be no assurance that the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

Company and Market Risk

The common stock of a company may not perform as well as expected, and may decrease in value, because of factors related to the company (such as poorer-than-expected earnings or management decisions, changes in the industry in which the company is engaged, or a reduction in the demand for a company’s products or services). General market and economic factors may adversely affect securities markets generally, which could adversely affect the value of the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund’s investments in common stocks. In addition, the rights of holders of common stock are subordinate to the rights of preferred shares and debt holders.

 

Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk

The success of consumer product manufacturers and retailers is tied closely to the performance of the overall domestic and global economy, interest rates, competition, and consumer confidence. Success depends heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending. Also, companies in the consumer discretionary sector may be subject to severe competition, which may have an adverse impact on their respective profitability. Changes in demographics and consumer tastes can also affect the demand for, and success of, consumer products and services in the marketplace.

 

11  

 

Investments in Small and Mid-Capitalization Companies

The Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund invests in securities of small- and mid-capitalization companies. Investments in securities of these companies may involve greater risks than do investments in larger, more established companies. The prices of securities of small- and mid-cap companies tend to be more vulnerable to adverse developments specific to a company or its industry, or the securities markets generally, than are securities of larger capitalization companies.

 

Investment Style Risk

The Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund pursues a quality growth at a reasonable price style of investing. Quality growth at a reasonable price investing focuses on companies that appear attractively priced in light of factors such as the quality of management, sustainability of competitive advantage, or growth potential of cash flow. If the Adviser’s assessment of a company’s quality or intrinsic value or its prospects for exceeding earnings expectations or market conditions is inaccurate, the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund could suffer losses or produce poor performance relative to other funds. In addition, the stocks of quality companies can continue to be undervalued by the market for long periods of time. As a consequence of our investing style we expect the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund will underperform the market and its peers over short timeframes.

 

Securities Lending Risk

The Fund may lend portfolio securities to institutions, such as certain broker- dealers. The Fund may experience a loss or delay in the recovery of its securities if the borrowing institution breaches its agreement with the Fund.

 

Performance Information: The bar chart and performance table below illustrate the risks and volatility of an investment in the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund. The Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund’s past performance, both before and after taxes, does not necessarily indicate how the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at www.foolfunds.com or by calling 1-888-863-8803 (toll free).

 

The Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund commenced operations on December 21, 2016, by acquiring the assets and liabilities of the Motley Fool Great America Fund, a series of The Motley Fool Funds Trust (the “Predecessor Fund”), in exchange for shares of the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund. Accordingly, the performance information shown below for periods prior to December 21, 2016 is that of the Predecessor Fund, which was also a publicly-sold open-end mutual fund. The Predecessor Fund was also advised by the Adviser and had the same investment objective and strategies as the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund.

 

The bar chart shows changes in the performance of the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund’s Investor Shares from year to year.

 

Best Quarter: 13.20% in the quarter ended March 31, 2012

Worst Quarter: (17.07)% in the quarter ended September 30, 2011

 

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The year-to-date total return for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 15.63%.

 

The performance table shows how the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund’s Investor Shares and Institutional Shares average annual total returns for the periods indicated compare with those of the Russell 2500 Growth, a broad measure of market performance.

 

PERFORMANCE TABLE

(Average annual total returns for the periods ended December 31, 2016)

 

Motley Fool Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years

Since
Inception,

November 1, 2010*

Since
Inception,June 17, 2014**

Investor Shares          
Return Before Taxes 7.28% 4.16% 12.76% 12.20% N/A
Return After Taxes on Distributions 7.28% 4.14% 12.66% 12.11% N/A
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares 4.12% 3.20% 10.22% 9.87% N/A
Institutional Shares          
Return Before Taxes 7.60% N/A N/A N/A 4.55%
Russell 2500 Growth Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes) 9.73% 5.45% 13.88% 12.85% 5.79%

 

* The Investor Shares of the Predecessor Fund commenced operations on November 1, 2010.
** The Institutional Shares of the Predecessor Fund commenced operations on June 17, 2014.

 

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 investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

 

Management

 

Investment Adviser

 

Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC serves as the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund’s investment adviser.

 

Portfolio Managers

 

Team Member Primary Titles Start Date with Fund
William S. Barker, CFA Lead Portfolio Manager 2010
Charles L. Travers Jr. Lead Portfolio Manager 2014
Bryan C. Hinmon, CFA Chief Investment Officer, Senior Portfolio Manager 2014
Anthony L. Arsta Portfolio Manager 2010
Nathan G. Weisshaar, CFA Portfolio Manager 2014
David A. Meier Portfolio Manager 2014

 

13  

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

You may purchase, redeem or exchange shares of the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund on any business day online or through our website at www.foolfunds.com, by mail (Motley Fool Funds, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701), by express/overnight mail (Motley Fool Funds, 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202), or by telephone at 1-888-863-8803. The minimum initial investment in the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund’s Investor Shares is $500. Subsequent investments the Investor Shares account may be made in any amount of $50 or more. The minimum initial investment in the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund’s Institutional Shares is $100,000, subject to certain exceptions.

 

Subsequent investments in the Institutional Shares may be made in any amount. These investment minimums may be waived in certain circumstances.

 

Tax Information

 

The Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund intends to make distributions that generally may be taxed at ordinary income or capital gains rates.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

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

 

14  

 

SUMMARY SECTION

Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund

(The “Emerging Markets Fund”)

 

15  

 

Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund

( the “Emerging Markets Fund ”)


Summary Section

 

Investment Objective

 

The investment objective of the Emerging Markets Fund is to achieve long-term capital appreciation.

 

Fees and Expenses

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Emerging Markets Fund.

 

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment): Investor Shares

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases

(as percentage of offering price)

NONE
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of net asset value) NONE
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends NONE
Redemption Fee (as percentage of amount redeemed, if applicable) NONE
Exchange Fee NONE
Maximum Annual Small-Balance Account Fee (on accounts with balances less than $10,000) $24

 

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year

as a percentage of the value of your investment):

Management Fees 0.85%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees NONE
Other Expenses 1.15%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 2.00%
Fees Waived/Expenses Reimbursed (a) -0.85%
Total Annual Operating Expenses After Expense Limitation 1.15%

 

(a ) The Emerging Markets Fund’s investment adviser, Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to pay, waive or absorb a portion of the Emerging Markets Fund’s Investor Shares and Institutional Shares expenses through the end of December 31, 2018, or such later date as may be determined by the Emerging Markets Fund and the Adviser, to the extent necessary to limit operating expenses (excluding brokerage commissions, taxes, interest expense, acquired fund fees and expenses, and any extraordinary expenses) to an amount not to exceed 1.15% annually of average daily net assets of the Investor Shares. If the excluded expenses are incurred, operating expenses may be higher than 1.15% annually, for the Investor Shares. The Adviser may recover from the Emerging Markets Fund’s fees and expenses previously paid, waived or absorbed for a period of three years after such fees or expenses were incurred, provided that the repayments do not cause operating expenses (excluding brokerage commissions, taxes, interest expense, acquired fund fees and expenses, and any extraordinary expenses) to exceed 1.15% annually of average daily net assets of Investor Shares or, if less, the expense limitation that was in place at the time the fees or expenses were paid, waived or absorbed. The expense limitation agreement will terminate automatically if the Adviser is no longer serving as investment adviser to the Emerging Markets Fund, but otherwise it can be terminated only by the Emerging Markets Fund’s Board of Directors.

 

Example

 

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Emerging Markets Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in Investor Shares in the Emerging Markets Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that: (1) your investment has a 5% return each year, and (2) the Emerging Markets Fund operating expenses remain the same (taking into account the contractual expense limitation agreement in place for one year). Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs of investing in the Fund would be:

 

16  

 

  1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
Investor Class $117 $545 $999 $2,259

 

Portfolio Turnover

 

The Emerging Markets 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 shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Emerging Markets Fund’s performance. During the fiscal period from November 1, 2016 through August 31, 2017, the Emerging Markets Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 21%.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Emerging Markets Fund pursues its investment objective using a growth at a reasonable price investing style. The Fund invests in a focused portfolio of the common stocks of high-quality companies organized in emerging market foreign countries. The Fund intends, under normal circumstances, to invest at least 80% of its net assets (including borrowings for investment purposes) in the securities of emerging market issuers and other investments that are tied economically to emerging market countries.

 

The Adviser defines emerging market companies as companies located or organized in or whose primary business is carried out in emerging markets. The Adviser will invest in countries classified as Advanced Emerging, Secondary Emerging, or Frontier, or not classified by FTSE Russell. A formal review of country classification within the FTSE global equity indexes is conducted on an annual basis each September using a comprehensive, transparent and consistent methodology to classify stock markets as Developed, Advanced Emerging, Secondary Emerging or Frontier within the FTSE global equity indexes. It is expected that investments in the securities of companies in emerging market countries, including depositary receipts, having smaller market capitalizations (less than $3 billion) will be important components of the Emerging Markets Fund’s investment program, although the Emerging Markets Fund may invest in issuers of all capitalization sizes. Under normal circumstances, the Emerging Markets Fund seeks to stay fully invested and does not attempt to time the market.

 

In identifying investments for the Emerging Markets Fund, the Adviser looks for securities of companies that have high-quality businesses with strong market positions, manageable leverage, robust streams of free cash flow, and trade at attractive prices. In managing the Emerging Markets Fund’s investment portfolio, the Adviser regularly reviews and adjusts the Emerging Markets Fund’s allocations to maintain a diversified mix of investments that the Adviser believes offer the best overall potential for long-term growth of capital. The Emerging Markets Fund will sell securities in which it has invested based upon the Adviser’s analysis of fundamental investment criteria, including its assessment of the current value of a security relative to the security’s current market price, business fundamentals relating to the issuer, and developments affecting the issuer’s business prospects and risks.

 

The Emerging Markets Fund prefers to invest in high-quality businesses when possible. To identify these high-quality businesses, the Adviser engages in research to evaluate each company under consideration using four criteria: management, culture, and incentives; the economics of the business; competitive advantage; and the durability of its competitive advantage period. The Adviser’s approach prizes a long-term mindset and a balance of qualitative and quantitative factors.

 

Management, Culture, and Incentives.

The Adviser believes that management is a key element to long-term success at most businesses. Among the factors the Adviser considers are: manager and board of director fit, the clarity of vision and strategies, main-line culture and turnover, ownership in the business, the sensibility of incentives, capital allocation choices and results, external transparency and candor, and overall treatment of stakeholders.

 

17  

 

Economics of the Business.

The Adviser believes that the economic performance of a business is a signal for quality. The Adviser’s process looks at the company’s long-term return on capital, the scalability of its business model, relative and absolute margins, business and product cyclicality, and other key performance indicators to gain insight into its potential for future performance.

 

Competitive Advantage.

The Adviser seeks companies that offer certain characteristics that allow them to generate and sustain outsized returns on capital on an absolute basis as well as in comparison to their peers. Competitive advantages may include pricing power, geographic barriers to entry, network effects, regulatory barriers to entry and superior brands, among others. The Adviser also assesses the strength of the supporting capabilities each company possesses that reinforce these advantages to result in unique positioning.

 

Durability of Competitive Advantage Period.

Companies often display superior economics over the short term due to favorable product cycles, customer preference, temporary structural or tactical advantages or other components. As the Adviser’s desire is to own companies in the Fund that can be kept in the portfolio for many years, a core part of the Adviser’s process is to consider what the company might look like over a period of ten or more years. The Adviser considers whether the company seems likely to grow, to increase profitability through additional products or other offerings, and if it has optionality and the financial capacity that may make it a larger, stronger business in the future than it might be today.

 

The Emerging Markets Fund’s investment portfolio is focused, generally composed of at least 30 investment positions, with the 10 largest positions representing not more than 60% of the Emerging Markets Fund’s net assets. The Emerging Markets Fund may not invest more than 10% of its net assets in securities of companies that are not emerging market companies. To limit the risks associated with highly concentrated holdings, the Emerging Markets Fund does not invest more than 5% of its net assets in any one class of security of any one issuer at the time of purchase. If a portfolio holding grows to be greater than 5% of the Emerging Markets Fund’s net assets the Adviser may not add additional capital to the position. However, the Adviser may maintain an allocation above 5% indefinitely, provided it continues to meet the Adviser’s investment criteria.

 

While investing in a particular sector is not a principal investment strategy of the Emerging Markets Fund, its portfolio may be significantly invested in a sector as a result of the portfolio management decisions made pursuant to its principal investment strategy.

 

Principal Investment Risks

 

The value of the Emerging Markets Fund’s investments may decrease, which will cause the value of the Emerging Markets Fund’s shares to decrease. As a result, you may lose money on your investment in the Emerging Markets Fund, and there can be no assurance that the Emerging Markets Fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

Company and Market Risk

The common stock of a company may not perform as well as expected, and may decrease in value, because of factors related to the company (such as poorer-than-expected earnings or management decisions, changes in the industry in which the company is engaged, or a reduction in the demand for a company’s products or services). General market and economic factors may adversely affect securities markets generally, which could adversely affect the value of the Emerging Markets Fund’s investments in common stocks. In addition, the rights of holders of common stock are subordinate to the rights of preferred shares and debt holders.

 

18  

 

Foreign Investments

The Emerging Markets Fund invests in the securities of foreign companies. Investing in securities of foreign companies involves risks generally not associated with investments in the securities of U.S. companies, including the risks associated with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, unreliable and untimely information about issuers, and political and economic instability.

 

Emerging Market Countries

Investing in emerging market countries involves risks in addition to and greater than those generally associated with investing in more developed foreign markets. In many less developed markets, there is less governmental supervision and regulation of business and industry practices, stock exchanges, brokers, and listed companies than there is in more developed markets. The securities markets of certain countries in which the Emerging Markets Fund may invest may also be smaller, less liquid, and subject to greater price volatility than those of more developed markets.

 

Depositary Receipts

The Emerging Markets Fund may purchase depositary receipts (ADRs, EDRs, GDRs, and NVDRs) to facilitate its investments in foreign securities. By investing in ADRs rather than investing directly in the securities of foreign issuers, the Emerging Markets Fund can avoid currency risks during the settlement period for purchase and sales. However, ADRs do not eliminate all the risks inherent in investing in the securities of foreign issuers.

 

Investments in Small and Mid-Capitalization Companies

The Emerging Markets Fund invests in securities of companies of all sizes, including those that have relatively small market capitalizations. Investments in securities of these companies involve greater risks than do investments in larger, more established companies. The prices of securities of small-cap companies tend to be more vulnerable to adverse developments specific to the company or its industry, or the securities markets generally, than are securities of larger capitalization companies.

 

Investment Style Risk

The Emerging Markets Fund pursues a quality growth at a reasonable price style of investing. Quality growth at a reasonable price investing focuses on companies that appear reasonably priced in light of factors such as the quality of management, sustainability of competitive advantage, or growth potential of cash flow. If the Adviser’s assessment of a company’s quality or intrinsic value or its prospects for exceeding earnings expectations or market conditions is inaccurate, the Emerging Markets Fund could suffer losses or produce poor performance relative to other funds. In addition, the stocks of quality companies can continue to be undervalued by the market for long periods of time. As a consequence of our investing style we expect the Emerging Markets Fund will underperform the market and its peers over short timeframes.

 

Securities Lending Risk

The Fund may lend portfolio securities to institutions, such as certain broker- dealers. The Fund may experience a loss or delay in the recovery of its securities if the borrowing institution breaches its agreement with the Fund.

 

Performance Information: The bar chart and performance table below illustrate the risks and volatility of an investment in the Emerging Markets Fund. The Emerging Markets Fund’s past performance, both before and after taxes, does not necessarily indicate how the Emerging Markets Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available online at www.foolfunds.com or by calling 1-888-863-8803 (toll free).

 

The Emerging Markets Fund commenced operations on December 21, 2016, by acquiring the assets and liabilities of the Motley Fool Epic Voyage Fund, a series of the Motley Fool Funds Trust (the “Predecessor Fund”), in exchange for shares of the Emerging Markets Fund. Accordingly, the performance information shown below for periods prior to December 21, 2016 is that of the Predecessor Fund, which was also a publicly-sold open-end mutual fund. The Predecessor Fund was also advised by the Adviser and has the same investment objective and strategies as the Emerging Markets Fund.

 

19  

 

The bar chart shows changes in the performance of the Emerging Markets Fund’s Investor Shares from year to year.

 

 

Best Quarter: 13.35% in the quarter ended March 31, 2012

Worst Quarter: (12.18)% in the quarter ended September 30, 2015

 

The year-to-date total return for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 24.08%.

 

The performance table shows how the Emerging Markets Fund’s Investor Shares average annual total returns for the periods indicated compare with those of the FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion (Fair Value 16.00 EST) Net Tax (US RIC) Index, a narrow measure of market performance, and the FTSE Global All Cap ex-US (Fair Value 16.00 EST) Net Tax (US RIC) Index, a more broad measure of market performance.

 

PERFORMANCE TABLE

(Average annual total returns for the periods ended December 31, 2016)

 

  Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund

1 Year

3 Years

5 years

Since
Inception,

November 1, 2011*

Investor Shares        
Return Before Taxes 7.44% (1.46)% 5.01% 3.71%
Return After Taxes on Distributions 7.45% (1.58)% 4.85% 3.55%
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares 4.49% (0.99)% 4.01% 2.98%
FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion (Fair Value 16.00 EST) Net Tax (US RIC) Index (reflects no deduction for fees and expenses or taxes) 10.36%

 

(0.89)%

2.24% 1.21%

 

* The Investor Shares of the Predecessor Fund commenced operations on November 1, 2011.

 

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 investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Emerging Markets Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. The “Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares” is higher than the “Return Before Taxes” and the “Return After Taxes on Distributions” for the three year period because of realized losses that would have been sustained upon the sale of Emerging Markets Fund shares immediately after the relevant period.

 

20  

 

Management

 

Investment Adviser

 

Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC serves as the Fund’s investment adviser.

 

Portfolio Managers

 

Team Member Primary Titles Start Date with Fund
Anthony L. Arsta Lead Portfolio Manager 2011
Nathan G. Weisshaar, CFA Lead Portfolio Manager 2014
Bryan C. Hinmon, CFA Chief Investment Officer, Senior Portfolio Manager 2014
William S. Barker, CFA Portfolio Manager 2011
David A. Meier Portfolio Manager 2014
Charles L. Travers Jr. Portfolio Manager 2014

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

You may purchase, redeem or exchange shares of the Emerging Markets Fund on any business day online or through our website at www.foolfunds.com, by mail (Motley Fool Funds, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701), by express/overnight mail (Motley Fool Funds, 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202), or by telephone at 1-888-863-8803. The minimum initial investment in the Emerging Markets Fund’s Investor Shares is $500. Subsequent investments in the Investor Shares may be made in any amount of $50 or more.

 

Tax Information

 

The Emerging Markets Fund intends to make distributions that generally may be taxed at ordinary income or capital gains rates.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

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

 

21  

 

PROSPECTUS

 

22  

 

Fund Goals and Strategies 1

 

Investment Objective 2

 

The investment objective of each Fund is to achieve long-term capital appreciation.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

Global Opportunities Fund

 

The Global Opportunities Fund pursues its investment objective by investing in a focused portfolio of the common stocks of high-quality U.S. companies and of high-quality companies that are organized in other countries around the world. 3 It employs a growth at a reasonable price based investment strategy and seeks long-term performance by acquiring securities of companies at prices that the Global Opportunities Fund’s Adviser believes to be attractive.

 

The portion of the Global Opportunities Fund’s assets allocated to investments in the U.S. and other countries will vary based on the Adviser’s judgment of the relative attractiveness of available investment opportunities in different markets. The Global Opportunities Fund invests in issuers of all capitalization sizes, engaged in a broad range of industries. However, it is expected that investments in the securities of U.S. small-cap companies and foreign companies will be important components of the Global Opportunities Fund’s investment program. The Global Opportunities Fund currently considers small-cap companies to be companies with market capitalizations of less than $3 billion. In managing the Global Opportunities Fund’s investment portfolio, the Adviser regularly reviews and adjusts the Global Opportunities Fund’s allocations to particular markets and sectors to maintain a diversified mix of investments that the Adviser believes offer the best overall potential for long-term growth of capital. While investing in a particular sector is not a principal investment strategy of the Global Opportunities Fund, its portfolio may be significantly invested in a sector as a result of the portfolio management decisions made pursuant to its principal investment strategy. The Global Opportunities Fund will invest, under normal circumstances, in at least three different countries, and will invest at least 40% of its assets outside of the U.S., or, if the conditions are not favorable, will invest at least 30% of its assets outside the U.S.

 

The Global Opportunities Fund seeks long-term investment returns that exceed the return of the FTSE Global All Cap (Fair Value 16.00 EST) Net Tax (US RIC) Index. 4 This index is a market-capitalization weighted index representing the performance of large, mid and small cap companies in Developed and Emerging markets. As of November 30, 2017, the Index is compiled from the composite of country indices comprised of equity securities traded in Australia, Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the Unites Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the U.S. The performance of the FTSE Global All Cap (Fair Value 16.00 EST) Net Tax (US RIC) Index reflects reinvestment of all distributions and changes in market prices. The FTSE Global All Cap (Fair Value 16.00 EST) Net Tax (US RIC) Index and its constituent country indices are rebalanced on a semi-annual basis.

 

 

1 Hello, and welcome to the prospectus. Throughout, the Funds have included comments to help you understand the prospectus, teach you some things to look for in a fund, and to make you chuckle, a little. Our investment adviser, Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC (“Adviser”) is an affiliate of The Motley Fool, LLC (“The Motley Fool”), a publisher of investment information and analysis. Like The Motley Fool, our goal is to educate, amuse, and enrich you.

 

2 This section sets out what the Funds are trying to accomplish, which in the case of each is simply to increase value over the long term for all shareholders.

 

3 We regard the entire world as the Global Opportunities Fund’s marketplace, and the Global Opportunities Fund invests its assets (i.e., your money) accordingly.

 

4 Remember Fools, we are unlikely to identically match or perform parallel to our benchmarks because we pride ourselves on being active managers and stewards of shareholder capital- which means, we seek what we think are the best opportunities even if that means that our one year performance lags. As long as we are confident in the opportunities presented, we’re comfortable with allowing our long-term thesis to play out.

 

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The FTSE Global All Cap (Fair Value 16.00 EST) Net Tax (US RIC) Index is widely recognized by investors in international markets as a benchmark for portfolios of Global securities. However, the Global Opportunities Fund may invest in countries that are not included within the FTSE Global All Cap (Fair Value 16.00 EST) Net Tax (US RIC) Index (such as emerging market countries), and its investment portfolio is not weighted in terms of countries or issuers in correlation with the FTSE Global All Cap (Fair Value 16.00 EST) Net Tax (US RIC) Index. For this reason, 5 the Global Opportunities Fund’s investment performance should not be expected to track, and may exceed or trail, the FTSE Global All Cap (Fair Value 16.00 EST) Net Tax (US RIC) Index. In addition, the performance of the FTSE Global All Cap (Fair Value 16.00 EST) Net Tax (US RIC) Index may not correlate with the performance of U.S. markets. Under normal market circumstances, the Global Opportunities Fund seeks to stay fully invested, primarily in common stocks, and does not attempt to time the market. 6

 

The Global Opportunities Fund’s investment portfolio is focused, generally composed of at least 30 investment positions, with the 10 largest positions representing not more than 60% of the Global Opportunities Fund’s net assets. Although investments in small-cap companies and foreign companies are a focus of the Global Opportunities Fund’s investment program, there are no pre-set targets for investing in companies of any particular capitalization size or in any particular country, region, or industry. The Global Opportunities Fund’s investments in companies of various sizes and in particular industries, market segments, and instruments will vary over time based on the Adviser’s assessment of their overall potential to produce long-term capital appreciation. To limit the risks associated with highly concentrated holdings, the Global Opportunities Fund does not invest more than 5% of its net assets in any one class of securities of any one issuer at the time of purchase. The Global Opportunities Fund will sell securities in which it has invested based upon the Adviser’s analysis of fundamental investment criteria, including its assessment of the current value of a security relative to the security’s current market price, business fundamentals relating to the issuer, and developments affecting the issuer’s business prospects and risks.

 

The Global Opportunities Fund may invest in common stocks of foreign companies either directly or by purchasing American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”), Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”), and Non-Voting Depositary Receipts (“NVDRs). ADRs are U.S. dollar-denominated instruments that trade on U.S. exchanges or in the over-the-counter market and are issued by domestic banks. These instruments represent indirect ownership interests in securities of foreign issuers deposited in a domestic bank or a correspondent bank. EDRs represent interests in securities of foreign issuers that access the Euromarkets. GDRs are receipts representing interests in securities of foreign issuers that trade in two or more capital markets. NVDRs also represent financial interests in an issuer but the holder is not entitled to any voting rights.

 

Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund

 

The Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund pursues its investment objective by investing in a focused portfolio of the common stocks of high-quality companies organized in the United States that are engaged in a broad range of industries. Under normal market conditions, the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in securities issued by United States companies having smaller and mid-market capitalizations. The Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund employs a growth at a reasonable price investment strategy and seeks long-term performance by acquiring securities of companies at prices that the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund’s Adviser believes to be attractive. The Adviser defines small and mid market capitalization companies as having similar market capitalizations to the companies in the Russell 2500 Growth Index. That index is used for the purpose of determining range and not for targeting portfolio management.

 

 

5 A note about our benchmark: The FTSE Global All Cap (Fair Value 16.00 EST) Net Tax (US RIC) Index is a widely recognized yardstick for gauging the performance of global funds (i.e., those that invest in both domestic securities and foreign fare) such as the Global Opportunities Fund. That said, the performance of the Global Opportunities Fund will not correlate perfectly to this index, nor would we want it to: Indeed, the Global Opportunities Fund will earn its keep by attempting to beat the index by courting what the pros call “tracking error,” deviating from the benchmark by investing in areas of the market that, in the view of the Adviser, offer the greatest potential for long-term capital appreciation. The Global Opportunities Fund, for example, will generally sport a greater allocation to smaller-cap companies than does the benchmark.

 

6 Translation: The Adviser’s job is to identify what it believes are compelling investment opportunities, not to park your investment dollars in cash, unless the Adviser thinks that cash is temporarily the best place for the Global Opportunities Fund’s money.

 

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Under normal circumstances, the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund seeks to stay fully invested and does not attempt to time the market. In managing the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund’s investment portfolio, the Adviser regularly reviews and adjusts the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund’s allocations to maintain a diversified mix of investments that the Adviser believes offer the best overall potential for long-term growth of capital. While investing in a particular sector is not a principal investment strategy of the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund, its portfolio may be significantly invested in a sector as a result of the portfolio management decisions made pursuant to its principal investment strategy. There are no pre-set targets for investing in companies of any particular sector or industry. The Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund will sell securities in which it has invested based upon the Adviser’s analysis of fundamental investment criteria, including its assessment of the current value of a security relative to the security’s current market price, business fundamentals relating to the issuer, and developments affecting the issuer’s business prospects and risks.

 

The Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund seeks long-term investment returns that exceed the return of the Russell 2500 Growth Index. This index is an unmanaged, free float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the performance of the small and mid-cap growth segment of the U.S. stock market. The performance of the Russell 2500 Growth Index reflects reinvestment of all distributions and changes in market prices. The Russell 2500 Growth Index is rebalanced on a quarterly basis.

 

The Russell 2500 Growth Index is widely recognized by investors as a benchmark for portfolios of small and mid-capitalization securities domiciled in the United States. However, the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund’s investment portfolio is not weighted in terms of market capitalization, sectors, industries or issuers in correlation with the Russell 2500 Growth Index. For this reason, the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund’s investment performance should not be expected to track, and may exceed or trail, the Russell 2500 Growth Index. In addition, the performance of the Russell 2500 Growth Index may not correlate with the performance of the broader U.S. indexes. 7

 

The Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund’s investment portfolio is generally composed of at least 30 investment positions, with the 10 largest positions representing not more than 60% of the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund’s net assets. To limit the risks associated with highly concentrated holdings, the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund generally does not invest more than 5% of its net assets in any one class of securities of any one issuer at the time of purchase.

 

Emerging Markets Fund

 

The Emerging Markets Fund pursues its investment objective by investing in a focused portfolio of the common stocks of high-quality companies organized in emerging market countries. 8 Emerging Market companies are companies located or organized outside the developed markets or whose primary business is carried on outside of developed markets. The Emerging Markets Fund employs a growth at a reasonable price investment strategy and seeks long-term performance by acquiring securities of companies at prices that its Adviser believes to be attractive. The Emerging Markets Fund invests in issuers of all capitalization sizes engaged in a broad range of industries.

 

The portion of the Emerging Markets Fund’s assets allocated to investments in various countries will vary based on the Adviser’s judgment of the relative attractiveness of available investment opportunities in different markets. The Emerging Markets Fund invests in issuers of all capitalization sizes, engaged in a broad range of industries. However, it is expected that investments in the securities of small-cap companies and of companies that are traded in emerging markets will be important components of the Emerging Markets Fund’s investment program. The Emerging Markets Fund currently considers small-cap companies to be companies with market capitalizations of less than $3 billion. In managing the Emerging Markets Fund’s investment portfolio, the Adviser regularly reviews and adjusts the Emerging Markets Fund’s allocations to particular markets and sectors to maintain a diversified mix of investments that the Adviser believes offer the best overall potential for capital appreciation. While investing in a particular sector is not a principal investment strategy of the Emerging Markets Fund, its portfolio may be significantly invested in a sector as a result of the portfolio management decisions made pursuant to its principal investment strategy. While the Emerging Markets Fund may invest in securities of companies organized in the developed markets, such investments will not constitute more than 10% of the Emerging Markets Fund’s net assets.

 

 

7 (Have you read footnotes 4 and 5 yet? We’re not testing you on it, but if so, you’ll note a lot of similar verbiage about to follow. It’s like one of those “spot the extremely trivial differences between these two pictures” games. Try it!) A note about our benchmark: The Russell 2500 Growth Index is a widely recognized yardstick for gauging the performance of small and mid-cap funds (i.e., those that invest in small and mid-cap stocks) such as the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund. The performance of the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund will not correlate perfectly to this index, nor would we want it to. Indeed, the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund will earn its keep by attempting to beat this index by courting what the pros call “tracking error,” deviating from the benchmark by investing in areas of the market that, in the view of the Adviser, offer the greatest potential for long-term capital appreciation.

 

8 We regard the entire world outside of the developed markets as the Emerging Markets Fund’s primary marketplace, and the Emerging Markets Fund invests its assets (i.e., your money) accordingly.

 

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The Emerging Markets Fund seeks investment returns that exceed the return of the FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion (Fair Value 16.00) Net Tax (US RIC) Index. The FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion (Fair Value 16.00) Net Tax (US RIC) Index is a market-capitalization weighted index representing the performance of large, mid and small cap stocks in Emerging markets. The FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion (Fair Value 16.00) Net Tax (US RIC) Index is comprised of approximately 3650 securities from 23 countries. As of November 30, 2017, the Index is compiled from the composite of country indices comprised of equity securities traded in Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and the Unites Arab Emirates (UAE).

 

The FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion (Fair Value 16.00) Net Tax (US RIC) Index is widely recognized by investors in international markets as a benchmark for portfolios of emerging market securities. However, the Emerging Markets Fund may invest in countries that are not included within the FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion (Fair Value 16.00) Net Tax (US RIC) Index and its investment portfolio is not weighted in terms of countries or issuers in correlation with the FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion (Fair Value 16.00) Net Tax (US RIC) Index. For this reason, 9 the Emerging Markets Fund’s investment performance should not be expected to track, and may exceed or trail, the FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion (Fair Value 16.00) Net Tax (US RIC) Index. In addition, the performance of the FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion (Fair Value 16.00) Net Tax (US RIC) Index may not correlate with the performance of U.S. markets. Under normal market circumstances, the Emerging Markets Fund seeks to stay fully invested, primarily in common stocks, and does not attempt to time the market. 10

 

The Emerging Markets Fund’s investment portfolio is focused and composed of at least 30 investment positions, with the 10 largest positions representing not more than 60% of the Emerging Markets Fund’s net assets. Although investments in small-cap companies and emerging markets companies are a focus of the Emerging Markets Fund’s investment program, there are no pre-set targets for investing in companies of any particular capitalization size or in any particular country, region, or industry. The Emerging Markets Fund’s investments in companies of various sizes and in particular industries, market segments, and instruments will vary over time based on the Adviser’s assessment of their overall potential to produce long-term capital appreciation. To limit the risks associated with highly concentrated holdings, the Emerging Markets Fund does not invest more than 5% of its net assets in any one class of securities of any one issuer at the time of purchase. The Emerging Markets Fund will sell securities in which it has invested based upon the Adviser’s analysis of fundamental investment criteria, including its assessment of the current value of a security relative to the security’s current market price, business fundamentals relating to the issuer, and developments affecting the issuer’s business prospects and risks.

 

 

9 A note about our benchmarks (yet again): The FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion (Fair Value 16.00 EST) Net Tax (US RIC) Index is a useful yardstick for measuring the performance of mutual funds that invest in emerging markets. That said, the performance of the Emerging Markets Fund will not correlate perfectly to this index, nor would we want it to. Indeed, the Emerging Markets Fund will earn its keep by attempting to beat this index by courting what the pros call “tracking error,” deviating from the benchmark by investing in areas of the market that, in the view of the Adviser, offer the greatest potential for long-term capital appreciation. The Emerging Markets Fund, for example, may generally sport a greater allocation to smaller-cap companies than does the benchmark.

 

10 Translation: The Adviser’s job is to identify what it believes are compelling investment opportunities, not to park your investment dollars in cash, unless the Adviser thinks that cash is temporarily the best place for the Emerging Markets Fund’s money.

 

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The Emerging Markets Fund may invest in common stocks of foreign companies either directly or by purchasing American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”), Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”), and Non-Voting Depositary Receipts (“NVDRs”). ADRs are U.S. dollar -denominated instruments that trade on U.S. exchanges or in the over-the-counter market and are issued by domestic banks. These instruments represent indirect ownership interests in securities of foreign issuers deposited in a domestic bank or a correspondent bank. EDRs represent interests in securities of foreign issuers that access the Euromarkets. GDRs are receipts representing interests in securities of foreign issuers that trade in two or more capital markets. NVDRs also represent financial interests in an issuer but the holder is not entitled to any voting rights.

 

Consistent with the Emerging Markets Fund’s investment objective, and to limit the portion of the capital gains (if any) of the Emerging Markets Fund subject to federal income taxation at ordinary rates, the Emerging Markets Fund does not generally engage in short-term trading. This investment approach, together with the Adviser’s consideration of the potential tax impact on shareholders of the Emerging Markets Fund’s transactions, is intended to enhance the after-tax investment return of the Emerging Markets Fund ( i.e. , the Emerging Markets Fund’s total return after payment of applicable income taxes by shareholders). However, the Emerging Markets Fund may sell a security that it has held for less than one year when, in the opinion of the Adviser, investment considerations so warrant. 11

 

Principal Risks 12

 

An investment in the Global Opportunities Fund, Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund or the Emerging Markets Fund involves certain risks. The value of a Fund’s investments may increase or decrease, and as it does, the value of the Fund’s shares will increase or decrease. As a result, you may lose money on your investment in a Fund, and there can be no assurance that the Funds will achieve their investment objectives.

 

Investments in Common Stock

 

Many factors cause the value of shares of common stock to rise and fall.

 

Company Risk

 

The common stock of a company may not perform as well as expected, and may decrease in value, because of factors related to the company. Among these factors are adverse developments regarding the company’s business or management decisions, changes in the industry in which the company is engaged, and a reduction in the demand for a company’s products or services. In this regard, there is a risk that the judgments of the Adviser about the value and appreciation potential of particular securities will be incorrect. 13 In addition, if a company becomes insolvent, owners of the company’s common stock will have the lowest priority among owners of that company’s different classes of securities as to the distribution of the company’s assets.

 

 

11 The Adviser’s focus on long term returns and its disinclination to trade like a frenzied weasel may have the effect of limiting the taxes that investors have to pay on their Fund investments. The Adviser may execute trades with tax ramifications in mind, but it primarily bases its decisions upon investing considerations, as our objective is capital appreciation, not tax minimization. Investors holding the Emerging Markets Fund in a tax-free account may find this less interesting than others do.

 

12 This section may look like a way for us to make excuses if things don’t work out, but it’s important. Any investment comes with risks, and those risks differ depending upon a fund’s objective, strategy, and manager. We don’t promise that you will make money with the Funds, and we wouldn’t do so even if the law permitted us to say such a thing. Over any given time period, no matter how hard or how long the Adviser works, the value of the Funds could go down, and you could lose money.

 

13 Sometimes, great businesses are not great investments. We endeavor to find companies that meet both criteria, but there can be no guarantee that we will succeed. The Adviser works very hard to find what it thinks are the best investments for the Funds. At the same time, equity investments have risks. Sometimes they go up, and sometimes they go down, sometimes for reasons that we don’t expect. Sometimes the Adviser may just get things wrong. As Yogi Berra once said, it can be difficult to make predictions, especially about the future.

 

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Market Risk

 

General market and economic factors may adversely affect securities markets generally and could, in turn, adversely affect the value of the Funds’ investments in common stocks, regardless of the performance or expected performance of companies in which the Funds invest. 14

 

Investments in Small- and Mid-Capitalization Companies

 

The Funds invest in securities of companies having small market capitalizations. Investments in securities of small-cap companies may involve greater risks than do investments in larger, more established companies, because, for example, small-cap companies may lack the management experience, financial resources, product diversification, and competitive strength of larger companies. The frequency and volume of trading in the securities of small-cap companies may be substantially more volatile than is typical of larger companies. The value of securities of small-cap companies tends to be more vulnerable to adverse developments specific to the company or its industry, or the securities markets generally, than are the securities of larger-capitalization companies. Returns on these investments may vary substantially from the performance of the overall equity markets. 15

 

The Funds also invest in securities of mid-capitalization companies. The value of securities of mid-cap companies may be more volatile than the value of securities of companies with larger capitalizations and also tend to be more adversely affected by issuer-specific events and political, market and economic developments than the securities of larger companies.

 

Investment Style Risk

 

The Funds pursue a “growth at a reasonable price” style of investing. If the Adviser’s assessment of a company’s quality or its prospects for earnings growth is inaccurate, the Funds could suffer losses or produce poor performance relative to other funds.

 

Securities Lending Risk

 

Each Fund may seek to increase its income by lending portfolio securities to institutions, such as certain broker-dealers. Portfolio security loans are secured continuously by collateral maintained on a current basis at an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned. The value of the securities loaned by a Fund will not exceed 33 1/3% of the value of the Fund's total assets. A Fund may experience a loss or delay in the recovery of its securities if the borrowing institution breaches its agreement with the Fund.

 

Additional Principal Risks of the Global Opportunities Fund and the Emerging Markets Fund

 

Foreign Investments

 

The Global Opportunities Fund and the Emerging Markets Fund invest in the securities of foreign companies, including companies located in both developed and emerging market countries. A significant portion of the Global Opportunities Fund’s and the Emerging Markets Fund’s investments in foreign companies may be made through the purchase of depositary receipts that represent indirect interests in the securities of foreign companies. Investing in securities of foreign companies involves risks generally not associated with investments in the securities of U.S. companies. These risks may relate to those associated with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, unreliable and untimely information about issuers, and political and economic instability. Securities of foreign issuers generally trade and thus may be purchased and sold by the Global Opportunities Fund and the Emerging Markets Fund in foreign markets. The principal risks generally associated with foreign investing include the following:

 

 

14 Stocks may go up and they may go down, sometimes quickly and unpredictably.

 

15 We expect as part of our investing strategy to make investments in stocks of small-cap companies. Not surprisingly, shares of these companies may be more volatile than are shares of larger, more established companies. This volatility means that share prices of small-cap companies may move up or down more quickly or to a greater extent than shares of larger companies. That can be nice when we’re right about a particular stock, but it’s less satisfying when we’re wrong.

 

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Country Risk

 

Country risk arises from political, social, economic, and other conditions that are unique to a particular country or region. These conditions may relate to the existence of less publicly available information, inferior regulatory oversight (for example, less demanding accounting, auditing, corporate governance, investor relations, and financial reporting standards), the possibility of government-imposed restrictions, and even the nationalization of assets. The liquidity of foreign investments may be more limited than for comparable U.S. investments. Therefore, at times, it may be difficult to sell foreign securities at favorable prices.

 

Currency Risk 16

 

Currency risk results from changes in the rate of exchange between the currency of the country in which a foreign company is domiciled or keeps its books and the U.S. dollar. Whenever the Global Opportunities Fund and the Emerging Markets Fund hold securities valued in a foreign currency or hold the currency itself in connection with its purchases and sales of foreign securities, changes in the exchange rate add to or subtract from the value of the investment in U.S. dollars. The Global Opportunities Fund and the Emerging Markets Fund generally do not seek to hedge currency risk, and although the Adviser considers currency risks as part of its investment process, its judgments in this regard may not always be correct.

 

Custody Risk

 

Custody risk refers to the process of clearing and settling trades, as well as to holding securities with local agents and depositories. Low trading volumes and volatile prices in certain foreign markets make trades more difficult to complete and settle. Local agents are held only to the standard of care of the local market. Governments or trade groups may compel local agents to hold securities with designated depositories that are not subject to independent evaluation. The less developed a country’s securities market is, the greater the likelihood that problems will occur.

 

Depositary Receipts

 

The Global Opportunities Fund and the Emerging Markets Fund may purchase depositary receipts (ADRs, EDRs, GDRs, and NVDRs) to facilitate their investments in foreign securities. By investing in ADRs rather than directly in the securities of foreign issuers, the Global Opportunities Fund and the Emerging Markets Fund can avoid currency risks during the settlement period for either purchase or sales. However, ADRs do not eliminate all the risk inherent in investing in the securities of foreign issuers. The information available for ADRs, EDRs, GDRs, and NVDRs is subject to the accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards of the market or exchange on which they are traded, and those standards may be more uniform and more exacting than those to which many foreign issuers may be subject.

 

Depositary receipts may be issued in a sponsored program, in which an issuer has made arrangements to have its securities traded in the form of depositary receipts, or in an unsponsored program, in which the issuer may not be directly involved. The holders of depositary receipts that are unsponsored generally bear various costs associated with the facilities, while a larger portion of the costs associated with sponsored depositary receipts are typically borne by the foreign issuers. The depositary of an unsponsored facility frequently is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited securities or to pass through the voting rights to facility holders with respect to the deposited securities. Available information concerning the issuers may not be as current for unsponsored depositary receipts and the prices of unsponsored depositary receipts may be more volatile than would be the case if the receipts were sponsored by the issuers.

 

 

16 Simply, if a Fund holds a foreign stock, and the stock is traded on a foreign exchange, with its price denominated in that foreign currency, the value of the stock will change, for the Fund, whenever the relative value of the U.S. dollar and that foreign currency change. To take an imaginary example, if a Fund holds shares in Ruritania Telecom, traded on the Ruritanian Stock Exchange, those shares will be worth more to the Fund if the value of the Ruritanian lek increases against the U.S. dollar, and vice versa, all other things being equal.

 

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Investment in Emerging Market Countries

 

Investing in emerging market countries involves risks in addition to and greater than those generally associated with investing in more developed foreign markets. In many less-developed markets, there is less governmental supervision and regulation of business and industry practices, stock exchanges, brokers, and listed companies than there is in more developed markets. The securities markets of certain countries in which the Global Opportunities Fund and the Emerging Markets Fund may invest may also be smaller, less liquid, and subject to greater price volatility than are those of more developed markets. In the event of a default on an investment in a foreign debt obligation, it may be more difficult for the Global Opportunities Fund and the Emerging Markets Fund to obtain or to enforce a judgment against the issuer of that security. The Global Opportunities Fund and the Emerging Markets Fund may also be subject to emerging markets risk to the extent that they invest in companies that are not domiciled in an emerging market but have customers, products, or transactions associated with emerging markets.

 

Additional Principal Risk of the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund

 

Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk

 

Currently, the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund is significantly invested in the consumer discretionary sector, which means the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund will be more affected by the performance of the consumer discretionary sector than a fund that is not so significantly invested. The success of consumer product manufacturers and retailers is tied closely to the performance of the overall domestic and global economy, interest rates, competition and consumer confidence. Success depends heavily on disposable household income and consumer spending. Also, companies in the consumer discretionary sector may be subject to severe competition, which may have an adverse impact on their respective profitability. Changes in demographics and consumer tastes can also affect the demand for, and success of, consumer products and services in the marketplace.

 

Who Should Invest in the Funds?

 

The Funds invest primarily in common stock. Based on past performance, equity investments, such as common stock, have, over the long term, provided higher investment returns than have investments in bonds and other fixed-income securities. However, in general, equity investments also involve greater risks of loss and greater price volatility. You should consider an investment in the Funds if you are seeking long-term capital appreciation and are willing to accept the risks that are associated with the securities in which the Funds invest and with the investment strategies used by the Funds. You should also have an investment horizon of at least three years. The Funds are not designed for investors who are seeking current income or short-term gains. 17

 

 

17 The Funds are not for everyone. If you are seeking something other than long-term capital appreciation (for example, if you require current investment income for daily expenses), if you’re not comfortable with the risks, or if you expect to need your money back soon, these are not the funds for you.

 

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Non-Principal Fund Investment Practices and Their Risks

 

Although the Global Opportunities Fund’s principal investment strategy is to invest primarily in common stock of high-quality U.S. and foreign companies, the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund’s principal investment strategy is to invest primarily in common stocks of high-quality companies organized in the United States, and the Emerging Markets Fund’s principal investment strategy is to invest primarily in common stocks of high-quality emerging market companies, the Funds may invest in other types of securities, other countries, and in other asset classes 18 when, in the judgment of the Adviser, such investments offer attractive potential returns. These investments may consist of equity-related securities, including preferred stocks, convertible preferred stocks, convertible bonds, and rights and warrants. The Funds may also invest in exchange-traded funds, debt securities, real estate investment trusts, master limited partnerships and derivative instruments. Additional information regarding the Funds’ investments and its investment practices, and the risks associated with these investments and practices, is discussed below. Note that not all of these types of investments are available or applicable to the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund. Specifically, the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund cannot invest in exchange-traded funds; closed-end funds; debt securities; forward foreign currency contracts; preferred stock; convertible securities; when-issued, delayed-delivery and foreign transactions; and total return swaps. In those sections below, “the Funds” refers only to the Global Opportunities Fund and the Emerging Markets Fund.

 

You should consider an investment in the Funds only as part of an overall investment plan and should invest in the Funds only if you are willing to accept the risks involved. Changes in the value of the Funds’ investments will result in changes in the value of the Funds’ shares and, thus, each Fund’s total return to shareholders.

 

Exchange-Traded Funds

 

The Funds may purchase shares of exchange-traded funds that are registered as investment companies under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) (“ETFs”) and shares of similar investment vehicles that are not registered under the 1940 Act (together with the ETFs, “Traded Funds”) to gain exposure to the general market, individual countries or regions, or industry sectors. The Funds may use these instruments to allocate their assets to markets or industry sectors the Adviser deems attractive while it pursues investment in the securities of companies in those markets or sectors.

 

Generally, the Traded Funds in which the Funds invest hold portfolios of investments designed to track the performance of a particular index (or group of securities having specified characteristics) or of a “basket” of stocks from within a particular industry sector or group. Their shares are traded on securities exchanges. Traded Funds involve risks generally associated with investments in securities, including the risk that the general level of prices, or that the prices of securities within a particular sector, may increase or decline and thereby affect the value of the shares of the Traded Funds. To the extent that Traded Funds incur various expenses, including investment advisory fees, the Funds, when investing in Traded Funds, will bear duplicative fees and expenses, which shareholders of the Funds will bear indirectly. The Funds do not invest in actively managed Traded Funds.

 

The market for an ETF’s shares may become less liquid in response to deteriorating liquidity in the markets for the ETF’s underlying portfolio holdings, which could lead to differences between the market price of the ETF’s shares and the underlying value of those shares. An ETF’s market price may deviate from the value of the ETF’s underlying portfolio holdings, particularly in times of market stress, with the result that investors may pay significantly more or receive significantly less than the underlying value of the ETF shares bought or sold. An active trading market for shares of the ETF may not develop or be maintained. In times of market stress, market makers or authorized participants may step away from their respective roles in making a market in shares of the ETF and in executing purchase or redemption orders, which could also lead to variances between the market price of the ETF’s shares and the underlying value of those shares.

 

 

18 When we say that the Funds may invest in other types of securities, the “may” is well worth emphasizing -- whether through the use of bolding (control-b on most keyboards), italicizing (control-i), underlining (control-u), or, most obnoxiously, using ALL CAPS. However, the Global Opportunities Fund’s primary focus is the common stock of foreign and domestic companies. The Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund’s primary focus is the common stock of domestic companies. The Emerging Markets Fund’s primary focus is the common stock of emerging market companies.

 

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Closed-End Funds

 

The Funds may invest in publicly traded shares of closed-end investment companies registered under the 1940 Act and business development companies to indirectly access particular types of investments (such as private equity investments), markets, or industry sectors in which it would otherwise be difficult or costly for the Funds to invest. Shares of these companies may trade at a discount from or premium to their net asset values per share, which change from time to time and may be significant. Closed-end investment companies and business development companies incur various expenses, including investment advisory fees (which, in the case of a business development company, may be performance-based compensation). The Global Opportunities Fund and Emerging Markets Fund will bear these expenses when they invest in such companies, which are in addition to the fees and expenses of the Global Opportunities Fund and Emerging Markets Fund.

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts 19

 

The Funds may invest in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”). REITs are pooled investment vehicles that manage a portfolio of real estate or real estate-related loans to earn profits for their shareholders. REITs are generally classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs, or a combination of equity and mortgage REITs. Equity REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property, such as shopping centers, nursing homes, office buildings, apartment complexes, and hotels, and derive income primarily from the collection of rents. Equity REITs can also realize capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value. Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive income from the collection of interest payments. REITs can be subject to extreme volatility because of fluctuations in the demand for real estate, changes in interest rates, and adverse economic conditions. Similar to regulated investment companies, REITs generally are not subject to federal income tax on income distributed to shareholders, provided they comply with certain requirements. The failure of a REIT to continue to qualify as a REIT for tax purposes can materially affect its value. A fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of any expenses paid by a REIT in which it invests.

 

REITs often do not provide complete tax information until after the end of the calendar year. Consequently, because of the delay, it may be necessary for a fund investing in REITs to request permission to extend the deadline for issuance of Forms 1099-DIV beyond January 31. In the alternative, amended Forms 1099-DIV may be sent.

 

Master Limited Partnerships 20

 

The Funds may purchase limited partnership interests in master limited partnerships (“MLPs”). MLPs are publicly traded companies organized as limited partnerships or limited liability companies and are treated as partnerships for U.S. federal tax purposes. Typically, MLPs may derive income and gains from, among other things, the exploration, development, mining or production, processing, refining, transportation (including pipelines transporting gas, oil, or products thereof), or marketing of any mineral or natural resources. MLPs generally have two classes of owners – the general partner and limited partners.

 

Investments in securities of MLPs involve risks that differ from an investment in common stock. Holders of limited partnership interests in MLPs have more limited control and limited rights to vote on matters affecting the partnership. There are also tax risks associated with MLP investments. In particular, in order to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company under U.S. federal income tax law, a Fund generally may not invest more than 25% of its assets in securities of MLPs and other entities treated as qualified publicly traded partnerships for federal income tax purpose. In addition, if an MLP is required to pay corporate income taxes (a situation that could occur if the MLP is not treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes), the amount of cash available for distribution by the MLP (and the value of its limited partnership interests) would be reduced. In addition, conflicts of interest may exist between the owners of limited partnership interests in an MLP and the MLP’s general partner. Generally, the general partner of an MLP is entitled to receive incentive compensation and is reimbursed by the MLP for costs it incurs in managing and operating the MLP. When the Funds invest in MLPs, they bear these costs alongside the other limited partners, which are in addition to the fees and expenses of the Funds.

 

 

19 REITs look very much like stock. These trusts offer a way to participate in a pool of assets such as apartments, hotels, or shopping malls. REITs generally pay out all or most of their profits. These distributions are not generally taxed until they hit the investors’ pockets provided the REIT complies with certain requirements. In contrast to that, in a typical company, profits are taxed twice: first at the corporate level; and second when they hit the investors’ pockets. As a result, all other things being equal, the untaxed distributed profits to REIT shareholders are generally higher than the taxed profits that corporations distribute as dividends to shareholders.

 

20 MLPs are generally partnerships in which profits, as with REITs, are distributed directly to their limited partners (the investors). Similar to REITs, MLPs generally have relatively higher payout ratios than corporations. Oil and gas pipelines often are structured as MLPs.

 

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Debt Securities 21

 

The Funds may invest in non-convertible debt securities on a temporary basis to earn income pending investment of its assets in common stocks and equity-related securities or to seek capital appreciation when the Adviser believes an issuer’s debt securities are undervalued based on its fundamental analysis. These securities include bonds and other debt obligations, including obligations issued by U.S. and foreign corporations, the U.S. government or foreign governments or their agencies, and municipal governments. The securities may pay fixed, variable, or floating rates of interest and may include zero-coupon obligations. The Funds may invest in both investment grade debt securities and non-investment grade debt securities (known as high-yield bonds or junk bonds). Investment grade debt securities are those securities rated BBB or better by Standard & Poor’s or Baa or better by Moody’s Investors Service, or that are unrated and have been determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality to these rated securities. Except during periods of adverse market or economic conditions, when the Funds may assume a defensive investment position, the Funds will not invest more than 15% of their net assets in non-convertible debt securities.

 

All debt securities are subject to certain risks. One risk is that the issuer may not be able to meet its principal or its interest-payment obligations. Another risk is that the value of debt securities generally declines as interest rates rise. The value of debt securities may also decline as a result of a change in market perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and a change in general market liquidity. Any decline in the value of debt securities as a result of changes in credit quality or future interest rates will generally be greater for securities having longer maturities. Non-investment grade securities, especially high-yield bonds, which are speculative investments, are more sensitive to these risks, particularly credit risk. In addition, the markets for non-investment grade securities may be thinner and less active than are the markets for investment grade securities. The Global Opportunities Fund will not invest more than 10% of its net assets and the Emerging Markets Fund will not invest more than 5% of its net assets in non-investment grade debt securities and do not invest in debt securities that are in default as to payment of interest or principal.

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts 22

 

The Funds may (but are not required to) enter into forward foreign currency contracts to hedge their exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates pending their purchase and sale of foreign securities. These contracts represent obligations to purchase or to sell a specified amount of currency at a future date and at a specified price agreed to by the parties at the time they enter into the contracts and allow the Global Opportunities Fund and Emerging Markets Fund to “lock in” the U.S. dollar prices of securities. However, there may be an imperfect correlation between the securities being purchased or sold and the forward contracts entered into, and there is a risk that a counterparty will be unable or unwilling to fulfill its obligation under a forward contract.

 

 

21 Issuers of debt securities (which may include debentures, bonds, notes, or commercial paper, among others) generally pay investors for allowing the use of their money for a period of time. At the end of the agreed period, the initial investments are returned in full, and the securities may also pay interest. Like other securities, debt instruments may be sold by their original issuers, or traded on the market. In general, these securities are considered to be less risky than equities, although the likelihood of repayment may vary with the financial situation of an issuer.

 

22 These contracts are agreements to purchase or sell foreign currencies at a particular time in the future at pre-defined exchange rates. They are often used to limit the losses that investors face if the value of foreign currencies moves in relation to the U.S. Dollar.

 

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Preferred Stock 23

 

The Funds may invest in preferred stocks. Like common stock, preferred stock represents equity ownership interests in a company and participates in a company’s earnings. However, unlike common stocks, preferred stocks are entitled to stated dividends. These dividends are sometimes “cumulative,” which means that if previous stated dividends have not been paid, the dividends payable on the preferred stock will have a priority over distributions to holders of common stock and a preference on the distribution of a company’s assets in the event of the company’s dissolution. Preferred stock may also be “participating,” which means that its holders are entitled to dividends in excess of stated dividends in certain cases. The Funds do not require a minimum credit rating for its preferred stock. The Adviser considers a company’s liquidity and credit condition as well as the position of the security in the company’s capital structure in assessing preferred stock it considers for the Funds. The risks of preferred stock are similar to the risks associated with common stock.

 

Convertible Securities 24

 

The Funds may purchase convertible debt obligations and convertible preferred stock. The holders of these securities are entitled to exchange the securities for common stock (or other equity securities) of a company, typically at a fixed price within a specified period of time. Until conversion, the holder is entitled to interest (in the case of convertible debt) or dividends (in the case of preferred stock). These instruments have risks that are similar to debt securities because of their interest or dividend features and have risks that are similar to equity securities because of their conversion features.

 

Warrants and Rights 25

 

The Funds may invest in warrants and rights. These securities are forms of derivative instruments that have equity-like characteristics. Warrants are instruments that permit, but do not obligate, the holder to subscribe for other securities. Rights are similar to warrants but normally have a short duration and are distributed directly by the issuer to its shareholders. Warrants and rights are not dividend-paying investments and do not have the voting rights of common stock. They also do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuer. As a result, warrants and rights may be considered more speculative than direct equity investments. In addition, the values of warrants and rights do not necessarily change with the values of the underlying securities, and these instruments may cease to have value if not exercised before their expiration dates.

 

The use of warrants and rights can increase the volatility of the Funds’ portfolio. If a Fund invests in these instruments at unfortunate times or judges market conditions incorrectly, it may incur substantial losses. Changes in the liquidity of the secondary markets in which these instruments trade can result in significant, rapid, and unpredictable changes in their prices, and these conditions could also cause losses to the Funds.

 

 

23 Generally less risky than the common stock that we usually own, preferred stocks are more risky than bonds. The “preferreds” can come in several flavors. Usually they pay some form of a dividend. Sometimes they can be converted into common shares. There are preferreds that can be redeemed just like a bond. If a company goes bankrupt or is dissolved, preferred shareholders may have priority over common shareholders.

 

24 Sometimes bonds and preferreds come in the convertible flavor. Owners of “convertibles” can exchange their bonds or preferreds for common stock at a ratio that is established in advance. While less risky than common stocks of the same respective companies, they offer investors upside potential because of the feature that allows conversion into stock. Of course, since the world rarely permits a free lunch, in return for that upside potential, the convertibles typically pay a lower interest rate than traditional bonds and a lower dividend rate than traditional preferreds.

 

25 A warrant is the right to buy something (typically a share of stock) at a set price, during a particular time period. If the market price of the stock is below the warrant price, then the warrant may be worthless. That said, these securities may sound exotic and esoteric, but they’re really quite straightforward. Companies use them when they want to raise funds or conduct some other corporate action, such as spinning off a division. Rights offerings are securities that the company issues to shareholders, who are thereby given the right (hence the name) to buy shares in, say, the next 30 to 60 days, at a fixed price. A warrant is sort of the same thing but is generally longer dated. Both give the shareholder the option to buy shares at a fixed price for a limited time directly from the company and can be bought and sold on the stock market. These won’t be a big part of the Funds’ strategies, but they offer a great way to increase positions in companies we like.

 

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When-Issued, Delayed-Delivery, and Forward-Commitment Transactions 26

 

The Funds may purchase securities on a “when-issued” basis and may purchase or sell securities on a “delayed-delivery” or “forward-commitment” basis to hedge against anticipated changes in interest rates or securities prices. These transactions involve a commitment by the Global Opportunities Fund and Emerging Markets Fund to purchase or sell securities at a future date (ordinarily one or two months later). The price of the underlying securities, which is generally expressed in terms of yield, is fixed at the time the commitment is made, but delivery and payment for the securities takes place at a later date. No income accrues on securities that have been purchased pursuant to a when-issued, delayed-delivery, or forward-commitment basis before delivery to the Global Opportunities Fund and Emerging Markets Fund. When-issued, delayed-delivery, and forward-commitment securities may be sold before the settlement date. If the Global Opportunities Fund and Emerging Markets Fund dispose of the right to acquire a when-issued security before their acquisition or dispose of their right to deliver or receive against a delayed delivery or forward commitment, they may incur a gain or loss. When the Global Opportunities Fund and Emerging Markets Fund enter into such a transaction, a segregated account consisting of cash, U.S. government securities, or liquid securities equal to the value of the when-issued, delayed-delivery, or forward-commitment transaction is established and maintained. Purchasing securities on a forward-commitment, when-issued, or delayed-delivery basis when the Global Opportunities Fund and Emerging Markets Fund are fully or almost fully invested may result in greater potential fluctuation in the value of the Global Opportunities Fund’s or Emerging Markets Fund’s net assets. There is a risk that securities purchased on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis may not be delivered and that the purchaser of securities sold by the Global Opportunities Fund and Emerging Markets Fund on a forward basis will not honor its purchase obligation. In these cases, the Global Opportunities Fund and Emerging Markets Fund may incur a loss.

 

Total Return Swaps and Participatory Notes

 

The Funds may enter into total return swaps and participatory notes to gain exposure to foreign securities markets or foreign securities that might otherwise be difficult or costly to access or purchase because of foreign regulatory restrictions or foreign tax laws. A total return swap is an individually negotiated agreement through which the Global Opportunities Fund and Emerging Markets Fund can, in exchange for a specified fixed or floating payment, derive an investment return that is based on the investment performance of a specified index or basket of securities or that is based on changes in the price of a specific foreign security. A participatory note is a financial instrument used by foreign investors to invest in a particular country’s securities. 27 Securities brokerages in the country buy the securities, then issue to foreign investors participatory notes that derive their value from the underlying securities. Any dividends or capital gains collected from the underlying securities are passed through to the foreign investors. Use of these instruments involves various risks. These include the risks that the Global Opportunities Fund and Emerging Markets Fund may not be able to terminate or offset their positions at the time they wish to do so or at a favorable price and that, as a result of the failure of a counterparty or legal or operational issues, the Global Opportunities Fund and Emerging Markets Fund may not receive payments required to be made to them under the terms of a swap or participatory note. Total return swaps also may involve leverage and the related risk of loss. When the Global Opportunities Fund and Emerging Markets Fund enter into a total return swap transaction, a segregated account consisting of cash, U.S. government securities, or liquid securities equal to the value of the swap transaction is established and maintained. The Global Opportunities Fund and Emerging Markets Fund will not enter into a total return swap or participatory note if, as a result, the value of its positions in illiquid investments would exceed 15% of the value of the Global Opportunities Fund’s or Emerging Markets Fund’s net assets, respectively.

 

 

26 Once upon a time, these types of securities were much more important. They sound like they’re leveraged directional bets on the movement of the price of tea in China. For our purposes, these are essentially indistinguishable from common stock. “When issued” securities are most commonly seen when a company is spinning off a division, going public, or splitting its shares.

 

27 The Adviser views participatory notes as a simple way to permit investors to participate in markets that might otherwise be difficult to access. The basics of a participatory note: we find a trustworthy entity (let’s say an imaginary company called Lee International Securities Company) who is willing to be a “counterparty” to us. We enter into a contract with Lee. We will send Lee money equal to the value of the security in Lee’s local market. We will have a contract with Lee that says that at 5 pm every day we will look at the price of the security. That evening, for every dollar the security has appreciated, Lee will send us one dollar. For every dollar the security has declined, we will send Lee one dollar. At the end of a pre-agreed period, Lee will return our original investment, we will shake hands, and end the contract. Risk arises either because of the performance of the underlying security, its currency, or because of the counterparty’s failure to live up to its bargain.

 

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Short-Term Investments

 

During periods of adverse market or economic conditions, the Funds may temporarily invest all or a substantial portion of their assets in high quality, fixed-income securities, money market instruments, and shares of money market mutual funds, or it may hold cash. At such times, to preserve capital, the Funds would not be pursuing their stated investment objective with its usual investment strategies. The Funds may also hold these investments for liquidity purposes.

 

Illiquid Investments

 

The Funds invest primarily in publicly traded securities and do not generally purchase securities that have legal or contractual restrictions on resale or that are illiquid. However, total return swaps entered into by the Global Opportunities Fund and Emerging Markets Fund may be illiquid. In addition, liquid securities purchased by the Funds may become illiquid because of issuer-specific events or changes in market conditions. Illiquid investments are subject to the risk that the Funds will not be able to sell the investments when desired or at favorable prices. The Funds will not purchase an illiquid investment if, as a result, more than 15% of the value of the Funds’ net assets would be so invested.

 

Securities Lending

 

The Funds may seek to increase their income by lending portfolio securities to institutions, such as certain broker-dealers. Portfolio securities loans are secured continuously by collateral maintained on a current basis at an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned. The value of the securities loaned by a Fund will not exceed 33 1⁄3% of the value of the Fund’s total assets. The Funds may experience a loss or delay in the recovery of their securities if the borrowing institution breaches its agreement with the Funds. Lending the Funds’ portfolio securities involves the risk of delay in receiving additional collateral if the value of the securities goes up while they are on loan. A Fund may lose money from securities lending if, for example, it is delayed in or prevented from selling the collateral or from recovering the securities loaned or if it incurs losses on the reinvestment of cash collateral.

 

Other Investments

 

The Funds may make other types of investments and may engage in various other investment practices. These investments and practices, and their risks, are described in the Statement of Additional Information (the “SAI”).

 

Tax Management

 

Consistent with the Global Opportunities Fund, Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund and Emerging Markets Fund’s investment objectives, and to limit the portion of the capital gains (if any) of the Funds subject to federal income taxation at ordinary rates, the Funds do not generally engage in short-term trading. This investment approach, together with the Adviser’s consideration of the potential tax impact on shareholders of the Funds’ transactions, is intended to enhance the after-tax investment return of the Funds ( i.e. , the Funds’ total return after payment of applicable income taxes by shareholders). However, the Funds may sell a security that it has held for less than one year when, in the opinion of the Adviser, investment considerations so warrant.

 

Non-Principal Risks of Investing in the Funds

 

In addition to the risks associated with the Funds’ investments and investment practices, you should consider the following additional risks of investing in the Funds.

 

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Reliance on the Adviser

 

Each Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective is dependent on the Adviser’s ability to identify profitable investment opportunities for the Fund. The Adviser was formed in 2008. The Adviser began managing a mutual fund, the Global Opportunities Fund, in 2009, a second mutual fund, the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund, in 2010 and third mutual fund, the Emerging Markets Fund, in 2011. Members of the investment committee have considerable experience analyzing companies, valuing stocks, monitoring market activity from their editorial positions in the financial media and publishing industry, and managing global portfolios of securities. 28

 

Activities of Affiliates of the Adviser

 

Companies affiliated with the Adviser, including The Motley Fool, LLC, publish information, opinions, and recommendations regarding the purchase and sale of securities, possibly including securities that are held by or being considered for purchase or sale by the Funds. These opinions and recommendations may be consistent with, or opposed to, the views of the Adviser and may adversely affect the prices of securities held by the Funds or the prices at which the Funds can purchase or sell a security. The Funds, the Adviser, and the Adviser’s publishing affiliates have adopted procedures designed to prevent personnel of the publishing affiliates from obtaining or using nonpublic information about each Fund’s holdings or the Adviser’s strategy or actual or potential portfolios. These procedures are also designed to prevent the Adviser and its personnel from using pre-publication information obtained from the publishing affiliates and to assure that investment decisions for the Funds are consistent with what the Adviser believes to be in the Funds’ best interest. Additionally, the members of the Adviser’s Investment Committee provide advisory services on behalf of another affiliate, Motley Fool Wealth Management, LLC (“MFWM”), particularly for MFWM’s separately managed accounts. The advice given on behalf of MFWM, consistently with the mandates of its various strategies, may also be consistent with or opposed to the views of the Adviser in relation to the Funds and may adversely affect the prices of securities held by the Funds or the prices at which they can purchase or sell a security. MFWM and the Adviser have adopted procedures to assure that neither MFWM nor the Adviser (or their respective clients) can benefit from any informational or trading advantage over the other. A description of the Funds’ policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of information regarding their portfolio securities and the procedures designed to minimize conflicts between the Funds, the Adviser, MFWM, and the Adviser’s publishing affiliates is contained in the SAI.

 

Management of the Funds

 

The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) (of which each Fund is a series) is responsible for supervising the operations and affairs of the Funds. The Adviser is responsible for the daily management and administration of the Funds’ operations.

 

Investment Adviser

 

The Adviser is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Motley Fool Holdings Inc. (“TMF Holdings”), a multimedia financial-services holding company that also owns The Motley Fool, LLC, which publishes investment information and analysis across a wide range of media, including investment-newsletter services, websites, and books. TMF Holdings is controlled by David Gardner and Tom Gardner. The Adviser is located at 2000 Duke Street, Suite 275, Alexandria, VA 22314.

 

Subject to the overall supervision of the Board, the Adviser manages the overall investment operations of the Funds in accordance with the Funds’ investment objective and policies and formulates a continuing investment strategy for each Fund pursuant to the terms of an investment advisory agreement between the Company and the Adviser (the “Advisory Agreement”). Under the terms of the Advisory Agreement, each Fund pays the Adviser a fee that is computed and paid monthly at an annual rate of 0.85% of the Funds’ average daily net assets during the month.

 

 

28 We’re sure you’ve heard that “past performance is no guarantee of future results.” The past experience of members of the Adviser’s investment committee does not guarantee future results.

 

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Under the terms of an expense limitation and reimbursement agreement 29 entered into by the Company and the Adviser, the Adviser has contractually agreed to pay, waive or absorb a portion of the Funds’ Investor Shares and Institutional Shares (as applicable to a Fund) operating expenses through the end of December 31, 2018, to the extent necessary to limit the Funds’ annual operating expenses (excluding brokerage commissions, taxes, interest expense, acquired fund fees and expenses, and any extraordinary expenses) to an amount not exceeding 1.15% and 0.95%, respectively, annually of each Fund’s average daily net assets. The Adviser may recover from the Funds fees and expenses previously paid, waived or absorbed for a period of three years after such fees or expenses were incurred, provided that the repayments do not cause the Funds’ operating expenses (excluding brokerage commissions, taxes, interest expense, acquired fund fees and expenses, and any extraordinary expenses) to exceed 1.15% and 0.95% annually of the Funds’ average daily net assets for the Investor Class and Institutional Class, respectively (as each share class is applicable to a Fund), or, if less, the expense limitation that was in place at the time the fees or expenses were paid, waived or absorbed.

 

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2016, the Predecessor Independence Fund Investor Shares paid 0.85% (expressed as a percentage of average net assets) to the Adviser for its services, and the Predecessor Independence Fund Institutional Shares were reimbursed by the Adviser in the amount of 0.32% (expressed as a percentage of average net assets), in light of the contractual expense limitation of the Predecessor Independence Fund. Had fee waivers and expense reimbursements not been in place, the Predecessor Independence Fund Investor Shares and Institutional Shares would have paid 0.85% and 0.85%, respectively, to the Adviser for its services.

 

For the fiscal period ended August 31, 2017, the Global Opportunities Fund Investor Shares paid 1.15% (expressed as a percentage of average net assets) to the Adviser for its services, and the Global Opportunities Fund Institutional Shares were reimbursed by the Adviser in the amount of 0.22% (expressed as a percentage of average net assets), in light of the contractual expense limitation of the Global Opportunities Fund. Had fee waivers and expense reimbursements not been in place, the Global Opportunities Fund Investor Shares and Institutional Shares would have paid 1.15% and 1.17%, respectively, to the Adviser for its services.

 

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2016, the Predecessor Great America Fund Investor Shares paid 0.83% (expressed as a percentage of average net assets) to the Adviser for its services, and the Predecessor Great America Fund Institutional Shares were reimbursed by the Adviser in the amount of 0.60% (expressed as a percentage of average net assets), in light of the contractual expense limitation of the Predecessor Great America Fund. Had fee waivers and expense reimbursements not been in place, the Predecessor Great America Fund Investor Shares and Institutional Shares would have paid 0.85% and 0.85%, respectively, to the Adviser for its services.

 

For the fiscal period ended August 31, 2017, the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund Investor Shares paid 1.15% (expressed as a percentage of average net assets) to the Adviser for its services, and the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund Institutional Shares were reimbursed by the Adviser in the amount of 0.52% (expressed as a percentage of average net assets), in light of the contractual expense limitation of the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund. Had fee waivers and expense reimbursements not been in place, the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund Investor Shares and Institutional Shares would have paid 1.16% and 1.47%, respectively, to the Adviser for its services.

 

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2016, the Predecessor Epic Voyage Fund Investor Shares were reimbursed by the Adviser in the amount of 0.09% (expressed as a percentage of average net assets) and in light of the contractual expense limitation of the Predecessor Epic Voyage Fund. Had fee waivers and expense reimbursements not been in place, the Predecessor Epic Voyage Fund Investor Shares would have paid 0.85% to the Adviser for its services.

 

For the fiscal period ended August 31, 2017, the Emerging Markets Fund Investor Shares were reimbursed by the Adviser in the amount of 0.85% (expressed as a percentage of average net assets) in light of the contractual expense limitation of the Emerging Markets Fund. Had fee waivers and expense reimbursements not been in place, the Emerging Markets Fund Investor Shares would have paid 2.00% to the Adviser for its services.

 

 

29 The effect of this agreement is to limit the Funds’ expense ratio and thus limit the expenses you bear as a shareholder of the Funds. We’ve imposed this limit because during the early days of the Funds, they will probably not have a large amount of assets, and some of the fees and expenses they must pay are not tied to the size of the Funds. We believe that the Adviser should be paid for its work, but we don’t want to penalize early investors in the Funds.

 

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A discussion regarding the Board’s approval of the Advisory Agreement and the factors the Board considered with respect to each Fund is available in the Funds’ annual report to shareholders for the fiscal period ended August 31, 2017.

 

The Adviser’s Investment Management Team

 

The Adviser uses an investment committee research approach to determine the investment merits of securities under consideration. The Investment Committee is currently composed of Bryan C. Hinmon, CFA, William S. Barker, CFA, Anthony L. Arsta, Nathan G. Weisshaar, CFA, David A. Meier, and Charles L. Travers Jr. The Investment Committee, chaired by Mr. Hinmon, is primarily responsible for all investment-related services provided to the Funds by the Adviser. All portfolio managers are responsible for conducting original, fundamental research on securities that suit the Adviser’s quality growth at a reasonable price investment criteria. Decision making authority and portfolio management decisions of each Fund’s assets is the responsibility of each Fund’s respective lead portfolio managers.

 

Bryan C. Hinmon, CFA

 

Bryan Hinmon is the Chief Investment Officer and Senior Portfolio Manager at the Advisor, as well as Chairman of the Investment Committee for the Funds, having served in the Chief Investment Officer, Senior Portfolio Manager and Chairman capacity since 2017 and as a Portfolio Manager for the Global Opportunities Fund, Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund, and Emerging Markets Fund since 2014. As CIO of the firm, Mr. Hinmon is responsible for leading the investment team, maintaining the firm’s investment philosophy, and managing client assets. He also works as an analyst, identifying and researching investments for the firm’s affiliate, Motley Fool Wealth Management’s separately managed account strategies.

 

He joined the Adviser in 2014 after more than four years at The Motley Fool, LLC, where he helped manage Motley Fool Pro , a long/short and options portfolio service. Mr. Hinmon also served as a senior analyst on Motley Fool Options for more than four years and led the company’s Analyst Development Program for two years.

 

Before life at The Motley Fool, Mr. Hinmon was a portfolio manager at Bulwark Capital Management, a hedge fund with an approach that balanced fundamental long-term equity investing, option income, and special situations. Earlier in his career, he worked as a research analyst for an asset manager in Naples, Florida, that provided portfolio management and operated a covered-call hedge fund. Mr. Hinmon graduated from Stetson University with a bachelor’s degree in finance. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is a member of The Boston Security Analysts Society.

 

William S. Barker, CFA

 

Bill Barker is a Portfolio Manager at the Adviser, having served in that role for the Global Opportunities Fund since 2009, the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund since 2010 and the Emerging Markets Fund since 2011. He joined The Motley Fool in 2005 as a senior analyst for equity research, a role in which he specialized in value-stock analysis and worked primarily on three newsletters: Motley Fool Stock Advisor , Motley Fool Hidden Gems , and Hidden Gems Pay Dirt . Previously, Mr. Barker worked for the SEC in its Office of Investor Education and Assistance, and for the U.S. Department of the Treasury in the Office of Foreign Assets Control, Foreign Terrorism Division. While with Treasury, he worked on the detection and prevention of the funding of foreign terrorist organizations and individuals.

 

He also worked for The Motley Fool, LLC from 1998 to 2001 as the principal writer of personal-finance content for the company’s website and later as an equity analyst and senior producer for investing. Mr. Barker received his CFA designation in 2008 and is a member of the CFA Society of Washington, D.C.

 

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Before his work in finance, Mr. Barker was a trial lawyer in the Commercial Litigation division of the City Solicitor’s Office in Philadelphia, where he handled complex commercial cases as lead counsel in trials involving multimillion-dollar claims. He represented many of the major departments of the city, including the Office of the Mayor. Coming out of law school, he first worked in Washington, D.C., as an associate for Patton Boggs, LLP.

 

Mr. Barker has written extensively for The Motley Fool online as well as for its newsletters and three Motley Fool books. He has been published in Newsweek and has appeared as a commentator on CNN, CNBC, CNBC Europe, MSNBC, BBC, CBS, and NBC’s The Today Show . He graduated cum laude from Yale University with a degree in political philosophy and earned his J.D. from the University of Virginia.

 

Anthony L. Arsta

 

Tony Arsta is a Portfolio Manager at the Adviser, having served in that role for the Global Opportunities Fund since 2009, the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund since 2010 and the Emerging Markets Fund since 2011. Mr. Arsta complements his quality growth at a reasonable price investing focus with applications of statistical analysis and investor psychology. After joining The Motley Fool, LLC in 2008, he contributed his writing and analysis to Motley Fool Million Dollar Portfolio, as well as several other Foolish newsletter services. Mr. Arsta earned his M.B.A. with distinction from DePaul University, with a concentration in finance, and also holds a B.S. in computer science from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

 

Nathan G. Weisshaar, CFA

 

Nate Weisshaar is a Portfolio Manager at the Adviser, having served in that role for the Global Opportunities Fund, Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund and Emerging Markets Fund since 2014. Mr. Weisshaar has a particular interest in international and banking stocks. After joining The Motley Fool, LLC in 2007 as an equity research analyst for Motley Fool Global Gains and several other newsletters, Mr. Weisshaar subsequently became a co-advisor on Motley Fool Champion Shares PRO and Motley Fool Share Advisor, The Motley Fool’s newsletter products for the UK market, while living in London from 2011 to 2014. After graduating from the University of Arizona with a B.S. in finance, Mr. Weisshaar worked as a banking consultant at United Bankers Bank in Minnesota.

 

David A. Meier

 

David Meier is a Portfolio Manager at the Adviser, having served in that role for the Global Opportunities Fund, Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund and Emerging Markets Fund since 2014. Mr. Meier specializes in identifying investing opportunities in today’s and tomorrow’s great growth companies. He joined The Motley Fool, LLC in 2005, writing and editing for The Motley Fool online. Just before joining the Adviser, Mr. Meier worked as an analyst on Motley Fool Rule Breakers, a mission leader for Motley Fool Supernova, and an associate advisor for Motley Fool Million Dollar Portfolio, managing its high-growth stocks.

 

Before working for The Motley Fool, Mr. Meier spent more than a decade as an engineer, developing and designing gas turbines at both Rolls Royce and General Electric. He graduated from Virginia Tech with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering. Mr. Meier also earned his M.B.A. from Wake Forest University. He is comfortable with both the physics and the economics of a wide variety of technologies and technology investments.

 

Charles L. Travers Jr.

 

Charly Travers is a Portfolio Manager at the Adviser, having served in that role for the Global Opportunities Fund, Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund and Emerging Markets Fund since 2014. Mr. Travers focuses on identifying companies that have opportunities to reinvest their profits and earn high returns on capital. He has experience analyzing companies in a wide range of industries.

 

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On joining The Motley Fool, LLC in 2005, Mr. Travers contributed research on biotechnology companies to Motley Fool Rule Breakers. He subsequently became an associate advisor for Motley Fool Million Dollar Portfolio and was one of the founding advisors on Motley Fool Share Advisor, a newsletter product for the U.K. market. He earned his M.A. in psychology from Illinois Wesleyan University and also holds an M.S. in pharmacological and physiological sciences from St. Louis University.

 

The SAI provides additional information about the compensation of each member of the Investment Committee, other accounts managed by them, and their ownership of shares of the Funds. 30

 

Fund Expenses 31

 

Each Fund pays all of its expenses other than those expressly assumed by the Adviser. Expenses of each Fund are deducted from the Funds’ total income before dividends are paid. Each Fund’s expenses include, but are not limited to, (1) fees paid to the Adviser and the Funds’ administrator; (2) fees of the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm, custodian, and transfer agent, and certain related expenses; (3) taxes; (4) brokerage fees and commissions; (5) interest; (6) costs incident to meetings of the Board and meetings of the Funds’ shareholders; (7) costs of printing and mailing prospectuses and reports to shareholders and the filing of reports with regulatory bodies; (8) legal fees and disbursements; (9) fees payable to federal and state regulatory authorities; (10) fees and expenses of Directors who are not “interested” persons, as defined by the 1940 Act, of each Fund; and (11) any extraordinary expenses. 32

 

Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Expenses incurred for all the Company’s funds (such as Director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of the Company, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of each Fund.

 

Net Asset Value

 

Investor Shares and Institutional Shares of each Fund are priced at their NAV. The NAV per share of each Fund is calculated as follows:

 

  Value of Assets Attributable to a Class  
NAV = - Value of Liabilities Attributable to the same Class  
  Number of Outstanding Shares of the Class  

 

 

30 The Motley Fool has long favored management teams who put their money where their mouths are and invest alongside their shareholders. The SAI, which supplements the information in this prospectus, tells you the level of personal investment the members of the Adviser’s investment committee have in the Funds, as well as much other important additional information.

 

31 Many investors do not pay enough attention to the “Fees and Expenses” sections of prospectuses. We think that’s a mistake. You are investing your money, in the hope that it will grow. Every dollar that you pay in fees and expenses is a dollar that is no longer working for you. With the power of compounding over time, each dollar in fees could cost you significantly more than a dollar in forgone returns. Does that mean that you should always invest in the cheapest fund you can find? Not necessarily. Fees and expenses are just part of the calculation of the total value that you receive from any given fund.

 

32 Longtime followers know that The Motley Fool has often written about the virtues of index funds, which typically have lower fees and expenses than do actively managed funds, including the Funds. Costs are certainly an important consideration when choosing a fund. Savvy types, however, should bear this in mind: With an index tracker, investors are likely to lose to the market each year by about the amount of the index fund’s annual expenses. Each of our Fund’s objectives, on the other hand, is to surpass the return of its index, not merely to lag it by the amount of its expense ratio. We may not succeed, of course, but we will try to do so by relying on the Adviser’s approach to investing, which is based on principles of investing long-advocated by The Motley Fool.

 

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The NAV of each Fund’s shares is determined once daily as of the close of regular trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time), on each day the NYSE is open for business. Each Fund calculates NAV per share by dividing the value of its net assets ( i.e. , the value of its assets less its liabilities) by the total number of shares outstanding. Due to the fact that different expenses are charged to the Investor Shares and the Institutional Shares of a Fund, the NAV of the two classes of a Fund may vary. Each Fund’s investments are valued at their market value or, if market quotations are not readily available, at their fair value as determined in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board. Securities of the Global Opportunities Fund, the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund or the Emerging Markets Fund (to the extent they hold foreign securities) traded on foreign stock exchanges are generally valued based upon the closing prices for those securities on the principal exchanges where the securities are traded, subject to possible adjustment as described below. The value of non-dollar-denominated portfolio securities held by a Fund are determined by converting all assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currency values into U.S. dollar values, based on exchange rates supplied by a quotation service.

 

If market quotations for a security are not readily available or if the Adviser believes that market quotations do not accurately reflect fair value of a security, that security will be valued at its fair value as determined in good faith by the Board. 33 Such determinations are made by the Adviser or through the use of a pricing service under procedures established and periodically reviewed by and under the ultimate supervision of the Board. A fair value determination may be required if, for example, (1) only a bid price or an asked price is available, (2) the spread between bid and asked prices is substantial, (3) there is a suspension or limitation of trading, or (4) events or actions affecting the market prices of portfolio securities occur after the close of the relevant market.

 

Foreign securities in which the Global Opportunities Fund and Emerging Markets Fund invest may be traded in markets that close before the time that the Global Opportunities Fund and Emerging Markets Fund calculate their net asset value. In addition, certain foreign securities in which the Global Opportunities Fund and Emerging Markets Fund invest may be listed on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other days when the Global Opportunities Fund and Emerging Markets Fund do not calculate their net asset value. In these situations, the value of the Global Opportunities Fund’s and Emerging Markets Fund’s holdings may change on days when shareholders are not able to purchase or redeem the Global Opportunities Fund’s and Emerging Markets Fund’s shares. The Board has authorized the Global Opportunities Fund and Emerging Markets Fund to retain a pricing service to determine the value of its portfolio securities, including the determination of the fair value of securities in situations when the value of such securities has been materially affected by events occurring before the Global Opportunities Fund’s and Emerging Markets Fund’s pricing time but after the close of the primary markets or exchanges on which such foreign securities are traded. These intervening events might be country-specific (e.g., natural disaster, economic or political developments, interest-rate change), issuer-specific (e.g., earnings report, merger announcement), or U.S. market-specific (e.g., a significant movement in the U.S. markets that is deemed to affect the value of foreign securities). The pricing service uses an automated system incorporating a model based on multiple parameters, including a security’s local closing price; relevant general and sector indices; currency fluctuations; trading in depositary receipts and futures, if applicable; and research valuations by its staff, in determining what it believes is the fair value of the securities. Determining the fair value of portfolio securities involves reliance on judgment, and a security’s fair value may be affected by the method used for determining value. There can be no assurance that the Global Opportunities Fund and Emerging Markets Fund could purchase or sell a portfolio security at the price used to calculate the Global Opportunities Fund’s and Emerging Markets Fund’s net asset value. Because of the inherent uncertainty in making fair value determinations and the various factors considered in determining fair value, there can be significant deviations between the fair value at which a portfolio security is being carried and the price at which it is purchased or sold. Moreover, to the extent that the Global Opportunities Fund and Emerging Markets Fund have significant holdings of foreign securities, fair valuation may be used by the Global Opportunities Fund and Emerging Markets Fund more frequently than is the case for other mutual funds.

 

 

33 You’d think it would be easy to determine what a share of each Fund is worth – just add up the value of everything it holds, and then divide by the number of shares. It’s not that simple, though. Some foreign markets have different operating hours (when it’s daytime in Chicago, for example, it is night in Shanghai). That means that when we calculate each Fund’s value at the end of the day, the market quotations for some of the securities held by the Funds could be several hours old, and intervening events may have affected what the stocks are worth. In addition, characteristics of the relevant markets and stocks might, in some cases, cast doubt on a particular valuation. For these reasons, we may rely on a pricing service to determine the value of particular securities. It is possible that when the Funds buy or sell the securities, the price on the real market will be different from the value used for the fair value pricing.

 

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How to Buy Shares

 

Shares of each Fund may be purchased directly from the Funds by contacting the Funds’ transfer agent and may also be purchased from financial intermediaries that make shares of the Funds available to their customers. Shares are sold on a “no load” basis, 34 which means that you pay no sales charge when you purchase or redeem shares. 35

 

You may purchase each Fund’s shares at the NAV per share next computed after receipt of your purchase order in proper form by the Funds’ transfer agent, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (the “Transfer Agent”). See “NET ASSET VALUE.” An order is in proper form if it meets applicable requirements as described in this prospectus. The minimum initial investment in each Fund’s Investor Shares is $500. Subsequent investments in an Investor Shares account may be made in any amount of $50 or more.

 

The minimum initial investment in each Fund’s Institutional Shares is $100,000. 36 The Emerging Markets Fund does not currently offer Institutional Shares for sale. Subsequent investments in an Institutional Shares account may be made in any amount. Exceptions apply for:

 

-Discretionary wrap programs;

-Registered investment advisers who invest through certain broker-dealers or custodian through an omnibus account may aggregate client orders to meet the $100,000 initial investment minimum, provided that the Fund is not required to pay a sub-transfer agent or similar administrative fees per shareholder account to any third party; and

-Current Directors or employees of TMF Holdings, Inc. who invest directly through the Funds’ transfer agent, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC. For these investors, the minimum initial investment is $500, and the minimum for each purchase of additional shares is $50. Additional requirements may apply.

 

In addition, the Funds may waive these minimum investment requirements in special circumstances and may modify these requirements at any time. The Funds reserve the right to reject any purchase order.

 

You will not receive any stock certificate evidencing your purchase of Fund shares. Instead, you will receive written or electronic confirmation of each transaction except for systematic purchases and redemptions and quarterly statements showing account balances. Shares of each Fund have not been registered for sale outside the U.S.

 

To comply with the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 and the Funds’ Anti-Money-Laundering Program, you are required to provide certain information to the Funds when you purchase shares. You must supply your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and permanent street address (and not a post office box) on your account application. You may, however, use a post office box as your mailing address. Please contact the Transfer Agent at 1-888-863-8803 if you need additional assistance when completing your account application. If the Transfer Agent cannot obtain reasonable proof of your identity, the account may be rejected and you will not be allowed to purchase additional shares for your account until the necessary information is received. The Funds reserve the right to close any account after shares are purchased if clarifying information or documentation is requested from you but is not received.

 

 

34 A “load,” or sales charge, is a fee that you are charged for the “privilege” of investing in some mutual funds. When a fund charges a load, you are putting less of your money to work than you might think. For example, if you were investing $10,000 in a fund that had a 2.5% front-end load, $250 would be taken off the top of your investment and leave you with only $9,750 in your account. The Funds do not charge any load.

 

35 As discussed earlier, each Fund’s expense ratio does not include a 12b-1 marketing and distribution fee.

 

36 A note to shareholders: Fund minimums are subject to third party distribution policies - if you invest directly through Motley Fool Funds and our transfer agent, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, your minimum required investment for Investor Shares will be $500 and your minimum required investment for Institutional Shares will be $100,000. If you invest through a brokerage account, you’ll have to abide by their rules.

 

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Small-Balance Account Fee

 

Although the minimum initial investment in each Fund’s Investor Shares is $500 and Institutional Shares is $100,000, if the value of any account is less than $10,000, that account may be subject annually to a $24 small-balance account fee, which will be assessed by redeeming shares from that account.

 

For example, if you have one account that consists of $5,000 worth of shares of the Global Opportunities Fund, $5,000 worth of shares of the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund and $5,000 worth of shares of the Emerging Markets Fund, you will NOT be assessed a $24 fee for each of those three fund positions in that account because the total balance of your Motley Fool Funds account is more than $10,000. If you had $3,000 worth of shares in the Global Opportunities Fund and $1,500 worth of shares in the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund, you would be assessed a $24 fee on the account because the combined balance of your Motley Fool Funds account would be less than $10,000.

 

We’ve also made it possible for shareholders who have a balance less than $10,000 to be exempt from the fee. For account holders who register for an Automatic Investing Plan (AIP) 37 of at least $50 per month and choose to receive annual reports, semiannual reports, prospectus updates and quarterly statements by e-mail, no small-balance account fee will be assessed, regardless of the balance in your account. 38

 

The small-balance account fee is assessed during the fourth calendar quarter of each year but will not be assessed on accounts that have been maintained for less than six months. The fee also does not apply to shares held through an omnibus account with the Funds maintained by your securities dealer or mutual fund marketplace, to Fund-sponsored retirement accounts or group retirement or employee savings plan accounts, or to accounts such as asset allocation programs that offer automatic rebalancing, wrap fee accounts, or similar types of accounts or programs.

 

The small-balance account fee is distributed directly to the Funds to reinvest on behalf of shareholders. The fee is implemented to offset the higher costs, which all shareholders of the Funds indirectly bear, associated with maintaining small accounts. The effective annual expenses borne by shareholders who invest less than $10,000 in a Fund and are subject to the small-balance account fee will be higher as a result of this fee.

 

If you plan to invest less than $10,000, you should consider that the small-balance account fee (if applicable) will increase the expenses you bear as a shareholder, potentially by as much as 4.8% annually (if you invest only the $500 minimum for Investor Shares and do not enroll in an Automatic Investment Program (AIP) and e-mail delivery of annual reports, semiannual reports, prospectus updates and quarterly statements). For the purposes of assessing the fee, the balances of multiple accounts owned by the same individual, whether in the same fund or in different funds offered by the Company, are combined to assess whether the account has met the $10,000 minimum. 39

 

 

37 “Sounds great!” you might say, “How do I do those things?” When you invest at foolfunds.com, you’ll include your bank account information and sign up for an Automatic Investing Plan (AIP) of at least $50 a month. After your investment is complete, you’ll register for online access to your Fool Funds account. Once you’ve registered, click the “Account Options” tab to select electronic delivery. That’s it! If you’re an existing shareholder, including a shareholder who opened your account with a paper application, log into your online account (or create an online account if one does not exist) and click the “Account Options” tab to initiate an AIP and review your electronic delivery options. Make sure you select the “email” setting for the annual report, semiannual report, prospectus updates and quarterly statements to be eligible for the fee waiver.

 

38 We determine whether accounts are owned by the same individual by the primary Social Security Number (SSN) or Tax Identification Number (TIN) that was included on the account application. This means that no matter what type of account- regular or IRA- your Fund balances will be combined to determine whether or not you are subject to the small balance account fee.

 

39 Because our systems use primary SSNs to determine the total holdings of individuals with multiple funds or accounts, we cannot combine accounts within a household or family. So, for example, if two people in a household each hold an account with the Global Opportunities Fund of $7,000, each may be assessed the small-balance account fee, unless he or she has signed up for an Automatic Investment Plan (AIP) and e-mail delivery.

 

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Purchase by Internet

 

You may purchase shares of each Fund by completing and submitting an electronic account application at the Funds’ website, www.foolfunds.com, and funding your purchase through an electronic Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) transfer of money to the Funds from your checking or savings account. For more information on this service, and the required forms, please go to www.foolfunds.com or call 1-888-863-8803. Shares will be issued at the NAV per share next computed after your order is received. As with any transactions you effect on the Internet, there are various risks, including the risk that your instructions may be lost, delayed, or inaccurately transmitted, and the risk that your personal information may be intercepted and improperly used by an unauthorized third party.

 

Automated Clearing House Purchases

 

Even if you do not open your account online, you may purchase additional shares of each Fund through an ACH transfer of money from your checking or savings account. The ACH service will automatically debit your pre-designated bank account for the desired amount. Shares purchased using an ACH transfer will be issued at the NAV per share next computed after your order is received. For more information on this service, and required forms, please go to the Funds’ website, www.foolfunds.com, or call 1-888-863-8803. When you pay for shares using an ACH transfer (including any purchase you make on the Internet), the proceeds of a redemption of those shares may be delayed until the ACH transfer has been converted to federal funds, a process that may take up to twelve calendar days.

 

Purchase by Mail

 

You may also purchase shares by sending a check made payable to “Global Opportunities Fund,” “Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund,” or “Emerging Markets Fund” (depending upon which Fund’s shares you want to buy) together with a completed account application in the case of an initial investment, to:

 

Regular Mail

Motley Fool Funds
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

P.O. Box 701

Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701

 

Express/Overnight Mail

Motley Fool Funds
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

The Funds do not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, deposit in the mail or with such services, or receipt at the U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC post office box, of purchase orders does not constitute receipt by the Transfer Agent of the Funds. Receipt of purchase orders is based on when the order is received at the Transfer Agent’s offices.

 

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Subsequent investments made by check should be accompanied with the investment form (which will be enclosed with the confirmations and statements sent by the Funds and is also available on the Funds’ website, www.foolfunds.com, or from the Transfer Agent).

 

The Funds do not accept payment in cash or money orders. The Funds also do not accept third-party checks, Treasury checks, credit card checks, traveler’s checks or starter checks for the purchase of shares. The Funds are unable to accept post-dated checks or any conditional order or payment. Checks for the purchase of shares must be made payable to the Funds and be drawn on a bank located within the U.S. and payable in U.S. dollars. Always write your Fund account number on the check.

 

Payments for redemptions of shares recently purchased by check (but not the date as of which the redemption price is determined) may be delayed to assure that the purchase check clears, which may take up to eight days from when your check is received. In such cases, redemption proceeds will be sent when purchase checks clear. This delay can be avoided if shares are purchased by wire and does not apply if there are sufficient other cleared shares in your account to satisfy the requested redemption. The Transfer Agent will charge you a $25 fee for any returned check. Payments for redemptions of shares recently purchased by means of an ACH transfer may also be delayed. See “HOW TO REDEEM SHARES.”

 

Purchase by Wire

 

You may purchase shares for initial investment or for subsequent investments by wiring federal funds. Please call the Transfer Agent at 1-888-863-8803 for wire transfer instructions.

 

For Initial Investment by Wire

 

If you are making your first investment in the Funds, before you wire funds, the Transfer Agent must have received your completed account application. You can mail or overnight-deliver your account application to the Transfer Agent. Upon receipt of your account application, the Transfer Agent will establish an account for you. The wire from your bank must include the name of the Fund and your name and account number so that your wire can be correctly applied.

 

Your bank should transmit funds by wire to:

 

U.S. Bank, N.A.

777 East Wisconsin Avenue

Milwaukee, WI 53202

ABA #075000022

Credit: U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

Account #112-952-137

Further Credit:

(name of Fund and share class to be purchased)

(shareholder registration)

(shareholder account number)

 

Please be sure to submit a completed account application with an initial purchase order. An account application must be on file with the Transfer Agent to purchase shares.

 

For Subsequent Investments by Wire

 

Before sending your wire, please call the Transfer Agent at 1-888-863-8803 to ensure prompt and accurate credit upon receipt of your wire.

 

Wired funds must be received before the close of the NYSE, normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, to be eligible for same-day pricing. The Funds and their agents are not responsible for the consequences of delays resulting from the banking or Federal Reserve wire system, or for incomplete wire instructions or errors in those instructions.

 

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Purchase Through an Authorized Securities Dealer or Mutual Fund Marketplace

 

You may purchase shares of each Fund through any securities dealer or mutual fund marketplace that has been authorized by the Funds to make shares available. Authorized securities dealers may be authorized by the Funds to designate other intermediaries to receive purchase and redemption orders. An order to purchase shares are deemed received by the Funds when the authorized securities dealer (or, if applicable, its authorized designee) receives the order in such form as meets requirements established by the particular securities dealer or mutual fund marketplace, and shares will be issued at the NAV per share next determined after receipt of your order. See “NET ASSET VALUE.”

 

Your securities dealer, a mutual fund marketplace, or another financial organization may establish policies that differ from those of the Funds. For example, the organization may impose higher minimum investment requirements than are imposed by the Funds or may charge you a transaction fee or other fees, which may not be imposed by the Funds, in connection with purchases and redemptions of Fund shares.

 

Canceled or Failed Payments

 

Each Fund accepts checks and ACH transfers for the purchase of shares at full value, subject to collection. If you pay for shares with a check or ACH transfer that does not clear, your purchase will be canceled. You will be responsible for any resulting losses or expenses incurred by the Funds or the Transfer Agent, and the Funds may redeem shares you own in the account to effect reimbursement. The Funds and their agents have the right to reject or cancel any purchase order because of nonpayment.

 

Market Timing and Abusive-Trading Activity Policy

 

In accordance with the policy adopted by the Board, the Company discourages and does not accommodate market timing and other excessive trading practices. Purchases should be made with a view to longer-term investment only. Excessive short-term (market timing) trading practices may disrupt portfolio management strategies, increase brokerage and administrative costs, harm Fund performance and result in dilution in the value of shares held by long-term shareholders. The Company and the Adviser reserve the right to (i) reject a purchase or exchange order, (ii) delay payment of immediate cash redemption proceeds for up to seven calendar days, (iii) revoke a shareholder's privilege to purchase shares (including exchanges), or (iv) limit the amount of any exchange involving the purchase of shares. An investor may receive notice that their purchase order or exchange has been rejected after the day the order is placed or after acceptance by a financial intermediary. It is currently expected that a shareholder would receive notice that its purchase order or exchange has been rejected within 48 hours after such purchase order or exchange has been received by the Company in good order. The Company and the Adviser will not be liable for any loss resulting from rejected purchase orders. To minimize harm to the Company and its shareholders (or the Adviser), the Company (or the Adviser) will exercise its right if, in the Company's (or the Adviser's) judgment, an investor has a history of excessive trading or if an investor's trading, in the judgment of the Company (or the Adviser), has been or may be disruptive to a Fund. No waivers of the provisions of the policy established to detect and deter market timing and other excessive trading activity are permitted that would harm a Fund and its shareholders or would subordinate the interests of a Fund and its shareholders to those of the Adviser or any affiliated person or associated person of the Adviser.

 

Pursuant to the policy adopted by the Board, the Adviser has developed criteria that it uses to identify trading activity that may be excessive. If, in its judgment, the Adviser detects excessive, short-term trading, the Adviser may reject or restrict a purchase request and may further seek to close an investor's account with the Fund.

 

If necessary, the Company may prohibit additional purchases of shares by a financial intermediary or by certain customers of the financial intermediary. Financial intermediaries may also monitor their customers' trading activities in the Funds. The criteria used by intermediaries to monitor for excessive trading may differ from the criteria used by the Company. If a financial intermediary fails to enforce the Company's excessive trading policies, the Company may take certain actions, including terminating the relationship.

 

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There is no assurance that a Fund will be able to identify market timers, particularly if they are investing through intermediaries.

 

How to Redeem Shares

 

You may redeem shares of each Fund at any time. As described below, redemption requests may be made by mail or telephone through the Transfer Agent or may be made through an authorized financial intermediary or mutual fund marketplace. Your shares will be redeemed at their current NAV per share next computed after receipt of your redemption request in accordance with the procedures described in this prospectus. See “NET ASSET VALUE.” The value of the shares redeemed may be more or less than their original cost, depending on changes in the Funds’ NAV per share.

 

The Funds typically expect to meet redemption requests by paying out proceeds from cash or cash equivalent portfolio holdings, or by selling portfolio securities. In stressed market conditions, redemption methods may include redeeming in kind.

 

If your account balance after a redemption is less than $10,000, your account may be subject to a small-balance account fee. See “HOW TO BUY SHARES – Small-Balance Account Fee.”

 

The Funds normally make payment for all shares redeemed as soon as practicable, generally within two business days but no later than seven days after receipt by the Transfer Agent of a redemption request in proper form. Your redemption request must include: (1) the name of the Fund and share class, (2) the number of shares or dollar amount to be redeemed, (3) the account number and (4) signatures by all of the shareholders whose names appear on the account registration with a signature guarantee, if applicable. If you purchase shares by check or ACH and submit shortly thereafter a redemption request, the redemption proceeds will not be transmitted to you until your purchase check or ACH transfer has cleared. This process may take up to eight days. Shareholders who redeem shares held in an IRA must indicate on their written redemption request whether federal income taxes or any applicable state taxes should be withheld. If not, this type of redemption can be subject to 10% federal income tax withholding and, possibly, state taxes. Shares held in IRA and other retirement accounts may be redeemed by telephone at 1-888-863-8803. Investors will be asked whether or not to withhold taxes from any distribution. The Funds may suspend the right of redemption or postpone payment of redemption proceeds under unusual circumstances, as permitted by the 1940 Act or by the SEC.

 

Shares of each Fund may be redeemed by using one of the procedures described below. For additional information regarding redemption procedures, you may go to the Funds’ website, www.foolfunds.com, or call 1-888-863-8803 or your securities dealer.

 

You may redeem shares by mailing a written request to:

 

Regular Mail

Motley Fool Funds
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

P. O. Box 701

Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701

 

Express/Overnight Mail

Motley Fool Funds
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

The Funds do not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, deposit in the mail or with such services, or receipt at the U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC post office box, of redemption requests does not constitute receipt by the Transfer Agent of the Funds. Receipt of redemption requests is based on when the order is received at the Transfer Agent’s offices.

 

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The proceeds of a written redemption request are normally paid by check made payable to the shareholders. You may request that redemption proceeds of $1,000 or more be wired to your account at any member bank of the Federal Reserve System if you have previously designated that account as one to which redemption proceeds may be wired. See “Telephone Redemption Requests.” A $15 fee will be deducted from your account if payment is made by federal funds wire transfer. This fee is subject to change. Depending on how quickly you wish to receive payment, you can request that payment be made by ACH transfer, without charges, if you have established this redemption option.

 

Signature Guarantees

 

The Transfer Agent has adopted standards and procedures pursuant to which signature guarantees in proper form are generally accepted from domestic banks, brokers, dealers, credit unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies, and savings associations, as well as from participants in the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program and the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (“STAMP”). A notary public is not an acceptable signature guarantor. A signature guarantee of each owner, from either a Medallion program member or a non-Medallion program member, is required in the following situations:

 

If ownership changes on your account.
When redemption proceeds are payable or sent to any person, address, or bank account not on record.
When a redemption is received by the Transfer Agent and the account address has changed within the last 15 calendar days.
For all redemptions in excess of $50,000 from any shareholder account.

 

The Funds and/or the Transfer Agent may require a signature guarantee or other acceptable signature authentication in other instances based on the circumstances relative to the particular situation.

 

Non-financial transactions including establishing or modifying certain services on an account may require a signature verification from a Signature Validation Program member or other acceptable form of authentication from a financial source.

 

If you have any questions about signature guarantees, please call 1-888-863-8803.

 

Telephone Redemption Requests

 

You may redeem shares by telephone request if you have elected to have this option. To arrange for telephone redemptions after an account has been opened, or to change the bank account or address designated to receive redemption proceeds, please call the Transfer Agent at 1-888-863-8803 for instructions. Requests to change the bank account or address designated to receive redemptive proceeds must be signed by each account owner and may require a signature guarantee. You may place a telephone redemption request of up to $50,000 by calling 1-888-863-8803. You may choose to have the redemption paid by check sent to your address of record, or by federal funds wire transfer (minimum amount of $1,000) or electronic ACH funds transfer to your pre-designated bank account. A $15 fee will be deducted from your account if payment is made by federal funds wire transfer. This fee is subject to change. There is no charge for proceeds sent by ACH transfer; however, you may not receive credit for transferred funds for two to three days.

 

Telephone trades must be received by or prior to market close. Please allow sufficient time to place your telephone transaction. During times of extreme economic or market conditions, you may experience difficulty in contacting the Transfer Agent by telephone to request a redemption. In such an event, you should consider using a written redemption request sent by overnight service to:

 

Motley Fool Funds
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701

 

49  

 

Using this procedure may result in having your redemption request processed at a later time than it would have been if the telephone redemption procedure had been used. During the delay, the Funds’ NAV per share may fluctuate.

 

By selecting the telephone redemption option, you authorize the Transfer Agent to act on telephone instructions reasonably believed to be genuine. The Transfer Agent employs reasonable procedures, such as requiring a form of personal identification, to confirm that telephone redemption instructions are genuine. Neither the Funds nor the Transfer Agent will be liable for any losses resulting from unauthorized or fraudulent instructions if these procedures are followed. The Funds reserve the right to refuse any request made by telephone, including requests made shortly after a change of address, and may limit the number of requests within a specified period. If an account has more than one owner or authorized person, the Funds will accept telephone instructions from any one owner or authorized person. Once a telephone transaction has been placed, it cannot be canceled or modified after the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern time).

 

Redemptions Through an Authorized Securities Dealer or Mutual Fund Marketplace

 

If you hold shares through a securities dealer or mutual fund marketplace, you may place your redemption request through that organization. Shares will be redeemed at the NAV per share next computed after your request is received.

 

Please keep in mind that an authorized securities dealer (or its designee) may charge you a transaction fee or other fees for processing a redemption of Fund shares.

 

Redemptions Using the Internet

 

If you have elected to have the ability to purchase shares using the Internet, you may redeem shares in the same manner, except that this redemption option is not available for retirement plan accounts. If you choose not to have the ability to redeem shares by telephone, you will also be unable to redeem shares using the Internet. Although the systems used by the Transfer Agent include appropriate security measures intended to prevent unauthorized transactions, as with any transactions you effect on the Internet, there are various risks associated with the use of the Internet to redeem shares of each Fund, including the risk that your instructions may be lost, delayed, or inaccurately transmitted and the risk that your personal information may be intercepted and improperly used by an unauthorized third party.

 

Redemption of Small Accounts

 

To reduce Fund expenses, the Funds reserve the right to redeem at their option, upon not less than 30 days written notice, the Investor Shares or Institutional Shares account of any shareholder that has a value of less than $500 in a Fund as a result of one or more redemptions, if the shareholder does not purchase additional shares to increase the account value to at least $500 in the Fund during the notice period.

 

How to Exchange Shares

 

An exchange occurs when a shareholder redeems shares from one of the Funds and uses the proceeds to purchase shares of another Fund in an identically registered account. Minimum investment requirements apply to exchanges. In addition, the 90-day holding period begins again immediately following an exchange. See “HOW TO REDEEM SHARES” for further details. To receive that day’s NAV, any request must be received in good order by the close of regular trading on the NYSE that day (generally 4:00 PM Eastern Time). You will receive a written confirmation for any exchange transactions.

 

There is currently no limit on the number of exchanges that you can make, however, the exchange privilege may be modified or terminated at any time in the future. The Funds may suspend or terminate your exchange privilege at any time for any reason, including if it believes, in its sole discretion, that you are engaging in market timing activities. See “MARKET TIMING AND ABUSIVE-TRADING ACTIVITY POLICY” section for more details.

 

50  

 

The Funds, at their discretion, may suspend the exchange privilege at any time. The Funds may reject for any reason, or cancel as permitted or required by law, any purchase or exchange at any time. Additionally, if any transaction is deemed to have the potential to adversely impact the Funds, the Funds reserve the right to, among other things, reject any exchange request or limit the amount of any exchange.

 

Unless you are a tax-exempt investor or investing through a tax-deferred retirement plan or other tax-advantaged arrangement, an exchange is generally a taxable event, and you may realize a gain or a loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Please consult your tax adviser or other financial professional before making an exchange request.

 

If your account balance after an exchange is less than $10,000, your account may be subject to a small-balance account fee. See “HOW TO BUY SHARES — Small-Balance Account Fee.”

 

Exchange by Internet

 

You may exchange shares by visiting the Funds’ website, www.foolfunds.com, and then accessing your online account. For more information on this service, please go to www.foolfunds.com or call 1-888-863-8803. Shares will be issued at the NAV per share next computed after your order is received. As with any transactions you effect on the Internet, there are various risks, including the risk that your instructions may be lost, delayed, or inaccurately transmitted, and the risk that your personal information may be intercepted and improperly used by an unauthorized third party.

 

Exchange by Telephone or Mail

 

You may also exchange shares by calling the Transfer Agent at 1-888-863-8803 or by sending a written request to:

 

Regular Mail

 

Motley Fool Funds

c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

P. O. Box 701

Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701

 

Express/Overnight Mail

 

Motley Fool Funds

c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Exchanges Through an Authorized Securities Dealer or Mutual Fund Marketplace

 

If you hold shares through a securities dealer or mutual fund marketplace, you may place your exchange request through that organization. Shares will be redeemed at the NAV per share next computed after your request in good order is received. Please keep in mind that an authorized securities dealer (or its designee) may charge you a transaction fee or other fees for processing an exchange of Fund shares.

 

Share Class Conversion

 

Each Fund offers Investor Shares with a minimum balance of $500 and The Motley Fool Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund and The Motley Fool Global Opportunities Fund offer Institutional Shares with a minimum balance of $100,000. The Emerging Markets Fund does not currently offer Institutional Shares for sale. Motley Fool Funds conducts periodic reviews of account balances for shareholders who hold shares directly with the Fund and may, if your account balance in a fund exceeds $100,000, automatically convert your Investor Shares to Institutional Shares. You will be notified before an automatic conversion occurs and will have the opportunity to instruct Motley Fool Funds not to proceed with the conversion. Shareholders may also at any time request conversion of qualifying shares to Institutional Shares, if the shares are held directly with the Fund or if the shareholder’s brokerage permits the conversion to Institutional Shares. Conversely, if a shareholder’s Institutional account balance in a Fund falls below $100,000, the Fund may convert those shares to Investor Shares. Any conversion will occur at the respective NAV of the share class and a shareholder will receive notice of the conversion. For questions regarding conversion, shareholders may either contact the Funds’ transfer agent or the brokerage through which you hold your account.

 

51  

 

Dividends, Distributions,
and Taxes

 

Dividends and Distributions

 

Each Fund pays dividends from its net investment income and distributes any net capital gains that it realizes. Dividends and capital gains distributions are generally paid once a year. All dividends and other distributions will be reinvested in Fund shares unless a shareholder chooses to either (1) receive dividends in cash, while reinvesting capital gains distributions in additional Fund shares; (2) receive all distributions in cash; or (3) reinvest dividends in additional Fund shares, while receiving capital gains distributions in cash. If you wish to change your distribution option, write or call the Transfer Agent at 1-888-863-8803. Your request must be received at least five days prior to the record date of the distribution. Additionally, each Fund reports details of distribution related transactions on quarterly account statements. You may not receive a separate confirmation statement for these transactions.

 

Taxes

 

The following is a summary of certain United States tax considerations relevant under current law, which may be subject to change in the future. Except where otherwise indicated, the discussion relates to investors who are individual United States citizens or residents. You should consult your tax adviser for further information regarding federal, state, local and/or foreign tax consequences relevant to your specific situation.

 

Federal Taxes of Distributions . Each Fund contemplates distributing as dividends each year all or substantially all of its taxable income, including its net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss). Except as otherwise discussed below, you will be subject to federal income tax on Fund distributions regardless of whether they are paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares. Fund distributions attributable to short-term capital gains and net investment income will generally be taxable to you as ordinary income, except as discussed below.

 

Distributions attributable to the net capital gain of a Fund will be taxable to you as long-term capital gain, no matter how long you have owned your Fund shares. The maximum long-term capital gain rate applicable to individuals, estates, and trusts is currently 23.8% (which includes a 3.8% Medicare tax). You will be notified annually of the tax status of distributions to you.

 

Distributions of "qualifying dividends" will also generally be taxable to you at long-term capital gain rates, as long as certain requirements are met. In general, if 95% or more of the gross income of a Fund (other than net capital gain) consists of dividends received from domestic corporations or "qualified" foreign corporations ("qualifying dividends"), then all distributions paid by the Fund to individual shareholders will be taxed at long-term capital gains rates. But if less than 95% of the gross income of a Fund (other than net capital gain) consists of qualifying dividends, then distributions paid by the Fund to individual shareholders will be qualifying dividends only to the extent they are derived from qualifying dividends earned by the Fund. For the lower rates to apply, you must have owned your Fund shares for at least 61 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date that is 60 days before the Fund's ex-dividend date (and the Fund will need to have met a similar holding period requirement with respect to the shares of the corporation paying the qualifying dividend).The amount of a Fund's distributions that qualify for this favorable treatment may be reduced as a result of the Fund's securities lending activities (if any), a high portfolio turnover rate or investments in debt securities or non-qualified foreign corporations.

 

52  

 

Distributions from a Fund will generally be taxable to you in the taxable year in which they are paid, with one exception. Distributions declared by a Fund in October, November or December and paid in January of the following year are taxed as though they were paid on December 31.

 

It is expected that the Funds will be subject to foreign withholding or other foreign income taxes with respect to dividends or interest received from (and, in some cases, gains recognized on shares of stock of) non-U.S. companies. The Emerging Markets Fund will generally be eligible to make an election to treat a proportionate amount of those taxes as constituting a distribution to each shareholder, which would allow you either (1) to credit that proportionate amount of taxes against U.S. federal income tax liability as a foreign tax credit, subject to applicable limitations, or (2) to take that amount as an itemized deduction.

 

A portion of distributions paid by a Fund to shareholders that are corporations may also qualify for the dividends-received deduction for corporations, subject to certain holding period requirements and debt financing limitations. Only the portions of Fund dividends that are attributable to dividends a Fund receives from U.S. companies may qualify for this dividends-received deduction. The amount of the dividends qualifying for this deduction may, however, be reduced as a result of the Fund's securities lending activities (if any), by a high portfolio turnover rate or by investments in debt securities or foreign corporations.

 

If you purchase shares just before a distribution, the purchase price will reflect the amount of the upcoming distribution, but you will be taxed on the entire amount of the distribution received, even though, as an economic matter, the distribution simply constitutes a return of capital. This is known as "buying into a dividend."

 

Sales and Exchanges. You will generally recognize taxable gain or loss for federal income tax purposes on a sale, exchange or redemption of your shares, including an exchange for shares of another Fund, based on the difference between your tax basis in the shares and the amount you receive for them. Generally, you will recognize long-term capital gain or loss if you have held your Fund shares for over twelve months at the time you dispose of them.

 

Any loss realized on shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends that were received on the shares. Additionally, any loss realized on a disposition of shares of a Fund may be disallowed under "wash sale" rules to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced with other shares of the same Fund within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the shares are disposed of, such as pursuant to a dividend reinvestment in shares of a Fund. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in an upward adjustment to the basis of the shares acquired.

 

For shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012, each Fund (or relevant broker or financial adviser) is required to compute and report to the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") and furnish to Fund shareholders cost basis information when such shares are sold or exchanged. Each Fund has elected to use the average cost method, unless you instruct the Fund to use a different IRS-accepted cost basis method, or choose to specifically identify your shares at the time of each sale or exchange. If your account is held by your broker or other financial adviser, they may select a different cost basis method. In these cases, please contact your broker or other financial adviser to obtain information with respect to the available methods and elections for your account. You should carefully review the cost basis information provided by the Fund and make any additional basis, holding period or other adjustments that are required when reporting these amounts on your federal and state income tax returns. Fund shareholders should consult with their tax advisers to determine the best IRS-accepted cost basis method for their tax situation and to obtain more information about how the cost basis reporting requirements apply to them.

 

IRAs and Other Tax-Qualified Plans. The one major exception to the preceding tax principles is that distributions on, and sales, exchanges and redemptions of, shares held in an IRA (or other tax-qualified plan) will not be currently taxable unless such shares were acquired with borrowed funds.

 

Backup Withholding. The Funds may be required in certain cases to withhold and remit to the IRS a percentage of taxable dividends or gross proceeds realized upon sale payable to shareholders who have failed to provide a correct tax identification number in the manner required, or who are subject to withholding by the IRS for failure to properly include on their return payments of taxable interest or dividends, or who have failed to certify to the Fund that they are not subject to backup withholding when required to do so or that they are "exempt recipients." The current backup withholding rate is 28%.

 

53  

 

U.S. Tax Treatment of Foreign Shareholders. Generally, nonresident aliens, foreign corporations and other foreign investors are subject to a 30% withholding tax on dividends paid by a U.S. corporation, although the rate may be reduced for an investor that is a qualified resident of a foreign country with an applicable tax treaty with the United States. In the case of regulated investment companies such as the Funds, however, certain categories of dividends are exempt from the 30% withholding tax. These generally include dividends attributable to the Funds' net capital gains (the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital loss), dividends attributable to the Funds' interest income from U.S. obligors and dividends attributable to net short-term capital gains of the Funds.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally not be subject to U.S. tax on gains realized on the sale, exchange or redemption of shares in the Funds, except that a nonresident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in a calendar year will be taxable on such gains and on capital gain dividends from the Funds.

 

In contrast, if a foreign investor conducts a trade or business in the United States and the investment in a Fund is effectively connected with that trade or business, then the foreign investor's income from the Fund will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax at graduated rates in a manner similar to the income of a U.S. citizen or resident.

 

The Funds will also generally be required to withhold 30% tax on certain payments to foreign entities that do not provide a Form W-8BEN-E that evidences their compliance with, or exemption from, specified information reporting requirements under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act.

 

All foreign investors should consult their own tax advisers regarding the tax consequences in their country of residence of an investment in the Funds.

 

Shares of the Funds have not been registered for sale outside the United States and certain United States territories.

 

State and Local Taxes. You may also be subject to state and local taxes on income and gain from Fund shares. State income taxes may not apply, however, to the portions of a Fund's distributions, if any, that are attributable to interest on U.S. government securities. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the tax status of distributions in your state and locality.

 

More information about taxes is contained in the SAI.

 

Miscellaneous Information

 

Retirement Accounts 40

 

The Funds maintain arrangements for investors to establish IRAs (including Roth IRAs) and other tax-deferred retirement accounts through which shares of the Funds may be purchased. Fund shares may also be an appropriate investment for other types of retirement plans. Before investing in any IRA or other retirement plan, you should consult your tax adviser. For more information on IRAs and other retirement accounts that are available, go to the Funds’ website, www.foolfunds.com, or call 1-888-863-8803. IRA investors may be subject to an annual maintenance fee charged by the Funds’ custodian.

 

 

40 Whether or not you invest in the Funds, it is never too soon to start thinking about retirement.

 

54  

 

Lost Shareholders, Inactive Accounts and Unclaimed Property

 

It is important that the Funds maintain a correct address for each shareholder. An incorrect address may cause a shareholder’s account statements and other mailings to be returned to the Funds. 41 Based upon statutory requirements for returned mail, the Funds will attempt to locate the shareholder or rightful owner of the account. If the Funds are unable to locate the shareholder, then it will determine whether the shareholder’s account can legally be considered abandoned. Your mutual fund account may be transferred to the state government of your state of residence if no activity occurs within your account during the “inactivity period” specified in your state’s abandoned property laws. The Funds are legally obligated to escheat (or transfer) abandoned property to the appropriate state’s unclaimed property administrator in accordance with statutory requirements. The shareholder’s last known address of record determines which state has jurisdiction. Please proactively contact the Transfer Agent at 1-888-863-8803 (toll free) at least annually to ensure your account remains in active status.

 

If you are a resident of the state of Texas, you may designate a representative to receive notifications that, due to inactivity, your mutual fund account assets may be delivered to the Texas Comptroller. Please contact the Transfer Agent if you wish to complete a Texas Designation of Representative form.

 

Undeliverable and Uncashed Checks

 

Uncashed checks may be subject to escheatment under applicable state laws, which vary from state to state. On an account with a cash dividend or capital gains distribution option which has been deemed abandoned due to correspondence to the address of record being returned as undeliverable, subsequent cash dividends or capital gains distributions cannot be delivered. On such an account, the Funds reserve the right to reinvest all dividend and capital gains distributions payable to the shareholder in shares of the Funds until an updated address and new dividend and capital gains distribution instructions are received. Additionally, if a dividend or capital gains distribution check remains uncashed for six months, the Funds reserve the right to reinvest the amount of the check in the shareholder’s Fund account at the then-current NAV per share of the applicable Fund.

 

Householding

 

To reduce Fund expenses, the Funds will mail only one copy of the Funds’ prospectus, each annual and semiannual report, and other shareholder communications to each address shared by two or more accounts. If you wish to receive an additional copy of these documents, please call 1-888-863-8803 or contact your financial institution. The Funds will begin sending you the additional copies 30 days after receiving your request.

 

General Information

 

Transfer Agent

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC serves as the Funds’ transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent. Shareholders of the Funds may contact the Transfer Agent with any questions regarding their transactions in shares of the Funds and account balances.

 

Custodian

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. serves as custodian for the Funds. In that capacity, it maintains custody of all securities and cash assets of the Funds. The custodian is authorized to hold the Funds’ investments in securities depositories and with sub-custodians approved by the Funds.

 

 

41 We really don’t want to hold onto your money or make the decision about whether to reinvest your dividends back into the Funds without your knowing about it. So make sure you promptly deposit any checks you receive and always keep your address up to date with us and on all other financial accounts you have whenever you move. Also, your mother may be looking for you – and it’s not cool to worry her like that.

 

55  

 

Underwriter

 

Foreside Funds Distributors LLC serves as the principal underwriter of the Funds pursuant to an Underwriting Agreement for the limited purpose of acting as statutory underwriter to facilitate the distribution of shares of the Funds. The Underwriter is not affiliated with the Adviser, the Administrator, or their affiliates.

 

Payments to Financial Intermediaries

 

The Funds may pay fees to financial intermediaries, including securities dealers, that provide shareholder account-related services to their customers who own Fund shares. These financial intermediaries generally have omnibus accounts with the Transfer Agent and provide shareholder services or sub-transfer agent services to Fund shareholders who are their customers. It is anticipated that fees paid by the Funds to financial intermediaries for these services generally will not exceed the fees the Funds would have incurred if customers of the financial intermediaries maintained their accounts directly with the Funds. Service arrangements with financial intermediaries are subject to approval by the Board.

 

The Adviser may make payments to broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries for marketing, promotional, or other services relating to the Funds. The level of such payments may be based on factors that include, without limitation, differing levels or types of services provided by the intermediary, the level of assets or sales of shares, providing the Funds with “shelf space”, and providing access to an intermediary’s personnel. Such payments would be paid from the Adviser’s own resources (not from the Funds) and may be in addition to any shareholder servicing payments. In some circumstances, such payments may create an incentive for a financial intermediary to recommend or sell shares of a Fund instead of recommending shares offered by other investment companies.

 

56  

 

Financial Highlights

 

The following financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand each Fund’s financial performance for the past 5 years, or, if shorter, the period of the Fund’s operations. The financial information presented for each applicable period prior to December 21, 2016 is that of the Predecessor Funds. The Funds are the accounting successors to the Predecessor Funds as a result of the reorganization of the Predecessor Funds into the Funds on December 21, 2016. The Funds have adopted the Financial Statements of each of their respective Predecessor Funds. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. Total returns in the table represent the rate an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in a Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). The financial information for the periods shown has been audited by Tait, Weller & Baker LLP, the Predecessor Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the Predecessor Funds’ financial statements, is included in the Predecessor Funds’ annual report, which is available upon request.

 

57  

 

    Motley Fool Global Opportunities Fund – Investor Shares  
    Fiscal Period Ended August 31, 2017 (1)(2)    

 

Years Ended October 31,

 
        2016     2015     2014     2013       2012  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 20.36     $ 20.32     $ 21.00     $ 19.24     $ 15.48     $ 14.15  
Income (Loss) From Investment Operations                                                
 Net Investment Income (Loss) (3)     0.03       0.04       0.05       0.11       0.07       0.14  
Net Gain (Loss) on Securities
(Realized and Unrealized)
    4.30       0.01       (0.29 )     1.87       3.79       1.29  
Total From Investment Operations     4.33       0.05       (0.24 )     1.98       3.86       1.43  
Less Distributions                                                
 Net Investment Income     (0.04 )     *     (0.11 )     (0.04 )     (0.11 )     (0.10 )
 Net Realized Capital Gains     (0.56 )     (0.01 )     (0.33 )     (0.18 )            
Total Distributions     (0.60 )     (0.01 )     (0.44 )     (0.22 )     (0.11 )     (0.10 )

Redemption and Small-Balance

Account Fees

    *     *     *     *     0.01       *
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 24.09     $ 20.36     $ 20.32     $ 21.00     $ 19.24     $ 15.48  
Total Return (4)(5)     21.91 %     0.25 %     (1.13 %)     10.43 %     25.14 %     10.21 %
Net Assets, End of Period (thousands)   $ 337,821     $ 353,118     $ 393,611     $ 413,624     $ 354,081     $ 227,881  
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                                
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets     1.15 %     1.14 %     1.15 %     1.26 %     1.36 %     1.47 %
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Before Waivers and Reimbursement of Expenses and/or Recapture of Previously Waived Fees)     1.15 %     1.14 %     1.13 %     1.23 %     1.37 %     1.54 %
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets     0.18 %     0.20 %     0.23 %     0.55 %     0.44 %     0.93 %
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets (Before Waivers and Reimbursement of Expenses and/or Recapture of Previously Waived Fees)     0.18 %     0.20 %     0.25 %     0.59 %     0.43 %     0.86 %
Portfolio Turnover     38 %     26 %     21 %     24 %     22 %     37 %

 

* Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.
1 The Fund changed its fiscal year end to August 31 during the period. All ratios for the fiscal period have been annualized. Total return and portfolio turnover for the fiscal period have not been annualized.
2 Effective as of December 21, 2016, the Fund acquired all the assets and liabilities of the Motley Fool Independence Fund, a series of The Motley Fool Funds Trust (the “Predecessor Fund”). The financial highlights for the periods prior to that date reflect the performances of the Predecessor Fund.
3 Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.
4 During the year ended October 31, 2013, 0.06% of the Fund’s total return was attributable to redemption and small-balance account fees received. Excluding this item, the total return would have been 25.08%. For the fiscal period ended August 31, 2017 and the years ended October 31, 2016, October 31, 2015, October 31, 2014 and October 31, 2012, redemption and small-balance account fees received had no effect on the Fund’s total return.
5 Total return reflects the rate an investor would have earned on an investment in the Fund during the period.

 

58  

 

Motley Fool Global Opportunities Fund – Institutional Shares

    Fiscal Period Ended August 31,     Years Ended October 31,    

Period

Ended

October 31,

 
    2017 (1)(2)     2016     2015     2014 (3)(4)  
                         
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 20.40     $ 20.35     $ 21.01     $ 20.36  
Income (Loss) From Investment Operations                                
Net Investment Income (Loss) (5)     0.09       0.08       0.10       0.03  
Net Gain (Loss) on Securities (Realized and Unrealized)     4.25       0.02       (0.31 )     0.62  
Total From Investment Operations     4.34       0.10       (0.21 )     0.65  
Less Distributions                                
 Net Investment Income     (0.09 )     (0.04 )     (0.12 )      
 Net Realized Capital Gains     (0.56 )     (0.01 )     (0.33 )      
Total Distributions     (0.65 )     (0.05 )     (0.45 )      

Redemption and Small-Balance

Account Fees

    *     *     *      
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 24.09     $ 20.40     $ 20.35     $ 21.01  
Total Return (6)(7)     21.97 %     0.47 %     (0.97 %)     3.19 %
Net Assets, End of Period (thousands)   $ 60,623     $ 7,243     $ 7,726     $ 4,038  
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets     0.95 %     0.95 %     0.95 %     0.95 %
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Before Waivers and Reimbursement of Expenses and/or Recapture of Previously Waived Fees)     1.17 %     2.12 %     2.14 %     3.78 %
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets     0.48 %     0.39 %     0.46 %     0.39 %
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets (Before Waivers and Reimbursement of Expenses and/or Recapture of Previously Waived Fees)     0.26 %     (0.78 %)     (0.73 %)     (2.43 )%
Portfolio Turnover     38 %     26 %     21 %     24 %

 

* Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.
1 The Fund changed its fiscal year end to August 31 during the period. All ratios for the fiscal period have been annualized. Total return and portfolio turnover for the fiscal period have not been annualized.
2 Effective as of December 21, 2016, the Fund acquired all the assets and liabilities of the Motley Fool Independence Fund, a series of The Motley Fool Funds Trust (the “Predecessor Fund”). The financial highlights for the periods prior to that date reflect the performances of the Predecessor Fund.
3 Commenced operations on June 17, 2014. All ratios for the period have been annualized. Total return for the period has not been annualized.
4 Because of commencement of operations and related preliminary transaction costs, these ratios are not necessarily indicative of future ratios.
5 Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.
6 For the fiscal period ended August 31, 2017 and the years ended October 31, 2016, October 31, 2015, and the period ended October 31, 2014, redemption and small-balance account fees received had no effect on the Fund’s total return.
7 Total return reflects the rate an investor would have earned on an investment in the Fund during the period.

 

59  

 

Motley Fool Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund – Investor Shares

 

    Fiscal Period Ended August 31,     Years Ended October 31,  
    2017 (1)(2)     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 18.29     $ 18.72     $ 18.59     $ 17.25     $ 12.58     $ 11.04  
Income (Loss) From Investment Operations                                                
Net Investment Income (Loss) (3)     (0.05 )     (0.05 )     0.03       0.07       *     (0.06 )
Net Gain (Loss) on Securities (Realized and Unrealized)     3.80       (0.35 )     0.14       1.51       4.69       1.60  
Total From Investment Operations     3.75       (0.40 )     0.17       1.58       4.69       1.54  
Less Distributions                                                
Net Investment Income           (0.03 )     (0.04 )     (0.03 )     (0.03 )     *
Net Realized Capital Gains                       (0.22 )            
Total Distributions           (0.03 )     (0.04 )     (0.25 )     (0.03 )     *
Redemption and Small-Balance Account Fees     *     *     *     0.01       0.01       *
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 22.04     $ 18.29     $ 18.72     $ 18.59     $ 17.25     $ 12.58  
Total Return ( 4)(5)     20.50 %     (2.15 %)     0.91 %     9.35 %     37.44 %     13.96 %
Net Assets, End of Period (thousands)   $ 210,404     $ 205,149     $ 238,482     $ 231,600     $ 162,336     $ 67,337  
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                                
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets     1.15 %     1.15 %     1.15 %     1.27 %     1.38 %     1.37 %
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Before Waivers and Reimbursement of Expenses and/or Recapture of Previously Waived Fees)     1.16 %     1.17 %     1.16 %     1.30 %     1.54 %     1.74 %
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets     (0.30 %)     (0.29 %)     0.17 %     0.38 %     0.03 %     (0.51 %)
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets (Before Waivers and Reimbursement of Expenses and/or Recapture of Previously Waived Fees)     (0.31 %)     (0.31 %)     0.17 %     0.36 %     (0.13 %)     (0.88 %)
Portfolio Turnover     24 %     21 %     30 %     18 %     24 %     30 %

 

* Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.
1 The Fund changed its fiscal year end to August 31 during the period. All ratios for the fiscal period have been annualized. Total return and portfolio turnover for the fiscal period have not been annualized.
2 Effective as of December 21, 2016, the Fund acquired all the assets and liabilities of the Motley Fool Great America Fund, a series of The Motley Fool Funds Trust (the “Predecessor Fund”). The financial highlights for the periods prior to that date reflect the performances of the Predecessor Fund.
3 Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.
4 For the years ended October 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, 0.06% and 0.08%, respectively, of the Fund’s total return was attributable to redemption and small-balance account fees received. Excluding this item, the total return would have been 9.29% and 37.36%, respectively. For the fiscal period ended August 31, 2017 and years ended October 31, 2016, October 31, 2015 and October 31, 2012, redemption and small-balance account fees received had no effect on the Fund’s total return.
5 Total return reflects the rate an investor would have earned on an investment in the Fund during the period.

 

60  

 

Motley Fool Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund – Institutional Shares

 

    Fiscal Period Ended August 31,    

 

Years Ended October 31,

   

Period Ended

October 31,

 
    2017 (1)(2)     2016     2015     2014 (3)(4)  
                         
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 18.34     $ 18.75     $ 18.61     $ 17.94  
Income (Loss) From Investment Operations                                
Net Investment Income (Loss) (5)     (0.03 )     (0.02 )     0.07       0.02  
Net Gain (Loss) on Securities (Realized and Unrealized)     3.83       (0.33 )     0.13       0.65  
Total From Investment Operations     3.80       (0.35 )     0.20       0.67  
Less Distributions                                
Net Investment Income           (0.06 )     (0.06 )      
Net Realized Capital Gains                        
Total Distributions           (0.06 )     (0.06 )      
Redemption and Small-Balance Account Fees     *     *     *      
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 22.14     $ 18.34     $ 18.75     $ 18.61  
Total Return (6)(7)     20.72 %     (1.89 %)     1.04 %     3.73 %
Net Assets, End of Period (thousands)   $ 20,365     $ 5,502     $ 7,010     $ 2,798  
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets     0.95 %     0.95 %     0.95 %     0.95 %
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Before Waivers and Reimbursement of Expenses and/or Recapture of Previously Waived Fees)     1.47 %     2.40 %     2.45 %     4.93 %
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets     (0.15 %)     (0.08 %)     0.35 %     0.27 %
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets (Before Waivers and Reimbursement of Expenses and/or Recapture of Previously Waived Fees)     (0.67 %)     (1.53 %)     (1.15 %)     (3.71 %)
Portfolio Turnover     24 %     21 %     30 %     18 %

 

* Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.
1 The Fund changed its fiscal year end to August 31 during the period. All ratios for the fiscal period have been annualized. Total return and portfolio turnover for the fiscal period have not been annualized.
2 Effective as of December 21, 2016, the Fund acquired all the assets and liabilities of the Motley Fool Great America Fund, a series of The Motley Fool Funds Trust (the “Predecessor Fund”). The financial highlights for the periods prior to that date reflect the performances of the Predecessor Fund.
3 Commenced operations on June 17, 2014. All ratios for the period have been annualized. Total return for the period has not been annualized.
4 Because of commencement of operations and related preliminary transaction costs, these ratios are not necessarily indicative of future ratios.
5 Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.
6 For the fiscal period ended August 31, 2017, years ended October 31, 2016, October 31, 2015 and the period ended October 31, 2014, redemption and small-balance account fees received had no effect on the Fund’s total return.
7 Total return reflects the rate an investor would have earned on an investment in the Fund during the period.

 

61  

 

Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund – Investor Shares

 

    Fiscal Period Ended August 31,     Years Ended October 31,     Period Ended October 31,  
    2017 (1)(2)     2016     2015     2014     2013     2012 (3)(4)  
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period   $ 11.93     $ 10.88     $ 12.61     $ 12.66     $ 10.94     $ 10.00  
Income (Loss) From Investment Operations                                                
Net Investment Income (Loss) (5)     0.12       0.07       0.09       0.16       0.13       0.18  
Net Gain (Loss) on Securities (Realized and Unrealized)     2.38       1.09       (1.63 )     (0.12 )     1.73       0.77  
Total From Investment Operations     2.50       1.16       (1.54 )     0.04       1.86       0.95  
Less Distributions                                                
Net Investment Income     (0.07 )     (0.11 )     (0.19 )     (0.08 )     (0.15 )     (0.01 )
Net Realized Capital Gains                       (0.02 )            
Total Distributions     (0.07 )     (0.11 )     (0.19 )     (0.10 )     (0.15 )     (0.01 )
Redemption and Small-Balance Account Fees     *     *     *     0.01       0.01       *
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 14.36     $ 11.93     $ 10.88     $ 12.61     $ 12.66     $ 10.94  
Total Return ( 6)(7)     21.06 %     10.76 %     (12.33 %)     0.47 %     17.32 %     9.52 %
Net Assets, End of Period (thousands)   $ 34,456     $ 28,776     $ 31,160     $ 47,566     $ 40,119     $ 19,272  
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                                
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets     1.15 %     1.15 %     1.13 %     1.24 %     1.35 %     1.35 %
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Before Waivers and Reimbursement of Expenses and/or Recapture of Previously Waived Fees)     2.00 %     2.09 %     1.84 %     1.88 %     2.60 %     4.13 %
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets     1.17 %     0.64 %     0.80 %     1.29 %     1.15 %     1.75 %
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss) to Average Net Assets (Before Waivers and Reimbursement of Expenses and/or Recapture of Previously Waived Fees)     0.32 %     (0.30 %)     0.09 %     0.66 %     (0.10 %)     (1.03 %)
Portfolio Turnover     21 %     54 %     20 %     25 %     26 %     17 %

 

* Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.
Effective June 30, 2017, Institutional Shares of the Fund were liquidated.
1 The Fund changed its fiscal year end to August 31 during the period. All ratios for the fiscal period have been annualized. Total return and portfolio turnover for the fiscal period have not been annualized.
2 Effective as of December 21, 2016, the Fund acquired all the assets and liabilities of the Motley Fool Epic Voyage Fund, a series of The Motley Fool Funds Trust (the “Predecessor Fund”). The financial highlights for the periods prior to that date reflect the performances of the Predecessor Fund.
3 Inception date of the Emerging Markets Fund was November 1, 2011. All ratios for the period have been annualized. Total return and portfolio turnover for the period have not been annualized.
4 Because of commencement of operations and related preliminary transaction costs, these ratios are not necessarily indicative of future ratios.
5 Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.
6 During the years ended October 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, 0.08% and 0.09%, respectively of the Fund’s total return was attributable to redemption and small-balance account fees received. Excluding this item, the total return would have been 0.39% and 17.23%, respectively. For the fiscal period ended August 31, 2017, years ended October 31, 2016 and October 31, 2015, and the period ended October 31, 2012, redemption and small balance account fees received had no effect on the Fund’s total return.
7 Total return reflects the rate an investor would have earned on an investment in the Fund during the period.

 

62  

 

INVESTMENT ADVISER

 

Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC
2000 Duke Street
Suite 275
Alexandria, VA 22314

 

ADMINISTRATOR AND
TRANSFER AGENT

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

CUSTODIAN

 

U.S. Bank, N.A.
777 East Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

Tait, Weller & Baker LLP

1818 Market Street, Suite 2400

Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

UNDERWRITER

 

Foreside Funds Distributors LLC
899 Cassatt Road, 400 Berwyn Park, Suite 110

Berwyn, PA 19312

www.foreside.com

 

LEGAL COUNSEL

 

Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

 

63  

 

The Motley Fool Funds Privacy Notice

 

What Does Motley Fool Funds Do With Your Personal Information?

 

Why?: Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information.

 

Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

 

What?: The type of personal information we collect and share depend on the product of service you have with us. This information can include:

Social Security number and transaction history
Account balances and checking account information
Account transactions and wire transfer instructions

 

When you are no longer a customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.

 

How?: All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons The Motley Fool Funds chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

 

Reasons we share your personal information

Does the Motley Fool Funds share?

Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purposes — such as to process your transaction, maintain your account(s), provide you with necessary information, respond to court orders and legal investigation, or report to credit bureaus Yes No

For our marketing purposes —

to offer our products and services to you

Yes Yes
For joint marketing with other financial companies No We don’t share
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes — information about your transactions and experiences Yes No

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes —

information about your creditworthiness

No We don’t share
For our affiliates to market to you Yes Yes
For nonaffiliates to market to you No We don’t share

 

Visit us online: http://signup.foolfunds.com/marketing/SubscriptionManagement.aspx

 

Please note:

If you are a new customer, we can begin sharing your information 30 days from the days from the date we sent this notice. When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.

 

64  

 

However, you can contact us at any time to limit our sharing.

 

Questions : Call 1-888-863-8803 or go to www.FoolFunds.com

 

What we do:

 

How does The Motley Fool Funds protect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you:

Open an account or provide account information
Make deposits or withdrawals from your account
Make a wire transfer or tell us where to send the money

 

We also collect your personal information from other companies.

 

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only:

Sharing for affiliates everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness
Make deposits or withdrawals from your account
Sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing.

 

What happens when I limit sharing for an account I hold jointly with someone else?

Your choices will apply to everyone on your account.

 

Definitions:

Affiliates - Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

Our affiliates include companies with a Motley Fool name; financial companies such as Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC; and nonfinancial companies such as The Motley Fool, LLC and The Motley Fool Holdings, Inc.

Nonaffiliates - Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

The Motley Fool Funds does not share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing - A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

The Motley Fool Funds doesn’t jointly market.

 

65  

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

 

For more information about the Funds, the following documents are available free upon request:

 

Annual/Semiannual Reports

 

Additional information about the Global Opportunities Fund’s, Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund’s and Emerging Markets Fund’s investments is available in the Funds’ annual and semiannual reports to shareholders. The annual report contains a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Funds’ performance during their most recently completed fiscal year.

 

Statement of Additional Information

 

The SAI dated December 31, 2017 provides more details about the Funds and their policies. The current SAI is on file with the SEC and is incorporated by reference into (and is legally a part of) this prospectus.

 

TO OBTAIN INFORMATION

 

The SAI is available, without charge, upon request along with the semiannual and annual reports (when available). To obtain a free copy of the SAI, semiannual or annual reports or if you have questions about the Funds:

 

By Internet

 

Go to www.foolfunds.com.

 

By Telephone

 

Call 1-888-863-8803 or your securities dealer.

 

By Mail

 

Write to:

 

Motley Fool Funds
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

P.O. Box 701

Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701

 

From the SEC

 

Information about the Funds (including the SAI) can be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-202-551-8090. Reports and other information about the Funds are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at www.sec.gov, and copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by sending an electronic request to publicinfo@sec.gov or writing to the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520.

 

Investment Company Act File Number 811-05518

 

66  

 

 

  

INCOME OPPS BANNER FOR PRO_SAI

  

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

of The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

Prospectus December 31, 2017

Class I OIOIX
Class A OIOAX
Class D OIODX

  

The securities described in this prospectus have been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The SEC, however, has not judged these securities for their investment merit and has not determined the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Anyone who tells you otherwise is committing a criminal offense.

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

SUMMARY SECTION — ORINDA INCOME OPPORTUNITIES FUND 1
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND’S INVESTMENTS AND RISKS 8
Investment Objective 8
Additional Information About the Fund’s Principal Investment Strategies and Risks 8
Temporary Defensive Strategy 9
Principal Investment Risks 9
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings 15
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND 16
Investment Adviser 16
Portfolio Managers 16
Marketing Arrangements 17
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION 19
Pricing of Fund Shares 19
Market Timing 19
Purchase of Fund Shares 20
DISTRIBUTION OF FUND SHARES 29
Description of Classes 29
Minimum Investments 32
General Policies 33
Conversion Feature 33
Fund Mailings 33
Householding 34
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 35
Appendix A A-1
For More Information: Back Cover

 

 

A look at the investment objective, strategies, risks, expenses and financial history of the Orinda Income Opportunities Fund offered in this Prospectus.

 

Details about the service providers for the Orinda Income Opportunities Fund offered in this Prospectus.

 

Policies and instructions for opening, maintaining and closing an account in the Orinda Income Opportunities Fund offered in this Prospectus.

 

  

 

 

SUMMARY SECTION — ORINDA INCOME OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

Investment Objective

 

The Orinda Income Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”) seeks to maximize current income with potential for modest growth of capital.

 

Expenses and Fees

 

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’s Class A shares. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in the “Distribution of Fund Shares” section of the Fund’s Prospectus and the “Other Information Regarding Maximum Sales Charge, Purchases and Redemptions” section of the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). Each financial intermediary may impose different sales charges and these variations are described in Appendix A of the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

SHAREHOLDER FEES (fees paid directly from your investment) Class I Class A Class D

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price)

None 5.00% None
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Management Fees 1.00% 1.00% 1.00%
Distribution and/or Service (Rule 12b-1) Fees None 0.25% 1.00%
Other Expenses 0.82% 0.87% 0.79%
Interest Expense and Dividends on Securities Sold Short 0.55% 0.55% 0.55%
Shareholder Servicing Plan Fee 0.10% 0.15% 0.10%
Additional Other Expenses 0.17% 0.17% 0.14%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses 0.02% 0.02% 0.02%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (1) 1.84% 2.14% 2.81%

  

(1) Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets Before Recoupments/Reimbursements in the Financial Highlights section of the statutory prospectus, which reflects the operating expenses of the Fund and does not include expenses attributed to current fees and acquired fund fees and expenses.

   

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 $100,000 in Class I Shares of the Fund and $10,000 in Class A and Class D Shares of the Fund (the minimum initial investment for Class A and Class D Shares is $5,000) for the time periods indicated and that you sell your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that each year your investment has a 5% return and Fund operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs and returns might be different, your approximate costs of investing in the Fund would be:

 

  1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
Class I $1,869 $5,786 $9,955 $21,585
Class A $706 $1,136 $1,592 $2,849
Class D $284 $871 $1,484 $3,138

 

1  

 

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 Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal period from March 1, 2017 through August 31, 2017, the Fund’s and Predecessor Fund’s (as defined below) combined portfolio turnover rate was 46% of the average value of its portfolio. The Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is not annualized.

 

Summary of Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Fund will attempt to achieve its investment objective by investing in a wide range of U.S. and non-U.S. securities and investment instruments including, but not limited to, equity securities, debt securities, and derivatives. The Fund’s allocation to these various security types and asset classes will vary over time in response to changing market opportunities with the goal of maximizing current income.

 

The Fund may invest without limit in equity securities of issuers of any market capitalization. The types of equity securities in which the Fund will generally invest include common stocks, preferred stocks, real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), master limited partnerships (“MLPs”), rights, warrants, depositary receipts and other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”). The Fund’s equity investments may also take the form of depositary receipts including American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) and Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”). The Fund generally invests in dividend paying stocks. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its net assets in initial public offerings (“IPOs”). The Fund may also invest without limit in foreign securities, including up to 50% of its net assets in securities of issuers located in emerging markets. The Fund will generally invest at least 50% of its net assets in REITs. As a result of its investments in REITs, the Fund will be concentrated in the real estate industry. The Fund may invest in “Rule 144A” securities, which are privately placed, restricted securities that may only be resold under certain circumstances to other qualified institutional buyers.

 

The Fund may invest without limit in debt securities, provided that no more than 30% of its net assets are invested in debt securities rated below investment grade (known as “junk bonds”). The types of debt securities in which the Fund may invest generally include instruments and obligations of U.S. and non-U.S. corporate and other non-governmental entities, those of U.S. and non-U.S. governmental entities, mortgage-related or mortgage-backed securities (including “sub-prime” mortgages), asset-backed securities, exchange-traded notes (“ETNs”), floating rate loans, convertible securities, inflation-linked debt securities and subordinated debt securities. The Fund invests in debt securities with a broad range of maturities and the Fund’s investments may have fixed or variable principal payments.

 

The Fund may invest up to 85% of its net assets in derivatives, including options, futures (such as bond, index, interest rate and currency futures, but excluding commodities futures) and swaps (such as credit-default swaps, interest rate swaps and total return swaps). These derivative instruments may be used for investment purposes, to modify or hedge the Fund’s exposure to a particular investment market related risk, to manage the volatility of the Fund, to hedge against adverse changes in the market price of securities, interest rates or currency exchange rates and as a substitute for purchasing or selling securities.

 

The Fund may utilize leverage (by borrowing against a line of credit for investment purposes) up to one-third of the value of its assets as part of the portfolio management process. The Fund may also sell securities short with respect to 100% of its net assets and may lend its portfolio securities to generate additional income. A short sale is the sale by the Fund of a security that it does not own in anticipation of purchasing the same security in the future at a lower price to close the short position. The Fund is a non-diversified portfolio under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”).

 

The Fund will sell (or close a position in) a security when Orinda Asset Management LLC (the “Adviser”) determines that a particular security has achieved its investment expectations or the reasons for maintaining that position are no longer valid. It is expected that the Fund will have a portfolio turnover in excess of 100% on an annual basis. The Fund’s investment strategies may periodically result in a significant portion of its assets being invested in the securities of companies in the same sector of the market.

 

2  

 

The Adviser may also invest up to 100% of the Fund’s total assets in cash, money-market instruments, bank obligations and other high-quality debt securities for temporary defensive purposes.

 

Summary of Principal Risks

 

Losing all or a portion of your investment is a risk of investing in the Fund. The following principal risks could affect the value of your investment.

 

Market Risk. The value of the Fund’s shares will fluctuate as a result of the movement of the overall stock market or the value of the individual securities held by the Fund, and you could lose money.

 

Management Risk. The skill of the Adviser will play a significant role in the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective. The Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective depends on the investment skill and ability of the Adviser and on its ability to correctly identify economic trends.

 

Depositary Receipt Risk. Depositary receipts may be purchased through “sponsored” or “unsponsored” facilities. A sponsored facility is established jointly by the issuer of the underlying security and a depositary, whereas a depositary may establish an unsponsored facility without participation by the issuer of the depositary security. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all the costs of such facilities and the depositary of an unsponsored facility frequently is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through voting rights to the holders of such receipts of the deposited securities. In addition, investment in ADRs, EDRs and GDRs may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market.

 

Master Limited Partnership Risk. Investments in securities (units) of MLPs involve risks that differ from an investment in common stock. To the extent that an MLP's interests are all in a particular industry, the MLP will be negatively impacted by economic events adversely impacting that industry. Additionally, holders of the units of MLPs have more limited control and limited rights to vote on matters affecting the partnership. There are also certain tax risks associated with an investment in units of MLPs.

 

Foreign and Emerging Market Securities Risk. Foreign investments may carry risks associated with investing outside the United States, such as currency fluctuation, economic or financial instability, lack of timely or reliable financial information or unfavorable political or legal developments. Those risks are increased for investments in emerging markets.

 

Currency Risk. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates will affect the value of what the Fund owns and the Fund’s share price. Generally, when the U.S. dollar rises in value against a foreign currency, an investment in that country loses value because that currency is worth fewer U.S. dollars. Devaluation of a currency by a country’s government or banking authority also will have a significant impact on the value of any investments denominated in that currency. Currency markets generally are not as regulated as securities markets.

 

Small and Medium Companies Risk. Investing in securities of small and medium capitalization companies may involve greater volatility than investing in larger and more established companies because small and medium capitalization companies can be subject to more abrupt or erratic share price changes than larger, more established companies.

 

Large Companies Risk. The securities of large capitalization companies may underperform other segments of the market because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities and may be unable to attain or maintain high growth rates during periods of economic expansion.

 

Derivatives Risk. The Fund’s use of derivatives (which may include options, futures and swaps, among others) may reduce the Fund’s returns and/or increase volatility. Derivatives involve the risk of improper valuation, the risk of ambiguous documentation, and the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying security. Derivatives are also subject to market risk, interest rate risk, credit risk, counterparty risk and liquidity risk. Derivatives may be more sensitive to changes in economic or market conditions than other types of investments and could result in losses that significantly exceed the Fund’s original investment.

 

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Options Risk. Purchasing and writing put and call options are highly specialized activities and entail greater than ordinary investment risks. The Fund may not fully benefit from or may lose money on an option if changes in its value do not correspond as anticipated to changes in the value of the underlying securities.

 

Futures Risk. The value of a futures contract tends to increase and decrease in correlation with the value of the underlying instrument. Risks of futures contracts may arise from an imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the futures and the price of the underlying instrument. The Fund’s use of futures contracts (and related options) exposes the Fund to leverage risk because of the small margin requirements relative to the value of the futures contract. While futures contracts are generally liquid instruments, under certain market conditions they may become illiquid. The price of futures can be highly volatile; using them could lower total return, and the potential loss from futures could exceed the Fund’s initial investment in such contracts.

 

Swaps Risk. In a swap transaction, one party agrees to pay the other party an amount equal to the return, based upon an agreed-upon notional value, of a defined underlying asset or a non-asset reference (such as an index) during a specified period of time. In return, the other party would make periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate or on the return from a different underlying asset or non-asset reference based upon an agreed-upon notional value. Swaps could result in losses if the underlying asset or reference does not perform as anticipated. The value of swaps, like many other derivatives, may move in unexpected ways and may result in losses for the Fund. Such transactions can have the potential for unlimited losses.

 

Exchange-Traded Fund and Mutual Fund Risk. When the Fund invests in an ETF or mutual fund, it will bear additional expenses based on its pro rata share of the ETFs or mutual fund’s operating expenses, including the potential duplication of management fees. The risk of owning an ETF or mutual fund generally reflects the risks of owning the underlying securities the ETF or mutual fund holds. The Fund also will incur brokerage costs when it purchases ETFs. ETFs may not track their underlying indices.

 

Interest Rate Risk. The market value of fixed income securities changes in response to interest rate changes and other factors. Generally, prices of fixed income securities will increase as interest rates fall and will decrease as interest rates rise. It is likely there will be less governmental action in the near future to maintain low interest rates. The negative impact on fixed income securities from the resulting rate increases for that and other reasons could be swift and significant.

 

Credit Risk. The issuers of the bonds and other debt securities held by the Fund may not be able to make interest or principal payments. The degree of credit risk depends on the issuer’s financial condition and on the terms of the securities.

 

Fixed Income Securities Risk. Fixed income securities are subject to interest rate risk and credit risk. There is also the risk that an issuer may “call,” or repay, its high yielding bonds before their maturity dates.

 

Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities Risk. Generally, rising interest rates tend to extend the duration of fixed rate mortgage-related securities, making them more sensitive to changes in interest rates. As a result, in a period of rising interest rates, if the Fund holds mortgage-related securities, it may exhibit additional volatility. This is known as extension risk. In addition, adjustable and fixed rate mortgage-related securities are subject to prepayment risk. When interest rates decline, borrowers may pay off their mortgages sooner than expected. This can reduce the returns of the Fund because it may have to reinvest that money at the lower prevailing interest rates. The risk of default is generally higher in mortgage-related investments that include sub-prime mortgages. Asset-backed securities are subject to risks similar to those associated with mortgage-related securities.

 

Real Estate and REIT Concentration Risk. The Fund is vulnerable to the risks of the real estate industry, such as the risk that a decline in rental income may occur because of extended vacancies, the failure to collect rents, increased competition from other properties, or poor management. The value and performance of REITs depends on how well the underlying properties owned by the REIT are managed. In addition, the value of an individual REIT’s securities can decline if the REIT fails to continue qualifying for special tax treatment. Investments in REITs may involve duplication of management fees and other expenses.

 

High-Yield Securities Risk. Fixed income securities that are rated below investment grade ( i.e. , “junk bonds”) are subject to additional risk factors due to the speculative nature of these securities, such as increased possibility of default liquidation of the security, and changes in value based on public perception of the issuer.

 

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Rule 144A Securities Risk. The market for Rule 144A securities typically is less active than the market for publicly-traded securities. Rule 144A securities carry the risk that the liquidity of these securities may become impaired, making it more difficult for the Fund to sell these bonds.

 

Convertible Bond Risk. Convertible bonds are hybrid securities that have characteristics of both bonds and common stocks and are therefore subject to both debt security risks and equity risk. Convertible bonds are subject to equity risk especially when their conversion value is greater than the interest and principal value of the bond. The prices of equity securities may rise or fall because of economic or political changes and may decline over short or extended periods of time.

 

Government-Sponsored Entities Risk. Securities issued by government-sponsored entities may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.

 

Exchange-Traded Note Risk. The value of an ETN may be influenced by time to maturity, level of supply and demand for the ETN, volatility and lack of liquidity in the underlying securities’ markets, changes in the applicable interest rates, changes in the issuer’s credit rating and economic, legal, political or geographic events that affect the referenced index. In addition, the notes issued by ETNs and held by the Fund are unsecured debt of the issuer.

 

Preferred Stock Risk. Preferred stocks may be more volatile than fixed income securities and are more correlated with the issuer’s underlying common stock than fixed income securities. Additionally, the dividend on a preferred stock may be changed or omitted by the issuer.

 

Leverage and Short Sales Risk. Leverage is the practice of borrowing money to purchase securities. If the securities decrease in value, the Fund will suffer a greater loss than would have resulted without the use of leverage. A short sale will be successful if the price of the shorted security decreases, however, if the underlying security goes up in price during the period in which the short position is outstanding, the Fund will realize a loss. The risk on a short sale is unlimited because the Fund must buy the shorted security at the higher price to complete the transaction. Therefore, short sales may be subject to greater risks than investments in long positions.

 

Initial Public Offering Risk. The market value of IPO shares may fluctuate considerably due to factors such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, the small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. IPO shares are subject to market risk and liquidity risk.

 

Securities Lending Risk. There are certain risks associated with securities lending, including the risk that when lending portfolio securities, the securities may not be available to the Fund on a timely basis and the Fund may, therefore, lose the opportunity to sell the securities at a desirable price.

 

Sector Risk. To the extent the Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in the securities of companies in the same sector of the market, the Fund is more susceptible to economic, political, regulatory and other occurrences influencing those sectors.

 

Portfolio Turnover Risk. A high portfolio turnover rate (100% or more on an annualized basis) increases the Fund’s transaction costs (including brokerage commissions and dealer costs), which adversely impacts the Fund’s performance. Higher portfolio turnover may result in the realization of more short-term capital gains than if the Fund had lower portfolio turnover.

 

Non-Diversification Risk. The Fund is non-diversified. Performance of a non-diversified fund may be more volatile than performance of a diversified fund because a non-diversified fund may invest a greater percentage of its total assets in the securities of a single issuer. Greater investment in a single issuer makes the Fund more susceptible to financial, economic or market events impacting such issuer.

 

Performance Information

 

The Fund was reorganized following the close of business on April 28, 2017, to acquire the assets and liabilities of the Orinda Income Opportunities Fund, a series of Advisors Series Trust (the “Predecessor Fund”), in exchange for shares of the Fund. Accordingly, the Fund is the successor to the Predecessor Fund, and the following performance information shown prior to May 1, 2017, is that of the Predecessor Fund. The Fund has an investment objective, strategies and policies substantially similar to the Predecessor Fund, which was also advised by the Adviser.

 

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The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart shows changes in the Class I performance from year to year. The table shows how the Fund’s average annual returns for 1-year and since inception periods compare with those of broad measures of market performance. The Fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available at www.orindafunds.com or by calling the Fund toll-free at 1-855-467-4632 (855-4ORINDA).

 

Total Returns for the Calendar Years Ended December 31

* The Fund’s year-to-date total return as of September 30, 2017 was 7.02%.

 

Best and Worst Quarterly Performance of the Fund (for the periods reflected in the chart above):

Best Quarter:   6.50% (quarter ended June 30, 2016)
Worst Quarter:   -3.43% (quarter ended September 30, 2015)

 

Average Annual Total Returns

 

The table below compares the average annual total returns for the Fund before taxes for the past calendar year to the average annual total returns of a broad-based securities market index for the same period.

 

Average Annual Total Returns

(For the periods ended December 31, 2016)

1 Year Since Inception (6/28/2013) (1) Since Inception (9/27/2013) (2)
Class I      
Return Before Taxes 9.51% 3.92% N/A
Return After Taxes on Distributions 6.50% 1.46% N/A
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares 5.76% 2.03% N/A
Class A      
Return Before Taxes 9.22% 3.61% N/A
Class D      
Return Before Taxes 8.55% N/A 3.19%

Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index

(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)

2.65% 2.71% 2.74%

  

(1)

The Predecessor Fund’s Class I and Class A shares commenced operations on June 28, 2013.

(2) The Predecessor Fund’s Class D shares commenced operations on September 27, 2013.

 

After-tax returns were 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 your tax situation and may differ from those shown and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to those who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”). After-tax returns are shown only for Class I; after-tax returns for Class A and Class D will vary, to the extent each class has different expenses. The Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares is higher than other return figures when a capital loss occurs upon a redemption of Fund shares.

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Management of the Fund

 

Investment Adviser

Orinda Asset Management LLC
4 Orinda Way, Suite 150-A, Orinda, California 94563

 

Portfolio Managers

Paul Gray

Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer of the Adviser

Co-Portfolio Manager since June 28, 2013.

 

Joshua Rowe

Portfolio Manager of the Adviser

Co-Portfolio Manager since September 2016.

 

Ian Goltra

Portfolio Manager of the Adviser

Co-Portfolio Manager since September 2016.

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

Type of Account Minimum Initial Investment Minimum Subsequent Investment
Class I    
All Accounts $100,000 Any amount
Class A and Class D    
All Accounts $5,000 Any amount

 

You can only purchase and redeem shares of the Fund on days the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open. Shares of the Fund may be available through certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals (collectively, "Service Organizations"). Shares of the Fund may also be purchased and redeemed directly through The RBB Fund, Inc. by the means described below.

 

Purchase and Redemption By Mail:
Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

P.O. Box 701

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701

Purchase and Redemption By Wire:
Request routing instructions by calling the Fund’s transfer agent at 1-855-467-4632 (855-4ORINDA).

 

Redemption By Telephone: If you select the option on your account application, you may call the Fund’s transfer agent at 1-855-467-4632 (855-4ORINDA).

 

Taxes

 

The Fund intends to make distributions that may be taxed at ordinary income or capital gain rates.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase 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 other related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.

 

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND’S INVESTMENTS AND RISKS

 

This section provides some additional information about the Fund’s investments and certain portfolio management techniques that the Fund may use. More information about the Fund’s investments and portfolio management techniques, some of which entail risks, is included in the SAI.

 

Investment Objective

 

The Fund seeks to maximize current income with potential for modest growth of capital. The Fund’s investment objective may be changed by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the "Company") without shareholder approval. Shareholders will, however, receive 60 days’ prior notice of any changes. Any such changes may result in the Fund having investment objectives different from the objectives that the shareholder considered appropriate at the time of investment in the Fund.

 

Additional Information About the Fund’s Principal Investment Strategies and Risks

 

The Fund will attempt to achieve its investment objective by investing in a wide range of U.S. and non-U.S. securities and investment instruments including, but not limited to, equity securities, debt securities, and derivatives. The Fund’s allocation to these various security types and asset classes will vary over time in response to changing market opportunities with the goal of maximizing current income.

 

The Fund may invest without limit in equity securities of issuers of any market capitalization. The types of equity securities in which the Fund will generally invest include common stocks, preferred stocks, REITs, MLPs, rights, warrants, depositary receipts and other investment companies, including ETFs. The Fund’s equity investments may also take the form of depositary receipts including ADRs, EDRs and GDRs. The Fund generally invests in dividend paying stocks. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its net assets in IPOs. The Fund may also invest without limit in foreign securities, including up to 50% of its net assets in securities of issuers located in emerging markets. As a result of its investments in REITs, the Fund will be concentrated in the real estate industry. The Fund may invest in “Rule 144A” securities, which are privately placed, restricted securities that may only be resold under certain circumstances to other qualified institutional buyers.

 

The Fund may invest without limit in debt securities, provided that no more than 30% of its net assets are invested in debt securities rated below investment grade (known as “junk bonds”). The types of debt securities in which the Fund may invest generally include instruments and obligations of U.S. and non-U.S. corporate and other non-governmental entities, those of U.S. and non-U.S. governmental entities, mortgage-related or mortgage-backed securities (including “sub-prime” mortgages), asset-backed securities, ETNs, floating rate loans, convertible securities, inflation-linked debt securities and subordinated debt securities. The Fund invests in debt securities with a broad range of maturities. The Fund’s investments may have fixed or variable principal payments and all types of interest rate payment and reset terms, including fixed rate, adjustable rate, floating rate, zero coupon, contingent, deferred, payment in kind and auction rate features. The Fund’s investments may include instruments that allow for balloon payments or negative amortization payments.

 

The Fund may invest up to 85% of its net assets in derivatives, including options, futures (such as bond, index, interest rate and currency futures, but excluding commodities futures) and swaps (such as credit-default swaps, interest rate swaps and total return swaps). These derivative instruments may be used for investment purposes, to modify or hedge the Fund’s exposure to a particular investment market related risk, to manage the volatility of the Fund, to hedge against adverse changes in the market price of securities, interest rates or currency exchange rates and as a substitute for purchasing or selling securities.

 

The Fund may utilize leverage (by borrowing against a line of credit for investment purposes) up to one-third of the value of its assets as part of the portfolio management process. The Fund may also sell securities short with respect to 100% of its net assets and may lend its portfolio securities to generate additional income. The Fund is a non-diversified portfolio under the 1940 Act.

 

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The Adviser will generally use a bottom up approach when selecting equity investments, with an emphasis on dividend yield, earnings growth and valuation. The Fund will invest in companies that the Adviser believes offer attractive yields with the potential for long-term capital appreciation. Debt securities will be evaluated using traditional fundamental analysis of the issuer to determine credit quality, combined with valuation metrics of the fixed-income security, including spread compared to relevant government securities and yield compared to fixed income securities with similar credit risk. Distressed and below investment grade securities analysis may also include likelihood of capital appreciation. Derivative securities will be evaluated based on their ability to meet the Adviser’s exposure objective for the derivative security. For example, the correlation of a derivative security to the security or basket of securities it is intended to hedge, or the annualized yield premium on a covered call intended to increase income.

 

The Fund will sell (or close a position in) a security when the Adviser determines that a particular security has achieved its investment expectations or the reasons for maintaining that position are no longer valid. It is expected that the Fund will have a portfolio turnover in excess of 100% on an annual basis. The Fund’s investment strategies may periodically result in a significant portion of its assets being invested in the securities of companies in the same sector of the market.

 

Temporary Defensive Strategy

 

When adverse market, economic, political or other conditions dictate a more defensive investment strategy, the Fund may, on a temporary basis, hold cash or invest a portion or all of its assets in money-market instruments including money market funds, obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, obligations of foreign sovereignties, other high-quality debt securities, including prime commercial paper, repurchase agreements and bank obligations, such as bankers’ acceptances and certificates of deposit. Under normal market conditions, the potential for capital appreciation on these securities will tend to be lower than the potential for capital appreciation on other securities that may be owned by the Fund. In taking such a defensive position, the Fund would temporarily not be pursuing its principal investment strategies and may not achieve its investment objective.

 

Principal Investment Risks

 

Market Risk. The Fund is designed for long-term investors who can accept the risks of investing in a portfolio with significant equity holdings. Equity holdings tend to be more volatile than other investment choices such as bonds and money market instruments. The value of the Fund’s shares will fluctuate as a result of the movement of the overall stock market or of the value of the individual securities held by the Fund, and you could lose money.

 

Management Risk. The skill of the Adviser will play a significant role in the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective. The Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective depends on the investment skill and ability of the Adviser and on its ability to correctly identify economic trends. In addition, the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective depends on the Adviser’s ability to select investments, particularly in volatile markets. The Adviser could be incorrect in its analysis of industries, companies’ projected dividends and growth rates and the relative attractiveness of investments.

 

Depositary Receipt Risk. Depositary receipts may be purchased through “sponsored” or “unsponsored” facilities. A sponsored facility is established jointly by the issuer of the underlying security and a depositary, whereas a depositary may establish an unsponsored facility without participation by the issuer of the depositary security. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all the costs of such facilities and the depositary of an unsponsored facility frequently is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through voting rights to the holders of such receipts of the deposited securities. ADRs, which are U.S. dollar-denominated receipts representing shares of foreign-based corporations, are issued by U.S. banks or trust companies, and entitle the holder to all dividends and capital gains that are paid out on the underlying foreign shares. GDRs, which are similar to ADRs, are shares of foreign-based corporations generally issued by international banks in one or more markets around the world. In addition, EDRs, similar to GDRs, are shares of foreign-based corporations generally issued by European banks that trade on exchanges outside of the bank’s home country. Investment in ADRs, GDRs and EDRs may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market and GDRs, many of which are issued by companies in emerging markets, may be more volatile.

 

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Master Limited Partnership Risk . To the extent that an MLP's 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. For example, investors in MLPs may have limited voting rights or be liable under certain circumstances for amounts greater than the amount of their investment. In addition, an MLP may be taxed, contrary to its intention, as a corporation, resulting in decreased returns.

 

Foreign and Emerging Market Securities Risk. Foreign investments may carry risks associated with investing outside the United States, such as currency fluctuation, economic or financial instability, lack of timely or reliable financial information or unfavorable political or legal developments. Those risks are increased for investments in emerging markets.

 

Foreign securities include dollar-denominated foreign securities and securities purchased directly on foreign exchanges. Foreign securities may be subject to more risks than U.S. domestic investments. These additional risks may potentially include lower liquidity, greater price volatility and risks related to adverse political, regulatory, market or economic developments. Foreign companies also may be subject to significantly higher levels of taxation than U.S. companies, including potentially confiscatory levels of taxation, thereby reducing the earnings potential of such foreign companies. Because there is usually less supervision and governmental regulation of foreign exchanges, brokers and dealers than there is in the United States, the Fund may experience settlement difficulties or delays not usually encountered in the United States.

 

In addition, amounts realized on sales of foreign securities may be subject to high and potentially confiscatory levels of foreign taxation and withholding when compared to comparable transactions in U.S. securities. The Fund will generally not be eligible to pass through to shareholders any U.S. federal income tax credits or deductions with respect to foreign taxes paid unless it meets certain requirements regarding the percentage of its total assets invested in foreign securities. Investments in foreign securities involve exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Such fluctuations may reduce the value of the investment. Foreign investments are also subject to risks including potentially higher withholding and other taxes, trade settlement, custodial, and other operational risks and less stringent investor protection and disclosure standards in certain foreign markets. In addition, foreign markets can and often do perform differently from U.S. markets.

 

Currency Risk. If the Fund invests directly in foreign (non-U.S.) currencies or in securities that trade in, and receive revenues in, foreign (non-U.S.) currencies, or in derivatives that provide exposure to foreign (non-U.S.) currencies, it will be subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, or, in the case of hedging positions, that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates, intervention (or the failure to intervene) by U.S. or foreign governments, central banks or supranational entities such as the International Monetary Fund, or by the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the United States or abroad.

 

Small and Medium Companies Risk . Investing in securities of small and medium capitalization companies may involve greater volatility than investing in larger and more established companies because small and medium capitalization companies can be subject to more abrupt or erratic share price changes than larger, more established companies. Small and medium capitalization companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources and their management may be dependent on a limited number of key individuals. Securities of those companies may have limited market liquidity and their prices may be more volatile.

 

Large Companies Risk . The securities of large capitalization companies may underperform other segments of the market because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes. Large market capitalization companies may be unable to attain or maintain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.

 

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Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial contracts whose value depends on, or are derived from, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate or index. The Fund typically uses derivatives as a substitute for taking a position in the underlying asset and/or as part of a strategy designed to reduce exposure to other risks, such as interest rate or currency risk. The various derivative instruments that the Fund may use are options, futures and swaps, among others. The Fund may also use derivatives for leverage, in which case their use would involve leveraging risk. The Fund’s use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other traditional investments. Derivatives are subject to a number of risks, such as liquidity risk, interest rate risk, market risk, credit risk and management risk. They also involve the risk of mispricing or improper valuation and the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index. A fund investing in a derivative instrument could lose more than the principal amount invested. Also, suitable derivative transactions may not be available in all circumstances and there can be no assurance that the Fund will engage in these transactions to reduce exposure to other risks when that would be beneficial.

 

Options Risk. Purchasing and writing put and call options are highly specialized activities and entail greater than ordinary investment risks. The Fund may not fully benefit from or may lose money on an option if changes in its value do not correspond as anticipated to changes in the value of the underlying securities. If the Fund is not able to sell an option held in its portfolio, it would have to exercise the option to realize any profit and would incur transaction costs upon the purchase or sale of the underlying securities. Ownership of options involves the payment of premiums, which may adversely affect the Fund’s performance. To the extent that the Fund invests in over-the-counter options, the Fund may be exposed to counterparty risk.

 

Futures Risk . The value of a futures contract tends to increase and decrease in correlation with the value of the underlying instrument. Risks of futures contracts may arise from an imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the futures and the price of the underlying instrument. The Fund’s use of futures contracts (and related options) exposes the Fund to leverage risk because of the small margin requirements relative to the value of the futures contract. A relatively small market movement will have a proportionately larger impact on the funds that the Fund has deposited or will have to deposit with a broker to maintain its futures position. Leverage can lead to large losses as well as gains. While futures contracts are generally liquid instruments, under certain market conditions they may become illiquid. Futures exchanges may impose daily or intraday price change limits and/or limit the volume of trading. Additionally, government regulation may further reduce liquidity through similar trading restrictions. As a result, the Fund may be unable to close out its futures contracts at a time that is advantageous. The price of futures can be highly volatile; using them could lower total return, and the potential loss from futures could exceed the Fund’s initial investment in such contracts.

 

Swaps Risk. In a swap transaction, one party agrees to pay the other party an amount equal to the return, based upon an agreed-upon notional value, of a defined underlying asset or a non-asset reference (such as an index) during a specified period of time. In return, the other party would make periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate or on the return from a different underlying asset or non-asset reference based upon an agreed-upon notional value. Swaps could result in losses if the underlying asset or reference does not perform as anticipated. The value of swaps, like many other derivatives, may move in unexpected ways and may result in losses for the Fund. Such transactions can have the potential for unlimited losses. Such risk is heightened in the case of swap transactions involving short exposures. Swaps can involve greater risks than direct investment in the underlying asset, because swaps may be leveraged (creating leverage risk in that the Fund’s exposure and potential losses are greater than the amount invested) and are subject to counterparty risk (the risk that the counterparty to the instrument will not perform or be able to perform in accordance with the terms of the instrument), hedging risk (the risk that a hedging strategy may not eliminate the risk that it is intended to offset), pricing risk (swaps may be difficult to value) and liquidity risk (it may not be possible to liquidate a swap position at an advantageous time or price), each of which may result in significant and unanticipated losses to the Fund.

 

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ETF and Mutual Fund Risk . ETFs are typically open-end investment companies that are bought and sold on a national securities exchange. When the Fund invests in an ETF, it will bear additional expenses based on its pro rata share of the ETF’s operating expenses, including the potential duplication of management fees. The risk of owning an ETF generally reflects the risks of owning the underlying securities it holds. Many ETFs seek to replicate a specific benchmark index. However, an ETF may not fully replicate the performance of its benchmark index for many reasons, including because of the temporary unavailability of certain index securities in the secondary market or discrepancies between the ETF and the index with respect to the weighting of securities or the number of stocks held. Some ETFs are actively-managed and do not seek to replicate or track any benchmark index. Actively-managed ETFs are subject to risk of poor investment, and the individual investments of an actively-managed ETF may not perform as well as its investment adviser and/or sub-advisers expect, and/or the actively managed ETF’s portfolio management practices do not work to achieve their desired result. Lack of liquidity in an ETF could result in an ETF being more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities it holds. In addition, because of ETF expenses, compared to owning the underlying securities directly, it may be more costly to own an ETF. The Fund also will incur brokerage costs when it purchases ETFs. ETFs may not track their underlying indices.

 

If the Fund invests in shares of another mutual fund, shareholders will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the underlying mutual funds in which the Fund invests in addition to the Fund’s direct fees and expenses. Furthermore, investments in other mutual funds could affect the timing, amount and character of distributions to shareholders and therefore may increase the amount of taxes payable by investors in the Fund.

 

The market for an ETF’s shares may become less liquid in response to deteriorating liquidity in the markets for the ETF’s underlying portfolio holdings, which could lead to differences between the market price of the ETF’s shares and the underlying value of those shares. An ETF’s market price may deviate from the value of the ETF’s underlying portfolio holdings, particularly in times of market stress, with the result that investors may pay significantly more or receive significantly less than the underlying value of the ETF shares bought or sold. An active trading market for shares of the ETF may not develop or be maintained. In times of market stress, market makers or authorized participants may step away from their respective roles in making a market in shares of the ETF and in executing purchase or redemption orders, which could also lead to variances between the market price of the ETF’s shares and the underlying value of those shares.

 

Interest Rate Risk. Bond prices generally rise when interest rates decline and decline when interest rates rise. The longer the duration of a bond, the more a change in interest rates affects the bond’s price. Short-term and long-term interest rates may not move the same amount and may not move in the same direction. It is likely there will be less governmental action in the near future to maintain low interest rates, or that governmental actions will be less effective in maintaining low interest rates. The negative impact on fixed income securities from the resulting rate increases for that and other reasons could be swift and significant, including falling market values and reduced liquidity. Substantial redemptions from bond and other income funds may worsen that impact. Other types of securities also may be adversely affected from an increase in interest rates.

 

Credit Risk. The issuers of the bonds and other debt securities held by the Fund may not be able to make interest or principal payments. Even if these issuers are able to make interest or principal payments, they may suffer adverse changes in financial condition that would lower the credit quality of the security, leading to greater volatility in the price of the security.

 

Fixed Income Securities Risk. In addition to interest rate risk and credit risk, there is also the risk that an issuer may “call,” or repay, its high yielding bonds before their maturity dates. Fixed income securities subject to prepayment can offer less potential for gains during a declining interest rate environment and similar or greater potential for loss in a rising interest rate environment. Limited trading opportunities for certain fixed income securities may make it more difficult to sell or buy a security at a favorable price or time.

 

12  

 

Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities Risk . Mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities often involve risks that are different from or more acute than risks associated with other types of debt instruments. Generally, rising interest rates tend to extend the duration of fixed rate mortgage-related securities, making them more sensitive to changes in interest rates. As a result, in a period of rising interest rates, if the Fund holds mortgage-related securities, it may exhibit additional volatility. This is known as extension risk. In addition, adjustable and fixed rate mortgage-related securities are subject to prepayment risk. When interest rates decline, borrowers may pay off their mortgages sooner than expected. This can reduce the returns of the Fund because it may have to reinvest that money at the lower prevailing interest rates. The risk of default is generally higher in mortgage-related investments that include sub-prime mortgages. Sub-prime borrowers typically have weakened credit histories that include payment delinquencies, and possibly more severe problems such as charge-offs, judgments and bankruptcies. They may also display reduced repayment capacity as measured by credit scores, debt-to-income ratios, or other criteria that may encompass borrowers with incomplete credit histories. The Fund’s investments in other asset-backed securities are subject to risks similar to those associated with mortgage-related securities, as well as additional risks associated with the nature of the assets and the servicing of those assets.

 

Real Estate and REIT Concentration Risk. The value and performance of REITs depends on how well the property owned by the REIT is managed. A REIT’s performance also depends on that company’s ability to finance property purchases and renovations and manage its cash flows. Since the Fund will concentrate its portfolio in REITs and other commercial real estate-oriented companies, the Fund’s performance will be exposed to the same risks that are associated with the direct ownership of real estate. Some of the risks involved in the real estate market include a general decline in the value of real estate, fluctuations in rental income, changes in interest rates, increases in property taxes, increased operating costs, overbuilding, changes in zoning laws, and changes in consumer demand for real estate. In recent years, the real estate industry has been subject to substantial declines in value.

 

High-Yield Securities Risk . Fixed income securities receiving below investment grade ratings ( i.e. , “junk bonds”) may have speculative characteristics, and, compared to higher-grade securities, may have a weakened capacity to make principal and interest payments in economic conditions or other circumstances. High-yield, high risk, and lower-rated securities are subject to additional risk factors due to the speculative nature of these securities, such as increased possibility of default, decreased liquidity, and fluctuations in value due to public perception of the issuer of such securities. These bonds are almost always uncollateralized and subordinate to other debt that an issuer may have outstanding. In addition, both individual high-yield securities and the entire high-yield bond market can experience sharp price swings due to a variety of factors, including changes in economic forecasts, stock market activity, large sustained sales by major investors, or, a higher profile default.

 

Rule 144A Securities Risk. The market for Rule 144A securities typically is less active than the market for publicly-traded securities. Rule 144A securities carry the risk that the trading market may not continue and the Fund might be unable to dispose of these securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemption requirements.

 

Convertible Bond Risk . Convertible bonds are hybrid securities that have characteristics of both bonds and common stocks and are therefore subject to both debt security risk and conversion value-related equity risk. Convertible bonds are similar to other fixed-income securities because they usually pay a fixed interest rate and are obligated to repay principal on a given date in the future. The market value of fixed-income securities tends to decline as interest rates increase. Convertible bonds are particularly sensitive to changes in interest rates when their conversion to equity feature is small relative to the interest and principal value of the bond. Convertible issuers may not be able to make principal and interest payments on the bond as they become due. Convertible bonds may also be subject to prepayment or redemption risk. If a convertible bond held by the Fund is called for redemption, the Fund will be required to surrender the security for redemption and convert it into the issuing company’s common stock or cash at a time that may be unfavorable to the Fund. Convertible securities have characteristics similar to common stocks especially when their conversion value is greater than the interest and principal value of the bond. The prices of equity securities may rise or fall because of economic or political changes. Stock prices in general may decline over short or even extended periods of time. Market prices of equity securities in broad market segments may be adversely affected by a prominent issuer having experienced losses or by the lack of earnings or such an issuer’s failure to meet the market’s expectations with respect to new products or services, or even by factors wholly unrelated to the value or condition of the issuer, such as changes in interest rates. When a convertible bond’s value is more closely tied to its conversion to stock feature, it is sensitive to the underlying stock’s price.

 

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Government Sponsored Entities Risk. Securities issued or guaranteed by government-sponsored entities may not be guaranteed or insured by the United States Government, and may only be supported by the credit of the issuing agency.

 

Exchange-Traded Note Risk . ETNs are subject to the credit risk of the issuer. The value of an ETN will vary and will be influenced by its time to maturity, level of supply and demand for the ETN, volatility and lack of liquidity in underlying securities, currency and commodities markets as well as changes in the applicable interest rates, changes in the issuer’s credit rating, and economic, legal, political, or geographic events that affect the referenced index. There may be restrictions on the Fund’s right to redeem its investment in an ETN, which is meant to be held until maturity. The Fund’s decision to sell its ETN holdings may be limited by the availability of a secondary market.

 

Preferred Stock Risk . The value of preferred stocks may decline due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company or to factors affecting a particular industry or industries. Preferred stocks may be more volatile than fixed income securities and are more correlated with the issuer’s underlying common stock than fixed income securities. While most preferred stocks pay a dividend, the Fund may purchase preferred stock where the issuer has omitted, or is in danger of omitting, payment of its dividend.

 

Leverage and Short Sales Risk. Subject to certain limitations, the Fund may use leverage in connection with its investment activities and may effect short sales of securities. These investment practices involve special risks. Leverage is the practice of borrowing money to purchase securities. If the securities decrease in value, the Fund will suffer a greater loss than would have resulted without the use of leverage. A short sale is the sale by the Fund of a security that it does not own in anticipation of purchasing the same security in the future at a lower price to close the short position. A short sale will be successful if the price of the shorted security decreases. However, if the underlying security goes up in price during the period in which the short position is outstanding, the Fund will realize a loss. The risk on a short sale is unlimited because the Fund must buy the shorted security at the higher price to complete the transaction. Therefore, short sales may be subject to greater risks than investments in long positions. With a long position, the maximum sustainable loss is limited to the amount paid for the security plus the transaction costs, whereas there is no maximum attainable price of the shorted security. The Fund would also incur increased transaction costs associated with selling securities short. In addition, if the Fund sells securities short, it must maintain a segregated account with its custodian containing cash or high-grade securities equal to (i) the greater of the current market value of the securities sold short or the market value of such securities at the time they were sold short, less (ii) any collateral deposited with the Fund’s broker (not including the proceeds from the short sales). The Fund may be required to add to the segregated account as the market price of a shorted security increases. As a result of maintaining and adding to its segregated account, the Fund may maintain higher levels of cash or liquid assets (for example, U.S. Treasury bills, repurchase agreements, high quality commercial paper and long equity positions) for collateral needs thus reducing its overall managed assets available for trading purposes. In lieu of maintaining cash or high-grade securities in a segregated account to cover the Fund’s short sale obligations, the Fund may earmark cash or high-grade securities on the Fund’s records or hold offsetting positions.

 

Initial Public Offering Risk . The Fund may purchase securities of companies that are offered pursuant to an IPO. The risk exists that the market value of IPO shares will fluctuate considerably due to factors such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, the small number of shares available for trading and limited information about the issuer. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. IPO shares are subject to market risk and liquidity risk. When the Fund’s asset base is small, a significant portion of the Fund’s performance could be attributable to investments in IPOs, because such investments would have a magnified impact on the Fund. As the Fund’s assets grow, the effect of the Fund’s investments in IPOs on the Fund’s performance probably will decline, which could reduce the Fund’s performance.

 

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Securities Lending Risk. When the Fund loans its portfolio securities, it will receive collateral consisting of cash or cash equivalents, securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities, an irrevocable bank letter of credit, or any combination thereof. Nevertheless, the Fund risks a delay in the recovery of the loaned securities, or even the loss of rights in the collateral deposited by the borrower if the borrower should fail financially. In addition, if the Fund’s securities are sold while out on loan and the securities are not returned timely by the borrower, there is a possibility that the sale transaction will not settle in the usual manner and cause unintended market exposure and additional trade and other expenses to the Fund. As well, any investments made with the collateral received are subject to the risks associated with such investments. If such investments lose value, the Fund will have to cover the loss when repaying the collateral.

 

Sector Risk. To the extent the Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in the securities of companies in the same sector of the market, the Fund is more susceptible to economic, political, regulatory and other occurrences influencing those sectors.

 

Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may sell securities without regard to the length of time they have been held to take advantage of new investment opportunities, when the Adviser feels either the securities no longer meet its investment criteria or the potential for capital appreciation has lessened, or for other reasons. The Fund’s portfolio turnover rate may vary from year to year. A high portfolio turnover rate (100% or more) increases the Fund’s transaction costs (including brokerage commissions and dealer costs), which would adversely impact the Fund’s performance. Higher portfolio turnover may result in the realization of more short-term capital gains than if the Fund had lower portfolio turnover. The turnover rate will not be a limiting factor, however, if the Adviser considers portfolio changes appropriate.

 

Non-Diversification Risk. The Fund is non-diversified, which means that there is no restriction on how much the Fund may invest in the securities of an issuer under the 1940 Act. Because of this, greater investment in a single issuer makes the Fund more susceptible to financial, economic or market events impacting such issuer. (A “diversified” investment company is required by the 1940 Act, generally, with respect to 75% of its total assets, to invest not more than 5% of such assets in the securities of a single issuer.)

 

Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings

 

Currently, disclosure of the Fund’s holdings is required to be made quarterly within 60 days of the end of each fiscal quarter in the annual report and semi-annual report to Fund shareholders and in the quarterly holdings report on Form N-Q. The annual and semi-annual reports are available by contacting the Orinda Income Opportunities Fund, c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701, or calling 1-855-467-4632 (855-4ORINDA), on the Fund’s website at www.orindafunds.com, and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. A further description of the Company’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio securities is available in the Fund’s SAI.

 

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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

 

Investment Adviser

 

Orinda Asset Management LLC provides investment management and investment advisory services to investment companies and other pooled investment vehicles.

 

Subject to the general supervision of the Board, the Adviser manages the Fund’s portfolio and is responsible for the selection and management of all portfolio investments of the Fund in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies.

 

The Adviser is located at 4 Orinda Way, Suite 150-A, Orinda, California 94563. The Adviser is an SEC-registered investment advisory firm formed in 2010. As of August 31, 2017, Orinda had approximately $358 million in assets under management.

 

For its services to the Fund, the Adviser is entitled to receive a monthly advisory fee under the advisory agreement computed at an annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. For the fiscal period from March 1, 2017 through August 31, 2017, the Adviser received a management fee of 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. Until December 31, 2018, the Adviser has agreed to waive its fees to the extent necessary to maintain annualized expense ratios for the Class I, Class A and Class D shareholders of average daily net assets of 1.40%, 1.70%, and 2.40%, respectively (excluding certain items discussed below). In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause the Fund’s net annualized expense ratio to exceed the applicable expense limitation: acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes. There can be no assurance that the Adviser will continue such waiver for the Fund after December 31, 2018.

 

If at any time the Fund’s Total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.40%, 1.70%, and 2.40%, for the Fund’s Class I, Class A and Class D, respectively, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the forgone advisory fees waived and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s initial approval of the Fund’s advisory agreement with the Adviser is available in the Fund’s annual report to shareholders dated August 31, 2017.

 

Portfolio Managers

 

Paul Gray, Joshua Rowe and Ian Goltra serve as co-portfolio managers for the Fund.

 

Paul Gray brings over 25 years of investment experience to the Adviser. He is responsible for the Adviser’s research, investment strategy, investment process, and overall portfolio management of the real estate and income products. From June 2009 through February 2013, Mr. Gray served as a portfolio manager at Forward Management LLC managing three private hedge funds. From 1994 to June 2009, Mr. Gray served as a portfolio manager and acted as co-chief investment officer for Kensington Investment Group, Inc., where he directed the firm’s research and co-directed the investment strategy for the firm.

 

Joshua Rowe is jointly responsible for the Fund’s investment research, investment strategy, investment process and overall investment management of the Fund. From March 2014 to August 2016, Mr. Rowe served as Senior Research Analyst with the Adviser. From January 2013 to February 2014, Mr. Rowe served as a Fixed Income and Credit Analyst for Convergent Wealth Advisors, supervising investments in credit hedge funds and high grade bonds, as well as assisting in portfolio construction and asset allocation. From June 2011 to December 2012, Mr. Rowe served as Research Analyst with the Adviser whereby his responsibilities included the construction and monitoring of its sub-advisers and the multi-manager funds. Mr. Rowe graduated from Johns Hopkins with a Bachelor of Arts and from Princeton with a PhD in History. Mr. Rowe holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (“CFA”) designation and is a member of the CFA Institute.

 

16  

 

Ian Goltra is jointly responsible for the Fund’s investment research, investment strategy, investment process and overall investment management of the Fund. From March 2010 to July 2016, Mr. Goltra served as a portfolio manager at Salient Partners (formerly, Forward Management LLC) after joining the company as a Senior Analyst in June 2009. Mr. Goltra served as Lead Portfolio Manager to the Salient Tactical Real Estate Fund (previously the "Forward Real Estate Long/Short Fund") and co-led the portfolio management team of the Salient Real Estate Fund (previously the "Forward Real Estate Fund"), later serving as its Lead Manager.

 

The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers’ ownership of shares in the Fund.

 

Marketing Arrangements

 

The Adviser or its affiliates may pay additional compensation, out of profits derived from the Adviser’s management fee and not as an additional charge to the Fund, to certain financial institutions (which may include banks, securities dealers and other industry professionals) for the sale and/or distribution of Fund shares or the retention and/or servicing of Fund investors and Fund shares ("revenue sharing"). These payments are in addition to any distribution or servicing fees payable under a 12b-1 distribution and/or service plan of the Fund, any record keeping or sub-transfer agency fees payable by the Fund, or other fees described in the fee table or elsewhere in this Prospectus or the SAI. Examples of "revenue sharing" payments include, but are not limited to, payments to financial institutions for "shelf space" or access to a third party platform or fund offering list or other marketing programs, including, but not limited to, inclusion of the Fund on preferred or recommended sales lists, mutual fund "supermarket" platforms and other formal sales programs; granting the Adviser access to the financial institution’s sales force; conferences and meetings; assistance in training and educating the financial institution’s personnel; and obtaining other forms of marketing support. The level of revenue sharing payments made to financial institutions may be a fixed fee or based upon one or more of the following factors: gross sales, current assets and/or number of accounts of the Fund attributable to the financial institution, or other factors as agreed to by the Adviser and the financial institution or any combination thereof. The amount of these revenue sharing payments is determined at the discretion of the Adviser from time to time, may be substantial, and may be different for different financial institutions depending upon the services provided by the financial institution. Such payments may provide an incentive for the financial institution to make shares of the Fund available to its customers and may allow the Fund greater access to the financial institution’s customers.

 

17  

 

Other Service Providers. The following chart shows the Fund’s service providers and includes their addresses and principal activities.

 

 

18  

 

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

 

Pricing of Fund Shares

 

Class I, Class A and Class D shares of the Fund ("Shares") are priced at their net asset value ("NAV").The NAV per share of the Fund is calculated as follows:

 

  Value of Assets Attributable to a Class
NAV = - Value of Liabilities Attributable to the same Class
  Number of Outstanding shares of the Class

  

The Fund’s NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. The NYSE is generally open Monday through Friday, except national holidays. Due to the fact that different expenses are charged to the Class I, Class A and Class D shares of the Fund, the NAV of the three classes of the Fund may vary. The Fund will effect purchases and redemptions of Shares at the NAV next calculated after receipt by U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, (the "Transfer Agent") of your purchase order or redemption request in good order (as described below). If the Fund holds securities that are primarily listed on non-U.S. exchanges, the NAV of the Shares may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem the Shares.

 

The Fund’s equity securities listed on any national or foreign exchange market system will be valued at the last sale price, except for the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System ("NASDAQ"). Equity securities listed on the NASDAQ will be valued at the official closing price. Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions on that day, equity securities will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market value at the close of the market. When prices are not available from such services or are deemed to be unreliable, securities may be valued by dealers who make markets in such securities. Foreign securities, currencies and other securities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of such currencies against the U.S. dollar provided by a pricing service. All assets denominated in foreign currencies will be converted into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the time of valuation. If the Fund holds foreign equity securities, the calculation of the Fund’s NAV will not occur at the same time as the determination of the value of the foreign equities securities in the Fund’s portfolio, since these securities are traded on foreign exchanges.

 

Investments in other open-end investment companies are valued based on the NAV of those investment companies (which may use fair value pricing as discussed in their prospectuses). Investments in ETFs, REITs and closed-end investment companies will be valued at their market price.

 

If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable by the Fund’s administrator, in consultation with the Adviser, securities will be valued by the Adviser in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board and under the Board’s ultimate supervision. In addition, the prices of foreign securities may be affected by events that occur after the close of a foreign market but before the Fund prices its Shares. In such instances, a foreign security may be fair valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board. Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation involves the risk that the values used by the Fund to price its investments may be higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.

 

Market Timing

 

In accordance with the policy adopted by its Board, the Company discourages and does not accommodate market timing and other excessive trading practices. Purchases should be made with a view to longer-term investment only. Excessive short-term (market timing) trading practices may disrupt portfolio management strategies, increase brokerage and administrative costs, harm Fund performance and result in dilution in the value of Shares held by long-term shareholders. The Company and the Adviser reserve the right to (i) reject a purchase or exchange order, (ii) delay payment of immediate cash redemption proceeds for up to seven calendar days, (iii) revoke a shareholder’s privilege to purchase Shares (including exchanges), or (iv) limit the amount of any exchange involving the purchase of Shares. An investor may receive notice that their purchase order or exchange has been rejected after the day the order is placed or after acceptance by a financial intermediary. It is currently expected that a shareholder would receive notice that its purchase order or exchange has been rejected within 48 hours after such purchase order or exchange has been received by the Company in good order. The Company and the Adviser will not be liable for any loss resulting from rejected purchase orders. To minimize harm to the Company and its shareholders (or the Adviser), the Company (or the Adviser) will exercise its right if, in the Company’s (or the Adviser’s) judgment, an investor has a history of excessive trading or if an investor’s trading, in the judgment of the Company (or the Adviser), has been or may be disruptive to the Fund. No waivers of the provisions of the policy established to detect and deter market timing and other excessive trading activity are permitted that would harm the Fund and its shareholders or would subordinate the interests of the Fund and its shareholders to those of the Adviser or any affiliated person or associated person of the Adviser.

 

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Pursuant to the policy adopted by the Board, the Adviser has developed criteria that it uses to identify trading activity that may be excessive. If, in its judgment, the Adviser detects excessive, short-term trading, the Adviser may reject or restrict a purchase request and may further seek to close an investor’s account with the Fund.

 

If necessary, the Company may prohibit additional purchases of Shares by a financial intermediary or by certain customers of the financial intermediary. Financial intermediaries may also monitor their customers’ trading activities in the Fund. The criteria used by intermediaries to monitor for excessive trading may differ from the criteria used by the Company. If a financial intermediary fails to enforce the Company’s excessive trading policies, the Company may take certain actions, including terminating the relationship.

 

There is no assurance that the Fund will be able to identify market timers, particularly if they are investing through intermediaries.

 

Purchase of Fund Shares

 

Shares representing interests in the Fund are offered continuously for sale by Quasar Distributors, LLC (the "Distributor"). Shares of the Fund are available for purchase by investors who meet the investment minimums described below under "General."

 

The Board has approved a Distribution Agreement and adopted Plans of Distribution for Class A and Class D shares (the "Plans") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plans, the Distributor is entitled to receive from the Fund a distribution fee with respect to Class A and Class D Shares of the Fund, which is accrued daily and paid monthly, of up to 0.25% on an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Class A Shares, and of up to 1.00% on an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Class D Shares. The actual amount of such compensation under the Plans is agreed upon by the Board and by the Distributor. Because these fees are paid out of the Fund's assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment in Class A Shares and Class D Shares and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.

 

Amounts paid to the Distributor under the Plans may be used by the Distributor to cover expenses that are related to (i) the sale of Class A Shares and Class D Shares, (ii) ongoing servicing and/or maintenance of the accounts of Class A and Class D shareholders, and (iii) sub-transfer agency services, sub-accounting services or administrative services related to the sale of Class A Shares and Class D Shares, all as set forth in the Plans. Ongoing servicing and/or maintenance of the accounts of Class A and Class D shareholders may include updating and mailing prospectuses and shareholder reports, responding to inquiries regarding shareholder accounts and acting as agent or intermediary between shareholders and the Fund or its service providers. The Distributor may delegate some or all of these functions to Service Organizations. See "Purchases Through Intermediaries" below.

 

The Plans obligate the Fund, during the period it is in effect, to accrue and pay to the Distributor on behalf of the Class A Shares and Class D Shares the fee agreed to under the Distribution Agreement. Payments under the Plans are not tied exclusively to expenses actually incurred by the Distributor, and the payments may exceed distribution expenses actually incurred.

 

Purchases Through Intermediaries. Shares of the Fund may also be available through certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals (collectively, "Service Organizations"). Certain features of the Shares, such as the initial and subsequent investment minimum and certain trading restrictions, may be modified or waived by Service Organizations. Service Organizations may impose transaction or administrative charges or other direct fees, which charges and fees would not be imposed if Shares are purchased directly from the Company. Therefore, you should contact the Service Organization acting on your behalf concerning the fees (if any) charged in connection with a purchase or redemption of Shares and should read this Prospectus in light of the terms governing your accounts with the Service Organization. Appendix A of this Prospectus provides more information about the special sales charge arrangements through Service organizations, and the circumstances in which sales charges may be reduced or waived for certain investors and certain types of purchases or redemptions. Service Organizations will be responsible for promptly transmitting client or customer purchase and redemption orders to the Company in accordance with their agreements with the Company or its agent and with clients or customers. Service Organizations or, if applicable, their designees that have entered into agreements with the Company or its agent may enter confirmed purchase orders on behalf of clients and customers, with payment to follow no later than the Company’s pricing on the following business day. If payment is not received by such time, the Service Organization could be held liable for resulting fees or losses. The Company will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when a Service Organization, or, if applicable, its authorized designee, accepts a purchase or redemption order in good order if the order is actually received by the Company in good order not later than the next business morning. If a purchase order is not received by the Fund in good order, the Transfer Agent will contact the financial intermediary to determine the status of the purchase order. Orders received by the Company in good order will be priced at the appropriate Fund’s NAV next computed after they are deemed to have been received by the Service Organization or its authorized designee.

 

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For administration, sub-accounting, transfer agency and/or other services, the Adviser or its affiliates may pay Service Organizations and certain recordkeeping organizations a fee (the "Service Fee") relating to the average annual NAV of accounts with the Company maintained by such Service Organizations or recordkeepers. The Service Fee payable to any one Service Organization is determined based upon a number of factors, including the nature and quality of services provided, the operations processing requirements of the relationship and the standardized fee schedule of the Service Organization or recordkeeper.

 

General. You may also purchase Shares of the Fund at the NAV per share next calculated, plus any applicable sales charge, after your order is received by the Transfer Agent in good order as described below. The Fund’s NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. After an initial purchase is made, the Transfer Agent will set up an account for you on the Company records. The minimum initial investment in Class I Shares of the Fund is $100,000 and there is no minimum subsequent investment amount. The minimum initial investment in Class A and Class D Shares of the Fund is $5,000 and there is no minimum subsequent investment amount. The minimum initial and subsequent investment requirements may be reduced or waived from time to time. For purposes of meeting the minimum initial purchase, purchases by clients that are part of endowments, foundations or other related groups may be combined. You can only purchase Shares of the Fund on days the NYSE is open and through the means described below. Shares may be purchased by principals and employees of the Adviser and its subsidiaries and by their spouses and children either directly or through any trust that has the principal, employee, spouse or child as the primary beneficiaries, their individual retirement accounts, or any pension and profit-sharing plan of the Adviser and its subsidiaries without being subject to the minimum investment limitations.

 

Initial Investment By Mail. Subject to acceptance by the Fund, an account may be opened by completing and signing an account application and mailing it to the Transfer Agent at the address noted below, together with a check payable to the Orinda Income Opportunities Fund.

 


Regular Mail:
  Overnight Mail:  

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

P.O. Box 701

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

615 East Michigan Street, 3 rd Floor

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

 

 

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The Fund does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, deposit in the mail or with such services, or receipt at U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC’s post office box, of purchase orders or redemption requests does not constitute receipt by the transfer agent of the Fund. Receipt of purchase orders or redemption requests is based on when the order is received at the Transfer Agent’s offices.

 

All checks must be in U.S. Dollars drawn on a domestic bank. The Fund will not accept payment in cash or money orders. The Fund does not accept post- dated checks or any conditional order or payment. To prevent check fraud, the Fund will not accept third party checks, Treasury checks, credit card checks, traveler’s checks or starter checks for the purchase of shares.

 

Shares will be purchased at the NAV next computed, plus any applicable sales charge, after the time the application and funds are received in proper order and accepted by the Fund. The Transfer Agent will charge a $25 fee against a shareholder’s account, in addition to any loss sustained by the Fund, for any payment that is returned. It is the policy of the Fund not to accept applications under certain circumstances or in amounts considered disadvantageous to shareholders. The Fund reserves the right to reject any application.

 

Initial Investment By Wire. If you are making your first investment in the Fund, before you wire funds, the Transfer Agent must have a completed account application. You may mail or overnight deliver your account application to the Transfer Agent. Upon receipt of your completed account application, the Transfer Agent will establish an account for you. The account number assigned will be required as part of the instruction that should be provided to your bank to send the wire. Your bank must include both the name of the Fund you are purchasing, the account number, and your name so that monies can be correctly applied. Your bank should transmit funds by wire to:

   

U.S. Bank, N.A.

777 East Wisconsin Avenue

Milwaukee, WI 53202

ABA #075000022

Credit:

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

Account #112-952-137

Further Credit:

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

(shareholder registration)

(shareholder account number)

 

Wired funds must be received prior to 4:00 p.m. Eastern time to be eligible for same day pricing. The Fund and U.S. Bank, N.A. are not responsible for the consequences of delays resulting from the banking or Federal Reserve wire system, or from incomplete wiring instructions.

 

For Subsequent Investments By Wire. Before sending your wire, please contact the Transfer Agent to advise them of your intent to wire funds. This will ensure prompt and accurate credit upon receipt of your wire.

 

Additional Investments. Additional investments may be made at any time (for any amount) by purchasing Shares at the NAV per Share of the Fund by mailing a check to the Transfer Agent at the address noted under "Initial Investment by Mail" (payable to Orinda Income Opportunities Fund) or by wiring monies as outlined under "Initial Investment by Wire." Notification must be given to the Transfer Agent at 1-855-467-4632 (855-4ORINDA) prior to 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the wire date. Initial and additional purchases made by check or electronic funds transfer through the ACH network cannot be redeemed until payment of the purchase has been collected. This may take up to 15 calendar days from the date of purchase.

 

Automatic Investment Plan. Once your account has been opened with the initial minimum investment, you may make additional purchases at regular intervals through an automatic investment plan (the “Automatic Investment Plan”). The Automatic Investment Plan provides a convenient method to have monies deducted from your bank account, for investment into the Fund, on a monthly or quarterly basis. In order to participate in the Automatic Investment Plan, each purchase must be in the amount of $100 or more, and your financial institution must be a member of the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network. If your bank rejects your payment, the Fund’s transfer agent will charge a $25 fee to your account. To begin participating in the Automatic Investment Plan, please complete the Automatic Investment Plan section on the account application or call the Fund’s transfer agent at 1-855-467-4632 (855-4ORINDA) for instructions. Any request to change or terminate your Automatic Investment Plan should be submitted to the Transfer Agent five (5) days prior to effective date.

 

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Retirement Plans.

 

The Fund offers prototype documents for a variety of retirement accounts for individuals and small businesses. Please call 1-855-467-4632 (855-4ORINDA) for information on:

 

Individual Retirement Plan, including Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs

Small Business Retirement Plans, including Simple IRAs and SEP IRAs

Coverdell Education Savings Accounts

 

There may be special distribution requirements for a retirement account, such as required distributions or mandatory Federal income tax withholding. For more information, call the number listed above. You may be charged a $15 annual account maintenance fee for each retirement account up to a maximum of $30 annually and a $25 fee for transferring assets to another custodian or for closing a retirement account.

 

Purchases in Kind. In certain circumstances, Shares of the Fund may be purchased "in kind" (i.e. in exchange for securities, rather than cash). The securities rendered in connection with an in-kind purchase must be liquid securities that are not restricted as to transfer and have a value that is readily ascertainable in accordance with the Company’s valuation procedures. Securities accepted by the Fund will be valued, as set forth in this Prospectus, as of the time of the next determination of NAV after such acceptance. Fund Shares that are issued to the investor in exchange for the securities will be determined as of the same time. All dividend, subscription, or other rights that are reflected in the market price of accepted securities at the time of valuation become the property of the Fund and must be delivered to the Fund by the investor upon receipt from the issuer. The Fund will not accept securities in exchange for its Shares unless such securities are, at the time of the exchange, eligible to be held by the Fund and satisfy such other conditions as may be imposed by the Adviser or the Company. Purchases in-kind may result in the recognition of gain or loss for federal income tax purposes on the securities transferred to the Fund.

 

Other Purchase Information. The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to suspend the offering of Shares or to reject purchase orders when, in the judgment of management, such suspension or rejection is in the best interests of the Fund. Subject to the Board’s discretion, the Adviser will monitor the Fund’s total assets and may decide to close the Fund at any time to new investments or to new accounts due to concerns that a significant increase in the size of the Fund may adversely affect the implementation of the Fund’s strategy. Subject to the Board’s discretion, the Adviser may also choose to reopen a closed Fund to new investments at any time, and may subsequently close the Fund again should concerns regarding the Fund’s size recur. If the Fund closes to new investments, generally the closed Fund would be offered only to certain existing shareholders of the Fund and certain other persons, who are generally subject to cumulative, maximum purchase amounts, as follows:

 

a. Fee-based advisory model programs or financial advisors who manage fee-based wrap accounts that systematically trade in and out of the closed Fund based on model portfolio allocations;

 

b. Persons who already hold Shares of the closed Fund directly or through accounts maintained by brokers by arrangement with the Company;

 

c. Existing and future clients of registered investment advisers and planners whose clients already hold Shares of the closed Fund on transaction fee and non-transaction fee platforms;

 

d. Existing and future clients of consultants whose clients already hold shares of the closed Fund;

 

e. Certain financial intermediaries by arrangement with the Company;

 

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f. Employees of the Adviser and their spouses, parents and children;

 

g. Directors of the Company; and

 

h. Defined contribution retirement plans of private employers and governed by ERISA or of state and local governments.

 

Distributions to all shareholders of the closed Fund will continue to be reinvested unless a shareholder elects otherwise. The Adviser, subject to the Board’s discretion, reserves the right to implement other purchase limitations at the time of closing, including limitations on current shareholders.

 

Purchases of the Shares will be made in full and fractional shares of the Fund calculated to three decimal places.

 

The Adviser is authorized to waive the minimum initial and subsequently investment requirements.

 

Certificates for Shares will not be issued.

 

Good Order . A purchase request is considered to be in good order when the purchase request includes the name of the Fund, the dollar amount of shares to be purchased, your account application or investment stub, and a check payable to the Fund. Purchase requests not in good order may be rejected.

 

Customer Identification Program. Federal law requires the Company to obtain, verify and record identifying information, which may include the name, residential or business street address, date of birth (for an individual), social security or taxpayer identification number or other identifying information for each investor who opens or reopens an account with the Company. Applications without the required information, or without any indication that a social security or taxpayer identification number has been applied for, may not be accepted. After acceptance, to the extent permitted by applicable law or its customer identification program, the Company reserves the right (a) to place limits on transactions in any account until the identity of the investor is verified; or (b) to refuse an investment in a Company portfolio or to involuntarily redeem an investor’s Shares and close an account in the event that an investor’s identity is not verified. The Company and its agents will not be responsible for any loss in an investor’s account resulting from the investor’s delay in providing all required identifying information or from closing an account and redeeming an investor’s Shares when an investor’s identity cannot be verified.

 

Redemption of Fund Shares

 

Normally, your investment professional will send your request to redeem Shares to the Transfer Agent. Consult your investment professional for more information. You can redeem some or all of your Fund Shares directly through the Fund only if the account is registered in your name.

 

You may redeem Shares of the Fund at the next NAV calculated after a redemption request is received by the Transfer Agent in good order. The Fund’s NAVs are calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. You can only redeem Shares on days the NYSE is open and through the means described below.

 

You may redeem Shares of the Fund by mail, or, if you are authorized, by telephone. The value of Shares redeemed may be more or less than the purchase price, depending on the market value of the investment securities held by the Fund. There is generally no charge for a redemption.

 

Redemption By Mail. Your redemption requests should be addressed to Orinda Income Opportunities Fund, c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701; for overnight delivery, requests should be addressed to Orinda Income Opportunities Fund, c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, 615 East Michigan Street, 3rd Floor, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202.

 

The Fund does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, deposit in the mail or with such services, or receipt at U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC’s post office box, of purchase orders or redemption requests does not constitute receipt by the transfer agent of the Fund. Receipt of purchase orders or redemption requests is based on when the order is received at the Transfer Agent’s offices.

 

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Signature guarantees will generally be accepted from domestic banks, brokers, dealers, credit unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies and savings associations, as well as from participants in the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program and the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (“STAMP”). A notary public is not an acceptable signature guarantor.

 

A signature guarantee, from either a Medallion program member or a non-Medallion program member, is required in the following situations:

 

If ownership is being changed on your account;

When redemption proceeds are payable or sent to any person, address or bank account not on record;

When a redemption is received by the Transfer Agent and the account address has changed within the last 15 calendar days;

For all redemptions in excess of $100,000 from any shareholder account.

 

The Fund may waive any of the above requirements in certain instances. In addition to the situations described above, the Fund and /or the Transfer Agent reserve the right to require a signature guarantee in other instances based on the circumstances relative to the particular situation.

 

Non financial transactions, including establishing or modifying certain services on an account, may require a signature guarantee, signature verification from a Signature Validation Program member, or other acceptable form of authentication from a financial institution source.

 

Redemption By Telephone. In order to utilize the telephone redemption option, you must indicate that option on your Account Application. You may then initiate a redemption of Shares in the amount of up to $100,000 by calling the Transfer Agent at 1-855-467-4632 (855-4ORINDA) .

 

Investors may have a check sent to the address of record, proceeds may be wired to a shareholder’s bank account of record, or funds may be sent via electronic funds transfer through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, also to the bank account of record. Wires are subject to a $15 fee paid by the investor, but the investor does not incur any charge when proceeds are sent via the ACH system.

 

Once a telephone transaction has been placed, it cannot be canceled or modified after the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern time).

 

Telephone trades must be received by or prior to market close. During periods of high market activity, shareholders may encounter higher than usual call waits. Please allow sufficient time to place your telephone transaction.

 

Before executing an instruction received by telephone, the Transfer Agent will use reasonable procedures to confirm that the telephone instructions are genuine. The telephone call may be recorded and the caller may be asked to verify certain personal identification information. If the Fund or its agents follow these procedures, they cannot be held liable for any loss, expense or cost arising out of any telephone redemption request that is reasonably believed to be genuine. This includes fraudulent or unauthorized requests. If an account has more than one owner or authorized person, the Fund will accept telephone instructions from any one owner or authorized person.

 

IRA and Other Retirement Plan Redemptions. If you have an IRA, you must indicate on your written redemption request whether or not to withhold federal income tax. Redemption requests failing to indicate an election to have tax withheld will be subject to 10% withholding.

 

Shares held in IRA accounts may be redeemed by telephone at 1-855-467-4632 (855-4ORINDA) . Investors will be asked whether or not to withhold taxes from any distribution .

 

Involuntary Redemption. The Fund reserves the right to redeem a shareholder’s account in the Fund at any time the value of the account in the Fund falls below $2,000 as the result of a redemption or an exchange request. Shareholders will be notified in writing that the value of their account in the Fund is less than $2,000 and will be allowed 30 days to make additional investments before the redemption is processed.

 

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The Fund may assert the right to redeem your shares at current NAV at any time and without prior notice if, and to the extent that, such redemption is necessary to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of your failure to make full payment for shares of the Fund you previously purchased or subscribed for.

 

Other Redemption Information. Redemption proceeds for Shares of the Fund recently purchased by check or electronic funds transfer through the ACH network may not be distributed until payment for the purchase has been collected, which may take up to fifteen days from the purchase date. Shareholders can avoid this delay by utilizing the wire purchase option.

 

Other than as described above, payment of the redemption proceeds will be made within seven days after receipt of an order for a redemption. The Company may suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date at times when the NYSE is closed or under any emergency circumstances as determined by the SEC. The Fund typically expects to meet redemption requests by paying out proceeds from cash or cash equivalent portfolio holdings, or by selling portfolio securities. In stressed market conditions, redemption methods may include redeeming in kind.

 

If the Board determines that it would be detrimental to the best interests of the remaining shareholders of the Fund to make payment wholly or partly in cash, redemption proceeds may be paid in whole or in part by an in-kind distribution of readily marketable securities held by the Fund instead of cash in conformity with applicable rules of the SEC. Investors generally will incur brokerage charges on the sale of portfolio securities so received in payment of redemptions. If a shareholder receives redemption proceeds in-kind, the shareholder will bear the market risk of the securities received in the redemption until their disposition and should expect to incur transaction costs upon the disposition of the securities. The Company has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act, so that the Fund is obligated to redeem its Shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its NAV during any 90-day period for any one shareholder of the Fund.

 

Systematic Withdrawal Plan

 

As another convenience, you may redeem your Fund shares through the Systematic Withdrawal Plan (“SWP”). Under the SWP, shareholders or their financial intermediaries may request that a payment drawn in a predetermined amount be sent to them on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis. In order to participate in the SWP, your account balance must be at least $20,000 and each withdrawal amount must be for a minimum of $100. If you elect this method of redemption, the Fund will send a check directly to your address of record or will send the payment directly to your bank account via electronic funds transfer through the ACH network. For payment through the ACH network, your bank must be an ACH member and your bank account information must be previously established on your account. The SWP may be terminated at any time by the Fund. You may also elect to terminate your participation in the SWP by communicating in writing or by telephone to the Transfer Agent no later than five days before the next scheduled withdrawal at:

 

Regular Mail Overnight Express Mail
Orinda Income Opportunities Fund Orinda Income Opportunities Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701 615 East Michigan Street, 3 rd Floor
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701 Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

 

A withdrawal under the SWP involves a redemption of shares and may result in a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes. In addition, if the amount requested to be withdrawn exceeds the amount available in your account, which includes any dividends credited to your account, the account will ultimately be depleted. To establish a SWP, an investor must complete the appropriate sections of the account application. For additional information on the SWP, please call the Transfer Agent at 1-855-467-4632 (855-4ORINDA).

 

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If shares of the Fund are held in a “street name” account with a financial intermediary, all recordkeeping, transaction processing and payments of distributions relating to the beneficial owner’s account will be performed by the intermediary, and not by the Fund or its Transfer Agent. Since the Fund will have no record of the beneficial owner’s transactions, a beneficial owner should contact the financial intermediary to purchase, redeem or exchange shares, to make changes in or give instructions concerning the account or to obtain information about the account.

 

Good Order. A redemption request is considered to be in good order when the redemption request includes the name of the Fund, the number of shares or dollar amount to be redeemed, the account number, and signatures by all of the shareholders whose names appear on the account registration with a signature guarantee, if applicable. Please see "Redemption of Fund Shares" for instructions. Redemption requests not in good order may be delayed.

 

Dividends and Distributions

 

The Fund will distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, to its shareholders. All distributions are reinvested in the form of additional full and fractional Shares of the Fund unless a shareholder elects otherwise.

 

The Fund will declare and pay dividends from net investment income quarterly. Net realized capital gains (including net short-term capital gains), if any, will be distributed by the Fund at least annually. The estimated amount of any annual distribution will be posted to the Adviser’s website at www.orindafunds.com, or a free copy may be obtained by calling 1-855-467-4632 (855-4ORINDA).

 

The Fund may pay additional distributions and dividends at other times if necessary for the Fund to avoid U.S. federal tax. The Fund’s distributions and dividends, whether received in cash or reinvested in additional Fund Shares, are subject to U.S. federal income tax.

 

All distributions will be reinvested in Fund shares unless you elect to receive cash. If you elect to receive distributions and/or capital gains paid in cash, and the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver the check, or if a check remains outstanding for six months, the Fund reserves the right to reinvest the distribution check in your account, at the Fund's current net asset value, and to reinvest all subsequent distributions. You may change the distribution option on your account as any time by telephone or in writing. You should notify the Transfer Agent in writing or by telephone at least five (5) days prior to the next distribution.

 

Taxes

 

The following is a summary of certain United States tax considerations relevant under current law, which may be subject to change in the future. Except where otherwise indicated, the discussion relates to investors who are individual United States citizens or residents. You should consult your tax adviser for further information regarding federal, state, local and/or foreign tax consequences relevant to your specific situation.

 

Federal Taxes of Distributions. The Fund contemplates distributing as dividends each year all or substantially all of its taxable income, including its net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss). Except as otherwise discussed below, you will be subject to federal income tax on Fund distributions regardless of whether they are paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares. Fund distributions attributable to short-term capital gains and net investment income will generally be taxable to you as ordinary income, except as discussed below.

 

Distributions attributable to the net capital gain of the Fund will be taxable to you as long-term capital gain, no matter how long you have owned your Fund shares. The maximum long-term capital gain rate applicable to individuals, estates, and trusts is currently 23.8% (which includes a 3.8% Medicare tax). You will be notified annually of the tax status of distributions to you.

 

Distributions of "qualifying dividends" will also generally be taxable to you at long-term capital gain rates, as long as certain requirements are met. In general, if 95% or more of the gross income of the Fund (other than net capital gain) consists of dividends received from domestic corporations or "qualified" foreign corporations ("qualifying dividends"), then all distributions paid by the Fund to individual shareholders will be taxed at long-term capital gains rates. But if less than 95% of the gross income of the Fund (other than net capital gain) consists of qualifying dividends, then distributions paid by the Fund to individual shareholders will be qualifying dividends only to the extent they are derived from qualifying dividends earned by the Fund. For the lower rates to apply, you must have owned your Fund shares for at least 61 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date that is 60 days before the Fund’s ex-dividend date (and the Fund will need to have met a similar holding period requirement with respect to the shares of the corporation paying the qualifying dividend).The amount of the Fund’s distributions that qualify for this favorable treatment may be reduced as a result of the Fund’s securities lending activities (if any), a high portfolio turnover rate or investments in debt securities or non-qualified foreign corporations.

 

27  

 

Distributions from the Fund will generally be taxable to you in the taxable year in which they are paid, with one exception. Distributions declared by the Fund in October, November or December and paid in January of the following year are taxed as though they were paid on December 31.

 

The Fund may be subject to foreign withholding or other foreign taxes on income or gain from certain foreign securities. If more than 50% of the value of the total assets of the Fund consists of stocks and securities (including debt securities) of foreign corporations at the close of a taxable year, the Fund may elect, for federal income tax purposes, to treat certain foreign taxes paid by it, including generally any withholding and other foreign income taxes, as paid by its shareholders. If the Fund makes this election, the amount of those foreign taxes paid by the Fund will be included in its shareholders' income pro rata (in addition to taxable distributions actually received by them), and each such shareholder will be entitled either (1) to credit that proportionate amount of taxes against U.S. federal income tax liability as a foreign tax credit or (2) to take that amount as an itemized deduction. If the Fund is not eligible or chooses not to make this election the Fund will be entitled to deduct any such foreign taxes in computing the amounts it is required to distribute.

 

A portion of distributions paid by the Fund to shareholders that are corporations may also qualify for the dividends-received deduction for corporations, subject to certain holding period requirements and debt financing limitations. Only the portions of Fund dividends that are attributable to dividends the Fund receives from U.S. companies may qualify for this dividends-received deduction. The amount of the dividends qualifying for this deduction may, however, be reduced as a result of the Fund’s securities lending activities (if any), by a high portfolio turnover rate or by investments in debt securities or foreign corporations.

 

If you purchase shares just before a distribution, the purchase price will reflect the amount of the upcoming distribution, but you will be taxed on the entire amount of the distribution received, even though, as an economic matter, the distribution simply constitutes a return of capital. This is known as "buying into a dividend."

 

Sales of Shares. You will generally recognize taxable gain or loss for federal income tax purposes on a sale or redemption of your shares based on the difference between your tax basis in the shares and the amount you receive for them. Generally, you will recognize long-term capital gain or loss if you have held your Fund shares for over twelve months at the time you dispose of them.

 

Any loss realized on shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends that were received on the shares. Additionally, any loss realized on a disposition of shares of the Fund may be disallowed under "wash sale" rules to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced with other shares of the Fund within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the shares are disposed of, such as pursuant to a dividend reinvestment in shares of the Fund. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in an upward adjustment to the basis of the shares acquired.

 

The Fund (or relevant broker or financial adviser) is required to compute and report to the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") and furnish to Fund shareholders cost basis information when such shares are sold. The Fund has elected to use the average cost method, unless you instruct the Fund to use a different IRS-accepted cost basis method, or choose to specifically identify your shares at the time of each sale. If your account is held by your broker or other financial adviser, they may select a different cost basis method. In these cases, please contact your broker or other financial adviser to obtain information with respect to the available methods and elections for your account. You should carefully review the cost basis information provided by the Fund and make any additional basis, holding period or other adjustments that are required when reporting these amounts on your federal and state income tax returns. Fund shareholders should consult with their tax advisers to determine the best IRS-accepted cost basis method for their tax situation and to obtain more information about how the cost basis reporting requirements apply to them.

 

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IRAs and Other Tax-Qualified Plans. The one major exception to the preceding tax principles is that distributions on, and sales and redemptions of, shares held in an IRA (or other tax-qualified plan) will not be currently taxable unless such shares were acquired with borrowed funds.

 

Backup Withholding. The Fund may be required in certain cases to withhold and remit to the IRS a percentage of taxable dividends or gross proceeds realized upon sale payable to shareholders who have failed to provide a correct tax identification number in the manner required, or who are subject to withholding by the IRS for failure to properly include on their return payments of taxable interest or dividends, or who have failed to certify to the Fund that they are not subject to backup withholding when required to do so or that they are "exempt recipients." The current backup withholding rate is 28%.

 

U.S. Tax Treatment of Foreign Shareholders. Generally, nonresident aliens, foreign corporations and other foreign investors are subject to a 30% withholding tax on dividends paid by a U.S. corporation, although the rate may be reduced for an investor that is a qualified resident of a foreign country with an applicable tax treaty with the United States. In the case of regulated investment companies such as the Fund, however, certain categories of dividends are exempt from the 30% withholding tax. These generally include dividends attributable to the Fund’s net capital gains (the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital loss), dividends attributable to the Fund’s interest income from U.S. obligors and dividends attributable to net short-term capital gains of the Fund.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally not be subject to U.S. tax on gains realized on the sale or redemption of shares in the Fund, except that a nonresident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in a calendar year will be taxable on such gains and on capital gain dividends from the Fund.

 

In contrast, if a foreign investor conducts a trade or business in the United States and the investment in the Fund is effectively connected with that trade or business, then the foreign investor’s income from the Fund will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax at graduated rates in a manner similar to the income of a U.S. citizen or resident.

 

The Fund will also generally be required to withhold 30% tax on certain payments to foreign entities that do not provide a Form W-8BEN-E that evidences their compliance with, or exemption from, specified information reporting requirements under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act.

 

All foreign investors should consult their own tax advisers regarding the tax consequences in their country of residence of an investment in the Fund.

 

Shares of the Fund have not been registered for sale outside of the United States and certain U.S. territories.

 

State and Local Taxes. You may also be subject to state and local taxes on income and gain from Fund shares. State income taxes may not apply, however, to the portions of the Fund’s distributions, if any, that are attributable to interest on U.S. government securities. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the tax status of distributions in your state and locality.

 

More information about taxes is contained in the SAI.

 

DISTRIBUTION OF FUND SHARES

 

Description of Classes

The Company has adopted a multiple class plan that allows the Fund to offer one or more classes of shares. The Fund has registered three classes of shares – Class I, Class A, and Class D. This Prospectus offers Class I, Class A, and Class D shares of the Fund. The different classes of shares represent investments in the same portfolio of securities, but the classes are subject to different expenses as outlined below and may have different share prices:

 

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Class I shares are charged a 0.10% shareholder servicing plan fee. Class I shares do not impose a sales charge, CDSC or a Rule 12b-1 fee. If you purchase Class I shares, you will pay the NAV per share next determined after your order is received.

Class A shares are charged a front-end sales load. Class A shares are also charged a 0.25% Rule 12b-1 distribution and servicing fee and a 0.15% shareholder servicing plan fee. Class A shares do not have a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”).

Class D shares do not charge a front-end sales load. Class D shares are charged a 1.00% Rule 12b-1 distribution and servicing fee and a 0.10% shareholder servicing plan fee. Class D shares do not have a CDSC.

 

More about Class I Shares

Class I shares do not carry a sales charge. Class I shares are subject to a 0.10% shareholder servicing plan fee. If you purchase Class I shares of the Fund you will pay the NAV per share next determined after your order is received.

 

The following persons are eligible to invest in Class I shares:

 

1. Institutional investors including banks, savings institutions, credit unions and other financial institutions, pension, profit sharing and employee benefit plans and trusts, insurance companies, investment companies, investment advisers, broker-dealers and financial advisers acting for their own accounts or for the accounts of their clients;

 

2. Full-time employees, agents, employees of agents, retirees and directors (trustees), and members of their families ( i.e. , parent, child, spouse, domestic partner, sibling, set or adopted relationships, grandparent, grandchild and UTMA accounts naming qualifying persons) of the Adviser and its affiliated companies; and

 

3. Shareholders investing through accounts at approved broker-dealers who act as selling agents for the Fund.

 

More About Class A Shares

 

Class A shares of the Fund are retail shares that require that you pay a sales charge when you invest in the Fund unless you qualify for a reduction or waiver of the sales charge. As described earlier, Class A shares are also subject to Rule 12b-1 fees (or distribution and service fees) of 0.25% of average daily net assets, which are assessed against the shares of the Fund as well as a 0.15% shareholder servicing plan fee.

 

If you purchase Class A shares of the Fund you will pay the public offering price (“POP”) which is the NAV next determined after your order is received plus a sales charge (shown in percentages below) depending on the amount of your investment. Since sales charges are reduced for Class A share purchases above certain dollar amounts, known as “breakpoint thresholds,” the POP is lower for these purchases. The dollar amount of the sales charge is the difference between the POP of the shares purchased (based on the applicable sales charge in the table below) and the NAV of those shares. Because of rounding in the calculation of the POP, the actual sales charge you pay may be more or less than that calculated using the percentages shown below. The sales charge is calculated as follows:

 

Investment Amount

Sales Charge
as a % of
Offering Price (1)

Sales Charge
as a % of
Net Amount
Invested
Dealer
Reallowance
Less than $50,000 5.00% 5.26% 5.00%
$50,000 but less than $100,000 4.50% 4.71% 4.50%
$100,000 but less than $250,000 3.50% 3.63% 3.50%
$250,000 but less than $500,000 2.50% 2.56% 2.50%
$500,000 but less than $750,000 2.25% 2.30% 2.25%
$750,000 but less than $1,000,000 1.75% 1.78% 1.75%
$1,000,000 and above 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%

 

(1) Offering price includes the front-end sales load. The sales charge you pay may differ slightly from the amount set forth above because of rounding that occurs in the calculation used to determine your sales charge.

 

30  

 

The Distributor will receive all initial sales charges for the purchase of Class A shares of the Fund without a dealer of record.

 

Class A Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers

You may be able to reduce the sales charge on Class A shares of the Fund based on the type of transaction, the combined market value of your accounts or intended investment, and for certain groups or classes of shareholders. If you believe you are eligible for any of the following reductions or waivers, it is up to you to ask the selling agent or shareholder servicing agent for the reduction and to provide appropriate proof of eligibility. The programs described below and others are explained in greater detail in the SAI.

 

Reinvested Distributions: You pay no sales charges on Class A shares you buy with reinvested distributions from Class A distributions from the Fund.

 

Account Reinstatement: You pay no sales charges on Class A shares you purchase with the proceeds of a redemption of Class A shares of the Fund within 120 days of the date of the redemption. To reinvest in Class A shares at NAV (without paying a sales charge), you must notify the Fund in writing or notify your financial intermediary.

 

Letter of Intent (“LOI”): By signing an LOI prior to purchase, you pay a lower sales charge now in exchange for promising to invest an amount within the next 13 months sufficient to meet one of the above breakpoint thresholds. The investment must satisfy the initial purchase agreement. Reinvested distributions do not count as purchases made during this period. The Fund will hold in escrow shares equal to approximately 5.00% of the amount of shares you indicate in the LOI. If you do not invest the amount specified in the LOI before the expiration date, the Transfer Agent will redeem a sufficient amount of escrowed shares to pay the difference between the reduced sales load you paid and the sales load you would have paid based on the total amount actually invested in Class A shares as of the expiration date. Otherwise, the Transfer Agent will release the escrowed shares when you have invested the agreed amount. Any shares purchased within 90 days of the date you sign the LOI may be used as credit toward completion, but the reduced sales charge will only apply to new purchases made on or after that date.

 

Rights of Accumulation (“ROA”): You may combine the value at the current public offering price of Class A shares of the Fund with a new purchase of Class A shares of the Fund to reduce the sales charge on the new purchase. The sales charge for the new shares will be figured at the rate in the table above that applies to the combined value of your currently owned shares and the amount of the new investment. ROA allows you to combine the value of your account with the value of other eligible accounts for purposes of meeting the breakpoint thresholds above.

 

You may aggregate your eligible accounts with the eligible accounts of members of your immediate family to obtain a breakpoint discount. The types of eligible accounts that may be aggregated to obtain the breakpoint discounts described above include individual accounts, joint accounts and certain IRAs.

 

For the purpose of obtaining a breakpoint discount, members of your “immediate family” include your spouse, child, stepchild, parent, sibling, grandchild and grandparent, in each case including in-law and adoptive relationships. In addition, a fiduciary can count all shares purchased for a trust, estate or other fiduciary account (including one or more employee benefit plans of the same employer) that has multiple accounts. Eligible accounts include those registered in the name of your financial intermediary through which you own shares in the Fund.

 

31  

 

Certain groups or classes of shareholders: If you fall into any of the following categories, you can buy Class A shares at NAV without a sales charge:

 

Current and retired employees, directors/trustees and officers of:

The Company;

The Adviser and its affiliates; and

Family members (spouse, domestic partner, parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren and siblings (including step and in-law)) of any of the above.

Any trust, pension, profit sharing or other benefit plan for current employees, directors/trustees and officers of the Adviser and its affiliates.

Current employees of:

The Transfer Agent;

Broker-dealers who act as selling agents for the Fund/Trust; and

Family members (spouse, domestic partner, parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren and siblings (including step and in-law)) of any of the above.

Qualified registered investment advisers who buy through a broker-dealer or service agent who has entered into an agreement with the Distributor that allows for load-waived Class A shares purchases.

The Adviser’s clients, their employees and immediate family members of such employees.

 

Different financial intermediaries may impose different sales charges and these variations are described in Appendix A of this Prospectus.

 

More about Class D Shares

Class D shares do not carry a sales charge. Class D shares are subject to a 0.10% shareholder servicing plan fee and are also subject to Rule 12b-1 fees (or distribution and service fees) of 1.00% of average daily net assets, which are assessed against the shares of the Fund. If you purchase Class D shares of the Fund you will pay the NAV per share next determined after your order is received.

 

More information regarding the Fund’s sales charges, breakpoint thresholds and waivers is available in the SAI and free of charge on the Fund’s website: www.orindafunds.com, by clicking on “Breakpoints and Sales Loads.”

 

Minimum Investments

 

You may open a Fund account with a minimum initial investment as listed in the table below.

 

Type of Account To Open Your Account To Add to Your Account
All Accounts    
Class I shares $100,000 Any amount
Class A shares $5,000 Any amount
Class D shares $5,000 Any amount

  

The Fund’s minimum investment requirements may be waived from time to time by the Adviser, and for the following types of shareholders:

 

current and retired employees, directors/trustees and officers of the Company, the Adviser and its affiliates and certain family members of each of them ( i.e., spouse, domestic partner, child, parent, sibling, grandchild and grandparent, in each case including in-law, step and adoptive relationships);

 

32  

 

any trust, pension, profit sharing or other benefit plan for current and retired employees, directors/trustees and officers of the Adviser and its affiliates;

current employees of the Transfer Agent, broker-dealers who act as selling agents for the Fund, intermediaries that have marketing agreements in place with the Adviser and the immediate family members of any of them;

registered investment advisers who buy through a broker-dealer or service agent who has entered into an agreement with the Fund’s distributor;

qualified broker-dealers who have entered into an agreement with the Fund’s distributor; and

existing clients of the Adviser, their employees and immediate family members of such employees.

 

General Policies

 

Some of the following policies are mentioned above. In general, the Fund reserves the right to:

 

Refuse, change, discontinue, or temporarily suspend account services, including purchase, or telephone redemption privileges, for any reason;

Reject any purchase request for any reason. Generally, the Fund will do this if the purchase is disruptive to the efficient management of the Fund (due to the timing of the investment or an investor’s history of excessive trading);

Redeem all shares in your account if your balance falls below $2,000 due to redemption activity. If, within 30 days of the Fund’s written request, you have not increased your account balance, you may be required to redeem your shares. The Fund will not require you to redeem shares if the value of your account drops below the investment minimum due to fluctuations of NAV;

Delay paying redemption proceeds for up to seven calendar days after receiving a request, if an earlier payment could adversely affect the Fund; and

Reject any purchase or redemption request that does not contain all required documentation.

 

If you elect telephone privileges on the account application or in a letter to the Fund, you may be responsible for any fraudulent telephone orders as long as the Fund has taken reasonable precautions to verify your identity. If an account has more than one owner or authorized person, the Fund will accept telephone instructions for any one owner or authorized person. In addition, once you place a telephone transaction request, it cannot be canceled or modified.

 

Telephone trades must be received by or prior to market close. During periods of high market activity, shareholders may encounter higher than usual call wait times. Please allow sufficient time to ensure that you will be able to complete your telephone transaction prior to market close. If you are unable to contact the Fund by telephone, you may also mail your request to the Fund at the address listed under “How to Buy Shares.”

 

Your financial intermediary may establish policies that differ from those of the Fund. For example, the organization may charge transaction fees, set higher minimum investments, or impose certain limitations on buying or selling shares in addition to those identified in this Prospectus. Contact your financial intermediary for details.

 

Conversion Feature

Class A and Class D shares of the Fund that have been purchased by a financial intermediary may be converted into Class I shares of the Fund. The minimum initial investment requirement for Class I shares may be waived by the Adviser for existing clients. Any such conversion will be effected at net asset value without the imposition of any fee or other charges by the Fund. Please contact your financial intermediary about any fees that it may charge.

 

Fund Mailings

Statements and reports that the Fund sends to you include the following:

 

Confirmation statements (after every transaction that affects your account balance or your account registration);

 

33  

 

Annual and semi-annual shareholder reports (every six months); and

Quarterly account statements.

 

Householding

In an effort to decrease costs, the Fund intends to reduce the number of duplicate prospectuses, annual and semi-annual reports, proxy statements and other similar documents you receive by sending only one copy of each to those addresses shared by two or more accounts and to shareholders the Transfer Agent reasonably believes are from the same family or household. Once implemented, if you would like to discontinue householding for your accounts, please call toll-free at 1-855-467-4632 (855-4ORINDA) to request individual copies of these documents. Once the Transfer Agent receives notice to stop householding, the Transfer Agent will begin sending individual copies thirty days after receiving your request. This policy does not apply to account statements.

 

Lost Shareholder, Inactive Accounts and Unclaimed Property

It is important that the Fund maintains a correct address for each shareholder. An incorrect address may cause a shareholder’s account statements and other mailings to be returned to the Fund. Based upon statutory requirements for returned mail, the Fund will attempt to locate the shareholder or rightful owner of the account. If the Fund is unable to locate the shareholder, then it will determine whether the shareholder’s account can legally be considered abandoned. Your mutual fund account may be transferred to the state government of your state of residence if no activity occurs within your account during the “inactivity period” specified in your state’s abandoned property laws. The Fund is legally obligated to escheat (or transfer) abandoned property to the appropriate state’s unclaimed property administrator in accordance with statutory requirements. The shareholder’s last known address of record determines which state has jurisdiction. Please proactively contact the Transfer Agent at 1-855-467-4632 (855-4ORINDA) (toll free) at least annually to ensure your account remains in active status.

 

If you are a resident of the state of Texas, you may designate a representative to receive notifications that, due to inactivity, your mutual fund account assets may be delivered to the Texas Comptroller. Please contact the Transfer Agent if you wish to complete a Texas Designation of Representative form.

 

NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN THE FUND’S SAI INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR ITS DISTRIBUTOR. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING BY THE COMPANY OR BY THE DISTRIBUTOR IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.

 

34  

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand the Fund’s financial performance for the period of the Fund’s operations. The financial information presented for each applicable period prior to May 1, 2017 is that of the Predecessor Fund. The Fund is the accounting successor to the Predecessor Fund as a result of the reorganization of the Predecessor Fund into the Fund following the close of business on April 28, 2017. The Fund has adopted the financial statements of the Predecessor Fund. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund, assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. This information has been audited by Tait, Weller & Baker LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the Fund’s financial statements, are included in the annual report, which is available upon request.

 

35  

 

For a capital share outstanding throughout the period

 

Class I

    Six Months
Ended
August 31,
2017 (2)(3)
  Year Ended February 28,
2017
  Year Ended
February 29,
2016
 

Year Ended
February 28,
2015

 

June 28, 2013
through

February 28,
2014 (4)

Net Asset Value – Beginning of Period   $ 23.66     $ 21.36     $ 25.29     $ 25.60     $ 25.00  
                                         
Income from Investment Operations:                                        
Net investment income (loss) (1)     0.63       1.10       0.99       1.15       0.59  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments     (0.02 )     2.90       (3.36 )     0.12       0.50  
 Total from investment operations     0.61       4.00       (2.37 )     1.27       1.09  
                                         
Less Distributions:                                        
Dividends from net investment income     (0.63 )     (1.10 )     (1.02 )     (1.39 )     (0.45 )
Distributions from net realized gains     —         —         —         (0.01 )     (0.04 )
Return of Capital     (0.22 )     (0.60 )     (0.54 )     (0.18 )     —    
 Total distributions     (0.85 )     (1.70 )     (1.56 )     (1.58 )     (0.49 )
                                         
Net Asset Value – End of Period   $ 23.42     $ 23.66     $ 21.36     $ 25.29     $ 25.60  
                                         
Total Return     2.62 % (5)     19.29 %     (9.81 )%     5.08 %     4.44 % (5)
                                         
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                                        
Net assets, end of period (thousands)   $ 193,361     $ 180,360     $ 121,400     $ 151,017     $ 72,370  
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets:                                        
Before Recoupments/Reimbursements     1.82 % (6)     2.01 %     1.85 %     1.64 %     1.96 % (6)
After Recoupments/Reimbursements     1.82 % (6)     2.01 %     1.84 %     1.70 %     1.62 % (6)
Ratio of interest expense and dividends on short positions to average net assets     0.55 % (6)     0.68 %     0.49 %     0.27 %     0.02 % (6)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:                                        
  Before Recoupments/Reimbursements     5.33 % (6)     4.68 %     4.21 %     4.71 %     6.75 % (6)
  After Recoupments/Reimbursements     5.33 % (6)     4.68 %     4.22 %     4.65 %     7.09 % (6)
Portfolio turnover rate     46 % (5)     121 %     127 %     185 %     119 % (5)

 

(1) Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period

(2) Effective as of the close of business on April 28, 2017, the Fund acquired all the assets and liabilities of the Orinda Income Opportunities Fund, a series of Advisors Series Trust (the “Predecessor Fund”). The financial highlights for the periods prior to that date reflect the performance of the Predecessor Fund.

(3) The Fund changed its fiscal year end to August 31.

(4) Commencement of operations for Class I shares was June 28, 2013.

(5) Not annualized.

(6) Annualized.

 

36  

 

For a capital share outstanding throughout the period

 

Class A

    Six Months
Ended
August 31, 2017 (2)(3)
  Year Ended
February 28,
2017
  Year Ended
February 29,
2016
 

Year Ended
February 28,
2015

 

June 28, 2013
through
February 28,
2014 (4)

Net Asset Value – Beginning of Period   $ 23.58     $ 21.31     $ 25.25     $ 25.57     $ 25.00  
                                         
Income from Investment Operations:                                        
Net investment income (loss) (1)     0.59       1.03       0.93       0.97       0.65  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments     (0.02 )     2.88       (3.37 )     0.22       0.39  
 Total from investment operations     0.57       3.91       (2.44 )     1.19       1.04  
                                         
Less Distributions:                                        
Dividends from net investment income     (0.60 )     (1.04 )     (0.96 )     (1.32 )     (0.43 )
Distributions from net realized gains     —         —         —         (0.01 )     (0.04 )
Return of Capital     (0.22 )     (0.60 )     (0.54 )     (0.18 )     —    
 Total distributions     (0.82 )     (1.64 )     (1.50 )     (1.51 )     (0.47 )
                                         
Net Asset Value – End of Period   $ 23.33     $ 23.58     $ 21.31     $ 25.25     $ 25.57  
                                         
Total Return     2.49 % (5)     18.90 %     (10.09 )%     4.79 %     4.22 % (5)
                                         
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                                        
Net assets, end of period (thousands)   $ 112,549     $ 101,270     $ 66,375     $ 74,834     $ 14,421  
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets:                                        
Before Recoupments/ Reimbursements     2.12 % (6)     2.29 %     2.15 %     1.96 %     2.55 % (6)
After Recoupments/Reimbursements     2.12 % (6)     2.29 %     2.15 %     2.00 %     1.92 % (6)
Ratio of interest expense and dividends on short positions to average net assets     0.55 % (6)     0.66 %     0.48 %     0.28 %     0.02 % (6)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:                                        
Before Recoupments/Reimbursements     5.03 % (6)     4.34 %     3.97 %     4.53 %     5.45 % (6)
After Recoupments/ Reimbursements     5.03 % (6)     4.34 %     3.97 %     4.49 %     6.08 % (6)
Portfolio turnover rate     46 % (5)     121 %     127 %     185 %     119 % (5)

 

(1) Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(2) Effective as of the close of business on April 28, 2017, the Fund acquired all the assets and liabilities of the Orinda Income Opportunities Fund, a series of Advisors Series Trust (the “Predecessor Fund”). The financial highlights for the periods prior to that date reflect the performance of the Predecessor Fund.

(3) The Fund changed its fiscal year end to August 31.

(4) Commencement of operations for Class A shares was June 28, 2013.

(5) Not annualized.

(6) Annualized.

 

37  

 

For a capital share outstanding throughout the period

 

Class D

    Six Months
Ended August
31, 2017 (2)(3)
  Year Ended
February 28,
2017
  Year Ended
February 29,
2016
  Year Ended
February 28,
2015
 

September 27,
2013 through
February 28,
2014 (4)

Net Asset Value – Beginning of Period   $ 23.49     $ 21.25     $ 25.17     $ 25.51     $ 25.01  
                                         
Income from Investment Operations:                                        
Net investment income (loss) (1)     0.51       0.87       0.82       0.92       0.53  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments     (0.02 )     2.88       (3.37 )     0.07       0.44  
 Total from investment operations     0.49       3.75       (2.55 )     0.99       0.97  
                                         
Less Distributions:                                        
Dividends from net investment income     (0.58 )     (0.90 )     (0.83 )     (1.14 )     (0.43 )
Distributions from net realized gains     —         —         —         (0.01 )     (0.04 )
Return of Capital     (0.22 )     (0.61 )     (0.54 )     (0.18 )     —    
 Total distributions     (0.80 )     (1.51 )     (1.37 )     (1.33 )     (0.47 )
                                         
Net Asset Value – End of Period   $ 23.18     $ 23.49     $ 21.25     $ 25.17     $ 25.51  
                                         
Total Return     2.13 % (5)     18.10 %     (10.56 )%     3.97 %     3.95 % (5)
                                         
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                                        
Net assets, end of period (thousands)   $ 22,274     $ 23,963     $ 21,405     $ 23,336     $ 12,450  
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets:                                        
Before Recoupments/Reimbursements     2.79 % (6)     2.98 %     2.81 %     2.70 %     2.77 % (6)
After Recoupments/Reimbursements     2.79 % (6)     2.98 %     2.67 %     2.76 %     2.67 % (6)
Ratio of interest expense and dividends on short positions to average net assets     0.55 % (6)     0.67 %     0.49 %     0.27 %     0.02 % (6)
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets:                                        
Before Recoupments/Reimbursements     4.36 % (6)     3.76 %     3.32 %     3.75 %     7.62 % (6)
After Recoupments/Reimbursements     4.36 % (6)     3.76 %     3.46 %     3.69 %     7.72 % (6)
Portfolio turnover rate     46 % (5)     121 %     127 %     185 %     119 % (5)

 

(1) Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period.

(2) Effective as of the close of business on April 28, 2017, the Fund acquired all the assets and liabilities of the Orinda Income Opportunities Fund, a series of Advisors Series Trust (the “Predecessor Fund”). The financial highlights for the periods prior to that date reflect the performance of the Predecessor Fund.

(3) The Fund changed its fiscal year end to August 31.

(4) Commencement of operations for Class D shares was September 27, 2013.

(5) Not annualized.

(6) Annualized.

 

38  

 

Appendix A

 

THE INFORMATION ENCLOSED IN THIS APPENDIX IS PART OF, AND INCORPORATED INTO, THE ORINDA INCOME OPPORTUNITIES FUND’S PROSPECTUS DATED DECEMBER 31, 2017.

 

Waivers and Discounts Available from Intermediaries

 

The availability of certain sales charge waivers and discounts will depend on whether you purchase your shares directly from a Fund or through a financial intermediary. Intermediaries may have different policies and procedures regarding the availability of front-end sales load waivers or contingent deferred (back-end) sales load (“CDSC”) waivers, which are discussed below.

 

In all instances, it is the purchaser’s responsibility to notify the Fund or the purchaser’s financial intermediary at the time of purchase of any relationship or other facts qualifying the purchaser for sales charge waivers or discounts. For waivers and discounts not available through a particular intermediary, shareholders will have to purchase Fund shares directly from the Fund or through another intermediary to receive these waivers or discounts.

 

Merrill Lynch

 

Effective April 10, 2017, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Merrill Lynch platform or account will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in the Fund’s prospectus or SAI.

 

Front-end Sales Load Waivers on Class A Shares available at Merrill Lynch
Employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan
Shares purchased by or through a 529 Plan
Shares purchased through a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program
Shares purchased by third party investment advisors on behalf of their advisory clients through Merrill Lynch’s platform
Shares of funds purchased through the Merrill Edge Self-Directed platform (if applicable)
Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family)
Shares exchanged from Class C ( i.e. level-load) shares of the same fund in the month of or following the 10-year anniversary of the purchase date
Employees and registered representatives of Merrill Lynch or its affiliates and their family members
Directors of the Fund, and employees of the Adviser or any of its affiliates, as described in this prospectus
Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement)

 

 A- 1

 

CDSC Waivers on A and C Shares available at Merrill Lynch
Death or disability of the shareholder
Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s prospectus
Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account
Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching age 70½
Shares sold to pay Merrill Lynch fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Merrill Lynch
Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement
Shares held in retirement brokerage accounts, that are exchanged for a lower cost share class due to transfer to certain fee based accounts or platforms (applicable to A and C shares only)

 

A- 2  

 

Front-end load Discounts Available at Merrill Lynch:

Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation & Letters of Intent

Breakpoints as described in this prospectus.
Rights of Accumulation (ROA) which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Merrill Lynch. Eligible fund family assets not held at Merrill Lynch may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets
Letters of Intent (LOI) which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, through Merrill Lynch, over a 13-month period of time (if applicable)

 

 A- 3

 

PRIVACY NOTICE
FACTS WHAT DOES THE ORINDA INCOME OPPORTUNITIES FUND DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?
Why? Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.
What?

The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include:

• Social Security number

• account balances

• account transactions

• transaction history

• wire transfer instructions

• checking account information

When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.

How? All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons the Orinda Income Opportunities Fund chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

 

Reasons we can share your personal information Does the Orinda Income Opportunities Fund share? Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purposes — such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus

Yes No

For our marketing purposes — to offer our products and services to you

Yes No
For joint marketing with other financial companies No We don’t share.

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes — information about your transactions and experiences

Yes No

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes — information about your creditworthiness

No We don’t share.
For our affiliates to market to you No We don’t share.
For nonaffiliates to market to you No We don’t share.

 

Questions Call (855)-467-4632 or go to www.orindafunds.com

 

 

 

What we do
How does the Orinda Income Opportunities Fund protect my personal information? To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.
How does the Orinda Income Opportunities Fund collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

• open an account

• provide account information

• give us your contact information

• make a wire transfer

• tell us where to send the money

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

• sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness

• affiliates from using your information to market to you

• sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing.

 Definitions
Affiliates

Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

Our affiliates include Orinda Investment Partners, LLC (“OIP”) and Orinda Asset Management, LLC (“OAM”).

Nonaffiliates

Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

The Orinda Income Opportunities Fund doesn’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you. The Fund may share information with nonaffiliates that perform marketing services on our behalf.

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

The Orinda Income Opportunities Fund does not jointly market.

 

 

 

ORINDA INCOME OPPORTUNITIES FUND
of
The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

1-855-467-4632 (855-4ORINDA)
www.orindafunds.com

 

For More Information:

 

This Prospectus contains important information you should know before you invest. Read it carefully and keep it for future reference. Information about different sales load variations is provided in Appendix A , which is incorporated into this Prospectus by reference. More information about the Orinda Income Opportunities Fund is available free of charge, upon request, including:

 

Annual/Semi-Annual Reports

 

These reports contain additional information about the Fund’s investments, describe the Fund’s performance, list portfolio holdings, and discuss recent market conditions and economic trends. The annual report will include market conditions and fund investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during its last fiscal year. The annual report and semi-annual report to shareholders may be obtained free of charge by calling 1-855-467-4632 (855-4ORINDA), or by visiting www.orindafunds.com .

 

Statement of Additional Information

 

The Fund’s SAI, dated December 31, 2017, has been filed with the SEC. The SAI, which includes additional information about the Fund, may be obtained free of charge, along with the annual and semi-annual reports, by calling 1-855-467-4632 (855-4ORINDA). The SAI, as supplemented from time to time, is incorporated by reference into this prospectus (and is legally part of the prospectus).The SAI is available on the Adviser’s website at www.orindafunds.com .

 

Shareholder Inquiries

 

Representatives are available to discuss account balance information, mutual fund prospectuses, literature, programs and services available. Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Eastern time) Monday–Friday. Call: 1-855-467-4632 (855-4ORINDA) or visit the website of the Adviser at www.orindafunds.com .

 

Purchases and Redemptions

 

Call 1-855-467-4632 (855-4ORINDA).

 

Written Correspondence

 

Street Address:

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund, c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, 615 East Michigan Street, 3rd Floor, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

P.O. Box Address:

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund, c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701

 

Securities and Exchange Commission

 

You may also view and copy information about the Company and the Fund, including the SAI, by visiting the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC or the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at www.sec.gov.You may also obtain copies of Fund documents by paying a duplicating fee and sending an electronic request to the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by sending your written request and a duplicating fee to the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-1520.You may obtain information on the operation of the public reference room by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090.

 

INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT FILE NO. 811-05518

 

 

 

 

SCHNEIDER
SMALL CAP
VALUE FUND

 

TICKER: SCMVX

 

of The RBB Fund, Inc.

PROSPECTUS

December 31, 2017

 

THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED IN THIS PROSPECTUS HAVE BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ("SEC"). THE SEC, HOWEVER, HAS NOT JUDGED THESE SECURITIES FOR THEIR INVESTMENT MERIT AND HAS NOT DETERMINED THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANYONE WHO TELLS YOU OTHERWISE IS COMMITTING A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A look at the goals, strategies, risks and financial history of the Fund.

Details about the Fund's service providers.

Policies and instructions for opening, maintaining and closing an account in the Fund.

 

SUMMARY SECTION 1
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE FUND’S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES 6
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND 7
BROAD-BASED SECURITIES MARKET INDEX 9
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS 9
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND 9
Investment Adviser 9
Portfolio Manager 10
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION 10
Pricing of Fund Shares 10
Market Timing 11
Purchase of Fund Shares 11
Redemption of Fund Shares 14
Dividends and Distributions 17
Taxes 18
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 20
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 21
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Back Cover

 

i  

 

SUMMARY SECTION

 

Investment Goal

 

The Schneider Small Cap Value Fund (the "Fund") seeks long-term capital growth by investing primarily in common stocks of companies that have capitalizations that are less than the largest company in the Russell 2000 ® Index ("small cap companies") and which Schneider Capital Management Company (the "Adviser") believes are undervalued. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

Expenses and Fees

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund.

 

Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

 

Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) None  
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) None  
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends None  
Redemption Fee (as a percentage of amount redeemed on shares held for less than 30 days, if applicable) 1.00 %

Exchange Fee

None  
     
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Management Fees 1.00 %
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees None  
Other Expenses (1) 0.58 %
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 1.58 %
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement (2) -0.42 %
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement 1.16 %

 

(1) Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other mutual funds, including money market funds and exchange traded funds. Please note that the amount of Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses shown in the above table will differ from the “Financial Highlights” section of the Prospectus, which reflects the operating expenses of the Fund and does not include indirect expenses such as Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses.
(2) The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive management fees and reimburse expenses to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed 1.15%. In determining the Adviser's obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to exceed 1.15%: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2018 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

  1

 

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 $20,000 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 Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

1 Year     3 Years     5 Years     10 Years  
$ 236     $ 915     $ 1,641     $ 3,686  

 

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 transactions 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 Fund's performance. Portfolio turnover may vary from year to year, as well as within a year. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 137.61% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the Fund's net assets (including borrowings for investment purposes) will be invested in small cap companies. As of November 30, 2017, the market capitalization range of the companies held by the Fund was $42.2 million to $20.4 billion. Please note that this range is as of a particular point in time and is subject to change. The Fund invests primarily in common stock of companies the Adviser believes are undervalued. The fund may invest in convertible securities without regard to their credit ratings. The Fund may also invest up to 20% of the value of its net assets in securities of foreign issuers, including American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"). While it will not concentrate its investments in any one industry, the Fund may from time to time have significant exposure in one or more sectors of the economy, such as the oil and gas sector.

 

Principal Risks

 

Common Stock Risk. The Fund invests in common stocks which are subject to market, economic and business risks that will cause their prices to fluctuate over time. Therefore, the value of your investment in the Fund may go up and down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, and you could lose money. The value of securities convertible into equity securities, such as warrants or convertible debt, is also affected by prevailing interest rates, the credit quality of the issuer, and any call provision.

 

Small Cap Risk. Stocks of small companies may be more volatile than, and not as readily marketable as, those of larger companies. Small companies may also have limited product lines, markets or financial resources and may be dependent on relatively small or inexperienced management groups. Additionally, the trading volume of small company securities may make them more difficult to sell than those of larger companies. Moreover, the lack of an efficient market for the securities may make them difficult to value.

 

Value Stock Risk. Value investing involves the risk that the Fund's investment in companies whose securities are believed to be undervalued, relative to their underlying profitability, will not appreciate in value as anticipated. Because different types of stocks go out of favor with investors depending on market and economic conditions, the Fund may be adversely affected during a market downturn and when value stocks are out of favor.

 

Foreign Securities Risk. Investing in foreign securities poses additional market risks since political and economic events unique in a country or region will affect those markets and their issuers and may not affect the U.S. economy or U.S. issuers. In addition, investments in foreign securities are generally denominated in foreign currency. As a result, changes in the value of those currencies compared to the U.S. dollar may affect the value of the Fund's investments.

 

  2

 

Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may frequently buy and sell portfolio securities and other assets to rebalance the Fund's exposure to various market sectors. Higher portfolio turnover may result in the Fund paying higher levels of transaction costs and generating greater tax liabilities for shareholders. Portfolio turnover risk may cause the Fund's performance to be less than you expect. A portfolio turnover rate greater than 100% is considered to be high.

 

Sector Risk. The Fund may focus its investments from time to time in one or more sectors of the economy, such as the oil and gas sector. To the extent that it does so, developments affecting companies in that sector or sectors will likely have a magnified effect on the Fund’s net asset value and total return. The profitability of companies in the oil and gas sector is related to worldwide energy prices, exploration, and production spending. Exploration for, and production of, oil and gas is an uncertain process with many risks. The risks and hazards that are inherent in the oil and gas sector may cause the price of the commodities to widely fluctuate, which may have a negative effect on oil and gas companies and the companies the service them.

 

Risk/Return Information

 

The chart below illustrates the long-term performance of the Fund. The information shows you how the Fund's performance has varied year by year and provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The chart assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. As with all such investments, past performance is not an indication of future results. Performance reflects fee waivers in effect. If fee waivers were not in place, the Fund's performance would be reduced. Updated performance information is available at www.schneidercap.com or by calling 1-888-520-3277.

 

Total Returns for the Calendar Years Ended December 31

 

 

 

Best and Worst Quarterly Performance (for the periods reflected in the chart above):

 

Best Quarter: 39.11% (Qtr. ended June 30, 2009)
Worst Quarter: -31.03% (Qtr. ended September 30, 2011)
Year-to-date total return for the nine months ended September 30, 2017: 7.36%

 

Average Annual Total Returns

The table below compares the Fund's average annual total returns for the past calendar year, past five calendar years, past ten calendar years and since inception to the average annual total returns of a broad-based securities market index for the same periods. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.

Average Annual Total Returns for the

Periods Ended December 31, 2016

 

  1 Year 5 Year 10 Year Since
Inception (1)
Return Before Taxes 58.51% 14.14% 2.89% 13.47%
Return After Taxes on Distributions (2) 58.51% 11.50% 1.57% 10.83%
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares (2) 33.12% 10.69% 1.96% 10.77%
Russell 2000 ® Value Index
(reflects no deductions of fees, expenses and taxes)
31.74% 15.07% 6.26% 10.06%

 

  3

 

(1) Commenced operations on September 2, 1998.
(2) 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 investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts ("IRA").

 

In cases in the chart above where the Fund's average annual return after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares for a particular period is higher than the Fund's average annual return after taxes on distributions for the same period, this is due to realized losses that would have been sustained upon the sale of fund shares immediately after the relevant period. The calculations assume that an investor held the shares in a taxable account, was in the actual historical highest individual federal marginal income tax bracket for each year and would have been able to immediately utilize the full realized loss to reduce his or her federal tax liability. However, actual individual tax results may vary and investors should consult their tax advisers regarding their personal tax situations.

 

Management of the Fund

 

Investment Adviser

Schneider Capital Management Company

 

Portfolio Manager

Arnold C. Schneider III
President and Chief Investment Officer
Since 1996

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

Minimum Initial Investment   Minimum Subsequent Investment  
$20,000   $2,500  

 

You can only purchase and redeem shares of the Fund on days the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open. Shares of the Fund may be available through certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals (collectively, "Service Organizations"). Shares of the Fund may also be purchased and redeemed directly through The RBB Fund, Inc. by the means described below.

 

Purchase and Redemption by Mail:

 

Regular Mail:
Schneider Small Cap Value Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701
  Overnight Delivery:
Schneider Small Cap Value Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
 

 

Purchase by Wire:

 

Before sending any wire, call U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (the "Transfer Agent") at 1-888-520-3277 to confirm the current wire instructions for the Fund.

 

Redemption by Telephone:

 

Call the Transfer Agent at 1-888-520-3277.

 

  4

 

Tax Information

 

The Fund intends to make distributions that generally may be taxed at ordinary income or capital gains rates.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase 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 intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

 

  5

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE FUND’S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

 

The Fund seeks long-term capital growth by investing primarily in common stocks of companies which have capitalizations that are less than the largest company in the Russell 2000 ® Value Index and which the Adviser believes are undervalued. The Fund's investment objective and the policies described above may be changed by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the "Company") without the approval of the Fund's shareholders. However, as a matter of policy, the Fund would not materially change its investment objective or primary investment strategy without informing shareholders at least 60 days in advance of any such change.

 

The Adviser selects securities for the Fund based on a continuous study of trends in industries and companies, industry literature, company reports, financial reports, company presentations, earnings power and growth and other investment criteria. Although the Adviser selects securities for long-term capital growth, these same securities may produce dividend income.

 

The Fund may invest in securities that the Adviser believes may exhibit the following characteristics:

 

■ have low price-to-earnings and low price-to-book value ratios; and

 

■ are typically considered out of favor by the market as a result of decelerating revenue growth, declining profit margins and increasing competition.

 

The Fund may sell securities when the Adviser believes:

 

■ a security becomes widely recognized by the professional investment community as a result of accelerating revenue growth, expanding margins and decreased competition;

 

■ a security appreciates in value to the point that it is considered to be overvalued;

 

■ the Fund's holdings should be rebalanced to include a more attractive stock or stocks; or

 

■ an issuer's earnings potential is in jeopardy.

 

The Fund may invest in convertible securities. A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible securities have characteristics similar to nonconvertible debt securities in that they ordinarily provide a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than those of common stocks of the same or similar issuers. The Fund will invest in convertible securities without regard to their credit ratings.

 

The Fund may invest up to 20% of the value of its net assets in securities of foreign issuers including American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"). ADRs are receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company which evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. For the purposes of the percentage limitation above, a security of a foreign company whose primary business may be in the U.S. will not be considered a foreign security if it is denominated in U.S. dollars and is principally traded on a U.S. exchange.

 

The Fund may seek to increase its income by lending portfolio securities to institutions, such as certain broker-dealers. Portfolio security loans are secured continuously by collateral maintained on a current basis at an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned. The value of the securities loaned by the Fund will not exceed 33 1/3 % of the value of the Fund's total assets. The Fund may experience a loss or delay in the recovery of its securities if the borrowing institution breaches its agreement with the Fund. Lending the Fund's portfolio securities involves the risk of delay in receiving additional collateral if the value of the securities goes up while they are on loan. The Fund may lose money from securities lending if, for example, it is delayed in or prevented from selling the collateral after the loan is made or recovering the securities loaned or if it incurs losses on the reinvestment of cash collateral.

 

  6

 

While the Adviser intends to fully invest the Fund's assets at all times in accordance with the above-mentioned policies, the Fund reserves the right to hold up to 100% of its assets, as a temporary defensive measure, in cash and eligible U.S. dollar-denominated money market instruments. Eligible money market instruments include bank obligations, such as certificates of deposit and bankers' acceptances issued by foreign or domestic banks or financial institutions that have total assets of more than $2.5 billion, and commercial paper rated in the top rating category by S&P Global Ratings, Moody's Investors Service or Fitch, Inc. and unrated commercial paper determined to be of comparable quality by the Adviser. The value of money market instruments tends to fall when current interest rates rise. Money market instruments are generally less sensitive to interest rate changes than longer-term securities. When the Fund's assets are invested in these instruments, the Fund may not be achieving its investment objective. The Adviser will determine when market, economic, political or other conditions warrant temporary defensive measures.

 

Stocks may be candidates for sale when the stock appreciates in price and reaches a pre-determined target, the stock is challenged by a new idea with superior investment potential, the company or industry exposure is trimmed due to substantial appreciation in price, or the underlying investment case is permanently diluted or delayed.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND

 

Investing in the Fund involves the following principal risks:

 

Small Company Risk. Investments in common stocks in general are subject to market, economic and business risks that will cause their price to fluctuate over time. Therefore, an investment in the Fund may be more suitable for long-term investors who can bear the risk of these fluctuations. Furthermore, while securities of small capitalization companies may offer greater opportunity for capital appreciation than larger companies, investment in such companies presents greater risks than investment in larger, more established companies. Indeed, historically, small capitalization stocks have been more volatile in price than larger capitalization stocks. Among the reasons for the greater price volatility of these securities are the lower degree of liquidity in the markets for such stocks, and the potentially greater sensitivity of such small companies to changes in or failure of management, and to many other changes in competitive, business, industry and economic conditions, including risks associated with limited product lines, markets, management depth, or financial resources. Besides exhibiting greater volatility, micro and small company stocks may, to a degree, fluctuate independently of larger company stocks. Small company stocks may decline in price as large company stocks rise, or rise in price as large company stocks decline. Investors should therefore expect that the price of the Fund's shares will be more volatile than the shares of a fund that invests in larger capitalization stocks. Additionally, while the markets in securities of small companies have grown rapidly in recent years, such securities may trade less frequently and in smaller volume than more widely held securities. The values of these securities may fluctuate more sharply than those of other securities, and the Fund may experience some difficulty in establishing or closing out positions in these securities at prevailing market prices. There may be less publicly available information about the issuers of these securities or less market interest in such securities than in the case of larger companies, and it may take a longer period of time for the prices of such securities to reflect the full value of their issuers' underlying earnings potential or assets.

 

Foreign Security Risk. Since foreign securities are usually denominated in foreign currencies, the value of the Fund's portfolio could be affected by currency exchange rates and exchange control regulations. Other risks include:

 

■ seizure, expropriation or nationalization of a company's assets;

 

■ less publicly available information and differing regulations and standards;

 

■ the impact of political, social or economic instability, or diplomatic events; and

 

■ securities that are less liquid and harder to value than those of a U.S. issuer.

 

As a result of these risks, the Fund may be more volatile than a fund investing solely in U.S. companies. These risks may be greater if the Fund invests in developing countries.

 

Opportunity Risk. As with all mutual funds, the Fund is subject to the risk of missing out on an opportunity because the assets necessary to take advantage of it are tied up in less advantageous investments.

 

  7

 

Value Stock Risk. Although the Fund will invest in stocks the Adviser believes to be undervalued, there is no guarantee that the prices of these stocks will not move even lower.

 

Oil and Gas Sector Risk . The profitability of companies in the oil and gas sector is related to worldwide energy prices, exploration, and production spending. Companies in the oil and gas sector may be adversely affected by natural disasters or other catastrophes. Companies in the oil and gas sector may be at risk for environmental damage claims and other types of litigation. Companies in the oil and gas sector may be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates, interest rates, economic conditions, tax treatment, government regulation and intervention, negative perception and world events in the regions that the companies operate (e.g., expropriation, nationalization, confiscation of assets and property or the imposition of restrictions on foreign investments and repatriation of capital, military coups, social unrest, violence or labor unrest). Companies in the oil and gas sector may have significant capital investments in, or engage in transactions involving, emerging market countries, which may heighten these risks.

 

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). The Fund may invest in ETFs to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and applicable SEC orders. ETFs are registered investment companies whose shares are listed and traded on U.S. stock exchanges or otherwise traded in the over-the-counter market. In general, ETFs seek to track a specified securities index or a basket of securities that an “index provider,” such as Standard & Poor’s, selects as representative of a market, market segment or industry sector. An ETF portfolio generally holds the same stocks or bonds as the index it tracks or it may hold a representative sample of such securities. Thus, an ETF typically is designed so that its performance will correspond closely with that of the index it tracks. In some cases, an ETF may be actively-managed by an investment adviser and/or sub-advisers. Actively-managed ETFs are subject to the risk of poor investment selection, and the individual investments in an actively-managed ETF may not perform as well as its investment adviser and/or sub-advisers expected, and/or the actively-managed ETF’s portfolio management practices do not work to achieve their desired result. As a shareholder in an ETF, the Fund will bear its pro rata portion of an ETF’s expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to its own expenses.

 

The market for an ETF’s shares may become less liquid in response to deteriorating liquidity in the markets for the ETF’s underlying portfolio holdings, which could lead to differences between the market price of the ETF’s shares and the underlying value of those shares. An ETF’s market price may deviate from the value of the ETF’s underlying portfolio holdings, particularly in times of market stress, with the result that investors may pay significantly more or receive significantly less than the underlying value of the ETF shares bought or sold. An active trading market for shares of the ETF may not develop or be maintained. In times of market stress, market makers or authorized participants may step away from their respective roles in making a market in shares of the ETF and in executing purchase or redemption orders, which could also lead to variances between the market price of the ETF’s shares and the underlying value of those shares.

 

Other Investment Companies. The Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in the securities of other investment companies not affiliated with the Adviser, but may not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of any one investment company or acquire more than 3% of the voting securities of any other investment company. The Fund may rely on SEC orders that permit it to invest in certain ETFs beyond these limits, subject to certain terms and conditions. Among other things, the Fund may invest in money market mutual funds for cash management purposes by “sweeping” excess cash balances into such funds until the cash is invested or otherwise utilized. The Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by investment companies in which it invests in addition to the advisory and administration fees paid by the Fund.

 

Portfolio Turnover. The Fund may engage in active and frequent trading, resulting in high portfolio turnover. This may lead to the realization and distribution to shareholders of higher capital gains, increasing their tax liability. Frequent trading may also increase transaction costs, which could detract from the Fund’s performance.

 

Securities Lending. The Fund may seek to increase its income by lending portfolio securities to institutions, such as certain broker-dealers. Portfolio security loans are secured continuously by collateral maintained on a current basis at an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned. The value of the securities loaned by the Fund will not exceed 33 1/3% of the value of the Fund’s total assets. The Fund may experience a loss or delay in the recovery of its securities if the borrowing institution breaches its agreement with the Fund.

 

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Temporary Investments. The Fund may depart from its principal investment strategy in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions by taking a temporary defensive position (up to 100% of its assets) in cash and eligible U.S. dollar-denominated money market instruments. If the Fund were to take a temporary defensive position, it may be unable for a time to achieve its investment objective.

 

Convertible Securities Risk. Convertible securities have characteristics of both equity and fixed-income securities. The value of a convertible security tends to move with the market value of the underlying stock, but may also be affected by interest rates, credit quality of the issuer and any call provisions. In particular, when interest rates rise, fixed-income securities will decline in value. Convertible securities frequently have speculative characteristics and may be acquired without regard to minimum quality ratings. Lower quality convertible securities, also known as "junk bonds," involve greater risk of default or price changes due to the issuer's creditworthiness. The market prices of these securities may fluctuate more than those of higher quality securities and may decline significantly in periods of general economic difficulty, which may follow periods of rising interest rates. Securities in the lowest quality category may present the risk of default, or may be in default.

 

BROAD-BASED SECURITIES MARKET INDEX

 

The Russell 2000 ® Value Index is an unmanaged index that contains stocks from the Russell 2000 ® Index with greater-than-average value orientation. Companies in this index generally have lower price-to-book and price-to-earnings ratios. As of November 30, 2017, the market capitalization range of the companies in the Russell 2000 ® Value Index is $21.56 million to $9.33 billion. Please note that this range is as of a particular point in time and is subject to change.

 

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

A description of the Company's policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund's portfolio securities is available in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information ("SAI"). The SAI is incorporated herein.

 

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

 

Investment Adviser

 

The Adviser's principal address is 460 East Swedesford Road, Suite 2000, Wayne, PA 19087. The Adviser provides investment management and investment advisory services to investment companies and other institutional accounts and had aggregate total assets under management of approximately $641 million as of September 30, 2017. The Adviser is 100% employee-owned, and was founded in 1996.

 

Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with the Company, the Adviser is entitled to an advisory fee computed daily and payable monthly at the annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund's average daily net assets. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive management fees and reimburse expenses to the extent that the Fund's Total Annual Operating Expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed 1.15% of the Fund's average daily net assets. In determining the Adviser's obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to exceed 1.15% of the Fund's average daily net assets: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes. The Adviser may not recoup waived management fees or reimbursed expenses. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2018 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, after waivers, the Adviser has received 0.58% of the Fund's average net assets in investment advisory fees from the Fund. Had fee waivers not been in place, the Adviser would have received 1.00% of the Fund's average net assets in investment advisory fees from the Fund.

 

  9

 

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board's approval of the Fund's investment advisory agreement with the Adviser is available in the Fund's annual report to shareholders dated August 31, 2017.

 

Portfolio Manager

 

The President and Chief Investment Officer of the Adviser, Arnold C. Schneider III, is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund's investment portfolio. Mr. Schneider founded the Adviser in 1996, and has managed the Fund since its inception. Prior to 1996, he was a senior vice president and partner of Wellington Management Company, where he was responsible for institutional accounts and mutual fund portfolios since 1987.

 

The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio manager's compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio manager and the portfolio manager's ownership of shares of the Fund.

 

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

 

Pricing of Fund Shares

 

Shares of the Fund are priced at their net asset value ("NAV"). The NAV of the Fund is calculated as follows:

 

  Value of Assets Attributable to the Fund
NAV = - Value of Liabilities Attributable to the Fund
  Number of Outstanding Shares of the Fund

 

The Fund’s NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. The NYSE is generally open Monday through Friday, except national holidays. The Fund will effect purchases and redemptions of Fund Shares at the NAV next calculated after receipt by the Transfer Agent of your purchase order or redemption request in good order (as described below).

 

The Fund's equity securities listed on any national or foreign exchange market system will be valued at the last sale price, except for the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System ("NASDAQ"). Equity securities listed on the NASDAQ will be valued at the official closing price. Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions on that day, equity securities will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market value at the close of the market. Foreign securities, currencies and other securities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of such currencies against the U.S. dollar provided by a pricing service. All assets denominated in foreign currencies will be converted into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the time of valuation. If the Fund holds foreign equity securities, the calculation of the Fund's NAV will not occur at the same time as the determination of the value of the foreign equities securities in the Fund's portfolio, since these securities are traded on foreign exchanges.

 

Investments in other open-end investment companies are valued based on the NAV of those investment companies (which may use fair value pricing as discussed in their prospectuses). Investments in exchange-traded and closed-end funds will be valued at their market price.

 

If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable by the Fund's administrator, in consultation with the Adviser, securities will be valued by the Adviser in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board and under the Board’s ultimate supervision. In addition, the prices of foreign securities may be affected by events that occur after the close of a foreign market but before the Fund prices its shares. In such instances, a foreign security may be fair valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board. Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation involves the risk that the values used by the Fund to price its investments may be higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.

 

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Market Timing

 

In accordance with the policy adopted by its Board, the Company discourages and does not accommodate market timing and other excessive trading practices. Purchases should be made with a view to longer-term investment only. Excessive short-term (market timing) trading practices may disrupt portfolio management strategies, increase brokerage and administrative costs, harm Fund performance and result in dilution in the value of Fund Shares held by long-term shareholders. The Company and the Adviser reserve the right to (i) reject a purchase or exchange order, (ii) delay payment of immediate cash redemption proceeds for up to seven calendar days, (iii) revoke a shareholder's privilege to purchase Fund Shares (including exchanges), or (iv) limit the amount of any exchange involving the purchase of Fund Shares. An investor may receive notice that their purchase order or exchange has been rejected after the day the order is placed or after acceptance by a financial intermediary. It is currently expected that a shareholder would receive notice that its purchase order or exchange has been rejected within 48 hours after such purchase order or exchange has been received by the Company in good order. The Company and the Adviser will not be liable for any loss resulting from rejected purchase orders. To minimize harm to the Company and its shareholders (or the Adviser), the Company (or the Adviser) will exercise its right if, in the Company's (or the Adviser's) judgment, an investor has a history of excessive trading or if an investor's trading, in the judgment of the Company (or the Adviser), has been or may be disruptive to the Fund. No waivers of the provisions of the policy established to detect and deter market timing and other excessive trading activity are permitted that would harm the Fund and its shareholders or would subordinate the interests of the Fund and its shareholders to those of the Adviser or any affiliated person or associated person of the Adviser.

 

To deter excessive shareholder trading, the Fund charges a redemption fee of 1.00% on shares held for less than 30 days. For further information on redemptions, please see the section entitled "Shareholder Information — Redemptions of Fund Shares."

 

There is no assurance that the Adviser will be able to identify market timers, particularly if they are investing through intermediaries.

 

If necessary, the Company may prohibit additional purchases of Fund shares by a financial intermediary or by certain customers of the financial intermediary. Financial intermediaries may also monitor their customers' trading activities in the Fund. The criteria used by intermediaries to monitor for excessive trading may differ from the criteria used by the Company. If a financial intermediary fails to enforce the Company's excessive trading policies, the Company may take certain actions, including terminating the relationship.

 

Purchase of Fund Shares

 

Shares are offered on a continuous basis and are sold without any sales charges. You may purchase Fund shares directly from the Fund at the NAV per share next calculated after your order is received by the Transfer Agent in good order. The Fund's NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. After an initial purchase is made, the Transfer Agent will set up an account for you on the Fund's records, which will show all of your transactions and the balance of the shares you own. You can only purchase shares on days the NYSE is open and through the means described below. Initial investments in the Fund must be at least $20,000, and subsequent minimum investments must be at least $2,500. For purposes of meeting the minimum initial purchase, clients which are part of endowments, foundations or other related groups may be aggregated. The Adviser is authorized to waive the minimum initial and subsequent investment requirements.

 

Investors may be charged a fee if they effect transactions through a broker or agent. Service Organizations may have agreements with the Fund and may be responsible for promptly transmitting client or customer purchase and redemption orders to the Fund in accordance with such agreements. A Service Organization or, if applicable, its designee that has entered into such an agreement with the Fund or its agent may enter confirmed purchase orders on behalf of clients and customers, with payment to follow no later than the Fund's pricing on the following business day. If payment is not received by such time, the Service Organization could be held liable for resulting fees or losses. The Fund will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when a Service Organization, or if applicable, its authorized designee, accepts a purchase or redemption order in good order. Orders received by the Fund in good order will be priced at the Fund's NAV next computed after they are accepted by the Service Organization or its authorized designee. If a purchase order is not received by the Fund in good order, the Transfer Agent will contact the Service Organization to determine the status of the purchase order.

 

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In addition, the Fund has certain arrangements in place to compensate Service Organizations for services that they provide to beneficial shareholders (“Shareholder Services”). Shareholder Services may include sub-accounting, sub-transfer agency, participant recordkeeping, shareholder or participant reporting, shareholder or participant transaction processing, maintenance of shareholder records, preparation of account statements and provision of customer service. Payments for Shareholder Services vary by Service Organization.

 

Initial Investment By Mail. Subject to acceptance by the Fund, an account may be opened by completing and signing an account application and mailing it to the Fund at the address noted below, together with a check payable to Schneider Small Cap Value Fund. All checks must be in U.S. Dollars drawn on a domestic bank. The Fund will not accept payment in cash or money orders. The Fund does not accept post-dated checks or any conditional order or payment. To prevent check fraud, the Fund will not accept third party checks, Treasury checks, credit card checks, traveler’s checks or starter checks for the purchase of shares.

 

Schneider Small Cap Value Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701

 

or overnight to:

 

Schneider Small Cap Value Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

The Fund does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, deposit in the mail or with such services, or receipt at U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC’s post office box, of purchase orders or redemption requests does not constitute receipt by the Transfer Agent of the Fund. Receipt of purchase orders or redemption requests is based on when the order is received at the Transfer Agent’s offices.

 

Shares will be purchased at the NAV next computed after the time the application and funds are received in proper order and accepted by the Fund. The Transfer Agent will charge a $25 fee against a shareholder’s account, in addition to any loss sustained by the Fund, for any payment that is returned. It is the policy of the Fund not to accept applications under certain circumstances or in amounts considered disadvantageous to shareholders. The Fund reserves the right to reject any application.

 

Initial Investment By Wire. If you are making your first investment in the Fund, before you wire funds, the Transfer Agent must have a completed account application. You may mail or overnight deliver your account application to the Transfer Agent. Upon receipt of your completed account application, the Transfer Agent will establish an account for you. The account number assigned will be required as part of the instruction that should be provided to your bank to send the wire. Your bank must include both the name of the Fund you are purchasing, the account number, and your name so that monies can be correctly applied. Your bank should transmit funds by wire to:

 

Wire Instructions:

U.S. Bank National Association

777 East Wisconsin Ave

Milwaukee WI 53202

ABA 075000022

Credit:

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services

Account #112-952-137

For Further Credit to:

Schneider Small Cap Value Fund

(shareholder registration)

(shareholder account number)

 

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Wired funds must be received prior to 4:00 p.m. Eastern time to be eligible for same day pricing. The Fund and U.S. Bank, N.A. are not responsible for the consequences of delays resulting from the banking or Federal Reserve wire system, or from incomplete wiring instructions.

 

For Subsequent Investments – By wire. Before sending your wire, please contact the Transfer Agent to advise them of your intent to wire funds. This will ensure prompt and accurate credit upon receipt of your wire.

 

Telephone Purchase. Investors may purchase additional shares of the Fund by calling 1-888-520-3277. If you elected this option on your account application, and your account has been open for at least 15 calendar days, telephone orders, in amounts of $2,500 or more, will be accepted via electronic funds transfer from your bank account through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network. You must have banking information established on your account prior to making a purchase. If you order is received prior to 4:00 p.m. Eastern time, your shares will be purchased at the net asset value calculated on the day your order is placed.

 

Telephone trades must be received by or prior to market close. During periods of high market activity, shareholders may encounter higher than usual call waits. Please allow sufficient time to place your telephone transaction.

 

Additional Investments. Additional investments may be made at any time ($2,500 minimum) by purchasing shares at the NAV per share of the Fund by mailing a check to the Transfer Agent at the address noted above under "Initial Investment by Mail" (payable to Schneider Small Cap Value Fund) or by wiring as outlined above under "Initial Investment by Wire. Initial and additional purchases made by check or electronic funds transfer through the ACH network cannot be redeemed until payment of the purchase has been collected. This may take up to 15 calendar days from the purchase date.

 

Automatic Investment Plan. Once your account has been opened with the initial minimum investment you may make additional purchases at regular intervals through the automatic investment plan (the “Automatic Investment Plan”). The Automatic Investment Plan provides a convenient method to have monies deducted from your bank account, for investment into the Fund, on a monthly or quarterly basis. In order to participate in the Automatic Investment Plan, your financial institution must be a member of the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network. Minimum monthly investments are $2,500. If your bank rejects your payment, the Fund’s transfer agent will charge a $25 fee to your account. To begin participating in the Automatic Investment Plan, please complete the Automatic Investment Plan section on the account application or call the Fund’s transfer agent at 1-888-520-3277. Any request to change or terminate your Automatic Investment Plan should be submitted to the Transfer Agent five (5) days prior to effective date.

 

Retirement Plans/IRA Accounts. The Fund offers prototype documents for a variety of retirement accounts for individuals and small businesses. Please call 1-888-520-3277 for information on:

 

Individual Retirement Plan, including Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs
Small Business Retirement Plans, including Simple IRAs and SEP IRAs
Coverdell Education Savings Accounts

 

There may be special distribution requirements for a retirement account, such as required distributions or mandatory Federal income tax withholding. For more information, call the number listed above. You may be charged a $15 annual account maintenance fee for each retirement account up to a maximum of $30 annually and a $25 fee for transferring assets to another custodian or for closing a retirement account.

 

Purchases in Kind. In certain circumstances, Shares of the Fund may be purchased "in kind" (i.e. in exchange for securities, rather than cash). The securities rendered in connection with an in-kind purchase must be liquid securities that are not restricted as to transfer and have a value that is readily ascertainable in accordance with the Company's valuation procedures. Securities accepted by the Fund will be valued, as set forth in this Prospectus, as of the time of the next determination of net asset value after such acceptance. The Shares of the Fund that are issued to the investor in exchange for the securities will be determined as of the same time. All dividend, subscription, or other rights that are reflected in the market price of accepted securities at the time of valuation become the property of the Fund and must be delivered to the Fund by the investor upon receipt from the issuer. The Fund will not accept securities in exchange for its Shares unless such securities are, at the time of the exchange, eligible to be held by the Fund and satisfy such other conditions as may be imposed by the Adviser or the Company. Purchases in-kind may result in the recognition of gain or loss for federal income tax purposes on the securities transferred to the Fund.

 

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Other Purchase Information. The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to suspend the offering of shares or to reject purchase orders when, in the judgment of management, such suspension or rejection is in the best interests of the Fund. The Adviser will monitor the Fund's total assets and may, subject to Board approval, decide to close the Fund at any time to new investments or to new accounts due to concerns that a significant increase in the size of the Fund may adversely affect the implementation of the Fund's strategy. The Adviser, subject to Board approval, may also choose to reopen the Fund to new investments at any time, and may subsequently close the Fund again should concerns regarding the Fund's size recur. If the Fund closes to new investments, the Fund may be offered only to certain existing shareholders of the Fund and certain other persons who may be subject to cumulative, maximum purchase amounts, as follows:

 

a. persons who already hold shares of the closed Fund directly or through accounts maintained by brokers by arrangement with the Adviser;

 

b. employees of the Adviser and their spouses, parents and children; and

 

c. directors of the Company.

 

Distributions to all shareholders of the closed Fund will continue to be reinvested unless a shareholder elects otherwise. The Adviser, subject to the Board’s discretion, reserves the right to implement specific purchase limitations at the time of closing, including limitations on current shareholders.

 

Purchases of the Fund's shares will be made in full and fractional shares of the Fund calculated to three decimal places. Certificates for shares will not be issued.

 

Shares may be purchased and subsequent investments may be made by principals and employees of the Adviser and their family members, either directly or through their IRAs and by any pension and profit-sharing plan of the Adviser, without being subject to the minimum investment limitation.

 

The Adviser is authorized to waive the minimum initial and subsequent investment requirements.

 

Good Order. A purchase request is considered to be in good order when the purchase request includes the name of the Fund, the dollar amount of shares to be purchased, your account application or investment stub, and a check payable to the Fund. Purchase requests not in good order may be rejected.

 

Customer Identification Program. Federal law requires the Company to obtain, verify and record identifying information, which may include the name, residential or business street address, date of birth (for an individual), social security or taxpayer identification number or other identifying information for each investor who opens or reopens an account with the Company. Applications without the required information, or without any indication that a social security or taxpayer identification number has been applied for, may not be accepted. After acceptance, to the extent permitted by applicable law or its customer identification program, the Company reserves the right (a) to place limits on transactions in any account until the identity of the investor is verified; or (b) to refuse an investment in a Company portfolio or to involuntarily redeem an investor's shares and close an account in the event that an investor's identity is not verified. The Company and its agents will not be responsible for any loss in an investor's account resulting from the investor's delay in providing all required identifying information or from closing an account and redeeming an investor's shares when an investor's identity cannot be verified.

 

Redemption of Fund Shares

You may redeem Fund shares at the next NAV calculated after a redemption request is received by the Transfer Agent in good order. The Fund's NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. You can only redeem shares of the Fund on days the NYSE is open and through the means described below.

 

  14

 

You may redeem Fund shares by mail, or, if you are authorized, by telephone. The value of shares redeemed may be more or less than the purchase price, depending on the market value of the investment securities held by the Fund.

 

Redemption By Mail. Your redemption request should be sent to: Schneider Funds, c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701. If sent by overnight mail to: Schneider Funds, c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

 

The Fund does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, deposit in the mail or with such services, or receipt at U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC’s post office box, of purchase orders or redemption requests does not constitute receipt by the Transfer Agent of the Fund. Receipt of purchase orders or redemption requests is based on when the order is received at the Transfer Agent’s offices.

 

A signature guarantee, from either a Medallion program member or a non-Medallion program member, is required in the following situations:

 

If ownership is being changed on your account;
When redemption proceeds are payable or sent to any person, address or bank account not on record;
When a redemption is received by the Transfer Agent and the account address has changed within the last 15 calendar days; and
For all redemptions in excess of $50,000 from any shareholder account.

 

The Fund may waive any of the above requirements in certain instances. In addition to the situations described above, the Fund and/or the Transfer Agent reserve the right to require a signature guarantee in other instances based on the circumstances relative to the particular situation.

 

Nonfinancial transactions, including establishing or modifying certain services on an account, may require a signature guarantee, signature verification from a Signature Validation Program member, or other acceptable form of authentication from a financial institution source.

 

Signature guarantees will generally be accepted from domestic banks, brokers, dealers, credit unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies and savings associations, as well as from participants in the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program and the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (“STAMP”). A notary public is not an acceptable signature guarantor.

 

Redemption By Telephone. If you did not decline telephone options on your account application (or request by subsequent arrangements in writing), and your account has been open for at least 15 days, you may initiate a redemption in any amount up to $50,000 by calling the Transfer Agent at 1-888-520-3277.

 

Investors may have a check sent to the address of record, proceeds may be wired to a shareholder’s bank account of record, or funds may be sent via electronic funds transfer through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, also to the bank account of record. Wires are subject to a $15 fee paid by the investor, but the investor does not incur any charge when proceeds are sent via the ACH system.

 

Once a telephone transaction has been placed, it cannot be canceled or modified after the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern time).

 

Telephone trades must be received by or prior to market close. During periods of high market activity, shareholders may encounter higher than usual call waits. Please allow sufficient time to place your telephone transaction.

 

Before executing an instruction received by telephone, the Transfer Agent will use reasonable procedures to confirm that the telephone instructions are genuine. The telephone call may be recorded and the caller may be asked to verify certain personal identification information. If the Fund or its agents follow these procedures, they cannot be held liable for any loss, expense or cost arising out of any telephone redemption request that is reasonably believed to be genuine. This includes fraudulent or unauthorized requests. If an account has more than one owner or authorized person, the Fund will accept telephone instructions from any one owner or authorized person.

 

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IRA and Other Retirement Plan Redemptions. If you have an IRA, you must indicate on your written redemption request whether or not to withhold federal income tax. Redemption requests failing to indicate an election to have tax withheld will be subject to 10% withholding.

 

Shares held in IRA accounts may be redeemed by telephone at 1-888-520-3277. Investors will be asked whether or not to withhold taxes from any distribution.

 

Transaction Fee on Certain Redemptions. Effective as of the date of this prospectus, the Fund requires the payment of a transaction fee on redemptions of shares held for less than 30 days equal to 1.00% of the NAV of such shares redeemed at the time of redemption (previously, the Fund charged a redemption fee of 1.75% of shares held for less than one year). This additional transaction fee is paid to the Fund, not to the Adviser, Distributor or Transfer Agent. It is not a sales charge or a contingent deferred sales charge. The fee does not apply to redeemed shares that were purchased through reinvested dividends or capital gains distributions. The purpose of the additional transaction fee is to indirectly allocate transaction costs associated with redemptions to those investors making redemptions after holding their shares for a short period, thus protecting existing shareholders. These costs include: (1) brokerage costs; (2) market impact costs — i.e., the decrease in market prices which may result when the Fund sells certain securities in order to raise cash to meet the redemption request; (3) the realization of capital gains by the other shareholders in the Fund; and (4) the effect of the "bid-ask" spread in the over-the-counter market. The 1.00% amount represents the Fund's estimate of the brokerage and other transaction costs which may be incurred by the Fund in disposing of stocks in which the Fund may invest. Without the additional transaction fee, the Fund would generally be selling its shares at a price less than the cost to the Fund of acquiring the portfolio securities necessary to maintain its investment characteristics, resulting in reduced investment performance for all shareholders in the Fund. With the additional transaction fee, the transaction costs of selling additional stocks are not borne by all existing shareholders, but the source of funds for these costs is the transaction fee paid by those investors making redemptions. For purposes of this redemption feature, shares purchased first will be considered to be shares first redeemed.

 

Systematic Withdrawal Plan. As another convenience, you may redeem your Fund shares through the Systematic Withdrawal Plan. Under the Plan, you may choose to receive a specified dollar amount, generated from the redemption of shares in your account, on a monthly, quarterly, semi annual or annual basis. In order to participate in the Plan, your account balance must be at least $20,000 and each payment should be a minimum of $100. If you elect this method of redemption, the Fund will send a check to your address of record, or will send the payment via electronic funds transfer through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, directly to your bank account. For payment through the ACH network, your bank must be an ACH member and your bank account information must be maintained on your Fund account. This Program may be terminated at any time by the Fund. You may also elect to terminate your participation in this Plan at any time by contacting the Transfer Agent in writing or by telephone at least 5 days prior to the next withdrawal.

 

A withdrawal under the Plan involves a redemption of shares and may result in a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes. In addition, if the amount requested to be withdrawn exceeds the amount available in your account, which includes any dividends credited to your account, the account will ultimately be depleted. The Fund does not require the payment of a transaction fee on redemptions of shares held for less than one year that are redeemed pursuant to a systematic withdrawal plan.

 

Other Redemption Information. Redemption proceeds for shares of the Fund recently purchased by check or electronic funds transfer through the ACH network may not be distributed until payment for the purchase has been collected, which may take up to fifteen calendar days from the purchase date. Shareholders can avoid this delay by utilizing the wire purchase option. Redemption proceeds will ordinarily be paid within seven business days after a redemption request is received by the Transfer Agent in good order. The Company may suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date at times when the NYSE or the bond market is closed or under any emergency circumstances as determined by the SEC. The Fund typically expects to meet redemption request by paying out proceeds from cash or cash equivalent portfolio holdings, or by selling portfolio securities. In stressed market conditions, redemption methods may include redeeming in kind.

 

  16

 

If the Board determines that it would be detrimental to the best interests of the remaining shareholders of the Fund to make payment wholly or partly in cash, redemption proceeds may be paid in whole or in part by an in-kind distribution of readily marketable securities held by the Fund instead of cash in conformity with applicable rules of the SEC. Investors generally will incur brokerage charges on the sale of portfolio securities so received in the payment of redemptions. If a shareholder receives redemption proceeds in-kind, the shareholder will bear the market risk of the securities received in the redemption until their disposition and should expect to incur transaction costs upon the disposition of the securities. The Company has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, so that the Fund is obligated to redeem its shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its NAV during any 90-day period for any one shareholder of the Fund.

 

Good Order. A redemption request is considered to be in good order when the redemption request includes the name of the Fund, the number of shares or dollar amount to be redeemed, the account number, and signatures by all of the shareholders whose names appear on the account registration with a signature guarantee, if applicable. Redemption requests not in good order may be delayed.

 

Involuntary Redemption. The Fund reserves the right to redeem your account at any time the value of the account falls below $500 as the result of a redemption or an exchange request.

 

You will be notified in writing that the value of your account is less than $500 and will be allowed 30 days to make additional investments before the redemption is processed.

 

The Fund may assert the right to redeem your shares at current NAV at any time and without prior notice if, and to the extent that, such redemption is necessary to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of your failure to make full payment for shares of the Fund you previously purchased or subscribed for.

 

Dividends and Distributions

 

The Fund will distribute substantially all of the net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, of the Fund to the Fund's shareholders. All distributions are reinvested in the form of additional full and fractional shares unless you elect otherwise.

 

The Fund will declare and pay dividends from net investment income annually and pays them in the calendar year in which they are declared. Net realized capital gains (including net short-term capital gains), if any, will be distributed at least annually.

 

The ex-dividend, record and payable dates of any annual distribution will be available by calling 1-888- 520-3277.

 

All distributions will be reinvested in additional Fund shares unless you elect to receive cash via one of the following options: (1) receive distributions of net capital gain in cash, while reinvesting net investment income distributions in additional Fund shares; (2) receive all distributions in cash; or (3) reinvest net capital gain distributions in additional Fund shares, while receiving distributions of net investment income in cash.

 

If you elect to receive distributions and/or capital gains paid in cash, and the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver the check, or if a check remains outstanding for six months, the Fund reserves the right to reinvest the distribution check in your account, at the Fund's current net asset value, and to reinvest all subsequent distributions.

 

  17

 

Taxes

 

The following is a summary of certain United States tax considerations relevant under current law, which may be subject to change in the future. Except where otherwise indicated, the discussion relates to investors who are individual United States citizens or residents. You should consult your tax adviser for further information regarding federal, state, local and/or foreign tax consequences relevant to your specific situation.

 

Federal Taxes of Distributions. The Fund contemplates distributing as dividends each year all or substantially all of its taxable income, including its net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss). Except as otherwise discussed below, you will be subject to federal income tax on Fund distributions regardless of whether they are paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares. Fund distributions attributable to short-term capital gains and net investment income will generally be taxable to you as ordinary income, except as discussed below.

 

Distributions attributable to the net capital gain of the Fund will be taxable to you as long-term capital gain, no matter how long you have owned your Fund shares. The maximum long-term capital gain rate applicable to individuals, estates, and trusts is currently 23.8% (which includes a 3.8% Medicare tax). You will be notified annually of the tax status of distributions to you.

 

Distributions of "qualifying dividends" will also generally be taxable to you at long-term capital gain rates, as long as certain requirements are met. In general, if 95% or more of the gross income of the Fund (other than net capital gain) consists of dividends received from domestic corporations or "qualified" foreign corporations ("qualifying dividends"), then all distributions paid by the Fund to individual shareholders will be taxed at long-term capital gains rates. But if less than 95% of the gross income of the Fund (other than net capital gain) consists of qualifying dividends, then distributions paid by the Fund to individual shareholders will be qualifying dividends only to the extent they are derived from qualifying dividends earned by the Fund. For the lower rates to apply, you must have owned your Fund shares for at least 61 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date that is 60 days before the Fund's ex- dividend date (and the Fund will need to have met a similar holding period requirement with respect to the shares of the corporation paying the qualifying dividend). The amount of the Fund's distributions that qualify for this favorable treatment may be reduced as a result of the Fund's securities lending activities (if any), a high portfolio turnover rate or investments in debt securities or non-qualified foreign corporations.

 

Distributions from the Fund will generally be taxable to you in the taxable year in which they are paid, with one exception. Distributions declared by the Fund in October, November or December and paid in January of the following year are taxed as though they were paid on December 31.

 

A portion of distributions paid by the Fund to shareholders that are corporations may also qualify for the dividends-received deduction for corporations, subject to certain holding period requirements and debt financing limitations. The amount of the dividends qualifying for this deduction may, however, be reduced as a result of the Fund's securities lending activities (if any), by a high portfolio turnover rate or by investments in debt securities or foreign corporations.

 

If you purchase shares just before a distribution, the purchase price will reflect the amount of the upcoming distribution, but you will be taxed on the entire amount of the distribution received, even though, as an economic matter, the distribution simply constitutes a return of capital. This is known as "buying into a dividend."

 

Sales of Shares. You will generally recognize taxable gain or loss for federal income tax purposes on a sale or redemption of your shares based on the difference between your tax basis in the shares and the amount you receive for them. Generally, you will recognize long-term capital gain or loss if you have held your Fund shares for over twelve months at the time you dispose of them.

 

Any loss realized on shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends that were received on the shares. Additionally, any loss realized on a disposition of shares of the Fund may be disallowed under "wash sale" rules to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced with other shares of the Fund within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the shares are disposed of, such as pursuant to a dividend reinvestment in shares of the Fund. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in an upward adjustment to the basis of the shares acquired.

 

  18

 

For shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012, the Fund (or relevant broker or financial adviser) is required to compute and report to the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") and furnish to Fund shareholders cost basis information when such shares are sold. The Fund has elected to use the average cost method, unless you instruct the Fund to use a different IRS-accepted cost basis method, or choose to specifically identify your shares at the time of each sale. If your account is held by your broker or other financial adviser, they may select a different cost basis method. In these cases, please contact your broker or other financial adviser to obtain information with respect to the available methods and elections for your account. You should carefully review the cost basis information provided by the Fund and make any additional basis, holding period or other adjustments that are required when reporting these amounts on your federal and state income tax returns. Fund shareholders should consult with their tax advisers to determine the best IRS-accepted cost basis method for their tax situation and to obtain more information about how the cost basis reporting requirements apply to them.

 

IRAs and Other Tax-Qualified Plans. The one major exception to the preceding tax principles is that distributions on, and sales and redemptions of, shares held in an IRA (or other tax-qualified plan) will not be currently taxable unless such shares were acquired with borrowed funds.

 

Backup Withholding. The Fund may be required in certain cases to withhold and remit to the IRS a percentage of taxable dividends or gross proceeds realized upon sale payable to shareholders who have failed to provide a correct tax identification number in the manner required, or who are subject to withholding by the IRS for failure to properly include on their return payments of taxable interest or dividends, or who have failed to certify to the Fund that they are not subject to backup withholding when required to do so or that they are "exempt recipients." The current backup withholding rate is 28%.

 

U.S. Tax Treatment of Foreign Shareholders. Generally, nonresident aliens, foreign corporations and other foreign investors are subject to a 30% withholding tax on dividends paid by a U.S. corporation, although the rate may be reduced for an investor that is a qualified resident of a foreign country with an applicable tax treaty with the United States. In the case of a regulated investment company such as the Fund, however, certain categories of dividends are exempt from the 30% withholding tax. These generally include dividends attributable to the Fund's net capital gains (the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital loss) and dividends attributable to the Fund's interest income from U.S. obligors and dividends attributable to net short-term capital gains of the Fund.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally not be subject to U.S. tax on gains realized on the sale or redemption of shares in the Fund, except that a nonresident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in a calendar year will be taxable on such gains and on capital gain dividends from the Fund.

 

In contrast, if a foreign investor conducts a trade or business in the United States and the investment in the Fund is effectively connected with that trade or business, then the foreign investor's income from the Fund will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax at graduated rates in a manner similar to the income of a U.S. citizen or resident.

 

The Fund will also generally be required to withhold 30% tax on certain payments to foreign entities that do not provide a Form W-8BEN-E that evidences their compliance with, or exemption from, specified information reporting requirements under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act.

 

All foreign investors should consult their own tax advisers regarding the tax consequences in their country of residence of an investment in the Fund.

 

Shares of the Fund have not been registered for sale outside of the United States and certain U.S. territories.

 

State and Local Taxes. You may also be subject to state and local taxes on income and gain from Fund shares. State income taxes may not apply, however, to the portions of the Fund's distributions, if any, that are attributable to interest on U.S. government securities. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the tax status of distributions in your state and locality.

 

More information about taxes is contained in the Fund's SAI.

 

  19

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

Householding. In an effort to decrease costs, the Fund intends to reduce the number of duplicate prospectuses and Annual and Semi-Annual Reports you receive by sending only one copy of each to those addresses shared by two or more accounts and to shareholders we reasonably believe are from the same family or household. Once implemented, if you would like to discontinue householding for your accounts, please call toll-free at 1-888-520-3277 to request individual copies of these documents. Once the Fund receives notice to stop householding, we will begin sending individual copies thirty days after receiving your request. This policy does not apply to account statements.

 

Lost Shareholders, Inactive Accounts and Unclaimed Property. It is important that the Fund maintains a correct address for each shareholder. An incorrect address may cause a shareholder’s account statements and other mailings to be returned to the Fund. Based upon statutory requirements for returned mail, the Fund will attempt to locate the shareholder or rightful owner of the account. If the Fund is unable to locate the shareholder, then it will determine whether the shareholder’s account can legally be considered abandoned. Your mutual fund account may be transferred to the state government of your state of residence if no activity occurs within your account during the “inactivity period” specified in your state’s abandoned property laws. The Fund is legally obligated to escheat (or transfer) abandoned property to the appropriate state’s unclaimed property administrator in accordance with statutory requirements. The shareholder’s last known address of record determines which state has jurisdiction. Please proactively contact the Transfer Agent at 1-888-520-3277 (toll free) at least annually to ensure your account remains in active status.


If you are a resident of the state of Texas, you may designate a representative to receive notifications that, due to inactivity, your mutual fund account assets may be delivered to the Texas Comptroller. Please contact the Transfer Agent if you wish to complete a Texas Designation of Representative form.

 

NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN THE FUND'S SAI INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR ITS DISTRIBUTOR. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING BY THE COMPANY OR BY THE DISTRIBUTOR IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE

 

  20

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

The table below sets forth certain financial information for the periods indicated, including per share information results for a single Fund share. The term "Total investment return" indicates how much your investment would have increased or decreased during this period of time and assumes that you have reinvested all dividends and distributions. This information has been derived from the Fund's financial statements audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm. This information should be read in conjunction with the Fund's financial statements which, together with the report of the independent registered public accounting firm, are included in the Fund's annual report, which is available upon request (see back cover for ordering instructions).

 

    For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2017
    For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2016
    For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2015
    For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2014
    For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2013
 
Per Share Operating Performance                              
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 13.26     $ 11.00     $ 20.16     $ 21.07     $ 16.09  
Net investment income/(loss) (1)     (0.06 )     0.03       (0.01 )     (0.09 )     0.08  
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments     2.89       2.29       (4.53 )     2.63       4.90  
Net increase/ (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     2.83       2.32       (4.54 )     2.54       4.98  
Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:                                        
Net investment income           (0.03 )                  
Net realized gains           (0.03 )     (4.58 )     (3.45 )      
Tax return of capital                 (0.04 )            
Total dividends and distributions to
shareholders
          (0.06 )     (4.62 )     (3.45 )      
Redemption fees     0.03       (2)     (2)     (2)     (2)
Net asset value, end of period   $ 16.12     $ 13.26     $ 11.00     $ 20.16     $ 21.07  
Total investment return (3)     21.57 %     21.15 %     (25.88 )%     12.59 %     30.95 %
Ratio/Supplemental Data                                        
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)   $ 41,671     $ 36,874     $ 30,387     $ 61,240     $ 70,556  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (4)     1.15 %     1.15 %     1.15 %     1.15 %     1.15 %
Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and expense reimbursements     1.57 %     2.13 %     1.82 %     1.52 %     1.50 %
Ratio of net investment income/ (loss) to average net assets (4)     (0.37 )%     0.23 %     (0.05 )%     (0.44 )%     0.38 %
Portfolio turnover rate     137.61 %     113.69 %     88.80 %     72.33 %     63.87 %

 

(1) Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.
(2) Amount is less than $0.005 per share.
(3) Total investment return is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.
(4) Reflects waivers and reimbursements.

 

  21

 

Privacy Policy

 

FACTS

WHAT DOES THE SCHNEIDER SMALL CAP VALUE FUND DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION? 

Why? Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.
What?

The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include:

 

• Social Security number

• account balances

• account transactions

• transaction history

• wire transfer instructions

• checking account information

When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.

How? All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons the Schneider Small Cap Value Fund chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

 

Reasons we can share your personal information Does the Schneider Small Cap Value Fund share? Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purposes —

such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus

Yes No

For our marketing purposes —

to offer our products and services to you

Yes No
For joint marketing with other financial companies No We do not share.

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes —

information about your transactions and experiences

Yes No

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes —

information about your creditworthiness

No We do not share.
For our affiliates to market to you No We do not share.
For nonaffiliates to market to you No We do not share.

 

 

 

What we do
How does the Schneider Small Cap Value Fund protect my personal information? To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.
How does the Schneider Small Cap Value Fund collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

open an account

provide account information

give us your contact information

make a wire transfer

tell us where to send the money

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness

affiliates from using your information to market to you

sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing.

 

Definitions
Affiliates

Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

 

Our affiliates include Schneider Capital Management, the investment adviser to the Schneider Small Cap Value Fund.

Nonaffiliates

Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

 

The Schneider Small Cap Value Fund doesn’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you. The Schneider Small Cap Value Fund may share information with nonaffiliates that perform marketing services on our behalf.

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

 

The Schneider Small Cap Value Fund does not jointly market.

 

 

 

SCHNEIDER SMALL CAP VALUE FUND

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

 

This Prospectus contains important information you should know before you invest. Read it carefully and keep it for future reference. More information about the Fund is available free of charge, upon request, including:

 

Annual/Semi-Annual Reports

 

These reports contain additional information about the Fund's investments, describe the Fund's performance, list portfolio holdings, and discuss recent market conditions and economic trends. The annual report includes Fund strategies and market conditions that significantly affected the Fund's performance during its last fiscal year. The Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders are available on the Adviser’s website at www.schneidercap.com or may be obtained by calling 1-888-520-3277.

 

Statement of Additional Information

 

The Fund’s SAI, dated December 31, 2017, has been filed with the SEC. The SAI, which includes additional information about the Fund, along with the Fund's annual and semi-annual reports, are available on the Adviser's website at www.schneidercap.com or may be obtained free of charge by calling 1-888-520-3277. The SAI, as supplemented from time to time, is incorporated by reference into this prospectus and is legally considered a part of this prospectus.

 

Shareholder Account Service Representatives

 

Representatives are available to discuss account balance information, mutual fund prospectuses, literature, programs and services available. Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Eastern time) Monday-Friday. Call: 1-888-520-3277.

 

Purchases and Redemptions

 

Call your registered representative or 1-888-520-3277.

 

Written Correspondence

 

Post Office Address:
 
 
 
  Schneider Small Cap Value Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
PO Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701
 
Street Address:
 
 
 
  Schneider Small Cap Value Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
 

 

Securities and Exchange Commission

 

You may view and copy information about the Company and the Fund, including the SAI, by visiting the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. or the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at www.sec.gov. You may also obtain copies of Fund documents by paying a duplicating fee and sending an electronic request to the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov , or by sending your written request and a duplicating fee to the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520. You may obtain information on the operation of the public reference room by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090.

 

INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT FILE NO. 811-05518

 

 

 

 

Summit Global Investments

Prospectus

Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund

 

Class I Shares (Ticker: SILVX)

Class A Shares (Ticker: LVOLX)
Class C Shares (Ticker: SGICX)

 

Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund

 

Class I Shares (Ticker: SCLVX)

Class A Shares (Ticker: LVSMX)
Class C Shares (Ticker: SMLVX)

 

Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund

 

Class I Shares (Ticker: SGLIX)

Class A Shares (Ticker: SGLAX)
Class C Shares (Ticker: SGLOX)

 

December 31, 2017

 

of The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

This prospectus gives vital information about the Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund, the Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund and the Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund (each a "Fund" and together the “Funds”), each an investment portfolio of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the "Company"), including information on investment policies, risks and fees. For your own benefit and protection, please read it before you invest and keep it on hand for future reference.

 

THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED IN THIS PROSPECTUS HAVE BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ("SEC"). THE SEC, HOWEVER, HAS NOT JUDGED THESE SECURITIES FOR THEIR INVESTMENT MERIT AND HAS NOT DETERMINED THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANYONE WHO TELLS YOU OTHERWISE IS COMMITTING A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

 

 

 

A look at the goals, strategies, risks and financial history of the Funds.

 

Details about the Funds’ service providers.

 

Policies and instructions for opening, maintaining and closing an account in a Fund.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS 1
U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund 1
Small Cap Low Volatility Fund 7
Global Low Volatility Fund 12
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT EACH FUND’S INVESTMENTS AND RISKS 18
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS 21
Investment Adviser 21
Portfolio Managers 22
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION 23
Pricing of Fund Shares 23
Sales Charges — Class A Shares ONLY 23
Market Timing 25
Purchase of Fund Shares 26
Redemption of Fund Shares 30
Dividends and Distributions 32
Taxes 32
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 34
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 36
Appendix A  ̶ PRIOR PERFORMANCE OF SIMILARILY ADVISED ACCOUNTS A-1
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Back Cover

 

 

 

SUMMARY SECTIONS

 

U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

The Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund (for this section only, the "Fund") seeks to outperform the S&P 500 ® Index over a market cycle while reducing overall volatility. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

Expenses and Fees

 

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 on Class A Shares if you 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, in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Information — Sales Charges" and in the section of the Fund's Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") entitled "Purchase and Redemption Information — Reducing or Eliminating the Front-End Sales Charge."

 

  Class I Class A Class C
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) None 5.25% None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) None None (1) None
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends None None None
Redemption Fee (as a percentage of amount redeemed, if applicable) None None None
       
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)      
Management Fees 0.70% 0.70% 0.70%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees 0.00% 0.25% 1.00%
Other Expenses 0.44% 0.44% 0.44%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 1.14% 1.39% 2.14%
Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements (2) (0.16%) (0.16%) (0.16%)
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses after Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements 0.98% 1.23% 1.98%

 

 

(1) A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% is assessed on certain redemptions of Class A Shares made within 18 months after purchase where no initial sales charge was paid at time of purchase as part of an investment of $1,000,000 or more.
(2) Summit Global Investments, LLC (the "Adviser"), the Fund's investment adviser, has contractually agreed to waive management fees and reimburse expenses through December 31, 2018 to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed 0.98%, 1.23% and 1.98% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, Class A Shares and Class C Shares, respectively. In determining the Adviser's obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to exceed 0.98%, 1.23% or 1.98%, as applicable: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation may not be terminated before December 31, 2018 without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) If at any time the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 0.98%, 1.23% and 1.98% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, Class A Shares and Class C Shares, respectively, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

1  

 

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 Class A Shares or Class C Shares or $1,000,000 in the Class I Shares of the Fund and 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 Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

  1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
Class I

$9,997

$34,638

$61,218

$137,181

Class A

$644

$927

$1,231

$2,093

Class C

$201

$655

$1,135

$2,460

 

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 Fund's performance. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 31% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (including borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities, primarily common stocks, of companies within the Russell 1000 ® Index and S&P 500 ® Index. The Fund's investments will generally consist of securities, which may include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stock, and securities convertible into common stock. The Fund purchases equity securities traded in the U.S. on registered exchanges or the over-the-counter market.

 

The Adviser attempts to lower the Fund's market risk by investing in U.S. equity securities that lower the overall volatility of the Fund's portfolio as compared to the S&P 500 ® Index. Volatility is a statistical measurement of the magnitude of up and down fluctuations in the value of a financial instrument or index. The Fund invests in stocks that exhibit less volatile stock price patterns, strengthening business metrics (i.e., earnings, debt, return on assets, competition, customers, industry, etc.) and quantitative factors such as earnings variability, leverage, volatility, price/book, price/cash flow, etc. The Adviser selects securities for the Fund that it anticipates will produce less volatility with more capital protection and more consistent returns. While the Adviser attempts to manage the Fund's volatility, there is no guarantee that the strategy will be successful or that the Fund's portfolio will not experience periods of volatility.

 

2  

 

The Fund may sell a stock if the Adviser identifies fundamental, governance or legal risks or if the risk/return ranking declines due to increasing risk and/or decreasing return potential. The Fund may also decrease weight in an investment for risk control purposes.

 

Principal Risks

Loss of money is a risk of investing in the Fund. In addition, your investment in the Fund may be subject to the following principal risks:

 

Common Stock Risk. Investments in common stocks are subject to market, economic and business risks that will cause their price to fluctuate over time. Therefore, an investment in the Fund may be more suitable for long-term investors who can bear the risk of these fluctuations. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds and preferred stock take precedence over the claims of those who own common stock.

 

Convertible Securities Risk. Securities that can be converted into common stock, such as certain securities and preferred stock, are subject to the usual risks associated with fixed income investments, such as interest rate risk and credit risk. In addition, because they react to changes in the value of the equity securities into which they will convert, convertible securities are also subject to the risks associated with equity securities.

 

Warrants Risk. The purchase of warrants involves the risk that the Fund could lose the purchase value of a warrant if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not executed prior to the warrant's expiration. Also, the purchase of warrants involves the risk that the effective price paid for the warrant added to the subscription price of the related security may exceed the value of the subscribed security's market price such as when there is no movement in the level of the underlying security.

 

Low Volatility Risk. Although subject to the risks of common stocks, low volatility stocks are seen as having a lower risk profile than the overall markets. However, a portfolio comprised of low volatility stocks may not produce investment exposure that has lower variability to changes in such stocks' price levels. Investing in low volatility stocks may limit the Fund's gains in rising markets.

 

High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The risk that when investing on a shorter-term basis, the Fund may as a result trade more frequently and incur higher levels of brokerage fees and commissions and cause higher levels of current tax liability to shareholders of the Fund. A portfolio turnover rate of 100% is considered to be high. For the last fiscal year, the annual portfolio turnover rate of the Fund was lower than 100%, but the Fund's portfolio turnover rate is expected to vary from year to year. The Adviser may engage in active trading, and will not consider portfolio turnover a limiting factor in making decisions for the Fund.

 

Management Risk. The Fund is subject to the risk of poor stock selection. In other words, the individual stocks in the Fund may not perform as well as expected, and/or the Fund's portfolio management practices do not work to achieve their desired result.

 

Market Risk. The net asset value ("NAV") of the Fund will change with changes in the market value of its portfolio positions. Investors may lose money. Although the Fund will invest in stocks the Adviser believes will produce less volatility, there is no guarantee that the stocks will perform as expected.

 

Opportunity Risk. As with all mutual funds, the Fund is subject to the risk of missing out on an opportunity because the assets necessary to take advantage of it are tied up in less advantageous investments.

 

Performance Information

 

The chart below illustrates the performance of the Fund's Class I Shares (the Class with the longest performance). The information shows you how the Fund's performance has varied year by year and provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The chart assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. As with all such investments, past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future results. Performance reflects fee waivers in effect. If fee waivers were not in place, the Fund's performance would be reduced. Updated performance information may be obtained at www.summitglobalinvestments.com or by calling 1-855-744-8500.

 

3  

 

TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE CALENDAR YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31*

 

* The returns in the bar chart are for Class I Shares. Class A Shares and Class C Shares would have substantially similar annual returns because each class of shares would have invested in the same portfolio of securities, and the annual returns would differ only to the extent that the classes have different expenses. The Fund’s Class A Shares are subject to a sales charge (load). Sales charges (loads) or account fees are not reflected in the bar chart and if these amounts were reflected, returns would be less than those shown.

 

Best and Worst Quarterly Performance (for the period reflected in the chart above):
Best Quarter: 13.53% (quarter ended March 31, 2013)
Worst Quarter: -2.33 % (quarter ended June 30, 2015)

 

Year-to-date total return for the nine months ended September 30, 2017: 8.54%

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

 

The table below compares the Fund's Class I, Class A and Class C Shares average annual total returns for the periods indicated to the average annual total returns of a broad-based securities market index for the same periods. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indicator of how the Fund will perform in the future.

 

4  

 

   

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2016

U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund 1 Year Since Inception
Class I Shares*    
Return Before Taxes 8.84% 11.69%
Return After Taxes on Distributions (1) 8.19% 10.60%
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares (1) 5.55% 9.05%
S&P 500® Index (reflects reinvestment of dividends) 11.96% 13.02%
Class A Shares**    
Return Before Taxes 8.57% 6.17%
Class C Shares***    
Return Before Taxes 7.13% 7.13%

 

(1) 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 investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. In certain cases, the figure representing “Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares” may be higher than the other return figures for the same period, since a higher after-tax return results when a capital loss occurs upon redemption and provides an assumed tax deduction that benefits the investor. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts ("IRAs").

 

* Class I Shares of the Fund commenced operations on February 29, 2012.

 

** Class A Shares of the Fund commenced operations on October 29, 2015.

 

*** Class C Shares of the Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2015.

 

Management of the Fund

 

Investment Adviser

Summit Global Investments, LLC

 

Portfolio Managers

David Harden
President of the Adviser
Portfolio Manager of the Fund since inception

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

    Minimum Initial Investment  
Class I   $ 1,000,000  
Class A   $ 2,500  
Class C   $ 2,500  

 

You can only purchase and redeem shares of the Fund on days the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open. Shares of the Fund may be available through certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals. Shares of the Fund may also be purchased and redeemed directly through The RBB Fund, Inc. by the means described below.

 

5  

 

Purchase and Redemption By Mail:

 

Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701

 

Overnight Mail:
Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Purchase and Redemption By Wire:

 

Before sending any wire, call U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (the "Transfer Agent") at 855-744-8500 to confirm the current wire instructions for the Fund.

 

Redemption By Telephone:

 

If you select the option on your account application, you may call the Transfer Agent at 855-744-8500.

 

Tax Information

 

The Fund intends to make distributions that generally may be taxed at ordinary income or capital gains rates.

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

If you purchase 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 intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

 

6  

 

SUMMARY SECTION

 

Small Cap Low Volatility Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

The Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund (for this section only, the "Fund") seeks to outperform the Russell 2000 ® Index over a market cycle while reducing overall volatility. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

Expenses and Fees

 

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 on Class A Shares if you 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, in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Information — Sales Charges" and in the section of the Fund's Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") entitled "Purchase and Redemption Information — Reducing or Eliminating the Front-End Sales Charge."

  Class I Class A (formerly Retail Class) Class C
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) None 5.25% None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) None None (1) None
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends None None None
Redemption Fee (as a percentage of amount redeemed, if applicable) None None None
       

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage

of the value of your investment)

Management Fees 0.95% 0.95% 0.95%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees 0.00% 0.25% 1.00%
Other Expenses 1.26% 1.26% 1.26%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (2) 0.19% 0.19% 0.19%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 2.40% 2.65% 3.40%
Less Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements (3) (0.98%) (0.98%) (0.98%)
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses after Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements 1.42% 1.67% 2.42%

 

(1) Effective January 1, 2018, a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% is assessed on certain redemptions of Class A Shares made within 18 months after purchase where no initial sales charge was paid at the time of purchase as part of an investment of $1,000,000 or more.

(2) Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other mutual funds, including money market funds and exchange traded funds. Please note that the amount of Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses shown in the above table will differ from the "Financial Highlights" section of the Prospectus, which reflects the operating expenses of the Fund and does not include indirect expenses such as Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses.

(3) Summit Global Investments, LLC (the "Adviser"), the Fund's investment adviser, has contractually agreed to waive management fees and reimburse expenses through December 31, 2018 to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed 1.23%, 1.48% and 2.23% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, Class A and Class C Shares, respectively. In determining the Adviser's obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to exceed 1.23%, 1.48% or 2.23%, as applicable: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation may not be terminated before December 31, 2018 without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. If at any time the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.23%, 1.48% and 2.23% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, Class A Shares and Class C Shares, respectively, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

7  

 

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 Class A Shares or Class C Shares or $1,000,000 in the Class I Shares of the Fund and 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 Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

  1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
Class I $14,454 $65,474 $119,181 $266,153
Class A $686 $1,217 $1,773 $3,283
Class C $245 $954 $1,685 $3,619

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 Fund's performance. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 95% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (including borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities, primarily common stocks of U.S. issuers with small market capitalizations. A small market capitalization issuer generally is considered to be one whose market capitalization is, at the time the Fund makes the investment, similar to the market capitalization of companies in the Russell 2000 ® Index. The Russell 2000 ® Index is a small cap stock market index measuring the performance of approximately 2,000 small cap U.S. companies. As of November 30, 2016, the median market capitalization of this index was $780 million and the largest stock was $8.3 billion. The Fund's investments will generally consist of securities, which may include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stock, and securities convertible into common stock. The Fund purchases equity securities traded in the U.S. on registered exchanges or the over-the-counter market.

 

The Adviser attempts to lower the Fund's market risk by investing in U.S. equity securities that lower the overall volatility of the Fund's portfolio as compared to the Russell 2000 ® Index. Volatility is a statistical measurement of the magnitude of up and down fluctuations in the value of a financial instrument or index. The Fund invests in stocks that exhibit less volatile stock price patterns, strengthening business metrics (i.e., earnings, debt, return on assets, competition, customers, industry, etc.) and quantitative factors such as earnings variability, leverage, volatility, price/book, price/cash flow, etc. The Adviser selects securities for the Fund that it anticipates will produce less volatility with more protection against significant losses and more consistent returns. While the Adviser attempts to manage the Fund's volatility, there is no guarantee that the strategy will be successful or that the Fund's portfolio will not experience periods of volatility.

 

8  

 

The Fund may sell a stock if it no longer meets one or more investment criteria, including if the Adviser identifies fundamental, governance or legal risks or if the risk/return ranking declines due to increasing risk and/or decreasing return potential.

 

Principal Risks

Loss of money is a risk of investing in the Fund. In addition, your investment in the Fund may be subject to the following principal risks:

 

Common Stock Risk. Investments in common stocks are subject to market, economic and business risks that will cause their price to fluctuate over time. Therefore, an investment in the Fund may be more suitable for long-term investors who can bear the risk of these fluctuations.

 

Convertible Securities Risk. Securities that can be converted into common stock, such as certain securities and preferred stock, are subject to the usual risks associated with fixed income investments, such as interest rate risk and credit risk. In addition, because they react to changes in the value of the equity securities into which they will convert, convertible securities are also subject to the risks associated with equity securities

 

High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The risk that when investing on a shorter-term basis, the Fund may as a result trade more frequently and incur higher levels of brokerage fees and commissions and cause higher levels of current tax liability to shareholders of the Fund. A portfolio turnover rate of 100% is considered to be high. For the fiscal period, the annual portfolio turnover rate of the Fund was lower than 100%, but the Fund's portfolio turnover rate is expected to vary from year to year. The Adviser may engage in active trading, and will not consider portfolio turnover a limiting factor in making decisions for the Fund.

 

Low Volatility Risk. Although subject to the risks of common stocks, low volatility stocks are seen as having a lower risk profile than the overall markets. However, a portfolio comprised of low volatility stocks may not produce investment exposure that has lower variability to changes in such stocks' price levels. Investing in low volatility stocks may limit the Fund's gains in rising markets.

 

Management Risk. The Fund is subject to the risk of poor stock selection. In other words, the individual stocks in the Fund may not perform as well as expected, and/or the Fund's portfolio management practices do not work to achieve their desired result.

 

Market Risk. The net asset value ("NAV") of the Fund will change with changes in the market value of its portfolio positions. Investors may lose money. Although the Fund will invest in stocks the Adviser believes will produce less volatility, there is no guarantee that the stocks will perform as expected.

 

Opportunity Risk. As with all mutual funds, the Fund is subject to the risk of missing out on an opportunity because the assets necessary to take advantage of it are tied up in less advantageous investments.

 

Small Cap Risk. Stocks of small companies may be more volatile than, and not as readily marketable as, those of larger companies. Small companies may also have limited product lines, markets or financial resources and may be dependent on relatively small or inexperienced management groups. Additionally, the trading volume of small company securities may make them more difficult to sell than those of larger companies. Moreover, the lack of an efficient market for the securities may make them difficult to value.

 

Warrants Risk. The purchase of warrants involves the risk that the Fund could lose the purchase value of a warrant if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not executed prior to the warrant's expiration. Also, the purchase of warrants involves the risk that the effective price paid for the warrant added to the subscription price of the related security may exceed the value of the subscribed security's market price such as when there is no movement in the level of the underlying security.

 

9  

 

Performance Information

 

Because the Fund has less than one full calendar year of performance, no performance information has been included. Updated performance information may be obtained at www.summitglobalinvestments.com or by calling 855-744-8500.

 

Management of the Fund

 

Investment Adviser

Summit Global Investments, LLC

 

Portfolio Managers

David Harden
President of the Adviser
Portfolio Manager of the Fund since 2016

 

Richard Thawley
Portfolio Manager of the Fund since 2016

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

    Minimum Initial Investment  
Class I   $ 1,000,000  
Class A   $ 2,500  
Class C   $ 2,500  

 

You can only purchase and redeem shares of the Fund on days the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open. Shares of the Fund may be available through certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals. Shares of the Fund may also be purchased and redeemed directly through The RBB Fund, Inc. by the means described below.

 

Purchase and Redemption By Mail:

Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701

 

Overnight Mail:
Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Purchase and Redemption By Wire:

Before sending any wire, call U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (the "Transfer Agent") at 855-744-8500 to confirm the current wire instructions for the Fund.

 

Redemption By Telephone:

If you select the option on your account application, you may call the Transfer Agent at 855-744-8500.

 

Tax Information

The Fund intends to make distributions that generally may be taxed at ordinary income or capital gains rates.

 

10  

 

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

If you purchase 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 intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

 

11  

 

SUMMARY SECTION

 

Global Low Volatility Fund

 

Investment Objective

 

The investment objective of the Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund (the "Fund") is to seek long-term capital appreciation. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

Expenses and Fees

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Fund shares. You may qualify for sales charge discounts on Class A Shares if you 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, in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Shareholder Information — Sales Charges" and in the section of the Fund's Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") entitled "Purchase and Redemption Information — Reducing or Eliminating the Front-End Sales Charge."

 

  Class I Class A Class C
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) None 5.25% None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) None None (1) None
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends None None None
Redemption Fee (as a percentage of amount redeemed, if applicable) None None None
       
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay
each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) (2)
Management Fees (3) 0.70% 0.70% 0.70%
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees None 0.25% 1.00%
Other Expenses 0.62 % 0.62 % 0.62 %
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 1.32% 1.57% 2.32%
Less Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements (4) (0.48%) (0.48%) (0.48%)
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses after Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements 0.84% 1.09% 1.84%

 

(1) A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% is assessed on certain redemptions of Class A Shares made within 18 months after purchase where no initial sales charge was paid at time of purchase as part of an investment of $1,000,000 or more.
(2) The expense information has been restated to reflect current fees.
(3) Prior to March 24, 2017, the management fee was 0.65%.
(4) Summit Global Investments, LLC (the "Adviser"), the Fund's investment adviser, has contractually agreed to waive fees and reimburse expenses to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, taxes, extraordinary expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions and interest) exceed 0.84% for Class I Shares, 1.09% for Class A Shares and 1.84% for Class C Shares until December 31, 2018. Prior to such date, this contractual agreement may only be terminated by the Fund's Board of Directors. If it becomes unnecessary for the Adviser to waive fees or make reimbursements, the Adviser may recapture any of its prior waivers or reimbursements for a period not to exceed three years from the date on which the waiver or reimbursement was made to the extent that such a recapture does not cause the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, taxes, extraordinary expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions and interest) to exceed the applicable expense limitation that was in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

12  

 

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 $1,000,000 in Class I Shares or $10,000 in Class A Shares or Class C Shares of the Fund for the time periods indicated and that you sell your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that each year your investment has a 5% return and Fund operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

  1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
Class I Shares

$8,575

$37,094

$67,751

$154,828

Class A Shares

$630

$950

$1,292

$2,256

Class C Shares

$187

$678

$1,197

$2,619

 

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. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund's performance. Portfolio turnover may vary from year to year, as well as within a year. During the most recent fiscal year, the portfolio turnover rate of the Fund was 247% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Principal Investment Strategies

 

The Fund invests, under normal market conditions, significantly (ordinarily at least 40% - unless market conditions are not deemed favorable by the Adviser, in which case the Fund would invest at least 30%) in non-U.S. companies. The Fund defines non-U.S. companies as companies that (i) are organized under the laws of a foreign country; (ii) whose principal trading market is in a foreign country; or (iii) that have a majority of their assets or derive a significant portion of their revenue or profits from businesses, investments or sales, outside of the United States.

 

The Fund's investments will generally consist of securities, which may include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stock, and securities convertible into common stock. The Fund purchases equity securities traded in the U.S. on registered exchanges or the over-the-counter market. The Fund primarily utilizes American Depository Receipts (ADRs) for exposure to non-U.S. equities.

 

The Adviser attempts to lower the Fund's market risk by investing in equity securities that lower the overall volatility of the Fund's portfolio as compared to global equity benchmarks. Volatility is a statistical measurement of the magnitude of up and down fluctuations in the value of a financial instrument or index. The Fund invests in stocks that exhibit less volatile stock price patterns, strengthening business metrics (i.e., earnings, debt, return on assets, competition, customers, industry, etc.) and quantitative factors such as earnings variability, leverage, volatility, price/book, price/cash flow, etc. The Adviser selects securities for the Fund that it anticipates will produce less volatility with more capital protection and more consistent returns. While the Adviser attempts to manage the Fund's volatility, there is no guarantee that the strategy will be successful or that the Fund's portfolio will not experience periods of volatility.

 

13  

 

The Fund may sell a stock if the Adviser identifies fundamental, governance or legal risks or if the risk/return ranking declines due to increasing risk and/or decreasing return potential. The Fund may also decrease weight in an investment for risk control purposes.

 

Principal Risks

 

Loss of money is a risk of investing in the Fund. In addition, your investment in the Fund may be subject to the following principal risks:

 

Common Stock Risk. Investments in common stocks are subject to market, economic and business risks that will cause their price to fluctuate over time. Therefore, an investment in the Fund may be more suitable for long-term investors who can bear the risk of these fluctuations.

 

Convertible Securities Risk. Securities that can be converted into common stock, such as certain securities and preferred stock, are subject to the usual risks associated with fixed income investments, such as interest rate risk and credit risk. In addition, because they react to changes in the value of the equity securities into which they will convert, convertible securities are also subject to the risks associated with equity securities.

 

Foreign Securities Risk. International investing is subject to special risks, including, but not limited to, currency exchange rate volatility, political, social or economic instability, and differences in taxation, auditing and other financial practices.

 

Low Volatility Risk. Although subject to the risks of common stocks, low volatility stocks are seen as having a lower risk profile than the overall markets. However, a portfolio comprised of low volatility stocks may not produce investment exposure that has lower variability to changes in such stocks' price levels. Investing in low volatility stocks may limit the Fund's gains in rising markets.

 

Management Risk. The Fund is subject to the risk of poor stock selection. In other words, the individual stocks in the Fund may not perform as well as expected, and/or the Fund's portfolio management practices do not work to achieve their desired result.

 

Market Risk. The net asset value ("NAV") of the Fund will change with changes in the market value of its portfolio positions. Investors may lose money. Although the Fund will invest in stocks the Adviser believes will produce less volatility, there is no guarantee that the stocks will perform as expected.

 

Opportunity Risk. As with all mutual funds, the Fund is subject to the risk of missing out on an opportunity because the assets necessary to take advantage of it are tied up in less advantageous investments.

 

Warrants Risk. The purchase of warrants involves the risk that the Fund could lose the purchase value of a warrant if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not executed prior to the warrant's expiration. Also, the purchase of warrants involves the risk that the effective price paid for the warrant added to the subscription price of the related security may exceed the value of the subscribed security's market price such as when there is no movement in the level of the underlying security.

 

Performance Information

 

Returns shown were generated under the management of the Fund’s former investment adviser and reflect a previous investment strategy. The Fund operated as a series of Scotia Institutional Funds prior to the close of business on March 21, 2014 (the "Predecessor Fund"). Before the Fund commenced operations, all of the assets and liabilities of the Predecessor Fund were transferred to the Fund in a tax-free reorganization (the "Reorganization"). The Reorganization occurred on March 21, 2014. As a result of the Reorganization, the Fund assumed the performance and accounting history of the Predecessor Fund prior to the date of the Reorganization. The performance shown for periods prior to March 21, 2014 is that of the Predecessor Fund. The bar chart and performance table below provide an indication of the risk of an investment in the Fund.

 

14  

 

The Board approved the Adviser to serve as the Global Low Volatility Fund’s investment adviser effective January 1, 2017. Returns shown for periods prior to January 1, 2017 were generated under the management of the Global Low Volatility Fund’s former investment adviser.

 

The chart below illustrates the performance of the Fund’s Class I Shares. Performance for Class A Shares and Class C Shares is not shown because Class A Shares and Class C Shares had not commenced operations prior to the date of this Prospectus. The information shows you how the Fund's performance has varied year by year and provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The chart assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions. As with all such investments, past performance (before and after taxes) is not an indication of future results. Performance reflects fee waivers in effect. If fee waivers were not in place, the Fund's performance would be reduced. Updated performance information may be obtained at www.summitglobalinvestments.com or by calling 855-744-8500

 

TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE CALENDAR YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31

 

Best and Worst Quarterly Performance (for the period reflected in the chart above):
Best Quarter: 23.87% (quarter ended September 30, 2013)
Worst Quarter: (16.50) % (quarter ended September 30, 2011)

 

Year-to-date total return for the nine months ended September 30, 2017: 19.15%

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS

 

The table below compares the Fund's Class I Shares average annual total returns for the periods indicated to the average annual total returns of broad-based securities market indices for the same periods. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indicator of how the Fund will perform in the future.

 

15  

 

    Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended December 31, 2016
Global Low Volatility Fund 1 Year 5 Years

Since Inception

(April 1, 2009)*

Return Before Taxes -10.31% 9.24% 17.45%
Return After Taxes on Distributions (1) -10.31% 7.50% 15.44%
Return After Taxes on Distributions
and Sale of Fund Shares
-5.84% 6.83% 13.78%
MSCI ACWI Index (2) (reflects no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes) 8.48% 9.96% 12.93%
Russell 1000 ® Growth Index (2) (reflects no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes) 7.08% 14.05% 16.98%

 

* While the Predecessor Fund commenced operations on March 31, 2009, the Predecessor Fund began investing consistent with its investment objective on April 1, 2009.
(1) 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 investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. In certain cases, the figure representing “Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares” may be higher than the other return figures for the same period, since a higher after-tax return results when a capital loss occurs upon redemption and provides an assumed tax deduction that benefits the investor. After-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts ("IRAs").
(2) Effective January 2017, the Fund discontinued the use of the Russell 1000 ® Growth Index and replaced it with the MSCI ACWI Index. The Fund believes that use of the MSCI ACWI Index provides a better comparative benchmark since it more appropriately reflects the securities in which the Fund may invest.

 

Management of the Fund

 

Investment Adviser

Summit Global Investments, LLC

 

Portfolio Managers

David Harden
President of the Adviser
Portfolio Manager of the Fund since 2017

 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

 

    Minimum Initial Investment  
Class I   $ 1,000,000  
Class A   $ 2,500  
Class C   $ 2,500  

 

16  

 

You can only purchase and redeem Shares of the Fund on days the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open. Shares of the Fund may be available through certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals (collectively, "Service Organizations"). Shares of the Fund may also be purchased and redeemed directly through The RBB Fund, Inc. by the means described below.

 

Purchase and Redemption by Mail:

 

Regular Mail:
Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701

Overnight Delivery:
Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Purchase and Redemption by Wire:

Before sending any wire, call U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (the "Transfer Agent") at 855-744-8500 to confirm the current wire instructions for the Fund.

 

Redemption By Telephone:

If you select the option on your account application, you may call the Transfer Agent at 855-744-8500.

 

Tax Information

The Fund intends to make distributions that generally may be taxed at ordinary income or capital gains rates.

 

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 other related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

 

17  

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT EACH FUND’S INVESTMENTS AND RISKS

 

This section provides some additional information about the Funds’ investments and certain portfolio management techniques that the Funds may use. More information about the Funds’ investments and portfolio management techniques, and related risks, is included in the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").

 

Investment Objectives

 

Each Fund's investment objective may be changed by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the "Company") without shareholder approval. Shareholders will, however, receive 60 days' prior notice of any changes. Any such changes may result in a Fund having an investment objective different from the objective that the shareholder considered appropriate at the time of investment in the Fund.

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS U.S. LOW VOLATILITY EQUITY FUND

 

The Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund (the “U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund”) invests in stocks that exhibit lower volatile stock price patterns strengthening business metrics and quantitative factors that the Adviser anticipates will produce lower volatility. The U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund may sell a stock if it no longer meets one or more investment criteria, including if the Adviser identifies fundamental, governance or legal risks or if the risk/return ranking declines due to increasing risk and/or decreasing return potential.

 

Portfolio Composition

 

The U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund has a policy to invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its net assets (including borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities, primarily common stocks, of companies within the Russell 1000 ® Index and S&P 500 ® Index (for this paragraph only, the "80% Policy"). This policy is non-fundamental and can be changed by the Board upon 60 days' prior notice to shareholders. The U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund must comply with its 80% Policy at the time the Fund invests its assets. Accordingly, when the U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund no longer meets the 80% requirement as a result of circumstances beyond its control, such as changes in the value of portfolio holdings, it would not have to sell its holdings, but any new investments it makes would be consistent with its 80% Policy.

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS SMALL CAP LOW VOLATILITY FUND

 

The Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund (the “Small Cap Low Volatility Fund”) invests in stocks that exhibit lower volatile stock price patterns strengthening business metrics and quantitative factors that the Adviser anticipates will produce lower volatility. The Small Cap Low Volatility Fund may sell a stock if it no longer meets one or more investment criteria, including if the Adviser identifies fundamental, governance or legal risks or if the risk/return ranking declines due to increasing risk and/or decreasing return potential.

 

Portfolio Composition

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (including borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities, primarily common stocks of U.S. issuers with small market capitalizations (for this paragraph only, the "80% Policy"). A small market capitalization issuer generally is considered to be one whose market capitalization is, at the time the Fund makes the investment, similar to the market capitalization of companies in the Russell 2000® Index. The Russell 2000® Index is a small cap stock market index measuring the performance of approximately 2,000 small cap U.S. companies. As of November 30, 2016, the median market capitalization of this index was $780 million and the largest stock was $8.3 billion. This policy is non-fundamental and can be changed by the Board upon 60 days' prior notice to shareholders. The Small Cap Low Volatility Fund must comply with its 80% Policy at the time the Fund invests its assets. Accordingly, when the Small Cap Low Volatility Fund no longer meets the 80% requirement as a result of circumstances beyond its control, such as changes in the value of portfolio holdings, it would not have to sell its holdings, but any new investments it makes would be consistent with its 80% Policy.

 

18  

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS GLOBAL LOW VOLATILITY FUND

 

The Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund (the “Global Low Volatility Fund”) invests in both U.S. and foreign stocks that exhibit lower volatile stock price patterns strengthening business metrics and quantitative factors that the Adviser anticipates will produce lower volatility. The Global Low Volatility Fund may sell a stock if it no longer meets one or more investment criteria, including if the Adviser identifies fundamental, governance or legal risks or if the risk/return ranking declines due to increasing risk and/or decreasing return potential.

 

Portfolio Composition

 

Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest significantly (ordinarily at least 40% - unless market conditions are not deemed favorable by the Adviser, in which case the Fund would invest at least 30%) in non-U.S. companies. The Fund defines non-U.S. companies as companies that (i) are organized under the laws of a foreign country; (ii) whose principal trading market is in a foreign country; or (iii) that have a majority of their assets or derive a significant portion of their revenue or profits from businesses, investments or sales, outside of the United States.

 

Additional Information About Each Fund's Principal Investments and Risks

 

Equity and Equity-Related Securities. Each Fund will invest in equity securities as part of its principal investment strategies, including exchange-traded and over-the-counter common and preferred stocks, warrants and convertible securities. Investments in equity securities are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. The value of a convertible security may not increase or decrease as rapidly as the underlying common stock. Common stocks may decline over short or even extended periods of time. The purchase of warrants involves the risk that a Fund could lose the purchase value of a warrant if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not executed prior to the warrant's expiration. The value of such securities convertible into equity securities, such as warrants or convertible debt, is also affected by prevailing interest rates, the credit quality of the issuer and any call provision. The market value of a portfolio holding may fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. The prices of equity securities change in response to many factors, including the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer, the value of its assets, general economic conditions, interest rates, investor perceptions and market liquidity. Decreases in market value of a Fund's portfolio securities could adversely affect the Fund's NAV.

 

Convertible Securities. Convertible securities have characteristics of both equity and fixed income securities. The value of a convertible security tends to move with the market value of the underlying stock, but may also be affected by interest rates, the credit quality of the issuer and any call provisions. In particular, when interest rates rise, fixed income securities will decline in value.

 

Portfolio Turnover. Each Fund may engage in active and frequent trading, resulting in high portfolio turnover. This may lead to the realization and distribution to shareholders of higher capital gains, increasing their tax liability. Frequent trading may also increase transaction costs, which could detract from a Fund's performance.

 

Mid-Cap Companies. The U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund may invest in mid-cap company securities as part of its principal investment strategies. Investing in securities of companies with mid-sized capitalizations tends to be riskier than investing in securities of companies with large capitalizations. Securities of companies with mid-sized capitalizations tend to be more volatile than those of large cap companies and, on occasion, may fluctuate in the opposite direction of large cap company securities or the broader stock market averages.

 

19  

 

Other Investment Companies. Each Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in the securities of other investment companies not affiliated with the Adviser, but may not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of any one investment company or acquire more than 3% of the voting securities of any other investment company. Among other things, a Fund may invest in money market mutual funds for cash management purposes by "sweeping" excess cash balances into such funds until the cash is invested or otherwise utilized. Rule 12d1-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, permits a Fund to invest an unlimited amount of its uninvested cash in a money market fund so long as, among other things, said investment is consistent with the Fund's investment objectives and policies. Each Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by investment companies in which it invests in addition to the advisory and administration fees paid by the Fund.

 

Foreign Investments . The Global Low Volatility Fund will invest in foreign investments as part of its principal investment strategies. International investing is subject to special risks, including political, social or economic instability, and differences in taxation, auditing and other financial practices. The Global Low Volatility Fund will invest in securities of foreign issuers that are traded or denominated in U.S. Dollars primarily through depositary receipts. Depositary receipts may be available through "sponsored" or "unsponsored" facilities. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all of the costs of the unsponsored facility. The depository of an unsponsored facility is frequently under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through, to the holders of the receipts, voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. The depository of unsponsored depositary receipts may provide less information to receipt holders.

 

Securities Lending. Each Fund may seek to increase its income by lending portfolio securities to institutions, such as certain broker-dealers. Portfolio securities loans are secured continuously by collateral maintained on a current basis at an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned. The value of the securities loaned by a Fund will not exceed 33 1/3 % of the value of the Fund's total assets. A Fund may experience a loss or delay in the recovery of its securities if the borrowing institution breaches its agreement with the Fund. Lending a Fund's portfolio securities involves the risk of delay in receiving additional collateral if the value of the securities goes up while they are on loan. A Fund may lose money from securities lending if, for example, it is delayed in or prevented from selling the collateral after the loan is made or recovering the securities loaned or if it incurs losses on the reinvestment of cash collateral.

 

Borrowing. Each Fund may borrow money for temporary or emergency (not leveraging) purposes. A Fund will not make any additional investments while borrowings exceed 5% of its total assets.

 

Temporary Investments. Each Fund may depart from its principal investment strategy in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions by taking a temporary defensive position (up to 100% of its assets) in cash, cash equivalents and all types of money market and short-term debt securities. The value of money market instruments tends to fall when current interest rates rise. Money market instruments are generally less sensitive to interest rate changes than longer-term securities. If a Fund were to take a temporary defensive position, it may be unable for a time to achieve its investment objective.

 

Broad-Based Securities Market Index

 

The S&P 500 ® Index is an unmanaged index composed of 500 common stocks, classified in eleven industry sectors, which represent approximately 75% of the U.S. equities market. The S&P 500 ® Index assigns relative values to the stocks included in the index, weighted according to each stock's total market value relative to the total market value of the other stocks included in the index.

 

The Russell 2000 ® Index is an unmanaged index that consists of the 2,000 smallest companies in the Russell 3000 ® Index and represents approximately 10% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 3000 ® Index.

 

20  

 

The Russell 1000 ® Growth Index measures the performance of the large-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 1000 companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. The Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the large-cap growth segment.

 

The MSCI ACWI Index captures large and mid cap representation across 23 Developed Markets (“DM”) and 23 Emerging Markets (“EM”) countries.

 

Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings

A description of the Company's policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of each Fund's portfolio securities is available in the Funds’ SAI. The SAI is incorporated herein.

 

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS

 

Investment Adviser

 

Summit Global Investments, LLC (the "Adviser") serves as the Funds’ investment adviser. The Adviser's principal address is 620 South Main St., Bountiful, Utah 84010. The Adviser provides investment management and investment advisory services to investment companies and other institutional accounts. The Adviser is 100% privately-owned, and was founded in 2010.

 

The Board approved the Adviser to serve as the Global Low Volatility Fund’s investment adviser effective January 1, 2017. Returns shown for periods prior to January 1, 2017 were generated under the management of the Global Low Volatility Fund’s former investment adviser.

 

Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with the Company, the Adviser is entitled to an advisory fee computed daily and payable monthly at the annual rate of 0.70%, 0.95%, and 0.70% of the U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund's, the Small Cap Low Volatility Fund’s, and the Global Low Volatility Fund’s average daily net assets, respectively. Prior to March 24, 2017, the management fee was 0.65% for the Global Low Volatility Fund. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive management fees and reimburse expenses through December 31, 2018 to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) of the U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund exceed 0.98%, 1.23% and 1.98% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, Class A Shares and Class C Shares, respectively. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive management fees and reimburse expenses through December 31, 2018 to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) of the Small Cap Low Volatility Fund exceed 1.23%, 1.48% and 2.23% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, Class A and Class C Shares, respectively. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and reimburse expenses in order to keep Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) of the Global Low Volatility Fund from exceeding 0.84% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, 1.09% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares and 1.84% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares until December 31, 2018.

 

In determining the Adviser's obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses with respect to the U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses for Class I Shares, Class A Shares and Class C Shares, respectively, to exceed 0.98%, 1.23% or 1.98%, as applicable: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation may not be terminated before December 31, 2018 without the approval of the Board. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, after waivers, the Adviser received 0.54% of the U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund's average net assets in investment advisory fees from the Fund. Had fee waivers not been in place, the Adviser would have received 0.70% of the Fund's average net assets in advisory fees from the Fund.

 

In determining the Adviser's obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses with respect to the Small Cap Low Volatility Fund, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses for Class I Shares, Class A and Class C Shares, respectively, to exceed 1.23%, 1.48% or 2.23%, as applicable: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation may not be terminated before December 31, 2018 without the approval of the Board. If at any time the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses with respect to Class I Shares, Class A Shares and Class C Shares for that year are less than 1.23%, 1.48% or 2.23%, as applicable, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, after waivers, the Adviser received 0.00% of the Small Cap Low Volatility Fund’s average net assets in investment advisory fees from the Fund. Had fee waivers not been in place, the Adviser would have received 0.95% of the Fund’s average net assets in advisory fees from the Fund.

 

21  

 

In determining the Adviser's obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses with respect to the Global Low Volatility Fund, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses for Class I Shares, Class A and Class C Shares, respectively, to exceed 0.84%, 1.09% or 1.84%, as applicable: acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation may not be terminated before December 31, 2018 without the approval of the Board. If at any time the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses with respect to Class I Shares, Class A Shares and Class C Shares for that year are less than 0.84%, 1.09% or 1.84%, as applicable, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, after waivers, the Adviser received 0.19% of the Global Low Volatility Fund’s average net assets in investment advisory fees from the Fund. Had fee waivers not been in place, the Adviser would have received 0.70% of the Fund’s average net assets in advisory fees from the Fund.

 

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the investment advisory agreements for the U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund, the Small Cap Low Volatility Fund, and the Global Low Volatility Fund with the Adviser is available in the Funds’ annual report to shareholders for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Portfolio Managers

 

The President of the Adviser, David Harden, is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of each Fund's investment portfolio. Mr. Harden founded the Adviser in 2010, and has managed the U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund and Small Cap Low Volatility Fund since their inception dates of February 29, 2012 and March 31, 2016, respectively. Mr. Harden has managed the Global Low Volatility Fund since January 1, 2017. He started his career in 1993 and has worked for such firms as Fidelity Investments, Wellington Management and Evergreen Investments. From 2007 to 2012, Mr. Harden worked with Ensign Peak Advisors, Inc., most recently as Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager, where he managed and oversaw day-to-day research, portfolio management and trading for all index, quantitative and low volatility strategies.

 

Richard Thawley is a Portfolio Manager of the Adviser and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Small Cap Low Volatility Fund’s portfolio. Mr. Thawley joined the Adviser in 2013 as an Investment Analyst. Mr. Thawley has a BS from Brigham Young University. From 2009 to 2010, Mr. Thawley worked as a marketing analyst at Aegon, N.V. From 2010 to 2011, he worked as an analyst at Provident Generation. From 2012 to 2013, Mr. Thawley worked at BYU Broadcasting as a research analyst.

 

The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers' ownership of shares of the Funds.

 

22  

 

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

 

Pricing of Fund Shares

 

Class I Shares and Class C Shares of the Funds are sold at their net asset value ("NAV"). Class A Shares of the Funds are sold at their NAV, plus a front-end sales charge, if applicable. The NAV per share of each class of shares of the Funds is calculated as follows:

 

 

 

Each Fund's NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. The NYSE is generally open Monday through Friday, except national holidays. The NYSE also may be closed on national days of mourning or due to natural disaster or other extraordinary events or emergency. Due to the fact that different expenses are charged to each Class of shares, the NAV of each Class of a Fund may vary. A Fund will effect purchases of Fund shares at the NAV next calculated after receipt by the Transfer Agent of your purchase order in good order. The Funds will effect redemptions of Fund shares at the NAV next calculated after receipt by the Transfer Agent of your redemption request in good order.

 

A Fund's equity securities listed on any national or foreign exchange market system will be valued at the last sale price, except for the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System ("NASDAQ"). Equity securities listed on the NASDAQ will be valued at the official closing price. Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions on that day, equity securities will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and deemed representative of market values at the close of the market.

 

Investments in other open-end investment companies are valued based on the NAV of those investment companies (which may use fair value pricing as discussed in their prospectuses). Investments in exchange-traded and closed-end funds will be valued at their market price.

 

If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable by the Funds’ administrator, in consultation with the Adviser, securities will be valued by the Adviser in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board and under the Board’s ultimate supervision. Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation involves the risk that the values used by a Fund to price its investments may be higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.

 

Sales Charges — Class A Shares ONLY

 

General. Purchases of Class A Shares of the Funds are subject to a front-end sales charge of up to five and one-quarter percent (5.25%) of the total purchase price; however, sales charges may be reduced for large purchases as indicated below. Prior to January 1, 2018, Class A Shares (formerly Retail Shares) of the Small Cap Low Volatility Fund were not subject to the front-end sales charge. Sales charges are not imposed on shares that are purchased with reinvested dividends or other distributions. The table below indicates the front-end sales charge as a percentage of both the offering price and the net amount invested. The term "offering price" includes the front-end sales charge.

 

Amount of Purchase of Class A Shares

Sales Charge

as a

% of Offering Price

Commission

as a

% of Offering Price

Less than $50,000 5.25% 4.75%
At least $50,000 but less than $100,000 4.75% 4.25%
At least $100,000 but less than $250,000 3.50% 3.25%
At least $250,000 but less than $500,000 2.50% 2.25%
At least $500,000 but less than $750,000 2.00% 1.90%
At least $750,000 but less than $1,000,000 1.50% 1.45%
$1,000,000 or greater None   * **

 

23  

 

* No sales charge is payable at the time of purchase on investments of $1,000,000 or more; however, a 1% contingent deferred sales charge is imposed in the event of redemption within 18 months following any such purchase. See the section entitled "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge on Certain Redemptions."

 

** Brokers who initiate and are responsible for purchases of $1,000,000 or more may receive a commission of up to 1% of the offering price of Class A Shares.

 

Rights of Accumulation. You will have the benefit of a reduced sales charge by combining your purchase of Class A shares of a Fund in a single transaction with your purchase of Class A shares of another Fund. You may also combine your new purchase of Class A shares of a Fund with Class C shares currently owned for the purpose of qualifying for the lower initial sales charge rates that apply to larger purchases. The applicable sales charge for the new purchase is based on the total of your current purchase and the current NAV of all other shares you own. You may combine your account, your spouse’s account, and the account(s) of your children under age 25.

 

This privilege is also extended to certain employee benefit plans and trust estates. The following purchases may be combined for purposes of determining the “Amount of Purchase:” (a) individual purchases, if made at the same time, by a single purchaser, the purchaser’s spouse and children under the age of 25 purchasing Shares for their own accounts, including Shares purchased by a qualified retirement plan(s) exclusively for the benefit of such individual(s) (such as an IRA, individual-type section 403(b) plan or single-participant Keogh-type plan) or by a “Company,” as defined in Section 2(a)(8) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), solely controlled, as defined in the 1940 Act, by such individual(s), or (b) individual purchases by trustees or other fiduciaries purchase Shares (i) for a single trust estate or a single fiduciary account, including an employee benefit plan, or (ii) concurrently by two or more employee benefit plans for a single employer or of employers affiliated with each other in accordance with Section 2(a)(3)(c) of the 1940 Act (excluding in either case an employee benefit plan described in (a) above), provided such trustees or other fiduciaries purchase Shares in a single payment. Purchases made for nominee or street name accounts may not be combined with purchases made for such other accounts. You may also further discuss Rights of Accumulation with your investment broker, brokerage firm, financial institution, or other industry professional, including affiliates of the Adviser (collectively, “Service Organizations”).

 

You will need to provide written instruction with respect to the other accounts whose purchases should be considered in rights of accumulation.

 

Letter of Intent. By signing a Letter of Intent (LOI) you can reduce your Class A sales charge. Your individual purchases will be made at the applicable sales charge based on the amount you intend to invest over a 13-month period. The LOI will apply to all purchases of the Funds’ Class A shares. Any shares purchased within 90 days of the date you sign the letter of intent may be used as credit toward completion, but the reduced sales charge will only apply to new purchases made on or after that date. Purchases resulting from the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains do not apply toward fulfillment of the LOI. Shares equal to 5.25% of the amount of the LOI will be held in escrow during the 13-month period. If, at the end of that time the total amount of purchases made is less than the amount intended, you will be required to pay the difference between the reduced sales charge and the sales charge applicable to the individual purchases had the LOI not been in effect. This amount will be obtained from redemption of the escrow shares. Any remaining escrow shares will be released to you.

 

If you establish an LOI with the Funds, you can aggregate your accounts as well as accounts defined in the Combined Purchase Privilege section of the prospectus.

You will need to provide written instruction with respect to the other accounts whose purchases should be considered in fulfillment of the LOI.

 

Sales Charge Waivers. The Funds sell Class A Shares at NAV without imposition of a sales charge to the following persons:

 

24  

 

■ current and retired (as determined by the Adviser) employees of the Adviser and its affiliates, their spouses and children under the age of 25 and employee benefit plans for such employees, provided orders for such purchases are placed by the employee;

 

any other investment company in connection with the combination of such company with the Fund by merger, acquisition of assets or otherwise;

 

■ Directors of the Company and registered representatives of Service Organizations;

 

■ existing advisory clients of the Adviser on purchases effected by transferring all or a portion of their investment management or trust account to the Fund, provided that such account had been maintained for a period of six months prior to the date of purchase of Fund shares;

 

trust companies, bank trust departments and registered investment advisers purchasing for accounts over which they exercise investment authority and which are held in a fiduciary, agency, advisory, custodial or similar capacity, provided that the amount collectively invested or to be invested in the Fund by such entity or adviser during the subsequent 13-month period totals at least $50,000;

 

employer-sponsored retirement plans with assets of at least $50,000 or 25 or more eligible participants; and

 

accounts established under a fee-based program sponsored and maintained by a registered broker-dealer or other financial intermediary and approved by the Distributor.

 

In order to take advantage of a sales charge waiver, a purchaser must certify to the Service Organization eligibility for a waiver and must notify the Service Organization whenever eligibility for a waiver ceases to exist. A Service Organization reserves the right to request additional information from a purchaser in order to verify that such purchaser is so eligible. Such information may include account statements or other records regarding shares of the Fund held by you or your immediate family household members.

 

Contingent Deferred Sales Charge on Certain Redemptions. Purchases of $1,000,000 or more are not subject to an initial sales charge; however, a contingent deferred sales charge is payable on these investments in the event of a share redemption within 18 months following the share purchase, at the rate of 1% of the lesser of the value of the shares redeemed (exclusive of reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions) or the total cost of such shares. In determining whether a contingent deferred sales charge is payable, and the amount of the charge, it is assumed that shares purchased with reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions and then other shares held the longest are the first redeemed. The contingent deferred sales charge is further discussed in the SAI.

 

Market Timing

 

In accordance with the policy adopted by its Board, the Company discourages and does not accommodate market timing and other excessive trading practices. Purchases should be made with a view to longer-term investment only. Excessive short-term (market timing) trading practices may disrupt portfolio management strategies, increase brokerage and administrative costs, harm Fund performance and result in dilution in the value of Fund Shares held by long-term shareholders. The Company and the Adviser reserve the right to (i) reject a purchase or exchange order, (ii) delay payment of immediate cash redemption proceeds for up to seven calendar days, (iii) revoke a shareholder's privilege to purchase Fund Shares (including exchanges), or (iv) limit the amount of any exchange involving the purchase of Fund Shares. An investor may receive notice that their purchase order or exchange has been rejected after the day the order is placed or after acceptance by a financial intermediary. It is currently expected that a shareholder would receive notice that its purchase order or exchange has been rejected within 48 hours after such purchase order or exchange has been received by the Company in good order. The Company and the Adviser will not be liable for any loss resulting from rejected purchase orders. To minimize harm to the Company and its shareholders (or the Adviser), the Company (or the Adviser) will exercise its right if, in the Company's (or the Adviser's) judgment, an investor has a history of excessive trading or if an investor's trading, in the judgment of the Company (or the Adviser), has been or may be disruptive to a Fund. No waivers of the provisions of the policy established to detect and deter market timing and other excessive trading activity are permitted that would harm a Fund and its shareholders or would subordinate the interests of a Fund and its shareholders to those of the Adviser or any affiliated person or associated person of the Adviser.

 

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There is no assurance that the Adviser will be able to identify market timers, particularly if they are investing through intermediaries.

 

If necessary, the Company may prohibit additional purchases of Fund shares by a financial intermediary or by certain customers of the financial intermediary. Financial intermediaries may also monitor their customers' trading activities in the Funds. The criteria used by intermediaries to monitor for excessive trading may differ from the criteria used by the Company. If a financial intermediary fails to enforce the Company's excessive trading policies, the Company may take certain actions, including terminating the relationship.

 

Purchase of Fund Shares

 

Shares representing interests in a Fund are offered continuously for sale by Quasar Distributors, LLC (the "Distributor").

 

The Board has approved a Distribution Agreement and adopted Plans of Distribution for Class A Shares and Class C Shares (the "Plans") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plans, the Distributor is entitled to receive from each respective Fund a distribution fee with respect to Class A Shares and Class C Shares of the Funds, which is accrued daily and paid monthly, of up to 0.25% on an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Class A Shares and of up to 1.00% on an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Class C Shares. The actual amount of such compensation under the Plans is agreed upon by the Board and by the Distributor. Because these fees are paid out of each respective Fund's assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment in Class A Shares and Class C Shares and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.

 

Amounts paid to the Distributor under the Plans may be used by the Distributor to cover expenses that are related to (i) the sale of Class A Shares and Class C Shares, (ii) ongoing servicing and/or maintenance of the accounts of Class A and Class C shareholders, and (iii) sub-transfer agency services, subaccounting services or administrative services related to the sale of Class A Shares and Class C Shares, all as set forth in the Plans. Ongoing servicing and/or maintenance of the accounts of Class A and Class C shareholders may include updating and mailing prospectuses and shareholder reports, responding to inquiries regarding shareholder accounts and acting as agent or intermediary between shareholders and the respective Fund or its service providers. The Distributor may delegate some or all of these functions to Service Organizations. See "Purchases Through Intermediaries" below.

 

The Plans obligate each respective Fund, during the period it is in effect, to accrue and pay to the Distributor on behalf of the Class A Shares and Class C Shares the fee agreed to under the Distribution Agreement. Payments under the Plans are not tied exclusively to expenses actually incurred by the Distributor, and the payments may exceed distribution expenses actually incurred.

 

Purchases Through Intermediaries. Shares of the Funds may also be available through Service Organizations. Certain features of the shares, such as the initial and subsequent investment minimums and certain trading restrictions, may be modified or waived by Service Organizations. Service Organizations may impose transaction or administrative charges or other direct fees, which charges and fees would not be imposed if shares are purchased directly from the Company. Therefore, you should contact the Service Organization acting on your behalf concerning the fees (if any) charged in connection with a purchase or redemption of shares and should read this Prospectus in light of the terms governing your accounts with the Service Organization. Service Organizations will be responsible for promptly transmitting client or customer purchase and redemption orders to the Company in accordance with their agreements with the Company or its agent and with clients or customers. Service Organizations or, if applicable, their designees that have entered into agreements with the Company or its agent may enter confirmed purchase orders on behalf of clients and customers, with payment to follow no later than the Company's pricing on the following Business Day. If payment is not received by such time, the Service Organization could be held liable for resulting fees or losses. The Company will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when a Service Organization, or, if applicable, its authorized designee, accepts a purchase or redemption order in good order if the order is actually received by the Company in good order not later than the next business morning. If a purchase order is not received by a Fund in good order, the Transfer Agent will contact the financial intermediary to determine the status of the purchase order. Orders received by the Company in good order will be priced at the appropriate Fund's NAV, plus any applicable sales charge, next computed after they are deemed to have been received by the Service Organization or its authorized designee.

 

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For administration, sub-accounting, transfer agency and/or other services, the Adviser, the Distributor or their affiliates may pay Service Organizations and certain recordkeeping organizations a fee (the "Service Fee") relating to the average annual NAV of accounts with the Company maintained by such Service Organizations or recordkeepers. The Service Fee payable to any one Service Organization is determined based upon a number of factors, including the nature and quality of services provided, the operations processing requirements of the relationship and the standardized fee schedule of the Service Organization or recordkeeper.

 

General. You may also purchase shares of the Funds at the NAV per share, plus any applicable sales charge, next calculated after your order is received by the Transfer Agent in good order as described below. Each Fund's NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. After an initial purchase is made, the Transfer Agent will set up an account for you on the Company's records. The minimum initial investment in the Funds is $1,000,000 for Class I Shares and $2,500 for Class A Shares and Class C Shares and there is no minimum subsequent investment amount. The minimum initial investment requirements may be reduced or waived from time to time. For purposes of meeting the minimum initial purchase, purchases by clients which are part of endowments, foundations or other related groups may be combined. You can only purchase shares of the Funds on days the NYSE is open and through the means described below. Shares may be purchased by principals and employees of the Adviser and its subsidiaries and by their spouses and children either directly or through any trust that has the principal, employee, spouse or child as the primary beneficiaries, their individual retirement accounts, or any pension and profit-sharing plan of the Adviser and its subsidiaries without being subject to the minimum investment limitations.

 

Initial Investment By Mail. Subject to acceptance by the Funds, an account may be opened by completing and signing an Account Application and mailing it to the Transfer Agent at the address noted below, together with a check payable to the Fund that you are purchasing. All checks must be in U.S. Dollars drawn on a domestic bank. The Funds will not accept payment in cash or money orders. The Funds do not accept post-dated checks or any conditional order or payment. To prevent check fraud, the Funds will not accept third party checks, Treasury checks, credit card checks, traveler’s checks or starter checks for the purchase of shares.

 

Regular Mail:

 

Summit Global Investments Funds

c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

P.O. Box 701

Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701

Overnight Mail:

 

Summit Global Investments Funds

c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202-5207

 

The Funds do not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be their agents. Therefore, deposit in the mail or with such services, or receipt at U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC post office box, of purchase orders or redemption requests does not constitute receipt by the Transfer Agent of the Fund. Receipt of purchase orders or redemption requests is based on when the order is received at the Transfer Agent’s offices.

 

Shares will be purchased at the NAV plus any applicable sales charges next computed after the time the application and funds are received in proper order and accepted by the Funds. The Transfer Agent will charge a $25 fee against a shareholder’s account, in addition to any loss sustained by the Funds, for any payment that is returned. It is the policy of the Funds not to accept applications under certain circumstances or in amounts considered disadvantageous to shareholders. The Funds reserve the right to reject any application.

 

Initial Investment By Wire . If you are making your first investment in the Funds, before you wire funds, the Transfer Agent must have a completed account application. You may mail or overnight deliver your account application to the Transfer Agent. Upon receipt of your completed account application, the Transfer Agent will establish an account for you. The account number assigned will be required as part of the instruction that should be provided to your bank to send the wire. Your bank must include both the name of the Fund you are purchasing, the account number, and your name so that monies can be correctly applied. Your bank should transmit funds by wire to:

 

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Wire Instructions:

U.S. Bank National Association

777 East Wisconsin Ave

Milwaukee WI 53202

ABA 075000022

Credit:

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services

Account #112-952-137

For Further Credit to:

[Summit Fund Name]

(shareholder registration)

(shareholder account number)

 

Wired funds must be received prior to 4:00 p.m. Eastern time to be eligible for same day pricing. The Funds and U.S. Bank, N.A. are not responsible for the consequences of delays resulting from the banking or Federal Reserve wire system, or from incomplete wiring instructions.

 

Subsequent Investments – By Wire. Before sending your wire, please contact the Transfer Agent to advise them of your intent to wire funds. This will ensure prompt and accurate credit upon receipt of your wire.

 

Telephone Purchase. Investors may purchase additional shares of the Funds by calling 1-855-744-8500. If you did not decline this option on your account application, and your account has been open for at least 15 calendar days, telephone orders, in amounts of $100 or more, will be accepted via electronic funds transfer from your bank account through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network. You must have banking information established on your account prior to making a purchase. If you order is received prior to 4 p.m. Eastern time, your shares will be purchased at the net asset value calculated on the day your order is placed.

 

In order to arrange for telephone options after an account has been opened or to change your bank account, a written request must be sent to the transfer agent. The request must be signed by each shareholder of the account and may require a signature guarantee, signature verification from a Signature Validation Program member, or other form of signature authentication from a financial institution source.

 

Additional Investments. Additional investments may be made at any time by purchasing shares at the NAV per share plus any applicable sales charge of a Fund by mailing a check to the Transfer Agent at the address noted above under “Investment by Mail” or by wiring as outlined above under “Investment by Wire”. Initial and additional purchases made by check cannot be redeemed until payment of the purchase has been collected. This may take up to 15 calendar days from the purchase date.

 

Automatic Investment Plan. Once your account has been opened with the initial minimum investment you may make additional purchases at regular intervals through an automatic investment plan (the “Automatic Investment Plan”). The Automatic Investment Plan provides a convenient method to have monies deducted from your bank account, for investment into a Fund, on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis. In order to participate in the Automatic Investment Plan, your financial institution must be a member of the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network. Minimum monthly payments are $100 for Class A Shares and Class C Shares and $1,000 for Institutional Class Shares. If your bank rejects your payment, the Funds’ transfer agent will charge a $25 fee to your account. To begin participating in the Automatic Investment Plan, please complete the Automatic Investment Plan section on the account application or call the Funds’ transfer agent at 1-855-744-8500. Any request to change or terminate your Automatic Investment Plan should be submitted to the Transfer Agent five (5) days prior to effective date.

 

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Retirement Plans/IRA Accounts. The Funds offer prototype documents for a variety of retirement accounts for individuals and small businesses. Please call 1-855-744-8500 for information on:

 

Individual Retirement Plan, including Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs
Small Business Retirement Plans, including Simple IRAs and SEP IRAs
Coverdell Education Savings Accounts

 

There may be special distribution requirements for a retirement account, such as required distributions or mandatory Federal income tax withholding. For more information, call the number listed above. You may be charged a $15 annual account maintenance fee for each retirement account up to a maximum of $30 annually and a $25 fee for transferring assets to another custodian or for closing a retirement account.

 

Purchases in Kind. In certain circumstances, Shares of the Funds may be purchased "in kind" (i.e. in exchange for securities, rather than cash). The securities rendered in connection with an in-kind purchase must be liquid securities that are not restricted as to transfer and have a value that is readily ascertainable in accordance with the Company's valuation procedures. Securities accepted by a Fund will be valued, as set forth in this Prospectus, as of the time of the next determination of NAV after such acceptance. The Shares of the Fund that are issued to the investor in exchange for the securities will be determined as of the same time. All dividends, subscriptions, or other rights that are reflected in the market price of accepted securities at the time of valuation become the property of the Fund and must be delivered to the Fund by the investor upon receipt from the issuer. A Fund will not accept securities in exchange for its Shares unless such securities are, at the time of the exchange, eligible to be held by the Fund and satisfy such other conditions as may be imposed by the Adviser or the Company. Purchases in-kind may result in the recognition of gain or loss for federal income tax purposes on securities transferred to the Funds.

 

Other Purchase Information. The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to suspend the offering of shares or to reject purchase orders when, in the judgment of management, such suspension or rejection is in the best interest of the Funds. The Adviser will monitor each Fund’s total assets and may, subject to Board approval, decide to close a Fund at any time to new investments or to new accounts due to concerns that a significant increase in the size of the Fund may adversely affect the implementation of the Fund's strategy. The Adviser, subject to Board approval, may also choose to reopen a Fund to new investments at any time, and may subsequently close the Fund again should concerns regarding the Fund's size recur. If a Fund closes to new investments, the Fund may be offered only to certain existing shareholders of the Fund and certain other persons who may be subject to cumulative, maximum purchase amounts, as follows:

 

a. persons who already hold shares of the closed Fund directly or through accounts maintained by brokers by arrangement with the Adviser;

 

b. employees of the Adviser and their spouses, parents and children; and

 

c. Directors of the Company.

 

Distributions to all shareholders of a closed Fund will continue to be reinvested unless a shareholder elects otherwise. The Adviser, subject to the Board’s discretion, reserves the right to implement specific purchase limitations at the time of closing, including limitations on current shareholders.

 

Purchases of a Fund's shares will be made in full and fractional shares of the Fund calculated to three decimal places. Certificates for shares will not be issued.

 

Shares may be purchased and subsequent investments may be made by principals and employees of the Adviser and their family members, either directly or through their IRAs and by any pension and profit-sharing plan of the Adviser, without being subject to the minimum investment limitation.

 

The Adviser is authorized to waive the minimum initial and subsequent investment requirements.

 

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Good Order. A purchase request is considered to be in good order when all necessary information is provided and all required documents are properly completed, signed and delivered (i.e. the purchase request includes the name of the Fund; the dollar amount of shares to be purchased; your account application or investment stub; and a check payable to the Fund). Purchase requests not in good order may be rejected.

 

Customer Identification Program. Federal law requires the Company to obtain, verify and record identifying information, which may include the name, residential or business street address, date of birth (for an individual), social security or taxpayer identification number or other identifying information for each investor who opens or reopens an account with the Company. Mailing addresses containing only a P. O. Box will not be accepted. Effective May 11, 2018, if you are opening the account in the name of a legal entity ( e.g ., partnership, limited liability company, business trust, corporation, etc.), you must also supply the identity of the beneficial owners. If you need additional assistance when completing your account application, please contact the Transfer Agent at 1-855-744-8500.

 

Applications without the required information, may not be accepted. After acceptance, to the extent permitted by applicable law or its customer identification program, the Company reserves the right (a) to place limits on transactions in any account until the identity of the investor is verified; or (b) to refuse an investment in a Company portfolio or to involuntarily redeem an investor's shares and close an account in the event that an investor's identity is not verified. The Company and its agents will not be responsible for any loss in an investor's account resulting from the investor's delay in providing all required identifying information or from closing an account and redeeming an investor's shares when an investor's identity cannot be verified.

 

Redemption of Fund Shares

 

You may redeem shares of the Funds at the next NAV calculated after a redemption request is received by the Transfer Agent in good order. A Fund's NAV is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. You can only redeem shares of a Fund on days the NYSE is open and through the means described below.

 

You may redeem shares of a Fund by mail, or, if you are authorized, by telephone. The value of shares redeemed may be more or less than the purchase price, depending on the market value of the investment securities held by the Fund.

 

Redemption By Mail. Your redemption requests should be addressed to [Summit Fund Name], c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701, or for overnight delivery to [Summit Fund Name], c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 and must include:

 

A signature guarantee, from either a Medallion program member or a non-Medallion program member, is required to redeem shares in the following situations:

 

If ownership is being changed on your account;
When redemption proceeds are payable or sent to any person, address or bank account not on record; and
If a change of address was received by the Transfer Agent within the last 15 calendar days.

 

The Funds may waive any of the above requirements in certain instances. In addition to the situations described above, the Funds and/or the Transfer Agent reserve the right to require a signature guarantee in other instances based on the circumstances relative to the particular situation.

 

Non financial transactions, including establishing or modifying certain services on an account, may require a signature guarantee, signature verification from a Signature Validation Program member, or other acceptable form of authentication from a financial institution source.

 

Signature guarantees will generally be accepted from domestic banks, brokers, dealers, credit unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies and savings associations, as well as from participants in the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program and the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (“STAMP”). A notary public is not an acceptable signature guarantor.

 

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The Funds do not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be their agents. Therefore, deposit in the mail or with such services, or receipt at U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC’s post office box, of purchase orders or redemption requests does not constitute receipt by the Transfer Agent of the Funds. Receipt of purchase orders or redemption requests is based on when the order is received at the Transfer Agent’s offices.

 

Redemption By Telephone. If you did not decline telephone options on your account application, you may initiate a redemption of shares in the amount up to the total value of the account by calling the Transfer Agent at 1-855-744-8500.

 

Investors may have a check sent to the address of record, proceeds may be wired to a shareholder’s bank account of record, or funds may be sent via electronic funds transfer through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, also to the bank account of record. Wires are subject to a $15 fee paid by the investor, but the investor does not incur any charge when proceeds are sent via the ACH system. Once a telephone transaction has been placed, it cannot be canceled or modified after the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern time)

 

In order to arrange for telephone options after an account has been opened or to change your bank account, a written request must be sent to the Transfer Agent. The request must be signed by each shareholder of the account and may require a signature guarantee, signature verification from a Signature Validation Program member, or other form of signature authentication from a financial institution source.

 

Telephone trades must be received by or prior to market close. During periods of high market activity, shareholders may encounter higher than usual call waits. Please allow sufficient time to place your telephone transaction.

 

Before executing an instruction received by telephone, the Transfer Agent will use reasonable procedures to confirm that the telephone instructions are genuine. The telephone call may be recorded and the caller may be asked to verify certain personal identification information. If the Funds or their agents follow these procedures, they cannot be held liable for any loss, expense or cost arising out of any telephone redemption request that is reasonably believed to be genuine. This includes fraudulent or unauthorized requests. If an account has more than one owner or authorized person, the Funds will accept telephone instructions from any one owner or authorized person.

 

IRA and other retirement plan redemptions

If you have an IRA, you must indicate on your written redemption request whether or not to withhold federal income tax. Redemption requests failing to indicate an election to have tax withheld will be subject to 10% withholding.

 

Shares held in IRA accounts may be redeemed by telephone at 1-855-744-8500. Investors will be asked whether or not to withhold taxes from any distribution.

 

Other Redemption Information. Redemption proceeds for shares of a Fund recently purchased by check may not be distributed until payment for the purchase has been collected, which may take up to fifteen calendar days from the purchase date. Shareholders can avoid this delay by utilizing the wire purchase option. Redemption proceeds will ordinarily be paid within seven business days after a redemption request is received by the Transfer Agent in good order. The Company may suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date at times when the NYSE or the bond market is closed or under any emergency circumstances as determined by the SEC. The Fund typically expects to meet redemption requests by paying out proceeds from cash or cash equivalent holdings, or by selling portfolio securities. In stressed market conditions, redemption methods may include redeeming in kind.

 

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If the Board determines that it would be detrimental to the best interests of the remaining shareholders of a Fund to make payment wholly or partly in cash, redemption proceeds may be paid in whole or in part by an in-kind distribution of readily marketable securities held by the Fund instead of cash in conformity with applicable rules of the SEC. Investors generally will incur brokerage charges on the sale of portfolio securities so received in the payment of redemptions. If a shareholder receives redemption proceeds in-kind, the shareholder will bear the market risk of the securities received in the redemption until their disposition and should expect to incur transaction costs upon the disposition of the securities. The Company has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act, so that each Fund is obligated to redeem its shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its NAV during any 90-day period for any one shareholder of the Fund.

 

Good Order. A redemption request is considered to be in good order when your request includes: (1) the name of the Fund, (2) the number of shares or dollar amount to be redeemed, (3) the account number and (4) signatures by all of the shareholders whose names appear on the account registration, all necessary information is provided and all required documents are properly completed, signed and delivered. Redemption requests not in good order may be delayed.

 

Involuntary Redemption. The Funds reserve the right to redeem your account at any time the value of the account falls below $500 as the result of a redemption or an exchange request.

 

You will be notified in writing that the value of your account is less than $500 and will be allowed 30 days to make additional investments before the redemption is processed.

 

The Funds may assert the right to redeem your shares at current NAV at any time and without prior notice if, and to the extent that, such redemption is necessary to reimburse a Fund for any loss sustained by reason of your failure to make full payment for shares of the Fund you previously purchased or subscribed for.

 

Dividends and Distributions

 

Each Fund will distribute substantially all of the net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, of the Fund to the Fund's shareholders. All distributions are reinvested in the form of additional full and fractional shares unless you elect otherwise.

 

Each Fund will declare and pay dividends from net investment income annually. Net realized capital gains (including net short-term capital gains), if any, will be distributed at least annually.

 

The ex-dividend, record and payable dates of any annual distribution will be available by calling 855-744-8500.

 

All distributions are reinvested in the form of additional full and fractional shares unless you elect one the following options: (1) receive dividends in cash while reinvesting capital gain distributions in additional Fund shares; (2) receive capital gain distributions in cash while reinvesting dividends in additional Fund shares; or (3) receive all distributions in cash. If you elect to receive distributions and/or capital gains paid in cash, and the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver the check, or if a check remains outstanding for six months, the Funds reserve the right to reinvest the distribution check in your account, at a Fund's current net asset value, and to reinvest all subsequent distributions. You may change the distribution option on your account as any time. You should notify the Transfer Agent in writing or by telephone at least five (5) days prior to the next distribution.

 

Taxes

 

The following is a summary of certain United States tax considerations relevant under current law, which may be subject to change in the future. Except where otherwise indicated, the discussion relates to investors who are individual United States citizens or residents. You should consult your tax adviser for further information regarding federal, state, local and/or foreign tax consequences relevant to your specific situation.

 

Distributions. Each Fund contemplates distributing as dividends each year all or substantially all of its taxable income, including its net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss). Except as otherwise discussed below, you will be subject to federal income tax on Fund distributions regardless of whether they are paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares. Fund distributions attributable to short-term capital gains and net investment income will generally be taxable to you as ordinary income, except as discussed below.

 

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Distributions attributable to the net capital gain of a Fund will be taxable to you as long-term capital gain, no matter how long you have owned your Fund shares. The maximum long-term capital gain rate applicable to individuals, estates, and trusts is currently 23.8% (which includes a 3.8% Medicare tax). You will be notified annually of the tax status of distributions to you.

 

Distributions of "qualifying dividends" will also generally be taxable to you at long-term capital gain rates, as long as certain requirements are met. In general, if 95% or more of the gross income of a Fund (other than net capital gain) consists of dividends received from domestic corporations or "qualified" foreign corporations ("qualifying dividends"), then all distributions paid by the Fund to individual shareholders will be taxed at long-term capital gains rates. But if less than 95% of the gross income of a Fund (other than net capital gain) consists of qualifying dividends, then distributions paid by the Fund to individual shareholders will be qualifying dividends only to the extent they are derived from qualifying dividends earned by the Fund. For the lower rates to apply, you must have owned your Fund shares for at least 61 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date that is 60 days before a Fund's ex-dividend date (and the Fund will need to have met a similar holding period requirement with respect to the shares of the corporation paying the qualifying dividend). The amount of a Fund's distributions that qualify for this favorable treatment may be reduced as a result of the Fund's securities lending activities (if any), a high portfolio turnover rate or investments in debt securities or non-qualified foreign corporations.

 

Distributions from a Fund will generally be taxable to you in the taxable year in which they are paid, with one exception. Distributions declared by a Fund in October, November or December and paid in January of the following year are taxed as though they were paid on December 31.

 

A portion of distributions paid by a Fund to shareholders that are corporations may also qualify for the dividends-received deduction for corporations, subject to certain holding period requirements and debt financing limitations. The amount of the dividends qualifying for this deduction may, however, be reduced as a result of a Fund's securities lending activities (if any), by a high portfolio turnover rate or by investments in debt securities or foreign corporations.

If you purchase shares just before a distribution, the purchase price will reflect the amount of the upcoming distribution, but you will be taxed on the entire amount of the distribution received, even though, as an economic matter, the distribution simply constitutes a return of capital. This is known as "buying into a dividend."

 

Sales of Shares. You will generally recognize taxable gain or loss for federal income tax purposes on a sale or redemption of your shares based on the difference between your cost basis in the shares and the amount you receive for them. Generally, you will recognize long-term capital gain or loss if you have held your Fund shares for over twelve months at the time you dispose of them.

 

Any loss realized on shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends that were received on the shares. Additionally, any loss realized on a disposition of shares of a Fund may be disallowed under "wash sale" rules to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced with other shares of the Fund within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the shares are disposed of, such as pursuant to a dividend reinvestment in shares of the Fund. If disallowed, the loss will be reflected in an upward adjustment to the basis of the shares acquired.

 

For shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012, a Fund (or relevant broker or financial adviser) is required to compute and report to the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") and furnish to Fund shareholders cost basis information when such shares are sold. The Funds have elected to use the average cost method, unless you instruct a Fund to use a different IRS-accepted cost basis method, or choose to specifically identify your shares at the time of each sale. If your account is held by your broker or other financial adviser, they may select a different cost basis method. In these cases, please contact your broker or other financial adviser to obtain information with respect to the available methods and elections for your account. You should carefully review the cost basis information provided by the Funds and make any additional basis, holding period or other adjustments that are required when reporting these amounts on your federal and state income tax returns. Fund shareholders should consult with their tax advisers to determine the best IRS-accepted cost basis method for their tax situation and to obtain more information about how the cost basis reporting requirements apply to them.

 

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IRAs and Other Tax-Qualified Plans. The one major exception to the preceding tax principles is that distributions on, and sales and redemptions of, shares held in an IRA (or other tax-qualified plan) will not be currently taxable unless such shares were acquired with borrowed funds.

 

Backup Withholding. Each Fund may be required in certain cases to withhold and remit to the IRS a percentage of taxable dividends or gross proceeds realized upon sale payable to shareholders who have failed to provide a correct tax identification number in the manner required, or who are subject to withholding by the IRS for failure to properly include on their return payments of taxable interest or dividends, or who have failed to certify to the Fund that they are not subject to backup withholding when required to do so or that they are "exempt recipients." The current backup withholding rate is 28%.

 

U.S. Tax Treatment of Foreign Shareholders. Generally, nonresident aliens, foreign corporations and other foreign investors are subject to a 30% withholding tax on dividends paid by a U.S. corporation, although the rate may be reduced for an investor that is a qualified resident of a foreign country with an applicable tax treaty with the United States. In the case of a regulated investment company such as a Fund, however, dividends attributable to the Fund's net capital gains (the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital loss) are generally exempt from the 30% withholding tax.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally not be subject to U.S. tax on gains realized on the sale or redemption of shares of a Fund, except that a nonresident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more in a calendar year will be taxable on such gains and on capital gain dividends from the Fund.

 

In contrast, if a foreign investor conducts a trade or business in the United States and the investment in a Fund is effectively connected with that trade or business, then the foreign investor's income from the Fund will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax at graduated rates in a manner similar to the income of a U.S. citizen or resident.

 

Each Fund will also generally be required to withhold 30% tax on certain payments to foreign entities that do not provide a Form W-8BEN-E that evidences their compliance with, or exemption from, specified information reporting requirements under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act.

 

All foreign investors should consult their own tax advisers regarding the tax consequences in their country of residence of an investment in a Fund.

 

Shares of the Fund have not been registered for sale outside of the United States and certain U.S. territories.

 

State and Local Taxes. You may also be subject to state and local taxes on income and gain from Fund shares. State income taxes may not apply, however, to the portions of the Fund's distributions, if any, that are attributable to interest on U.S. government securities. You should consult your tax adviser regarding the tax status of distributions in your state and locality.

 

More information about taxes is contained in the Funds’ SAI.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

Householding. In an effort to decrease costs, the Funds intend to reduce the number of duplicate prospectuses and Annual and Semi-Annual Reports you receive by sending only one copy of each to those addresses shared by two or more accounts and to shareholders we reasonably believe are from the same family or household. Once implemented, if you would like to discontinue householding for your accounts, please call toll-free at 1-855-744-8500 to request individual copies of these documents. Once the Funds receive notice to stop householding, we will begin sending individual copies thirty days after receiving your request. This policy does not apply to account statements.

 

34  

 

Lost Shareholder, Inactive Accounts and Unclaimed Property. It is important that the Fund maintains a correct address for each shareholder. An incorrect address may cause a shareholder’s account statements and other mailings to be returned to the Fund. Based upon statutory requirements for returned mail, the Fund will attempt to locate the shareholder or rightful owner of the account. If the Fund is unable to locate the shareholder, then it will determine whether the shareholder’s account can legally be considered abandoned. Your mutual fund account may be transferred to the state government of your state of residence if no activity occurs within your account during the “inactivity period” specified in your state’s abandoned property laws. The Fund is legally obligated to escheat (or transfer) abandoned property to the appropriate state’s unclaimed property administrator in accordance with statutory requirements. The shareholder’s last known address of record determines which state has jurisdiction. Please proactively contact the Transfer Agent at 1-855-744-8500 (toll free) at least annually to ensure your account remains in active status.

 

If you are a resident of the state of Texas, you may designate a representative to receive notifications that, due to inactivity, your mutual fund account assets may be delivered to the Texas Comptroller. Please contact the Transfer Agent if you wish to complete a Texas Designation of Representative form.

 

NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN THE FUNDS’ SAI INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE, IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR ITS DISTRIBUTOR. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING BY THE COMPANY OR BY THE DISTRIBUTOR IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.

 

35  

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

The following tables set forth certain financial information for the periods indicated. The term "Total investment return" indicates how much your investment would have increased or decreased during this period of time and assumes that you have reinvested all dividends and distributions.

 

This information for the Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund and the Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund has been derived from the financial statements and has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm.

 

This information for the years ended 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014 for the Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund has been derived from the financial statements and has been audited by BBD, LLP, the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm. The Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund’s information for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 has been audited by the Predecessor Fund's independent registered public accounting firm. Class A Shares and Class C shares of the Fund had not commenced operations as of the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, and therefore no financial highlights information is presented for these Classes of the Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund.

 

This information should be read in conjunction with the Funds’ financial statements which, together with the report of the independent registered public accounting firm, are included in the Funds’ annual reports, which are available upon request (see back cover for ordering instructions).

 

36  

 

    U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund — Class I Shares  
    For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2017
    For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2016
    For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2015
    For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2014
    For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2013
 
Per Share Operating Performance
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 14.69     $ 13.78     $ 13.72     $ 11.85     $ 10.18  
Net investment income/(loss) (1)     0.22       0.21       0.21       0.16       0.15  
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments (2)     0.90       1.66       0.44       2.01       1.64  
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     1.12       1.87       0.65       2.17       1.79  

Dividends and Distributions

to Shareholders from:

                                       
Net investment income     (0.16 )     (0.21 )     (0.16 )     (0.08 )     (0.05 )
Net realized gains     (0.22 )     (0.75 )     (0.43 )     (0.22 )     (0.07 )
Total Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders     (0.38 )     (0.96 )     (0.59 )     (0.30 )     (0.12 )
Net asset value, end of period   $ 15.43     $ 14.69     $ 13.78     $ 13.72     $ 11.85  
Total investment return (3)     7.73 %     13.99 %     4.82 %     18.57 %     17.78 %
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                        
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)   $ 91,977     $ 106,110     $ 72,850     $ 60,266     $ 25,638  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements     0.98 %     0.98 %     0.98 %     0.98 %     0.98 %
Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements     1.14 %     1.14 %     1.20 %     1.35 %     2.74 %
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets     1.32 %     1.49 %     1.47 %     1.25 %     1.34 %
Portfolio turnover rate (4)     31 %     41 %     42 %     110 %     81 %

 

(1) The selected per share data was calculated based on average shares outstanding method for the period.
(2) The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund's shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund's portfolio.
(3) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.
(4) Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

37  

 

U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund — Class A      
   

For the

Year ended

August 31, 2017

   

For the Period October 29, 2015 (1) to

August 31, 2016

 
Per Share Operating Performance      
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 14.67     $ 14.69  
Net investment income/(loss) (2)     0.16       0.14  
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments (3)     0.92       0.79  
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     1.08       0.93  
Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders from:                
Net investment income     (0.13 )     (0.20 )
Net realized gains     (0.22 )     (0.75 )
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders     (0.35 )     (0.95 )
Net asset value, end of period   $ 15.40     $ 14.67  
Total investment return (4)     7.48 %     6.74 % (5)
Ratios/Supplemental Data                
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)   $ 22,195     $ 19,288  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements     1.23 %     1.23 % (6)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements     1.39 %     1.38 % (6)
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets     1.07 %     1.15 % (6)
Portfolio turnover rate (7)     31 %     41 % (5)

 

(1) Commencement of operations.
(2) The selected per share data was calculated based on average shares outstanding method for the period.
(3) The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund's shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund's portfolio.
(4) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any. Total investment return does not reflect Sales Charge.
(5) Not annualized.
(6) Annualized.
(7) Portfolio Turnover Rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

38  

 

U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund — Class C      
   

For the

Year Ended

August 31, 2017

   

For the Period December 31, 2015 (1) to

August 31, 2016

 
Per Share Operating Performance      
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 14.51     $ 13.57  
Net investment income/(loss) (2)     0.04       0.03  
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments (3)     0.93       0.91  
Net Increase in net assets resulting from operations     0.97       0.94  
Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:                
Net investment income     (0.11 )      
Net realized capital gains     (0.22 )      
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders     (0.33 )      
Net asset value, end of period   $ 15.15     $ 14.51  
Total investment return (4)     6.74 %     6.93 % (5)
Ratios/Supplemental Data                
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)   $ 1,226     $ 373  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements     1.98 %     1.99 % (6)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements     2.15 %     2.16 % (6)
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets     0.30 %     0.32 % (6)
Portfolio turnover rate (7)     31 %     41 % (5)

 

(1) Commencement of operations.
(2) The selected per share data was calculated based on average shares outstanding method for the period.
(3) The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund's shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund's portfolio.
(4) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.
(5) Not annualized.
(6) Annualized.
(7) Portfolio Turnover Rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

39  

 

Small Cap Low Volatility Fund — Class I Shares

     
   

For the

Year ended

August 31, 2017

   

For the Period March 31, 2016 (1)

through

August 31, 2016

 
Per Share Operating Performance      
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 10.83     $ 10.00  
Net investment income/(loss) (2)     0.04       0.02  
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments (3)     1.57       0.81  
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     1.61       0.83  
Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:                
Net investment income     (0.05 )      
Net realized capital gains     (7)      
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders     (0.05 )      
Net asset value, end of period   $ 12.39     $ 10.83  
Total investment return (4)     14.86 %     8.30 % (5)
Ratios/Supplemental Data                
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)   $ 12,919     $ 10,095  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements     1.23 %     1.23 % (6)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements     2.21 %     4.43 % (6)
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets     0.31 %     0.53 % (6)
Portfolio turnover rate (8)     95 %     0.01 % (5)

 

(1) Commencement of operations.
(2) The selected per share data was calculated based on average shares outstanding method for the period.
(3) The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund's shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund's portfolio.
(4) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.
(5) Not annualized.
(6) Annualized.
(7) Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.
(8) Portfolio Turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

40  

 

Small Cap Low Volatility Fund — Class A Shares (formerly, Retail Shares)

 

     
   

For the

Year ended

August 31, 2017

   

For the Period

March 31, 2016 (1)

through

August 31, 2016

 
Per Share Operating Performance      
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 10.83     $ 10.00  
Net investment income/(loss) (2)     0.01       0.01  
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments (3)     1.57       0.82  
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     1.58       0.83  
Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:                
Net investment income     (0.03 )      
Net realized capital gains     (7)      
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders     (0.03 )      
Net asset value, end of period   $ 12.38     $ 10.83  
Total investment return (4)     14.63 %     8.30 % (5)
Ratios/Supplemental Data                
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)   $ 3,132     $ 2,010  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements     1.48 %     1.48 % (6)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements     2.44 %     4.68 % (6)
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets     0.06 %     0.28 % (6)
Portfolio turnover rate (8)     95 %     0.01 % (5)

 

(1) Commencement of operations.
(2) The selected per share data was calculated based on average shares outstanding method for the period.
(3) The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund's shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund's portfolio.
(4) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.
(5) Not annualized.
(6) Annualized.
(7) Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.
(8) Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

41  

 

Small Cap Low Volatility Fund — Class C Shares

 

     
   

For the

Year ended

August 31, 2017

   

For the Period March 31, 2016 (1)

through

August 31, 2016

 
Per Share Operating Performance      
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 10.80     $ 10.00  
Net investment income/(loss) (2)     (0.08 )     (0.02 )
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments (3)     1.55       0.82  
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     1.47       0.80  
Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:                
Net realized capital gains     (7)      
Net asset value, end of period   $ 12.27     $ 10.80  
Total investment return (4)     13.63 %     8.00 % (5)
Ratios/Supplemental Data                
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)   $ 168     $ 26  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements     2.23 %     2.23 % (6)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements     2.89 %     5.43 % (6)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets     (0.67 %)     (0.47 )% (6)
Portfolio turnover rate (8)     95 %     0.01 % (5)

 

(1) Commencement of operations.
(2) The selected per share data was calculated based on average shares outstanding method for the period.
(3) The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund's shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund's portfolio.
(4) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.
(5) Not annualized.
(6) Annualized.
(7) Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.
(8) Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

42  

 

   

Global Low Volatility Fund — Class I Shares

For a Fund Share Outstanding Throughout each Period

       
    For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2017
    For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2016
    For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2015
    For the Eleven Months Ended
August 31, 2014 (1)(2)
   

For the
Year Ended
September 30,

2013

   

For the

Year Ended September 30,

2012

 
Per Share Operating Performance      
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 24.93     $ 28.29     $ 27.64     $ 27.45     $ 22.45     $ 18.83  
Net investment income/(loss) (3)     0.06       (0.19 )     (0.21 )     (0.20 )     (0.14 )     (0.16 )
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments     2.21       (1.25 )     3.04       2.96       5.14       4.21  
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     2.27       (1.44 )     2.83       2.76       5.00       4.05  

Dividends and distributions

to shareholders from:

                                               
Net investment income                                    
Net realized capital gains           (1.93 )     (2.18 )     (2.57 )           (0.50 )
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders           (1.93 )     (2.18 )     (2.57 )           (0.50 )
Redemption fees added to paid-in capital (3)     (4)     0.01       (4)                 0.07  
Net Asset Value, End of Period   $ 27.20     $ 24.93     $ 28.29     $ 27.64     $ 27.45     $ 22.45  
Total investment return (5)     9.15 %     (5.44 )%     11.49 %     10.62 % (6)(7)     22.27 %     22.31 %
Ratios/Supplemental Data                                                
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)   $ 22,765     $ 64,378     $ 71,523     $ 59,924     $ 55,737     $ 59,007  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements     0.84 %     0.84 %     0.84 %     0.84 % (8)     0.86 %     0.95 %
Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements     1.32 %     1.13 %     1.20 %     1.13 % (8)     1.13 %     1.25 %
Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets     0.26 %     (0.76 )%     (0.77 )%     (0.80 )% (8)     (0.63 )%     (0.75 )%
Portfolio turnover rate     247 %     375 %     297 %     277 % (6)     345 %     323.54 %

 

(1) The Fund changed its Fiscal year end to August 31.
(2) Effective as of the close of business on March 21, 2014, the Fund acquired all the assets and liabilities of the Dynamic U.S. Growth Fund (“Predecessor Fund”), a series of Scotia Institutional Funds. The financial highlights for the periods prior to that date reflect the performance of the Predecessor Fund.
(3) The selected per share data was calculated based on average shares outstanding method for the period.
(4) Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.
(5) Total investment return is calculated assuming purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.
(6) Not annualized.
(7) Includes adjustments in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and, consequently, the net asset value for financial reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset values and returns for the shareholder transactions.
(8) Annualized.

 

43  

 

Appendix A PRIOR PERFORMANCE OF SIMILARILY ADVISED ACCOUNTS

 

U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund

 

The Adviser has experience in managing other accounts with substantially similar investment objectives, policies and strategies as the U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund. The table below is provided to illustrate the past performance of the Adviser in managing all such other accounts and does not represent the performance of the Fund. Investors should not consider this performance information as a substitute for the performance of the Fund, nor should investors consider this information as an indication of the future performance of the Fund or of the Adviser. This performance history is net of all fees (including any applicable sales loads) charged to investors in the other accounts. The net returns are derived using the investment advisory fixed rate fee of 1.00% on total assets applicable for each other account and calculated on a monthly basis. The composite includes other accounts that pay lower expenses than those paid by shareholders of the Fund. Higher expenses reduce returns to investors. The use of the Fund's expense structure would have lowered the performance results. The Fund's results in the future also may be different because the other accounts are not subject to certain investment limitations, diversification requirements and other restrictions imposed on mutual funds under applicable U.S. securities and tax laws that, if applicable, could have adversely affected the performance of the other accounts. In addition, the securities held by the Fund will not be identical to the securities held by the other accounts.

 

The performance of the other accounts is also compared to the performance of an appropriate broad-based securities benchmark index. This index is unmanaged and is not subject to fees and expenses typically associated with managed funds, including the Fund. Investors cannot invest directly in the Index. The performance information is accompanied by additional disclosures, which are an integral part of the information.

 

COMPOSITE — MONTHLY PERFORMANCE TABLE NET OF FEES
(SINCE INCEPTION JANUARY 14, 2011 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2011) 1,2,3

 

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
US Equity Low Volatility Composite

-1.72%

1.92%

1.97%

4.13%

0.71%

0.11%

-2.82%

-1.63%

-2.17%

4.80%

0.41% 

1.84%

S&P 500 ® Index

-0.55%

3.20%

-0.10%

2.85%

-1.35%

-1.83%

-2.15%

-5.68%

-7.18%

10.77%

-0.51% 

0.85%

 

1 Performance was calculated using a time-weighted total return methodology, as set forth in Global Investment Performance Standards ("GIPS") Section 3.3. This method of calculating performance differs from the SEC's standardized methodology, which may produce different results.
2 Performance shown is composite performance of all similarly advised accounts. The first similarly advised account commenced operations on January 14, 2011, but other accounts commenced operations subsequent to January 14, 2011.
3 The S&P 500 ® Index is an unmanaged index composed of 500 common stocks, classified in eleven industry sectors, which represents approximately 75% of the U.S. equities market. The S&P 500 ® Index assigns relative values to the stocks included in the index, weighted according to each stock's total market value relative to the total market value of the other stocks included in the index.

 

A- 1

 

Small Cap Low Volatility Fund

 

The Adviser has experience in managing other accounts with substantially similar investment objectives, policies and strategies as the Small Cap Low Volatility Fund. The table below is provided to illustrate the past performance of the Adviser in managing all such other accounts and does not represent the performance of the Fund. Investors should not consider this performance information as a substitute for the performance of the Fund, nor should investors consider this information as an indication of the future performance of the Fund or of the Adviser. This performance history is net of all fees (including any applicable sales loads) charged to investors in the other accounts. The net returns are derived using the investment advisory fixed rate fee of 1.23% on total assets applicable for each other account and calculated on a monthly basis. Other accounts managed by the Adviser may pay lower expenses than those paid by shareholders of the Fund. Higher expenses reduce returns to investors. The use of the Fund's expense structure may have lowered the performance results. The Fund's results in the future also may be different because the other accounts are not subject to certain investment limitations, diversification requirements and other restrictions imposed on mutual funds under applicable U.S. securities and tax laws that, if applicable, could have adversely affected the performance of the other accounts. In addition, the securities held by the Fund will not be identical to the securities held by the other accounts.

 

The performance of the other accounts is also compared to the performance of an appropriate broad-based securities benchmark index. This index is unmanaged and is not subject to fees and expenses typically associated with managed funds, including the Fund. Investors cannot invest directly in the Index. The performance information is accompanied by additional disclosures, which are an integral part of the information.

 

COMPOSITE – MONTHLY PERFORMANCE TABLE NET OF FEES
(SINCE INCEPTION APRIL 1, 2014 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2016) 1,2,3

 

Small Cap Low Volatility Returns

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2016 (1.15)% 1.57% 5.51%                  
2015 (2.35)% 3.12% 2.20% (3.77)% 1.70% 1.05% 0.81% (4.24)% (0.49)% 3.71% 1.81% (1.78)%
2014       (3.09)% 0.59% 3.78% (4.22)% 4.33% (4.04)% 10.27% 0.77% 3.25%

 

Russell 2000® Index

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2016 (8.79)% 0.00% 7.98%                  
2015 (3.22)% 5.94% 1.74% (2.55)% 2.28% 0.75% (1.16)% (6.28)% (4.91)% 5.63% 3.25% (5.02)%
2014       (3.88)% 0.80% 5.32% (6.05)% 4.96% (6.05)% 6.59% 0.09% 2.85%

 

1 Performance was calculated using a time-weighted total return methodology (which is a measure of the compound rate of growth in a portfolio), as set forth in Global Investment Performance Standards ("GIPS") Section 3.3. This method of calculating performance differs from the SEC's standardized methodology, which may produce different results.
2 Performance shown is net composite performance of all similarly advised accounts. The first similarly advised account commenced operations on April 1, 2014.
3 The Russell 2000® Index is a leading small cap index which is a subset of the Russell 3000® Index. The Russell 2000® Index is comprised of the bottom 2000 stocks in the Russell 3000® Index.

 

A- 2

 

PRIVACY NOTICE
FACTS WHAT DOES THE SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS FUNDS DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?
Why? Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.
What?

The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include:

• Social Security number

• account balances

• account transactions

• transaction history

• wire transfer instructions

• checking account information

When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this

notice.

How? All financial companies need to share customers' personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers' personal information; the reasons Summit Global Investments Funds chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

 

 

Reasons we can share your information

Do the Summit Global Investments Funds share?

 

Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purpose

 

such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus

 

 

Yes

 

 

No

For our marketing purposes

 

to offer our products and services to you

Yes

No

For joint marketing with other financial companies Yes No

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes

 

information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes

 

information about your creditworthiness

No

We don't share

For our affiliates to market to you No We don't share
For nonaffiliates to market to you No We don't share

 

 A- 3

 

Questions?

 

Call 1-888-251-4847 or go to www.summitglobalinvestments.com

 

 

What we do  
How do the Summit Global Investments Funds protect my personal information? To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.
How do the Summit Global Investments Funds collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

• open an account

• provide account information

• give us your contact information

• make a wire transfer

• tell us where to send the money

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

• sharing for affiliates' everyday business purposes - information about your creditworthiness

• affiliates from using your information to market to you

• sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit

sharing.

Definitions  
Affiliates

Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and

nonfinancial companies.

•      Our affiliates include Summit Global Investments, LLC, the investment adviser to the Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund, Small Cap Low Volatility Fund and Global Low Volatility Fund.

Nonaffiliates

Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial

and nonfinancial companies.

•     Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund, Small Cap Low Volatility Fund and Global Low Volatility Fund don't share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing

A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.

    Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund, Small Cap Low Volatility Fund and Global Low Volatility Fund may share your information with other financial institutions with whom they have joint marketing arrangements who may suggest additional fund services or other investment products which may be of interest to you. We do not currently have any joint marketing

 

A- 4

 

THE SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS U.S. LOW VOLATILITY EQUITY FUND, SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS SMALL CAP LOW VOLATILITY FUND AND SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS GLOBAL LOW VOLATILITY FUND

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

 

This Prospectus contains important information you should know before you invest. Read it carefully and keep it for future reference. More information about the Funds is available free of charge, upon request, including:

 

Annual/Semi-Annual Reports:

 

These reports contain additional information about the Funds’ investments, describe the Funds’ performance, list portfolio holdings, and discuss recent market conditions and economic trends. The annual report includes Fund strategies and market conditions that significantly affected the Funds’ performance during its last fiscal year.

 

Statement of Additional Information:

 

The Funds’ SAI, dated December 31, 2017, has been filed with the SEC. The SAI, which includes additional information about the Funds, along with the Funds’ annual and semi-annual reports, are available on the Adviser's website at www.summitglobalinvestments.com or may be obtained free of charge by calling 855-744-8500. The SAI, as supplemented from time to time, is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and is legally considered a part of this Prospectus.

 

Shareholder Account Service Representatives:

 

Representatives are available to discuss account balance information, mutual fund prospectuses, literature, programs and services available. Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Eastern time) Monday-Friday. Call: 855-744-8500.

 

Purchases and Redemptions:

 

Call your registered representative or 855-744-8500.

 

Written Correspondence

Post Office Address:
 
 
 
Summit Global Investments Funds
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
PO Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701
Street Address:
 
 
 
Summit Global Investments Funds
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Securities and Exchange Commission:

 

You may view and copy information about the Company and the Funds, including the SAI, by visiting the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. or the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at www.sec.gov. You may also obtain copies of Fund documents by paying a duplicating fee and sending an electronic request to the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov , or by sending your written request and a duplicating fee to the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520. You may obtain information on the operation of the public reference room by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090.

 

INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT FILE NO. 811-05518

 

 

 

 

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

ABBEY CAPITAL FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

 

a series of THE RBB FUND, INC.

 

CLASS I SHARES (TICKER: ABYIX)

CLASS A SHARES (TICKER: ABYAX)

CLASS C SHARES (TICKER: ABYCX)

CLASS T SHARES (Not Currently Available for Sale)

 

December 31, 2017

Investment Adviser:

 

ABBEY CAPITAL LIMITED

 

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) provides supplementary information pertaining to shares of four classes, Class I Shares, Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class T Shares (collectively, the “Shares”), representing interests in the Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund (the “Fund”) of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”). This SAI is not a prospectus and should be read only in conjunction with the Fund’s Prospectus dated December 31, 2017 (the “Prospectus”) and the Fund’s Annual Report dated August 31, 2017 (the “Annual Report”). Copies of the prospectus and Annual and Semi-Annual Reports may be obtained free of charge by calling toll-free 1-844-261-6484. The financial statements and notes contained in the Annual Report are incorporated by reference into this SAI. No other part of the Annual Report is incorporated by reference herein.

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

GENERAL INFORMATION 1
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE 1
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS 1
NON-PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS 17
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS 23
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS 24
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER 25
MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY 26
CODE OF ETHICS 34
PROXY VOTING 34
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES 34
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES 36
INVESTMENT ADVISER 36
INVESTMENT TRADING ADVISERS 37
THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS 40
ADMINISTRATION AND ACCOUNTING AGREEMENT 40
CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT 41
TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT 41
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION 42
PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES 43
FUND TRANSACTIONS 44
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION 46
TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PROCEDURES 49
VALUATION OF SHARES 50
TAXES 50
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING COMPANY SHARES 52
MISCELLANEOUS 53
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 53
APPENDIX A A-1

 

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

The Company is an open-end management investment company currently operating twenty-nine separate portfolios. The Company is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”) and was organized as a Maryland corporation on February 29, 1988. This SAI pertains to the Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund, a non-diversified portfolio. Abbey Capital Limited (“Abbey Capital” or the “Adviser”), serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

 

The following supplements the information contained in the Prospectus concerning the investment objective and policies of the Fund.

 

The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation. Current income is a secondary objective. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objectives. The Fund may not necessarily invest in all of the instruments or use all of the investment techniques permitted by the Fund’s Prospectus and this SAI, or invest in such instruments or engage in such techniques to the full extent permitted by the Fund’s investment policies and limitations.

 

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS

 

Multi-Manager Structure. The Fund and Abbey Capital Offshore Fund Limited, a wholly owned and controlled subsidiary of the Fund organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands, (the “Subsidiary”) are managed by the Adviser and one or more asset managers who are unaffiliated with the Adviser (each a “Trading Adviser” and together, the “Trading Advisers”). Subject to review by the Fund’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), the Adviser is responsible for selecting the Fund’s investment strategies and for allocating and reallocating assets among the Trading Advisers consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and strategies. The Adviser is also responsible for recommending to the Board whether an agreement with a Trading Adviser should be approved, renewed, modified or terminated and for monitoring and evaluating the Trading Advisers. The Adviser is also responsible for implementing procedures to ensure that each Trading Adviser complies with the Fund’s investment objective, strategies and restrictions.

 

Portfolio Turnover Rate. Portfolio turnover rate is defined under U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) rules as the greater of the value of the securities purchased or securities sold, excluding all securities whose maturities at the time of acquisition were one-year or less, divided by the average monthly value of such securities owned during the year. Based on this definition, instruments with remaining maturities of less than one-year are excluded from the calculation of the portfolio turnover rate. Instruments excluded from the calculation of portfolio turnover generally would include the futures contracts in which the Fund may invest since such contracts generally have remaining maturities of less than one-year. The Fund may at times hold investments in other short-term instruments, such as repurchase agreements, which are excluded for purposes of computing portfolio turnover.

 

Asset-Backed Securities. The Fund may invest in asset-backed securities, which represent participations in, or are secured by and payable from, pools of assets such as motor vehicle installment sale contracts, installment loan contracts, leases of various types of real and personal property, receivables from revolving credit (credit card) agreements and other categories of receivables. Asset-backed securities may also be collateralized by a portfolio of U.S. government securities but are not direct obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities. Such asset pools are securitized through the use of privately-formed trusts or special purpose corporations. Payments or distributions of principal and interest on asset-backed securities may be guaranteed up to certain amounts and for a certain time period by a letter of credit or a pool insurance policy issued by a financial institution unaffiliated with the trust or corporation, or other credit enhancements may be present, although privately issued obligations collateralized by a portfolio of privately issued asset-backed securities do not involve any government-related guarantee or insurance. In addition to the risks that are presented by mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities generally do not have the benefit of a security interest in collateral that is comparable to mortgage assets. See “Mortgage-Backed Securities” below for additional information.

 

1
 

Asset-backed securities acquired by the Fund may also include collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”). CDOs include collateralized bond obligations (“CBOs”) and collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) and other similarly structured securities.

 

A CBO is a trust or other special purpose entity (“SPE”) that is typically backed by a diversified pool of fixed-income securities (which may include high risk, below investment grade securities). A CLO is a trust or other SPE that is typically collateralized by a pool of loans, which may include, among others, domestic and non-U.S. senior secured loans, senior unsecured loans, and subordinate corporate loans, including loans that may be rated below investment grade or equivalent unrated loans. Although certain CDOs may receive credit enhancement in the form of a senior-subordinate structure, over-collateralization or bond insurance, such enhancement may not always be present and may fail to protect the Fund against the risk of loss on default of the collateral. Certain CDOs may use derivatives contracts to create “synthetic” exposure to assets rather than holding such assets directly, which entails the risks of derivative instruments described elsewhere in this SAI. CDOs may charge management fees and administrative expenses, which are in addition to those of the Fund.

 

For both CBOs and CLOs, the cashflows from the SPE are split into two or more portions, called tranches, varying in risk and yield. The riskiest portion is the “equity” tranche, which bears the first loss from defaults from the bonds or loans in the SPE and serves to protect the other, more senior tranches from default (though such protection is not complete). Since it is partially protected from defaults, a senior tranche from a CBO or CLO typically has higher ratings and lower yields than its underlying securities, and may be rated investment grade. Despite the protection from the equity tranche, CBO or CLO tranches can experience substantial losses due to actual defaults, increased sensitivity to defaults due to collateral default and disappearance of protecting tranches, market anticipation of defaults, as well as investor aversion to CBO or CLO securities as a class. Interest on certain tranches of a CDO may be paid in kind (paid in the form of obligations of the same type rather than cash), which involves continued exposure to default risk with respect to such payments.

 

The risks of an investment in a CDO depend largely on the type of the collateral securities and the class of the CDO in which the Fund invests. Normally, CBOs, CLOs and other CDOs are privately offered and sold, and thus are not registered under the securities laws. As a result, investments in CDOs may be characterized by the Fund as illiquid securities. However, an active dealer market may exist for CDOs, allowing a CDO to qualify for Rule 144A transactions. In addition to the normal risks associated with fixed-income securities and asset-backed securities generally discussed elsewhere in this SAI, CDOs carry additional risks including, but not limited to: (i) the possibility that distributions from collateral securities will not be adequate to make interest or other payments; (ii) the quality of the collateral may decline in value or default; (iii) the Fund may invest in tranches of CDOs that are subordinate to other tranches; (iv) the complex structure of the security may not be fully understood at the time of investment and may produce disputes with the issuer or unexpected investment results; and (v) the CDO’s manager may perform poorly or default.

 

Commodity-Linked Investments. The Fund may attempt to provide exposure to the returns of real assets that trade in the commodity markets without direct investment in physical commodities. Real assets include oil, gas, industrial and precious metals, livestock, and agricultural or meat products, or other items that have tangible properties. Commodity-linked derivative instruments include commodity index-linked securities and other derivative instruments that provide exposure to the investment returns of the commodities markets. Commodity-linked investments may be more volatile and less liquid than the underlying instruments and their value may be affected by the performance of commodities as well as weather, tax, and other regulatory or political developments, overall market movements and other factors affecting the value of particular industries or commodities, such as disease, embargoes, acts of war or terrorism.

 

The Fund may invest in commodity-linked derivative instruments such as commodity-linked structured notes. The Fund may invest in commodity-linked notes that pay a return linked to the performance of a commodities index or basket of futures contracts with respect to all of the commodities in an index. In some cases, the return will be based on some multiple of the performance of the index, and this embedded leverage will magnify the positive and negative return the Fund earns from these notes as compared to the index. The principal and/or interest payments of commodity-linked derivatives are tied to the value of a real asset or commodity index. Structured notes may be structured by the issuer and the purchaser of the note. The notes are derivative debt instruments with principal payments generally linked to the value of commodities, commodity futures contracts or the performance of commodity indices and interest and coupon payments pegged to a market-based interest rate, such as LIBOR or a bank’s prime rate. The value of these notes will rise or fall in response to changes in the underlying commodity or related index or investment. These notes expose the Fund economically to movements in commodity prices.

 

2
 

Corporate Obligations. The Fund may invest in debt obligations, such as bonds and debentures, issued by corporations and other business organizations without limit on credit quality or maturity of debt securities. See Appendix “A” to this SAI for a description of corporate debt ratings. An issuer of debt obligations may default on its obligation to pay interest and repay principal. Also, changes in the financial strength of an issuer or changes in the credit rating of a security may affect its value.

 

Cyber Security Risk. The Fund and its service providers may be prone to operational and information security risks resulting from breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption, or lose operational capacity. Breaches in cyber security include, among other behaviors, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, denial of service attacks on websites, the unauthorized release of confidential information or various other forms of cyber-attacks. Cyber security breaches affecting the Fund or its Adviser, custodian, transfer agent, intermediaries and other third-party service providers may adversely impact the Fund. For instance, cyber security breaches may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, impact the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAVs, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential business information, impede trading, subject the Fund to regulatory fines or financial losses and/or cause reputational damage. The Fund may also incur additional costs for cyber security risk management purposes. Similar types of cyber security risks are also present for issuers of securities in which the Fund may invest, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Fund’s investment in such companies to lose value.

 

Foreign Securities. The Fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers that are denominated or traded in foreign currencies. The Fund may also invest in securities of foreign issuers that are traded or denominated in U.S. dollars (including equity securities of foreign issuers trading in U.S. markets) through American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”), European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) or International Depositary Receipts (“IDRs”). ADRs are securities, typically issued by a U.S. financial institution (a “depository”), that evidence ownership interests in a security or pool of securities issued by a foreign issuer and deposited with the depository. ADRs may be listed on a national securities exchange or may trade in the over-the-counter market. ADR prices are denominated in U.S. dollars; the underlying security may be denominated in a foreign currency. GDRs, EDRs and IDRs are securities that represent ownership interests in a security or pool of securities issued by a non-U.S. or U.S. corporation. Depositary receipts may be available through “sponsored” or “unsponsored” facilities. A sponsored facility is established jointly by the issuer of the security underlying the receipt and the depository, whereas an unsponsored facility is established by the depository without participation by the issuer of the underlying security. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all of the costs of the unsponsored facility. The depository of an unsponsored facility is frequently under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through, to the holders of the receipts, voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. The depository of unsponsored depositary receipts may provide less information to receipt holders. Investments in depositary receipts do not eliminate the risks in investing in foreign issuers. The underlying security may be subject to foreign government taxes, which would reduce the yield on such securities.

 

Investments in foreign securities involve higher costs than investments in U.S. securities, including higher transaction costs as well as the imposition of additional taxes by foreign governments. In addition, foreign investments may include additional risks associated with currency exchange rates, less complete financial information about the issuers, less market liquidity and political stability. Volume and liquidity in most foreign bond markets are less than in the United States and, at times, volatility or price can be greater than in the United States. Future political and economic information, the possible imposition of withholding taxes on interest income, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, the possible establishment of exchange controls, or the adoption of other governmental restrictions, might adversely affect the payment of principal and interest on foreign obligations. Inability to dispose of Fund securities due to settlement problems could result either in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the securities, or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the securities, could result in possible liability to the purchaser. Individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth or gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position.

 

3
 

Fixed commissions on foreign securities exchanges are generally higher than negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges, although the Fund endeavors to achieve the most favorable net results on their portfolio transactions. There is generally less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, brokers, dealers and listed companies than in the United States.

 

Settlement mechanics ( e.g. , mail service between the United States and foreign countries) may be slower or less reliable than within the United States, thus increasing the risk of delayed settlements of portfolio transactions or loss of certificates for portfolio securities. Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Such delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of the Fund is uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of the Fund to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities.

 

Although the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies, the Fund values its securities and other assets in U.S. dollars. As a result, the NAV of the Fund’s shares may fluctuate with U.S. dollar exchange rates as well as the price changes of the Fund’s securities in the various local markets and currencies. Thus, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar compared to the currencies in which the Fund makes its investments could reduce the effect of increases and magnify the effect of decreases in the price of the Fund’s securities in their local markets. Conversely, a decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar may have the opposite effect of magnifying the effect of increases and reducing the effect of decreases in the prices of the Fund’s securities in its foreign markets. In addition to favorable and unfavorable currency exchange rate developments, the Fund is subject to the possible imposition of exchange control regulations or freezes on convertibility of currency. The Fund may invest in obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks (Eurodollars) and U.S. branches of foreign banks (Yankee dollars) as well as foreign branches of foreign banks. These investments involve risks that are different from investments in securities of U.S. banks, including potential unfavorable political and economic developments, different tax provisions, seizure of foreign deposits, currency controls, interest limitations or other governmental restrictions which might affect payment of principal or interest. The Fund may also invest in Yankee bonds, which are issued by foreign governments and their agencies and foreign corporations but pay interest in U.S. dollars and are typically issued in the United States.

 

European countries can be significantly affected by the tight fiscal and monetary controls that the European Economic and Monetary Union (“EMU”) imposes for membership. Europe’s economies are diverse, its governments are decentralized, and its cultures vary widely. Several EU countries have faced budget issues, some of which may have negative long-term effects for the economies of those countries and other EU countries. There is continued concern about national-level support for the euro and the accompanying coordination of fiscal and wage policy among EMU member countries. Member countries are required to maintain tight control over inflation, public debt, and budget deficit to qualify for membership in the EMU. These requirements can severely limit the ability of EMU member countries to implement monetary policy to address regional economic conditions.

 

In 2016, the United Kingdom (“UK”) held a referendum election and voters elected to withdraw from the EU. The Fund may be exposed to risks related to the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, including volatile trading markets and significant and unpredictable currency fluctuations. Securities issued by companies domiciled in the UK could be subject to changing regulatory and tax regimes. Banking and financial services companies that operate in the UK or EU could be disproportionately impacted by these actions. Greece has recently experienced political pressure to hold a similar referendum election. Further insecurity in EU membership or the abandonment of the euro could exacerbate market and currency volatility and negatively impact investments in securities issued by companies located in EU countries. The potential impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, is not clear but could be significant and far-reaching.

 

Forward Foreign Currency Transactions. The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts in order to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates or to seek to increase total return. The Fund will conduct its foreign currency exchange transactions either on a spot ( i.e. , cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market, or through entering into forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies. A forward foreign currency exchange contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days (usually less than one year) from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts are traded in the interbank market conducted directly between traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. A forward contract generally has no deposit requirement, and no commissions are charged at any stage for trades. Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a profit based on the difference (the spread) between the price at which they are buying and selling various currencies.

 

4
 

The Fund may engage in cross-hedging by using forward contracts in one currency to hedge against fluctuations in the value in securities denominated or quoted in a different currency or to seek to increase total return. Cross-hedging may also include entering into a forward transaction involving two foreign currencies, using one foreign currency as a proxy for the U.S. dollar to hedge against variations in the other foreign currency.

 

At the consummation of the forward contract, the Fund may terminate its contractual obligation by purchasing an offsetting contract obligating it to purchase at the same maturity date, the same amount of such foreign currency. If the Fund engages in an offsetting transaction, the Fund will realize a gain or a loss to the extent that there has been a change in forward contract prices. Closing purchase transactions with respect to forward contracts are usually effected with the currency trader who is a party to the original forward contract.

 

The Fund’s transactions in forward contracts will be limited to those described above. Of course, the Fund is not required to enter into such transactions with regard to its foreign currency quoted or denominated securities, and the Fund will not do so unless deemed appropriate by the Adviser or Trading Adviser, as applicable.

 

When the Fund enters into forward contracts the Fund is required to “cover” its position in order to limit leveraging and related risks. To cover its position, the Fund may segregate (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) cash or liquid securities that, when added to any amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the market value of the forward contract or otherwise “cover” its position in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations thereunder. The segregated account functions as a practical limit on the amount of leverage which the Fund may undertake and on the potential increase in the speculative character of the Fund’s outstanding portfolio securities. Additionally, such segregated accounts will generally assure the availability of adequate funds to meet the obligations of the Fund arising from such investment activities.

 

The Fund or the Subsidiary may enter into agreements with a futures commission merchant (“FCM”) which require the FCM to accept physical settlement for certain financial instruments. If this occurs, the Fund would treat the financial instrument as being cash-settled for purposes of determining the Fund’s coverage requirements.

 

If the Fund uses forward contracts as a method of protecting the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities against a decline in the value of a currency, this does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities. It simply establishes a rate of exchange which can be achieved at some future point in time. The precise projection of short-term currency market movements is not possible, and short-term hedging provides a means of fixing the U.S. dollar value of only a portion of the Fund’s foreign assets. It also reduces any potential gain which may have otherwise occurred had the currency value increased above the settlement price of the contract.

 

While the Fund may enter into forward contracts to seek to reduce currency exchange rate risks or to seek to increase total return, transactions in such contracts involve certain other risks. Thus, while the Fund may benefit from such transactions, unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in a poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not engaged in any such transactions. Moreover, there may be imperfect correlation between the Fund’s portfolio holdings or securities quoted or denominated in a particular currency and forward contracts entered into by the Fund. Such imperfect correlation may cause the Fund to sustain losses, which will prevent the Fund from achieving a complete hedge, or expose the Fund to the risk of foreign exchange loss.

 

Forward contracts are subject to the risks that the counterparty to such contract will default on its obligations. Since a forward foreign currency exchange contract is not guaranteed by an exchange or clearing house, a default on the contract would deprive the Fund of unrealized profits, transaction costs or the benefits of a currency hedge or force the Fund to cover its purchase or sale commitments, if any, at the current market price.

 

5
 

The Fund’s foreign currency transactions (including related options, futures and forward contracts) may be limited by the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), for qualification as a regulated investment company.

 

Futures And Options On Futures. Futures contracts provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific security at a specified future time and at a specified price. An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in exchange for a premium, to assume a position in a futures contract at a specified exercise price during the term of the option. The Fund may use futures contracts and related options for: bona fide hedging; attempting to offset changes in the value of securities held or expected to be acquired or be disposed of; attempting to minimize fluctuations in foreign currencies; attempting to gain exposure to a particular market, index or instrument; or other risk management purposes.

 

The Fund and the Subsidiary, through which it invests, are subject to regulation by the CFTC as commodity pools and the Adviser is subject to regulation by the CFTC as a commodity pool operator (“CPO”) with respect to the Fund under the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”). The Adviser does not currently rely on an exclusion from the definition of CPO in CFTC Rule 4.5 with respect to the Fund.

 

Transactions in futures and options by the Fund are subject to limitations established by futures and option exchanges governing the maximum number of futures and options that may be written or held by a single investor or group of investors acting in concert, regardless of whether the futures or options were written or purchased on the same or different exchanges or are held in one or more accounts or through one or more different exchanges or through one or more brokers. Thus the number of futures or options which the Fund may write or hold may be affected by futures or options written or held by other entities, including other investment companies advised by the Adviser or a Trading Adviser. An exchange may order the liquidation of positions found to be in violation of those limits and may impose certain other sanctions.

 

An index futures contract is a bilateral agreement pursuant to which two parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to a specified currency amount times the difference between the index value at the close of trading of the contract and the price at which the futures contract is originally struck. No physical delivery of the securities comprising the index is made; generally contracts are closed out prior to the expiration date of the contract.

 

When the Fund purchases or sells a futures contract, or sells an option thereon, the Fund is required to “cover” its position in order to limit leveraging and related risks. To cover its position, the Fund may segregate (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) cash or liquid securities that, when added to any amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the market value of the futures contract or otherwise “cover” its position in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations thereunder. The segregated account functions as a practical limit on the amount of leverage which the Fund may undertake and on the potential increase in the speculative character of the Fund’s outstanding portfolio securities. Additionally, such segregated accounts will generally assure the availability of adequate funds to meet the obligations of the Fund arising from such investment activities.

 

The Fund or the Subsidiary may enter into agreements with a futures commission merchant (“FCM”) which require the FCM to accept physical settlement for certain financial instruments. If this occurs, the Fund would treat the financial instrument as being cash-settled for purposes of determining the Fund’s coverage requirements.

 

The Fund may also cover its long position in a futures contract by purchasing a put option on the same futures contract with a strike price (i.e., an exercise price) as high or higher than the price of the futures contract. In the alternative, if the strike price of the put is less than the price of the futures contract, the Fund will segregate cash or liquid securities equal in value to the difference between the strike price of the put and the price of the futures contract. The Fund may also cover its long position in a futures contract by taking a short position in the instruments underlying the futures contract, or by taking positions in instruments with prices which are expected to move relatively consistently with the futures contract. The Fund may cover its short position in a futures contract by taking a long position in the instruments underlying the futures contracts, or by taking positions in instruments with prices which are expected to move relatively consistently with the futures contract.

 

The Fund may cover its sale of a call option on a futures contract by taking a long position in the underlying futures contract at a price less than or equal to the strike price of the call option. In the alternative, if the long position in the underlying futures contract is established at a price greater than the strike price of the written (sold) call, the Fund will maintain in a segregated account cash or liquid securities equal in value to the difference between the strike price of the call and the price of the futures contract. The Fund may also cover its sale of a call option by taking positions in instruments with prices which are expected to move relatively consistently with the call option. The Fund may cover its sale of a put option on a futures contract by taking a short position in the underlying futures contract at a price greater than or equal to the strike price of the put option, or, if the short position in the underlying futures contract is established at a price less than the strike price of the written put, the Fund will maintain in a segregated account cash or liquid securities equal in value to the difference between the strike price of the put and the price of the futures contract. The Fund may also cover its sale of a put option by taking positions in instruments with prices which are expected to move relatively consistently with the put option.

 

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There are significant risks associated with the Fund’s use of futures contracts and related options, including the following: (1) the success of a hedging strategy may depend on the Adviser’s or Trading Adviser’s ability to predict movements in the prices of individual securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) there may be an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the securities held by the Fund and the prices of futures and options on futures; (3) there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract or option; (4) trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange; and (5) government regulations may restrict trading in futures contracts and options on futures. In addition, some strategies reduce the Fund’s exposure to price fluctuations, while others tend to increase its market exposure.

 

Credit Default Swaps, Interest Rate Swaps, Mortgage Swaps, Currency Swaps, Total Return Swaps, Options on Swaps and Interest Rate Caps, Floors and Collars. The Fund may enter into credit default, interest rate and total return swaps. The Fund may also enter into interest rate caps, floors and collars. In addition, the Fund may enter into mortgage swaps and currency swaps.

 

The Fund may enter into swap transactions for hedging purposes or to seek to increase total return. As examples, the Fund may enter into swap transactions for the purpose of attempting to obtain or preserve a particular return or spread at a lower cost than obtaining a return or spread through purchases and/or sales of instruments in other markets, to protect against currency fluctuations, as a duration management technique, to protect against any increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later date, or to gain exposure to certain markets in an economical way.

 

Swap agreements are two party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors. In a standard “swap” transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments, which may be adjusted for an interest factor. The gross returns to be exchanged or “swapped” between the parties are generally calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” i.e., the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate, in a particular foreign currency or security, or in a “basket” of securities representing a particular index. As examples, credit default swaps involve the receipt of floating or fixed rate payments in exchange for assuming potential credit losses of an underlying security. Credit default swaps give one party to a transaction the right to dispose of or acquire an asset (or group of assets), or the right to receive from or make a payment to the other party, upon the occurrence of specified credit events. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, such as an exchange of fixed-rate payments for floating rate payments. Mortgage swaps are similar to interest rate swaps in that they represent commitments to pay and receive interest. The notional principal amount, however, is tied to a reference pool or pools of mortgages. Currency swaps involve the exchange of the parties’ respective rights to make or receive payments in specified currencies. Total return swaps are contracts that obligate a party to pay or receive interest in exchange for payment by the other party of the total return generated by a security, a basket of securities, an index, or an index component.

 

The purchase of an interest rate cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined interest rate, to receive payment of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling such interest rate cap. The purchase of an interest rate floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling the interest rate floor. An interest rate collar is the combination of a cap and a floor that preserves a certain return within a predetermined range of interest rates.

 

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A great deal of flexibility is possible in the way swap transactions are structured. However, generally the Fund will enter into credit default, interest rate, total return and mortgage swaps on a net basis, which means that the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. Credit default, interest rate, total return and mortgage swaps do not normally involve the delivery of securities, other underlying assets or principal. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to credit default, interest rate, total return and mortgage swaps is normally limited to the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the other party to a credit default, interest rate, total return or mortgage swap defaults, the Fund’s risk of loss consists of the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually entitled to receive, if any. In contrast, currency swaps may involve the delivery of the entire principal amount of one designated currency in exchange for the other designated currency. Therefore, the entire principal value of a currency swap is subject to the risk that the other party to the swap will default on its contractual delivery obligations.

 

A credit default swap may have as reference obligations one or more securities that may, or may not, be currently held by the Fund. The protection “buyer” in a credit default swap is generally obligated to pay the protection “seller” an upfront or a periodic stream of payments over the term of the swap provided that no credit event, such as a default, on a reference obligation has occurred. If a credit event occurs, the seller generally must pay the buyer the “par value” (full notional value) of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of deliverable obligations of the reference entity described in the swap, or the seller may be required to deliver the related net cash amount, if the swap is cash settled. The Fund may be either the buyer or seller in the transaction. If the Fund is a buyer and no credit event occurs, the Fund may recover nothing if the swap is held through its termination date. However, if a credit event occurs, the buyer generally may elect to receive the full notional value of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of deliverable obligations of the reference entity whose value may have significantly decreased. As a seller, the Fund generally receives an upfront payment or a rate of income throughout the term of the swap provided that there is no credit event. As the seller, the Fund would effectively add leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, the Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap. If a credit event occurs, the value of any deliverable obligation received by the Fund as seller, coupled with the upfront or periodic payments previously received, may be less than the full notional value it pays to the buyer, resulting in a loss of value to the Fund.

 

To the extent that the Fund’s exposure in a transaction involving a swap or an interest rate floor, cap or collar is covered by the segregation of cash or liquid assets, or is covered by other means in accordance with SEC guidance, the Fund and the Adviser believe that the transactions do not constitute senior securities under the Act and, accordingly, will not treat them as being subject to the Fund’s borrowing restrictions. The SEC has recently issued the concept release “Use of Derivatives by Investment Companies under the Investment Company Act of 1940,” which discusses, among other matters, whether current market practices involving derivatives are consistent with the leverage provisions of the Act. Accordingly, investors should be aware that the SEC may offer additional guidance in the future that may impact the manner in which the Fund operates.

 

The Fund will not enter into any credit default, interest rate, total return or mortgage swap transactions unless the unsecured commercial paper, senior debt or claims-paying ability of the other party thereto is rated investment grade by S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), or, if unrated by such rating organization, determined to be of comparable quality by the Adviser or applicable Trading Adviser. If there is a default by the other party to such a transaction, the Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction.

 

The use of credit default, interest rate, mortgage, total return and currency swaps, as well as interest rate caps, floors and collars, is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The use of a swap requires an understanding not only of the referenced asset, reference rate, or index but also of the swap itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the swap under all possible market conditions. If the Adviser or applicable Trading Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of market values, credit quality, interest rates and currency exchange rates, the investment performance of the Fund would be less favorable than it would have been if these investment instruments were not used.

 

Investing in Emerging Countries, including Asia and Eastern Europe. The Fund may invest in securities of issuers located in emerging countries. The securities markets of emerging countries are less liquid and subject to greater price volatility, and have a smaller market capitalization, than the U.S. securities markets. In certain countries, there may be fewer publicly traded securities and the market may be dominated by a few issues or sectors. Issuers and securities markets in such countries are not subject to as extensive and frequent accounting, financial and other reporting requirements or as comprehensive government regulations as are issuers and securities markets in the U.S. In particular, the assets and profits appearing on the financial statements of emerging country issuers may not reflect their financial position or results of operations in the same manner as financial statements for U.S. issuers. Substantially less information may be publicly available about emerging country issuers than is available about issuers in the United States.

 

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Emerging country securities markets are typically marked by a high concentration of market capitalization and trading volume in a small number of issuers representing a limited number of industries, as well as a high concentration of ownership of such securities by a limited number of investors. The markets for securities in certain emerging countries are in the earliest stages of their development. Even the markets for relatively widely traded securities in emerging countries may not be able to absorb, without price disruptions, a significant increase in trading volume or trades of a size customarily undertaken by institutional investors in the securities markets of developed countries. The limited size of many of these securities markets can cause prices to be erratic for reasons apart from factors that affect the soundness and competitiveness of the securities issuers. For example, prices may be unduly influenced by traders who control large positions in these markets. Additionally, market making and arbitrage activities are generally less extensive in such markets, which may contribute to increased volatility and reduced liquidity of such markets. The limited liquidity of emerging country securities may also affect the Fund’s ability to accurately value its portfolio securities or to acquire or dispose of securities at the price and time it wishes to do so or in order to meet redemption requests.

 

With respect to investments in certain emerging market countries, antiquated legal systems may have an adverse impact on the Fund. For example, while the potential liability of a shareholder in a U.S. corporation with respect to acts of the corporation is generally limited to the amount of the shareholder’s investment, the notion of limited liability is less clear in certain emerging market countries. Similarly, the rights of investors in emerging market companies may be more limited than those of shareholders in U.S. corporations.

 

Transaction costs, including brokerage commissions or dealer mark-ups, in emerging countries may be higher than in the United States and other developed securities markets. In addition, existing laws and regulations are often inconsistently applied. As legal systems in emerging countries develop, foreign investors may be adversely affected by new or amended laws and regulations. In circumstances where adequate laws exist, it may not be possible to obtain swift and equitable enforcement of the law.

 

Foreign investment in the securities markets of certain emerging countries is restricted or controlled to varying degrees. These restrictions may limit the Fund’s investment in certain emerging countries and may increase the expenses of the Fund. Certain emerging countries require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons or limit investment by foreign persons to only a specified percentage of an issuer’s outstanding securities or a specific class of securities which may have less advantageous terms (including price) than securities of the company available for purchase by nationals. In addition, the repatriation of both investment income and capital from emerging countries may be subject to restrictions which require governmental consents or prohibit repatriation entirely for a period of time. Even where there is no outright restriction on repatriation of capital, the mechanics of repatriation may affect certain aspects of the operation of the Fund. The Fund may be required to establish special custodial or other arrangements before investing in certain emerging countries.

 

Emerging countries may be subject to a substantially greater degree of economic, political and social instability and disruption than is the case in the United States, Japan and most Western European countries. This instability may result from, among other things, the following: (i) authoritarian governments or military involvement in political and economic decision making, including changes or attempted changes in governments through extra-constitutional means; (ii) popular unrest associated with demands for improved political, economic or social conditions; (iii) internal insurgencies; (iv) hostile relations with neighboring countries; (v) ethnic, religious and racial disaffection or conflict; and (vi) the absence of developed legal structures governing foreign private investments and private property. Such economic, political and social instability could disrupt the principal financial markets in which the Fund may invest and adversely affect the value of the Fund’s assets. The Fund’s investments can also be adversely affected by any increase in taxes or by political, economic or diplomatic developments.

 

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The Fund may seek investment opportunities within former “east bloc” countries in Eastern Europe. Most Eastern European countries had a centrally planned, socialist economy for a substantial period of time. The governments of many Eastern European countries have more recently been implementing reforms directed at political and economic liberalization, including efforts to decentralize the economic decision-making process and move towards a market economy. However, business entities in many Eastern European countries do not have an extended history of operating in a market-oriented economy, and the ultimate impact of Eastern European countries’ attempts to move toward more market-oriented economies is currently unclear. In addition, any change in the leadership or policies of Eastern European countries may halt the expansion of or reverse the liberalization of foreign investment policies now occurring and adversely affect existing investment opportunities. As a result of recent events involving Ukraine and the Russian Federation, the United States and the European Union have imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and Russian corporations. Additional broader sanctions may be imposed in the future. These sanctions, or even the threat of further sanctions, may result in the decline of the value and liquidity of Russian securities, a weakening of the ruble or other adverse consequences to the Russian economy. These sanctions could also result in the immediate freeze of Russian securities, impairing the ability of a Fund to buy, sell, receive or deliver those securities. Sanctions could also result in Russia taking counter measures or retaliatory actions which may further impair the value and liquidity of Russian and/or Ukrainian securities.

 

The economies of emerging countries may differ unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resources, self-sufficiency and balance of payments. Many emerging countries have experienced in the past, and continue to experience, high rates of inflation. In certain countries inflation has at times accelerated rapidly to hyperinflationary levels, creating a negative interest rate environment and sharply eroding the value of outstanding financial assets in those countries. Other emerging countries, on the other hand, have recently experienced deflationary pressures and are in economic recessions. The economies of many emerging countries are heavily dependent upon international trade and are accordingly affected by protective trade barriers and the economic conditions of their trading partners. In addition, the economies of some emerging countries are vulnerable to weakness in world prices for their commodity exports. The Fund’s income and, in some cases, capital gains from foreign stocks and securities will be subject to applicable taxation in certain of the countries in which it invests, and treaties between the U.S. and such countries may not be available in some cases to reduce the otherwise applicable tax rates. Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Such delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of the Fund remain uninvested and no return is earned on such assets. The inability of the Fund to make intended security purchases or sales due to settlement problems could result either in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the portfolio securities or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the securities, could result in possible liability to the purchaser.

 

Margin Deposits and Cover Requirements. Unlike the purchase or sale of portfolio securities, no price is paid or received by the Fund upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract. Initially, the Subsidiary will be required to deposit with the broker an amount of cash or cash equivalents, known as initial margin, based on the value of the contract. The nature of initial margin in futures transactions is different from that of margin in securities transactions in that futures contract margin does not involve the borrowing of funds by the customer to finance the transactions. Rather, the initial margin is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the contract which is returned to the Fund upon termination of the futures contract, assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied. Subsequent payments, called variation margin, to and from the broker, will be made on a daily basis as the price of the underlying instruments fluctuates, making the long and short positions in the futures contract more or less valuable, a process known as “marking to the market.” For example, when the Fund has purchased a futures contract and the price of the contract has risen in response to a rise in the price of the underlying instruments, that position will have increased in value and the Fund will be entitled to receive from the broker a variation margin payment equal to that increase in value. Conversely, where the Fund has purchased a futures contract and the price of the futures contract has declined in response to a decrease in the underlying instruments, the position would be less valuable and the Fund would be required to make a variation margin payment to the broker. At any time prior to expiration of the futures contract, the Adviser or Trading Adviser may elect to close the position by taking an opposite position, subject to the availability of a secondary market, which will operate to terminate the Fund’s position in the futures contract. A final determination of variation margin is then made, additional cash is required to be paid by or released to the Fund, and the Fund realizes a loss or gain.

 

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The Fund will comply with guidelines established by the SEC with respect to coverage of forwards, futures, swaps and options. For example, when entering into a contract that must be cash settled, the Fund will cover (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) its position in an amount that, when added to the amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, is equal to the daily mark-to-market obligation, rather than the notional value of the contract.

 

When entering into a contract that does not need to be settled in cash, the Fund is also required to “cover” its position in order to limit leveraging and related risks. To cover its position, the Fund may segregate (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) cash or liquid securities that, when added to any amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the market value of the contract or otherwise “cover” its position in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations thereunder. The segregated account functions as a practical limit on the amount of leverage which the Fund may undertake and on the potential increase in the speculative character of the Fund’s outstanding portfolio securities. Additionally, such segregated accounts will generally assure the availability of adequate funds to meet the obligations of the Fund arising from such investment activities. Segregated assets cannot be sold or transferred unless equivalent assets are substituted in their place or it is no longer necessary to segregate them. As a result, there is a possibility that segregation of a large percentage of the Fund’s assets could impede portfolio management or the Fund’s ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations. Each Subsidiary (as defined below) will comply with these coverage requirements to the same extent as the Fund that holds the Subsidiary’s securities.

 

The Fund or the Subsidiary may enter into agreements with a futures commission merchant (“FCM”) which require the FCM to accept physical settlement for certain financial instruments. If this occurs, the Fund would treat the financial instrument as being cash-settled for purposes of determining the Fund’s coverage requirements.

 

The Fund may also cover its position in relation to forwards, futures, swaps and options through ownership of the underlying security, financial instrument or currency or by other portfolio positions or by other means consistent with applicable regulatory policies.

 

Options. The Fund may purchase and write put and call options on indices and enter into related closing transactions. A put option on a security gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell, and the writer of the option the obligation to buy, the underlying security at any time during the option period. A call option on a security gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the writer of the option the obligation to sell, the underlying security at any time during the option period. The premium paid to the writer is the consideration for undertaking the obligations under the option contract.

 

The Fund may purchase and write put and call options on foreign currencies (traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges or over-the-counter markets) to manage its exposure to exchange rates or to seek and increase in total return. Call options on foreign currency written by the Fund will be “covered” as set out below.

 

Put and call options on indices are similar to options on securities except that options on an index give the holder the right to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the underlying index is greater than (or less than, in the case of puts) the exercise price of the option. This amount of cash is equal to the difference between the closing price of the index and the exercise price of the option, expressed in dollars multiplied by a specified number. Thus, unlike options on individual securities, all settlements are in cash, and gain or loss depends on price movements in the particular market represented by the index generally, rather than the price movements in individual securities.

 

All options written on indices or securities must be covered. When the Fund writes an option on a security, an index or a foreign currency, the Fund is required to “cover” its position in order to limit leveraging and related risks. To cover its position, the Fund may segregate (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) cash or liquid securities that, when added to any amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the market value of the option or otherwise “cover” its position in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations thereunder. The segregated account functions as a practical limit on the amount of leverage which the Fund may undertake and on the potential increase in the speculative character of the Fund’s outstanding portfolio securities. Additionally, such segregated accounts will generally assure the availability of adequate funds to meet the obligations of the Fund arising from such investment activities.

 

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The Fund or the Subsidiary may enter into agreements with a futures commission merchant (“FCM”) which require the FCM to accept physical settlement for certain financial instruments. If this occurs, the Fund would treat the financial instrument as being cash-settled for purposes of determining the Fund’s coverage requirements.

 

The Fund may trade put and call options on securities, securities indices and currencies, as the Adviser or applicable Trading Adviser determines is appropriate in seeking the Fund’s investment objective, and except as restricted by the Fund’s investment limitations. See “Investment Limitations.”

 

The initial purchase (sale) of an option contract is an “opening transaction.” In order to close out an option position, the Fund may enter into a “closing transaction,” which is simply the sale (purchase) of an option contract on the same security with the same exercise price and expiration date as the option contract originally opened. If the Fund is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction with respect to an option it has written, it will not be able to sell the underlying security until the option expires or the Fund delivers the security upon exercise.

 

The Fund may purchase put and call options on securities to protect against a decline in the market value of the securities in its portfolio, to anticipate an increase in the market value of securities that the Fund may seek to purchase in the future or to seek to increase total return. The Fund purchasing put and call options pays a premium therefore. If price movements in the underlying securities are such that exercise of the options would not be profitable for the Fund, loss of the premium paid may be offset by an increase in the value of the Fund’s securities or by a decrease in the cost of acquisition of securities by the Fund.

 

The Fund may write covered call options on securities as a means of increasing the yield on its assets and as a means of providing limited protection against decreases in its market value. When the Fund writes an option, if the underlying securities do not increase or decrease to a price level that would make the exercise of the option profitable to the holder thereof, the option generally will expire without being exercised and the Fund will realize as profit the premium received for such option. When a call option of which the Fund is the writer is exercised, the Fund will be required to sell the underlying securities to the option holder at the strike price, and will not participate in any increase in the price of such securities above the strike price. When a put option of which the Fund is the writer is exercised, the Fund will be required to purchase the underlying securities at a price in excess of the market value of such securities.

 

The Fund may purchase and write options on an exchange or over-the-counter. Over-the-counter options (“OTC options”) differ from exchange-traded options in several respects. They are transacted directly with dealers and not with a clearing corporation, and therefore entail the risk of non-performance by the dealer. OTC options are available for a greater variety of securities and for a wider range of expiration dates and exercise prices than are available for exchange-traded options. Because OTC options are not traded on an exchange, pricing is done normally by reference to information from a market maker. It is the SEC’s position that OTC options are generally illiquid.

 

The market value of an option generally reflects the market price of an underlying security. Other principal factors affecting market value include supply and demand, interest rates, the pricing volatility of the underlying security and the time remaining until the expiration date.

 

Risks associated with options transactions include: (1) the success of a hedging strategy may depend on an ability to predict movements in the prices of individual securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) there may be an imperfect correlation between the movement in prices of options and the securities underlying them; (3) there may not be a liquid secondary market for options; and (4) while the Fund will receive a premium when it writes covered call options, it may not participate fully in a rise in the market value of the underlying security.

 

Restricted and Illiquid Securities. The Fund may not invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, including securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily available market or legal or contractual restrictions on resale. Illiquid securities include: repurchase agreements and time deposits with a notice or demand period of more than seven days; interest rate; currency and mortgage swaps; interest rate caps; floors and collars; municipal leases; certain restricted securities, such as those purchased in a private placement of securities, unless it is determined, based upon a review of the trading markets for a specific restricted security, that such restricted security is liquid; and certain over-the-counter options. Securities that have legal or contractual restrictions on resale but have a readily available market are not considered illiquid for purposes of this limitation.

 

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Mutual funds do not typically hold a significant amount of restricted or other illiquid securities because of the potential for delays on resale and uncertainty in valuation. Limitations on resale may have an adverse effect on the marketability of portfolio securities and a mutual fund might be unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty in satisfying redemptions within seven days. A mutual fund might also have to register such restricted securities in order to dispose of them resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of securities.

 

The Fund may purchase securities which are not registered under the Securities Act but which may be sold to “qualified institutional buyers” in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act (“Restricted Securities”). These securities will not be considered illiquid so long as it is determined by the Adviser or applicable Trading Adviser that an adequate trading market exists for the securities. This investment practice could have the effect of increasing the level of illiquidity in an underlying investment company during any period that qualified institutional buyers become uninterested in purchasing restricted securities.

 

The Adviser or applicable Trading Adviser will monitor the liquidity of Restricted Securities held by the portion of the assets of the Fund it manages. In reaching liquidity decisions, the Adviser or Trading Adviser may consider, among others, the following factors: (1) the unregistered nature of the security; (2) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (3) the number of dealers wishing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential purchasers; (4) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; and (5) the nature of the security and the nature of the marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of the transfer).

 

The purchase price and subsequent valuation of Restricted Securities normally reflect a discount from the price at which such securities trade when they are not restricted, since the restriction makes them less liquid. The amount of the discount from the prevailing market price is expected to vary depending upon the type of security, the character of the issuer, the party who will bear the expenses of registering the Restricted Securities and prevailing supply and demand conditions.

 

As consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives, the Fund may also invest in Section 4(2) commercial paper. Section 4(2) commercial paper is issued in reliance on an exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the Act and is generally sold to institutional investors who purchase for investment. Any resale of such commercial paper must be in an exempt transaction, usually to an institutional investor through the issuer or investment dealers who make a market in such commercial paper. The Company believes that Section 4(2) commercial paper is liquid to the extent it meets the criteria established by the Board. The Company intends to treat such commercial paper as liquid and not subject to the investment limitations applicable to illiquid securities or restricted securities.

 

Rights Offerings and Purchase Warrants. Rights offerings and purchase warrants are privileges issued by a corporation which enable the owner to subscribe to and purchase a specified number of shares of the corporation at a specified price during a specified period of time. Subscription rights normally have a short lifespan to expiration. The purchase of rights or warrants involves the risk that the Fund could lose the purchase value of a right or warrant if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not executed prior to the right’s or warrant’s expiration. Also, the purchase of rights and/or warrants involves the risk that the effective price paid for the right and/or warrant added to the subscription price of the related security may exceed the value of the subscribed security’s market price such as when there is no movement in the level of the underlying security.

 

Risk Considerations of Medium Grade Securities. Obligations in the lowest investment grade ( i.e. , BBB or Baa), referred to as “medium grade” obligations, have speculative characteristics, and changes in economic conditions and other factors are more likely to lead to weakened capacity to make interest payments and repay principal on these obligations than is the case for higher rated securities. In the event that a security purchased by the Fund is subsequently downgraded below investment grade, the Adviser and Trading Advisers will consider such event in its determination of whether the Fund should continue to hold the security.

 

Short Sales. As consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives, the Fund may engage in short sales that are either “uncovered” or “against the box.” A short sale is “against the box” if at all times during which the short position is open, the Fund owns at least an equal amount of the securities or securities convertible into, or exchangeable without further consideration for, securities of the same issue as the securities that are sold short. A short sale against the box is generally a taxable transaction to the Fund with respect to the securities that are sold short.

 

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Uncovered short sales are transactions under which the Fund sells a security it does not own. To complete such a transaction, the Fund must borrow the security to make delivery to the buyer. The Fund then is obligated to replace the security borrowed by purchasing the security at the market price at the time of the replacement. The price at such time may be more or less than the price at which the security was sold by the Fund. Until the security is replaced, the Fund is required to pay the lender amounts equal to any dividends or interest that accrue during the period of the loan. To borrow the security, the Fund also may be required to pay a premium, which would increase the cost of the security sold. The proceeds of the short sale will be retained by the broker, to the extent necessary to meet margin requirements, until the short position is closed out.

 

Until the Fund closes its short position or replaces the borrowed security, the Fund will: (a) maintain a segregated account containing cash or liquid securities at such a level that (i) the amount deposited in the account plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will equal the current value of the security sold short; and (ii) the amount deposited in the segregated account plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will not be less than the market value of the security at the time the security was sold short; or (b) otherwise cover the Fund’s short position.

 

Special Note Regarding Market Events. Events in the financial sector over the past several years have resulted in reduced liquidity in credit and fixed income markets and in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestically and internationally. While entire markets have been impacted, issuers that have exposure to the real estate, mortgage and credit markets have been particularly affected. These events and the potential for continuing market turbulence may have an adverse effect on the underlying investment companies’ investments. It is uncertain how long these conditions will continue.

 

The instability in the financial markets has led the U.S. government to take a number of unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions and certain segments of the financial markets. Federal, state and foreign governments, regulatory agencies, and self-regulatory organizations may take actions that affect the regulation of the instruments in which the Fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that are unforeseeable. Such legislation or regulation could limit or preclude an underlying investment company’s, and thus the Fund’s, ability to achieve its investment objective.

 

Governments or their agencies may also acquire distressed assets from financial institutions and acquire ownership interests in those institutions. The implications of government ownership and disposition of these assets are unclear, and such ownership or disposition may have positive or negative effects on the liquidity, valuation and performance of the underlying investment companies’ holdings.

 

Structured Securities. The Fund may invest in structured securities to the extent consistent with its investment objective. The value of the principal of and/or interest on structured securities is determined by reference to changes in the value of specific currencies, commodities, securities, indices or other financial indicators (the “Reference”) or the relative change in two or more References. The interest rate or the principal amount payable upon maturity or redemption may be increased or decreased depending upon changes in the applicable Reference. Examples of structured securities include, but are not limited to, notes where the principal repayment at maturity is determined by the value of the relative change in two or more specified securities or securities indices.

 

The terms of some structured securities may provide that in certain circumstances no principal is due at maturity and, therefore, the Fund could suffer a total loss of its investment. Structured securities may be positively or negatively indexed, so that appreciation of the Reference may produce an increase or decrease in the interest rate or value of the security at maturity. In addition, changes in the interest rate or the value of the security at maturity may be a multiple of the changes in the value of the Reference. Consequently, structured securities may entail a greater degree of market risk than other types of securities. Structured securities may also be more volatile, less liquid and more difficult to accurately price than less complex securities due to their derivative nature.

 

Subsidiary Risk. The Fund makes investments through a wholly-owned and controlled Subsidiary of the Fund (Abbey Capital Offshore Fund Limited). Investment in the Subsidiary provides the Fund with exposure to the commodity markets within the limitations of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code and recent Internal Revenue Service revenue rulings. The Subsidiary is organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands. The Fund is the sole shareholder of the Subsidiary, and it is not currently expected that shares of the Subsidiary will be sold or offered to other investors.

 

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The Subsidiary will invest primarily in derivative instruments, such as, commodity futures contracts, non-commodity futures contracts, such as equity index, government bond, fixed income and foreign exchange futures contracts, commodity and non-commodity swap agreements. The Subsidiary may also invest in fixed income securities and money market instruments, cash and cash equivalents with two years or less term to maturity, and other investments intended to serve as margin or collateral for the Subsidiary’s derivative positions. Although the Fund may enter into these commodity-linked derivative instruments directly, the Fund will likely gain exposure to these derivative instruments indirectly by investing in the Subsidiary. The Fund’s investment in the Subsidiary may vary depending on the types of instruments selected by the Adviser or Trading Advisers to gain exposure to the commodities markets. To the extent that the Fund invests in the Subsidiary, the Fund may be subject to the risks associated with the abovementioned derivative instruments and other securities, which are discussed elsewhere in the Prospectus and this SAI.

 

The Fund intends to treat physically settled futures contracts in the same manner as cash settled futures contracts through the use of a swap and/or letter agreement with the Subsidiary’s futures commission merchant for the purposes of complying with Section 18 of 1940 Act. The SEC has not declared whether or not the use of such a letter agreement is sufficient for the purpose of compliance with Section 18 of the 1940 Act. There is a risk, therefore, that the SEC may deem the use of the letter agreement as insufficient and that the Fund may not be permitted to continue to gain exposure to these contracts through the use of the letter agreement.

 

The Fund intends to treat physically settled fx forward transactions in the same manner as cash settled fx forward transactions through the use of a letter agreement (the “Letter”) with the Subsidiary’s FX Prime Broker (“FXPB”) for the purposes of complying with Section 18 of 1940 Act. The Letter provides that the Subsidiary will ensure the liquidation of any deliverable transactions by entering into offsetting FX spot, forward or swap transactions or by rolling forward the net currency positions under such transactions. Failing that, where the transaction is not liquidated prior to the settlement date of such transaction, the FXPB will liquidate the position prior to the settlement date at the applicable prevailing market rate. Therefore, the Letter provides that the Fund and/or the Subsidiary will never be left with an obligation to purchase or deliver the currency underlying the forward transaction.

 

While the Subsidiary may be considered similar to an investment company, it is not registered under the 1940 Act and, unless otherwise noted in the Prospectus and this SAI, is not subject to all of the investor protections of the 1940 Act and other U.S. regulations. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Fund and/or the Subsidiary to operate as described in the Prospectuses and this SAI and could negatively affect the Fund and its shareholders.

 

Swap Agreements. The Fund may enter into equity index or interest rate swap agreements for purposes of attempting to gain exposure to the stocks making up an index of securities in a market without actually purchasing those stocks, or to hedge a position. Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a day to more than one-year. In a standard “swap” transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments. The gross returns to be exchanged or “swapped” between the parties are calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” i.e. , the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested in a “basket” of securities representing a particular index. Forms of swap agreements include interest rate caps, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates exceed a specified rate, or “cap,” interest rate floors, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates fall below a specified level, or “floor,” and interest rate dollars, under which a party sells a cap and purchases a floor or vice versa in an attempt to protect itself against interest rate movements exceeding given minimum or maximum levels.

 

Most swap agreements entered into by the Fund calculate the obligations of the parties to the agreement on a “net basis.” Consequently, the Fund’s current obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the “net amount”). The Fund’s current obligations under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owing to the Fund) and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed to a swap counterparty will be covered by segregating assets determined to be liquid.

 

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Obligations under swap agreements so covered will not be construed to be “senior securities” for purposes of the Fund’s investment restriction concerning senior securities. Because they are two party contracts and because they may have terms of greater than seven days, swap agreements may be considered to be illiquid for the Fund’s illiquid investment limitation. The Fund will not enter into any swap agreement unless the Adviser or applicable Trading Adviser believes that the other party to the transaction is creditworthy. The Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty.

 

The Fund may enter into swap agreements to invest in a market without owning or taking physical custody of securities in circumstances in which direct investment is restricted for legal reasons or is otherwise impracticable. The counterparty to any swap agreement will typically be a bank, investment banking firm or broker/dealer. The counter-party will generally agree to pay the Fund the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the swap agreement would have increased in value had it been invested in the particular stocks, plus the dividends that would have been received on those stocks. The Fund will agree to pay to the counter-party a floating rate of interest on the notional amount of the swap agreement plus the amount, if any, by which the notional amount would have decreased in value had it been invested in such stocks. Therefore, the return to the Fund on any swap agreement should be the gain or loss on the notional amount plus dividends on the stocks less the interest paid by the Fund on the notional amount.

 

Swap agreements typically are settled on a net basis, which means that the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. Payments may be made at the conclusion of a swap agreement or periodically during its term. Swap agreements do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to swap agreements is limited to the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the other party to a swap agreement defaults, the Fund’s risk of loss consists of the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually entitled to receive, if any. The net amount of the excess, if any, of the Fund’s obligations over its entitlements with respect to each equity swap will be accrued on a daily basis and an amount of cash or liquid assets, having an aggregate net asset value at least equal to such accrued excess will be maintained in a segregated account by the Fund’s custodian. Inasmuch as these transactions are entered into for hedging purposes or are offset by segregated cash of liquid assets, as permitted by applicable law, the Fund and the Adviser believe that these transactions do not constitute senior securities under the 1940 Act and, accordingly, will not treat them as being subject to the Fund’s borrowing restrictions.

 

The Adviser and Trading Advisers, under the supervision of the Board, are responsible for determining and monitoring the liquidity of Fund transactions in swap agreements. The use of equity swaps is a highly specialized activity, which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions.

 

U.S. Government Securities. The Fund may invest in U.S. government securities. Securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities include U.S. Treasury securities, which are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury and which differ only in their interest rates, maturities, and times of issuance. U.S. Treasury bills have initial maturities of one-year or less; U.S. Treasury notes have initial maturities of one to ten years; and U.S. Treasury bonds generally have initial maturities of greater than ten years. Certain U.S. government securities are issued or guaranteed by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government including, but not limited to, obligations of U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae, the Small Business Administration, the Federal Farm Credit Administration, the Federal Home Loan Banks, Banks for Cooperatives (including the Central Bank for Cooperatives), the Federal Land Banks, the Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Federal Financing Bank, the Student Loan Marketing Association, the National Credit Union Administration and the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac).

 

Some obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities, including, for example, Ginnie Mae pass-through certificates, are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Other obligations issued by or guaranteed by federal agencies, such as those securities issued by Fannie Mae, are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the federal agency, while other obligations issued by or guaranteed by federal agencies, such as those of the Federal Home Loan Banks, are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, while the U.S. government provides financial support to such U.S. government-sponsored federal agencies, no assurance can be given that the U.S. government will always do so, since the U.S. government is not so obligated by law. U.S. Treasury notes and bonds typically pay coupon interest semi-annually and repay the principal at maturity.

 

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See “Mortgage-Backed Securities” above for additional information about the September 7, 2008 federal takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

 

U.S. Treasury Obligations. U.S. Treasury obligations consist of bills, notes and bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury and separately traded interest and principal component parts of such obligations that are transferable through the federal book-entry system known as Separately Traded Registered Interest and Principal Securities (“STRIPS”) and Treasury Receipts (“TRs”).

 

Receipts. Interests in separately traded interest and principal component parts of U.S. government obligations that are issued by banks or brokerage firms and are created by depositing U.S. government obligations into a special account at a custodian bank. The custodian holds the interest and principal payments for the benefit of the registered owners of the certificates or receipts. The custodian arranges for the issuance of the certificates or receipts evidencing ownership and maintains the register. TRs and STRIPS are interests in accounts sponsored by the U.S. Treasury. Receipts are sold as zero coupon securities.

 

U.S. Government Zero Coupon Securities. STRIPS and receipts are sold as zero coupon securities, that is, fixed income securities that have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons. Zero coupon securities are sold at a (usually substantial) discount and redeemed at face value at their maturity date without interim cash payments of interest or principal. The amount of this discount is accreted over the life of the security, and the accretion constitutes the income earned on the security for both accounting and tax purposes. Because of these features, the market prices of zero coupon securities are generally more volatile than the market prices of securities that have similar maturity but that pay interest periodically. Zero coupon securities are likely to respond to a greater degree to interest rate changes than are non-zero coupon securities with similar maturity and credit qualities.

 

U.S. Government Agencies. Some obligations issued or guaranteed by agencies of the U.S. government are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury, others are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury, while still others are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality. Guarantees of principal by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government may be a guarantee of payment at the maturity of the obligation so that in the event of a default prior to maturity there might not be a market and thus no means of realizing on the obligation prior to maturity. Guarantees as to the timely payment of principal and interest do not extend to the value or yield of these securities nor to the value of the Fund’s shares.

 

NON-PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS

 

Equity Securities. Equity securities represent ownership interests in a company and consist of common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stock, and securities convertible into common stock. Investments in equity securities in general are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. Fluctuations in the value of equity securities in which the Fund invests will cause the net asset value of the Fund to fluctuate. The Fund purchases equity securities traded in the U.S. on registered exchanges or the over-the-counter market. Equity securities are described in more detail below:

 

Common Stock. Common stock represents an equity or ownership interest in an issuer. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds and preferred stock take precedence over the claims of those who own common stock.

 

Preferred Stock. Preferred stock represents an equity or ownership interest in an issuer that pays dividends at a specified rate and that has precedence over common stock in the payment of dividends. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds take precedence over the claims of those who own preferred and common stock.

 

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Warrants. Warrants are instruments that entitle the holder to buy an equity security at a specific price for a specific period of time. Changes in the value of a warrant do not necessarily correspond to changes in the value of its underlying security. The price of a warrant may be more volatile than the price of its underlying security, and a warrant may offer greater potential for capital appreciation as well as capital loss. Warrants do not entitle a holder to dividends or voting rights with respect to the underlying security and do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuing company. A warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. These factors can make warrants more speculative than other types of investments.

 

Convertible Securities. Convertible securities are bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stocks or other securities that may be converted or exchanged (by the holder or by the issuer) into shares of the underlying common stock (or cash or securities of equivalent value) at a stated exchange ratio. A convertible security may also be called for redemption or conversion by the issuer after a particular date and under certain circumstances (including a specified price) established upon issue. If a convertible security held by the Fund is called for redemption or conversion, the Fund could be required to tender it for redemption, convert it into the underlying common stock, or sell it to a third party.

 

Convertible securities generally have less potential for gain or loss than common stocks. Convertible securities generally provide yields higher than the underlying common stocks, but generally lower than comparable non-convertible securities. Because of this higher yield, convertible securities generally sell at a price above their “conversion value,” which is the current market value of the stock to be received upon conversion. The difference between this conversion value and the price of convertible securities will vary over time depending on changes in the value of the underlying common stocks and interest rates. When the underlying common stocks decline in value, convertible securities will tend not to decline to the same extent because of the interest or dividend payments and the repayment of principal at maturity for certain types of convertible securities. However, securities that are convertible other than at the option of the holder generally do not limit the potential for loss to the same extent as securities convertible at the option of the holder. When the underlying common stocks rise in value, the value of convertible securities may also be expected to increase. At the same time, however, the difference between the market value of convertible securities and their conversion value will narrow, which means that the value of convertible securities will generally not increase to the same extent as the value of the underlying common stocks. Because convertible securities may also be interest-rate sensitive, their value may increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. Convertible securities are also subject to credit risk, and are often lower-quality securities.

 

Small and Medium Capitalization Issuers. Investing in equity securities of small and medium capitalization companies often involves greater risk than is customarily associated with investments in larger capitalization companies. This increased risk may be due to the greater business risks of smaller size, limited markets and financial resources, narrow product lines and frequent lack of depth of management. The securities of smaller companies are often traded in the over-the-counter market and even if listed on a national securities exchange may not be traded in volumes typical for that exchange. Consequently, the securities of smaller companies are less likely to be liquid, may have limited market stability, and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than securities of larger, more established growth companies or the market averages in general.

 

Investment Company Shares. The Fund may invest in shares of other investment companies to the extent permitted by applicable law and subject to certain restrictions. These investment companies typically incur fees that are separate from those fees incurred directly by the Fund. The Fund’s purchase of such investment company securities results in the layering of expenses, such that shareholders would indirectly bear a proportionate share of the operating expenses of such investment companies, including advisory fees, in addition to paying the Fund’s expenses. Unless an exception is available, Section 12(d)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act prohibits a fund from (i) acquiring more than 3% of the voting shares of any one investment company, (ii) investing more than 5% of its total assets in any one investment company, and (iii) investing more than 10% of its total assets in all investment companies combined, including its ETF investments.

 

For hedging or other purposes, the Fund may invest in investment companies that seek to track the composition and/or performance of specific indexes or portions of specific indexes. Certain of these investment companies, known as exchange-traded funds, are traded on a securities exchange. The market prices of index-based investments will fluctuate in accordance with changes in the underlying portfolio securities of the investment company and also due to supply and demand of the investment company’s shares on the exchange upon which the shares are traded. Index-based investments may not replicate or otherwise match the composition or performance of their specified index due to transaction costs, among other things.

 

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Pursuant to orders issued by the SEC to each of certain exchange-traded funds (collectively, the “ETFs”) and procedures approved by the Board, the Fund may invest in the ETFs in excess of the limits described above, provided that the Fund has described the ETF investments in its prospectus and otherwise complies with the conditions of the SEC, as it may be amended, and any other applicable investment limitations. Neither the ETFs nor their investment advisers make any representations regarding the advisability of investing in the ETFs.

 

Large Shareholder Purchase and Redemption Risk. The Fund may experience adverse effects when certain large shareholders purchase or redeem large amounts of shares of the Fund. Such large shareholder redemptions may cause the Fund to sell its securities at times when it would not otherwise do so, which may negatively impact the Fund’s NAV and liquidity. Similarly, large share purchases may adversely affect the Fund’s performance to the extent that the Fund is delayed in investing new cash and is required to maintain a larger cash position than it ordinarily would. In addition, a large redemption could result in the Fund’s current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the Fund’s expense ratio. However, this risk may be limited to the extent that the Adviser and the Fund have entered into a fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement arrangement.

 

Mortgage-Backed Securities. The Fund may invest in mortgage pass-through certificates and multiple-class pass-through securities, such as real estate mortgage investment conduits (“REMIC”), pass-through certificates and collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”).

 

Guaranteed mortgage pass-through securities represent participation interests in pools of residential mortgage loans and are issued by U.S. governmental or private lenders and guaranteed by the U.S. government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities, including but not limited to the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”), the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”). Ginnie Mae certificates are guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government for timely payment of principal and interest on the certificates. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac certificates are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. Fannie Mae certificates are guaranteed by Fannie Mae, a federally chartered and privately owned corporation, for full and timely payment of principal and interest on the certificates. Fannie Mae is authorized to borrow from the U.S. Treasury to meet its obligations. Freddie Mac certificates are guaranteed by Freddie Mac, a corporate instrumentality of the U.S. government, for timely payment of interest and the ultimate collection of all principal of the related mortgage loans.

 

In September 2008, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”) announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would be placed in conservatorship under the FHFA. On June 16, 2010, FHFA ordered Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s stock de-listed from the New York Stock Exchange after the price of common stock in Fannie Mae fell below the New York Stock Exchange’s minimum average closing price of $1 for more than 30 days. The future status and role of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could be impacted by (among other things) the actions taken and restrictions placed on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac by the FHFA in its role as conservator, the restrictions placed on Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s operations and activities as a result of the senior preferred stock investment made by the U.S. Treasury, market responses to developments at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and future legislative and regulatory action that alters the operations, ownership, structure and/or mission of these institutions, each of which may, in turn, impact the value of, and cash flows on, any Mortgage-Backed Securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, including any such Mortgage-Backed Securities held by the Fund.

 

There is risk that the U.S. government will not provide financial support to its agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. The Fund may purchase U.S. government securities that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, such as those issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. government securities held by the Fund may greatly exceed their current resources, including their legal right to support from the U.S. Treasury. It is possible that these issuers will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future.

 

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CMOs and REMIC pass-through or participation certificates may be issued by, among others, U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities as well as private lenders. CMOs and REMIC certificates are issued in multiple classes and the principal of and interest on the mortgage assets may be allocated among the several classes of CMOs or REMIC certificates in various ways. Each class of CMOs or REMIC certificates, often referred to as a “tranche,” is issued at a specific adjustable or fixed interest rate and must be fully retired no later than its final distribution date. Generally, interest is paid or accrues on all classes of CMOs or REMIC certificates on a monthly basis.

 

Typically, CMOs are collateralized by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac certificates but also may be collateralized by other mortgage assets such as whole loans or private mortgage pass-through securities. Debt service on CMOs is provided from payments of principal and interest on collateral of mortgaged assets and any reinvestment income thereon.

 

A REMIC is a CMO that qualifies for special tax treatment under the Code and invests in certain mortgages primarily secured by interests in real property and other permitted investments. Investors may purchase “regular” and “residual” interest shares of beneficial interest in REMIC trusts, although the Fund does not intend to invest in residual interests.

 

The Fund may invest in mortgage-backed securities issued by trusts or other entities formed or sponsored by private originators of and institutional investors in mortgage loans and other non-governmental entities (or representing custodial arrangements administered by such institutions). These private originators and institutions include savings and loan associations, mortgage bankers, commercial banks, insurance companies, investment banks and special purpose subsidiaries of the foregoing.

 

Privately issued mortgage-backed securities are generally backed by pools of conventional ( i.e. , non-government guaranteed or insured) mortgage loans. Since such mortgage-backed securities normally are not guaranteed by an entity having the credit standing of Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, in order to receive a high quality rating from the rating organizations ( e.g. , S&P’s or Moody’s), they often are structured with one or more types of “credit enhancement.” Such credit enhancement falls into two categories: (1) liquidity protection and (2) protection against losses resulting after default by a borrower and liquidation of the collateral ( e.g. , sale of a house after foreclosure). Liquidity protection refers to the payment of cash advances to holders of mortgage-backed securities when a borrower on an underlying mortgage fails to make its monthly payment on time. Protection against losses resulting after default and liquidation is designed to cover losses resulting when, for example, the proceeds of a foreclosure sale are insufficient to cover the outstanding amount on the mortgage. Such protection may be provided through guarantees, insurance policies or letters of credit, through various means of structuring the securities or through a combination of such approaches.

 

Examples of credit enhancement arising out of the structure of the transaction include “senior-subordinated securities” (multiple class securities with one or more classes entitled to receive payment before other classes, with the result that defaults on the underlying mortgages are borne first by the holders of the subordinated class), creation of “spread accounts” or “reserve funds” (where cash or investments are held in reserve against future losses) and “over-collateralization” (where the scheduled payments on the underlying mortgages in a pool exceed the amount required to be paid on the mortgage-backed securities). The degree of credit enhancement for a particular issue of mortgage-backed securities is based on the level of credit risk associated with the particular mortgages in the related pool. Losses on a pool in excess of anticipated levels could nevertheless result in losses to security holders since credit enhancement rarely covers every dollar owed on a pool.

 

Investing in mortgage-backed securities (such as those described above) involves certain risks, including the failure of a counter-party to meet its commitments, adverse interest rate changes and the effects of prepayments on mortgage cash flows. Further, the yield characteristics of mortgage-backed securities differ from those of traditional fixed income securities. The major differences typically include more frequent interest and principal payments (usually monthly), the adjustability of interest rates, and the possibility that prepayments of principal may be made substantially earlier than their final distribution dates.

 

Prepayment rates are influenced by changes in current interest rates and a variety of economic, geographic, social and other factors and cannot be predicted with certainty. Both adjustable rate mortgage loans and fixed rate mortgage loans may be subject to a greater rate of principal prepayments in a declining interest rate environment and to a lesser rate of principal prepayments in an increasing interest rate environment. Under certain interest rate and prepayment rate scenarios, the Fund may fail to recoup fully its investment in mortgage-backed securities notwithstanding any direct or indirect governmental or agency guarantee. When the Fund reinvests amounts representing payments and unscheduled prepayments of principal, it may receive a rate of interest that is lower than the rate on existing adjustable rate mortgage pass-through securities. Thus, mortgage-backed securities, and adjustable rate mortgage pass-through securities in particular, may be less effective than other types of U.S. government securities as a means of “locking in” interest rates.

 

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Conversely, in a rising interest rate environment, a declining prepayment rate will extend the average life of many mortgage-backed securities. This possibility is often referred to as extension risk. Extending the average life of a mortgage-backed security increases the risk of depreciation due to future increases in market interest rates. The market for certain types of mortgage-backed securities ( i.e. , certain CMOs) may not be liquid under all interest rate scenarios, which may prevent the Fund from selling such securities held in its portfolio at times or prices that it desires.

 

Different types of derivative debt securities are subject to different combinations of prepayment, extension and/or interest rate risk. Conventional mortgage pass-through securities and sequential pay CMOs are subject to all of these risks, but are typically not leveraged. Thus, the magnitude of exposure may be less than for more leveraged mortgage-backed securities.

 

Planned amortization class (“PAC”) and target amortization class (“TAC”) CMO bonds involve less exposure to prepayment, extension and interest rate risk than other mortgage-backed securities, provided that prepayment rates remain within expected prepayment ranges or “collars.” To the extent that prepayment rates remain within these prepayment ranges, the residual or support tranches of PAC and TAC CMOs assume the extra prepayment extension and interest rate risk associated with the underlying mortgage assets.

 

The Fund may invest in floating rate securities based on the Cost of Funds Index (“COFI floaters”), other “lagging rate” floating rate securities, floating rate securities that are subject to a maximum interest rate (“capped floaters”), and mortgage-backed securities purchased at a discount. The primary risks associated with these derivative debt securities are the potential extension of average life and/or depreciation due to rising interest rates.

 

Recently, rating agencies have placed on credit watch or downgraded the ratings previously assigned to a large number of mortgage-related securities (which may include certain of the mortgage-related securities in which the Fund may have invested or may in the future be invested), and may continue to do so in the future. In the event that any mortgage-related security held by the Fund is placed on credit watch or downgraded, the value of such mortgage-related security may decline and the Fund may consequently experience losses in respect of such mortgage-related security.

 

Risk Considerations of Lower Rated Securities. The Fund may invest in fixed income securities that are not investment grade but are rated as low as B by Moody’s or B by S&P ® (or their equivalents or, if unrated, determined by the Adviser or applicable Trading Adviser to be of comparable credit quality). In the case of a security that is rated differently by two or more rating services, the higher rating is used in connection with the foregoing limitation. In the event that the rating on a security held in the Fund’s portfolio is downgraded by a rating service, such action will be considered by the Adviser or applicable Trading Adviser in its evaluation of the overall investment merits of that security, but will not necessarily result in the sale of the security. The widespread expansion of government, consumer and corporate debt within the U.S. economy has made the corporate sector, especially cyclically sensitive industries, more vulnerable to economic downturns or increased interest rates. An economic downturn could severely disrupt the market for high yield fixed income securities and adversely affect the value of outstanding fixed income securities and the ability of the issuers to repay principal and interest.

 

The Fund may invest in high yield debt obligations, such as bonds and debentures, issued by corporations and other business organizations. The Fund may invest in high yield debt instruments when the Fund believes that such instruments offer a better risk/reward profile than comparable equity opportunities. High yield fixed income securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”) are considered speculative investments while generally providing greater income than investments in higher rated securities, involve greater risk of loss of principal and income (including the possibility of default or bankruptcy of the issuers of such securities) and may involve greater volatility of price (especially during periods of economic uncertainty or change) than securities in the higher rating categories. Since yields vary over time, no specific level of income can ever be assured.

 

21
 

The prices of high yield fixed income securities have been found to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than higher-rated investments but more sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual corporate developments. Also, during an economic downturn or substantial period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress, which would adversely affect their ability to service their principal and interest payment obligations, to meet projected business goals and to obtain additional financing. If the issuer of a fixed income security owned by the Fund defaulted, the Fund could incur additional expenses in attempting to obtain a recovery. In addition, periods of economic uncertainty and changes can be expected to result in increased volatility of market prices of high yield fixed income securities and the Fund’s NAV to the extent it holds such securities.

 

High yield fixed income securities also present risks based on payment expectations. For example, high yield fixed income securities may contain redemption or call provisions. If an issuer exercises these provisions in a declining interest rate market, the Fund may, to the extent it holds such fixed income securities, have to replace the securities with a lower yielding security, which may result in a decreased return for investors. Conversely, a high yield fixed income security’s value will decrease in a rising interest rate market, as will the value of the Fund’s assets, to the extent it holds such fixed income securities. In addition, to the extent that there is no established retail secondary market, there may be thin trading of high yield fixed income securities, and this may have an impact on the Adviser’s and Trading Advisers’ ability to accurately value such securities and the Fund’s assets and on the Fund’s ability to dispose of such securities. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of high yield fixed income securities, especially in a thinly traded market.

 

New laws proposed or adopted from time to time may have an impact on the market for high yield securities.

 

Finally, there are risks involved in applying credit or dividend ratings as a method for evaluating high yield securities. For example, ratings evaluate the safety of principal and interest or dividend payments, not market value risk of high yield securities. Also, since rating agencies may fail to timely change the credit ratings to reflect subsequent events, the Fund will continuously monitor the issuers of high yield securities in its portfolio, if any, to determine if the issuers will have sufficient cash flow and profits to meet required principal and interest payments, and to assure the security’s liquidity so the Fund can meet redemption requests.

 

Securities Lending. The Fund may lend portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial organizations that meet capital and other credit requirements or other criteria established by the Board. These loans, if and when made, may not exceed 33 1/3% of the total asset value of the Fund (including the loan collateral). The Fund will not lend portfolio securities to the Adviser or their affiliates unless permissible under the 1940 Act and the rules and promulgations thereunder. Loans of portfolio securities will be fully collateralized by cash, letters of credit or U.S. government securities, and the collateral will be maintained in an amount equal to at least 102% of the current market value of the loaned domestic securities (105% of loaned foreign securities) by marking to market daily. Any gain or loss in the market price of the securities loaned that might occur during the term of the loan would be for the account of the Fund.

 

The Fund may pay a part of the interest earned from the investment of collateral, or other fee, to an unaffiliated or, to the extent consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations thereunder, affiliated third party for acting as the Fund’s securities lending agent.

 

By lending its securities, the Fund may increase its income by receiving payments from the borrower that reflect the amount of any interest or any dividends payable on the loaned securities as well as by either investing cash collateral received from the borrower in short-term instruments or obtaining a fee from the borrower when U.S. government securities or letters of credit are used as collateral. The Fund does not have the right to vote loaned securities. The Fund will attempt to call all loaned securities back to permit the exercise of voting rights on material matters, if time and jurisdictional restrictions permit. There is no guarantee that all loans can be recalled.

 

Temporary Defensive Positions . In anticipation of or in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may take temporary defensive positions (up to 100% of its assets) in cash, cash equivalents and short-term U.S. government securities. If the Fund were to take a temporary defensive position, it may be unable for a time to achieve its investment objective.

 

22
 

INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

 

The Fund has adopted the following fundamental investment limitations which may not be changed with respect to the Fund without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding shares (as defined in Section 2(a) (42) of the 1940 Act). As used in this SAI and in the Prospectus, “shareholder approval” and a “majority of the outstanding shares” of the Fund means, with respect to the approval of an investment advisory agreement, a distribution plan or a change in a fundamental investment limitation, the lesser of (1) 67% of the shares of the Fund represented at a meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present in person or by proxy, or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. Unless otherwise noted, the Fund’s investment goals and strategies described in the Prospectus may be changed by the Board without the approval of the Fund’s shareholders.

 

The Fund may not:

 

1. Borrow money or issue senior securities, except that the Fund may borrow from banks and enter into reverse repurchase agreements provided that there is at least 300% asset coverage for the borrowings of the Fund. The Fund may not mortgage, pledge or hypothecate any assets, except in connection with any such borrowing and then in amounts not in excess of one-third of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the time of such borrowing. However, the amount shall not be in excess of lesser of the dollar amounts borrowed or 33 1/3% of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the time of such borrowing, provided that: (a) short sales and related borrowings of securities are not subject to this restriction; and (b) for the purposes of this restriction, collateral arrangements with respect to options, short sales, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, collateral arrangements with respect to initial and variation margin and collateral arrangements with respect to derivatives instruments are not deemed to be a pledge or other encumbrance of assets. Securities held in escrow or separate accounts in connection with the Fund’s investment practices are not considered to be borrowings or deemed to be pledged for purposes of this limitation;

 

2. Act as an underwriter of securities within the meaning of the 1933 Act, except insofar as it might be deemed to be an underwriter upon disposition of certain portfolio securities acquired within the limitation on purchases of restricted securities;

 

3. Purchase or sell real estate (including real estate limited partnership interests), provided that the Fund may invest: (a) in securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies that invest in real estate or interests therein; or (b) in real estate investment trusts;

 

4. Purchase or sell commodities, except as permitted by the 1940 Act, as amended, and as interpreted or modified by the regulatory authority having jurisdiction from time to time;

 

5. Make loans, except through loans of portfolio securities and repurchase agreements, provided that for purposes of this restriction the acquisition of bonds, debentures or other debt instruments or interests therein and investment in government obligations, loan participations and assignments, short-term commercial paper, certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances shall not be deemed to be the making of a loan; or

 

6. Invest 25% or more of its total assets, taken at market value at the time of each investment, in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry, provided that (a) there is no limitation with respect to (i) instruments issued or guaranteed by the United States, any state, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia or any of their authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions, and (ii) repurchase agreements secured by the instruments described in clause (i); (b) wholly-owned finance companies will be considered to be in the industries of their parents if their activities are primarily related to financing the activities of the parents; and (c) utilities will be divided according to their services, for example, gas, gas transmission, electric and gas, electric and telephone will each be considered a separate industry.

 

23
 

In addition to the fundamental investment limitations specified above, the Fund is subject to the following non-fundamental limitations, which may be changed without shareholder approval, in compliance with applicable law and regulatory policy. The Fund may not:

 

1. Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management, but investments by the Fund in wholly-owned investment entities created under the laws of certain countries will not be deemed the making of investments for the purpose of exercising control or management; or

 

2. Purchase securities on margin, except that the Fund may use margin to the extent necessary to engage in short sales and may obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of portfolio transactions; and provided that margin deposits in connection with options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts or other derivative instruments, including foreign exchange forward contracts, shall not constitute purchasing securities on margin.

 

The Fund may invest in securities issued by other investment companies within the limits prescribed by the 1940 Act. Pursuant to orders issued by the SEC to ETFs and procedures approved by the Board, the Fund may invest in ETFs in excess of the limits of the 1940 Act. As a shareholder of another investment company, the Fund would bear, along with other shareholders, its pro rata portion of the other investment company’s expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses would be in addition to the advisory and other expenses that the Fund bears directly in connection with its own operations.

 

Securities held by the Fund generally may not be purchased from, sold or loaned to the Adviser, any Trading Adviser or their affiliates or any of their directors, officers or employees, acting as principal, unless pursuant to a rule or exemptive order under the 1940 Act. None of the Fund, the Adviser, or any Trading Adviser has obtained such an exemptive order as of the date of this SAI.

 

Under the 1940 Act, the Fund will be required to maintain asset coverage of at least 300% for borrowings from a bank. In the event that such asset coverage is below 300%, the Fund will be required to reduce the amount of its borrowings to obtain 300% asset coverage within three business days (not including Sundays and holidays).

 

The 1940 Act does not directly restrict an investment company’s ability to invest in commodities, but does require that every investment company have a fundamental investment policy governing such investments. The Fund has adopted fundamental policies that would permit direct investment in commodities.

 

Any collateral arrangements with respect to, if applicable, the writing of options and futures contracts, options on futures contracts, short sales and other similar instruments, and collateral arrangements with respect to initial and variation margin are not deemed to be a pledge of assets. The Fund may pledge, mortgage or hypothecate assets to secure borrowings permitted by the Fund’s fundamental limitation on borrowing.

 

Senior securities may include any obligation or instrument issued by a fund evidencing indebtedness. The 1940 Act generally prohibits funds from issuing senior securities, although it does not treat certain transactions as senior securities, such as certain borrowings, short sales, reverse repurchase agreements, firm commitment agreements and standby commitments, with appropriate earmarking or segregation of assets to cover such obligation.

 

If a percentage restriction under one of the Fund’s investment policies or limitations or the use of assets is adhered to at the time a transaction is effected, later changes in percentages resulting from changing values will not be considered a violation (except with respect to any restrictions that may apply to borrowings or senior securities issued by the Fund).

 

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

The Company has adopted, on behalf of the Fund, a policy relating to the selective disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings by the Adviser, director, officer or third party service provider, in accordance with regulations that seek to ensure that disclosure of information about portfolio holdings is in the best interest of Fund shareholders and to address the conflicts of interests of the Fund shareholders and its service providers. The policies relating to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings are designed to allow disclosure of portfolio holdings information where necessary to the Fund’s operation without compromising the integrity or performance of the Fund. It is the policy of the Company that disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings to a select person or persons prior to the release of such holdings to the public (“selective disclosure”) is prohibited, unless there are legitimate business purposes for selective disclosure.

 

24
 

The Company discloses portfolio holdings information as required in regulatory filings and shareholder reports, discloses portfolio holdings information as required by federal and state securities laws and may disclose portfolio holdings information in response to requests by governmental authorities. As required by the federal securities laws, including the 1940 Act, the Company will disclose the Fund’s portfolio holdings in applicable regulatory filings, including shareholder reports, reports on Form N-CSR and Form N-Q or such other filings, reports or disclosure documents as the applicable regulatory authorities may require.

 

The Company may distribute or authorize the distribution of information about the Fund’s portfolio holdings that is not publicly available to third-party service providers of the Company, which include U.S. Bank, N.A., the custodian; U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, (“USBFS”) the administrator, accounting agent and transfer agent; Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm; Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, legal counsel; and FilePoint, the financial printer. These service providers are required to keep such information confidential, and are prohibited from trading based on the information or otherwise using the information except as necessary in providing services to the Fund. Such holdings are released on conditions of confidentiality, which include appropriate trading prohibitions. “Conditions of confidentiality” include confidentiality terms included in written agreements, implied by the nature of the relationship (e.g. attorney-client relationship), or required by fiduciary or regulatory principles (e.g., custody services provided by financial institutions). Portfolio holdings may also be provided earlier to shareholders and their agents who receive redemptions in kind that reflect a pro rata allocation of all securities held in the Fund’s portfolio.

 

Portfolio holdings may also be disclosed, upon authorization by a designated officer of the Adviser, to certain independent reporting agencies recognized by the SEC as acceptable agencies for the reporting of industry statistical information. Disclosures to financial consultants are also subject to a confidentiality agreement and/or trading restrictions as well as a 15 - day time lag. The foregoing disclosures are made pursuant to the Company’s policy on selective disclosure of portfolio holdings. The Board or a committee thereof may, in limited circumstances, permit other selective disclosure of portfolio holdings subject to a confidentiality agreement and/or trading restrictions. Portfolio holdings may also be provided earlier to shareholders and their agents who receive redemptions in kind that reflect a pro rata allocation of all securities held in the Fund’s portfolio.

 

The Adviser reserves the right to refuse to fulfill any request for portfolio holdings information from a shareholder or non-shareholder if it believes that providing such information will be contrary to the best interests of the Fund.

 

The Board provides ongoing oversight of the Company’s policies and procedures and compliance with such policies and procedures. As part of this oversight function, the Board receives from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) as necessary, reports on compliance with these policies and procedures. In addition, the Board receives an annual assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of the policies and procedures with respect to the Fund, and any changes thereto, and an annual review of the operation of the policies and procedures. Any violation of the policy set forth above as well as any corrective action undertaken to address such violation must be reported by the Adviser, director, officer or third party service provider to the Company’s CCO, who will determine whether the violation should be reported immediately to the Board or at its next quarterly Board meeting.

 

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

 

Portfolio turnover measures the percentage of the Fund’s total portfolio market value that was purchased or sold during the period. The Fund’s turnover rate provides an indication of how transaction costs (which are not included in the Fund’s expenses) may affect the Fund’s performance. Also, funds with a high turnover may be more likely to distribute capital gains that may be taxable to shareholders. The Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated by the value of the investment securities purchased or sold, excluding all instruments whose maturities at the time of acquisition were one year or less, divided by the average monthly value of such securities owned during the year. Based on this calculation, instruments, including options and futures contracts, with remaining maturities of less than one year are excluded from the portfolio turnover rate. If such instruments were included, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate would be higher.

The Fund’s portfolio turnover rates for the two most recent fiscal years are stated below. Portfolio turnover rates could change significantly in response to turbulent market conditions.

 

25
 

Portfolio Turnover

Fiscal Year Ended

August 31, 2017

Fiscal Year Ended

August 31, 2016

0% 0%

 

MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the oversight of the Board, subject to the laws of the State of Maryland and the Company’s Charter. The Directors are responsible for deciding matters of overall policy and overseeing the actions of the Company’s service providers. The officers of the Company conduct and supervise the Company’s daily business operations.

 

Directors who are not deemed to be “interested persons” of the Company (as defined in the 1940 Act) are referred to as “Independent Directors.” Directors who are deemed to be “interested persons” of the Company are referred to as “Interested Directors.” The Board is currently composed of seven Independent Directors and one Interested Director. The Board has selected Arnold M. Reichman, an Independent Director, to act as Chairman. Mr. Reichman’s duties include presiding at meetings of the Board and interfacing with management to address significant issues that may arise between regularly scheduled Board and Committee meetings. In the performance of his duties, Mr. Reichman will consult with the other Independent Directors and the Company’s officers and legal counsel, as appropriate. The Chairman may perform other functions as requested by the Board from time to time.

 

The Board meets as often as necessary to discharge its responsibilities. Currently, the Board conducts regular, in-person meetings at least four times a year, and holds special in-person or telephonic meetings as necessary to address specific issues that require attention prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting. The Board also relies on professionals, such as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firms and legal counsel, to assist the Directors in performing their oversight responsibilities.

 

The Board has established nine standing committees — Audit, Contract, Executive, Investment Risk, Nominating and Governance, Product Development, Regulatory Oversight, Strategic Oversight, and Valuation Committees. The Board may establish other committees, or nominate one or more Directors to examine particular issues related to the Board’s oversight responsibilities, from time to time. Each Committee meets periodically to perform its delegated oversight functions and reports its findings and recommendations to the Board. For more information on the Committees, see the section “Standing Board Committees,” below.

 

The Board has determined that the Company’s leadership structure is appropriate because it allows the Board to effectively perform its oversight responsibilities.

 

26
 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below.

 

Name, Address,

and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and
Length of Time
Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund

Complex Overseen by Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 84

Director 1988 to present From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications). 29 AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

J. Richard Carnall
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 79

Director 2002 to present

Since 1984, Director of Haydon Bolts, Inc. (bolt manufacturer) and Parkway Real Estate Company (subsidiary of Haydon Bolts, Inc.); since 2004, Director of Cornerstone Bank.

29 None

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 51

 

Director 2012 to present

Since 2009, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services); from 2003 to 2009, Managing Director, head of Business Services and IT Services Practice, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC (investment banking/brokerage).

29

Emtec, Inc.; FS Investment Corporation (business development company); FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company).

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 74

Director 2006 to present Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations. 29

Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company)(until September 2017); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios)(registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance).

 

27
 

Name, Address,

and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and
Length of Time
Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund

Complex Overseen by Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

Sam Lambroza

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI

53202

Age: 63

Director 2016 to present

Since 2010, Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer and Board Member, Tinsel Group of Companies (asset management).

29 None

Arnold M. Reichman
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 69

Chairman

 

Director

2005 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2006, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Lifebooker, LLC (online beauty and health appointment booking service).

29 Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 76

Director 2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

29

Reich and Tang Group (asset management).

INTERESTED DIRECTOR 2

Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 79

Vice Chairman

 

Director

2016 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director - Investments and prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

29 None

OFFICERS

Salvatore Faia, JD,
CPA, CFE
Vigilant Compliance, LLC
Gateway Corporate
Center Suite 216
223 Wilmington West
Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 55

President

 

Chief Compliance Officer

2009 to present

 

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

 

N/A N/A

 

28
 

Name, Address,

and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and
Length of Time
Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund

Complex Overseen by Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 57

 

Treasurer

and

Secretary

 2016 to present

Since 2016, Treasurer and Secretary of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A N/A

Robert Amweg
Vigilant Compliance, LLC

Gateway Corporate Center Suite 216
223 Wilmington West Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 64

Assistant

Treasurer

2016 to present

Since 2013, Compliance Director, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2012, Consultant to the financial services industry; from 2007 to 2012, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, Turner Investments, LP (registered investment company).

N/A N/A

Jesse Schmitting

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 35

Assistant Treasurer 2016 to present Since 2008, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm). N/A N/A

Edward Paz

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 46

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A N/A

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square
Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 58

Assistant
Secretary
1999 to present Since 1993, Partner, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm). N/A N/A

 

29
 

Name, Address,

and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and
Length of Time
Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund

Complex Overseen by Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

Jillian L. Bosmann

One Logan Square
Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 38

Assistant
Secretary

2017

to present

Since 2017, Partner, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm); Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (2006 to present). N/A N/A

 

* Each Director oversees twenty-nine portfolios of the Company.
1. Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his successor is elected and qualified or his death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.
2. Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Carnall has decades of senior executive-level management experience in the banking and financial services industry and also serves on the boards of various corporations and a bank. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Mr. Lambroza has decades of experience and executive level leadership in the energy trading industry in addition to his experience in academia.

 

Standing Committees

 

The responsibilities of each Committee of the Board and its members are described below.

 

Audit Committee. The Board has an Audit Committee comprised of three Independent Directors. The current members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Brodsky, Chandler and Giordano. The Audit Committee, among other things, reviews results of the annual audit and approves the firm(s) to serve as independent auditors. The Audit Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Contract Committee. The Board has a Contract Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Contract Committee are Messrs. Brodsky, Chandler, Sablowsky and Straniere. The Contract Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the approval and continuation of agreements and plans of the Company. The Contract Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

30
 

Executive Committee. The Board has an Executive Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Executive Committee are Messrs. Chandler, Giordano, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Executive Committee may generally carry on and manage the business of the Company when the Board is not in session. The Executive Committee did not meet during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Investment Risk Committee. The Board has an Investment Risk Committee comprised of the Interested Director and two Independent Directors. The current members of the Investment Risk Committee are Messrs. Lambroza, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Investment Risk Committee ensures that the Company’s investment advisers have adopted investment risk management policies and procedures. The Investment Risk Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Nominating and Governance Committee. The Board has a Nominating and Governance Committee comprised of three Independent Directors. The current members of the Nominating and Governance Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Giordano and Reichman. The Nominating and Governance Committee recommends to the Board all persons to be nominated as Directors of the Company. The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders. Recommendations should be submitted to the Committee care of the Company’s Secretary. The Nominating and Governance Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Product Development Committee. The Board has a Product Development Committee comprised of the Interested Director and one Independent Director. The current members of the Product Development Committee are Messrs. Reichman and Sablowsky. The Product Development Committee oversees the process regarding the addition of new investment advisers and investment products to the Company. The Product Development Committee convened six times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Regulatory Oversight Committee. The Board has a Regulatory Oversight Committee comprised of the Interested Director and four Independent Directors. The current members of the Regulatory Oversight Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Lambroza, Reichman, Sablowsky and Straniere. The Regulatory Oversight Committee monitors regulatory developments in the mutual fund industry and focuses on various regulatory aspects of the operation of the Company. The Regulatory Oversight Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Strategic Oversight Committee. The Board has a Strategic Oversight Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Strategic Oversight Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Chandler, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Strategic Oversight Committee assists the Board in its oversight and review of the Company’s strategic plan and operations. The Strategic Oversight Committee convened one time during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Valuation Committee. The Board has a Valuation Committee comprised of the Interested Director, one Independent Director and three officers of the Company. The members of the Valuation Committee are Messrs. Amweg, Faia, Lambroza, Sablowsky and Shaw. The Valuation Committee is responsible for reviewing fair value determinations. The Valuation Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Risk Oversight

 

The Board performs its risk oversight function for the Company through a combination of (1) direct oversight by the Board as a whole and Board committees and (2) indirect oversight through the Company’s investment advisers and other service providers, Company officers and the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer. The Company is subject to a number of risks, including but not limited to investment risk, compliance risk, operational risk, reputational risk, credit risk and counterparty risk. Day-to-day risk management with respect to the Company is the responsibility of the Company’s investment advisers or other service providers (depending on the nature of the risk) that carry out the Company’s investment management and business affairs. Each of the investment advisers and the other service providers have their own independent interest in risk management and their policies and methods of risk management will depend on their functions and business models and may differ from the Company’s and each other’s in the setting of priorities, the resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls.

 

31
 

The Board provides risk oversight by receiving and reviewing on a regular basis reports from the Company’s investment advisers or other service providers, receiving and approving compliance policies and procedures, periodic meetings with the Company’s portfolio managers to review investment policies, strategies and risks, and meeting regularly with the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer to discuss compliance reports, findings and issues. The Board also relies on the Company’s investment advisers and other service providers, with respect to the day-to-day activities of the Company, to create and maintain procedures and controls to minimize risk and the likelihood of adverse effects on the Company’s business and reputation.

 

Board oversight of risk management is also provided by various Board Committees. For example, the Audit Committee meets with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firms to ensure that the Company’s respective audit scopes include risk-based considerations as to the Company’s financial position and operations.

 

The Board may, at any time and in its discretion, change the manner in which it conducts risk oversight. The Board’s oversight role does not make the Board a guarantor of the Company’s investments or activities.

 

Director Ownership of Shares of the Company

 

The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Director in the Fund and in all of the portfolios of the Company (which for each Director comprise all registered investment companies within the Company’s family of investment companies overseen by him), as of December 31, 2016:

 

Name of Director

Dollar Range of

Equity Securities in the

Fund

Aggregate Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in All
Registered Investment Companies
Overseen by Director within the
Family of Investment Companies
  INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS  
Julian A. Brodsky None Over $100,000
J. Richard Carnall $10,001-$50,000 $10,001-$50,000
Gregory P. Chandler None $1-$10,000
Nicholas A. Giordano $10,001-$50,000 $10,001-$50,000
Sam Lambroza None Over $100,000
Arnold M. Reichman Over $100,000 Over $100,000
Robert A. Straniere None $1-$10,000
  INTERESTED DIRECTOR  
Robert Sablowsky Over $100,000 Over $100,000

 

Directors’ and Officers’ Compensation

 

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company pays each Director a retainer at the rate of $100,000 annually, $10,000 for each regular meeting of the Board, $3,500 for each committee meeting attended in-person, and $2,000 for each committee meeting attended telephonically or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each receive an additional fee of $15,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Contract Committee receives an additional fee of $10,000 per year for his services, and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee and Chairman of the Investment Risk Committee each receive an additional fee of $7,500 per year for his services. The Vice Chairman of the Board receives an additional fee of $25,000 per year for his services in this capacity and the Chairman of the Board receives an additional fee of $50,000 per year for his services in this capacity.

 

From January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017, the Company paid each Director a retainer at the rate of $100,000 annually, $5,000 for each regular meeting of the Board, $2,500 for each committee meeting attended in-person, and $2,000 for each committee meeting attended telephonically or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each received an additional fee of $15,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Contract Committee received an additional fee of $10,000 for his services and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee received an additional fee of $7,500 for his services. Effective June 1, 2017, the Chairman of the Investment Risk Committee received an additional fee of $7,500 for his services. The Vice Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $25,000 for his services in this capacity and the Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $50,000 for his services in this capacity.

 

32
 

From January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2016, the Company paid each Director a retainer at the rate of $85,000 annually, $3,500 for each regular meeting of the Board, and $2,000 for each committee meeting or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each received an additional fee of $10,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Chairman of the Contract Committee each received an additional fee of $6,000 per year for his services. The Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $25,000 per year for his services in this capacity.

 

Directors are reimbursed for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board or any committee thereof. Employees of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serve as President, Chief Compliance Officer, and Assistant Treasurer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company, and such compensation is determined by the Board. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, Vigilant Compliance LLC received $25,333 from the Fund and $600,000 in aggregate from all series of the Company for services provided. An employee of the Company serves as a Treasurer and Secretary and is compensated for services provided. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, each of the following members of the Board and the Treasurer and Secretary received compensation from the Company in the following amounts:

 

Name of Director/Officer Aggregate
Compensation
from the Fund
Pension or
Retirement
Benefits Accrued

Estimated
Annual
Benefits

Upon
Retirement

Total
Compensation
From
Fund Complex
Paid to

Directors
or Officer

Independent Directors:        
Julian A. Brodsky, Director $5,481 N/A N/A $130,250
J. Richard Carnall, Director $5,382 N/A N/A $128,250
Gregory P. Chandler, Director $6,374 N/A N/A $151,000
Nicholas A. Giordano, Director $5,575 N/A N/A $132,875
Sam Lambroza, Director $5,624 N/A N/A $133,375
Arnold M. Reichman, Director and Chairman $7,397 N/A N/A $175,500
Robert A. Straniere, Director $5,505 N/A N/A $130,750
Interested Director:        
Robert Sablowsky, Director $7,313 N/A N/A $173,750
Officer:        
James G. Shaw, Treasurer and Secretary $9,938 N/A N/A $240,000

 

Each compensated Director is entitled to participate in the Company’s deferred compensation plan (the “DC Plan”). Under the DC Plan, a compensated Director may elect to defer all or a portion of his compensation and have the deferred compensation treated as if it had been invested by the Company in shares of one or more of the portfolios of the Company. The amount paid to the Directors under the DC Plan will be determined based upon the performance of such investments.

 

As of December 31, 2016, the Independent Directors and their respective immediate family members (spouse or dependent children) did not own beneficially or of record any securities of the Company’s investment advisers or distributor, or of any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment advisers or distributor.

 

33
 

CODE OF ETHICS

 

The Company and the Adviser have each adopted a code of ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act that permits personnel subject to the codes to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Company, subject to certain restrictions.

 

PROXY VOTING

 

The Board has delegated the responsibility of voting proxies with respect to the portfolio securities purchased and/or held by the Fund to the Fund’s Adviser, subject to the Board’s continuing oversight. In exercising its voting obligations, the Adviser is guided by its general fiduciary duty to act prudently and in the interest of the Fund. The Adviser will consider factors affecting the value of the Fund’s investments and the rights of shareholders in its determination on voting portfolio securities.

 

The Adviser will vote proxies in accordance with its proxy policies and procedures, which provide the Adviser’s Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for seeing that proxies required to be voted are voted on behalf of the Fund and in the Fund’s best interests. The Chief Compliance Officer may choose to appoint one or both of the Portfolio Managers to consider options and propose decisions.

 

The Company is required to disclose annually the Fund’s complete proxy voting record on Form N-PX. The Fund’s proxy voting record for the most recent 12 month period ended June 30th is available upon request by calling toll-free 1-844-261-6484 or by writing to the Fund at: Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund, c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53201-0701. The Fund’s Form N-PX is also available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

 

As of November 30, 2017 to the Company’s knowledge, the following named persons at the addresses shown below were owners of record of approximately 5% or more of the total outstanding shares of the Fund as indicated below. See “Additional Information Concerning Company Shares” below. Any shareholder that owns 25% or more of the outstanding shares of a portfolio or class may be presumed to “control” (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) the portfolio or class. Shareholders controlling a portfolio or class could have the ability to vote a majority of the shares of the portfolio or class on any matter requiring approval of the shareholders of the portfolio or class.

 

Name of Fund Shareholder Name and Address Number and Percentage of
Shares Owned as of November 30, 2017
Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund — Class I Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith,
For The Sole Benefit Of Customers’
4800 Deer Lake Drive East
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
16,363,705 22.78%
Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund — Class I Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
Special Custody Acct FBO Customers
ATTN: Mutual Funds
101 Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA 94104-4122
14,448,850 20.11%
Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund — Class I

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
Special Custody Acct For The Exclusive Benefit Of Customers Of MSSB
1300 Thames St Wharf, 6 th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21231-3496 

13,805,423 19.22%

 

34
 

Name of Fund Shareholder Name and Address Number and Percentage of
Shares Owned as of November 30, 2017
 
Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund — Class I National Financial Services LLC
For The Exclusive Benefit Of Our Customers
ATTN: Mutual Funds Department, 4 th Floor
499 Washington Blvd
Jersey City, NJ 07310
6,805,302 9.47 %
Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund — Class I UBS WM USA
Omni Account M/F
1000 Harbor Blvd, 5 th Floor
Weehawken, NJ 07086
5,512,051 7.67%
Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund — Class I Well Fargo Bank NA
FBO Omnibus Account Cash/Cash
P.O. Box 1533
Minneapolis, MN 55480-1533
4,376,207 6.09%
Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund — Class A Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
Special Custody Acct For The Exclusive Benefit Of Customers Of MSSB
1300 Thames St Wharf, 6 th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21231-3496
491,986 40.99%
Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund — Class A UBS WM USA
Omni Account M/F
1000 Harbor Blvd, 5 th Floor
Weehawken, NJ 07086
428,452 35.69%
Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund — Class A

Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.

Special Custody Account

FBO Customers

101 Montgomery Street

San Francisco, CA 94104-4151

115,122 9.59%
Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund — Class A National Financial Services LLC
For The Exclusive Benefit Of Our Customers
ATTN: Mutual Funds Department, 4 th Floor
499 Washington Blvd
Jersey City, NJ 07310
89,938 7.49%
Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund — Class C Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
Special Custody Acct For The Exclusive Benefit Of Customers Of MSSB
1300 Thames St Wharf, 6 th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21231-3496
626,396 73.22%

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund — Class C UBS WM USA
Omni Account M/F
1000 Harbor Blvd, 5 th Floor
Weehawken, NJ 07086
149,858 17.52%
Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund — Class C National Financial Services LLC
For The Exclusive Benefit Of Our Customers
ATTN: Mutual Funds Department, 4 th Floor
499 Washington Blvd
Jersey City, NJ 07310
68,612 8.02%
35
 

As of November 30, 2017, the Directors and Officers as a group owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of each Portfolio of the Company.

 

Ownership information is not provided for Class T shares because Class T shares were not available for sale prior to the date of this SAI.

 

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES

 

INVESTMENT ADVISER

 

Abbey Capital Limited (“Abbey Capital” or the “Adviser”), 1-2 Cavendish Row, Dublin 1, Ireland, is an Irish limited company founded in 2000. Cavendish Capital Limited owns 100% of Abbey Capital.

 

The Adviser also serves as the investment adviser to the Subsidiary, Abbey Capital Offshore Fund Limited, a wholly-owned and controlled subsidiary of the Fund organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands as an exempted company, pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with the Subsidiary. The Adviser does not receive additional compensation for its management of the Subsidiary.

 

Advisory Agreement with the Company. The Adviser renders advisory services to the Fund pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement (“Advisory Agreement”) dated as of June 30, 2014, as amended.

 

Subject to the supervision of the Board, the Adviser will provide for the overall management of the Fund including (i) the provision of a continuous investment program for the Fund, including investment research and management with respect to all securities, investments, cash and cash equivalents, (ii) the determination from time to time of the securities and other investments to be purchased, retained, or sold by the Fund, and (iii) the placement from time to time of orders for all purchases and sales of securities and other investments made for the Fund. The Adviser will provide the services rendered by it in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective, restrictions and policies as stated in the Prospectus and in this SAI. The Adviser will not be liable for any error of judgment, mistake of law, or for any loss suffered by the Fund in connection with the performance of the Advisory 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 Adviser in the performance of its duties, or from reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Advisory Agreement.

 

For its services to the Fund, the Adviser is entitled to an advisory fee computed daily and payable monthly at the annual rate of 1.77% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. Prior to February 28, 2017, the advisory fee was 1.97% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The Adviser compensates the Trading Advisers out of the advisory fee that it receives from the Fund. There are no performance fees charged by the Adviser or Trading Advisers either at the Fund or at the Fund’s wholly-owned Subsidiary. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses through December 31, 2018 for Class I Shares, Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class T Shares in order to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 1.79%, 2.04%, 2.79% and 2.04%, respectively, of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

For the fiscal years ended August 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, the Fund paid the Adviser the following advisory fees and the Adviser waived/reimbursed the following advisory fees as follows:

 

36
 

  Advisory Fees Paid
(after waivers and
reimbursements)
Waivers Reimbursements
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017 $14,831,562 $1,087,123 $0
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016 $9,008,900 $801,204 $0
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015

$1,577,554

$434,343

$0

 

The Adviser will pay all expenses incurred by it in connection with its activities under the Advisory Agreement. The Fund bears all of its own expenses not specifically assumed by the Adviser. General expenses of the Company not readily identifiable as belonging to a portfolio of the Company are allocated among all investment portfolios by or under the direction of the Board in such manner as it deems to be fair and equitable. Expenses borne by the Fund include, but are not limited to the following (or the Fund’s share of the following): (a) the cost (including brokerage commissions) of securities and other investments, including futures contracts, forward contracts, swaps, and options, purchased or sold by the Fund and any losses incurred in connection therewith; (b) fees payable to and expenses incurred on behalf of the Fund by the Adviser; (c) filing fees and expenses relating to the registration and qualification of the Company and the Fund’s shares under federal and/or state securities laws and maintaining such registrations and qualifications; (d) fees and salaries payable to the Company’s Directors and officers; (e) taxes (including any income or franchise taxes) and governmental fees; (f) costs of any liability and other insurance or fidelity bonds; (g) any costs, expenses or losses arising out of a liability of or claim for damages or other relief asserted against the Company or the Fund for violation of any law; (h) legal, accounting and auditing expenses, including legal fees of special counsel for the independent Directors; (i) charges of custodians and other agents; (j) expenses of setting in type and printing prospectuses, statements of additional information and supplements thereto for existing shareholders, reports, statements, and confirmations to shareholders and proxy materials that are not attributable to a class; (k) costs of mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information and supplements thereto to existing shareholders, as well as reports to shareholders and proxy materials that are not attributable to a class; (1) any extraordinary expenses; (m) fees, voluntary assessments and other expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; (n) costs of mailing and tabulating proxies and costs of shareholders’ and Directors’ meetings; (o) costs of independent pricing services to value the Fund’s securities; and (p) the costs of investment company literature and other publications provided by the Company to its Directors and officers. Distribution expenses, transfer agency expenses, expenses of preparation, printing and mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information, proxy statements and reports to shareholders, and organizational expenses and registration fees, identified as belonging to a particular class of the Company, are allocated to such class.

 

The Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser shall at all times have all rights in and to the Fund’s name and all investment models used by or on behalf of the Fund. The Adviser may use the Fund’s name or any portion thereof in connection with any other mutual fund or business activity without the consent of any shareholder, and the Company has agreed to execute and deliver any and all documents required to indicate its consent to such use.

 

INVESTMENT TRADING ADVISERS

 

Each Trading Adviser shall, subject to the supervision and oversight of the Adviser, manage the investment and reinvestment of such portion of the assets of the Subsidiary, as the Adviser may from time to time allocate to such Trading Adviser for management. The Adviser pays the Trading Advisers out of its advisory fees.

 

The Fund and the Adviser have received an exemptive order from the SEC that permits the Adviser, without shareholder approval and subject to certain conditions, to terminate existing Trading Advisers or hire new Trading Advisers for the Fund, to materially amend the terms of particular agreements with Trading Advisers or to continue the employment of existing Trading Advisers after events that would otherwise cause an automatic termination of a trading advisory agreement. This arrangement has been approved by the Board and the Fund’s initial shareholder. Consequently, under the exemptive order, the Adviser has the right to hire, terminate and replace Trading Advisers when the Board and the Adviser feel that a change would benefit the Fund. The exemptive order enables the Fund to operate with greater efficiency and without incurring the expense and delays associated with obtaining shareholder approval of trading advisory agreements.

 

37
 

The Adviser does not determine what investments will be purchased or sold for the Fund with respect to the portions of the Fund managed by the Trading Advisers. Because each Trading Adviser manages its portion of the Fund independently from the others, the same security may be held in two or more different portions of the Fund or may be acquired for one portion at a time when a Trading Adviser of another portion deems it appropriate to dispose of the security from that other portion. Similarly, under some market conditions, one or more of the Trading Advisers may believe that temporary, defensive investments in short-term instruments or cash are appropriate when another Trading Adviser or Trading Advisers believe continued exposure to the broader securities market is appropriate. Because each Trading Adviser directs the trading for its portion of the Fund and does not aggregate its transactions with those of the other Trading Advisers, the Fund may incur higher brokerage costs than would be the case if a single adviser or Trading Adviser were managing the Fund.

 

The current Trading Advisers to the Fund are set forth below.

 

Trading Advisers  

Altis Partners (Jersey) Limited (“Altis”)
Le Quai House

Le Quai D’Auvergne

St Helier JE2 3TN

Jersey

Altis is an employee and ex-employee-owned limited company. Altis focuses on systematic and quantitative trading, applying rigorous research into markets combining established scientific principles and advanced technology.

Aspect Capital Limited (“Aspect”)
10 Portman Square

London W1H 6AZ

United Kingdom

Aspect is a majority employee owned investment manager which is primarily controlled by founders Anthony Todd and Martin Lueck. Aspect seeks to capture medium-term trend opportunities across a broad spectrum of diversified market sectors, applying a systematic and research driven approach

 

38
 

Cantab Capital Partners, LLP (“Cantab”)
City House
126-130 Hills Road
Cambridge, CB2 1RE, UK
Cantab is a wholly-owned subsidiary of GAM Holdings, AG, forming part of GAM Systematic. Cantab’s investment philosophy is based on a multi-strategy, multi-asset approach looking to identify several distinct sources of return from persistent statistical relationships between assets.
Eclipse Capital Management, Inc. (“Eclipse”)
7700 Bonhomme Ave, Suite 500
St. Louis, MO 63105
Eclipse is controlled by its founder, Thomas W. Moller. Eclipse focuses on a systematic approach designed to profit primarily from intermediate- and long-term price trends in multiple market sectors.
Graham Capital Management, LP (“GCM”)
Rock Ledge Financial Centre
40 Highland Avenue
Rowayton, CT 06853
KGT, Inc. is the General Partners of GCM. GCM’s quantitative trading programs or models produce trading signals on a largely automated basis when applied to market data. In GCM’s discretionary trading programs, trades are determined subjectively on the basis of its traders’ assessment of market conditions rather than through application of an automated system.

Harmonic Capital Partners LLP

(“HCP”)

14 Berkeley Street

London, W1J 8DX, UK

HCP is privately held and wholly owned by its members, and Harmonic Capital Limited, a service company that provides certain administrative services to the firm. HCP’s investment approach focuses on spread based trading strategies in a broad range of liquid futures and currency markets.

P/E Global, LLC (“P/E”)

75 State Street, 1st Floor
Boston, MA 02109

Warren Naphtal and Mary Stephens Naphtal are managing members of P/E. P/E uses fundamental macroeconomic and financial factors in all aspects of its research in order to develop adaptive quantitative processes.

Revolution Capital Management, LLC (“RCM”)
1400 16 th Street, Suite 510

Denver, CO 80202

Michael Mundt and T. Robert Olson are managing members of RCM. RCM focuses on short-term, systematic and quantitative trading, applying rigorous statistical analysis to all aspects of research, development, and operations.
Trigon Investment Advisors, LLC (“Trigon”)
Wall Street Plaza
88 Pine Street
New York, NY 10005
Trigon is jointly owned by Ante Basic and Paul D. Mastroddi. Trigon manages with a focus on top-down analysis of fundamentals.

Welton Investment Partners LLC

(“Welton”)

Eastwood Building

San Carlos between 5 th and 6 th

P.O. Box 6147

Carmel, CA 93921

Welton is a majority employee owned investment manager, which is primarily controlled by the founder Dr. Patrick Welton. Welton seeks to harness recurrent market opportunities by utilizing systematic, research driven, medium and long-term trend-following models across a broad range of diversified global futures markets.

 

Trading Advisory Agreements with the Adviser. Each of the Trading Advisory Agreements provides that the Trading Adviser will manage the investment and reinvestment of such portion of the assets of the Fund or the Subsidiary as the Adviser may from time to time allocate to the Trading Adviser in accordance with the Fund’s objective, policies and restrictions and any investment guidelines established by the Adviser. Each Trading Adviser will, subject to the supervision and control of the Adviser, determine in its discretion which issuers and securities will be purchased, held, sold or exchanged by the Fund and/or the Subsidiary, and will place orders with and give instruction to brokers and dealers to cause the execution of such transactions. The Trading Advisers are required to furnish at their own expense all investment facilities necessary to perform its obligations under the Trading Advisory Agreements.

 

39
 

Generally, each Trading Advisory Agreement may be terminated without penalty by vote of the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, upon 60 days’ written notice, or by the Adviser immediately upon notice to the Trading Adviser, and each such agreement terminates automatically in the event of an assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act). Each Trading Advisory Agreement also may be terminated by a Trading Adviser upon 30 days’ written notice and automatically terminates upon termination of the Advisory Agreement.

 

THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

 

This section includes information about the Fund’s portfolio managers, including information about other accounts they manage, the dollar range of Shares they own and how they are compensated.

 

Abbey Capital

 

Other Accounts. In addition to the Fund, the portfolio managers are responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as listed below. The information below is provided as of August 31, 2017.

 

Name of Portfolio Manager or Team Member   Type of Accounts   Total
# of
Accounts
Managed
  Total Assets # of Accounts
Managed that
Advisory Fee
Based on
Performance
  Total Assets
that Advisory
Fee Based on
Performance
1. Anthony Gannon   Other Registered Investment Companies:   0   $ 0 0   $ 0
    Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:   8   $ 2.7 billion 3   $ 2.7 billion
    Other Accounts:   0   $ 0 0   $ 0
2. Mick Swift   Other Registered Investment Companies:   0   $ 0 0   $ 0
    Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:   8   $ 2.7 billion 3   $ 2.7 billion
    Other Accounts:   0   $ 0 0   $ 0

 

Compensation. As of the date of this SAI, Abbey Capital compensates the Fund’s portfolio managers for their management of the Fund. The portfolio managers’ compensation consists of a cash base salary and a discretionary bonus that is based on the individual performance of the portfolio manager and overall profitability of Abbey Capital, which is, in part, dependent on the performance of the Fund, and therefore in part based on the value of the Fund’s net assets and other client accounts they are managing.

 

Conflicts of Interests. The portfolio managers’ management of other accounts may give rise to potential conflicts of interest in connection with their management of the Fund’s 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, Abbey Capital has established policies and procedures to ensure that the purchase and sale of securities and other investments among all accounts it manages are fairly and equitably allocated.

 

As of August 31, 2017, the Fund’s portfolio managers did not own any shares of the Fund.

 

ADMINISTRATION AND ACCOUNTING AGREEMENT

 

USBFS, located at 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, serves as fund administrator to the Fund pursuant to a fund administration servicing agreement and serves as fund accountant pursuant to a fund accounting servicing agreement (the “Administration Agreements”). Under the fund accounting servicing agreement, USBFS has agreed to furnish to the Fund statistical and research data, clerical, accounting and bookkeeping services, and certain other services required by the Fund. Under the fund administration servicing agreement, USBFS has agreed to provide fund administration services to the Company. These services include the preparation and coordination of the Company’s annual post-effective amendment filing and supplements to the Fund’s registration statement, the preparation and assembly of board meeting materials, and certain other services necessary to the Company’s fund administration. In addition, USBFS has agreed to prepare and file various reports with the appropriate regulatory agencies and prepare materials required by the SEC or any state securities commission having jurisdiction over the Fund.

 

40
 

The Administration Agreements provide that USBFS shall be obligated to exercise reasonable care in the performance of its duties and that USFBS shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or any loss suffered by the Company in connection with its duties under the Administration Agreements, except a loss resulting from USBSF’s refusal or failure to comply with the terms of the applicable Administration Agreement or from its bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties thereunder.

 

USBFS receives a fee under the Administration Agreements based on the average daily net assets of the Company.

 

Effective November 21, 2016, USBFS replaced the Fund’s prior administrator as fund administrator and fund accountant to the Fund. For the fiscal years ended August 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, the Fund paid USBFS and the Fund’s prior administrator certain administration, accounting and regulatory administration fees and related out-of- pocket expenses as follows:

 

 

Administration, Accounting and
Regulatory Administration
Fees Paid
(after waivers and reimbursements)

 

Waivers

 

Reimbursements

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017 $ 406,347 $0 $0
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016 $394,600 $0 $0
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015

$164,611

$0

$0

 

CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT

 

U.S. Bank, N.A., (the “Custodian”) 1555 North RiverCenter Drive, Suite 302, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212, is custodian of the Fund’s assets pursuant to a custodian agreement (the “Custodian Agreement”). Under the Custodian Agreement, the Custodian: (a) maintains a separate account or accounts in the name of the Fund; (b) holds and transfers portfolio investments on account of the Fund; (c) accepts receipts and makes disbursements of money on behalf of the Fund; (d) collects and receives all income and other payments and distributions on account of the Fund’s portfolio investments; and (e) makes periodic reports to the Board concerning the Fund’s operations. The Custodian is authorized to select one or more banks or trust companies to serve as sub-custodian on behalf of the Fund, provided that the Custodian remains responsible for the performance of all of its duties under the Custodian Agreement and holds the Fund harmless from the acts and omissions of any affiliate, sub-custodian or domestic sub-custodian. For its services to the Fund under the Custodian Agreement, the Custodian receives a fee based on the Fund’s average gross assets calculated daily and payable monthly. Transaction charges and out-of-pocket expenses are also charged to the Fund.

 

TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, serves as the transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent for the Fund pursuant to a transfer agency and servicing agreement (the “Transfer Agency Agreement”), under which USBFS: (a) issues and redeems shares of the Fund; (b) addresses and mails all communications by the Fund to record owners of the shares, including reports to shareholders, dividend and distribution notices and proxy materials for its meetings of shareholders; (c) maintains shareholder accounts and, if requested, sub-accounts; and (d) makes periodic reports to the Board concerning the operations of the Fund. USBFS may, subject to the Board’s approval, assign its duties as transfer and dividend disbursing agent to any affiliate. For its services to the Fund under the Transfer Agency Agreement, USBFS receives an annual fee based on the number of accounts in the Fund and the Fund’s average gross assets calculated daily and payable monthly. Transaction charges and out-of-pocket expenses are also charged to the Fund.

 

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USBFS also provides services relating to the implementation of the Company’s Anti-Money Laundering Program. In addition, USBFS provides services relating to the implementation of the Fund’s Customer Identification Program, including verification of required customer information and the maintenance of records with respect to such verification.

 

DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

 

Quasar Distributors LLC (the “Distributor”), whose principal business address is 777 East Wisconsin Avenue, Floor 6, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, serves as the underwriter to the Fund pursuant to the terms of a distribution agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”). The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). The Distributor is not affiliated with the Company, the Adviser, or any other service provider for the Fund.

 

Under the Distribution Agreement with the Fund, the Distributor acts as the agent of the Company in connection with the continuous offering of shares of the Fund. The Distributor continually distributes shares of the Fund on a best efforts basis. The Distributor has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of Fund shares. The Distributor and its officers have no role in determining the investment policies or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Company.

 

The Distributor may enter into agreements with selected broker-dealers, banks or other financial intermediaries for distribution of shares of the Fund. With respect to certain financial intermediaries and related fund “supermarket” platform arrangements, the Fund and/or the Adviser, rather than the Distributor, typically enter into such agreements. These financial intermediaries may charge a fee for their services and may receive shareholder service or other fees from parties other than the Distributor. These financial intermediaries may otherwise act as processing agents and are responsible for promptly transmitting purchase, redemption and other requests to the Fund.

 

Investors who purchase shares through financial intermediaries will be subject to the procedures of those intermediaries through which they purchase shares, which may include charges, investment minimums, cutoff times and other restrictions in addition to, or different from, those listed herein. Information concerning any charges or services will be provided to customers by the financial intermediary through which they purchase shares. Investors purchasing shares of the Fund through financial intermediaries should acquaint themselves with their financial intermediary’s procedures and should read the Prospectus in conjunction with any materials and information provided by their financial intermediary. The financial intermediary, and not its customers, will be the shareholder of record, although customers may have the right to vote shares depending upon their arrangement with the financial intermediary. The Distributor does not receive compensation from the Fund for its distribution services except the distribution/service fees with respect to the shares of those classes for which a Rule 12b-1 distribution plan is effective. The Adviser pays the Distributor a fee for certain distribution-related services.

 

The Distribution Agreement has an initial term of up to two years and will continue in effect only if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by vote of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities in accordance with the 1940 Act. The Distribution Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Company on behalf of the Fund on no less than 60 days’ written notice when authorized either by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the members of the Board who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Company and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Distribution Agreement, or by the Distributor, and will automatically terminate in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act). The Distribution Agreement provides that the Distributor shall not be liable for any loss suffered by the Company in connection with the performance of the Distributor’s obligations and duties under the Distribution Agreement, except a loss resulting from the Distributor’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of such duties and obligations, or by reason of its reckless disregard thereof.

 

Class I Shares . Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor acts as the agent of the Company in connection with the continuous offering of the Fund’s shares. The Distributor continually distributes shares of the Fund on a best efforts basis. The Distributor has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of Fund shares. The Distributor and its officers have no role in determining the investment policies or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Company. The Distributor does not receive compensation from the Company for the distribution of the Fund’s Class I Shares; however, the Adviser pays an annual fee to the Distributor as compensation for underwriting services rendered to the Fund pursuant to the Distribution Agreement.

 

42
 

Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class T Shares . Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement and the related Plans of Distribution for Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class T Shares (together, the “Plans”), which were adopted by the Company in the manner prescribed by Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, the Distributor will act as the agent of the Company in connection with the continuous offering for the sale of the Fund’s Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class T Shares, respectively. The Distributor continually distributes shares of the Fund on a best efforts basis. The Distributor has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of Fund shares. The Distributor and its officers have no role in determining the investment policies or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Company. Payments to the Distributor under the Plans are to compensate it for distribution assistance and expenses assumed and activities intended to result in the sale of Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class T Shares, including advertising, printing and mailing of prospectuses to others than current shareholders, compensation of underwriters, compensation to broker-dealers, compensation to sales personnel, and interest, carrying or other financing changes. As compensation for its distribution services, the Distributor receives, pursuant to the terms of the Distribution Agreement, a distribution fee under the Plans, to be calculated daily and paid monthly by the Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class T Shares of the Fund at the annual rates set forth in the Prospectus.

 

Among other things, the Plans provide that: (1) the Distributor shall be required to submit quarterly reports to the Directors of the Company regarding all amounts expended under the Plans and the purposes for which such expenditures were made, including commissions, advertising, printing, interest, carrying charges and any allocated overhead expenses; (2) the Plans will continue in effect only so long as they are approved at least annually, and any material amendment thereto is approved, by the Company’s Directors, including a majority of those Directors who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plans or any agreements related to the Plans, acting in person at a meeting called for said purpose; (3) the aggregate amount to be spent by the Fund on the distribution of the Fund’s Class A Shares and Class C Shares under the respective Plans shall not be materially increased without shareholder approval; and (4) while the Plans remain in effect, the selection and nomination of the Company’s Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company (as defined in the 1940 Act) shall be committed to the discretion of such Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company.

 

Mr. Sablowsky, a Director of the Company, has an indirect interest in the operation of the Plans by virtue of his position with Oppenheimer Co., Inc., a broker-dealer.

 

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the Fund’s Plan expenses were spent for the following purposes:

 

  Class A Shares Class C Shares
Compensation to broker/dealers $42,761 $63,355
Compensation to sales personnel $0 $0
Advertising $0 $0
Printing and mailing of prospectuses to other than current shareholders $0 $0
Compensation to underwriters $0 $0
Interest, financing charges $0 $0
Other $0 $0

 

 

 

12b-1 Plan expenses for Class T Shares are not provided because Class T Shares had not commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI.

 

PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES

 

The Adviser and/or its affiliates, at their discretion, may make payments from their own resources and not from Fund assets to affiliated or unaffiliated brokers, dealers, banks (including bank trust departments), trust companies, registered investment advisers, financial planners, retirement plan administrators, insurance companies, and any other institution having a service, administration, or any similar arrangement with the Fund, its service providers or their respective affiliates, as incentives to help market and promote the Fund and/or in recognition of their distribution, marketing, administrative services, and/or processing support.

 

43
 

These additional payments may be made to financial intermediaries that sell Fund shares or provide services to the Fund, the Distributor or shareholders of the Fund through the financial intermediary’s retail distribution channel and/or fund supermarkets. Payments may also be made through the financial intermediary’s retirement, qualified tuition, fee-based advisory, wrap fee bank trust, or insurance (e.g., individual or group annuity) programs. These payments may include, but are not limited to, placing the Fund in a financial intermediary’s retail distribution channel or on a preferred or recommended fund list; providing business or shareholder financial planning assistance; educating financial intermediary personnel about the Fund; providing access to sales and management representatives of the financial intermediary; promoting sales of Fund shares; providing marketing and educational support; maintaining share balances and/or for sub-accounting, administrative or shareholder transaction processing services. A financial intermediary may perform the services itself or may arrange with a third party to perform the services.

 

The Adviser and/or its affiliates may also make payments from their own resources to financial intermediaries for costs associated with the purchase of products or services used in connection with sales and marketing, participation in and/or presentation at conferences or seminars, sales or training programs, client and investor entertainment and other sponsored events. The costs and expenses associated with these efforts may include travel, lodging, sponsorship at educational seminars and conferences, entertainment and meals to the extent permitted by law.

 

Revenue sharing payments may be negotiated based on a variety of factors, including the level of sales, the amount of Fund assets attributable to investments in the Fund by financial intermediaries’ customers, a flat fee or other measures as determined from time to time by the Adviser and/or its affiliates. A significant purpose of these payments is to increase the sales of Fund shares, which in turn may benefit the Adviser through increased fees as Fund assets grow.

 

FUND TRANSACTIONS

 

Subject to policies established by the Board and applicable rules, the Adviser and Trading Advisers are responsible for the execution of portfolio transactions and the allocation of brokerage transactions for the Fund. In executing portfolio transactions, the Adviser and Trading Advisers seek to obtain the best price and most favorable execution for the Fund, taking into account such factors as the price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of the order, difficulty of execution and operational facilities of the firm involved. While the Adviser and Trading Advisers generally seek reasonably competitive commission rates, payment of the lowest commission or spread is not necessarily consistent with obtaining the best price and execution in particular transactions.

 

Brokerage Transactions

 

Generally, equity securities, both listed and over-the-counter, 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 dealer’s mark-up or reflect a dealer’s mark-down. Money market securities and other debt securities are usually bought and sold directly from the issuer or an underwriter or market maker for the securities. Generally, the Fund will not pay brokerage commissions for such purchases. When a debt security is bought from an underwriter, the purchase price will usually include an underwriting commission or concession. The purchase price for securities bought from dealers serving as market makers will similarly include the dealer’s mark up or reflect a dealer’s 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 addition, the Adviser and Trading Advisers may place a combined order for two or more accounts they manage, including the Fund, engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security if, in its judgment, joint execution is in the best interest of each participant and will result in best price and execution. Transactions involving commingled orders are allocated in a manner deemed equitable to each account or fund. Although it is recognized that, in some cases, the joint execution of orders could adversely affect the price or volume of the security that a particular account or the Fund may obtain, it is the opinion of the Adviser, the Trading Advisers and the Board that the advantages of combined orders outweigh the possible disadvantages of separate transactions. Nonetheless, the Adviser and Trading Advisers believe that the ability of the Fund to participate in higher volume transactions will generally be beneficial to the Fund.

 

44
 

For the fiscal years ended August 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, the Fund paid commissions to brokers on account of research services as follows:

 

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017 $0
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016 $0
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015 $0

 

For the fiscal years ended August 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, the Fund paid the aggregated brokerage commissions as follows:

 

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017 $0
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016 $0
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015 $0

 

The Fund is required to identify any securities of the Company’s regular broker-dealers (as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act) or their parents held by the Fund as of the end of the most recent fiscal year. As of August 31, 2017, there were no securities held by the Fund of its regular broker-dealers.

 

Brokerage Selection

 

The Company does not expect to use one particular broker or dealer, and when one or more brokers is believed capable of providing the best combination of price and execution, the Fund’s Adviser and Trading Advisers may select a broker based upon brokerage or research services provided to the Adviser or applicable Trading Adviser. The Adviser and Trading Advisers may pay a higher commission than otherwise obtainable from other brokers in return for such services only if a good faith determination is made that the commission is reasonable in relation to the services provided.

 

Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act permits an investment adviser or sub-adviser, under certain circumstances, to cause a 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, certain Trading Advisers 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, portfolio 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 applicable Trading Advisers believe that access to independent investment research is beneficial to their investment decision-making processes and, therefore, to the Fund.

 

To the extent 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 applicable Trading Advisers 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 Trading Advisers 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 Trading Advisers will be in addition to and not in lieu of the services required to be performed by the Trading Adviser under its Trading Advisory Agreement. Any advisory or other fees paid to the Trading Advisers are not reduced as a result of the receipt of research services.

 

45
 

In some cases a Trading Adviser may receive a service from a broker that has both a “research” and a “non-research” use. When this occurs, the applicable Trading 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 applicable Trading 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 Trading Adviser faces a potential conflict of interest, but each applicable Trading 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.

 

From time to time, the Fund may purchase new issues of securities for clients 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 and Trading Advisers with research services. The FINRA 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).

 

PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION

 

Read the Fund’s Prospectus for information regarding the purchase and redemption of Fund shares, including, in the case of Class A Shares and Class T Shares, any applicable sales charges, and in the case of Class C Shares, any applicable contingent deferred sales charges. The following information supplements information in the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

You may purchase shares through an account maintained by certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals that have entered into a distribution agreement with the Distributor (“Service Organizations”) and you may also purchase shares directly by mail or wire. The Company reserves the right, if conditions exist which make cash payments undesirable, to honor any request for redemption or repurchase of the Fund’s shares by making payment in whole or in part in securities chosen by the Company and valued in the same way as they would be valued for purposes of computing the Fund’s NAV. If payment is made in securities, a shareholder may incur transaction costs in converting these securities into cash. A shareholder will also bear any market risk or tax consequences as a result of a payment in securities. The Company has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act so that the Fund is obligated to redeem its shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its NAV during any 90-day period for any one shareholder of the Fund. A shareholder will bear the risk of a decline in market value and any tax consequences associated with a redemption in securities.

 

Under the 1940 Act, the Company may suspend the right to redemption or postpone the date of payment upon redemption for any period during which the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the “NYSE”) is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings), or during which the SEC restricts trading on the NYSE or determines an emergency exists as a result of which disposal or valuation of portfolio securities is not reasonably practicable, or for such other periods as the SEC may permit. (The Company may also suspend or postpone the recordation of the transfer of its shares upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions).

 

Shares of the Company are subject to redemption by the Company, at the redemption price of such shares as in effect from time to time, including, without limitation: (1) to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of the failure of a shareholder to make full payment for shares purchased by the shareholder or to collect any charge relating to a transaction effected for the benefit of a shareholder as provided in the Prospectus from time to time; (2) if such redemption is, in the opinion of the Board, desirable in order to prevent the Company or the Fund from being deemed a “personal holding company” within the meaning of the Code; (3) or if the net income with respect to any particular class of common stock should be negative or it should otherwise be appropriate to carry out the Company’s responsibilities under the 1940 Act.

 

The Fund has the right to redeem your shares at current NAV at any time and without prior notice if, and to the extent that, such redemption is necessary to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of your failure to make full payment for shares of the Fund you previously purchased or subscribed for.

 

46
 

Class A Shares and Class T Shares of the Fund may be subject to sales charge waivers as described below.

 

Reducing or Eliminating the Front-End Sales Charge

 

Different Service Organizations may impose different sales charges and these variations are described in Appendix A of the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

Class A Shares

 

The Fund’s Class A Shares are offered to the public at NAV plus a front-end sales charge. You can reduce or eliminate the front-end sales charge on Class A Shares of the Fund as follows:

 

Quantity Discounts . Purchases of at least $25,000 can reduce the sales charges you pay, and purchases of at least $1,000,000 can eliminate the sales charges you pay.

 

Rights of Accumulation. You may combine your new purchase of Class A Shares with Class A Shares and/or Class C Shares currently owned for the purpose of qualifying for the lower initial sales charge rates that apply to larger purchases. The applicable sales charge for the new purchase is based on the total of your current purchase and the current Net Asset Value of all other shares you own. You may combine your account, your spouse’s account, and the account(s) of your children under age 25.

 

This privilege is also extended to certain employee benefit plans and trust estates. The following purchases may be combined for purposes of determining the “Amount of Purchase:” (a) individual purchases, if made at the same time, by a single purchaser, the purchaser’s spouse and children under the age of 25 purchasing Class A Shares for their own accounts, including shares purchased by a qualified retirement plan(s) exclusively for the benefit of such individual(s) (such as an IRA, individual-type section 403(b) plan or single-participant Keogh-type plan) or by a “Company,” as defined in Section 2(a)(8) of the 1940 Act, solely controlled as defined in the 1940 Act, by such individual(s), or (b) individual purchases by trustees or other fiduciaries purchasing Class A Shares (i) for a single trust estate or a single fiduciary account, including an employee benefit plan, or (ii) concurrently by two or more employee benefit plans for a single employer or of employers affiliated with each other in accordance with Section 2(a)(3)(c) of the 1940 Act (excluding in either case an employee benefit plan described in (a) above), provided such trustees or other fiduciaries purchase shares in a single payment. Purchases made for nominee or street name accounts may not be combined with purchases made for such other accounts. You may also further discuss the combined purchase privilege with your investment broker, brokerage firm, financial institution, or other industry professional, including affiliates of the Adviser.

 

You will need to provide written instruction with respect to the other accounts whose purchases should be considered in Rights of Accumulation.

 

Letter of Intent . You can sign a Letter of Intent committing to purchase of a specific dollar amount of Class A Shares of the Fund within a 13-month period to combine such purchases in calculating the sales charge. A portion of your Fund shares will be held in escrow. If you complete your purchase commitments as stated in the Letter of Intent, your Fund shares held in escrow will be released to your account. If you do not purchase the full amount of Class A Shares indicated in the Letter of Intent, the appropriate amount of shares held in escrow will be redeemed by the Transfer Agent to pay the sales charge that was not applied to your purchase

 

Dealer Reallowances

 

Different Service Organizations may impose different sales charge waivers and these variations are described in Appendix A of the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

As shown in the table below, the Distributor, may provide dealer reallowances up to the full sales charge for purchases of the Fund’s Class A Shares in which a front-end sales charge is applicable. Any residual allowance is retained by the Distributor to be used solely for distribution related expenses and not retained as profit.

 

47
 

Amount of Purchase of
Class A Shares
  Sales Charge as a
% of Offering
Price
  Sales Charge as a
% of Net Amount
Invested
  Dealer Concession
as a Percentage of
Offering Price
 
Less than $25,000   5.75%   6.10%   5.00%  
At least $25,000 but less than $50,000   5.00%   5.26%   4.25%  
At least $50,000 but less than $100,000   4.75%   4.99%   4.00%  
At least $100,000 but less than $250,000   3.75%   3.83%   3.25%  
At least $250,000 but less than $500,000   2.50%   2.56%   2.00%  
At least $500,000 but less than $1,000,000   2.00%   2.04%   1.75%  
$1,000,000 or greater   None   None   * see below  

 

 

 

* No sales charge is payable at the time of purchase on investments of $1,000,000 or more. The Fund’s distributor may pay a commission at the rate of 1% to certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals, including affiliates of the Adviser, who initiate and are responsible for purchases of $1,000,000 or more.

 

Contingent Deferred Sales Charge on Certain Redemptions. Purchases of $1,000,000 or more in Class A Shares are not subject to an initial sales charge; however, a contingent deferred sales charge is payable on these investments in the event of a share redemption within 12 months following the share purchase, at the rate of 1% of the lesser of the value of the shares redeemed (exclusive of reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions) or the total cost of such shares. In determining whether a contingent deferred sales charge is payable, and the amount of the charge, it is assumed that shares purchased with reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions and then other shares held the longest are the first redeemed. Contingent Deferred Sales Charges may be waived or reduced by certain Service Organizations as described in Appendix A of the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

Class C Shares

 

Contingent Deferred Sales Charge on Certain Redemptions. No sales load is payable by a shareholder at the time of purchase, although the Distributor advances broker-dealers the first year distribution and services fee at a rate of 1.00% on investments in the Fund’s Class C Shares. This advancement is solely financed by the Adviser’s affiliated broker dealer and not by investors or the Fund. As a result, the Fund imposes a Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (“CDSC”) of 1.00% on redemptions of investments made within 12 months of purchase. The financing party receives the CDSC from the Distributor as reimbursement for the up-front sales commission that has been financed. The CDSC is assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of the initial value of the shares redeemed and the value of shares redeemed at the time of redemption. When Class C Shares are redeemed, the redemption order is processed so that the lowest deferred sales charge is charged, and Class C Shares that are not subject to the deferred sales charge are redeemed first. Any CDSC paid on the redemptions of Class C Shares expressed as a percentage of the applicable redemption amount may be higher or lower than the charge described due to rounding. No CDSC is imposed on increases in NAV above the initial purchase price or Fund shares acquired as reinvested Fund distributions.

 

The CDSC will be waived for Class C Shares in the following circumstances:

Redemptions of shares purchased through certain employer-sponsored retirement plans and rollovers of current investments in the Fund through such plans;
Exchanges pursuant to the exchange privilege, as described in the Fund’s Prospectus under “Shareholder Information — Exchange Privilege”;
Redemptions made in connection with minimum required distributions from IRA or 403(b)(7) accounts due to the shareholder reaching the age of 701/2;
Certain post-retirement withdrawals from an IRA or other retirement plan if you are over 591⁄2 years old and you purchased your shares prior to October 2, 2006;
Redemptions made with respect to certain retirement plans sponsored by the Fund;
Redemptions resulting from shareholder death as long as the waiver request is made within one year of death or, if later, reasonably promptly following completion of probate (including in connection with the distribution of account assets to a beneficiary of the decedent);
Withdrawals resulting from shareholder disability (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code) as long as the disability arose subsequent to the purchase of the shares;
Involuntary redemptions made of shares in accounts with low balances;
Redemptions related to the payment of custodial IRA fees, if any; and
Redemptions when a shareholder can demonstrate hardship, in the absolute discretion of the Fund.

 

48
 

Contingent Deferred Sales Charges may be waived or reduced by certain Service Organizations as described in Appendix A to the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

Class T Shares

 

Class T Shares of the Fund are offered to the clients of certain Service Organizations at NAV plus a front-end sales charge. No reductions or waivers of sales charges are available for Class T shares except as noted in the Prospectus.

 

Quantity Discounts . Quantity Discounts do not apply to Class T Shares.

 

Rights of Accumulation. Rights of Accumulation do not apply to Class T Shares.

 

Letter of Intent . Letters of Intent do not apply to Class T Shares.

 

Dealer Reallowances

 

Different Service Organizations may impose different sales charge waivers and these variations are described in Appendix A of the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

As shown in the table below, the Distributor, may provide dealer reallowances up to the full sales charge for purchases of the Fund’s Class T Shares in which a front-end sales charge is applicable. Any residual allowance is retained by the Distributor to be used solely for distribution related expenses and not retained as profit.

 

Amount of Purchase of
Class T Shares
  Sales Charge as a
% of Offering Price
  Sales Charge as a % of Net Amount Invested Dealer Compensation as a Percentage of
Offering Price
   
Less than $250,000     2.50 %   2.56%     2.50 %  
At least $250,000 but less than $500,000     2.00 %   2.04%     2.00 %  
At least $500,000 but less than $1,000,000     1.50 %   1.52%     1.50 %  
$1,000,000 or greater     1.00 %   1.01%     1.00 %  
                         

Other Purchase Information

 

If shares of the Fund are held in a “street name” account with an authorized dealer, all recordkeeping, transaction processing and payments of distributions relating to the beneficial owner’s account will be performed by the authorized dealer, and not by the Fund and its Transfer Agent. Since the Fund will have no record of the beneficial owner’s transactions, a beneficial owner should contact the authorized dealer to purchase, redeem or exchange shares, to make changes in or give instructions concerning the account or to obtain information about the account. The transfer of shares in a “street name” account to an account with another dealer or to an account directly with the Fund involves special procedures and will require the beneficial owner to obtain historical purchase information about the shares in the account from the authorized dealer.

 

TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PROCEDURES

 

The Company’s telephone transaction procedures include the following measures: (1) requiring the appropriate telephone transaction privilege forms; (2) requiring the caller to provide the names of the account owners, the account social security number and name of the Fund, all of which must match the Company’s records; (3) requiring the Company’s service representative to complete a telephone transaction form, listing all of the above caller identification information; (4) permitting exchanges (if applicable) only if the two account registrations are identical; (5) requiring that redemption proceeds be sent only by check to the account owners of record at the address of record, or by electronic funds transfer through the ACH network or wire only to the owners of record at the bank account of record; (6) sending a written confirmation for each telephone transaction to the owners of record at the address of record within five (5) business days of the call; and (7) recording and maintaining a record of all telephone transactions. For accounts held of record by broker-dealers, financial institutions, securities dealers, financial planners and other industry professionals, additional documentation or information regarding the scope of a caller’s authority is required. Finally, for telephone transactions in accounts held jointly, additional information regarding other account holders is required.

 

49
 

VALUATION OF SHARES

 

In accordance with procedures adopted by the Board, the NAV per share of the Fund is calculated by determining the value of the net assets attributed to the Fund and dividing by the number of outstanding shares of the Fund. All securities are valued on each Business Day as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally, but not always, 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) or such other time as the New York Stock Exchange or National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations System (“NASDAQ”) market may officially close. The term “Business Day” means any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading, which is Monday through Friday except for holidays. The New York Stock Exchange is generally closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day (observed), Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday (observed), Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

 

The time at which transactions and shares are priced and the time by which orders must be received may be changed in case of an emergency or if regular trading on the NYSE is stopped at a time other than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The Company reserves the right to reprocess purchase, redemption and exchange transactions that were initially processed at a NAV other than the Fund’s official closing NAV (as the same may be subsequently adjusted), and to recover amounts from (or distribute amounts to) shareholders based on the official closing NAV. The Company reserves the right to advance the time by which purchase and redemption orders must be received for same business day credit as otherwise permitted by the SEC. In addition, the Fund may compute its NAV as of any time permitted pursuant to any exemption, order or statement of the SEC or its staff.

 

The securities of the Fund are valued under the direction of the Fund’s administrator and under the general supervision of the Board. Prices are generally determined using readily available market prices. Subject to the approval of the Board, the Fund may employ outside organizations, which may use a matrix or formula method that takes into consideration market indices, matrices, yield curves and other specific adjustments in determining the approximate market value of portfolio investments. This may result in the investments being valued at a price that differs from the price that would have been determined had the matrix or formula method not been used. All cash, receivables, and current payables are carried on the Fund’s books at their face value. Other assets, if any, are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Fund’s Valuation Committee under the direction of the Board.

 

The procedures used by any pricing service and its valuation results are reviewed by the officers of the Company under the general supervision of the Board.

 

The Fund may hold portfolio securities that are listed on foreign exchanges. These securities may trade on weekends or other days when the Fund does not calculate NAV. As a result, the value of these investments may change on days when you cannot purchase or sell Fund shares.

 

TAXES

 

General

 

The following summarizes certain additional tax considerations generally affecting the Fund and its shareholders that are not described in the Prospectus. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of the tax treatment of the Fund or its shareholders, and the discussions here and in the Prospectus are not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. Potential investors should consult their tax advisers with specific reference to their own tax situations.

 

The discussions of the federal tax consequences in the Prospectus and this SAI are based on the Code and the regulations issued under it, and court decisions and administrative interpretations, as in effect on the date of this SAI. Future legislative or administrative changes or court decisions may significantly alter the statements included herein, and such changes or decisions may be retroactive.

 

50
 

The Fund qualified during its last taxable year and intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of Subtitle A, Chapter 1, of the Code. As such, the Fund generally will be exempt from federal income tax on its net investment income and realized capital gains that it distributes to shareholders. To qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company, it must meet three important tests each year.

 

First, the Fund must derive with respect to each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, certain payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities or foreign currencies, other income derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing in stock, securities or currencies, or net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships.

 

Second, generally, at the close of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year, at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s assets must consist of cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and securities of other issuers as to which the Fund has not invested more than 5% of the value of its total assets in securities of the issuer and as to which the Fund does not hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer, and no more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in the securities of (1) any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies), (2) two or more issuers that the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or (3) one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.

 

Third, the Fund must distribute an amount equal to at least the sum of 90% of its investment company taxable income (net investment income and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss) before taking into account any deduction for dividends paid, and 90% of its tax-exempt income, if any, for the year.

 

The Fund intends to comply with these requirements. If the Fund were to fail to make sufficient distributions, it could be liable for corporate income tax and for excise tax in respect of the shortfall or, if the shortfall is large enough, the Fund could be disqualified as a regulated investment company. If for any taxable year the Fund were not to qualify as a regulated investment company, all its taxable income would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders. In that event, shareholders would recognize dividend income on distributions to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, and corporate shareholders could be eligible for the dividends-received deduction.

 

The Code imposes a nondeductible 4% excise tax on regulated investment companies that fail to distribute each year an amount equal to specified percentages of their ordinary taxable income and capital gain net income (excess of capital gains over capital losses). The Fund intends to make sufficient distributions or deemed distributions each year to avoid liability for this excise tax.

 

As of August 31, 2017, the Fund had capital loss carryforwards of $4,444.

 

State and Local Taxes

 

Although the Fund expects to qualify as a “regulated investment company” and to be relieved of all or substantially all federal income taxes, depending upon the extent of its activities in states and localities in which its offices are maintained, in which its agents or independent contractors are located or in which it is otherwise deemed to be conducting business, the Fund may be subject to the tax laws of such states or localities.

 

Taxation of Certain Investments

 

The tax principles applicable to transactions in financial instruments, such as futures contracts and options, that may be engaged in by the Fund, and investments in passive foreign investment companies (“PFICs”), are complex and, in some cases, uncertain. Such transactions and investments may cause the Fund to recognize taxable income prior to the receipt of cash, thereby requiring the Fund to liquidate other positions, or to borrow money, so as to make sufficient distributions to shareholders to avoid corporate-level tax. Moreover, some or all of the taxable income recognized may be ordinary income or short-term capital gain, so that the distributions may be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.

 

51
 

In addition, in the case of any shares of a PFIC in which the Fund invests, the Fund may be liable for corporate-level tax on any ultimate gain or distributions on the shares if the Fund fails to make an election to recognize income annually during the period of its ownership of the shares.

 

Any annual net profit of the Subsidiary will be recognized as ordinary income by the Fund, but any annual net loss of the Subsidiary will not be recognized and will not carry forward.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING COMPANY SHARES

 

The Company has authorized capital of 100 billion shares of common stock at a par value of $0.001 per share. Currently, $84.923 billion shares have been classified into 176 classes, however, the Company only has 43 active share classes that have begun investment operations. Under the Company’s charter, the Board has the power to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of common stock from time to time.

 

The Fund has registered four classes of shares: Class I Shares, Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class T Shares. Class T Shares are not currently available for sale. Each share that represents an interest in the Fund has an equal proportionate interest in the assets belonging to such Fund with each other share that represents an interest in such Fund, even where a share has a different class designation than another share representing an interest in that Fund. Shares of the Company do not have preemptive or conversion rights. When issued for payment as described in the Prospectus, shares of the Company will be fully paid and non-assessable.

 

The Company does not currently intend to hold annual meetings of shareholders except as required by the 1940 Act or other applicable law. The Company’s amended By-Laws provide that shareholders owning at least ten percent of the outstanding shares of all classes of common stock of the Company have the right to call for a meeting of shareholders to consider the removal of one or more directors. To the extent required by law, the Company will assist in shareholder communication in such matters.

 

Holders of shares of each class of the Company will vote in the aggregate and not by class on all matters, except where otherwise required by law. Further, shareholders of the Company will vote in the aggregate and not by portfolio except as otherwise required by law or when the Board determines that the matter to be voted upon affects only the interests of the shareholders of a particular portfolio or class of shares. Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides that any matter required to be submitted by the provisions of such Act or applicable state law, or otherwise, to the holders of the outstanding voting securities of an investment company such as the Company shall not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each portfolio affected by the matter. Rule 18f-2 further provides that a portfolio shall be deemed to be affected by a matter unless it is clear that the interests of each portfolio in the matter are identical or that the matter does not affect any interest of the portfolio. Under Rule 18f-2 the approval of an investment advisory agreement or distribution agreement or any change in a fundamental investment objective or fundamental investment policy would be effectively acted upon with respect to a portfolio only if approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such portfolio. However, the Rule also provides that the ratification of the selection of independent public accountants and the election of directors are not subject to the separate voting requirements and may be effectively acted upon by shareholders of an investment company voting without regard to a portfolio. Shareholders of the Company are entitled to one vote for each full share held (irrespective of class or portfolio) and fractional votes for fractional shares held. Voting rights are not cumulative and, accordingly, the holders of more than 50% of the aggregate shares of common stock of the Company may elect all of the Directors.

 

Notwithstanding any provision of Maryland law requiring a greater vote of shares of the Company’s common stock (or of any class voting as a class) in connection with any corporate action, unless otherwise provided by law (for example by Rule 18f-2 discussed above), or by the Company’s Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, the Company may take or authorize such action upon the favorable vote of the holders of more than 50% of all of the outstanding shares of Common Stock voting without regard to class (or portfolio).

 

52
 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Counsel

 

The law firm of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, One Logan Square, Ste. 2000, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-6996, serves as independent counsel to the Company and the Independent Directors.

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Ernst & Young LLP, One Commerce Square, Suite 700, 2005 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, serves as the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, and in that capacity audits the Fund’s financial statements.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The audited financial statements and notes thereto in the Fund’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017 (the “Annual Report”) are incorporated by reference into this SAI. No other parts of the Annual Report are incorporated by reference herein. The financial statements included in the Annual Report have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, whose report thereon also appears in the Annual Report and is incorporated by reference into this SAI. Such financial statements have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon such report given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing. Copies of the Annual Report may be obtained at no charge by telephoning the Fund at the telephone number appearing on the front page of this SAI.

 

53
 

APPENDIX A

 

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS

 

Short-Term Credit Ratings

An S&P Global Ratings short-term issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation having an original maturity of no more than 365 days. The following summarizes the rating categories used by S&P Global Ratings for short-term issues:

 

“A-1” – A short-term obligation rated “A-1” is rated in the highest category by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

 

“A-2” – A short-term obligation rated “A-2” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is satisfactory.

 

“A-3” – A short-term obligation rated “A-3” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken an obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“B” – A short-term obligation rated “B” is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.

 

“C” – A short-term obligation rated “C” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“D” – A short-term obligation rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

 

Local Currency and Foreign Currency Ratings – S&P Global Ratings’ issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. An issuer’s foreign currency rating will differ from its local currency rating when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.

 

Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) short-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect both on the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default.

 

Moody’s employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

 

“P-1” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

“P-2” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

“P-3” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.

 

A- 1
 

“NP” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issuer.

 

Fitch, Inc. / Fitch Ratings Ltd. (“Fitch”) short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as “short-term” based on market convention. Typically, this means up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign, and structured obligations and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets. The following summarizes the rating categories used by Fitch for short-term obligations:

 

“F1” – Securities possess the highest short-term credit quality. This designation indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

 

“F2” – Securities possess good short-term credit quality. This designation indicates good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.

 

“F3” – Securities possess fair short-term credit quality. This designation indicates that the intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.

 

“B” – Securities possess speculative short-term credit quality. This designation indicates minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

 

“C” – Securities possess high short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility.

 

“RD” – Restricted default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only.

 

“D” – Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) – The “F1” rating may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show the relative status within that major rating category.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issue of a rated issuer.

 

The DBRS ® Ratings Limited (“DBRS”) short-term debt rating scale provides an opinion on the risk that an issuer will not meet its short-term financial obligations in a timely manner. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer and the relative ranking of claims. The R-1 and R-2 rating categories are further denoted by the sub-categories “(high)”, “(middle)”, and “(low)”.

 

The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for commercial paper and short-term debt:

 

“R-1 (high)” - Short-term debt rated “R-1 (high)” is of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is exceptionally high. Unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.

 

“R-1 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (middle)” is of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is very high. Differs from “R-1 (high)” by a relatively modest degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.

 

“R-1 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (low)” is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is substantial. Overall strength is not as favorable as higher rating categories. May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.

 

A- 2
 

“R-2 (high)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (high)” is considered to be at the upper end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.

 

“R-2 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (middle)” is considered to be of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events or may be exposed to other factors that could reduce credit quality.

 

“R-2 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (low)” is considered to be at the lower end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events. A number of challenges are present that could affect the issuer’s ability to meet such obligations.

 

“R-3” – Short-term debt rated “R-3” is considered to be at the lowest end of adequate credit quality. There is a capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due. May be vulnerable to future events and the certainty of meeting such obligations could be impacted by a variety of developments.

 

“R-4” – Short-term debt rated “R-4” is considered to be of speculative credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is uncertain.

 

“R-5” – Short-term debt rated “R-5” is considered to be of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet short-term financial obligations as they fall due.

 

“D” – Short-term debt rated “D” is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to “D” may occur. DBRS may also use “SD” (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a “distressed exchange”.

 

Long-Term Credit Ratings

 

The following summarizes the ratings used by S&P Global Ratings for long-term issues:

 

“AAA” – An obligation rated “AAA” has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is extremely strong.

 

“AA” – An obligation rated “AA” differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is very strong.

 

“A” – An obligation rated “A” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is still strong.

 

“BBB” – An obligation rated “BBB” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC” and “C” – Obligations rated “BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC” and “C” are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. “BB” indicates the least degree of speculation and “C” the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposure to adverse conditions.

 

“BB” – An obligation rated “BB” is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

A- 3
 

“B” – An obligation rated “B” is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated “BB”, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“CCC” – An obligation rated “CCC” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“CC” – An obligation rated “CC” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The “CC” rating is used when a default has not yet occurred, but S&P Global Ratings expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.

 

“C” – An obligation rated “C” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared with obligations that are rated higher.

 

“D” – An obligation rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) – The ratings from “AA” to “CCC” may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

 

“NR” – This indicates that no rating has been requested, or that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P Global Ratings does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.

 

Local Currency and Foreign Currency Risks - S&P Global Ratings’ issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. An issuer’s foreign currency rating will differ from its local currency rating when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.

 

Moody’s long-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of one year or more. Such ratings reflect both on the likelihood of default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for long-term debt:

 

“Aaa” – Obligations rated “Aaa” are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk.

 

“Aa” – Obligations rated “Aa” are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.

 

“A” – Obligations rated “A” are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.

 

“Baa” – Obligations rated “Baa” are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.

 

“Ba” – Obligations rated “Ba” are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.

 

“B” – Obligations rated “B” are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.

 

“Caa” – Obligations rated “Caa” are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.

 

A- 4
 

“Ca” – Obligations rated “Ca” are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.

 

“C” – Obligations rated “C” are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.

 

Note: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from “Aa” through “Caa.” The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to unrated obligations.

 

The following summarizes long-term ratings used by Fitch :

 

“AAA” – Securities considered to be of the highest credit quality. “AAA” ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

 

“AA” – Securities considered to be of very high credit quality. “AA” ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

 

“A” – Securities considered to be of high credit quality. “A” ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

 

“BBB” – Securities considered to be of good credit quality. “BBB” ratings indicate that expectations of credit risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.

 

“BB” – Securities considered to be speculative. “BB” ratings indicate that there is an elevated vulnerability to credit risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met.

 

“B” – Securities considered to be highly speculative. “B” ratings indicate that material credit risk is present.

 

“CCC” – A “CCC” rating indicates that substantial credit risk is present.

 

“CC” – A “CC” rating indicates very high levels of credit risk.

 

“C” – A “C” rating indicates exceptionally high levels of credit risk.

 

Defaulted obligations typically are not assigned “RD” or “D” ratings but are instead rated in the “B” to “C” rating categories, depending on their recovery prospects and other relevant characteristics. Fitch believes that this approach better aligns obligations that have comparable overall expected loss but varying vulnerability to default and loss.

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the “AAA” obligation rating category, or to corporate finance obligation ratings in the categories below “CCC”.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issue of a rated issuer.

 

The DBRS long-term rating scale provides an opinion on the risk of default. That is, the risk that an issuer will fail to satisfy its financial obligations in accordance with the terms under which an obligation has been issued. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer, and the relative ranking of claims. All rating categories other than AAA and D also contain subcategories “(high)” and “(low)”. The absence of either a “(high)” or “(low)” designation indicates the rating is in the middle of the category. The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for long-term debt:

 

A- 5
 

“AAA” – Long-term debt rated “AAA” is of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is exceptionally high and unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.

 

“AA” – Long-term debt rated “AA” is of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered high. Credit quality differs from “AAA” only to a small degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.

 

“A” – Long-term debt rated “A” is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is substantial, but of lesser credit quality than “AA.” May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.

 

“BBB” – Long-term debt rated “BBB” is of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.

 

“BB” – Long-term debt rated “BB” is of speculative, non-investment grade credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is uncertain. Vulnerable to future events.

 

“B” – Long-term debt rated “B” is of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet financial obligations.

 

“CCC”, “CC” and “C” – Long-term debt rated in any of these categories is of very highly speculative credit quality. In danger of defaulting on financial obligations. There is little difference between these three categories, although “CC” and “C” ratings are normally applied to obligations that are seen as highly likely to default, or subordinated to obligations rated in the “CCC” to “B” range. Obligations in respect of which default has not technically taken place but is considered inevitable may be rated in the “C” category.

 

“D” – A security rated “D” is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to “D” may occur. DBRS may also use “SD” (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a “distressed exchange”.

 

Municipal Note Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings U.S. municipal note rating reflects S&P Global Ratings’ opinion about the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to the notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes with an original maturity of more than three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. In determining which type of rating, if any, to assign, S&P Global Ratings’ analysis will review the following considerations:

 

Amortization schedule - the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and

 

Source of payment - the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.

 

Municipal Short-Term Note rating symbols are as follows:

 

“SP-1” – A municipal note rated “SP-1” exhibits a strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.

 

“SP-2” – A municipal note rated “SP-2” exhibits a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.

 

“SP-3” – A municipal note rated “SP-3” exhibits a speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

 

A- 6
 

Moody’s uses the Municipal Investment Grade (“MIG”) scale to rate U.S. municipal bond anticipation notes of up to three years maturity. Municipal notes rated on the MIG scale may be secured by either pledged revenues or proceeds of a take-out financing received prior to note maturity. MIG ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation, and the issuer’s long-term rating is only one consideration in assigning the MIG rating. MIG ratings are divided into three levels – “MIG-1” through “MIG-3” while speculative grade short-term obligations are designated “SG”. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for short-term municipal obligations:

 

“MIG-1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

 

“MIG-2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.

 

“MIG-3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.

 

“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated obligation.

 

In the case of variable rate demand obligations (“VRDOs”), a two-component rating is assigned: a long or short-term debt rating and a demand obligation rating. The first element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with scheduled principal and interest payments. The second element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with the ability to receive purchase price upon demand (“demand feature”). The second element uses a rating from a variation of the MIG scale called the Variable Municipal Investment Grade or “VMIG” scale. The rating transitions on the VMIG scale differ from those on the Prime scale to reflect the risk that external liquidity support generally will terminate if the issuer’s long-term rating drops below investment grade.

 

“VMIG-1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“VMIG-2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“VMIG-3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated obligation.

 

About Credit Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion reflects S&P Global Ratings’ view of the obligor’s capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and this opinion may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.

 

A- 7
 

Moody’s credit ratings must be construed solely as statements of opinion and not statements of fact or recommendations to purchase, sell or hold any securities.

 

Fitch’s credit ratings provide an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of principal, insurance claims or counterparty obligations. Fitch credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving the money owed to them in accordance with the terms on which they invested. Fitch’s credit ratings cover the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign financial, bank, insurance, and public finance entities (including supranational and sub-national entities) and the securities or other obligations they issue, as well as structured finance securities backed by receivables or other financial assets.

 

Credit ratings provided by DBRS are forward-looking opinions about credit risk which reflect the creditworthiness of an issuer, rated entity, and/or security. Credit ratings are not statements of fact. While historical statistics and performance can be important considerations, credit ratings are not based solely on such; they include subjective considerations and involve expectations for future performance that cannot be guaranteed. To the extent that future events and economic conditions do not match expectations, credit ratings assigned to issuers and/or securities can change. Credit ratings are also based on approved and applicable methodologies, models and criteria (“Methodologies”), which are periodically updated and when material changes are deemed necessary, this may also lead to rating changes.

 

Credit ratings typically provide an opinion on the risk that investors may not be repaid in accordance with the terms under which the obligation was issued. In some cases, credit ratings may also include consideration for the relative ranking of claims and recovery, should default occur. Credit ratings are meant to provide opinions on relative measures of risk and are not based on expectations of any specific default probability, nor are they meant to predict such.

 

The data and information on which DBRS bases its opinions is not audited or verified by DBRS, although DBRS conducts a reasonableness review of information received and relied upon in accordance with its Methodologies and policies.

 

DBRS uses rating symbols as a concise method of expressing its opinion to the market, but there are a limited number of rating categories for the possible slight risk differentials that exist across the rating spectrum and DBRS does not assert that credit ratings in the same category are of “exactly” the same quality.

 

A- 8
 

 

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

(formerly, the Altair Smaller Companies Fund)

 

a series of THE RBB FUND, INC.

 

December 31, 2017

 

Investment Adviser:

 

Altair Advisers LLC

 

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) provides supplementary information pertaining to shares of the Adara Smaller Companies Fund (the “Fund”) of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”). This SAI is not a prospectus and should be read only in conjunction with the Fund’s Prospectus dated December 31, 2017 (the “Prospectus”) and the Fund’s Annual Report dated August 31, 2017 (the “Annual Report”). The financial statements and notes contained in the Annual Report are incorporated by reference into this SAI. No other part of the Annual Report is incorporated by reference herein. Copies of the Prospectus and Annual and Semi-Annual Reports may be obtained free of charge by calling toll-free 1-844-261-6482.

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

GENERAL INFORMATION 1
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES 1
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS 28
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS 30
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER 31
MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY 32
CODE OF ETHICS 39
PROXY VOTING 40
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES 40
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES 40
INVESTMENT ADVISER 40
INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISERS 41
THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS 43
ADMINISTRATION AND ACCOUNTING AGREEMENT 49
CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT 50
TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT 50
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT 50
FUND TRANSACTIONS 51
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION 53
TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PROCEDURES 54
VALUATION OF SHARES 54
TAXES 55
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING COMPANY SHARES 56
MISCELLANEOUS 57
APPENDIX A A-1
APPENDIX B B-1
APPENDIX C C-1
APPENDIX D D-1
APPENDIX E E-1
APPENDIX F F-1
APPENDIX G G-1

 

i  

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

The Company is an open-end management investment company currently operating 29 separate portfolios. The Company is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”) and was organized as a Maryland corporation on February 29, 1988. This SAI pertains to shares of the Adara Smaller Companies Fund (the “Fund”), a diversified portfolio. Altair Advisers LLC (“Altair” or the “Adviser”), serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Prior to December 31, 2017, the Fund was named the Altair Smaller Companies Fund.

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES

 

The following supplements the information contained in the Prospectus concerning the investment objective and policies of the Fund.

 

The Fund seeks capital appreciation. The Fund may not necessarily invest in all of the instruments or use all of the investment techniques permitted by the Fund’s Prospectus and this SAI, or invest in such instruments or engage in such techniques to the full extent permitted by the Fund’s investment policies and limitations.

 

Principal Investment Policies and Risks.

 

Multi-Manager Structure. The Fund is managed by the Adviser and one or more asset managers who are unaffiliated with the Adviser (each a “Sub-Adviser” and together, the “Sub-Advisers”). Subject to review by the Fund’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), the Adviser is responsible for selecting the Fund’s investment strategies and for allocating and reallocating assets among the Sub-Advisers consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and strategies. The Adviser is also responsible for recommending to the Board whether an agreement with a Sub-Adviser should be approved, renewed, modified or terminated and for monitoring and evaluating the Sub-Advisers. The Adviser is also responsible for implementing procedures to ensure that each Sub-Adviser complies with the Fund’s investment objective, strategies and restrictions.

 

Portfolio Turnover Rate. Portfolio turnover rate is defined under U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) rules as the greater of the value of the securities purchased or securities sold, excluding all securities whose maturities at the time of acquisition were one-year or less, divided by the average monthly value of such securities owned during the year. Based on this definition, instruments with remaining maturities of less than one-year are excluded from the calculation of the portfolio turnover rate. Instruments excluded from the calculation of portfolio turnover generally would include the futures contracts in which the Fund may invest since such contracts generally have remaining maturities of less than one-year. The Fund may at times hold investments in other short-term instruments, such as repurchase agreements, which are excluded for purposes of computing portfolio turnover.

 

Corporate Obligations. The Fund may invest in debt obligations, such as bonds and debentures, issued by corporations and other business organizations without limit on credit quality or maturity of debt securities. See Appendix “A” to this SAI for a description of corporate debt ratings. An issuer of debt obligations may default on its obligation to pay interest and repay principal. Also, changes in the financial strength of an issuer or changes in the credit rating of a security may affect its value.

 

Equity Markets. The Fund invests primarily in equity markets at all times. Equity markets can be highly volatile, so that investing in the Fund involves substantial risk. As a result, investing in the Fund involves the risk of loss of capital.

 

Equity Securities. Equity securities represent ownership interests in a company and consist of common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stock, and securities convertible into common stock. Investments in equity securities in general are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. Fluctuations in the value of equity securities in which the Fund invests will cause the net asset value of the Fund to fluctuate. The Fund purchases equity securities traded in the U.S. on registered exchanges or the over-the-counter market. Equity securities are described in more detail below:

 

Common Stock. Common stock represents an equity or ownership interest in an issuer. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds and preferred stock take precedence over the claims of those who own common stock.

 

1  

 

Preferred Stock. Preferred stock represents an equity or ownership interest in an issuer that pays dividends at a specified rate and that has precedence over common stock in the payment of dividends. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds take precedence over the claims of those who own preferred and common stock.

 

Warrants. Warrants are instruments that entitle the holder to buy an equity security at a specific price for a specific period of time. Changes in the value of a warrant do not necessarily correspond to changes in the value of its underlying security. The price of a warrant may be more volatile than the price of its underlying security, and a warrant may offer greater potential for capital appreciation as well as capital loss. Warrants do not entitle a holder to dividends or voting rights with respect to the underlying security and do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuing company. A warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. These factors can make warrants more speculative than other types of investments.

 

Convertible Securities. Convertible securities are bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stocks or other securities that may be converted or exchanged (by the holder or by the issuer) into shares of the underlying common stock (or cash or securities of equivalent value) at a stated exchange ratio. A convertible security may also be called for redemption or conversion by the issuer after a particular date and under certain circumstances (including a specified price) established upon issue. If a convertible security held by the Fund is called for redemption or conversion, the Fund could be required to tender it for redemption, convert it into the underlying common stock, or sell it to a third party.

 

Convertible securities generally have less potential for gain or loss than common stocks. Convertible securities generally provide yields higher than the underlying common stocks, but generally lower than comparable non-convertible securities. Because of this higher yield, convertible securities generally sell at a price above their “conversion value,” which is the current market value of the stock to be received upon conversion. The difference between this conversion value and the price of convertible securities will vary over time depending on changes in the value of the underlying common stocks and interest rates. When the underlying common stocks decline in value, convertible securities will tend not to decline to the same extent because of the interest or dividend payments and the repayment of principal at maturity for certain types of convertible securities. However, securities that are convertible other than at the option of the holder generally do not limit the potential for loss to the same extent as securities convertible at the option of the holder. When the underlying common stocks rise in value, the value of convertible securities may also be expected to increase. At the same time, however, the difference between the market value of convertible securities and their conversion value will narrow, which means that the value of convertible securities will generally not increase to the same extent as the value of the underlying common stocks. Because convertible securities may also be interest-rate sensitive, their value may increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. Convertible securities are also subject to credit risk, and are often lower-quality securities.

 

Micro, Small and Medium Capitalization Issuers. Investing in equity securities of micro, small and medium capitalization companies often involves greater risk than is customarily associated with investments in larger capitalization companies. This increased risk may be due to the greater business risks of smaller size, limited markets and financial resources, narrow product lines and frequent lack of depth of management. The securities of smaller companies are often traded in the over-the-counter market and even if listed on a national securities exchange may not be traded in volumes typical for that exchange. Consequently, the securities of smaller companies are less likely to be liquid, may have limited market stability, and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than securities of larger, more established growth companies or the market averages in general.

 

Illiquid Securities. Illiquid securities are securities that cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business (within seven days) at approximately the prices at which they are valued. Because of their illiquid nature, illiquid securities must be priced at fair value as determined in good faith pursuant to procedures approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. Despite such good faith efforts to determine fair value prices, the Fund’s illiquid securities are subject to the risk that the security’s fair value price may differ from the actual price which the Fund may ultimately realize upon its sale or disposition. Difficulty in selling illiquid securities may result in a loss or may be costly to the Fund. Under the supervision of the Company’s Board of Directors, the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers determine the liquidity of the Fund’s investments. In determining the liquidity of the Fund’s investments, the Adviser and Sub-Advisers may consider various factors, including: (1) the frequency and volume of trades and quotations; (2) the number of dealers and prospective purchasers in the marketplace; (3) dealer undertakings to make a market; and (4) the nature of the security and the market in which it trades (including any demand, put or tender features, the mechanics and other requirements for transfer, any letters of credit or other credit enhancement features, any ratings, the number of holders, the method of soliciting offers, the time required to dispose of the security, and the ability to assign or offset the rights and obligations of the security). The Fund will not hold more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities.

 

2  

 

Initial Public Offerings. To the extent consistent with its investment policies and limitations, the Fund may purchase stock in an initial public offering (“IPO”). An IPO is a company’s first offering of stock to the public. Risks associated with IPOs may include considerable fluctuation in the market value of IPO shares due to certain factors, such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, a limited number of shares available for trading, lack of information about the issuer and limited operating history. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. When the Fund’s asset base is small, a significant portion of the Fund’s performance could be attributable to investments in IPOs, because such investments would have a magnified impact on the Fund. As the Fund’s assets grow, the effect of the Fund’s investments in IPOs on the Fund’s performance probably will decline, which could reduce the Fund’s performance. Because of the price volatility of IPO shares, the Fund may choose to hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the Fund’s portfolio and may lead to increased expenses to the Fund, such as commissions and transaction costs. In addition, the Fund cannot guarantee continued access to IPOs.

 

Market Fluctuation. The market value of the Fund’s investments, and thus the Fund’s NAV, will change in response to market conditions affecting the value of its portfolio securities. When interest rates decline, the value of fixed rate obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of fixed rate obligations can be expected to decline. In contrast, as interest rates on adjustable rate loans are reset periodically, yields on investments in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates, causing the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed rate obligations. Because the investment alternatives available to the Fund may be limited by the specific objective of the Fund, investors should be aware that an investment in the Fund may be subject to greater market fluctuation than an investment in a portfolio of securities representing a broader range of investment alternatives. In view of the specialized nature of the investment activities of the Fund, an investment in the Fund should not be considered a complete investment program.

 

Micro-Cap and Small-Cap Stocks . The Fund may invest in securities of companies with micro-and small-size capitalizations that tend to be riskier than securities of companies with large capitalizations. This is because micro- and small-cap companies typically have smaller product lines and less access to liquidity than large cap companies, and are therefore more sensitive to economic downturns. In addition, growth prospects of micro- and small-cap companies tend to be less certain than large cap companies, and the dividends paid on micro- and small-cap stocks are frequently negligible. Moreover, micro- and small-cap stocks have, on occasion, fluctuated in the opposite direction of large cap stocks or the general stock market. Consequently, securities of micro- and small-cap companies tend to be more volatile than those of large-cap companies. The market for micro- and small-cap securities may be thinly traded and as a result, greater fluctuations in the price of micro- and small-cap securities may occur.

 

Real Estate Investment Trust Securities. The Fund may invest in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”). REITs generally invest directly in real estate, in mortgages or in some combination of the two. Individual REITs may own a limited number of properties and may concentrate in a particular region or property type. A REIT is a corporation, or a business trust that would otherwise be taxed as a corporation, which meets the definitional requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The Code permits a qualifying REIT to deduct dividends paid, thereby effectively eliminating corporate level federal income tax and making the REIT a pass-through vehicle for federal income tax purposes. To meet the definitional requirements of the Code, a REIT must, among other things, invest substantially all of its assets in interests in real estate (including mortgages and other REITs) or cash and government securities, derive most of its income from rents from real property or interest on loans secured by mortgages on real property and distribute to shareholders annually a substantial portion of its otherwise taxable income.

 

3  

 

Generally, REITs can be classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs and hybrid REITs. Equity REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive their income primarily from rents and capital gains from appreciation realized through property sales. Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive their income primarily from interest payments. Hybrid REITs combine the characteristics of both equity and mortgage REITs. The values of securities issued by REITs are affected by tax and regulatory requirements and by perceptions of management skill. They also are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers or tenants, self-liquidation and the possibility of failing to qualify for tax-free status under the Code or to maintain exemption from the 1940 Act. Unexpected high rates of default on the mortgages held by a mortgage pool may adversely affect the value of a mortgage-backed security and could result in losses to a mortgage REIT. The risk of such defaults is generally higher in the case of mortgage pools that include subprime mortgages. To the extent that a mortgage REIT’s portfolio is exposed to lower-rated, unsecured or subordinated instruments, the risk of loss may increase, which may have a negative impact on the Fund.

 

REITs may be affected by economic forces and other factors related to the real estate industry. REITs are sensitive to factors such as changes in real estate values, property taxes, interest rates, cash flow of underlying real estate assets, occupancy rates, government regulations affecting zoning, land use and rents, and management skill and creditworthiness of the issuer. Companies in the real estate industry may also be subject to liabilities under environmental and hazardous waste laws. REITS whose underlying assets include long-term health care properties, such as nursing, retirement and assisted living homes, may be affected by federal regulations concerning the health care industry. The Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of expenses, including management fees, paid by each REIT in which it invests in addition to the expenses of the Fund. The Fund is also subject to the risk that the REITs in which it invests will fail to qualify for tax-free pass-through of income under the Code and/or fail to qualify for an exemption from registration as an investment company under the 1940 Act. Mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of the credit extended. A REIT’s return may be adversely affected when interest rates are high or rising.

 

Investing in REITs may involve risks similar to those associated with investing in small capitalization companies. REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. Historically, small capitalization stocks, such as REITs, have been more volatile in price than the larger capitalization stocks included in the S&P 500 ® .

 

Restricted and Illiquid Securities. The Fund may not invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, including securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily available market or legal or contractual restrictions on resale. Illiquid securities include: repurchase agreements and time deposits with a notice or demand period of more than seven days; interest rate; currency and mortgage swaps; interest rate caps; floors and collars; municipal leases; certain restricted securities, such as those purchased in a private placement of securities, unless it is determined, based upon a review of the trading markets for a specific restricted security, that such restricted security is liquid; and certain over-the-counter options. Securities that have legal or contractual restrictions on resale but have a readily available market are not considered illiquid for purposes of this limitation.

 

Mutual funds do not typically hold a significant amount of restricted or other illiquid securities because of the potential for delays on resale and uncertainty in valuation. Limitations on resale may have an adverse effect on the marketability of portfolio securities and a mutual fund might be unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty in satisfying redemptions within seven days. A mutual fund might also have to register such restricted securities in order to dispose of them resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of securities.

 

The Fund may purchase securities which are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”) but which may be sold to “qualified institutional buyers” in accordance with Rule 144A under the 1933 Act (“Restricted Securities”). These securities will not be considered illiquid so long as it is determined by the Adviser or applicable Sub-Adviser that an adequate trading market exists for the securities. This investment practice could have the effect of increasing the level of illiquidity in the Fund during any period that qualified institutional buyers become uninterested in purchasing restricted securities.

 

The Adviser or applicable Sub-Adviser will monitor the liquidity of Restricted Securities held by the portion of the assets of the Fund it manages. In reaching liquidity decisions, the Adviser or Sub-Adviser may consider, among others, the following factors: (1) the unregistered nature of the security; (2) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (3) the number of dealers wishing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential purchasers; (4) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; and (5) the nature of the security and the nature of the marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of the transfer).

 

4  

 

The purchase price and subsequent valuation of Restricted Securities normally reflect a discount from the price at which such securities trade when they are not restricted, since the restriction makes them less liquid. The amount of the discount from the prevailing market price is expected to vary depending upon the type of security, the character of the issuer, the party who will bear the expenses of registering the Restricted Securities and prevailing supply and demand conditions.

 

As consistent with the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund may also invest in Section 4(2) commercial paper. Section 4(2) commercial paper is issued in reliance on an exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the 1933 Act and is generally sold to institutional investors who purchase for investment. Any resale of such commercial paper must be in an exempt transaction, usually to an institutional investor through the issuer or investment dealers who make a market in such commercial paper. The Company believes that Section 4(2) commercial paper is liquid to the extent it meets the criteria established by the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company intends to treat such commercial paper as liquid and not subject to the investment limitations applicable to illiquid securities or restricted securities.

 

Rights Offerings and Purchase Warrants. Rights offerings and purchase warrants are privileges issued by a corporation which enable the owner to subscribe to and purchase a specified number of shares of the corporation at a specified price during a specified period of time. Subscription rights normally have a short lifespan to expiration. The purchase of rights or warrants involves the risk that the Fund could lose the purchase value of a right or warrant if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not executed prior to the right’s or warrant’s expiration. Also, the purchase of rights and/or warrants involves the risk that the effective price paid for the right and/or warrant added to the subscription price of the related security may exceed the value of the subscribed security’s market price such as when there is no movement in the level of the underlying security.

 

Securities of Unseasoned Issuers. The Fund may invest in securities of unseasoned issuers, including equity securities of unseasoned issuers which are not readily marketable. The term “unseasoned” refers to issuers which, together with their predecessors, have been in operation for less than three years.

 

Special Situation Companies. The Fund may invest in “Special Situations.” The term “Special Situation” shall be deemed to refer to a security of a company in which an unusual and possibly non-repetitive development is taking place which, in the opinion of the Adviser or Sub-Adviser, may cause the security to attain a higher market value independently, to a degree, of the trend in the securities market in general. The particular development (actual or prospective), which may qualify a security as a Special Situation, may be one of many different types.

 

Such developments may include, among others, a technological improvement or important discovery or acquisition which, if the expectation for it materialized, would effect a substantial change in the company’s business; a reorganization; a recapitalization or other development involving a security exchange or conversion; a merger, liquidation or distribution of cash, securities or other assets; a breakup or workout of a holding company; litigation which, if resolved favorably, would improve the value of the company’s stock; a new or changed management; or material changes in management policies. A Special Situation may often involve a comparatively small company, which is not well known, and which has not been closely watched by investors generally, but it may also involve a large company. The fact, if it exists, that an increase in the company’s earnings, dividends or business is expected, or that a given security is considered to be undervalued, would not in itself be sufficient to qualify as a Special Situation. The Fund may invest in securities (even if not Special Situations) which, in the opinion of the Adviser, are appropriate investments for the Fund, including securities which the Adviser or Sub-Adviser believes are undervalued by the market. The Fund is not required to invest any minimum percentage of its aggregate portfolio in “Special Situations,” nor is it required to invest any minimum percentage of its aggregate portfolio in securities other than “Special Situations.”

 

Special Note Regarding Market Events. Events in the financial sector over the past several years have resulted in reduced liquidity in credit and fixed income markets and in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestically and internationally. While entire markets have been impacted, issuers that have exposure to the real estate, mortgage and credit markets have been particularly affected. These events and the potential for continuing market turbulence may have an adverse effect on the Fund’s investments. It is uncertain how long these conditions will continue.

 

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The instability in the financial markets has led the U.S. government to take a number of unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions and certain segments of the financial markets. Federal, state and foreign governments, regulatory agencies, and self-regulatory organizations may take actions that affect the regulation of the instruments in which the Fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that are unforeseeable. Such legislation or regulation could limit or preclude the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective.

 

Governments or their agencies may also acquire distressed assets from financial institutions and acquire ownership interests in those institutions. The implications of government ownership and disposition of these assets are unclear, and such ownership or disposition may have positive or negative effects on the liquidity, valuation and performance of the Fund’s holdings.

 

Temporary Defensive Positions. In anticipation of or in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may take temporary defensive positions (up to 100% of its assets) in cash, cash equivalents and short-term U.S. government securities. If the Fund were to take a temporary defensive position, it may be unable for a time to achieve its investment objective.

 

Non-Principal Investment Policies and Risks.

 

Asset-Backed Securities. The Fund may invest in asset-backed securities, which represent participations in, or are secured by and payable from, pools of assets such as motor vehicle installment sale contracts, installment loan contracts, leases of various types of real and personal property, receivables from revolving credit (credit card) agreements and other categories of receivables. Asset-backed securities may also be collateralized by a portfolio of U.S. government securities but are not direct obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities. Such asset pools are securitized through the use of privately-formed trusts or special purpose corporations. Payments or distributions of principal and interest on asset-backed securities may be guaranteed up to certain amounts and for a certain time period by a letter of credit or a pool insurance policy issued by a financial institution unaffiliated with the trust or corporation, or other credit enhancements may be present, although privately issued obligations collateralized by a portfolio of privately issued asset-backed securities do not involve any government-related guarantee or insurance. In addition to the risks that are presented by mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities generally do not have the benefit of a security interest in collateral that is comparable to mortgage assets. See “Mortgage-Backed Securities” below for additional information.

 

Asset-backed securities acquired by the Fund may also include collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”). CDOs include collateralized bond obligations (“CBOs”) and collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) and other similarly structured securities.

 

A CBO is a trust or other special purpose entity (“SPE”) that is typically backed by a diversified pool of fixed-income securities (which may include high risk, below investment grade securities). A CLO is a trust or other SPE that is typically collateralized by a pool of loans, which may include, among others, domestic and non-U.S. senior secured loans, senior unsecured loans, and subordinate corporate loans, including loans that may be rated below investment grade or equivalent unrated loans. Although certain CDOs may receive credit enhancement in the form of a senior-subordinate structure, over-collateralization or bond insurance, such enhancement may not always be present and may fail to protect the Fund against the risk of loss on default of the collateral. Certain CDOs may use derivatives contracts to create “synthetic” exposure to assets rather than holding such assets directly, which entails the risks of derivative instruments described elsewhere in this SAI. CDOs may charge management fees and administrative expenses, which are in addition to those of the Fund.

 

For both CBOs and CLOs, the cashflows from the SPE are split into two or more portions, called tranches, varying in risk and yield. The riskiest portion is the “equity” tranche, which bears the first loss from defaults from the bonds or loans in the SPE and serves to protect the other, more senior tranches from default (though such protection is not complete). Since it is partially protected from defaults, a senior tranche from a CBO or CLO typically has higher ratings and lower yields than its underlying securities, and may be rated investment grade. Despite the protection from the equity tranche, CBO or CLO tranches can experience substantial losses due to actual defaults, increased sensitivity to defaults due to collateral default and disappearance of protecting tranches, market anticipation of defaults, as well as investor aversion to CBO or CLO securities as a class. Interest on certain tranches of a CDO may be paid in kind (paid in the form of obligations of the same type rather than cash), which involves continued exposure to default risk with respect to such payments.

 

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The risks of an investment in a CDO depend largely on the type of the collateral securities and the class of the CDO in which the Fund invests. Normally, CBOs, CLOs and other CDOs are privately offered and sold, and thus are not registered under the securities laws. As a result, investments in CDOs may be characterized by the Fund as illiquid securities. However, an active dealer market may exist for CDOs, allowing a CDO to qualify for Rule 144A transactions. In addition to the normal risks associated with fixed-income securities and asset-backed securities generally discussed elsewhere in this SAI, CDOs carry additional risks including, but not limited to: (i) the possibility that distributions from collateral securities will not be adequate to make interest or other payments; (ii) the quality of the collateral may decline in value or default; (iii) the Fund may invest in tranches of CDOs that are subordinate to other tranches; (iv) the complex structure of the security may not be fully understood at the time of investment and may produce disputes with the issuer or unexpected investment results; and (v) the CDO’s manager may perform poorly or default.

 

Commercial Paper. Commercial paper is the term used to designate unsecured short-term promissory notes issued by corporations and other entities. Maturities on these issues vary from a few to 270 days.

 

Commodity-Linked Derivatives. The Fund may attempt to provide exposure to the returns of real assets that trade in the commodity markets without direct investment in physical commodities. Real assets include oil, gas, industrial and precious metals, livestock, and agricultural or meat products, or other items that have tangible properties. Commodity-linked derivative instruments include commodity index-linked securities and other derivative instruments that provide exposure to the investment returns of the commodities markets. Commodity-linked investments may be more volatile and less liquid than the underlying instruments and their value may be affected by the performance of commodities as well as weather, tax, and other regulatory or political developments, overall market movements and other factors affecting the value of particular industries or commodities, such as disease, embargoes, acts of war or terrorism.

 

The Fund may invest in commodity-linked derivative instruments such as commodity-linked structured notes. The Fund may invest in commodity-linked notes that pay a return linked to the performance of a commodities index or basket of futures contracts with respect to all of the commodities in an index. In some cases, the return will be based on some multiple of the performance of the index, and this embedded leverage will magnify the positive and negative return the Fund earns from these notes as compared to the index. The principal and/or interest payments of commodity-linked derivatives are tied to the value of a real asset or commodity index. Structured notes may be structured by the issuer and the purchaser of the note. The notes are derivative debt instruments with principal payments generally linked to the value of commodities, commodity futures contracts or the performance of commodity indices and interest and coupon payments pegged to a market-based interest rate, such as LIBOR or a bank’s prime rate. The value of these notes will rise or fall in response to changes in the underlying commodity or related index or investment. These notes expose the Fund economically to movements in commodity prices.

 

Cyber Security Risk. The Fund and its service providers may be prone to operational and information security risks resulting from breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption, or lose operational capacity. Breaches in cyber security include, among other behaviors, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, denial of service attacks on websites, the unauthorized release of confidential information or various other forms of cyber-attacks. Cyber security breaches affecting the Fund or its Adviser, custodian, transfer agent, intermediaries and other third-party service providers may adversely impact the Fund. For instance, cyber security breaches may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, impact the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAVs, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential business information, impede trading, subject the Fund to regulatory fines or financial losses and/or cause reputational damage. The Fund may also incur additional costs for cyber security risk management purposes. Similar types of cyber security risks are also present for issuers of securities in which the Fund may invest, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Fund’s investment in such companies to lose value.

 

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Dollar Rolls. The Fund may enter into dollar rolls in which the Fund sells fixed income securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar (same type, coupon and maturity) securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, the Fund would forgo principal and interest paid on such securities. However, the Fund would be compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the forward price for the future purchase, as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale. The return on dollar rolls may be negatively impacted by fluctuations in interest rates. The Fund does not presently intend to engage in dollar roll transactions involving more than 5% of its net assets. For additional information on dollar roll transactions, see the section entitled “Mortgage Dollar Roll Transactions” in this SAI.

 

Foreign Securities. The Fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers that are denominated or traded in foreign currencies. The Fund may also invest in securities of foreign issuers that are traded or denominated in U.S. dollars (including equity securities of foreign issuers trading in U.S. markets) through American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”), European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) or International Depositary Receipts (“IDRs”). ADRs are securities, typically issued by a U.S. financial institution (a “depository”), that evidence ownership interests in a security or pool of securities issued by a foreign issuer and deposited with the depository. ADRs may be listed on a national securities exchange or may trade in the over-the-counter market. ADR prices are denominated in U.S. dollars; the underlying security may be denominated in a foreign currency. GDRs, EDRs and IDRs are securities that represent ownership interests in a security or pool of securities issued by a non-U.S. or U.S. corporation. Depositary receipts may be available through “sponsored” or “unsponsored” facilities. A sponsored facility is established jointly by the issuer of the security underlying the receipt and the depository, whereas an unsponsored facility is established by the depository without participation by the issuer of the underlying security. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all of the costs of the unsponsored facility. The depository of an unsponsored facility is frequently under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through, to the holders of the receipts, voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. The depository of unsponsored depositary receipts may provide less information to receipt holders. Investments in depositary receipts do not eliminate the risks in investing in foreign issuers. The underlying security may be subject to foreign government taxes, which would reduce the yield on such securities.

 

Investments in foreign securities involve higher costs than investments in U.S. securities, including higher transaction costs as well as the imposition of additional taxes by foreign governments. In addition, foreign investments may include additional risks associated with currency exchange rates, less complete financial information about the issuers, less market liquidity and political stability. Volume and liquidity in most foreign bond markets are less than in the United States and, at times, volatility or price can be greater than in the United States. Future political and economic information, the possible imposition of withholding taxes on interest income, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, the possible establishment of exchange controls, or the adoption of other governmental restrictions, might adversely affect the payment of principal and interest on foreign obligations. Inability to dispose of Fund securities due to settlement problems could result either in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the securities, or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the securities, could result in possible liability to the purchaser. Individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth or gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position.

 

Fixed commissions on foreign securities exchanges are generally higher than negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges, although the Fund endeavors to achieve the most favorable net results on their portfolio transactions. There is generally less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, brokers, dealers and listed companies than in the United States.

 

Settlement mechanics (e.g., mail service between the United States and foreign countries) may be slower or less reliable than within the United States, thus increasing the risk of delayed settlements of portfolio transactions or loss of certificates for portfolio securities. Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Such delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of the Fund is uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of the Fund to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities.

 

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Although the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies, the Fund values its securities and other assets in U.S. dollars. As a result, the net asset value (“NAV”) of the Fund’s shares may fluctuate with U.S. dollar exchange rates as well as the price changes of the Fund’s securities in the various local markets and currencies. Thus, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar compared to the currencies in which the Fund makes its investments could reduce the effect of increases and magnify the effect of decreases in the price of the Fund’s securities in their local markets. Conversely, a decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar may have the opposite effect of magnifying the effect of increases and reducing the effect of decreases in the prices of the Fund’s securities in its foreign markets. In addition to favorable and unfavorable currency exchange rate developments, the Fund is subject to the possible imposition of exchange control regulations or freezes on convertibility of currency. The Fund may invest in obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks (Eurodollars) and U.S. branches of foreign banks (Yankee dollars) as well as foreign branches of foreign banks. These investments involve risks that are different from investments in securities of U.S. banks, including potential unfavorable political and economic developments, different tax provisions, seizure of foreign deposits, currency controls, interest limitations or other governmental restrictions which might affect payment of principal or interest. The Fund may also invest in Yankee bonds, which are issued by foreign governments and their agencies and foreign corporations but pay interest in U.S. dollars and are typically issued in the United States.

 

In 2016, the United Kingdom (“UK”) held a referendum election and voters elected to withdraw from the EU. The Fund may be exposed to risks related to the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, including volatile trading markets and significant and unpredictable currency fluctuations. Securities issued by companies domiciled in the UK could be subject to changing regulatory and tax regimes. Banking and financial services companies that operate in the UK or EU could be disproportionately impacted by these actions. Greece has recently experienced political pressure to hold a similar referendum election. Further insecurity in EU membership or the abandonment of the euro could exacerbate market and currency volatility and negatively impact investments in securities issued by companies located in EU countries. The potential impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, is not clear but could be significant and far-reaching.

 

Forward Foreign Currency Transactions. The Fund may, to the extent that it invests in foreign securities, enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts in order to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates. The Fund will conduct its foreign currency exchange transactions either on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market, or through entering into forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies. A forward foreign currency exchange contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days (usually less than one year) from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts are traded in the interbank market conducted directly between traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. A forward contract generally has no deposit requirement, and no commissions are charged at any stage for trades. Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a profit based on the difference (the spread) between the price at which they are buying and selling various currencies.

 

The Fund is permitted to enter into forward contracts under two circumstances. First, when the Fund enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security quoted or denominated in a foreign currency, it may desire to “lock in” the U.S. dollar price of the security. By entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale, for a fixed number of U.S. dollars, of the amount of foreign currency involved in the underlying security transactions, the Fund will be able to insulate itself from a possible loss resulting from a change in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and the subject foreign currency during the period between the date on which the security is purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made or received.

 

Second, when the Adviser or Sub-Adviser, as applicable, believes that the currency of a particular foreign country may suffer a substantial decline against the U.S. dollar, it may cause the Fund to enter a forward contract to sell, for a fixed U.S. dollar amount, the amount of foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of the Fund’s portfolio securities quoted or denominated in such foreign currency. The precise matching of the forward contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible since the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of those securities between the date the forward contract is entered into and the date it matures.

 

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Although the Fund has no current intention to do so, it may engage in cross-hedging by using forward contracts in one currency to hedge against fluctuations in the value in securities denominated or quoted in a different currency if the Adviser or Sub-Adviser, as applicable, determines that there is a pattern of correlation between the two currencies. Cross-hedging may also include entering into a forward transaction involving two foreign currencies, using one foreign currency as a proxy for the U.S. dollar to hedge against variations in the other U.S. foreign currency, if the Adviser or Sub-Adviser, as applicable, determines that there is a pattern of correlation between the proxy currency and the U.S. dollar.

 

The Fund will not enter into forward contracts to sell currency or maintain a net exposure to such contracts if the consummation of such contracts would obligate the Fund to deliver an amount of foreign currency in excess of the value of the Fund’s respective portfolio securities or other assets quoted or denominated in that currency. At the consummation of the forward contract, the Fund may either make delivery of the foreign currency or terminate its contractual obligation by purchasing an offsetting contract obligating it to purchase at the same maturity date, the same amount of such foreign currency. If the Fund chooses to make delivery of foreign currency, it may be required to obtain such delivery through the sale of portfolio securities quoted or denominated in such currency or through conversion of other assets of the Fund into such currency. If the Fund engages in an offsetting transaction, the Fund will realize a gain or a loss to the extent that there has been a change in forward contract prices. Closing purchase transactions with respect to forward contracts are usually effected with the currency trader who is a party to the original forward contract.

 

The Fund’s transactions in forward contracts will be limited to those described above. Of course, the Fund is not required to enter into such transactions with regard to its foreign currency quoted or denominated securities, and the Fund will not do so unless deemed appropriate by the Adviser or Sub-Adviser, as applicable.

 

When entering into a forward contract, the Fund will segregate either cash or liquid securities quoted or denominated in any currency in an amount equal to the value of the Fund’s total assets committed to the consummation of forward currency exchange contracts which require the Fund to purchase a foreign currency. If the value of the segregated securities declines, additional cash or securities will be segregated by the Fund on a daily basis so that the value of the segregated securities will equal the amount of the Fund’s commitments with respect to such contracts.

 

If the Fund uses forward contracts as a method of protecting the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities against a decline in the value of a currency, this does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities. It simply establishes a rate of exchange which can be achieved at some future point in time. The precise projection of short-term currency market movements is not possible, and short-term hedging provides a means of fixing the U.S. dollar value of only a portion of the Fund’s foreign assets. It also reduces any potential gain which may have otherwise occurred had the currency value increased above the settlement price of the contract.

 

While the Fund may enter into forward contracts to seek to reduce currency exchange rate risks, transactions in such contracts involve certain other risks. Thus, while the Fund may benefit from such transactions, unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in a poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not engaged in any such transactions. Moreover, there may be imperfect correlation between the Fund’s portfolio holdings or securities quoted or denominated in a particular currency and forward contracts entered into by the Fund. Such imperfect correlation may cause the Fund to sustain losses, which will prevent the Fund from achieving a complete hedge, or expose the Fund to the risk of foreign exchange loss.

 

Forward contracts are subject to the risks that the counterparty to such contract will default on its obligations. Since a forward foreign currency exchange contract is not guaranteed by an exchange or clearing house, a default on the contract would deprive the Fund of unrealized profits, transaction costs or the benefits of a currency hedge or force the Fund to cover its purchase or sale commitments, if any, at the current market price.

 

The Fund’s foreign currency transactions (including related options, futures and forward contracts) may be limited by the requirements of Subchapter M of the Code for qualification as a regulated investment company.

 

Futures And Options On Futures. Futures contracts provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific security at a specified future time and at a specified price. An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in exchange for a premium, to assume a position in a futures contract at a specified exercise price during the term of the option. The Fund will reduce the risk that it will be unable to close out a futures contract by only entering into futures contracts that are traded on a national futures exchange regulated by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”). The Fund may use futures contracts and related options for: bona fide hedging; attempting to offset changes in the value of securities held or expected to be acquired or be disposed of; attempting to minimize fluctuations in foreign currencies; attempting to gain exposure to a particular market, index or instrument; or other risk management purposes. To the extent futures and/or options on futures are employed by the Fund, the Fund will limit such investments in commodity futures, commodity options contracts and swaps to below the de minimis thresholds adopted by the CFTC in its recent amendments to Rule 4.5 (see below for a description of these thresholds). For this reason, the Adviser is not required to register as a “commodity pool operator” (“CPO”) under the Commodity Exchange Act at this time.

 

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With respect to investments in swap transactions, commodity futures, commodity options or certain other derivatives used for purposes other than bona fide hedging purposes, an investment company must meet one of the following tests under the amended regulations in order to claim an exemption from being considered a “commodity pool” or a CPO. First, the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish an investment company’s positions in such investments may not exceed five percent (5%) of the liquidation value of the investment company’s portfolio (after accounting for unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such investments). Alternatively, the aggregate net notional value of such instruments, determined at the time of the most recent position established, may not exceed one hundred percent (100%) of the liquidation value of the investment company’s portfolio (after accounting for unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions). In addition to meeting one of the foregoing trading limitations, the investment company may not market itself as a commodity pool or otherwise as a vehicle for trading in the commodity futures, commodity options or swaps and derivatives markets. In the event that the Adviser was required to register as a CPO, the disclosure and operations of the Fund would need to comply with all applicable CFTC regulations.

 

An index futures contract is a bilateral agreement pursuant to which two parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to a specified dollar amount times the difference between the index value at the close of trading of the contract and the price at which the futures contract is originally struck. No physical delivery of the securities comprising the index is made; generally contracts are closed out prior to the expiration date of the contract.

 

When the Fund purchases or sells a futures contract, or sells an option thereon, the Fund is required to “cover” its position in order to limit leveraging and related risks. To cover its position, the Fund may segregate (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) cash or liquid securities that, when added to any amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the market value of the futures contract or otherwise “cover” its position in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations thereunder. The segregated account functions as a practical limit on the amount of leverage which the Fund may undertake and on the potential increase in the speculative character of the Fund’s outstanding portfolio securities. Additionally, such segregated accounts will generally assure the availability of adequate funds to meet the obligations of the Fund arising from such investment activities.

 

The Fund may also cover its long position in a futures contract by purchasing a put option on the same futures contract with a strike price (i.e., an exercise price) as high or higher than the price of the futures contract. In the alternative, if the strike price of the put is less than the price of the futures contract, the Fund will segregate cash or liquid securities equal in value to the difference between the strike price of the put and the price of the futures contract. The Fund may also cover its long position in a futures contract by taking a short position in the instruments underlying the futures contract, or by taking positions in instruments with prices which are expected to move relatively consistently with the futures contract. The Fund may cover its short position in a futures contract by taking a long position in the instruments underlying the futures contracts, or by taking positions in instruments with prices which are expected to move relatively consistently with the futures contract.

 

The Fund may cover its sale of a call option on a futures contract by taking a long position in the underlying futures contract at a price less than or equal to the strike price of the call option. In the alternative, if the long position in the underlying futures contract is established at a price greater than the strike price of the written (sold) call, the Fund will maintain in a segregated account cash or liquid securities equal in value to the difference between the strike price of the call and the price of the futures contract. The Fund may also cover its sale of a call option by taking positions in instruments with prices which are expected to move relatively consistently with the call option. The Fund may cover its sale of a put option on a futures contract by taking a short position in the underlying futures contract at a price greater than or equal to the strike price of the put option, or, if the short position in the underlying futures contract is established at a price less than the strike price of the written put, the Fund will maintain in a segregated account cash or liquid securities equal in value to the difference between the strike price of the put and the price of the futures contract. The Fund may also cover its sale of a put option by taking positions in instruments with prices which are expected to move relatively consistently with the put option.

 

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There are significant risks associated with the Fund’s use of futures contracts and related options, including the following: (1) the success of a hedging strategy may depend on the Adviser’s or Sub-Adviser’s ability to predict movements in the prices of individual securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) there may be an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the securities held by the Fund and the prices of futures and options on futures; (3) there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract or option; (4) trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange; and (5) government regulations may restrict trading in futures contracts and options on futures. In addition, some strategies reduce the Fund’s exposure to price fluctuations, while others tend to increase its market exposure.

 

Large Shareholder Purchase and Redemption Risk : The Fund may experience adverse effects when certain large shareholders purchase or redeem large amounts of shares of the Fund. Such large shareholder redemptions may cause the Fund to sell its securities at times when it would not otherwise do so, which may negatively impact the Fund’s NAV and liquidity. Similarly, large share purchases may adversely affect the Fund’s performance to the extent that the Fund is delayed in investing new cash and is required to maintain a larger cash position than it ordinarily would. In addition, a large redemption could result in the Fund’s current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the Fund’s expense ratio. However, this risk may be limited to the extent that the Adviser and the Fund have entered into a fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement arrangement.

 

Swap Agreements. The Fund may enter into equity index or interest rate swap agreements for purposes of attempting to gain exposure to the stocks making up an index of securities in a market without actually purchasing those stocks, or to hedge a position. Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a day to more than one-year. In a standard “swap” transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments. The gross returns to be exchanged or “swapped” between the parties are calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” i.e., the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested in a “basket” of securities representing a particular index. Forms of swap agreements include interest rate caps, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates exceed a specified rate, or “cap,” interest rate floors, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates fall below a specified level, or “floor,” and interest rate dollars, under which a party sells a cap and purchases a floor or vice versa in an attempt to protect itself against interest rate movements exceeding given minimum or maximum levels.

 

Most swap agreements entered into by the Fund calculate the obligations of the parties to the agreement on a “net basis.” Consequently, the Fund’s current obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the “net amount”). The Fund’s current obligations under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owing to the Fund) and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed to a swap counterparty will be covered by segregating assets determined to be liquid. Obligations under swap agreements so covered will not be construed to be “senior securities” for purposes of the Fund’s investment restriction concerning senior securities. Because they are two party contracts and because they may have terms of greater than seven days, swap agreements may be considered to be illiquid for the Fund’s illiquid investment limitation. The Fund will not enter into any swap agreement unless the Adviser or applicable Sub-Adviser believes that the other party to the transaction is creditworthy. The Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty.

 

The Fund may enter into swap agreements to invest in a market without owning or taking physical custody of securities in circumstances in which direct investment is restricted for legal reasons or is otherwise impracticable. The counterparty to any swap agreement will typically be a bank, investment banking firm or broker/dealer. The counter-party will generally agree to pay the Fund the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the swap agreement would have increased in value had it been invested in the particular stocks, plus the dividends that would have been received on those stocks. The Fund will agree to pay to the counter-party a floating rate of interest on the notional amount of the swap agreement plus the amount, if any, by which the notional amount would have decreased in value had it been invested in such stocks. Therefore, the return to the Fund on any swap agreement should be the gain or loss on the notional amount plus dividends on the stocks less the interest paid by the Fund on the notional amount.

 

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Swap agreements typically are settled on a net basis, which means that the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. Payments may be made at the conclusion of a swap agreement or periodically during its term. Swap agreements do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to swap agreements is limited to the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the other party to a swap agreement defaults, the Fund’s risk of loss consists of the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually entitled to receive, if any. The net amount of the excess, if any, of the Fund’s obligations over its entitlements with respect to each equity swap will be accrued on a daily basis and an amount of cash or liquid assets, having an aggregate net asset value at least equal to such accrued excess will be maintained in a segregated account by the Fund’s custodian. Inasmuch as these transactions are entered into for hedging purposes or are offset by segregated cash of liquid assets, as permitted by applicable law, the Fund and the Adviser believe that these transactions do not constitute senior securities under the 1940 Act and, accordingly, will not treat them as being subject to the Fund’s borrowing restrictions.

 

The Adviser and Sub-Advisers, under the supervision of the Board, are responsible for determining and monitoring the liquidity of Fund transactions in swap agreements. The use of equity swaps is a highly specialized activity, which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions.

 

Credit Default Swaps, Interest Rate Swaps, Mortgage Swaps, Currency Swaps, Total Return Swaps, Options on Swaps and Interest Rate Caps, Floors and Collars. The Fund may enter into credit default, interest rate and total return swaps. The Fund may also enter into interest rate caps, floors and collars. In addition, the Fund may enter into mortgage swaps and currency swaps.

 

The Fund may enter into swap transactions for hedging purposes or to seek to increase total return. As examples, the Fund may enter into swap transactions for the purpose of attempting to obtain or preserve a particular return or spread at a lower cost than obtaining a return or spread through purchases and/or sales of instruments in other markets, to protect against currency fluctuations, as a duration management technique, to protect against any increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later date, or to gain exposure to certain markets in an economical way.

 

Swap agreements are two party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors. In a standard “swap” transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments, which may be adjusted for an interest factor. The gross returns to be exchanged or “swapped” between the parties are generally calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” i.e., the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate, in a particular foreign currency or security, or in a “basket” of securities representing a particular index. As examples, credit default swaps involve the receipt of floating or fixed rate payments in exchange for assuming potential credit losses of an underlying security. Credit default swaps give one party to a transaction the right to dispose of or acquire an asset (or group of assets), or the right to receive from or make a payment to the other party, upon the occurrence of specified credit events. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, such as an exchange of fixed-rate payments for floating rate payments. Mortgage swaps are similar to interest rate swaps in that they represent commitments to pay and receive interest. The notional principal amount, however, is tied to a reference pool or pools of mortgages. Currency swaps involve the exchange of the parties’ respective rights to make or receive payments in specified currencies. Total return swaps are contracts that obligate a party to pay or receive interest in exchange for payment by the other party of the total return generated by a security, a basket of securities, an index, or an index component.

 

The purchase of an interest rate cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined interest rate, to receive payment of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling such interest rate cap. The purchase of an interest rate floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling the interest rate floor. An interest rate collar is the combination of a cap and a floor that preserves a certain return within a predetermined range of interest rates.

 

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A great deal of flexibility is possible in the way swap transactions are structured. However, generally the Fund will enter into credit default, interest rate, total return and mortgage swaps on a net basis, which means that the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. Credit default, interest rate, total return and mortgage swaps do not normally involve the delivery of securities, other underlying assets or principal. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to credit default, interest rate, total return and mortgage swaps is normally limited to the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the other party to a credit default, interest rate, total return or mortgage swap defaults, the Fund’s risk of loss consists of the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually entitled to receive, if any. In contrast, currency swaps may involve the delivery of the entire principal amount of one designated currency in exchange for the other designated currency. Therefore, the entire principal value of a currency swap is subject to the risk that the other party to the swap will default on its contractual delivery obligations.

 

A credit default swap may have as reference obligations one or more securities that may, or may not, be currently held by the Fund. The protection “buyer” in a credit default swap is generally obligated to pay the protection “seller” an upfront or a periodic stream of payments over the term of the swap provided that no credit event, such as a default, on a reference obligation has occurred. If a credit event occurs, the seller generally must pay the buyer the “par value” (full notional value) of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of deliverable obligations of the reference entity described in the swap, or the seller may be required to deliver the related net cash amount, if the swap is cash settled. The Fund may be either the buyer or seller in the transaction. If the Fund is a buyer and no credit event occurs, the Fund may recover nothing if the swap is held through its termination date. However, if a credit event occurs, the buyer generally may elect to receive the full notional value of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of deliverable obligations of the reference entity whose value may have significantly decreased. As a seller, the Fund generally receives an upfront payment or a rate of income throughout the term of the swap provided that there is no credit event. As the seller, the Fund would effectively add leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, the Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap. If a credit event occurs, the value of any deliverable obligation received by the Fund as seller, coupled with the upfront or periodic payments previously received, may be less than the full notional value it pays to the buyer, resulting in a loss of value to the Fund.

 

To the extent that the Fund’s exposure in a transaction involving a swap or an interest rate floor, cap or collar is covered by the segregation of cash or liquid assets, or is covered by other means in accordance with SEC guidance, the Fund and the Adviser believe that the transactions do not constitute senior securities under the Act and, accordingly, will not treat them as being subject to the Fund’s borrowing restrictions. The SEC has recently issued the concept release “Use of Derivatives by Investment Companies under the Investment Company Act of 1940,” which discusses, among other matters, whether current market practices involving derivatives are consistent with the leverage provisions of the Act. Accordingly, investors should be aware that the SEC may offer additional guidance in the future that may impact the manner in which the Fund operates.

 

The Fund will not enter into any credit default, interest rate, total return or mortgage swap transactions unless the unsecured commercial paper, senior debt or claims-paying ability of the other party thereto is rated investment grade by S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) or Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”), or, if unrated by such rating organization, determined to be of comparable quality by the Adviser or applicable Sub-Adviser. If there is a default by the other party to such a transaction, the Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction.

 

The use of credit default, interest rate, mortgage, total return and currency swaps, as well as interest rate caps, floors and collars, is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The use of a swap requires an understanding not only of the referenced asset, reference rate, or index but also of the swap itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the swap under all possible market conditions. If the Adviser or applicable Sub-Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of market values, credit quality, interest rates and currency exchange rates, the investment performance of the Fund would be less favorable than it would have been if these investment instruments were not used.

 

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Forward Commitment and When-Issued Transactions. The Fund may purchase or sell securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis (subject to its investment policies and restrictions). These transactions involve a commitment by a fund to purchase or sell securities at a future date (ordinarily one or two months later). The price of the underlying securities (usually expressed in terms of yield) and the date when the securities will be delivered and paid for (the settlement date) are fixed at the time the transaction is negotiated. When-issued purchases and forward commitments are negotiated directly with the other party, and such commitments are not traded on exchanges. The Fund will not enter into such transactions for the purpose of leverage.

 

When-issued purchases and forward commitments enable the Fund to lock in what is believed by the Adviser or Sub-Adviser, as applicable, to be an attractive price or yield on a particular security for a period of time, regardless of future changes in interest rates. For instance, in periods of rising interest rates and falling prices, the Fund might sell securities it owns on a forward commitment basis to limit its exposure to falling prices. In periods of falling interest rates and rising prices, the Fund might sell securities it owns and purchase the same or a similar security on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, thereby obtaining the benefit of currently higher yields. When-issued securities or forward commitments involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date.

 

The value of securities purchased on a when-issued or forward commitment basis and any subsequent fluctuations in their value are reflected in the computation of the Fund’s NAV starting on the date of the agreement to purchase the securities, and the Fund is subject to the rights and risks of ownership of the securities on that date. The Fund does not earn interest on the securities it has committed to purchase until they are paid for and delivered on the settlement date. When the Fund makes a forward commitment to sell securities it owns, the proceeds to be received upon settlement are included in the Fund’s assets. Fluctuations in the market value of the underlying securities are not reflected in the Fund’s NAV as long as the commitment to sell remains in effect. Settlement of when-issued purchases and forward commitment transactions generally takes place within two months after the date of the transaction, but the Fund may agree to a longer settlement period.

 

The Fund will make commitments to purchase securities on a when-issued basis or to purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment basis only with the intention of completing the transaction and actually purchasing or selling the securities. If deemed advisable as a matter of investment strategy, however, the Fund may dispose of or renegotiate a commitment after it is entered into. The Fund also may sell securities it has committed to purchase before those securities are delivered to the Fund on the settlement date. The Fund may realize a capital gain or loss in connection with these transactions, and its distributions from any net realized capital gains will be taxable to shareholders. When the Fund purchases securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, the Fund or the Custodian will maintain in a segregated account cash or liquid securities having a value (determined daily) at least equal to the amount of the Fund’s purchase commitments. These procedures are designed to ensure that the Fund will maintain sufficient assets at all times to cover its obligations under when-issued purchases and forward commitments.

 

Investing in Emerging Countries, including Asia and Eastern Europe. The Fund may invest in securities of issuers located in emerging countries. The securities markets of emerging countries are less liquid and subject to greater price volatility, and have a smaller market capitalization, than the U.S. securities markets. In certain countries, there may be fewer publicly traded securities and the market may be dominated by a few issues or sectors. Issuers and securities markets in such countries are not subject to as extensive and frequent accounting, financial and other reporting requirements or as comprehensive government regulations as are issuers and securities markets in the U.S. In particular, the assets and profits appearing on the financial statements of emerging country issuers may not reflect their financial position or results of operations in the same manner as financial statements for U.S. issuers. Substantially less information may be publicly available about emerging country issuers than is available about issuers in the United States.

 

Emerging country securities markets are typically marked by a high concentration of market capitalization and trading volume in a small number of issuers representing a limited number of industries, as well as a high concentration of ownership of such securities by a limited number of investors. The markets for securities in certain emerging countries are in the earliest stages of their development. Even the markets for relatively widely traded securities in emerging countries may not be able to absorb, without price disruptions, a significant increase in trading volume or trades of a size customarily undertaken by institutional investors in the securities markets of developed countries. The limited size of many of these securities markets can cause prices to be erratic for reasons apart from factors that affect the soundness and competitiveness of the securities issuers. For example, prices may be unduly influenced by traders who control large positions in these markets. Additionally, market making and arbitrage activities are generally less extensive in such markets, which may contribute to increased volatility and reduced liquidity of such markets. The limited liquidity of emerging country securities may also affect the Fund’s ability to accurately value its portfolio securities or to acquire or dispose of securities at the price and time it wishes to do so or in order to meet redemption requests.

 

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With respect to investments in certain emerging market countries, antiquated legal systems may have an adverse impact on the Fund. For example, while the potential liability of a shareholder in a U.S. corporation with respect to acts of the corporation is generally limited to the amount of the shareholder’s investment, the notion of limited liability is less clear in certain emerging market countries. Similarly, the rights of investors in emerging market companies may be more limited than those of shareholders in U.S. corporations.

 

Transaction costs, including brokerage commissions or dealer mark-ups, in emerging countries may be higher than in the United States and other developed securities markets. In addition, existing laws and regulations are often inconsistently applied. As legal systems in emerging countries develop, foreign investors may be adversely affected by new or amended laws and regulations. In circumstances where adequate laws exist, it may not be possible to obtain swift and equitable enforcement of the law.

 

Foreign investment in the securities markets of certain emerging countries is restricted or controlled to varying degrees. These restrictions may limit the Fund’s investment in certain emerging countries and may increase the expenses of the Fund. Certain emerging countries require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons or limit investment by foreign persons to only a specified percentage of an issuer’s outstanding securities or a specific class of securities which may have less advantageous terms (including price) than securities of the company available for purchase by nationals. In addition, the repatriation of both investment income and capital from emerging countries may be subject to restrictions which require governmental consents or prohibit repatriation entirely for a period of time. Even where there is no outright restriction on repatriation of capital, the mechanics of repatriation may affect certain aspects of the operation of the Fund. The Fund may be required to establish special custodial or other arrangements before investing in certain emerging countries.

 

Emerging countries may be subject to a substantially greater degree of economic, political and social instability and disruption than is the case in the United States, Japan and most Western European countries. This instability may result from, among other things, the following: (i) authoritarian governments or military involvement in political and economic decision making, including changes or attempted changes in governments through extra-constitutional means; (ii) popular unrest associated with demands for improved political, economic or social conditions; (iii) internal insurgencies; (iv) hostile relations with neighboring countries; (v) ethnic, religious and racial disaffection or conflict; and (vi) the absence of developed legal structures governing foreign private investments and private property. Such economic, political and social instability could disrupt the principal financial markets in which the Fund may invest and adversely affect the value of the Fund’s assets. The Fund’s investments can also be adversely affected by any increase in taxes or by political, economic or diplomatic developments.

 

The Fund may seek investment opportunities within former “east bloc” countries in Eastern Europe. Most Eastern European countries had a centrally planned, socialist economy for a substantial period of time. The governments of many Eastern European countries have more recently been implementing reforms directed at political and economic liberalization, including efforts to decentralize the economic decision-making process and move towards a market economy. However, business entities in many Eastern European countries do not have an extended history of operating in a market-oriented economy, and the ultimate impact of Eastern European countries’ attempts to move toward more market-oriented economies is currently unclear. In addition, any change in the leadership or policies of Eastern European countries may halt the expansion of or reverse the liberalization of foreign investment policies now occurring and adversely affect existing investment opportunities. As a result of recent events involving Ukraine and the Russian Federation, the United States and the European Union have imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and Russian corporations. Additional broader sanctions may be imposed in the future. These sanctions, or even the threat of further sanctions, may result in the decline of the value and liquidity of Russian securities, a weakening of the ruble or other adverse consequences to the Russian economy. These sanctions could also result in the immediate freeze of Russian securities, impairing the ability of a Fund to buy, sell, receive or deliver those securities. Sanctions could also result in Russia taking counter measures or retaliatory actions which may further impair the value and liquidity of Russian and/or Ukrainian securities.

 

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The economies of emerging countries may differ unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resources, self-sufficiency and balance of payments. Many emerging countries have experienced in the past, and continue to experience, high rates of inflation. In certain countries inflation has at times accelerated rapidly to hyperinflationary levels, creating a negative interest rate environment and sharply eroding the value of outstanding financial assets in those countries. Other emerging countries, on the other hand, have recently experienced deflationary pressures and are in economic recessions. The economies of many emerging countries are heavily dependent upon international trade and are accordingly affected by protective trade barriers and the economic conditions of their trading partners. In addition, the economies of some emerging countries are vulnerable to weakness in world prices for their commodity exports. The Fund’s income and, in some cases, capital gains from foreign stocks and securities will be subject to applicable taxation in certain of the countries in which it invests, and treaties between the U.S. and such countries may not be available in some cases to reduce the otherwise applicable tax rates.

 

Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Such delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of the Fund remain uninvested and no return is earned on such assets. The inability of the Fund to make intended security purchases or sales due to settlement problems could result either in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the portfolio securities or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the securities, could result in possible liability to the purchaser.

 

Investment Company Shares. The Fund may invest in shares of other investment companies to the extent permitted by applicable law and subject to certain restrictions. These investment companies typically incur fees that are separate from those fees incurred directly by the Fund. The Fund’s purchase of such investment company securities results in the layering of expenses, such that shareholders would indirectly bear a proportionate share of the operating expenses of such investment companies, including advisory fees, in addition to paying the Fund’s expenses. Unless an exception is available, Section 12(d)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act prohibits a fund from (i) acquiring more than 3% of the voting shares of any one investment company, (ii) investing more than 5% of its total assets in any one investment company, and (iii) investing more than 10% of its total assets in all investment companies combined, including its ETF investments.

 

For hedging or other purposes, the Fund may invest in investment companies that seek to track the composition and/or performance of specific indexes or portions of specific indexes. Certain of these investment companies, known as exchange-traded funds, are traded on a securities exchange. The market prices of index-based investments will fluctuate in accordance with changes in the underlying portfolio securities of the investment company and also due to supply and demand of the investment company’s shares on the exchange upon which the shares are traded. Index-based investments may not replicate or otherwise match the composition or performance of their specified index due to transaction costs, among other things.

 

Pursuant to orders issued by the SEC to each of certain exchange-traded funds (collectively, the “ETFs”) and procedures approved by the Board, the Fund may invest in the ETFs in excess of the limits described above, provided that the Fund has described the ETF investments in its prospectus and otherwise complies with the conditions of the SEC, as it may be amended, and any other applicable investment limitations. Neither the ETFs nor their investment advisers make any representations regarding the advisability of investing in the ETFs.

 

Inflation-Protected Securities. The Fund may invest in inflation-protected securities issued by the U.S. Treasury, known as “TIPs” or “Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities,” which are debt securities whose principal and interest payments are adjusted for inflation and interest is paid on the adjusted amount. The inflation adjustment, which is typically applied monthly to the principal of the bond, follows a designated inflation index, such as the consumer price index (“CPI”). A fixed coupon rate is applied to the inflation-adjusted principal so that as inflation rises, both the principal value and the interest payments increase. This can provide investors with a hedge against inflation, as it helps preserve the purchasing power of your investment. Inflation-protected securities normally will decline in price when real interest rates rise. (A real interest rate is calculated by subtracting the inflation rate from a nominal interest rate. For example, if a 10-year Treasury note is yielding 5% and inflation is 2%, the real interest rate is 3%.) If inflation is negative, the principal and income of an inflation-protected security will decline and could result in losses for the Fund.

 

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Any increase in principal for an inflation-protected security resulting from inflation adjustments is considered by IRS regulations to be taxable income in the year it occurs. For direct holders of an inflation-protected security, this means that taxes must be paid on principal adjustments even though these amounts are not received until the bond matures. By contrast, the Fund holding these securities distributes both interest income and the income attributable to principal adjustments in the form of cash or reinvested shares, which are taxable to shareholders.

 

Mortgage-Backed Securities. The Fund may invest in mortgage pass-through certificates and multiple-class pass-through securities, such as real estate mortgage investment conduits (“REMIC”), pass-through certificates and collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”).

 

Guaranteed mortgage pass-through securities represent participation interests in pools of residential mortgage loans and are issued by U.S. governmental or private lenders and guaranteed by the U.S. government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities, including but not limited to the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”), the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”). Ginnie Mae certificates are guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government for timely payment of principal and interest on the certificates. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac certificates are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. Fannie Mae certificates are guaranteed by Fannie Mae, a federally chartered and privately owned corporation, for full and timely payment of principal and interest on the certificates. Fannie Mae is authorized to borrow from the U.S. Treasury to meet its obligations. Freddie Mac certificates are guaranteed by Freddie Mac, a corporate instrumentality of the U.S. government, for timely payment of interest and the ultimate collection of all principal of the related mortgage loans.

 

In September 2008, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”) announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would be placed in conservatorship under the FHFA. On June 16, 2010, FHFA ordered Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s stock de-listed from the New York Stock Exchange after the price of common stock in Fannie Mae fell below the New York Stock Exchange’s minimum average closing price of $1 for more than 30 days. The effect that this conservatorship will have on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s debt and equity and on securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is unclear.

 

There is risk that the U.S. government will not provide financial support to its agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. The Fund may purchase U.S. government securities that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, such as those issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. government securities held by the Fund may greatly exceed their current resources, including their legal right to support from the U.S. Treasury. It is possible that these issuers will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future.

 

CMOs and REMIC pass-through or participation certificates may be issued by, among others, U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities as well as private lenders. CMOs and REMIC certificates are issued in multiple classes and the principal of and interest on the mortgage assets may be allocated among the several classes of CMOs or REMIC certificates in various ways. Each class of CMOs or REMIC certificates, often referred to as a “tranche,” is issued at a specific adjustable or fixed interest rate and must be fully retired no later than its final distribution date. Generally, interest is paid or accrues on all classes of CMOs or REMIC certificates on a monthly basis.

 

Typically, CMOs are collateralized by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac certificates but also may be collateralized by other mortgage assets such as whole loans or private mortgage pass-through securities. Debt service on CMOs is provided from payments of principal and interest on collateral of mortgaged assets and any reinvestment income thereon. Unexpected high rates of default on the mortgages held by a mortgage pool may adversely affect the value of a mortgage-backed security and could result in losses to a mortgage REIT. The risk of such defaults is generally higher in the case of mortgage pools that include subprime mortgages. To the extent that a mortgage REIT’s portfolio is exposed to lower-rated, unsecured or subordinated instruments, the risk of loss may increase, which may have a negative impact on the Fund.

 

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A REMIC is a CMO that qualifies for special tax treatment under the Code and invests in certain mortgages primarily secured by interests in real property and other permitted investments. Investors may purchase “regular” and “residual” interest shares of beneficial interest in REMIC trusts, although the Fund does not intend to invest in residual interests.

 

The Fund may invest in mortgage-backed securities issued by trusts or other entities formed or sponsored by private originators of and institutional investors in mortgage loans and other non-governmental entities (or representing custodial arrangements administered by such institutions). These private originators and institutions include savings and loan associations, mortgage bankers, commercial banks, insurance companies, investment banks and special purpose subsidiaries of the foregoing.

 

Privately issued mortgage-backed securities are generally backed by pools of conventional (i.e., non-government guaranteed or insured) mortgage loans. Since such mortgage-backed securities normally are not guaranteed by an entity having the credit standing of Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, in order to receive a high quality rating from the rating organizations (e.g., S&P’s or Moody’s), they often are structured with one or more types of “credit enhancement.” Such credit enhancement falls into two categories: (1) liquidity protection and (2) protection against losses resulting after default by a borrower and liquidation of the collateral (e.g., sale of a house after foreclosure). Liquidity protection refers to the payment of cash advances to holders of mortgage-backed securities when a borrower on an underlying mortgage fails to make its monthly payment on time. Protection against losses resulting after default and liquidation is designed to cover losses resulting when, for example, the proceeds of a foreclosure sale are insufficient to cover the outstanding amount on the mortgage. Such protection may be provided through guarantees, insurance policies or letters of credit, through various means of structuring the securities or through a combination of such approaches.

 

Examples of credit enhancement arising out of the structure of the transaction include “senior-subordinated securities” (multiple class securities with one or more classes entitled to receive payment before other classes, with the result that defaults on the underlying mortgages are borne first by the holders of the subordinated class), creation of “spread accounts” or “reserve funds” (where cash or investments are held in reserve against future losses) and “over-collateralization” (where the scheduled payments on the underlying mortgages in a pool exceed the amount required to be paid on the mortgage-backed securities). The degree of credit enhancement for a particular issue of mortgage-backed securities is based on the level of credit risk associated with the particular mortgages in the related pool. Losses on a pool in excess of anticipated levels could nevertheless result in losses to security holders since credit enhancement rarely covers every dollar owed on a pool.

 

Investing in mortgage-backed securities (such as those described above) involves certain risks, including the failure of a counter-party to meet its commitments, adverse interest rate changes and the effects of prepayments on mortgage cash flows. Further, the yield characteristics of mortgage-backed securities differ from those of traditional fixed income securities. The major differences typically include more frequent interest and principal payments (usually monthly), the adjustability of interest rates, and the possibility that prepayments of principal may be made substantially earlier than their final distribution dates.

 

Prepayment rates are influenced by changes in current interest rates and a variety of economic, geographic, social and other factors and cannot be predicted with certainty. Both adjustable rate mortgage loans and fixed rate mortgage loans may be subject to a greater rate of principal prepayments in a declining interest rate environment and to a lesser rate of principal prepayments in an increasing interest rate environment. Under certain interest rate and prepayment rate scenarios, the Fund may fail to recoup fully its investment in mortgage-backed securities notwithstanding any direct or indirect governmental or agency guarantee. When the Fund reinvests amounts representing payments and unscheduled prepayments of principal, it may receive a rate of interest that is lower than the rate on existing adjustable rate mortgage pass-through securities. Thus, mortgage-backed securities, and adjustable rate mortgage pass-through securities in particular, may be less effective than other types of U.S. government securities as a means of “locking in” interest rates.

 

Conversely, in a rising interest rate environment, a declining prepayment rate will extend the average life of many mortgage-backed securities. This possibility is often referred to as extension risk. Extending the average life of a mortgage-backed security increases the risk of depreciation due to future increases in market interest rates. The market for certain types of mortgage-backed securities (i.e., certain CMOs) may not be liquid under all interest rate scenarios, which may prevent the Fund from selling such securities held in its portfolio at times or prices that it desires.

 

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Different types of derivative debt securities are subject to different combinations of prepayment, extension and/or interest rate risk. Conventional mortgage pass-through securities and sequential pay CMOs are subject to all of these risks, but are typically not leveraged. Thus, the magnitude of exposure may be less than for more leveraged mortgage-backed securities.

 

Planned amortization class (“PAC”) and target amortization class (“TAC”) CMO bonds involve less exposure to prepayment, extension and interest rate risk than other mortgage-backed securities, provided that prepayment rates remain within expected prepayment ranges or “collars.” To the extent that prepayment rates remain within these prepayment ranges, the residual or support tranches of PAC and TAC CMOs assume the extra prepayment extension and interest rate risk associated with the underlying mortgage assets.

 

The Fund may invest in floating rate securities based on the Cost of Funds Index (“COFI floaters”), other “lagging rate” floating rate securities, floating rate securities that are subject to a maximum interest rate (“capped floaters”), and mortgage-backed securities purchased at a discount. The primary risks associated with these derivative debt securities are the potential extension of average life and/or depreciation due to rising interest rates.

 

Recently, rating agencies have placed on credit watch or downgraded the ratings previously assigned to a large number of mortgage-related securities (which may include certain of the mortgage-related securities in which the Fund may have invested or may in the future be invested), and may continue to do so in the future. In the event that any mortgage-related security held by the Fund is placed on credit watch or downgraded, the value of such mortgage-related security may decline and the Fund may consequently experience losses in respect of such mortgage-related security.

 

Mortgage Dollar Roll Transactions. The Fund may enter into mortgage dollar roll transactions in which the Fund sells securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts with the same counterparty to repurchase similar (same type, coupon and maturity), but not identical securities, on a specified future date. For financial reporting and tax purposes, the Fund treats mortgage dollar rolls as two separate transactions; one involving the purchase of a security and a separate transaction involving a sale. The Fund does not currently intend to enter into mortgage dollar rolls for financing and does not treat them as borrowings.

 

During the roll period, the Fund would forgo principal and interest paid on such securities. The Fund would benefit to the extent of any difference between the price received for the securities sold and the lower forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the “drop”) or fee income plus the interest on the cash proceeds of the securities sold until the settlement date of the forward purchase. Unless such benefits exceed the income, capital appreciation and gain or loss due to mortgage prepayments that would have been realized on the securities sold as part of the mortgage dollar roll, the use of this technique will diminish the investment performance of the Fund compared with what such performance would have been without the use of mortgage dollar rolls. The Fund will hold and maintain in a segregated account until the settlement date cash or liquid, high-grade debt securities in an amount equal to the forward purchase price. Any benefits derived from the use of mortgage dollar rolls may depend upon mortgage prepayment assumptions, which will be affected by changes in interest rates. There is no assurance that mortgage dollar rolls can be successfully employed. For additional information on dollar rolls, please refer to the section entitled “Dollar Rolls” in this SAI.

 

Municipal Obligations. The Fund may invest in municipal obligations. Municipal obligations are issued by or on behalf of states, territories and possessions of the United States and their political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities to obtain funds for various public purposes. The interest on most of these obligations is generally exempt from regular federal income tax in the hands of most individual investors, although it may be subject to the individual and corporate alternative minimum tax. The two principal classifications of municipal obligations are “notes” and “bonds.”

 

Municipal notes are generally used to provide for short-term capital needs and generally have maturities of one year or less. Municipal notes include tax anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes, and construction loan notes. Tax anticipation notes are sold to finance working capital needs of municipalities. They are generally payable from specific tax revenues expected to be received at a future date. Revenue anticipation notes are issued in expectation of receipt of other types of revenue such as federal revenues available under the Federal Revenue Sharing Program. Tax anticipation notes and revenue anticipation notes are generally issued in anticipation of various seasonal revenues such as income, sales, use, and business taxes. Bond anticipation notes are sold to provide interim financing.

 

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These notes are generally issued in anticipation of long-term financing in the market. In most cases, these monies provide for the repayment of the notes. Construction loan notes are sold to provide construction financing. After the projects are successfully completed and accepted, many projects receive permanent financing through the Federal Housing Administration under Fannie Mae or Ginnie Mae. There are, of course, a number of other types of notes issued for different purposes and secured differently from those described above.

 

Municipal bonds, which meet longer term capital needs and generally have maturities of more than one year when issued, have two principal classifications, “general obligation” bonds and “revenue” bonds. Issuers of general obligation bonds include states, counties, cities, towns and regional districts. The proceeds of these obligations are used to fund a wide range of public projects including the construction or improvement of schools, highways and roads, water and sewer systems and a variety of other public purposes. The basic security of general obligation bonds is the issuer’s pledge of its faith, credit, and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest. The taxes that can be levied for the payment of debt service may be limited or unlimited as to rate or amount or special assessments.

 

The principal security for a revenue bond is generally the net revenues derived from a particular facility or group of facilities or, in some cases, from the proceeds of a special excise or other specific revenue source. Revenue bonds have been issued to fund a wide variety of capital projects including: electric, gas, water and sewer systems; highways, bridges and tunnels; port and airport facilities; colleges and universities; and hospitals. Revenue obligations are not backed by the credit and taxing authority of the issuer but are payable solely from the revenues derived from a particular facility or class of facilities or, in some cases, from the proceeds of a special excise tax or other specific revenue source. In addition, revenue obligations may be backed by a letter of credit, guarantee or insurance. Revenue obligations include private activity bonds, resource recovery bonds, certificates of participation and certain municipal notes. Although the principal security behind these bonds varies widely, many provide additional security in the form of a debt service reserve fund whose monies may also be used to make principal and interest payments on the issuer’s obligations. Housing finance authorities have a wide range of security including partially or fully insured, rent subsidized and/or collateralized mortgages, and/or the net revenues from housing or other public projects. In addition to a debt service reserve fund, some authorities provide further security in the form of a state’s ability (without obligation) to make up deficiencies in the debt service reserve fund. Lease rental revenue bonds issued by a state or local authority for capital projects are secured by annual lease rental payments from the state or locality to the authority sufficient to cover debt service on the authority’s obligations.

 

Industrial development bonds (now a subset of a class of bonds known as “private activity bonds”), although nominally issued by municipal authorities, are generally not secured by the taxing power of the municipality but are secured by the revenues of the authority derived from payments by the industrial user.

 

There is, in addition, a variety of hybrid and special types of municipal obligations as well as numerous differences in the security of municipal obligations both within and between the two principal classifications above. An entire issue of municipal obligations may be purchased by one or a small number of institutional investors such as the Fund. Thus, the issue may not be said to be publicly offered. Unlike securities which must be registered under the 1933 Act, prior to offer and sale unless an exemption from such registration is available, municipal obligations which are not publicly offered may nevertheless be readily marketable. A secondary market exists for municipal obligations that were not publicly offered initially.

 

The Adviser or Sub-Adviser, as applicable, determines whether a municipal obligation is readily marketable based on whether it may be sold in a reasonable time consistent with the customs of the municipal markets (usually seven days) at a price (or interest rate), which accurately reflects its value. In addition, stand-by commitments and demand obligations also enhance marketability.

 

For the purpose of the Fund’s investment restrictions, the identification of the “issuer” of municipal obligations that are not general obligation bonds is made by the Adviser or Sub-Adviser, as applicable, on the basis of the characteristics of the obligation as described above, the most significant of which is the source of funds for the payment of principal of and interest on such obligations.

 

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Yields on municipal obligations depend on a variety of factors, including money market conditions, municipal bond market conditions, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligation and the quality of the issue. High grade municipal obligations tend to have a lower yield than lower rated obligations. Municipal obligations are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors, such as the Federal Bankruptcy Code and laws, if any, that may be enacted by Congress or state legislatures extending the time for payment of principal or interest, or both, or imposing other constraints upon enforcement of such obligations or municipalities to levy taxes. There is also the possibility that as a result of litigation or other conditions the power or ability of any one or more issuers to pay when due principal of and interest on its or their municipal obligations may be materially affected.

 

Economic, business or political developments might affect all municipal obligations of a similar type. The Fund believes that the most important consideration affecting risk is the quality of particular issues of municipal obligations rather than factors affecting all, or broad classes of, municipal obligations.

 

The Fund may invest in variable, floating rate and other municipal securities on which the interest may fluctuate based on changes in market rates. The interest rates payable on variable rate securities are adjusted at designated intervals (e.g., daily, monthly, semi-annually), and the interest rates payable on, floating rate securities are adjusted whenever there is a change in the market rate of interest on which the interest payable is based. The interest rate on variable and floating rate securities is ordinarily determined by reference to or is a percentage of a bank’s prime rate, the 90-day U.S. Treasury bill rate, the rate of return on commercial paper or bank certificates of deposit, an index of short-term interest rates, or some other objective measure. The value of floating and variable rate securities generally is more stable than that of fixed rate securities in response to changes in interest rate levels. The Fund may consider the maturity of a variable or floating rate municipal security to be shorter than its ultimate maturity if the Fund has the right to demand prepayment of its principal at specified intervals prior to the security’s ultimate maturity.

 

The Fund may invest in municipal leases and certificates of participation in municipal leases. A municipal lease is an obligation in the form of a lease or installment purchase which is issued by a state or local government to acquire equipment and facilities. Certificates of participation represent undivided interests in municipal leases, installment purchase agreements or other instruments. The certificates are typically issued by a trust or other entity, which has received an assignment of the payments to be made by the state or political subdivision under such leases or installment purchase agreements. The primary risk associated with municipal lease obligations and certificates of participation is that the governmental lessee will fail to appropriate funds to enable it to meet its payment obligations under the lease. Although the obligations may be secured by the leased equipment or facilities, the disposition of the property in the event of non-appropriation or foreclosure might prove difficult, time consuming and costly and may result in a delay in recovering, or the failure to fully recover, the Fund’s original investment. To the extent that the Fund invests in unrated municipal leases or participates in such leases, the Adviser or applicable Sub-Adviser will monitor on an ongoing basis the credit quality rating and risk of cancellation of such unrated leases. Certain municipal lease obligations and certificates of participation may be deemed illiquid for the purposes of the limitation on investments in illiquid securities.

 

The Fund may invest in pre-refunded municipal securities. The principal of and interest on pre-refunded municipal securities are no longer paid from the original revenue source for the securities. Instead, the source of such payments is typically an escrow fund consisting of U.S. government securities. The assets in the escrow fund are derived from the proceeds of refunding bonds issued by the same issuer as the pre-refunded municipal securities. Issuers of municipal securities use this advance refunding technique to obtain more favorable terms with respect to securities that are not yet subject to call or redemption by the issuer. For example, advance refunding enables an issuer to refinance debt at lower market interest rates, restructure debt to improve cash flow or eliminate restrictive covenants in the indenture or other governing instrument for the pre-refunded municipal securities. Except for a change in the revenue source from which principal and interest payments are made, the pre-refunded municipal securities remain outstanding on their original terms until they mature or are redeemed by the issuer. Pre-refunded municipal securities are usually purchased at a price, which represents a premium over their face value.

 

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Obligations of Domestic Banks, Foreign Banks and Foreign Branches of U.S. Banks. The Fund may invest in obligations issued by banks and other savings institutions. Investments in bank obligations include obligations of domestic branches of foreign banks and foreign branches of domestic banks. Such investments in domestic branches of foreign banks and foreign branches of domestic banks may involve risks that are different from investments in securities of domestic branches of U.S. banks. These risks may include future unfavorable political and economic developments, possible withholding taxes on interest income, seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits, currency controls, interest limitations, or other governmental restrictions which might affect the payment of principal or interest on the securities held by the Fund. Additionally, these institutions may be subject to less stringent reserve requirements and to different accounting, auditing, reporting and recordkeeping requirements than those applicable to domestic branches of U.S. banks. Bank obligations include the following:

 

Bankers’ Acceptances. Bankers’ acceptances are bills of exchange or time drafts drawn on and accepted by a commercial bank. Corporations use bankers’ acceptances to finance the shipment and storage of goods and to furnish dollar exchange. Maturities are generally six months or less.

 

Certificates of Deposit. Certificates of deposit are interest-bearing instruments with a specific maturity. They are issued by banks and savings and loan institutions in exchange for the deposit of funds and normally can be traded in the secondary market prior to maturity. Certificates of deposit with penalties for early withdrawal will be considered illiquid.

 

Time Deposits. Time deposits are non-negotiable receipts issued by a bank in exchange for the deposit of funds. Like a certificate of deposit, it earns a specified rate of interest over a definite period of time; however, it cannot be traded in the secondary market. Time deposits with a withdrawal penalty or that mature in more than seven days are considered to be illiquid securities.

 

Options. The Fund may purchase and write put and call options on indices and enter into related closing transactions. A put option on a security gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell, and the writer of the option the obligation to buy, the underlying security at any time during the option period. A call option on a security gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the writer of the option the obligation to sell, the underlying security at any time during the option period. The premium paid to the writer is the consideration for undertaking the obligations under the option contract.

 

The Fund may purchase and write put and call options on foreign currencies (traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges or over-the-counter markets) to manage its exposure to exchange rates. Call options on foreign currency written by the Fund will be “covered,” which means that the Fund will own an equal amount of the underlying foreign currency.

 

Put and call options on indices are similar to options on securities except that options on an index give the holder the right to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the underlying index is greater than (or less than, in the case of puts) the exercise price of the option. This amount of cash is equal to the difference between the closing price of the index and the exercise price of the option, expressed in dollars multiplied by a specified number. Thus, unlike options on individual securities, all settlements are in cash, and gain or loss depends on price movements in the particular market represented by the index generally, rather than the price movements in individual securities.

 

All options written on indices or securities must be covered. When the Fund writes an option on a security, an index or a foreign currency, it will establish a segregated account containing cash or liquid securities in an amount at least equal to the market value of the option and will maintain the account while the option is open or will otherwise cover the transaction.

 

The Fund may trade put and call options on securities, securities indices and currencies, as the Adviser or applicable Sub-Adviser determines is appropriate in seeking the Fund’s investment objective, and except as restricted by the Fund’s investment limitations. See “Investment Limitations.”

 

The initial purchase (sale) of an option contract is an “opening transaction.” In order to close out an option position, the Fund may enter into a “closing transaction,” which is simply the sale (purchase) of an option contract on the same security with the same exercise price and expiration date as the option contract originally opened. If the Fund is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction with respect to an option it has written, it will not be able to sell the underlying security until the option expires or the Fund delivers the security upon exercise.

 

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The Fund may purchase put and call options on securities to protect against a decline in the market value of the securities in its portfolio or to anticipate an increase in the market value of securities that the Fund may seek to purchase in the future. The Fund purchasing put and call options pays a premium therefor. If price movements in the underlying securities are such that exercise of the options would not be profitable for the Fund, loss of the premium paid may be offset by an increase in the value of the Fund’s securities or by a decrease in the cost of acquisition of securities by the Fund.

 

The Fund may write covered call options on securities as a means of increasing the yield on its assets and as a means of providing limited protection against decreases in its market value. When the Fund writes an option, if the underlying securities do not increase or decrease to a price level that would make the exercise of the option profitable to the holder thereof, the option generally will expire without being exercised and the Fund will realize as profit the premium received for such option. When a call option of which the Fund is the writer is exercised, the Fund will be required to sell the underlying securities to the option holder at the strike price, and will not participate in any increase in the price of such securities above the strike price. When a put option of which the Fund is the writer is exercised, the Fund will be required to purchase the underlying securities at a price in excess of the market value of such securities.

 

The Fund may purchase and write options on an exchange or over-the-counter. Over-the-counter options (“OTC options”) differ from exchange-traded options in several respects. They are transacted directly with dealers and not with a clearing corporation, and therefore entail the risk of non-performance by the dealer. OTC options are available for a greater variety of securities and for a wider range of expiration dates and exercise prices than are available for exchange-traded options. Because OTC options are not traded on an exchange, pricing is done normally by reference to information from a market maker. It is the SEC’s position that OTC options are generally illiquid.

 

The market value of an option generally reflects the market price of an underlying security. Other principal factors affecting market value include supply and demand, interest rates, the pricing volatility of the underlying security and the time remaining until the expiration date.

 

Risks associated with options transactions include: (1) the success of a hedging strategy may depend on an ability to predict movements in the prices of individual securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) there may be an imperfect correlation between the movement in prices of options and the securities underlying them; (3) there may not be a liquid secondary market for options; and (4) while the Fund will receive a premium when it writes covered call options, it may not participate fully in a rise in the market value of the underlying security.

 

Pay-in-Kind Securities, Zero Coupon and Capital Appreciation Bonds. To the extent consistent with its investment objective, the Fund may invest in pay-in-kind (“PIK”) securities. PIK securities may be debt obligations or preferred shares that provide the issuer with the option of paying interest or dividends on such obligations in cash or in the form of additional securities rather than cash. Similarly, zero coupon and capital appreciation bonds are debt securities issued or sold at a discount from their face value and do not entitle the holder to any periodic payment of interest prior to maturity or a specified date. The amount of the discount varies depending on the time remaining until maturity or cash payment date, prevailing interest rates, the liquidity of the security and the perceived credit quality of the issuer. These securities also may take the form of debt securities that have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons, the coupons themselves or receipts or certificates representing interests in such stripped debt obligations or coupons. A portion of the discount with respect to stripped tax-exempt securities or their coupons may be taxable. Such securities are designed to give an issuer flexibility in managing cash flow. PIK securities that are debt securities can either be senior or subordinated debt and generally trade flat (i.e., without accrued interest). The trading price of PIK debt securities generally reflects the market value of the underlying debt plus an amount representing accrued interest since the last interest payment.

 

PIK securities, zero coupon bonds and capital appreciation bonds do not pay interest periodically to maturity, and, therefore, they involve the additional risk that the Fund will not realize any cash until a specified future payment date unless a portion of such securities is sold, and, if the issuer of such securities defaults, the Fund may not obtain any return at all on its investment. In addition, even though such securities may not provide for the payment of current interest in cash, the Fund is nonetheless required to accrue income on such investments for each taxable year and generally is required to distribute such accrued amounts (net of deductible expenses, if any) to avoid being subject to tax. Because cash generally is not received at the time of the accrual, the Fund may be required to liquidate other portfolio securities to obtain sufficient cash to satisfy federal tax distribution requirements applicable to the Fund. Additionally, the market prices of PIK securities, zero coupon bonds and capital appreciation bonds generally are more volatile than the market prices of interest bearing securities and are likely to respond to a greater degree to changes in interest rates than interest bearing securities having similar maturities and credit quality.

 

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Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with financial institutions. A repurchase agreement is an agreement under which the Fund acquires a fixed income security (generally a security issued by the U.S. government or an agency thereof, a banker’s acceptance, or a certificate of deposit) from a commercial bank, broker, or dealer, and simultaneously agrees to resell such security to the seller at an agreed upon price and date (normally, the next business day). Because the security purchased constitutes collateral for the repurchase obligation, a repurchase agreement may be considered a loan that is collateralized by the security purchased. The acquisition of a repurchase agreement may be deemed to be an acquisition of the underlying securities as long as the obligation of the seller to repurchase the securities is collateralized fully. The Fund follows certain procedures designed to minimize the risks inherent in such agreements. These procedures include effecting repurchase transactions only with creditworthy financial institutions whose condition will be continually monitored by the Adviser or applicable Sub-Adviser. The repurchase agreements entered into by the Fund will provide that the underlying collateral at all times shall have a value at least equal to 102% of the resale price stated in the agreement and consist only of securities permissible under Section 101(47)(A)(i) of the Bankruptcy Code (the Adviser or Sub-Adviser, as applicable, monitors compliance with this requirement). Under all repurchase agreements entered into by the Fund, the custodian or its agent must take possession of the underlying collateral. In the event of a default or bankruptcy by a selling financial institution, the Fund will seek to liquidate such collateral. However, the exercising of the Fund’s right to liquidate such collateral could involve certain costs or delays and, to the extent that proceeds from any sale upon a default of the obligation to repurchase were less than the repurchase price, the Fund could suffer a loss. It is the current policy of the Fund, not to invest in repurchase agreements that do not mature within seven days if any such investment, together with any other illiquid assets held by that Fund, amounts to more than 15% of the Fund’s total assets. The investments of the Fund in repurchase agreements, at times, may be substantial when, in the view of the Adviser or applicable Sub-Advisers, liquidity or other considerations so warrant.

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with respect to portfolio securities for temporary purposes (such as to obtain cash to meet redemption requests) when the liquidation of portfolio securities is deemed disadvantageous or inconvenient by the Adviser or applicable Sub-Adviser. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the sale of securities held by the Fund subject to the Fund’s agreement to repurchase the securities at an agreed-upon price, date and rate of interest. Such agreements are considered to be borrowings under the 1940 Act and will be limited, together with other borrowings, to 33 1/3% of the Fund’s total assets (including the amount borrowed) less all liabilities other than borrowings. While reverse repurchase transactions are outstanding, the Fund will maintain in a segregated account with the Fund’s custodian or a qualified sub-custodian, cash or liquid securities of an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities, plus accrued interest, subject to the agreement and will monitor the account to ensure that such value is maintained. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities sold by the Fund may decline below the price of the securities the Fund is obligated to repurchase and the interest received on the cash exchanged for the securities.

 

Risk Considerations of Medium Grade Securities. Obligations in the lowest investment grade (i.e., BBB or Baa), referred to as “medium grade” obligations, have speculative characteristics, and changes in economic conditions and other factors are more likely to lead to weakened capacity to make interest payments and repay principal on these obligations than is the case for higher rated securities. In the event that a security purchased by the Fund is subsequently downgraded below investment grade, the Adviser and Sub-Advisers will consider such event in its determination of whether the Fund should continue to hold the security.

 

Risk Considerations of Lower Rated Securities. The Fund may invest in fixed income securities that are not investment grade but are rated as low as B by Moody’s or B by S&P (or their equivalents or, if unrated, determined by the Adviser or applicable Sub-Adviser to be of comparable credit quality). In the case of a security that is rated differently by two or more rating services, the higher rating is used in connection with the foregoing limitation. In the event that the rating on a security held in the Fund’s portfolio is downgraded by a rating service, such action will be considered by the Adviser or applicable Sub-Adviser in its evaluation of the overall investment merits of that security, but will not necessarily result in the sale of the security. The widespread expansion of government, consumer and corporate debt within the U.S. economy has made the corporate sector, especially cyclically sensitive industries, more vulnerable to economic downturns or increased interest rates. An economic downturn could severely disrupt the market for high yield fixed income securities and adversely affect the value of outstanding fixed income securities and the ability of the issuers to repay principal and interest.

 

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The Fund may invest in high yield debt obligations, such as bonds and debentures, issued by corporations and other business organizations. The Fund will invest in high yield debt instruments when the Fund believes that such instruments offer a better risk/reward profile than comparable equity opportunities. High yield fixed income securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”) are considered speculative investments while generally providing greater income than investments in higher rated securities, involve greater risk of loss of principal and income (including the possibility of default or bankruptcy of the issuers of such securities) and may involve greater volatility of price (especially during periods of economic uncertainty or change) than securities in the higher rating categories. Since yields vary over time, no specific level of income can ever be assured.

 

The prices of high yield fixed income securities have been found to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than higher-rated investments but more sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual corporate developments. Also, during an economic downturn or substantial period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress, which would adversely affect their ability to service their principal and interest payment obligations, to meet projected business goals and to obtain additional financing. If the issuer of a fixed income security owned by the Fund defaulted, the Fund could incur additional expenses in attempting to obtain a recovery. In addition, periods of economic uncertainty and changes can be expected to result in increased volatility of market prices of high yield fixed income securities and the Fund’s NAV to the extent it holds such securities.

 

High yield fixed income securities also present risks based on payment expectations. For example, high yield fixed income securities may contain redemption or call provisions. If an issuer exercises these provisions in a declining interest rate market, the Fund may, to the extent it holds such fixed income securities, have to replace the securities with a lower yielding security, which may result in a decreased return for investors. Conversely, a high yield fixed income security’s value will decrease in a rising interest rate market, as will the value of the Fund’s assets, to the extent it holds such fixed income securities. In addition, to the extent that there is no established retail secondary market, there may be thin trading of high yield fixed income securities, and this may have an impact on the Adviser’s and Sub-Advisers’ ability to accurately value such securities and the Fund’s assets and on the Fund’s ability to dispose of such securities. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of high yield fixed income securities, especially in a thinly traded market.

 

New laws proposed or adopted from time to time may have an impact on the market for high yield securities.

 

Finally, there are risks involved in applying credit or dividend ratings as a method for evaluating high yield securities. For example, ratings evaluate the safety of principal and interest or dividend payments, not market value risk of high yield securities. Also, since rating agencies may fail to timely change the credit ratings to reflect subsequent events, the Fund will continuously monitor the issuers of high yield securities in its portfolio, if any, to determine if the issuers will have sufficient cash flow and profits to meet required principal and interest payments, and to assure the security’s liquidity so the Fund can meet redemption requests.

 

Securities Lending. The Fund may lend portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial organizations that meet capital and other credit requirements or other criteria established by the Company’s Board of Directors. These loans, if and when made, may not exceed 33 1/3% of the total asset value of the Fund (including the loan collateral). The Fund will not lend portfolio securities to the Adviser, any Sub-Adviser or their affiliates unless permissible under the 1940 Act and the rules and promulgations thereunder. Loans of portfolio securities will be fully collateralized by cash, letters of credit or U.S. government securities, and the collateral will be maintained in an amount equal to at least 102% of the current market value of the loaned domestic securities (105% of loaned foreign securities) by marking to market daily. Any gain or loss in the market price of the securities loaned that might occur during the term of the loan would be for the account of the Fund.

 

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The Fund may pay a part of the interest earned from the investment of collateral, or other fee, to an unaffiliated or, to the extent consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations thereunder, affiliated third party for acting as the Fund’s securities lending agent.

 

By lending its securities, the Fund may increase its income by receiving payments from the borrower that reflect the amount of any interest or any dividends payable on the loaned securities as well as by either investing cash collateral received from the borrower in short-term instruments or obtaining a fee from the borrower when U.S. government securities or letters of credit are used as collateral. The Fund does not have the right to vote loaned securities. The Fund will attempt to call all loaned securities back to permit the exercise of voting rights on material matters, if time and jurisdictional restrictions permit. There is no guarantee that all loans can be recalled.

 

Short Sales. As consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives, the Fund may engage in short sales that are either “uncovered” or “against the box.” A short sale is “against the box” if at all times during which the short position is open, the Fund owns at least an equal amount of the securities or securities convertible into, or exchangeable without further consideration for, securities of the same issue as the securities that are sold short. A short sale against the box is generally a taxable transaction to the Fund with respect to the securities that are sold short.

 

Uncovered short sales are transactions under which the Fund sells a security it does not own. To complete such a transaction, the Fund must borrow the security to make delivery to the buyer. The Fund then is obligated to replace the security borrowed by purchasing the security at the market price at the time of the replacement. The price at such time may be more or less than the price at which the security was sold by the Fund. Until the security is replaced, the Fund is required to pay the lender amounts equal to any dividends or interest that accrue during the period of the loan. To borrow the security, the Fund also may be required to pay a premium, which would increase the cost of the security sold. The proceeds of the short sale will be retained by the broker, to the extent necessary to meet margin requirements, until the short position is closed out.

 

Until the Fund closes its short position or replaces the borrowed security, the Fund will: (a) maintain a segregated account containing cash or liquid securities at such a level that (i) the amount deposited in the account plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will equal the current value of the security sold short; and (ii) the amount deposited in the segregated account plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will not be less than the market value of the security at the time the security was sold short; or (b) otherwise cover the Fund’s short position.

 

Structured Securities. The Fund may invest in structured securities to the extent consistent with its investment objective. The value of the principal of and/or interest on structured securities is determined by reference to changes in the value of specific currencies, commodities, securities, indices or other financial indicators (the “Reference”) or the relative change in two or more References. The interest rate or the principal amount payable upon maturity or redemption may be increased or decreased depending upon changes in the applicable Reference. Examples of structured securities include, but are not limited to, notes where the principal repayment at maturity is determined by the value of the relative change in two or more specified securities or securities indices.

 

The terms of some structured securities may provide that in certain circumstances no principal is due at maturity and, therefore, the Fund could suffer a total loss of its investment. Structured securities may be positively or negatively indexed, so that appreciation of the Reference may produce an increase or decrease in the interest rate or value of the security at maturity. In addition, changes in the interest rate or the value of the security at maturity may be a multiple of the changes in the value of the Reference. Consequently, structured securities may entail a greater degree of market risk than other types of securities. Structured securities may also be more volatile, less liquid and more difficult to accurately price than less complex securities due to their derivative nature.

 

U.S. Government Securities. The Fund may invest in U.S. government securities. Securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities include U.S. Treasury securities, which are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury and which differ only in their interest rates, maturities, and times of issuance. U.S. Treasury bills have initial maturities of one-year or less; U.S. Treasury notes have initial maturities of one to ten years; and U.S. Treasury bonds generally have initial maturities of greater than ten years. Certain U.S. government securities are issued or guaranteed by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government including, but not limited to, obligations of U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae, the Small Business Administration, the Federal Farm Credit Administration, the Federal Home Loan Banks, Banks for Cooperatives (including the Central Bank for Cooperatives), the Federal Land Banks, the Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Federal Financing Bank, the Student Loan Marketing Association, the National Credit Union Administration and the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (“Farmer Mac”).

 

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Some obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities, including, for example, Ginnie Mae pass-through certificates, are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Other obligations issued by or guaranteed by federal agencies, such as those securities issued by Fannie Mae, are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the federal agency, while other obligations issued by or guaranteed by federal agencies, such as those of the Federal Home Loan Banks, are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, while the U.S. government provides financial support to such U.S. government-sponsored federal agencies, no assurance can be given that the U.S. government will always do so, since the U.S. government is not so obligated by law. U.S. Treasury notes and bonds typically pay coupon interest semi-annually and repay the principal at maturity.

 

See “Mortgage-Backed Securities” above for additional information about the September 7, 2008 federal takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

 

U.S. Treasury Obligations. U.S. Treasury obligations consist of bills, notes and bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury and separately traded interest and principal component parts of such obligations that are transferable through the federal book-entry system known as Separately Traded Registered Interest and Principal Securities (“STRIPS”) and Treasury Receipts (“TRs”).

 

Receipts. Interests in separately traded interest and principal component parts of U.S. government obligations that are issued by banks or brokerage firms and are created by depositing U.S. government obligations into a special account at a custodian bank. The custodian holds the interest and principal payments for the benefit of the registered owners of the certificates or receipts. The custodian arranges for the issuance of the certificates or receipts evidencing ownership and maintains the register. TRs and STRIPS are interests in accounts sponsored by the U.S. Treasury. Receipts are sold as zero coupon securities.

 

U.S. Government Zero Coupon Securities. STRIPS and receipts are sold as zero coupon securities, that is, fixed income securities that have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons. Zero coupon securities are sold at a (usually substantial) discount and redeemed at face value at their maturity date without interim cash payments of interest or principal. The amount of this discount is accreted over the life of the security, and the accretion constitutes the income earned on the security for both accounting and tax purposes. Because of these features, the market prices of zero coupon securities are generally more volatile than the market prices of securities that have similar maturity but that pay interest periodically. Zero coupon securities are likely to respond to a greater degree to interest rate changes than are non-zero coupon securities with similar maturity and credit qualities.

 

U.S. Government Agencies. Some obligations issued or guaranteed by agencies of the U.S. government are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury, others are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury, while still others are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality. Guarantees of principal by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government may be a guarantee of payment at the maturity of the obligation so that in the event of a default prior to maturity there might not be a market and thus no means of realizing on the obligation prior to maturity. Guarantees as to the timely payment of principal and interest do not extend to the value or yield of these securities nor to the value of the Fund’s shares.

 

INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

 

The Fund has adopted the following fundamental investment limitations which may not be changed with respect to the Fund without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding shares (as defined in Section 2(a) (42) of the 1940 Act). As used in this SAI and in the Prospectus, “shareholder approval” and a “majority of the outstanding shares” of the Fund means, with respect to the approval of an investment advisory agreement, a distribution plan or a change in a fundamental investment limitation, the lesser of (1) 67% of the shares of the Fund represented at a meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present in person or by proxy, or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. Unless otherwise noted, the Fund’s investment goals and strategies described in the Prospectus may be changed by the Board without the approval of the Fund’s shareholders.

 

28  

 

The Fund may not:

 

1. Borrow money except that (a) the Fund may borrow from banks or through reverse repurchase agreements in amounts up to 33 1/2% of the value of its total assets (including the amount borrowed); and (b) the Fund may engage in transactions in mortgage dollar rolls which are accounted for as financings. For purposes of this limitation, investment strategies which either obligate the Fund to purchase securities or require the Fund to segregate assets are not considered to be borrowings. Asset coverage of at least 300% is required for all borrowings, except where the Fund has borrowed money for temporary purposes in amounts not exceeding 5% of its total assets;

 

2. Issue senior securities as defined in the 1940 Act, except as permitted by rule, regulation or order of the SEC;

 

3. Act as an underwriter of securities within the meaning of the 1933 Act, except insofar as it might be deemed to be an underwriter upon disposition of certain portfolio securities acquired within the limitation on purchases of restricted securities;

 

4. Purchase or sell real estate (including real estate limited partnership interests), provided that the Fund may invest: (a) in securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies that invest in real estate or interests therein; or (b) in real estate investment trusts;

 

5. Purchase or sell commodities, except as permitted by the 1940 Act, as amended, and as interpreted or modified by the regulatory authority having jurisdiction from time to time;

 

6. Make loans, except through loans of portfolio securities and repurchase agreements, provided that for purposes of this restriction the acquisition of bonds, debentures or other debt instruments or interests therein and investment in government obligations, loan participations and assignments, short-term commercial paper, certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances shall not be deemed to be the making of a loan; or

 

7. Invest 25% or more of its total assets, taken at market value at the time of each investment, in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry, provided that (a) there is no limitation with respect to (i) instruments issued or guaranteed by the United States, any state, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia or any of their authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions, and (ii) repurchase agreements secured by the instruments described in clause (i); (b) wholly-owned finance companies will be considered to be in the industries of their parents if their activities are primarily related to financing the activities of the parents; and (c) utilities will be divided according to their services, for example, gas, gas transmission, electric and gas, electric and telephone will each be considered a separate industry.

 

In addition to the fundamental investment limitations specified above, the Fund is subject to the following non-fundamental limitations, which may be changed without shareholder approval, in compliance with applicable law and regulatory policy. The Fund may not:

 

1. Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management, but investments by the Fund in wholly-owned investment entities created under the laws of certain countries will not be deemed the making of investments for the purpose of exercising control or management; or

 

2. Purchase securities on margin, except that the Fund may use margin to the extent necessary to engage in short sales and may obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of portfolio transactions; and provided that margin deposits in connection with options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts or other derivative instruments, including foreign exchange forward contracts, shall not constitute purchasing securities on margin; or

 

29  

 

3. Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate assets, except as permitted by the 1940 Act.

 

The Fund may invest in securities issued by other investment companies within the limits prescribed by the 1940 Act. Pursuant to orders issued by the SEC to ETFs and procedures approved by the Board, the Fund may invest in ETFs in excess of the limits of the 1940 Act. As a shareholder of another investment company, the Fund would bear, along with other shareholders, its pro rata portion of the other investment company’s expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses would be in addition to the advisory and other expenses that the Fund bears directly in connection with its own operations.

 

Securities held by the Fund generally may not be purchased from, sold or loaned to the Adviser, any Sub-Adviser or their affiliates or any of their directors, officers or employees, acting as principal, unless pursuant to a rule or exemptive order under the 1940 Act. None of the Fund, the Adviser, or any Sub-Adviser has obtained such an exemptive order as of the date of this SAI.

 

Under the 1940 Act, the Fund will be required to maintain asset coverage of at least 300% for borrowings from a bank. In the event that such asset coverage is below 300%, the Fund will be required to reduce the amount of its borrowings to obtain 300% asset coverage within three business days (not including Sundays and holidays).

 

The 1940 Act does not directly restrict an investment company’s ability to invest in commodities, but does require that every investment company have a fundamental investment policy governing such investments. The Fund has adopted fundamental policies that would permit direct investment in commodities.

 

Any collateral arrangements with respect to, if applicable, the writing of options and futures contracts, options on futures contracts, short sales and other similar instruments, and collateral arrangements with respect to initial and variation margin are not deemed to be a pledge of assets. The Fund may pledge, mortgage or hypothecate assets to secure borrowings permitted by the Fund’s fundamental limitation on borrowing.

 

Senior securities may include any obligation or instrument issued by a fund evidencing indebtedness. The 1940 Act generally prohibits funds from issuing senior securities, although it does not treat certain transactions as senior securities, such as certain borrowings, short sales, reverse repurchase agreements, firm commitment agreements and standby commitments, with appropriate earmarking or segregation of assets to cover such obligation.

 

If a percentage restriction under one of the Fund’s investment policies or limitations or the use of assets is adhered to at the time a transaction is effected, later changes in percentages resulting from changing values will not be considered a violation (except with respect to any restrictions that may apply to borrowings or senior securities issued by the Fund).

 

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

The Company has adopted, on behalf of the Fund, a policy relating to the selective disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings by the Adviser, director, officer or third party service provider, in accordance with regulations that seek to ensure that disclosure of information about portfolio holdings is in the best interest of Fund shareholders and to address the conflicts of interests of the Fund shareholders and its service providers. The policies relating to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings are designed to allow disclosure of portfolio holdings information where necessary to the Fund’s operation without compromising the integrity or performance of the Fund. It is the policy of the Company that disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings to a select person or persons prior to the release of such holdings to the public (“selective disclosure”) is prohibited, unless there are legitimate business purposes for selective disclosure.

 

The Company discloses portfolio holdings information as required in regulatory filings and shareholder reports, discloses portfolio holdings information as required by federal and state securities laws and may disclose portfolio holdings information in response to requests by governmental authorities. As required by the federal securities laws, including the 1940 Act, the Company will disclose the Fund’s portfolio holdings in applicable regulatory filings, including shareholder reports, reports on Form N-CSR and Form N-Q or such other filings, reports or disclosure documents as the applicable regulatory authorities may require.

 

30  

 

The Company may distribute or authorize the distribution of information about the Fund’s portfolio holdings that is not publicly available to its third-party service providers of the Company, which include U.S. Bank, N.A., the custodian; U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC., the administrator, accounting agent and transfer agent; PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm; Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, legal counsel; and FilePoint, the financial printer. These service providers are required to keep such information confidential, and are prohibited from trading based on the information or otherwise using the information except as necessary in providing services to the Fund. Such holdings are released on conditions of confidentiality, which include appropriate trading prohibitions. “Conditions of confidentiality” include confidentiality terms included in written agreements, implied by the nature of the relationship (e.g. attorney-client relationship), or required by fiduciary or regulatory principles (e.g., custody services provided by financial institutions). Portfolio holdings may also be provided earlier to shareholders and their agents who receive redemptions in kind that reflect a pro rata allocation of all securities held in the Fund’s portfolio.

 

Portfolio holdings may also be disclosed, upon authorization by a designated officer of the Adviser, to certain independent reporting agencies recognized by the SEC as acceptable agencies for the reporting of industry statistical information. Disclosures to financial consultants are also subject to a confidentiality agreement and/or trading restrictions as well as a 15 - day time lag. The foregoing disclosures are made pursuant to the Company’s policy on selective disclosure of portfolio holdings. The Board or a committee thereof may, in limited circumstances, permit other selective disclosure of portfolio holdings subject to a confidentiality agreement and/or trading restrictions. Portfolio holdings may also be provided earlier to shareholders and their agents who receive redemptions in kind that reflect a pro rata allocation of all securities held in the Fund’s portfolio.

 

The Adviser reserves the right to refuse to fulfill any request for portfolio holdings information from a shareholder or non-shareholder if it believes that providing such information will be contrary to the best interests of the Fund.

 

The Board provides ongoing oversight of the Company’s policies and procedures and compliance with such policies and procedures. As part of this oversight function, the Board receives from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) as necessary, reports on compliance with these policies and procedures. In addition, the Board receives an annual assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of the policies and procedures with respect to the Fund, and any changes thereto, and an annual review of the operation of the policies and procedures. Any violation of the policy set forth above as well as any corrective action undertaken to address such violation must be reported by the Adviser, director, officer or third party service provider to the Company’s CCO, who will determine whether the violation should be reported immediately to the Board or at its next quarterly Board meeting.

 

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

Portfolio turnover measures the percentage of the Fund’s total portfolio market value that was purchased or sold during the period. The Fund’s turnover rate provides an indication of how transaction costs (which are not included in the Fund’s expenses) may affect the Fund’s performance. Also, funds with a high turnover may be more likely to distribute capital gains that may be taxable to shareholders.

The Fund’s portfolio turnover rates for the two most recent fiscal years are stated below. Portfolio turnover rates could change significantly in response to turbulent market conditions.

 

Portfolio Turnover

Fiscal Year Ended
August 31, 2017

Fiscal Year Ended
August 31, 2016

88% 101%

 

31  

 

MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the oversight of the Board, subject to the laws of the State of Maryland and the Company’s Charter. The Directors are responsible for deciding matters of overall policy and overseeing the actions of the Company’s service providers. The officers of the Company conduct and supervise the Company’s daily business operations.

 

Directors who are not deemed to be “interested persons” of the Company (as defined in the 1940 Act) are referred to as “Independent Directors.” Directors who are deemed to be “interested persons” of the Company are referred to as “Interested Directors.” The Board is currently composed of seven Independent Directors and one Interested Director. The Board has selected Arnold M. Reichman, an Independent Director, to act as Chairman. Mr. Reichman’s duties include presiding at meetings of the Board and interfacing with management to address significant issues that may arise between regularly scheduled Board and Committee meetings. In the performance of his duties, Mr. Reichman will consult with the other Independent Directors and the Company’s officers and legal counsel, as appropriate. The Chairman may perform other functions as requested by the Board from time to time.

 

The Board meets as often as necessary to discharge its responsibilities. Currently, the Board conducts regular, in-person meetings at least four times a year, and holds special in-person or telephonic meetings as necessary to address specific issues that require attention prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting. The Board also relies on professionals, such as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firms and legal counsel, to assist the Directors in performing their oversight responsibilities.

 

The Board has established nine standing committees — Audit, Contract, Executive, Investment Risk, Nominating and Governance, Product Development, Regulatory Oversight, Strategic Oversight, and Valuation Committees. The Board may establish other committees, or nominate one or more Directors to examine particular issues related to the Board’s oversight responsibilities, from time to time. Each Committee meets periodically to perform its delegated oversight functions and reports its findings and recommendations to the Board. For more information on the Committees, see the section “Standing Board Committees,” below.

 

The Board has determined that the Company’s leadership structure is appropriate because it allows the Board to effectively perform its oversight responsibilities.

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below.

 

Name, Address, and Age Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and
Length of Time
Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund

Complex Overseen by Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 84

Director 1988 to present From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications). 29 AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

 

32  

 

Name, Address, and Age Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and
Length of Time
Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund

Complex Overseen by Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

J. Richard Carnall
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 79

Director 2002 to present Since 1984, Director of Haydon Bolts, Inc. (bolt manufacturer) and Parkway Real Estate Company (subsidiary of Haydon Bolts, Inc.); since 2004, Director of Cornerstone Bank. 29 None

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 51

Director 2012 to present Since 2009, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services); from 2003 to 2009, Managing Director, head of Business Services and IT Services Practice, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC (investment banking/brokerage). 29 Emtec, Inc.; FS Investment Corporation (business development company); FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company).

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 74

Director 2006 to present Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations. 29 Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until September 2017); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance).

Sam Lambroza

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI

53202

Age: 63

Director 2016 to present Since 2010, Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer and Board Member, Tinsel Group of Companies (asset management). 29 None

Arnold M. Reichman
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 69

Chairman

 

Director

2005 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2006, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Lifebooker, LLC (online beauty and health appointment booking service).

29 Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

 

33  

 

Name, Address, and Age Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and
Length of Time
Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund

Complex Overseen by Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 76

Director 2006 to present Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York Ctity; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm). 29 Reich and Tang Group (asset management).
INTERESTED DIRECTOR 2

Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 79

Vice Chairman

 

Director

2016 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director - Investments and prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer). 29 None
OFFICERS
Salvatore Faia, JD,
CPA, CFE
Vigilant Compliance, LLC
Gateway Corporate
Center Suite 216
223 Wilmington West
Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 55

President

 

Chief Compliance Officer

2009 to present

 

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

 

N/A N/A

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 57

Treasurer

and

Secretary

 2016 to present Since 2016, Treasurer and Secretary of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company). N/A N/A

 

34  

 

Name, Address, and Age Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and
Length of Time
Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund

Complex Overseen by Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

Robert Amweg
Vigilant Compliance, LLC

Gateway Corporate Center Suite 216
223 Wilmington West Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 64

Assistant

Treasurer

2016 to present Since 2013, Compliance Director, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2012, Consultant to the financial services industry; from 2007 to 2012, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, Turner Investments, LP (registered investment company). N/A N/A

Jesse Schmitting

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 35

Assistant Treasurer 2016 to present Since 2008, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm). N/A N/A

Edward Paz

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 46

Assistant Secretary

 

2016 to present Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm). N/A N/A
Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square
Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 58
Assistant
Secretary
1999 to present Since 1993, Partner, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm). N/A N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann

One Logan Square
Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 38

Assistant
Secretary

2017

to present

Since 2017, Partner, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm); Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (2006 to present). N/A N/A

 

* Each Director oversees twenty-nine portfolios of the Company.
1. Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his successor is elected and qualified or his death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

35  

 

2. Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Carnall has decades of senior executive-level management experience in the banking and financial services industry and also serves on the boards of various corporations and a bank. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Mr. Lambroza has decades of experience and executive level leadership in the energy trading industry in addition to his experience in academia.

 

Standing Committees

 

The responsibilities of each Committee of the Board and its members are described below.

 

Audit Committee. The Board has an Audit Committee comprised of three Independent Directors. The current members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Brodsky, Chandler and Giordano. The Audit Committee, among other things, reviews results of the annual audit and approves the firm(s) to serve as independent auditors. The Audit Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Contract Committee. The Board has a Contract Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Contract Committee are Messrs. Brodsky, Chandler, Sablowsky and Straniere. The Contract Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the approval and continuation of agreements and plans of the Company. The Contract Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Executive Committee. The Board has an Executive Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Executive Committee are Messrs. Chandler, Giordano, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Executive Committee may generally carry on and manage the business of the Company when the Board is not in session. The Executive Committee did not meet during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Investment Risk Committee. The Board has an Investment Risk Committee comprised of the Interested Director and two Independent Directors. The current members of the Investment Risk Committee are Messrs. Lambroza, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Investment Risk Committee ensures that the Company’s investment advisers have adopted investment risk management policies and procedures. The Investment Risk Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Nominating and Governance Committee. The Board has a Nominating and Governance Committee comprised of three Independent Directors. The current members of the Nominating and Governance Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Giordano and Reichman. The Nominating and Governance Committee recommends to the Board all persons to be nominated as Directors of the Company. The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders. Recommendations should be submitted to the Committee care of the Company’s Secretary. The Nominating and Governance Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

36  

 

Product Development Committee. The Board has a Product Development Committee comprised of the Interested Director and one Independent Director. The current members of the Product Development Committee are Messrs. Reichman and Sablowsky. The Product Development Committee oversees the process regarding the addition of new investment advisers and investment products to the Company. The Product Development Committee convened six times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Regulatory Oversight Committee. The Board has a Regulatory Oversight Committee comprised of the Interested Director and four Independent Directors. The current members of the Regulatory Oversight Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Lambroza, Reichman, Sablowsky and Straniere. The Regulatory Oversight Committee monitors regulatory developments in the mutual fund industry and focuses on various regulatory aspects of the operation of the Company. The Regulatory Oversight Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Strategic Oversight Committee. The Board has a Strategic Oversight Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Strategic Oversight Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Chandler, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Strategic Oversight Committee assists the Board in its oversight and review of the Company’s strategic plan and operations. The Strategic Oversight Committee convened one time during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Valuation Committee. The Board has a Valuation Committee comprised of the Interested Director, one Independent Director and three officers of the Company. The members of the Valuation Committee are Messrs. Amweg, Faia, Lambroza, Sablowsky and Shaw. The Valuation Committee is responsible for reviewing fair value determinations. The Valuation Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Risk Oversight

 

The Board performs its risk oversight function for the Company through a combination of (1) direct oversight by the Board as a whole and Board committees and (2) indirect oversight through the Company’s investment advisers and other service providers, Company officers and the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer. The Company is subject to a number of risks, including but not limited to investment risk, compliance risk, operational risk, reputational risk, credit risk and counterparty risk. Day-to-day risk management with respect to the Company is the responsibility of the Company’s investment advisers or other service providers (depending on the nature of the risk) that carry out the Company’s investment management and business affairs. Each of the investment advisers and the other service providers have their own independent interest in risk management and their policies and methods of risk management will depend on their functions and business models and may differ from the Company’s and each other’s in the setting of priorities, the resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls.

 

The Board provides risk oversight by receiving and reviewing on a regular basis reports from the Company’s investment advisers or other service providers, receiving and approving compliance policies and procedures, periodic meetings with the Company’s portfolio managers to review investment policies, strategies and risks, and meeting regularly with the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer to discuss compliance reports, findings and issues. The Board also relies on the Company’s investment advisers and other service providers, with respect to the day-to-day activities of the Company, to create and maintain procedures and controls to minimize risk and the likelihood of adverse effects on the Company’s business and reputation.

 

Board oversight of risk management is also provided by various Board Committees. For example, the Audit Committee meets with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firms to ensure that the Company’s respective audit scopes include risk-based considerations as to the Company’s financial position and operations.

 

The Board may, at any time and in its discretion, change the manner in which it conducts risk oversight. The Board’s oversight role does not make the Board a guarantor of the Company’s investments or activities.

 

37  

 

Director Ownership of Shares of the Company

 

The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Director in the Fund and in all of the portfolios of the Company (which for each Director comprise all registered investment companies within the Company’s family of investment companies overseen by him), as of December 31, 2016:

 

Name of Director

Dollar Range of

Equity Securities in the

Fund

Aggregate Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in All
Registered Investment Companies
Overseen by Director within the
Family of Investment Companies
  INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS  
Julian A. Brodsky None Over $100,000
J. Richard Carnall None $10,001-$50,000
Gregory P. Chandler None $1-$10,000
Nicholas A. Giordano None $10,001-$50,000
Sam Lambroza None Over $100,000
Arnold M. Reichman None Over $100,000
Robert A. Straniere None $1-$10,000
  INTERESTED DIRECTOR  
Robert Sablowsky None Over $100,000

 

Directors’ and Officers’ Compensation

 

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company pays each Director a retainer at the rate of $100,000 annually, $10,000 for each regular meeting of the Board, $3,500 for each committee meeting attended in-person, and $2,000 for each committee meeting attended telephonically or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each receive an additional fee of $15,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Contract Committee receives an additional fee of $10,000 per year for his services, and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee and Chairman of the Investment Risk Committee each receive an additional fee of $7,500 per year for his services. The Vice Chairman of the Board receives an additional fee of $25,000 per year for his services in this capacity and the Chairman of the Board receives an additional fee of $50,000 per year for his services in this capacity.

 

From January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017, the Company paid each Director a retainer at the rate of $100,000 annually, $5,000 for each regular meeting of the Board, $2,500 for each committee meeting attended in-person, and $2,000 for each committee meeting attended telephonically or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each received an additional fee of $15,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Contract Committee received an additional fee of $10,000 for his services and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee received an additional fee of $7,500 for his services. Effective June 1, 2017, the Chairman of the Investment Risk Committee received an additional fee of $7,500 for his services. The Vice Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $25,000 for his services in this capacity and the Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $50,000 for his services in this capacity.

 

From January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2016, the Company paid each Director a retainer at the rate of $85,000 annually, $3,500 for each regular meeting of the Board, and $2,000 for each committee meeting or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each received an additional fee of $10,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Chairman of the Contract Committee each received an additional fee of $6,000 per year for his services. The Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $25,000 per year for his services in this capacity.

 

38  

 

Directors are reimbursed for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board or any committee thereof. Employees of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serve as President, Chief Compliance Officer, and Assistant Treasurer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company, and such compensation is determined by the Board. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, Vigilant Compliance LLC received $17,686 from the Fund and $600,000 in aggregate from all series of the Company for services provided. An employee of the Company serves as Treasurer and Secretary and is compensated for services provided. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, each of the following members of the Board and the Treasurer and Secretary received compensation from the Company in the following amounts:

 

Name of
Director/Officer
Aggregate
Compensation
from the Fund
Pension or
Retirement
Benefits Accrued

Estimated
Annual
Benefits

Upon
Retirement

Total
Compensation
From
Fund Complex
Paid to

Directors
or Officer

Independent Directors:        
Julian A. Brodsky, Director $2,826 N/A N/A $130,250
J. Richard Carnall, Director $2,742 N/A N/A $128,250
Gregory P. Chandler, Director $3,262 N/A N/A $151,000
Nicholas A. Giordano, Director $2,781 N/A N/A $132,875
Sam Lambroza, Director $2,911 N/A N/A $133,375
Arnold M. Reichman, Director and Chairman $3,732 N/A N/A $175,500
Robert A. Straniere, Director $2,893 N/A N/A $130,750
Interested Director:        
Robert Sablowsky, Director $3,701 N/A N/A $173,750
Officer:        
James G. Shaw, Treasurer and Secretary $3,066 N/A N/A $240,000

 

Each compensated Director is entitled to participate in the Company’s deferred compensation plan (the “DC Plan”). Under the DC Plan, a compensated Director may elect to defer all or a portion of his compensation and have the deferred compensation treated as if it had been invested by the Company in shares of one or more of the portfolios of the Company. The amount paid to the Directors under the DC Plan will be determined based upon the performance of such investments.

 

As of December 31, 2016, the Independent Directors and their respective immediate family members (spouse or dependent children) did not own beneficially or of record any securities of the Company’s investment advisers or distributor, or of any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment advisers or distributor.

 

CODE OF ETHICS

 

The Company, the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers have each adopted a code of ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act that permits personnel subject to the codes to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Company, subject to certain restrictions.

 

39  

 

PROXY VOTING

 

The Board has delegated the responsibility of voting proxies with respect to the portfolio securities purchased and/or held by the Fund to the Fund’s Sub-Advisers, subject to the Board’s continuing oversight. In exercising its voting obligations, each Sub-Adviser is guided by its general fiduciary duty to act prudently and in the interest of the Fund. Each Sub-Adviser will consider factors affecting the value of the Fund’s investments and the rights of shareholders in its determination on voting portfolio securities.

 

Each Sub-Adviser will vote proxies in connection with securities in which the portion of the Fund’s assets allocated to the Sub-Adviser are invested, respectively, in accordance with its proxy policies and procedures, which policies and procedures or a summary thereof are included in Appendices B-G to this SAI. The proxy policies of each Sub-Adviser differ. If one or more Sub-Advisers each has responsibility for voting a particular proxy, it is possible that the Sub-Advisers will disagree on how to vote the proxy.

 

The Company is required to disclose annually the Fund’s complete proxy voting record on Form N-PX. The Fund’s proxy voting record for the most recent 12 month period ended June 30th is available upon request by calling 1-844-261-6482 or by writing to the Fund at: Adara Smaller Companies Fund, c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701. The Fund’s Form N-PX is also available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

 

As of November 30, 2017 to the Company’s knowledge, the following named persons at the addresses shown below were owners of record of approximately 5% or more of the total outstanding shares of the Fund as indicated below. See “Additional Information Concerning Company Shares” below. Any shareholder that owns 25% or more of the outstanding shares of a portfolio or class may be presumed to “control” (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) the portfolio or class. Shareholders controlling a portfolio or class could have the ability to vote a majority of the shares of the portfolio or class on any matter requiring approval of the shareholders of the portfolio or class.

 

Shareholder Name and Address   Number and Percentage of
Shares Owned as of
November 30, 2017
 

Pershing LLC

P.O. Box 2052

Jersey City, NJ 07303-2052

  18,433,367   90.99 %

BNY Mellon N.A.

P.O. Box 534005

Pittsburgh, PA 15253-4005

  1,065,069   5.26 %

 

As of December 1, 2017, Directors and Officers as a group owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.

 

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES

 

INVESTMENT ADVISER

 

Altair Advisers LLC (“Altair” or the “Adviser”) is a professional investment management firm registered with the SEC under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The Adviser was established in June 2002. PHRM Investments LLC holds a controlling interest in the Adviser.

 

Advisory Agreement with the Company. The Adviser renders advisory services to the Fund pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement (“Advisory Agreement”) dated as of October 17, 2014.

 

Subject to the supervision of the Company’s Board of Directors, the Adviser will provide for the overall management of the Fund including (i) the provision of a continuous investment program for the Fund, including investment research and management with respect to all securities, investments, cash and cash equivalents, (ii) the determination from time to time of what securities and other investments will be purchased, retained, or sold by the Fund, and (iii) the placement from time to time of orders for all purchases and sales made for the Fund. The Adviser will provide the services rendered by it in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective, restrictions and policies as stated in the Prospectus and in this SAI. The Adviser will not be liable for any error of judgment, mistake of law, or for any loss suffered by the Fund in connection with the performance of the Advisory 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 Adviser in the performance of its duties, or from reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Advisory Agreement. As discussed further below, the Adviser has delegated responsibility for the investment of the assets of the Fund to Sub-Advisers.

 

40  

 

The Fund is currently only available to clients of the Adviser and to other investors at the Fund’s discretion. The Adviser does not receive a separate management fee from the Fund. However, pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser is entitled to receive reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses it incurs in connection with its compliance monitoring of Fund trading, up to 0.01% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

Except as otherwise noted in the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser will pay all expenses incurred by it in connection with its activities under the Advisory Agreement. The Fund bears all of its own expenses not specifically assumed by the Adviser. General expenses of the Company not readily identifiable as belonging to a portfolio of the Company are allocated among all investment portfolios by or under the direction of the Board in such manner as it deems to be fair and equitable. Expenses borne by the Fund include, but are not limited to the following (or the Fund’s share of the following): (a) the cost (including brokerage commissions) of securities purchased or sold by the Fund and any losses incurred in connection therewith; (b) fees payable to and expenses incurred on behalf of the Fund by the Adviser; (c) filing fees and expenses relating to the registration and qualification of the Company and the Fund’s shares under federal and/or state securities laws and maintaining such registrations and qualifications; (d) fees and salaries payable to the Company’s Directors and officers; (e) taxes (including any income or franchise taxes) and governmental fees; (f) costs of any liability and other insurance or fidelity bonds; (g) any costs, expenses or losses arising out of a liability of or claim for damages or other relief asserted against the Company or the Fund for violation of any law; (h) legal, accounting and auditing expenses, including legal fees of special counsel for the independent Directors; (i) charges of custodians and other agents; (j) expenses of setting in type and printing prospectuses, statements of additional information and supplements thereto for existing shareholders, reports, statements, and confirmations to shareholders and proxy materials that are not attributable to a class; (k) costs of mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information and supplements thereto to existing shareholders, as well as reports to shareholders and proxy materials that are not attributable to a class; (1) any extraordinary expenses; (m) fees, voluntary assessments and other expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; (n) costs of mailing and tabulating proxies and costs of shareholders’ and Directors’ meetings; (o) costs of independent pricing services to value a portfolio’s securities; and (p) the costs of investment company literature and other publications provided by the Company to its Directors and officers. Distribution expenses, transfer agency expenses, expenses of preparation, printing and mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information, proxy statements and reports to shareholders, and organizational expenses and registration fees, identified as belonging to a particular class of the Company, are allocated to such class.

 

The Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser shall at all times have all rights in and to the Fund’s name and all investment models used by or on behalf of the Fund. The Adviser may use the Fund’s name or any portion thereof in connection with any other mutual fund or business activity without the consent of any shareholder, and the Company has agreed to execute and deliver any and all documents required to indicate its consent to such use.

 

INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISERS

 

Each Sub-Adviser shall, subject to the supervision and oversight of the Adviser, manage the investment and reinvestment of such portion of the assets of the Fund, as the Adviser may from time to time allocate to such Sub-Adviser for management. For their services, each Sub-Adviser is entitled to receive a fee based upon a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets, which will be paid by the Fund and not by the Adviser.

 

The Fund and the Adviser have submitted an application with the SEC for an exemptive order with respect to the Fund that would permit the Adviser, without shareholder approval and subject to certain conditions, to terminate existing Sub-Advisers or hire new Sub-Advisers for the Fund, to materially amend the terms of particular agreements with Sub-Advisers or to continue the employment of existing Sub-Advisers after events that would otherwise cause an automatic termination of a sub-advisory agreement. This arrangement has been approved by the Board and the Fund’s initial shareholder. Consequently, if approved by the SEC, under the exemptive order, the Adviser would have the right to hire, terminate and replace Sub-Advisers when the Board of Directors and the Adviser feel that a change would benefit the Fund. The exemptive order will enable the Fund to operate with greater efficiency and without incurring the expense and delays associated with obtaining shareholder approval of sub-advisory agreements.

 

41  

 

The Adviser does not determine what investments will be purchased or sold for the Fund with respect to the portions of the Fund managed by the Sub-Advisers. Because each Sub-Adviser manages its portion of the Fund independently from the others, the same security may be held in two or more different portions of the Fund or may be acquired for one portion at a time when a Sub-Adviser of another portion deems it appropriate to dispose of the security from that other portion. Similarly, under some market conditions, one or more of the Sub-Advisers may believe that temporary, defensive investments in short-term instruments or cash are appropriate when another Sub-Adviser or Sub-Advisers believe continued exposure to the broader securities market is appropriate. Because each Sub-Adviser directs the trading for its portion of the Fund and does not aggregate its transactions with those of the other Sub-Advisers, the Fund may incur higher brokerage costs than would be the case if a single adviser or Sub-Adviser were managing the Fund.

 

The current Sub-Advisers to the Fund are set forth below.

 

Sub-Advisers

 

Aperio Group, LLC (“Aperio”)
Three Harbor Drive, Suite 315
Sausalito, CA 94965
  Paul Solli, Patrick Geddes, Robert Newman, and Guy Arthur Lampard are managing members of Aperio.
Driehaus Capital Management LLC (“Driehaus”)
25 E Erie Street
Chicago, IL 60611
  Driehaus is majority-owned by Driehaus Capital Holdings LLLP (“DCH”), an affiliated company. DCH is owned by entities related to Driehaus’ founder, Richard Driehaus, and certain key employees.
Granite Investment Partners, LLC (“Granite”)
The Plaza at Continental Park
2121 Rosecrans Ave, Suite 2360
El Segundo, California 90245
  Granite has no individuals or entities that are 25% or greater owners.
Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC (“Pacific Ridge”)
4900 Meadows Road Suite 320
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
  Pacific Ridge Holdings, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company, controls 25% or more of the voting interest in Pacific Ridge.
Pier Capital LLC (“Pier Capital”)
600 Summer Street, Suite 203
Stamford, CT 06901
  Pier Capital is controlled by its founder, Jan Eric Parsons.
River Road Asset Management, LLC (“River Road”)
462 S 4th Street #2000
Louisville, KY 40202
  Affiliated Managers Group, Inc., through its wholly-owned subsidiary, RRAM Acquisition, LLC, holds 25% or more of the voting interest in River Road. Additionally, collectively certain employees of River Road hold 25% or more of the voting interest in River Road, but no one employee holds 25% or more of the voting interest individually.

 

Sub-Advisory Agreements with the Adviser. Each of the Sub-Advisory Agreements provides that the Sub-Adviser will manage the investment and reinvestment of such portion of the assets of the Fund as the Adviser may from time to time allocate to the Sub-Adviser in accordance with the Fund’s objective, policies and restrictions and any investment guidelines established by the Adviser. Each Sub-Adviser will, subject to the supervision and control of the Adviser, determine in its discretion which issuers and securities will be purchased, held, sold or exchanged by the Fund, and will place orders with and give instruction to brokers and dealers to cause the execution of such transactions. The Sub-Advisers are required to furnish at their own expense all investment facilities necessary to perform its obligations under the Sub-Advisory Agreements.

 

42  

 

Generally, each Sub-Advisory Agreement may be terminated without penalty by vote of the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, upon 60 days’ written notice, or by the Adviser immediately upon notice to the Sub-Adviser, and each such agreement terminates automatically in the event of an assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act). Each Sub-Advisory Agreement also may be terminated by a Sub-Adviser upon 30 days’ written notice and automatically terminates upon termination of the Advisory Agreement.

 

THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

 

This section includes information about the Fund’s portfolio managers, including information about other accounts they manage, the dollar range of Fund shares they own and how they are compensated.

 

Altair

 

Other Accounts . In addition to the Fund, the portfolio managers are responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as listed below. The information below is provided as of August 31, 2017.

 

Name of Portfolio
Manager
or Team Member
Type of Accounts Total
# of
Accounts
Managed
Total
Assets
# of Accounts
Managed that
Advisory Fee
is
Based on
Performance
Total Assets
that
Advisory
Fee is Based
on
Performance
1. Steven B. Weinstein Other Registered Investment Companies: 0 $0 0 $0
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles: 0 $0 0 $0
  Other Accounts: 311 $4.4 billion 0 $0
2. Jason M. Laurie Other Registered Investment Companies: 0 $0 0 $0
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles: 0 $0 0 $0
  Other Accounts: 311 $4.4 billion 0 $0
3. Bryan R. Malis Other Registered Investment Companies: 0 $0 0 $0
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles: 0 $0 0 $0
  Other Accounts: 311 $4.4 billion 0 $0
4. Donald J. Sorota Other Registered Investment Companies: 0 $0 0 $0
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles: 0 $0 0 $0
  Other Accounts: 311 $4.4 billion 0 $0
5. David J. Lin Other Registered Investment Companies: 0 $0 0 $0
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles: 0 $0 0 $0
  Other Accounts: 311 $4.4 billion 0 $0

 

Compensation. As of the date of this SAI, the Adviser compensates the Fund’s portfolio managers for their management of the Fund. Each of the portfolio manager’s compensation consists of a cash base salary and a bonus paid in cash that is based on overall profitability of the Adviser, and therefore in part based on the value of the Fund’s net assets and other client accounts they are managing.

 

43  

 

Conflicts of Interests. The Adviser provides investment management services to multiple clients with investment objectives and strategies that are similar as well as different than those of the Fund. The Adviser’s management of other accounts may give rise to potential conflicts of interest in connection with its management of the Fund’s investments, on the one hand, and the investments of the other accounts, on the other. The portfolio managers’ management of the Fund and other accounts may result in a portfolio manager devoting a disproportionate amount of time and attention to the management of the Fund or another account. Generally, the Adviser seeks to manage such competing interests for the time and attention of the portfolio managers. Although the Adviser does not track the time a portfolio manager spends on the Fund or other accounts, the Adviser does periodically assess whether a portfolio manager has adequate time and resources to effectively manage all of such portfolio manager’s accounts.

 

Aperio

 

Other Accounts . In addition to the Fund, the portfolio managers are responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as listed below. The information below is provided as of August 31, 2017.

 

Name of Portfolio
Manager
or Team Member
  Type of Accounts   Total
# of
Accounts
Managed
  Total
Assets (in
millions)
  # of Accounts
Managed that
Advisory Fee
is
Based on
Performance
  Total Assets
that Advisory
Fee is Based
on
Performance
 
1 . Ran Leshem   Other Registered Investment Companies:   5   $964 million   0   $0  
    Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:   1   $140 million   0   $0  
    Other Accounts:   4,039   $20.3 billion   0   $0  
2 . Robert Tymoczko   Other Registered Investment Companies:   5   $964 million   0   $0  
    Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:   1   $140 million   0   $0  
    Other Accounts:   4,039   $20.3 billion   0   $0  
3. Jonathan Liu   Other Registered Investment Companies:   5   $964 million   0   $0  
    Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:   1   $140 million   0   $0  
    Other Accounts:   4,039   $20.3 billion   0   $0  

 

Compensation . Aperio compensates the Fund’s portfolio managers for their management of the Fund. Aperio provides a competitive salary plus bonus system of compensation for all employees. Bonus awards are highly dependent on firm profitability and individual contribution. In addition, Aperio provides additional long term compensation for key staff members. As an index investment manager, Aperio does not link compensation to portfolio performance.

 

Conflicts of Interests. Aperio recognizes that conflicts of interest are an inherent part of the investment advisory business and has implemented policies and procedures in order to manage such conflicts and ensure that all clients of the firm are treated in a fair and equitable fashion. Among other things, Aperio has adopted a Code of Ethics which governs employees’ personal investing activity and is designed to help employees comply with legal restrictions on personal investments while honoring their duties to Aperio’s clients.

 

Driehaus

 

Other Accounts . In addition to the Fund, the portfolio managers are responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as listed below. The information below is provided as of August 31, 2017.

 

44  

 

Name of Portfolio
Manager
or Team Member
  Type of Accounts   Total
# of
Accounts
Managed
  Total
Assets (in
millions)*
  # of Accounts
Managed that
Advisory Fee is
Based on
Performance
  Total Assets
that Advisory
Fee is Based
on
Performance
($ millions)*
 
1. Jeffrey James   Other Registered Investment Companies:   3   $449 million   0   $0  
    Other Pooled Investment Vehicles: 12   $231 million   3   $77 million  
    Other Accounts:   25   $361 million   0   $0  
2. Michael Buck   Other Registered Investment Companies:   3   $449 million   0   $0  
    Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:   12   $231 million   3   $77 million  
    Other Accounts:   25   $361 million   0   $0  

 


*Total assets numbers are estimated and unreconciled.

 

Compensation . Driehaus compensates the Fund’s portfolio managers for their management of the Fund. The portfolio managers are paid a fixed salary plus a bonus. They each receive bonuses which are based on a percentage of management fees paid by the registered investment companies and other accounts managed, as applicable. In addition, if performance exceeds certain percentile benchmarks when compared to its peer group (using Lipper rankings) and/or certain risk adjusted return formulas, they each earn a specified additional percentage of the management fees paid by the registered investment companies and other accounts managed. They also each receive a bonus based on a percentage of any performance-based fees paid by the registered investment companies and other accounts managed, if applicable. The assistant portfolio manager also receives a bonus based on a percentage of his salary, which has both subjective and objective components.

 

If Driehaus declares a profit sharing plan contribution, the portfolio managers also would receive such contribution. The portfolio managers are eligible to participate in an equity purchase plan available to certain key employees of Driehaus. The portfolio manager is also eligible to participate in a deferred compensation plan.

 

Conflicts of Interests. The portfolio managers may manage the assets of more than one registered investment company (for this section only, each a “Fund”), other pooled investment vehicles and/or other accounts (collectively, the “Accounts”) for Driehaus. Both clients and affiliated persons of Driehaus, including the portfolio managers, may own interests in these Accounts. The same or related securities may be appropriate and desirable investments for both a Fund and the Accounts (including another fund) and they may compete in the marketplace for the same investment opportunities, which may be limited. In addition, transactions by the Accounts in securities held by a Fund or that a Fund is seeking to buy or sell (or transactions in related securities) may have an adverse impact on the prices that a Fund pays for those securities or can realize upon sale, or on the ability of Driehaus to buy or sell the desired amount of such securities for a Fund at favorable prices. This is particularly true when the Accounts’ transactions occur at a point in time close to when trades in the same or related securities are effected for a Fund. This presents a conflict between the interests of the Fund and the interests of the Accounts as well as the affiliates of Driehaus who invest in the Accounts.

 

Conflicts also may arise between the interests of a Fund and the interests of Driehaus and its affiliates, including the portfolio managers. These conflicts can occur as one or more of the Accounts pay advisory fees to Driehaus, including performance-based compensation, at a higher rate than the rate of fees paid by the Fund. In addition, Driehaus’ affiliates, including the Fund’s portfolio managers, may personally own interests in the Accounts or have other financial incentives (including that a portfolio manager’s compensation is based, in part, on assets under management). For example, portfolio managers could favor an Account over a Fund when dividing their time and attention between them or when presented with limited investment opportunities that would be desirable and suitable for both a Fund and the Accounts or when making trading decisions.

 

45  

 

Driehaus, through trade allocation and other policies and procedures, seeks to manage these conflicts of interest to reduce any adverse effects on either a Fund or the Accounts. These policies and procedures include requirements that transactions by a Fund and the Accounts in the same securities that occur on the same day are average priced when feasible and allocated on a fair and equitable basis. In addition, Driehaus conducts periodic reviews of transactions in and holdings of the same or related securities by a Fund and the Accounts for compliance with the Driehaus’ policies and procedures.

 

Granite

 

Other Accounts . In addition to the Fund, the portfolio managers are responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as listed below. The information below is provided as of August 31, 2017.

 

Name of Portfolio
Manager
or Team Member
  Type of Accounts   Total
# of
Accounts
Managed
  Total
Assets (in
millions)
  # of Accounts
Managed that
Advisory Fee
is
Based on
Performance
  Total Assets
that Advisory
Fee is Based
on
Performance
 
1. Jeffrey J. Hoo   Other Registered Investment Companies:   2   $175 million   0   $0  
    Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:   0   $0   0   $0  
    Other Accounts:   423   $813 million   3   $63 million  
2. Joshua D. Shaskan   Other Registered Investment Companies:   0   $0   0   $0  
    Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:   0   $0   0   $0  
    Other Accounts:   39   $49 million   0   $0  
3. Peter O. Lopez   Other Registered Investment Companies:   0   $0   0   $0  
    Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:   0   $0   0   $0  
    Other Accounts:   8   $2 million   0   $0  

 

Compensation. Granite compensates the Fund’s portfolio managers for their management of the Fund. The portfolio managers’ compensation includes base compensation, revenue-based and performance-based compensation for each team (Small Cap and Large Cap) and, if principals, a profits interest in Granite. The overall compensation structure is reviewed annually. Portfolio managers, and other key investment personnel, have membership interests in Granite and are evaluated on an annual basis to determine additional allocations of membership interest. Such interests entitle the members to distribution of profits as well as certain liquidity features. The interests effectively vest over a determined time period so as to provide a retention incentive. This ownership feature is intended to create both stability and an entrepreneurial atmosphere at Granite.

 

Conflicts of Interests. The portfolio managers’ management of other accounts may give rise to potential conflicts of interest in connection with their management of the Fund’s 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, and they will generally be allocated pro rata in proportion to the size of the orders or redemptions placed.

 

46  

 

Pacific Ridge

 

Other Accounts. In addition to the Fund, the portfolio managers are responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as listed below. The information below is provided as of August 31, 2017.

 

Name of Portfolio
Manager
or Team Member
  Type of Accounts   Total
# of
Accounts
Managed
  Total
Assets (in
millions)
  # of Accounts
Managed that
Advisory Fee
is
Based on
Performance
  Total Assets
that Advisory
Fee is Based
on
Performance
 
1. Mark D. Cooper   Other Registered Investment Companies:   0   $0   0   $0  
    Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:   2   $11 million   0   $0  
    Other Accounts:   14   $323 million   0   $0  
2. Dominic R. Marshall   Other Registered Investment Companies:   0   $0   0   $0  
    Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:   2   $11 million   0   $0  
    Other Accounts:   14   $323 million   0   $0  

 

Compensation . Pacific Ridge compensates the Fund’s portfolio managers for their management of the Fund. Each of the portfolio manager’s compensation consists of a cash base salary and a discretionary performance bonus paid in cash that is based on overall profitability of the Adviser and performance of the Fund, and therefore in part based on the value of the Fund’s net assets and other client accounts they are managing.

 

Conflicts of Interests. The portfolio managers’ management of other accounts may give rise to potential conflicts of interest in connection with their management of the Fund’s 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, and they will generally be allocated pro rata in proportion to the size of the orders or redemptions placed.

 

Pier Capital

 

Other Accounts . In addition to the Fund, the portfolio managers are responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as listed below. The information below is provided as of August 31, 2017.

 

Name of
Portfolio
Manager
or Team
Member
  Type of Accounts   Total
# of
Accounts
Managed
  Total
Assets
  # of Accounts
Managed that
Advisory Fee is
Based on
Performance
  Total Assets
that Advisory
Fee is Based
on
Performance
 
1. Alexander Yakirevich   Other Registered Investment Companies:   2   $84 million   1   $36 million  
    Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:   1   $31 million   0   $0  
    Other Accounts:   15   $464 million   3   $26 million  

 


*Other accounts for performance fee calculations include individual participants in Pier’s Small Cap Growth Commingled fund offering.

 

**Includes a non-US registered investment company.

 

47  

 

Compensation. Pier Capital compensates the Fund’s portfolio managers for their management of the Fund. Alexander Yakirevich receives a fixed salary based on tenure and experience from Pier Capital and in addition, as a partner, Mr. Yakirevich receives a contracted percentage of equity distribution from Pier Capital.

 

Conflicts of Interests. Alexander Yakirevich must adhere to policies and procedures adopted by Pier Capital designed to address any potential material conflicts of interest. For instance, the portfolio manager is responsible for all accounts within a certain investment discipline, and do not, absent special circumstances, differentiate from such investment discipline when allocating resources. Additionally, the Sub-Adviser and its advisory affiliates utilize a system for allocating investment opportunities among portfolio that is designed to provide a fair and equitable allocation. Equity Trader trades all accounts through a block trade and the average share price is prorated across all accounts.

 

River Road

 

Other Accounts . In addition to the Fund, the portfolio managers are responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as listed below. The information below is provided as of August 31, 2017.

 

Name of Portfolio
Manager
or Team Member
  Type of Accounts   Total
# of
Accounts
Managed
  Total
Assets (in
millions)
  # of Accounts
Managed that
Advisory Fee is
Based on
Performance
  Total Assets
that
Advisory
Fee is Based
on
Performance
(in millions)
 
1. James C. Shircliff   Other Registered Investment Companies:   5   $1.8 billion   0   $0  
    Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:   13   $1.5 billion   0   $0  
    Other Accounts:   87   $1.5 billion   1   $75 million  
2. Andrew Beck   Other Registered Investment Companies:   3   $359 million   0   $0  
    Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:   1   $1 million   0   $0  
    Other Accounts:   33   $1.2 billion   1   $75 million  
3. J. Justin Akin   Other Registered Investment Companies:   2   $341 million   0   $0  
    Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:   1   $1 million   0   $0  
    Other Accounts:   20   $925 million   1   $75 million  

 

Compensation. River Road compensates the Fund’s portfolio managers for their management of the Fund. Compensation for portfolio managers includes an annual fixed base salary and a potential performance-based bonus. In addition, all portfolio managers are shareholders in the firm and have signed long-term employment agreements.

 

Conflicts of Interests. Portfolio managers at River Road may manage one or more mutual funds as well as other types of accounts, including separate accounts for institutions and individuals, and other pooled investment vehicles. Portfolio managers make investment decisions for an account or portfolio based on its investment objectives and policies, and other relevant investment considerations. A portfolio manager may manage a separate account or other pooled investment vehicle whose fees may be materially greater than the management fees paid by the fund and may include a performance-based fee. Management of multiple funds and accounts may create potential conflicts of interest relating to the allocation of investment opportunities, and the aggregation and allocation of trades. In addition, River Road monitors a variety of areas (e.g., allocation of investment opportunities) and compliance with the firm’s Code of Ethics. River Road has a fiduciary responsibility to all of the clients for which it manages accounts. River Road seeks to provide best execution of all securities transactions and to aggregate securities transactions and then allocate securities to client accounts in a fair and timely manner. River Road has developed policies and procedures, including brokerage and trade allocation policies and procedures, designed to mitigate and manage the potential conflicts of interest that may arise from the management of multiple types of accounts for multiple clients.

 

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Fund Shares Owned by Portfolio Managers .

 

The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the following portfolio managers in the Fund as of August 31, 2017.

 

Portfolio Manager   Dollar ($) Value of Fund Shares
Beneficially Owned
 
Steven Weinstein   $100,001 - $500,000  
Jason M. Laurie   $100,001 - $500,000  
Bryan R. Malis   $100,001 - $500,000  
Donald J. Sorota   $50,001 - $100,000  
David J. Lin   None  
Jonathan Liu   None  
Ran Leshem   None  
Robert Tymoczko   None  
Jeffrey James   None  
Michael Buck   None  
Jeffrey J. Hoo   None  
Joshua D. Shaskan   None  
Peter O. Lopez   None  
Mark D. Cooper   None  
Dominic R. Marshall   None  
Alexander Yakirevich   None  
James C. Shircliff   None  
Andrew Beck   None  
J. Justin Akin   None  

 

ADMINISTRATION AND ACCOUNTING AGREEMENT

 

USBFS, located at 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202, serves as fund administrator to the Fund pursuant to a fund administration servicing agreement and serves as fund accountant pursuant to a fund accounting servicing agreement (the “Administration Agreements”). Under the fund accounting servicing agreement, USBFS has agreed to furnish to the Fund statistical and research data, clerical, accounting and bookkeeping services, and certain other services required by the Fund. Under the fund administration servicing agreement, USBFS has agreed to provide fund administration services to the Company. These services include the preparation and coordination of the Company’s annual post-effective amendment filing and supplements to the Fund’s registration statement, the preparation and assembly of board meeting materials, and certain other services necessary to the Company’s fund administration. In addition, USBFS has agreed to prepare and file various reports with the appropriate regulatory agencies and prepare materials required by the SEC or any state securities commission having jurisdiction over the Fund.

 

The Administration Agreements provide that USBFS shall be obligated to exercise reasonable care in the performance of its duties and that USFBS shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or any loss suffered by the Company in connection with its duties under the Administration Agreements, except a loss resulting from USBSF’s refusal or failure to comply with the terms of the applicable Administration Agreement or from its bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties thereunder.

USBFS receives a fee under the Administration Agreements based on the average daily net assets of the Company.

 

Effective October 1, 2016, USBFS replaced the Fund’s prior administrator as fund administrator and fund accountant to the Fund. For the period October 21, 2014 (commenced operations) through August 31, 2015, and the fiscal years ended August 31, 2016 and 2017, the Fund paid USBFS and the Fund’s prior administrator certain administration, accounting and regulatory administration fees and related out-of- pocket expenses as follows:

 

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Administration, Accounting and
Regulatory Administration
Fees Paid

(after waivers and reimbursements)

Waivers Reimbursements
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017 $122,300 $0  $0
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016 $203,838 $0  $0
For the fiscal period October 21, 2014 through August 31, 2015 $192,282 $0 $0

 

CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT

 

U.S. Bank, N.A., (the “Custodian”), 1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212, is custodian of the Fund’s assets pursuant to a custodian agreement (the “Custodian Agreement”). Under the Custodian Agreement, the Custodian: (a) maintains a separate account or accounts in the name of the Fund; (b) holds and transfers portfolio investments on account of the Fund; (c) accepts receipts and makes disbursements of money on behalf of the Fund; (d) collects and receives all income and other payments and distributions on account of the Fund’s portfolio investments; and (e) makes periodic reports to the Board concerning the Fund’s operations. The Custodian is authorized to select one or more banks or trust companies to serve as sub-custodian on behalf of the Fund, provided that the Custodian remains responsible for the performance of all of its duties under the Custodian Agreement and holds the Fund harmless from the acts and omissions of any affiliate, sub-custodian or domestic sub-custodian. For its services to the Fund under the Custodian Agreement, the Custodian receives a fee based on the Fund’s average gross assets calculated daily and payable monthly. Transaction charges and out-of-pocket expenses are also charged to the Fund.

 

TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT

 

USBFS also serves as the transfer and dividend disbursing agent for the Fund pursuant to a transfer agency and servicing agreement (the “Transfer Agency Agreement”), under which USBFS: (a) issues and redeems shares of the Fund; (b) addresses and mails all communications by the Fund to record owners of the shares, including reports to shareholders, dividend and distribution notices and proxy materials for its meetings of shareholders; (c) maintains shareholder accounts and, if requested, sub-accounts; and (d) makes periodic reports to the Board concerning the operations of the Fund. USBFS may, subject to the Board’s approval, assign its duties as transfer and dividend disbursing agent to any affiliate. For its services to the Fund under the Transfer Agency Agreement, USBFS receives an annual fee based on the number of accounts in the Fund and the Fund’s average gross assets calculated daily and payable monthly. Transaction charges and out-of-pocket expenses are also charged to the Fund.

 

USBFS also provides services relating to the implementation of the Company’s Anti-Money Laundering Program. In addition, USBFS provides services relating to the implementation of the Fund’s Customer Identification Program, including verification of required customer information and the maintenance of records with respect to such verification.

 

DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), whose principal business address is 777 East Wisconsin Avenue, Floor 6, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, serves as the underwriter to the Fund(s) pursuant to the terms of a distribution agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”). The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). The Distributor is not affiliated with the Company or the Adviser. The Distributor, U.S. Bank, N.A. and USBFS are affiliates.

 

Under the Distribution Agreement with the Fund, the Distributor acts as the agent of the Company in connection with the continuous offering of shares of the Fund. The Distributor continually distributes shares of the Fund on a best efforts basis. The Distributor has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of Fund shares. The Distributor and its officers have no role in determining the investment policies or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Company.

 

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The Distributor may enter into agreements with selected broker-dealers, banks or other financial intermediaries for distribution of shares of the Fund. With respect to certain financial intermediaries and related fund “supermarket” platform arrangements, the Fund and/or the Adviser, rather than the Distributor, typically enter into such agreements. These financial intermediaries may charge a fee for their services and may receive shareholder service or other fees from parties other than the Distributor. These financial intermediaries may otherwise act as processing agents and are responsible for promptly transmitting purchase, redemption and other requests to the Fund.

 

Investors who purchase shares through financial intermediaries will be subject to the procedures of those intermediaries through which they purchase shares, which may include charges, investment minimums, cutoff times and other restrictions in addition to, or different from, those listed herein. Information concerning any charges or services will be provided to customers by the financial intermediary through which they purchase shares. Investors purchasing shares of the Fund through financial intermediaries should acquaint themselves with their financial intermediary’s procedures and should read the Prospectus in conjunction with any materials and information provided by their financial intermediary. The financial intermediary, and not its customers, will be the shareholder of record, although customers may have the right to vote shares depending upon their arrangement with the financial intermediary. The Distributor does not receive compensation from the Fund for its distribution services except the distribution/service fees with respect to the shares of those classes for which a Rule 12b-1 distribution plan is effective. The Adviser pays the Distributor a fee for certain distribution-related services.

 

The Distribution Agreement has an initial term of up to two years and will continue in effect only if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by vote of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities in accordance with the 1940 Act. The Distribution Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Company on behalf of the Fund on no less than 60 days’ written notice when authorized either by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the members of the Board who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Company and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Distribution Agreement, or by the Distributor, and will automatically terminate in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act). The Distribution Agreement provides that the Distributor shall not be liable for any loss suffered by the Company in connection with the performance of the Distributor’s obligations and duties under the Distribution Agreement, except a loss resulting from the Distributor’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of such duties and obligations, or by reason of its reckless disregard thereof.

 

FUND TRANSACTIONS

 

Subject to policies established by the Board and applicable rules, the Adviser and Sub-Advisers are responsible for the execution of portfolio transactions and the allocation of brokerage transactions for the Fund. In executing portfolio transactions, the Adviser and Sub-Advisers seek to obtain the best price and most favorable execution for the Fund, taking into account such factors as the price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of the order, difficulty of execution and operational facilities of the firm involved. While the Adviser and Sub-Advisers generally seek reasonably competitive commission rates, payment of the lowest commission or spread is not necessarily consistent with obtaining the best price and execution in particular transactions.

 

Brokerage Transactions

 

Generally, equity securities, both listed and over-the-counter, 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 dealer’s mark-up or reflect a dealer’s mark-down. Money market securities and other debt securities are usually bought and sold directly from the issuer or an underwriter or market maker for the securities. Generally, the Fund will not pay brokerage commissions for such purchases. When a debt security is bought from an underwriter, the purchase price will usually include an underwriting commission or concession. The purchase price for securities bought from dealers serving as market makers will similarly include the dealer’s mark up or reflect a dealer’s 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 addition, the Adviser and Sub-Advisers may place a combined order for two or more accounts they manage, including the Fund, engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security if, in its judgment, joint execution is in the best interest of each participant and will result in best price and execution. Transactions involving commingled orders are allocated in a manner deemed equitable to each account or fund. Although it is recognized that, in some cases, the joint execution of orders could adversely affect the price or volume of the security that a particular account or the Fund may obtain, it is the opinion of the Adviser, the Sub-Advisers and the Board that the advantages of combined orders outweigh the possible disadvantages of separate transactions. Nonetheless, the Adviser and Sub-Advisers believe that the ability of the Fund to participate in higher volume transactions will generally be beneficial to the Fund.

 

51  

 

For the fiscal period October 21, 2014 (commenced operations) through August 31, 2015, and the fiscal years ended August 31, 2016 and 2017, the Fund paid commissions to brokers on account of research services as follows:

 

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017   $ 285,748  
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016   $ 269,846  
For the fiscal period October 21, 2014 through August 31, 2015   $ 264,767  

 

For the fiscal period October 21, 2014 (commenced operations) through August 31, 2015, and for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2016 and 2017, the Fund paid the aggregated brokerage commissions as follows:

 

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017   $627,484  
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016   $650,811  
For the fiscal period October 21, 2014 through August 31, 2015   $683,782  

 

The Fund is required to identify any securities of the Company’s regular broker-dealers (as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act) or their parents held by the Fund as of the end of the most recent fiscal year. As of August 31, 2017, there were no securities held by the Fund of its regular broker-dealers.

 

Brokerage Selection

 

The Company does not expect to use one particular broker or dealer, and when one or more brokers is believed capable of providing the best combination of price and execution, the Fund’s Adviser and Sub-Advisers may select a broker based upon brokerage or research services provided to the Adviser or applicable Sub-Adviser. The Adviser and Sub-Advisers may pay a higher commission than otherwise obtainable from other brokers in return for such services only if a good faith determination is made that the commission is reasonable in relation to the services provided.

 

Section 28(e) of the 1934 Act permits an investment adviser or sub-adviser, under certain circumstances, to cause a 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, certain Sub-Advisers 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, portfolio 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 applicable Sub-Advisers believe that access to independent investment research is beneficial to their investment decision-making processes and, therefore, to the Fund.

 

To the extent 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 applicable Sub-Advisers 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 Sub-Advisers 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 Sub-Advisers will be in addition to and not in lieu of the services required to be performed by the Sub-Adviser under its Sub-Advisory Agreement. Any advisory or other fees paid to the Sub-Advisers are not reduced as a result of the receipt of research services.

 

52  

 

In some cases a Sub-Adviser may receive a service from a broker that has both a “research” and a “non-research” use. When this occurs, the applicable Sub-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 applicable Sub-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 Sub-Adviser faces a potential conflict of interest, but each applicable Sub-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.

 

From time to time, the Fund may purchase new issues of securities for clients 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 and Sub-Advisers with research services. FINRA 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).

 

PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION

 

You may purchase shares through an account maintained by your brokerage firm and you may also purchase shares directly by mail or wire. The Company reserves the right, if conditions exist which make cash payments undesirable, to honor any request for redemption or repurchase of the Fund’s shares by making payment in whole or in part in securities chosen by the Company and valued in the same way as they would be valued for purposes of computing the Fund’s NAV. If payment is made in securities, a shareholder may incur transaction costs in converting these securities into cash. A shareholder will also bear any market risk or tax consequences as a result of a payment in securities. The Company has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act so that the Fund is obligated to redeem its shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its NAV during any 90-day period for any one shareholder of the Fund. A shareholder will bear the risk of a decline in market value and any tax consequences associated with a redemption in securities.

 

Under the 1940 Act, the Company may suspend the right to redemption or postpone the date of payment upon redemption for any period during which the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the “NYSE”) is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings), or during which the SEC restricts trading on the NYSE or determines an emergency exists as a result of which disposal or valuation of portfolio securities is not reasonably practicable, or for such other periods as the SEC may permit. (The Company may also suspend or postpone the recordation of the transfer of its shares upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions).

 

Shares of the Company are subject to redemption by the Company, at the redemption price of such shares as in effect from time to time, including, without limitation: (1) to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of the failure of a shareholder to make full payment for shares purchased by the shareholder or to collect any charge relating to a transaction effected for the benefit of a shareholder as provided in the Prospectus from time to time; (2) if such redemption is, in the opinion of the Board, desirable in order to prevent the Company or the Fund from being deemed a “personal holding company” within the meaning of the Code; (3) or if the net income with respect to any particular class of common stock should be negative or it should otherwise be appropriate to carry out the Company’s responsibilities under the 1940 Act.

 

The Fund has the right to redeem your shares at current NAV at any time and without prior notice if, and to the extent that, such redemption is necessary to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of your failure to make full payment for shares of the Fund you previously purchased or subscribed for.

 

Other Purchase Information

 

If shares of the Fund are held in a “street name” account with an authorized dealer, all recordkeeping, transaction processing and payments of distributions relating to the beneficial owner’s account will be performed by the authorized dealer, and not by the Fund and its Transfer Agent. Since the Fund will have no record of the beneficial owner’s transactions, a beneficial owner should contact the authorized dealer to purchase, redeem or exchange shares, to make changes in or give instructions concerning the account or to obtain information about the account. The transfer of shares in a “street name” account to an account with another dealer or to an account directly with the Fund involves special procedures and will require the beneficial owner to obtain historical purchase information about the shares in the account from the authorized dealer.

 

53  

 

TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PROCEDURES

 

The Company’s telephone transaction procedures include the following measures: (1) requiring the appropriate telephone transaction privilege forms; (2) requiring the caller to provide the names of the account owners, the account social security number and name of the Fund, all of which must match the Company’s records; (3) requiring the Company’s service representative to complete a telephone transaction form, listing all of the above caller identification information; (4) permitting exchanges (if applicable) only if the two account registrations are identical; (5) requiring that redemption proceeds be sent only by check to the account owners of record at the address of record, or by electronic funds transfer through the ACH network or wire only to the owners of record at the bank account of record; (6) sending a written confirmation for each telephone transaction to the owners of record at the address of record within five (5) business days of the call; and (7) maintaining tapes of telephone transactions for six months, if the Company elects to record shareholder telephone transactions. For accounts held of record by broker-dealers, financial institutions, securities dealers, financial planners and other industry professionals, additional documentation or information regarding the scope of a caller’s authority is required. Finally, for telephone transactions in accounts held jointly, additional information regarding other account holders is required.

 

VALUATION OF SHARES

 

In accordance with procedures adopted by the Board, the NAV per share of the Fund is calculated by determining the value of the net assets attributed to the Fund and dividing by the number of outstanding shares of the Fund. All securities are valued on each Business Day as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally, but not always, 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) or such other time as the New York Stock Exchange or National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations System (“NASDAQ”) market may officially close. The term “Business Day” means any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading, which is Monday through Friday except for holidays. The New York Stock Exchange is generally closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day (observed), Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday (observed), Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

 

The time at which transactions and shares are priced and the time by which orders must be received may be changed in case of an emergency or if regular trading on the NYSE is stopped at a time other than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The Company reserves the right to reprocess purchase, redemption and exchange transactions that were initially processed at a NAV other than the Fund’s official closing NAV (as the same may be subsequently adjusted), and to recover amounts from (or distribute amounts to) shareholders based on the official closing NAV. The Company reserves the right to advance the time by which purchase and redemption orders must be received for same business day credit as otherwise permitted by the SEC. In addition, the Fund may compute its NAV as of any time permitted pursuant to any exemption, order or statement of the SEC or its staff.

 

The securities of the Fund are valued under the direction of the Fund’s administrator and under the general supervision of the Board. Prices are generally determined using readily available market prices. Subject to the approval of the Board, the Fund may employ outside organizations, which may use a matrix or formula method that takes into consideration market indices, matrices, yield curves and other specific adjustments in determining the approximate market value of portfolio investments. This may result in the investments being valued at a price that differs from the price that would have been determined had the matrix or formula method not been used. All cash, receivables, and current payables are carried on the Fund’s books at their face value. Other assets, if any, are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Fund’s Valuation Committee under the direction of the Board.

 

The procedures used by any pricing service and its valuation results are reviewed by the officers of the Company under the general supervision of the Board.

 

54  

 

The Fund may hold portfolio securities that are listed on foreign exchanges. These securities may trade on weekends or other days when the Fund does not calculate NAV. As a result, the value of these investments may change on days when you cannot purchase or sell Fund shares.

 

TAXES

 

General

 

The following summarizes certain additional tax considerations generally affecting the Fund and its shareholders that are not described in the Prospectus. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of the tax treatment of the Fund or its shareholders, and the discussions here and in the Prospectus are not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. Potential investors should consult their tax advisers with specific reference to their own tax situations.

 

The discussions of the federal tax consequences in the Prospectus and this SAI are based on the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) and the regulations issued under it, and court decisions and administrative interpretations, as in effect on the date of this SAI. Future legislative or administrative changes or court decisions may significantly alter the statements included herein, and such changes or decisions may be retroactive.

 

The Fund qualified during its last taxable year and intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of Subtitle A, Chapter 1, of the Code. As such, the Fund generally will be exempt from federal income tax on its net investment income and realized capital gains that it distributes to shareholders. To qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company, it must meet three important tests each year.

 

First, the Fund must derive with respect to each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, certain payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities or foreign currencies, other income derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing in stock, securities or currencies, or net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships.

 

Second, generally, at the close of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year, at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s assets must consist of cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and securities of other issuers as to which the Fund has not invested more than 5% of the value of its total assets in securities of the issuer and as to which the Fund does not hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer, and no more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in the securities of (1) any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies), (2) two or more issuers that the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or (3) one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.

 

Third, the Fund must distribute an amount equal to at least the sum of 90% of its investment company taxable income (net investment income and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss) before taking into account any deduction for dividends paid, and 90% of its tax-exempt income, if any, for the year.

 

The Fund intends to comply with these requirements. If the Fund were to fail to make sufficient distributions, it could be liable for corporate income tax and for excise tax in respect of the shortfall or, if the shortfall is large enough, the Fund could be disqualified as a regulated investment company. If for any taxable year the Fund were not to qualify as a regulated investment company, all its taxable income would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders. In that event, shareholders would recognize dividend income on distributions to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, and corporate shareholders could be eligible for the dividends-received deduction.

 

The Code imposes a nondeductible 4% excise tax on regulated investment companies that fail to distribute each year an amount equal to specified percentages of their ordinary taxable income and capital gain net income (excess of capital gains over capital losses). The Fund intends to make sufficient distributions or deemed distributions each year to avoid liability for this excise tax.

 

55  

 

State and Local Taxes

 

Although the Fund expects to qualify as a “regulated investment company” and to be relieved of all or substantially all federal income taxes, depending upon the extent of its activities in states and localities in which its offices are maintained, in which its agents or independent contractors are located or in which it is otherwise deemed to be conducting business, the Fund may be subject to the tax laws of such states or localities.

 

Taxation of Certain Investments

 

The tax principles applicable to transactions in financial instruments, such as futures contracts and options, that may be engaged in by the Fund, and investments in passive foreign investment companies (“PFICs”), are complex and, in some cases, uncertain. Such transactions and investments may cause the Fund to recognize taxable income prior to the receipt of cash, thereby requiring the Fund to liquidate other positions, or to borrow money, so as to make sufficient distributions to shareholders to avoid corporate-level tax. Moreover, some or all of the taxable income recognized may be ordinary income or short-term capital gain, so that the distributions may be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.

 

In addition, in the case of any shares of a PFIC in which the Fund invests, the Fund may be liable for corporate-level tax on any ultimate gain or distributions on the shares if the Fund fails to make an election to recognize income annually during the period of its ownership of the shares.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING COMPANY SHARES

 

The Company has authorized capital of 100 billion shares of common stock at a par value of $0.001 per share. Currently, 84.923 billion shares have been classified into 176 classes, however, the Company only has 43 active share classes that have begun investment operations. Under the Company’s charter, the Board of Directors has the power to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of common stock from time to time.

 

Each share that represents an interest in the Fund has an equal proportionate interest in the assets belonging to such Fund with each other share that represents an interest in such Fund, even where a share has a different class designation than another share representing an interest in that Fund. Shares of the Company do not have preemptive or conversion rights. When issued for payment as described in the Prospectus, shares of the Company will be fully paid and non-assessable.

 

The Company does not currently intend to hold annual meetings of shareholders except as required by the 1940 Act or other applicable law. The Company’s amended By-Laws provide that shareholders owning at least ten percent of the outstanding shares of all classes of common stock of the Company have the right to call for a meeting of shareholders to consider the removal of one or more directors. To the extent required by law, the Company will assist in shareholder communication in such matters.

 

Holders of shares of each class of the Company will vote in the aggregate and not by class on all matters, except where otherwise required by law. Further, shareholders of the Company will vote in the aggregate and not by portfolio except as otherwise required by law or when the Board of Directors determines that the matter to be voted upon affects only the interests of the shareholders of a particular portfolio or class of shares. Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides that any matter required to be submitted by the provisions of such Act or applicable state law, or otherwise, to the holders of the outstanding voting securities of an investment company such as the Company shall not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each portfolio affected by the matter. Rule 18f-2 further provides that a portfolio shall be deemed to be affected by a matter unless it is clear that the interests of each portfolio in the matter are identical or that the matter does not affect any interest of the portfolio. Under Rule 18f-2 the approval of an investment advisory agreement or distribution agreement or any change in a fundamental investment objective or fundamental investment policy would be effectively acted upon with respect to a portfolio only if approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such portfolio. However, the Rule also provides that the ratification of the selection of independent public accountants and the election of directors are not subject to the separate voting requirements and may be effectively acted upon by shareholders of an investment company voting without regard to a portfolio. Shareholders of the Company are entitled to one vote for each full share held (irrespective of class or portfolio) and fractional votes for fractional shares held. Voting rights are not cumulative and, accordingly, the holders of more than 50% of the aggregate shares of common stock of the Company may elect all of the Directors.

 

56  

 

Notwithstanding any provision of Maryland law requiring a greater vote of shares of the Company’s common stock (or of any class voting as a class) in connection with any corporate action, unless otherwise provided by law (for example by Rule 18f-2 discussed above), or by the Company’s Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, the Company may take or authorize such action upon the favorable vote of the holders of more than 50% of all of the outstanding shares of Common Stock voting without regard to class (or portfolio).

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Counsel

 

The law firm of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, One Logan Square, Suite 2000, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-6996, serves as independent counsel to the Company and the Independent Directors.

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Two Commerce Square, Suite 1800, 2001 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, serves as the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, and in that capacity audits the Fund’s financial statements.

 

57  

 

APPENDIX A

 

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS

 

Short-Term Credit Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings short-term issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation having an original maturity of no more than 365 days. The following summarizes the rating categories used by S&P Global Ratings for short-term issues:

 

“A-1” – A short-term obligation rated “A-1” is rated in the highest category by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

 

“A-2” – A short-term obligation rated “A-2” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is satisfactory.

 

“A-3” – A short-term obligation rated “A-3” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken an obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“B” – A short-term obligation rated “B” is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.

 

“C” – A short-term obligation rated “C” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“D” – A short-term obligation rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

 

Local Currency and Foreign Currency Ratings – S&P Global Ratings’ issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. An issuer’s foreign currency rating will differ from its local currency rating when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.

 

Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) short-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect both on the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default.

 

Moody’s employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

 

“P-1” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

“P-2” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

A- 1  

 

“P-3” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.

 

“NP” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issuer.

 

Fitch, Inc. / Fitch Ratings Ltd. (“Fitch”) short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as “short-term” based on market convention. Typically, this means up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign, and structured obligations and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets. The following summarizes the rating categories used by Fitch for short-term obligations:

 

“F1” – Securities possess the highest short-term credit quality. This designation indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

 

“F2” – Securities possess good short-term credit quality. This designation indicates good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.

 

“F3” – Securities possess fair short-term credit quality. This designation indicates that the intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.

 

“B” – Securities possess speculative short-term credit quality. This designation indicates minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

 

“C” – Securities possess high short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility.

 

“RD” – Restricted default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only.

 

“D” – Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) – The “F1” rating may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show the relative status within that major rating category.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issue of a rated issuer.

 

The DBRS® Ratings Limited (“DBRS”) short-term debt rating scale provides an opinion on the risk that an issuer will not meet its short-term financial obligations in a timely manner. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer and the relative ranking of claims. The R-1 and R-2 rating categories are further denoted by the sub-categories “(high)”, “(middle)”, and “(low)”.

 

The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for commercial paper and short-term debt:

 

“R-1 (high)” - Short-term debt rated “R-1 (high)” is of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is exceptionally high. Unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.

 

“R-1 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (middle)” is of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is very high. Differs from “R-1 (high)” by a relatively modest degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.

 

A- 2  

 

“R-1 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (low)” is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is substantial. Overall strength is not as favorable as higher rating categories. May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.

 

“R-2 (high)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (high)” is considered to be at the upper end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.

 

“R-2 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (middle)” is considered to be of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events or may be exposed to other factors that could reduce credit quality.

 

“R-2 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (low)” is considered to be at the lower end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events. A number of challenges are present that could affect the issuer’s ability to meet such obligations.

 

“R-3” – Short-term debt rated “R-3” is considered to be at the lowest end of adequate credit quality. There is a capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due. May be vulnerable to future events and the certainty of meeting such obligations could be impacted by a variety of developments.

 

“R-4” – Short-term debt rated “R-4” is considered to be of speculative credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is uncertain.

 

“R-5” – Short-term debt rated “R-5” is considered to be of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet short-term financial obligations as they fall due.

 

“D” – Short-term debt rated “D” is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to “D” may occur. DBRS may also use “SD” (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a “distressed exchange”.

 

Long-Term Credit Ratings

 

The following summarizes the ratings used by S&P Global Ratings for long-term issues:

 

“AAA” – An obligation rated “AAA” has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is extremely strong.

 

“AA” – An obligation rated “AA” differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is very strong.

 

“A” – An obligation rated “A” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is still strong.

 

“BBB” – An obligation rated “BBB” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC” and “C” – Obligations rated “BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC” and “C” are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. “BB” indicates the least degree of speculation and “C” the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposure to adverse conditions.

 

A- 3  

 

“BB” – An obligation rated “BB” is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“B” – An obligation rated “B” is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated “BB”, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“CCC” – An obligation rated “CCC” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“CC” – An obligation rated “CC” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The “CC” rating is used when a default has not yet occurred, but S&P Global Ratings expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.

 

“C” – An obligation rated “C” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared with obligations that are rated higher.

 

“D” – An obligation rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) – The ratings from “AA” to “CCC” may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

 

“NR” – This indicates that no rating has been requested, or that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P Global Ratings does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.

 

Local Currency and Foreign Currency Risks - S&P Global Ratings’ issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. An issuer’s foreign currency rating will differ from its local currency rating when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.

 

Moody’s long-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of one year or more. Such ratings reflect both on the likelihood of default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for long-term debt:

 

“Aaa” – Obligations rated “Aaa” are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk.

 

“Aa” – Obligations rated “Aa” are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.

 

“A” – Obligations rated “A” are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.

 

“Baa” – Obligations rated “Baa” are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.

 

“Ba” – Obligations rated “Ba” are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.

 

A- 4  

 

“B” – Obligations rated “B” are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.

 

“Caa” – Obligations rated “Caa” are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.

 

“Ca” – Obligations rated “Ca” are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.

 

“C” – Obligations rated “C” are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.

 

Note: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from “Aa” through “Caa.” The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to unrated obligations.

 

The following summarizes long-term ratings used by Fitch :

 

“AAA” – Securities considered to be of the highest credit quality. “AAA” ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

 

“AA” – Securities considered to be of very high credit quality. “AA” ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

 

“A” – Securities considered to be of high credit quality. “A” ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

 

“BBB” – Securities considered to be of good credit quality. “BBB” ratings indicate that expectations of credit risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.

 

“BB” – Securities considered to be speculative. “BB” ratings indicate that there is an elevated vulnerability to credit risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met.

 

“B” – Securities considered to be highly speculative. “B” ratings indicate that material credit risk is present.

 

“CCC” – A “CCC” rating indicates that substantial credit risk is present.

 

“CC” – A “CC” rating indicates very high levels of credit risk.

 

“C” – A “C” rating indicates exceptionally high levels of credit risk.

 

Defaulted obligations typically are not assigned “RD” or “D” ratings but are instead rated in the “B” to “C” rating categories, depending on their recovery prospects and other relevant characteristics. Fitch believes that this approach better aligns obligations that have comparable overall expected loss but varying vulnerability to default and loss.

 

A- 5  

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the “AAA” obligation rating category, or to corporate finance obligation ratings in the categories below “CCC”.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issue of a rated issuer.

 

The DBRS long-term rating scale provides an opinion on the risk of default. That is, the risk that an issuer will fail to satisfy its financial obligations in accordance with the terms under which an obligation has been issued. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer, and the relative ranking of claims. All rating categories other than AAA and D also contain subcategories “(high)” and “(low)”. The absence of either a “(high)” or “(low)” designation indicates the rating is in the middle of the category. The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for long-term debt:

 

“AAA” – Long-term debt rated “AAA” is of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is exceptionally high and unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.

 

“AA” – Long-term debt rated “AA” is of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered high. Credit quality differs from “AAA” only to a small degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.

 

“A” – Long-term debt rated “A” is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is substantial, but of lesser credit quality than “AA.” May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.

 

“BBB” – Long-term debt rated “BBB” is of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.

 

“BB” – Long-term debt rated “BB” is of speculative, non-investment grade credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is uncertain. Vulnerable to future events.

 

“B” – Long-term debt rated “B” is of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet financial obligations.

 

“CCC”, “CC” and “C” – Long-term debt rated in any of these categories is of very highly speculative credit quality. In danger of defaulting on financial obligations. There is little difference between these three categories, although “CC” and “C” ratings are normally applied to obligations that are seen as highly likely to default, or subordinated to obligations rated in the “CCC” to “B” range. Obligations in respect of which default has not technically taken place but is considered inevitable may be rated in the “C” category.

 

“D” – A security rated “D” is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to “D” may occur. DBRS may also use “SD” (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a “distressed exchange”.

 

Municipal Note Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings U.S. municipal note rating reflects S&P Global Ratings’ opinion about the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to the notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes with an original maturity of more than three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. In determining which type of rating, if any, to assign, S&P Global Ratings’ analysis will review the following considerations:

 

Amortization schedule - the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and

 

A- 6  

 

Source of payment - the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.

 

Municipal Short-Term Note rating symbols are as follows:

 

“SP-1” – A municipal note rated “SP-1” exhibits a strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.

 

“SP-2” – A municipal note rated “SP-2” exhibits a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.

 

“SP-3” – A municipal note rated “SP-3” exhibits a speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

 

Moody’s uses the Municipal Investment Grade (“MIG”) scale to rate U.S. municipal bond anticipation notes of up to three years maturity. Municipal notes rated on the MIG scale may be secured by either pledged revenues or proceeds of a take-out financing received prior to note maturity. MIG ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation, and the issuer’s long-term rating is only one consideration in assigning the MIG rating. MIG ratings are divided into three levels – “MIG-1” through “MIG-3” while speculative grade short-term obligations are designated “SG”. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for short-term municipal obligations:

 

“MIG-1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

 

“MIG-2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.

 

“MIG-3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.

 

“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated obligation.

 

In the case of variable rate demand obligations (“VRDOs”), a two-component rating is assigned: a long or short-term debt rating and a demand obligation rating. The first element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with scheduled principal and interest payments. The second element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with the ability to receive purchase price upon demand (“demand feature”). The second element uses a rating from a variation of the MIG scale called the Variable Municipal Investment Grade or “VMIG” scale. The rating transitions on the VMIG scale differ from those on the Prime scale to reflect the risk that external liquidity support generally will terminate if the issuer’s long-term rating drops below investment grade.

 

“VMIG-1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“VMIG-2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“VMIG-3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

A- 7  

 

“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated obligation.

 

About Credit Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion reflects S&P Global Ratings’ view of the obligor’s capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and this opinion may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.

 

Moody’s credit ratings must be construed solely as statements of opinion and not statements of fact or recommendations to purchase, sell or hold any securities.

 

Fitch’s credit ratings provide an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of principal, insurance claims or counterparty obligations. Fitch credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving the money owed to them in accordance with the terms on which they invested. Fitch’s credit ratings cover the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign financial, bank, insurance, and public finance entities (including supranational and sub-national entities) and the securities or other obligations they issue, as well as structured finance securities backed by receivables or other financial assets.

 

Credit ratings provided by DBRS are forward-looking opinions about credit risk which reflect the creditworthiness of an issuer, rated entity, and/or security. Credit ratings are not statements of fact. While historical statistics and performance can be important considerations, credit ratings are not based solely on such; they include subjective considerations and involve expectations for future performance that cannot be guaranteed. To the extent that future events and economic conditions do not match expectations, credit ratings assigned to issuers and/or securities can change. Credit ratings are also based on approved and applicable methodologies, models and criteria (“Methodologies”), which are periodically updated and when material changes are deemed necessary, this may also lead to rating changes.

 

Credit ratings typically provide an opinion on the risk that investors may not be repaid in accordance with the terms under which the obligation was issued. In some cases, credit ratings may also include consideration for the relative ranking of claims and recovery, should default occur. Credit ratings are meant to provide opinions on relative measures of risk and are not based on expectations of any specific default probability, nor are they meant to predict such.

 

The data and information on which DBRS bases its opinions is not audited or verified by DBRS, although DBRS conducts a reasonableness review of information received and relied upon in accordance with its Methodologies and policies.

 

DBRS uses rating symbols as a concise method of expressing its opinion to the market, but there are a limited number of rating categories for the possible slight risk differentials that exist across the rating spectrum and DBRS does not assert that credit ratings in the same category are of “exactly” the same quality.

 

A- 8  

 

APPENDIX B


SUMMARY OF PROXY VOTING POLICY OF APERIO GROUP, LLC

 

Aperio Group’s policy is to vote proxies for clients, unless directed otherwise by the client in writing. Aperio Group votes proxies consistent with what the Firm determines is in best interest of Aperio Group’s clients. Aperio Group will generally cast proxy votes in favor of proposals that increase shareholder value and will generally be cast against proposals having the opposite effect.

 

In cases where a client requests us to vote in a specific way on a particular company issue, Aperio Group will vote that client’s proxies in accordance with their specific instructions.

 

Aperio Group offers specific strategies related to Socially Responsive Investing (SRI). Proxies for those clients are voted using specific SRI proxy voting criteria provided by a third party service provider and may differ from votes cast for other clients’ portfolios managed by Aperio.

 

Aperio Group may choose not to vote proxies in certain situations or for certain accounts, such as: 1) where a client has informed Aperio Group that it wishes to retain the right to vote the proxy, Aperio Group will instruct the custodian to send the proxy material directly to the client, 2) where Aperio Group deems the cost of voting would exceed any anticipated benefit to the client, 3) where a proxy is received for a client account that has been terminated with Aperio Group, or 4) where a proxy is received for a security Aperio Group no longer manages (i.e. the Adviser had previously sold the entire position).

 

A client may request a complete copy of our current Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures and voting guidelines and/or information on how we have voted proxies for their account(s) by contacting Aperio Group by phone at 415-339-4300 or e-mail at operations@aperiogroup.com.

 

B- 1  

 

APPENDIX C


SUMMARY OF PROXY VOTING POLICY OF
DRIEHAUS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC

 

For those clients for whom Driehaus Capital Management LLC (“DCM”) has undertaken to vote proxies, DCM retains the final authority and responsibility for such voting. On behalf of our valued clients, DCM (i) provides the client with this written summary of its proxy voting policy and the complete proxy voting policy upon request; (ii) discloses to the client how to obtain voting information; (iii) applies the proxy voting policy consistently; (iv) documents the reasons for voting; (v) maintains records of voting activities for clients and regulating authorities; and (vi) votes securities based on a pre-determined voting policy, based on the recommendations of an independent third-party to avoid conflicts of interest with DCM.

 

In order to facilitate this proxy voting process, DCM has retained Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (“ISS”) to provide in-depth proxy research, vote recommendations and execution, and the record keeping necessary for the appropriate management of a client account. ISS is an investment adviser that specializes in providing a variety of fiduciary-level services related to proxy voting. DCM has ascertained that ISS has the capacity and competency to analyze proxy issues, make vote recommendations in an impartial manner and in the best interests of DCM’s clients. The default choice used by DCM for ISS recommendations is the ISS U.S. Policy for its domestic client accounts and the applicable international policy for its international client accounts. Clients may choose another policy, such as the ISS Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) Policy, as appropriate. In addition to analyses, ISS delivers to DCM voting reports that reflect voting activities for DCM’s clients, enabling the clients to monitor voting activities performed by DCM.

 

DCM’s proxy voting policy sets forth the general voting guidelines that ISS follows on various types of issues when there are no company-specific reasons for voting to the contrary. In making the proxy voting decision, there are two overriding considerations: first, the economic impact of the proposal; and second, the best interest impact of a proposal if it were to pass or not pass, as the case may be. ISS performs company-by-company analysis, which means that all votes are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and no issues are considered routine. Each issue is considered in the context of the company under review. DCM generally follows ISS’s recommendations and does not use its discretion in the proxy voting decision. For this reason, client proxies are voted in the clients’ best interests, in accordance with a predetermined policy based upon recommendations of an independent third party, and are not affected by any potential or actual conflict of interest of DCM. In addition, DCM annually, and more frequently if necessary, reviews ISS’s policies and procedures regarding any potential conflicts of interest when making vote recommendations to determine if ISS is acting impartially.

 

Clients who are interested in obtaining information from DCM on how their securities were voted may contact the Relationship Management Department at 1-800-688-8819. In addition, the Relationship Management Department mails to each client an annual record of all proxies voted on behalf of that client. Clients may also contact the Relationship Management Department if they wish to receive a copy of DCM’s complete proxy voting policy.

 

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APPENDIX D


SUMMARY OF PROXY VOTING POLICY OF
GRANITE INVESTMENT PARTNERS, LLC

 

Granite votes proxies on behalf of its Clients when authorized to do so. In general, Clients delegate the responsibility of voting proxies to Granite. However, a Client may reserve the authority to vote proxies for itself. When granted proxy voting authority, Granite will vote such securities for the exclusive benefit and in the best economic interest of those Clients and their beneficiaries as determined by Granite in good faith, subject to any restrictions or directions from a Client. Such voting responsibilities are exercised in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, as well as with Granite’s fiduciary duties under applicable law to act in the best interests of its Clients.

 

Granite has contracted with Broadridge Financial Solutions and utilizes their Proxy Edge® platform (“ProxyEdge”). ProxyEdge will provide proxy voting support with regard to casting votes and keeping voting records. ProxyEdge will vote proxies it receives from the Custodian(s) on behalf of Granite. However, proxies not received in a timely manner may not be voted. Under the terms of its arrangement with ProxyEdge, Granite will generally follow the Glass Lewis recommendations. However, certain clients may use the socially responsible guidelines which may cause those clients to vote differently than other clients.

 

Granite can instruct ProxyEdge to vote either for or against a particular type of proposal or Granite can instruct ProxyEdge to seek instruction with respect to that particular type of proposal from Granite on a case-by-case basis. ProxyEdge receives proxy statements where Granite is authorized to vote and sorts the proposals according to Granite’s voting instructions. Proposals for which a voting decision has been pre-determined are automatically voted by ProxyEdge pursuant to voting instructions. Case-by-case decisions are generally made by the PMs. All voting records where Granite retains proxy voting authority are maintained by ProxyEdge, except that Granite will maintain copies of any document created by Granite that was material in making a determination of how to vote a “case-by-case” proxy or that memorializes the basis for that decision.

 

While how best to vote a proxy to maximize shareholder value may not be clear or be able to be decided with certainty, the policies are intended to provide guidance so that it acts in a manner it deems to be prudent and diligent and which is intended to enhance the economic value of the Client’s assets. A copy of Granite’s proxy voting guidelines is available upon request.

 

D- 1  

 

APPENDIX E


PROXY VOTING POLICY OF
PACIFIC RIDGE CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC

 

Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC, as a matter of policy and as a fiduciary to our clients, has responsibility for voting proxies for portfolio securities consistent with the best economic interests of the clients. Our firm maintains written policies and procedures as to the handling, research, voting and reporting of proxy voting and makes appropriate disclosures about our firm’s proxy policies and practices. Our policy and practice includes the responsibility to monitor corporate actions, receive and vote client proxies and disclose any potential conflicts of interest as well as making information available to clients about the voting of proxies for their portfolio securities and maintaining relevant and required records.

 

Background

 

Proxy voting is an important right of shareholders and reasonable care and diligence must be undertaken to ensure that such rights are properly and timely exercised.

 

Investment advisers registered with the SEC, and which exercise voting authority with respect to client securities, are required by Rule 206(4)-6 of the Advisers Act to (a) adopt and implement written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure that client securities are voted in the best interests of clients, which must include how an adviser addresses material conflicts that may arise between an adviser’s interests and those of its clients; (b) disclose to clients how they may obtain information from the adviser with respect to the voting of proxies for their securities; (c) describe to clients a summary of its proxy voting policies and procedures and, upon request, furnish a copy to its clients; and (d) maintain certain records relating to the adviser’s proxy voting activities when the adviser has proxy voting authority.

 

Responsibility

 

The Chief Compliance Officer has the responsibility for the implementation and monitoring of our proxy voting policy, practices, disclosures and record keeping, including outlining our voting guidelines in our procedures.

 

Procedure

 

Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC has adopted procedures to implement the firm’s policy and reviews to monitor and ensure the firm’s policy is observed, implemented properly and amended or updated, as appropriate, which include the following:

 

Voting Procedures

 

All employees will forward any proxy materials received on behalf of clients to the proxy voting department;

 

Absent material conflicts, the Portfolio Manager in charge of the stock will vote the proxy with applicable voting guidelines, sign and return them in a timely and appropriate manner to the proxy voting team who will then place the votes via electronic means.

 

Disclosure

 

Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC will provide conspicuously displayed information in its Disclosure Document summarizing this proxy voting policy and procedures, including a statement that clients may request information regarding how Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC voted a client’s proxies, and that clients may request a copy of the firm’s proxy policies and procedures.

 

E- 1  

 

The Chief Compliance Officer will also send a copy of this summary to all existing clients who have previously received Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC’s Disclosure Document; or the Chief Compliance Officer may send each client the amended Disclosure Document.

 

Client Requests for Information

 

All client requests for information regarding proxy votes, or policies and procedures, received by any employee should be forwarded to the Chief Compliance Officer.

 

In response to any request, the Chief Compliance Officer will prepare a written response to the client with the information requested, and as applicable will include the name of the issuer, the proposal voted upon, and how Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC voted the client’s proxy with respect to each proposal about which client inquired.

 

Voting Guidelines

 

In the absence of specific voting guidelines from the client, Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC will vote proxies in the best interests of shareholders. Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC’s policy is to vote all proxies from a specific issuer the same way for each client absent qualifying restrictions from a client. Clients are permitted to place reasonable restrictions on Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC’s voting authority in the same manner that they may place such restrictions on the actual selection of account securities.

 

Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC will generally vote in favor of routine corporate housekeeping proposals such as the election of directors and selection of auditors, absent conflicts of interest raised by an auditors non-audit services.

 

Generally vote against proposals that cause board members to become entrenched or cause unequal voting rights.

 

In reviewing proposals, Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC will further consider the opinion of management and the effect on management, and the effect on shareholder value and the issuer’s business practices.

 

Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC will abstain from any advisory proxy items regarding executive compensation or the frequency of the vote on executive compensation.

 

Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC does not vote proxies relating to any cash vehicles (i.e. Sweep funds, cash accounts and daily cash mutual funds) held by and chosen by clients.

 

Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC will vote against any proxy items allowing board members to vote in their discretion on unspecified business that may properly come before the shareholders meeting.

 

Conflicts of Interest

 

Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC will identify any conflicts that exist between the interests of the adviser and the client by reviewing the relationship of Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC with the issuer of each security to determine if Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC or any of its employees has any financial, business or personal relationship with the issuer.

 

If a material conflict of interest exists, the Chief Compliance Officer will determine whether it is appropriate to disclose the conflict to the affected clients, to give the clients an opportunity to vote the proxies themselves, or to address the voting issue through other objective means such as voting in a manner consistent with a predetermined voting policy or receiving an independent third party voting recommendation.

 

E- 2  

 

Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC will maintain a record of the voting resolution of any conflict of interest.

 

Recordkeeping

 

The Chief Compliance Officer shall retain the following proxy records in accordance with the SEC’s five-year retention requirement.

 

These policies and procedures and any amendments;

 

Each proxy statement that Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC receives;

 

A record of each vote that Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC casts;

 

Any document Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC created that was material to making a decision how to vote proxies, or that memorializes that decision including periodic reports to the Chief Compliance Officer or proxy committee, if applicable.

 

A copy of each written request from a client for information on how Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC voted such client’s proxies, and a copy of any written response.

 

In the event PRCP retains the research, voting and/or recordkeeping services of an outside proxy firm, PRCP will tailor its proxy policy and procedures to be consistent with the services received and the firm’s actual proxy handling and voting processes.

 

E- 3  

 

APPENDIX F


PROXY VOTING POLICY OF
PIER CAPITAL, LLC

 

Introduction

 

This statement sets forth the Firm’s policy with respect to the exercise of voting authority in connection with proxy proposals, amendments, consents, corporate actions, class action participation (“Proxy Discretion”) with respect to securities held by the Firm’s Clients.

 

Policy Statement

 

The Advisers Act requires the Firm to, at all times, act in the best financial interest of the Clients. To this end, the Firm has adopted and implemented these Proxy Policies and Procedures which are designed to result in voting proxies for the benefit of Clients in order to enhance the value of the securities in Client portfolios. The financial interest of the Clients is the primary consideration when exercising Proxy Discretion taking into account the surrounding facts and circumstances as more fully set forth herein.

 

Basic Standards

 

Proxy voting is an important right of shareholders and reasonable care and diligence must be undertaken to ensure that such rights are properly and timely exercised. The Firm considers it to be our fiduciary duty to preserve and protect the assets of the Clients, including exercising Proxy Discretion, for their benefit. Accordingly, it is Firm policy to exercise Proxy Discretion in a prudent and diligent manner and to base decisions on our reasonable judgment of what will serve the best financial interest of the Clients, after taking into account relevant factors, including, among others,:

 

Impact on the value of the securities
Anticipated costs and benefits associated with the proposal
Effect on liquidity
Customary industry and business practices

 

In those cases where a Client is deemed to be “plan assets”, the beneficial owners of the security are deemed to be the participants in the employee benefit plans for which we act as investment manager. In those cases where securities are on loan, the Firm as the lender cannot and does not exercise Proxy Discretion for such securities.

 

There is no per se rule regarding what is a correct decision when exercising Proxy Discretion. Accordingly, as in other areas relating to prudent investing, our decision is based on our good faith analysis and judgment in the context of the surrounding facts and circumstances in question. In determining our vote, however, we will not and do not subordinate the financial interests of our Clients to any other entity or interested party.

 

Conflicts of Interest

 

At times, conflicts may arise between the interest of the Clients on the one hand, and the interests of the Firm on the other hand. Examples of conflicts of interest include:

 

The Firm manages a pension plan or assets for a company that is also soliciting proxies.
The Firm has a material business relationship with a proponent of a proxy proposal.
The Firm or any of its principals or employees have a personal relationship with participants in a proxy contest.

 

If the Firm has determined that it has or may be perceived to have a conflict of interest when voting a proxy, the Firm will address matters involving such a conflict of interest as follows:

 

F- 1  

 

1. If the proposal is addressed by the specific policies herein, the Firm will vote in accordance with such policies.

 

2. If the Firm believes it is in the best economic interests of the Clients to depart from such policies, the Firm may depart from such policies, provided that, (a) it has documented its rationalization for such vote, and (b) consulting with the Compliance Officer who will advise as to a reasonable resolution of the conflict.

 

We will use commercially reasonable efforts to determine whether a potential conflict exists based on current known facts and circumstances. Any consideration received in connection with the exercise of Proxy Discretion belongs to the relevant Client and will not be retained by Firm, its employees, or affiliates.

 

Proxy Discretion Procedures

 

The Chairman is responsible for the administration of Proxy Discretion and the actual voting of the proxies in an accurate and timely manner. The PM or his designee is responsible for making all proxy voting decisions in accordance with these policies and procedures. In this capacity, the Compliance Officer/Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for and performs the following functions:

 

Receive proxy materials or notices
Determine the number of shares held by Clients as of the record date
Exercise Proxy Discretion consistent with this policy on routine matters or consult with the PM or his designee for decision on non-routine matters
Record the Proxy Discretion decision
When relevant, record the rationale provided by the PM or his designee and
When requested, provide Clients with a report of Proxy Discretion exercised with respect to their positions

 

In order to facilitate the proxy voting process, Pier has engaged Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., an independent proxy voting service (the “Proxy Service”) to electronically streamline the proxy ballot collection and voting process. The Proxy Service allows Pier to vote according to our guidelines as set forth and review reports indicating how individual votes have been cast. The Proxy Service does not automatically cast votes for Pier. Pier must enter its vote into the Proxy Service system. The Proxy Service then casts the vote on Pier’s behalf.

 

Standing Instructions

 

To facilitate the timely and complete administration of proxies, the Firm has developed the following standing instructions for the exercise of Proxy Discretion which it believes is in the best economic interest of the Clients.

 

Unless otherwise advised by the portfolio manager, all proxies will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of management unless in the portfolio manager’s opinion such recommendation is not in the best financial interest of the Clients. This standing instruction is consistent with Firm’s investment process which generally evaluates the quality and commitment of management.

 

We may abstain from voting if we conclude that the effect on a Client’s economic interests or the value of the portfolio holding is insignificant or indeterminable. In making such a decision, the Firm may consider various factors including, (i) costs associated with exercising Proxy Discretion (e.g., translation or travel expenses) and (ii) potential legal restrictions on trading resulting from the exercise of Proxy Discretion. The firm will not abstain or decide not to vote a proxy if the Client constitutes a Plan.

 

In the case of social or political responsibility, we believe social and political issues do not enhance shareholder value and generally abstain or vote against such proposals.

 

F- 2  

 

Disclosure

 

The Firm will disclose in Part II of its Form ADV that a copy of this proxy policy is available and will provide details and contact information in order to direct such requests to the appropriate source. Further, the ADV disclosure will also contain a summary of these policies and procedures and will be updated as necessary to reflect changes.

 

Delegation

 

We maintain the records required to be maintained by the Firm with respect to proxies in accordance with the Advisers Act, generally for a period of five years in an easily accessible place, the first two years in a Firm office. For proxies, we will maintain or have available to us,

 

Written or electronic copies of each proxy statement,
Record of each proxy voting decision,
Documents, if any, regarding decisions that were material in making the voting decision, and

 

A copy of each written request from a Client or investor/limited partner for proxy voting information and our written response.

 

We may but need not retain proxy statements that we received regarding Client securities to the extent that such proxies are available on the SEC’s EDGAR system. We may also rely upon a third party to maintain certain records required to be maintained by the Advisers Act.

 

Review & Changes

 

We shall from time to time review these policies and procedures and may adopt changes based upon our experience, evolving industry practice and developments in applicable laws and regulations. Unless otherwise agreed to with a Client, we may change these proxy voting policies and procedures from time to time without notice to or approval by any Client.

 

Clients may request a current version of our proxy policies and procedures as well as information as to how the Firm voted proxies or corporate actions for their respective portfolios by contacting Pier’s Compliance Officer at 203-425-1442. Such copies are provided at no charge and may be delivered electronically in the discretion of the Firm.

 

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APPENDIX G


PROXY VOTING POLICY OF
RIVER ROAD ASSET MANAGEMENT LLC

 

PROXY VOTING

 

Policy. River Road Asset Management, LLC’s (“River Road”) exercises discretionary voting authority over proxies issued on securities held in client accounts unless the client has explicitly reserved voting authority. River Road, as a matter of policy and as a fiduciary to our clients, has responsibility for voting proxies for client securities consistent with the best economic interests of the clients. River Road maintains written policies and procedures as to the handling, research, voting and reporting of proxy voting. River Road has established the Proxy Voting Policy Committee for establishing voting guidelines and reviewing proxy related issues. River Road’s Compliance Department oversees the operational and procedural aspects of the proxy voting process. To help discharge its duties, River Road hired Glass Lewis & Co. (“Glass Lewis”) as its voting agent. Glass Lewis performs the following services:

 

provides analysis of proxy proposals,
tracks and receives proxies for which River Road clients are entitled to vote,
votes the proxies as directed by River Road; and,
compiles and provides client voting records.

 

Voting Process. River Road will generally instruct Glass Lewis to vote proxies pursuant to guidelines adopted by River Road’s Proxy Voting Policy Committee at the beginning of each year. If the policy recommendation and the management recommendation are different for a particular vote, portfolio managers may choose to vote differently from the policy with respect to a particular proxy based on the investment implications of each issue. In such cases, the investment rationale is documented and prior approval of the Compliance Department is obtained.

 

Conflicts of Interest. River Road has eliminated most conflicts of interest by using an independent third party (Glass Lewis) that votes pursuant to the guidelines adopted by the Proxy Voting Policy Committee or in accordance with River Road’s direction based on the above process. In cases where River Road believes there may be an actual or perceived conflict of interest, River Road requires additional steps that may include the following:

 

i.   documenting the potential conflict of interest;
ii.   obtaining the prior approval of the Chief Investment Officer or Co-Chief Investment Officer and the Chief Compliance Officer;
iii.   obtaining Committee review or approval;
iv.   deferring to the voting recommendation of a third party;
v.   voting pursuant to client direction (following disclosure of the conflict);
vi.   abstaining from voting;
vii.   voting reflectively (in the same proportion and manner as other shareholders); or,
viii.   taking such other action as necessary to protect the interests of clients.

 

G- 1  

 

Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund

 

(an Investment Portfolio of The RBB Fund, Inc.)

 

Ticker: BOGIX

 

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

December 31, 2017

 

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) provides supplementary information pertaining to shares of the Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”) of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”). This SAI is not a prospectus and should be read only in conjunction with the Fund’s Prospectus dated December 31, 2017 (the “Prospectus”) and the Fund’s Annual Report dated August 31, 2017 (the “Annual Report”). A copy of the Prospectus and Annual and Semi-Annual Reports may be obtained free of charge by calling toll-free 1-877-264-5346. The financial statements and notes contained in the Annual Report are incorporated by reference into this SAI. No other part of the Annual Report is incorporated by reference herein.

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

GENERAL INFORMATION 2
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES 2
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS 14
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS 16
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER 17
MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY 17
CODE OF ETHICS 26
PROXY VOTING POLICIES 26
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES 26
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES 27
FUND TRANSACTIONS 30
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION 32
TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PROCEDURES 33
VALUATION OF SHARES 33
TAXES 34
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING COMPANY SHARES 35
MISCELLANEOUS 36
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 36
APPENDIX A A-1
APPENDIX B B-1

 

1

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

The Company is an open-end management investment company currently operating 29 separate portfolios. The Company is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and was organized as a Maryland corporation on February 29, 1988. This SAI pertains to the shares of the Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”), a diversified portfolio. Bogle Investment Management, L.P. (the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser for the Fund.

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES

 

The following supplements the information contained in the Prospectus concerning the investment objective and policies of the Fund.

 

The Fund’s investment objective is to provide long-term capital appreciation.

 

The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing under normal circumstances at least 80% of the net assets of the portfolio (including borrowings for investment purposes) in the stocks of U.S. companies with market capitalizations, at the time of purchase, that are within the trailing twelve-month range of the market capitalizations of those companies that are included in the Russell 2000® Index (“Small Cap Stocks”). For purposes of this investment policy, stocks of U.S. companies are stocks that are listed on a securities exchange or market inside the United States. Because the Russell 2000 ® Index (“Index”) is modified (“reconstituted”) regularly (usually each year) to replace companies that no longer qualify for inclusion in the Index due to, among other reasons, having market capitalizations that have grown too large, the Adviser uses the trailing average twelve-month range of market capitalizations to mitigate the need to trade stocks in the portfolio due to Index reconstitution. Further, the Adviser will not sell from the portfolio any holdings that the Adviser believes are likely to appreciate more than the Russell 2000® Index solely because the market capitalizations of such holdings cause the portfolio to hold less than 80% of its net assets within this range. As such, the Fund may, from time to time, hold less than 80% of its net assets within this range. The Fund attempts to achieve its objective by taking long positions in Small Cap Stocks that the Adviser believes are undervalued given their future earnings growth prospects. As part of its investment strategy, the Adviser will continue to invest in Small Cap Stocks that the Adviser believes will appreciate more than the Index. Shareholders will be notified by the Fund sixty days in advance of any change in this 80% policy.

 

The Adviser may not necessarily invest in all of the instruments or use all of the investment techniques permitted by the Fund’s Prospectus and this SAI, or invest in such instruments or engage in such techniques to the full extent permitted by the Fund’s investment policies and limitations.

 

Principal Investment Policies and Risks

 

Equity Securities

 

Equity securities represent ownership interests in a company and consist of common stock, preferred stock, warrants to acquire common stock, and securities convertible into common stock. Investments in equity securities in general are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. Fluctuations in the value of equity securities in which the Fund invests will cause the net asset value of the Fund to fluctuate. The Fund purchases equity securities traded in the U.S. on registered exchanges or the over-the-counter market. Equity securities are described in more detail below:

 

Common Stock Common stock represents an equity or ownership interest in an issuer. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds and preferred stock take precedence over the claims of those who own common stock.

 

Preferred Stock Preferred stock represents an equity or ownership interest in an issuer that pays dividends at a specified rate and that has precedence over common stock in the payment of dividends. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds take precedence over the claims of those who own preferred and common stock.

 

2

 

Warrants Warrants are instruments that entitle the holder to buy an equity security at a specific price for a specific period of time. Changes in the value of a warrant do not necessarily correspond to changes in the value of its underlying security. The price of a warrant may be more volatile than the price of its underlying security, and a warrant may offer greater potential for capital appreciation as well as capital loss. Warrants do not entitle a holder to dividends or voting rights with respect to the underlying security and do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuing company. A warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. These factors can make warrants more speculative than other types of investments. See “Rights Offerings and Purchase Warrants” on the following pages for more information.

 

Convertible Securities Convertible securities are bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stocks or other securities that may be converted or exchanged (by the holder or by the issuer) into shares of the underlying common stock (or cash or securities of equivalent value) at a stated exchange ratio. See “Convertible Securities” on the following pages for more information.

 

Foreign Securities

 

In pursuing its investment objective, the Fund may invest in the securities of foreign issuers, including through American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) or Global or European Depositary Receipts (“GDRs” and “EDRs”). During temporary defensive periods, the Fund may also hold short or medium-term interest-bearing instruments or deposits of foreign issuers as described in the Prospectus and in this SAI.

 

ADRs are receipts typically issued by a United States bank or trust company which evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. ADRs may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the securities into which they may be converted. GDRs and EDRs are securities that represent ownership interests in a security or pool of securities issued by a non-U.S. or U.S. corporation. The Fund may invest in ADRs through “sponsored” or “unsponsored” facilities. A sponsored facility is established jointly by the issuer of the underlying security and a depositary, whereas a depositary may establish an unsponsored facility without participation by the issuer of the deposited security. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all the costs of such facilities and the depositary of an unsponsored facility frequently is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through voting rights to the holders of such receipts in respect of the deposited securities. Investment in ADRs does not eliminate all the risks inherent in investing in securities of foreign issuers. The market value of these securities is dependent upon the market value of the underlying securities and fluctuations in the relative value of the currencies in which the ADRs and the underlying securities are quoted. Accordingly, the Fund may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency rates and in exchange control regulations and may incur costs in connection with conversions between various currencies. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time. They generally are determined by the forces of supply and demand in the foreign exchange markets and the relative merits of investments in different countries, actual or anticipated change in interest rates and other complex factors, as seen from an international perspective. Currency exchange rates also can be affected unpredictably by intervention by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks or the failure to intervene or by currency controls or political developments in the United States or abroad.

 

In 2016, the United Kingdom (“UK”) held a referendum election and voters elected to withdraw from the European Union (“EU”). The Fund may be exposed to risks related to the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, including volatile trading markets and significant and unpredictable currency fluctuations. Securities issued by companies domiciled in the UK could be subject to changing regulatory and tax regimes. Banking and financial services companies that operate in the UK or EU could be disproportionately impacted by these actions. Greece has recently experienced political pressure to hold a similar referendum election. Further insecurity in EU membership or the abandonment of the euro could exacerbate market and currency volatility and negatively impact investments in securities issued by companies located in EU countries. The potential impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, is not clear but could be significant and far-reaching.

 

3

 

Investing in Small Capitalization Companies

 

Investments in small capitalization companies involve greater risk and portfolio price volatility than investments in larger capitalization companies. Among the reasons for the greater price volatility of these investments are the less certain growth prospects of smaller firms and the lower degree of liquidity in the markets for such securities. Small capitalization companies may be thinly traded and may have to be sold at a discount from current market prices or in small lots over an extended period of time. In addition, these securities are subject to the risk that, during certain periods, the liquidity of particular issuers or industries, or all securities in these investment categories, will shrink or disappear suddenly and without warning as a result of adverse economic or market conditions, or adverse investor perceptions, whether or not accurate. Because of the lack of sufficient market liquidity, the Fund may incur losses because it will be required to effect sales at a disadvantageous time and only then at a substantial drop in price. Small capitalization companies include “unseasoned” issuers that do not have an established financial history; often have limited product lines, markets or financial resources; may depend on or use a few key personnel for management; and may be susceptible to losses and risks of bankruptcy. Transaction costs for these investments are often higher than those of larger capitalization companies. Investments in small capitalization companies may be more difficult to price precisely than other types of securities because of their characteristics and lower trading volumes.

 

Special Note Regarding Market Events

 

Events in the financial sector over the past several years have resulted in reduced liquidity in credit and fixed income markets and in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestically and internationally. While entire markets have been impacted, issuers that have exposure to the real estate, mortgage and credit markets have been particularly affected. These events and the potential for continuing market turbulence may have an adverse effect on the Fund’s investments. It is uncertain how long these conditions will continue.

 

The instability in the financial markets has led the U.S. government to take a number of unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions and certain segments of the financial markets. Federal, state and foreign governments, regulatory agencies, and self-regulatory organizations may take actions that affect the regulation of the instruments in which the Fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that are unforeseeable. Such legislation or regulation could limit or preclude the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective.

 

Governments or their agencies may also acquire distressed assets from financial institutions and acquire ownership interests in those institutions. The implications of government ownership and disposition of these assets are unclear, and such ownership or disposition may have positive or negative effects on the liquidity, valuation and performance of the Fund’s holdings.

 

Temporary Defensive Positions

 

In anticipation of or in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may take temporary defensive positions (up to 100% of its assets) in cash, cash equivalents and short-term U.S. government securities. If the Fund were to take a temporary defensive position, it may be unable for a time to achieve its investment objective.

 

Non-Principal Investment Policies and Risks

 

Borrowing Money

 

As a fundamental policy, the Fund is permitted to borrow to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and to mortgage, pledge or hypothecate its assets in connection with such borrowings in amounts not in excess of 125% of the dollar amounts borrowed. The 1940 Act permits an investment company to borrow in an amount up to 33 1/3% of the value of such company’s total assets. However, the Fund currently intends to borrow money only for temporary or emergency (not leveraging) purposes, in an amount up to 15% of the value of its total assets (including the amount borrowed) valued at the lesser of cost or market, less liabilities (not including the amount borrowed) at the time the borrowing is made. The Fund will not make any additional investments while borrowings exceed 5% of its total assets. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund will be required to maintain asset coverage of at least 300% for borrowings from a bank. In the event that such asset coverage is below 300%, the Fund will be required to reduce the amount of its borrowings to obtain 300% asset coverage within three business days.

 

4

 

Convertible Securities

 

The Fund may invest in convertible securities, such as convertible debentures, bonds and preferred stock, primarily for their equity characteristics. Convertible securities may be converted into common stock at a specified share price or ratio. Because the price of the common stock may fluctuate above or below the specified price or ratio, the Fund may have the opportunity to purchase the common stock at below market price. On the other hand, fluctuations in the price of the common stock could render the right of conversion worthless.

 

Cyber Security Risk

 

The Fund and its service providers may be prone to operational and information security risks resulting from breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption, or lose operational capacity. Breaches in cyber security include, among other behaviors, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, denial of service attacks on websites, the unauthorized release of confidential information or various other forms of cyber-attacks. Cyber security breaches affecting the Fund or its Adviser, custodian, transfer agent, intermediaries and other third-party service providers may adversely impact the Fund. For instance, cyber security breaches may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, impact the Fund’s ability to calculate its net asset value (“NAV”), cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential business information, impede trading, subject the Fund to regulatory fines or financial losses and/or cause reputational damage. The Fund may also incur additional costs for cyber security risk management purposes. Similar types of cyber security risks are also present for issuers of securities in which the Fund may invest, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Fund’s investment in such companies to lose value.

 

Equity Swaps

 

The Fund may enter into equity swap contracts to invest in a market without owning or taking physical custody of securities in circumstances in which direct investment is restricted for legal reasons or is otherwise impracticable. Equity swaps may also be used for hedging purposes or to seek to increase total return. The counterparty to an equity swap contract will typically be a bank, investment banking firm or broker/dealer. Equity swap contracts may be structured in different ways. For example, a counterparty may agree to pay the Fund the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the equity swap contract would have increased in value had it been invested in the particular stocks (or an index of stocks), plus the dividends that would have been received on those stocks. In these cases, the Fund may agree to pay to the counterparty a floating rate of interest on the notional amount of the equity swap contract plus the amount, if any, by which that notional amount would have decreased in value had it been invested in such stocks. Therefore, the return to the Fund on the equity swap contract should be the gain or loss on the notional amount plus dividends on the stocks less the interest paid by the Fund on the notional amount. In other cases, the counterparty and the Fund may each agree to pay the other the difference between the relative investment performances that would have been achieved if the notional amount of the equity swap contract had been invested in different stocks (or indices of stocks).

 

The Fund will enter into equity swaps only on a net basis, which means that the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. Payments may be made at the conclusion of an equity swap contract or periodically during its term. Equity swaps do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to equity swaps is limited to the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the other party to an equity swap defaults, the Fund’s risk of loss consists of the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually entitled to receive, if any. Inasmuch as these transactions are entered into for hedging purposes or are offset by segregated cash or liquid assets to cover the Fund’s potential exposure, the Fund and the Adviser believe that transactions do not constitute senior securities under the Act and, accordingly, will not treat them as being subject to the Fund’s borrowing restrictions.

 

The Fund will not enter into swap transactions unless the unsecured commercial paper, senior debt or claims paying ability of the other party thereto is considered to be investment grade by the Adviser.

 

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Futures

 

Futures Contracts. The Fund may invest in futures contracts and options on futures contracts (including S&P 500 ® Index futures, Russell 2000 ® Index futures, and options on such futures described below). When the Fund purchases a futures contract, it agrees to purchase a specified underlying instrument at a specified future date. When the Fund sells a futures contract, it agrees to sell the underlying instrument at a specified future date. The price at which the purchase and sale will take place is fixed when the Fund enters into the contract. The underlying instrument may be a specified type of security, such as U.S. Treasury bonds or notes.

 

The majority of futures contracts are closed out by entering into an offsetting purchase or sale transaction in the same contract on the exchange where they are traded, rather than being held for the life of the contract. Futures contracts are closed out at their current prices, which may result in a gain or loss.

 

If the Fund holds a futures contract until the delivery date, it will be required to complete the purchase and sale contemplated by the contract. In the case of futures contracts on securities, the purchaser generally must deliver the agreed-upon purchase price in cash, and the seller must deliver securities that meet the specified characteristics of the contract.

 

The Fund intends to limit such investments in commodity futures, commodity options contracts and swaps to below the de minimis thresholds adopted by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) in its amendments to Rule 4.5 (see below for a description of these thresholds). For this reason, the Adviser is not required to register as a “commodity pool operator” (“CPO”) under the Commodity Exchange Act at this time.

 

With respect to investments in swap transactions, commodity futures, commodity options or certain other derivatives used for purposes other than bona fide hedging purposes, an investment company must meet one of the following tests under the amended regulations in order to claim an exemption from being considered a “commodity pool” or a CPO. First, the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish an investment company’s positions in such investments may not exceed five percent (5%) of the liquidation value of the investment company’s portfolio (after accounting for unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such investments). Alternatively, the aggregate net notional value of such instruments, determined at the time of the most recent position established, may not exceed one hundred percent (100%) of the liquidation value of the investment company’s portfolio (after accounting for unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions). In addition to meeting one of the foregoing trading limitations, the investment company may not market itself as a commodity pool or otherwise as a vehicle for trading in the commodity futures, commodity options or swaps and derivatives markets. In the event that the Adviser was required to register as a CPO, the disclosure and operations of the Fund would need to comply with all applicable CFTC regulations.

 

The Fund may purchase futures contracts as an alternative to purchasing actual securities. For example, if the Fund intended to purchase certain securities but had not yet done so, it could purchase a futures contract in order to lock in current market prices while deciding on particular investments. This strategy is sometimes known as an anticipatory hedge. Alternatively, the Fund could purchase a futures contract if it had cash and short-term securities on hand that it wished to invest in longer-term securities, but at the same time the Fund wished to maintain a highly liquid position in order to be prepared to meet redemption requests or other obligations. In these strategies, the Fund would use futures contracts to attempt to achieve an overall return, whether positive or negative, similar to the return from longer-term securities, while taking advantage of potentially greater liquidity that futures contracts may offer. Although the Fund would hold cash and liquid debt securities in a segregated account with a value sufficient to cover its open futures obligations, the segregated assets would be available to the Fund immediately upon closing out the futures position, while settlement of securities transactions can take several days.

 

The Fund may sell futures contracts to hedge its other investments against changes in value, or as an alternative to sales of securities. For example, if the Adviser anticipated a decline in the price of a particular security, but did not wish to sell such securities owned by the Fund, it could sell a futures contract in order to lock in a current sale price. If prices subsequently fell, the futures contract’s value would be expected to rise and offset all or a portion of the loss in the securities that the Fund had hedged. Of course, if prices subsequently rose, the futures contract’s value could be expected to fall and offset all or a portion of the benefit to the Fund.

 

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The risk of loss in trading futures contracts in some strategies can be substantial, due both to the low margin deposits required, and the extremely high degree of leverage involved in futures pricing. As a result, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in immediate and substantial loss or gain to the investor. Thus, a purchase or sale of a futures contract may result in losses or gains in excess of the amount invested in the contract.

 

Futures margin payments. The purchaser or seller of a futures contract is not required to deliver or pay for the underlying instrument unless the contract is held until the delivery date. However, both the purchaser and seller are required to deposit “initial margin” with a futures broker (known as a futures commission merchant, or FCM), when the contract is entered into. Initial margin deposits are equal to a percentage of the contract’s value, as set by the exchange where the contract is traded, and may be maintained in cash or high quality liquid securities. If the value of either party’s position declines, that party will be required to make additional “variation margin” payments to settle the change in value on a daily basis. The party that has a gain may be entitled to receive all or a portion of this amount. Initial and variation margin payments are similar to good faith deposits or performance bonds, unlike margin extended by a securities broker, and initial and variation margin payments do not constitute purchasing securities on margin for purposes of the Fund’s investment limitations. In the event of the bankruptcy of an FCM that holds margin on behalf of the Fund, the Fund may be entitled to a return of margin owed to it only in proportion to the amount received by the FCM’s other customers. The Adviser will attempt to minimize this risk by careful monitoring of the creditworthiness of the FCMs with which the Fund does business.

 

Correlation of price changes. The prices of futures contracts depend primarily on the value of their underlying instruments. Because there are a limited number of types of futures contracts, it is likely that the standardized futures contracts available to the Fund will not match the Fund’s current or anticipated investments. Futures prices can also diverge from the prices of their underlying instruments, even if the underlying instruments match the Fund’s investments well. Futures prices are affected by such factors as current and anticipated short-term interest rates, changes in volatility of the underlying instrument, and the time remaining until expiration of the contract, which may not affect security prices the same way. Imperfect correlation between the Fund’s investments and its futures positions may also result from differing levels of demand in the futures markets and the securities markets, from structural differences in how futures and securities are traded, or from imposition of daily price fluctuation limits for futures contracts. The Fund may purchase or sell futures contracts with a greater or lesser value than the securities they wish to hedge or intend to purchase in order to attempt to compensate for differences in historical volatility between the futures contract and the securities, although this may not be successful in all cases. If price changes in the Fund’s futures positions are poorly correlated with its other investments, its futures positions may fail to produce anticipated gains or result in losses that are not offset by the gains in the Fund’s other investments.

 

Liquidity of futures contracts. Because futures contracts are generally settled within a day from the date they are closed out, as compared with a longer settlement period for other types of securities, the futures markets can provide liquidity superior to the securities markets in many cases. Nevertheless, there is no assurance a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular futures contract at any particular time. In addition, futures exchanges may establish daily price fluctuation limits for futures contracts and may halt trading if a contract’s price moves upward or downward more than the limit in a given day. On volatile trading days when the price fluctuation limit is reached, it may be impossible for the Fund to enter into new positions or close out existing positions. If the secondary market for a futures contract is not liquid because of price fluctuation limits or otherwise, it would prevent prompt liquidation of unfavorable futures positions, and potentially could require the Fund to continue to hold a futures position until the delivery date regardless of changes in its value. As a result, the Fund’s access to other assets held to cover its futures positions could also be impaired.

 

Index Futures and Related Options. An index futures contract is a contract to buy or sell an integral number of units of a stock index ( i.e ., the Standard & Poor’s 500 Price® Index or the Russell 2000® Index) at a specified future date at a price agreed upon when the contract is made. A unit is the value of the relevant index from time to time. Entering into a contract to buy units is commonly referred to as buying or purchasing a contract or holding a long position in an index.

 

Risks of Futures Transactions. The risks related to the use of futures contracts include: (i) the correlation between movements in the market price of the Fund’s investments (held or intended for purchase) being hedged and in the price of the futures contract may be imperfect; (ii) possible lack of a liquid secondary market for closing out futures positions; (iii) the need for additional portfolio management skills and techniques; and (iv) losses due to unanticipated market movements. Successful use of futures by the Fund is subject to the Adviser’s ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the market.

 

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Illiquid Securities

 

The Fund may not invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, including repurchase agreements which have a maturity of longer than seven days and securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily available market or legal or contractual restrictions on resale. Securities that have legal or contractual restrictions on resale but have a readily available market are not considered illiquid for purposes of this limitation. Repurchase agreements subject to demand are deemed to have a maturity equal to the notice period.

 

Mutual funds do not typically hold a significant amount of illiquid securities because of the potential for delays on resale and uncertainty in valuation. Limitations on resale may have an adverse effect on the marketability of portfolio securities and a mutual fund might be unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty in satisfying redemptions within seven days. A mutual fund might also have to register such restricted securities in order to dispose of them resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of securities.

 

The Adviser will monitor the liquidity of restricted securities in the Fund under the supervision of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). In reaching liquidity decisions, the Adviser may consider, among others, the following factors: (1) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (2) the number of dealers wishing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential purchasers; (3) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; and (4) the nature of the security and the nature of the marketplace trades ( e.g ., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of the transfer).

 

Investment Company Securities

 

The Fund may invest in securities issued by other investment companies to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund’s investments in such securities currently are limited to, subject to certain exceptions, (i) 3% of the total voting stock of any one investment company, (ii) 5% of the Fund’s total assets with respect to any one investment company and (iii) 10% of the Fund’s total assets with respect to investment companies in the aggregate. Investments in the securities of other investment companies will involve duplication of advisory fees and certain other expenses. Rule 12d1-1 under the 1940 Act permits the Fund to invest an unlimited amount of its uninvested cash in a money market fund, so long as, among other things, said investment is consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives and policies. As a shareholder in an investment company, the Fund would bear its pro rata portion of the investment company’s expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to its own expenses.

 

Large Shareholder Purchase and Redemption Risk

 

The Fund may experience adverse effects when certain large shareholders purchase or redeem large amounts of shares of the Fund. Such large shareholder redemptions may cause the Fund to sell its securities at times when it would not otherwise do so, which may negatively impact the Fund’s NAV and liquidity. Similarly, large share purchases may adversely affect the Fund’s performance to the extent that the Fund is delayed in investing new cash and is required to maintain a larger cash position than it ordinarily would. In addition, a large redemption could result in the Fund’s current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the Fund’s expense ratio. However, this risk may be limited to the extent that the Adviser and the Fund have entered into a fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement agreement.

 

Lending of Fund Securities

 

The Fund may lend its portfolio securities to financial institutions. Such loans would involve risks of delay in receiving additional collateral in the event the value of the collateral decreases below the value of the securities loaned or of delay in recovering the securities loaned or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. However, loans will be made only to borrowers which the Adviser deems to be of good standing and only when, in the Adviser’s judgment, the income to be earned from the loans justifies the attendant risks. The Fund may not make loans in excess of 33 1/3% of the value of its total assets. The Fund does not have the right to vote loaned securities. The Fund may attempt to call loaned securities back to permit the exercise of voting rights if time and jurisdictional restrictions permit. There is no guarantee that all loans can be recalled.

 

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Portfolio Turnover

 

Those investment strategies that require periodic changes to portfolio holdings with the expectation of outperforming equity indices are typically referred to as “active” strategies. These strategies contrast with “passive” (“index”) strategies that buy and hold only the stocks in the equity indices. Passive strategies tend to trade infrequently—only as the stocks in the indices change (largely due to changes in the sizes of the companies in the indices, takeovers or bankruptcies). Most equity mutual funds pursue active strategies, which have higher turnover than passive strategies.

 

The generally higher portfolio turnover of active investment strategies can adversely affect taxable investors, especially those in higher marginal tax brackets, in two particularly significant ways. First, short-term capital gains, which often accompany higher turnover investment strategies, are currently taxed at ordinary income rates. Ordinary income tax rates are generally higher than long-term capital gain tax rates. Thus, the tax liability is often higher for investors in active strategies. Second, the more frequent realization of gains caused by higher turnover investment strategies means that taxes will be paid sooner. Such acceleration of the tax liability is financially more costly to investors. Less frequent realization of capital gains allows the payment of taxes to be deferred until later years, allowing more of the gains to compound before taxes are paid. Consequently, after-tax compound rates of return will generally be higher for taxable investors using investment strategies with very low turnover, compared with high turnover strategies. The difference is particularly large when the general market rates of return are higher than average.

 

Although tax considerations should not typically drive investment decisions, the Adviser recommends that all of its investors consider their ability to allocate tax-deferred assets (such as Individual Retirement Accounts (“IRA’s”) and other retirement plans) to active strategies, and taxable assets to lower turnover passive strategies, when considering their investment options. Generally, investors will earn better after-tax returns investing tax-advantaged assets in active strategies, while using very low turnover passive strategies for their taxable investments.

 

The portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of the Fund’s annual sales or purchases of portfolio securities (exclusive of purchases or sales of securities with maturities at the time of acquisition of one year or less) by the monthly average value of the securities in the portfolio during the year. Under normal market conditions, it is expected that the Fund’s portfolio turnover will range between 150% to 400%.

 

Put and Call Options

 

The Fund may purchase and write (sell) put and call options relating to particular securities or to various indices which may or may not be listed on a national securities exchange or issued by the Options Clearing Corporation.

 

Purchasing Put Options. By purchasing a put option, the Fund obtains the right (but not the obligation) to sell the option’s underlying instrument at a fixed strike price. The option may give the Fund the right to sell only on the option’s expiration date, or may be exercisable at any time up to and including that date. In return for this right, the Fund pays the current market price for the option (known as the option premium). The option’s underlying instrument may be a security or a futures contract.

 

The Fund may terminate its position in a put option it has purchased by allowing it to expire or by exercising the option. If the option is allowed to expire, the Fund will lose the entire premium it paid. If the Fund exercises the option, it completes the sale of the underlying instrument at the strike price. If the Fund exercises a put option on a futures contract, it assumes a seller’s position in the underlying futures contract. Purchasing an option on a futures contract does not require the Fund to make futures margin payments unless it exercises the option. The Fund may also terminate a put option position by closing it out in the secondary market at its current price, if a liquid secondary market exists.

 

Put options may be used by the Fund to hedge securities it owns, in a manner similar to selling futures contracts, by locking in a minimum price at which the Fund can sell. If security prices fall, the value of the put option would be expected to rise and offset all or a portion of the Fund’s resulting losses. The put thus acts as a hedge against a fall in the price of such securities. However, all other things being equal (including securities prices), option premiums tend to decrease over time as the expiration date nears. Therefore, because of the cost of the option in the form of the premium (and transaction costs), the Fund would expect to suffer a loss in the put option if prices do not decline sufficiently to offset the deterioration in the value of the option premium. This potential loss represents the cost of the hedge against a fall in prices. At the same time, because the maximum the Fund has at risk is the cost of the option, purchasing put options does not eliminate the potential for the Fund to profit from an increase in the value of the securities hedged to the same extent as selling a futures contract.

 

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Purchasing Call Options. The features of call options are essentially the same as those of put options, except that the purchaser of a call option obtains the right to purchase, rather than sell, the underlying instrument at the option’s strike price (call options on futures contracts are settled by purchasing the underlying futures contract). By purchasing a call option, the Fund would attempt to participate in potential price increases of the underlying instrument, with results similar to those obtainable from purchasing a futures contract, but with risk limited to the cost of the option if security prices fall. At the same time, the Fund can expect to suffer a loss if security prices do not rise sufficiently to offset the cost of the option.

 

The Fund will purchase call options only in connection with “closing purchase transactions.” The Fund may terminate its position in a call option by entering into a closing purchase transaction. A closing purchase transaction is the purchase of a call option on the same security with the same exercise price and call period as the option previously written by the Fund. If the Fund is unable to enter into a closing purchase transaction, the Fund may be required to hold a security that it might otherwise have sold to protect against depreciation.

 

Writing Put Options. When the Fund writes a put option, it takes the opposite side of the transaction from the option’s purchaser. In return for receipt of the premium, the Fund assumes the obligation to pay the strike price for the option’s underlying instrument if the other party to the option chooses to exercise it. When writing an option on a futures contract, the Fund will be required to make margin payments to an FCM as described above for futures contracts. The Fund may seek to terminate its position in a put option it writes before exercise by closing out the option in the secondary market at its current price. If the secondary market is not liquid for an option the Fund has written, however, the Fund must continue to be prepared to pay the strike price while the option is outstanding, regardless of price changes, and must continue to set aside assets to cover its position.

 

The Fund may write put options as an alternative to purchasing actual securities. If security prices rise, the Fund would expect to profit from a written put option, although its gain would be limited to the amount of the premium it received. If security prices remain the same over time, it is likely that the Fund will also profit, because it should be able to close out the option at a lower price. If security prices fall, the Fund would expect to suffer a loss. This loss should be less than the loss the Fund would have experienced from purchasing the underlying instrument directly, however, because the premium received for writing the option should mitigate the effects of the decline.

 

Writing Call Options. Writing a call option obligates the Fund to sell or deliver the option’s underlying instrument, in return for the strike price, upon exercise of the option. The characteristics of writing call options are similar to those of writing put options, as described above, except that writing covered call options generally is a profitable strategy if prices remain the same or fall. Through receipt of the option premium, the Fund would seek to mitigate the effects of a price decline. At the same time, because the Fund would have to be prepared to deliver the underlying instrument in return for the strike price, even if its current value is greater, the Fund would give up some ability to participate in security price increases when writing call options.

 

Combined Option Positions. The Fund may purchase and write options in combination with each other to adjust the risk and return characteristics of the overall position. For example, the Fund may purchase a put option and write a call option on the same underlying instrument, in order to construct a combined position whose risk and return characteristics are similar to selling a futures contract. Another possible combined position would involve writing a call option at one strike price and buying a call option at a lower price, in order to reduce the risk of the written call option in the event of a substantial price increase. Because combined options positions involve multiple trades, they result in higher transaction costs and may be more difficult to open and close out.

 

Options on Indices/Unlisted Over-the-Counter Options . In contrast to an option on a particular security, an option on an index provides the holder with the right to make or receive a cash settlement upon exercise of the option. The amount of this settlement will be equal to the difference between the closing price of the index at the time of exercise and the exercise price of the option expressed in dollars, times a specified multiple.

 

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The Fund will engage in unlisted over-the-counter options only with broker-dealers deemed creditworthy by the Adviser. Closing transactions in certain options are usually effected directly with the same broker-dealer that effected the original option transaction. The Fund bears the risk that the broker-dealer will fail to meet its obligations. There is no assurance that the Fund will be able to close an unlisted option position. Furthermore, unlisted options are not subject to the protections afforded purchasers of listed options by the Options Clearing Corporation, which performs the obligations of its members who fail to do so in connection with the purchase or sale of options.

 

Risks of Options Transactions. Options trading is a highly specialized activity which entails greater than ordinary investment risk. Options are subject to risks similar to those described above with respect to futures contracts, including the risk of imperfect correlation between the option and the Fund’s other investments and the risk that there might not be a liquid secondary market for the option. In the case of options on futures contracts, there is also a risk of imperfect correlation between the option and the underlying futures contract. Options are also subject to the risks of an illiquid secondary market, particularly in strategies involving writing options, which the Fund cannot terminate by exercise. In general, options whose strike prices are close to their underlying instruments’ current value will have the highest trading volume, while options whose strike prices are further away may be less liquid. The liquidity of options may also be affected if options exchanges impose trading halts, particularly when markets are volatile.

 

Asset Coverage for Futures and Options Positions. The Fund will not use leverage in its options and futures strategies. The Fund will hold securities or other options or futures positions whose values are expected to offset its obligations under the hedge strategies. The Fund will not enter into an option or futures position that exposes the Fund to an obligation to another party unless it owns either (i) an offsetting position in securities or other options or futures contracts or (ii) cash, receivables and short-term debt securities with a value sufficient to cover its potential obligations. The Fund will comply with guidelines established by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) with respect to coverage of options and futures strategies by mutual funds, and, if the guidelines so require, will set aside cash and liquid securities in a segregated account with its custodian bank in the amount prescribed. Securities held in a segregated account cannot be sold while the futures or option strategy is outstanding, unless they are replaced with similar securities. As a result, there is a possibility that segregation of a large percentage of the Fund’s assets could impede portfolio management or the Fund’s ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.

 

Limitations on Futures and Options Transactions. The Company, on behalf of the Fund, has filed a notice of eligibility for exclusion from the definition of the term “commodity pool operator” with the CFTC and the National Futures Association, which regulate trading in the futures markets. Pursuant to Section 4.5 of the regulations under the Commodity Exchange Act, the Fund will not enter into any commodity futures contract or option on a commodity futures contract for non-hedging purposes if, as a result, the sum of initial margin deposits on commodity futures contracts and related commodity options and premiums paid for options on commodity futures contracts the Fund has purchased would exceed 5% of the Fund’s net assets after taking into account unrealized profits and losses on such contracts, except as may be otherwise permitted under applicable regulations.

 

The Fund’s limitations on investments in futures contracts and their policies regarding futures contracts and the limitations on investments in options and its policies regarding options discussed above in this SAI, are not fundamental policies and may be changed by the Board as regulatory agencies permit.

 

Repurchase Agreements

 

The Fund may agree to purchase securities from financial institutions subject to the seller’s agreement to repurchase them at an agreed-upon time and price. The repurchase price under repurchase agreements generally equals the price paid by the Fund plus interest negotiated on the basis of current short-term rates (which may be more or less than the rate on the securities underlying the repurchase agreement). The financial institutions with whom the Fund may enter into repurchase agreements will be banks and broker/dealers which the Adviser considers creditworthy pursuant to criteria approved by the Board. The Adviser will consider, among other things, whether a repurchase obligation of a seller involves minimal credit risk to the Fund in determining whether to have the Fund enter into a repurchase agreement. The seller under a repurchase agreement will be required to maintain the value of the securities subject to the agreement at not less than the repurchase price plus accrued interest. The Adviser will mark to market daily the value of the securities and will, if necessary, require the seller to maintain additional securities, to ensure that the value is not less than the repurchase price. Default by or bankruptcy of the seller would, however, expose the Fund to a possible loss because of adverse market action or delays in connection with the disposition of the underlying obligations. The Company’s custodian will hold securities subject to repurchase agreements in the Federal Reserve/Treasury book-entry system or by another authorized securities depository. Repurchase agreements are considered to be loans by the Fund under the 1940 Act.

 

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Reverse Repurchase Agreements

 

Reverse repurchase agreements involve the sale of securities held by the Fund subject to the Fund’s agreement to repurchase the securities at an agreed upon price, date and rate of interest. Such agreements are considered to be borrowings under the 1940 Act, and may be entered into only for temporary or emergency purposes. While reverse repurchase transactions are outstanding, the Fund will maintain in a segregated account with its custodian or a qualified sub-custodian, cash, or other liquid securities of an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities, plus accrued interest, subject to the agreement and will monitor the account to ensure that such value is maintained. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities sold by the Fund may decline below the price of the securities the Fund is obligated to repurchase.

 

Rights Offerings and Purchase Warrants

 

Rights offerings and purchase warrants are privileges issued by a corporation which enable the owner to subscribe to and purchase a specified number of shares of the corporation at a specified price during a specified period of time. Subscription rights normally have a short lifespan to expiration. The purchase of rights or warrants involves the risk that the Fund could lose the purchase value of a right or warrant if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not executed prior to the right’s or warrant’s expiration. Also, the purchase of rights and/or warrants involves the risk that the effective price paid for the right and/or warrant added to the subscription price of the related security may exceed the value of the subscribed security’s market price such as when there is no movement in the level of the underlying security.

 

Section 4(2) Paper

 

“Section 4(2) paper” is commercial paper, which is issued in reliance on the “private placement” exemption from registration, which is afforded by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Section 4(2) paper is restricted as to disposition under the federal securities laws and is generally sold to institutional investors such as the Fund which agree that they are purchasing the paper for investment and not with a view to public distribution. Any resale by the purchaser must be in an exempt transaction. Section 4(2) paper normally is resold to other institutional investors through or with the assistance of investment dealers who make a market in the Section 4(2) paper normally, thereby providing liquidity. See “Illiquid Securities” and Appendix “A” to this SAI for a list of commercial paper ratings.

 

Short Sales

 

Short sales are transactions in which the Fund sells a security it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the market value of that security. To complete such a transaction, the Fund must borrow the security to make delivery to the buyer. The Fund then is obligated to replace the security borrowed by purchasing it at the market price at the time of replacement. The price at such time may be more or less than the price at which the security was sold by the Fund. Until the security is replaced, the Fund is required to pay to the lender amounts equal to any dividend which accrues during the period of the loan. To borrow the security, the Fund also may be required to pay a premium, which would increase the cost of the security sold. The proceeds of the short sale will be retained by the broker, to the extent necessary to meet margin requirements, until the short position is closed out.

 

Until the Fund replaces a borrowed security in connection with a short sale, the Fund will: (a) maintain daily a segregated account, containing cash, cash equivalents, or liquid marketable securities, at such a level that the amount deposited in the account plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will equal the current value of the security sold short or (b) otherwise cover its short position in accordance with positions taken by the staff of the SEC.

 

12

 

The Fund will incur a loss as a result of the short sale if the price of the security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund replaces the borrowed security. The Fund will realize a gain if the security declines in price between those dates. This result is the opposite of what one would expect from a cash purchase of a long position in a security. The amount of any gain will be decreased, and the amount of any loss increased, by the amount of any premium or amounts in lieu of interest the Fund may be required to pay in connection with a short sale. The Fund may purchase call options to provide a hedge against an increase in the price of a security sold short.

 

The Fund anticipates that the frequency of short sales will vary substantially in different periods, and it does not intend that any specified portion of its assets, as a matter of practice, will be invested in short sales. However, no securities will be sold short if, after effect is given to any such short sale, the total market value of all securities sold short would exceed 25% of the value of the Fund’s net assets. The Fund may, however, make a short sale as a hedge, when it believes that the price of a security may decline, causing a decline in the value of a security owned by the Fund (or a security convertible or exchangeable for such security), or when the Fund wants to sell the security at an attractive current price, but also wishes possibly to defer recognition of gain or loss for federal income tax purposes. In such case, any future losses in the Fund’s long position should be reduced by a gain in the short position. Conversely, any gain in the long position should be reduced by a loss in the short position. The extent to which such gains or losses are reduced will depend upon the amount of the security sold short relative to the amount the Fund owns. There will be certain additional transaction costs associated with short sales against the box, but the Fund will endeavor to offset these costs with the income from the investment of the cash proceeds of short sales.

 

Short Sales “Against the Box”

 

In addition to the short sales discussed above, the Fund may make short sales “against the box,” a transaction in which the Fund enters into a short sale of a security that the Fund owns. The proceeds of the short sale will be held by a broker until the settlement date at which time the Fund delivers the security to close the short position. The Fund receives the net proceeds from the short sale. It currently is anticipated that the Fund will make short sales against the box for purposes of protecting the value of the Fund’s net assets and will not engage in short sales against the box for speculative purposes. A short sale against the box is generally a taxable transaction to the Fund with respect to the securities that are sold short.

 

Temporary Investments

 

The short-term and medium-term debt securities in which the Fund may invest for temporary defensive purposes consist of: (a) obligations of the United States or foreign governments, their respective agencies or instrumentalities; (b) bank deposits and bank obligations (including certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers’ acceptances) of U.S. or foreign banks denominated in any currency; (c) floating rate securities and other instruments denominated in any currency issued by international development agencies; (d) finance company and corporate commercial paper and other short-term corporate debt obligations of U.S. and foreign corporations; and (e) repurchase agreements with banks and broker-dealers with respect to such securities.

 

U.S. Government Obligations

 

The Fund may purchase U.S. government agency and instrumentality obligations that are debt securities issued by U.S. government-sponsored enterprises and federal agencies. Some obligations of agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government or by U.S. Treasury guarantees, such as securities of the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) and the Federal Housing Authority; others, by the ability of the issuer to borrow, provided approval is granted, from the U.S. Treasury, such as securities of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) and others, only by the credit of the agency or instrumentality issuing the obligation, such as securities of the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) and the Federal Home Loan Banks (“FHLBs”). Such guarantees of U.S. government securities held by the Fund do not, however, guarantee the market value of the shares of the Fund. There is no guarantee that the U.S. government will continue to provide support to its agencies or instrumentalities in the future. U.S. government obligations that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government are subject to greater risks than those that are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. All U.S. government obligations are subject to interest rate risk.

 

13

 

In September 2008, the U.S. Treasury Department and Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”) announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would be placed in conservatorship under the FHFA. On June 16, 2010, FHFA ordered Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s stock de-listed from the New York Stock Exchange after the price of common stock in Fannie Mae fell below the New York Stock Exchange’s minimum average closing price of $1 for more than 30 days. The future status and role of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could be impacted by (among other things) the actions taken and restrictions placed on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac by the FHFA in its role as conservator, the restrictions placed on Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s operations and activities as a result of the senior preferred stock investment made by the U.S. Treasury, market responses to developments at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and future legislative and regulatory action that alters the operations, ownership, structure and/or mission of these institutions, each of which may, in turn, impact the value of, and cash flows on, any Mortgage-Backed Securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, including any such Mortgage-Backed Securities held by the Fund.

 

The Fund’s net assets may be invested in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury or the agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government, including, if applicable, options and futures on such obligations. The maturities of U.S. government securities usually range from three months to thirty years. Examples of types of U.S. government obligations include U.S. Treasury Bills, Treasury Notes and Treasury Bonds and the obligations of Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Farm Credit Banks, Federal Land Banks, the Federal Housing Administration, Farmers Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Small Business Administration, Fannie Mae, GNMA, General Services Administration, Central Bank for Cooperatives, Freddie Mac, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, the Maritime Administration, the Asian-American Development Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. U.S. government securities may include inflation-indexed fixed income securities, such as U.S. Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (“TIPS”). The interest rate of TIPS, which is set at auction, remains fixed throughout the term of the security and the principal amount of the security is adjusted for inflation. The inflation-adjusted principal is not paid until maturity.

 

There is risk that the U.S. government will not provide financial support to its agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. The Fund may purchase U.S. government securities that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, such as those issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. government securities held by the Fund may greatly exceed their current resources, including their legal right to support from the U.S. Treasury. It is possible that these issuers will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future.

 

When-Issued Securities and Forward Commitments

 

The Fund may purchase securities on a “when-issued” basis and may purchase or sell securities on a “forward commitment” basis. These transactions involve a commitment by the Fund to purchase or sell particular securities with payment and delivery taking place at a future date (perhaps one or two months later), and permit the Fund to lock-in a price or yield on a security it owns or intends to purchase, regardless of future changes in interest rates. When-issued and forward commitment transactions involve the risk, however, that the price or yield obtained in a transaction may be less favorable than the price or yield available in the market when the securities delivery takes place. The Fund’s when-issued purchases and forward commitments are not expected to exceed 25% of the value of its total assets absent unusual market conditions. The Fund does not intend to engage in when-issued purchases and forward commitments for speculative purposes but only in furtherance of its investment objective.

 

INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

 

The Fund has adopted the following fundamental investment limitations which may not be changed with respect to the Fund without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding shares (as defined in Section 2(a) (42) of the 1940 Act). As used in this SAI and in the Prospectus, “shareholder approval” and a “majority of the outstanding shares” of the Fund means, with respect to the approval of an investment advisory agreement, a distribution plan or a change in a fundamental investment limitation, the lesser of (1) 67% of the shares of the Fund represented at a meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present in person or by proxy, or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of such Fund. The Fund may not:

 

14

 

1. Purchase securities of any one issuer, other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, if immediately after and as a result of such purchase more than 5% of a Fund’s total assets would be invested in the securities of such issuer, or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer would be owned by a Fund, except that up to 25% of the value of a Fund’s assets may be invested without regard to such limitation.

 

2. Borrow money, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act or mortgage, pledge or hypothecate any of its assets in connection with any such borrowing except in amounts not in excess of 125% of the dollar amounts borrowed. The 1940 Act permits an investment company to borrow in an amount up to 33 1/3% of the value of such company’s total assets. For purposes of this investment limitation, the entry into options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those relating to indexes, and options on futures contracts or indexes shall not constitute borrowing.

 

3. Purchase any securities which would cause, at the time of purchase, 25% or more of the value of the total assets of the Fund to be invested in the obligations of issuers in any industry, provided that there is no limitation with respect to investments in U.S. government obligations.

 

4. Make loans, except that the Fund may purchase or hold debt obligations in accordance with its investment objective, policies and limitations, may enter into repurchase agreements for securities, and may lend portfolio securities against collateral consisting of cash or securities which are consistent with the Fund’s permitted investments, which is equal at all times to at least 100% of the value of the securities loaned. There is no investment restriction on the amount of securities that may be loaned, except that payments received on such loans, including amounts received during the loan on account of interest on the securities loaned, may not (together with all non-qualifying income) exceed 10% of the Fund’s annual gross income (without offset for realized capital gains) unless, in the opinion of counsel to the Company, such amounts are qualifying income under federal income tax provisions applicable to regulated investment companies.

 

5. Purchase securities on margin, except for short-term credit necessary for clearance of portfolio transactions, and except that the Fund may establish margin accounts in connection with its use of options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those relating to indexes, and options on futures contracts or indexes.

 

6. Underwrite securities of other issuers, except to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities, the Fund may be deemed an underwriter under federal securities laws.

 

7. Purchase or sell real estate or real estate limited partnership interests, provided that the Fund may invest in securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies which invest in real estate or interests therein or in real estate investment trusts.

 

8. Purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts, except that the Fund may purchase and sell options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those relating to indexes, and options on futures contracts or indexes.

 

9. Invest in oil, gas or mineral-related exploration or development programs or leases.

 

10. Purchase any securities issued by any other investment company, except to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and except in connection with the merger, consolidation or acquisition of all the securities or assets of such an issuer.

 

11. Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management, but the Fund will vote those securities it owns in its portfolio as a shareholder in accordance with its views.

 

12. Issue any senior security, as defined in Section 18(f) of the 1940 Act, except to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act.

 

15

 

13. Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except to the extent necessary to secure permitted borrowings as described in Limitation 2 above and to the extent related to the purchase of securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis and the deposit of assets in escrow in connection with writing covered put and call options and collateral and initial or variation margin arrangements with respect to options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those relating to indexes, and options on futures contracts or indexes.

 

*        *        *

 

If a percentage restriction under one of the Fund’s investment policies or limitations or the use of assets is adhered to at the time a transaction is effected, later changes in percentages resulting from changing values will not be considered a violation (except with respect to any restrictions that may apply to borrowings or senior securities issued by the Fund).

 

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

The Company has adopted, on behalf of the Fund, a policy relating to the selective disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings by the Adviser, director, officer or third party service provider, in accordance with regulations that seek to ensure that disclosure of information about portfolio holdings is in the best interest of Fund shareholders and to address the conflicts of interests of the Fund shareholders and its service providers. The policies relating to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings are designed to allow disclosure of portfolio holdings information where necessary to the Fund’s operation without compromising the integrity or performance of the Fund. It is the policy of the Company that disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings to a select person or persons prior to the release of such holdings to the public (“selective disclosure”) is prohibited, unless there are legitimate business purposes for selective disclosure.

 

The Company discloses portfolio holdings information as required in regulatory filings and shareholder reports, discloses portfolio holdings information as required by federal and state securities laws and may disclose portfolio holdings information in response to requests by governmental authorities. As required by the federal securities laws, including the 1940 Act, the Company will disclose the Fund’s portfolio holdings in applicable regulatory filings, including shareholder reports, reports on Form N-CSR and Form N-Q or such other filings, reports or disclosure documents as the applicable regulatory authorities may require.

 

The Adviser currently makes the Fund’s top ten holdings, sector weightings and portfolio characteristics publicly available on its web site, www.boglefunds.com, as disclosed in the following table:

 

Information Posting Frequency of Disclosure Date of Web Posting
Top 10 Portfolio Holdings and other portfolio characteristics Quarterly 6 to 7 weeks after the end of each calendar quarter

 

 

The scope of the information relating to the Fund’s portfolio that is made available on the website may change from time to time without notice. The Adviser or its affiliates may include the Fund’s portfolio information that has already been made public through a Web posting or SEC filing in marketing literature and other communications to shareholders, advisors or other parties, provided that, in the case of information made public through the Web, the information is disclosed no earlier than the day after the date of posting to the website.

 

The Company may distribute or authorize the distribution of information about the Fund’s portfolio holdings that is not publicly available to its third-party service providers of the Company, which include U.S. Bank, N.A., the custodian; U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“USBFS”), the administrator, accounting agent and transfer agent; PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm; Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, legal counsel; FilePoint, the EDGAR filing agent and the financial printer; and Institutional Shareholder Services Inc., the Fund’s proxy voting service. These service providers are required to keep such information confidential, and are prohibited from trading based on the information or otherwise using the information except as necessary in providing services to the Fund. Such holdings are released on conditions of confidentiality, which include appropriate trading prohibitions. “Conditions of confidentiality” include confidentiality terms included in written agreements, implied by the nature of the relationship ( e.g . attorney-client relationship), or required by fiduciary or regulatory principles ( e.g ., custody services provided by financial institutions). Portfolio holdings may also be provided earlier to shareholders and their agents who receive redemptions in kind that reflect a pro rata allocation of all securities held in the Fund’s portfolio.

 

16

 

Portfolio holdings may also be disclosed, upon authorization by a designated officer of the Adviser, to (i) certain independent reporting agencies recognized by the SEC as acceptable agencies for the reporting of industry statistical information, and (ii) financial consultants to assist them in determining the suitability of the Fund as an investment for their clients, in each case in accordance with the anti-fraud provisions of the federal securities laws and the Company’s and the Adviser’s fiduciary duties to Fund shareholders. Disclosures to financial consultants are also subject to a confidentiality agreement and/or trading restrictions as well as a 15-day time lag. The foregoing disclosures are made pursuant to the Company’s policy on selective disclosure of portfolio holdings. The Board or a committee thereof may, in limited circumstances, permit other selective disclosure of portfolio holdings subject to a confidentiality agreement and/or trading restrictions.

 

The Adviser reserves the right to refuse to fulfill any request for portfolio holdings information from a shareholder or non-shareholder if it believes that providing such information will be contrary to the best interests of the Fund.

 

The Board provides ongoing oversight of the Company’s policies and procedures and compliance with such policies and procedures. As part of this oversight function, the Board receives from the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) as necessary, reports on compliance with these policies and procedures. In addition, the Board receives an annual assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of the policies and procedures with respect to the Fund, and any changes thereto, and an annual review of the operation of the policies and procedures. Any violation of the policy set forth above as well as any corrective action undertaken to address such violation must be reported by the Adviser, director, officer or third party service provider to the Company’s CCO who will determine whether the violation should be reported immediately to the Board or at its next quarterly Board meeting.

 

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 Fund’s performance. Portfolio turnover may vary from year to year, as well as within a year.

 

The Fund’s portfolio turnover rates for the two most recent fiscal years are stated below.

 

Portfolio Turnover
Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2017 Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2016
366.41% 380.45%

 

MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the oversight of the Board, subject to the laws of the State of Maryland and the Company’s Corporate Charter.

 

The Board is responsible for deciding matters of overall policy and overseeing the actions of the Company’s service providers. The officers of the Company conduct and supervise the Company’s daily business operations.

 

Directors who are not deemed to be “interested persons” of the Company (as defined in the 1940 Act), are referred to as “Independent Directors.” Directors who are deemed to be “interested persons” of the Company are referred to as “Interested Directors.” The Board is currently composed of seven Independent Directors and one Interested Director. The Board has selected Arnold M. Reichman, an Independent Director, to act as Chairman. Mr. Reichman’s duties include presiding at meetings of the Board and interfacing with management to address significant issues that may arise between regularly scheduled Board and committee meetings. In the performance of his duties, Mr. Reichman will consult with the other Independent Directors and the Company’s officers and legal counsel, as appropriate. The Chairman may perform other functions as requested by the Board from time to time.

 

17

 

The Board meets as often as necessary to discharge its responsibilities. Currently, the Board conducts regular, in-person meetings at least four times a year, and holds special in-person or telephonic meetings as necessary to address specific issues that require attention prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting. The Board also relies on professionals, such as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firms and legal counsel, to assist the directors in performing their oversight responsibilities.

 

The Board has established nine standing committees — Audit, Contract, Executive, Investment Risk, Nominating and Governance, Product Development, Regulatory Oversight, Strategic Oversight, and Valuation committees. The Board may establish other committees, or nominate one or more directors to examine particular issues related to the Board’s oversight responsibilities, from time to time. Each committee meets periodically to perform its delegated oversight functions and reports its findings and recommendations to the Board. For more information on the committees, see the section “Standing Committees,” below.

 

The Board has determined that the Company’s leadership structure is appropriate because it allows the Board to effectively perform its oversight responsibilities.

 

18

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below.

 

Name, Address, and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and
Length of
Time Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund

Complex Overseen by Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 84

Director 1988 to present From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications). 29 AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

J. Richard Carnall
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 79

Director 2002 to present

Since 1984, Director of Haydon Bolts, Inc. (bolt manufacturer) and Parkway Real Estate Company (subsidiary of Haydon Bolts, Inc.); since 2004, Director of Cornerstone Bank.

29 None

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 51

Director 2012 to present

Since 2009, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services); from 2003 to 2009, Managing Director, head of Business Services and IT Services Practice, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC (investment banking/brokerage).

29

Emtec, Inc.; FS Investment Corporation (business development company); FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company).

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 74

Director 2006 to present Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations. 29

Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until September 2017); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance).

 

19

 

Name, Address, and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and
Length of
Time Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund

Complex Overseen by Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

Sam Lambroza

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 63

Director 2016 to present

Since 2010, Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer and Board Member, Tinsel Group of Companies (asset management).

29 None

Arnold M. Reichman
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 69

Chairman

 

Director

2005 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2006, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Lifebooker, LLC (online beauty and health appointment booking service).

29 Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 76

Director 2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

29

Reich and Tang Group (asset management).

 

INTERESTED DIRECTOR 2

Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 79

Vice Chairman

 

Director

 

2016 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director — Investments and prior thereto Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

29 None
OFFICERS

Salvatore Faia, JD,
CPA, CFE
Vigilant Compliance, LLC
Gateway Corporate
Center Suite 216
223 Wilmington West
Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 55

President

 

Chief Compliance Officer

2009 to present

 

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

N/A N/A

 

20

 

Name, Address, and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and
Length of
Time Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund

Complex Overseen by Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 57

Treasurer

and

Secretary

 2016 to present

Since 2016, Treasurer and Secretary of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A N/A

Robert Amweg
Vigilant Compliance, LLC

Gateway Corporate Center Suite 216
223 Wilmington West Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 64

Assistant

Treasurer

2016 to present

Since 2013, Compliance Director, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2012, Consultant to the financial services industry; from 2007 to 2012, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, Turner Investments, LP (registered investment company).

N/A N/A

Jesse Schmitting

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 35

Assistant Treasurer 2016 to present Since 2008, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm). N/A N/A

Edward Paz

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 46

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A N/A

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square
Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 58

Assistant
Secretary
1999 to present Since 1993, Partner, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm). N/A N/A

 

21

 

Name, Address, and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and
Length of
Time Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund

Complex Overseen by Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

Jillian L. Bosmann

One Logan Square
Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 38

Assistant
Secretary

2017

to present

Since 2017, Partner, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm); Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (2006 to present). N/A N/A

 

* Each Director oversees twenty-nine portfolios of the Company.

1. Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his successor is elected and qualified or his death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board of Directors until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.
2. Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Carnall has decades of senior executive-level management experience in the banking and financial services industry and also serves on the boards of various corporations and a bank. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Mr. Lambroza has decades of experience and executive level leadership in the energy trading industry in addition to his experience in academia.

 

Standing Committees

 

The responsibilities of each committee of the Board and its members are described below.

 

Audit Committee. The Board has an Audit Committee comprised of three Independent Directors. The current members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Brodsky, Chandler and Giordano. The Audit Committee, among other things, reviews results of the annual audit and approves the firm(s) to serve as independent auditors. The Audit Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

22

 

Contract Committee. The Board has a Contract Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Contract Committee are Messrs. Brodsky, Chandler, Sablowsky and Straniere. The Contract Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the approval and continuation of agreements and plans of the Company. The Contract Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Executive Committee. The Board has an Executive Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Executive Committee are Messrs. Chandler, Giordano, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Executive Committee may generally carry on and manage the business of the Company when the Board is not in session. The Executive Committee did not meet during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Investment Risk Committee. The Board has an Investment Risk Committee comprised of the Interested Director and two Independent Directors. The current members of the Investment Risk Committee are Messrs. Lambroza, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Investment Risk Committee ensures that the Company’s investment advisers have adopted investment risk management policies and procedures. The Investment Risk Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Nominating and Governance Committee. The Board has a Nominating and Governance Committee comprised of three Independent Directors. The current members of the Nominating and Governance Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Giordano and Reichman. The Nominating and Governance Committee recommends to the Board all persons to be nominated as Directors of the Company. The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders. Recommendations should be submitted to the Committee care of the Company’s Secretary. The Nominating and Governance Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Product Development Committee. The Board has a Product Development Committee comprised of the Interested Director and one Independent Director. The current members of the Product Development Committee are Messrs. Reichman and Sablowsky. The Product Development Committee oversees the process regarding the addition of new investment advisers and investment products to the Company. The Product Development Committee convened six times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Regulatory Oversight Committee . The Board has a Regulatory Oversight Committee comprised of the Interested Director and four Independent Directors. The current members of the Regulatory Oversight Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Lambroza, Reichman, Sablowsky and Straniere. The Regulatory Oversight Committee monitors regulatory developments in the mutual fund industry and focuses on various regulatory aspects of the operation of the Company. The Regulatory Oversight Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Strategic Oversight Committee. The Board has a Strategic Oversight Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Strategic Oversight Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Chandler, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Strategic Oversight Committee assists the Board in its oversight and review of the Company’s strategic plan and operations. The Strategic Oversight Committee convened one time during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Valuation Committee. The Board has a Valuation Committee comprised of the Interested Director, one Independent Director and three officers of the Company. The members of the Valuation Committee are Messrs. Amweg, Faia, Lambroza, Sablowsky and Shaw. The Valuation Committee is responsible for reviewing fair value determinations. The Valuation Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Risk Oversight

 

The Board performs its risk oversight function for the Company through a combination of (1) direct oversight by the Board as a whole and Board committees and (2) indirect oversight through the Company’s investment advisers and other service providers, Company officers and the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer. The Company is subject to a number of risks, including but not limited to investment risk, compliance risk, operational risk, reputational risk, credit risk and counterparty risk. Day-to-day risk management with respect to the Company is the responsibility of the Company’s investment advisers or other service providers (depending on the nature of the risk) that carry out the Company’s investment management and business affairs. Each of the investment advisers and the other service providers have their own independent interest in risk management and their policies and methods of risk management will depend on their functions and business models and may differ from the Company’s and each other’s in the setting of priorities, the resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls.

 

23

 

The Board provides risk oversight by receiving and reviewing on a regular basis reports from the Company’s investment advisers or other service providers, receiving and approving compliance policies and procedures, periodic meetings with the Company’s portfolio managers to review investment policies, strategies and risks, and meeting regularly with the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer to discuss compliance reports, findings and issues. The Board also relies on the Company’s investment advisers and other service providers, with respect to the day-to-day activities of the Company, to create and maintain procedures and controls to minimize risk and the likelihood of adverse effects on the Company’s business and reputation.

 

Board oversight of risk management is also provided by various Board committees. For example, the Audit Committee meets with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firms to ensure that the Company’s respective audit scopes include risk-based considerations as to the Company’s financial position and operations.

 

The Board may, at any time and in its discretion, change the manner in which it conducts risk oversight. The Board’s oversight role does not make the Board a guarantor of the Company’s investments or activities.

 

Director Ownership of Shares of the Company

 

The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Director in the Fund and in all of the portfolios of the Company (which for each Director comprise all registered investment companies within the Company’s family of investment companies overseen by him), as of December 31, 2016:

 

Name of Director

Dollar Range of

Equity Securities in the

Fund

Aggregate Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in All
Registered Investment Companies
Overseen by Director within the
Family of Investment Companies
  INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS  
Julian A. Brodsky None Over $100,000
J. Richard Carnall None $10,001-$50,000
Gregory P. Chandler None $1-$10,000
Nicholas A. Giordano None $10,001-$50,000
Sam Lambroza None Over $100,000
Arnold M. Reichman None Over $100,000
Robert A. Straniere None Over $100,000
  INTERESTED DIRECTOR  
Robert Sablowsky Over $100,000 Over $100,000

 

Directors’ and Officers’ Compensation

 

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company will pay each Director a retainer at the rate of $100,000 annually, $10,000 for each regular meeting of the Board, $3,500 for each committee meeting attended in-person, and $2,000 for each committee meeting attended telephonically or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each receive an additional fee of $15,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Contract Committee will receive an additional fee of $10,000 per year for his services, and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee and Chairman of the Investment Risk Committee will each receive an additional fee of $7,500 per year for his services. The Vice Chairman of the Board will receive an additional fee of $25,000 per year for his services in this capacity and the Chairman of the Board receives an additional fee of $50,000 per year for his services in this capacity.

 

From January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017, the Company paid each Director a retainer at the rate of $100,000 annually, $5,000 for each regular meeting of the Board, $2,500 for each committee meeting attended in-person, and $2,000 for each committee meeting attended telephonically or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each received an additional fee of $15,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Contract Committee received an additional fee of $10,000 for his services and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee received an additional fee of $7,500 for his services. Effective June 1, 2017, the Chairman of the Investment Risk Committee received an additional fee of $7,500 for his services. The Vice Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $25,000 for his services in this capacity and the Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $50,000 for his services in this capacity.

 

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From January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2016, the Company paid each Director a retainer at the rate of $85,000 annually, $3,500 for each regular meeting of the Board, and $2,000 for each committee meeting or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each received an additional fee of $10,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Chairman of the Contract Committee each received an additional fee of $6,000 per year for his services. The Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $25,000 per year for his services in this capacity.

 

Directors are reimbursed for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board or any committee thereof. Employees of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serve as President, Chief Compliance Officer, and Assistant Treasurer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company, and such compensation is determined by the Board. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, Vigilant Compliance, LLC received $15,860 from the Fund and $600,000 in aggregate from all series of the Company for services provided. An employee of the Company serves as a Treasurer and Secretary and is compensated for services provided. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, each of the following members of the Board and the Treasurer and Secretary received compensation from the Fund and the Company in the following amounts:

 

Name of Director/Officer Aggregate
Compensation
from the Fund
Pension or
Retirement
Benefits Accrued

Estimated
Annual
Benefits

Upon
Retirement

Total
Compensation
From
Fund Complex
Paid to

Directors
or Officer

Independent Directors:        
Julian A. Brodsky, Director $2,242 N/A N/A $130,250
J. Richard Carnall, Director $2,160 N/A N/A $128,250
Gregory P. Chandler, Director $2,572 N/A N/A $151,000
Nicholas A. Giordano, Director $2,164 N/A N/A $132,875
Sam Lambroza, Director $2,309 N/A N/A $133,375
Arnold M. Reichman, Director and Chairman $2,915 N/A N/A $175,500
Robert A. Straniere, Director $2,315 N/A N/A $130,750
Interested Director:        
Robert Sablowsky, Director $2,897 N/A N/A $173,750
Officer:        
James G. Shaw, Treasurer and Secretary $1,481 N/A N/A $240,000

 

Each compensated Director is entitled to participate in the Company’s deferred compensation plan (the “DC Plan”). Under the DC Plan, a compensated Director may elect to defer all or a portion of his compensation and have the deferred compensation treated as if it had been invested by the Company in shares of one or more of the portfolios of the Company. The amount paid to the Directors under the DC Plan will be determined based upon the performance of such investments.

 

As of December 31, 2016, the Independent Directors and their respective immediate family members (spouse or dependent children) did not own beneficially or of record any securities of the Company’s investment advisers or distributor, or of any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment advisers or distributor.

 

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CODE OF ETHICS

 

The Company and the Adviser have each adopted a code of ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act that permits personnel subject to the codes to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Company, subject to certain restrictions.

 

PROXY VOTING POLICIES

 

The Board of Directors has delegated the responsibility of voting proxies with respect to the portfolio securities purchased and/or held by the Fund to the Adviser, subject to the Board’s continuing oversight. In exercising its voting obligations, the Adviser is guided by its general fiduciary duty to act prudently and in the interest of the Fund. The Adviser will consider factors affecting the value of the Fund’s investments and the rights of shareholders in its determination on voting portfolio securities.

 

The Adviser has adopted proxy voting procedures with respect to voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Fund. The Adviser employs a third party service provider to assist in the voting of proxies. These procedures have been provided to the service provider, who analyzes the proxies and votes such proxies in the manner outlined in the Adviser’s procedures. A copy of the Adviser’s Proxy Voting Guidelines is included with this SAI. Please see Appendix B to this SAI for further information.

 

Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available, without charge, upon request, by calling 1-877-264-5346 and by visiting the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

 

As of November 30, 2017 to the Company’s knowledge, the following named persons at the addresses shown below were owners of record of approximately 5% or more of the total outstanding shares of the Fund as indicated below. See “Additional Information Concerning Company Shares” below. Any shareholder that owns 25% or more of the outstanding shares of a portfolio or class may be presumed to “control” (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) the portfolio or class. Shareholders controlling a portfolio or class could have the ability to vote a majority of the shares of the portfolio or class on any matter requiring approval of the shareholders of the portfolio or class.

 

Shareholder Name and Address Number and Percentage of
Shares Owned as of
November 30, 2017
 

Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.

211 Main Street

San Francisco, CA 94105-1905

766,390   26.66 %

National Financial Services, LLC

200 Seaport Boulevard

Boston, MA 02210-2031

395,986   12.23 %

Vanguard Marketing Corporation

100 Vanguard Boulevard

Malvern, PA 19355-2331

293,430   9.06 %

 

As of November 30, 2017, the Directors and officers as a group owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.

 

26

 

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES

 

Advisory Agreement

 

The Adviser renders advisory services to the Fund pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement (“Advisory Agreement”) dated September 15, 1999. Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser is entitled to receive a monthly fee from the Fund calculated at an annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The Adviser has agreed to limit the Fund’s Total Annual Operating Expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) to the extent that such expenses exceed 1.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and certain of these expenses could cause net total annual fund operating expenses to exceed 1.25%: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. The Adviser may not recoup waived advisory fees or reimbursed expenses. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2018 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Company’s Board of Directors. As necessary, this limitation is effected in waivers of advisory fees and reimbursements of expenses exceeding the advisory fee. There can be no assurance that the Adviser will continue such waivers indefinitely. John C. Bogle, Jr., the Fund’s portfolio manager (the “Portfolio Manager”), is the President of the Adviser.

 

Subject to the supervision of the Company’s Board of Directors, the Adviser will provide for the overall management of the Fund including (i) the provision of a continuous investment program for the Fund, including investment research and management with respect to all securities, investments, cash and cash equivalents, (ii) the determination from time to time of what securities and other investments will be purchased, retained, or sold by the Fund, and (iii) the placement from time to time of orders for all purchases and sales made for the Fund.

 

The Adviser will pay all expenses incurred by it in connection with its activities under the Advisory Agreement. The Fund bears all of its own expenses not specifically assumed by the Adviser. General expenses of the Company not readily identifiable as belonging to a portfolio of the Company are allocated among all investment portfolios by or under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors in such manner as it deems to be fair and equitable. Expenses borne by the Fund include, but are not limited to the expenses listed in the Prospectus and the following (or the Fund’s share of the following): (a) the cost (including brokerage commissions) of securities purchased or sold by the Fund and any losses incurred in connection therewith; (b) expenses of organizing the Company that are not attributable to a class of the Company; (c) any costs, expenses or losses arising out of a liability of or claim for damages or other relief asserted against the Company or the Fund for violation of any law; (d) any extraordinary expenses; (e) fees, voluntary assessments and other expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; (f) costs of mailing and tabulating proxies and costs of shareholders’ and Directors’ meetings; and (g) the cost of investment company literature and other publications provided by the Company to its directors and officers. Distribution expenses, transfer agency expenses, expenses of preparation, printing and mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information, proxy statements and reports to

shareholders, and organizational expenses and registration fees, identified as belonging to a particular class of the Company, are allocated to such class.

 

Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser will not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Company or the Fund in connection with the performance of the Advisory Agreement, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Adviser in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard of its duties and obligations thereunder.

 

The advisory fees, including waivers and reimbursements for the past three fiscal years are as follows:

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended   Advisory Fees (after waivers
and reimbursements)
    Waivers     Reimbursements  
August 31, 2017   $ 1,027,432     $ 110,418     $ 0  
August 31, 2016   $ 1,210,908     $ 234,943     $ 0  
August 31, 2015   $ 1,865,877     $ 168,555     $ 0  

 

The Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser shall at all times have all rights in and to the Fund’s name and all investment models used by or on behalf of the Fund. The Adviser may use the Fund’s name or any portion thereof in connection with any other mutual fund or business activity without the consent of any shareholder, and the Company has agreed to execute and deliver any and all documents required to indicate its consent to such use.

 

27

 

Portfolio Manager

 

Description of Compensation . The Fund’s Portfolio Manager receives a base salary, a retirement plan contribution, a bonus and profit distributions from his ownership stake in the Adviser. Compensation and bonus is based on the Adviser’s overall profitability. The Adviser’s profitability, and thus compensation from its profit distributions, is directly related to the Adviser’s investment performance for accounts with performance-based fees (most accounts, all strategies), as well as assets under management. Base salary and bonuses are determined annually based on a series of factors including investment performance and the Adviser’s profitability. An annual retirement plan contribution is based on a fixed percentage of total annual salary and bonus.

 

Material Conflicts of Interest. The Adviser does not trade any proprietary accounts; however, the Portfolio Manager does have an economic interest in several of the accounts managed by the Adviser, either through direct ownership or through performance fees. Therefore, the Adviser has policies in place to ensure that accounts in which the Portfolio Manager holds an interest (either directly or through a potential performance fee) are not favored over other accounts. This conflict is mitigated in the following ways: (1) equitable, well documented trade allocation procedures; (2) daily performance monitoring and risk tracking; (3) broad direct ownership by the Portfolio Manager in all of the Adviser’s investment strategies; (4) performance-based fees in accounts that represent all of the Adviser’s investment strategies; and (5) ownership and compensation policies based on the success of the overall Adviser, not just a specific investment strategy.

 

Other Accounts . The table below discloses accounts, other than the Fund, for which the Portfolio Manager is primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management, as of the Fund’s most recently completed fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Name of Portfolio Manager or
Team Member
  Type of Accounts   Total
# of
Accounts
Managed
    Total Assets     # of Accounts
Managed that
Advisory Fee is
Based on
Performance
    Total Assets
that Advisory
Fee is Based on
Performance
 
John C. Bogle, Jr.   Other Registered Investment Companies   0     $0     0     $0  
    Other Pooled Investment   5     $ 1.9 billion     5     $1.9 billion  
    Vehicles:                        
    Other Accounts:   4     $473 million     4     $473 million  

 

Securities Ownership . The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the Portfolio Manager in the Fund as of August 31, 2017.

 

Portfolio Manager     Dollar ($) Value of Fund Shares
Beneficially Owned
 
John C. Bogle, Jr.     Over $1,000,000  

 

Custodian Agreement

 

U.S. Bank, N.A., (the “Custodian”), 1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212 serves as custodian of the Fund’s assets pursuant to a custodian agreement between the Custodian and the Company (the “Custodian Agreement”). Under the Custodian Agreement, the Custodian (a) maintains a separate account or accounts in the name of the Fund, (b) holds and transfers portfolio securities on account of the Fund, (c) accepts receipts and makes disbursements of money on behalf of the Fund, (d) collects and receives all income and other payments and distributions on account of the Fund’s portfolio securities and (e) makes periodic reports to the Company’s Board of Directors concerning the Fund’s operations. The Custodian is authorized to select one or more banks or trust companies to serve as sub-custodian on behalf of the Fund, provided that the Custodian remains responsible for the performance of all its duties under the Custodian Agreement and holds the Company harmless from the acts and omissions of any sub-custodian. For its services to the Fund under the Custodian Agreement, the Custodian receives a fee based on the Fund’s average gross assets calculated daily and payable monthly. Transaction charges and out-of-pocket expenses are also charged to the Fund.

 

28

 

Transfer Agency Agreement

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“USBFS”), with corporate offices at 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, serves as the transfer and dividend disbursing agent for the Fund pursuant to a transfer agency and servicing agreement (collectively, the “Transfer Agency Agreement”). Under the Transfer Agency Agreement, USBFS (a) issues and redeems Shares of the Fund, (b) addresses and mails all communications by the Fund to record owners of Shares of the Fund, including reports to shareholders, dividend and distribution notices and proxy materials for its meetings of shareholders, (c) maintains shareholder accounts and, if requested, sub-accounts and (d) makes periodic reports to the Board concerning the operations of the Fund. USBFS may, subject to the Board’s approval, assign its duties as transfer and dividend disbursing agent to any affiliate. For its services to the Fund under the Transfer Agency Agreement, USBFS receives an annual fee based on the number of accounts in the Fund and the Fund’s average gross assets calculated daily and payable monthly. Transaction charges and out-of-pocket expenses are also charged to the Fund.

 

USBFS also provides services relating to the implementation of the Company’s Anti-Money Laundering Program. In addition, USBFS provides services relating to the implementation of the Company’s Customer Identification Program, including the verification of required customer information and the maintenance of records with respect to such verification.

 

Administration and Accounting Services Agreement

 

USBFS, located at 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202, serves as fund administrator to the Fund pursuant to a fund administration servicing agreement, and serves as fund accountant pursuant to a fund accounting servicing agreement (the “Administration Agreements”). Under the fund accounting servicing agreement, USBFS has agreed to furnish to the Fund statistical and research data, clerical, accounting and bookkeeping services, and certain other services required by the Fund. Under the fund administration servicing agreement, USBFS has agreed to provide fund administration services to the Company. These services include the preparation and coordination of the Company’s annual post-effective amendment filing and supplements to the Fund’s registration statement, the preparation and assembly of board meeting materials, and certain other services necessary to the Company’s fund administration. In addition, USBFS has agreed to prepare and file various reports with the appropriate regulatory agencies and prepare materials required by the SEC or any state securities commission having jurisdiction over the Fund.

 

The Administration Agreements provide that USBFS shall be obligated to exercise reasonable care in the performance of its duties and that USFBS shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or any loss suffered by the Company in connection with its duties under the Administration Agreements, except a loss resulting from USBSF’s refusal or failure to comply with the terms of the applicable Administration Agreement or from its bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties thereunder.

 

USBFS receives a fee under the Administration Agreements based on the average daily net assets of the Company.

 

Effective October 1, 2016, USBFS replaced the Fund’s prior administrator as fund administrator and fund accountant to the Fund. For the fiscal years ended August 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, the Fund paid USBFS and the Fund’s prior administrator certain administration, accounting and regulatory administration fees and related out-of- pocket expenses as follows:

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended   Administration, Accounting and Regulatory Administration Fees and Expenses (after waivers and reimbursements)     Waivers     Reimbursements  
August 31, 2017   $ 64,224     $ 0     $ 0  
August 31, 2016   $ 201,488     $ 18,073     $ 0  
August 31, 2015   $ 266,961     $ 25,430     $ 0  

 

29

 

Distribution and Shareholder Servicing

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), whose principal business address is 777 East Wisconsin Avenue, Floor 6, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, serves as the underwriter to the Fund pursuant to the terms of a distribution agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”). The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). The Distributor is not affiliated with the Company or the Adviser. The Distributor, U.S. Bank, N.A., and USBFS are affiliates.

 

Under the Distribution Agreement with the Fund, the Distributor acts as the agent of the Company in connection with the continuous offering of shares of the Fund. The Distributor continually distributes shares of the Fund on a best efforts basis. The Distributor has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of Fund shares. The Distributor and its officers have no role in determining the investment policies or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Company.

 

The Distributor may enter into agreements with selected broker-dealers, banks or other financial intermediaries for distribution of shares of the Fund. With respect to certain financial intermediaries and related fund “supermarket” platform arrangements, the Fund and/or the Adviser, rather than the Distributor, typically enter into such agreements. These financial intermediaries may charge a fee for their services and may receive shareholder service or other fees from parties other than the Distributor. These financial intermediaries may otherwise act as processing agents and are responsible for promptly transmitting purchase, redemption and other requests to the Fund.

 

Investors who purchase shares through financial intermediaries will be subject to the procedures of those intermediaries through which they purchase shares, which may include charges, investment minimums, cutoff times and other restrictions in addition to, or different from, those listed herein. Information concerning any charges or services will be provided to customers by the financial intermediary through which they purchase shares. Investors purchasing shares of the Fund through financial intermediaries should acquaint themselves with their financial intermediary’s procedures and should read the Prospectus in conjunction with any materials and information provided by their financial intermediary. The financial intermediary, and not its customers, will be the shareholder of record, although customers may have the right to vote shares depending upon their arrangement with the financial intermediary. The Distributor does not receive compensation from the Fund for its distribution services except the distribution/service fees with respect to the shares of those classes for which a Rule 12b-1 distribution plan is effective. The Adviser pays the Distributor a fee for certain distribution-related services.

 

The Distribution Agreement has an initial term of up to two years and will continue in effect only if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by vote of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities in accordance with the 1940 Act. The Distribution Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Company on behalf of the Fund on no less than 60 days’ written notice when authorized either by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the members of the Board who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Company and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Distribution Agreement, or by the Distributor, and will automatically terminate in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act). The Distribution Agreement provides that the Distributor shall not be liable for any loss suffered by the Company in connection with the performance of the Distributor’s obligations and duties under the Distribution Agreement, except a loss resulting from the Distributor’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of such duties and obligations, or by reason of its reckless disregard thereof.

 

FUND TRANSACTIONS

 

Subject to policies established by the Board and other applicable rules, the Adviser is responsible for the execution of portfolio transactions and the allocation of brokerage transactions for the Fund. The Adviser has broad supervision over the placement of securities orders for the Fund. The Adviser has the authority to determine the broker-dealer to be used in any securities transaction and the commission rate to be paid. While the primary criterion for all transactions in portfolio securities is the execution of orders at the most favorable net price, numerous additional factors are considered by the Adviser when arranging for the purchase and sale of the Fund’s portfolio securities. These include restrictions imposed by the federal securities laws and the allocation of brokerage in return for certain services and materials described below. In determining the abilities of the broker-dealer to obtain best execution of a particular transaction, the Adviser will consider all relevant factors including the execution capabilities required by the transaction(s), the ability and willingness of the broker-dealer to facilitate the Fund’s portfolio transactions promptly and at reasonable expense, the importance to the Fund of speed, efficiency or confidentiality and the broker-dealer’s apparent familiarity with sources from or to whom particular securities might be purchased or sold, as well as any other matters the Adviser deems relevant to the selection of a broker-dealer for a particular portfolio transaction of the Fund.

 

30

 

When the “best execution” criteria are satisfied, those broker-dealers who supplement the Adviser’s capabilities with trading execution and research services, within the parameters of Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, may be selected by the Adviser to provide brokerage services. Research services include both proprietary research (created or developed by the broker-dealer) and research created or developed by a third party.

 

Ongoing research, computer systems and market data feeds are critical elements of the Adviser’s investment management process. Accordingly, the Adviser is a significant user of broker-provided products and services that assist the Adviser in carrying out its investment and trading decisions. These products and services include: quotation services; trading; research (including proprietary) and portfolio management systems and consulting services; data; software; seminars; prime brokerage; custody and clearance services; other data services; trading and data feeds; proxy research; and trading communication services. In the absence of soft dollar arrangements, the Adviser would have to pay directly for these services. Further, although best execution is always the primary objective in broker selection, the use of soft dollars means that the Adviser has less incentive to go to execution-only brokers, and that the Adviser may not always obtain the best price.

 

In some cases the Adviser acquires research products or services with soft dollars that also have non-research uses. In these cases the Adviser makes reasonable allocation of the cost of the product or service according to its use. That portion of the product or service that provides administrative or other non-research services is paid for by the Adviser in hard dollars.

 

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the Fund paid $18,320 in aggregate commissions to brokers on account of research services. All research services received from broker-dealers to whom commissions are paid are used collectively. There is no direct relationship between commissions received by a broker-dealer from the Fund’s or a particular client’s transactions and the use of any or all of that broker-dealer’s research material in relation to the Fund or that client’s account. The Adviser may pay a broker-dealer’s brokerage commission in excess of that which another broker-dealer might have charged for the same transaction in recognition of research and brokerage related services provided by the broker-dealer. The variations in brokerage commissions are a result of changes in the Fund’s assets, commission rates, and turnover of the Fund’s securities.

 

The brokerage commissions for the past three fiscal years are as follows:

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended   Brokerage
Commissions
 
August 31, 2017   $ 130,583  
August 31, 2016   $ 228,812  
August 31, 2015   $ 152,238  

 

The Fund is required to identify any securities of the Company’s regular broker-dealers (as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act) or their parents held by the Fund as of the end of the most recent fiscal year. As of August 31, 2017, the Fund held securities valued at $940,674 of Investment Technology Group, one of its regular broker-dealers or their parents.

 

The Adviser typically aggregates orders for the purchase and sale of securities for client portfolios including portfolios of the investment partnerships and registered investment companies it advises. In this process, orders for investment partnerships or registered investment companies in which the Adviser or persons associated with the Adviser have an interest may be aggregated with orders for other client portfolios. Securities purchased or proceeds of securities sold through aggregated orders are allocated to the account of each client or fund that bought or sold such securities at the average execution price. If less than the total of the aggregated orders is executed, purchased securities or proceeds will be allocated pro rata among the participating portfolios. Transaction costs for any transaction will be shared pro rata based on each portfolio’s participation in the transaction. The Fund will not purchase securities during the existence of any underwriting or selling group relating to such security of which the Adviser or any affiliated person (as defined in the 1940 Act) thereof is a member except pursuant to procedures adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors pursuant to Rule 10f-3 under the 1940 Act.

 

31

 

In no instance will portfolio securities be purchased from or sold to the Distributor, U.S. Bank, N.A., or the Adviser or any affiliated person of the foregoing entities except as permitted by SEC exemptive order or by applicable law.

 

Corporate debt and U.S. government securities and many micro- and small-cap stocks are generally traded on the over-the-counter market on a “net” basis without a stated commission, through dealers acting for their own account and not as brokers. The Fund will engage in transactions with these dealers or deal directly with the issuer unless a better price or execution could be obtained by using a broker. Prices paid to a dealer in debt, micro- or small-cap securities will generally include a “spread,” which is the difference between the prices at which the dealer is willing to purchase and sell the specific security at the time, and includes the dealer’s normal profit.

 

The Adviser may seek to obtain an undertaking from issuers of commercial paper or dealers selling commercial paper to consider the repurchase of such securities from the Fund prior to their maturity at their original cost plus interest (sometimes adjusted to reflect the actual maturity of the securities), if it believes that the Fund’s anticipated need for liquidity makes such action desirable. Any such repurchase prior to maturity reduces the possibility that the Fund would incur a capital loss in liquidating commercial paper (for which there is no established market), especially if interest rates have risen since acquisition of the particular commercial paper.

 

In transactions for securities not actively traded on a securities exchange, the Fund will deal directly with the dealers who make a market in the securities involved, except in those circumstances where better prices and execution are available elsewhere. Such dealers usually are acting as principal for their own account. On occasion, securities may be purchased directly from the issuer. Such portfolio securities are generally traded on a net basis and do not normally involve brokerage commissions. Securities firms may receive brokerage commissions on certain portfolio transactions, including options, futures and options on futures transactions and the purchase and sale of underlying securities upon exercise of options.

 

PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION

 

Shares of the Fund may be sold to corporations or other institutions such as trusts, foundations or broker-dealers purchasing for the accounts of others and may be placed through a financial intermediary. Shares of the Fund may also be purchased directly from the Fund at the NAV per share, by mail or by wire.

 

The Company reserves the right, if conditions exist that make cash payments undesirable, to honor any request for redemption or repurchase of the Fund’s shares by making payment in whole or in part in securities chosen by the Company and valued in the same way as they would be valued for purposes of computing the Fund’s NAV. If payment is made in securities, a shareholder may incur transaction costs in converting these securities into cash. A shareholder will also bear any market risk or tax consequence as a result of a payment in securities. The Company has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act so that the Fund is obligated to redeem its shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its NAV during any 90-day period for any one shareholder of the Fund.

 

Under the 1940 Act, the Company may suspend the right to redemption or postpone the date of payment upon redemption for any period during which the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings), or during which the SEC restricts trading on the NYSE or determines an emergency exists as a result of which disposal or valuation of portfolio securities is not reasonably practicable, or for such other periods as the SEC may permit. (The Company may also suspend or postpone the recordation of the transfer of its shares upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions).

 

Shares of the Fund are subject to redemption by the Company, at the redemption price of such shares as in effect from time to time, including, without limitation: (1) to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of the failure of a shareholder to make full payment for shares purchased by the shareholder or to collect any charge relating to a transaction effected for the benefit of a shareholder as provided in the Prospectus from time to time; (2) if such redemption is, in the opinion of the Board, desirable in order to prevent the Company or any fund from being deemed a “personal holding company” within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”); or (3) if the net income with respect to any particular class of common stock should be negative or it should otherwise be appropriate to carry out the Company’s responsibilities under the 1940 Act.

 

32

 

The Fund reserves the right to redeem a shareholder’s account in the Fund (other than those in an IRA account) at any time the NAV of the account falls below $500 as the result of a redemption request. Shareholders will be notified in writing that the value of their account is less than $500 and will be allowed 30 days to make additional investments before the involuntary redemption is processed.

 

The Fund has the right to redeem your shares at current NAV at any time and without prior notice if, and to the extent that, such redemption is necessary to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of your failure to make full payment for shares of the Fund you previously purchased or subscribed for.

 

TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PROCEDURES

 

The Company’s telephone transaction procedures include the following measures: (1) requiring the appropriate telephone transaction privilege forms; (2) requiring the caller to provide the names of the account owners, the account social security number and name of the Fund, all of which must match the Company’s records; (3) requiring the Company’s service representative to complete a telephone transaction form, listing all of the above caller identification information; (4) permitting exchanges (if applicable) only if the two account registrations are identical; (5) requiring that redemption proceeds be sent only by check to the account owners of record at the address of record, or by electronic funds transfer through the ACH network, or by wire only to the owners of record at the bank account of record; (6) sending a written confirmation for each telephone transaction to the owners of record at the address of record within five (5) business days of the call; and (7) maintaining tapes of telephone transactions for six months, if the Company elects to record shareholder telephone transactions. For accounts held of record by broker-dealers (other than the Distributor), financial institutions, securities dealers, financial planners and other industry professionals, additional documentation or information regarding the scope of a caller’s authority is required. Finally, for telephone transactions in accounts held jointly, additional information regarding other account holders is required.

 

VALUATION OF SHARES

 

In accordance with procedures adopted by the Board, the NAV per share of the Fund is calculated by determining the value of the net assets attributed to the Fund and dividing by the number of outstanding shares of the Fund. All securities are valued on each Business Day as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally, but not always, 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) or such other time as the New York Stock Exchange or National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations System (“NASDAQ”) market may officially close. The term “Business Day” means any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading, which is Monday through Friday except for holidays. The New York Stock Exchange is generally closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day (observed), Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday (observed), Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day (observed), Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day (observed).

 

The time at which transactions and shares are priced and the time by which orders must be received may be changed in case of an emergency or if regular trading on the NYSE is stopped at a time other than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The Company reserves the right to reprocess purchase, redemption and exchange transactions that were initially processed at a NAV other than the Fund’s official closing NAV (as the same may be subsequently adjusted), and to recover amounts from (or distribute amounts to) shareholders based on the official closing NAV. The Company reserves the right to advance the time by which purchase and redemption orders must be received for same business day credit as otherwise permitted by the SEC. In addition, the Fund may compute its NAV as of any time permitted pursuant to any exemption, order or statement of the SEC or its staff.

 

The securities of the Fund are valued under the direction of the Fund’s administrator and under the general supervision of the Board. Prices are generally determined using readily available market prices. Subject to the approval of the Board, the Fund may employ outside organizations, which may use a matrix or formula method that takes into consideration market indices, matrices, yield curves and other specific adjustments in determining the approximate market value of portfolio investments. This may result in the investments being valued at a price that differs from the price that would have been determined had the matrix or formula method not been used. All cash, receivables, and current payables are carried on the Fund’s books at their face value. Other assets, if any, are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Adviser in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors and under the Board’s ultimate supervision.

 

33

 

The procedures used by any pricing service and its valuation results are reviewed by the officers of the Company under the general supervision of the Board.

 

The Fund may hold portfolio securities that are listed on foreign exchanges. These securities may trade on weekends or other days when the Fund does not calculate NAV. As a result, the value of these investments may change on days when you cannot purchase or sell Fund shares.

 

TAXES

 

General

 

The following summarizes certain additional tax considerations generally affecting the Fund and its shareholders that are not described in the Prospectus. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of the tax treatment of the Fund or its shareholders, and the discussions here and in the Prospectus are not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. Potential investors should consult their tax advisers with specific reference to their own tax situations.

 

The discussions of the federal tax consequences in the Prospectus and this SAI are based on the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) and the regulations issued under it, and court decisions and administrative interpretations, as in effect on the date of this SAI. Future legislative or administrative changes or court decisions may significantly alter the statements included herein, and such changes or decisions may be retroactive.

 

The Fund qualified during its last taxable year and intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of Subtitle A, Chapter 1, of the Code. As such, the Fund generally will be exempt from federal income tax on its net investment income and realized capital gains that it distributes to shareholders. To qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company, it must meet three important tests each year.

 

First, the Fund must derive with respect to each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, certain payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities or foreign currencies, other income derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing in stock, securities or currencies, or net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships.

 

Second, generally, at the close of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year, at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s assets must consist of cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and securities of other issuers as to which the Fund has not invested more than 5% of the value of its total assets in securities of the issuer and as to which the Fund does not hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer, and no more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in the securities of (1) any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies), (2) two or more issuers that the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or (3) one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.

 

Third, the Fund must distribute an amount equal to at least the sum of 90% of its investment company taxable income (net investment income and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss) before taking into account any deduction for dividends paid, and 90% of its tax-exempt income, if any, for the year.

 

The Fund intends to comply with these requirements. If the Fund were to fail to make sufficient distributions, it could be liable for corporate income tax and for excise tax in respect of the shortfall or, if the shortfall is large enough, the Fund could be disqualified as a regulated investment company. If for any taxable year the Fund were not to qualify as a regulated investment company, all its taxable income would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders. In that event, shareholders would recognize dividend income on distributions to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, and corporate shareholders could be eligible for the dividends-received deduction.

 

34

 

The Code imposes a nondeductible 4% excise tax on regulated investment companies that fail to distribute each year an amount equal to specified percentages of their ordinary taxable income and capital gain net income (excess of capital gains over capital losses). The Fund intends to make sufficient distributions or deemed distributions each year to avoid liability for this excise tax.

 

State and Local Taxes

 

Although the Fund expects to qualify as a regulated investment company and to be relieved of all or substantially all federal income taxes, depending upon the extent of its activities in states and localities in which its offices are maintained, in which its agents or independent contractors are located or in which it is otherwise deemed to be conducting business, the Fund may be subject to the tax laws of such states or localities.

 

Taxation of Certain Investments

 

The tax principles applicable to transactions in financial instruments, such as futures contracts and options, that may be engaged in by the Fund, and investments in passive foreign investment companies (“PFICs”), are complex and, in some cases, uncertain. Such transactions and investments may cause the Fund to recognize taxable income prior to the receipt of cash, thereby requiring the Fund to liquidate other positions, or to borrow money, so as to make sufficient distributions to shareholders to avoid corporate-level tax. Moreover, some or all of the taxable income recognized may be ordinary income or short-term capital gain, so that the distributions may be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.

 

In addition, in the case of any shares of a PFIC in which the Fund invests, the Fund may be liable for corporate-level tax on any ultimate gain or distributions on the shares if the Fund fails to make an election to recognize income annually during the period of its ownership of the shares.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING COMPANY SHARES

 

The Company has authorized capital of 100 billion shares of common stock at a par value of $0.001 per share. Currently, 84.923 billion shares have been classified into 176 classes, however, the Company only has 43 active share classes that have begun investment operations. Under the Company’s Charter, the Board has the power to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of common stock from time to time.

 

Each share that represents an interest in the Fund has an equal proportionate interest in the assets belonging to the Fund with each other share that represents an interest in the Fund, even where a share has a different class designation than another share representing an interest in that Fund. Shares of the Company do not have preemptive or conversion rights. When issued for payment as described in the Prospectus, shares of the Company will be fully paid and non-assessable.

 

The Company does not currently intend to hold annual meetings of shareholders except as required by the 1940 Act or other applicable law. The Company’s amended By-Laws provide that shareholders collectively owning at least 10% of the outstanding shares of all classes of common stock of the Company have the right to call for a meeting of shareholders to consider the removal of one or more directors. To the extent required by law, the Company will assist in shareholder communication in such matters.

 

Shareholders of the Fund will vote in the aggregate and not by class on all matters, except where otherwise required by law. Further, shareholders of the Company will vote in the aggregate and not by portfolio except as otherwise required by law or when the Board determines that the matter to be voted upon affects only the interests of the shareholders of a particular portfolio or class of shares. Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides that any matter required to be submitted by the provisions of such Act or applicable state law, or otherwise, to the holders of the outstanding voting securities of an investment company such as the Company shall not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities, as defined in the 1940 Act, of each portfolio affected by the matter. Rule 18f-2 further provides that a portfolio shall be deemed to be affected by a matter unless it is clear that the interests of each portfolio in the matter are identical or that the matter does not affect any interest of the portfolio. Under Rule 18f-2, the approval of an investment advisory agreement, distribution agreement or any change in a fundamental investment objective or fundamental investment policy would be effectively acted upon with respect to a portfolio only if approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined by the 1940 Act) of such portfolio. However, the Rule also provides that the ratification of the selection of independent public accountants, the approval of principal underwriting contracts and the election of directors are not subject to the separate voting requirements and may be effectively acted upon by shareholders of an investment company voting without regard to a portfolio. Shareholders of the Company are entitled to one vote for each full share held (irrespective of class or portfolio) and fractional votes for fractional shares held. Voting rights are not cumulative and, accordingly, the holders of more than 50% of the aggregate shares of common stock of the Company may elect all of the Directors.

 

35

 

Notwithstanding any provision of Maryland law requiring a greater vote of shares of the Company’s common stock (or of any class voting as a class) in connection with any corporate action, unless otherwise provided by law or by the Company’s Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, the Company may take or authorize such action upon the favorable vote of the holders of more than 50% of all of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote on the matter voting without regard to class (or portfolio).

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Counsel

 

The law firm of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, One Logan Square, Suite 2000, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, serves as independent counsel to the Company and the Independent Directors.

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Two Commerce Square, Suite 1800, 2001 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, serves as the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The audited financial statements and notes thereto in the Fund’s Annual Report to shareholders for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017 (the “Annual Report”) are incorporated by reference into this SAI. No other parts of the Annual Report are incorporated by reference herein. The financial statements included in the Annual Report have been audited by the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose report thereon also appears in the Annual Report and is incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements have been incorporated herein in reliance upon such reports given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing. Copies of the Annual Report may be obtained at no charge by telephoning the Fund at the telephone number appearing on the front page of this SAI.

 

36

 

APPENDIX A

 

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS

 

Short-Term Credit Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings short-term issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation having an original maturity of no more than 365 days. The following summarizes the rating categories used by S&P Global Ratings for short-term issues:

 

“A-1” – A short-term obligation rated “A-1” is rated in the highest category by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

 

“A-2” – A short-term obligation rated “A-2” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is satisfactory.

 

“A-3” – A short-term obligation rated “A-3” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken an obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“B” – A short-term obligation rated “B” is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.

 

“C” – A short-term obligation rated “C” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“D” – A short-term obligation rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

 

Local Currency and Foreign Currency Ratings – S&P Global Ratings’ issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. An issuer’s foreign currency rating will differ from its local currency rating when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.

 

Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) short-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect both on the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default.

 

Moody’s employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

 

“P-1” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

“P-2” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

A- 1

 

“P-3” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.

 

“NP” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issuer.

 

Fitch, Inc. / Fitch Ratings Ltd. (“Fitch”) short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as “short-term” based on market convention. Typically, this means up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign, and structured obligations and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets. The following summarizes the rating categories used by Fitch for short-term obligations:

 

“F1” – Securities possess the highest short-term credit quality. This designation indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

 

“F2” – Securities possess good short-term credit quality. This designation indicates good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.

 

“F3” – Securities possess fair short-term credit quality. This designation indicates that the intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.

 

“B” – Securities possess speculative short-term credit quality. This designation indicates minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

 

“C” – Securities possess high short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility.

 

“RD” – Restricted default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only.

 

“D” – Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) – The “F1” rating may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show the relative status within that major rating category.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issue of a rated issuer.

 

The DBRS® Ratings Limited (“DBRS”) short-term debt rating scale provides an opinion on the risk that an issuer will not meet its short-term financial obligations in a timely manner. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer and the relative ranking of claims. The R-1 and R-2 rating categories are further denoted by the sub-categories “(high)”, “(middle)”, and “(low)”.

 

The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for commercial paper and short-term debt:

 

“R-1 (high)” - Short-term debt rated “R-1 (high)” is of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is exceptionally high. Unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.

 

“R-1 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (middle)” is of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is very high. Differs from “R-1 (high)” by a relatively modest degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.

 

A- 2

 

“R-1 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (low)” is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is substantial. Overall strength is not as favorable as higher rating categories. May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.

 

“R-2 (high)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (high)” is considered to be at the upper end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.

 

“R-2 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (middle)” is considered to be of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events or may be exposed to other factors that could reduce credit quality.

 

“R-2 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (low)” is considered to be at the lower end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events. A number of challenges are present that could affect the issuer’s ability to meet such obligations.

 

“R-3” – Short-term debt rated “R-3” is considered to be at the lowest end of adequate credit quality. There is a capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due. May be vulnerable to future events and the certainty of meeting such obligations could be impacted by a variety of developments.

 

“R-4” – Short-term debt rated “R-4” is considered to be of speculative credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is uncertain.

 

“R-5” – Short-term debt rated “R-5” is considered to be of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet short-term financial obligations as they fall due.

 

“D” – Short-term debt rated “D” is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to “D” may occur. DBRS may also use “SD” (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a “distressed exchange”.

 

Long-Term Credit Ratings

 

The following summarizes the ratings used by S&P Global Ratings for long-term issues:

 

“AAA” – An obligation rated “AAA” has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is extremely strong.

 

“AA” – An obligation rated “AA” differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is very strong.

 

“A” – An obligation rated “A” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is still strong.

 

“BBB” – An obligation rated “BBB” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC” and “C” – Obligations rated “BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC” and “C” are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. “BB” indicates the least degree of speculation and “C” the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposure to adverse conditions.

 

A- 3

 

“BB” – An obligation rated “BB” is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“B” – An obligation rated “B” is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated “BB”, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“CCC” – An obligation rated “CCC” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“CC” – An obligation rated “CC” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The “CC” rating is used when a default has not yet occurred, but S&P Global Ratings expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.

 

“C” – An obligation rated “C” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared with obligations that are rated higher.

 

“D” – An obligation rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) – The ratings from “AA” to “CCC” may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

 

“NR” – This indicates that no rating has been requested, or that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P Global Ratings does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.

 

Local Currency and Foreign Currency Risks - S&P Global Ratings’ issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. An issuer’s foreign currency rating will differ from its local currency rating when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.

 

Moody’s long-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of one year or more. Such ratings reflect both on the likelihood of default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for long-term debt:

 

“Aaa” – Obligations rated “Aaa” are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk.

 

“Aa” – Obligations rated “Aa” are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.

 

“A” – Obligations rated “A” are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.

 

“Baa” – Obligations rated “Baa” are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.

 

“Ba” – Obligations rated “Ba” are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.

 

A- 4

 

“B” – Obligations rated “B” are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.

 

“Caa” – Obligations rated “Caa” are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.

 

“Ca” – Obligations rated “Ca” are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.

 

“C” – Obligations rated “C” are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.

 

Note: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from “Aa” through “Caa.” The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to unrated obligations.

 

The following summarizes long-term ratings used by Fitch :

 

“AAA” – Securities considered to be of the highest credit quality. “AAA” ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

 

“AA” – Securities considered to be of very high credit quality. “AA” ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

 

“A” – Securities considered to be of high credit quality. “A” ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

 

“BBB” – Securities considered to be of good credit quality. “BBB” ratings indicate that expectations of credit risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.

 

“BB” – Securities considered to be speculative. “BB” ratings indicate that there is an elevated vulnerability to credit risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met.

 

“B” – Securities considered to be highly speculative. “B” ratings indicate that material credit risk is present.

 

“CCC” – A “CCC” rating indicates that substantial credit risk is present.

 

“CC” – A “CC” rating indicates very high levels of credit risk.

 

“C” – A “C” rating indicates exceptionally high levels of credit risk.

 

Defaulted obligations typically are not assigned “RD” or “D” ratings but are instead rated in the “B” to “C” rating categories, depending on their recovery prospects and other relevant characteristics. Fitch believes that this approach better aligns obligations that have comparable overall expected loss but varying vulnerability to default and loss.

 

A- 5

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the “AAA” obligation rating category, or to corporate finance obligation ratings in the categories below “CCC”.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issue of a rated issuer.

 

The DBRS long-term rating scale provides an opinion on the risk of default. That is, the risk that an issuer will fail to satisfy its financial obligations in accordance with the terms under which an obligation has been issued. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer, and the relative ranking of claims. All rating categories other than AAA and D also contain subcategories “(high)” and “(low)”. The absence of either a “(high)” or “(low)” designation indicates the rating is in the middle of the category. The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for long-term debt:

 

“AAA” – Long-term debt rated “AAA” is of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is exceptionally high and unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.

 

“AA” – Long-term debt rated “AA” is of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered high. Credit quality differs from “AAA” only to a small degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.

 

“A” – Long-term debt rated “A” is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is substantial, but of lesser credit quality than “AA.” May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.

 

“BBB” – Long-term debt rated “BBB” is of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.

 

“BB” – Long-term debt rated “BB” is of speculative, non-investment grade credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is uncertain. Vulnerable to future events.

 

“B” – Long-term debt rated “B” is of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet financial obligations.

 

“CCC”, “CC” and “C” – Long-term debt rated in any of these categories is of very highly speculative credit quality. In danger of defaulting on financial obligations. There is little difference between these three categories, although “CC” and “C” ratings are normally applied to obligations that are seen as highly likely to default, or subordinated to obligations rated in the “CCC” to “B” range. Obligations in respect of which default has not technically taken place but is considered inevitable may be rated in the “C” category.

 

“D” – A security rated “D” is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to “D” may occur. DBRS may also use “SD” (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a “distressed exchange”.

 

Municipal Note Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings U.S. municipal note rating reflects S&P Global Ratings’ opinion about the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to the notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes with an original maturity of more than three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. In determining which type of rating, if any, to assign, S&P Global Ratings’ analysis will review the following considerations:

 

Amortization schedule - the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and

 

A- 6

 

Source of payment - the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.

 

Municipal Short-Term Note rating symbols are as follows:

 

“SP-1” – A municipal note rated “SP-1” exhibits a strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.

 

“SP-2” – A municipal note rated “SP-2” exhibits a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.

 

“SP-3” – A municipal note rated “SP-3” exhibits a speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

 

Moody’s uses the Municipal Investment Grade (“MIG”) scale to rate U.S. municipal bond anticipation notes of up to three years maturity. Municipal notes rated on the MIG scale may be secured by either pledged revenues or proceeds of a take-out financing received prior to note maturity. MIG ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation, and the issuer’s long-term rating is only one consideration in assigning the MIG rating. MIG ratings are divided into three levels – “MIG-1” through “MIG-3” while speculative grade short-term obligations are designated “SG”. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for short-term municipal obligations:

 

“MIG-1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

 

“MIG-2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.

 

“MIG-3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.

 

“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated obligation.

 

In the case of variable rate demand obligations (“VRDOs”), a two-component rating is assigned: a long or short-term debt rating and a demand obligation rating. The first element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with scheduled principal and interest payments. The second element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with the ability to receive purchase price upon demand (“demand feature”). The second element uses a rating from a variation of the MIG scale called the Variable Municipal Investment Grade or “VMIG” scale. The rating transitions on the VMIG scale differ from those on the Prime scale to reflect the risk that external liquidity support generally will terminate if the issuer’s long-term rating drops below investment grade.

 

“VMIG-1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“VMIG-2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“VMIG-3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

A- 7

 

“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated obligation.

 

About Credit Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion reflects S&P Global Ratings’ view of the obligor’s capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and this opinion may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.

 

Moody’s credit ratings must be construed solely as statements of opinion and not statements of fact or recommendations to purchase, sell or hold any securities.

 

Fitch’s credit ratings provide an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of principal, insurance claims or counterparty obligations. Fitch credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving the money owed to them in accordance with the terms on which they invested. Fitch’s credit ratings cover the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign financial, bank, insurance, and public finance entities (including supranational and sub-national entities) and the securities or other obligations they issue, as well as structured finance securities backed by receivables or other financial assets.

 

Credit ratings provided by DBRS are forward-looking opinions about credit risk which reflect the creditworthiness of an issuer, rated entity, and/or security. Credit ratings are not statements of fact. While historical statistics and performance can be important considerations, credit ratings are not based solely on such; they include subjective considerations and involve expectations for future performance that cannot be guaranteed. To the extent that future events and economic conditions do not match expectations, credit ratings assigned to issuers and/or securities can change. Credit ratings are also based on approved and applicable methodologies, models and criteria (“Methodologies”), which are periodically updated and when material changes are deemed necessary, this may also lead to rating changes.

 

Credit ratings typically provide an opinion on the risk that investors may not be repaid in accordance with the terms under which the obligation was issued. In some cases, credit ratings may also include consideration for the relative ranking of claims and recovery, should default occur. Credit ratings are meant to provide opinions on relative measures of risk and are not based on expectations of any specific default probability, nor are they meant to predict such.

 

The data and information on which DBRS bases its opinions is not audited or verified by DBRS, although DBRS conducts a reasonableness review of information received and relied upon in accordance with its Methodologies and policies.

 

DBRS uses rating symbols as a concise method of expressing its opinion to the market, but there are a limited number of rating categories for the possible slight risk differentials that exist across the rating spectrum and DBRS does not assert that credit ratings in the same category are of “exactly” the same quality.

 

A- 8

 

APPENDIX B

 

BOGLE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, L.P.

PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES

 

It is the policy at Bogle Investment Management, L.P. (BIM), to vote all proxies, where we have been delegated the fiduciary duty to do so, in order to maximize shareholder value and the value of our investments. Whenever there is a conflict between the interests of BIM and the interests of its clients with regards to a proxy vote, it is BIM’s policy to act in the best interest of its clients. The proxy voting guidelines below summarize BIM’s position on various issues of concern to shareholders and investors. In order to facilitate the proxy voting process, we may retain a proxy service provider to assist us with proxy research, vote execution and record keeping. This proxy service provider coordinates with our prime brokers and our clients’ custodians to ensure that all proxy materials for each client are received and executed on a timely basis. This proxy service provider also votes the proxies in accordance with our pre-determined policy and in consultation with BIM for non-routine, unusual or controversial issues.

 

In the case where an outside proxy firm is used and the firm makes vote recommendations, BIM uses its best efforts to ensure that these recommendations benefit investors rather than the provider firm’s own commercial interests. One of our key criterion in selecting a provider is independence, considering sources of revenue as well as industry reputation. Further, our relationship with our provider is more implementation oriented than recommendation oriented, in that the provider works from a pre-determined set of policies, created by BIM and customized to suit our needs.

 

No set of guidelines can anticipate every issue that may arise. The guidelines are not exhaustive and do not include all potential voting issues or variations on existing issues. Many of the issues and the circumstances of individual companies are different, and there may be instances when we adjust our position and may not vote in strict adherence to these guidelines. Also, in cases where there are no pre-determined policy guidelines, the third party service provider contacts BIM to determine the proper course of action.

 

As part of our ongoing investment process, our investment professionals may encounter significant corporate developments. As these situations arise, we may adjust votes for specific securities based on the current information.

 

Our proxy voting guidelines are summarized below, including specific examples of commonly presented items.

 

I. GUIDELINES FOR DOMESTIC SECURITIES

 

Election of the Board of Directors:

 

We will generally vote for the company’s nominees, provided that the Board maintains a majority of independent directors. We will vote on a case-by-case basis for contested elections.

 

Classified Board Structure:

 

We are generally against the adoption of classified board structures, where the board of directors is elected on a staggered basis instead of each director elected annually. We are generally against proposals to declassify boards, unless there are special circumstances where shareholders would benefit from the declassification.

 

Cumulative Voting:

 

We are generally against proposals to allow cumulative voting by shareholders.

 

Supermajority Voting:

 

We are generally against proposals to require a supermajority for shareholder votes.

 

Election of Auditors:

 

Our policies generally support the re-election of auditors unless:

 

B- 1

 

An auditor has a financial interest in or association with the company, and is therefore not independent.

 

There is reason to believe that the auditor rendered an opinion that is either inaccurate or not indicative of the company’s financial position.

 

We will review fees paid by a company for non-audit services on a case-by-case basis to determine if they are so excessive as to impair the auditor’s appearance of independence.

 

Executive Compensation:

 

We are generally in favor of proposals that link executive compensation to both the company’s long-term performance and to the performance of its peer group, unless such proposals are excessive. We will vote on a case-by-case basis on proposals to reprice options and to institute or amend employee stock purchase plans.

 

Golden Parachutes:

 

We are generally for shareholder proposals to require a shareholder vote to approve any plans greater than two times salary and bonus. We will review any proposals to repeal or cancel existing plans on a case-by-case basis.

 

Poison Pills:

 

These are anti-takeover provisions that can make it more difficult for an outside party to take control of a company without the approval of the board of directors. We are generally for any shareholder proposals to require a company to submit its poison pill plan for shareholder approval. We will review on a case-by-case basis any proposals to redeem or revise any existing plans.

 

Common Stock Authorization:

 

We generally vote for the authorization to increase shares of common stock for routine corporate purposes such as for stock splits or share repurchase programs. Any non-routine issuances or issuances in connection with corporate restructurings are voted on as case-by-case basis.

 

Preferred Stock:

 

We generally vote against proposals to create a new class of preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend distribution, and other rights — “blank check” stock. We review requests for issuances of preferred stock on a case-by-case basis.

 

State of Incorporation:

 

We vote on a case-by-case basis on any proposals to change a company’s state or country of incorporation.

 

Corporate Restructurings:

 

We vote on all mergers, acquisitions, spin-offs, liquidations and any other corporate restructurings on a case-by-case basis.

 

Social Issues and Corporate Responsibility Issues:

 

As there are many variations on these types of issues, we evaluate all shareholder proposals individually and vote for each on a case-by-case basis.

 

B- 2

 

II. GUIDELINES FOR INTERNATIONAL SECURITIES

 

For some of our clients we invest in foreign domiciled securities. For those securities that are incorporated in foreign jurisdictions and are not listed on US securities exchanges or the NASDAQ, protection for shareholders may vary significantly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Laws governing foreign issuers may, in some cases, provide substantially less protection for shareholders. Corporate governance systems differ country by country. As a result, the foregoing guidelines may not be appropriate under some circumstances for foreign issuers. The funds will vote proxies of foreign issuers in accordance with the foregoing guidelines where applicable, and any exceptions or unusual circumstances will be voted on a case-by-case basis.

 

Share blocking (explicitly or de facto through share transfer to a segregated account) occurs in some, but not all, global markets. Clients cannot trade those blocked shares from the time the voting instructions are received to the meeting date. In many markets, meetings are often postponed, sometimes more than once, because they were unable to reach a quorum. In most cases, the voting instructions remain valid until the next scheduled meeting date unless there is a change in the agenda. This means that the shares remain unavailable for trading until the actual meeting. We have decided not to vote proxies where share blocking is an issue. We have communicated this to the separate account clients that are impacted.

 

B- 3  

 

STATEMENT OF

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

of

The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

Institutional Class

Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II - BPSIX

Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund - BPAIX

Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund - BPLSX

Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund - BPIRX

WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund - WPGTX

Boston Partners Global Equity Fund — BPGIX

Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund – BGLSX

Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund – BELSX

Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund – BPEMX

 

Investor Class

Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II — BPSCX

Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund — BPAVX

Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund — BPLEX

Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund — BPRRX

Boston Partners Global Equity Fund — BPGRX

Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund — BGRSX

 

December 31, 2017

 

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) provides information about the Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II (the “Small Cap Value Fund”), Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund (the “All-Cap Value Fund”), Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund (the “Long/Short Equity Fund”), Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund (the “Long/Short Research Fund”), Boston Partners Global Equity Fund (the “Global Equity Fund”), Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund (the “Global Long/Short Fund”), Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund (the “Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund”), Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund (the “Emerging Markets Fund”), (collectively, the “Boston Partners Funds”) and the WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund (the “WPG Fund”), (each, a “Fund,” two or more together, the “Funds”). The Funds are series of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”). This information is in addition to the information contained in the Institutional Class shares’ Prospectus of the Funds dated December 31, 2017 and the Investor Class shares’ Prospectus of the Funds dated December 31, 2017 (each, a “Prospectus” and together, the “Prospectuses”).

 

This SAI is not a prospectus. It should be read in conjunction with the Prospectuses and the Funds’ Annual Report dated August 31, 2017. Copies of the Prospectuses and Annual and Semi-Annual Reports may be obtained by calling toll-free 1-888-261-4073. The financial statements and notes contained in the Annual Report are incorporated by reference into this SAI. No other part of the Annual Report is incorporated by reference herein.

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS AND POLICIES 1
NON-PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS 23
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS 25
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS 33
CODE OF ETHICS 45
PROXY VOTING 45
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES 46
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES 50
DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENTS 61
FUND TRANSACTIONS 63
SECURITIES LENDING 65
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION 66
OTHER INFORMATION REGARDING MAXIMUM SALES CHARGE, PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS 67
TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PROCEDURES 68
VALUATION OF SHARES 68
TAXES 69
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING COMPANY SHARES 70
MISCELLANEOUS 71
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 71
APPENDIX A A-1
APPENDIX B B-1

 

 

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

The Company is an open-end management investment company currently operating twenty-nine separate portfolios. The Company is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”) and was organized as a Maryland corporation on February 29, 1988. This SAI pertains to the Institutional Class and Investor Class shares representing interests in the Boston Partners Investment Funds, which are offered by the Prospectuses. Each of the Funds except for the Global Equity Fund, the Global Long/Short Fund, and the Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund is diversified. Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. (formerly, Robeco Investment Management, Inc.) (the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Funds.

 

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS AND POLICIES

 

The following supplements the information contained in the Prospectuses concerning the investment objectives and policies of the Funds. To the extent an investment policy is discussed in this SAI but not in the Prospectuses, such policy is not a principal policy of the Funds. Except as indicated, the information below relates only to those Funds that are authorized to invest in the instruments or securities described below.

 

The Small Cap Value Fund seeks to provide long-term growth of capital primarily through investment in equity securities. Current income is a secondary objective.

 

The All-Cap Value Fund seeks to provide long-term growth of capital primarily through investment in equity securities. Current income is a secondary objective.

 

The Long/Short Equity Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation while reducing exposure to general equity market risk. The Fund seeks a total return greater than that of the S&P 500® Index over a full market cycle.

 

The Long/Short Research Fund seeks to provide long-term total return.

 

The WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund seeks capital appreciation by investing primarily in common stocks, securities convertible into common stocks and in special situations.

 

The Global Equity Fund seeks to provide long-term capital growth.

 

The Global Long/Short Fund seeks long-term growth of capital.

 

The Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund seeks long-term growth of capital.

 

The Emerging Markets Fund seeks long-term growth of capital.

 

The Adviser may not necessarily invest in all of the instruments or use all of the investment techniques permitted by the Funds’ Prospectuses and this SAI, or invest in such instruments or engage in such techniques to the full extent permitted by the Funds’ investment policies and limitations.

 

Asset-Backed Securities. The Long/Short Equity Fund, Long/Short Research Fund, Global Long/Short Fund, and Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund may invest in asset-backed securities, which represent participations in, or are secured by and payable from, pools of assets such as motor vehicle installment sale contracts, installment loan contracts, leases of various types of real and personal property, receivables from revolving credit (credit card) agreements and other categories of receivables. Asset-backed securities may also be collateralized by a portfolio of U.S. government securities, but are not direct obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities. Such asset pools are securitized through the use of privately-formed trusts or special purpose corporations. Payments or distributions of principal and interest on asset-backed securities may be guaranteed up to certain amounts and for a certain time period by a letter of credit or a pool insurance policy issued by a financial institution unaffiliated with the trust or corporation, or other credit enhancements may be present; however privately issued obligations collateralized by a portfolio of privately issued asset-backed securities do not involve any government-related guarantee or insurance. Asset-backed securities present credit risks that are not presented by mortgage-backed securities. That is because asset-backed securities generally do not have the benefit of a security interest in collateral that is comparable to mortgage assets.

 

1  

 

Bank and Corporate Obligations. Each Fund may purchase obligations of issuers in the banking industry, such as short-term obligations of bank holding companies, certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances and time deposits issued by U.S. or foreign banks or savings institutions having total assets at the time of purchase in excess of $1 billion. Investment in obligations of foreign banks or foreign branches of U.S. banks may entail risks that are different from those of investments in obligations of U.S. banks due to differences in political, regulatory and economic systems and conditions. The Funds may also make interest-bearing savings deposits in commercial and savings banks in amounts not in excess of 5% of its total assets.

 

The activities of banks are subject to extensive regulations which may limit both the amount and types of loans that may be made and the interest rates that may be charged. In addition, the profitability of the banking industry is largely dependent upon the availability and costs of funds for the purpose of financing lending operations under prevailing money market conditions. General economic conditions as well as exposure to credit losses arising from possible financial difficulties play an important part in the operation of this industry.

 

Each of the Boston Partners Funds may invest in debt obligations, such as bonds and debentures, issued by corporations and other business organizations that are rated at the time of purchase within the three highest ratings categories of Standard & Poor’s® (“S&P”), Fitch, Inc. / Fitch Ratings Ltd. (“Fitch”) or Moody’s Investors, Inc. (“Moody’s”) (or which, if unrated, are determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality). Unrated securities will be determined to be of comparable quality to rated debt obligations if, among other things, other outstanding obligations of the issuers of such securities are rated A or better. See Appendix A to this SAI for a description of corporate debt ratings. An issuer of debt obligations may default on its obligation to pay interest and repay principal. Also, changes in the financial strength of an issuer or changes in the credit rating of a security may affect its value.

 

Borrowing. Each Fund may borrow up to 33 1/3 percent of its respective total assets. The Adviser intends to borrow only for temporary or emergency purposes, including to meet portfolio redemption requests so as to permit the orderly disposition of portfolio securities, or to facilitate settlement transactions on portfolio securities. With respect to the Small Cap Value Fund, All-Cap Value Fund, Global Equity Fund and WPG Fund, investments will not be made when borrowings exceed 5% of a Fund’s total assets. The Long/Short Equity Fund, Long/Short Research Fund, Global Long/Short Fund and Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund may make investments when borrowings exceed 5% of a Fund’s total assets. Although the principal of such borrowings will be fixed, a Fund’s assets may change in value during the time the borrowing is outstanding. Each Fund expects that some of its borrowings may be made on a secured basis. In such situations, either the custodian will segregate the pledged assets for the benefit of the lender or arrangements will be made with a suitable subcustodian, which may include the lender. If the securities held by a Fund should decline in value while borrowings are outstanding, the net asset value (“NAV”) of the Fund’s outstanding shares will decline in value by proportionately more than the decline in value suffered by the Fund’s securities. As a result, a Fund’s share price may be subject to greater fluctuation until the borrowing is paid off. A Fund’s short sales and related borrowings are not subject to the restrictions outlined above. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund will be required to maintain asset coverage of at least 300% for borrowings from a bank. In the event that such asset coverage is below 300%, the Fund will be required to reduce the amount of its borrowings to obtain 300% asset coverage within three business days.

 

2  

 

Contracts for Differences . The Global Long/Short Fund, Long/Short Research Fund, Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund and Emerging Markets Fund (for this section only, each a “Fund”) may enter into Contracts for Differences (“CFDs”). CFDs are leveraged derivative instruments that allow a Fund to take a position on the change in the market price of an underlying asset, such as a stock, or the value of an index or currency exchange rate. With a long CFD, a Fund is looking to profit from increases in the market price of a particular asset. With a short CFD a Fund is seeking to profit from falls in the market price of the asset. CFDs are subject to liquidity risk because the liquidity of CFDs is based on the liquidity of the underlying instrument, and are subject to counterparty risk, i.e., the risk that the counterparty to the CFD transaction may be unable or unwilling to make payments or to otherwise honor its financial obligations under the terms of the contract. It is also possible that the market price of the CFD will move between the time the order is placed by a Fund and when it is executed by the issuer, which can result in the trade being executed at a less favorable price. CFDs, like many other derivative instruments, involve the risk that, if the derivative security declines in value, additional margin would be required to maintain the margin level. The seller may require a Fund to deposit additional sums to cover this, and this may be at short notice. If additional margin is not provided in time, the seller may liquidate the positions at a loss for which a Fund is liable. Most CFDs are traded over-the-counter. CFDs are not registered with the SEC or any U.S. regulator, and are not subject to U.S. regulation.

 

Convertible Securities and Preferred Stocks. Each Fund may invest in convertible securities. A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible securities have characteristics similar to nonconvertible debt securities in that they ordinarily provide a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than those of common stocks of the same or similar issuers. Convertible securities rank senior to common stock in a corporation’s capital structure but are usually subordinated to comparable nonconvertible securities. While no securities investment is completely without risk, investments in convertible securities generally entail less risk than the corporation’s common stock, although the extent to which such risk is reduced depends in large measure upon the degree to which the convertible security sells above its value as a fixed income security. Convertible securities have unique investment characteristics in that they generally: (1) have higher yields than common stocks, but lower yields than comparable non-convertible securities; (2) are less subject to fluctuation in value than the underlying stock since they have fixed income characteristics; and (3) provide the potential for capital appreciation if the market price of the underlying common stock increases.

 

The value of a convertible security is a function of its “investment value” (determined by its yield in comparison with the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege) and its “conversion value” (the security’s worth, at market value, if converted into the underlying common stock). The investment value of a convertible security is influenced by changes in interest rates, with investment value declining as interest rates increase and increasing as interest rates decline. The credit standing of the issuer and other factors also may have an effect on the convertible security’s investment value. The conversion value of a convertible security is determined by the market price of the underlying common stock. If the conversion value is low relative to the investment value, the price of the convertible security is governed principally by its investment value. Generally the conversion value decreases as the convertible security approaches maturity. To the extent the market price of the underlying common stock approaches or exceeds the conversion price, the price of the convertible security will be increasingly influenced by its conversion value. A convertible security generally will sell at a premium over its conversion value by the extent to which investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying common stock while holding a fixed income security.

 

A convertible security might be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security’s governing instrument. If a convertible security held by a Fund is called for redemption, that Fund will be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security, convert it into the underlying common stock or sell it to a third party. The Small Cap Value Fund and WPG Fund do not presently intend to invest more than 5% (10% with respect to the All-Cap Value Fund, Long/Short Equity Fund, Long/Short Research Fund, Global Equity Fund, Global Long/Short Fund, and Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund) of each Fund’s respective net assets, in convertible securities, or securities received by a Fund upon conversion thereof.

 

Preferred stocks are securities that represent an ownership interest in a company and provide their owner with claims on the company’s earnings and assets prior to the claims of owners of common stocks but after those of bond owners. Preferred stocks in which the Long/Short Equity Fund, WPG Fund, Global Equity Fund, and Global Long/Short Fund may invest include sinking fund, convertible, perpetual fixed and adjustable rate (including auction rate) preferred stocks. There is no minimum credit rating applicable to a Fund’s investment in preferred stocks and securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stock.

 

Currency Swaps and Total Return Swaps. The Global Equity Fund, Global Long/Short Fund, Long/Short Research Fund, Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund and Emerging Markets Fund may enter into currency swaps and total return swaps.

 

The Global Equity Fund, Global Long/Short Fund, Long/Short Research Fund, Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund and Emerging Markets Fund may enter into swap transactions for hedging purposes, and the Global Equity Fund, Global Long/Short Fund, Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund and Emerging Markets Fund may also use these swaps to seek to increase total return. As examples, a Fund may enter into swap transactions for the purpose of attempting to obtain or preserve a particular return or spread at a lower cost than obtaining a return or spread through purchases and/or sales of instruments in other markets, to protect against currency fluctuations, as a duration management technique, to protect against any increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later date, or to gain exposure to certain markets in an economical way.

 

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Swap agreements are two party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors. In a standard “swap” transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments, which may be adjusted for an interest factor. The gross returns to be exchanged or “swapped” between the parties are generally calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” i.e., the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested in a particular foreign currency or security, or in a “basket” of securities representing a particular index. Currency swaps involve the exchange of the parties’ respective rights to make or receive payments in specified currencies. Total return swaps are contracts that obligate a party to pay or receive interest in exchange for payment by the other party of the total return generated by a security, a basket of securities, an index, or an index component.

 

A great deal of flexibility is possible in the way swap transactions are structured. However, generally a Fund will enter into total return swaps on a net basis, which means that the two payment streams are netted out, with a Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. Total return swaps do not normally involve the delivery of securities, other underlying assets or principal. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to total return swaps is normally limited to the net amount of payments that a Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the other party to a total return swap defaults, a Fund’s risk of loss consists of the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually entitled to receive, if any. In contrast, currency swaps may involve the delivery of the entire principal amount of one designated currency in exchange for the other designated currency. Therefore, the entire principal value of a currency swap is subject to the risk that the other party to the swap will default on its contractual delivery obligations.

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has issued the concept release “Use of Derivatives by Investment Companies under the Investment Company Act of 1940,” which discusses, among other matters, whether current market practices involving derivatives are consistent with the leverage provisions of the Act. Accordingly, investors should be aware that the SEC may offer additional guidance in the future that may impact the manner in which a Fund operates.

 

To the extent that a Fund’s exposure in a transaction involving a swap is covered by the segregation of cash or liquid assets, or is covered by other means in accordance with SEC guidance, the Fund and the Adviser believe that the transactions do not constitute senior securities under the Act and, accordingly, will not treat them as being subject to the Fund’s borrowing restrictions.

 

The Global Equity Fund, Global Long/Short Fund, Long/Short Research Fund, Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund and Emerging Markets Fund will not enter into any swap transactions unless the unsecured commercial paper, senior debt or claims-paying ability of the other party thereto is rated investment grade by S&P’s or Moody’s, or, if unrated by such rating organization, determined to be of comparable quality by the Adviser. If there is a default by the other party to such a transaction, the Global Equity Fund, Global Long/Short Fund, Long/Short Research Fund, Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund and Emerging Markets Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction.

 

The use of swaps is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The use of a swap requires an understanding not only of the referenced asset, reference rate, or index but also of the swap itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the swap under all possible market conditions. If the Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of market values, credit quality, interest rates and currency exchange rates, the investment performance of the Funds would be less favorable than it would have been if these investment instruments were not used.

 

Equity Markets. The Funds invest primarily in equity markets at all times. Equity markets can be highly volatile, so that investing in the Funds involves substantial risk. As a result, investing in the Funds involves the risk of loss of capital.

 

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European Currency Unification. As of January 1, 1999, the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) introduced a new single currency called the euro. The euro has replaced the national currencies of many European countries. The European Central Bank has control over each member country’s monetary policies. Therefore, the member countries no longer control their own monetary policies by directing independent interest rates for their currencies. The national governments of the participating countries, however, have retained the authority to set tax and spending policies and public debt levels.

 

European countries can be significantly affected by the tight fiscal and monetary controls that the EMU imposes for membership. Europe’s economies are diverse, its governments are decentralized, and its cultures vary widely. Several European Union (“EU”) countries, including Greece, Ireland, Italy, Spain and Portugal have faced budget issues, some of which may have negative long-term effects for the economies of those countries and other EU countries. There is continued concern about national-level support for the euro and the accompanying coordination of fiscal and wage policy among EMU member countries. Member countries are required to maintain tight control over inflation, public debt, and budget deficit to qualify for membership in the EMU. These requirements can severely limit the ability of EMU member countries to implement monetary policy to address regional economic conditions. Also, it is possible that the EU’s single currency, the euro, could be abandoned in the future by countries that have already adopted its use. These or other events, including political and economic developments, could cause market disruptions, and could affect adversely the values of securities held by the Funds. Because of the number of countries using this single currency, a significant portion of the assets held by certain Funds may be denominated in the euro.

 

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). Each Fund may invest in open-end investment companies whose shares are listed for trading on a national securities exchange or the Nasdaq Market System. ETF shares typically trade like shares of common stock and provide investment results that generally correspond to the price and yield performance of the component stocks of a widely recognized index such as the S&P 500® Index. There can be no assurance, however, that this can be accomplished as it may not be possible for an ETF to replicate the composition and relative weightings of the securities of its corresponding index. Additionally, some ETFs are actively-managed by an investment adviser and/or sub-advisers and do not seek to provide investment results that correspond to an index.

 

ETFs are subject to risks of an investment in a broadly based portfolio of common stocks, including the risk that the general level of stock prices may decline, thereby adversely affecting the value of such investment. Actively-managed ETFs are subject to risk of poor investment, and the individual investments of an actively-managed ETF may not perform as well as its investment adviser and/or sub-advisers expect, and/or the actively-managed ETFs portfolio management practices do not work to achieve their desired result. Individual shares of an ETF are generally not redeemable at their net asset value, but trade on an exchange during the day at prices that are normally close to, but not the same as, their net asset value. There is no assurance that an active trading market will be maintained for the shares of an ETF or that market prices of the shares of an ETF will be close to their net asset values.

 

Investments in securities of ETFs beyond the limitations set forth in Section 12(d)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act are subject to certain terms and conditions set forth in an exemptive order issued by the SEC to the exchange-traded fund. Section 12(d)(1)(A) states that a mutual fund may not acquire shares of other investment companies, such as ETFs, in excess of: 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of the investment company; 5% of its total assets invested in the investment company; or more than 10% of the fund’s total assets were to be invested in the aggregate in all investment companies. The purchase of shares of ETFs may result in duplication of expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to a mutual fund’s own expenses.

 

Each Fund may also acquire investment company shares received or acquired as dividends, through offers of exchange or as a result of reorganization, consolidation or merger. The purchase of shares of other investment companies may result in duplication of expenses such that investors indirectly bear a proportionate share of the expenses of such mutual funds including operating costs and investment advisory and administrative fees.

 

Foreign Securities. Each Fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers either directly or through American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”), European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) or International Depositary Receipts (“IDRs”). ADRs are securities, typically issued by a U.S. financial institution (a “depository”), that evidence ownership interests in a security or pool of securities issued by a foreign issuer and deposited with the depository. ADRs may be listed on a national securities exchange or may trade in the over-the-counter market. ADR prices are denominated in U.S. dollars; the underlying security may be denominated in a foreign currency. GDRs, EDRs and IDRs are securities that represent ownership interests in a security or pool of securities issued by a non-U.S. or U.S. corporation. Depositary receipts may be available through “sponsored” or “unsponsored” facilities. A sponsored facility is established jointly by the issuer of the security underlying the receipt and the depository, whereas an unsponsored facility is established by the depository without participation by the issuer of the underlying security. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all of the costs of the unsponsored facility. The depository of an unsponsored facility is frequently under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through, to the holders of the receipts, voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. The depository of unsponsored depositary receipts may provide less information to receipt holders. Investments in depositary receipts do not eliminate the risks in investing in foreign issuers. The underlying security may be subject to foreign government taxes, which would reduce the yield on such securities.

 

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Investments in foreign securities involve higher costs than investments in U.S. securities, including higher transaction costs as well as the imposition of additional taxes by foreign governments. In addition, foreign investments may include additional risks associated with currency exchange rates, less complete financial information about the issuers, less market liquidity and political stability. Volume and liquidity in most foreign bond markets are less than in the United States and, at times, volatility or price can be greater than in the United States. Future political and economic information, the possible imposition of withholding taxes on interest income, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, the possible establishment of exchange controls, or the adoption of other governmental restrictions, might adversely affect the payment of principal and interest on foreign obligations. Inability to dispose of Fund securities due to settlement problems could result either in losses to a Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the securities, or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the securities, could result in possible liability to the purchaser. Individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth or gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position.

 

Fixed commissions on foreign securities exchanges are generally higher than negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges, although the Funds endeavor to achieve the most favorable net results on their portfolio transactions. There is generally less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, brokers, dealers and listed companies than in the United States.

 

Settlement mechanics (e.g., mail service between the United States and foreign countries) may be slower or less reliable than within the United States, thus increasing the risk of delayed settlements of portfolio transactions or loss of certificates for portfolio securities. Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Such delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of a Fund is uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of the Funds to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause a Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities.

 

Although the Funds may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies, each Fund values its securities and other assets in U.S. dollars. As a result, the NAV of a Fund’s shares may fluctuate with U.S. dollar exchange rates as well as the price changes of the Fund’s securities in the various local markets and currencies. Thus, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar compared to the currencies in which a Fund makes its investments could reduce the effect of increases and magnify the effect of decreases in the price of the Fund’s securities in their local markets. Conversely, a decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar may have the opposite effect of magnifying the effect of increases and reducing the effect of decreases in the prices of a Fund’s securities in its foreign markets. In addition to favorable and unfavorable currency exchange rate developments, each Fund is subject to the possible imposition of exchange control regulations or freezes on convertibility of currency.

 

Each Fund may invest in obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks (Eurodollars) and U.S. branches of foreign banks (Yankee dollars) as well as foreign branches of foreign banks. These investments involve risks that are different from investments in securities of U.S. banks, including potential unfavorable political and economic developments, different tax provisions, seizure of foreign deposits, currency controls, interest limitations or other governmental restrictions which might affect payment of principal or interest. The Funds may also invest in Yankee bonds, which are issued by foreign governments and their agencies and foreign corporations, but pay interest in U.S. dollars and are typically issued in the United States.

 

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In 2016, the United Kingdom (“UK”) held a referendum election and voters elected to withdraw from the EU. The Funds may be exposed to risks related to the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, including volatile trading markets and significant and unpredictable currency fluctuations. Securities issued by companies domiciled in the UK could be subject to changing regulatory and tax regimes. Banking and financial services companies that operate in the UK or EU could be disproportionately impacted by these actions. Greece has recently experienced political pressure to hold a similar referendum election. Further insecurity in EU membership or the abandonment of the euro could exacerbate market and currency volatility and negatively impact investments in securities issued by companies located in EU countries. The potential impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, is not clear but could be significant and far-reaching.

 

Investing in Emerging Countries, including Asia and Eastern Europe. The Global Equity Fund, Global Long/Short Fund, Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund and Emerging Markets Fund may invest in securities of issuers located in emerging countries. The securities markets of emerging countries are less liquid and subject to greater price volatility, and have a smaller market capitalization, than the U.S. securities markets. In certain countries, there may be fewer publicly traded securities and the market may be dominated by a few issues or sectors. Issuers and securities markets in such countries are not subject to as extensive and frequent accounting, financial and other reporting requirements or as comprehensive government regulations as are issuers and securities markets in the U.S. In particular, the assets and profits appearing on the financial statements of emerging country issuers may not reflect their financial position or results of operations in the same manner as financial statements for U.S. issuers. Substantially less information may be publicly available about emerging country issuers than is available about issuers in the United States.

 

Emerging country securities markets are typically marked by a high concentration of market capitalization and trading volume in a small number of issuers representing a limited number of industries, as well as a high concentration of ownership of such securities by a limited number of investors. The markets for securities in certain emerging countries are in the earliest stages of their development. Even the markets for relatively widely traded securities in emerging countries may not be able to absorb, without price disruptions, a significant increase in trading volume or trades of a size customarily undertaken by institutional investors in the securities markets of developed countries. The limited size of many of these securities markets can cause prices to be erratic for reasons apart from factors that affect the soundness and competitiveness of the securities issuers. For example, prices may be unduly influenced by traders who control large positions in these markets. Additionally, market making and arbitrage activities are generally less extensive in such markets, which may contribute to increased volatility and reduced liquidity of such markets. The limited liquidity of emerging country securities may also affect the Fund’s ability to accurately value its portfolio securities or to acquire or dispose of securities at the price and time it wishes to do so or in order to meet redemption requests.

 

With respect to investments in certain emerging market countries, antiquated legal systems may have an adverse impact on the Fund. For example, while the potential liability of a shareholder in a U.S. corporation with respect to acts of the corporation is generally limited to the amount of the shareholder’s investment, the notion of limited liability is less clear in certain emerging market countries. Similarly, the rights of investors in emerging market companies may be more limited than those of shareholders in U.S. corporations.

 

Transaction costs, including brokerage commissions or dealer mark-ups, in emerging countries may be higher than in the United States and other developed securities markets. In addition, existing laws and regulations are often inconsistently applied. As legal systems in emerging countries develop, foreign investors may be adversely affected by new or amended laws and regulations. In circumstances where adequate laws exist, it may not be possible to obtain swift and equitable enforcement of the law.

 

Foreign investment in the securities markets of certain emerging countries is restricted or controlled to varying degrees. These restrictions may limit a Fund’s investment in certain emerging countries and may increase the expenses of the Fund. Certain emerging countries require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons or limit investment by foreign persons to only a specified percentage of an issuer’s outstanding securities or a specific class of securities which may have less advantageous terms (including price) than securities of the company available for purchase by nationals. In addition, the repatriation of both investment income and capital from emerging countries may be subject to restrictions which require governmental consents or prohibit repatriation entirely for a period of time. Even where there is no outright restriction on repatriation of capital, the mechanics of repatriation may affect certain aspects of the operation of the Funds. The Funds may be required to establish special custodial or other arrangements before investing in certain emerging countries.

 

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Emerging countries may be subject to a substantially greater degree of economic, political and social instability and disruption than is the case in the United States, Japan and most Western European countries. This instability may result from, among other things, the following: (i) authoritarian governments or military involvement in political and economic decision making, including changes or attempted changes in governments through extra-constitutional means; (ii) popular unrest associated with demands for improved political, economic or social conditions; (iii) internal insurgencies; (iv) hostile relations with neighboring countries; (v) ethnic, religious and racial disaffection or conflict; and (vi) the absence of developed legal structures governing foreign private investments and private property. Such economic, political and social instability could disrupt the principal financial markets in which the Funds may invest and adversely affect the value of the Funds’ assets. The Funds’ investments can also be adversely affected by any increase in taxes or by political, economic or diplomatic developments.

 

The Global Equity Fund, Global Long/Short Fund, Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund and Emerging Markets Fund may seek investment opportunities within former “east bloc” countries in Eastern Europe. Most Eastern European countries had a centrally planned, socialist economy for a substantial period of time. The governments of many Eastern European countries have more recently been implementing reforms directed at political and economic liberalization, including efforts to decentralize the economic decision-making process and move towards a market economy. However, business entities in many Eastern European countries do not have an extended history of operating in a market-oriented economy, and the ultimate impact of Eastern European countries’ attempts to move toward more market-oriented economies is currently unclear. In addition, any change in the leadership or policies of Eastern European countries may halt the expansion of or reverse the liberalization of foreign investment policies now occurring and adversely affect existing investment opportunities.

 

The economies of emerging countries may differ unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resources, self-sufficiency and balance of payments. Many emerging countries have experienced in the past, and continue to experience, high rates of inflation. In certain countries inflation has at times accelerated rapidly to hyperinflationary levels, creating a negative interest rate environment and sharply eroding the value of outstanding financial assets in those countries. Other emerging countries, on the other hand, have recently experienced deflationary pressures and are in economic recessions. The economies of many emerging countries are heavily dependent upon international trade and are accordingly affected by protective trade barriers and the economic conditions of their trading partners. In addition, the economies of some emerging countries are vulnerable to weakness in world prices for their commodity exports. A Fund’s income and, in some cases, capital gains from foreign stocks and securities will be subject to applicable taxation in certain of the countries in which it invests, and treaties between the U.S. and such countries may not be available in some cases to reduce the otherwise applicable tax rates.

 

Forward Commitment and When-Issued Transactions. Each Fund may purchase or sell securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis (subject to its investment policies and restrictions). These transactions involve a commitment by a Fund to purchase or sell securities at a future date (ordinarily one or two months later). The price of the underlying securities (usually expressed in terms of yield) and the date when the securities will be delivered and paid for (the settlement date) are fixed at the time the transaction is negotiated. When-issued purchases and forward commitments are negotiated directly with the other party, and such commitments are not traded on exchanges. A Fund will not enter into such transactions for the purpose of leverage.

 

When-issued purchases and forward commitments enable a Fund to lock in what is believed by the Adviser to be an attractive price or yield on a particular security for a period of time, regardless of future changes in interest rates. For instance, in periods of rising interest rates and falling prices, a Fund might sell securities it owns on a forward commitment basis to limit its exposure to falling prices. In periods of falling interest rates and rising prices, a Fund might sell securities it owns and purchase the same or a similar security on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, thereby obtaining the benefit of currently higher yields. When-issued securities or forward commitments involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date.

 

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The value of securities purchased on a when-issued or forward commitment basis and any subsequent fluctuations in their value are reflected in the computation of a Fund’s NAV starting on the date of the agreement to purchase the securities, and the Fund is subject to the rights and risks of ownership of the securities on that date. A Fund does not earn interest on the securities it has committed to purchase until they are paid for and delivered on the settlement date. When a Fund makes a forward commitment to sell securities it owns, the proceeds to be received upon settlement are included in the Fund’s assets. Fluctuations in the market value of the underlying securities are not reflected in the Fund’s NAV as long as the commitment to sell remains in effect. Settlement of when-issued purchases and forward commitment transactions generally takes place within two months after the date of the transaction, but a Fund may agree to a longer settlement period.

 

A Fund will make commitments to purchase securities on a when-issued basis or to purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment basis only with the intention of completing the transaction and actually purchasing or selling the securities. If deemed advisable as a matter of investment strategy, however, a Fund may dispose of or renegotiate a commitment. A Fund also may sell securities it has committed to purchase before those securities are delivered to the Fund on the settlement date. A Fund may realize a capital gain or loss in connection with these transactions, and its distributions from any net realized capital gains will be taxable to shareholders.

 

When a Fund purchases securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, the Fund or its custodian will maintain in a segregated account cash or liquid securities having a value (determined daily) at least equal to the amount of the Fund’s purchase commitments. These procedures are designed to ensure that the Fund will maintain sufficient assets at all times to cover its obligations under when-issued purchases and forward commitments.

 

Forward Foreign Currency Transactions. Each of the Long/Short Research Fund, WPG Fund, Global Equity Fund, Global Long/Short Fund, Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund and Emerging Markets Fund may, to the extent that it invests in foreign securities, enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts in order to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates. The Funds will conduct their foreign currency exchange transactions either on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market, or through entering into forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies. A forward foreign currency exchange contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days (usually less than one year) from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts are traded in the interbank market conducted directly between traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. A forward contract generally has no deposit requirement, and no commissions are charged at any stage for trades. Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a profit based on the difference (the spread) between the price at which they are buying and selling various currencies.

 

A Fund is permitted to enter into forward contracts for foreign currency under two circumstances. First, when a Fund enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security quoted or denominated in a foreign currency, it may desire to “lock in” the U.S. dollar price of the security. By entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale, for a fixed number of U.S. dollars, of the amount of foreign currency involved in the underlying security transactions, the Fund will be able to insulate itself from a possible loss resulting from a change in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and the subject foreign currency during the period between the date on which the security is purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made or received.

 

Second, when the Adviser believes that the currency of a particular foreign country may suffer a substantial decline against the U.S. dollar, it may cause a Fund to enter a forward contract to sell, for a fixed U.S. dollar amount, the amount of foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of a Fund’s portfolio securities quoted or denominated in such foreign currency. The precise matching of the forward contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible since the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of those securities between the date the forward contract is entered into and the date it matures. There is no current intention to hedge the currency exposure of any of the Funds.

 

Although the Funds have no current intention to do so, they may engage in cross-hedging by using forward contracts in one currency to hedge against fluctuations in the value in securities denominated or quoted in a different currency if the Adviser determines that there is a pattern of correlation between the two currencies. Cross-hedging may also include entering into a forward transaction involving two foreign currencies, using one foreign currency as a proxy for the U.S. dollar to hedge against variations in the other U.S. foreign currency, if the Adviser determines that there is a pattern of correlation between the proxy currency and the U.S. dollar.

 

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The Funds will not enter into forward contracts to sell currency or maintain a net exposure to such contracts if the consummation of such contracts would obligate the Funds to deliver an amount of foreign currency in excess of the value of the Funds’ respective portfolio securities or other assets quoted or denominated in that currency. At the consummation of the forward contract, the Funds may either make delivery of the foreign currency or terminate its contractual obligation by purchasing an offsetting contract obligating it to purchase at the same maturity date, the same amount of such foreign currency. If a Fund chooses to make delivery of foreign currency, it may be required to obtain such delivery through the sale of portfolio securities quoted or denominated in such currency or through conversion of other assets of a Fund into such currency. If a Fund engages in an offsetting transaction, the Fund will realize a gain or a loss to the extent that there has been a change in forward contract prices. Closing purchase transactions with respect to forward contracts are usually effected with the currency trader who is party to the original forward contract.

 

The Funds’ transactions in forward contracts will be limited to those described above. Of course, a Fund is not required to enter into such transactions with regard to its foreign currency quoted or denominated securities, and a Fund will not do so unless deemed appropriate by the Adviser.

 

When entering into a forward contract, the Funds will segregate either cash or liquid securities quoted or denominated in any currency in an amount equal to the value of the Funds’ total assets committed to the consummation of forward currency exchange contracts which require the Funds to purchase a foreign currency. If the value of the segregated securities declines, additional cash or securities will be segregated by the Funds on a daily basis so that the value of the segregated securities will equal the amount of the Funds’ commitments with respect to such contracts.

 

This method of protecting the value of the Funds’ portfolio securities against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities. It simply establishes a rate of exchange which can be achieved at some future point in time. The precise projection of short-term currency market movements is not possible, and short-term hedging provides a means of fixing the U.S. dollar value of only a portion of the Funds’ foreign assets. It also reduces any potential gain which may have otherwise occurred had the currency value increased above the settlement price of the contract.

 

While the Funds may enter into forward contracts to seek to reduce currency exchange rate risks, transactions in such contracts involve certain other risks. Thus, while the Funds may benefit from such transactions, unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in a poorer overall performance for the Funds than if it had not engaged in any such transactions. Moreover, there may be an imperfect correlation between the Funds’ portfolio holdings or securities quoted or denominated in a particular currency and forward contracts entered into by the Funds. Such imperfect correlation may cause the Funds to sustain losses, which will prevent the Funds from achieving a complete hedge, or expose the Funds to the risk of foreign exchange loss.

 

Forward contracts are subject to the risks that the counterparty to such contract will default on its obligations. Since a forward foreign currency exchange contract is not guaranteed by an exchange or clearing house, a default on the contract would deprive the Funds of unrealized profits, transaction costs or the benefits of a currency hedge or force the Funds to cover its purchase or sale commitments, if any, at the current market price.

 

The Funds’ foreign currency transactions (including related options, futures and forward contracts) may be limited by the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) for qualification as a regulated investment company.

 

Futures Contracts. The Long/Short Research Fund, WPG Fund, Global Equity Fund, Global Long/Short Fund, Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund and Emerging Markets Fund may invest in futures contracts. A futures contract may generally be described as an agreement between two parties to buy and sell particular financial instruments for an agreed price during a designated month (or to deliver the final cash settlement price, in the case of a contract relating to an index or otherwise not calling for physical delivery at the end of trading in the contract). When interest rates are rising or securities prices are falling, a Fund can seek to offset a decline in the value of its current portfolio securities through the sale of futures contracts. When interest rates are falling or securities prices are rising, a Fund, through the purchase of futures contracts, can attempt to secure better rates or prices than might later be available in the market when it effects anticipated purchases.

 

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To seek to increase total return, to equalize cash or to hedge against changes in interest rates or securities prices a Fund may purchase and sell various kinds of futures contracts, and purchase and write call and put options on any of such futures contracts. A Fund may also enter into closing purchase and sale transactions with respect to any of such contracts and options. The futures contracts may be based on various securities (such as U.S. government securities), securities indices, and any other financial instruments and indices. A Fund will engage in futures and related options transactions for bona fide hedging purposes as described below or for purposes of seeking to increase total return, in each case, only to the extent permitted by regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”). All futures contracts entered into by a Fund are traded on U.S. exchanges or boards of trade that are licensed and regulated by the CFTC or on foreign exchanges.

 

The Funds will limit investments in futures to below the de minimis thresholds adopted by the CFTC in its recent amendments to Rule 4.5 (see below for a description of these thresholds).

 

With respect to investments in swap transactions, commodity futures, commodity options or certain other derivatives used for purposes other than bona fide hedging purposes, an investment company must meet one of the following tests under the amended regulations in order to claim an exemption from being considered a “commodity pool” or a CPO. First, the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish an investment company’s positions in such investments may not exceed five percent (5%) of the liquidation value of the investment company’s portfolio (after accounting for unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such investments). Alternatively, the aggregate net notional value of such instruments, determined at the time of the most recent position established, may not exceed one hundred percent (100%) of the liquidation value of the investment company’s portfolio (after accounting for unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions). In addition to meeting one of the foregoing trading limitations, the investment company may not market itself as a commodity pool or otherwise as a vehicle for trading in the commodity futures, commodity options or swaps and derivatives markets.

 

Positions taken in the futures markets are not normally held to maturity but are instead liquidated through offsetting transactions, which may result in a profit or a loss. While futures contracts on securities will usually be liquidated in this manner, a Fund may instead make, or take, delivery of the underlying securities or currency whenever it appears economically advantageous to do so. A clearing corporation associated with the exchange on which futures on securities are traded guarantees that, if still open, the sale or purchase will be performed on the settlement date. Hedging, by use of futures contracts, seeks to establish with more certainty than would otherwise be possible the effective price or rate of return on portfolio securities or securities that a Fund proposes to acquire or the exchange rate of currencies in which portfolio securities are quoted or denominated. A Fund may, for example, take a “short” position in the futures market by selling futures contracts to seek to hedge against an anticipated rise in interest rates or a decline in market prices that would adversely affect the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities. Such futures contracts may include contracts for the future delivery of securities held by a Fund or securities with characteristics similar to those of the Fund’s portfolio securities. If, in the opinion of the Adviser, there is a sufficient degree of correlation between price trends for a Fund’s portfolio securities and futures contracts based on other financial instruments, securities indices or other indices, the Fund may also enter into such futures contracts as part of its hedging strategy. Although under some circumstances prices of securities in a Fund’s portfolio may be more or less volatile than prices of such futures contracts, the Adviser will attempt to estimate the extent of this volatility difference based on historical patterns and compensate for any such differential by having the Fund enter into a greater or lesser number of futures contracts or by seeking to achieve only a partial hedge against price changes affecting the Fund’s portfolio securities. When hedging of this character is successful, any depreciation in the value of portfolio securities will be substantially offset by appreciation in the value of the futures position. On the other hand, any unanticipated appreciation in the value of a Fund’s portfolio securities would be substantially offset by a decline in the value of the futures position.

 

On other occasions, a Fund may take a “long” position by purchasing futures contracts. This would be done, for example, when a Fund anticipates the subsequent purchase of particular securities when it has the necessary cash, but expects the prices then available in the applicable market to be less favorable than prices that are currently available.

 

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Options on Futures Contracts. The WPG Fund, Long/Short Equity Fund, Long/Short Research Fund, Global Equity Fund, Global Long/Short Fund, Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund and Emerging Markets Fund may purchase and sell various kinds of futures contracts, and purchase and write call and put options on any of such futures contracts. The acquisition of put and call options on futures contracts will give the Funds the right (but not the obligation) for a specified price to sell or to purchase, respectively, the underlying futures contract at any time during the option period. As the purchaser of an option on a futures contract, a Fund obtains the benefit of the futures position if prices move in a favorable direction but limits its risk of loss in the event of an unfavorable price movement to the loss of the premium and transaction costs.

 

The writing of a call option on a futures contract generates a premium, which may partially offset a decline in the value of the Fund’s assets. By writing a call option, a Fund becomes obligated, in exchange for the premium, (upon exercise of the option) to sell a futures contract if the option is exercised, which may have a value higher than the exercise price. Conversely, the writing of a put option on a futures contract generates a premium, which may partially offset an increase in the price of securities that the Fund intends to purchase. However, a Fund becomes obligated (upon exercise of the option) to purchase a futures contract if the option is exercised, which may have a value lower than the exercise price. Thus, the loss incurred by a Fund in writing options on futures is potentially unlimited and may exceed the amount of the premium received. A Fund will incur transaction costs in connection with the writing of options on futures.

 

The holder or writer of an option on a futures contract may terminate its position by selling or purchasing an offsetting option on the same financial instrument. There is no guarantee that such closing transactions can be effected. The Funds’ ability to establish and close out positions on such options will be subject to the development and maintenance of a liquid market.

 

The Funds will engage in futures and related options transactions for bona fide hedging and to seek to increase total return as permitted by the CFTC regulations. The Funds will determine that the price fluctuations in the futures contracts and options on futures used for hedging purposes are substantially related to price fluctuations in securities held by the Funds or securities or instruments which it expects to purchase. Except as stated below, the Funds’ futures transactions will be entered into for traditional hedging purposes — i.e., futures contracts will be sold to protect against a decline in the price of securities that the Funds own or futures contracts will be purchased to protect the Funds against an increase in the price of securities it intends to purchase. As evidence of this hedging intent, each Fund expects that on 75% or more of the occasions on which it takes a long futures or option position (involving the purchase of futures contracts), the Fund will have purchased, or will be in the process of purchasing, equivalent amounts of related securities in the cash market at the time when the futures or option position is closed out. However, in particular cases, when it is economically advantageous for the Fund to do so, a long futures position may be terminated or an option may expire without the corresponding purchase of securities or other assets.

 

The Funds will engage in transactions in currency forward contracts, futures contracts and options only to the extent such transactions are consistent with the requirements of the Code, for maintaining its qualification as a regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes.

 

Transactions in futures contracts and options on futures involve brokerage costs, require margin deposits and, in some cases, may require the applicable Fund to establish a segregated account consisting of cash or liquid securities in an amount equal to the underlying value of such contracts and options.

 

The use of futures contracts entails certain risks, including but not limited to the following: no assurance that futures contracts transactions can be offset at favorable prices; possible reduction of the Fund’s income due to the use of hedging; possible reduction in value of both the securities hedged and the hedging instrument; possible lack of liquidity due to daily limits on price fluctuations; imperfect correlation between the contract and the securities being hedged; and potential losses in excess of the amount initially invested in the futures contracts themselves. If the expectations of the Adviser regarding movements in securities prices or interest rates are incorrect, the Fund may have experienced better investment results without hedging. The use of futures contracts and options on futures contracts requires special skills in addition to those needed to select portfolio securities.

 

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While transactions in futures contracts and options on futures may reduce certain risks, such transactions themselves entail certain other risks. Thus, while a Fund may benefit from the use of futures and options on futures, unanticipated changes in interest rates or securities prices may result in a poorer overall performance for a Fund than if it had not entered into any futures contracts or options transactions. In the event of an imperfect correlation between a futures position and a portfolio position which is intended to be protected, the desired protection may not be obtained and a Fund may be exposed to risk of loss.

 

Perfect correlation between a Fund’s futures positions and portfolio positions will be impossible to achieve. There are no futures contracts based upon individual securities, except certain U.S. government securities. Other futures contracts available to hedge the Funds’ portfolio investments generally are limited to futures on various securities indices.

 

Initial Public Offerings. Each of the Funds may purchase stock in an initial public offering (“IPO”). An IPO is a company’s first offering of stock to the public. Risks associated with IPOs may include considerable fluctuation in the market value of IPO shares due to certain factors, such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, a limited number of shares available for trading, lack of information about the issuer and limited operating history. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. When a Fund’s asset base is small, a significant portion of the Fund’s performance could be attributable to investments in IPOs, because such investments would have a magnified impact on the Fund. As a Fund’s assets grow, the effect of the Fund’s investments in IPOs on the Fund’s performance probably will decline, which could reduce the Fund’s performance. Because of the price volatility of IPO shares, a Fund may choose to hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the Fund’s portfolio and may lead to increased expenses to the Fund, such as commissions and transaction costs. In addition, the Adviser cannot guarantee continued access to IPOs.

 

Investment Company Securities. Each Fund may invest in securities issued by other investment companies to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, each Fund’s investments in such securities currently are limited to, subject to certain exceptions, (i) 3% of the total voting stock of any one investment company, (ii) 5% of the Fund’s total assets with respect to any one investment company and (iii) 10% of the Fund’s total assets with respect to investment companies in the aggregate. Investments in the securities of other investment companies will involve duplication of advisory fees and certain other expenses. Rule 12d1-1 under the 1940 Act permits a Fund to invest an unlimited amount of its uninvested cash in a money market fund so long as, among other things, said investment is consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives and policies. As a shareholder in an investment company, a Fund would bear its pro rata portion of the investment company’s expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to its own expenses.

 

Lending of Portfolio Securities. Each Fund may lend its portfolio securities to financial institutions in accordance with the investment restrictions described below. Such loans would involve risks of delay in receiving additional collateral in the event the value of the collateral decreased below the value of the securities loaned or of delay in recovering the securities loaned or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. However, loans will be made only to borrowers deemed by the Adviser to be of good standing and only when, in the Adviser’s judgment, the income to be earned from the loans justifies the attendant risks. Any loans of a Fund’s securities will be fully collateralized and marked to market daily. The Funds do not have the right to vote loaned securities. A Fund will attempt to call all loaned securities back to permit the exercise of voting rights, if time and jurisdictional restrictions permit. There is no guarantee that all loans can be recalled.

 

Leveraging. The Long/Short Equity Fund, Long/Short Research Fund, Global Long/Short Fund, and Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund may employ leverage in accordance with the fundamental investment limitations described below. Leveraging the Fund creates an opportunity for increased net income, but, at the same time, creates special risk considerations. For example, leveraging may exaggerate changes in the net asset value of the Fund’s shares and in the yield on the Fund’s portfolio. Although the principal of such borrowings will be fixed, the Fund’s assets may change in value during the time the borrowing is outstanding. Leveraging creates interest expenses for the Fund which could exceed the income from the assets retained. To the extent the income derived from securities purchased with borrowed funds exceeds the interest that the Fund will have to pay, the Fund’s net income will be greater than if leveraging were not used. Conversely, if the income from the assets retained with borrowed funds is not sufficient to cover the cost of leveraging, the net income of the Fund will be less than if leveraging were not used, and therefore the amount available for distribution to stockholders as dividends will be reduced. Because the SEC staff believes both reverse repurchase agreements and dollar roll transactions are collateralized borrowings, the SEC staff believes that they create leverage, which is a speculative factor. The requirement that such transactions be fully collateralized by assets segregated by the Fund’s custodian imposes a practical limit on the leverage these transactions create.

 

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Market Fluctuation. The market value of each Fund’s investments, and thus each Fund’s NAV, will change in response to market conditions affecting the value of its portfolio securities. When interest rates decline, the value of fixed rate obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of fixed rate obligations can be expected to decline. In contrast, as interest rates on adjustable rate loans are reset periodically, yields on investments in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates, causing the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed rate obligations. Because the investment alternatives available to each Fund may be limited by the specific objective of that Fund, investors should be aware that an investment in a particular Fund may be subject to greater market fluctuation than an investment in a portfolio of securities representing a broader range of investment alternatives. In view of the specialized nature of the investment activities of each Fund, an investment in any single Fund should not be considered a complete investment program.

 

Micro-Cap, Small-Cap and Mid-Cap Stocks. Each Fund may invest in securities of companies with micro-, small- and mid-size capitalizations which tend to be riskier than securities of companies with large capitalizations. This is because micro-, small- and mid-cap companies typically have smaller product lines and less access to liquidity than large cap companies, and are therefore more sensitive to economic downturns. In addition, growth prospects of micro-, small- and mid-cap companies tend to be less certain than large cap companies, and the dividends paid on micro-, small- and mid-cap stocks are frequently negligible. Moreover, micro-, small- and mid-cap stocks have, on occasion, fluctuated in the opposite direction of large cap stocks or the general stock market. Consequently, securities of micro-, small- and mid-cap companies tend to be more volatile than those of large-cap companies. The market for micro- and small-cap securities may be thinly traded and as a result, greater fluctuations in the price of micro- and small-cap securities may occur.

 

Options on Securities and Securities Indices. The All-Cap Value Fund, Long/Short Equity Fund, Long/Short Research Fund, WPG Fund, Global Equity Fund, Global Long/Short Fund, Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund and Emerging Markets Fund may each write covered call and secured put options on any securities in which it may invest or on any domestic stock indices based on securities in which it may invest. A Fund may purchase and write such options on securities that are listed on national domestic securities exchanges or foreign securities exchanges or traded in the over-the-counter market. A call option written by a Fund obligates the Fund to sell specified securities to the holder of the option at a specified price if the option is exercised at any time before the expiration date, regardless of the market price of the security. All call options written by a Fund are covered, which means that the Fund will own the securities subject to the option so long as the option is outstanding or use the other methods described below. The purpose of a Fund in writing covered call options is to realize greater income than would be realized in portfolio securities transactions alone. However, in writing covered call options for additional income, a Fund may forego the opportunity to profit from an increase in the market price of the underlying security.

 

A put option written by a Fund obligates the Fund to purchase specified securities from the option holder at a specified price if the option is exercised at any time before the expiration date, regardless of the market price for the security. The purpose of writing such options is to generate additional income. However, in return for the option premium, the Fund accepts the risk that it will be required to purchase the underlying securities at a price in excess of the securities’ market value at the time of purchase.

 

All call and put options written by a Fund are covered. A written call option or put option may be covered by (i) maintaining cash or liquid securities, either of which, in the case of the WPG Fund, may be quoted or denominated in any currency, in a segregated account noted on the Fund’s records or maintained by the Fund’s custodian with a value at least equal to the Fund’s obligation under the option, (ii) entering into an offsetting forward commitment and/or (iii) purchasing an offsetting option or any other option which, by virtue of its exercise price or otherwise, reduces the Fund’s net exposure on its written option position.

 

A Fund may terminate its obligations under an exchange-traded call or put option by purchasing an option identical to the one it has written. Obligations under over-the-counter options may be terminated only by entering into an offsetting transaction with the counterparts to such option. Such purchases are referred to as “closing purchase transactions” and do not result in the ownership of an option. A closing purchase transaction will ordinarily be effected to realize a profit on an outstanding option, to prevent an underlying security from being called, to permit the sale of the underlying security or to permit the writing of a new option containing different terms on such underlying security. The cost of such a liquidation purchase plus transaction costs may be greater than the premium received upon the original option, in which event the Fund will have incurred a loss in the transaction.

 

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A Fund may also write (sell) covered call and put options on any securities index composed of securities in which it may invest. Options on securities indices are similar to options on securities, except that the exercise of securities index options requires cash settlement payments and does not involve the actual purchase or sale of securities. The amount of this settlement will be equal to the difference between the closing price of the of the securities index at the time of exercise and the exercise price of the option expressed in dollars, times a specified amount. In addition, securities index options are designed to reflect price fluctuations in a group of securities or segment of the securities market rather than price fluctuations in a single security.

 

The Funds may cover call options on a securities index by owning securities whose price changes are expected to be similar to those of the underlying index or by having an absolute and immediate right to acquire such securities without additional cash consideration (or for additional cash consideration held in a segregated account) upon conversion or exchange of other securities in its portfolio. A Fund may also cover call and put options on a securities index by using the other methods described above.

 

The All-Cap Value Fund, Long/Short Equity Fund, Long/Short Research Fund, WPG Fund, Global Equity Fund, Global Long/Short Fund, Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund and Emerging Markets Fund may each purchase put and call options on any securities in which it may invest or on any securities index based on securities in which it may invest, and a Fund may enter into closing sale transactions in order to realize gains or minimize losses on options it had purchased.

 

A Fund would normally purchase call options in anticipation of an increase, or put options in anticipation of a decrease (“protective puts”) in the market value of securities of the type in which it may invest. The purchase of a call option would entitle a Fund, in return for the premium paid, to purchase specified securities at a specified price during the option period. A Fund would ordinarily realize a gain on the purchase of a call option if, during the option period, the value of such securities exceeded the sum of the exercise price, the premium paid and transaction costs; otherwise the Fund would realize either no gain or a loss on the purchase of the call option. The purchase of a put option would entitle a Fund, in exchange for the premium paid, to sell specified securities at a specified price during the option period. The purchase of protective puts is designed to offset or hedge against a decline in the market value of a Fund’s securities. Put options may also be purchased by a Fund for the purpose of affirmatively benefiting from a decline in the price of securities which it does not own. A Fund would ordinarily realize a gain if, during the option period, the value of the underlying securities decreased below the exercise price sufficiently to cover the premium and transaction costs; otherwise the Fund would realize either no gain or a loss on the purchase of the put option. Gains and losses on the purchase of put options may be offset by countervailing changes in the value of the underlying portfolio securities.

 

A Fund may purchase put and call options on securities indices for the same purposes as it may purchase options on securities. Options on securities indices are similar to options on securities, except that the exercise of securities index options requires cash payments and does not involve the actual purchase or sale of securities. In addition, securities index options are designed to reflect price fluctuations in a group of securities or segment of the securities market rather than price fluctuations in a single security.

 

Transactions by a Fund in options on securities and securities indices will be subject to limitations established by each of the exchanges, boards of trade or other trading facilities on which such options are traded governing the maximum number of options in each class which may be written or purchased by a single investor or group of investors acting in concert, regardless of whether the options are written or purchased on the same or different exchanges, boards of trade or other trading facilities or are held or written in one or more accounts or through one or more brokers. Thus, the number of options that a Fund may write or purchase may be affected by options written or purchased by other investment advisory clients of the Adviser. An exchange, board of trade or other trading facility may order the liquidation of positions found to be in excess of these limits, and it may impose certain other sanctions.

 

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Although the Funds may use option transactions to seek to generate additional income and to seek to reduce the effect of any adverse price movement in the securities or currency subject to the option, they do involve certain risks that are different in some respects from investment risks associated with similar mutual funds, which do not engage in such activities. These risks include the following: for writing call options, the inability to effect closing transactions at favorable prices and the inability to participate in the appreciation of the underlying securities above the exercise price; for writing put options, the inability to effect closing transactions at favorable prices and the obligation to purchase the specified securities or to make a cash settlement on the securities index at prices which may not reflect current market values; and for purchasing call and put options, the possible loss of the entire premium paid. In addition, the effectiveness of hedging through the purchase or sale of securities index options, including options on the S&P 500 ® Index, will depend upon the extent to which price movements in the portion of the securities portfolio being hedged correlate with the price movements in the selected securities index. Perfect correlation may not be possible because the securities held or to be acquired by a Fund may not exactly match the composition of the securities index on which options are written. If the forecasts of the Adviser regarding movements in securities prices or interest rates are incorrect, a Fund’s investment results may have been better without the hedge transactions.

 

There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on a domestic or foreign options exchange will exist for any particular exchange-traded option or at any particular time. If a Fund is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction with respect to covered options it has written, the Fund will not be able to sell the underlying securities or dispose of assets held in a segregated account until the options expire or are exercised. Similarly, if a Fund is unable to effect a closing sale transaction with respect to options it has purchased, it would have to exercise the options in order to realize any profit and will incur transaction costs upon the purchase or sale of underlying securities or currencies.

 

Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market on an exchange include the following: (i) there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options; (ii) restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions or closing transactions or both; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options; (iv) unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; (v) the facilities of an exchange or the Options Clearing Corporation may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading volume; or (vi) one or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options), in which event the secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to exist although outstanding options on that exchange that had been issued by the Options Clearing Corporation as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.

 

A Fund’s ability to terminate over-the-counter options is more limited than with exchange-traded options and may involve the risk that broker-dealers participating in such transactions will not fulfill their obligations. The Adviser will monitor the liquidity of over-the-counter options and, if it determines that such options are not readily marketable, a Fund’s ability to enter such options will be subject to the Fund’s limitation on investments on illiquid securities.

 

The writing and purchase of options is a highly specialized activity, which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The successful use of options for hedging purposes depends in part on the Adviser’s ability to predict future price fluctuations and the degree of correlation between the options and securities markets.

 

Pay-in-Kind Securities, Zero Coupon and Capital Appreciation Bonds. To the extent consistent with its investment objective, the All-Cap Value Fund may invest up to 5% of its net assets in pay-in-kind (“PIK”) securities. PIK securities may be debt obligations or preferred shares that provide the issuer with the option of paying interest or dividends on such obligations in cash or in the form of additional securities rather than cash. Similarly, zero coupon and capital appreciation bonds are debt securities issued or sold at a discount from their face value and do not entitle the holder to any periodic payment of interest prior to maturity or a specified date. The amount of the discount varies depending on the time remaining until maturity or cash payment date, prevailing interest rates, the liquidity of the security and the perceived credit quality of the issuer. These securities also may take the form of debt securities that have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons, the coupons themselves or receipts or certificates representing interests in such stripped debt obligations or coupons. A portion of the discount with respect to stripped tax-exempt securities or their coupons may be taxable. Such securities are designed to give an issuer flexibility in managing cash flow. PIK securities that are debt securities can either be senior or subordinated debt and generally trade flat (i.e., without accrued interest). The trading price of PIK debt securities generally reflects the market value of the underlying debt plus an amount representing accrued interest since the last interest payment.

 

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PIK securities, zero coupon bonds and capital appreciation bonds involve the additional risk that, unlike securities that periodically pay interest to maturity, the Fund will realize no cash until a specified future payment date unless a portion of such securities is sold and, if the issuer of such securities defaults, the Fund may obtain no return at all on its investment. In addition, even though such securities may not provide for the payment of current interest in cash, the Fund is nonetheless required to accrue income on such investments for each taxable year and generally is required to distribute such accrued amounts (net of deductible expenses, if any) to avoid being subject to tax. Because no cash is generally received at the time of the accrual, the Fund may be required to liquidate other portfolio securities to obtain sufficient cash to satisfy federal tax distribution requirements applicable to the Fund. Additionally, the market prices of PIK securities, zero coupon bonds and capital appreciation bonds generally are more volatile than the market prices of interest bearing securities and are likely to respond to a greater degree to changes in interest rates than interest bearing securities having similar maturities and credit quality.

 

Portfolio Turnover. Those investment strategies that require periodic changes to portfolio holdings with the expectation of outperforming equity indices are typically referred to as “active” strategies. These strategies contrast with “passive” (“index”) strategies that buy and hold only the stocks in the equity indices. Passive strategies tend to trade infrequently—only as the stocks in the indices change (largely due to changes in the sizes of the companies in the indices, takeovers or bankruptcies). Most equity mutual funds pursue active strategies, which have higher turnover than passive strategies.

 

The generally higher portfolio turnover of active investment strategies can adversely affect taxable investors, especially those in higher marginal tax brackets, in two particularly significant ways. First, short-term capital gains, which often accompany higher turnover investment strategies, are currently taxed at ordinary income rates. Ordinary income tax rates are generally higher than long-term capital gain tax rates. Thus, the tax liability is often higher for investors in active strategies. Second, the more frequent realization of gains caused by higher turnover investment strategies means that taxes will be paid sooner. Such acceleration of the tax liability is financially more costly to investors. Less frequent realization of capital gains allows the payment of taxes to be deferred until later years, allowing more of the gains to compound before taxes are paid. Consequently, after-tax compound rates of return will generally be higher for taxable investors using investment strategies with very low turnover, compared with high turnover strategies. The difference is particularly large when the general market rates of return are higher than average.

 

There are no limitations on the length of time that securities must be held by any Fund and a Fund’s annual portfolio turnover rate may vary significantly from year to year. A high rate of portfolio turnover (100% or more) involves correspondingly greater transaction costs, which must be borne by the applicable Fund and its shareholders.

 

In determining such portfolio turnover, U.S. government securities and all other securities (including options) which have maturities at the time of acquisition of one year or less (“short-term securities”) are excluded. The annual portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of the cost of purchases or proceeds from sales of portfolio securities for the year by the monthly average of the value of the portfolio securities owned by the applicable Fund during the year. The monthly average is calculated by totaling the values of the portfolio securities as of the beginning and end of the first month of the year and as of the end of the succeeding 11 months and dividing the sum by 13. A turnover rate of 100% would occur if all of a Fund’s portfolio securities (other than short-term securities) were replaced once in a period of one year. If a Fund were to write a substantial number of options, which are exercised, the portfolio turnover rate of that Fund would increase. Increased portfolio turnover results in increased brokerage costs, which a Fund must pay, and the possibility of more short-term gains, distributions of which are taxable as ordinary income.

 

The Funds will trade their portfolio securities without regard to the length of time for which they have been held. To the extent that a Fund’s portfolio is traded for short-term market considerations and portfolio turnover rate exceeds 100%, the annual portfolio turnover rate of the Fund could be higher than most mutual funds.

 

Real Estate Investment Trust Securities. Each Fund may invest in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”). REITs generally invest directly in real estate, in mortgages or in some combination of the two. Individual REITs may own a limited number of properties and may concentrate in a particular region or property type. A REIT is a corporation, or a business trust that would otherwise be taxed as a corporation, which meets the definitional requirements of the Code. The Code permits a qualifying REIT to deduct dividends paid, thereby effectively eliminating corporate level Federal income tax and making the REIT a pass-through vehicle for Federal income tax purposes. To meet the definitional requirements of the Code, a REIT must, among other things, invest substantially all of its assets in interests in real estate (including mortgages and other REITs) or cash and government securities, derive most of its income from rents from real property or interest on loans secured by mortgages on real property, and distribute to shareholders annually a substantial portion of its otherwise taxable income.

 

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Generally, REITs can be classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs and hybrid REITs. Equity REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive their income primarily from rents and capital gains from appreciation realized through property sales. Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive their income primarily from interest payments. Hybrid REITs combine the characteristics of both equity and mortgage REITs. The values of securities issued by REITs are affected by tax and regulatory requirements and by perceptions of management skill. They also are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers or tenants, self-liquidation and the possibility of failing to qualify for tax-free status under the Code or to maintain exemption from the 1940 Act. Unexpected high rates of default on the mortgages held by a mortgage pool may adversely affect the value of a mortgage-backed security and could result in losses to a mortgage REIT. The risk of such defaults is generally higher in the case of mortgage pools that include subprime mortgages. To the extent that a mortgage REIT’s portfolio is exposed to lower-rated, unsecured or subordinated instruments, the risk of loss may increase, which may have a negative impact on the Fund.

 

The REITs in which the Funds may invest may be affected by economic forces and other factors related to the real estate industry. REITs are sensitive to factors such as changes in real estate values, property taxes, interest rates, cash flow of underlying real estate assets, occupancy rates, government regulations affecting zoning, land use and rents, and management skill and creditworthiness of the issuer. Companies in the real estate industry may also be subject to liabilities under environmental and hazardous waste laws. REITS whose underlying assets include long-term health care properties; such as nursing, retirement and assisted living homes, may be impacted by federal regulations concerning the health care industry. Each Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of expenses, including management fees, paid by each REIT in which it invests in addition to the expenses of the Fund. Each Fund is also subject to the risk that the REITs in which it invests will fail to qualify for tax-free pass-through of income under the Code, and/or fail to qualify for an exemption from registration as an investment company under the 1940 Act. Mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of the credit extended. A REIT’s return may be adversely affected when interest rates are high or rising.

 

Investing in REITs may involve risks similar to those associated with investing in small capitalization companies. REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. Historically, small capitalization stocks, such as REITs, have been more volatile in price than the larger capitalization stocks included in the S&P 500 ® .

 

Restricted and Illiquid Securities. Each Fund may not invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, including securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily available market or legal or contractual restrictions on resale. Illiquid securities include: repurchase agreements and time deposits with a notice or demand period of more than seven days; interest rate; currency, mortgage and credit default swaps; interest rate caps; floors and collars; municipal leases; certain restricted securities, such as those purchased in a private placement of securities, unless it is determined, based upon a review of the trading markets for a specific restricted security, that such restricted security is liquid; and certain over-the-counter options. Securities that have legal or contractual restrictions on resale but have a readily available market are not considered illiquid for purposes of this limitation. With respect to each Fund, repurchase agreements subject to demand are deemed to have a maturity equal to the notice period.

 

Mutual funds do not typically hold a significant amount of restricted or other illiquid securities because of the potential for delays on resale and uncertainty in valuation. Limitations on resale may have an adverse effect on the marketability of portfolio securities and a mutual fund might be unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty in satisfying redemptions within seven days. A mutual fund might also have to register such restricted securities in order to dispose of them resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of securities.

 

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Each Fund may purchase securities which are not registered under the Securities Act but which may be sold to “qualified institutional buyers” in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act (“Restricted Securities”). These securities will not be considered illiquid so long as it is determined by the Adviser that an adequate trading market exists for the securities. This investment practice could have the effect of increasing the level of illiquidity in a Fund during any period that qualified institutional buyers become uninterested in purchasing restricted securities.

 

The Adviser will monitor the liquidity of Restricted Securities held by a Fund under the supervision of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). In reaching liquidity decisions, the Adviser may consider, among others, the following factors: (1) the unregistered nature of the security; (2) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (3) the number of dealers wishing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential purchasers; (4) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; and (5) the nature of the security and the nature of the marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of the transfer).

 

The purchase price and subsequent valuation of Restricted Securities normally reflect a discount from the price at which such securities trade when they are not restricted, since the restriction makes them less liquid. The amount of the discount from the prevailing market price is expected to vary depending upon the type of security, the character of the issuer, the party who will bear the expenses of registering the Restricted Securities and prevailing supply and demand conditions.

 

Risk Considerations of Medium Grade Securities. Obligations in the lowest investment grade (i.e., BBB or Baa), referred to as “medium grade” obligations, have speculative characteristics, and changes in economic conditions and other factors are more likely to lead to weakened capacity to make interest payments and repay principal on these obligations than is the case for higher rated securities. In the event that a security purchased by a Fund is subsequently downgraded below investment grade, the Adviser will consider such event in its determination of whether the Fund should continue to hold the security.

 

Risk Considerations of Lower Rated Securities. The WPG Fund and the All-Cap Value Fund may invest in fixed income securities that are not investment grade but are rated as low as B by Moody’s or B by S&P (or their equivalents or, if unrated, determined by the Adviser to be of comparable credit quality). In the case of a security that is rated differently by two or more rating services, the higher rating is used in connection with the foregoing limitation. In the event that the rating on a security held in a Fund’s portfolio is downgraded by a rating service, such action will be considered by the Adviser in its evaluation of the overall investment merits of that security, but will not necessarily result in the sale of the security. The widespread expansion of government, consumer and corporate debt within the U.S. economy has made the corporate sector, especially cyclically sensitive industries, more vulnerable to economic downturns or increased interest rates.

 

An economic downturn could severely disrupt the market for high yield fixed income securities and adversely affect the value of outstanding fixed income securities and the ability of the issuers to repay principal and interest.

 

The Long/Short Equity Fund, Long/Short Research Fund, Global Long/Short Fund, Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund and Emerging Markets Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in high yield fixed income obligations, such as bonds and debentures, issued by corporations and other business organizations. The Funds will invest in high yield fixed income instruments when the Funds believe that such instruments offer a better risk/reward profile than comparable equity opportunities. High yield fixed income securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”) are considered speculative investments and, while generally providing greater income than investments in higher rated securities, involve greater risk of loss of principal and income (including the possibility of default or bankruptcy of the issuers of such securities) and may involve greater volatility of price (especially during periods of economic uncertainty or change) than securities in the higher rating categories. However, since yields vary over time, no specific level of income can ever be assured.

 

The prices of high yield fixed income securities have been found to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than higher-rated investments, but more sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual corporate developments. Also, during an economic downturn or substantial period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress, which would adversely affect their ability to service their principal and interest payment obligations, to meet projected business goals, and to obtain additional financing. If the issuer of a fixed income security owned by a Fund defaulted, the Fund could incur additional expenses to seek recovery. In addition, periods of economic uncertainty and changes can be expected to result in increased volatility of market prices of high yield fixed income securities and a Fund’s net asset value, to the extent it holds such securities.

 

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High yield fixed income securities also present risks based on payment expectations. For example, high yield fixed income securities may contain redemption or call provisions. If an issuer exercises these provisions in a declining interest rate market, a Fund may, to the extent it holds such fixed income securities, have to replace the securities with a lower yielding security, which may result in a decreased return for investors. Conversely, a high yield fixed income security’s value will decrease in a rising interest rate market, as will the value of a Fund’s assets, to the extent it holds such fixed income securities.

 

In addition, to the extent that there is no established retail secondary market, there may be thin trading of high yield fixed income securities, and this may have an impact on the Adviser’s ability to accurately value such securities and a Fund’s assets and on the Fund’s ability to dispose of such securities. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of high yield fixed income securities, especially in a thinly traded market.

 

New laws proposed or adopted from time to time may have an impact on the market for high yield securities.

 

Finally, there are risks involved in applying credit or dividend ratings as a method for evaluating high yield securities. For example, ratings evaluate the safety of principal and interest or dividend payments, not market value risk of high yield securities. Also, since rating agencies may fail to timely change the credit ratings to reflect subsequent events, a Fund will continuously monitor the issuers of high yield securities in its portfolio, if any, to determine if the issuers will have sufficient cash flow and profits to meet required principal and interest payments, and to assure the security’s liquidity so the Fund can meet redemption requests.

 

Special Situation Companies. Each Fund, except the Small Cap Value Fund, may invest in “Special Situations.” The term “Special Situation” shall be deemed to refer to a security of a company in which an unusual and possibly non-repetitive development is taking place which, in the opinion of the investment adviser of the Fund, may cause the security to attain a higher market value independently, to a degree, of the trend in the securities market in general. The particular development (actual or prospective), which may qualify a security as a “Special Situation,” may be one of many different types.

 

Such developments may include, among others, a technological improvement or important discovery or acquisition which, if the expectation for it materialized, would effect a substantial change in the company’s business; a reorganization; a recapitalization or other development involving a security exchange or conversion; a merger, liquidation or distribution of cash, securities or other assets; a breakup or workout of a holding company; litigation which, if resolved favorably, would improve the value of the company’s stock; a new or changed management; or material changes in management policies. A “Special Situation” may often involve a comparatively small company, which is not well known, and which has not been closely watched by investors generally, but it may also involve a large company. The fact, if it exists, that an increase in the company’s earnings, dividends or business is expected, or that a given security is considered to be undervalued, would not in itself be sufficient to qualify as a “Special Situation.” A Fund may invest in securities (even if not “Special Situations”) which, in the opinion of the investment adviser of the Fund, are appropriate investments for the Fund, including securities which the investment adviser of the Fund believes are undervalued by the market. A Fund shall not be required to invest any minimum percentage of its aggregate portfolio in “Special Situations,” nor shall it be required to invest any minimum percentage of its aggregate portfolio in securities other than “Special Situations.”

 

Securities of Unseasoned Issuers. Each of the Funds may invest in securities of unseasoned issuers, including equity securities of unseasoned issuers which are not readily marketable, to the extent consistent with each Fund’s primary investment strategies as set forth in the Prospectuses and with each Fund’s policy on investments in illiquid securities. The aggregate investment in such securities will not exceed (a) 25% of net assets for the Long/Short Equity Fund, WPG Fund, Global Long/Short Fund, Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund, and Emerging Markets Fund or (b) 5% of net assets for each of the Small Cap Value and All-Cap Value Funds. The term “unseasoned” refers to issuers which, together with their predecessors, have been in operation for less than three years.

 

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Short Sales. The All-Cap Value, Long/Short Equity, Long/Short Research, Global Long/Short Fund, and Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund may each enter into short sales. Short sales are transactions in which a Fund sells a security it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the market value of that security. To complete such a transaction, the Fund must borrow the security to make delivery to the buyer. The Fund then is obligated to replace the security borrowed by purchasing it at the market price at the time of replacement. The price at such time may be more or less than the price at which the security was sold by the Fund. Until the security is replaced, the Fund is required to pay to the lender amounts equal to any dividend which accrues during the period of the loan. To borrow the security, the Fund also may be required to pay a premium, which would increase the cost of the security sold. The proceeds of the short sale will be retained by the broker, to the extent necessary to meet margin requirements, until the short position is closed out.

 

Until a Fund replaces a borrowed security in connection with a short sale, the Fund will: (a) maintain daily a segregated account, containing cash, cash equivalents, or liquid marketable securities, at such a level that the amount deposited in the account plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will equal the current value of the security sold short or (b) otherwise cover its short position in accordance with positions taken by the staff of the SEC.

 

A Fund will incur a loss as a result of the short sale if the price of the security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund replaces the borrowed security. The Fund will realize a gain if the security declines in price between those dates. This result is the opposite of what one would expect from a cash purchase of a long position in a security. The amount of any gain will be decreased, and the amount of any loss increased, by the amount of any premium or amounts in lieu of interest the Fund may be required to pay in connection with a short sale. A Fund may purchase call options to provide a hedge against an increase in the price of a security sold short by the Fund. See the section entitled “Options” above.

 

Short Sales “Against the Box.” In addition to the short sales discussed above, the All-Cap Value Fund, Long/Short Equity Fund, Long/Short Research Fund, Global Long/Short Fund, and Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund may each make short sales “against the box,” transactions in which a Fund enters into a short sale of a security that the Fund owns or has the right to obtain at no additional cost. The proceeds of the short sale will be held by a broker until the settlement date at which time the Fund delivers the security to close the short position. The Fund receives the net proceeds from the short sale.

 

Structured Securities. The All-Cap Value Fund, Global Equity Fund, Global Long/Short Fund, Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund and Emerging Markets Fund may invest in structured securities. The value of the principal of and/or interest on structured securities is determined by reference to changes in the value of specific currencies, commodities, securities, indices or other financial indicators (the “Reference”) or the relative change in two or more References. The interest rate or the principal amount payable upon maturity or redemption may be increased or decreased depending upon changes in the applicable Reference. Examples of structured securities include, but are not limited to, notes where the principal repayment at maturity is determined by the value of the relative change in two or more specified securities or securities indices. The All-Cap Value Fund does not presently intend to invest more than 5% of its net assets in structured securities.

 

The terms of some structured securities may provide that in certain circumstances no principal is due at maturity and, therefore, a Fund could suffer a total loss of its investment. Structured securities may be positively or negatively indexed, so that appreciation of the Reference may produce an increase or decrease in the interest rate or value of the security at maturity. In addition, changes in the interest rate or the value of the security at maturity may be a multiple of the changes in the value of the Reference. Consequently, structured securities may entail a greater degree of market risk than other types of securities. Structured securities may also be more volatile, less liquid and more difficult to accurately price than less complex securities due to their derivative nature.

 

U.S. Government Obligations. Each Fund may purchase U.S. government agency and instrumentality obligations that are debt securities issued by U.S. government-sponsored enterprises and federal agencies. Some obligations of agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government or by U.S. Treasury guarantees, such as securities of the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) and the Federal Housing Authority; others, by the ability of the issuer to borrow, provided approval is granted, from the U.S. Treasury, such as securities of Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) and others, only by the credit of the agency or instrumentality issuing the obligation, such as securities of Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) and the Federal Home Loan Banks (“FHLBs”). Such guarantees of U.S. government securities held by a Fund do not, however, guarantee the market value of the shares of the Fund. There is no guarantee that the U.S. government will continue to provide support to its agencies or instrumentalities in the future. U.S. government obligations that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government are subject to greater risks than those that are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. All U.S. government obligations are subject to interest rate risk.

 

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In September 2008, the U.S. Treasury Department and Federal Housing finance Agency (“FHFA”) announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would be placed in conservatorship under the FHFA. On June 16, 2010, FHFA ordered Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s stock de-listed from the New York Stock Exchange after the price of common stock in Fannie Mae fell below the New York Stock Exchange’s minimum average closing price of $1 for more than 30 days. The long-term effect that this conservatorship will have on Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s debt and equity and on securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is unclear.

 

Each Fund’s net assets may be invested in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury or the agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government, including, if applicable, options and futures on such obligations. The maturities of U.S. government securities usually range from three months to thirty years. Examples of types of U.S. government obligations include U.S. Treasury Bills, Treasury Notes and Treasury Bonds and the obligations of Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Farm Credit Banks, Federal Land Banks, the Federal Housing Administration, Farmers Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Small Business Administration, Fannie Mae, GNMA, General Services Administration, Central Bank for Cooperatives, Freddie Mac, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, the Maritime Administration, the Asian-American Development Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. U.S. government securities may include inflation-indexed fixed income securities, such as U.S. Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (“TIPS”). The interest rate of TIPS, which is set at auction, remains fixed throughout the term of the security and the principal amount of the security is adjusted for inflation. The inflation-adjusted principal is not paid until maturity.

 

There is risk that the U.S. government will not provide financial support to its agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. Each Fund may purchase U.S. government securities that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, such as those issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. government securities held by a Fund may greatly exceed their current resources, including their legal right to support from the U.S. Treasury. It is possible that these issuers will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future.

 

The Small Cap Value and All-Cap Value Funds do not presently intend to invest more than 5% of each Fund’s respective net assets in U.S. government obligations.

 

Special Note Regarding Market Events. Events in the financial sector over the past several years have resulted in reduced liquidity in credit and fixed income markets and in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestically and internationally. While entire markets have been impacted, issuers that have exposure to the real estate, mortgage and credit markets have been particularly affected. These events and the potential for continuing market turbulence may have an adverse effect on the Funds’ investments. It is uncertain how long these conditions will continue.

 

The instability in the financial markets has led the U.S. government to take a number of unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions and certain segments of the financial markets. Federal, state and foreign governments, regulatory agencies, and self-regulatory organizations may take actions that affect the regulation of the instruments in which a Fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that are unforeseeable. Such legislation or regulation could limit or preclude a Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective.

 

Governments or their agencies may also acquire distressed assets from financial institutions and acquire ownership interests in those institutions. The implications of government ownership and disposition of these assets are unclear, and such ownership or disposition may have positive or negative effects on the liquidity, valuation and performance of the Funds’ holdings.

 

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NON-PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS

 

Asset-Backed Securities. The Emerging Markets Fund may invest in asset-backed securities, which represent participations in, or are secured by and payable from, pools of assets such as motor vehicle installment sale contracts, installment loan contracts, leases of various types of real and personal property, receivables from revolving credit (credit card) agreements and other categories of receivables. Asset-backed securities may also be collateralized by a portfolio of U.S. government securities, but are not direct obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities. Such asset pools are securitized through the use of privately-formed trusts or special purpose corporations. Payments or distributions of principal and interest on asset-backed securities may be guaranteed up to certain amounts and for a certain time period by a letter of credit or a pool insurance policy issued by a financial institution unaffiliated with the trust or corporation, or other credit enhancements may be present; however privately issued obligations collateralized by a portfolio of privately issued asset-backed securities do not involve any government-related guarantee or insurance. Asset-backed securities present credit risks that are not presented by mortgage-backed securities. That is because asset-backed securities generally do not have the benefit of a security interest in collateral that is comparable to mortgage assets.

 

Commercial Paper. Each Fund may purchase commercial paper rated (at the time of purchase) “A-1” by S&P® or “Prime-1” by Moody’s or, when deemed advisable by the Adviser, issues rated “A-2” or “Prime-2” by S&P® or Moody’s, respectively. These rating categories are described in Appendix “A” to this SAI. The Funds may also purchase unrated commercial paper provided that such paper is determined to be of comparable quality by the Adviser pursuant to guidelines approved by the Board. Commercial paper issues in which a Fund may invest include securities issued by corporations without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) in reliance on the exemption from such registration afforded by Section 3(a) (3) thereof, and commercial paper issued in reliance on the so-called “private placement” exemption from registration, which is afforded by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act (“Section 4(2) paper”). Section 4(2) paper is restricted as to disposition under the federal securities laws in that any resale must similarly be made in an exempt transaction. Section 4(2) paper is normally resold to other institutional investors through or with the assistance of investment dealers who make a market in Section 4(2) paper, thus providing liquidity. Each Fund does not presently intend to invest more than 5% of its net assets in commercial paper.

 

Cyber Security Risk. The Funds and their service providers may be prone to operational and information security risks resulting from breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause a Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption, or lose operational capacity. Breaches in cyber security include, among other behaviors, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, denial of service attacks on websites, the unauthorized release of confidential information or various other forms of cyber-attacks. Cyber security breaches affecting a Fund or its Adviser, custodian, transfer agent, intermediaries and other third-party service providers may adversely impact a Fund. For instance, cyber security breaches may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, impact a Fund’s ability to calculate its NAVs, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential business information, impede trading, subject a Fund to regulatory fines or financial losses and/or cause reputational damage. The Funds may also incur additional costs for cyber security risk management purposes. Similar types of cyber security risks are also present for issuers of securities in which a Fund may invest, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Fund’s investment in such companies to lose value.

 

Holding Company Depository Receipts. The Funds may invest in Holding Company Depository Receipts (“HOLDRS”). HOLDRS represent trust-issued receipts that represent individual and undivided beneficial ownership interests in the common stock or ADRs of specific companies in a particular industry, sector or group. Each of the Funds do not presently intend to invest more than 5% of their respective net assets in HOLDRS.

 

Indexed Securities. The Funds may invest in indexed securities whose value is linked to securities indices. Most such securities have values which rise and fall according to the change in one or more specified indices, and may have characteristics similar to direct investments in the underlying securities. Depending on the index, such securities may have greater volatility than the market as a whole. Each of the Funds do not presently intend to invest more than 5% of their respective net assets in indexed securities.

 

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Large Shareholder Purchase and Redemption Risk. The Funds may experience adverse effects when certain large shareholders purchase or redeem large amounts of shares of the Funds. Such large shareholder redemptions may cause a Fund to sell its securities at times when it would not otherwise do so, which may negatively impact the Fund’s NAV and liquidity. Similarly, large share purchases may adversely affect a Fund’s performance to the extent that the Fund is delayed in investing new cash and is required to maintain a larger cash position than it ordinarily would. In addition, a large redemption could result in a Fund’s current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the Fund’s expense ratio. However, this risk may be limited to the extent that the Adviser and a Fund have entered into a fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement arrangement.

 

Leveraging. The Emerging Markets Fund may employ leverage in accordance with the fundamental investment limitations described below. Leveraging the Fund creates an opportunity for increased net income, but, at the same time, creates special risk considerations. For example, leveraging may exaggerate changes in the net asset value of the Fund’s shares and in the yield on the Fund’s portfolio. Although the principal of such borrowings will be fixed, the Fund’s assets may change in value during the time the borrowing is outstanding. Leveraging creates interest expenses for the Fund which could exceed the income from the assets retained. To the extent the income derived from securities purchased with borrowed funds exceeds the interest that the Fund will have to pay, the Fund’s net income will be greater than if leveraging were not used. Conversely, if the income from the assets retained with borrowed funds is not sufficient to cover the cost of leveraging, the net income of the Fund will be less than if leveraging were not used, and therefore the amount available for distribution to stockholders as dividends will be reduced. Because the SEC staff believes both reverse repurchase agreements and dollar roll transactions are collateralized borrowings, the SEC staff believes that they create leverage, which is a speculative factor. The requirement that such transactions be fully collateralized by assets segregated by the Fund’s custodian imposes a practical limit on the leverage these transactions create.

 

Money Market Instruments. Each Fund may invest a portion of its assets in short-term, high-quality instruments for purposes of temporary defensive measures, which instruments include, among other things, bank obligations. Bank obligations include bankers’ acceptances, negotiable certificates of deposit, and non-negotiable time deposits earning a specified return and issued by a U.S. bank which is a member of the Federal Reserve System or insured by the Bank Insurance Fund of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), or by a savings and loan association or savings bank which is insured by the Savings Association Insurance Fund of the FDIC. Such deposits are not FDIC insured and a Fund bears the risk of bank failure. Bank obligations also include U.S. dollar-denominated obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks and obligations of domestic branches of foreign banks. Such investments may involve risks that are different from investments in securities of domestic branches of U.S. banks. These risks may include future unfavorable political and economic developments, possible withholding taxes on interest income, seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits, currency controls, interest limitations, or other governmental restrictions which might affect the payment of principal or interest on the securities held in a Fund. Additionally, these institutions may be subject to less stringent reserve requirements and to different accounting, auditing, reporting and recordkeeping requirements than those applicable to domestic branches of U.S. banks. A Fund will invest in obligations of domestic branches of foreign banks and foreign branches of domestic banks only when the Adviser believes that the risks associated with such investment are minimal. The value of money market instruments tends to fall when current interest rates rise. Money market instruments are generally less sensitive to interest rate changes than longer-term securities.

 

Purchase Warrants. Each Fund may invest in purchase warrants and similar rights. Purchase warrants are privileges issued by a corporation which enable the owner to subscribe to and purchase a specified number of shares of the corporation at a specified price during a specified period of time. Subscription rights normally have a short lifespan to expiration. The purchase of warrants involves the risk that the Fund could lose the purchase value of a warrant if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not executed prior to the warrants’ expiration. Also, the purchase of warrants involves the risk that the effective price paid for the warrant added to the subscription price of the related security may exceed the value of the subscribed security’s market price such as when there is no movement in the level of the underlying security. These Funds may not invest more than 5% of each Fund’s respective net assets in purchase warrants and similar rights.

 

Repurchase Agreements. The Funds may agree to purchase securities from financial institutions subject to the seller’s agreement to repurchase them at an agreed-upon time and price (“repurchase agreements”). The securities held subject to a repurchase agreement may have stated maturities exceeding 397 days, provided the repurchase agreement itself matures in less than 13 months. Default by or bankruptcy of the seller would, however, expose a Fund to possible loss because of adverse market action or delays in connection with the disposition of the underlying obligations.

 

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The repurchase price under the repurchase agreements described above generally equals the price paid by a Fund plus interest negotiated on the basis of current short-term rates (which may be more or less than the rate on the securities underlying the repurchase agreement). The financial institutions with whom the Funds may enter into repurchase agreements will be banks which the Adviser considers creditworthy pursuant to criteria approved by the Board of Directors and non-bank dealers of U.S. government securities that are listed on the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s list of reporting dealers. The Adviser will consider the creditworthiness of a seller in determining whether to have a Fund enter into a repurchase agreement. The seller under a repurchase agreement will be required to maintain the value of the securities subject to the agreement at not less than the repurchase price plus accrued interest. The Adviser will mark to market daily the value of the securities, and will, if necessary, require the seller to maintain additional securities, to ensure that the value is not less than the repurchase price.

 

Default by or bankruptcy of the seller would, however, expose a Fund to possible loss because of adverse market action or delays in connection with the disposition of the underlying obligations.

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreements. The Funds may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with respect to portfolio securities for temporary purposes (such as to obtain cash to meet redemption requests) when the liquidation of portfolio securities is deemed disadvantageous or inconvenient by the Adviser. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the sale of securities held by a Fund subject to the Fund’s agreement to repurchase the securities at an agreed-upon price, date and rate of interest. Such agreements are considered to be borrowings under the 1940 Act, and may be entered into only for temporary or emergency purposes. While reverse repurchase transactions are outstanding, a Fund will maintain in a segregated account with the Fund’s custodian or a qualified sub-custodian, cash or liquid securities of an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities, plus accrued interest, subject to the agreement and will monitor the account to ensure that such value is maintained. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities sold by the Fund may decline below the price of the securities the Fund is obligated to repurchase and the interest received on the cash exchanged for the securities.

 

Temporary Investments. Although the Funds invest primarily in equity securities, for temporary defensive purposes, the Funds may hold cash or invest in a variety of money market instruments and short-term and medium-term debt securities including: (a) obligations of the United States or foreign governments, their respective agencies or instrumentalities; (b) bank deposits and bank obligations (including certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers’ acceptances) of U.S. or foreign banks denominated in any currency; (c) floating rate securities and other instruments denominated in any currency issued by international development agencies; (d) finance company and corporate commercial paper and other short-term corporate debt obligations of U.S. and foreign corporations; and (e) repurchase agreements with banks and broker-dealers with respect to such securities.

 

INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

 

The Funds have adopted the following fundamental investment limitations which may not be changed with respect to the Funds without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Funds’ outstanding shares (as defined in Section 2(a) (42) of the 1940 Act). As used in this SAI and in the Prospectuses, “shareholder approval” and a “majority of the outstanding shares” of a Fund means, with respect to the approval of an investment advisory agreement, a distribution plan or a change in a fundamental investment limitation, the lesser of (1) 67% of the shares of the particular Fund represented at a meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of such Fund are present in person or by proxy, or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of such Fund. Each Fund’s investment goals and strategies described in the Prospectuses may be changed by the Board without the approval of the Fund’s shareholders.

 

Each Boston Partners Fund other than the Long/Short Research Fund, Global Equity Fund, Global Long/Short Fund, Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund, and Emerging Markets Fund may not:

 

1. Borrow money or issue senior securities, except that each Fund may borrow from banks and enter into reverse repurchase agreements, and the Small Cap Value Fund and All-Cap Value Fund may enter into dollar rolls for temporary purposes in amounts up to one-third of the value of each Fund’s respective total assets at the time of such borrowing and provided that, for any borrowing with respect to the All-Cap Value Fund and Long/Short Equity Fund there is at least 300% asset coverage for the borrowings of the Fund. A Fund may not mortgage, pledge or hypothecate any assets, except in connection with any such borrowing and then in amounts not in excess of one-third of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the time of such borrowing. However, with respect to the All-Cap Value Fund and Long/Short Equity Fund the amount shall not be in excess of lesser of the dollar amounts borrowed or 33 1/3% of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the time of such borrowing, provided that for the All-Cap Value Fund and Long/Short Equity Fund: (a) short sales and related borrowings of securities are not subject to this restriction; and (b) for the purposes of this restriction, collateral arrangements with respect to options, short sales, stock index, interest rate, currency or other futures, options on futures contracts, collateral arrangements with respect to initial and variation margin and collateral arrangements with respect to swaps and other derivatives are not deemed to be a pledge or other encumbrance of assets, and provided that for the All-Cap Value Fund, any collateral arrangements with respect to the writing of options, futures contracts and options on futures contracts and collateral arrangements with respect to initial and variation margin are not deemed to be a pledge of assets. The Small Cap Value and All-Cap Value Funds will not purchase securities while aggregate borrowings (including reverse repurchase agreements, dollar rolls and borrowings from banks) are in excess of 5% of total assets. Securities held in escrow or separate accounts in connection with a Fund’s investment practices are not considered to be borrowings or deemed to be pledged for purposes of this limitation; (For purposes of this Limitation No. 1, any collateral arrangements with respect to, if applicable, the writing of options and futures contracts, options on futures contracts, and collateral arrangements with respect to initial and variation margin are not deemed to be a pledge of assets).

 

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2. Issue any senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act; (For purposes of this Limitation No. 2, neither the collateral arrangements with respect to options and futures identified in Limitation No. 1, nor the purchase or sale of futures or related options are deemed to be the issuance of senior securities).

 

3. Act as an underwriter of securities within the meaning of the Securities Act, except insofar as it might be deemed to be an underwriter upon disposition of certain portfolio securities acquired within the limitation on purchases of restricted securities;

 

4. Purchase or sell real estate (including real estate limited partnership interests), provided that the Fund may invest: (a) in securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies that invest in real estate or interests therein; or (b) in real estate investment trusts;

 

5. Purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts, except that a Fund may deal in forward foreign exchanges between currencies of the different countries in which it may invest and purchase and sell stock index and currency options, stock index futures, financial futures and currency futures contracts and related options on such futures;

 

6. Make loans, except through loans of portfolio securities and repurchase agreements, provided that for purposes of this restriction the acquisition of bonds, debentures or other debt instruments or interests therein and investment in government obligations, loan participations and assignments, short-term commercial paper, certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances shall not be deemed to be the making of a loan; or

 

7. Invest 25% or more of its total assets, taken at market value at the time of each investment, in the securities of one or more issuers in any particular industry (excluding the U.S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities).

 

Additionally, each Boston Partners Fund other than the Long/Short Research Fund, Global Equity Fund, Global Long/Short Fund, and Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund may not:

 

Purchase the securities of any one issuer, other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, if immediately after and as a result of such purchase, more than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in the securities of such issuer, or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer would be owned by the Fund, except that up to 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets may be invested without regard to such limitations.

 

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For purposes of Investment Limitation No. 1, collateral arrangements with respect to, if applicable, the writing of options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, forward currency contracts and collateral arrangements with respect to initial and variation margin are not deemed to be a pledge of assets and neither such arrangements nor the purchase or sale of futures or related options are deemed to be the issuance of a senior security for purposes of Investment Limitation No. 2. Neither the purchase nor the sale of futures or related options will be deemed to be the issuance of senior securities because such transactions will be covered by the segregation of cash or liquid assets or by other means in compliance with applicable SEC guidance.

 

For purposes of Investment Limitation No. 7, with respect to the Long/Short Equity Fund, the Fund may not:

 

Purchase any securities which would cause 25% or more of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the time of purchase to be invested in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry, provided that (a) there is no limitation with respect to (i) instruments issued or guaranteed by the United States, any state, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia or any of their authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions, and (ii) repurchase agreements secured by the instruments described in clause (i); (b) wholly-owned finance companies will be considered to be in the industries of their parents if their activities are primarily related to financing the activities of the parents; and (c) utilities will be divided according to their services, for example, gas, gas transmission, electric and gas, electric and telephone will each be considered a separate industry.

 

In addition to the fundamental investment limitations specified above, the Long/Short Equity Fund is subject to the following non-fundamental limitations. These non-fundamental restrictions may be changed without shareholder approval, in compliance with applicable law and regulatory policy. The Long/Short Equity Fund may not:

 

1. Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management, but investments by the Fund in wholly-owned investment entities created under the laws of certain countries will not be deemed the making of investments for the purpose of exercising control or management; or

 

2. Purchase securities on margin, except that the Fund may use margin to the extent necessary to engage in short sales and may obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of portfolio transactions; and provided that margin deposits in connection with options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, transactions in currencies or other derivative instruments shall not constitute purchasing securities on margin.

 

The Long/Short Research Fund may not:

 

1. Borrow money except that (a) the Fund may borrow from banks or through reverse repurchase agreements in amounts up to 331/3% of the value of its total assets (including the amount borrowed); and (b) the Fund may engage in transactions in mortgage dollar rolls which are accounted for as financings. For purposes of this limitation, investment strategies which either obligate the Fund to purchase securities or require the Fund to segregate assets are not considered to be borrowings. Asset coverage of at least 300% is required for all borrowings, except where the Fund has borrowed money for temporary purposes in amounts not exceeding 5% of its total assets;

 

2. Issue senior securities as defined in the 1940 Act, except as permitted by rule, regulation or order of the SEC;

 

3. Act as an underwriter of securities within the meaning of the Securities Act, except insofar as it might be deemed to be an underwriter upon disposition of certain portfolio securities acquired within the limitation on purchases of restricted securities;

 

27  

 

4. Purchase or sell real estate (including real estate limited partnership interests), provided that the Fund may invest: (a) in securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies that invest in real estate or interests therein; or (b) in real estate investment trusts;

 

5. Purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts, except that the Fund may deal in forward foreign exchanges between currencies of the different countries in which it may invest and purchase and sell stock index and currency options, stock index futures, financial futures and currency futures contracts and related options on such futures;

 

6. Make loans, except through loans of portfolio securities and repurchase agreements, provided that for purposes of this restriction the acquisition of bonds, debentures or other debt instruments or interests therein and investment in government obligations, loan participations and assignments, short-term commercial paper, certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances shall not be deemed to be the making of a loan;

 

7. Invest 25% or more of its total assets, taken at market value at the time of each investment, in the securities of one or more issuers in any particular industry (excluding the U.S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities); or

 

8. Purchase the securities of any one issuer, other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, if immediately after and as a result of such purchase, more than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in the securities of such issuer, or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer would be owned by the Fund, except that up to 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets may be invested without regard to such limitations.

 

For purposes of Investment Limitation No. 1, collateral arrangements with respect to, if applicable, the writing of options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, forward currency contracts and collateral arrangements with respect to initial and variation margin are not deemed to be a pledge of assets and neither such arrangements nor the purchase or sale of futures or related options are deemed to be the issuance of a senior security for purposes of Investment Limitation No. 2. Neither the purchase nor the sale of futures or related options will be deemed to be the issuance of senior securities because such transactions will be covered by the segregation of cash or liquid assets or by other means in compliance with applicable SEC guidance.

 

For purposes of Investment Limitation No.7, the Long/Short Research Fund may not:

 

Purchase any securities which would cause 25% or more of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the time of purchase to be invested in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry, provided that (a) there is no limitation with respect to (i) instruments issued or guaranteed by the United States, any state, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia or any of their authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions, and (ii) repurchase agreements secured by the instruments described in clause (i); (b) wholly-owned finance companies will be considered to be in the industries of their parents if their activities are primarily related to financing the activities of the parents; and (c) utilities will be divided according to their services, for example, gas, gas transmission, electric and gas, electric and telephone will each be considered a separate industry.

 

In addition to the fundamental investment limitations specified above, the Long/Short Research Fund is subject to the following non-fundamental limitations. These non-fundamental restrictions may be changed without shareholder approval, in compliance with applicable law and regulatory policy. The Long/Short Research Fund may not:

 

1. Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management, but investments by the Fund in wholly-owned investment entities created under the laws of certain countries will not be deemed the making of investments for the purpose of exercising control or management; or

 

2. Purchase securities on margin, except that the Fund may use margin to the extent necessary to engage in short sales and may obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of portfolio transactions; and provided that margin deposits in connection with options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, transactions in currencies or other derivative instruments shall not constitute purchasing securities on margin.

 

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3. Pledge, manage or hypothecate assets, except as permitted by the 1940 Act.

 

Senior securities may include any obligation or instrument issued by a fund evidencing indebtedness. The 1940 Act generally prohibits funds from issuing senior securities, although it does not treat certain transactions as senior securities, such as certain borrowings, short sales, reverse repurchase agreements, firm commitment agreements and standby commitments, with appropriate earmarking or segregation of assets to cover such obligation.

 

The Global Equity Fund may not:

 

1. Borrow money except that a Fund may borrow from banks or through reverse repurchase agreements in amounts up to 33 1/3% of the value of its total assets (including the amount borrowed). For purposes of this limitation, investment strategies which either obligate a Fund to purchase securities or require the Fund to segregate assets are not considered to be borrowings. Asset coverage of at least 300% is required for all borrowings, except where a Fund has borrowed money for temporary purposes in amounts not exceeding 5% of its total assets;

 

2. Issue senior securities as defined in the 1940 Act, except as permitted by rule, regulation or order of the SEC;

 

3. Act as an underwriter of securities within the meaning of the Securities Act, except insofar as it might be deemed to be an underwriter upon disposition of certain portfolio securities acquired within the limitation on purchases of restricted securities;

 

4. Purchase or sell real estate (including real estate limited partnership interests), provided that the Fund may invest: (a) in securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies that invest in real estate or interests therein; or (b) in real estate investment trusts;

 

5. Purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts, except that a Fund may deal in forward foreign exchanges between currencies of the different countries in which it may invest and purchase and sell stock index and currency options, stock index futures, financial futures and currency futures contracts and related options on such futures;

 

6. Make loans, except through loans of portfolio securities and repurchase agreements, provided that for purposes of this restriction the acquisition of bonds, debentures or other debt instruments or interests therein and investment in government obligations, loan participations and assignments, short-term commercial paper, certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances shall not be deemed to be the making of a loan; or

 

7. Invest 25% or more of its total assets, taken at market value at the time of each investment, in the securities of one or more issuers in any particular industry (excluding the U.S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities).

 

For purposes of Investment Restriction No.7, the Global Equity Fund may not:

 

Purchase any securities which would cause 25% or more of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the time of purchase to be invested in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry, provided that (a) there is no limitation with respect to (i) instruments issued or guaranteed by the United States or any of its authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions, and (ii) repurchase agreements secured by the instruments described in clause (i); (b) wholly-owned finance companies will be considered to be in the industries of their parents if their activities are primarily related to financing the activities of the parents; and (c) utilities will be divided according to their services, for example, gas, gas transmission, electric and gas, electric and telephone will each be considered a separate industry.

 

29  

 

In addition to the fundamental investment limitations specified above, the Global Equity Fund is subject to the following non-fundamental limitations. These non-fundamental restrictions may be changed without shareholder approval, in compliance with applicable law and regulatory policy. The Fund may not:

 

1. Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management, but investments by a Fund in wholly-owned investment entities created under the laws of certain countries will not be deemed the making of investments for the purpose of exercising control or management; or

 

2. Purchase securities on margin, except that a Fund may use margin to the extent necessary to engage in short sales and may obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of portfolio transactions; and provided that margin deposits in connection with options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, transactions in currencies or other derivative instruments shall not constitute purchasing securities on margin.

 

3. Pledge, manage or hypothecate assets, except as permitted by the 1940 Act.

 

4. Hold illiquid securities in an amount exceeding, in the aggregate, 15% of the Fund’s net assets.

 

Any collateral arrangements with respect to, if applicable, the writing of options and futures contracts, options on futures contracts, short sales and other similar instruments, and collateral arrangements with respect to initial and variation margin are not deemed to be a pledge of assets.

 

Senior securities may include any obligation or instrument issued by a fund evidencing indebtedness. The 1940 Act generally prohibits funds from issuing senior securities, although it does not treat certain transactions as senior securities, such as certain borrowings, short sales, reverse repurchase agreements, firm commitment agreements and standby commitments, with appropriate earmarking or segregation of assets to cover such obligation.

 

The Global Long/Short Fund, Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund and Emerging Markets Fund may not:

 

1. Borrow money or issue senior securities, except that the Fund may borrow from banks and enter into reverse repurchase agreements for temporary purposes in amounts up to one-third of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the time of such borrowing and provided that there is at least 300% asset coverage for the borrowings of the Fund. The Fund may not mortgage, pledge or hypothecate any assets, except in connection with any such borrowing and then in amounts not in excess of one-third of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the time of such borrowing. However, the amount shall not be in excess of lesser of the dollar amounts borrowed or 33 1/3% of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the time of such borrowing, provided that: (a) short sales and related borrowings of securities are not subject to this restriction; and (b) for the purposes of this restriction, collateral arrangements with respect to options, short sales, stock index, interest rate, currency or other futures, options on futures contracts, collateral arrangements with respect to initial and variation margin and collateral arrangements with respect to swaps and other derivatives are not deemed to be a pledge or other encumbrance of assets. Securities held in escrow or separate accounts in connection with the Fund’s investment practices are not considered to be borrowings or deemed to be pledged for purposes of this limitation;

 

2. Issue any senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act;

 

3. Act as an underwriter of securities within the meaning of the Securities Act, except insofar as it might be deemed to be an underwriter upon disposition of certain portfolio securities acquired within the limitation on purchases of restricted securities;

 

4. Purchase or sell real estate (including real estate limited partnership interests), provided that the Fund may invest: (a) in securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies that invest in real estate or interests therein; or (b) in real estate investment trusts;

 

5. Purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts, except that the Fund may deal in forward foreign exchanges between currencies of the different countries in which it may invest and purchase and sell stock index and currency options, stock index futures, financial futures and currency futures contracts and related options on such futures;

 

30  

 

6. Make loans, except through loans of portfolio securities and repurchase agreements, provided that for purposes of this restriction the acquisition of bonds, debentures or other debt instruments or interests therein and investment in government obligations, loan participations and assignments, short-term commercial paper, certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances shall not be deemed to be the making of a loan; or

 

7. Invest 25% or more of its total assets, taken at market value at the time of each investment, in the securities of one or more issuers in any particular industry (excluding the U.S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities).

 

For purposes of Investment Limitation No. 1, collateral arrangements with respect to, if applicable, the writing of options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, forward currency contracts and collateral arrangements with respect to initial and variation margin are not deemed to be a pledge of assets and neither such arrangements nor the purchase or sale of futures or related options are deemed to be the issuance of a senior security for purposes of Investment Limitation No. 2. Neither the purchase nor the sale of futures or related options will be deemed to be the issuance of senior securities because such transactions will be covered by the segregation of cash or liquid assets or by other means in compliance with applicable SEC guidance.

 

In addition to the fundamental investment limitations specified above, the Global Long/Short Fund, Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund and Emerging Markets Fund are subject to the following non-fundamental limitations. These non-fundamental restrictions may be changed without shareholder approval, in compliance with applicable law and regulatory policy. Each Fund may not:

 

1. Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management, but investments by the Fund in wholly-owned investment entities created under the laws of certain countries will not be deemed the making of investments for the purpose of exercising control or management; or

 

2. Purchase securities on margin, except that the Fund may use margin to the extent necessary to engage in short sales and may obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of portfolio transactions; and provided that margin deposits in connection with options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, transactions in currencies or other derivative instruments shall not constitute purchasing securities on margin.

 

3. Hold illiquid securities in an amount exceeding, in the aggregate, 15% of the Fund’s net assets.

 

The Boston Partners Funds may invest in securities issued by other investment companies within the limits prescribed by the 1940 Act. As a shareholder of another investment company, a Fund would bear, along with other shareholders, its pro rata portion of the other investment company’s expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses would be in addition to the advisory and other expenses that a Fund bears directly in connection with its own operations.

 

Securities held by the Boston Partners Funds generally may not be purchased from, sold or loaned to the Adviser or its affiliates or any of their directors, officers or employees, acting as principal, unless pursuant to a rule or exemptive order under the 1940 Act. Neither the Company nor the Adviser has obtained such an exemptive order.

 

If a percentage restriction under one of the Boston Partners Funds’ investment policies or limitations or the use of assets is adhered to at the time a transaction is effected, later changes in percentages resulting from changing values will not be considered a violation (except with respect to any restrictions that may apply to borrowings or senior securities issued by the Fund).

 

The WPG Fund may not:

 

1. Purchase securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activity in the same industry, if immediately after such purchase the value of its investments in such industry would exceed 25% or more of its total assets provided that this restriction shall not apply to securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities; provided, however, that the Fund may invest all or part of its investable assets in an open-end investment company with substantially the same investment objective, policies and restrictions as the Fund.

 

31  

 

2. With respect to 75% of its total assets, the Fund may not purchase securities of an issuer (other than the U.S. government, its agencies, instrumentalities or authorities or repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. government securities and other investment companies), if:

 

(a) such purchase would cause more than 5% of the Fund’s total assets taken at market value to be invested in the securities of such issuer; or

 

(b) such purchase would at the time result in more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer being held by the Fund; provided, however, that the Fund may invest all or part of its investable assets in an open-end investment company with substantially the same investment objective, policies and restrictions as the Fund.

 

3. Lease, acquire, purchase, sell or hold real estate, but it may lease office space for its own use and invest in marketable securities of companies holding real estate or interests in real estate, including real estate investment trusts.

 

4. Purchase or sell commodities or commodities contracts, except futures contracts, including but not limited to contracts for the future delivery of securities and contracts based on securities indices and options on such futures contracts, and forward foreign currency exchange contracts.

 

5. Lend money, except that it may (i) invest in all or a portion of an issue of bonds, debentures and other obligations distributed publicly or of a type commonly purchased by financial institutions (e.g., certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances or other short-term debt obligations) or other debt obligations in accordance with its objectives or (ii) enter into repurchase agreements; provided that the Fund will not enter into repurchase agreements of more than one week’s duration if more than 15% of its net assets would be invested therein together with other illiquid or not readily marketable securities.

 

6. Lend its portfolio securities unless the borrower is a broker, dealer, bank or other qualified financial institution; provided that the terms, the structure and the aggregate amount of such loans are not inconsistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and regulations or interpretations of the SEC thereunder.

 

7. Engage in the business of underwriting the securities of others, except to the extent that the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter under the 1933 Act when it purchases or sells portfolio securities; provided, however, that the Fund may invest all or part of its investable assets in an open-end investment company with substantially the same investment objective, policies and restrictions as the Fund.

 

8. Borrow money except as a temporary measure to facilitate the meeting of redemption requests or for extraordinary or emergency purposes, provided that the aggregate amount of such borrowings may not exceed 33% of the value of the Fund’s total assets (including the amount borrowed), at the time of such borrowing.

 

9. Issue senior securities except as permitted under the 1940 Act and except that the Fund may issue shares of beneficial interest in multiple classes or series.

 

The Fund may, notwithstanding any other fundamental or non-fundamental investment restriction or policy, invest all of its assets in the securities of a single open-end investment company with substantially the same investment objectives, restrictions and policies as that Fund.

 

For purposes of the above fundamental investment restrictions regarding industry concentration, the Adviser generally classifies issuers by industry in accordance with classifications established by nationally recognized third-party statistical information services, such as S&P. In the absence of such classification or if the Adviser determines in good faith based on its own information that the economic characteristics affecting a particular issuer make it more appropriately considered to be engaged in a different industry, the Adviser may classify an issuer according to its own sources.

 

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In addition to the fundamental policies mentioned above, the Board has adopted the following non-fundamental policies which may be changed or amended by action of the Board without approval of shareholders. So long as these non-fundamental restrictions are in effect, the Fund may not:

 

(a) Invest in the securities of an issuer for the purpose of exercising control or management, but it may do so where it is deemed advisable to protect or enhance the value of an existing investment.

 

(b) Purchase securities of any other investment company except as permitted by the 1940 Act.

 

(c) Purchase securities on margin, except any short-term credits, which may be necessary for the clearance of transactions and the initial, or maintenance margin in connection with options and futures contracts and related options.

 

(d) Invest more than 15% of its net assets in securities which are illiquid.

 

(e) Purchase additional securities if the Fund’s borrowings exceed 5% of its net assets.

 

Except with respect to the WPG Fund’s fundamental investment restriction regarding borrowings, any investment limitation of the WPG Fund that is expressed as a percentage is determined at the time of investment by the Fund. An increase or decrease in a Fund’s net asset value or a company’s market capitalization subsequent to a Fund’s initial investment will not affect the Fund’s compliance with the percentage limitation or the company’s status as small, medium or large cap. From time to time, the Adviser may include as small, medium or large cap certain companies having market capitalizations outside the definitions described in the Prospectuses. Under the 1940 Act, the WPG Fund will be required to maintain continuous asset coverage of at least 300% for borrowings from a bank. In the event that such asset coverage is below 300%, the applicable Fund will be required to reduce the amount of its borrowings to obtain 300% asset coverage, within three days (not including weekends and holidays) or such longer period as the rules and regulations of the SEC prescribe. In addition, under the 1940 Act, the WPG Fund may not invest more than 5% of its assets in the securities of any issuer that derives more than 15% of its gross revenue from a securities-related business, unless an exemption is available under the 1940 Act or the rules thereunder.

 

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

The Company has adopted, on behalf of the Funds, a policy relating to the disclosure of each Fund’s portfolio securities to ensure that disclosure of information about portfolio holdings is in the best interest of Fund shareholders. The policies relating to the disclosure of the Funds’ portfolio securities are designed to allow disclosure of portfolio holdings information where necessary to the Fund’s operation without compromising the integrity or performance of the Fund. It is the policy of the Company that disclosure of a Fund’s portfolio holdings to a select person or persons prior to the release of such holdings to the public (“selective disclosure”) is prohibited, unless there are legitimate business purposes for selective disclosure.

 

The Company discloses portfolio holdings information as required in regulatory filings and shareholder reports, discloses portfolio holdings information as required by federal and state securities laws and may disclose portfolio holdings information in response to requests by governmental authorities. As required by the federal securities laws, including the 1940 Act, the Company will disclose the Funds’ portfolio holdings in applicable regulatory filings, including shareholder reports, reports on Form N-CSR and Form N-Q or such other filings, reports or disclosure documents as the applicable regulatory authorities may require.

 

The Adviser currently makes the Funds’ complete portfolio holdings, top ten holdings, sector weightings and other portfolio characteristics publicly available on its web site, www.boston-partners.com as disclosed in the following table:

 

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Information Posting Frequency of Disclosure Date of Web Posting
Complete Portfolio Holdings Monthly/Quarterly* 15 days after the end of each calendar month for the Funds
Top 10 Portfolio Holdings and other portfolio characteristics Monthly/Quarterly 10 days after the end of each calendar month for the Funds

 


* For the All-Cap Value Fund, Long/Short Equity Fund, Long/Short Research Fund, Global Long/Short Fund, and Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund the complete long positions only for the Funds will be publicly available on the Adviser’s website at www.boston-partners.com.

 

The scope of the information relating to the Funds’ portfolios that is made available on the web site may change from time to time without notice. The Adviser or its affiliates may include each Fund’s portfolio information that has already been made public through a Web posting or SEC filing in marketing literature and other communications to shareholders, advisors or other parties, provided that, in the case of information made public through the Web, the information is disclosed no earlier than the day after the date of posting to the Web site.

 

The Company may distribute or authorize the distribution of information about the Funds’ portfolio holdings that is not publicly available to its third-party service providers of the Company, which include U.S. Bank, N.A., the custodian; U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC. (“USBFS”), the administrator, accounting agent and transfer agent; Ernst & Young LLP, the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm; Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, legal counsel; FilePoint and Command Financial, the financial printers; and RiskMetrics Group, the Funds’ proxy voting service. These service providers are required to keep such information confidential, and are prohibited from trading based on the information or otherwise using the information except as necessary in providing services to the Funds. Such holdings are released on conditions of confidentiality, which include appropriate trading prohibitions. “Conditions of confidentiality” include confidentiality terms included in written agreements, implied by the nature of the relationship (e.g. attorney-client relationship), or required by fiduciary or regulatory principles (e.g., custody services provided by financial institutions). Portfolio holdings may also be provided earlier to shareholders and their agents who receive redemptions in kind that reflect a pro rata allocation of all securities held in a Fund’s portfolio.

 

Portfolio holdings may also be disclosed, upon authorization by a designated officer of the Adviser, to certain independent reporting agencies recognized by the SEC as acceptable agencies for the reporting of industry statistical information. Disclosures to financial consultants are also subject to a confidentiality agreement and/or trading restrictions as well as a 15-day time lag. The foregoing disclosures are made pursuant to the Company’s policy on selective disclosure of portfolio holdings. The Board or a committee thereof may, in limited circumstances, permit other selective disclosure of portfolio holdings subject to a confidentiality agreement and/or trading restrictions. Portfolio holdings may also be provided earlier to shareholders and their agents who receive redemptions in kind that reflect a pro rata allocation of all securities held in the Funds’ portfolios.

 

The Adviser reserves the right to refuse to fulfill any request for portfolio holdings information from a shareholder or non-shareholder if it believes that providing such information will be contrary to the best interests of the Funds.

 

The Board provides ongoing oversight of the Company’s policies and procedures and compliance with such policies and procedures. As part of this oversight function, the Board receives from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) as necessary, reports on compliance with these policies and procedures. In addition, the Board receives an annual assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of the policies and procedures with respect to the Funds, and any changes thereto, and an annual review of the operation of the policies and procedures. Any violation of the policy set forth above as well as any corrective action undertaken to address such violation must be reported by the Adviser, director, officer or third party service provider to the Company’s CCO, who will determine whether the violation should be reported immediately to the Board or at its next quarterly Board meeting.

 

34  

 

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

 

Portfolio turnover measures the percentage of each Fund’s total portfolio market value that was purchased or sold during the period. Each Fund’s turnover rate provides an indication of how transaction costs (which are not included in the Fund’s expenses) may affect the Fund’s performance. Also, funds with a high turnover may be more likely to distribute capital gains that may be taxable to shareholders.

 

Each Fund’s portfolio turnover rates for the two most recent fiscal years are stated below. Portfolio turnover rates could change significantly in response to turbulent market conditions.

 

  Portfolio Turnover
 

Fiscal Year Ended
August 31, 2017

Fiscal Year Ended
August 31, 2016

Small Cap Value Fund II 24% 29%
Long/Short Equity Fund 63% 72%
Long/Short Research Fund 54% 53%
All-Cap Value Fund 27% 30%
WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund 78% 62%
Global Equity Fund 83% 80%
Global Long/Short Fund 109% 137%
Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund 184% 229%

 

Portfolio turnover information is not provided for the Emerging Markets Fund because the Fund did not commence operations prior to the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the oversight of the Board, subject to the laws of the State of Maryland and the Company’s Charter. The Directors are responsible for deciding matters of overall policy and overseeing the actions of the Company’s service providers. The officers of the Company conduct and supervise the Company’s daily business operations.

 

Directors who are not deemed to be “interested persons” of the Company (as defined in the 1940 Act) are referred to as “Independent Directors.” Directors who are deemed to be “interested persons” of the Company are referred to as “Interested Directors.” The Board is currently composed of seven Independent Directors and one Interested Director. The Board has selected Arnold M. Reichman, an Independent Director, to act as Chairman. Mr. Reichman’s duties include presiding at meetings of the Board and interfacing with management to address significant issues that may arise between regularly scheduled Board and Committee meetings. In the performance of his duties, Mr. Reichman will consult with the other Independent Directors and the Company’s officers and legal counsel, as appropriate. The Chairman may perform other functions as requested by the Board from time to time.

 

The Board meets as often as necessary to discharge its responsibilities. Currently, the Board conducts regular, in-person meetings at least four times a year, and holds special in-person or telephonic meetings as necessary to address specific issues that require attention prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting. The Board also relies on professionals, such as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firms and legal counsel, to assist the Directors in performing their oversight responsibilities.

 

The Board has established nine standing committees — Audit, Contract, Executive, Investment Risk, Nominating and Governance, Product Development, Regulatory Oversight, Strategic Oversight, and Valuation Committees. The Board may establish other committees, or nominate one or more Directors to examine particular issues related to the Board’s oversight responsibilities, from time to time. Each Committee meets periodically to perform its delegated oversight functions and reports its findings and recommendations to the Board. For more information on the Committees, see the section “Standing Board Committees,” below.

 

The Board has determined that the Company’s leadership structure is appropriate because it allows the Board to effectively perform its oversight responsibilities.

 

35  

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below.

 

Name, Address,
and Age

 

Position(s)
Held with
Company

 

Term of Office

and
Length of
Time
Served 1

 

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

 

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund

Complex
Overseen by
Director*

 

Other

Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 84

Director 1988 to present From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications). 29 AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

J. Richard Carnall
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 79

Director 2002 to present

Since 1984, Director of Haydon Bolts, Inc. (bolt manufacturer) and Parkway Real Estate Company (subsidiary of Haydon Bolts, Inc.); since 2004, Director of Cornerstone Bank.

29

None

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 51

 

Director 2012 to present

Since 2009, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services); from 2003 to 2009, Managing Director, head of Business Services and IT Services Practice, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC (investment banking/brokerage).

29

Emtec, Inc.; FS Investment Corporation (business development company); FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company).

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 74

Director 2006 to present Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations. 29

Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until September 2017); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios)(registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance).

 

36  

 

Name, Address,
and Age
Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office and
Length of
Time
Served

Principal Occupation
During Past 5 years
Number of Portfolios

in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 years

Sam Lambroza

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI

53202

Age: 63

Director 2016 to present

Since 2010, Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer and Board Member, Tinsel Group of Companies (asset management).

29 None

Arnold M. Reichman
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 69

Chairman

 

Director

2005 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2006, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Lifebooker, LLC (online beauty and health appointment booking service).

29 Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 76

Director 2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

29

Reich and Tang Group (asset management).

 

INTERESTED DIRECTOR 2

Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 79

Vice Chairman

 

Director

2016 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director - Investments and prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

29 None
OFFICERS

Salvatore Faia, JD,
CPA, CFE
Vigilant Compliance, LLC
Gateway Corporate
Center Suite 216
223 Wilmington West
Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 55

President

 

Chief Compliance Officer

2009 to present

 

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

 

N/A N/A

 

37  

 

Name, Address,
and Age
Position(s)
Held with
Company
Term of Office
and
Length of
Time
Served
  Principal Occupation
During Past 5 years
Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*
Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 years

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 57

 

Treasurer

and

Secretary

 2016 to present

Since 2016, Treasurer and Secretary of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A N/A

Robert Amweg
Vigilant Compliance, LLC

Gateway Corporate Center Suite 216
223 Wilmington West Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 64

Assistant

Treasurer

2016 to present

Since 2013, Compliance Director, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2012, Consultant to the financial services industry; from 2007 to 2012, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, Turner Investments, LP (registered investment company).

N/A N/A

Jesse Schmitting

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 35

Assistant Treasurer 2016 to present Since 2008, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm). N/A N/A

Edward Paz

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 46

Assistant Secretary

 

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A N/A

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square
Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 58

Assistant
Secretary
1999 to present Since 1993, Partner, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm). N/A N/A

 

38  

 

Name, Address,
and Age
Position(s)
Held with
Company
Term of Office
and
Length of
Time
Served
Principal Occupation
During Past 5 years
Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*
Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 years

Jillian L. Bosmann

One Logan Square
Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 38

Assistant
Secretary

September 2017

to present

Since 2017, Partner, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm); Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (2006 to present). N/A N/A

 

* Each Director oversees twenty-nine portfolios of the Company.
1. Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his successor is elected and qualified or his death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.
2. Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Carnall has decades of senior executive-level management experience in the banking and financial services industry and also serves on the boards of various corporations and a bank. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Mr. Lambroza has decades of experience and executive level leadership in the energy trading industry in addition to his experience in academia.

 

Standing Committees

 

The responsibilities of each Committee of the Board and its members are described below.

 

Audit Committee. The Board has an Audit Committee comprised of three Independent Directors. The current members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Brodsky, Chandler and Giordano. The Audit Committee, among other things, reviews results of the annual audit and approves the firm(s) to serve as independent auditors. The Audit Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Contract Committee. The Board has a Contract Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Contract Committee are Messrs. Brodsky, Chandler, Sablowsky and Straniere. The Contract Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the approval and continuation of agreements and plans of the Company. The Contract Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

39  

 

Executive Committee. The Board has an Executive Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Executive Committee are Messrs. Chandler, Giordano, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Executive Committee may generally carry on and manage the business of the Company when the Board is not in session. The Executive Committee did not meet during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Investment Risk Committee. The Board has an Investment Risk Committee comprised of the Interested Director and two Independent Directors. The current members of the Investment Risk Committee are Messrs. Lambroza, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Investment Risk Committee ensures that the Company’s investment advisers have adopted investment risk management policies and procedures. The Investment Risk Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Nominating and Governance Committee. The Board has a Nominating and Governance Committee comprised of three Independent Directors. The current members of the Nominating and Governance Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Giordano and Reichman. The Nominating and Governance Committee recommends to the Board all persons to be nominated as Directors of the Company. The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders. Recommendations should be submitted to the Committee care of the Company’s Secretary. The Nominating and Governance Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Product Development Committee. The Board has a Product Development Committee comprised of the Interested Director and one Independent Director. The current members of the Product Development Committee are Messrs. Reichman and Sablowsky. The Product Development Committee oversees the process regarding the addition of new investment advisers and investment products to the Company. The Product Development Committee convened six times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Regulatory Oversight Committee. The Board has a Regulatory Oversight Committee comprised of the Interested Director and four Independent Directors. The current members of the Regulatory Oversight Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Lambroza, Reichman, Sablowsky and Straniere. The Regulatory Oversight Committee monitors regulatory developments in the mutual fund industry and focuses on various regulatory aspects of the operation of the Company. The Regulatory Oversight Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Strategic Oversight Committee. The Board has a Strategic Oversight Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Strategic Oversight Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Chandler, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Strategic Oversight Committee assists the Board in its oversight and review of the Company’s strategic plan and operations. The Strategic Oversight Committee convened one time during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Valuation Committee. The Board has a Valuation Committee comprised of the Interested Director, one Independent Director and three officers of the Company. The members of the Valuation Committee are Messrs. Amweg, Faia, Lambroza, Sablowsky and Shaw. The Valuation Committee is responsible for reviewing fair value determinations. The Valuation Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Risk Oversight

 

The Board performs its risk oversight function for the Company through a combination of (1) direct oversight by the Board as a whole and Board committees and (2) indirect oversight through the Company’s investment advisers and other service providers, Company officers and the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer. The Company is subject to a number of risks, including but not limited to investment risk, compliance risk, operational risk, reputational risk, credit risk and counterparty risk. Day-to-day risk management with respect to the Company is the responsibility of the Company’s investment advisers or other service providers (depending on the nature of the risk) that carry out the Company’s investment management and business affairs. Each of the investment advisers and the other service providers have their own independent interest in risk management and their policies and methods of risk management will depend on their functions and business models and may differ from the Company’s and each other’s in the setting of priorities, the resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls.

 

40  

 

The Board provides risk oversight by receiving and reviewing on a regular basis reports from the Company’s investment advisers or other service providers, receiving and approving compliance policies and procedures, periodic meetings with the Company’s portfolio managers to review investment policies, strategies and risks, and meeting regularly with the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer to discuss compliance reports, findings and issues. The Board also relies on the Company’s investment advisers and other service providers, with respect to the day-to-day activities of the Company, to create and maintain procedures and controls to minimize risk and the likelihood of adverse effects on the Company’s business and reputation.

 

Board oversight of risk management is also provided by various Board Committees. For example, the Audit Committee meets with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firms to ensure that the Company’s respective audit scopes include risk-based considerations as to the Company’s financial position and operations.

 

The Board may, at any time and in its discretion, change the manner in which it conducts risk oversight. The Board’s oversight role does not make the Board a guarantor of the Company’s investments or activities.

 

Director Ownership of Shares of the Company

 

The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Director in the Funds and in all of the portfolios of the Company (which for each Director comprise all registered investment companies within the Company’s family of investment companies overseen by him), as of December 31, 2016.

 

Name of Director

 

 

Dollar Range of Equity
Securities in the Funds

Aggregate Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in All
Registered Investment Companies
Overseen by Director within the
Family of Investment Companies
Independent Directors    
Julian A. Brodsky Over $100,000 Over $100,000
J. Richard Carnall $10,001-$50,000 $10,001-$50,000
Gregory P. Chandler $1-$10,000 $1-$10,000
Nicholas A. Giordano $10,001-$50,000 $10,001-$50,000
Sam Lambroza Over $100,000 Over $100,000
Arnold M. Reichman Over $100,000 Over $100,000
Robert A. Straniere $1-$10,000 $1-$10,000
Interested Director    
Robert Sablowsky Over $100,000 Over $100,000

 

The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Director in each individual Fund as of December 31, 2016:

 

41  

 

Name of
Director/Officer
Boston
Partners Small
Cap Value
Fund II
Boston
Partners
All-Cap
Value Fund
Boston
Partners
Long/Short
Equity Fund
Boston
Partners
Long/Short
Research Fund
Independent Directors:        
Julian A. Brodsky, Director None None Over $100,000 None
J. Richard Carnall, Director None None $10,001-$50,000 None
Gregory P. Chandler, Director None None None $1-$10,000
Nicholas A. Giordano, Director None None $10,001-$50,000 None
Sam Lambroza, Director None None Over $100,000 None
Arnold M. Reichman, Director and Chairman None None Over $100,000 None
Robert A. Straniere, Director None None None None
Interested Director:        
Robert Sablowsky, Director None None Over $100,000  Over $100,000

 

Name of
Director/Officer
WPG Partners
Small/
Micro Cap
Value Fund
Boston Partners
Global
Equity Fund
Boston Partners
Global
Long/Short
Fund
Boston Partners
Emerging Markets
Long/Short
Fund
Independent Directors:        
Julian A. Brodsky, Director None None None None
J. Richard Carnall, Director None None None None
Gregory P. Chandler, Director None None None None
Nicholas A. Giordano, Director None None None None
Sam Lambroza, Director None None None None
Arnold M. Reichman, Director and Chairman None None None None
Robert A. Straniere, Director $1-$10,000 None None None
Interested Director:        
Robert Sablowsky, Director None None None None

 

Director ownership information is not provided for the Emerging Markets Fund because the Fund did not commence operations prior to December 31, 2016.

 

As of December 31, 2016, the Independent Directors and their respective immediate family members (spouse or dependent children) did not own beneficially or of record any securities of the Company’s investment advisers or distributor, or of any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment advisers or distributor.

 

Directors’ and Officers’ Compensation

 

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company pays each Director a retainer at the rate of $100,000 annually, $10,000 for each regular meeting of the Board, $3,500 for each committee meeting attended in-person, and $2,000 for each committee meeting attended telephonically or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each receive an additional fee of $15,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Contract Committee receives an additional fee of $10,000 per year for his services, and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee and Chairman of the Investment Risk Committee each receive an additional fee of $7,500 per year for his services. The Vice Chairman of the Board receives an additional fee of $25,000 per year for his services in this capacity and the Chairman of the Board receives an additional fee of $50,000 per year for his services in this capacity.

 

From January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017, the Company paid each Director a retainer at the rate of $100,000 annually, $5,000 for each regular meeting of the Board, $2,500 for each committee meeting attended in-person, and $2,000 for each committee meeting attended telephonically or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each received an additional fee of $15,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Contract Committee received an additional fee of $10,000 for his services and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee received an additional fee of $7,500 for his services. Effective June 1, 2017, the Chairman of the Investment Risk Committee received an additional fee of $7,500 for his services. The Vice Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $25,000 for his services in this capacity and the Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $50,000 for his services in this capacity.

 

42  

 

From January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2016, the Company paid each Director a retainer at the rate of $85,000 annually, $3,500 for each regular meeting of the Board, and $2,000 for each committee meeting or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each received an additional fee of $10,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Chairman of the Contract Committee each received an additional fee of $6,000 per year for his services. The Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $25,000 per year for his services in this capacity.

 

Directors are reimbursed for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board or any committee thereof. Employees of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serve as President, Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Treasurer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company, and such compensation is determined by the Board. An employee of the Company serves as Treasurer and Secretary and is compensated for services provided. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, Vigilant Compliance, LLC received $600,000 in aggregate from all series of the Company for services provided.

 

Fund  

Compensation Paid to
Vigilant Compliance, LLC for the Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2017

 
Small Cap Value II Fund   $ 11,726  
All-Cap Value Fund   $ 37,902  
Long/Short Equity Fund   $ 23,121  
Long/Short Research Fund   $ 159,700  
Global Equity Fund   $ 11,688  
Global Long/Short Fund   $ 22,689  
Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund   $ 602  
WPG Fund   $ 843  

 

Compensation information is not provided for the Emerging Markets Fund because the Fund did not commence operations prior to the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

43  

 

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, each of the following members of the Board and the Treasurer and Secretary received compensation from the Funds in the following amounts:

 

  Name of
Director/Officer
  Aggregate
Compensation
from the Funds
    Pension or
Retirement
Benefits Accrued
 

Estimated
Annual
Benefits

Upon
Retirement

 

Total
Compensation
From
Fund Complex
Paid to

Directors
or Officer

 
Independent Directors:                        
Julian A. Brodsky, Director   $ 130,250     N/A   N/A   $ 130,250  
J. Richard Carnall, Director   $ 128,250     N/A   N/A   $ 128,250  
Gregory P. Chandler, Director   $ 151,000     N/A   N/A   $ 151,000  
Nicholas A. Giordano, Director   $ 132,875     N/A   N/A   $ 132,875  
Sam Lambroza, Director   $ 133,375     N/A   N/A   $ 133,375  
Arnold M. Reichman, Director and Chairman   $ 175,500     N/A   N/A   $ 175,500  
Robert A. Straniere, Director   $ 130,750     N/A   N/A   $ 130,750  
Interested Director:                        
Robert Sablowsky, Director   $ 173,750     N/A   N/A   $ 173,750  
Officer:                        
James G. Shaw, Treasurer and Secretary   $ 240,000     N/A   N/A   $ 240,000  

 

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, each of the following members of the Board and the Treasurer and Secretary received compensation from each of the Funds in the following amounts:

 

Name of Director/Officer   Boston
Partners Small
Cap Value
Fund II
    Boston
Partners
All-Cap
Value Fund
    Boston
Partners
Long/Short
Equity Fund
    Boston
Partners
Long/Short
Research Fund
 
Independent Directors:                                
Julian A. Brodsky, Director   $ 2,836     $ 9,156     $ 5,609     $ 40,050  
J. Richard Carnall, Director   $ 2,804     $ 9,049     $ 5,545     $ 39,662  
Gregory P. Chandler, Director   $ 3,309     $ 10,645     $ 6,528     $ 46,377  
Nicholas A. Giordano, Director   $ 2,926     $ 9,442     $ 5,780     $ 41,343  
Sam Lambroza, Director   $ 2,912     $ 9,369     $ 5,754     $ 40,861  
Arnold M. Reichman, Director and Chairman   $ 3,870     $ 12,449     $ 7,630     $ 54,165  
Robert A. Straniere, Director   $ 2,836     $ 9,143     $ 5,608     $ 39,929  
Interested Director:                                
Robert Sablowsky, Director   $ 3,824     $ 12,313     $ 7,552     $ 53,643  
Officer:                                
James G. Shaw, Treasurer and Secretary   $ 5,916     $ 19,464     $ 11,680     $ 82,099  

 

44  

 

  Name of Director/Officer   WPG Partners
Small/
Micro Cap
Value Fund
    Boston Partners
Global
Equity Fund
    Boston Partners
Global
Long/Short
Fund
    Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund  
Independent Directors:                                
Julian A. Brodsky, Director   $ 213     $ 2,724     $ 5,390     $ 126  
J. Richard Carnall, Director   $ 211     $ 2,693     $ 5,334     $ 124  
Gregory P. Chandler, Director   $ 248     $ 3,171     $ 6,241     $ 150  
Nicholas A. Giordano, Director   $ 220     $ 2,809     $ 5,559     $ 131  
Sam Lambroza, Director   $ 218     $ 2,791     $ 5,505     $ 131  
Arnold M. Reichman, Director and Chairman   $ 289     $ 3,705     $ 7,290     $ 177  
Robert A. Straniere, Director   $ 213     $ 2,720     $ 5,375     $ 126  
Interested Director:                                
Robert Sablowsky, Director   $ 286     $ 3,663     $ 7,228     $ 172  
Officer:                                
James G. Shaw, Treasurer and Secretary   $ 431     $ 5,672     $ 11,349     $ 263  

 


Compensation information is not provided for the Emerging Markets Fund because the Fund did not commence operations prior to the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Each compensated Director is entitled to participate in the Company’s deferred compensation plan (the “DC Plan”). Under the DC Plan, a compensated Director may elect to defer all or a portion of his compensation and have the deferred compensation treated as if it had been invested by the Company in shares of one or more of the portfolios of the Company. The amount paid to the Directors under the DC Plan will be determined based upon the performance of such investments.

 

CODE OF ETHICS

 

The Company and the Adviser have each adopted a code of ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act that permits personnel subject to the codes to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Company, subject to certain restrictions.

 

PROXY VOTING

 

The Board has delegated the responsibility of voting proxies with respect to the portfolio securities purchased and/or held by each Fund to the Fund’s Adviser, subject to the Board’s continuing oversight. In exercising its voting obligations, each Adviser is guided by its general fiduciary duty to act prudently and in the interest of the Funds. The Adviser will consider factors affecting the value of the Funds’ investments and the rights of shareholders in its determination on voting portfolio securities.

 

The Adviser has adopted proxy voting procedures with respect to voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Funds. The Adviser employs a third party service provider, RiskMetrics Group, to assist in the voting of proxies. These procedures have been provided to the service provider, who analyzes the proxies and makes recommendations, based on the Adviser’s policy, as to how to vote such proxies. A copy of the Adviser’s Proxy Voting Policy is included with this SAI. Please see Appendix B to this SAI for further information.

 

Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available, without charge, upon request, by calling 1-888-261-4073 or by visiting the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

45  

 

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

 

As of November 30, 2017, to the Company’s knowledge, the following named persons at the addresses shown below were owners of record of approximately 5% or more of the total outstanding shares of each Fund as indicated below. See “Additional Information Concerning Company Shares” below. Any shareholder that owns 25% or more of the outstanding shares of a portfolio or class may be presumed to “control” (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) the portfolio or class. Shareholders controlling a portfolio or class could have the ability to vote a majority of the shares of the portfolio or class on any matter requiring approval of the shareholders of the portfolio or class.

 

Name of Fund and

Shareholder Name and Address

Number of Shares Owned
as of November 30, 2017

Percentage of Shares Owned

as of November 30, 2017

WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund Institutional Class    
National Financial Services LLC 165,392 8.90%
200 Seaport Blvd    
Boston, MA 02210-2031    
     
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. 119,163 6.41%
211 Main Street    
San Francisco, CA 94105-1905    
     
Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc.    
909 Third Avenue    
New York, NY 10022 102,145 5.49%

 

Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II Institutional Class    
National Financial Services LLC 6,883,226 44.20%
200 Seaport Blvd    
Boston, MA 02210-2031    
     
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. 3,427,117 22.01%
211 Main St    
San Francisco, CA 94105-1905    
     
Prudential Investment Management 1,127,745 7.24%
3 Gateway Ctr    
Newark, NJ 07102-4061    
     
Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II Investor Class    
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. 3,037,800 52.95%
211 Main St    
San Francisco, CA 94105-1905    
     
National Financial Services LLC 1,304,848 22.74%
200 Seaport Blvd    
Boston, MA 02210-2031    
     
State Street Bank and Trust 370,292 6.45%
Special Custody Account    
Exclusive Benefit Of Customers Of MML    
1200 Crown Colony Dr    
Quincy, MA 02169-0938    

 

46  

 

Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund Institutional Class    
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. 12,800,380 31.88%
211 Main St.    
San Francisco, CA 94105-1905    
     
Pershing LLC 10,103,008 25.16%
1 Pershing Plaza    
Jersey City, NJ 07399-0001    
     

National Financial Services LLC 5,189,647 12.92%
200 Seaport Blvd    
Boston, MA 02210-2031    
     
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith 4,518,487 11.25%
4800 Deer Lake Dr. E. Floor 1    
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484    
     
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC 2,156,246 5.37%
1 N. Jefferson Ave.    
Saint Louis, MO 63103-2205    
     
Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund Investor Class    
National Financial Services LLC 2,135,118 49.97%
200 Seaport Blvd    
Boston, MA 02210-2031    
     
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. 1,220,566 28.57%
211 Main St.    
San Francisco, CA 94105-1905    
     
Pershing LLC 339,454 7.95%
1 Pershing Plaza    
Jersey City, NJ 07399-0002    
     
Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund Institutional Class    
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. 13,754,078 25.07%
211 Main St.    
San Francisco, CA 94105-1905    
     
National Financial Services LLC 8,484,163 15.46%
200 Seaport Blvd    
Boston, MA 02210-2031    
     
Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC 8,205,591 14.95%
1 N. Jefferson Ave.    
Saint Louis, MO 63103-2205    
     
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith 4,959,243 9.04%
4800 Deer Lake Dr. E. Floor 1    
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484    

 

47  

 

Northern Trust Company 3,205,899 5.84%
FBO Henry Ford    
P.O. Box 92956    
Chicago, IL 60675-2956    
     
Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund Investor Class    
National Financial Services LLC 11,035,286 62.61%
200 Seaport Blvd    
Boston, MA 02210-2031    
     
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. 2,790,475 15.83%
211 Main St.    
San Francisco, CA 94105-1905    
     
TD Ameritrade Inc. 1,749,487 9.93%
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Clients    
200 S. 108 TH AVE.    
Omaha, NE 68154-2631    
     
Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund Institutional Class    
Wells Fargo Bank NA 114,891,667 29.16%
FBO Clients    
PO Box 1533    
Minneapolis, MN 55480-1533    
     
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith 77,423,337 19.65%
4800 Deer Lake Dr. E. Floor 1    
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484    
     
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. 56,690,224 14.39%
211 Main Street    
San Francisco, CA 94105-1905    
     
National Financial Services LLC 50,099,789 12.72%
200 Seaport Blvd    
Boston, MA 02210-2031    
     
Band & Co. 36,504,974 9.27%
C/O U.S. Bank NA    
PO Box 1787    
Milwaukee WI 53201-1787    
     
Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund Investor Class    
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. 7,149,920 54.48%
211 Main St.    
San Francisco, CA 94105-1905    
     
National Financial Services LLC 3,747,472 28.55%
200 Seaport Blvd    
Boston, MA 02210-2031    
     
Raymond James & Associates Inc. 711,554 5.42%
880 Carillon Parkway    
St. Petersburg, FL 33716-1102    

 

48  

 

Boston Partners Global Equity Fund Institutional Class    
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. 15,294,821 44.37%
4 Chase Metrotech Center, Floor 6    
Brooklyn, NY 11245-0003    
     
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. 5,949,225 17.26%
211 Main St.    
San Francisco, CA 94105-1905    
     
Luz Peterson FBO 4,908,140 14.24%
C/O JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.    
4 Chase Metrotech Center, Floor 6    
Brooklyn, NY 11245-0003    
     
Gerlach & Co., LLC/Citibank Open WE1 2,608,178 7.57%
3800 Citigroup Center    
Building B3-14    
Tampa, FL 33610    
     
Patrick Dolan Jr. Pres. Ent. Assoc. & 3,644,077 10.57%
Anthony Saporito Evp. Ttees    
Metal Trades Branch Local 638 Pens    
5 Penn Plaza 21st FL.    
New York, NY 10001-1887    
     
Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund Institutional Class    
Texas County & District Retirement System 17,793,594 20.61%
Barton Oaks Plaza IV    
901 Mopac South Suite 500    
Austin, TX 78746-5776    
     
National Financial Services LLC 14,762,845 17.10%
200 Seaport Blvd    
Boston, MA 02210-2031    
     
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. 13,872,733 16.07%
211 Main St.    
San Francisco, CA 94105-1905    
     
UBS Financial Services Inc. 13,750,185 15.93%
1000 Harbor Blvd    
Weehawken, NJ 07086-6727    
     
Comerica Bank 5,786,733 6.70%
FBO Calhoun    
P.O. Box 75000 MSC 3446    
Detroit, MI 48275-0001    
     
Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. 5,734,692 6.64%
909 Third Avenue    
New York, NY 10022    

 

49  

 

Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith 4,847,474 5.62%
4800 Deer Lake Dr. E. Floor 1    
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484    
     
Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund Investor Class    
National Financial Services LLC 1,711,900 53.22%
200 Seaport Blvd    
Boston, MA 02210-2031    
     
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. 834,999 25.96%
211 Main St.    
San Francisco, CA 94105-1905    
     
TD Ameritrade Inc. 400,538 12.45%
For the Exclusive Benefit of Our Clients    
200 S. 108th Ave.    
Omaha, NE 68154-2631    
     
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund Investor Class    
Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. 3,001,811 63.43%
909 Third Avenue    
New York, NY 10022    
     
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. 815,014 17.22%
211 Main St.    
San Francisco, CA 94105-1905    
     
National Financial Services LLC 601,659 12.71%
200 Seaport Blvd    
Boston, MA 02210-2031    
     
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund Institutional Class    
Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. 577,203 100%
909 Third Avenue    
New York, NY 10022    

 

As of November 30, 2017, Directors and Officers as a group owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of each Fund.

 

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES

 

Investment Adviser

 

The Adviser, located at 909 Third Avenue, 32 nd Floor, New York, New York 10022, is a subsidiary of Robeco Groep N.V., a Dutch public limited liability company (“Robeco Groep”). Founded in 1929, Robeco Groep is one of the world’s oldest asset management organizations. Robeco Groep is wholly owned by ORIX Corporation, an integrated financial services group based in Tokyo, Japan. The Adviser provides investment management and investment advisory services to other institutional and proprietary accounts.

 

The Adviser has investment discretion for the Funds and will make all decisions affecting the assets of those Funds under the supervision of the Board and in accordance with each Fund’s stated policies. The Adviser will select investments for the Funds.

 

50  

 

Subject to the supervision of the Board, the Adviser will provide for the overall management of the Funds, including (i) the provision of a continuous investment program for the Funds, including investment research and management with respect to all securities, investments, cash and cash equivalents, (ii) the determination from time to time of what securities and other investments will be purchased, retained or sold by the Funds, and (iii) the placement from time to time of orders for all purchases and sales made for the Funds. The Adviser will provide the services rendered by it in accordance with the Funds’ investment goals, restrictions and policies as stated in the Prospectuses and in this SAI.

 

For its services to the Boston Partners Funds under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser is entitled to receive a monthly advisory fee computed at an annual rate of 1.00% of the Small Cap Value Fund’s average daily net assets, 2.25% of the Long/Short Equity Fund’s average daily net assets, 1.25% of the Long/Short Research Fund’s average daily net assets, 0.70% of the All-Cap Value Fund’s average daily net assets, 0.90% of the Global Equity Fund’s average daily net assets, 1.50% of the Global Long/Short Fund’s average daily net assets, 1.85% of Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund’s average daily net assets, and 0.85% of the Emerging Markets Fund’s average daily net assets, respectively. Prior to February 28, 2017, the Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund compensated the Adviser for its services at the annual rate of 0.80% of its average daily net assets.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees to the extent necessary to maintain the following expense ratios (excluding certain items noted below) for the Boston Partners Funds:

 

    Institutional

Investor

Long/Short Equity Fund   2.50% 2.75%
All-Cap Value Fund   0.80% 1.05%
Long/Short Research Fund   1.50% 1.75%
Global Long/Short Fund   2.00% 2.25%
Global Equity Fund   0.95% 1.20%
Small Cap Value Fund   1.10% 1.35%
Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund   2.00% N/A
Emerging Markets Fund   1.10% N/A

 

These limits are calculated daily based on the Funds’ average daily net assets. These limitations are effected in waivers of advisory fees and reimbursements of expenses exceeding the advisory fee as necessary. The contractual limitations are in effect until at least February 28, 2019 and may not be terminated without approval of the Board.

 

For the Long/Short Research Fund, Global Long/Short Fund and Global Equity Fund, effective as of the effective date of a Fund’s first advisory agreement with the Adviser, if at any time, the Fund’s total annual operating expenses for that year are less than 1.50% for the Institutional Class and 1.75% for the Investor Class of the Long/Short Research Fund, or 2.00% for the Institutional Class and 2.25% for the Investor Class of the Global Long/Short Fund, or 0.95% for the Institutional and 1.20% for the Investor Class of the Global Equity Fund, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by such Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to such Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made.

 

The Adviser may not recoup any of its waived investment advisory fees with respect to Long/Short Equity Fund and All-Cap Value Fund.

 

For the Small Cap Value Fund, effective May 28, 2014, Boston Partners has contractually agreed to forgo all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses exceeds 1.10% and 1.35%, of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Institutional Class shares and Investor Class shares, respectively. This contractual limitation is in effect until February 28, 2019 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board. Effective as of May 28, 2014 if at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) for that year are less than 1.10% for the Institutional Class and 1.35% for the Investor Class, Boston Partners is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees foregone and other payments remitted by Boston Partners to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made.

 

51  

 

For its services to the WPG Fund, effective May 28, 2014, the Adviser is entitled to receive advisory fees, accrued daily and paid monthly, as follows:

 

0.80% of average daily net assets up to $500 million

 

0.75% of average daily net assets in excess of $500 million

 

Effective May 28, 2014, the Adviser contractually agreed to limit the WPG Fund’s total annual fund operating expenses (excluding certain items below) to 1.10% of the WPG Fund’s average daily net assets. The contractual limitation is in effect until at least February 28, 2019 and may not be terminated without approval of the Board. Effective as of May 28, 2014 if at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for that year are less than 1.10%, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees waived and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made.

 

In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause a Fund’s net annualized expense ratio to exceed the applicable expense limitation: acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes and other items as agreed upon by both parties from time to time.

 

The Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund did not pay the Adviser any advisory fees for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015, because the Fund had not yet commenced operations. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, the Boston Partners Funds paid the Adviser advisory fees and the Adviser waived advisory fees as follows:

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended   Advisory Fees Paid
(after waivers and
reimbursements)
    Waivers     Reimbursements  
August 31, 2017                        
Small Cap Value   $ 4,782,247     $ 374,421     $ 0  
Long/Short Equity   $ 21,002,382     $ 0     $ 0  
All-Cap Value   $ 11,601,703     $ 1,300,485     $ 0  
Long/Short Research   $ 81,234,584     $ 0     $ 0  
Global Equity   $ 4,244,838     $ 407,721     $ 0  
Global Long/Short   $ 13,678,992     $ 0     $ 0  
Emerging Markets Long/Short   $ 479,386     $ 220,693     $ 0  

For the Fiscal Year Ended   Advisory Fees Paid
(after waivers and
reimbursements)
    Waivers     Reimbursements  
August 31, 2016                        
Small Cap Value   $ 3,016,217     $ 404,770     $ 0  
Long/Short Equity   $ 15,334,811     $ 0     $ 0  
All-Cap Value   $ 7,488,121     $ 2,267,092     $ 0  
Long/Short Research   $ 86,995,127     $ 0     $ 0  
Global Equity   $ 2,521,713     $ 502,669     $ 0  
Global Long/Short   $ 10,382,142     $ 0     $ 0  
Emerging Markets Long/Short (1)   $ 0     $ 219,117     $ 0  

 

(1) The Fund commenced operations on December 15, 2015.

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended   Advisory Fees Paid
(after waivers and
reimbursements)
    Waivers     Reimbursements  
August 31, 2015                        
Small Cap Value   $ 2,378,643     $ 362,104     $ 0  
Long/Short Equity   $ 16,931,601     $ 0     $ 0  
All-Cap Value   $ 5,478,088     $ 2,542,627     $ 0  
Long/Short Research   $ 77,605,207     $ 0     $ 0  
Global Equity   $ 662,844     $ 316,245     $ 0  
Global Long/Short   $ 2,882,949     $ 0     $ (87,459 )

 

52  

 

Advisory fee information is not provided for the Emerging Markets Fund because the Fund did not commence operations prior to the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

For services provided by the Adviser to the WPG Fund for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the following advisory fees were paid:

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended   Advisory Fees Paid
(after waivers and
reimbursements)
    Waivers     Reimbursements  
August 31, 2017                        
WPG Fund   $ 272,433     $ 64,536     $ 0  
August 31, 2016                        
WPG Fund   $ 118,111     $ 149,394     $ 0  
August 31, 2015                        
WPG Fund   $ 202,815     $ 125,396     $ 0  

 

Each class of the Funds bears its own expenses not specifically assumed by the Adviser. General expenses of the Company not readily identifiable as belonging to a portfolio of the Company are allocated among all investment portfolios by or under the direction of the Board in such manner as it deems to be fair and equitable. Expenses borne by a portfolio include, but are not limited to the expenses listed in the Prospectuses and the following (or a portfolio’s share of the following): (a) the cost (including brokerage commissions) of securities purchased or sold by a portfolio and any losses incurred in connection therewith; (b) fees payable to and expenses incurred on behalf of a portfolio by the Adviser; (c) any costs, expenses or losses arising out of a liability of or claim for damages or other relief asserted against the Company or a portfolio for violation of any law; (d) any extraordinary expenses; (e) fees, voluntary assessments and other expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; (f) the cost of investment company literature and other publications provided by the Company to its Directors and officers; (g) organizational costs; (h) fees to the investment advisers and USBFS; (i) fees and expenses of officers and Directors who are not affiliated with a portfolio’s investment adviser or Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”); (j) taxes; (k) interest; (l) legal fees; (m) custodian fees; (n) auditing fees; (o) brokerage fees and commissions; (p) certain of the fees and expenses of registering and qualifying the portfolios and their shares for distribution under federal and state securities laws; (q) expenses of preparing prospectuses and statements of additional information and distributing annually to existing shareholders that are not attributable to a particular class of shares of the Company; (r) the expense of reports to shareholders, shareholders’ meetings and proxy solicitations that are not attributable to a particular class of shares of the Company; (s) fidelity bond and directors’ and officers’ liability insurance premiums; (t) the expense of using independent pricing services; and (u) other expenses which are not expressly assumed by a portfolio’s investment adviser under its advisory agreement with the portfolio. Each class of the Funds pays its own distribution fees, if applicable, and may pay a different share than other classes of other expenses (excluding advisory and custodial fees) if those expenses are actually incurred in a different amount by such class or if it receives different services.

 

Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser will not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Funds or the Company in connection with the performance of the Advisory 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 Adviser in the performance of their respective duties or from reckless disregard of their duties and obligations there under.

 

The Advisory Agreement is terminable with respect to each Fund by vote of the Board or by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of a Fund, at any time without penalty, on 60 days’ written notice to the Adviser. The Advisory Agreement may also be terminated by the Adviser on 60 days’ written notice to the Company. The Advisory Agreement terminates automatically in the event of assignment thereof.

 

Portfolio Managers

 

Description of Compensation . As of the date of this SAI, the portfolio managers’ compensation is comprised of an industry competitive base salary and a discretionary bonus and long-term incentives. Through the firm’s bonus program, key investment professionals are rewarded primarily for strong investment performance. The discretionary bonus is based upon the unique structure of each team and consideration may be given to one or more of the following criteria, depending on the team.

 

53  

 

Individual Contribution: an evaluation of the professional’s individual contribution based on the expectations established at the beginning of each year;

 

Product Investment Performance: the performance of the investment product(s) with which the individual is involved versus the pre-designed index based on the excess return;

 

Investment Team Performance: the financial results of the Portfolio Manager’s investment group; and

 

Firm-Wide Performance: the overall financial performance of the firm.

 

Compensation for portfolio managers who are also members of the Adviser’s senior management team is typically derived from a base salary and a discretionary bonus. The bonus is largely tied to firm financial performance against established goals and aligned with the primary focus on investment performance results versus benchmarks.

 

The firm also provides a long-term incentive program. Portions of the annual bonuses are deferred for up to 3 years.

 

Other Accounts . The table below discloses accounts, other than the Funds, for which each Portfolio Manager is primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management, as of August 31, 2017.

 

Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II

 

Name of Portfolio
Manager or Team
Member
Type of Accounts Total # of
Accounts
Managed
  Total
Assets
  # of Accounts
Managed that
Advisory Fee
Based on
Performance
    Total Assets that
Advisory Fee
Based on
Performance
David M. Dabora* Other Registered Investment Company 2   $ $93 million   0   $ 0
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles 2   $ 282 million   0   $ 0
  Other Accounts 52   $ 3.4 billion   3   $ 234 million
                 
George Gumpert* Other Registered Investment Company 2   $ $93 million   0   $ 0
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles 2   $ 282 million   0   $ 0
  Other Accounts 52   $ 3.4 billion   3   $ 234 million

 

Boston Partners All Cap Value Fund

 

Name of Portfolio
Manager or Team
Member
Type of Accounts Total # of
Accounts
Managed
  Total
Assets
# of Accounts
Managed that
Advisory Fee
Based on
Performance
    Total Assets that
Advisory Fee
Based on
Performance
Duilio Ramallo Other Registered Investment Company 0   $ 0 0   $ 0  
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles 1   $ 6.4 billion 0   $ 0
  Other Accounts 52   $ 4.6 billion 2   $ 342 million  

 

54  

 

Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund

 

Name of Portfolio
Manager or Team
Member
Type of Accounts Total # of
Accounts
Managed
  Total
Assets
  # of Accounts
Managed that
Advisory Fee
Based on
Performance
  Total Assets that
Advisory Fee
Based on
Performance
 
Joseph F. Feeney. Jr.* Other Registered Investment Company 4   $ 1.2 billion   0   $ 0  
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles 4   $  3.9 billion   0   $ 0  
  Other Accounts 32   $ 2.7 billion   0   $ 0  
                       
Eric Connerly* Other Registered Investment Company 2   $ 453 million   0   $ 0  
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles 0   $ 0   0   $ 0  
  Other Accounts 0   $ 0   0   $ 0  

 

Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund

 

Name of Portfolio
Manager or Team
Member
Type of Accounts Total # of
Accounts
Managed
  Total
Assets
  # of Accounts
Managed that
Advisory Fee
Based on
Performance
    Total Assets that
Advisory Fee
Based on
Performance
Robert T. Jones Other Registered Investment Company 0   $ 0   0   $ 0
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles 1   $ 135 million   0   $ 0
  Other Accounts 0   $ 0   0   $ 0

 

Boston Partners Global Equity Fund

 

Name of Portfolio
Manager or Team
Member
Type of Accounts Total # of
Accounts
Managed
    Total
Assets
  # of Accounts
Managed that
Advisory Fee
Based on
Performance
  Total Assets that
Advisory Fee
Based on
Performance
 
Joseph F. Feeney, Jr. Other Registered Investment Company 4     $ 1.2 billion   0   $ 0  
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles 4     $  3.9 billion   0   $ 0  
  Other Accounts 32     $ 2.7 billion   0   $ 0  
                         
Christopher K. Hart Other Registered Investment Company 1     $ 640 million   0   $ 0  
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles 4     $ 3.9 billion   0   $ 0  
  Other Accounts 32     $ 2.7 billion   0   $ 0  
                         
Joshua Jones Other Registered Investment Company 1     $ 640 million   0   $ 0  
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles 4     $ 3.9 billion   0   $ 0  
  Other Accounts 32     $ 2.7 billion   0   $ 0  

 

55  

 

WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund

 

Name of Portfolio
Manager or Team
Member
Type of Accounts Total # of
Accounts
Managed
    Total
Assets
# of Accounts
Managed that
Advisory Fee
Based on
Performance
    Total Assets that
Advisory Fee
Based on
Performance
 
Richard A. Shuster* Other Registered Investment Company 3     $ 290 million 0     $ 0  
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles 4     $ 159 million 0     $ 0  
  Other Accounts 9     $ 704 million 0     $ 0  
                         
Gregory N. Weiss* Other Registered Investment Company 3     $ 290 million 0     $ 0  
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles 4     $ 159 million 0     $ 0  
  Other Accounts 9     $ 704 million 0     $ 0  

 

Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund

 

Name of Portfolio
Manager or Team
Member
Type of Accounts Total # of
Accounts
Managed
  Total
Assets
  # of Accounts
Managed that
Advisory Fee
Based on
Performance
  Total Assets that
Advisory Fee
Based on
Performance
 
Joseph F. Feeney, Jr. Other Registered Investment Company 4   $ 1.2 billion   0   $ 0  
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles 4   $  3.9 billion   0   $ 0  
  Other Accounts 32   $ 2.7 billion   0   $ 0  
                       
Christopher K. Hart Other Registered Investment Company 1   $ 640 million   0   $ 0  
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles 4   $ 3.9 billion   0   $ 0  
  Other Accounts 32   $ 2.7 billion   0   $ 0  
                       
Joshua Jones Other Registered Investment Company 1   $ 640 million   0   $ 0  
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles 4   $ 3.9 billion   0   $ 0  
  Other Accounts 32   $ 2.7 billion   0   $ 0  

 

Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund

 

Name of Portfolio
Manager or Team
Member
Type of Accounts Total # of
Accounts
Managed
  Total
Assets
# of Accounts
Managed that
Advisory Fee
Based on
Performance
  Total Assets that
Advisory Fee
Based on
Performance
 
Joseph F. Feeney, Jr. Other Registered Investment Company 4   $ 1.2 billion   0   $ 0  
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles 4   $  3.9 billion   0   $ 0  
  Other Accounts 32   $ 2.7 billion   0   $ 0  
                       
Paul Korngiebel Other Registered Investment Company 1   $ 138 million   0   $ 0  
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles 0   $ 0   0   $ 0  
  Other Accounts 0   $ 0   0   $ 0  

 

56  

 

Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund

 

Name of Portfolio
Manager or Team
Member
Type of Accounts Total # of
Accounts
Managed
  Total
Assets
# of Accounts
Managed that
Advisory Fee
Based on
Performance
  Total Assets that
Advisory Fee
Based on
Performance
 
Joseph F. Feeney, Jr. Other Registered Investment Company 4   $ 1.2 billion   0   $ 0  
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles 4   $  3.9 billion   0   $ 0  
  Other Accounts 32   $ 2.7 billion   0   $ 0  
                       
Paul Korngiebel Other Registered Investment Company 1   $ 138 million   0   $ 0  
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles 0   $ 0   0   $ 0  
  Other Accounts 0   $ 0   0   $ 0  
                       

* The portfolio managers utilize a team based approach to other accounts managed. The portfolio managers are jointly and primarily responsible for the management of a portion of the total assets and number of accounts shown.

 

Conflict of Interest . Investment decisions for the Fund’s portfolios are made in conjunction with decisions for other accounts and/or funds for the same strategy. The Adviser recognizes that potential conflicts may arise with respect to the side-by-side management of registered investment companies and “investment accounts,” which include privately offered funds, separately managed accounts of high net worth individuals and institutional investors, and the other funds. These risks include, but may not be limited to: differing fee structures (including performance based fees), differing investments selected for various vehicles, and inequitable allocation and aggregation trading practices. Private investment partnerships, registered funds and separately managed accounts are generally invested pari passu thus mitigating many of the perceived risk associated with simultaneous management if possible. Additionally, the Compliance Department has developed comprehensive monitoring policies and procedures designed to mitigate any actual or perceived conflicts.

 

Securities Ownership . The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each portfolio manager in the Fund or Funds managed by such Portfolio Manager as of August 31, 2017.

 

57  

 

Portfolio Manager Dollar ($) Value of Fund Shares
Beneficially Owned
Small Cap Value Fund II  
David Dabora Over $1,000,000
George Gumpert $10,001-$50,000
All-Cap Value Fund  
Duilio Ramallo Over $1,000,000
Long/Short Equity Fund  
Robert Jones Over $1,000,000
Long/Short Research Fund  
Joseph F. Feeney, Jr. Over $1,000,000
Eric Connerly $500,001-$1,000,000
Global Equity Fund  
Joseph F. Feeney, Jr. Over $1,000,000
Christopher K. Hart $500,001-$1,000,000
Joshua Jones None
WPG Partners Small /Micro Cap Value Fund  
Richard A. Shuster $10,001-$50,000
Gregory N. Weiss $100,001-$500,000
Global Long/Short Fund  
Joseph F. Feeney, Jr. Over $1,000,000
Christopher K. Hart Over $1,000,000
Joshua Jones $500,001-$1,000,000
Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund  
Joseph F. Feeney, Jr. $500,001-$1,000,000
Paul Korngiebel Over $1,000,000

 

Portfolio manager ownership is not provided for the Emerging Markets Fund because the Fund did not commence operations prior to the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Custodian Agreement

 

U.S. Bank, N.A., 1555 North River Center Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212 (the “Custodian”), is custodian of the Funds’ assets pursuant to a custodian agreement (the “Custodian Agreement”). Under the Custodian Agreement, the Custodian: (a) maintains a separate account or accounts in the name of each Fund; (b) holds and transfers portfolio securities on account of each Fund; (c) accepts receipts and makes disbursements of money on behalf of each Fund; (d) collects and receives all income and other payments and distributions on account of each Fund’s portfolio securities; and (e) makes periodic reports to the Board concerning the Funds’ operations. The Custodian is authorized to select one or more banks or trust companies to serve as sub-custodian on behalf of the Funds, provided that the Custodian remains responsible for the performance of all of its duties under the Custodian Agreement and holds the Funds harmless from the acts and omissions of any sub-custodian. For its services to the Funds under the Custodian Agreement, the Custodian receives a fee based on each Fund’s average daily gross assets calculated daily and payable monthly. Transaction charges and out-of-pocket expenses are also charged to the Fund.

 

Transfer Agency Agreement

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, (“USBFS”) serves as the transfer and dividend disbursing agent for the Funds pursuant to a transfer agency and servicing agreement (the “Transfer Agency Agreement”), under which USBFS: (a) issues and redeems shares of each Fund; (b) addresses and mails all communications by the Funds to record owners of the shares, including reports to shareholders, dividend and distribution notices and proxy materials for its meetings of shareholders; (c) maintains shareholder accounts and, if requested, sub-accounts; and (d) makes periodic reports to the Board concerning the operations of the Funds. USBFS may, subject to the Board’s approval, assign its duties as transfer and dividend disbursing agent to any other affiliate of USBFS. For its services to the Funds under the Transfer Agency Agreement, USBFS receives an annual fee based on the number of accounts in the Funds and the Funds’ average gross assets calculated daily and payable monthly. Transaction charges and out-of-pocket expenses are also charged to the Funds.

 

58  

 

USBFS also provides services relating to the implementation of the Company’s Anti-Money Laundering Program. In addition, USBFS provides services relating to the implementation of the Funds’ Customer Identification Program, including verification of required customer information and the maintenance of records with respect to such verification.

 

Administration and Accounting Agreement

 

USBFS, located at 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202, serves as Fund Administrator to the Funds pursuant to a fund administration servicing agreement and serves as fund accountant pursuant to a fund accounting servicing agreement (the “Administration Agreements”). Under the fund accounting servicing agreement, USBFS has agreed to furnish to the Funds statistical and research data, clerical, accounting and bookkeeping services, and certain other services required by the Funds. Under the fund administration servicing agreement, USBFS has agreed to provide fund administration services to the Company. These services include the preparation and coordination of the Company’s annual post-effective amendment filing and supplements to the Funds’ registration statement, the preparation and assembly of board meeting materials, and certain other services necessary to the Company’s fund administration. In addition, USBFS has agreed to prepare and file various reports with the appropriate regulatory agencies and prepare materials required by the SEC or any state securities commission having jurisdiction over the Funds.

 

The Administration Agreements provide that USBFS shall be obligated to exercise reasonable care in the performance of its duties and that USFBS shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or any loss suffered by the Company in connection with its duties under the Administration Agreements, except a loss resulting from USBSF’s refusal or failure to comply with the terms of the applicable Administration Agreement or from its bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties thereunder.

 

USBFS receives a fee under the Administration Agreements based on the average daily net assets of the Company.

 

Effective November 2016, USBFS replaced the Funds’ prior administrator as fund administrator and fund accountant to the Funds. For the fiscal years ended August 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Boston Partners Funds paid USBFS and the Funds’ prior administrator, as applicable, certain administration, accounting and regulatory administration fees and related out-of-pocket expenses as follows:

 

59  

 

Fund*   Administration,
Accounting and
Regulatory
Administration
Fees Paid
(after waivers and
reimbursements)
    Waivers     Reimbursements  
Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2017                  
Small Cap Value   $ 184,952     $ 0     $ 0  
Long/Short Equity   $ 366,099     $ 0     $ 0  
Long/Short Research   $ 1,972,313     $ 0     $ 0  
All Cap Value   $ 499,654     $ 0     $ 0  
WPG Fund   $ 32,248     $ 0     $ 0  
Global Equity   $ 187,796     $ 0     $ 0  
Global Long/Short   $ 336,464     $ 0     $ 0  
Emerging Markets Long/Short   $ 62,199     $ 0     $ 0  
                         
Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2016                        
Small Cap Value   $ 290,752     $ 0     $ 0  
Long/Short Equity   $ 524,386     $ 0     $ 0  
Long/Short Research   $ 2,924,450     $ 0     $ 0  
All Cap Value   $ 770,471     $ 0     $ 0  
Global Equity   $ 305,717     $ 0     $ 0  
Global Long/Short   $ 549,188     $ 0     $ 0  
Emerging Markets Long/Short*   $ 75,513     $ 16,251     $ 0  
                         
Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2015                        
Small Cap Value   $ 242,797     $ 0     $ 0  
Long/Short Equity   $ 586,915     $ 0     $ 0  
Long/Short Research   $ 2,656,345     $ 0     $ 0  
All Cap Value   $ 675,287     $ 0     $ 0  
Global Equity   $ 128,697     $ 0     $ 0  
Global Long/Short   $ 201,450     $ 0     $ 0  

* The Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund commenced operations on December 15, 2015.

 

Administration fees are not provided for the Emerging Markets Fund because the Fund did not commence operations prior to the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

For the fiscal years ended August 31, 2016 and 2015 the Funds’ prior administrator provided administrative services to the WPG Fund. The WPG Fund paid the prior administrator certain administration, accounting and regulatory administration fees and related out-of-pocket expenses as follows:

 

Fund Name     Administration,
Accounting and
Regulatory
Administration
Fees(after
waivers and
reimbursements)
    Waivers     Reimbursements  
Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2016     $ 77,736     $ 0     $ 0  
Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2015     $ 75,660     $ 0     $ 0  

 

60  

 

DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENTS

 

Distribution Agreement and Plans of Distribution

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC, whose principal business address is 777 East Wisconsin Avenue, Floor 6, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, serves as the underwriter to the Funds pursuant to a distribution agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”). The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). The Distributor is not affiliated with the Company or the Adviser. The Distributor, U.S. Bank, N.A., and USBFS are affiliates.

 

Under the Distribution Agreement with the Company, the Distributor acts as the agent of the Company in connection with the continuous offering of shares of the Funds. The Distributor continually distributes shares of the Funds on a best efforts basis. The Distributor has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of Fund shares. The Distributor and its officers have no role in determining the investment policies or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Company.

 

The Distributor may enter into agreements with selected broker-dealers, banks or other financial intermediaries for distribution of shares of the Funds. With respect to certain financial intermediaries and related fund “supermarket” platform arrangements, the Funds and/or the Adviser, rather than the Distributor, typically enter into such agreements. These financial intermediaries may charge a fee for their services and may receive shareholder service or other fees from parties other than the Distributor. These financial intermediaries may otherwise act as processing agents and are responsible for promptly transmitting purchase, redemption and other requests to the Funds.

 

Investors who purchase shares through financial intermediaries will be subject to the procedures of those intermediaries through which they purchase shares, which may include charges, investment minimums, cutoff times and other restrictions in addition to, or different from, those listed herein. Information concerning any charges or services will be provided to customers by the financial intermediary through which they purchase shares. Investors purchasing shares of the Funds through financial intermediaries should acquaint themselves with their financial intermediary’s procedures and should read the Prospectus in conjunction with any materials and information provided by their financial intermediary. The financial intermediary, and not its customers, will be the shareholder of record, although customers may have the right to vote shares depending upon their arrangement with the financial intermediary. The Distributor does not receive compensation from the Funds for its distribution services except the distribution/service fees with respect to the shares of those classes for which a Rule 12b-1 distribution plan is effective. The Adviser pays the Distributor a fee for certain distribution-related services.

 

The Distribution Agreement has an initial term of up to two years and will continue in effect only if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by vote of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities in accordance with the 1940 Act. The Distribution Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Company on behalf of the Funds on no less than 60 days’ written notice when authorized either by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of a Fund or by vote of a majority of the members of the Board who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Company and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Distribution Agreement, or by the Distributor, and will automatically terminate in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act). The Distribution Agreement provides that the Distributor shall not be liable for any loss suffered by the Company in connection with the performance of the Distributor’s obligations and duties under the Distribution Agreement, except a loss resulting from the Distributor’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of such duties and obligations, or by reason of its reckless disregard thereof.

 

Institutional Class. Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, Quasar Distributors, LLC will use best efforts to distribute each Fund’s shares. Quasar Distributors, LLC does not receive compensation from the Company for the distribution of the Funds’ Institutional Class shares; however, the Adviser pays an annual fee to Quasar Distributors, LLC as compensation for underwriting services rendered to the Funds pursuant to the Distribution Agreement.

 

Investor Class. Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement and the related Plans of Distribution, as amended, for the Investor Class (together, the “Investor Class Plans”), which were adopted by the Company in the manner prescribed by Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, Quasar Distributors, LLC will use best efforts to distribute each Fund’s shares. Payments to Quasar Distributors, LLC under the Investor Class Plans are to compensate it for distribution assistance and expenses assumed and activities intended to result in the sale of shares of the Investor Class including advertising, printing and mailing of prospectuses to others than current shareholders, compensation to underwriters, compensation to broker-dealers, compensation to sales personnel, and interest, carrying or other financing changes. As compensation for its distribution services, Quasar Distributors, LLC receives, pursuant to the terms of the Distribution Agreement, a distribution fee under the Investor Class Plans, to be calculated daily and paid monthly by the Investor Class of each of the Funds at the annual rate set forth in the Investor Class Prospectus.

 

61  

 

For the fiscal years ended August 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 the Investor Class of each of the Funds paid the Funds’ distributor fees as follows:

 

FUND   Distribution Fees
Paid (after
waivers and reimbursements)
    Waivers     Reimbursements  
Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2017                  
Small Cap Value   $ 344,345     $ 0     $ 0  
Long/Short Equity   $ 254,424     $ 0     $ 0  
All-Cap Value   $ 972,559     $ 0     $ 0  
Global Equity   $ 0     $ 0     $ 0  
Long/Short Research   $ 580,807     $ 0     $ 0  
Global Long/Short   $ 81,361     $ 0     $ 0  
                         
Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2016                        
Small Cap Value   $ 301,941     $ 0     $ 0  
Long/Short Equity   $ 232,542     $ 0     $ 0  
All-Cap Value   $ 768,460     $ 0     $ 0  
Global Equity   $ 0     $ 0     $ 0  
Long/Short Research   $ 683,888     $ 0     $ 0  
Global Long/Short   $ 96,627     $ 0     $ 0  
                         
Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2015                        
Small Cap Value   $ 314,744.20     $ 0     $ 0  
Long/Short Equity   $ 400,250.36     $ 0     $ 0  
All-Cap Value   $ 566,845.86     $ 0     $ 0  
Global Equity   $ 0     $ 0     $ 0  
Long/Short Research   $ 700,113.65     $ 0     $ 0  
Global Long/Short   $ 62,174.97     $ 0     $ 0  

 


For the fiscal years ended August 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 the Funds paid fees to broker-dealers and the Funds’ distributor received fees as follows:

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended   Fees Paid to Broker
Dealers
    Fees Received by the
Distributor
 
August 31, 2017   $ 2,170,454     $ 0  
August 31, 2016   $ 2,069,694     $ 0  
August 31, 2015   $ 1,959,123     $ 0  

 

Among other things, the Plans provide that: (1) Quasar Distributors, LLC shall be required to submit quarterly reports to the Directors of the Company regarding all amounts expended under the Plans and the purposes for which such expenditures were made, including commissions, advertising, printing, interest, carrying charges and any allocated overhead expenses; (2) the Plans will continue in effect only so long as they are approved at least annually, and any material amendment thereto is approved, by the Company’s Directors, including a majority of those Directors who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plans or any agreements related to the Plans, acting in person at a meeting called for said purpose; (3) the aggregate amount to be spent by each Fund on the distribution of the Fund’s shares of a Class under the Plans shall not be materially increased without shareholder approval; and (4) while the Plans remain in effect, the selection and nomination of the Company’s Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company (as defined in the 1940 Act) shall be committed to the discretion of such Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company.

 

62  

 

Mr. Sablowsky, a Director of the Company, had an indirect interest in the operation of the Plans by virtue of his position with Oppenheimer Co., Inc., formerly Fahnestock Co., Inc., a broker-dealer.

 

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the Funds’ Plan expenses were spent for the following purposes:

 

Investor Class*   Small Cap
Value
    Long/
Short
Equity
    All-Cap
Value
    Long/Short
Research
    Global
Equity
    Global
Long/Short
    Emerging Markets Long/Short  
Compensation to broker/dealers   $ 340,883     $ 247,925     $ 961,524     $ 543,591     $ 0     $ 76,531     $ 0  
Compensation to sales personnel   $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0  
Advertising   $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0  
Printing and mailing of prospectuses to other than current shareholders   $ 3,462     $ 6,499     $ 11,035     $ 37,216     $ 0     $ 4,830     $ 0  
Compensation to underwriters   $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0  
Other   $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0  

* The Global Equity Fund, Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund and Emerging Markets Fund are currently offered as Institutional Class Shares only, excluding them from 12b-1 fees.

 

FUND TRANSACTIONS

 

Subject to policies established by the Board and applicable rules, the Adviser is responsible for the execution of portfolio transactions and the allocation of brokerage transactions for the Funds. In executing portfolio transactions, the Adviser seeks to obtain the best price and most favorable execution for the Funds, taking into account such factors as the price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of the order, difficulty of execution and operational facilities of the firm involved. While the Adviser generally seeks reasonably competitive commission rates, payment of the lowest commission or spread is not necessarily consistent with obtaining the best price and execution in particular transactions.

 

The Funds have no obligation to deal with any broker or group of brokers in the execution of portfolio transactions. The Adviser may, consistent with the interests of the Funds and subject to the approval of the Board, select brokers on the basis of the research, statistical and pricing services they provide to the Funds and other clients of the Adviser. Information and research received from such brokers will be in addition to, and not in lieu of, the services required to be performed by the Adviser under its respective contracts. A commission paid to such brokers may be higher than that which another qualified broker would have charged for effecting the same transaction, provided that the Adviser determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in terms either of the transaction or the overall responsibility of the Adviser to a Fund and its other clients and that the total commissions paid by a Fund will be reasonable in relation to the benefits to a Fund over the long-term.

 

63  

 

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the Funds paid the following commissions to brokers on account of research services:

 

Fund   Commissions Paid to Brokers Who Supplied Research Services     Total Dollar Amount Involved in Such Transactions  
Small Cap Value   $ 88,727     $ 200,433  
Long/Short Equity   $ 767,139     $ 1,697,201  
Long/Short Research   $ 3,537,550     $ 7,871,509  
All-Cap Value   $ 199,501     $ 379,339  
WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value   $ 84,163     $ 142,519  
Global Equity   $ 215,158     $ 466,230  
Global Long/Short   $ 884,009     $ 2,108,138  
Emerging Markets Long/Short   $ 241     $ 153,396  

 

The following chart shows the aggregate brokerage commissions paid by each Boston Partners Fund (except for Emerging Markets Fund which had not commenced operations prior to the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017) for the past three fiscal years ended August 31:

 

Fund   2017     2016     2015  
Small Cap Value   $ 196,246     $ 245,114     $ 118,986  
Long/Short Equity   $ 1,695,298     $ 1,685,904     $ 2,501,225  
Long/Short Research   $ 7,607,285     $ 7,454,433     $ 9,293,892  
All-Cap Value   $ 378,420     $ 415,314     $ 338,827  
Global Equity   $ 466,490     $ 490,804     $ 252,258  
Global Long/Short   $ 2,095,098     $ 3,069,000     $ 717,930  
Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund   $ 78,442     $ N/A       N/A  

 

The following chart shows the aggregate brokerage commissions paid by the WPG Fund for the past three fiscal years ended August 31:

 

Fund   2017     2016     2015  
WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund   $ 142,753     $ 158,960     $ 193,328  

 

The Funds are required to identify any securities of the Company’s regular broker-dealers (as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act) or their parents held by the Funds as of the end of the most recent fiscal year. As of August 31, 2017, the following Funds held the following securities of their regular broker-dealers or their parents:

 

Fund Broker Dealer   Market Value  
Long/Short Equity Fund Citigroup, Inc.   $ 22,350,508  
  Morgan Stanley   $ 8,560,734  
  J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.   $ 7,236,844  
  State Street Corp.   $ 6,133,937  
           
All-Cap Value Fund J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.   $ 52,586,500  
  Citigroup, Inc.   $ 37,785,699  
  Bank of America Corp.   $ 35,575,722  
  Wells Fargo & Co.   $ 17,972,605  
  The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.   $ 15,157,714  
  Raymond James Financial Inc.   $ 10,347,168  
  State Street Corp.   $ 9,533,592  
           
Long/Short Research Fund Citigroup, Inc.   $ 79,742,317  
  Bank of America Corp.   $ 77,981,117  
  J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.   $ 66,023,950    
  Wells Fargo & Co.   $ 53,067,705  
  Raymond James Financial, Inc.   $ 24,999,352  
  The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.   $ 23,748,882  
  State Street Corp.   $ 22,567,653  
  SunTrust Banks, Inc.   $ 22,106,010  
  Morgan Stanley   $ 8,548,722  
           
Global Equity Fund Citigroup, Inc.   $ 12,469,627  
  Wells Fargo & Co.   $ 4,573,778  
  Bank of America Corp.   $ 4,320,626  
  SunTrust Banks, Inc.   $ 2,724,640  
           
Global Long/Short Equity Fund Citigroup, Inc.   $ 21,865,862  
  Wells Fargo & Co.   $ 8,926,627  
  Bank of America Corp.   $ 7,906,658  
  SunTrust Banks, Inc.   $ 4,986,550  

 

64  

 

Ownership information by the Emerging Markets Fund of its regular broker-dealers is not provided because the Fund did not commence operations prior to the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Investment decisions for each Fund and for other investment accounts managed by the Adviser are made independently of each other in the light of differing conditions. However, the same investment decision may be made for two or more of such accounts. In such cases, simultaneous transactions are inevitable. Purchases or sales are then averaged as to price and allocated as to amount according to a formula deemed equitable to each such account. While in some cases this practice could have a detrimental effect upon the price or value of the security as far as a Fund is concerned, in other cases it is believed to be beneficial to a Fund.

 

SECURITIES LENDING

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. serves as securities lending agent for the Funds and in that role administers the Funds’ securities lending program pursuant to the terms of a Master Securities Lending Agreement entered into between the Funds and U.S. Bank, N.A.

 

As securities lending agent, U.S. Bank, N.A. is responsible for marketing to approved borrowers available securities from the Fund’s portfolio. U.S. Bank, N.A. is responsible for the administration and management of the Funds’ securities lending program, including the preparation and execution of a participant agreement with each borrower governing the terms and conditions of any securities loan, ensuring that securities loans are properly coordinated and documented with the Funds’ custodian, ensuring that loaned securities are daily valued and that the corresponding required cash collateral of at least 102% of the current market value of the loaned securities is delivered by the borrower(s), using best efforts to obtain additional collateral on the next business day if the value of the collateral falls below the required amount, and arranging for the investment of cash collateral received from borrowers in accordance with the Funds’ investment guidelines.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. receives as compensation for its services a portion of the amount earned by the Funds for lending securities.

 

The table below sets forth, for a Fund’s most recently completed fiscal year, the Fund’s gross income received from securities lending activities, the fees and/or other compensation paid by the Fund for securities lending activities, and the net income earned by the Fund for securities lending activities.

 

   

 

All-Cap Value Fund

   

 

Global Equity Fund

   

 

Long/Short
Equity Fund

   

 

Small Cap
Value Fund II

    WPG Partners
Small Micro Cap Value Fund
 
Gross income from securities lending activities:
  $ 2,272,566     $ 355,864     $ 1,851,119     $ 1,142,201     $ 110,425  
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split:
  $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0  
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service that are not included in the revenue split:
  $ 57,943     $ 7,876     $ 73,686     $ 29,443     $ 2,957  
Administrative fees not included in revenue split:
  $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0  
Indemnification fee not included in revenue split:
  $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0  
Rebates (paid to borrower):
  $ 1,864,898     $ 253,705     $ 1,101,661     $ 805,546     $ 44,089  
Other fees not included in revenue split:
  $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0  
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities:
  $ 1,922,841     $ 261,581     $ 1,175,347     $ 834,989     $ 47,046  
Net income from securities lending activities:
  $ 349,725     $ 94,283     $ 675,772     $ 307,212     $ 63,379  

 

65  

 

PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION

 

You may purchase shares through an account maintained by your brokerage firm and you may also purchase shares directly by mail or wire. The Company reserves the right, if conditions exist which make cash payments undesirable, to honor any request for redemption or repurchase of a Fund’s shares by making payment in whole or in part in securities chosen by the Company and valued in the same way as they would be valued for purposes of computing that Fund’s NAV. If payment is made in securities, a shareholder may incur transaction costs in converting these securities into cash. A shareholder will also bear any market risk or tax consequences as a result of a payment in securities. The Company has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act so that each Fund is obligated to redeem its shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its NAV during any 90-day period for any one shareholder of the Fund. A shareholder will bear the risk of a decline in market value and any tax consequences associated with a redemption in securities.

 

Under the 1940 Act, the Company may suspend the right to redemption or postpone the date of payment upon redemption for any period during which the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the “NYSE”) is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings), or during which the SEC restricts trading on the NYSE or determines an emergency exists as a result of which disposal or valuation of portfolio securities is not reasonably practicable, or for such other periods as the SEC may permit. (The Company may also suspend or postpone the recordation of the transfer of its shares upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions).

 

Shares of the Company are subject to redemption by the Company, at the redemption price of such shares as in effect from time to time, including, without limitation: (1) to reimburse a Fund for any loss sustained by reason of the failure of a shareholder to make full payment for shares purchased by the shareholder or to collect any charge relating to a transaction effected for the benefit of a shareholder as provided in the Prospectuses from time to time; (2) if such redemption is, in the opinion of the Board, desirable in order to prevent the Company or any Fund from being deemed a “personal holding company” within the meaning of the Code; (3) or if the net income with respect to any particular class of common stock should be negative or it should otherwise be appropriate to carry out the Company’s responsibilities under the 1940 Act.

 

66  

 

Each Fund has the right to redeem your shares at current NAV at any time and without prior notice if, and to the extent that, such redemption is necessary to reimburse the particular Fund for any loss sustained by reason of your failure to make full payment for shares of the Fund you previously purchased or subscribed for.

 

Automatic Investment Plan

 

The Automatic Investment Plan enables investors to make regular (monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly or semi-annual basis) investments (Boston Partners Funds: $5,000 minimum for Institutional Class and $100 minimum for Investor Class: WPG Fund $50 minimum), in shares of any Fund through an automatic withdrawal from your designated bank account by simply completing the Automatic Investment Plan application. Please call the Transfer Agent at (888) 261-4073 to enroll. By completing the enrollment form, you authorize the Funds’ Custodians to periodically draw money from your designated account, and to invest such amounts in account(s) with the fund(s) specified.

 

If you elect the Automatic Investment Plan, please be aware that: (1) the privilege may be revoked without prior notice if any check is not paid upon presentation; (2) the Funds’ Custodian is under no obligation to notify you as to the non-payment of any check, and (3) this service may be modified or discontinued by the Funds’ Custodian upon five (5) business days’ written notice to you prior to any payment date, or may be discontinued by you by written notice to the Transfer Agent at least five (5) days before the next payment date.

 

OTHER INFORMATION REGARDING MAXIMUM SALES CHARGE, PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS

 

The following information supplements the information in the Prospectuses under the caption “Shareholder Information.” Please see the Prospectuses for more complete information.

 

Other Purchase Information

 

If shares of a Fund are held in a “street name” account with an Authorized Dealer, all recordkeeping, transaction processing and payments of distributions relating to the beneficial owner’s account will be performed by the Authorized Dealer, and not by the Fund and its Transfer Agent. Since the Funds will have no record of the beneficial owner’s transactions, a beneficial owner should contact the Authorized Dealer to purchase, redeem or exchange shares, to make changes in or give instructions concerning the account or to obtain information about the account. The transfer of shares in a “street name” account to an account with another dealer or to an account directly with the Fund involves special procedures and will require the beneficial owner to obtain historical purchase information about the shares in the account from the Authorized Dealer.

 

Systematic Withdrawal Plan

 

A systematic withdrawal plan (the “Systematic Withdrawal Plan”) is available to shareholders of the WPG Fund and Investor Class Shares of the Boston Partners Funds whose shares are worth at least $10,000. The Systematic Withdrawal Plan provides for payments to the participating shareholder of any amount not less than $100 ($50 with respect to the Long/Short Research and the WPG Funds) on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis.

 

Dividends and capital gain distributions on shares held under the Systematic Withdrawal Plan are reinvested in additional full and fractional shares of the applicable Fund at net asset value. The Transfer Agent acts as agent for the shareholder in redeeming sufficient full and fractional shares to provide the amount of the systematic withdrawal payment. The Systematic Withdrawal Plan may be terminated at any time. Withdrawal payments should not be considered to be dividends, yield or income. If periodic withdrawals continuously exceed new purchases and reinvested dividends and capital gains distributions, the shareholder’s original investment will be correspondingly reduced and ultimately exhausted. See “Shareholder Information” in the Prospectuses. In addition, each withdrawal constitutes a redemption of shares, and any gain or loss realized must be reported for federal and state income tax purposes. A shareholder should consult his or her own tax adviser with regard to the tax consequences of participating in the Systematic Withdrawal Plan. For further information or to request a Systematic Withdrawal Plan, please write or call the Transfer Agent.

 

67  

 

TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PROCEDURES

 

The Company’s telephone transaction procedures include the following measures: (1) requiring the appropriate telephone transaction privilege forms; (2) requiring the caller to provide the names of the account owners, the account social security number and name of the Fund, all of which must match the Company’s records; (3) requiring the Company’s service representative to complete a telephone transaction form, listing all of the above caller identification information; (4) permitting exchanges (if applicable) only if the two account registrations are identical; (5) requiring that redemption proceeds be sent only by check to the account owners of record at the address of record, or by electronic funds transfer through the ACH network or wire only to the owners of record at the bank account of record; (6) sending a written confirmation for each telephone transaction to the owners of record at the address of record within five (5) business days of the call; and (7) recording and maintaining a record of all telephone transactions. For accounts held of record by broker-dealers (other than the Distributor), financial institutions, securities dealers, financial planners and other industry professionals, additional documentation or information regarding the scope of a caller’s authority is required. Finally, for telephone transactions in accounts held jointly, additional information regarding other account holders is required.

 

VALUATION OF SHARES

 

In accordance with procedures adopted by the Board, the NAV per share of each Fund is calculated by determining the value of the net assets attributed to the Fund and dividing by the number of outstanding shares of the Fund. All securities are valued on each Business Day as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally, but not always, 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) or such other time as the New York Stock Exchange or National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations System (“NASDAQ”) market may officially close. The term “Business Day” means any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading, which is Monday through Friday except for holidays. The New York Stock Exchange is generally closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day (observed), Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday (observed), Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas.

 

The time at which transactions and shares are priced and the time by which orders must be received may be changed in case of an emergency or if regular trading on the NYSE is stopped at a time other than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The Company reserves the right to reprocess purchase, redemption and exchange transactions that were initially processed at a NAV other than a Fund’s official closing NAV (as the same may be subsequently adjusted), and to recover amounts from (or distribute amounts to) shareholders based on the official closing NAV. The Company reserves the right to advance the time by which purchase and redemption orders must be received for same business day credit as otherwise permitted by the SEC. In addition, a Fund may compute its NAV as of any time permitted pursuant to any exemption, order or statement of the SEC or its staff.

 

The securities of the Funds are valued under the direction of the Funds’ administrator and under the general supervision of the Board. Prices are generally determined using readily available market prices. Subject to the approval of the Board, the Funds may employ outside organizations, which may use a matrix or formula method that takes into consideration market indices, matrices, yield curves and other specific adjustments in determining the approximate market value of portfolio investments. This may result in the investments being valued at a price that differs from the price that would have been determined had the matrix or formula method not been used. All cash, receivables, and current payables are carried on a Fund’s books at their face value. Other assets, if any, are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Funds’ Valuation Committee under the direction of the Board.

 

The procedures used by any pricing service and its valuation results are reviewed by the officers of the Company under the general supervision of the Board.

 

The Funds may hold portfolio securities that are listed on foreign exchanges. These securities may trade on weekends or other days when the Funds do not calculate NAV. As a result, the value of these investments may change on days when you cannot purchase or sell Fund shares.

 

68  

 

TAXES

 

General

 

The following summarizes certain additional tax considerations generally affecting the Funds and their shareholders that are not described in the Prospectuses. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of the tax treatment of the Funds or their shareholders, and the discussions here and in the Prospectuses are not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. Potential investors should consult their tax advisers with specific reference to their own tax situations.

 

The discussions of the federal tax consequences in the Prospectuses and this SAI are based on the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) and the regulations issued under it, and court decisions and administrative interpretations, as in effect on the date of this SAI. Future legislative or administrative changes or court decisions may significantly alter the statements included herein, and any such changes or decisions may be retroactive.

 

Each Fund qualified during its last taxable year and intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of Subtitle A, Chapter 1, of the Code. As such, each Fund generally is exempt from federal income tax on its net investment income and realized capital gains that it distributes to shareholders. To qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company, each Fund must meet three important tests each year.

 

First, each Fund must derive with respect to each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, certain payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities or foreign currencies, other income derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities, or currencies, or net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships.

 

Second, generally, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year, at least 50% of the value of each Fund’s assets must consist of cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and securities of other issuers (as to which the Fund has not invested more than 5% of the value of its total assets in securities of such issuer and as to which the Fund does not hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer), and no more than 25% of the value of each Fund’s total assets may be invested in the securities of (1) any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies), (2) two or more issuers that the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses, or (3) one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.

 

Third, each Fund must distribute an amount equal to at least the sum of 90% of its investment company taxable income (net investment income and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss) before taking into account any deduction for dividends paid, and 90% of its tax-exempt income, if any, for the year.

 

Each Fund intends to comply with these requirements. If a Fund were to fail to make sufficient distributions, it could be liable for corporate income tax and for excise tax in respect of the shortfall or, if the shortfall is large enough, the Fund could be disqualified as a regulated investment company. If for any taxable year a Fund were not to qualify as a regulated investment company, all its taxable income would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders. In that event, taxable shareholders would recognize dividend income on distributions to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, and corporate shareholders could be eligible for the dividends-received deduction.

 

The Code imposes a nondeductible 4% excise tax on regulated investment companies that fail to distribute each year an amount equal to specified percentages of their ordinary taxable income and capital gain net income (excess of capital gains over capital losses). Each Fund intends to make sufficient distributions or deemed distributions each year to avoid liability for this excise tax.

 

Loss Carryforwards

 

For federal income tax purposes, each Fund is generally permitted to carry forward a net capital loss in any year to offset its own capital gains, if any, during the eight years following the year of the loss. For capital losses realized in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010, the eight-year limitation has been eliminated, so that any capital losses realized by a Fund in the taxable year beginning September 1, 2011 and in subsequent taxable years will be permitted to be carried forward indefinitely.

 

69  

 

As of August 31, 2017, the BP Long/Short Research Fund had short-term post-enactment capital losses of $70,902,877. The capital losses can be carried forward for an unlimited period.

 

State and Local Taxes

 

Although each Fund expects to qualify as a regulated investment company and to be relieved of all or substantially all federal income taxes, depending upon the extent of its activities in states and localities in which its offices are maintained, in which its agents or independent contractors are located or in which it is otherwise deemed to be conducting business, a Fund may be subject to the tax laws of such states or localities.

 

Taxation of Certain Investments

 

The tax principles applicable to transactions in financial instruments, such as futures contracts and options, that may be engaged in by a Fund, and investments in passive foreign investment companies (“PFICs”), are complex and, in some cases, uncertain. Such transactions and investments may cause a Fund to recognize taxable income prior to the receipt of cash, thereby requiring the Fund to liquidate other positions, or to borrow money, so as to make sufficient distributions to shareholders to avoid corporate-level tax. Moreover, some or all of the taxable income recognized may be ordinary income or short-term capital gain, so that the distributions may be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.

 

In addition, in the case of any shares of a PFIC in which a Fund invests, the Fund may be liable for corporate-level tax on any ultimate gain or distributions on the shares if the Fund fails to make an election to recognize income annually during the period of its ownership of the shares.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING COMPANY SHARES

 

The Company has authorized capital of 100 billion shares of common stock at a par value of $0.001 per share. Currently, 84.923 billion shares have been classified into 176 classes, however, the Company only has approximately 43 active share classes that have begun investment operations. Under the Company’s charter, the Board has the power to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of common stock from time to time.

 

Each share that represents an interest in a Fund has an equal proportionate interest in the assets belonging to such Fund with each other share that represents an interest in such Fund, even where a share has a different class designation than another share representing an interest in that Fund. Shares of the Company do not have preemptive or conversion rights. When issued for payment as described in the Prospectus, shares of the Company will be fully paid and non-assessable.

 

The Company does not currently intend to hold annual meetings of shareholders except as required by the 1940 Act or other applicable law. The Company’s amended By-Laws provide that shareholders owning at least ten percent of the outstanding shares of all classes of Common Stock of the Company have the right to call for a meeting of shareholders to consider the removal of one or more directors. To the extent required by law, the Company will assist in shareholder communication in such matters.

 

Holders of shares of each Fund will vote in the aggregate on all matters, except where otherwise required by law. Further, shareholders of the Company will vote in the aggregate and not by portfolio except as otherwise required by law or when the Board determines that the matter to be voted upon affects only the interests of the shareholders of a particular portfolio or class of shares. Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides that any matter required to be submitted by the provisions of such Act or applicable state law, or otherwise, to the holders of the outstanding voting securities of an investment company such as the Company shall not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each portfolio affected by the matter. Rule 18f-2 further provides that a portfolio shall be deemed to be affected by a matter unless it is clear that the interests of each portfolio in the matter are identical or that the matter does not affect any interest of the portfolio. Under Rule 18f-2 the approval of an investment advisory agreement or distribution agreement or any change in a fundamental investment objective or fundamental investment policy would be effectively acted upon with respect to a portfolio only if approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such portfolio. However, the Rule also provides that the ratification of the selection of independent public accountants and the election of directors are not subject to the separate voting requirements and may be effectively acted upon by shareholders of an investment company voting without regard to a portfolio. Shareholders of the Company are entitled to one vote for each full share held (irrespective of class or portfolio) and fractional votes for fractional shares held. Voting rights are not cumulative and, accordingly, the holders of more than 50% of the aggregate shares of common stock of the Company may elect all of the Directors.

 

70  

 

Notwithstanding any provision of Maryland law requiring a greater vote of shares of the Company’s common stock (or of any class voting as a class) in connection with any corporate action, unless otherwise provided by law (for example by Rule 18f-2 discussed above), or by the Company’s Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, the Company may take or authorize such action upon the favorable vote of the holders of more than 50% of all of the outstanding shares of Common Stock voting without regard to class (or portfolio).

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Counsel

 

The law firm of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, One Logan Square, Suite 2000, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-6996, serves as independent counsel to the Company and the Independent Directors.

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Ernst & Young LLP, One Commerce Square, Suite 700, 2005 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, serves as the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm, and in that capacity audits the Funds’ financial statements.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The audited financial statements, financial highlights, and notes thereto in the Funds’ Annual Report to shareholders for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017 (the “Annual Report”) have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm, whose report thereon also appears in the Annual Report, which is incorporated by reference into this SAI. No other parts of the Annual Report are incorporated by reference herein. Such financial statements have been incorporated herein in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing. Copies of the Annual Report may be obtained at no charge by telephoning the Transfer Agent at the telephone number appearing on the front page of this SAI.

 

 

71  

 

APPENDIX A

 

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS

 

Short-Term Credit Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings short-term issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation having an original maturity of no more than 365 days. The following summarizes the rating categories used by S&P Global Ratings for short-term issues:

 

“A-1” – A short-term obligation rated “A-1” is rated in the highest category by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

 

“A-2” – A short-term obligation rated “A-2” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is satisfactory.

 

“A-3” – A short-term obligation rated “A-3” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken an obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“B” – A short-term obligation rated “B” is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.

 

“C” – A short-term obligation rated “C” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“D” – A short-term obligation rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

 

Local Currency and Foreign Currency Ratings – S&P Global Ratings’ issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. An issuer’s foreign currency rating will differ from its local currency rating when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.

 

Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) short-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect both on the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default.

 

Moody’s employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

 

“P-1” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

A- 1  

 

“P-2” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

“P-3” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.

 

“NP” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issuer.

 

Fitch, Inc. / Fitch Ratings Ltd. (“Fitch”) short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as “short-term” based on market convention. Typically, this means up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign, and structured obligations and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets. The following summarizes the rating categories used by Fitch for short-term obligations:

 

“F1” – Securities possess the highest short-term credit quality. This designation indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

 

“F2” – Securities possess good short-term credit quality. This designation indicates good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.

 

“F3” – Securities possess fair short-term credit quality. This designation indicates that the intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.

 

“B” – Securities possess speculative short-term credit quality. This designation indicates minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

 

“C” – Securities possess high short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility.

 

“RD” – Restricted default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only.

 

“D” – Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) – The “F1” rating may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show the relative status within that major rating category.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issue of a rated issuer.

 

The DBRS® Ratings Limited (“DBRS”) short-term debt rating scale provides an opinion on the risk that an issuer will not meet its short-term financial obligations in a timely manner. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer and the relative ranking of claims. The R-1 and R-2 rating categories are further denoted by the sub-categories “(high)”, “(middle)”, and “(low)”.

 

The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for commercial paper and short-term debt:

 

“R-1 (high)” - Short-term debt rated “R-1 (high)” is of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is exceptionally high. Unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.

 

A- 2  

 

“R-1 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (middle)” is of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is very high. Differs from “R-1 (high)” by a relatively modest degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.

 

“R-1 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (low)” is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is substantial. Overall strength is not as favorable as higher rating categories. May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.

 

“R-2 (high)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (high)” is considered to be at the upper end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.

 

“R-2 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (middle)” is considered to be of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events or may be exposed to other factors that could reduce credit quality.

 

“R-2 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (low)” is considered to be at the lower end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events. A number of challenges are present that could affect the issuer’s ability to meet such obligations.

 

“R-3” – Short-term debt rated “R-3” is considered to be at the lowest end of adequate credit quality. There is a capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due. May be vulnerable to future events and the certainty of meeting such obligations could be impacted by a variety of developments.

 

“R-4” – Short-term debt rated “R-4” is considered to be of speculative credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is uncertain.

 

“R-5” – Short-term debt rated “R-5” is considered to be of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet short-term financial obligations as they fall due.

 

“D” – Short-term debt rated “D” is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to “D” may occur. DBRS may also use “SD” (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a “distressed exchange”.

 

Long-Term Credit Ratings

 

The following summarizes the ratings used by S&P Global Ratings for long-term issues:

 

“AAA” – An obligation rated “AAA” has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is extremely strong.

 

“AA” – An obligation rated “AA” differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is very strong.

 

“A” – An obligation rated “A” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is still strong.

 

“BBB” – An obligation rated “BBB” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC” and “C” – Obligations rated “BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC” and “C” are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. “BB” indicates the least degree of speculation and “C” the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposure to adverse conditions.

 

A- 3  

 

“BB” – An obligation rated “BB” is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“B” – An obligation rated “B” is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated “BB”, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“CCC” – An obligation rated “CCC” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“CC” – An obligation rated “CC” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The “CC” rating is used when a default has not yet occurred, but S&P Global Ratings expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.

 

“C” – An obligation rated “C” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared with obligations that are rated higher.

 

“D” – An obligation rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) – The ratings from “AA” to “CCC” may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

 

“NR” – This indicates that no rating has been requested, or that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P Global Ratings does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.

 

Local Currency and Foreign Currency Risks - S&P Global Ratings’ issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. An issuer’s foreign currency rating will differ from its local currency rating when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.

 

Moody’s long-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of one year or more. Such ratings reflect both on the likelihood of default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for long-term debt:

 

“Aaa” – Obligations rated “Aaa” are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk.

 

“Aa” – Obligations rated “Aa” are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.

 

“A” – Obligations rated “A” are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.

 

A- 4  

 

“Baa” – Obligations rated “Baa” are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.

 

“Ba” – Obligations rated “Ba” are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.

 

“B” – Obligations rated “B” are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.

 

“Caa” – Obligations rated “Caa” are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.

 

“Ca” – Obligations rated “Ca” are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.

 

“C” – Obligations rated “C” are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.

 

Note: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from “Aa” through “Caa.” The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to unrated obligations.

 

The following summarizes long-term ratings used by Fitch :

 

“AAA” – Securities considered to be of the highest credit quality. “AAA” ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

 

“AA” – Securities considered to be of very high credit quality. “AA” ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

 

“A” – Securities considered to be of high credit quality. “A” ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

 

“BBB” – Securities considered to be of good credit quality. “BBB” ratings indicate that expectations of credit risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.

 

“BB” – Securities considered to be speculative. “BB” ratings indicate that there is an elevated vulnerability to credit risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met.

 

“B” – Securities considered to be highly speculative. “B” ratings indicate that material credit risk is present.

 

“CCC” – A “CCC” rating indicates that substantial credit risk is present.

 

“CC” – A “CC” rating indicates very high levels of credit risk.

 

“C” – A “C” rating indicates exceptionally high levels of credit risk.

 

Defaulted obligations typically are not assigned “RD” or “D” ratings but are instead rated in the “B” to “C” rating categories, depending on their recovery prospects and other relevant characteristics. Fitch believes that this approach better aligns obligations that have comparable overall expected loss but varying vulnerability to default and loss.

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the “AAA” obligation rating category, or to corporate finance obligation ratings in the categories below “CCC”.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issue of a rated issuer.

 

A- 5  

 

The DBRS long-term rating scale provides an opinion on the risk of default. That is, the risk that an issuer will fail to satisfy its financial obligations in accordance with the terms under which an obligation has been issued. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer, and the relative ranking of claims. All rating categories other than AAA and D also contain subcategories “(high)” and “(low)”. The absence of either a “(high)” or “(low)” designation indicates the rating is in the middle of the category. The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for long-term debt:

 

“AAA” – Long-term debt rated “AAA” is of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is exceptionally high and unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.

 

“AA” – Long-term debt rated “AA” is of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered high. Credit quality differs from “AAA” only to a small degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.

 

“A” – Long-term debt rated “A” is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is substantial, but of lesser credit quality than “AA.” May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.

 

“BBB” – Long-term debt rated “BBB” is of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.

 

“BB” – Long-term debt rated “BB” is of speculative, non-investment grade credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is uncertain. Vulnerable to future events.

 

“B” – Long-term debt rated “B” is of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet financial obligations.

 

“CCC”, “CC” and “C” – Long-term debt rated in any of these categories is of very highly speculative credit quality. In danger of defaulting on financial obligations. There is little difference between these three categories, although “CC” and “C” ratings are normally applied to obligations that are seen as highly likely to default, or subordinated to obligations rated in the “CCC” to “B” range. Obligations in respect of which default has not technically taken place but is considered inevitable may be rated in the “C” category.

 

“D” – A security rated “D” is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to “D” may occur. DBRS may also use “SD” (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a “distressed exchange”.

 

Municipal Note Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings U.S. municipal note rating reflects S&P Global Ratings’ opinion about the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to the notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes with an original maturity of more than three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. In determining which type of rating, if any, to assign, S&P Global Ratings’ analysis will review the following considerations:

 

A- 6  

 

h Amortization schedule - the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and

 

h Source of payment - the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.

 

Municipal Short-Term Note rating symbols are as follows:

 

“SP-1” – A municipal note rated “SP-1” exhibits a strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.

 

“SP-2” – A municipal note rated “SP-2” exhibits a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.

 

“SP-3” – A municipal note rated “SP-3” exhibits a speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

 

Moody’s uses the Municipal Investment Grade (“MIG”) scale to rate U.S. municipal bond anticipation notes of up to three years maturity. Municipal notes rated on the MIG scale may be secured by either pledged revenues or proceeds of a take-out financing received prior to note maturity. MIG ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation, and the issuer’s long-term rating is only one consideration in assigning the MIG rating. MIG ratings are divided into three levels – “MIG-1” through “MIG-3” while speculative grade short-term obligations are designated “SG”. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for short-term municipal obligations:

 

“MIG-1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

 

“MIG-2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.

 

“MIG-3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.

 

“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated obligation.

 

In the case of variable rate demand obligations (“VRDOs”), a two-component rating is assigned: a long or short-term debt rating and a demand obligation rating. The first element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with scheduled principal and interest payments. The second element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with the ability to receive purchase price upon demand (“demand feature”). The second element uses a rating from a variation of the MIG scale called the Variable Municipal Investment Grade or “VMIG” scale. The rating transitions on the VMIG scale differ from those on the Prime scale to reflect the risk that external liquidity support generally will terminate if the issuer’s long-term rating drops below investment grade.

 

“VMIG-1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“VMIG-2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“VMIG-3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

A- 7  

 

“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated obligation.

 

About Credit Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion reflects S&P Global Ratings’ view of the obligor’s capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and this opinion may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.

 

Moody’s credit ratings must be construed solely as statements of opinion and not statements of fact or recommendations to purchase, sell or hold any securities.

 

Fitch’s credit ratings provide an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of principal, insurance claims or counterparty obligations. Fitch credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving the money owed to them in accordance with the terms on which they invested. Fitch’s credit ratings cover the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign financial, bank, insurance, and public finance entities (including supranational and sub-national entities) and the securities or other obligations they issue, as well as structured finance securities backed by receivables or other financial assets.

 

Credit ratings provided by DBRS are forward-looking opinions about credit risk which reflect the creditworthiness of an issuer, rated entity, and/or security. Credit ratings are not statements of fact. While historical statistics and performance can be important considerations, credit ratings are not based solely on such; they include subjective considerations and involve expectations for future performance that cannot be guaranteed. To the extent that future events and economic conditions do not match expectations, credit ratings assigned to issuers and/or securities can change. Credit ratings are also based on approved and applicable methodologies, models and criteria (“Methodologies”), which are periodically updated and when material changes are deemed necessary, this may also lead to rating changes.

 

Credit ratings typically provide an opinion on the risk that investors may not be repaid in accordance with the terms under which the obligation was issued. In some cases, credit ratings may also include consideration for the relative ranking of claims and recovery, should default occur. Credit ratings are meant to provide opinions on relative measures of risk and are not based on expectations of any specific default probability, nor are they meant to predict such.

 

The data and information on which DBRS bases its opinions is not audited or verified by DBRS, although DBRS conducts a reasonableness review of information received and relied upon in accordance with its Methodologies and policies.

 

DBRS uses rating symbols as a concise method of expressing its opinion to the market, but there are a limited number of rating categories for the possible slight risk differentials that exist across the rating spectrum and DBRS does not assert that credit ratings in the same category are of “exactly” the same quality.

 

A- 8  

 

APPENDIX B

 

BOSTON PARTNERS

WPG PARTNERS

REDWOOD PARTNERS

 

Proxy Voting Policies

March 2017

 

B- 1  

 

I.   The Board of Directors 5
A.     Voting on Director Nominees in Uncontested Elections 5
B.     Majority Voting for Director Elections (U.S. and Canada) 9
C.     Chairman and CEO are the Same Person 9
D.     Majority of Independent Directors 10
E.     Stock Ownership Requirements 10
F.     Options Backdating 10
G.     Lack of nominating committee 10
H.     Term of Office 10
I.     Requiring two or more nominees 11
J.     Age Limits 11
K.     Director and Officer Indemnification and Liability Protection 11
L.     Succession Planning 11
M.     Limits for directors receiving 25% Withhold Votes 11
N.     Establish/Amend Nominee Qualifications 11
O.     Director Elections – Non-U.S. Companies 11
II.   Proxy Contests 29
A.     Voting for Director Nominees in Contested Elections 29
B.     Reimburse Proxy Solicitation Expenses 29
III.   Auditors 29
A.     Ratifying Auditors 29
B.     Italy - Director and Auditor Indemnification 30
C.     Austria, Greece, Portugal and Spain: 30
D.     MSCI EAFE Companies - Auditor Fee Disclosure 30
IV.   Proxy Contest Defenses 31
A.     Board Structure: Staggered vs. Annual Elections 31
B.     Shareholder Ability to Remove Directors 31
C.     Cumulative Voting 31
D.     Shareholder Ability to Call Special Meetings 31
E.     Shareholder Ability to Act by Written Consent 31
F.     Shareholder Ability to Alter the Size of the Board 32

 

B- 2  

 

V.   Tender Offer Defenses 32
A.     Poison Pills 32
B.     Poison Pills (Japan) 33
C.     Anti-Takeover Proposals (France) 33
D.     Fair Price Provisions 34
E.     Greenmail 34
F.     Pale Greenmail 34
G.     Unequal Voting Rights 34
H.     Supermajority Shareholder Vote Requirement to Amend the Charter or Bylaws 34
I.     Supermajority Shareholder Vote Requirement to Approve Mergers 34
J.     White Squire Placements 34
K.     Protective Preference Shares 35
VI.   Miscellaneous Governance Provisions 35
A.     Confidential Voting 35
B.     Equal Access 36
C.     Bundled Proposals 36
D.     Shareholder Advisory Committees 36
E.     Charitable Contributions 37
F.     Adjourn Meeting Requests to Solicit Additional Proxies to Approve Merger Agreement 37
G.     Related-Party Transactions (France) 37
H.     Related Party Transaction Auditor Reports (France) 37
I.     Authority to Reduce Minimum Notice Period for Calling a Meeting (non-US Companies) 37
VII.   Capital Structure 38
A.     Common Stock Authorization 39
B.     Capital Issuance Requests 39
C.     Stock Distributions: Splits and Dividends 41
D.     Reverse Stock Splits 41
E.     Preferred Stock 41
F.     Adjustments to Par Value of Common Stock 41
G.     Preemptive Rights 41
H.     Debt Restructurings 41
I.     Share Repurchase Programs 42

 

B- 3  

 

J.     Share Repurchase Programs to Fund Stock Option Plans 42
K.     Additional Share Repurchase Programs 42
L.     Netherlands - Remuneration Report 43
M.     Tracking Stock 44
N.     “Going Dark” Transactions 44
VIII.   Executive and Director Compensation 44
A.     General 44
B.     Management Proposals Seeking Approval to Reprice Options 46
C.     Director Compensation 46
D.     Employee Stock Purchase Plans 46
E.     OBRA-Related Compensation Proposals: 47
F.     Shareholder Proposals to Limit Executive and Director Pay 47
G.     Golden and Tin Parachutes 48
H.     Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) 48
I.     401(k) Employee Benefit Plans 48
J.     Pension Plan Income and Performance-Based Compensation 48
K.     Indexed Options and Performance Vested Restricted Stock 48
L.     Burn Rate 48
M.     Transferable Stock Options 49
N.     Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERPs) 49
O.     Pay-for-Superior-Performance 49
P.     Executive Compensation Advisory Proposal (Say on Pay) 49
Q.     Pre-Arranged Trading Plans (10b5-1 Plans) 51
R.     Share Buyback Holding Periods 51
S.     Tax Gross-Up Proposals 52
T.     Reimbursement of Expenses Incurred from Candidate Nomination Proposal 52
U.     Equity Based Compensation Plans are evaluated on a case-by-case basis 52
V.     Golden Coffin (Death Benefit) 54
W.     Hold Till (post) Retirement 54
X.     Termination of Employment Prior to Severance Payment and Eliminating Accelerated Vesting of Unvested Equity: 54
Y.     Compensation Issue in Non-US Companies 55
Z.     Canadian Equity Compensation Plans, TSX Issuers 59

 

B- 4  

 

IX.   State of Incorporation 60
A.     Voting on State Takeover Statutes 60
B.     Voting on Reincorporation Proposals 60
X.   Mergers and Corporate Restructurings 61
A.     Mergers and Acquisitions 61
B.     Corporate Restructuring 61
C.     Spin-offs 61
D.     Asset Sales 62
E.     Liquidations 62
F.     Appraisal Rights 62
G.     Changing Corporate Name 62
H.     Special Purpose Acquisition Corporations (SPACs) 62
XI.   Mutual Funds 63
XII.   Corporate Governance and Conduct 63

B- 5  

 

Boston Partners

Proxy Voting Policies

As of March 2017

 

The Board of Directors

 

Voting on Director Nominees in Uncontested Elections

 

Votes on director nominees are made on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, examining the following factors:

 

Compliance with market legal requirements for minimum board independence.

 

Long-term corporate performance record relative to a market index;

 

Composition of board and key board committees;

 

Corporate governance provisions and takeover activity;

 

Nominee’s attendance at meetings;

 

Nominee’s investment in the company;

 

Whether a retired CEO sits on the board;

 

Whether the chairman is also serving as CEO;

 

Whether the nominee is an inside director and the full board serves as the audit, compensation, or nominating committee or the company does not have one of these committees; AND

 

Whether the company has failed to meet a predetermined performance test for issuers within the Russell 3000 index;

 

For issuers within the Russell 3000 index, after evaluating the company’s overall performance relative to its peers, taking into account situational circumstances including (but not limited to) changes in the board or management, and year-to-date total shareholder returns;

 

On members of the Audit Committee and/or the full board if poor accounting practices are identified which rise to a level of serious concern, such as: fraud; misapplication of GAAP; and material weaknesses identified in Section 404 disclosures taking into consideration the severity, breadth, chronological sequence and duration, as well as the company’s efforts at remediation or corrective actions in determining whether negative vote recommendations are warranted.

 

If the board adopts a poison pill with a term of 12 months or less (“short-term pill”) without shareholder approval taking into account the following factors:

 

The date of the pill’s adoption relative to the date of the next meeting of shareholders – i.e. whether the company had time to put the pill on ballot for shareholder ratification given the circumstances;

 

B- 6  

 

The issuer’s governance structure and practices; and

 

The issuer’s track record of accountability to shareholders.

 

In the following situations, votes on director nominees will be WITHHELD:

 

Nominee attends less than 75% of the board and committee meetings without a valid excuse;

 

Nominee implements or renews a dead-hand or modified dead-hand poison pill;

 

Nominee ignores a shareholder proposal that is approved by a majority of shares outstanding;

 

Nominee has failed to act on takeover offers where the majority of the shareholders have tendered their shares;

 

Nominee is an inside director or affiliated outsider and sits on the audit, compensation, or nominating committees;

 

Nominee is an inside director or affiliated outsider and the majority of the board is not independent;

 

Nominee is an audit committee member when a company’s non-audit fees are greater than 50% of all fees paid;

 

Nominee has failed to replace management as appropriate;

 

Nominee is CEO of a publicly traded company who serves on more than three public boards including his/her own board;

 

From the entire board (except new nominees) where the director(s) receive more than 50% WITHHOLD votes of those cast and the issue underlying the WITHHOLD vote has not been addressed;

 

From compensation committee members if there is a poor linkage between performance (1/3 yrs TSR) and compensation practices based on peer group comparisons;

 

From compensation committee members if they fail to submit one-time transferable stock options to shareholders for approval;

 

From compensation committee members if the company has poor compensation practices. Poor disclosure will also be considered. Poor compensation practices include, but are not limited to:

 

Egregious employment contracts including excessive severance provisions

 

Excessive perks that dominate compensation (base salary will be used as a relative measure to determine excessiveness)

 

Huge bonus payouts without justifiable performance

 

Performance metrics that are changed during the performance period

 

Egregious SERP payouts

 

New CEO with overly generous new hire package

 

Internal pay disparity

 

Poor practices (unless contractually bound) have not been remedied despite the previous application of cautionary language

 

Multi-year base salary increases guaranteed as part of an employment contract

 

Perks for former executives including car allowances and personal use of corporate aircraft

 

Excessive severance/change in control arrangements now include any new or materially amended arrangements that include provisions for the payment of excise tax gross-ups (including modified gross-ups) and/or modified single-triggers (which allow an executive to receive change-in-control severance upon voluntary resignation during a window period following the change in control);

 

B- 7  

 

Liberal change in control definition in individual contracts or equity plans which could result in payments to executives without an actual change in control occurring;

 

Tax reimbursements of any executive perquisites or other payments will be considered a poor pay practice;

 

Payment of dividends or dividend equivalents on unearned performance awards will be considered a poor practice;

 

From any nominee, with the exception of new nominees, if the company has a classified board and a continuing director is responsible for a problematic governance issue at the board/committee level;

 

In the following situations, votes on director nominees will be WITHHELD or voted AGAINST:

 

Incumbent director nominees at Russell 3000 companies, if there is a lack of accountability and oversight, along with sustained poor performance relative to their peers; and

 

Audit committee members when the company receives an Adverse Opinion on the company’s financial statements from its auditors;

 

The board adopts a poison pill with a term of more than 12 months (“long-term pill”), or renews any existing pill, including any “short-term pill” (12 months or fewer), without shareholder approval. A commitment or policy that puts a newly-adopted pill to a binding shareholder vote may potentially offset an adverse vote recommendation. Review such companies with classified boards every year, and such companies with annually-elected boards at least once every three years, and vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD votes from all nominees if the company still maintains a non-shareholder-approved poison pill. This policy will apply to all companies adopting or renewing pills after the announcement of this policy (Nov. 19, 2009.)

 

The board makes a material, adverse change to an existing poison pill without shareholder approval.

 

The entire board of directors (except new nominees, who will be considered on a CASE-BY-CASE basis), if:

 

The board failed to act on a shareholder proposal that received the support of a majority of the shares cast in the previous year. Factors considered are:

 

Disclosed outreach efforts by the board to shareholders in the wake of the vote;
Rationale provided in the proxy statement for the level of implementation;
The subject matter of the proposal;
The level of support for and opposition to the resolution in past meetings;
Actions taken by the board in response to the majority vote and its engagement with shareholders;
The continuation of the underlying issue as a voting item on the ballot (as either shareholder or management proposals); and
Other factors as appropriate.;

 

Under extraordinary circumstances, BP will vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from individual directors, members of a committee, or the entire board, due to:

 

Material failures of governance, stewardship, risk oversight, or fiduciary responsibilities at the company (including but not limited to: bribery; large or serial fines or sanctions from regulatory bodies; significant adverse legal judgments or settlements; hedging company stock or significant pledging of company stock

 

Failure to replace management as appropriate; or

 

B- 8  

 

Egregious actions related to a director’s service on other boards that raise substantial doubt about his or her ability to effectively oversee management and serve the best interest of shareholders at any company.

 

BP will vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from directors individually, committee members, or the entire board (except new nominees, who should be considered case-by-case) if the board amends the company's bylaws or charter without shareholder approval in a manner that materially diminishes shareholders' rights or that could adversely impact shareholders, considering the following factors, as applicable:

 

a. The board's rationale for adopting the bylaw/charter amendment without shareholder ratification;
b. disclosure by the company of any significant engagement with shareholders regarding the amendment;
c. The level of impairment of shareholders' rights caused by the board's unilateral amendment to the bylaws/charter;
d. The board's track record with regard to unilateral board action on bylaw/charter amendments or other entrenchment provisions;
e. The company's ownership structure;
f. The company's existing governance provisions;
g. Whether the amendment was made prior to or in connection with the company's initial public offering;
h. The timing of the board's amendment to the bylaws/charter in connection with a significant business development;
i. Other factors, as deemed appropriate, that may be relevant to determine the impact of the amendment on shareholders.
j. Unless the adverse amendment is reversed or submitted to a binding shareholder vote, in subsequent years vote case-by-case on director nominees. Generally vote against (except new nominees, who should be considered case-by-case) if the directors:
Classified the board;
Adopted supermajority vote requirements to amend the bylaws or charter; or
Eliminated shareholders' ability to amend bylaws.
k. For newly public companies, generally vote against or withhold from directors individually, committee members, or the entire board (except new nominees, who should be considered case-by-case) if, prior to or in connection with the company's public offering, the company or its board adopts bylaw or charter provisions adverse to shareholders' rights, considering the following factors:
The level of impairment of shareholders' rights caused by the provision;
The company’s or the board's rationale for adopting thcontested
e provision;
The provision's impact on the ability to change the governance structure in the future (e.g., limitations on shareholder right to amend the bylaws or charter, or supermajority vote requirements to amend the bylaws or charter);
The ability of shareholders to hold directors accountable through annual director elections, or whether the company has a classified board structure; and,
Any reasonable susnset provision; and
Other relevant factors.

 

BP will vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from the entire board of directors (except new nominees, who should be considered CASE-BY-CASE) if

 

B- 9  

 

The board implements an advisory vote on executive compensation on a less frequent basis than the frequency that received the majority of votes cast at the most recent shareholder meeting at which shareholders voted on the say-on-pay frequency.

 

BP will vote CASE-BY-CASE on the entire board if:

 

The board implements an advisory vote on executive compensation on a less frequent basis than the frequency that received a plurality, but not a majority, of the votes cast at the most recent shareholder meeting at which shareholders voted on the say-on-play frequency, taking into account:

 

The board’s rationale for selecting a different frequency;

 

The company’s ownership structure and vote results;

 

Analysis of whether there are compensation concerns or a history of problematic compensation practices; and

 

The previous year’s support level on the company’s say-on-pay proposal.

 

BP will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on Compensation Committee members (or, in exceptional cases, the full board) and the Management Say-on-Pay proposal if the company’s previous say-on-pay proposal received the support of less than 70 percent of votes cast, taking into account:

 

The company’s response, including:

 

Disclosure of engagement efforts with major institutional investors regarding the issues that contributed to the low level of support;

 

Specific actions taken to address the issues that contributed to the low level of support;

 

Other recent compensation actions taken by the company;

 

Whether the issues raised are recurring or isolated;

 

The company’s ownership structure; and

 

Whether the support level was less than 50 percent, which would warrant the highest degree of responsiveness.

 

BP will generally vote against or withhold from members of the governance committee if the charter imposes undue restrictions on shareholders’ ability to amend bylaws.

 

9. Insufficient Executive Compensation Disclosure by Externally Manged Issuers (EMI’s)

 

For externally-managed issuers (EMIs), generally vote against the say-on-pay proposal when insufficient compensation disclosure precludes a reasonable assessment of pay programs and practices applicable to the EMI's executives.

Majority Voting for Director Elections (U.S. and Canada)

 

Shareholder proposals calling for majority voting thresholds for director elections

 

We generally vote FOR these proposals unless the company has adopted formal corporate governance principles that present a meaningful alternative to the majority voting standard and/or provide an adequate response to both new nominees as well as incumbent nominees who fail to receive a majority of votes cast.

 

Chairman and CEO are the Same Person

 

We vote FOR shareholder proposals that would require the positions of chairman and CEO to be held by different persons.

 

B- 10  

 

Independent Chair

 

Generally vote FOR shareholder proposals requiring that the chairman’s position be filled by an independent director, taking into consideration the following:

 

a. The scope of the proposal;
b. The company's current board leadership structure;
c. The company's governance structure and practices;
d. Company performance; and
e. Any other relevant factors that may be applicable.

 

Majority of Independent Directors

 

We vote FOR shareholder proposals that request that the board be composed of a two-thirds majority of independent directors.

 

We vote FOR shareholder proposals that request that the board audit, compensation and/or nominating committees be composed exclusively of independent directors.

 

Stock Ownership Requirements

 

We vote AGAINST shareholder proposals requiring directors to own a minimum amount of company stock in order to qualify as a director or to remain on the board.

 

We vote FOR management and shareholder proposals requiring directors be partially or fully paid in stock.

 

Options Backdating

 

We may recommend WITHHOLDING votes from the compensation committee, depending on the severity of the practices and the subsequent corrective actions on the part of the board.

 

We will adopt a CASE-BY-CASE policy to the options backdating issue. In recommending withhold votes from the compensation committee members who oversaw the questionable options grant practices or from current compensation committee members who fail to respond to the issue proactively, we will consider several factors, including, but not limited to, the following:

 

Reason and motive for the options backdating issue, such as inadvertent vs. deliberate grant date changes;

 

Length of time of options backdating;

 

Size of restatement due to options backdating;

 

Corrective actions taken by the board or compensation committee, such as canceling or repricing backdated options, or recoupment of option gains on backdated grants;

 

Adoption of a grant policy that prohibits backdating, and creation of a fixed grant schedule or window period for equity grants going forward.

 

Lack of nominating committee

 

We will WITHHOLD votes from insiders and affiliated outsiders for failure to establish a formal nominating committee. Furthermore, WITHHOLD votes from insiders and affiliated outsiders on any company where the board attests that the ‘independent’ directors serve the functions of a nominating committee.

 

B- 11  

 

Term of Office

 

We vote AGAINST shareholder proposals to limit the tenure of outside directors. Term limits pose artificial and arbitrary impositions on the board and could harm shareholder interests by forcing experienced and knowledgeable directors off the board.

 

Requiring two or more nominees

 

We vote AGAINST proposals to require two or more candidates for each board seat.

 

Age Limits

We vote AGAINST shareholder proposals to impose a mandatory retirement age for outside directors.

 

Director and Officer Indemnification and Liability Protection

 

Proposals concerning director and officer indemnification and liability protection are evaluated on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

We vote AGAINST proposals to limit or eliminate director and officer liability for monetary damages for violating the duty of care.

 

We vote AGAINST indemnification proposals that would expand coverage beyond just legal expenses to acts, such as negligence, that are more serious violations of fiduciary obligations than mere carelessness.

 

We vote FOR only those proposals that provide such expanded coverage in cases when a director's or officer's legal defense was unsuccessful if: (a) the director was found to have acted in good faith and in a manner that he reasonably believed was in the best interests of the company, and (b) only if the director's legal expenses would be covered.

 

Succession Planning

 

Shareholder proposal seeking the adoption of a documented CEO succession planning policy.

 

We will evaluate such proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis considering the company’s current practices and the scope of the proposal.

 

Limits for directors receiving 25% Withhold Votes

 

Shareholder proposal seeking a policy that forbids any director who receives more than 25% withhold votes cast from serving on any key board committee for two years, and asks the board to find replacement directors for the committees if need be.

 

We will evaluate such proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis considering the company’s current practices and the scope of the proposal.

 

Establish/Amend Nominee Qualifications

 

We will vote CASE-BY-CASE on shareholder resolutions seeking a director nominee candidate who possesses a particular subject matter expertise, considering:

 

The company’s board committee structure, existing subject matter expertise, and board nomination provisions relative to that of its peers;

 

The company’s existing board and management oversight mechanisms regarding the issue for which board oversight is sought;

 

The company disclosure and performance relating to the issue for which board oversight is sought and any significant related controversies; and

 

The scope and structure of the proposal

 

B- 12  

 

Director Elections – Non-U.S. Companies

 

Canada

 

In the following situations, votes will be WITHHELD:

 

From any director on the audit or compensation committee who served as the company’s CEO or who, within the past five years, served as the company’s CFO (This policy only applies to Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) companies).;

 

From audit committee members if audit fees are not disclosed in publicly filed documents or obtainable within a reasonable period of time prior to the shareholder’s meeting;

 

From audit committee members if non-audit fees paid to related audit firm exceed audit-related fees.

 

From audit committee members where “other” or non-audit related fees paid to the external auditor in the most recently completed fiscal year exceeded fees paid to that firm for all audit related services. In the case of slate ballots, a vote of WITHHOLD will be applied to the entire slate. (One-time fees disclosed as “other” that are paid for corporate reorganization services will be excluded from the calculation for determining whether non-audit fees exceed audit and audit-related fees paid to the external firm);

 

The individual director has attended fewer than 75 percent of the board and committee meetings held within the past year without a valid reason for his or her absence and the company has a plurality vote standard;

 

The individual director has attended fewer than 75 percent of the board and committee meetings held within the past year without a valid reason for his or her absence and a pattern of low attendance exists based on prior years’ meeting attendance, and the company has adopted a majority vote standard.

 

Generally WITHHOLD votes from all directors nominated by slate ballot at the annual/general or annual/special shareholders’ meetings. This policy will not apply to contested director elections.

 

Generally WITHHOLD from individual directors, committee members, or the entire board as appropriate in situations where an advance notice policy has been adopted by the board but has not been included on the voting agenda at the next shareholders' meeting.

 

Continued lack of shareholder approval of the advanced notice policy in subsequent years may result in further withhold recommendations.

 

Votes from individual directors (and the whole slate if the slate includes such individual directors) who:

 

Are insiders on the compensation or nominating committee and the committee is not majority independent.

 

Votes from individual directors (and the whole slate if the slate includes such individual directors) who:

 

Are insiders and the entire board fulfills the role of a compensation or nominating committee and the board is not majority independent

 

BP policies support a one-share, one-vote principle. In recognition of the substantial equity stake held by certain shareholders, on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, director nominees who are or who represent a controlling shareholder of a majority owned company, who will be designated as controlling insiders, may generally be supported under BP' board and committee independence policies, if the company meets all of the following independence and governance criteria:

 

a. Individually elected directors;
b. The number of related directors should not exceed the proportion of the common shares controlled by the controlling shareholder, to a maximum of two-thirds, however if the CEO is related to the controlling shareholder, then at least two-thirds of the directors should be independent of management;
c. If the CEO and chair roles are combined or the CEO is or is related to the controlling shareholder, then there should be an independent lead director and the board should have an effective and transparent process to deal with any conflicts of interest between the company, minority shareholders, and the controlling shareholder; and

 

B- 13  

 

d. A majority of the audit and nominating committees should be either independent directors or related directors who are independent of management. All members of the compensation committee should be independent of management, and, if the CEO is related to the controlling shareholder, no more than one member of the compensation committee should be a related director;
e. Prompt disclosure of detailed vote results following each shareholder meeting; and
f. Adoption of a majority vote standard with a director resignation policy for uncontested elections OR a public commitment to adopt a majority voting standard with a director resignation policy for uncontested elections if the controlling shareholder ceases to control 50 percent or more of the common shares.

 

BP will also consider the following:

a. Nominating committee has process to receive and discuss suggestions from shareholders for potential director nominees; and
b. If the CEO is related to the controlling shareholder, the board's process to evaluate the performance, leadership, compensation, and succession of management should be led by independent directors.

 

BP will also take into consideration any other concerns related the conduct of the subject director and any controversy or questionable actions on the part of the subject director that are deemed not to be in the best interests of all shareholders.

 

In the following situations, we will vote AGAINST:

 

a. We will vote AGAINST compensation committee members if the company has poor pay practices as defined above.
b. We will generally vote AGAINST the entire slate if individual director elections are not permitted and the company demonstrates poor pay practices as defined above.
c. We will generally vote AGAINST equity plans if plan is used as a vehicle for poor pay practices as defined above.

 

Europe

 

Directors’ term of office

For the markets of Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, and Switzerland, we vote AGAINST the election or reelection of any director when their term is not disclosed or when it exceeds four years and adequate explanation for non-compliance has not been provided.

 

Executives on audit and remuneration committees
For the markets of Finland, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Sweden, we vote AGAINST the election or reelection of any executive (as defined by RMG’S director categorization guidelines), including the CEO, who serve on the audit and/or remuneration committees. We vote AGAINST if the disclosure is too poor to determine whether an executive serves or will serve on a committee.

 

Bundling of proposal to elect directors
For the markets of France and Germany, we vote AGAINST the election or reelection of any director if the company proposes a single slate of directors.

 

Majority-independent board (i.e., greater than 50%)
For the markets of Switzerland, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands, we vote AGAINST the election or reelection of any non-independent director (excluding the CEO) if the proposed board is not at least 50 % independent (as defined by RMG’S director categorization guidelines). For the markets of Finland, Sweden, Ireland, and Luxembourg, we vote AGAINST non-independent directors if there is not majority independence, but only for those companies that are part of the MSCI EAFE index.

 

B- 14  

 

Carve Outs: For the larger German companies where 50 % of the board must consist of labor representatives by law, we require one-third of the total board be independent.

France: We will vote FOR a non-independent, non-executive director, provided that two conditions are satisfied: future composition of the board of at least 33 percent of independents, AND improvements in board composition (e.g. independence increase from 25 to 40 percent).

 

Disclosure of names of nominees
For all European companies that are part of the MSCI EAFE index (Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Greece, and Sweden), we vote AGAINST the election or reelection of any directors when the names of the nominees are not disclosed in a timely manner prior to the meeting.. This policy will be applied to all companies in these markets, for bundled as well as unbundled items. In the case of Italy, once the list of nominees has been disclosed, we will evaluate each nominee on a CASE-BY- CASE basis. In the case of Poland and Turkey, BP will vote FOR the election of directors in 2013 even if nominee names are not disclosed in a timely manner. Beginning in 2014, this grace period will cease.

 

France

 

BP will vote on a case-by-case basis regarding the granting of double-voting rights on shares in compliance with the Florange Act.

 

All European Markets

 

BP will vote AGAINST (re)election of a combined chair/CEO at core companies. However, with the company provides assurance that the chair/CEO would only serve in the combined role on an interim basis (no more than two years), with the intent of separating the roles within a given time frame, considerations should be given to these exceptional circumstances. In this respect, the vote will be made on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. In order for BP to consider a favorable vote for an interim combined chair/CEO the company will need to provide adequate control mechanisms on the board (such as a lead independent director, a high overall level of board independence, and a high level of independence on the board’s key committees.

 

For companies with a majority shareholder, generally vote against the election or reelection of any non-independent directors (excluding the CEO) if the level of independence on the board will be lower than the minority shareholders’ percentage of equity ownership, or if the board will be less than one-third independent (whichever is higher.)

 

(In markets where the local corporate governance code addresses board independence at controlled companies, BP will generally vote against the election or reelection of any non-independent directors (excluding the CEO) if the level of independence on the board is lower than the local code recommendation, but in any case , below 1/3.)

 

Independence will be determined according to BP's European Classification of Directors. If a nominee cannot be categorized, BP will consider that person non-independent and include that nominee in the calculation.

 

B- 15  

 

The following policies would be applied to all widely held companies 1 , unless there is a majority shareholder:

 

i. For all markets (except Greece or Portugal), vote against the election or reelection of any non-independent directors (excluding the CEO) if:

 

ii. Fewer than 50 percent of the board members elected by shareholders excluding where relevant, employee shareholder representatives, would be independent, or

 

iii. Fewer than one-third of board members, including those who, in accordance with local law(s) requiring their mandatory board membership, are not elected by shareholders, would be independent.

 

iv. In Italy, at least half of the board should be independent (50 percent). Issuers with a controlling shareholder will be required to have a board consisting of at least one-third independent members (33 percent). This applies to individual director appointments (co-options). In the case of complete board renewals that are regulated by the Italian slate system (“voto di lista”), board independence will be one of the factors for determining which list of nominees BP considers best suited to add value for shareholders based, as applicable, on BP European policies.

 

v. For companies incorporated in Portugal or Greece, at least one-third of the board will be required to be independent. BP will recommend a vote against the entire slate of candidates (in the case of bundled elections), or a vote against the election of any non-independent directors (in the case of unbundled elections) if board independence level does not meet the minimum recommended one-third threshold.

 

For companies with a majority shareholder (excluding Italy and Portugal):

 

i. Generally vote against the election or reelection of any non-independent directors (excluding the CEO) if the level of independence on the board will be lower than minority shareholders' percentage of equity ownership, or, in any case, if the board will be less than one-third independent (whichever is higher).

 

ii. Minority shareholders' ownership percentage is calculated by subtracting the majority shareholder's equity ownership percentage from 100 percent. Majority control is defined in terms of economic interest and not voting rights, and is considered to be any shareholder or group of shareholders acting collectively that control at least 50 percent + 1 share of the company's equity capital. This independence threshold is applied to controlled widely held companies or main index-listed/MSCI-EAFE member companies which would otherwise fall under a 50-percent independence guideline as described in the Board Independence Policy.

 

a. However, in markets where the local corporate governance code addresses board independence at controlled companies, BP will generally recommend against the election or reelection of any non-independent directors (excluding the CEO) if the level of independence on the board is lower than the local code recommendation, but in any case, if the level of board independence will be less than one-third.

 

 


1 Widely held companies are interpreted as:

 

Generally, based on their membership in a major index and/or the number of ISS clients holding the securities;
For Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Luxembourg: based on local blue chip market index and/or MSCI EAFE companies;
For Portugal, based on their membership in the PSI-20 and/or MSCI-EAFE index.

 

B- 16  

 

Ireland

 

We vote AGAINST on-independent directors if the majority board is not independent, but only for companies that are constituents of ISE 20.

 

Ireland and UK – BP will vote against directors who hold more than four other board positions. A board chairman should not hold other chairmanship position, but may hold up to 3 other board positions. BP will vote against reelection of a director whose attendance falls below 75% for more than two years.

 

Netherlands

 

We vote AGAINST nominees when their term is not disclosed or exceeds four years and an adequate explanation for noncompliance has not been provided.

 

Canada

 

Vote case-by-case on proposals to adopt or amend an Advance Notice Board Policy or to adopt or amend bylaws containing or adding an advance notice requirement. These provisions will be evaluated to ensure that all of the provisions included within the requirement solely support the stated purpose of the requirement. The purpose of advance notice requirements, as generally stated in the market, is to prevent stealth proxy contests; to provide a reasonable framework for shareholders to nominate directors by allowing shareholders to submit director nominations within a reasonable timeframe; and to provide all shareholders with sufficient information about potential nominees in order for them to make informed voting decisions on such nominees taking into account the following:

 

a.        For annual notice of meeting given not less than 50 days prior to the meeting date, the notification timeframe within the advance notice requirement should allow shareholders the ability to provide notice of director nominations at any time not less than 30 days prior to the shareholders' meeting. The notification timeframe should not be subject to any maximum notice period. If notice of annual meeting is given less than 50 days prior to the meeting date, a provision to require shareholder notice by close of business on the 10th day following first public announcement of the annual meeting is supportable. In the case of a special meeting, a requirement that a nominating shareholder must provide notice by close of business on the 15th day following first public announcement of the special shareholders' meeting is also acceptable;

 

b.        The board's inability to waive all sections of the advance notice provision under the policy or bylaw, in its sole discretion;

 

c.        A requirement that any proposed nominee deliver a written agreement wherein the proposed nominee acknowledges and agrees, in advance, to comply with all policies and guidelines of the company that are applicable to directors;

 

d.        Any provision that restricts the notification period to that established for the originally scheduled meeting in the event that the meeting has been adjourned or postponed;

 

e.       Any additional disclosure requests within the advance notice requirement or the company's ability to require additional disclosure that exceeds that required within a dissident proxy circular or that goes beyond that necessary to determine director nominee qualifications, relevant experience, shareholding or voting interest in the company, or independence in the same manner as would be required and disclosed for management nominees; and in any event where there is no indication from the company that such additional disclosure, if requested and received, will be made publicly available to shareholders;

 

f.        Stipulations within the provision that the corporation will not be obligated to include any information provided by dissident director nominees or nominating shareholders in any shareholder communications, including the proxy statement;

 

g.        Any other feature or provision determined to have a negative impact on shareholders' interests and deemed outside the purview of the stated purpose of the advance notice requirement.

 

B- 17  

 

i.

 

Australia

 

We vote AGAINST affiliated outsiders and insiders on remuneration and/or audit committees that are not majority independent.

 

Sri Lanka

 

Vote FOR board-nominated candidate unless:

 

He is an executive director serving on the audit, remuneration or nomination committee, or

 

He is a non-independent director nominee and independent directors are less than the higher of: 2, or 1/3 of the board.

 

Singapore

 

We vote AGAINST:

 

Election of one executive director and one substantial-shareholder nominee where independent directors represent less than one-third of the board;

 

Audit committee members who are former partners of the company’s auditor;

 

Directors who have attended less than 75 percent of meetings, without a reasonable explanation for those absences. (Acceptable explanations include Medical issues; family emergencies, the director has served for less than one year; missing one meeting of a total of three or fewer.)

 

Election or reelection of non-independent nominees (including nominees who have been a partner of the company’s auditor within the last three years or is on the audit committee of the company) if at least one-third of the board is not independent

 

Classify a director as non-independent where the director has served on the board for more than nine years and where the board either fails to provide any reason for considering the director to still be independent, or where the stated reasons raise concerns among investors as to the director’s true level of independence..

 

We will NOT vote against the election of a CEO or a company founder who is integral to the company.

 

Generally vote against if:

 

The nominee is an executive director serving on the audit, remuneration, and/or nomination committee;

 

The nominee is a non-independent director serving as the chairman of the audit committee, remuneration committee, and/or nomination committee.

 

When the board does not have a formal audit committee, remuneration committee, and/or nomination committee, vote against if:

 

The nominee is an executive director;

 

The nominee is a non-independent chairman of the board

 

Hong Kong

 

BP will generally vote FOR director nominees to the board, however, we will vote AGAINST any nominee who:

 

Is classified by the company as independent, but fails to meet the BP criteria for independence

 

B- 18  

 

Has been a partner of the company’s auditor within the last three years, and serves on the audit committee;

 

c. Had attended less than 75 percent of board meeting over the most recent two years, without a satisfactory explanation (Acceptable explanations include Medical issues; family emergencies, the director has served for less than one year; missing one meeting of a total of three or fewer.);

d. Is an executive director serving on the remuneration committee or nomination committee, and the committee is not majority independent; or

e. Is an executive director serving on the audit committee.

f. Classified by the company as independent but fails to meet the BP criteria for independence. Classify a director as non-independent where the director has served on the board for more than nine years, and where the board either fails to provide any reason for considering the director to still be independent, or where the stated reasons raise concerns among investors as to the director’s true level of independence.

 

Generally vote for the re/election of directors, unless:

 

a. The nominee has been a partner of the company's auditor within the last three years, and serves on the audit committee;

b. The nominee has attended less than 75 percent of board and key committee meetings over the most recent fiscal year, without a satisfactory explanation. The calculation of director attendance will not include meetings attended by alternate directors. Acceptable reasons for director absences are generally limited to the following:

c. Medical issues/illness;

d. Family emergencies;

e. The director has served on the board for less than a year; and

f. Missing only one meeting (when the total of all meetings is three or fewer);

g. The nominee is an executive director serving on the remuneration committee or nomination committee, and the committee is not majority independent;

h. The nominee is an executive director serving on the audit committee;

i. The nominee sits on a total of more than five public company boards (BP will accept a commitment by an overboarded director to step down from one or more boards at the next annual meeting of the company or companies in question, if that will bring the total number of boards to no more than five); or

j. Any non-independent director nominees where the board is less than one-third independent under BP classification of directors.

 

BP generally will not vote against the election of a CEO, managing director, executive chairman, or founder whose removal from the board would be expected to have a material negative impact on shareholder value.

 

Hong Kong and Singapore: Generally vote AGAINST all members of the audit committee up for reelection if:

 

a. The non-audit fees paid to the auditor exceed audit fees without satisfactory explanation; or

b. The company did not disclose the audit fees and /or non-audit fees in the latest fiscal year.

c. Vote AGAINST director nominees who sit on a total of more than six public company boards.

 

Japan : Generally vote FOR an article amendment to adopt a board with audit committee structure. However, if the adoption of the new governance structure would eliminate shareholders' ability to submit shareholder proposals on income allocation, vote against the article amendments. Vote case-by-case if the board currently has a three-committee structure

 

B- 19  

 

Malaysia, Thailand

 

Typically vote for the reelection of directors unless:

 

The nominee is an executive director and serves on the audit, remuneration, or nomination committee; or

 

The nominee has attended fewer than 75% of the board and committee meetings over the most recent year without a satisfactory explanation (Acceptable explanations include Medical issues; family emergencies, the director has served for less than one year; missing one meeting of a total of three or fewer.); or

 

The nominee is a non-independent director and the board is less than 1/3 independent.

 

Korea

 

We vote AGAINST the election of an outside director to the board or to the audit committee where that director sits on a total of more than two public company boards.

 

South Korea

 

We vote AGAINST

 

Any nominee who is a non-independent director serving on the audit committee.

 

Any non-independent director nominees (5 year cooling off period) where the board is less than majority-independent (in the case of large companies) or less than 25 percent independent (in the case of small companies

 

A director has engaged in some significant transactions with the company in the last three years and he/she cannot reasonably be seen to have the necessary objectivity and independence

 

We generally vote FOR the remuneration cap for internal auditors unless:

 

It is excessive relative to peer companies, or

 

The company has not provided a reasonable justrificaiton, or

 

There are serious concerns about the statutory reports presented or audit procedures used.

 

Korea, South Korea and South Africa

 

We vote AGAINST the reelection of any outside directors who have attended less than 75 % of board meetings.

 

South Korea, Philippines

 

We vote FOR the election of directors unless there are specific concerns about the company, the board or the nominees.

 

We vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis that shareholders cumulate their votes for the independent directors .

 

We vote AGAINST all director elections where insufficient information on nominees has been disclosed.

 

Where independent directors represent less than a majority of the board, we will vote AGAINST the following directors:

 

Executive directors who are neither the CEO nor a member of the founding family and/or the most recently appointed non-independent non-executive director who represents a substantial shareholder, where the percentage of board seats held by representatives of the substantial shareholder are disproportionate to their holdings in the company.

 

B- 20  

 

Philippines

 

Where independent directors represent less than the highest of three independent directors or 30 percent of the board, RIM will vote AGAINST the following directors:

 

An executive director with exception of the CEO; or

 

One non-executive non-independent director who represents a substantial shareholder where the number of seats held by the representatives is disproportionate to its holdings in the company.

 

Vote FOR a board-nominated candidate unless:

 

He has attended less than 75% of board and key committee meetings over the recent year without explanation such as medical issues.

 

South Aftrica

 

BP evaluates management proposals seeking ratification of a company's remuneration policy on a case-by-case basis. BP generally votes against if the level of disclosure of the policy and/or its application is below what is required for shareholders to make an informed judgment on the policy. In the event of satisfactory disclosure, BP generally votes for the approval of the executive remuneration unless specific issues apply.

 

Brazil

 

BP will vote AGAINST proposals to elect directors if the post-election board is not at least 30 percent independent. This policy applies to Novo Mercado companies.

 

BP will vote AGAINST proposals to elect directors if the post-election board is not at least 20 percent independent. This policy applies to Nivel 2 companies.

 

Vote abstain on the election of directors and fiscal council members nominated by non-controlling shareholders presented as a separate voting item if the nominee names are not disclosed in a timely manner prior to the meeting.

 

a. Vote against the bundled election of directors of companies listed under the differentiated corporate governance segments of the Sao Paulo Stock Exchange (BM&FBovespa)--Novo Mercado, Nivel 2, and Nivel 1-- if the company maintains or proposes a combined chairman/CEO structure, after three (3) years from the date the company's shares began trading on the respective differentiated corporate governance segment.

 

b. Vote against the election of the company's chairman, if the nominee is also the company's CEO, when it is presented as a separate election at companies listed under the differentiated corporate governance segments of the Sao Paulo Stock Exchange (BM&FBovespa)–Novo Mercado, Nivel 2, and Nivel 1-- after three (3) years from the date the company's shares began trading on the respective differentiated corporate governance segment.

 

c. Under extraordinary circumstances, vote against individual directors, member(s) of a committee, or the entire board, due to:

 

Material failures of governance, stewardship, risk oversight, or fiduciary responsibilities at the company;

Failure to replace management as appropriate; or

Egregious actions related to a director's service on other boards that raise substantial doubt about his or her ability to effectively oversee management and serve the best interests of shareholders at any company.

 

B- 21  

 

Vote against individual directors, members of a committee, or the entire board due to a conflict of interest that raises significant potential risk, in the absence of mitigating measures and/or procedures

 

Austria

 

We vote AGAINST supervisory board elections if names of nominees are not disclosed, for companies that are part of the MSCI EAFE index and/or the Austrian ATX index.

 

France (MSCI EAFE Index) - Combined Chairman/CEO

 

On proposals to change the board structure from a two-tier structure to a one-tier structure with a combination of the functions of Chairman and CEO, and/or the election or the reelection of a combined Chairman and CEO:

 

We vote on a CASE-BY-CASE policy, accepting a combination generally only in the following cases:

 

If it is a temporary solution;

 

If his/her removal from the board would adversely impact the company’s continuing operations;

 

If the company provides compelling argumentation for combining the two functions; or

 

If the company has put a sufficiently counterbalancing governance structure in place.

 

A counterbalancing structure may include the following:

 

At least 50 percent of the board members are independent (one-third for companies with a majority shareholder) according to the RMG criteria;

 

No executive serves on the audit committee and no executive serves on the remuneration committee (in the financial year under review if more up-to-date information is not available);

 

The chairmen of audit, remuneration and nomination committees are independent directors; and

 

All key governance committees have a majority of independent members.

 

If disclosure is not sufficient to determine the above, this will lead to a negative evaluation of the concerned criterion. We will apply this policy for all core companies in France. This policy will also apply for resolutions for the election or the reelection of a combined Chairman and CEO for companies of the MSCI EAFE index, which represents the world’s largest companies that are expected to be held to higher standards.

 

Censor (non-voting board member) Elections: For widely held companies, BP will generally vote AGAINST proposals seeking shareholder approval to elect a censor, to amend bylaws to authorize the appointment of censors, or to extend the maximum number of censors to the board.

 

However, BP will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis when the company provides assurance that the censor would serve on a short-term basis (maximum one year) with the intent to retain the nominee before his/her election as director. In this case, consideration shall also be given to the nominee’s situation (notably overboarding or other factors of concern.)

 

In consideration of the principle that censors should be appointed on a short-term basis, BP will vote AGAINST any proposal to renew the term of a censor or to extend the statutory term of censors.

 

For directors standing for (re)election at French companies, will take into account board appointments as censors .

 

B- 22  

 

Denmark - Discharge of Management and Board

 

We vote AGAINST proposals to abolish the authority of the general meeting to vote on discharge of the board and management since proposals to withhold discharge are regarded by international investors as an important means by which they may express serious concern of management and board action

 

Sweden - Director Elections/Labor Representatives

 

For all Swedish MSCI EAFE companies, we vote AGAINST the election of nonindependent executive directors if less than 50 percent of the shareholder-elected members are independent non-executive directors.

 

In addition, for Swedish MSCI EAFE companies with labor representatives on the board of directors, we will apply Criterion (1) above, PLUS require that at least one-third of the total board (shareholder-elected members and labor representatives) be independent non-executive directors.

 

Israel

 

For Israeli companies listed on the NASDAQ exchange, we vote AGAINST the election/reelection of non-independent directors if a given board is not majority-independent and does not have at least three external directors.

 

Director and Auditor Indemnification We evaluate proposals on director and officer indemnification and liability protection on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

We vote AGAINST proposals that would:

 

Eliminate entirely directors' and officers' liability for monetary damages for violating the duty of care;

 

Expand coverage beyond just legal expenses to liability for acts, such as negligence, that are more serious violations of fiduciary obligation than mere carelessness;

 

Expand the scope of indemnification to provide for mandatory indemnification of company officials in connection with acts that previously the company was permitted to provide indemnification for at the discretion of the company's board (i.e. "permissive indemnification") but that previously the company was not required to indemnify.

 

For Israeli companies that are listed on a U.S. stock exchange and file a Form 20-F,we will vote AGAINST if the election of non-independent directors who sit on a company’s compensation committee.

 

If the board does not have compensation committee, we will vote AGAINST the non-independent directors serving on the board.

 

We vote FOR only those proposals providing such expanded coverage in cases when a director's or officer's legal defense was unsuccessful: 1) if the director was found to have acted in good faith and in a manner that he reasonably believed was in the best interests of the company, and 2) if only the director's legal expenses would be covered.

 

For the issue of Indemnification and Liability Agreements with D/O, which is more common than proposals to amend bylaws, resolutions are frequently proposed to permit the companies to enter into new indemnification agreements with certain officers. We SUPPORT such requests if a company’s bylaws allow indemnification to such levels as allowed for under the Companies Law

 

Japan

 

1. At companies with a statutory auditory structure: vote for the election of directors, except:

 

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Top executive(s)1 at a company that has underperformed in terms of capital efficiency (i.e., when the company has posted average return on equity (ROE) of less than 5 percent over the last five fiscal years)2, unless an improvement3 is observed;

 

Top executive(s) if the board, after the shareholder meeting, will not include at least two outside directors;

 

Top executive(s) at a company that has a controlling shareholder, where the board, after the shareholder meeting, will not include at least two independent directors based on ISS independence criteria for Japan;

 

An outside director nominee who attended less than 75 percent of board meetings during the year under review 2 ; or,

 

Top executive(s) who are responsible for not implementing a shareholder proposal which has received a majority5 of votes cast, or not putting a similar proposal on the ballot as a management proposal the following year (with a management recommendation of for), when that proposal is deemed to be in the interest of independent shareholders.

 

At companies with a U.S.-type three committee structure: (In addition to the guidelines for companies with a statutory auditor structure) vote for the election of directors, except where:

 

 

 

2 The attendance of inside directors is not disclosed in Japan. For companies with a three committee structure and companies with an audit committee structure, ISS will require attendance of 75 percent or more of audit committee meetings as well as 75 percent or more of board meetings.

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An outside director nominee is regarded as non-independent based on ISS independence criteria for Japan, and the board, after the shareholder meeting, will not be majority independent; or

 

Where the company has a controlling shareholder, a director nominee sits on the nomination committee and is an insider, or non-independent outsider, when the board, after the shareholder meeting, will not include at least two independent directors based on ISS independence criteria for Japan.

 

2. At companies with a board with audit committee structure: (In addition to the guidelines for companies with a statutory auditor structure) vote for the election of directors, except where:

 

An outside director nominee who is also nominated as an audit committee member6 is regarded as non-independent based on ISS independence criteria for Japan

 

Regardless of governance structure, under extraordinary circumstances, vote against individual directors, members of a committee, or the entire board, due to:

 

Material failures of governance, stewardship, risk oversight, or fiduciary responsibilities at the company;

 

Failure to replace management as appropriate; or

 

Egregious actions related to a director's service on other boards that raise substantial doubt about his or her ability to effectively oversee management and serve the best interests of shareholders at any company

 

Germany

 

For core companies with employee representatives on supervisory board: We vote AGAINST any non-independent director if less than one-third of the supervisory board is independent.

 

For core companies without employee representatives: We vote AGAINST any non-independent director if less than one-half of the supervisory board is independent.

 

We vote AGAINST supervisory board nominees in they hold more than a total of five supervisory board or foreign board of director seats and serve in an executive role at another company.

 

Spain

 

We vote AGAINST non-independent directors (excluding the CEO) for all core companies where the board is not at least one-third independent.

 

We vote AGAINST the routine election and reelection of directors when his/her term is not disclosed or when it exceeds four years and adequate explanation for non-compliance has not been provided. This policy applies for bundled as well as unbundled items.

 

United Kingdom

 

We consider on a CASE-BY-CASE basis the re-election of the Chairman of the board. In situations where he or she has direct responsibility for failure to comply with (or to explain satisfactorily) the Code, we vote ABSTAIN, or, if such an option is unavailable, we vote CONTENTIOUS FOR, or AGAINST.

 

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Germany, U.K., The Netherlands

 

We will generally vote AGAINST the election or reelection of a former CEO as chairman to the supervisory board or the board of directors, unless:

 

There are compelling reasons that justify the election or re-election of a former CEO as chairman;

 

The former CEO is proposed to become the board’s chairman only on an interim or temporary basis;

 

The former CEO is proposed to be elected as the board’s chairman for the first time after a reasonable cooling-off period; or

 

The board chairman will not receive a level of compensation comparable to the company’s executives nor assume executive functions in markets where this is applicable.

 

Latin America, Turkey, Indonesia

 

WE will vote AGAINST election of directors if the name of the nominee is not disclosed in a timely manner prior to the meeting. This is only for each respective market’s main blue chip (large cap) index.

 

Russia

 

WE will vote AGAINST proposals to elect directors, if names of nominees are not disclosed.

 

Taiwan

 

WE will vote AGAINST the election of directors if the names or shareholder ID numbers are not disclosed.

 

We vote AGAINST all directors and supervisors where the company employs the non-nomination system for election.

 

India

 

BP votes AGAINST all non-independent director nominees (other than a CEO/managing director, executive chairman, or company founder who is deemed integral to the company) where independent directors represent less than one-third of the board (if the chairman is a non-executive) or one-half of the board (if the chairman is an executive director or a promoter director.) Austria:

 

We will vote AGAINST the election or reelection of any non-independent directors (excluding the CEO) if the proposed board is not at least 50-percent independent (as defined by ISS' director categorization guidelines). If a nominee cannot be categorized, BP will assume that person is non-independent and include that nominee in the calculation. The policy will apply only to core companies. For core companies where the board must include labor representatives by law, BP will require that one-third of the total board be independent

 

Vote against the re/election of a director if the nominee has attended less than 75 percent of board and key committee (audit, compensation, and nominating) meetings over the most recent fiscal year, without a satisfactory explanation. (Acceptable explanations include Medical issues; family emergencies, the director has served for less than one year; missing one meeting of a total of three or fewer.)

 

Finland:

 

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As it is market practice in Finland to have non-board members that are representatives of major shareholders serving on the nominating committee, we will FOR proposals to elect a nominating committee consisting of mainly non-board members, but advocate disclosure of the names of the proposed candidates to the committee in the meeting notice.

 

We will also vote FOR shareholder proposals calling for disclosure of the names of the proposed candidates at the meeting, as well as the inclusion of a representative of minority shareholders in the committee.

 

35.South Africa:

 

We will vote FOR the reelection of directors unless:

 

Adequate disclosure has not been provided in a timely manner;

 

There are clear concerns over questionable finances or restatements;

 

There have been questionable transactions with conflicts of interest;

 

There are any records of abuses against minority shareholder interests;

 

The board fails to meet minimum governance standards;

 

There are specific concerns about the individual nominee, such as criminal wrongdoing or breach of fiduciary responsibilities;

 

Repeated absences (less than 75 percent attendance) at board meetings have not been explained; or

 

Elections are bundled.

 

Additional factors resulting from recent changes in local code of best practice include:

 

The director is an executive who serves on one of the key board committees (audit, compensation, nominations);

 

The director combines the roles of chair and CEO and the company has not provided an adequate explanation;

 

The director is the former CEO who has been appointed as chair;

 

The director is a non-independent NED who serves on the audit committee;

 

The director is a non-independent NED who serves on the compensation or nomination committee and there is not a majority of independent NEDs on the committee. However, such a consideration should take into account the potential implications for the board's black economic empowerment (BEE) credentials;

 

The director is a non-independent NED and the majority of NEDs on the board are not independent. However, such a consideration should take into account the potential implications for the board's black economic empowerment (BEE) credentials;

 

We will vote FOR the reelection of the audit committee and/or audit committee members unless:

 

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The committee includes one or more non-independent NEDs;

 

The audit committee member is a non-independent NED;

 

Members of the committee do not meet the further minimum requirements for audit committee membership to be outlined by the South African government;

 

a. There are serious concerns about the accounts presented, the audit procedures used, or some other feature for which the audit committee has responsibility

 

Repeated absences at committee meetings have not been explained.

 

36. Greece:

 

Vote against the election or reelection of any non-independent directors if the proposed board is not at least one-third independent (as defined by ISS' director classification guidelines). If elections are bundled and the proposed board is not at least one-third independent, vote against the entire slate. If a nominee cannot be categorized, ISS will assume that person is non-independent and include that nominee in the calculation. This policy will be applied to widely held* companies incorporated in Greece.

 

37. Hungary:

 

Generally vote against the election or reelection of any non-independent directors (excluding the CEO) if the board is not at least 50 percent independent. If a nominee cannot be categorized, ISS will consider that person non-independent and include that nominee in the calculation for determining the board independence percentage. The policy will apply to widely held companies.

 

38. China

 

Generally vote FOR the re/election of directors, except where:

 

a. The nominee has been a partner of the company's auditor within the last three years, and serves on the audit committee;

b. The independent director nominee has attended less than 75 percent of board meetings over the most recent fiscal year 3 , without a satisfactory explanation. Acceptable reasons for director absences are generally limited to the following:

c. Medical issues/illness;

d. Family emergencies;

e. The director has served on the board for less than a year; and

f. Missing only one meeting (when the total of all meetings is three or fewer);

g. Any non-independent director nominees where the board is less than one-third independent under ISS classification of directors.

 

Generally vote FOR the election of a CEO, managing director, executive chairman, or founder whose removal from the board would be expected to have a material negative impact on shareholder value.

 

Under extraordinary circumstances, vote against individual directors, members of a committee, or the entire board, due to:

 

a. Material failures of governance, stewardship, risk oversight, or fiduciary responsibilities at the company;

 

 

3 Companies are required to disclose the attendance record of independent directors only, and committee memberships and attendance are generally not disclosed.

 

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b. Failure to replace management as appropriate; or

c. Egregious actions related to a director's service on other boards that raise substantial doubt about his or her ability to effectively oversee management and serve the best interests of shareholders at any company.

 

39. South Korea

 

Generally vote FOR the re/election of directors, unless:

 

a. Adequate disclosure has not been provided in a timely manner;

b. An outside director sits on more than two public company boards, in violation of the Commercial Act and accompanying presidential decree;

c. An outside director has attended less than 75 percent of board meetings 4 over the most recent fiscal year, without a satisfactory explanation. Acceptable reasons for director absences are generally limited to the following:

d. Medical issues/illness;

e. Family emergencies;

f. The director has served on the board for less than a year; and

g. Missing only one meeting (when the total of all meetings is three or fewer);

h. For large companies, any non-independent director nominees (under ISS classification) where the board is less than majority-independent.

 

Where adequate disclosure has been provided, generally vote for the election of a CEO, managing director, executive chairman, or founder whose removal from the board would be expected to have a material negative impact on shareholder value.

 

Under extraordinary circumstances, vote AGAINST individual directors, members of committees, or the entire board, due to:

 

a. Material failures of governance, stewardship, risk oversight, or fiduciary responsibilities at the company;

b. Failure to replace management as appropriate; or

 

Egregious actions related to a director's service on other boards that raise substantial doubt about his/her ability to effectively oversee management and serve the best interests of shareholders at any company.

 

Generally vote AGAINST directors for failure to remove a director convicted of wrongdoing from the board.

 

For cases where the election of multiple directors is presented as a bundled item, vote AGAINST the entire slate of directors if one of the nominees presents any of the governance concerns highlighted above.

 

EMEA (Middle East and Africa except South Africa)

 

BP will vote on a case-by-case basis. We will vote FOR the following catagories:

 

Candidates who can be identified as representatives of minority shareholders of the company, or independent candidates

 

Candidates who bring needed professional skills, profiles and relevant experience.

 

 

4 Korean law requires companies to disclose the attendance of only outside directors.

 

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Tax Havens

 

For US companies we apply the US guidelines.

 

For foreign private issuers, we vote AGAINST affiliated outsiders on the audit committee.

 

Truly foreign companies that do not have a U.S. listing will be evaluated under the corporate governance standards of their home market.

 

For uniquely structured shipping companies we vote AGAINST executive nominees when the company has not established a compensation committee when i) the company does not pay any compensation to its executive officers; ii) any compensation is paid by a third party under a contract with the company.

 

We vote AGAINST affiliated outsider directors on the audit, compensation, and nominating committees.

 

We vote AGAINST inside directors and affiliated outside directors for foreign private issuers that trade exclusively in the United States but fail to establish a majority independent board.

 

II. Proxy Contests

 

A. Voting for Director Nominees in Contested Elections

 

Votes in a contested election of directors are evaluated on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, considering the following factors:

 

1. Long-term financial performance of the target company relative to its industry;

 

2. Management's track record;

 

3. Background to the contested election;

 

4. Qualifications of director nominees (both slates) and compensatory arrangements;

 

5. Likelihood that the proposed objectives and goals can be met; and

 

6. Stock ownership positions.

 

Reimburse Proxy Solicitation Expenses

 

We vote AGAINST proposals to provide full reimbursement for dissidents waging a proxy contest.

 

Auditors

 

A. Ratifying Auditors

 

1. Proposals to ratify auditors are made on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

2. We vote AGAINST the ratification of auditors and audit committee members when the company’s non-audit fees (“other”) are excessive. In circumstances where “other” fees are related to initial public offerings, bankruptcy emergence, and spin-offs, and the company makes public disclosure of the amount and nature of those fees which are determined to be an exception to the standard “non-audit fee” category, then such fees may be excluded from the non-audit fees considered in determining the ratio of non-audit to audit/audit-related fees/tax compliance and preparation for purposes of determining whether non-audit fees are excessive.

Audit Fees = statutory audit fees + audit related fees + permissible tax services (this excludes tax strategy)

Non-Audit Fees = other fees (ex. consulting)

The formula used to determine if the non-audit fees are excessive is as follows:

Non-audit (“other”) fees > (audit fees + audit-related fees + tax compliance/preparation fees)

 

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3. We vote AGAINST the ratification of auditors if there is reason to believe that the independent auditor has rendered an opinion which is neither accurate nor indicative of the company’s financial position.

 

4. (Europe) We vote AGAINST if external auditors have previously served the company in an executive capacity or are considered affiliated; if the name of the auditor is unpublished; if there is an unexplained change of auditor; for companies on the MSCI EAFE, fees for non-audit service exceed 100% of standard fees or any stricter limit set by law. For widely-held companies, fees for non-audit services exceed either 100 percent of standard audit-related fees or any stricter limit set in local best practice recommendations or law

 

5. We WITHHOLD votes from audit committee members when the company’s non-audit fees (ex. consulting) are greater than 50% of total fees paid to the auditor. We may take action against members of an audit committee in situations where there is persuasive evidence that the audit committee entered into an inappropriate indemnification agreement with its auditor that limits the ability of the company, or its shareholders, to pursue legitimate legal recourse against the audit firm.

 

6. We WITHHOLD votes from audit committee members when auditor ratification is not included on the proxy ballot.

 

B. Italy - Director and Auditor Indemnification

 

Proposals seeking indemnification and liability protection for directors and auditors

 

1. Votes are made on a CASE-BY-CASE basis to indemnify directors and officers, and we vote AGAINST proposals to indemnify external auditors.

 

2. We vote FOR the indemnification of internal auditors, unless the costs associated with the approval are not disclosed.

 

C. Austria, Greece, Portugal and Spain:

 

We vote FOR the reelection of auditors and /or proposals authorizing the board to fix auditor fees, unless:

 

1. There are serious concerns about the procedures used by the auditor;

 

2. There is reason to believe that the auditor has rendered an opinion, which is neither accurate nor indicative of the company’s financial position;

 

3. External auditors have previously served the company in an executive capacity or can otherwise be considered affiliated with the company;

 

4. Name of the proposed auditors has not been published;

 

5. The auditors are being changed without explanation; or

 

6. Fees for non-audit services exceed standard annual audit-related fees.

 

D. Hong Kong, Singapore

 

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1. Vote FOR proposals to (re)appoint auditors and authorize the board to fix their remuneration, unless:

 

a. There are serious concerns about the accounts presented or the audit procedures used;

 

b. The auditor is being changed without explanation; or

 

c. The non-audit fees exceed the audit fees paid to the external auditor in the latest fiscal year without satisfactory explanation.

 

E. MSCI EAFE Companies - Auditor Fee Disclosure

 

1. We vote FOR auditor ratification and/or approval of auditors’ fees, unless: Auditors’ fees for the previous fiscal year are not disclosed and broken down into at least audit and non-audit fees.

 

2. The fees must be disclosed in a publicly available source, such as the annual report or company Web site. If approval of auditors’ fees and auditor ratification are two separate voting items, a vote recommendation of AGAINST would apply only to the fees, not to the auditor ratification.

 

Proxy Contest Defenses

 

F. Board Structure: Staggered vs. Annual Elections

 

1. We vote AGAINST proposals to classify the board.

 

2. We vote FOR proposals to repeal classified boards and to elect all directors annually.

 

G. Shareholder Ability to Remove Directors

 

1. We vote AGAINST proposals that provide that directors may be removed only for cause.

 

2. We vote FOR proposals to restore shareholder ability to remove directors with or without cause.

 

3. We vote AGAINST proposals that provide that only continuing directors may elect replacements to fill board vacancies.

 

4. We vote FOR proposals that permit shareholders to elect directors to fill board vacancies .

 

H. Cumulative Voting

 

1. We vote AGAINST proposals to eliminate cumulative voting.

 

2. We generally vote FOR proposals to restore or permit cumulative voting unless there are compelling reasons to recommend AGAINST the proposal, such as:

 

a. the presence of a majority threshold voting standard with a carve-out for plurality in situations where there are more nominees than seats, and a director resignation policy to address failed elections;

 

b. a proxy access provision in the company’s bylaws, or a similar structure that allows shareholders to nominate directors to the company’s ballot

 

3. We vote FOR proposals for cumulative voting at controlled companies (insider voting power > 50%).

 

I. Shareholder Ability to Call Special Meetings

 

1. We vote AGAINST proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholder ability to call special meetings.

 

2. We vote FOR proposals that remove restrictions on the right of shareholders to act independently of management.

 

J.       Shareholder Ability to Act by Written Consent

 

We will generally vote AGAINST management and shareholder proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholders' ability to act by written consent.

 

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Generally vote FOR management and shareholder proposals that provide shareholders with the ability to act by written consent, taking into account the following factors:

 

Shareholders' current right to act by written consent;

 

The consent threshold;

 

The inclusion of exclusionary or prohibitive language;

 

Investor ownership structure; and

 

Shareholder support of, and management's response to, previous shareholder proposals.

 

BP will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on shareholder proposals if, in addition to the considerations above, the company has the following governance and antitakeover provisions:

 

An unfettered 5 right for shareholders to call special meetings at a 10 percent threshold;

 

A majority vote standard in uncontested director elections;

 

No non-shareholder-approved pill; and

 

An annually elected board.

 

K.       Shareholder Ability to Alter the Size of the Board

 

1.       We vote FOR proposals that seek to fix the size of the board.

 

2.       We vote AGAINST proposals that give management the ability to alter the size of the board without shareholder approval.

 

3.       We vote AGAINST proposals seeking to amend the company’s board size to fewer than five seats or more than fifteen seats.

 

Tender Offer Defenses

 

I. Poison Pills

 

1. We generally vote FOR shareholder proposals that ask a company to submit its poison pill for shareholder ratification unless:

 

a. A shareholder-approved poison pill is in place.

 

b. The company has adopted a policy specifying that the board will only adopt a shareholder rights plan if either:

 

i. Shareholders have approved the adoption of the plan, or

 

ii. The board determines that it is in the best interest of shareholders to adopt a pill without the delay of seeking shareholder approval, in which the pill will be put to a vote within 12 months of adoption or it will expire.

 

2. We vote FOR shareholder proposals to redeem a company's poison pill.

 

 

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"Unfettered" means no restrictions on agenda items, no restrictions on the number of shareholders who can group together to reach the 10 percent threshold, and only reasonable limits on when a meeting can be called: no greater than 30 days after the last annual meeting and no greater than 90 prior to the next annual meeting.

 

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3. We vote AGAINST management proposals to ratify a poison pill.

 

4. We will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on proposals to adopt a poison pill or protective amendment to preserve a company’s net operating losses based on the following criteria:

 

a. The trigger (NOL pills generally have a trigger slightly below 5 percent);

 

b. The value of the NOLs;

 

c. The term;

 

d. Shareholder protection mechanisms (sunset provision, causing expiration of the pill upon exhaustion or expiration of NOLs); and other factors that may be applicable.

 

e. The company’s existing governance structure including: board independence, existing takeover defenses, track record of responsiveness to shareholders, and any other problematic governance concerns; and

 

f. Any other factors that may be applicable.

 

J. Poison Pills Canada

 

We vote CASE-BY-CASE on management proposals to ratify a shareholder rights plan (poison pill) taking into account whether it conforms to ‘new generation’ rights plan best practice guidelines and its scope is limited to giving the board more time to find an alternative and to ensure the equal treatment of all shareholders.

 

K. Poison Pills (Japan)

 

We vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis and will only generally vote AGAINST unless:

 

Independent directors who meet ISS guidelines on attendance comprise at least 1/3 of the board after the shareholder meeting;

 

The number of independent directors who meet ISS guidelines on attendance is at least two after the shareholder meeting;

 

The directors are subject to annual elections;

 

The bid evaluation committee is composed entirely of independent directors, or independent statutory auditors, who meet ISS guidelines on attendance;

 

The trigger threshold is set at no less than 20 percent of shares outstanding;

 

The duration of the poison pill does not exceed three years;

 

There are no other protective or entrenchment tools that can serve as takeover defenses, including blocking stakes held by management-friendly shareholders, or setting the maximum board size to the actual board size to eliminate vacant seats, or tightening of procedures for removing a director from office; and

 

L. The company posts its proxy circular on the stock exchange website at least four weeks prior to the meeting, to give shareholders sufficient time to study the details of the proposal and question management about them. Anti-Takeover Proposals (France)

 

We vote AGAINST all anti-takeover proposals unless they are structured in such a way that they give shareholders the ultimate decision on any proposal or offer.

 

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M. Fair Price Provisions

 

1. We vote proposals to adopt fair price provisions on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, evaluating factors such as the vote required to approve the proposed acquisition, the vote required to repeal the fair price provision, and the mechanism for determining the fair price.

 

2. We vote FOR shareholder proposals to lower the shareholder vote requirement in existing fair price provisions.

 

N. Greenmail

 

1. We vote FOR proposals to adopt anti-greenmail charter or bylaw amendments or otherwise restrict a company's ability to make greenmail payments.

 

2. We review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis anti-greenmail proposal when they are bundled with other charter or bylaw amendments.

 

O. Pale Greenmail

 

We review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis restructuring plans that involve the payment of pale greenmail.

 

P. Unequal Voting Rights

 

1. We vote AGAINST dual class exchange offers.

 

2. We vote AGAINST dual class recapitalizations.

 

Q. Supermajority Shareholder Vote Requirement to Amend the Charter or Bylaws

 

1. We vote AGAINST management proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote to approve charter and bylaw amendments.

 

2. We vote FOR shareholder proposals to lower supermajority shareholder vote requirements for charter and bylaw amendments. However for companies with shareholder(s) who have significant ownership levels, we vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, taking into account the following criteria:

 

a. Ownership structure;

 

b. Quorum requirements; and

 

c. Supermajority vote requirements.

 

R. Supermajority Shareholder Vote Requirement to Approve Mergers

 

1. We vote AGAINST management proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote to approve mergers and other significant business combinations.

 

2. We vote FOR shareholder proposals to lower supermajority shareholder vote requirements for mergers and other significant business combinations.

 

S. White Squire Placements

 

We vote FOR shareholder proposals to require approval of blank check preferred stock issues for other than general corporate purposes.

 

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T. Protective Preference Shares

 

We evaluate these proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis and will only support resolutions if:

 

1. The supervisory board needs to approve an issuance of shares while the supervisory board is independent within the meaning of RMG’S categorization rules and the Dutch Corporate Governance Code.

 

2. No call/put option agreement exists between the company and the foundation.

 

3. There is a qualifying offer clause or there are annual management and supervisory board elections.

 

4. The issuance authority is for a maximum of 18 months.

 

5. The board of the company-friendly foundation is independent.

 

6. The company has disclosed under what circumstances it expects to make use of the possibility to issue preference shares.

 

7. There are no priority shares or other egregious protective or entrenchment tools.

 

8. The company releases its proxy circular, with details of the poison pill proposal, at least three weeks prior to the meeting.

 

9. Art 2:359c Civil Code of the legislative proposal has been implemented.

 

Miscellaneous Governance Provisions

 

U. Confidential Voting

 

1. We vote FOR shareholder proposals that request corporations to adopt confidential voting, to use independent tabulators, and to use independent inspectors of election as long as the proposals include clauses for proxy contests as follows: In the case of a contested election, management should be permitted to request that the dissident group honor its confidential voting policy. If the dissidents agree, the policy remains in place. If the dissidents do not agree, the confidential voting policy is waived.

 

2. We vote FOR management proposals to adopt confidential voting.

 

3. WE vote on a case-by-case basis on proposals regarding proxy voting mechanics, taking into consideration whether implementation of the proposal is likely to enhance or protect shareholder rights. Issues include confidential voting of individual proxies and ballots, confidentiality of running vote tallies, treatment of abstentions and/or broker non-votes in counting methodology. Factors considered are transparency, consistency, fairness. Other factors include:

 

a. The scope and structure of the proposal

 

b. the company’s stated confidential voting policy and whether it ensures a ‘level playing field’ by providing shareholder proponents with equal access to vote information prior to the annual meeting;

 

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c. The company’s vote standard for management and shareholder proposals and whether it ensures consistency and fairness in the process and maintains the integrity of vote results;

 

d. Whether the company’s disclosure regarding its vote counting method and other relevant voting policies with respect to management and shareholder proposals are consistent and clear;

 

e. Any recent controversies or concerns related to the company’s proxy voting mechanic;

 

f. Any unintended consequences resulting from implementation of the proposal; and

 

g. any other relevant factors.

 

V. Litigation Rights (including exclusive venue and fee-shifting bylaw provisions)

 

BP votes on a case-by-case basis on bylaws which impact shareholders’ litigation rights taking into account factors such as:

 

a.        The company’s stated rationale for adopting the provision

 

b.        Disclosure of past harm from shareholder lawsuits

 

c.        The breadth of application of the bylaw such as key terms and types of lawsuits

 

d.        Governance features such as shareholders’ ability to repeal the provision and ability to hold directors accountable.

 

BP generally votes AGAINST bylaws that mandate fee-shifting whenever plaintiffs are not completely successful on the merits.

 

A. Equal Access

 

BP will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on proposals to enact proxy access, taking into account, among other factors:

 

1. Company-specific factors; and

 

2. Proposal-specific factors, including:

 

a. The ownership thresholds proposed in the resolution (i.e. percentage and duration);

 

b. The maximum proportion of directors that shareholders may nominate each year; and

 

c. The method of determining which nominations should appear on the ballot if multiple shareholders submit nominations. .

 

B. Bundled Proposals

 

We review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis bundled or "conditioned" proxy proposals. In the case of items that are conditioned upon each other, we examine the benefits and costs of the packaged items. In instances when the joint effect of the conditioned items is not in shareholders' best interests, we vote AGAINST the proposals. If the combined effect is positive, we SUPPORT such proposals.

 

C. Shareholder Advisory Committees

 

We vote AGAINST proposals to establish a shareholder advisory committee.

 

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D. Charitable Contributions

 

We vote AGAINST shareholder proposals to eliminate, direct or otherwise restrict charitable contributions.

 

E. Adjourn Meeting Requests to Solicit Additional Proxies to Approve Merger Agreement

 

We will vote FOR this when:

 

1. We support the underlying merger proposal

 

2. The company provides a compelling reason and

 

3. The authority is limited to adjournment proposals requesting the authority to adjourn solely to solicit proxies to approve a transaction that we support.

 

F. Related-Party Transactions (France)

 

Management proposals to approve the special auditor’s report regarding regulated agreements

 

1. We evaluate these proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis taking into consideration the individuals concerned in the agreement, detailed content of the agreement, and convened remuneration.

 

2. We vote AGAINST if the report is not available 21 days prior to the meeting date, or if the report contains an agreement between a non-executive director and the company for the provision of consulting services.

 

3. We vote FOR if the report is not available 21 days prior to the meeting date, but the resolution states that there are none.

 

G. Related Party Transaction Auditor Reports (France)

 

We will evaluate on a CASE-BY-CASE basis considering 1) adequate disclosure, 2) sufficient justification on apparently unrelated transactions, 3) fairness option (if applicable), and 4) any other relevant information.

 

H. Related Party Transactions (Malaysia)

 

BP will vote AGAINST a related-party transaction if:

 

A director who is classified by the company as independent has a vested interest in the business transaction AND

 

The value of the transaction exceeds MYR 250,000. In addition, directors involved in related party transaction in excess of MYR 250,000 will be classified as non-independent.

 

I. General Share Issuance Mandate (Malaysia)

 

Generally vote FOR issuance request with preemptive rights to a max of 100% over currently issued capital. Without preemptive rights, vote FOR requests up to 20% issued capital.

 

J. Financial Assistance Authorities (South Africa)

 

Generally vote FOR a general authority to provide financial assistance, unless:

 

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As part of the authority, the company requests a general authority to provide financial assistance to directors, and this is not limited to participation in share incentive schemes; and/or

 

As part of the authority, the company seeks approval to provide financial assistance “to any person.”

 

K. Authority to Reduce Minimum Notice Period for Calling a Meeting (non-US Companies)

 

Central and Eastern Europe

 

We will vote proposals to reduce minimum notice period for calling a meeting on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Generally, approve “enabling” authority proposal on the basis that BP would typically expect companies to call EGMs/GMs using a notice period of less than 21 days only in limited circumstances where a shorter notice period will be to the advantage of shareholders as a whole. By definition, EGMs being regular meetings of the company, should not merit a notice period of less than 21 days.

 

In a market where local legislation permits EGM/GM to be called at no less than 14-day’s notice, RMG will generally support the proposal if the company discloses that eh shorter notice period of between 20 and 14 days would not be used as a routine matter for such meetings buy only when the flexibility is merited by the business of the meeting. Where the proposal at a give EGM/GM is not time-sensitive, BP would not typically expect a company to invoke the shorter notice notwithstanding any prior approval of the enabling authority proposal by shareholders.

 

With the exception of the first AGM at which approval of the enabling authority is sought, when evaluating an enabling authority proposal, BP will consider the company’s use of shorter notice periods in the preceding year to ensure that such periods were invoked solely in connection with genuinely time-sensitive matters. Where the company has not done so, and fails to provide a clear explanation, we will consider voting AGAINST the enabling authority for the coming year.

 

J. Independent Proxy (Switzerland)

 

BP will generally vote FOR proposals to elect an independent proxy for shareholder representation at annual general meetings for a term lasting until the following year’s ordinary general meeting. Absent any concerns about the independence of the proposed proxy, there are routine resolutions as the elected proxy must be independent as defined by Art. 728 of the Swiss Code of Obligations, the same definition of independence applied to external auditors.

 

K. E xclusive Venue Proposals (Mgmt proposals seeking exclusive jurisdiction for resolution of disputes)

 

BP will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on exclusive venue proposals taking into account:

 

1. Whether the company has been materially harmed by shareholder litigation outside its jurisdiction of incorporation, based on disclosure in the company’s proxy statement; and

 

2. whether the company has the following good governance features:

 

a. an annually elected board;

 

b. a majority vote standard in uncontested director elections; and

 

c. the absence of a poison pill, unless the pill was approved by shareholders.

 

Capital Structure

 

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L. Common Stock Authorization

 

1. We review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis proposals to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issue.

 

2. We vote AGAINST proposals to increase the number of authorized shares of the class of stock that has superior voting rights in companies that have dual-class capitalization structures.

 

3. We vote AGAINST proposals which request increases in the number of authorized shares over a level 50 % above currently authorized shares, after taking into account any stock split or financing activity, without specific reasons.

 

M. Capital Issuance Requests

 

1. General issuance requests under both authorized and conditional capital systems allow companies to issue shares to raise funds for general financing purposes. Issuances can be carried out with or without preemptive rights. Corporate law in many countries recognizes preemptive rights and requires shareholder approval for the disapplication of such rights.

 

a. We vote FOR general issuance requests with preemptive rights for up to 50% of a company’s outstanding capital.

 

b. We vote FOR general issuance requests without preemptive rights for up to 10% of a company’s outstanding capital.

 

c. We vote AGAINST global company issuances without preemptive rights over 10% of a company’s outstanding capital. (In Ireland and UK - pre-emption rights should not exceed more than 5 percent of the issued share capital in any one year, with an overall limit of 7.5 percent in any rolling three-year period.)

 

2. Specific issuance requests will be judged on their individual merits.

 

3. Protective Preference Shares (Netherlands)
Management proposals to approve protective preference shares to company-friendly foundations:
We will evaluate these proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis and will only support resolutions if:

 

a. The supervisory board needs to approve an issuance of shares while the supervisory board is independent within the meaning of RMG’S categorization rules and the Dutch Corporate Governance Code.

 

b. No call/put option agreement exists between the company and the foundation.

 

c. There is a qualifying offer clause or there are annual management and supervisory board elections.

 

d. The issuance authority is for a maximum of 18 months.

 

e. The board of the company-friendly foundation is independent.

 

f. The company has disclosed under what circumstances it expects to make use of the possibility to issue preference shares.

 

g. There are no priority shares or other egregious protective or entrenchment tools.

 

h. The company releases its proxy circular, with details of the poison pill proposal, at least three weeks prior to the meeting.

 

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i. Art 2:359c Civil Code of the legislative proposal has been implemented.

 

4. U.K and Netherlands
We will vote FOR issuance requests only if share issuance periods are limited to 18 months.

 

5. South Africa

 

a. We will vote FOR a general Authority to place authorized but unissued shares under the control of the directors unless:

 

i. The authority is over a number of shares equivalent to more than 10% of the current issued share capital.

 

ii. The authority would allow shares to be used for share incentive scheme purposes and the underlying scheme(s) raises concerns.

 

iii. The company used the authority during the previous year in a manner deemed not to be in shareholders’ best interests.

 

b. We will vote FOR a general authority to issue shares for cash unless:

 

i. The authority is over a number of shares equivalent to more than 10% of the current issued share capital.

 

ii. The company used the authority during the previous year in a manner deemed not to be in shareholder’s interest.

 

6. Singapore

 

Generally vote FOR a general issuance of equity without preemptive rights when the issuance limit is not more than 10% of issued shares and 50% with preemptive rights for all Singapore companies, except Catalist-listed companies and REITS.

 

For Singapore companies listed on the Catalist market of the SGX, generally vote for a general issuance of equity or equity-linked securities without preemptive rights when the share issuance limit is not more than 20 percent of the company's issued share capital and 100 percent with preemptive rights. For Real Estate Investment Trusts, generally vote for a general issuance of equity or equity-linked securities without preemptive rights when the unit issuance limit is not more than 20 percent of its issued unit capital and 50 percent with preemptive rights.

 

7. Taiwan

 

Generally vote FOR general mandate for public share issuance if the issue size is no more than 20% of the existing share capital or if the mandate includes a private placement as one of the financing channels if the resulting dilution rate is no more than 10%.

 

We vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on requests to issue shares for a specific purpose such as the financing of a particular project, an acquisition or a merger.

 

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8. France

 

Vote for general issuance requests with preemptive rights, or without preemptive rights but with a binding “priority right,” for a maximum of 50 percent over currently issued capital. Generally vote for general authorities to issue shares without preemptive rights up to a maximum of 10 percent of share capital.

 

N. Stock Distributions: Splits and Dividends

 

We vote FOR management proposals to increase common share authorization for a stock split, provided that the increase in authorized shares would not result in an excessive number of shares available for issuance given a company’s industry and performance in terms of shareholder returns.

 

O. Reverse Stock Splits

 

1. We vote FOR management proposals to implement a reverse stock split when the number of shares will be proportionately reduced to avoid delisting.

 

2. We vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to implement a reverse stock split that do not proportionately reduce the number of shares authorized for issue.

 

P. Preferred Stock

 

1. We vote AGAINST proposals authorizing the creation of new classes of preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend distribution, and other rights (“blank check” preferred stock).

 

2. We vote FOR proposals to create blank check preferred stock in cases when the company expressly states that the stock will not be used as a takeover defense.

 

3. We vote FOR proposals to authorize preferred stock in cases where the company specifies that the voting, dividend, conversion, and other rights of such stock and the terms of the preferred stock appear reasonable.

 

4. We review on a CASE-BY-CASE BASIS proposals to increase the number of blank check preferred shares after analyzing the number of preferred shares available for issue given a company’s industry and performance in terms of shareholder returns.

 

Q. Adjustments to Par Value of Common Stock

 

We vote FOR management proposals to reduce the par value of common stock.

 

R. Preemptive Rights

 

1. We vote FOR proposals to create preemptive rights.

 

2. We vote AGAINST proposals to eliminate preemptive rights.

 

S. Debt Restructurings

 

We review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis proposals to increase common and/or preferred shares and to issue shares as part of a debt restructuring plan. We consider the following issues:

 

1. Dilution: How much will ownership interest of existing shareholders be reduced, and how extreme will dilution to any future earnings be?

 

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2. Change in Control: Will the transaction result in a change in control of the company?

 

3. Bankruptcy: Generally, we approve proposals that facilitate debt restructurings unless there are clear signs of self-dealing or other abuses.

 

T. Share Repurchase Programs

 

1. We will generally vote FOR market repurchase authorities/share repurchase programs provided that the proposal meets the following parameters:

 

a. Maximum volume: 10 percent for market repurchase within any single authority (Carve out: 15 percent in the U.K.) and 10 percent of outstanding shares to be kept in treasury (“on the shelf”);

 

b. Duration does not exceed 18 months. For company’s who operate in markets that do not specify a maximum duration or durations last beyond 18 months. We will assess their historic practices.

 

2. Vote AGAINST proposals where:

 

a. The repurchase can be used for takeover defenses;

 

b. There is clear evidence of abuse;

 

c. There is no safeguard against selective buybacks;

 

d. Pricing provisions and safeguards are deemed to be unreasonable in light of market practice.

 

3. Consider Case-by-Case if these conditions are met:

 

a. The overall balance of the proposed plan seems to be clearly in shareholders’ interests;

 

b. The plan still respects the 10 percent maximum of shares to be kept in treasury.

 

U. Share Repurchase Programs to Fund Stock Option Plans

 

1. Spain

 

We vote AGAINST proposals to repurchase shares in connection with stock option plans when no information associated with the plan is available prior to the general meeting. However, we will maintain our stance on routine repurchases if it is disclosed that there is no connection.

 

2. Portugal

 

We will consider this item on a CASE-BY-CASE basis and will take into consideration whether information associated with the plan is available prior to the general meeting, and if there is any improvement in disclosure around option plans.

 

V. Additional Share Repurchase Programs

 

1. Denmark

 

Repurchase of shares in lieu of dividends – We will consider this item on a CASE-BY-CASE basis considering tax benefits and cost savings.

 

2. Japan

 

Vote case-by-case on article amendments to give the board discretionary authority over share repurchases, taking into account the company's:

 

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Balance sheet conditions;

Capital efficiency and return on equity;

Past share buybacks and dividend payouts;

Board composition;

Shareholding structure; and

Other relevant factors

 

Generally vote against these amendments if shareholders will lose the ability to submit shareholder proposals on share repurchases.

 

3. Germany and Italy

 

Repurchase shares using put and call options – We will vote FOR provided the company details:

 

a. Authorization is limited to 18 months

 

b. The number of shares that would be purchased with call options and/or sold with put options is limited to a max of 5% of TSO

 

c. An experienced financial institution is responsible for the trading

 

d. The company has a clean track record regarding repurchases.

 

W. Netherlands - Remuneration Report

 

Management is required to put its remuneration policy up for a binding shareholder vote. We will evaluate this item using principles of the Dutch Corporate Governance Code.

 

Netherlands - Protective Preference Shares: Proposals to approve protective preference shares

 

We vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. In general, we vote FOR protective preference shares (PPS) only if:

 

1. The supervisory board needs to approve an issuance of shares whilst the supervisory board is independent within the meaning of RMG’s categorization rules and the Dutch Corporate Governance Code (i.e. a maximum of one member can be non-independent);

 

2. No call / put option agreement exists between the company and a foundation for the issuance of PPS;

 

3. The issuance authority is for a maximum of 18 months;

 

4. The board of the company friendly foundation is fully independent;

 

5. There are no priority shares or other egregious protective or entrenchment tools;

 

6. The company states specifically that the issue of PPS is not meant to block a takeover, but will only be used to investigate alternative bids or to negotiate a better deal;

 

7. The foundation buying the PPS does not have as a statutory goal to block a takeover;

 

8. The PPS will be outstanding for a period of maximum 6 months (an EGM must be called to determine the continued use of such shares after this period)

 

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X. Tracking Stock

 

We vote on the creation of tracking stock on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, weighing the strategic value of the transaction AGAINST such factors as:

 

1. Adverse governance charges

 

2. Excessive increases in authorized capital stock

 

3. Unfair method of distribution

 

4. Diminution of voting rights

 

5. Adverse conversion features

 

6. Negative impact on stock option plans

 

7. Other alternatives such as spinoff

 

Y. Going Dark” Transactions

 

We vote these proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, determining whether the transaction enhances shareholder value by giving consideration to:

 

1. Whether the company has attained benefits from being publicly traded.

 

2. Cash-out value

 

3. Balanced interests of continuing vs. cashed-out shareholders

 

4. Market reaction to public announcement of transaction

 

Executive and Director Compensation

 

Z. General

 

1. Votes with respect to compensation plans are determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

Robeco votes on a case by case basis on equity based compensation plans taking into account the following:

 

a. Plan Cost – the total estimated cost of the plans relative to industry/market cap peers measured by the company’s estimated Shareholder Value Transfer and considering both the SVT based on new shares requested plus shares remaining for future grans, plus outstanding unvested/unexercised grants and SVT based only on new shares plus shares remaining for future grans.

 

b. Plan Features – Automatic single-triggered award vesting upon change of control; Discretionary vesting authority, liberal share recycling. Minimum vesting period for grants made under the plan.

 

c. Grant Practices: The burn rate; vesting requirements; the estimated duration of the plan, the proportion of the CEO’s most recent equity grants, existence of a claw-back policy, post exercise/vesting requirements.

 

BP generally votes against the plan if the combination of above factors indicates that the plan is not in the shareholders best interests of if any of the following apply:

 

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a. The plan creates dilution exceeding 3 ½% per year over the life of the plan.

b. Awards may vest in connection with a liberal change of control definition.

c. The plan would permit reprising or cash buyout of underwater options without shareholder approval.

 

The plan is a vehicle for problematic pay practice or a pay for performance disconnect

 

Canada Specific:

 

i. Generally vote against an equity compensation plan proposal where:

 

The non-employee director aggregate share reserve under the plan exceeds the BP established maximum limit of 1 percent of the outstanding common shares; or

The equity plan document does not specify an annual individual non-employee director grant limit with a maximum value of (i) $100,000 worth of stock options in the case of a stock option or omnibus plan, or (ii) $150,000 worth of shares in the case of an equity plan that does not grant stock options.

 

Individual Non-employee Director Grants

 

ii. Generally vote against individual equity grants to non-employee directors in the following circumstances:

 

In conjunction with an equity compensation plan that is on the agenda at the shareholder meeting if voting against the underlying equity compensation plan; and

 

Outside of an equity compensation plan if the director’s annual grant would exceed the above individual director limit.


iii. Shares taken in lieu of cash fees and a one-time initial equity grant upon a director joining the board will not be included in the maximum award limit.

 

b. Hong Kong and Singapore specific

 

i. Vote AGAINST a stock option scheme if directors eligible to receive options under the scheme if directors eligible to receive options under the scheme are involved in the administration of the scheme the scheme administrator has the discretion over awards; this generally excludes equity awards granted or taken in lieu of cash fees.

 

c. Singapore specific:

 

i. Vote against a performance share plan or restricted share plan if:

 

The maximum dilution level for the plan exceeds BP guidelines of 5% of issued capital for a mature company and 10% if the plan includes other positive features such as challenging performance criteria and meaningful vesting periods as these features partially offsheet dilution concerns by reducing the likelihood that awards will become exercisable unless there is a clear improvement in shareholder value; or

 

Directors eligible to receive options under the scheme are involved in the administration of the scheme and the administrator has the discretion over awards.

 

d. France-specific: BP will generally vote FOR equity-based compensation proposals taking into account the following factors:

 

i. The volume of awards transferred to participants must not be excessive; the potential volume of fully diluted issued share capital from equity-based compensation plans must not exceed the following guidelines:

 

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o The shares reserved for all share plans may not exceed 5% of a company’s issued share capital, except in the case of a high-growth company or particularly well-designed plan, in which case dilution of between 5 and 10% is allowed.

 

ii. The plan must be sufficiently long-term in nature/structure; minimum vesting of 3 years or more; and

 

iii. The awards must be granted at market price.

 

AA. Management Proposals Seeking Approval to Reprice Options

 

We vote on management proposals seeking approval to reprice options on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

BB. Director Compensation

 

We vote on stock-based plans for directors on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

We vote on management proposals seeking ratification of non-employee director compensation on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

CC. Employee Stock Purchase Plans

 

1. We vote on qualified employee stock purchase plans on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

2. We vote on non-qualified employee stock purchase plans on a CASE-BY-CASE basis but will APPROVE plans considering the following criteria:

 

a. Broad-based participation (all employees excluding individuals with 5% or more of beneficial ownership)

 

b. Limits on employee contribution, either fixed dollar or percentage of salary

 

c. Company matching contribution up to 25%

 

d. No discount on the stock price on the date of purchase since there is a company matching contribution

 

3. Canada

 

BP will generally vote FOR broadly based (preferably all employees of the company with the exclusion of individuals with 5 percent or more beneficial ownership of the company) employee stock purchase plans where the following apply:

 

a. Reasonable limit on employee contribution (may be expressed as a fixed dollar amount or a percentage of base salary excluding bonus, commissions and special compensation);

 

b. Employer contribution of up to 25% of employee contribution and no purchase price discount or employer contribution of more than 25% of employee contribution and SVT cost of the company’s equity plans is within the allowable cap for the company;

 

c. Purchase price is at least 80% of fair market value with no employer contribution;

 

d. Potential dilution together with all other equity-based plans is 10% of outstanding common shares for less; and

 

e. Plan Amendment Provision requires shareholder approval for amendments to:

 

i. The number of shares reserved for the plan;

 

ii. The allowable purchase price discount;

 

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iii. The employer matching contribution amount.

 

Treasury-funded ESPPs, as well as market purchase funded ESPPs requesting shareholder approval, will be considered to be incentive-based compensation if the employer match is greater than 25%. BP will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis taking into account the following factors:

 

a. Shareholder Value Transfer (SVT) cost of the plan;

 

b. Eligibility;

 

c. Administration;

 

d. The company’s other equity-based compensation plans and benefit programs, in particular pensions.

 

DD. OBRA-Related Compensation Proposals:

 

1. Amendments that Place a Cap on Annual Grants or Amend Administrative Features

 

We vote FOR plans that simply amend shareholder-approved plans to include administrative features or place a cap on the annual grants any one participant may receive to comply with the provisions of Section 162(m) of OBRA.

 

2. Amendments to Added Performance-Based Goals

 

a. We vote FOR amendments to add performance goals to existing compensation plans to comply with the provisions of Section 162(m) of OBRA.

 

b. We vote FOR plans that support full disclosure and linking compensation to performance goals that impact the long-term performance of the firm (e.g. compliance with environmental/EPA regulations, labor supplier standards or EEOC laws).

 

3. Amendments to Increase Shares and Retain Tax Deductions under OBRA

 

We evaluate votes on amendments to existing plans to increase shares reserved and to qualify the plan for favorable tax treatment under the provisions of Section 162(m) on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

4. Approval of Cash or Cash-and-Stock Bonus Plans

 

a. We vote on cash or cash-and-stock bonus plans to exempt the compensation from taxes under the provisions of Section 162(m) of OBRA on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

b. We generally vote AGAINST plans with excessive awards ($2 million cap).

 

5. Independent Outsiders

 

We will vote AGAINST proposals if the compensation committee does not fully consist of independent outsiders, as defined in our definition of director independence.

 

EE. Shareholder Proposals to Limit Executive and Director Pay

 

1. We generally vote FOR shareholder proposals that seek additional disclosure of executive and director pay information.

 

2. We vote AGAINST all other shareholder proposals that seek to limit executive and director pay

 

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FF. Golden and Tin Parachutes

 

1. We vote FOR shareholder proposals to require golden and tin parachutes to be submitted for shareholder ratification.

 

2. We vote AGAINST golden parachutes.

 

3. Voting on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on Golden Parachute proposals, including consideration of existing change in control arrangements maintained with named executive officers rather than focusing primarily on new or extended arrangements.

 

a. Features that may result in an AGAINST recommendation include one or more of the following, depending on the number, magnitude, and/or timing of issues(s):

 

b. Single or modified single trigger cash severance;

 

c. Single trigger acceleration of unvested equity awards;

 

d. Excessive cash severance (>3x base salary and bonus);

 

e. Excise tax gross ups triggered and payable (as opposed to a provision to provide excise tax gross ups);

 

f. Excessive golden parachute payments (on an absolute basis or as percentage of transaction equity value); or

 

g. Recent amendments that incorporate any problematic features (such as those above) or recent actions (such as extraordinary equity grants) that may make packages so attractive as to influence merger agreements that may not be in the best interests of shareholders; or

 

h. The company’s assertion that a proposed transaction is conditions on shareholder approval of the golden parachute advisory vote.

 

GG. Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)

 

We vote FOR proposals that request shareholder approval in order to implement an ESOP or to increase authorized shares for existing ESOPs, except in cases when the number of shares allocated to the ESOP is "excessive" (i.e., generally greater than 5% of outstanding shares).

 

HH. 401(k) Employee Benefit Plans

 

We vote FOR proposals to implement a 401(k) savings plan for employees.

 

II. Pension Plan Income and Performance-Based Compensation

 

Generally we vote FOR proposals to exclude earnings on assets of company sponsored pension plans in determining executive and director compensation. Our position generally does not view the following factors as relevant: 1) the amount of pension plan earnings, and 2) the percentage, if any, such pension plan earnings contribute to the company’s pre-tax earnings.

 

JJ. Indexed Options and Performance Vested Restricted Stock

 

We generally vote FOR indexed options and performance vested restricted stock.

 

KK. Burn Rate

 

We vote AGAINST equity plans that have high average three-year burn rate defined as 1) the company’s most recent three-year burn rate that exceeds one standard deviation of its GICS segmented by Russell 3000 index and non-Russell 3000 Index, OR 2) the company’s most recent three-year burn rate that exceeds 2% of common shares outstanding. For companies that grant both full value awards and stock options to their employees, we shall apply a premium on full value awards for the past three fiscal years.

 

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LL. Transferable Stock Options

 

1. We will generally vote FOR TSO awards within a new equity plan if the total cost of the company’s equity plans is less than the company’s allowable cap, assuming all other conditions have been met to receive a FOR recommendation. The TSO structure must be disclosed and amendments to existing plans should make clear that only options granted post-amendment shall be transferable.

 

2. One-time transfers will be evaluated on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, giving consideration to the following:

 

a. Executive officers and non-employee directors should be excluded from participating.

 

b. Stock options must be purchased by third-party financial institutions at a discount to their fair value using an appropriate financial model.

 

There should be a two-year minimum holding period for sale proceeds (cash or stock) for all participants.

 

MM. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERPs)

 

We evaluate on a CASE-BY-CASE basis Shareholder proposal to limit ‘covered compensation’ under their SERP plan to no more than 100% of a senior executive’s salary, considering the company’s current SERP plan.

 

NN. Pay-for-Superior-Performance

 

We evaluate Shareholder proposals to establish a pay-for-superior-performance standard on a CASE-BY-CASE basis considering the company’s current pay-for-performance practices.

 

OO. Executive Compensation Advisory Proposal (Say on Pay)

 

1. BP will vote FOR annual advisory votes on compensation, which provide the most consistent and clear communication channel for shareholder concerns about companies’ executive pay programs.

 

2. We evaluate shareholder proposals to ratify the compensation of the company’s named executive officers (NEOs) on an annual basis on a CASE-BY-CASE basis considering the following global principles:

 

a. Maintain appropriate pay-for-performance alignment with emphasis on long-term shareholder value: This principle encompasses overall executive pay practices, which must be designed to attract, retain, and appropriately motivate the key employees who drive shareholder value creation over the long term. It will take into consideration, among other factors: the linkage between pay and performance; the mix between fixed and variable pay; performance goals; and equity-based plan costs;

 

b. Avoid arrangements that risk “pay for failure.” This principle addresses the use and appropriateness of long or indefinite contracts, excessive severance packages, and guaranteed compensation;

 

c. Maintain an independent and effective compensation committee: This principle promotes oversight of executive pay programs by directors with appropriate skills, knowledge, experience, and a sound process for compensation decision-making (e.g., including access to independent expertise and advice when needed);

 

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d. Provide shareholders with clear, comprehensive compensation disclosures: This principle underscores the importance of informative and timely disclosures that enable shareholders to evaluate executive pay practices fully and fairly;

 

e. Avoid inappropriate pay to non-executive directors: This principle recognizes the interests of shareholders in ensuring that compensation to outside directors does not compromise their independence and ability to make appropriate judgments in overseeing managers’ pay and performance. At the market level, it may incorporate a variety of generally accepted best practices.

 

f. Evaluation of performance metrics in short-term and long-term plans, as discussed and explained in the Compensation Discussion & Analysis. Consider the measures, goal, and target awards reported by the company for executives’ short and long-term incentive awards; disclosure, explanation of their alignment with the company’s business strategy, and whether goals appear to be sufficiently challenging in relation to resulting payouts;

 

g. Evaluation of peer group benchmarking used to set target pay or award opportunities. Consider the rationale stated by the company for constituents in its pay benchmarking peer group, as well as the benchmark targets it uses to set or validate executives’ pay to ascertain whether the benchmarking process is sound or may result in pay “ratcheting” due to inappropriate peer group constituents or targeting; and

 

h. Balance of performance based versus non-performance based pay. Consider the ratio of performance based (not including plain vanilla stock options) vs. non-performance based pay elements reported for the CEO latest reported fiscal year compensation especially in conjunction with concerns about other factors such as performance metrics/goals, benchmarking practices, and pay-for-performance disconnects.

 

3. BP will vote AGAINST management say on pay proposals, AGAINST/WITHHOLD on compensation committee members (or, for rare cases, where the full board is deemed responsible, all directors including the CEO,) and/or AGAINST an equity-based incentive plan proposal if: :

 

a. There is a misalignment between CEO pay and company;

 

b. The company maintains problematic pay practices;

 

c. The board exhibits poor communication and responsiveness to shareholders

 

Poor disclosure practices, including: insufficient disclosure to explain the pay setting process for the CEO and how CEO pay is linked to company performance and shareholder return; lack of disclosure of performance metrics and their impact on incentive payouts; no disclosure of rationale related to the use of board discretion when compensation is increased or performance criteria or metrics are changed resulting in greater amounts paid than that supported by previously established goals.

 

Board's responsiveness to investor input and engagement on compensation issues, including:

 

o Failure to respond to majority-supported shareholder proposals on executive pay topics;

 

o Failure to respond to majority-opposed previous say-on-pay proposal; and

 

o Failure to respond to the company's previous say-on-pay proposal that received support of less than 70 percent of votes cast taking into account the ownership structure of the company.

 

Failure to adequately respond to the aforementioned compensation issues may also result in votes against directors due to poor responsiveness to shareholders.

 

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Canada

     

Vote on a case by case basis on say-on-pay resolutions or on individual directors, committee members or the entrie board as appropriate, when an issuer is externally managed and has given minimal disclosure about management services agreements and compensation taking into account:

 

The size and scope of the management services agreement;

 

Executive compensation in comparison to issuer peers and/or similarly structured issuers;

 

Overall performance;

 

Related party transactions;

 

Board and committee independence;

 

Conflicts of interest and process for managing conflicts effectively;

 

Disclosure and independence of the decision-making process involved in the selection of the management services provider;

 

Risk mitigating factors included within the management services agreement such as fee recoupment mechanisms;

 

Historical compensation concerns;

 

Executives' responsibilities; and

 

Other factors that may reasonably be deemed appropriate to assess an externally-managed issuer's governance framework.

 

PP. Pre-Arranged Trading Plans (10b5-1 Plans)

 

We generally vote FOR shareholder proposals calling for certain principles regarding the use of pre-arranged trading plans (10b5-1 plans) for executives. These principles include:

 

1. Adoption, amendment, or termination of a 10b5-1 Plan must be disclosed within two business days in a Form 8-K

 

2. Amendment or early termination of a 10b5-1 Plan is allowed only under extraordinary circumstances, as determined by the board

 

3. Ninety days must elapse between adoption or amendment of a 10b5-1 Plan and initial trading under the plan

 

4. Reports on Form 4 must identify transactions made pursuant to a 10b5-1 Plan. An executive may not trade in company stock outside the 10b5-1 Plan.

 

5. Trades under a 10b5-1 Plan must be handled by a broker who does not handle other securities transactions for the executive

 

QQ. Share Buyback Holding Periods

 

We will generally vote FOR market repurchase authorities (share repurchase programs) if the terms comply with the following criteria:

 

1. A repurchase limit of up to 10% of outstanding issued share capital (15% in UK/Ireland);

 

2. A holding limit of up to 10% of issued share capital in treasury; and

 

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3. A duration of no more than 5 years, or such lower threshold as may be set by applicable law, regulation or code of governance best practice.

 

Authorities to repurchase shares in excess of the 10% repurchase limit will be assessed on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. We will support such share repurchase authorities under special circumstances, which are required to be publicly disclosed by the company, provided that, on balance, the proposal is in shareholder’s interest. In such cases, the authority must comply with the following criteria:

 

4. A holding limit of up to 10% of a company’s issued share capital in treasury; and

 

5. A duration of no more than 18 months.

 

In markets where it is normal practice not to provide a repurchase limit, we will evaluate the proposal based on the company’s historical practice. However, BP expects companies to disclose such limits and, in the future, may vote AGAINST companies that fail to do so In such cases, the authority must comply with the following criteria:

 

6. A holding limit of up to 10% of a company’s issued share capital in treasure; and

 

7. A duration of no more than 18 months.

 

In addition we vote AGAINST any proposal where:

 

8. The repurchase can be used for takeover defenses;

 

9. There is clear evidence of abuse;

 

10. There is no safeguard against selective buybacks; and/or

 

11. Pricing provisions and safeguards are deemed to be unreasonable in light of market practice.

 

RR. Tax Gross-Up Proposals

 

We vote FOR shareholder proposals calling for companies to adopt a policy of not providing tax gross-up payments to executives, except in situations where gross-ups are provided pursuant to a plan, policy, or arrangement applicable to management employees of the company, such as a relocation or expatriate tax equalization policy.

 

SS. Reimbursement of Expenses Incurred from Candidate Nomination Proposal

 

We evaluate Shareholder proposals to amend the company’s bylaws to provide for the reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in connection with nominating one or more candidates in a contested election of directors to the corporation’s board of directors on a CASE-BY-CASE basis considering the company’s current reimbursement practices.

 

TT. Equity Based Compensation Plans are evaluated on a case-by-case basis

 

We will vote AGAINST equity plan proposals if any of the following apply:

 

1. The total cost of the company’s equity plans is unreasonable;

 

2. The plan expressly permits the repricing of stock options/stock appreciate rights (SARs) without prior shareholder approval;

 

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3. The CEO is a participant in the proposed equity-based compensation plan and there is a disconnect between CEO pay and the company’s performance where over 50 percent of the year-over-year increase is attributed to equity awards;

 

4. The company’s three year burn rate exceeds the greater of 2% and the mean plus one standard deviation of its industry group;

 

5. The plan provides for the acceleration of vesting of equity awards even though an actual change in control may not occur (e.g., upon shareholder approval of a transaction or the announcement of a tender offer); or

 

6. The plan is a vehicle for poor pay practices;

 

7. The company has a liberal definition of change-in-control.

 

We vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on compensation plans for non-employee directors.

 

Canada

 

Vote case-by-case on equity-based compensation plans using an "equity plan scorecard" (EPSC) approach. Under this approach, certain features and practices related to the plan 6 are assessed in combination, with positively-assessed factors potentially counterbalancing negatively-assessed factors and vice-versa. Factors are grouped into three pillars:

 

Plan Cost : The total estimated cost of the company’s equity plans relative to industry/market cap peers, measured by the company's estimated Shareholder Value Transfer (SVT) in relation to peers and considering both:

SVT based on new shares requested plus shares remaining for future grants, plus outstanding unvested/unexercised grants; and

SVT based only on new shares requested plus shares remaining for future grants.

 

Plan Features:

Absence of problematic change-in-control (CIC) provisions, including:

Single-trigger acceleration of award vesting in connection with a CIC; and

Settlement of performance-based equity at target or above in the event of a CIC-related acceleration of vesting regardless of performance.

No financial assistance to plan participants for the exercise or settlement of awards;

Public disclosure of the full text of the plan document; and

Reasonable share dilution from equity plans relative to market best practices.

 

Grant Practices:

Reasonable three-year average burn rate relative to market best practices;

Meaningful time vesting requirements for the CEO's most recent equity grants (three-year lookback);

The issuance of performance-based equity to the CEO;

A clawback provision applicable to equity awards; and

Post-exercise or post-settlement share-holding requirements (S&P/TSX Composite Index only).

 

 

 

6 In cases where certain historic grant data are unavailable (e.g. following an IPO or emergence from bankruptcy), Special Cases models will be applied which omit factors requiring these data.

 

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Generally vote against the plan proposal if the combination of above factors, as determined by an overall score, indicates that the plan is not in shareholders' interests. In addition, vote against the plan if any of the following unacceptable factors have been identified:

 

Discretionary or insufficiently limited non-employee director participation;

An amendment provision which fails to adequately restrict the company's ability to amend the plan without shareholder approval;

A history of repricing stock options without shareholder approval (three-year look-back);

The plan is a vehicle for problematic pay practices or a significant pay-for-performance disconnect under certain circumstances; or

Any other plan features that are determined to have a significant negative impact on shareholder interests

 

UU. Golden Coffin (Death Benefit)

 

We generally vote FOR proposals calling companies to adopt a policy of obtaining shareholder approval for any future agreements and corporate policies that could oblige the company to make payments or awards following the death of a senior executive in the form of unearned salary or bonuses, accelerated vesting or the continuation in force of unvested equity grants, perquisites and other payments or awards made in lieu of compensation. This would not apply to any benefit programs or equity plan proposals that the broad-based employee population is eligible.

 

VV. Hold Till (post) Retirement

 

We vote on a CASE-BY-CASE on shareholder proposals asking companies to adopt policies requiring Named Executive Officers to retain 75% of the shares acquired through compensation plans while employed and/or for two years following the termination of their employment, and to report to shareholders regarding this policy.

 

The following factors will be taken into account:

 

1. Whether the company has any holding period, retention ratio, or officer ownership requirements in place. These should consist of:

 

a. Rigorous stock ownership guidelines, or

 

b. A holding period requirement coupled with a significant long-term ownership requirement, or

 

c. A meaningful retention ratio,

 

2. Actual officer stock ownership and the degree to which it meets or exceeds the proponent’s suggested holding period/retention ratio or the company’s own stock ownership or retention requirements.

 

3. Problematic pay practices, current and past, which may promote a short-term versus a long-term focus.

 

WW. Acceptance of Deposites (India)

 

Generally vote AGAINST accepting deposits from shareholders or the public unless there are no significant causes for concern regarding terms and conditions of the deposit.

 

XX. Termination of Employment Prior to Severance Payment and Eliminating Accelerated Vesting of Unvested Equity:

 

We will evaluate such proposals on a Case-by-Case basis.

 

Change-in-control payouts without loss of job or substantial diminution of job duties (single-triggered) are considered poor pay practices under policy, and may even result in withheld votes from compensation committee members. The second component of this proposal –- related to the elimination of accelerated vesting – requires more careful consideration. The following factors will be taken into regarding this policy:

 

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1. The company’s current treatment of equity in change-of-control situations (i.e. is it double triggered, does it allow for the assumption of equity by acquiring company, the treatment of performance shares.

 

2. Current employment agreements, including potential poor pay practices such as gross-ups embedded in those agreements.

 

YY. Compensation Issue in Non-US Companies

 

1. Europe: Vote case-by-case on management proposals seeking ratification of a company's executive compensation-related items, and generally vote against a company's compensation-related proposal if such proposal fails to comply with one or a combination of several of the global principles and their corresponding rules:

 

a. Avoid arrangements that risk “pay for failure”:

 

b. The board shall demonstrate good stewardship of investor's interests regarding executive compensation practices. For instance,

 

There shall be a clear link between the company's performance and variable awards.

 

There shall not be significant discrepancies between the company's performance and real executive payouts.

 

The level of pay for the CEO and members of executive management should not be excessive relative to peers, company performance, and market practices.

 

Significant pay increases shall be explained by a detailed and compelling disclosure.

 

Severance pay agreements must not be in excess of (i) 24 months' pay or of (ii) any more restrictive provision pursuant to local legal requirements and/or market best practices.

 

Arrangements with a company executive regarding pensions and post-mandate exercise of equity-based awards must not result in an adverse impact on shareholders' interests or be misaligned with good market practices.

 

2. We generally vote FOR proposals to award cash fees to non-executive directors and will vote AGAINST where proposals provide for the egregious granting of stock options, performance based equity comp and performance based cash to non-executive directors.

 

3. Europe – Generally vote for proposals to fix the ratio between the fixed and variable components of remuneration unless:

 

Adequate disclosure has not been provided in a timely manner

 

There are concerns about the company’s motivation for change

 

There are specific concerns with the company.

 

UK – BP votes on a case-by-case basis on management proposals seeking ratification of a company's remuneration policy, and generally vote against if such proposal fails to comply with one or a combination of several of BP remuneration principles and/or local institutional investor best practice without adequate explanation. Whilst not an exhaustive list, below are several key criteria that are considered during analysis:

 

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Has adequate disclosure been provided to allow investors to make an informed voting decision;

 

The level of pay for the CEO and other executive directors should not be excessive relative to peers, company performance, and market practices;

 

Significant pay increases should be explained by a detailed and compelling disclosure;

 

Severance pay agreements should not be in excess of 12 months' fixed remuneration and should be in line with best practice;

 

There should be a clear link between the company's performance and variable awards;

 

The ability for discretionary exceptional awards to be made in excess of the standard policy will require a maximum award level to be disclosed. Open ended exceptional award levels will not be supported;

 

Executives should own a significant personal shareholding in the company and this should be supported by established share ownership guidelines by the company;

 

The remuneration committee should have the ability to clawback or withhold payment of incentive awards when justified.

 

NEDs generally should not receive performance based remuneration

 

Generally vote FOR fixed fees to external auditors unless the fees for non-audit services routinely exceed standard audit-related fees.

 

4. Finland - Stock Options

 

a. We vote AGAINST these proposals; however, an exception will be made if a company proposes to reduce the strike price by the amount of future special dividends only.

 

b. We vote FOR proposals that provide proportionate adjustments to outstanding awards as a result of a special cash dividend or any other future distribution of assets other than a normal cash dividend.

 

5. Germany - Remuneration Disclosure

 

We vote AGAINST management proposals authorizing the board not to disclose remuneration schemes for five years

 

6. Sweden - Remuneration Report

 

We vote AGAINST management proposals to approve the remuneration report if:

 

a. The potential dilution from equity-based compensation plans exceeds RMG guidelines.

 

b. Restricted stock plans and matching share plans do not include sufficiently challenging performance criteria and vesting periods.

 

c. The remuneration report was not made available to shareholders in a timely manner.

 

d. Other concerns exist with respect to the disclosure or structure of the bonus or other aspects of the remuneration policy.

 

7. Sweden, Norway - Matching Share Plans

 

We will evaluate such plans on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

a. For every matching share plan, RMG will require a holding period.

 

b. For plans without performance criteria, the shares must be purchased at market price.

 

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c. For broad-based plans directed at all employees, BP accepts a 1:1 arrangement - that no more than one free share will be awarded for every share purchased at market value. . ..

 

d. For plans directed at executives, we require that sufficiently challenging performance criteria are attached to the plan. Higher discounts demand proportionally higher performance criteria.

 

e. The dilution of the plan when combined with the dilution from any other proposed or outstanding employee stock matching plans must comply with BP guidelines.

 

8. Australia

 

We will vote AGAINST resolutions seeking approval of termination payments for executives in excess of statutory maximum except where there is clear evidence that the termination payment would provide a benefit to shareholders.

 

We vote FOR the provision of termination benefits under the plan in excess of 12 months’ base salary, if the approval is for three years or fewer and no vesting is permitted without satisfaction of sufficiently demanding performance hurdles.

 

9. Japan

 

BP will vote AGAINST retirement bonuses if the recipients include outsiders, or include those who can be held responsible for corporate scandal or poor financial performance which has led to shareholder value destruction. (However, in rare occasions, BP may support payment to outsiders on a case-by-case basis, if the individual amount is disclosed and the amount is not excessive.) In addition, BP opposes the payments if neither the individual payments nor the aggregate amount of the payments is disclosed.

 

BP will vote AGAINST special payments in connection with abolition of retirement bonus system if the recipients include outsiders, or include those who can be held responsible for corporate scandal or poor financial performance which has led to shareholder value destruction. (However, in rare occasions, BP may support payment to outsiders on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, if the individual amount is disclosed and the amount is not excessive.) In addition, BP will vote AGAINST the payments if neither the individual payments nor the aggregate amount of the payments is disclosed.

 

Among other conditions, BP will vote AGAINST deep discount options if disclosed performance conditions are not attached. In the absence of such conditions, a vesting period of at least three years will be required to support such options

 

10. Nordic Markets

 

We will vote AGAINST stock option plans in Nordic markets if evidence is found that they contain provisions that may result in a disconnect between shareholder value and employee/executive rewards. This includes one or more of the following:

 

a. Adjusting the strike price for future ordinary dividends AND including expected dividend yield above zero percent when determining the number of options awarded under the plan;

 

b. Having significantly higher expected dividends than actual historical dividends;

 

c. Favorably adjusting the terms of existing options plans without valid reason;

 

d. Any other provisions or performance measures that result in undue award.

 

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We will generally vote AGAINST if the increase in share capital is more than 5 percent for mature companies and 10 percent for growth companies.

 

11. Italy

 

We will vote FOR any equity-based compensation plan provided they meet the following:

 

a. The shares reserved for all share plans may not exceed 5 percent of a company's issued share capital, except in the case of high-growth companies or particularly well-designed plans, in which case we allow dilution of between 5 and 10 percent: in this case, we will need to have performance conditions attached to the plans which should be acceptable regarding the RMG criteria (“challenging criteria”);

 

b. The options for management are granted without a discount;

 

c. An executive director is part of the remuneration committee; or

 

d. The company has no remuneration committee and has executive members within the board.

 

* BP may apply a carve-out in the case of well designed plans.*

 

12. Taiwan

 

We vote on a case-by-case basis taking into account the following features:

 

a. existing substantial shareholders are restricted in participation;

 

b. presence of challenging performance hurdles if restricted shares are issued for free or at a deep discount; and

 

c. reasonable vesting period (at least two years) is set.

 

13. China

 

We vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to approve a restricted stock scheme. A restricted stock plan will not be supported if:

 

a. The grant price of the restricted shares is less than 50% of the average price of the company’s shares during the 20 trading days prior to the pricing reference date;

 

b. The maximum dilution level for the scheme exceeds BP guidelines of 5% of issued capital for a mature company and 10% for a growth company. BP will support plans at mature companies with dilution levels up to 10% if the plan includes other positive features such as challenging performance criteria and meaningful vesting periods.

 

c. Directors eligible to receive restricted shares under the scheme are involved in the administration of the scheme; or

 

d. The company fails to set challenging performance hurdles for unlocking the restricted shares compared with its historical financial performance or the industry benchmarks.

 

We vote AGAINST a restricted stock scheme if the scheme is proposed in the second half of the year and the measurement of the company’s financial performance starts from the same year, as the company’s financial performance has been largely determined for that particular year.

 

We vote on a case-by-case bases on proposals to invest in financial products using idle funds. Key factors include: any known concerns with previous investments, the amount of the proposed investment relative to the company’s assets; disclosure of the nature of the products in which the company proposes to invest and disclosure of associated risks of the proposed investments and related risk management efforts by the company.

 

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14. South Korea

 

Generally vote for approval of the remuneration cap for directors, unless:

 

a. The proposed cap on directors' remuneration is excessive relative to peer companies' remuneration without reasonable justification; or

 

b. The company is asking for an increase in the remuneration cap where the company has not provided a reasonable justification for the proposed increase.

 

Vote against if there are material failures of governance, stewardship, risk oversight, or fiduciary responsibilities at the company and the company has not provided a reasonable justification for the proposed remuneration

 

15. China

 

Generally vote for employee stock purchase plans (ESPPs) unless any of the following applies:

 

The total stock allocated to the ESPP exceeds 10 percent of the company's total shares outstanding at any given time;

 

The share purchase price is less than 90 percent of the market price 7 when the share purchase is conducted solely through private placement;

 

The company's significant shareholders (i.e. individuals with 5 percent or more of beneficial ownership of the company) are involved as plan participants;

 

The ESPP is proposed in connection with an equity financing scheme which does not warrant shareholder support; or

 

The ESPP contains any other terms that are deemed disadvantageous to shareholders

 

16. Japan - Director Stock Options

 

We vote FOR “evergreen” director option plans as long as the contemplated level of annual dilution is less than 0.5%; so that it would take more than 10 years of grants for dilution to exceed our guidelines. (Where the company has outstanding options from other plans, or proposes to grant additional options to employees below board level, these must be factored into the calculation.)

 

ZZ. Canadian Equity Compensation Plans, TSX Issuers

 

1. Change-in-Control Provisions

 

Where approval of a CIC provision is sought as part of a bundled proposal, RMG Canada may recommend a vote AGAINST the entire bundled proposal due to an unacceptable CIC provision.

 

2. Generally vote AGAINST proposals to reprice outstanding options including adjustments that can be reasonably considered repricing such as: reduction in exercise price or purchase price, extension of term for outstanding options, cancellation and reissuance of options, substitution of options with other awards.

 

3. Amendment Procedures

 

 

7

Calculated as the average trading price 20 trading days prior to the announcement, pursuant to the CSRC's guidelines on private placements.

 

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We generally vote AGAINST the approval of proposed Amendment Procedures that do not require shareholder approval for the following types of amendments under any security based compensation arrangement, whether or not such approval is required under current regulatory rules:

 

a. Any increase in the number (or percentage in the case of rolling plans) of shares reserved;

 

b. Any amendment that extends the term of an award beyond the original expiry;

 

c. Amendments to eligible participants that may permit the introduction or reintroduction of non-employee directors on a discretionary basis;

 

d. Any amendment which would permit equity based awards granted under the Plan may be transferable or assignable other than for normal estate settlement purposes

 

4. Employee Share Purchase Plans, Amendment procedures

 

We generally vote AGAINST proposals to approve Share Purchase Plan Amendment Procedures if discretion is given to amend any of the following acceptable criteria:

 

a. Limit on employee contribution (expressed as a percentage of base salary excluding bonus, commissions and special compensation);

 

b. Purchase price is at least 80 percent of fair market value with no employer contribution; OR

 

c. No discount purchase price with maximum employer contribution of up to 20% of employee contribution

 

d. Offering period is 27 months or less; and

 

e. Potential dilution together with all other equity-based plans is ten percent of outstanding common shares or less.

 

If shareholder approval is sought for a new Share Purchase Plan, the above criteria must apply and not be subject to future amendment under Plan amendment provisions without further shareholder approval or we will generally vote AGAINST approval of the Plan.

 

State of Incorporation

 

AAA. Voting on State Takeover Statutes

 

We review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis proposals to opt in or out of state takeover statutes (including control share acquisition statutes, control share cash-out statutes, freezeout provisions, fair price provisions, stakeholder laws, poison pill endorsements, severance pay and labor contract provisions, anti-greenmail provisions, and disgorgement provisions).

 

BBB. Voting on Reincorporation Proposals

 

Proposals to change a company's state of incorporation are examined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

1. Canada

 

a. BP will generally vote FOR proposals to amend or replace articles of incorporation or bylaws if:

 

The purpose of the amendment is to clarify ambiguity, reflect changes in corporate law, streamline years of amendments, or other “housekeeping” amendments; and

 

The bylaws as amended will not result in any of the unacceptable governance provisions set out in the following paragraph.

 

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b. BP will generally vote AGAINST new by-laws or amended by-laws that would establish two different quorum levels which would result in implementing a higher quorum solely for those shareholder meetings where common share investors seek to replace the majority of current board members. (“Enhanced Quorum”).

 

c. BP will generally vote FOR proposals to adopt or amend articles/bylaws unless the resulting document contains any of the following:

 

The quorum for a meeting of shareholders is set below two persons holding 25 percent of the eligible vote (this may be reduced in the case of a small company where it clearly has difficulty achieving quorum at a higher level, but we oppose any quorum below 10 percent);

 

The quorum for a meeting of directors is less than 50 percent of the number of directors;

 

The chair of the board has a casting vote in the event of a deadlock at a meeting of directors;

 

An alternate director provision that permits a director to appoint another person to serve as an alternate director to attend board or committee meetings in place of the duly elected director; and

 

The proposed articles/bylaws raise other corporate governance concerns, such as granting blanket authority to the board with regard to capital authorizations or alteration of capital structure without shareholder approval

 

Mergers and Corporate Restructurings

 

CCC. Mergers and Acquisitions

 

Votes on mergers and acquisitions are considered on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, taking into account at least the following:

 

1. Anticipated financial and operating benefits;

 

2. Offer price (cost vs. premium);

 

3. Prospects of the combined companies;

 

4. How the deal was negotiated;

 

5. Changes in corporate governance and their impact on shareholder rights;

 

6. Change-in-control payments to executive officers and possible conflicts of interest; and

 

7. Potential legal or environmental liability risks associated with the target firm

 

DDD. Corporate Restructuring

 

Votes on corporate restructuring proposals, including minority squeezeouts, leveraged buyouts, spin-offs, liquidations, and asset sales are considered on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

EEE. Spin-offs

 

Votes on spin-offs are considered on a CASE-BY-CASE basis depending on the tax and regulatory advantages, planned use of sale proceeds, market focus, and managerial incentives.

 

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FFF. Asset Sales

 

Votes on asset sales are made on a CASE-BY-CASE basis after considering the impact on the balance sheet/working capital, value received for the asset, and potential elimination of diseconomies.

 

GGG. Liquidations

 

Votes on liquidations are made on a CASE-BY-CASE basis after reviewing management's efforts to pursue other alternatives, appraisal value of assets, and the compensation plan for executives managing the liquidation.

 

HHH. Appraisal Rights

 

We vote FOR proposals to restore, or provide shareholders with, rights of appraisal.

 

III. Changing Corporate Name

 

We vote FOR changing the corporate name.

 

JJJ. Special Purpose Acquisition Corporations (SPACs)

 

We will consider on a Case-by-Case the following measures for SPACs:

 

1. Valuation, Market reaction,

 

2. Deal timing,

 

3. Negotiations and process,

 

4. Conflicts of interest,

 

5. Voting agreements, and

 

6. Governance.

 

I. Loan Guarantee Requests (Non US companies)

 

Companies often provide loan guarantees for subsidiaries, affiliates and related parties. Such requests will be evaluated on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. Generally, BP will vote AGAINST the provision when:

 

The identity receiving the guarantee is not disclosed;

 

The guarantee is being provided to a director, executive, parent company or affiliated entities where the company has no direct or indirect equity ownership; or

 

the guarantee is provided to an entity in which the company’s ownership stake is less than 75%; and such guarantee is not proportionate to the company’s equity stake or other parties have not provided a counter guarantee.

 

BP will generally vote FOR such request provided that there are no significant concerns regarding the entity receiving the guarantee, the relationship between the listed company and the entity receiving the guarantee, the purpose of the guarantee, or the terms of the guarantee agreement.

 

China:

 

In assessing requests for loan financing provided by a related party:

 

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BP will examine stated uses of proceeds, the size or specific amount of the loan requested and the interest rate. We also seek disclosure on the relation of the party.

 

In assessing requests to provide loan financing to a related party:

 

examine stated uses of proceeds, the size or specific amount of the loan requested, and interest rates to be charged. Seeks disclosure on, the specific relation of the party to be granted the loan by the company.

 

BP will generally vote against the provision of loans to clients, controlling shareholders, and actual controlling persons of the company.

 

BP will generally vote against the provision of loans to an entity in which the company's ownership stake is less than 75 percent and the financing provision is not proportionate to the company's equity stake.

 

Mutual Funds

 

KKK. Business Development Companies

 

BP will vote FOR proposals authorizing the board to issue shares below Net Asset Value (NAV) if:

 

1. The proposal to allow share issuances below NAV has an expiration date that is less than one year from the date shareholders approve the underlying proposal as required under the Investment Company Act of 1940;

 

2. a majority of the independent directors who have no financial interest in the sale have made a determination as to whether such sale would be in the best interest of the company and its shareholders prior to selling shares below NAV; and

 

3. the company has demonstrated responsible past use of share issuances by either:

 

a. Outperforming peers in its 8-digit GICS group as measured by one and three year median TSRs; or

 

b. Providing disclosure that its past share issuances were priced at levels that resulted in only small or moderate discounts to NAV and economic dilution to existing non-participating shareholders.

 

B. Multimanaged Funds/Subadvisers:

 

BP will vote AGAINST proposals authorizing the board to hire or terminate subadvisers without shareholder approval if the investment adviser currently employs only one subadviser.

 

Corporate Governance and Conduct

 

In general, we support shareholder proposals that promote good corporate citizenship while enhancing long-term shareholder value. BP will vote AGAINST proposals that impose significantly higher standards of reporting and oversight than required by legislation and-or industry standard and that would put a firm at a competitive disadvantage in the market unless there is significant relevant controversy or the firm significantly lags their peers, except in specific cases as listed below.

 

1. We SUPPORT the adoption of labor standards and codes of conduct for foreign and domestic suppliers as ways to protect brands and manage risk.

 

2. We SUPPORT reporting on countries with human rights abuses as ways to protect and manage risk.

 

3. We SUPPORT CERES Principles, environmental reporting and MacBride Principles.

 

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4. We SUPPORT high-performance workplace standards.

 

5. We SUPPORT fair lending guidelines and disclosure at financial companies.

 

6. We SUPPORT reporting on equal opportunity and diversity.

 

7. We SUPPORT shareholder proposals for additional reporting beyond what is a regulatory requirement when the proposal is supported by management.

 

8. We OPPOSE resolutions that would fundamentally affect company performance and competitive increase of shareholder value.

 

9. We OPPOSE shareholder proposals requesting the adoption of specific charter language regarding board diversity unless the company fails to publicly disclose existing equal opportunity or nondiscrimination policies.

 

10. We OPPOSE shareholder proposals for reports outlining potential environmental damage from drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) unless: a) new legislation is adopted allowing development and drilling in the ANWR; b) the company intends to pursue operations in the ANWR, c) the company does not currently disclose an environmental risk report for their operations in the ANWR.

 

11. We OPPOSE shareholder proposals requesting a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions unless the company significantly lags behind industry standards or has been the subject of recent, substantial controversy on this issue.

 

12. We OPPOSE shareholder proposals on investing in renewable energy sources.

 

13. We review proposals requesting information on a company’s lobbying activities, including direct lobbying as well as grassroots lobbying activities on a CASE-BY-CASE basis taking into account; a) the company’s current disclosure of relevant lobbying policies, and management and board oversight; b) the company’s disclosure regarding trade associations or other groups that it supports, or is a member of, that engage in lobbying activities; and c) recent significant controversies, fines, or litigation regarding the company’s lobbying-related activities..

 

14. We review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis proposals requesting a company report on its energy efficiency policies, considering: a) the current level of disclosure related to energy efficiency policies, initiatives, and performance measures; b) level of participation in voluntary efficiency programs; c) compliance with applicable legislation and regulations; d) the company’s policies and initiatives relative to industry peers; and e) the cost associated with the proposed initiative.

 

15. We review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis proposals requesting disclosure and implementation of internet privacy and censorship policies and procedures, considering: a) the level of disclosure of policies relating to privacy, freedom of speech, internet censorship and government monitoring; b) dialogue with governments and/or relevant groups; c) scope of involvement and investment in markets that maintain government censorship or internet monitoring; d) market-specific laws or regulations applicable to this issue that may be imposed on the company; e) level of controversy or litigation related to the company’s international human rights policies; and f) the cost associated with the proposed initiative.

 

16. We generally vote FOR proposals requesting greater disclosure of a company’s (natural gas) hydraulic fracturing operations, including measures the company has taken to manage and mitigate the potential community and environmental impacts of those operations, considering: a) the company’s current level of disclosure of relevant policies and oversight mechanisms; b) the company’s current level of such disclosure relative to its industry peers; c) potential relevant local, state, or national regulatory developments; and d) controversies, fines, or litigation related to the company’s hydraulic fracturing operations.

 

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17. We will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on proposals requesting company reports on, or to adopt a new policy on, water-related risks and concerns, taking into account: a) the company’s current disclosure of relevant policies, initiatives, oversight mechanisms, and water usage metrics; b) whether or not the company’s existing water-related policies and practices are consistent with relevant internationally recognized standards and national/local regulations; c) the potential financial impact or risk to the company associated with water-related concerns or issues; and d) recent, significant company controversies, fines, or litigation regarding water use by the company and its suppliers.

 

18. We review on a CASE-BY-CASE requests for the company to review and report on the financial and reputation risks associated with operations in “high risk” markets, such as a terrorism-sponsoring state or otherwise, taking into account: a) the nature, purpose, and scope of the operations and business involved that could be affected by social or political disruption; b) current disclosure of applicable risk assessment(s) and risk management procedures; c) compliance with US sanctions and laws; d) consideration of other international policies, standards, and laws; e) recent involvement in significant controversies or violations in "high risk" markets; and f) the cost associated with the initiative.

 

19. We SUPPORT proposals requesting company reporting on its policies, initiatives/procedures and oversight mechanisms related to toxic materials, including certain product line toxicities, and/or product safety in its supply chain, UNLESS: a) the company already discloses similar information through existing reports or policies such as a Supplier Code of Conduct and/or a sustainability report; or b) the company is in compliance with all applicable regulations and guidelines; or c) there is no existence of significant violations and/or fines related to toxic materials.

 

20. We review on a CASE-BY-CASE requests for workplace safety reports, including reports on accident risks reduction efforts taking into account; a) a) the nature of the company’s business specifically regarding company and employee exposure to health and safety risks; b) level of existing disclosure of its workplace health and safety performance data, health and safety management policies, initiatives, and oversight mechanisms; c) existence of recent, significant violations, fines, or controversy related to workplace health and safety ; and d) the company’s workplace health and safety performance relative to industry peers.

 

21. Establishment of Board Committees on Social Issues: Shareholder proposals requesting companies establish new standing board committees on social issues.

 

We will generally vote AGAINST proposals requesting a company establish new standing board committees on social issues considering:

 

a. Existing oversight mechanisms (including current committee structure) regarding the issue for which board oversight is sought;

 

b. Level of disclosure regarding the issue for which board oversight is sought;

 

c. Company performance related to the issue for which board oversight is sought;

 

d. Board committee structure compared to that of other companies in its industry sector; and/or

 

e. The scope and structure of the proposal.

 

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22. Genetically Modified Ingredients (GMO):

 

a. Generally vote AGAINST proposals asking suppliers, genetic research companies, restaurants and food retail companies to voluntarily label genetically engineered (GE) ingredients in their products and/or eliminate GE ingredients. The cost of labeling and/or phasing out the use of GE ingredients may not be commensurate with the benefits to shareholders and is an issue better left to regulators.

 

b. Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals asking for a report on the feasibility of labeling products containing GE ingredients taking into account:

 

i. The company's business and the proportion of it affected by the resolution;

 

ii. The quality of the company’s disclosure on GE product labeling, related voluntary initiatives, and how this disclosure compares with industry peer disclosure; and

 

iii. Company’s current disclosure on the feasibility of GE product labeling, including information on the related costs.

 

c. Generally vote AGAINST proposals seeking a report on the social, health, and environmental effects of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Studies of this sort are better undertaken by regulators and the scientific community.

 

d. Generally vote AGAINST proposals to completely phase out GE ingredients from the company's products or proposals asking for reports outlining the steps necessary to eliminate GE ingredients from the company’s products. Such resolutions presuppose that there are proven health risks to GE ingredients

 

23. Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation and Domestic Partner Benefits

 

a. We will generally vote FOR proposals seeking to amend a company’s EEO statement or diversity policies to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity, unless the change would result in excessive costs for the company.

 

b. We will generally vote AGAINST proposals to extend company benefits to or eliminating benefits from domestic partners.

 

24. Equality of Opportunity: shareholder proposal requesting companies disclose their EEO-1 data

 

We will generally vote FOR proposals requesting the company disclose its diversity policies, initiatives, comprehensive diversity data, and EEO-1 data unless:

 

a. The company publicly discloses its comprehensive equal opportunity policies and initiatives;

 

b. The company already publicly discloses comprehensive workforce diversity data; and

 

c. The company has no recent significant EEO-related violations or litigation.

 

25. Political contributions and Trade Associations: Shareholder proposals calling for company to confirm political nonpartisanship, increase disclosure on political contributions and trade association spending and bar political contributions.

 

a. BP will generally vote AGAINST proposals asking the company to affirm political nonpartisanship in the workplace so long as:

 

i. There are no recent, significant controversies, fines or litigation regarding the company’s political contributions or trade association spending; and

 

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ii. The company has procedures in place to ensure that employee contributions to company-sponsored political action committees (PACs) are strictly voluntary and prohibits coercion.

 

b. RIM will vote AGAINST proposals to publish in newspapers and public media the company’s political contributions. Such publications could present significant cost to the company without providing commensurate value to shareholders.

 

c. BP will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on proposals to improve the disclosure of a company’s political contributions and trade association spending considering:

 

i. Recent significant controversy or litigation related to the company’s political contributions or governmental affairs; and

 

ii. The public availability of a company policy on political contributions and trade association spending including information on the types of organizations supported, the business rationale for supporting these organization, and the oversight and compliance procedure related to such expenditures of corporate assets.

 

d. BP will vote AGAINST proposals barring the company from making political contributions.

 

e. BP will vote AGAINST proposals asking for a list of company executives, directors, consultants, legal counsels, lobbyists, or investment bankers that have prior government service and whether such service had a bearing on the business of the company.

 

25. Recycling: We will vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on proposals to report on an existing recycling program, or adopt a new recycling program, taking into account: a) the nature of the company’s business; b) the current level of disclosure of the company’s existing related programs; c) the timetable prescribed by the proposal and the costs and methods of program implementation; d) the ability of the company to address the issues raised in the proposal; and e) the company’s recycling programs compared with the similar programs of its industry peers.

 

26. High levels of dissent - Shareholder dissent of 20 percent or more will generally be used as the trigger for disclosure analysis. In certain circumstances, BP may recommend a vote against the relevant resolution at a future general meeting if the company has not explained its reaction to the dissent.

 

27. BP will vote on a case-by-case basis on proposals requesting that a company conduct an assessment of the human rights risks in its operations or in its supply chain, or report on its human rights risk assessment process considering: a) the degree to which existing relevant policies and practices are disclosed, including information on the implementation of these policies and any related oversight mechanisms; b) the company’s industry and whether the company or its suppliers operation in countries or areas where there is a history of human rights concerns; c) recent, significant controversies, fines, or litigation regarding human rights involving the company or its suppliers, and whether the company has taken remedial steps; and d) whether the proposal is unduly burdensome or overly prescriptive.

 

END

 

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STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

CAMPBELL DYNAMIC TREND FUND

 

a series of THE RBB FUND, INC.

 

Institutional Shares Ticker Symbol: CDRTX

 

December 31, 2017

 

Investment Manager:

CAMPBELL & COMPANY INVESTMENT ADVISER LLC

 

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) provides supplementary information pertaining to Institutional Shares (the “Shares”), representing interests in the Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund (the “Fund”) of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”). This SAI is not a prospectus and should be read only in conjunction with the Fund’s Prospectus dated December 31, 2017 (the “Prospectus”) and the Fund’s Annual Report dated August 31, 2017 (the “Annual Report”). The financial statements and notes contained in the Annual Report are incorporated by reference into this SAI. No other part of the Annual Report is incorporated by reference herein. Copies of the Prospectus and Annual and Semi-Annual Reports may be obtained free of charge by calling toll-free 1-844-261-6488.

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

GENERAL INFORMATION 1
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE 1
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS 1
NON-PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS 16
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS 19
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS 20
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER 21
MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY 22
CODE OF ETHICS 30
PROXY VOTING 30
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES 30
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES 30
INVESTMENT MANAGER 30
THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS 32
ADMINISTRATION AND ACCOUNTING AGREEMENT 34
CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT 35
TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT 35
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT 36
PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES 37
FUND TRANSACTIONS 37
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION 39
TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PROCEDURES 40
VALUATION OF SHARES 40
TAXES 41
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING COMPANY SHARES 42
MISCELLANEOUS 43
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 43
APPENDIX A A-1

 

i  

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

The Company is an open-end management investment company currently operating twenty-nine separate portfolios. The Company is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”) and was organized as a Maryland corporation on February 29, 1988. This SAI pertains to the Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund (the “Fund”), a non-diversified portfolio. Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC (“Campbell” or the “Manager”) serves as the investment manager to the Fund.

 

Prior to January 1, 2017, the Fund was named the Campbell Core Trend Fund.

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

 

The following supplements the information contained in the Prospectus concerning the investment objective and policies of the Fund.

 

The Fund seeks capital appreciation through investment in debt instruments, futures-related interests and/or other derivative instruments. The investment objective of the Fund is not a fundamental policy of the Fund and may be changed by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) without a vote of the Shareholders. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The Fund may not necessarily invest in all of the instruments or use all of the investment techniques permitted by the Fund’s Prospectus and this SAI, or invest in such instruments or engage in such techniques to the full extent permitted by the Fund’s investment policies and limitations.

 

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS

 

Portfolio Turnover Rate. Portfolio turnover rate is defined under U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) rules as the greater of the value of the securities purchased or securities sold, excluding all securities whose maturities at the time of acquisition were one-year or less, divided by the average monthly value of such securities owned during the year. Based on this definition, instruments with remaining maturities of less than one-year are excluded from the calculation of the portfolio turnover rate. Instruments excluded from the calculation of portfolio turnover generally would include the futures contracts in which the Fund may invest since such contracts generally have remaining maturities of less than one-year. The Fund may at times hold investments in other short-term instruments which are excluded for purposes of computing portfolio turnover.

 

Commodity-Linked Investments. The Fund may attempt to provide exposure to the returns of real assets that trade in the commodity markets without direct investment in physical commodities. Real assets include oil, gas, industrial and precious metals, livestock, and agricultural or meat products, or other items that have tangible properties. Commodity-linked derivative instruments include commodity index-linked securities and other derivative instruments that provide exposure to the investment returns of the commodities markets. Commodity-linked investments may be more volatile and less liquid than the underlying instruments and their value may be affected by the performance of commodities as well as weather, tax, and other regulatory or political developments, overall market movements and other factors affecting the value of particular industries or commodities, such as disease, embargoes, acts of war or terrorism.

 

The Fund may invest in commodity-linked derivative instruments such as commodity-linked structured notes. The Fund may invest in commodity-linked notes that pay a return linked to the performance of a commodities index or basket of futures contracts with respect to all of the commodities in an index. In some cases, the return will be based on some multiple of the performance of the index, and this embedded leverage will magnify the positive and negative return the Fund earns from these notes as compared to the index. The principal and/or interest payments of commodity-linked derivatives are tied to the value of a real asset or commodity index. Structured notes may be structured by the issuer and the purchaser of the note. The notes are derivative debt instruments with principal payments generally linked to the value of commodities, commodity futures contracts or the performance of commodity indices and interest and coupon payments pegged to a market-based interest rate, such as LIBOR or a bank’s prime rate. The value of these notes will rise or fall in response to changes in the underlying commodity or related index or investment. These notes expose the Fund economically to movements in commodity prices.

 

1  

 

Corporate Obligations. The Fund may invest in debt obligations, such as bonds and debentures, issued by corporations and other business organizations without limit on credit quality or maturity of debt securities. See Appendix “A” to this SAI for a description of corporate debt ratings. An issuer of debt obligations may default on its obligation to pay interest and repay principal. Also, changes in the financial strength of an issuer or changes in the credit rating of a security may affect its value.

 

Equity Securities. Equity securities represent ownership interests in a company and consist of common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stock, and securities convertible into common stock. Investments in equity securities in general are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. Fluctuations in the value of equity securities in which the Fund invests will cause the net asset value of the Fund to fluctuate. The Fund purchases equity securities traded in the U.S. on registered exchanges or the over-the-counter market. Equity securities are described in more detail below:

Common Stock. Common stock represents an equity or ownership interest in an issuer. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds and preferred stock take precedence over the claims of those who own common stock.

 

Preferred Stock. Preferred stock represents an equity or ownership interest in an issuer that pays dividends at a specified rate and that has precedence over common stock in the payment of dividends. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds take precedence over the claims of those who own preferred and common stock.

 

Warrants. Warrants are instruments that entitle the holder to buy an equity security at a specific price for a specific period of time. Changes in the value of a warrant do not necessarily correspond to changes in the value of its underlying security. The price of a warrant may be more volatile than the price of its underlying security, and a warrant may offer greater potential for capital appreciation as well as capital loss. Warrants do not entitle a holder to dividends or voting rights with respect to the underlying security and do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuing company. A warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. These factors can make warrants more speculative than other types of investments.

 

Convertible Securities. Convertible securities are bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stocks or other securities that may be converted or exchanged (by the holder or by the issuer) into shares of the underlying common stock (or cash or securities of equivalent value) at a stated exchange ratio. A convertible security may also be called for redemption or conversion by the issuer after a particular date and under certain circumstances (including a specified price) established upon issue. If a convertible security held by the Fund is called for redemption or conversion, the Fund could be required to tender it for redemption, convert it into the underlying common stock, or sell it to a third party. Convertible securities generally have less potential for gain or loss than common stocks. Convertible securities generally provide yields higher than the underlying common stocks, but generally lower than comparable non-convertible securities. Because of this higher yield, convertible securities generally sell at a price above their “conversion value,” which is the current market value of the stock to be received upon conversion. The difference between this conversion value and the price of convertible securities will vary over time depending on changes in the value of the underlying common stocks and interest rates. When the underlying common stocks decline in value, convertible securities will tend not to decline to the same extent because of the interest or dividend payments and the repayment of principal at maturity for certain types of convertible securities. However, securities that are convertible other than at the option of the holder generally do not limit the potential for loss to the same extent as securities convertible at the option of the holder. When the underlying common stocks rise in value, the value of convertible securities may also be expected to increase. At the same time, however, the difference between the market value of convertible securities and their conversion value will narrow, which means that the value of convertible securities will generally not increase to the same extent as the value of the underlying common stocks. Because convertible securities may also be interest-rate sensitive, their value may increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. Convertible securities are also subject to credit risk, and are often lower-quality securities.

 

2  

 

Small and Medium Capitalization Issuers. Investing in equity securities of small and medium capitalization companies often involves greater risk than is customarily associated with investments in larger capitalization companies. This increased risk may be due to the greater business risks of smaller size, limited markets and financial resources, narrow product lines and frequent lack of depth of management. The securities of smaller companies are often traded in the over-the-counter market and even if listed on a national securities exchange may not be traded in volumes typical for that exchange. Consequently, the securities of smaller companies are less likely to be liquid, may have limited market stability, and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than securities of larger, more established growth companies or the market averages in general.

 

Foreign Markets. Foreign investments involve higher costs than investments in U.S. securities, including higher transaction costs as well as the imposition of additional taxes by foreign governments. In addition, foreign investments may include additional risks associated with currency exchange rates, less complete financial information about the issuers, less market liquidity and political stability. Volume and liquidity in most foreign bond markets are less than in the United States and, at times, volatility or price can be greater than in the United States. Future political and economic information, the possible imposition of withholding taxes on interest income, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, the possible establishment of exchange controls, or the adoption of other governmental restrictions, might adversely affect the payment of principal and interest on foreign obligations. Inability to dispose of Fund securities due to settlement problems could result either in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the securities, or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the instruments, could result in possible liability to the purchaser. Individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth or gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position.

 

Fixed commissions on foreign financial exchanges are generally higher than negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges, although the Fund endeavors to achieve the most favorable net results on their portfolio transactions. There is generally less government supervision and regulation of financial exchanges, brokers, dealers and listed companies than in the United States.

 

Settlement mechanics ( e.g. , mail service between the United States and foreign countries) may be slower or less reliable than within the United States, thus increasing the risk of delayed settlements of portfolio transactions or loss of certificates for portfolio securities. Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Such delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of the Fund is uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of the Fund to make intended purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities.

 

Although the Fund may invest in instruments denominated in foreign currencies, the Fund values its assets in U.S. dollars. As a result, the NAV of the Fund’s shares may fluctuate with U.S. dollar exchange rates as well as the price changes of the Fund’s investments in the various local markets and currencies. Thus, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar compared to the currencies in which the Fund makes its investments could reduce the effect of increases and magnify the effect of decreases in the price of the Fund’s investments in their local markets. Conversely, a decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar may have the opposite effect of magnifying the effect of increases and reducing the effect of decreases in the prices of the Fund’s investments in its foreign markets. In addition to favorable and unfavorable currency exchange rate developments, the Fund is subject to the possible imposition of exchange control regulations or freezes on convertibility of currency. The Fund may invest in obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks (Eurodollars) and U.S. branches of foreign banks (Yankee dollars) as well as foreign branches of foreign banks. These investments involve risks that are different from investments in securities of U.S. banks, including potential unfavorable political and economic developments, different tax provisions, seizure of foreign deposits, currency controls, interest limitations or other governmental restrictions which might affect payment of principal or interest. The Fund may also invest in Yankee bonds, which are issued by foreign governments and their agencies and foreign corporations but pay interest in U.S. dollars and are typically issued in the United States.

 

European countries can be significantly affected by the tight fiscal and monetary controls that the European Economic and Monetary Union (“EMU”) imposes for membership. Europe’s economies are diverse, its governments are decentralized, and its cultures vary widely. Several EU countries, including Greece, Ireland, Italy, Spain and Portugal have faced budget issues, some of which may have negative long-term effects for the economies of those countries and other EU countries. There is continued concern about national-level support for the euro and the accompanying coordination of fiscal and wage policy among EMU member countries. Member countries are required to maintain tight control over inflation, public debt, and budget deficit to qualify for membership in the EMU. These requirements can severely limit the ability of EMU member countries to implement monetary policy to address regional economic conditions.

 

3  

 

In 2016, the United Kingdom (“UK”) held a referendum election and voters elected to withdraw from the EU. The Fund may be exposed to risks related to the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, including volatile trading markets and significant and unpredictable currency fluctuations. Securities issued by companies domiciled in the UK could be subject to changing regulatory and tax regimes. Banking and financial services companies that operate in the UK or EU could be disproportionately impacted by these actions. Greece has recently experienced political pressure to hold a similar referendum election. Further insecurity in EU membership or the abandonment of the euro could exacerbate market and currency volatility and negatively impact investments in securities issued by companies located in EU countries. The potential impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, is not clear but could be significant and far-reaching.

 

Forward Foreign Currency Transactions. The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts in order to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates or to seek to increase total return. The Fund will conduct its foreign currency exchange transactions either on a spot ( i.e. , cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market, or through entering into forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies. A forward foreign currency exchange contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days (usually less than one year) from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts are traded in the interbank market conducted directly between traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. A forward contract generally has no deposit requirement, and no commissions are charged at any stage for trades. Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a profit based on the difference (the spread) between the price at which they are buying and selling various currencies.

 

The Fund may engage in cross-hedging by using forward contracts in one currency to hedge against fluctuations in the value in financial instruments denominated or quoted in a different currency or to seek to increase total return. Cross-hedging may also include entering into a forward transaction involving two foreign currencies, using one foreign currency as a proxy for the U.S. dollar to hedge against variations in the other foreign currency.

 

At the consummation of the forward contract, the Fund may terminate its contractual obligation by purchasing an offsetting contract obligating it to purchase at the same maturity date, the same amount of such foreign currency. If the Fund engages in an offsetting transaction, the Fund will realize a gain or a loss to the extent that there has been a change in forward contract prices. Closing purchase transactions with respect to forward contracts are usually effected with the currency trader who is a party to the original forward contract.

 

The Fund’s transactions in forward contracts will be limited to those described above. Of course, the Fund is not required to enter into such transactions with regard to its foreign currency quoted or denominated instruments, and the Fund will not do so unless deemed appropriate by the Manager.

 

When the Fund enters into forward contracts the Fund is required to “cover” its position in order to limit leveraging and related risks. To cover its position, the Fund may segregate (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) cash or liquid assets that, when added to any amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the market value of the forward contract or otherwise “cover” its position in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations thereunder. The segregated account functions as a practical limit on the amount of leverage which the Fund may undertake and on the potential increase in the speculative character of the Fund’s outstanding portfolio holdings. Additionally, such segregated accounts will generally assure the availability of adequate funds to meet the obligations of the Fund arising from such investment activities.

 

The Fund or its wholly-owned and controlled Cayman Islands Subsidiary (the “Subsidiary”), through which the Fund may invest, may enter into agreements with a futures commission merchant (“FCM”) which require the FCM to accept physical settlement for certain financial instruments. If this occurs, the Fund would treat the financial instrument as being cash-settled for purposes of determining the Fund’s coverage requirements.

 

4  

 

If the Fund uses forward contracts as a method of protecting the value of the Fund’s investments against a decline in the value of a currency, this does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the investments. It simply establishes a rate of exchange which can be achieved at some future point in time. The precise projection of short-term currency market movements is not possible, and short-term hedging provides a means of fixing the U.S. dollar value of only a portion of the Fund’s foreign assets. It also reduces any potential gain which may have otherwise occurred had the currency value increased above the settlement price of the contract.

 

While the Fund may enter into forward contracts to seek to reduce currency exchange rate risks or to seek to increase total return, transactions in such contracts involve certain other risks. Thus, while the Fund may benefit from such transactions, unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in a poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not engaged in any such transactions. Moreover, there may be imperfect correlation between the Fund’s portfolio holdings quoted or denominated in a particular currency and forward contracts entered into by the Fund. Such imperfect correlation may cause the Fund to sustain losses, which will prevent the Fund from achieving a complete hedge, or expose the Fund to the risk of foreign exchange loss.

 

Forward contracts are subject to the risks that the counterparty to such contract will default on its obligations. Since a forward foreign currency exchange contract is not guaranteed by an exchange or clearing house, a default on the contract would deprive the Fund of unrealized profits, transaction costs or the benefits of a currency hedge or force the Fund to cover its purchase or sale commitments, if any, at the current market price.

 

The Fund’s foreign currency transactions (including related options, futures and forward contracts) may be limited by the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), for qualification as a regulated investment company.

 

Foreign Currency Hedging Strategies. A “settlement hedge” or “transaction hedge” is designed to protect the Fund against an adverse change in foreign currency values between the date an instrument is purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made or received. Entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale of the amount of foreign currency involved in an underlying transaction for a fixed amount of U.S. dollars “locks in” the U.S. dollar price of the instrument. The Fund may also use forward contracts to purchase or sell a foreign currency when it anticipates purchasing or selling instruments denominated in foreign currency, even if it has not yet selected the specific investments.

 

The Fund may use forward contracts to hedge against a decline in the value of existing investments denominated in foreign currency. Such a hedge, sometimes referred to as a “position hedge,” would tend to offset both positive and negative currency fluctuations, but would not offset changes in values caused by other factors. The Fund could also hedge the position by selling another currency expected to perform similarly to the currency in which the Fund’s investment is denominated. This type of hedge, sometimes referred to as a “proxy hedge,” could offer advantages in terms of cost, yield, or efficiency, but generally would not hedge currency exposure as effectively as a direct hedge into U.S. dollars. Proxy hedges may result in losses if the currency used to hedge does not perform similarly to the currency in which the hedged securities are denominated.

 

Transaction and position hedging do not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the instruments that the Fund owns or intends to purchase or sell. They simply establish a rate of exchange that one can achieve at some future point in time. Additionally, these techniques tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency and to limit any potential gain that might result from the increase in value of such currency.

 

The Fund may enter into forward contracts to shift its investment exposure from one currency into another. Such transactions may call for the delivery of one foreign currency in exchange for another foreign currency, including currencies in which its holdings are not then denominated. This may include shifting exposure from U.S. dollars to a foreign currency, or from one foreign currency to another foreign currency. This type of strategy, sometimes known as a “crosshedge,” will tend to reduce or eliminate exposure to the currency that is sold, and increase exposure to the currency that is purchased. Cross-hedges may protect against losses resulting from a decline in the hedged currency, but will cause the Fund to assume the risk of fluctuations in the value of the currency it purchases. Cross hedging transactions also involve the risk of imperfect correlation between changes in the values of the currencies involved.

 

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It is difficult to forecast with precision the market value of portfolio holding at the expiration or maturity of a forward or futures contract. Accordingly, the Fund may have to purchase additional foreign currency on the spot market if the market value of a holding it is hedging is less than the amount of foreign currency it is obligated to deliver. Conversely, the Fund may have to sell on the spot market some of the foreign currency it received upon the sale of a holding if the market value of such holding exceeds the amount of foreign currency it is obligated to deliver.

 

To the extent that the Fund engages in foreign currency hedging, there can be no assurance that any hedge will be effective or that there will be a hedge in place at any given time.

 

Futures and Options on Futures. Futures contracts provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific financial instrument at a specified future time and at a specified price. An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in exchange for a premium, to assume a position in a futures contract at a specified exercise price during the term of the option. The Fund may use futures contracts and related options for: bona fide hedging; attempting to offset changes in the value of financial instruments held or expected to be acquired or be disposed of; attempting to minimize fluctuations in foreign currencies; attempting to gain exposure to a particular market, index or instrument; or other risk management purposes.

 

The Fund and the Subsidiary, through which the Fund invests, are subject to regulation by the CFTC as commodity pools and the Manager’s parent, Campbell & Company, LP (“Campbell & Company”) is subject to regulation by the CFTC as a commodity pool operator (“CPO”) with respect to the Fund under the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”). The Campbell & Company does not currently rely on an exclusion from the definition of CPO in CFTC Rule 4.5 with respect to the Fund.

 

Transactions in futures and options by the Fund are subject to limitations established by futures and option exchanges governing the maximum number of futures and options that may be written or held by a single investor or group of investors acting in concert, regardless of whether the futures or options were written or purchased on the same or different exchanges or are held in one or more accounts or through one or more different exchanges or through one or more brokers. Thus the number of futures or options which the Fund may write or hold may be affected by futures or options written or held by other entities, including other investment companies advised by the Manager. An exchange may order the liquidation of positions found to be in violation of those limits and may impose certain other sanctions.

 

An index futures contract is a bilateral agreement pursuant to which two parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to a specified currency amount times the difference between the index value at the close of trading of the contract and the price at which the futures contract is originally struck. No physical delivery of the securities comprising the index is made; generally contracts are closed out prior to the expiration date of the contract.

 

When the Fund purchases or sells a futures contract, or sells an option thereon, the Fund is required to “cover” its position in order to limit leveraging and related risks. To cover its position, the Fund may segregate (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) cash or liquid assets that, when added to any amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the market value of the futures contract or otherwise “cover” its position in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations thereunder. The segregated account functions as a practical limit on the amount of leverage which the Fund may undertake and on the potential increase in the speculative character of the Fund’s outstanding portfolio holdings. Additionally, such segregated accounts will generally assure the availability of adequate funds to meet the obligations of the Fund arising from such investment activities.

 

The Fund or the Subsidiary may enter into agreements with a FCM which require the FCM to accept physical settlement for certain financial instruments. If this occurs, the Fund would treat the financial instrument as being cash-settled for purposes of determining the Fund’s coverage requirements.

 

The Fund may also cover its long position in a futures contract by purchasing a put option on the same futures contract with a strike price (i.e., an exercise price) as high or higher than the price of the futures contract. In the alternative, if the strike price of the put is less than the price of the futures contract, the Fund will segregate cash or liquid assets equal in value to the difference between the strike price of the put and the price of the futures contract. The Fund may also cover its long position in a futures contract by taking a short position in the instruments underlying the futures contract, or by taking positions in instruments with prices which are expected to move relatively consistently with the futures contract. The Fund may cover its short position in a futures contract by taking a long position in the instruments underlying the futures contracts, or by taking positions in instruments with prices which are expected to move relatively consistently with the futures contract.

 

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The Fund may cover its sale of a call option on a futures contract by taking a long position in the underlying futures contract at a price less than or equal to the strike price of the call option. In the alternative, if the long position in the underlying futures contract is established at a price greater than the strike price of the written (sold) call, the Fund will maintain in a segregated account cash or liquid assets equal in value to the difference between the strike price of the call and the price of the futures contract. The Fund may also cover its sale of a call option by taking positions in instruments with prices which are expected to move relatively consistently with the call option. The Fund may cover its sale of a put option on a futures contract by taking a short position in the underlying futures contract at a price greater than or equal to the strike price of the put option, or, if the short position in the underlying futures contract is established at a price less than the strike price of the written put, the Fund will maintain in a segregated account cash or liquid assets equal in value to the difference between the strike price of the put and the price of the futures contract. The Fund may also cover its sale of a put option by taking positions in instruments with prices which are expected to move relatively consistently with the put option.

 

There are significant risks associated with the Fund’s use of futures contracts and related options, including the following: (1) the success of a hedging strategy may depend on the Manager’s ability to predict movements in the prices of individual securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) there may be an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the instruments held by the Fund and the prices of futures and options on futures; (3) there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract or option; (4) trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange; and (5) government regulations may restrict trading in futures contracts and options on futures. In addition, some strategies reduce the Fund’s exposure to price fluctuations, while others tend to increase its market exposure.

 

Swap Agreements. Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a day to more than one-year. In a standard “swap” transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments. The gross returns to be exchanged or “swapped” between the parties are calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” i.e. , the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested in a “basket” of securities representing a particular index. Forms of swap agreements include interest rate caps, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates exceed a specified rate, or “cap,” interest rate floors, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates fall below a specified level, or “floor,” and interest rate dollars, under which a party sells a cap and purchases a floor or vice versa in an attempt to protect itself against interest rate movements exceeding given minimum or maximum levels.

 

Most swap agreements entered into by the Fund calculate the obligations of the parties to the agreement on a “net basis.” Consequently, the Fund’s current obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the “net amount”). The Fund’s current obligations under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owing to the Fund) and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed to a swap counterparty will be covered by segregating assets determined to be liquid.

 

Obligations under swap agreements so covered will not be construed to be “senior securities” for purposes of the Fund’s investment restriction concerning senior securities. Because they are two party contracts and because they may have terms of greater than seven days, swap agreements may be considered to be illiquid for the Fund’s illiquid investment limitation. The Fund will not enter into any swap agreement unless the Manager believes that the other party to the transaction is creditworthy. The Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty.

 

The Fund may enter into swap agreements to invest in a market without owning or taking physical custody of securities in circumstances in which direct investment is restricted for legal reasons or is otherwise impracticable. The counterparty to any swap agreement will typically be a bank, investment banking firm or broker/dealer. The counter-party will generally agree to pay the Fund the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the swap agreement would have increased in value had it been invested in the particular stocks, plus the dividends that would have been received on those stocks. The Fund will agree to pay to the counter-party a floating rate of interest on the notional amount of the swap agreement plus the amount, if any, by which the notional amount would have decreased in value had it been invested in such stocks. Therefore, the return to the Fund on any swap agreement should be the gain or loss on the notional amount plus dividends on the stocks less the interest paid by the Fund on the notional amount.

 

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Swap agreements typically are settled on a net basis, which means that the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. Payments may be made at the conclusion of a swap agreement or periodically during its term. Swap agreements do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to swap agreements is limited to the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the other party to a swap agreement defaults, the Fund’s risk of loss consists of the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually entitled to receive, if any. The net amount of the excess, if any, of the Fund’s obligations over its entitlements with respect to each equity swap will be accrued on a daily basis and an amount of cash or liquid assets, having an aggregate net asset value at least equal to such accrued excess will be maintained in a segregated account by the Fund’s custodian. Inasmuch as these transactions are entered into for hedging purposes or are offset by segregated cash of liquid assets, as permitted by applicable law, the Fund and the Manager believe that these transactions do not constitute senior securities under the 1940 Act and, accordingly, will not treat them as being subject to the Fund’s borrowing restrictions.

 

Total Return Swaps. Total return swaps are contracts in which one party agrees to make payments of the total return from the underlying asset during the specified period, in return for payments equal to a fixed or floating rate of interest or the total return from another underlying asset. The total return includes appreciation or depreciation on the underlying asset, plus any interest or dividend payments. Payments under the swap are based upon an agreed upon principal amount but since the principal amount is not exchanged, it represents neither an asset nor a liability to either counterparty, and is referred to as notional. Total return swaps are marked to market daily using different sources, including quotations from counterparties, pricing services, brokers or market makers. The unrealized appreciation (depreciation) related to the change in the valuation of the notional amount of the swap is combined with the amount due to the Fund at termination or settlement. The primary risks associated with total returns swaps are credit risks (if the counterparty fails to meet its obligations) and market risk (if there is no liquid market for the agreement or unfavorable changes occur to the underlying asset).

 

Interest Rate Swaps. Interest rate swaps are financial instruments that involve the exchange of one type of interest rate for another type of interest rate cash flow on specified dates in the future. Some of the different types of interest rate swaps are “fixed-for floating rate swaps,” “termed basis swaps” and “index amortizing swaps.” Fixed-for floating rate swaps involve the exchange of fixed interest rate cash flows for floating rate cash flows. Termed basis swaps entail cash flows to both parties based on floating interest rates, where the interest rate indices are different. Index amortizing swaps are typically fixed-for floating swaps where the notional amount changes if certain conditions are met.

 

Like a traditional investment in a debt security, the Fund could lose money by investing in an interest rate swap if interest rates change adversely. For example, if the Fund enters into a swap where it agrees to exchange a floating rate of interest for a fixed rate of interest, the Fund may have to pay more money than it receives. Similarly, if the Fund enters into a swap where it agrees to exchange a fixed rate of interest for a floating rate of interest, the Fund may receive less money than it has agreed to pay.

 

Currency Swaps. A currency swap is an agreement between two parties in which one party agrees to make interest rate payments in one currency and the other promises to make interest rate payments in another currency. The Fund may enter into a currency swap when it has one currency and desires a different currency. Typically the interest rates that determine the currency swap payments are fixed, although occasionally one or both parties may pay a floating rate of interest. Unlike an interest rate swap, however, the principal amounts are exchanged at the beginning of the contract and returned at the end of the contract. Changes in foreign exchange rates and changes in interest rates, as described above may negatively affect currency swaps.

 

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Caps, Collars and Floors. Caps and floors have an effect similar to buying or writing options. In a typical cap or floor agreement, one party agrees to make payments only under specified circumstances, usually in return for payment of a fee by the other party. For example, the buyer of an interest rate cap obtains the right to receive payments to the extent that a specified interest rate exceeds an agreed-upon level. The seller of an interest rate floor is obligated to make payments to the extent that a specified interest rate falls below an agreed-upon level. An interest rate collar combines elements of buying a cap and selling a floor.

 

The Manager, under the supervision of the Board, is responsible for determining and monitoring the liquidity of Fund transactions in swap agreements. The use of swaps is a highly specialized activity, which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions.

 

Investing in Emerging Countries, including Asia and Eastern Europe. The Fund intends to have exposure to emerging markets due to its investments in certain stock index futures and foreign exchange instruments. The financial markets of emerging countries are less liquid and have far fewer trading volumes than the developed markets.

 

Emerging country financial markets are typically marked by a high concentration of market capitalization and trading volume in a small number of issuers representing a limited number of industries, as well as a high concentration of ownership by a limited number of investors. The markets in certain emerging countries are in the earliest stages of their development. Even the markets for relatively widely traded instruments in emerging countries may not be able to absorb, without price disruptions, a significant increase in trading volume or trades of a size customarily undertaken by institutional investors in the financial markets of developed countries. The limited size of many of these markets can cause prices to be erratic for reasons apart from factors that affect the soundness and competitiveness of the securities issuers. For example, prices may be unduly influenced by traders who control large positions in these markets. Additionally, market making and arbitrage activities are generally less extensive in such markets, which may contribute to increased volatility and reduced liquidity of such markets. The limited liquidity of emerging markets may also affect the Fund’s ability to accurately value its portfolio holdings or to acquire or dispose of instruments at the price and time it wishes to do so or in order to meet redemption requests.

 

With respect to investments in certain emerging market countries, antiquated legal systems may have an adverse impact on the Fund. For example, while the potential liability of a shareholder in a U.S. corporation with respect to acts of the corporation is generally limited to the amount of the shareholder’s investment, the notion of limited liability is less clear in certain emerging market countries. Similarly, the rights of investors in emerging market companies may be more limited than those of shareholders in U.S. corporations.

 

Transaction costs, including brokerage commissions or dealer mark-ups, in emerging countries may be higher than in the United States and other developed financial markets. In addition, existing laws and regulations are often inconsistently applied. As legal systems in emerging countries develop, foreign investors may be adversely affected by new or amended laws and regulations. In circumstances where adequate laws exist, it may not be possible to obtain swift and equitable enforcement of the law.

 

Foreign investment in the financial markets of certain emerging countries is restricted or controlled to varying degrees. These restrictions may limit the Fund’s investment in certain emerging countries and may increase the expenses of the Fund. Certain emerging countries require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons or limit investment by foreign persons to only a specified percentage of an issuer’s outstanding securities or a specific class of securities which may have less advantageous terms (including price) than securities of the company available for purchase by nationals. In addition, the repatriation of both investment income and capital from emerging countries may be subject to restrictions which require governmental consents or prohibit repatriation entirely for a period of time. Even where there is no outright restriction on repatriation of capital, the mechanics of repatriation may affect certain aspects of the operation of the Fund. The Fund may be required to establish special custodial or other arrangements before investing in certain emerging countries.

 

Emerging countries may be subject to a substantially greater degree of economic, political and social instability and disruption than is the case in the United States, Japan and most Western European countries. This instability may result from, among other things, the following: (i) authoritarian governments or military involvement in political and economic decision making, including changes or attempted changes in governments through extra-constitutional means; (ii) popular unrest associated with demands for improved political, economic or social conditions; (iii) internal insurgencies; (iv) hostile relations with neighboring countries; (v) ethnic, religious and racial disaffection or conflict; and (vi) the absence of developed legal structures governing foreign private investments and private property. Such economic, political and social instability could disrupt the principal financial markets in which the Fund may invest and adversely affect the value of the Fund’s assets. The Fund’s investments can also be adversely affected by any increase in taxes or by political, economic or diplomatic developments.

 

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The Fund may seek investment opportunities within former “east bloc” countries in Eastern Europe. Most Eastern European countries had a centrally planned, socialist economy for a substantial period of time. The governments of many Eastern European countries have more recently been implementing reforms directed at political and economic liberalization, including efforts to decentralize the economic decision-making process and move towards a market economy. However, business entities in many Eastern European countries do not have an extended history of operating in a market-oriented economy, and the ultimate impact of Eastern European countries’ attempts to move toward more market-oriented economies is currently unclear. In addition, any change in the leadership or policies of Eastern European countries may halt the expansion of or reverse the liberalization of foreign investment policies now occurring and adversely affect existing investment opportunities. As a result of recent events involving Ukraine and the Russian Federation, the United States and the European Union have imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and Russian corporations. Additional broader sanctions may be imposed in the future. These sanctions, or even the threat of further sanctions, may result in the decline of the value and liquidity of Russian securities, a weakening of the ruble or other adverse consequences to the Russian economy. These sanctions could also result in the immediate freeze of Russian securities, impairing the ability of the Fund to buy, sell, receive or deliver those securities. Sanctions could also result in Russia taking counter measures or retaliatory actions which may further impair the value and liquidity of Russian and/or Ukrainian securities.

 

The economies of emerging countries may differ unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resources, self-sufficiency and balance of payments. Many emerging countries have experienced in the past, and continue to experience, high rates of inflation. In certain countries inflation has at times accelerated rapidly to hyperinflationary levels, creating a negative interest rate environment and sharply eroding the value of outstanding financial assets in those countries. Other emerging countries, on the other hand, have recently experienced deflationary pressures and are in economic recessions. The economies of many emerging countries are heavily dependent upon international trade and are accordingly affected by protective trade barriers and the economic conditions of their trading partners. In addition, the economies of some emerging countries are vulnerable to weakness in world prices for their commodity exports. The Fund’s income and, in some cases, capital gains from foreign investments will be subject to applicable taxation in certain of the countries in which it invests, and treaties between the U.S. and such countries may not be available in some cases to reduce the otherwise applicable tax rates. See “Taxes.”

 

Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Such delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of the Fund remain uninvested and no return is earned on such assets. The inability of the Fund to make intended purchases or sales due to settlement problems could result either in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the instrument or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the instrument, could result in possible liability to the purchaser.

 

Large Shareholder Purchase and Redemption Risk. The Fund may experience adverse effects when certain large shareholders purchase or redeem large amounts of shares of the Fund. Such large shareholder redemptions may cause the Fund to sell its securities at times when it would not otherwise do so, which may negatively impact the Fund’s NAV and liquidity. Similarly, large share purchases may adversely affect the Fund’s performance to the extent that the Fund is delayed in investing new cash and is required to maintain a larger cash position than it ordinarily would. In addition, a large redemption could result in the Fund’s current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the Fund’s expense ratio. However, this risk may be limited to the extent that the Manager and Fund have entered into a fee waiver and/or reimbursement arrangement.

 

Margin Deposits and Cover Requirements. Unlike the purchase or sale of portfolio securities, no price is paid or received by the Fund upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract. Initially, the Subsidiary will be required to deposit with the broker an amount of cash or cash equivalents, known as initial margin, based on the value of the contract. The nature of initial margin in futures transactions is different from that of margin in securities transactions in that futures contract margin does not involve the borrowing of funds by the customer to finance the transactions. Rather, the initial margin is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the contract which is returned to the Fund upon termination of the futures contract, assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied. Subsequent payments, called variation margin, to and from the broker, will be made on a daily basis as the price of the underlying instruments fluctuates, making the long and short positions in the futures contract more or less valuable, a process known as “marking to the market.” For example, when the Fund has purchased a futures contract and the price of the contract has risen in response to a rise in the price of the underlying instruments, that position will have increased in value and the Fund will be entitled to receive from the broker a variation margin payment equal to that increase in value. Conversely, where the Fund has purchased a futures contract and the price of the futures contract has declined in response to a decrease in the underlying instruments, the position would be less valuable and the Fund would be required to make a variation margin payment to the broker. At any time prior to expiration of the futures contract, the Manager may elect to close the position by taking an opposite position, subject to the availability of a secondary market, which will operate to terminate the Fund’s position in the futures contract. A final determination of variation margin is then made, additional cash is required to be paid by or released to the Fund, and the Fund realizes a loss or gain.

 

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The Fund will comply with guidelines established by the SEC with respect to coverage of forwards, futures, swaps and options. For example, when entering into a contract that must be cash settled, the Fund will cover (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) its position, when added to the amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the daily mark-to-market obligation, rather than the notional value of the contract.

 

When entering into a contract that does not need to be settled in cash, the Fund is also required to “cover” its position in order to limit leveraging and related risks. To cover its position, the Fund may segregate (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) cash or liquid assets that, when added to any amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the market value of the contract or otherwise “cover” its position in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations thereunder. The segregated account functions as a practical limit on the amount of leverage which the Fund may undertake and on the potential increase in the speculative character of the Fund’s outstanding portfolio holdings. Additionally, such segregated accounts will generally assure the availability of adequate funds to meet the obligations of the Fund arising from such investment activities. Segregated assets cannot be sold or transferred unless equivalent assets are substituted in their place or it is no longer necessary to segregate them. As a result, there is a possibility that segregation of a large percentage of the Fund’s assets could impede portfolio management or the Fund’s ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations. The Subsidiary will comply with these coverage requirements to the same extent as the Fund that holds the Subsidiary’s securities.

 

The Fund or the Subsidiary may enter into agreements with a FCM which require the FCM to accept physical settlement for certain financial instruments. If this occurs, the Fund would treat the financial instrument as being cash-settled for purposes of determining the Fund’s coverage requirements.

 

The Fund may also cover its position in relation to forwards, futures, swaps and options through ownership of the underlying financial instrument, commodity index, or currency or by other portfolio positions or by other means consistent with applicable regulatory policies.

 

Options. The Fund may purchase and write put and call options on indices, currencies, commodities or other financial instruments and enter into related closing transactions. A put option gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell, and the writer of the option the obligation to buy, the underlying instrument at any time during the option period. A call option gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the writer of the option the obligation to sell, the underlying instrument at any time during the option period. The premium paid to the writer is the consideration for undertaking the obligations under the option contract.

 

The Fund may purchase and write put and call options on foreign currencies (traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges or over-the-counter markets) to manage its exposure to exchange rates or to seek and increase in total return. Call options on foreign currency written by the Fund will be “covered” as set out below.

 

Put and call options on indices are similar to options on securities except that options on an index give the holder the right to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the underlying index is greater than (or less than, in the case of puts) the exercise price of the option. This amount of cash is equal to the difference between the closing price of the index and the exercise price of the option, expressed in dollars multiplied by a specified number. Thus, unlike options on individual securities, all settlements are in cash, and gain or loss depends on price movements in the particular market represented by the index generally, rather than the price movements in individual securities.

 

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When the Fund writes an option, the Fund is required to “cover” its position in order to limit leveraging and related risks. To cover its position, the Fund may segregate (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) cash or liquid assets that, when added to any amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the market value of the option or otherwise “cover” its position in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations thereunder. The segregated account functions as a practical limit on the amount of leverage which the Fund may undertake and on the potential increase in the speculative character of the Fund’s outstanding portfolio holdings. Additionally, such segregated accounts will generally assure the availability of adequate funds to meet the obligations of the Fund arising from such investment activities.

 

The Fund or the Subsidiary may enter into agreements with a FCM which require the FCM to accept physical settlement for certain financial instruments. If this occurs, the Fund would treat the financial instrument as being cash-settled for purposes of determining the Fund’s coverage requirements. Similarly, the Fund or Subsidiary may enter into agreements with counterparties which require the counterparty to settle currency forward contracts in US Dollar, rather than the deliverable currency. If this occurs, the Fund would treat the financial instrument as being cash-settled for purposes of determining the Fund’s coverage requirements.

 

The initial purchase (sale) of an option contract is an “opening transaction.” In order to close out an option position, the Fund may enter into a “closing transaction,” which is simply the sale (purchase) of an option contract on the same instrument with the same exercise price and expiration date as the option contract originally opened. If the Fund is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction with respect to an option it has written, it will not be able to sell the underlying instrument until the option expires or the Fund delivers the instrument upon exercise.

 

The Fund may purchase put and call options to protect against a decline in the market value of the holdings in its portfolio, to anticipate an increase in the market value of instruments that the Fund may seek to purchase in the future or to seek to increase total return. The Fund purchasing put and call options pays a premium therefore. If price movements in the underlying instruments are such that exercise of the options would not be profitable for the Fund, loss of the premium paid may be offset by an increase in the value of the Fund’s instruments or by a decrease in the cost of acquisition of instruments by the Fund.

 

The Fund may write covered call options as a means of increasing the yield on its assets and as a means of providing limited protection against decreases in its market value. When the Fund writes an option, if the underlying instruments do not increase or decrease to a price level that would make the exercise of the option profitable to the holder thereof, the option generally will expire without being exercised and the Fund will realize as profit the premium received for such option. When a call option of which the Fund is the writer is exercised, the Fund will be required to sell the underlying instruments to the option holder at the strike price, and will not participate in any increase in the price of such securities above the strike price. When a put option of which the Fund is the writer is exercised, the Fund will be required to purchase the underlying instruments at a price in excess of the market value of such securities.

 

The Fund may purchase and write options on an exchange or over-the-counter. Over-the-counter options (“OTC options”) differ from exchange-traded options in several respects. They are transacted directly with dealers and not with a clearing corporation, and therefore entail the risk of non-performance by the dealer. OTC options are available for a greater variety of securities and for a wider range of expiration dates and exercise prices than are available for exchange-traded options. Because OTC options are not traded on an exchange, pricing is done normally by reference to information from a market maker. It is the SEC’s position that OTC options are generally illiquid.

 

The market value of an option generally reflects the market price of an underlying instrument. Other principal factors affecting market value include supply and demand, interest rates, the pricing volatility of the underlying instrument and the time remaining until the expiration date.

 

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Risks associated with options transactions include: (1) the success of a hedging strategy may depend on an ability to predict movements in the prices of individual instruments, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) there may be an imperfect correlation between the movement in prices of options and the instruments underlying them; (3) there may not be a liquid secondary market for options; and (4) while the Fund will receive a premium when it writes covered call options, it may not participate fully in a rise in the market value of the underlying instrument.

 

Restricted and Illiquid Securities. The Fund may not invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, including securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily available market or legal or contractual restrictions on resale. Illiquid securities include: repurchase agreements and time deposits with a notice or demand period of more than seven days; interest rate and currency swaps; interest rate caps; floors and collars; certain restricted securities, such as those purchased in a private placement of securities, unless it is determined, based upon a review of the trading markets for a specific restricted security, that such restricted security is liquid; and certain over-the-counter options. Securities that have legal or contractual restrictions on resale but have a readily available market are not considered illiquid for purposes of this limitation.

 

Mutual funds do not typically hold a significant amount of restricted or other illiquid securities because of the potential for delays on resale and uncertainty in valuation. Limitations on resale may have an adverse effect on the marketability of portfolio securities and a mutual fund might be unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty in satisfying redemptions within seven days. A mutual fund might also have to register such restricted securities in order to dispose of them resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of securities.

 

The Fund may purchase securities which are not registered under the Securities Act but which may be sold to “qualified institutional buyers” in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act (“Restricted Securities”). These securities will not be considered illiquid so long as it is determined by the Manager that an adequate trading market exists for the securities. This investment practice could have the effect of increasing the level of illiquidity in the Fund during any period that qualified institutional buyers become uninterested in purchasing restricted securities.

 

The Manager will monitor the liquidity of Restricted Securities held by the Fund under the supervision of the Board. In reaching liquidity decisions, the Manager may consider, among others, the following factors: (1) the unregistered nature of the security; (2) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (3) the number of dealers wishing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential purchasers; (4) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; and (5) the nature of the security and the nature of the marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of the transfer).

 

The purchase price and subsequent valuation of Restricted Securities normally reflect a discount from the price at which such securities trade when they are not restricted, since the restriction makes them less liquid. The amount of the discount from the prevailing market price is expected to vary depending upon the type of security, the character of the issuer, the party who will bear the expenses of registering the Restricted Securities and prevailing supply and demand conditions.

 

As consistent with the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund may also invest in Section 4(2) commercial paper. Section 4(2) commercial paper is issued in reliance on an exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the Act and is generally sold to institutional investors who purchase for investment. Any resale of such commercial paper must be in an exempt transaction, usually to an institutional investor through the issuer or investment dealers who make a market in such commercial paper. The Company believes that Section 4(2) commercial paper is liquid to the extent it meets the criteria established by the Board. The Company intends to treat such commercial paper as liquid and not subject to the investment limitations applicable to illiquid securities or restricted securities.

 

Risk Considerations of Medium Grade Securities. Obligations in the lowest investment grade (i.e., BBB or Baa), referred to as “medium grade” obligations, have speculative characteristics, and changes in economic conditions and other factors are more likely to lead to weakened capacity to make interest payments and repay principal on these obligations than is the case for higher rated securities. In the event that a security purchased by the Fund is subsequently downgraded below investment grade, the Manager will consider such event in its determination of whether the Fund should continue to hold the security.

 

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Short Sales. As consistent with the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund may engage in short sales that are “uncovered”.

 

Uncovered short sales are transactions under which the Fund sells an instrument it does not own. To complete such a transaction, the Fund must borrow the instrument to make delivery to the buyer. The Fund then is obligated to replace the instrument borrowed by purchasing the instrument at the market price at the time of the replacement. The price at such time may be more or less than the price at which the instrument was sold by the Fund. Until the instrument is replaced, the Fund is required to pay the lender amounts equal to any dividends or interest that accrue during the period of the loan. To borrow the instrument, the Fund also may be required to pay a premium, which would increase the cost of the instrument sold. The proceeds of the short sale will be retained by the broker, to the extent necessary to meet margin requirements, until the short position is closed out.

 

Until the Fund replaces a borrowed instrument in connection with a short sale, the Fund will: (a) maintain a segregated account containing cash, cash equivalents, or liquid assets at such a level that the amount deposited in the account plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will equal the current value of the instrument sold short; or (b) otherwise cover its short position in accordance with positions taken by the staff of the SEC.

 

The Fund will incur a loss as a result of the short sale if the price of the instrument increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund replaces the borrowed instrument. The Fund will realize a gain if the instrument declines in price between those dates. This result is the opposite of what one would expect from a cash purchase of a long position in an instrument. The amount of any gain will be decreased, and the amount of any loss increased, by the amount of any premium or amounts in lieu of interest the Fund may be required to pay in connection with a short sale. A Fund may purchase call options to provide a hedge against an increase in the price of an instrument sold short by the Fund. See the section entitled “Options” above.

 

Short Sales “Against the Box.” In addition to the short sales discussed above, the Fund may make short sales “against the box,” transactions in which the Fund enters into a short sale of a security that the Fund owns or has the right to obtain at no additional cost. The proceeds of the short sale will be held by a broker until the settlement date at which time the Fund delivers the security to close the short position. The Fund receives the net proceeds from the short sale.

Special Note Regarding Market Events. Events in the financial sector over the past several years have resulted in reduced liquidity in credit and fixed income markets and in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestically and internationally. While entire markets have been impacted, issuers that have exposure to the real estate, mortgage and credit markets have been particularly affected. These events and the potential for continuing market turbulence may have an adverse effect on the underlying investment companies’ investments. It is uncertain how long these conditions will continue.

 

The instability in the financial markets has led the U.S. government to take a number of unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions and certain segments of the financial markets. Federal, state and foreign governments, regulatory agencies, and self-regulatory organizations may take actions that affect the regulation of the instruments in which the Fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that are unforeseeable. Such legislation or regulation could limit or preclude an underlying investment company’s, and thus the Fund’s, ability to achieve its investment objective.

 

Governments or their agencies may also acquire distressed assets from financial institutions and acquire ownership interests in those institutions. The implications of government ownership and disposition of these assets are unclear, and such ownership or disposition may have positive or negative effects on the liquidity, valuation and performance of the underlying investment companies’ holdings.

 

Subsidiary Risk. The Fund intends to make investments through the Subsidiary of the Fund (Campbell Core Offshore Limited). Investment in the Subsidiary is expected to provide the Fund with exposure to the commodity markets within the limitations of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code and recent Internal Revenue Service revenue rulings. The Subsidiary is organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands. The Fund is the sole shareholder of the Subsidiary, and it is not currently expected that shares of the Subsidiary will be sold or offered to other investors.

 

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It is expected that the Subsidiary will invest primarily in derivative instruments, such as, commodity futures contracts, non-commodity futures contracts, such as equity index, government bond, fixed income and foreign exchange futures contracts, commodity and non-commodity swap agreements. The Subsidiary may also invest in fixed income securities and money market instruments, cash and cash equivalents with two years or less term to maturity, and other investments intended to serve as margin or collateral for the Subsidiary’s derivative positions. Although the Fund may enter into these commodity-linked derivative instruments directly, the Fund will likely gain exposure to these derivative instruments indirectly by investing in the Subsidiary. The Fund’s investment in the Subsidiary may vary depending on the types of instruments selected by the Manager to gain exposure to the commodities markets. To the extent that the Fund invests in the Subsidiary, the Fund may be subject to the risks associated with the abovementioned derivative instruments and other securities, which are discussed elsewhere in the Prospectus and this SAI.

 

The Fund intends to treat physically settled futures contracts in the same manner as cash settled futures contracts through the use of a swap and/or letter agreement with the Subsidiary’s futures commission merchant for the purposes of complying with Section 18 of 1940 Act. The SEC has not declared whether or not the use of such a letter agreement is sufficient for the purpose of compliance with Section 18 of the 1940 Act. There is a risk, therefore, that the SEC may deem the use of the letter agreement as insufficient and that the Fund may not be permitted to continue to gain exposure to these contracts through the use of the letter agreement.

 

While the Subsidiary may be considered similar to an investment company, it is not registered under the 1940 Act and, unless otherwise noted in the Prospectus and this SAI, is not subject to all of the investor protections of the 1940 Act and other U.S. regulations. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Fund and/or the Subsidiary to operate as described in the Prospectuses and this SAI and could negatively affect the Fund and its shareholders.

 

Tax Risk. The Fund intends to qualify annually to be treated as a regulated investment company under the Code. To qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code, the Fund must invest in assets which produce the types of income specified in the Code and the Treasury regulations (“Qualifying Income”). Whether the income from certain derivatives, swaps, commodity-linked derivatives and other commodity/natural resource-related securities, including income from the Fund’s investment in its subsidiary, is Qualifying Income is unclear. The Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") has issued a ruling that income realized from certain types of commodity-linked derivatives would not be qualifying income. The Fund's investment in the Subsidiary is expected to provide the Fund with exposure to the commodities markets within the limitations of the Code for qualification as a regulated investment company, but there is a risk that the IRS could assert that the income derived from the Fund's investment in the Subsidiary and certain commodity-linked structured notes will not be considered Qualifying Income. In addition, pursuant to recent guidance issued by the Treasury and the IRS, the Subsidiary’s commodity related income for a taxable year will only be treated as Qualifying Income to the extent the Subsidiary actually distributes such income out of its earnings and profits to the Fund for such taxable year. If the Fund invests in these types of securities and the income is determined to not be Qualifying Income, it may cause the Fund to fail to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code. Moreover, an investment in a subsidiary may not exceed 25% of the value of the Fund at the end of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year. If the Subsidiary does exceed 25% of the value of the Fund, in any quarter, the Fund may fail to qualify as a registered investment company under the Code. See “Taxes” below for additional information related to these restrictions.

 

Temporary Defensive Positions. In anticipation of or in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may take temporary defensive positions (up to 100% of its assets) in cash, cash equivalents and short-term U.S. government securities. If the Fund were to take a temporary defensive position, it may be unable for a time to achieve its investment objective.

 

U.S. Government Securities. The Fund may purchase U.S. government agency and instrumentality obligations that are debt securities issued by U.S. government-sponsored enterprises and federal agencies. Some obligations of agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government or by U.S. Treasury guarantees, such as securities of the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) and the Federal Housing Authority; others, by the ability of the issuer to borrow, provided approval is granted, from the U.S. Treasury, such as securities of Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) and others, only by the credit of the agency or instrumentality issuing the obligation, such as securities of Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) and the Federal Home Loan Banks (“FHLBs”). Such guarantees of U.S. government securities held by a Fund do not, however, guarantee the market value of the shares of the Fund. There is no guarantee that the U.S. government will continue to provide support to its agencies or instrumentalities in the future. U.S. government obligations that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government are subject to greater risks than those that are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. All U.S. government obligations are subject to interest rate risk.

 

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In September 2008, the U.S. Treasury Department and Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”) announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would be placed in conservatorship under the FHFA. On June 16, 2010, FHFA ordered Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s stock de-listed from the New York Stock Exchange after the price of common stock in Fannie Mae fell below the New York Stock Exchange’s minimum average closing price of $1 for more than 30 days. The future status and role of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could be impacted by (among other things) the actions taken and restrictions placed on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac by the FHFA in its role as conservator, the restrictions placed on Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s operations and activities as a result of the senior preferred stock investment made by the U.S. Treasury, market responses to developments at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and future legislative and regulatory action that alters the operations, ownership, structure and/or mission of these institutions, each of which may, in turn, impact the value of, and cash flows on, any mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, including any such mortgage-backed securities held by the Fund.

 

There is risk that the U.S. government will not provide financial support to its agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. The Fund may purchase U.S. government securities that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, such as those issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. government securities held by the Fund may greatly exceed their current resources, including their legal right to support from the U.S. Treasury. It is possible that these issuers will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future.

 

U.S. Treasury Obligations. U.S. Treasury obligations consist of bills, notes and bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury and separately traded interest and principal component parts of such obligations that are transferable through the federal book-entry system known as Separately Traded Registered Interest and Principal Securities (“STRIPS”) and Treasury Receipts (“TRs”).

 

Receipts. Interests in separately traded interest and principal component parts of U.S. government obligations that are issued by banks or brokerage firms and are created by depositing U.S. government obligations into a special account at a custodian bank. The custodian holds the interest and principal payments for the benefit of the registered owners of the certificates or receipts. The custodian arranges for the issuance of the certificates or receipts evidencing ownership and maintains the register. TRs and STRIPS are interests in accounts sponsored by the U.S. Treasury. Receipts are sold as zero coupon securities.

 

U.S. Government Zero Coupon Securities. STRIPS and receipts are sold as zero coupon securities, that is, fixed income securities that have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons. Zero coupon securities are sold at a (usually substantial) discount and redeemed at face value at their maturity date without interim cash payments of interest or principal. The amount of this discount is accreted over the life of the security, and the accretion constitutes the income earned on the security for both accounting and tax purposes. Because of these features, the market prices of zero coupon securities are generally more volatile than the market prices of securities that have similar maturity but that pay interest periodically. Zero coupon securities are likely to respond to a greater degree to interest rate changes than are non-zero coupon securities with similar maturity and credit qualities.

 

U.S. Government Agencies. Some obligations issued or guaranteed by agencies of the U.S. government are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury, others are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury, while still others are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality. Guarantees of principal by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government may be a guarantee of payment at the maturity of the obligation so that in the event of a default prior to maturity there might not be a market and thus no means of realizing on the obligation prior to maturity. Guarantees as to the timely payment of principal and interest do not extend to the value or yield of these securities nor to the value of the Fund’s shares.

 

NON-PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS

 

Cyber Security Risk. The Fund and its service providers may be prone to operational and information security risks resulting from breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption, or lose operational capacity. Breaches in cyber security include, among other behaviors, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, denial of service attacks on websites, the unauthorized release of confidential information or various other forms of cyber-attacks. Cyber security breaches affecting the Fund or its Manager, custodian, transfer agent, intermediaries and other third-party service providers may adversely impact the Fund. For instance, cyber security breaches may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, impact the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAVs, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential business information, impede trading, subject the Fund to regulator fines or financial losses and/or cause reputational damage. The Fund may also present for issuer of securities in which the Fund may invest, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Fund’s investment in such companies to lose value.

 

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Risk Considerations of Lower Rated Securities. The Fund may invest in fixed income securities that are not investment grade but are rated as low as B by Moody’s or B by S&P® (or their equivalents or, if unrated, determined by the Manager to be of comparable credit quality). In the case of a security that is rated differently by two or more rating services, the higher rating is used in connection with the foregoing limitation. In the event that the rating on a security held in the Fund’s portfolio is downgraded by a rating service, such action will be considered by the Manager in its evaluation of the overall investment merits of that security, but will not necessarily result in the sale of the security. The widespread expansion of government, consumer and corporate debt within the U.S. economy has made the corporate sector, especially cyclically sensitive industries, more vulnerable to economic downturns or increased interest rates. An economic downturn could severely disrupt the market for high yield fixed income securities and adversely affect the value of outstanding fixed income securities and the ability of the issuers to repay principal and interest.

 

The Fund may invest in high yield debt obligations, such as bonds and debentures, issued by corporations and other business organizations. The Fund may invest in high yield debt instruments when the Fund believes that such instruments offer a better risk/reward profile than comparable equity opportunities. High yield fixed income securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”) are considered speculative investments while generally providing greater income than investments in higher rated securities, involve greater risk of loss of principal and income (including the possibility of default or bankruptcy of the issuers of such securities) and may involve greater volatility of price (especially during periods of economic uncertainty or change) than securities in the higher rating categories. Since yields vary over time, no specific level of income can ever be assured.

 

The prices of high yield fixed income securities have been found to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than higher-rated investments but more sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual corporate developments. Also, during an economic downturn or substantial period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress, which would adversely affect their ability to service their principal and interest payment obligations, to meet projected business goals and to obtain additional financing. If the issuer of a fixed income security owned by the Fund defaulted, the Fund could incur additional expenses in attempting to obtain a recovery. In addition, periods of economic uncertainty and changes can be expected to result in increased volatility of market prices of high yield fixed income securities and the Fund’s NAV to the extent it holds such securities.

 

High yield fixed income securities also present risks based on payment expectations. For example, high yield fixed income securities may contain redemption or call provisions. If an issuer exercises these provisions in a declining interest rate market, the Fund may, to the extent it holds such fixed income securities, have to replace the securities with a lower yielding security, which may result in a decreased return for investors. Conversely, a high yield fixed income security’s value will decrease in a rising interest rate market, as will the value of the Fund’s assets, to the extent it holds such fixed income securities. In addition, to the extent that there is no established retail secondary market, there may be thin trading of high yield fixed income securities, and this may have an impact on the Manager’s ability to accurately value such securities and the Fund’s assets and on the Fund’s ability to dispose of such securities. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of high yield fixed income securities, especially in a thinly traded market.

 

New laws proposed or adopted from time to time may have an impact on the market for high yield securities.

 

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Finally, there are risks involved in applying credit or dividend ratings as a method for evaluating high yield securities. For example, ratings evaluate the safety of principal and interest or dividend payments, not market value risk of high yield securities. Also, since rating agencies may fail to timely change the credit ratings to reflect subsequent events, the Fund will continuously monitor the issuers of high yield securities in its portfolio, if any, to determine if the issuers will have sufficient cash flow and profits to meet required principal and interest payments, and to assure the security’s liquidity so the Fund can meet redemption requests.

 

Securities Lending. The Fund may lend portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial organizations that meet capital and other credit requirements or other criteria established by the Board. These loans, if and when made, may not exceed 33 1/3% of the total asset value of the Fund (including the loan collateral). The Fund will not lend portfolio securities to the Adviser or their affiliates unless permissible under the 1940 Act and the rules and promulgations thereunder. Loans of portfolio securities will be fully collateralized by cash, letters of credit or U.S. government securities, and the collateral will be maintained in an amount equal to at least 102% of the current market value of the loaned domestic securities (105% of loaned foreign securities) by marking to market daily. Any gain or loss in the market price of the securities loaned that might occur during the term of the loan would be for the account of the Fund.

 

The Fund may pay a part of the interest earned from the investment of collateral, or other fee, to an unaffiliated or, to the extent consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations thereunder, affiliated third party for acting as the Fund’s securities lending agent.

 

By lending its securities, the Fund may increase its income by receiving payments from the borrower that reflect the amount of any interest or any dividends payable on the loaned securities as well as by either investing cash collateral received from the borrower in short-term instruments or obtaining a fee from the borrower when U.S. government securities or letters of credit are used as collateral. The Fund does not have the right to vote loaned securities. The Fund will attempt to call all loaned securities back to permit the exercise of voting rights on material matters, if time and jurisdictional restrictions permit. There is no guarantee that all loans can be recalled.

 

The Fund’s Service Providers Could Fail. The institutions with which the Fund or Subsidiary trades or invests may encounter financial difficulties that impair the operational capabilities or the capital position of the Fund. A futures broker is generally required by U.S. law to segregate all funds received from such broker’s customers from such broker’s proprietary assets. If the futures broker did not do so to the full extent required by law, the assets of the Fund might not be fully protected in the event of the bankruptcy of the futures broker. Furthermore, in the event of the futures broker’s bankruptcy, the Fund or Subsidiary could be limited to recovering only a pro rata share of all available funds segregated on behalf of the futures broker’s combined customer accounts, even though certain property specifically traceable to the Fund (for example, Treasury bills deposited by the Fund with the futures broker as margin) was held by the futures broker.

 

Although the Manager regularly monitors the financial condition of the counterparties it uses, if the counterparties were to become insolvent or the subject of liquidation proceedings in the United States (either under the Securities Investor Protection Act of the United States Bankruptcy Code), there exists the risk that the recovery of the Fund’s or subsidiary’s assets from such counterparty will be delayed or be a value less than the value of the assets originally entrusted to such counterparty.

 

Failure to Receive Timely and Accurate Market Data from Third Party Vendors Could Cause Disruptions or the Inability to Trade. The Manager’s strategies are dependent to a significant degree on the receipt of timely and accurate market data from third party vendors. Accordingly, the failure to receive such data in a timely manner or the receipt of inaccurate data, whether due to acts or omissions of such third party vendors or otherwise, could disrupt trading to the detriment of the Fund or make trading impossible until such failure or inaccuracy is remedied. Any such failure or inaccuracy could, in certain market conditions, cause the Fund to experience significant trading losses, effect trades in a manner which it otherwise would not have done, or miss opportunities for profitable trading. For example, the receipt of inaccurate market data may cause the Manager to establish (or exit) a position which it otherwise would not have established (or exited), or fail to establish (or exit) a position which it otherwise would have established (or exited), and any subsequent correction of such inaccurate data may cause the Manager to reverse such action or inaction, all of which may ultimately be to the detriment of the Fund.

 

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INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

 

The Fund has adopted the following fundamental investment limitations which may not be changed with respect to the Fund without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding shares (as defined in Section 2(a)(42) of the 1940 Act). As used in this SAI and in the Prospectus, “shareholder approval” and a “majority of the outstanding shares” of the Fund means, with respect to the approval of an investment advisory agreement, a distribution plan or a change in a fundamental investment limitation, the lesser of (1) 67% of the shares of the Fund represented at a meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present in person or by proxy, or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. Unless otherwise noted, the Fund’s investment goals and strategies described in the Prospectus may be changed by the Board without the approval of the Fund’s shareholders.

 

The Fund may not:

 

1. Borrow money or issue senior securities, except that the Fund may borrow from banks and enter into reverse repurchase agreements provided that there is at least 300% asset coverage for the borrowings of the Fund. The Fund may not mortgage, pledge or hypothecate any assets, except in connection with any such borrowing and then in amounts not in excess of one-third of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the time of such borrowing. However, the amount shall not be in excess of lesser of the dollar amounts borrowed or 33 1/3% of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the time of such borrowing, provided that: (a) short sales and related borrowings of securities are not subject to this restriction; and (b) for the purposes of this restriction, collateral arrangements with respect to options, short sales, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, collateral arrangements with respect to initial and variation margin and collateral arrangements with respect to derivatives instruments are not deemed to be a pledge or other encumbrance of assets. Securities held in escrow or separate accounts in connection with the Fund’s investment practices are not considered to be borrowings or deemed to be pledged for purposes of this limitation;

 

2. Act as an underwriter of securities within the meaning of the 1933 Act, except insofar as it might be deemed to be an underwriter upon disposition of certain portfolio securities acquired within the limitation on purchases of restricted securities;

 

3. Purchase or sell real estate (including real estate limited partnership interests), provided that the Fund may invest: (a) in securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies that invest in real estate or interests therein; or (b) in real estate investment trusts;

 

4. Purchase or sell commodities, except as permitted by the 1940 Act, as amended, and as interpreted or modified by the regulatory authority having jurisdiction from time to time;

 

5. Make loans, except through loans of portfolio securities and repurchase agreements, provided that for purposes of this restriction the acquisition of bonds, debentures or other debt instruments or interests therein and investment in government obligations, loan participations and assignments, short-term commercial paper, certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances shall not be deemed to be the making of a loan; or

 

6. Invest 25% or more of its total assets, taken at market value at the time of each investment, in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry, provided that (a) there is no limitation with respect to (i) instruments issued or guaranteed by the United States, any state, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia or any of their authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions, and (ii) repurchase agreements secured by the instruments described in clause (i); (b) wholly-owned finance companies will be considered to be in the industries of their parents if their activities are primarily related to financing the activities of the parents; and (c) utilities will be divided according to their services, for example, gas, gas transmission, electric and gas, electric and telephone will each be considered a separate industry.

 

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In addition to the fundamental investment limitations specified above, the Fund is subject to the following non-fundamental limitations, which may be changed without shareholder approval, in compliance with applicable law and regulatory policy. The Fund may not:

 

1. Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management, but investments by the Fund in wholly-owned investment entities created under the laws of certain countries will not be deemed the making of investments for the purpose of exercising control or management; or

 

2. Purchase securities on margin, except that the Fund may use margin to the extent necessary to engage in short sales and may obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of portfolio transactions; and provided that margin deposits in connection with options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts or other derivative instruments, including foreign exchange forward contracts, shall not constitute purchasing securities on margin.

 

The Fund may invest in securities issued by other investment companies within the limits prescribed by the 1940 Act. Pursuant to orders issued by the SEC to exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) and procedures approved by the Board, the Fund may invest in ETFs in excess of the limits of the 1940 Act. As a shareholder of another investment company, the Fund would bear, along with other shareholders, its pro rata portion of the other investment company’s expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses would be in addition to the advisory and other expenses that the Fund bears directly in connection with its own operations.

 

Securities held by the Fund generally may not be purchased from, sold or loaned to the Manager or its affiliates or any of their directors, officers or employees, acting as principal, unless pursuant to a rule or exemptive order under the 1940 Act. Neither the Fund nor the Manager has obtained such an exemptive order as of the date of this SAI.

 

Under the 1940 Act, the Fund will be required to maintain asset coverage of at least 300% for borrowings from a bank. In the event that such asset coverage is below 300%, the Fund will be required to reduce the amount of its borrowings to obtain 300% asset coverage within three business days (not including Sundays and holidays).

 

The 1940 Act does not directly restrict an investment company’s ability to invest in commodities, but does require that every investment company have a fundamental investment policy governing such investments. The Fund has adopted fundamental policies that would permit direct investment in commodities.

 

Any collateral arrangements with respect to, if applicable, the writing of options and futures contracts, options on futures contracts, short sales and other similar instruments, and collateral arrangements with respect to initial and variation margin are not deemed to be a pledge of assets. The Fund may pledge, mortgage or hypothecate assets to secure borrowings permitted by the Fund’s fundamental limitation on borrowing.

 

Senior securities may include any obligation or instrument issued by a fund evidencing indebtedness. The 1940 Act generally prohibits funds from issuing senior securities, although it does not treat certain transactions as senior securities, such as certain borrowings, short sales, reverse repurchase agreements, firm commitment agreements and standby commitments, with appropriate earmarking or segregation of assets to cover such obligation.

 

If a percentage restriction under one of the Fund’s investment policies or limitations or the use of assets is adhered to at the time a transaction is effected, later changes in percentages resulting from changing values will not be considered a violation (except with respect to any restrictions that may apply to borrowings or senior securities issued by the Fund).

 

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

The Company has adopted, on behalf of the Fund, a policy relating to the selective disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings by the Manager, director, officer or third party service provider, in accordance with regulations that seek to ensure that disclosure of information about portfolio holdings is in the best interest of Fund shareholders and to address the conflicts of interests of the Fund’s shareholders and its service providers. The policies relating to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings are designed to allow disclosure of portfolio holdings information where necessary to the Fund’s operation without compromising the integrity or performance of the Fund. It is the policy of the Company that disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings to a select person or persons prior to the release of such holdings to the public (“selective disclosure”) is prohibited, unless there are legitimate business purposes for selective disclosure.

 

20  

 

The Company discloses portfolio holdings information as required in regulatory filings and shareholder reports, discloses portfolio holdings information as required by federal and state securities laws and may disclose portfolio holdings information in response to requests by governmental authorities. As required by the federal securities laws, including the 1940 Act, the Company will disclose the Fund’s portfolio holdings in applicable regulatory filings, including shareholder reports, reports on Form N-CSR and Form N-Q or such other filings, reports or disclosure documents as the applicable regulatory authorities may require.

 

The Company may distribute or authorize the distribution of information about the Fund’s portfolio holdings that is not publicly available to its third-party service providers of the Company, which include U.S. Bank, N.A., the custodian; U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“USBFS”), the administrator, accounting agent and transfer agent; Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm; Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, legal counsel; and FilePoint Corporation, the financial printer. These service providers are required to keep such information confidential, and are prohibited from trading based on the information or otherwise using the information except as necessary in providing services to the Fund. Such holdings are released on conditions of confidentiality, which include appropriate trading prohibitions. “Conditions of confidentiality” include confidentiality terms included in written agreements, implied by the nature of the relationship (e.g. attorney-client relationship), or required by fiduciary or regulatory principles (e.g., custody services provided by financial institutions). Portfolio holdings may also be provided earlier to shareholders and their agents who receive redemptions in kind that reflect a pro rata allocation of all securities held in the Fund’s portfolio.

 

Portfolio holdings may also be disclosed, upon authorization by a designated officer of the Manager, to certain independent reporting agencies recognized by the SEC as acceptable agencies for the reporting of industry statistical information. Disclosures to financial consultants are also subject to a confidentiality agreement and/or trading restrictions as well as a 15 - day time lag. The foregoing disclosures are made pursuant to the Company’s policy on selective disclosure of portfolio holdings. The Board or a committee thereof may, in limited circumstances, permit other selective disclosure of portfolio holdings subject to a confidentiality agreement and/or trading restrictions. Portfolio holdings may also be provided earlier to shareholders and their agents who receive redemptions in kind that reflect a pro rata allocation of all securities held in the Fund’s portfolio.

 

The Manager reserves the right to refuse to fulfill any request for portfolio holdings information from a shareholder or non-shareholder if it believes that providing such information will be contrary to the best interests of the Fund.

 

The Board provides ongoing oversight of the Company’s policies and procedures and compliance with such policies and procedures. As part of this oversight function, the Board receives from the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) as necessary, reports on compliance with these policies and procedures. In addition, the Board receives an annual assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of the policies and procedures with respect to the Fund, and any changes thereto, and an annual review of the operation of the policies and procedures. Any violation of the policy set forth above as well as any corrective action undertaken to address such violation must be reported by the Manager, director, officer or third party service provider to the Company’s CCO, who will determine whether the violation should be reported immediately to the Board or at its next quarterly Board meeting.

 

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

 

Portfolio turnover measures the percentage of the Fund’s total portfolio market value that was purchased or sold during the period. The Fund’s turnover rate provides an indication of how transaction costs (which are not included in the Fund’s expenses) may affect the Fund’s performance. Also, funds with a high turnover may be more likely to distribute capital gains that may be taxable to shareholders. The Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated by the value of the investment securities purchased or sold, excluding all instruments whose maturities at the time of acquisition were one year or less, divided by the average monthly value of such securities owned during the year. Based on this calculation, instruments, including options and futures contracts, with remaining maturities of less than one year are excluded from the portfolio turnover rate. If such instruments were included, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate would be higher.

 

21  

 

The Fund’s portfolio turnover rates for the two most recent fiscal years are stated below. Portfolio turnover rates could change significantly in response to turbulent market conditions.

 

Portfolio Turnover

Fiscal Year Ended August 31,

2017

Fiscal Year Ended August 31,

2016

0% 0%

 

MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the oversight of the Board, subject to the laws of the State of Maryland and the Company’s Charter. The Directors are responsible for deciding matters of overall policy and overseeing the actions of the Company’s service providers. The officers of the Company conduct and supervise the Company’s daily business operations.

 

Directors who are not deemed to be “interested persons” of the Company as defined in the 1940 Act are referred to as “Independent Directors.” Directors who are deemed to be “interested persons” of the Company are referred to as “Interested Directors.” The Board is currently composed of seven Independent Directors and one Interested Director. The Board has selected Arnold M. Reichman, an Independent Director, to act as Chairman. Mr. Reichman’s duties include presiding at meetings of the Board and interfacing with management to address significant issues that may arise between regularly scheduled Board and Committee meetings. In the performance of his duties, Mr. Reichman will consult with the other Independent Directors and the Company’s officers and legal counsel, as appropriate. The Chairman may perform other functions as requested by the Board from time to time.

 

The Board meets as often as necessary to discharge its responsibilities. Currently, the Board conducts regular, in-person meetings at least four times a year, and holds special in-person or telephonic meetings as necessary to address specific issues that require attention prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting. The Board also relies on professionals, such as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firms and legal counsel, to assist the Directors in performing their oversight responsibilities.

 

The Board has established nine standing committees — Audit, Contract, Executive, Investment Risk, Nominating and Governance, Product Development, Regulatory Oversight, Strategic Oversight, and Valuation Committees. The Board may establish other committees, or nominate one or more Directors to examine particular issues related to the Board’s oversight responsibilities, from time to time. Each Committee meets periodically to perform its delegated oversight functions and reports its findings and recommendations to the Board. For more information on the Committees, see the section “Standing Board Committees,” below.

 

The Board has determined that the Company’s leadership structure is appropriate because it allows the Board to effectively perform its oversight responsibilities.

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below.

 

22  

 

Name, Address, and Age Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and
Length of
Time
Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund

Complex Overseen by Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 84

Director 1988 to present From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications). 29 AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

J. Richard Carnall
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 79

Director 2002 to present

Since 1984, Director of Haydon Bolts, Inc. (bolt manufacturer) and Parkway Real Estate Company (subsidiary of Haydon Bolts, Inc.); since 2004, Director of Cornerstone Bank.

29 None

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 51

 

Director 2012 to present

Since 2009, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services); from 2003 to 2009, Managing Director, head of Business Services and IT Services Practice, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC (investment banking/brokerage).

29

Emtec, Inc.; FS Investment Corporation (business development company); FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company).

 

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 74

Director 2006 to present Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations. 29

Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company)(until September 2017); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios)(registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance).

 

23  

 

Name, Address, and Age Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and
Length of
Time
Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund

Complex Overseen by Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

Sam Lambroza

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI

53202

Age: 63

Director 2016 to present

Since 2010, Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer and Board Member, Tinsel Group of Companies (asset management).

29 None

Arnold M. Reichman
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 69

Chairman

 

Director

2005 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2006, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Lifebooker, LLC (online beauty and health appointment booking service).

29 Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 76

Director 2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

29

Reich and Tang Group (asset management).

 

INTERESTED DIRECTOR 2

Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 79

Vice Chairman

 

Director

2016 to present

 

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director - Investments and prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

29 None
OFFICERS

Salvatore Faia, JD,
CPA, CFE
Vigilant Compliance, LLC
Gateway Corporate
Center Suite 216
223 Wilmington West
Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 55 

President

 

Chief Compliance Officer

2009 to present

 

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

 

N/A N/A

 

24  

 

Name, Address, and Age Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and
Length of
Time
Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund

Complex Overseen by Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 57

 

Treasurer

and

Secretary

 2016 to present

Since 2016, Treasurer and Secretary of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A N/A

Robert Amweg
Vigilant Compliance, LLC

Gateway Corporate Center Suite 216
223 Wilmington West Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 64

Assistant

Treasurer

2016 to present

Since 2013, Compliance Director, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2012, Consultant to the financial services industry; from 2007 to 2012, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, Turner Investments, LP (registered investment company).

N/A N/A

Jesse Schmitting

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 35

Assistant Treasurer 2016 to present Since 2008, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm). N/A N/A

Edward Paz

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 46

Assistant Secretary

 

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A N/A

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square
Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 58

Assistant
Secretary
1999 to present Since 1993, Partner, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm). N/A N/A

 

25  

 

Name, Address, and Age Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and
Length of
Time
Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund

Complex Overseen by Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

Jillian L. Bosmann

One Logan Square
Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 38

Assistant
Secretary

September 2017

to present

Since 2017, Partner, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm); Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (2006 to present). N/A N/A

 

* Each Director oversees twenty-nine portfolios of the Company.
1. Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his successor is elected and qualified or his death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.
2. Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Carnall has decades of senior executive-level management experience in the banking and financial services industry and also serves on the boards of various corporations and a bank. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Mr. Lambroza has decades of experience and executive level leadership in the energy trading industry in addition to his experience in academia.

 

Standing Committees

 

The responsibilities of each Committee of the Board and its members are described below.

 

Audit Committee. The Board has an Audit Committee comprised of three Independent Directors. The current members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Brodsky, Chandler and Giordano. The Audit Committee, among other things, reviews results of the annual audit and approves the firm(s) to serve as independent auditors. The Audit Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Contract Committee. The Board has a Contract Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Contract Committee are Messrs. Brodsky, Chandler, Sablowsky and Straniere. The Contract Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the approval and continuation of agreements and plans of the Company. The Contract Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

26  

 

Executive Committee. The Board has an Executive Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Executive Committee are Messrs. Chandler, Giordano, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Executive Committee may generally carry on and manage the business of the Company when the Board is not in session. The Executive Committee did not meet during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Investment Risk Committee. The Board has an Investment Risk Committee comprised of the Interested Director and two Independent Directors. The current members of the Investment Risk Committee are Messrs. Lambroza, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Investment Risk Committee ensures that the Company’s investment advisers have adopted investment risk management policies and procedures. The Investment Risk Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Nominating and Governance Committee. The Board has a Nominating and Governance Committee comprised of three Independent Directors. The current members of the Nominating and Governance Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Giordano and Reichman. The Nominating and Governance Committee recommends to the Board all persons to be nominated as Directors of the Company. The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders. Recommendations should be submitted to the Committee care of the Company’s Secretary. The Nominating and Governance Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Product Development Committee. The Board has a Product Development Committee comprised of the Interested Director and one Independent Director. The current members of the Product Development Committee are Messrs. Reichman and Sablowsky. The Product Development Committee oversees the process regarding the addition of new investment advisers and investment products to the Company. The Product Development Committee convened six times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Regulatory Oversight Committee. The Board has a Regulatory Oversight Committee comprised of the Interested Director and four Independent Directors. The current members of the Regulatory Oversight Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Lambroza, Reichman, Sablowsky and Straniere. The Regulatory Oversight Committee monitors regulatory developments in the mutual fund industry and focuses on various regulatory aspects of the operation of the Company. The Regulatory Oversight Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Strategic Oversight Committee. The Board has a Strategic Oversight Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Strategic Oversight Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Chandler, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Strategic Oversight Committee assists the Board in its oversight and review of the Company’s strategic plan and operations. The Strategic Oversight Committee convened one time during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Valuation Committee. The Board has a Valuation Committee comprised of the Interested Director, one Independent Director and three officers of the Company. The members of the Valuation Committee are Messrs. Amweg, Faia, Lambroza, Sablowsky and Shaw. The Valuation Committee is responsible for reviewing fair value determinations. The Valuation Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Risk Oversight

 

The Board performs its risk oversight function for the Company through a combination of (1) direct oversight by the Board as a whole and Board committees and (2) indirect oversight through the Company’s investment advisers and other service providers, Company officers and the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer. The Company is subject to a number of risks, including but not limited to investment risk, compliance risk, operational risk, reputational risk, credit risk and counterparty risk. Day-to-day risk management with respect to the Company is the responsibility of the Company’s investment advisers or other service providers (depending on the nature of the risk) that carry out the Company’s investment management and business affairs. Each of the investment advisers and the other service providers have their own independent interest in risk management and their policies and methods of risk management will depend on their functions and business models and may differ from the Company’s and each other’s in the setting of priorities, the resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls.

 

27  

 

The Board provides risk oversight by receiving and reviewing on a regular basis reports from the Company’s investment advisers or other service providers, receiving and approving compliance policies and procedures, periodic meetings with the Company’s portfolio managers to review investment policies, strategies and risks, and meeting regularly with the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer to discuss compliance reports, findings and issues. The Board also relies on the Company’s investment advisers and other service providers, with respect to the day-to-day activities of the Company, to create and maintain procedures and controls to minimize risk and the likelihood of adverse effects on the Company’s business and reputation.

 

Board oversight of risk management is also provided by various Board Committees. For example, the Audit Committee meets with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firms to ensure that the Company’s respective audit scopes include risk-based considerations as to the Company’s financial position and operations.

 

The Board may, at any time and in its discretion, change the manner in which it conducts risk oversight. The Board’s oversight role does not make the Board a guarantor of the Company’s investments or activities.

 

Director Ownership of Shares of the Company

 

The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Director in the Fund and in all of the portfolios of the Company (which for each Director comprise all registered investment companies within the Company’s family of investment companies overseen by him), as of December 31, 2016:

 

Name of Director

Dollar Range of

Equity Securities in the

Fund

Aggregate Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in All
Registered Investment Companies
Overseen by Director within the
Family of Investment Companies
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
Julian A. Brodsky None Over $100,000
J. Richard Carnall None $10,001-$50,000
Gregory P. Chandler None $1-$10,000
Nicholas A. Giordano None $10,001-$50,000
Sam Lambroza None Over $100,000
Arnold M. Reichman None Over $100,000
Robert A. Straniere None $1-$10,000
INTERESTED DIRECTOR
Robert Sablowsky None Over $100,000

 

Directors’ and Officers’ Compensation

 

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company pays each Director a retainer at the rate of $100,000 annually, $10,000 for each regular meeting of the Board, $3,500 for each committee meeting attended in-person, and $2,000 for each committee meeting attended telephonically or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each receive an additional fee of $15,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Contract Committee receives an additional fee of $10,000 per year for his services, and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee and Chairman of the Investment Risk Committee each receive an additional fee of $7,500 per year for his services. The Vice Chairman of the Board receives an additional fee of $25,000 per year for his services in this capacity and the Chairman of the Board receives an additional fee of $50,000 per year for his services in this capacity.

 

28  

 

From January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017, the Company paid each Director a retainer at the rate of $100,000 annually, $5,000 for each regular meeting of the Board, $2,500 for each committee meeting attended in-person, and $2,000 for each committee meeting attended telephonically or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each received an additional fee of $15,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Contract Committee received an additional fee of $10,000 for his services and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee received an additional fee of $7,500 for his services. Effective June 1, 2017, the Chairman of the Investment Risk Committee received an additional fee of $7,500 for his services. The Vice Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $25,000 for his services in this capacity and the Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $50,000 for his services in this capacity.

 

From January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016, the Company paid each Director a retainer at the rate of $85,000 annually, $3,500 for each regular meeting of the Board, and $2,000 for each committee meeting or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each received an additional fee of $10,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Chairman of the Contract Committee each received an additional fee of $6,000 per year for his services. The Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $25,000 per year for his services in this capacity.

 

Directors are reimbursed for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board or any committee thereof. Employees of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serve as President, Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Treasurer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company, and such compensation is determined by the Board. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, Vigilant Compliance LLC received $10,958 from the Fund and $600,000 in aggregate from all series of the Company for its services. An employee of the Company serves as Treasurer and Secretary and is compensated for services provided. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, each of the following members of the Board and the Treasurer and Secretary received compensation from the Company in the following amounts:

 

Name of Director/Officer Aggregate
Compensation
from the Fund
Pension or
Retirement
Benefits Accrued

Estimated
Annual
Benefits

Upon
Retirement

Total
Compensation
From
Fund Complex
Paid to

Directors
or Officer

Independent Directors:        
Julian A. Brodsky, Director $1,304 N/A N/A $130,250
J. Richard Carnall, Director $1,242 N/A N/A $128,250
Gregory P. Chandler, Director $1,494 N/A N/A $151,000
Nicholas A. Giordano, Director $1,223 N/A N/A $132,875
Sam Lambroza, Director $1,352 N/A N/A $133,375
Arnold M. Reichman, Director and Chairman $1,673 N/A N/A $175,500
Robert A. Straniere, Director $1,368 N/A N/A $130,750
Interested Director:        
Robert Sablowsky, Director $1,663 N/A N/A $173,750
Officer:        
James G. Shaw, Treasurer and Secretary $115 N/A N/A $240,000

 

Each compensated Director is entitled to participate in the Company’s deferred compensation plan (the “DC Plan”). Under the DC Plan, a compensated Director may elect to defer all or a portion of his compensation and have the deferred compensation treated as if it had been invested by the Company in shares of one or more of the portfolios of the Company. The amount paid to the Directors under the DC Plan will be determined based upon the performance of such investments.

 

29  

 

As of December 31, 2016, the Independent Directors and their respective immediate family members (spouse or dependent children) did not own beneficially or of record any securities of the Company’s investment advisers or distributor, or of any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment advisers or distributor.

 

CODE OF ETHICS

 

The Company and the Manager have each adopted a code of ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act that permits personnel subject to the codes to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Company, subject to certain restrictions.

 

PROXY VOTING

 

The Board has delegated the responsibility of voting proxies with respect to the portfolio securities purchased and/or held by the Fund to the Fund’s Manager, subject to the Board’s continuing oversight. The Fund and the Manager have agreed that the Manager will abstain from voting any proxies received.

 

The Company is required to disclose annually the Fund’s complete proxy voting record on Form N-PX. The Fund’s proxy voting record for the most recent 12 month period ended June 30th is available upon request by calling 1-844-261-6488 or by writing to the Fund at: Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund, c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC PO Box 701, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701. The Fund’s Form N-PX is also available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

 

As of November 30, 2017, to the Company’s knowledge, the following named persons at the addresses shown below were owners of record of approximately 5% or more of the total outstanding shares of the Fund as indicated below. See “Additional Information Concerning Company Shares” below. Any shareholder that owns 25% or more of the outstanding shares of a portfolio or class may be presumed to “control” (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) the portfolio or class. Shareholders controlling a portfolio or class could have the ability to vote a majority of the shares of the portfolio or class on any matter requiring approval of the shareholders of the portfolio or class.

 

    Number of Shares Owned   Percentage of Shares Owned  
Shareholder Name and Address   as of November 30, 2017   as of November 30, 2017  

Keith Campbell TTEE

Keith Campbell Declaration of Trust

U/A DTD 12/20/2004

c/o Keith Campbell Family Office

2850 Quarry Lake Drive, Suite 302

Baltimore, Maryland 21209-0000

  1,013,405   100%  

 

As of November 30, 2017, Directors and Officers as a group owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.

 

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES

 

INVESTMENT MANAGER

 

Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC (“Campbell” or the “Manager”) is located at 2850 Quarry Lake Drive, Baltimore, MD 21209. The Manager was founded in 2005. The Manager is registered as an Investment Adviser with the SEC and as a Commodity Trading Adviser with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and is a member of the National Futures Association.

 

30  

 

The Manager is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Campbell & Company, LP (“Campbell & Company”). Campbell & Company LLC is the General Partner of Campbell & Company. Campbell & Company is controlled by KC Holding, Inc. and EC LLC, which is wholly-owned by the members of Campbell & Company’s Executive Committee. Campbell & Company and its predecessor organization, Campbell & Company, Inc., was formed in 1972 and have over forty years of experience in creating and managing alternative investment vehicles. Campbell & Company is registered with the CFTC as a CPO and a CTA. Campbell & Company is a member of the NFA in such capacities. The Manager has appointed Campbell & Company as the Fund’s Commodity Pool Operator. Campbell & Company’s officers are: G. William Andrews, Chief Executive Officer; Kevin Cole, Chief Research Officer; Gregory T. Donovan, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary; Michael S. Harris, President; Jeri R. Hawthorne, Director of Human Resources; Robert W. McBride, Chief Technology Officer; Heidi L. Kaiser, Deputy General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer; Thomas P. Lloyd, General Counsel, Secretary and Assistant Treasurer; Brian O. Nabet, Director of Technology; John R. Radle, Global Head of Trading; Darvin N. Sterner, Managing Director of Private Wealth Distribution; Joseph D. Kelly, Managing Director, Client Solutions Group; and Adam Tremper, Director of Marketing.

 

The Manager also serves as the investment adviser to the Subsidiary, Campbell Core Offshore Limited, a wholly-owned and controlled subsidiary of the Fund organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands as an exempted company, pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with the Subsidiary. The Manager does not receive additional compensation for its management of the Subsidiary.

 

Advisory Agreement with the Company. The Manager renders advisory services to the Fund pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement (“Advisory Agreement”).

 

Subject to the supervision of the Board, the Manager will provide for the overall management of the Fund including (i) the provision of a continuous investment program for the Fund, including investment research and management with respect to all securities, investments, cash and cash equivalents, (ii) the determination from time to time of the securities and other investments to be purchased, retained, or sold by the Fund, and (iii) the placement from time to time of orders for all purchases and sales of securities and other investments made for the Fund. The Manager will provide the services rendered by it in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective, restrictions and policies as stated in the Prospectus and in this SAI. The Manager will not be liable for any error of judgment, mistake of law, or for any loss suffered by the Fund in connection with the performance of the Advisory 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 Manager in the performance of its duties, or from reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Advisory Agreement.

 

For its services to the Fund, the Manager is entitled to an advisory fee computed daily and payable monthly at the annual rate of 1.05% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The Manager has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses through December 31, 2018 in order to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) to 1.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to its Institutional Shares. In determining the Manager’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to exceed 1.25%: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes.

 

For the fiscal period December 31, 2014 (commenced operations) through August 31, 2015, and the fiscal years ended August 31, 2016 and 2017, the Fund paid the Manager the following advisory fees and the Manager waived/reimbursed advisory fees as follows:

 

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    Advisory Fees Paid
(after waivers and
reimbursements)
    Waivers     Reimbursements  
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017   $ 0     $ 199,666     $ 0  
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016   $ 0     $ 100,465     $ 165,134  
For the fiscal period December 31, 2014* through August 31, 2015   $ 0     $ 71,074     $ 88,302  

  

* The Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2014.

 

The Manager will pay all expenses incurred by it in connection with its activities under the Advisory Agreement. The Fund bears all of its own expenses not specifically assumed by the Manager. General expenses of the Company not readily identifiable as belonging to a portfolio of the Company are allocated among all investment portfolios by or under the direction of the Board in such manner as it deems to be fair and equitable. Expenses borne by the Fund include, but are not limited to the following (or the Fund’s share of the following): (a) the cost (including brokerage commissions) of securities and other investments, including futures contracts, forward contracts, swaps, and options, purchased or sold by the Fund and any losses incurred in connection therewith; (b) fees payable to and expenses incurred on behalf of the Fund by the Manager; (c) filing fees and expenses relating to the registration and qualification of the Company and the Fund’s shares under federal and/or state securities laws and maintaining such registrations and qualifications; (d) fees and salaries payable to the Company’s Directors and officers; (e) taxes (including any income or franchise taxes) and governmental fees; (f) costs of any liability and other insurance or fidelity bonds; (g) any costs, expenses or losses arising out of a liability of or claim for damages or other relief asserted against the Company or the Fund for violation of any law; (h) legal, accounting and auditing expenses, including legal fees of special counsel for the independent Directors; (i) charges of custodians and other agents; (j) expenses of setting in type and printing prospectuses, statements of additional information and supplements thereto for existing shareholders, reports, statements, and confirmations to shareholders and proxy material that are not attributable to a class; (k) costs of mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information and supplements thereto to existing shareholders, as well as reports to shareholders and proxy materials that are not attributable to a class; (1) any extraordinary expenses; (m) fees, voluntary assessments and other expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; (n) costs of mailing and tabulating proxies and costs of shareholders’ and Directors’ meetings; (o) costs of independent pricing services to value the Fund’s securities; and (p) the costs of investment company literature and other publications provided by the Company to its Directors and officers. Distribution expenses, transfer agency expenses, expenses of preparation, printing and mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information, proxy statements and reports to shareholders, and organizational expenses and registration fees, identified as belonging to a particular class of the Company, are allocated to such class.

 

Disclosure relating to the material factors and the conclusions with respect to those factors that formed the basis for the Board’s approval of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement is available in the Fund’s annual report to shareholders dated August 31, 2017 and may be obtained by calling 1-844-261-6488 or visiting the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

The Advisory Agreement provides that the Manager shall at all times have all rights in and to the Fund’s name and all investment models used by or on behalf of the Fund. The Manager may use the Fund’s name or any portion thereof in connection with any other mutual fund or business activity without the consent of any shareholder, and the Company has agreed to execute and deliver any and all documents required to indicate its consent to such use.

 

THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

 

This section includes information about the Fund’s portfolio managers, including information about other accounts they manage, the dollar range of Fund shares they own and how they are compensated.

 

Campbell

 

Other Accounts. In addition to the Fund, the portfolio managers are responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as listed below. The information below is provided as of August 31, 2017.

 

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Name of Portfolio Manager
or Team Member
Type of Accounts Total
# of
Accounts
Managed
Total Assets # of Accounts
Managed that
Advisory Fee
Based on
Performance
Total Assets
that Advisory
Fee Based on
Performance
1. G. William Andrews Other Registered Investment Companies: 0 $ 0 0 $ 0
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles: 9 $ 1.3 billion 9 $ 1.3 billion
  Other Accounts: 11 $ 2.4 billion 11 $ 2.4 billion
2. Dr. Kevin Cole Other Registered Investment Companies: 0 $ 0 0 $ 0
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles: 9 $1.3 billion 9 $ 1.3 billion
  Other Accounts: 11 $ 2.4 billion 11 $ 2.4 billion

 

Compensation. Campbell compensates the Fund’s portfolio managers for their management of the Fund. As of the date of this SAI, the portfolio managers’ compensation consists of a cash base salary and a discretionary bonus that is based on the individual performance of the portfolio manager and overall profitability of Campbell, which is, in part, dependent on the performance of the Fund, and therefore in part based on the value of the Fund’s net assets and other client accounts they are managing.

 

Conflicts of Interests. The portfolio managers’ management of other accounts may give rise to potential conflicts of interest in connection with their management of the Fund’s 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, Campbell has established policies and procedures to ensure that the purchase and sale of securities and other investments among all accounts it manages are fairly and equitably allocated.

 

The Manager, its affiliates and their respective employees manage other investment funds that may pursue investment objectives similar to, or materially different from, those of the Fund. The Manager, its affiliates and their respective employees may also manage discretionary accounts in which the Fund will have no interest, some of which may have investment objectives similar to, or materially different from, those of the Fund. Conflicts of interest among the Fund and any such affiliated entities may include, but are not limited to, those described herein.

 

Principals of the Manager and its affiliates may trade futures, forward and options contracts for his or her own account. In addition, the Manager and its affiliates manage proprietary accounts for itself, its deferred compensation plan and for certain principals and employees. There are written procedures that govern proprietary trading by principals and employees. For instance, the Manager and its affiliates have implemented employee trading policies that prohibit employee trading in futures and options on futures unless consent is given to the employee in writing. Such consent will only be given on a case by case basis. All employees must preclear all trades in equities, equity options, equity indices or equity index options through a computer-based system. The proposed trades are compared to a restricted list that includes positions traded in material amounts. The daily feed received from its approved brokerage firms is compared against the preclearance lists to assure compliance. Trading records for all proprietary trading are available for review by clients and investors upon reasonable notice. A conflict of interest exists if proprietary trades are executed and cleared at more favorable rates than trades executed and cleared on behalf of the Fund. It is the Manager’s policy to objectively allocate trade executions that afford each account the same likelihood of receiving favorable or unfavorable executions over time.

 

Conflicts of interest may also arise from the fact that the Manager and its affiliates generally will be carrying on substantial investment activities for other clients, including other investment funds and discretionary accounts, in which the Fund will have no interest. The Manager may have financial incentives to favor certain of such accounts over the Fund. Any of their proprietary accounts and other customer accounts may use the same or different information and trading strategies as those which are utilized on behalf of the Fund, may compete with the Fund for specific trades, or may hold positions opposite to positions maintained on behalf of the Fund. The Manager may give advice and recommend securities to, or buy or sell securities for, the Fund, which advice or securities may differ from advice given to, or securities recommended or bought or sold for, other accounts and customers, even though their investment objectives may be the same as, or similar to, those of the Fund. The performance of the Fund may be adversely affected by the manner in which particular orders are entered for all accounts managed by and customers of the Manager.

 

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The Manager may determine that an investment opportunity is appropriate for a particular investment fund or discretionary account that it manages or for itself, but not for the Fund. Situations may arise in which private investment funds managed by the Manager or its affiliates have made investments that would have been suitable for investment by the Fund but, for various reasons, were not pursued by, or available to, the Fund. To the extent that entities affiliated with the Manager trade pursuant to portfolios other than that which is traded on behalf of the Fund, the Fund may not participate in certain investment opportunities pursued by such other portfolios. The Manager, its affiliates, their respective employees and other investment funds or discretionary accounts, other than the Fund, managed by the Manager or its affiliates may invest on terms more favorable than those available to the Fund and may act in ways adverse to the interest of the Fund. The Manager and its affiliates regard their analyses as proprietary and confidential, and the Manager will not disclose its analyses, opinions or purchase and sale activities on behalf of the Fund, except to Shareholders in the periodic reports distributed by the Fund.

 

The Manager and its affiliates are major participants in the global currency, equity, commodity, fixed income, derivative and other markets. As such, the Manager and its affiliates are actively engaged in transactions in the same securities and other instruments in which the Fund may invest. The Manager and its affiliates are not under any obligation to share any investment opportunity, idea or strategy with the Fund. As a result, the Manager and its affiliates may indirectly compete with the Fund for appropriate investment opportunities, or engage in trading activities, either for its proprietary account or on behalf of other clients, that is detrimental to the trading positions of the Fund. The proprietary activities or other portfolio strategies of the Manager or its affiliates, or the activities or strategies used for other accounts managed by the Manager or its affiliates, could conflict with the transactions and strategies employed on behalf of the Fund and may affect the prices and availability of the securities and instruments in which the Fund invests.

 

The Manager may invest the Fund’s cash reserve in investment funds managed or maintained by the Manager or its affiliates, to the extent permitted by applicable law. In such event, the Fund pays any expenses and fees associated with such investment, including any fees payable to the Manager or its affiliates. Accordingly, the Manager has a conflict of interest in evaluating any such investment.

 

Market quotations regarding certain investments by the Manager may not always be available. In such cases, valuations of such Fund investments may be made by the Manager in accordance with the Fund’s valuation procedures. The Manager will have a conflict of interest in making certain valuations, because any such valuation will affect the Fund’s net asset value and, consequently, the amount of Management Fee that the Manager receives for its services. However, any determination of the value of the Fund is ultimately the responsibility of the Board.

 

Other present and future activities of the Manager or its affiliates may give rise to additional conflicts of interest.

 

As of August 31, 2017, the Fund’s portfolio managers did not own any shares of the Fund.

 

ADMINISTRATION AND ACCOUNTING AGREEMENT

 

USBFS, located at 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202, serves as fund administrator to the Fund pursuant to a fund administration servicing agreement, and serves as fund accountant pursuant to a fund accounting servicing agreement (the “Administration Agreements”). Under the fund accounting servicing agreement, USBFS has agreed to furnish to the Fund statistical and research data, clerical, accounting and bookkeeping services, and certain other services required by the Fund. Under the fund administration servicing agreement, USBFS has agreed to provide fund administration services to the Company. These services include the preparation and coordination of the Company’s annual post-effective amendment filing and supplements to the Fund’s registration statement, the preparation and assembly of board meeting materials, and certain other services necessary to the Company’s fund administration. In addition, USBFS has agreed to prepare and file various reports with the appropriate regulatory agencies and prepare materials required by the SEC or any state securities commission having jurisdiction over the Fund.

 

34  

 

The Administration Agreements provide that USBFS shall be obligated to exercise reasonable care in the performance of its duties and that USFBS shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or any loss suffered by the Company in connection with its duties under the Administration Agreements, except a loss resulting from USBSF’s refusal or failure to comply with the terms of the applicable Administration Agreement or from its bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties thereunder.

USBFS receives a fee under the Administration Agreements based on the average daily net assets of the Company.

 

Effective October 1, 2016, USBFS replaced the Fund’s prior administrator as fund administrator and fund accountant to the Fund. The Fund paid USBFS and the Fund’s prior administrator certain administration, accounting and regulatory administration fees, including waivers and reimbursements, for the fiscal periods ended August 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 as follows:

 

For the Fiscal Year/Period*   Administration, Accounting and
Regulatory Administration Fees
Paid (after waivers)
  Waivers (if any)   Reimbursements (if any)  
August 31, 2017   $ 47,601   $ 0   $ 0  
August 31, 2016   $ 133,109   $ 1,247   $ 0  
August 31, 2015   $ 58,928   $ 38,078   $ 0  

 

 

* The Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2014.

 

CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT

 

U.S. Bank, N.A., 1555 North River Center Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212, (the “Custodian”) is custodian of the Fund’s and of the Subsidiary’s assets pursuant to a custodian agreement (the “Custodian Agreement”). Under the Custodian Agreement, the Custodian: (a) maintains a separate account or accounts in the name of the Fund; (b) holds and transfers portfolio investments on account of the Fund; (c) accepts receipts and makes disbursements of money on behalf of the Fund; (d) collects and receives all income and other payments and distributions on account of the Fund’s portfolio investments; and (e) makes periodic reports to the Board concerning the Fund’s operations. The Custodian is authorized to select one or more banks or trust companies to serve as sub-custodian on behalf of the Fund, provided that the Custodian remains responsible for the performance of all of its duties under the Custodian Agreement and holds the Fund harmless from the acts and omissions of any affiliate, sub-custodian or domestic sub-custodian. For its services to the Fund under the Custodian Agreement, the Custodian receives a fee based on the Fund’s average gross assets calculated daily and payable monthly. Transaction charges and out-of-pocket expenses are also charged to the Fund.

 

TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT

 

USBFS, 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, serves as the transfer and dividend disbursing agent for the Fund pursuant to a transfer agency and servicing agreement (the “Transfer Agency Agreement”), under which USBFS: (a) issues and redeems shares of the Fund; (b) addresses and mails all communications by the Fund to record owners of the shares, including reports to shareholders, dividend and distribution notices and proxy materials for its meetings of shareholders; (c) maintains shareholder accounts and, if requested, sub-accounts; and (d) makes periodic reports to the Board concerning the operations of the Fund. USBFS may, subject to the Board’s approval, assign its duties as transfer and dividend disbursing agent to any affiliate of USBFS. For its services to the Fund under the Transfer Agency Agreement, USBFS receives an annual fee based on the number of accounts in the Fund and the Fund’s average gross assets calculated daily and payable monthly. Transaction charges and out-of-pocket expenses are also charged to the Fund.

 

35  

 

USBFS also provides services relating to the implementation of the Company’s Anti-Money Laundering Program. In addition, USBFS provides services relating to the implementation of the Fund’s Customer Identification Program, including verification of required customer information and the maintenance of records with respect to such verification.

 

DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), whose principal business address is 777 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, serves as the underwriter to the Fund pursuant to the terms of a distribution agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”). The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). The Distributor is not affiliated with the Company or the Manager. The Distributor, U.S. Bank, N.A. and USBFS are affiliates.

 

Under the Distribution Agreement with the Company, the Distributor acts as the agent of the Company in connection with the continuous offering of shares of the Fund. The Distributor continually distributes shares of the Fund on a best efforts basis. The Distributor has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of Fund shares. The Distributor and its officers have no role in determining the investment policies or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Company.

 

The Distributor may enter into agreements with selected broker-dealers, banks or other financial intermediaries for distribution of shares of the Fund. With respect to certain financial intermediaries and related fund “supermarket” platform arrangements, the Fund and/or the Manager, rather than the Distributor, typically enter into such agreements. These financial intermediaries may charge a fee for their services and may receive shareholder service or other fees from parties other than the Distributor. These financial intermediaries may otherwise act as processing agents and are responsible for promptly transmitting purchase, redemption and other requests to the Fund.

 

Investors who purchase shares through financial intermediaries will be subject to the procedures of those intermediaries through which they purchase shares, which may include charges, investment minimums, cutoff times and other restrictions in addition to, or different from, those listed herein. Information concerning any charges or services will be provided to customers by the financial intermediary through which they purchase shares. Investors purchasing shares of the Fund through financial intermediaries should acquaint themselves with their financial intermediary’s procedures and should read the Prospectus in conjunction with any materials and information provided by their financial intermediary. The financial intermediary, and not its customers, will be the shareholder of record, although customers may have the right to vote shares depending upon their arrangement with the financial intermediary. The Distributor does not receive compensation from the Fund for its distribution services. Campbell & Company pays the Distributor a fee for certain distribution-related services.

 

The Distribution Agreement has an initial term of up to two years and will continue in effect only if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by vote of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities in accordance with the 1940 Act. The Distribution Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Company on behalf of the Fund on no less than 60 days’ written notice when authorized either by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the members of the Board who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Company and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Distribution Agreement, or by the Distributor, and will automatically terminate in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act). The Distribution Agreement provides that the Distributor shall not be liable for any loss suffered by the Company in connection with the performance of the Distributor’s obligations and duties under the Distribution Agreement, except a loss resulting from the Distributor’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of such duties and obligations, or by reason of its reckless disregard thereof.

 

Institutional Shares . Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, Quasar Distributors, LLC acts as the agent of the Company in connection with the continuous offering of the Fund’s shares. Quasar Distributors, LLC continually distributes shares of the Fund on a best efforts basis. Quasar Distributors, LLC has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of Fund shares. Quasar Distributors, LLC and its officers have no role in determining the investment policies or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Company. Quasar Distributors, LLC does not receive compensation from the Company for the distribution of the Fund’s Institutional Shares; however, Campbell & Company pays an annual fee to Quasar Distributors, LLC as compensation for underwriting services rendered to the Fund pursuant to the Distribution Agreement.

 

36  

 

PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES

 

The Manager and/or its affiliates, at their discretion, may make payments from their own resources and not from Fund assets to affiliated or unaffiliated brokers, dealers, banks (including bank trust departments), trust companies, registered investment advisers, financial planners, retirement plan administrators, insurance companies, and any other institution having a service, administration, or any similar arrangement with the Fund, its service providers or their respective affiliates, as incentives to help market and promote the Fund and/or in recognition of their distribution, marketing, administrative services, and/or processing support.

 

These additional payments may be made to financial intermediaries that sell Fund shares or provide services to the Fund, the Distributor or shareholders of the Fund through the financial intermediary’s retail distribution channel and/or fund supermarkets. Payments may also be made through the financial intermediary’s retirement, qualified tuition, fee-based advisory, wrap fee bank trust, or insurance (e.g., individual or group annuity) programs. These payments may include, but are not limited to, placing the Fund in a financial intermediary’s retail distribution channel or on a preferred or recommended fund list; providing business or shareholder financial planning assistance; educating financial intermediary personnel about the Fund; providing access to sales and management representatives of the financial intermediary; promoting sales of Fund shares; providing marketing and educational support; maintaining share balances and/or for sub-accounting, administrative or shareholder transaction processing services. A financial intermediary may perform the services itself or may arrange with a third party to perform the services.

 

The Manager and/or its affiliates may also make payments from their own resources to financial intermediaries for costs associated with the purchase of products or services used in connection with sales and marketing, participation in and/or presentation at conferences or seminars, sales or training programs, client and investor entertainment and other sponsored events. The costs and expenses associated with these efforts may include travel, lodging, sponsorship at educational seminars and conferences, entertainment and meals to the extent permitted by law.

 

Revenue sharing payments may be negotiated based on a variety of factors, including the level of sales, the amount of Fund assets attributable to investments in the Fund by financial intermediaries’ customers, a flat fee or other measures as determined from time to time by the Manager and/or its affiliates. A significant purpose of these payments is to increase the sales of Fund shares, which in turn may benefit the Manager through increased fees as Fund assets grow.

 

FUND TRANSACTIONS

 

Subject to policies established by the Board and applicable rules, the Manager is responsible for the execution of portfolio transactions and the allocation of brokerage transactions for the Fund. In executing portfolio transactions, the Manager seeks to obtain the best price and most favorable execution for the Fund, taking into account such factors as the price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of the order, difficulty of execution and operational facilities of the firm involved. While the Manager generally seeks reasonably competitive commission rates, payment of the lowest commission or spread is not necessarily consistent with obtaining the best price and execution in particular transactions.

 

Brokerage Transactions

 

Generally, equity securities, both listed and over-the-counter, 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 dealer’s mark-up or reflect a dealer’s mark-down. Money market securities and other debt securities are usually bought and sold directly from the issuer or an underwriter or market maker for the securities. Generally, the Fund will not pay brokerage commissions for such purchases. When a debt security is bought from an underwriter, the purchase price will usually include an underwriting commission or concession. The purchase price for securities bought from dealers serving as market makers will similarly include the dealer’s mark up or reflect a dealer’s 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.

 

37  

 

In addition, the Manager may place a combined order for two or more accounts they manage, including the Fund, engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security if, in its judgment, joint execution is in the best interest of each participant and will result in best price and execution. Transactions involving commingled orders are allocated in a manner deemed equitable to each account or fund. Although it is recognized that, in some cases, the joint execution of orders could adversely affect the price or volume of the security that a particular account or the Fund may obtain, it is the opinion of the Manager and the Board that the advantages of combined orders outweigh the possible disadvantages of separate transactions. Nonetheless, the Manager believes that the ability of the Fund to participate in higher volume transactions will generally be beneficial to the Fund.

 

For the fiscal period December 31, 2014 (commenced operations) through August 31, 2015 and the fiscal years ended August 31, 2016 and 2017, the Fund paid $0, $0, and $0, respectively, in commissions to brokers on account of research services.

 

For the fiscal period December 31, 2014 (commenced operations) through August 31, 2015 and the fiscal years ended August 31, 2016 and 2017, the Fund paid $0, $0, and $0, respectively, in aggregated brokerage commissions.

 

The Fund is required to identify any securities of the Company’s regular broker-dealers (as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act) or their parents held by the Fund as of the end of the most recent fiscal year. As of August 31, 2017, there were no securities held by the Fund of its regular broker-dealers.

 

Brokerage Selection

 

The Company does not expect to use one particular broker or dealer, and when one or more brokers is believed capable of providing the best combination of price and execution, the Fund’s Manager may select a broker based upon brokerage or research services provided to the Manager. The Manager may pay a higher commission than otherwise obtainable from other brokers in return for such services only if a good faith determination is made that the commission is reasonable in relation to the services provided.

 

Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Act permits an investment adviser, under certain circumstances, to cause a 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 Manager 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, portfolio 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 Manager believes that access to independent investment research is beneficial to their investment decision-making processes and, therefore, to the Fund.

 

To the extent 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 Manager 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 Manager 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 Manager will be in addition to and not in lieu of the services required to be performed by the Manager under the Advisory Agreement. Any advisory or other fees paid to the Manager are not reduced as a result of the receipt of research services.

 

38  

 

In some cases the Manager may receive a service from a broker that has both a “research” and a “non-research” use. When this occurs, the Manager 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 Manager 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 Manager faces a potential conflict of interest, but the Manager 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.

 

From time to time, the Fund may purchase new issues of securities for clients 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 Manager with research services. FINRA 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).

 

PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION

 

Read the Fund’s Prospectus for information regarding the purchase and redemption of Fund shares. The following information supplements information in the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

You may purchase shares through an account maintained by your brokerage firm, financial institutions and industry professionals and you may also purchase shares directly by mail or wire. The Company reserves the right, if conditions exist which make cash payments undesirable, to honor any request for redemption or repurchase of the Fund’s shares by making payment in whole or in part in securities chosen by the Company and valued in the same way as they would be valued for purposes of computing the Fund’s NAV. If payment is made in securities, a shareholder may incur transaction costs in converting these securities into cash. A shareholder will also bear any market risk or tax consequences as a result of a payment in securities. The Company has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act so that the Fund is obligated to redeem its shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its NAV during any 90-day period for any one shareholder of the Fund. A shareholder will bear the risk of a decline in market value and any tax consequences associated with a redemption in securities.

 

Under the 1940 Act, the Company may suspend the right to redemption or postpone the date of payment upon redemption for any period during which the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the “NYSE”) is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings), or during which the SEC restricts trading on the NYSE or determines an emergency exists as a result of which disposal or valuation of portfolio securities is not reasonably practicable, or for such other periods as the SEC may permit. (The Company may also suspend or postpone the recordation of the transfer of its shares upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions).

 

Shares of the Company are subject to redemption by the Company, at the redemption price of such shares as in effect from time to time, including, without limitation: (1) to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of the failure of a shareholder to make full payment for shares purchased by the shareholder or to collect any charge relating to a transaction effected for the benefit of a shareholder as provided in the Prospectus from time to time; (2) if such redemption is, in the opinion of the Board, desirable in order to prevent the Company or the Fund from being deemed a “personal holding company” within the meaning of the Code; (3) or if the net income with respect to any particular class of common stock should be negative or it should otherwise be appropriate to carry out the Company’s responsibilities under the 1940 Act.

 

The Fund has the right to redeem your shares at current NAV at any time and without prior notice if, and to the extent that, such redemption is necessary to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of your failure to make full payment for shares of the Fund you previously purchased or subscribed for.

 

Other Purchase Information

 

If shares of the Fund are held in a “street name” account with an authorized dealer, all recordkeeping, transaction processing and payments of distributions relating to the beneficial owner’s account will be performed by the authorized dealer, and not by the Fund and its Transfer Agent. Since the Fund will have no record of the beneficial owner’s transactions, a beneficial owner should contact the authorized dealer to purchase, redeem or exchange shares, to make changes in or give instructions concerning the account or to obtain information about the account. The transfer of shares in a “street name” account to an account with another dealer or to an account directly with the Fund involves special procedures and will require the beneficial owner to obtain historical purchase information about the shares in the account from the authorized dealer.

 

39  

 

TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PROCEDURES

 

The Company’s telephone transaction procedures include the following measures: (1) requiring the appropriate telephone transaction privilege forms; (2) requiring the caller to provide the names of the account owners, the account social security number and name of the Fund, all of which must match the Company’s records; (3) requiring the Company’s service representative to complete a telephone transaction form, listing all of the above caller identification information; (4) permitting exchanges (if applicable) only if the two account registrations are identical; (5) requiring that redemption proceeds be sent only by check to the account owners of record at the address of record, or by electronic funds transfer through the ACH network or wire only to the owners of record at the bank account of record; (6) sending a written confirmation for each telephone transaction to the owners of record at the address of record within five (5) business days of the call; and (7) recording and maintaining a record of all telephone transactions. For accounts held of record by broker-dealers (other than the Distributor), financial institutions, securities dealers, financial planners and other industry professionals, additional documentation or information regarding the scope of a caller’s authority is required. Finally, for telephone transactions in accounts held jointly, additional information regarding other account holders is required.

 

VALUATION OF SHARES

 

In accordance with procedures adopted by the Board, the net asset value (“NAV”) per share of the Fund is calculated by determining the value of the net assets attributed to the Fund and dividing by the number of outstanding shares of the Fund. All securities are valued on each Business Day as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally, but not always, 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) or such other time as the New York Stock Exchange or National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations System (“NASDAQ”) market may officially close. The term “Business Day” means any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading, which is Monday through Friday except for holidays. The New York Stock Exchange is generally closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day (observed), Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday (observed), Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas.

 

The time at which transactions and shares are priced and the time by which orders must be received may be changed in case of an emergency or if regular trading on the NYSE is stopped at a time other than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The Company reserves the right to reprocess purchase, redemption and exchange transactions that were initially processed at a NAV other than the Fund’s official closing NAV (as the same may be subsequently adjusted), and to recover amounts from (or distribute amounts to) shareholders based on the official closing NAV. The Company reserves the right to advance the time by which purchase and redemption orders must be received for same business day credit as otherwise permitted by the SEC. In addition, the Fund may compute its NAV as of any time permitted pursuant to any exemption, order or statement of the SEC or its staff.

 

The securities of the Fund are valued under the direction of the Administrator and under the general supervision of the Board. Prices are generally determined using readily available market prices. Subject to the approval of the Board, the Fund may employ outside organizations, which may use a matrix or formula method that takes into consideration market indices, matrices, yield curves and other specific adjustments in determining the approximate market value of portfolio investments. This may result in the investments being valued at a price that differs from the price that would have been determined had the matrix or formula method not been used. All cash, receivables, and current payables are carried on the Fund’s books at their face value. Other assets, if any, are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Fund’s Valuation Committee under the direction of the Board.

 

The procedures used by any pricing service and its valuation results are reviewed by the officers of the Company under the general supervision of the Board.

 

40  

 

The Fund may hold portfolio securities that are listed on foreign exchanges. These securities may trade on weekends or other days when the Fund does not calculate NAV. As a result, the value of these investments may change on days when you cannot purchase or sell Fund shares.

 

TAXES

 

General

 

The following summarizes certain additional tax considerations generally affecting the Fund and its shareholders that are not described in the Prospectus. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of the tax treatment of the Fund or its shareholders, and the discussions here and in the Prospectus are not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. Potential investors should consult their tax advisers with specific reference to their own tax situations.

 

The discussions of the federal tax consequences in the Prospectus and this SAI are based on the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) and the regulations issued under it, and court decisions and administrative interpretations, as in effect on the date of this SAI. Future legislative or administrative changes or court decisions may significantly alter the statements included herein, and such changes or decisions may be retroactive.

 

The Fund qualified during its last taxable year and intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of Subtitle A, Chapter 1, of the Code. As such, the Fund generally will be exempt from federal income tax on its net investment income and realized capital gains that it distributes to shareholders. To qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company, it must meet three important tests each year.

 

First, the Fund must derive with respect to each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, certain payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities or foreign currencies, other income derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing in stock, securities or currencies, or net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships.

 

Second, generally, at the close of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year, at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s assets must consist of cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and securities of other issuers as to which the Fund has not invested more than 5% of the value of its total assets in securities of the issuer and as to which the Fund does not hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer, and no more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in the securities of (1) any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies), (2) two or more issuers that the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or (3) one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.

 

Third, the Fund must distribute an amount equal to at least the sum of 90% of its investment company taxable income (net investment income and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss) before taking into account any deduction for dividends paid, and 90% of its tax-exempt income, if any, for the year.

 

The Fund intends to comply with these requirements. If the Fund were to fail to make sufficient distributions, it could be liable for corporate income tax and for excise tax in respect of the shortfall or, if the shortfall is large enough, the Fund could be disqualified as a regulated investment company. If for any taxable year the Fund were not to qualify as a regulated investment company, all its taxable income would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders. In that event, shareholders would recognize dividend income on distributions to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, and corporate shareholders could be eligible for the dividends-received deduction.

 

The Code imposes a nondeductible 4% excise tax on regulated investment companies that fail to distribute each year an amount equal to specified percentages of their ordinary taxable income and capital gain net income (excess of capital gains over capital losses). The Fund intends to make sufficient distributions or deemed distributions each year to avoid liability for this excise tax.

 

State and Local Taxes

 

Although the Fund expects to qualify as a “regulated investment company” and to be relieved of all or substantially all federal income taxes, depending upon the extent of its activities in states and localities in which its offices are maintained, in which its agents or independent contractors are located or in which it is otherwise deemed to be conducting business, the Fund may be subject to the tax laws of such states or localities.

 

41  

 

Taxation of Certain Investments

 

The tax principles applicable to transactions in financial instruments, such as futures contracts and options, that may be engaged in by the Fund, and investments in passive foreign investment companies (“PFICs”), are complex and, in some cases, uncertain. Such transactions and investments may cause the Fund to recognize taxable income prior to the receipt of cash, thereby requiring the Fund to liquidate other positions, or to borrow money, so as to make sufficient distributions to shareholders to avoid corporate-level tax. Moreover, some or all of the taxable income recognized may be ordinary income or short-term capital gain, so that the distributions may be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.

 

In addition, in the case of any shares of a PFIC in which the Fund invests, the Fund may be liable for corporate-level tax on any ultimate gain or distributions on the shares if the Fund fails to make an election to recognize income annually during the period of its ownership of the shares.

 

Any annual net profit of the Subsidiary will be recognized as ordinary income by the Fund, but any annual net loss of the Subsidiary will not be recognized and will not carry forward.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING COMPANY SHARES

 

The Company has authorized capital of 100 billion shares of common stock at a par value of $0.001 per share. Currently, 84.923 billion shares have been classified into 176 classes, however, the Company only has 43 active share classes that have begun investment operations. Under the Company’s charter, the Board has the power to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of common stock from time to time.

 

Each share that represents an interest in the Fund has an equal proportionate interest in the assets belonging to the Fund with each other share that represents an interest in the Fund, even where a share has a different class designation than another share representing an interest in the Fund. Shares of the Company do not have preemptive or conversion rights. When issued for payment as described in the Prospectus, shares of the Company will be fully paid and non-assessable.

 

The Company does not currently intend to hold annual meetings of shareholders except as required by the 1940 Act or other applicable law. The Company’s amended By-Laws provide that shareholders owning at least ten percent of the outstanding shares of all classes of common stock of the Company have the right to call for a meeting of shareholders to consider the removal of one or more directors. To the extent required by law, the Company will assist in shareholder communication in such matters.

 

Holders of shares of each class of the Company will vote in the aggregate and not by class on all matters, except where otherwise required by law. Further, shareholders of the Company will vote in the aggregate and not by portfolio except as otherwise required by law or when the Board determines that the matter to be voted upon affects only the interests of the shareholders of a particular portfolio or class of shares. Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides that any matter required to be submitted by the provisions of such Act or applicable state law, or otherwise, to the holders of the outstanding voting securities of an investment company such as the Company shall not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each portfolio affected by the matter. Rule 18f-2 further provides that a portfolio shall be deemed to be affected by a matter unless it is clear that the interests of each portfolio in the matter are identical or that the matter does not affect any interest of the portfolio. Under Rule 18f-2 the approval of an investment advisory agreement or distribution agreement or any change in a fundamental investment objective or fundamental investment policy would be effectively acted upon with respect to a portfolio only if approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such portfolio. However, the Rule also provides that the ratification of the selection of independent public accountants and the election of directors are not subject to the separate voting requirements and may be effectively acted upon by shareholders of an investment company voting without regard to a portfolio. Shareholders of the Company are entitled to one vote for each full share held (irrespective of class or portfolio) and fractional votes for fractional shares held. Voting rights are not cumulative and, accordingly, the holders of more than 50% of the aggregate shares of common stock of the Company may elect all of the Directors.

 

42  

 

Notwithstanding any provision of Maryland law requiring a greater vote of shares of the Company’s common stock (or of any class voting as a class) in connection with any corporate action, unless otherwise provided by law (for example by Rule 18f-2 discussed above), or by the Company’s Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, the Company may take or authorize such action upon the favorable vote of the holders of more than 50% of all of the outstanding shares of Common Stock voting without regard to class (or portfolio).

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Counsel

 

The law firm of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, One Logan Square, Suite 2000, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-6996, serves as independent counsel to the Company and the Independent Directors.

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Ernst & Young LLP, One Commerce Square, 2005 Market Street, Suite 700, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, serves as the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, and in that capacity audits the Fund’s financial statements.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The audited financial statements and notes thereto in the Fund’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017 (the “Annual Report”) are incorporated by reference into this SAI. No other parts of the Annual Report are incorporated by reference herein. The financial statements included in the Annual Report have been audited by the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, whose report thereon also appears in the Annual Report and is incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements have been incorporated herein in reliance upon such report given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing. Copies of the Annual Report may be obtained at no charge by telephoning the Fund at the telephone number appearing on the front page of this SAI.

  

43  

 

APPENDIX A

 

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS

 

Short-Term Credit Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings short-term issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation having an original maturity of no more than 365 days. The following summarizes the rating categories used by S&P Global Ratings for short-term issues:

 

“A-1” – A short-term obligation rated “A-1” is rated in the highest category by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

 

“A-2” – A short-term obligation rated “A-2” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is satisfactory.

 

“A-3” – A short-term obligation rated “A-3” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken an obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“B” – A short-term obligation rated “B” is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.

 

“C” – A short-term obligation rated “C” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“D” – A short-term obligation rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

 

Local Currency and Foreign Currency Ratings – S&P Global Ratings’ issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. An issuer’s foreign currency rating will differ from its local currency rating when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.

 

Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) short-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect both on the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default.

 

Moody’s employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

 

“P-1” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

“P-2” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

A- 1  

 

“P-3” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.

 

“NP” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issuer.

 

Fitch, Inc. / Fitch Ratings Ltd. (“Fitch”) short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as “short-term” based on market convention. Typically, this means up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign, and structured obligations and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets. The following summarizes the rating categories used by Fitch for short-term obligations:

 

“F1” – Securities possess the highest short-term credit quality. This designation indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

 

“F2” – Securities possess good short-term credit quality. This designation indicates good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.

 

“F3” – Securities possess fair short-term credit quality. This designation indicates that the intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.

 

“B” – Securities possess speculative short-term credit quality. This designation indicates minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

 

“C” – Securities possess high short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility.

 

“RD” – Restricted default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only.

 

“D” – Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) – The “F1” rating may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show the relative status within that major rating category.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issue of a rated issuer.

 

The DBRS® Ratings Limited (“DBRS”) short-term debt rating scale provides an opinion on the risk that an issuer will not meet its short-term financial obligations in a timely manner. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer and the relative ranking of claims. The R-1 and R-2 rating categories are further denoted by the sub-categories “(high)”, “(middle)”, and “(low)”.

 

The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for commercial paper and short-term debt:

 

“R-1 (high)” - Short-term debt rated “R-1 (high)” is of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is exceptionally high. Unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.

 

“R-1 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (middle)” is of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is very high. Differs from “R-1 (high)” by a relatively modest degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.

 

A- 2  

 

“R-1 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (low)” is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is substantial. Overall strength is not as favorable as higher rating categories. May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.

 

“R-2 (high)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (high)” is considered to be at the upper end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.

 

“R-2 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (middle)” is considered to be of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events or may be exposed to other factors that could reduce credit quality.

 

“R-2 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (low)” is considered to be at the lower end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events. A number of challenges are present that could affect the issuer’s ability to meet such obligations.

 

“R-3” – Short-term debt rated “R-3” is considered to be at the lowest end of adequate credit quality. There is a capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due. May be vulnerable to future events and the certainty of meeting such obligations could be impacted by a variety of developments.

 

“R-4” – Short-term debt rated “R-4” is considered to be of speculative credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is uncertain.

 

“R-5” – Short-term debt rated “R-5” is considered to be of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet short-term financial obligations as they fall due.

 

“D” – Short-term debt rated “D” is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to “D” may occur. DBRS may also use “SD” (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a “distressed exchange”.

 

Long-Term Credit Ratings

 

The following summarizes the ratings used by S&P Global Ratings for long-term issues:

 

“AAA” – An obligation rated “AAA” has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is extremely strong.

 

“AA” – An obligation rated “AA” differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is very strong.

 

“A” – An obligation rated “A” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is still strong.

 

“BBB” – An obligation rated “BBB” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC” and “C” – Obligations rated “BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC” and “C” are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. “BB” indicates the least degree of speculation and “C” the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposure to adverse conditions.

 

A- 3  

 

“BB” – An obligation rated “BB” is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“B” – An obligation rated “B” is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated “BB”, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“CCC” – An obligation rated “CCC” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“CC” – An obligation rated “CC” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The “CC” rating is used when a default has not yet occurred, but S&P Global Ratings expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.

 

“C” – An obligation rated “C” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared with obligations that are rated higher.

 

“D” – An obligation rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) – The ratings from “AA” to “CCC” may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

 

“NR” – This indicates that no rating has been requested, or that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P Global Ratings does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.

 

Local Currency and Foreign Currency Risks - S&P Global Ratings’ issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. An issuer’s foreign currency rating will differ from its local currency rating when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.

 

Moody’s long-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of one year or more. Such ratings reflect both on the likelihood of default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for long-term debt:

 

“Aaa” – Obligations rated “Aaa” are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk.

 

“Aa” – Obligations rated “Aa” are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.

 

“A” – Obligations rated “A” are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.

 

“Baa” – Obligations rated “Baa” are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.

 

“Ba” – Obligations rated “Ba” are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.

 

A- 4  

 

“B” – Obligations rated “B” are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.

 

“Caa” – Obligations rated “Caa” are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.

 

“Ca” – Obligations rated “Ca” are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.

 

“C” – Obligations rated “C” are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.

 

Note: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from “Aa” through “Caa.” The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to unrated obligations.

 

The following summarizes long-term ratings used by Fitch :

 

“AAA” – Securities considered to be of the highest credit quality. “AAA” ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

 

“AA” – Securities considered to be of very high credit quality. “AA” ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

 

“A” – Securities considered to be of high credit quality. “A” ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

 

“BBB” – Securities considered to be of good credit quality. “BBB” ratings indicate that expectations of credit risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.

 

“BB” – Securities considered to be speculative. “BB” ratings indicate that there is an elevated vulnerability to credit risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met.

 

“B” – Securities considered to be highly speculative. “B” ratings indicate that material credit risk is present.

 

“CCC” – A “CCC” rating indicates that substantial credit risk is present.

 

“CC” – A “CC” rating indicates very high levels of credit risk.

 

“C” – A “C” rating indicates exceptionally high levels of credit risk.

 

Defaulted obligations typically are not assigned “RD” or “D” ratings but are instead rated in the “B” to “C” rating categories, depending on their recovery prospects and other relevant characteristics. Fitch believes that this approach better aligns obligations that have comparable overall expected loss but varying vulnerability to default and loss.

 

A- 5  

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the “AAA” obligation rating category, or to corporate finance obligation ratings in the categories below “CCC”.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issue of a rated issuer.

 

The DBRS long-term rating scale provides an opinion on the risk of default. That is, the risk that an issuer will fail to satisfy its financial obligations in accordance with the terms under which an obligation has been issued. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer, and the relative ranking of claims. All rating categories other than AAA and D also contain subcategories “(high)” and “(low)”. The absence of either a “(high)” or “(low)” designation indicates the rating is in the middle of the category. The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for long-term debt:

 

“AAA” – Long-term debt rated “AAA” is of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is exceptionally high and unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.

 

“AA” – Long-term debt rated “AA” is of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered high. Credit quality differs from “AAA” only to a small degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.

 

“A” – Long-term debt rated “A” is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is substantial, but of lesser credit quality than “AA.” May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.

 

“BBB” – Long-term debt rated “BBB” is of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.

 

“BB” – Long-term debt rated “BB” is of speculative, non-investment grade credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is uncertain. Vulnerable to future events.

 

“B” – Long-term debt rated “B” is of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet financial obligations.

 

“CCC”, “CC” and “C” – Long-term debt rated in any of these categories is of very highly speculative credit quality. In danger of defaulting on financial obligations. There is little difference between these three categories, although “CC” and “C” ratings are normally applied to obligations that are seen as highly likely to default, or subordinated to obligations rated in the “CCC” to “B” range. Obligations in respect of which default has not technically taken place but is considered inevitable may be rated in the “C” category.

 

“D” – A security rated “D” is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to “D” may occur. DBRS may also use “SD” (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a “distressed exchange”.

 

Municipal Note Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings U.S. municipal note rating reflects S&P Global Ratings’ opinion about the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to the notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes with an original maturity of more than three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. In determining which type of rating, if any, to assign, S&P Global Ratings’ analysis will review the following considerations:

 

Amortization schedule - the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and

 

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Source of payment - the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.

 

Municipal Short-Term Note rating symbols are as follows:

 

“SP-1” – A municipal note rated “SP-1” exhibits a strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.

 

“SP-2” – A municipal note rated “SP-2” exhibits a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.

 

“SP-3” – A municipal note rated “SP-3” exhibits a speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

 

Moody’s uses the Municipal Investment Grade (“MIG”) scale to rate U.S. municipal bond anticipation notes of up to three years maturity. Municipal notes rated on the MIG scale may be secured by either pledged revenues or proceeds of a take-out financing received prior to note maturity. MIG ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation, and the issuer’s long-term rating is only one consideration in assigning the MIG rating. MIG ratings are divided into three levels – “MIG-1” through “MIG-3” while speculative grade short-term obligations are designated “SG”. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for short-term municipal obligations:

 

“MIG-1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

 

“MIG-2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.

 

“MIG-3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.

 

“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated obligation.

 

In the case of variable rate demand obligations (“VRDOs”), a two-component rating is assigned: a long or short-term debt rating and a demand obligation rating. The first element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with scheduled principal and interest payments. The second element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with the ability to receive purchase price upon demand (“demand feature”). The second element uses a rating from a variation of the MIG scale called the Variable Municipal Investment Grade or “VMIG” scale. The rating transitions on the VMIG scale differ from those on the Prime scale to reflect the risk that external liquidity support generally will terminate if the issuer’s long-term rating drops below investment grade.

 

“VMIG-1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“VMIG-2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“VMIG-3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

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“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated obligation.

 

About Credit Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion reflects S&P Global Ratings’ view of the obligor’s capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and this opinion may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.

 

Moody’s credit ratings must be construed solely as statements of opinion and not statements of fact or recommendations to purchase, sell or hold any securities.

 

Fitch’s credit ratings provide an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of principal, insurance claims or counterparty obligations. Fitch credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving the money owed to them in accordance with the terms on which they invested. Fitch’s credit ratings cover the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign financial, bank, insurance, and public finance entities (including supranational and sub-national entities) and the securities or other obligations they issue, as well as structured finance securities backed by receivables or other financial assets.

 

Credit ratings provided by DBRS are forward-looking opinions about credit risk which reflect the creditworthiness of an issuer, rated entity, and/or security. Credit ratings are not statements of fact. While historical statistics and performance can be important considerations, credit ratings are not based solely on such; they include subjective considerations and involve expectations for future performance that cannot be guaranteed. To the extent that future events and economic conditions do not match expectations, credit ratings assigned to issuers and/or securities can change. Credit ratings are also based on approved and applicable methodologies, models and criteria (“Methodologies”), which are periodically updated and when material changes are deemed necessary, this may also lead to rating changes.

 

Credit ratings typically provide an opinion on the risk that investors may not be repaid in accordance with the terms under which the obligation was issued. In some cases, credit ratings may also include consideration for the relative ranking of claims and recovery, should default occur. Credit ratings are meant to provide opinions on relative measures of risk and are not based on expectations of any specific default probability, nor are they meant to predict such.

 

The data and information on which DBRS bases its opinions is not audited or verified by DBRS, although DBRS conducts a reasonableness review of information received and relied upon in accordance with its Methodologies and policies.

 

DBRS uses rating symbols as a concise method of expressing its opinion to the market, but there are a limited number of rating categories for the possible slight risk differentials that exist across the rating spectrum and DBRS does not assert that credit ratings in the same category are of “exactly” the same quality.

 

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STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

CAMPBELL MANAGED FUTURES 10V FUND

 

a series of THE RBB FUND, INC.

 

Class UI [TICKER]

Class I [TICKER]

Class N [TICKER]

Class T [TICKER]

 

December 31, 2017

 

Investment Manager:

CAMPBELL & COMPANY INVESTMENT ADVISER LLC

 

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) provides supplementary information pertaining to shares of four classes, Class UI Shares, Class I Shares, Class N Shares and Class T Shares (the “Shares”), representing interests in the Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund (the “Fund”) of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”). This SAI is not a prospectus and should be read only in conjunction with the Fund’s Prospectus dated December 31, 2017 (the “Prospectus”). Copies of the Prospectus may be obtained free of charge by calling toll-free 1-844-261-6488.

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

GENERAL INFORMATION 1
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE 1
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS 1
NON-PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS 16
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS 19
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS 21
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER 22
MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY 22
CODE OF ETHICS 31
PROXY VOTING 31
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES 31
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES 32
INVESTMENT MANAGER 32
THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS 33
ADMINISTRATION AND ACCOUNTING AGREEMENT 35
CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT 36
TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT 36
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT 37
PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES 38
FUND TRANSACTIONS 39
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION 40
TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PROCEDURES 42
VALUATION OF SHARES 42
TAXES 43
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING COMPANY SHARES 44
MISCELLANEOUS 45
APPENDIX A – DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS A-1

 

i  

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

The Company is an open-end management investment company currently operating twenty-nine separate portfolios. The Company is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”) and was organized as a Maryland corporation on February 29, 1988. This SAI pertains to the Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund (the “Fund”) a non-diversified portfolio. Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC (“Campbell” or the “Manager”) serves as the investment manager to the Fund.

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

 

The following supplements the information contained in the Prospectus concerning the investment objective and policies of the Fund.

 

The Fund seeks capital appreciation over the medium to long-term. The investment objective of the Fund is not a fundamental policy of the Fund and may be changed by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) without a vote of the Shareholders. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The Fund may not necessarily invest in all of the instruments or use all of the investment techniques permitted by the Fund’s Prospectus and this SAI, or invest in such instruments or engage in such techniques to the full extent permitted by the Fund’s investment policies and limitations.

 

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS

 

Portfolio Turnover Rate. Portfolio turnover rate is defined under U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) rules as the greater of the value of the securities purchased or securities sold, excluding all securities whose maturities at the time of acquisition were one-year or less, divided by the average monthly value of such securities owned during the year. Based on this definition, instruments with remaining maturities of less than one-year are excluded from the calculation of the portfolio turnover rate. Instruments excluded from the calculation of portfolio turnover generally would include the futures contracts in which the Fund may invest since such contracts generally have remaining maturities of less than one-year. The Fund may at times hold investments in other short-term instruments which are excluded for purposes of computing portfolio turnover.

 

Commodity-Linked Investments. The Fund may attempt to provide exposure to the returns of real assets that trade in the commodity markets without direct investment in physical commodities. Real assets include oil, gas, industrial and precious metals, livestock, and agricultural or meat products, or other items that have tangible properties. Commodity-linked derivative instruments include commodity index-linked securities and other derivative instruments that provide exposure to the investment returns of the commodities markets. Commodity-linked investments may be more volatile and less liquid than the underlying instruments and their value may be affected by the performance of commodities as well as weather, tax, and other regulatory or political developments, overall market movements and other factors affecting the value of particular industries or commodities, such as disease, embargoes, acts of war or terrorism.

 

The Fund may invest in commodity-linked derivative instruments such as commodity-linked structured notes. The Fund may invest in commodity-linked notes that pay a return linked to the performance of a commodities index or basket of futures contracts with respect to all of the commodities in an index. In some cases, the return will be based on some multiple of the performance of the index, and this embedded leverage will magnify the positive and negative return the Fund earns from these notes as compared to the index. The principal and/or interest payments of commodity-linked derivatives are tied to the value of a real asset or commodity index. Structured notes may be structured by the issuer and the purchaser of the note. The notes are derivative debt instruments with principal payments generally linked to the value of commodities, commodity futures contracts or the performance of commodity indices and interest and coupon payments pegged to a market-based interest rate, such as LIBOR or a bank’s prime rate. The value of these notes will rise or fall in response to changes in the underlying commodity or related index or investment. These notes expose the Fund economically to movements in commodity prices.

 

Corporate Obligations. The Fund may invest in debt obligations, such as bonds and debentures, issued by corporations and other business organizations without limit on credit quality or maturity of debt securities. See Appendix “A” to this SAI for a description of corporate debt ratings. An issuer of debt obligations may default on its obligation to pay interest and repay principal. Also, changes in the financial strength of an issuer or changes in the credit rating of a security may affect its value.

 

1

 

Equity Securities. Equity securities represent ownership interests in a company and consist of common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stock, and securities convertible into common stock. Investments in equity securities in general are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. Fluctuations in the value of equity securities in which the Fund invests will cause the net asset value of the Fund to fluctuate. The Fund purchases equity securities traded in the U.S. on registered exchanges or the over-the-counter market. Equity securities are described in more detail below:

 

Common Stock. Common stock represents an equity or ownership interest in an issuer. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds and preferred stock take precedence over the claims of those who own common stock.

 

Preferred Stock. Preferred stock represents an equity or ownership interest in an issuer that pays dividends at a specified rate and that has precedence over common stock in the payment of dividends. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds take precedence over the claims of those who own preferred and common stock.

 

Warrants. Warrants are instruments that entitle the holder to buy an equity security at a specific price for a specific period of time. Changes in the value of a warrant do not necessarily correspond to changes in the value of its underlying security. The price of a warrant may be more volatile than the price of its underlying security, and a warrant may offer greater potential for capital appreciation as well as capital loss. Warrants do not entitle a holder to dividends or voting rights with respect to the underlying security and do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuing company. A warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. These factors can make warrants more speculative than other types of investments.

 

Convertible Securities. Convertible securities are bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stocks or other securities that may be converted or exchanged (by the holder or by the issuer) into shares of the underlying common stock (or cash or securities of equivalent value) at a stated exchange ratio. A convertible security may also be called for redemption or conversion by the issuer after a particular date and under certain circumstances (including a specified price) established upon issue. If a convertible security held by the Fund is called for redemption or conversion, the Fund could be required to tender it for redemption, convert it into the underlying common stock, or sell it to a third party.

 

Convertible securities generally have less potential for gain or loss than common stocks. Convertible securities generally provide yields higher than the underlying common stocks, but generally lower than comparable non-convertible securities. Because of this higher yield, convertible securities generally sell at a price above their “conversion value,” which is the current market value of the stock to be received upon conversion. The difference between this conversion value and the price of convertible securities will vary over time depending on changes in the value of the underlying common stocks and interest rates. When the underlying common stocks decline in value, convertible securities will tend not to decline to the same extent because of the interest or dividend payments and the repayment of principal at maturity for certain types of convertible securities. However, securities that are convertible other than at the option of the holder generally do not limit the potential for loss to the same extent as securities convertible at the option of the holder. When the underlying common stocks rise in value, the value of convertible securities may also be expected to increase. At the same time, however, the difference between the market value of convertible securities and their conversion value will narrow, which means that the value of convertible securities will generally not increase to the same extent as the value of the underlying common stocks. Because convertible securities may also be interest-rate sensitive, their value may increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. Convertible securities are also subject to credit risk, and are often lower-quality securities.

 

Small and Medium Capitalization Issuers. Investing in equity securities of small and medium capitalization companies often involves greater risk than is customarily associated with investments in larger capitalization companies. This increased risk may be due to the greater business risks of smaller size, limited markets and financial resources, narrow product lines and frequent lack of depth of management. The securities of smaller companies are often traded in the over-the-counter market and even if listed on a national securities exchange may not be traded in volumes typical for that exchange. Consequently, the securities of smaller companies are less likely to be liquid, may have limited market stability, and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than securities of larger, more established growth companies or the market averages in general.

 

2

 

Foreign Markets. Foreign investments involve higher costs than investments in U.S. securities, including higher transaction costs as well as the imposition of additional taxes by foreign governments. In addition, foreign investments may include additional risks associated with currency exchange rates, less complete financial information about the issuers, less market liquidity and political stability. Volume and liquidity in most foreign bond markets are less than in the United States and, at times, volatility or price can be greater than in the United States. Future political and economic information, the possible imposition of withholding taxes on interest income, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, the possible establishment of exchange controls, or the adoption of other governmental restrictions, might adversely affect the payment of principal and interest on foreign obligations. Inability to dispose of Fund securities due to settlement problems could result either in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the securities, or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the instruments, could result in possible liability to the purchaser. Individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth or gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position.

 

Fixed commissions on foreign financial exchanges are generally higher than negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges, although the Fund endeavors to achieve the most favorable net results on their portfolio transactions. There is generally less government supervision and regulation of financial exchanges, brokers, dealers and listed companies than in the United States.

 

Settlement mechanics ( e.g. , mail service between the United States and foreign countries) may be slower or less reliable than within the United States, thus increasing the risk of delayed settlements of portfolio transactions or loss of certificates for portfolio securities. Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Such delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of the Fund is uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of the Fund to make intended purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities.

 

Although the Fund may invest in instruments denominated in foreign currencies, the Fund values its assets in U.S. dollars. As a result, the NAV of the Fund’s shares may fluctuate with U.S. dollar exchange rates as well as the price changes of the Fund’s investments in the various local markets and currencies. Thus, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar compared to the currencies in which the Fund makes its investments could reduce the effect of increases and magnify the effect of decreases in the price of the Fund’s investments in their local markets. Conversely, a decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar may have the opposite effect of magnifying the effect of increases and reducing the effect of decreases in the prices of the Fund’s investments in its foreign markets. In addition to favorable and unfavorable currency exchange rate developments, the Fund is subject to the possible imposition of exchange control regulations or freezes on convertibility of currency. The Fund may invest in obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks (Eurodollars) and U.S. branches of foreign banks (Yankee dollars) as well as foreign branches of foreign banks. These investments involve risks that are different from investments in securities of U.S. banks, including potential unfavorable political and economic developments, different tax provisions, seizure of foreign deposits, currency controls, interest limitations or other governmental restrictions which might affect payment of principal or interest. The Fund may also invest in Yankee bonds, which are issued by foreign governments and their agencies and foreign corporations but pay interest in U.S. dollars and are typically issued in the United States.

 

European countries can be significantly affected by the tight fiscal and monetary controls that the European Economic and Monetary Union (“EMU”) imposes for membership. Europe’s economies are diverse, its governments are decentralized, and its cultures vary widely. Several EU countries, including Greece, Ireland, Italy, Spain and Portugal have faced budget issues, some of which may have negative long-term effects for the economies of those countries and other EU countries. There is continued concern about national-level support for the euro and the accompanying coordination of fiscal and wage policy among EMU member countries. Member countries are required to maintain tight control over inflation, public debt, and budget deficit to qualify for membership in the EMU. These requirements can severely limit the ability of EMU member countries to implement monetary policy to address regional economic conditions.

 

3

 

In 2016, the United Kingdom (“UK”) held a referendum election and voters elected to withdraw from the EU. The Fund may be exposed to risks related to the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, including volatile trading markets and significant and unpredictable currency fluctuations. Securities issued by companies domiciled in the UK could be subject to changing regulatory and tax regimes. Banking and financial services companies that operate in the UK or EU could be disproportionately impacted by these actions. Greece has recently experienced political pressure to hold a similar referendum election. Further insecurity in EU membership or the abandonment of the euro could exacerbate market and currency volatility and negatively impact investments in securities issued by companies located in EU countries. The potential impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, is not clear but could be significant and far-reaching.

Forward Foreign Currency Transactions. The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts in order to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates or to seek to increase total return. The Fund will conduct its foreign currency exchange transactions either on a spot ( i.e. , cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market, or through entering into forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies. A forward foreign currency exchange contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days (usually less than one year) from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts are traded in the interbank market conducted directly between traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. A forward contract generally has no deposit requirement, and no commissions are charged at any stage for trades. Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a profit based on the difference (the spread) between the price at which they are buying and selling various currencies.

 

The Fund may engage in cross-hedging by using forward contracts in one currency to hedge against fluctuations in the value in financial instruments denominated or quoted in a different currency or to seek to increase total return. Cross-hedging may also include entering into a forward transaction involving two foreign currencies, using one foreign currency as a proxy for the U.S. dollar to hedge against variations in the other foreign currency.

 

At the consummation of the forward contract, the Fund may terminate its contractual obligation by purchasing an offsetting contract obligating it to purchase at the same maturity date, the same amount of such foreign currency. If the Fund engages in an offsetting transaction, the Fund will realize a gain or a loss to the extent that there has been a change in forward contract prices. Closing purchase transactions with respect to forward contracts are usually effected with the currency trader who is a party to the original forward contract.

 

The Fund’s transactions in forward contracts will be limited to those described above. Of course, the Fund is not required to enter into such transactions with regard to its foreign currency quoted or denominated instruments, and the Fund will not do so unless deemed appropriate by the Manager.

 

When the Fund enters into forward contracts the Fund is required to “cover” its position in order to limit leveraging and related risks. To cover its position, the Fund may segregate (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) cash or liquid assets that, when added to any amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the market value of the forward contract or otherwise “cover” its position in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations thereunder. The segregated account functions as a practical limit on the amount of leverage that the Fund may undertake and on the potential increase in the speculative character of the Fund’s outstanding portfolio holdings. Additionally, such segregated accounts will generally assure the availability of adequate funds to meet the obligations of the Fund arising from such investment activities.

 

The Fund or its wholly-owned and controlled Cayman Islands subsidiary (the “Subsidiary”), through which the Fund may invest, may enter into agreements with a futures commission merchant (“FCM”), which require the FCM to accept physical settlement for certain financial instruments. If this occurs, the Fund would treat the financial instrument as being cash-settled for purposes of determining the Fund’s coverage requirements.

 

4

 

If the Fund uses forward contracts as a method of protecting the value of the Fund’s investments against a decline in the value of a currency, this does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the investments. It simply establishes a rate of exchange which can be achieved at some future point in time. The precise projection of short-term currency market movements is not possible, and short-term hedging provides a means of fixing the U.S. dollar value of only a portion of the Fund’s foreign assets. It also reduces any potential gain which may have otherwise occurred had the currency value increased above the settlement price of the contract.

 

While the Fund may enter into forward contracts to seek to reduce currency exchange rate risks or to seek to increase total return, transactions in such contracts involve certain other risks. Thus, while the Fund may benefit from such transactions, unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in a poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not engaged in any such transactions. Moreover, there may be imperfect correlation between the Fund’s portfolio holdings quoted or denominated in a particular currency and forward contracts entered into by the Fund. Such imperfect correlation may cause the Fund to sustain losses, which will prevent the Fund from achieving a complete hedge, or expose the Fund to the risk of foreign exchange loss.

 

Forward contracts are subject to the risks that the counterparty to such contract will default on its obligations. Since a forward foreign currency exchange contract is not guaranteed by an exchange or clearing house, a default on the contract would deprive the Fund of unrealized profits, transaction costs or the benefits of a currency hedge or force the Fund to cover its purchase or sale commitments, if any, at the current market price.

 

The Fund’s foreign currency transactions (including related options, futures and forward contracts) may be limited by the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), for qualification as a regulated investment company.

 

Futures and Options on Futures. Futures contracts provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific financial instrument at a specified future time and at a specified price. An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in exchange for a premium, to assume a position in a futures contract at a specified exercise price during the term of the option. The Fund may use futures contracts and related options for: bona fide hedging; attempting to offset changes in the value of financial instruments held or expected to be acquired or be disposed of; attempting to minimize fluctuations in foreign currencies; attempting to gain exposure to a particular market, index or instrument; or other risk management purposes.

 

The Fund and the Subsidiary, through which the Fund invests, are subject to regulation by the CFTC as commodity pools and the Manager’s parent, Campbell & Company, LP (“Campbell & Company”) is subject to regulation by the CFTC as a commodity pool operator (“CPO”) with respect to the Fund under the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”). The Campbell & Company does not currently rely on an exclusion from the definition of CPO in CFTC Rule 4.5 with respect to the Fund.

 

Transactions in futures and options by the Fund are subject to limitations established by futures and option exchanges governing the maximum number of futures and options that may be written or held by a single investor or group of investors acting in concert, regardless of whether the futures or options were written or purchased on the same or different exchanges or are held in one or more accounts or through one or more different exchanges or through one or more brokers. Thus the number of futures or options that the Fund may write or hold may be affected by futures or options written or held by other entities, including other investment companies advised by the Manager. An exchange may order the liquidation of positions found to be in violation of those limits and may impose certain other sanctions.

 

An index futures contract is a bilateral agreement pursuant to which two parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to a specified currency amount times the difference between the index value at the close of trading of the contract and the price at which the futures contract is originally struck. No physical delivery of the securities comprising the index is made; generally contracts are closed out prior to the expiration date of the contract.

 

When the Fund purchases or sells a futures contract, or sells an option thereon, the Fund is required to “cover” its position in order to limit leveraging and related risks. To cover its position, the Fund may segregate (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) cash or liquid assets that, when added to any amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the market value of the futures contract or otherwise “cover” its position in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations thereunder. The segregated account functions as a practical limit on the amount of leverage that the Fund may undertake and on the potential increase in the speculative character of the Fund’s outstanding portfolio holdings. Additionally, such segregated accounts will generally assure the availability of adequate funds to meet the obligations of the Fund arising from such investment activities.

 

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The Fund or the Subsidiary may enter into agreements with a FCM that require the FCM to accept physical settlement for certain financial instruments. If this occurs, the Fund would treat the financial instrument as being cash-settled for purposes of determining the Fund’s coverage requirements.

 

The Fund may also cover its long position in a futures contract by purchasing a put option on the same futures contract with a strike price (i.e., an exercise price) as high or higher than the price of the futures contract. In the alternative, if the strike price of the put is less than the price of the futures contract, the Fund will segregate cash or liquid assets equal in value to the difference between the strike price of the put and the price of the futures contract. The Fund may also cover its long position in a futures contract by taking a short position in the instruments underlying the futures contract, or by taking positions in instruments with prices that are expected to move relatively consistently with the futures contract. The Fund may cover its short position in a futures contract by taking a long position in the instruments underlying the futures contracts, or by taking positions in instruments with prices that are expected to move relatively consistently with the futures contract.

 

The Fund may cover its sale of a call option on a futures contract by taking a long position in the underlying futures contract at a price less than or equal to the strike price of the call option. In the alternative, if the long position in the underlying futures contract is established at a price greater than the strike price of the written (sold) call, the Fund will maintain in a segregated account cash or liquid assets equal in value to the difference between the strike price of the call and the price of the futures contract. The Fund may also cover its sale of a call option by taking positions in instruments with prices that are expected to move relatively consistently with the call option. The Fund may cover its sale of a put option on a futures contract by taking a short position in the underlying futures contract at a price greater than or equal to the strike price of the put option, or, if the short position in the underlying futures contract is established at a price less than the strike price of the written put, the Fund will maintain in a segregated account cash or liquid assets equal in value to the difference between the strike price of the put and the price of the futures contract. The Fund may also cover its sale of a put option by taking positions in instruments with prices that are expected to move relatively consistently with the put option.

 

There are significant risks associated with the Fund’s use of futures contracts and related options, including the following: (1) the success of a hedging strategy may depend on the Manager’s ability to predict movements in the prices of individual securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) there may be an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the instruments held by the Fund and the prices of futures and options on futures; (3) there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract or option; (4) trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange; and (5) government regulations may restrict trading in futures contracts and options on futures. In addition, some strategies reduce the Fund’s exposure to price fluctuations, while others tend to increase its market exposure.

 

Swap Agreements. Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a day to more than one-year. In a standard “swap” transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments. The gross returns to be exchanged or “swapped” between the parties are calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” i.e. , the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested in a “basket” of securities representing a particular index. Forms of swap agreements include interest rate caps, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates exceed a specified rate, or “cap,” interest rate floors, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates fall below a specified level, or “floor,” and interest rate dollars, under which a party sells a cap and purchases a floor or vice versa in an attempt to protect itself against interest rate movements exceeding given minimum or maximum levels.

 

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Most swap agreements entered into by the Fund calculate the obligations of the parties to the agreement on a “net basis.” Consequently, the Fund’s current obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the “net amount”). The Fund’s current obligations under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owing to the Fund) and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed to a swap counterparty will be covered by segregating assets determined to be liquid.

 

Obligations under swap agreements so covered will not be construed to be “senior securities” for purposes of the Fund’s investment restriction concerning senior securities. Because they are two party contracts and because they may have terms of greater than seven days, swap agreements may be considered to be illiquid for the Fund’s illiquid investment limitation. The Fund will not enter into any swap agreement unless the Manager believes that the other party to the transaction is creditworthy. The Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty.

 

The Fund may enter into swap agreements to invest in a market without owning or taking physical custody of securities in circumstances in which direct investment is restricted for legal reasons or is otherwise impracticable. The counterparty to any swap agreement will typically be a bank, investment banking firm or broker/dealer. The counter-party will generally agree to pay the Fund the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the swap agreement would have increased in value had it been invested in the particular stocks, plus the dividends that would have been received on those stocks. The Fund will agree to pay to the counter-party a floating rate of interest on the notional amount of the swap agreement plus the amount, if any, by which the notional amount would have decreased in value had it been invested in such stocks. Therefore, the return to the Fund on any swap agreement should be the gain or loss on the notional amount plus dividends on the stocks less the interest paid by the Fund on the notional amount.

 

Swap agreements typically are settled on a net basis, which means that the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. Payments may be made at the conclusion of a swap agreement or periodically during its term. Swap agreements do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to swap agreements is limited to the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the other party to a swap agreement defaults, the Fund’s risk of loss consists of the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually entitled to receive, if any. The net amount of the excess, if any, of the Fund’s obligations over its entitlements with respect to each equity swap will be accrued on a daily basis and an amount of cash or liquid assets, having an aggregate net asset value at least equal to such accrued excess will be maintained in a segregated account by the Fund’s custodian. Inasmuch as these transactions are entered into for hedging purposes or are offset by segregated cash of liquid assets, as permitted by applicable law, the Fund and the Manager believe that these transactions do not constitute senior securities under the 1940 Act and, accordingly, will not treat them as being subject to the Fund’s borrowing restrictions.

 

Total Return Swaps. Total return swaps are contracts in which one party agrees to make payments of the total return from the underlying asset during the specified period, in return for payments equal to a fixed or floating rate of interest or the total return from another underlying asset. The total return includes appreciation or depreciation on the underlying asset, plus any interest or dividend payments. Payments under the swap are based upon an agreed upon principal amount but since the principal amount is not exchanged, it represents neither an asset nor a liability to either counterparty, and is referred to as notional. Total return swaps are marked to market daily using different sources, including quotations from counterparties, pricing services, brokers or market makers. The unrealized appreciation (depreciation) related to the change in the valuation of the notional amount of the swap is combined with the amount due to the Fund at termination or settlement. The primary risks associated with total returns swaps are credit risks (if the counterparty fails to meet its obligations) and market risk (if there is no liquid market for the agreement or unfavorable changes occur to the underlying asset).

 

Interest Rate Swaps. Interest rate swaps are financial instruments that involve the exchange of one type of interest rate for another type of interest rate cash flow on specified dates in the future. Some of the different types of interest rate swaps are “fixed-for floating rate swaps,” “termed basis swaps” and “index amortizing swaps.” Fixed-for floating rate swaps involve the exchange of fixed interest rate cash flows for floating rate cash flows. Termed basis swaps entail cash flows to both parties based on floating interest rates, where the interest rate indices are different. Index amortizing swaps are typically fixed-for floating swaps where the notional amount changes if certain conditions are met.

 

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Like a traditional investment in a debt security, the Fund could lose money by investing in an interest rate swap if interest rates change adversely. For example, if the Fund enters into a swap where it agrees to exchange a floating rate of interest for a fixed rate of interest, the Fund may have to pay more money than it receives. Similarly, if the Fund enters into a swap where it agrees to exchange a fixed rate of interest for a floating rate of interest, the Fund may receive less money than it has agreed to pay.

 

Currency Swaps. A currency swap is an agreement between two parties in which one party agrees to make interest rate payments in one currency and the other promises to make interest rate payments in another currency. The Fund may enter into a currency swap when it has one currency and desires a different currency. Typically the interest rates that determine the currency swap payments are fixed, although occasionally one or both parties may pay a floating rate of interest. Unlike an interest rate swap, however, the principal amounts are exchanged at the beginning of the contract and returned at the end of the contract. Changes in foreign exchange rates and changes in interest rates, as described above may negatively affect currency swaps.

 

Caps, Collars and Floors. Caps and floors have an effect similar to buying or writing options. In a typical cap or floor agreement, one party agrees to make payments only under specified circumstances, usually in return for payment of a fee by the other party. For example, the buyer of an interest rate cap obtains the right to receive payments to the extent that a specified interest rate exceeds an agreed-upon level. The seller of an interest rate floor is obligated to make payments to the extent that a specified interest rate falls below an agreed-upon level. An interest rate collar combines elements of buying a cap and selling a floor.

 

The Manager, under the supervision of the Board, is responsible for determining and monitoring the liquidity of Fund transactions in swap agreements. The use of swaps is a highly specialized activity, which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions.

 

Investing in Emerging Countries, including Asia and Eastern Europe. The Fund intends to have exposure to emerging markets due to its investments in certain stock index futures and foreign exchange instruments. The financial markets of emerging countries are less liquid and have far fewer trading volumes than the developed markets.

 

Emerging country financial markets are typically marked by a high concentration of market capitalization and trading volume in a small number of issuers representing a limited number of industries, as well as a high concentration of ownership by a limited number of investors. The markets in certain emerging countries are in the earliest stages of their development. Even the markets for relatively widely traded instruments in emerging countries may not be able to absorb, without price disruptions, a significant increase in trading volume or trades of a size customarily undertaken by institutional investors in the financial markets of developed countries. The limited size of many of these markets can cause prices to be erratic for reasons apart from factors that affect the soundness and competitiveness of the securities issuers. For example, prices may be unduly influenced by traders who control large positions in these markets. Additionally, market making and arbitrage activities are generally less extensive in such markets, which may contribute to increased volatility and reduced liquidity of such markets. The limited liquidity of emerging country markets may also affect the Fund’s ability to accurately value its portfolio holdings or to acquire or dispose of instruments at the price and time it wishes to do so or in order to meet redemption requests.

 

With respect to investments in certain emerging market countries, antiquated legal systems may have an adverse impact on the Fund. For example, while the potential liability of a shareholder in a U.S. corporation with respect to acts of the corporation is generally limited to the amount of the shareholder’s investment, the notion of limited liability is less clear in certain emerging market countries. Similarly, the rights of investors in emerging market companies may be more limited than those of shareholders in U.S. corporations.

 

Transaction costs, including brokerage commissions or dealer mark-ups, in emerging countries may be higher than in the United States and other developed financial markets. In addition, existing laws and regulations are often inconsistently applied. As legal systems in emerging countries develop, foreign investors may be adversely affected by new or amended laws and regulations. In circumstances where adequate laws exist, it may not be possible to obtain swift and equitable enforcement of the law.

 

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Foreign investment in the financial markets of certain emerging countries is restricted or controlled to varying degrees. These restrictions may limit the Fund’s investment in certain emerging countries and may increase the expenses of the Fund. Certain emerging countries require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons or limit investment by foreign persons to only a specified percentage of an issuer’s outstanding securities or a specific class of securities that may have less advantageous terms (including price) than securities of the company available for purchase by nationals. In addition, the repatriation of both investment income and capital from emerging countries may be subject to restrictions that require governmental consents or prohibit repatriation entirely for a period of time. Even where there is no outright restriction on repatriation of capital, the mechanics of repatriation may affect certain aspects of the operation of the Fund. The Fund may be required to establish special custodial or other arrangements before investing in certain emerging countries.

 

Emerging countries may be subject to a substantially greater degree of economic, political and social instability and disruption than is the case in the United States, Japan and most Western European countries. This instability may result from, among other things, the following: (i) authoritarian governments or military involvement in political and economic decision making, including changes or attempted changes in governments through extra-constitutional means; (ii) popular unrest associated with demands for improved political, economic or social conditions; (iii) internal insurgencies; (iv) hostile relations with neighboring countries; (v) ethnic, religious and racial disaffection or conflict; and (vi) the absence of developed legal structures governing foreign private investments and private property. Such economic, political and social instability could disrupt the principal financial markets in which the Fund may invest and adversely affect the value of the Fund’s assets. The Fund’s investments can also be adversely affected by any increase in taxes or by political, economic or diplomatic developments.

 

The Fund may seek investment opportunities within former “east bloc” countries in Eastern Europe. Most Eastern European countries had a centrally planned, socialist economy for a substantial period of time. The governments of many Eastern European countries have more recently been implementing reforms directed at political and economic liberalization, including efforts to decentralize the economic decision-making process and move towards a market economy. However, business entities in many Eastern European countries do not have an extended history of operating in a market-oriented economy, and the ultimate impact of Eastern European countries’ attempts to move toward more market-oriented economies is currently unclear. In addition, any change in the leadership or policies of Eastern European countries may halt the expansion of or reverse the liberalization of foreign investment policies now occurring and adversely affect existing investment opportunities. As a result of recent events involving Ukraine and the Russian Federation, the United States and the European Union have imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and Russian corporations. Additional broader sanctions may be imposed in the future. These sanctions, or even the threat of further sanctions, may result in the decline of the value and liquidity of Russian securities, a weakening of the ruble or other adverse consequences to the Russian economy. These sanctions could also result in the immediate freeze of Russian securities, impairing the ability of the Fund to buy, sell, receive or deliver those securities. Sanctions could also result in Russia taking counter measures or retaliatory actions, which may further impair the value and liquidity of Russian and/or Ukrainian securities.

 

The economies of emerging countries may differ unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resources, self-sufficiency and balance of payments. Many emerging countries have experienced in the past, and continue to experience, high rates of inflation. In certain countries inflation has at times accelerated rapidly to hyperinflationary levels, creating a negative interest rate environment and sharply eroding the value of outstanding financial assets in those countries. Other emerging countries, on the other hand, have recently experienced deflationary pressures and are in economic recessions. The economies of many emerging countries are heavily dependent upon international trade and are accordingly affected by protective trade barriers and the economic conditions of their trading partners. In addition, the economies of some emerging countries are vulnerable to weakness in world prices for their commodity exports. The Fund’s income and, in some cases, capital gains from foreign investments will be subject to applicable taxation in certain of the countries in which it invests, and treaties between the U.S. and such countries may not be available in some cases to reduce the otherwise applicable tax rates. See “Taxes.”

 

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Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Such delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of the Fund remain uninvested and no return is earned on such assets. The inability of the Fund to make intended purchases or sales due to settlement problems could result either in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the instrument or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the instrument, could result in possible liability to the purchaser.

 

Large Shareholder Purchase and Redemption Risk. The Fund may experience adverse effects when certain large shareholders purchase or redeem large amounts of shares of the Fund. Such large shareholder redemptions may cause the Fund to sell its securities at times when it would not otherwise do so, which may negatively impact the Fund’s NAV and liquidity. Similarly, large share purchases may adversely affect the Fund’s performance to the extent that the Fund is delayed in investing new cash and is required to maintain a larger cash position than it ordinarily would. In addition, a large redemption could result in the Fund’s current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the Fund’s expense ratio. However, this risk may be limited to the extent that the Manager and Fund have entered into a fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement agreement.

 

Margin Deposits and Cover Requirements. Unlike the purchase or sale of portfolio securities, no price is paid or received by the Fund upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract. Initially, the Subsidiary will be required to deposit with the broker an amount of cash or cash equivalents, known as initial margin, based on the value of the contract. The nature of initial margin in futures transactions is different from that of margin in securities transactions in that futures contract margin does not involve the borrowing of funds by the customer to finance the transactions. Rather, the initial margin is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the contract, which is returned to the Fund upon termination of the futures contract, assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied. Subsequent payments, called variation margin, to and from the broker, will be made on a daily basis as the price of the underlying instruments fluctuates, making the long and short positions in the futures contract more or less valuable, a process known as “marking to the market.” For example, when the Fund has purchased a futures contract and the price of the contract has risen in response to a rise in the price of the underlying instruments, that position will have increased in value and the Fund will be entitled to receive from the broker a variation margin payment equal to that increase in value. Conversely, where the Fund has purchased a futures contract and the price of the futures contract has declined in response to a decrease in the underlying instruments, the position would be less valuable and the Fund would be required to make a variation margin payment to the broker. At any time prior to expiration of the futures contract, the Manager may elect to close the position by taking an opposite position, subject to the availability of a secondary market, which will operate to terminate the Fund’s position in the futures contract. A final determination of variation margin is then made, additional cash is required to be paid by or released to the Fund, and the Fund realizes a loss or gain.

 

The Fund will comply with guidelines established by the SEC with respect to coverage of forwards, futures, swaps and options. For example, when entering into a contract that must be cash settled, the Fund will cover (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) its position, when added to the amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the daily mark-to-market obligation, rather than the notional value of the contract.

 

When entering into a contract that does not need to be settled in cash, the Fund is also required to “cover” its position in order to limit leveraging and related risks. To cover its position, the Fund may segregate (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) cash or liquid assets that, when added to any amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the market value of the contract or otherwise “cover” its position in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations thereunder. The segregated account functions as a practical limit on the amount of leverage that the Fund may undertake and on the potential increase in the speculative character of the Fund’s outstanding portfolio holdings. Additionally, such segregated accounts will generally assure the availability of adequate funds to meet the obligations of the Fund arising from such investment activities. Segregated assets cannot be sold or transferred unless equivalent assets are substituted in their place or it is no longer necessary to segregate them. As a result, there is a possibility that segregation of a large percentage of the Fund’s assets could impede portfolio management or the Fund’s ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations. The Subsidiary will comply with these coverage requirements to the same extent as the Fund that holds the Subsidiary’s securities.

 

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The Fund or the Subsidiary may enter into agreements with a FCM which require the FCM to accept physical settlement for certain financial instruments. If this occurs, the Fund would treat the financial instrument as being cash-settled for purposes of determining the Fund’s coverage requirements.

 

The Fund may also cover its position in relation to forwards, futures, swaps and options through ownership of the underlying financial instrument, commodity index, or currency or by other portfolio positions or by other means consistent with applicable regulatory policies.

 

Options. The Fund may purchase and write put and call options on indices, currencies, commodities or other financial instruments and enter into related closing transactions. A put option gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell, and the writer of the option the obligation to buy, the underlying instrument at any time during the option period. A call option gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the writer of the option the obligation to sell, the underlying instrument at any time during the option period. The premium paid to the writer is the consideration for undertaking the obligations under the option contract.

 

The Fund may purchase and write put and call options on foreign currencies (traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges or over-the-counter markets) to manage its exposure to exchange rates or to seek and increase in total return. Call options on foreign currency written by the Fund will be “covered” as set out below.

 

Put and call options on indices are similar to options on securities except that options on an index give the holder the right to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the underlying index is greater than (or less than, in the case of puts) the exercise price of the option. This amount of cash is equal to the difference between the closing price of the index and the exercise price of the option, expressed in dollars multiplied by a specified number. Thus, unlike options on individual securities, all settlements are in cash, and gain or loss depends on price movements in the particular market represented by the index generally, rather than the price movements in individual securities.

 

When the Fund writes an option, the Fund is required to “cover” its position in order to limit leveraging and related risks. To cover its position, the Fund may segregate (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) cash or liquid assets that, when added to any amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the market value of the option or otherwise “cover” its position in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations thereunder. The segregated account functions as a practical limit on the amount of leverage that the Fund may undertake and on the potential increase in the speculative character of the Fund’s outstanding portfolio holdings. Additionally, such segregated accounts will generally assure the availability of adequate funds to meet the obligations of the Fund arising from such investment activities.

 

The Fund or the Subsidiary may enter into agreements with a FCM which require the FCM to accept physical settlement for certain financial instruments. If this occurs, the Fund would treat the financial instrument as being cash-settled for purposes of determining the Fund’s coverage requirements. Similarly, the Fund or Subsidiary may enter into agreements with counterparties which require the counterparty to settle currency forward contracts in US Dollar, rather than the deliverable currency. If this occurs, the Fund would treat the financial instrument as being cash-settled for purposes of determining the Fund’s coverage requirements.

 

The initial purchase (sale) of an option contract is an “opening transaction.” In order to close out an option position, the Fund may enter into a “closing transaction,” which is simply the sale (purchase) of an option contract on the same instrument with the same exercise price and expiration date as the option contract originally opened. If the Fund is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction with respect to an option it has written, it will not be able to sell the underlying instrument until the option expires or the Fund delivers the instrument upon exercise.

 

The Fund may purchase put and call options to protect against a decline in the market value of the holdings in its portfolio, to anticipate an increase in the market value of instruments that the Fund may seek to purchase in the future or to seek to increase total return. The Fund purchasing put and call options pays a premium therefor. If price movements in the underlying instruments are such that exercise of the options would not be profitable for the Fund, loss of the premium paid may be offset by an increase in the value of the Fund’s instruments or by a decrease in the cost of acquisition of instruments by the Fund.

 

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The Fund may write covered call options as a means of increasing the yield on its assets and as a means of providing limited protection against decreases in its market value. When the Fund writes an option, if the underlying instruments do not increase or decrease to a price level that would make the exercise of the option profitable to the holder thereof, the option generally will expire without being exercised and the Fund will realize as profit the premium received for such option. When a call option of which the Fund is the writer is exercised, the Fund will be required to sell the underlying instruments to the option holder at the strike price, and will not participate in any increase in the price of such securities above the strike price. When a put option of which the Fund is the writer is exercised, the Fund will be required to purchase the underlying instruments at a price in excess of the market value of such securities.

 

The Fund may purchase and write options on an exchange or over-the-counter. Over-the-counter options (“OTC options”) differ from exchange-traded options in several respects. They are transacted directly with dealers and not with a clearing corporation, and therefore entail the risk of non-performance by the dealer. OTC options are available for a greater variety of securities and for a wider range of expiration dates and exercise prices than are available for exchange-traded options. Because OTC options are not traded on an exchange, pricing is done normally by reference to information from a market maker. It is the SEC’s position that OTC options are generally illiquid.

 

The market value of an option generally reflects the market price of an underlying instrument. Other principal factors affecting market value include supply and demand, interest rates, the pricing volatility of the underlying instrument and the time remaining until the expiration date.

 

Risks associated with options transactions include: (1) the success of a hedging strategy may depend on an ability to predict movements in the prices of individual instruments, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) there may be an imperfect correlation between the movement in prices of options and the instruments underlying them; (3) there may not be a liquid secondary market for options; and (4) while the Fund will receive a premium when it writes covered call options, it may not participate fully in a rise in the market value of the underlying instrument.

 

Restricted and Illiquid Securities. The Fund may not invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, including securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily available market or legal or contractual restrictions on resale. Illiquid securities include: repurchase agreements and time deposits with a notice or demand period of more than seven days; interest rate; currency, mortgage and credit default swaps; interest rate caps; floors and collars; municipal leases; certain restricted securities, such as those purchased in a private placement of securities, unless it is determined, based upon a review of the trading markets for a specific restricted security, that such restricted security is liquid; and certain over-the-counter options. Securities that have legal or contractual restrictions on resale but have a readily available market are not considered illiquid for purposes of this limitation.

 

Mutual funds do not typically hold a significant amount of restricted or other illiquid securities because of the potential for delays on resale and uncertainty in valuation. Limitations on resale may have an adverse effect on the marketability of portfolio securities and a mutual fund might be unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty in satisfying redemptions within seven days. A mutual fund might also have to register such restricted securities in order to dispose of them resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of securities.

 

The Fund may purchase securities which are not registered under the Securities Act but that may be sold to “qualified institutional buyers” in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act (“Restricted Securities”). These securities will not be considered illiquid so long as it is determined by the Manager that an adequate trading market exists for the securities. This investment practice could have the effect of increasing the level of illiquidity in the Fund during any period that qualified institutional buyers become uninterested in purchasing restricted securities.

 

The Manager will monitor the liquidity of Restricted Securities held by the Fund under the supervision of the Board. In reaching liquidity decisions, the Manager may consider, among others, the following factors: (1) the unregistered nature of the security; (2) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (3) the number of dealers wishing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential purchasers; (4) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; and (5) the nature of the security and the nature of the marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of the transfer).

 

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The purchase price and subsequent valuation of Restricted Securities normally reflect a discount from the price at which such securities trade when they are not restricted, since the restriction makes them less liquid. The amount of the discount from the prevailing market price is expected to vary depending upon the type of security, the character of the issuer, the party who will bear the expenses of registering the Restricted Securities and prevailing supply and demand conditions.

 

As consistent with the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund may also invest in Section 4(2) commercial paper. Section 4(2) commercial paper is issued in reliance on an exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the Act and is generally sold to institutional investors who purchase for investment. Any resale of such commercial paper must be in an exempt transaction, usually to an institutional investor through the issuer or investment dealers who make a market in such commercial paper. The Company believes that Section 4(2) commercial paper is liquid to the extent it meets the criteria established by the Board. The Company intends to treat such commercial paper as liquid and not subject to the investment limitations applicable to illiquid securities or restricted securities.

 

Risk Considerations of Medium Grade Securities. Obligations in the lowest investment grade ( i.e. , BBB or Baa), referred to as “medium grade” obligations, have speculative characteristics, and changes in economic conditions and other factors are more likely to lead to weakened capacity to make interest payments and repay principal on these obligations than is the case for higher rated securities. In the event that a security purchased by the Fund is subsequently downgraded below investment grade, the Manager will consider such event in its determination of whether the Fund should continue to hold the security.

 

Short Sales. As consistent with the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund may engage in short sales that are “uncovered”.

 

Uncovered short sales are transactions under which the Fund sells an instrument it does not own. To complete such a transaction, the Fund must borrow the instrument to make delivery to the buyer. The Fund then is obligated to replace the instrument borrowed by purchasing the instrument at the market price at the time of the replacement. The price at such time may be more or less than the price at which the instrument was sold by the Fund. Until the instrument is replaced, the Fund is required to pay the lender amounts equal to any dividends or interest that accrue during the period of the loan. To borrow the instrument, the Fund also may be required to pay a premium, which would increase the cost of the instrument sold. The proceeds of the short sale will be retained by the broker, to the extent necessary to meet margin requirements, until the short position is closed out.

 

Until the Fund replaces a borrowed instrument in connection with a short sale, the Fund will: (a) maintain daily a segregated account, containing cash, cash equivalents, or liquid assets, at such a level that the amount deposited in the account plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will equal the current value of the instrument sold short or (b) otherwise cover its short position in accordance with positions taken by the staff of the SEC.

 

The Fund will incur a loss as a result of the short sale if the price of the instrument increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund replaces the borrowed instrument. The Fund will realize a gain if the instrument declines in price between those dates. This result is the opposite of what one would expect from a cash purchase of a long position in an instrument. The amount of any gain will be decreased, and the amount of any loss increased, by the amount of any premium or amounts in lieu of interest the Fund may be required to pay in connection with a short sale. A Fund may purchase call options to provide a hedge against an increase in the price of an instrument sold short by the Fund. See the section entitled “Options” above.

 

Short Sales “Against the Box.” In addition to the short sales discussed above, the Fund may make short sales “against the box,” transactions in which the Fund enters into a short sale of a security that the Fund owns or has the right to obtain at no additional cost. The proceeds of the short sale will be held by a broker until the settlement date at which time the Fund delivers the security to close the short position. The Fund receives the net proceeds from the short sale.

 

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Special Note Regarding Market Events. Events in the financial sector over the past several years have resulted in reduced liquidity in credit and fixed income markets and in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestically and internationally. While entire markets have been impacted, issuers that have exposure to the real estate, mortgage and credit markets have been particularly affected. These events and the potential for continuing market turbulence may have an adverse effect on the underlying investment companies’ investments. It is uncertain how long these conditions will continue.

 

The instability in the financial markets has led the U.S. government to take a number of unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions and certain segments of the financial markets. Federal, state and foreign governments, regulatory agencies, and self-regulatory organizations may take actions that affect the regulation of the instruments in which the Fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that are unforeseeable. Such legislation or regulation could limit or preclude an underlying investment company’s, and thus the Fund’s, ability to achieve its investment objective.

 

Governments or their agencies may also acquire distressed assets from financial institutions and acquire ownership interests in those institutions. The implications of government ownership and disposition of these assets are unclear, and such ownership or disposition may have positive or negative effects on the liquidity, valuation and performance of the underlying investment companies’ holdings.

 

Subsidiary Risk. The Fund intends to make investments through the Subsidiary of the Fund (Campbell Managed Futures LV Offshore Limited). Investment in the Subsidiary is expected to provide the Fund with exposure to the commodity markets within the limitations of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code and recent Internal Revenue Service revenue rulings. The Subsidiary is organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands. The Fund is the sole shareholder of the Subsidiary, and it is not currently expected that shares of the Subsidiary will be sold or offered to other investors.

 

It is expected that the Subsidiary will invest primarily in derivative instruments, such as, commodity futures contracts, non-commodity futures contracts, such as equity index, government bond, fixed income and foreign exchange futures contracts, commodity and non-commodity swap agreements. The Subsidiary may also invest in fixed income securities and money market instruments, cash and cash equivalents with two years or less term to maturity, and other investments intended to serve as margin or collateral for the Subsidiary’s derivative positions. Although the Fund may enter into these commodity-linked derivative instruments directly, the Fund will likely gain exposure to these derivative instruments indirectly by investing in the Subsidiary. The Fund’s investment in the Subsidiary may vary depending on the types of instruments selected by the Manager to gain exposure to the commodities markets. To the extent that the Fund invests in the Subsidiary, the Fund may be subject to the risks associated with the abovementioned derivative instruments and other securities, which are discussed elsewhere in the Prospectus and this SAI.

 

The Fund intends to treat physically settled futures contracts in the same manner as cash settled futures contracts through the use of a swap and/or letter agreement with the Subsidiary’s futures commission merchant for the purposes of complying with Section 18 of 1940 Act. The SEC has not declared whether or not the use of such a letter agreement is sufficient for the purpose of compliance with Section 18 of the 1940 Act. There is a risk, therefore, that the SEC may deem the use of the letter agreement as insufficient and that the Fund may not be permitted to continue to gain exposure to these contracts through the use of the letter agreement.

 

While the Subsidiary may be considered similar to an investment company, it is not registered under the 1940 Act and, unless otherwise noted in the Prospectus and this SAI, is not subject to all of the investor protections of the 1940 Act and other U.S. regulations. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Fund and/or the Subsidiary to operate as described in the Prospectuses and this SAI and could negatively affect the Fund and its shareholders.

 

Tax Risk. The Fund intends to qualify annually to be treated as a regulated investment company under the Code. To qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code, the Fund must invest in assets which produce the types of income specified in the Code and the Treasury regulations (“Qualifying Income”). Whether the income from certain derivatives, swaps, commodity-linked derivatives and other commodity/natural resource-related securities, including income from the Fund’s investment in its subsidiary, is Qualifying Income is unclear. The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has issued a ruling that income realized from certain types of commodity-linked derivatives would not be qualifying income. The Fund’s investment in the Subsidiary is expected to provide the Fund with exposure to the commodities markets within the limitations of the Code for qualification as a regulated investment company, but there is a risk that the IRS could assert that the income derived from the Fund’s investment in the Subsidiary and certain commodity-linked structured notes will note be considered Qualifying Income. In addition, pursuant to recent guidance issued by the Treasury and the IRS, the Subsidiary’s commodity related income for a taxable year will only be treated as Qualifying Income to the extent the Subsidiary actually distributes such income out of its earnings and profits to the Fund for such taxable year. If the Fund invests in these types of securities and the income is determined to not be Qualifying Income, it may cause the Fund to fail to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code. Moreover, an investment in a Subsidiary generally may not exceed 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the end of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year. If the subsidiary does exceed 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets, in any quarter, the Fund may fail to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code. See “Taxes” below for additional information related to these restrictions.

 

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Temporary Defensive Positions. In anticipation of or in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may take temporary defensive positions (up to 100% of its assets) in cash, cash equivalents and short-term U.S. government securities. If the Fund were to take a temporary defensive position, it may be unable for a time to achieve its investment objective.

 

U.S. Government Securities. The Fund may purchase U.S. government agency and instrumentality obligations that are debt securities issued by U.S. government-sponsored enterprises and federal agencies. Some obligations of agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government or by U.S. Treasury guarantees, such as securities of the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) and the Federal Housing Authority; others, by the ability of the issuer to borrow, provided approval is granted, from the U.S. Treasury, such as securities of Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) and others, only by the credit of the agency or instrumentality issuing the obligation, such as securities of Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) and the Federal Home Loan Banks (“FHLBs”). Such guarantees of U.S. government securities held by a Fund do not, however, guarantee the market value of the shares of the Fund. There is no guarantee that the U.S. government will continue to provide support to its agencies or instrumentalities in the future. U.S. government obligations that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government are subject to greater risks than those that are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. All U.S. government obligations are subject to interest rate risk.

 

In September 2008, the U.S. Treasury Department and Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”) announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would be placed in conservatorship under the FHFA. On June 16, 2010, FHFA ordered Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s stock de-listed from the New York Stock Exchange after the price of common stock in Fannie Mae fell below the New York Stock Exchange’s minimum average closing price of $1 for more than 30 days. The future status and role of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could be impacted by (among other things) the actions taken and restrictions placed on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac by the FHFA in its role as conservator, the restrictions placed on Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s operations and activities as a result of the senior preferred stock investment made by the U.S. Treasury, market responses to developments at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and future legislative and regulatory action that alters the operations, ownership, structure and/or mission of these institutions, each of which may, in turn, impact the value of, and cash flows on, any mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, including any such mortgage-backed securities held by the Fund.

The Fund’s net assets may be invested in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury or the agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government, including, if applicable, options and futures on such obligations. The maturities of U.S. government securities usually range from three months to thirty years. Examples of types of U.S. government obligations include U.S. Treasury Bills, Treasury Notes and Treasury Bonds and the obligations of Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Farm Credit Banks, Federal Land Banks, the Federal Housing Administration, Farmers Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Small Business Administration, Fannie Mae, GNMA, General Services Administration, Central Bank for Cooperatives, Freddie Mac, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, the Maritime Administration, the Asian-American Development Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. U.S. government securities may include inflation-indexed fixed income securities, such as U.S. Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (“TIPS”). The interest rate of TIPS, which is set at auction, remains fixed throughout the term of the security and the principal amount of the security is adjusted for inflation. The inflation-adjusted principal is not paid until maturity.

 

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There is risk that the U.S. government will not provide financial support to its agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. The Fund may purchase U.S. government securities that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, such as those issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. government securities held by the Fund may greatly exceed their current resources, including their legal right to support from the U.S. Treasury. It is possible that these issuers will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future.

 

U.S. Treasury Obligations. U.S. Treasury obligations consist of bills, notes and bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury and separately traded interest and principal component parts of such obligations that are transferable through the federal book-entry system known as Separately Traded Registered Interest and Principal Securities (“STRIPS”) and Treasury Receipts (“TRs”).

 

Receipts. Interests in separately traded interest and principal component parts of U.S. government obligations that are issued by banks or brokerage firms and are created by depositing U.S. government obligations into a special account at a custodian bank. The custodian holds the interest and principal payments for the benefit of the registered owners of the certificates or receipts. The custodian arranges for the issuance of the certificates or receipts evidencing ownership and maintains the register. TRs and STRIPS are interests in accounts sponsored by the U.S. Treasury. Receipts are sold as zero coupon securities.

 

U.S. Government Zero Coupon Securities. STRIPS and receipts are sold as zero coupon securities, that is, fixed income securities that have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons. Zero coupon securities are sold at a (usually substantial) discount and redeemed at face value at their maturity date without interim cash payments of interest or principal. The amount of this discount is accreted over the life of the security, and the accretion constitutes the income earned on the security for both accounting and tax purposes. Because of these features, the market prices of zero coupon securities are generally more volatile than the market prices of securities that have similar maturity but that pay interest periodically. Zero coupon securities are likely to respond to a greater degree to interest rate changes than are non-zero coupon securities with similar maturity and credit qualities.

 

U.S. Government Agencies. Some obligations issued or guaranteed by agencies of the U.S. government are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury, others are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury, while still others are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality. Guarantees of principal by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government may be a guarantee of payment at the maturity of the obligation so that in the event of a default prior to maturity there might not be a market and thus no means of realizing on the obligation prior to maturity. Guarantees as to the timely payment of principal and interest do not extend to the value or yield of these securities nor to the value of the Fund’s shares.

 

NON-PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS

 

Cyber Security Risk. The Fund and its service providers may be prone to operational and information security risks resulting from breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption, or lose operational capacity. Breaches in cyber security include, among other behaviors, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, denial of service attacks on websites, the unauthorized release of confidential information or various other forms of cyber-attacks. Cyber security breaches affecting the Fund or its Manager, custodian, transfer agent, intermediaries and other third-party service providers may adversely impact the Fund. For instance, cyber security breaches may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, impact the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAVs, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential business information, impede trading, subject the Fund to regulator fines or financial losses and/or cause reputational damage. The Fund may also present for issuer of securities in which the Fund may invest, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Fund’s investment in such companies to lose value.

 

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Investment Company Shares. The Fund may invest in shares of other investment companies to the extent permitted by applicable law and subject to certain restrictions. These investment companies typically incur fees that are separate from those fees incurred directly by the Fund. The Fund’s purchase of such investment company securities results in the layering of expenses, such that shareholders would indirectly bear a proportionate share of the operating expenses of such investment companies, including advisory fees, in addition to paying the Fund’s expenses. Unless an exception is available, Section 12(d)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act prohibits a fund from (i) acquiring more than 3% of the voting shares of any one investment company, (ii) investing more than 5% of its total assets in any one investment company, and (iii) investing more than 10% of its total assets in all investment companies combined, including its ETF investments.

 

For hedging or other purposes, the Fund may invest in investment companies that seek to track the composition and/or performance of specific indexes or portions of specific indexes. Certain of these investment companies, known as exchange-traded funds, are traded on a securities exchange. The market prices of index-based investments will fluctuate in accordance with changes in the underlying portfolio securities of the investment company and also due to supply and demand of the investment company’s shares on the exchange upon which the shares are traded. Index-based investments may not replicate or otherwise match the composition or performance of their specified index due to transaction costs, among other things.

 

Pursuant to orders issued by the SEC to each of certain exchange-traded funds (collectively, the “ETFs”) and procedures approved by the Board, the Fund may invest in the ETFs in excess of the limits described above, provided that the Fund has described the ETF investments in its prospectus and otherwise complies with the conditions of the SEC, as it may be amended, and any other applicable investment limitations. Neither the ETFs nor their investment advisers make any representations regarding the advisability of investing in the ETFs.

 

Rights Offerings and Purchase Warrants. Rights offerings and purchase warrants are privileges issued by a corporation that enable the owner to subscribe to and purchase a specified number of shares of the corporation at a specified price during a specified period of time. Subscription rights normally have a short lifespan to expiration. The purchase of rights or warrants involves the risk that the Fund could lose the purchase value of a right or warrant if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not executed prior to the right’s or warrant’s expiration. Also, the purchase of rights and/or warrants involves the risk that the effective price paid for the right and/or warrant added to the subscription price of the related security may exceed the value of the subscribed security’s market price such as when there is no movement in the level of the underlying security.

 

Risk Considerations of Lower Rated Securities. The Fund may invest in fixed income securities that are not investment grade but are rated as low as B by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or B by S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) (or their equivalents or, if unrated, determined by the Manager to be of comparable credit quality). In the case of a security that is rated differently by two or more rating services, the higher rating is used in connection with the foregoing limitation. In the event that the rating on a security held in the Fund’s portfolio is downgraded by a rating service, such action will be considered by the Manager in its evaluation of the overall investment merits of that security, but will not necessarily result in the sale of the security. The widespread expansion of government, consumer and corporate debt within the U.S. economy has made the corporate sector, especially cyclically sensitive industries, more vulnerable to economic downturns or increased interest rates. An economic downturn could severely disrupt the market for high yield fixed income securities and adversely affect the value of outstanding fixed income securities and the ability of the issuers to repay principal and interest.

 

The Fund may invest in high yield debt obligations, such as bonds and debentures, issued by corporations and other business organizations. The Fund may invest in high yield debt instruments when the Fund believes that such instruments offer a better risk/reward profile than comparable equity opportunities. High yield fixed income securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”) are considered speculative investments while generally providing greater income than investments in higher rated securities, involve greater risk of loss of principal and income (including the possibility of default or bankruptcy of the issuers of such securities) and may involve greater volatility of price (especially during periods of economic uncertainty or change) than securities in the higher rating categories. Since yields vary over time, no specific level of income can ever be assured.

 

The prices of high yield fixed income securities have been found to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than higher-rated investments but more sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual corporate developments. Also, during an economic downturn or substantial period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress, which would adversely affect their ability to service their principal and interest payment obligations, to meet projected business goals and to obtain additional financing. If the issuer of a fixed income security owned by the Fund defaulted, the Fund could incur additional expenses in attempting to obtain a recovery. In addition, periods of economic uncertainty and changes can be expected to result in increased volatility of market prices of high yield fixed income securities and the Fund’s NAV to the extent it holds such securities.

 

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High yield fixed income securities also present risks based on payment expectations. For example, high yield fixed income securities may contain redemption or call provisions. If an issuer exercises these provisions in a declining interest rate market, the Fund may, to the extent it holds such fixed income securities, have to replace the securities with a lower yielding security, which may result in a decreased return for investors. Conversely, a high yield fixed income security’s value will decrease in a rising interest rate market, as will the value of the Fund’s assets, to the extent it holds such fixed income securities. In addition, to the extent that there is no established retail secondary market, there may be thin trading of high yield fixed income securities, and this may have an impact on the Manager’s ability to accurately value such securities and the Fund’s assets and on the Fund’s ability to dispose of such securities. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of high yield fixed income securities, especially in a thinly traded market.

 

New laws proposed or adopted from time to time may have an impact on the market for high yield securities.

 

Finally, there are risks involved in applying credit or dividend ratings as a method for evaluating high yield securities. For example, ratings evaluate the safety of principal and interest or dividend payments, not market value risk of high yield securities. Also, since rating agencies may fail to timely change the credit ratings to reflect subsequent events, the Fund will continuously monitor the issuers of high yield securities in its portfolio, if any, to determine if the issuers will have sufficient cash flow and profits to meet required principal and interest payments, and to assure the security’s liquidity so the Fund can meet redemption requests.

 

Securities Lending. The Fund may lend portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial organizations that meet capital and other credit requirements or other criteria established by the Board. These loans, if and when made, may not exceed 33 1/3% of the total asset value of the Fund (including the loan collateral). The Fund will not lend portfolio securities to the Adviser or their affiliates unless permissible under the 1940 Act and the rules and promulgations thereunder. Loans of portfolio securities will be fully collateralized by cash, letters of credit or U.S. government securities, and the collateral will be maintained in an amount equal to at least 102% of the current market value of the loaned domestic securities (105% of loaned foreign securities) by marking to market daily. Any gain or loss in the market price of the securities loaned that might occur during the term of the loan would be for the account of the Fund.

 

The Fund may pay a part of the interest earned from the investment of collateral, or other fee, to an unaffiliated or, to the extent consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations thereunder, affiliated third party for acting as the Fund’s securities lending agent.

 

By lending its securities, the Fund may increase its income by receiving payments from the borrower that reflect the amount of any interest or any dividends payable on the loaned securities as well as by either investing cash collateral received from the borrower in short-term instruments or obtaining a fee from the borrower when U.S. government securities or letters of credit are used as collateral. The Fund does not have the right to vote loaned securities. The Fund will attempt to call all loaned securities back to permit the exercise of voting rights on material matters, if time and jurisdictional restrictions permit. There is no guarantee that all loans can be recalled.

 

Structured Securities. The Fund may invest in structured securities to the extent consistent with its investment objective. The value of the principal of and/or interest on structured securities is determined by reference to changes in the value of specific currencies, commodities, securities, indices or other financial indicators (the “Reference”) or the relative change in two or more References. The interest rate or the principal amount payable upon maturity or redemption may be increased or decreased depending upon changes in the applicable Reference. Examples of structured securities include, but are not limited to, notes where the principal repayment at maturity is determined by the value of the relative change in two or more specified securities or securities indices.

 

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The terms of some structured securities may provide that in certain circumstances no principal is due at maturity and, therefore, the Fund could suffer a total loss of its investment. Structured securities may be positively or negatively indexed, so that appreciation of the Reference may produce an increase or decrease in the interest rate or value of the security at maturity. In addition, changes in the interest rate or the value of the security at maturity may be a multiple of the changes in the value of the Reference. Consequently, structured securities may entail a greater degree of market risk than other types of securities. Structured securities may also be more volatile, less liquid and more difficult to accurately price than less complex securities due to their derivative nature.

 

The Fund’s Service Providers Could Fail. The institutions with which the Fund or Subsidiary trades or invests may encounter financial difficulties that impair the operational capabilities or the capital position of the Fund. A futures broker is generally required by U.S. law to segregate all funds received from such broker’s customers from such broker’s proprietary assets. If the futures broker did not do so to the full extent required by law, the assets of the Fund might not be fully protected in the event of the bankruptcy of the futures broker. Furthermore, in the event of the futures broker’s bankruptcy, the Fund or Subsidiary could be limited to recovering only a pro rata share of all available funds segregated on behalf of the futures broker’s combined customer accounts, even though certain property specifically traceable to the Fund (for example, Treasury bills deposited by the Fund with the futures broker as margin) was held by the futures broker.

 

Although the Manager regularly monitors the financial condition of the counterparties it uses, if the counterparties were to become insolvent or the subject of liquidation proceedings in the United States (either under the Securities Investor Protection Act of the United States Bankruptcy Code), there exists the risk that the recovery of the Fund’s or subsidiary’s assets from such counterparty will be delayed or be a value less than the value of the assets originally entrusted to such counterparty.

 

Failure to Receive Timely and Accurate Market Data from Third Party Vendors Could Cause Disruptions or the Inability to Trade. The Manager’s strategies are dependent to a significant degree on the receipt of timely and accurate market data from third party vendors. Accordingly, the failure to receive such data in a timely manner or the receipt of inaccurate data, whether due to acts or omissions of such third party vendors or otherwise, could disrupt trading to the detriment of the Fund or make trading impossible until such failure or inaccuracy is remedied. Any such failure or inaccuracy could, in certain market conditions, cause the Fund to experience significant trading losses, effect trades in a manner which it otherwise would not have done, or miss opportunities for profitable trading. For example, the receipt of inaccurate market data may cause the Manager to establish (or exit) a position which it otherwise would not have established (or exited), or fail to establish (or exit) a position which it otherwise would have established (or exited), and any subsequent correction of such inaccurate data may cause the Manager to reverse such action or inaction, all of which may ultimately be to the detriment of the Fund.

 

INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

 

The Fund has adopted the following fundamental investment limitations which may not be changed with respect to the Fund without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding shares (as defined in Section 2(a)(42) of the 1940 Act). As used in this SAI and in the Prospectus, “shareholder approval” and a “majority of the outstanding shares” of the Fund means, with respect to the approval of an investment advisory agreement, a distribution plan or a change in a fundamental investment limitation, the lesser of (1) 67% of the shares of the Fund represented at a meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present in person or by proxy, or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. Unless otherwise noted, the Fund’s investment goals and strategies described in the Prospectus may be changed by the Board without the approval of the Fund’s shareholders.

 

The Fund may not:

 

1. Borrow money or issue senior securities, except that the Fund may borrow from banks and enter into reverse repurchase agreements provided that there is at least 300% asset coverage for the borrowings of the Fund. The Fund may not mortgage, pledge or hypothecate any assets, except in connection with any such borrowing and then in amounts not in excess of one-third of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the time of such borrowing. However, the amount shall not be in excess of lesser of the dollar amounts borrowed or 33 1/3% of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the time of such borrowing, provided that: (a) short sales and related borrowings of securities are not subject to this restriction; and (b) for the purposes of this restriction, collateral arrangements with respect to options, short sales, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, collateral arrangements with respect to initial and variation margin and collateral arrangements with respect to derivatives instruments are not deemed to be a pledge or other encumbrance of assets. Securities held in escrow or separate accounts in connection with the Fund’s investment practices are not considered to be borrowings or deemed to be pledged for purposes of this limitation;

 

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2. Act as an underwriter of securities within the meaning of the 1933 Act, except insofar as it might be deemed to be an underwriter upon disposition of certain portfolio securities acquired within the limitation on purchases of restricted securities;

 

3. Purchase or sell real estate (including real estate limited partnership interests), provided that the Fund may invest: (a) in securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies that invest in real estate or interests therein; or (b) in real estate investment trusts;

 

4. Purchase or sell commodities, except as permitted by the 1940 Act, as amended, and as interpreted or modified by the regulatory authority having jurisdiction from time to time;

 

5. Make loans, except through loans of portfolio securities and repurchase agreements, provided that for purposes of this restriction the acquisition of bonds, debentures or other debt instruments or interests therein and investment in government obligations, loan participations and assignments, short-term commercial paper, certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances shall not be deemed to be the making of a loan; or

 

6. Invest 25% or more of its total assets, taken at market value at the time of each investment, in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry, provided that (a) there is no limitation with respect to (i) instruments issued or guaranteed by the United States, any state, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia or any of their authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions, and (ii) repurchase agreements secured by the instruments described in clause (i); (b) wholly-owned finance companies will be considered to be in the industries of their parents if their activities are primarily related to financing the activities of the parents; and (c) utilities will be divided according to their services, for example, gas, gas transmission, electric and gas, electric and telephone will each be considered a separate industry.

 

In addition to the fundamental investment limitations specified above, the Fund is subject to the following non-fundamental limitations, which may be changed without shareholder approval, in compliance with applicable law and regulatory policy. The Fund may not:

 

1. Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management, but investments by the Fund in wholly-owned investment entities created under the laws of certain countries will not be deemed the making of investments for the purpose of exercising control or management; or

 

2. Purchase securities on margin, except that the Fund may use margin to the extent necessary to engage in short sales and may obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of portfolio transactions; and provided that margin deposits in connection with options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts or other derivative instruments, including foreign exchange forward contracts, shall not constitute purchasing securities on margin.

 

The Fund may invest in securities issued by other investment companies within the limits prescribed by the 1940 Act. Pursuant to orders issued by the SEC to ETFs and procedures approved by the Board, the Fund may invest in ETFs in excess of the limits of the 1940 Act. As a shareholder of another investment company, the Fund would bear, along with other shareholders, its pro rata portion of the other investment company’s expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses would be in addition to the advisory and other expenses that the Fund bears directly in connection with its own operations.

 

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Securities held by the Fund generally may not be purchased from, sold or loaned to the Manager or its affiliates or any of their directors, officers or employees, acting as principal, unless pursuant to a rule or exemptive order under the 1940 Act. Neither the Fund nor the Manager has obtained such an exemptive order as of the date of this SAI.

 

Under the 1940 Act, the Fund will be required to maintain asset coverage of at least 300% for borrowings from a bank. In the event that such asset coverage is below 300%, the Fund will be required to reduce the amount of its borrowings to obtain 300% asset coverage within three business days (not including Sundays and holidays).

 

The 1940 Act does not directly restrict an investment company’s ability to invest in commodities, but does require that every investment company have a fundamental investment policy governing such investments. The Fund has adopted fundamental policies that would permit direct investment in commodities.

 

Any collateral arrangements with respect to, if applicable, the writing of options and futures contracts, options on futures contracts, short sales and other similar instruments, and collateral arrangements with respect to initial and variation margin are not deemed to be a pledge of assets. The Fund may pledge, mortgage or hypothecate assets to secure borrowings permitted by the Fund’s fundamental limitation on borrowing.

 

Senior securities may include any obligation or instrument issued by a fund evidencing indebtedness. The 1940 Act generally prohibits funds from issuing senior securities, although it does not treat certain transactions as senior securities, such as certain borrowings, short sales, reverse repurchase agreements, firm commitment agreements and standby commitments, with appropriate earmarking or segregation of assets to cover such obligation.

 

If a percentage restriction under one of the Fund’s investment policies or limitations or the use of assets is adhered to at the time a transaction is effected, later changes in percentages resulting from changing values will not be considered a violation (except with respect to any restrictions that may apply to borrowings or senior securities issued by the Fund).

 

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

The Company has adopted, on behalf of the Fund, a policy relating to the selective disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings by the Manager, director, officer or third party service provider, in accordance with regulations that seek to ensure that disclosure of information about portfolio holdings is in the best interest of Fund shareholders and to address the conflicts of interests of the Fund shareholders and its service providers. The policies relating to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings are designed to allow disclosure of portfolio holdings information where necessary to the Fund’s operation without compromising the integrity or performance of the Fund. It is the policy of the Company that disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings to a select person or persons prior to the release of such holdings to the public (“selective disclosure”) is prohibited, unless there are legitimate business purposes for selective disclosure.

 

The Company discloses portfolio holdings information as required in regulatory filings and shareholder reports, discloses portfolio holdings information as required by federal and state securities laws and may disclose portfolio holdings information in response to requests by governmental authorities. As required by the federal securities laws, including the 1940 Act, the Company will disclose the Fund’s portfolio holdings in applicable regulatory filings, including shareholder reports, reports on Form N-CSR and Form N-Q or such other filings, reports or disclosure documents as the applicable regulatory authorities may require.

 

The Company may distribute or authorize the distribution of information about the Fund’s portfolio holdings that is not publicly available to its third-party service providers of the Company, which include U.S. Bank, N.A., the custodian; U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“USBFS”), the administrator, accounting agent and transfer agent; Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm; Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, legal counsel; and FilePoint, the financial printer. These service providers are required to keep such information confidential, and are prohibited from trading based on the information or otherwise using the information except as necessary in providing services to the Fund. Such holdings are released on conditions of confidentiality, which include appropriate trading prohibitions. “Conditions of confidentiality” include confidentiality terms included in written agreements, implied by the nature of the relationship (e.g. attorney-client relationship), or required by fiduciary or regulatory principles (e.g., custody services provided by financial institutions). Portfolio holdings may also be provided earlier to shareholders and their agents who receive redemptions in kind that reflect a pro rata allocation of all securities held in the Fund’s portfolio.

 

21

 

Portfolio holdings may also be disclosed, upon authorization by a designated officer of the Manager, to certain independent reporting agencies recognized by the SEC as acceptable agencies for the reporting of industry statistical information. Disclosures to financial consultants are also subject to a confidentiality agreement and/or trading restrictions as well as a 15 - day time lag. The foregoing disclosures are made pursuant to the Company’s policy on selective disclosure of portfolio holdings. The Board or a committee thereof may, in limited circumstances, permit other selective disclosure of portfolio holdings subject to a confidentiality agreement and/or trading restrictions. Portfolio holdings may also be provided earlier to shareholders and their agents who receive redemptions in kind that reflect a pro rata allocation of all securities held in the Fund’s portfolio.

 

The Manager reserves the right to refuse to fulfill any request for portfolio holdings information from a shareholder or non-shareholder if it believes that providing such information will be contrary to the best interests of the Fund.

 

The Board provides ongoing oversight of the Company’s policies and procedures and compliance with such policies and procedures. As part of this oversight function, the Board receives from the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) as necessary, reports on compliance with these policies and procedures. In addition, the Board receives an annual assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of the policies and procedures with respect to the Fund, and any changes thereto, and an annual review of the operation of the policies and procedures. Any violation of the policy set forth above as well as any corrective action undertaken to address such violations must be reported by the Manager, director, officer or third party service provider to the Company’s CCO, who will determine whether the violation should be reported immediately to the Board or at its next quarterly Board meeting.

 

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

Portfolio turnover measures the percentage of the Fund’s total portfolio market value that was purchased or sold during the period. The Fund’s turnover rate provides an indication of how transaction costs (which are not included in the Fund’s expenses) may affect the Fund’s performance. Also, funds with a high turnover may be more likely to distribute capital gains that may be taxable to shareholders. The Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated by the value of the investment securities purchased or sold, excluding all instruments whose maturities at the time of acquisition were one year or less, divided by the average monthly value of such securities owned during the year. Based on this calculation, instruments, including options and futures contracts, with remaining maturities of less than one year are excluded from the portfolio turnover rate. If such instruments were included, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate would be higher. Portfolio turnover information is not provided because the Fund did not commence operations prior to the date of this SAI.

MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the oversight of the Board, subject to the laws of the State of Maryland and the Company’s Charter. The Directors are responsible for deciding matters of overall policy and overseeing the actions of the Company’s service providers. The officers of the Company conduct and supervise the Company’s daily business operations.

 

Directors who are not deemed to be “interested persons” of the Company as defined in the 1940 Act are referred to as “Independent Directors.” Directors who are deemed to be “interested persons” of the Company are referred to as “Interested Directors.” The Board is currently composed of seven Independent Directors and one Interested Director. The Board has selected Arnold M. Reichman, an Independent Director, to act as Chairman. Mr. Reichman’s duties include presiding at meetings of the Board and interfacing with management to address significant issues that may arise between regularly scheduled Board and Committee meetings. In the performance of his duties, Mr. Reichman will consult with the other Independent Directors and the Company’s officers and legal counsel, as appropriate. The Chairman may perform other functions as requested by the Board from time to time.

 

The Board meets as often as necessary to discharge its responsibilities. Currently, the Board conducts regular, in-person meetings at least four times a year, and holds special in-person or telephonic meetings as necessary to address specific issues that require attention prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting. The Board also relies on professionals, such as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firms and legal counsel, to assist the Directors in performing their oversight responsibilities.

 

The Board has established nine standing committees — Audit, Contract, Executive, Investment Risk, Nominating and Governance, Product Development, Regulatory Oversight, Strategic Oversight, and Valuation Committees. The Board may establish other committees, or nominate one or more Directors to examine particular issues related to the Board’s oversight responsibilities, from time to time. Each Committee meets periodically to perform its delegated oversight functions and reports its findings and recommendations to the Board. For more information on the Committees, see the section “Standing Board Committees,” below.

 

22

 

The Board has determined that the Company’s leadership structure is appropriate because it allows the Board to effectively perform its oversight responsibilities.

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below.

 

Name, Address, and Age Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and
Length of
Time
Served 1

Principal

Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in

Fund

Complex

Overseen

by Director*

Other

Directorships

Held by

Director

in the Past 5

Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 84

Director 1988 to present From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications). 29 AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

J. Richard Carnall
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 79

Director 2002 to present Since 1984, Director of Haydon Bolts, Inc. (bolt manufacturer) and Parkway Real Estate Company (subsidiary of Haydon Bolts, Inc.); since 2004, Director of Cornerstone Bank. 29 None

 

23

 

Name, Address, and Age Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and
Length of
Time
Served 1

Principal

Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in

Fund

Complex

Overseen

by Director*

Other

Directorships

Held by

Director

in the Past 5

Years

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 51

 

Director 2012 to present Since 2009, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services); from 2003 to 2009, Managing Director, head of Business Services and IT Services Practice, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC (investment banking/brokerage). 29 Emtec, Inc.; FS Investment Corporation (business development company); FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company).

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 74

Director 2006 to present Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations. 29 Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company)(until September 2017); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance).

Sam Lambroza

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI

53202

Age: 63

Director 2016 to present Since 2010, Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer and Board Member, Tinsel Group of Companies (asset management). 29 None

Arnold M. Reichman
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 69

 

Chairman

Director

2005 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2006, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Lifebooker, LLC (online beauty and health appointment booking service). 29 Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

 

 

24

 

Name, Address, and Age Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and
Length of
Time
Served 1

Principal

Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in

Fund

Complex

Overseen

by Director*

Other

Directorships

Held by

Director

in the Past 5

Years

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 76

Director 2006 to present Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm). 29

Reich and Tang Group (asset management).

 

INTERESTED DIRECTOR 2

Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 79

Vice Chairman

 

Director

2016 to present

 

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director - Investments and prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer). 29 None
OFFICERS
Salvatore Faia, JD,
CPA, CFE
Vigilant Compliance, LLC
Gateway Corporate
Center Suite 216
223 Wilmington West
Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 55

President

 

Chief Compliance Officer

2009 to present

 

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company). N/A N/A

 

25

 

Name, Address, and Age Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and
Length of
Time
Served 1

Principal

Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in

Fund

Complex

Overseen

by Director*

Other

Directorships

Held by

Director

in the Past 5

Years

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 57

 

Treasurer

and

Secretary

 2016 to present Since 2016, Treasurer and Secretary of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company). N/A N/A

Robert Amweg
Vigilant Compliance, LLC

Gateway Corporate Center Suite 216
223 Wilmington West Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 64

Assistant

Treasurer

2016 to present Since 2013, Compliance Director, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2012, Consultant to the financial services industry; from 2007 to 2012, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, Turner Investments, LP (registered investment company). N/A N/A

Jesse Schmitting

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 35

Assistant Treasurer 2016 to present Since 2008, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm). N/A N/A

Edward Paz

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 46

Assistant Secretary

 

2016 to present Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm). N/A N/A
Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square
Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 58
Assistant
Secretary
1999 to present Since 1993, Partner, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm). N/A N/A

 

26

 

Name, Address, and Age Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and
Length of
Time
Served 1

Principal

Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in

Fund

Complex

Overseen

by Director*

Other

Directorships

Held by

Director

in the Past 5

Years

Jillian L. Bosmann

One Logan Square
Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 38

Assistant
Secretary

September 2017

to present

Since 2017, Partner, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm); Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (2006 to present). N/A N/A

 

* Each Director oversees twenty-nine portfolios of the Company.
1. Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his successor is elected and qualified or his death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.
2. Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Carnall has decades of senior executive-level management experience in the banking and financial services industry and also serves on the boards of various corporations and a bank. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Mr. Lambroza has decades of experience and executive level leadership in the energy trading industry in addition to his experience in academia.

 

Standing Committees

 

The responsibilities of each Committee of the Board and its members are described below.

 

Audit Committee. The Board has an Audit Committee comprised of three Independent Directors. The current members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Brodsky, Chandler and Giordano. The Audit Committee, among other things, reviews results of the annual audit and approves the firm(s) to serve as independent auditors. The Audit Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Contract Committee. The Board has a Contract Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Contract Committee are Messrs. Brodsky, Chandler, Sablowsky and Straniere. The Contract Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the approval and continuation of agreements and plans of the Company. The Contract Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

27

 

Executive Committee. The Board has an Executive Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Executive Committee are Messrs. Chandler, Giordano, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Executive Committee may generally carry on and manage the business of the Company when the Board is not in session. The Executive Committee did not meet during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Investment Risk Committee. The Board has an Investment Risk Committee comprised of the Interested Director and two Independent Directors. The current members of the Investment Risk Committee are Messrs. Lambroza, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Investment Risk Committee ensures that the Company’s investment advisers have adopted investment risk management policies and procedures. The Investment Risk Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Nominating and Governance Committee. The Board has a Nominating and Governance Committee comprised of three Independent Directors. The current members of the Nominating and Governance Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Giordano and Reichman. The Nominating and Governance Committee recommends to the Board all persons to be nominated as Directors of the Company. The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders. Recommendations should be submitted to the Committee care of the Company’s Secretary. The Nominating and Governance Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Product Development Committee. The Board has a Product Development Committee comprised of the Interested Director and one Independent Director. The current members of the Product Development Committee are Messrs. Reichman and Sablowsky. The Product Development Committee oversees the process regarding the addition of new investment advisers and investment products to the Company. The Product Development Committee convened six times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Regulatory Oversight Committee. The Board has a Regulatory Oversight Committee comprised of the Interested Director and four Independent Directors. The current members of the Regulatory Oversight Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Lambroza, Reichman, Sablowsky and Straniere. The Regulatory Oversight Committee monitors regulatory developments in the mutual fund industry and focuses on various regulatory aspects of the operation of the Company. The Regulatory Oversight Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Strategic Oversight Committee. The Board has a Strategic Oversight Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Strategic Oversight Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Chandler, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Strategic Oversight Committee assists the Board in its oversight and review of the Company’s strategic plan and operations. The Strategic Oversight Committee convened one time during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Valuation Committee. The Board has a Valuation Committee comprised of the Interested Director, one Independent Director and three officers of the Company. The members of the Valuation Committee are Messrs. Amweg, Faia, Lambroza, Sablowsky and Shaw. The Valuation Committee is responsible for reviewing fair value determinations. The Valuation Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

28

 

Risk Oversight

 

The Board performs its risk oversight function for the Company through a combination of (1) direct oversight by the Board as a whole and Board committees and (2) indirect oversight through the Company’s investment advisers and other service providers, Company officers and the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer. The Company is subject to a number of risks, including but not limited to investment risk, compliance risk, operational risk, reputational risk, credit risk and counterparty risk. Day-to-day risk management with respect to the Company is the responsibility of the Company’s investment advisers or other service providers (depending on the nature of the risk) that carry out the Company’s investment management and business affairs. Each of the investment advisers and the other service providers have their own independent interest in risk management and their policies and methods of risk management will depend on their functions and business models and may differ from the Company’s and each other’s in the setting of priorities, the resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls.

 

The Board provides risk oversight by receiving and reviewing on a regular basis reports from the Company’s investment advisers or other service providers, receiving and approving compliance policies and procedures, periodic meetings with the Company’s portfolio managers to review investment policies, strategies and risks, and meeting regularly with the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer to discuss compliance reports, findings and issues. The Board also relies on the Company’s investment advisers and other service providers, with respect to the day-to-day activities of the Company, to create and maintain procedures and controls to minimize risk and the likelihood of adverse effects on the Company’s business and reputation.

 

Board oversight of risk management is also provided by various Board Committees. For example, the Audit Committee meets with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firms to ensure that the Company’s respective audit scopes include risk-based considerations as to the Company’s financial position and operations.

 

The Board may, at any time and in its discretion, change the manner in which it conducts risk oversight. The Board’s oversight role does not make the Board a guarantor of the Company’s investments or activities.

 

Director Ownership of Shares of the Company

 

The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Director in the Fund and in all of the portfolios of the Company (which for each Director comprise all registered investment companies within the Company’s family of investment companies overseen by him), as of December 31, 2016:

 

Name of Director

Dollar Range of

Equity Securities in the

Fund

Aggregate Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in All
Registered Investment Companies
Overseen by Director within the
Family of Investment Companies
  INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS  
Julian A. Brodsky None Over $100,000
J. Richard Carnall None $10,001-$50,000
Gregory P. Chandler None $1-$10,000
Nicholas A. Giordano None $10,001-$50,000
Sam Lambroza None Over $100,000
Arnold M. Reichman None Over $100,000
Robert A. Straniere None $1-$10,000
  INTERESTED DIRECTOR  
Robert Sablowsky None Over $100,000

 

Directors’ and Officers’ Compensation

 

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company pays each Director a retainer at the rate of $100,000 annually, $10,000 for each regular meeting of the Board, $3,500 for each committee meeting attended in-person, and $2,000 for each committee meeting attended telephonically or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each receive an additional fee of $15,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Contract Committee receives an additional fee of $10,000 per year for his services, and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee and Chairman of the Investment Risk Committee each receive an additional fee of $7,500 per year for his services. The Vice Chairman of the Board receives an additional fee of $25,000 per year for his services in this capacity and the Chairman of the Board receives an additional fee of $50,000 per year for his services in this capacity.

 

29

 

From January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017, the Company paid each Director a retainer at the rate of $100,000 annually, $5,000 for each regular meeting of the Board, $2,500 for each committee meeting attended in-person, and $2,000 for each committee meeting attended telephonically or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each received an additional fee of $15,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Contract Committee received an additional fee of $10,000 for his services and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee received an additional fee of $7,500 for his services. Effective June 1, 2017, the Chairman of the Investment Risk Committee received an additional fee of $7,500 for his services. The Vice Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $25,000 for his services in this capacity and the Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $50,000 for his services in this capacity.

 

From January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016, the Company paid each Director a retainer at the rate of $85,000 annually, $3,500 for each regular meeting of the Board, and $2,000 for each committee meeting or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each received an additional fee of $10,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Chairman of the Contract Committee each received an additional fee of $6,000 per year for his services. The Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $25,000 per year for his services in this capacity.

 

Directors are reimbursed for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board or any committee thereof. Employees of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serve as President, Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Treasurer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company, and such compensation is determined by the Board. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, Vigilant Compliance LLC received $0 from the Fund and $600,000 in aggregate from all series of the Company for its services. An employee of the Company serves as Treasurer and Secretary and is compensated for services provided. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, each of the following members of the Board and the Treasurer and Secretary received compensation from the Company in the following amounts:

 

30

 

Name of Director/Officer Aggregate
Compensation
from the Fund*
Pension or
Retirement
Benefits Accrued

Estimated
Annual
Benefits

Upon
Retirement

Total
Compensation
From
Fund Complex
Paid to

Directors
or Officer

Independent Directors:        
Julian A. Brodsky, Director $0 N/A N/A $130,250
J. Richard Carnall, Director $0 N/A N/A $128,250
Gregory P. Chandler, Director $0 N/A N/A $151,000
Nicholas A. Giordano, Director $0 N/A N/A $132,875
Sam Lambroza, Director $0 N/A N/A $133,375
Arnold M. Reichman, Director and Chairman $0 N/A N/A $175,500
Robert A. Straniere, Director $0 N/A N/A $130,750
Interested Director:        
Robert Sablowsky, Director $0 N/A N/A $173,750
Officer:        
James G. Shaw, Treasurer and Secretary $0 N/A N/A $240,000

 

* The Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI.

 

Each compensated Director is entitled to participate in the Company’s deferred compensation plan (the “DC Plan”). Under the DC Plan, a compensated Director may elect to defer all or a portion of his compensation and have the deferred compensation treated as if it had been invested by the Company in shares of one or more of the portfolios of the Company. The amount paid to the Directors under the DC Plan will be determined based upon the performance of such investments.

 

As of December 31, 2016, the Independent Directors and their respective immediate family members (spouse or dependent children) did not own beneficially or of record any securities of the Company’s investment advisers or distributor, or of any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment advisers or distributor.

 

CODE OF ETHICS

 

The Company and the Manager have each adopted a code of ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act that permits personnel subject to the codes to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Company, subject to certain restrictions.

 

PROXY VOTING

 

The Board has delegated the responsibility of voting proxies with respect to the portfolio securities purchased and/or held by the Fund to the Fund’s Manager, subject to the Board’s continuing oversight. The Fund and the Manager have agreed that the Manager will abstain from voting any proxies received.

 

The Company is required to disclose annually the Fund’s complete proxy voting record on Form N-PX. The Fund’s proxy voting record for the most recent 12 month period ended June 30th will be available upon request by calling 1-844-261-6488 or by writing to the Fund at: Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund, c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, PO Box 701, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202. The Fund’s Form N-PX will also be available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

 

As of the date of this SAI, no shares of the Fund were outstanding.

 

31

 

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES

 

INVESTMENT MANAGER

 

Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC (“Campbell” or the “Manager”) is located at 2850 Quarry Lake Drive, Baltimore, MD 21209. The Manager was founded in 2005. The Manager is registered as an Investment Adviser with the SEC and as a Commodity Trading Adviser with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and is a member of the National Futures Association.

 

The Manager is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Campbell & Company, LP (“Campbell & Company”). Campbell & Company LLC is the General Partner of Campbell & Company. Campbell & Company is controlled by KC Holding, Inc. and EC LLC, which is wholly-owned by the members of Campbell & Company’s Executive Committee. Campbell & Company and its predecessor organization, Campbell & Company, Inc., was formed in 1972 and have over forty years of experience in creating and managing alternative investment vehicles. Campbell & Company is registered with the CFTC as a CPO and a CTA. Campbell & Company is a member of the NFA in such capacities. The Manager has appointed Campbell & Company as the Fund’s Commodity Pool Operator. Campbell & Company’s officers are: G. William Andrews, Chief Executive Officer; Kevin Cole, Chief Research Officer; Gregory T. Donovan, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary; Michael S. Harris, President; Jeri R. Hawthorne, Director of Human Resources; Robert W. McBride, Chief Technology Officer; Heidi L. Kaiser, Deputy General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer; Thomas P. Lloyd, General Counsel, Secretary and Assistant Treasurer; Brian O. Nabet, Director of Technology; John R. Radle, Global Head of Trading; Darvin N. Sterner, Managing Director of Private Wealth Distribution; Joseph D. Kelly, Managing Director, Client Solutions Group; and Adam Tremper, Director of Marketing.

 

The Manager also serves as the investment adviser to the Subsidiary, Campbell Managed Futures LV Offshore Limited, a wholly-owned and controlled subsidiary of the Fund organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands as an exempted company, pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with the Subsidiary. The Manager does not receive additional compensation for its management of the Subsidiary. Although the Subsidiary is not registered under the 1940 Act, the Adviser complies with provisions of the 1940 Act relating to investment advisory contracts with respect to the Subsidiary.

 

Advisory Agreement with the Company. The Manager renders advisory services to the Fund pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement (“Advisory Agreement”).

 

Subject to the supervision of the Board, the Manager will provide for the overall management of the Fund including (i) the provision of a continuous investment program for the Fund, including investment research and management with respect to all securities, investments, cash and cash equivalents, (ii) the determination from time to time of what securities and other investments will be purchased, retained or sold by the Fund, and (iii) the placement from time to time of orders for all purchases and sales of securities and other investments made for the Fund. The Manager will provide the services rendered by it in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective, restrictions and policies as stated in the Prospectus and in this SAI. The Manager will not be liable for any error of judgment, mistake of law, or for any loss suffered by the Fund in connection with the performance of the Advisory 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 Manager in the performance of its duties, or from reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Advisory Agreement.

For its services to the Fund, the Manager is entitled to an advisory fee computed daily and payable monthly at the annual rate of 1.50% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The Manager has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) to 1.50%, 1.65%, 1.90% and 1.90% of the Fund's average daily net assets for Class UI Shares, Class I Shares, Class N Shares and Class T Shares, respectively. In determining the Manager's obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to exceed 1.50%, 1.65%, 1.90% and 1.90%, as applicable: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2018 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

32

 

The Manager will pay all expenses incurred by it in connection with its activities under the Advisory Agreement. The Fund bears all of its own expenses not specifically assumed by the Manager. General expenses of the Company not readily identifiable as belonging to a portfolio of the Company are allocated among all investment portfolios by or under the direction of the Board in such manner as it deems to be fair and equitable. Expenses borne by the Fund include, but are not limited to the following (or the Fund’s share of the following): (a) the cost (including brokerage commissions) of securities and other investments, including futures contracts, forward contracts, swaps, and options, purchased or sold by the Fund and any losses incurred in connection therewith; (b) fees payable to and expenses incurred on behalf of the Fund by the Manager; (c) filing fees and expenses relating to the registration and qualification of the Company and the Fund’s shares under federal and/or state securities laws and maintaining such registrations and qualifications; (d) fees and salaries payable to the Company’s Directors and officers; (e) taxes (including any income or franchise taxes) and governmental fees; (f) costs of any liability and other insurance or fidelity bonds; (g) any costs, expenses or losses arising out of a liability of or claim for damages or other relief asserted against the Company or the Fund for violation of any law; (h) legal, accounting and auditing expenses, including legal fees of special counsel for the independent Directors; (i) charges of custodians and other agents; (j) expenses of setting in type and printing prospectuses, statements of additional information and supplements thereto for existing shareholders, reports, statements, and confirmations to shareholders and proxy material that are not attributable to a class; (k) costs of mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information and supplements thereto to existing shareholders, as well as reports to shareholders and proxy materials that are not attributable to a class; (1) any extraordinary expenses; (m) fees, voluntary assessments and other expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; (n) costs of mailing and tabulating proxies and costs of shareholders’ and Directors’ meetings; (o) costs of independent pricing services to value the Fund’s securities; and (p) the costs of investment company literature and other publications provided by the Company to its Directors and officers. Distribution expenses, transfer agency expenses, expenses of preparation, printing and mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information, proxy statements and reports to shareholders, and organizational expenses and registration fees, identified as belonging to a particular class of the Company, are allocated to such class.

 

Disclosure relating to the material factors and the conclusions with respect to those factors that formed the basis for the Board’s approval of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement will be available in the Fund’s first annual or semi-annual report to shareholders and may be obtained by calling 1-844-261-6488 or visiting the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

The Advisory Agreement provides that the Manager shall at all times have all rights in and to the Fund’s name and all investment models used by or on behalf of the Fund. The Manager may use the Fund’s name or any portion thereof in connection with any other mutual fund or business activity without the consent of any shareholder, and the Company has agreed to execute and deliver any and all documents required to indicate its consent to such use.

 

Advisory fee information is not provided for the Fund because the Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI.

 

THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

 

This section includes information about the Fund’s portfolio managers, including information about other accounts they manage, the dollar range of Fund shares they own and how they are compensated.

 

Campbell

 

Other Accounts. In addition to the Fund, the portfolio managers are responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as listed below. The information below is provided as of August 31, 2017.

 

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Name of Portfolio Manager
or Team Member
Type of Accounts Total
# of
Accounts
Managed
Total Assets # of Accounts
Managed that
Advisory Fee
Based on
Performance
Total Assets
that Advisory
Fee Based on
Performance
1. G. William Andrews Other Registered Investment Companies: 0 $ 0 0 $0
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles: 9 $1.3 billion 9 $1.3 billion
  Other Accounts: 11 $ 2.4 billion 11 $ 2.4 billion
2. Dr. Kevin Cole Other Registered Investment Companies: 0 $ 0 0 $ 0
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles: 9 $ 1.3 billion 9 $ 1.3 billion
  Other Accounts: 11 $ 2.4 billion 11 $ 2.4 billion

 

Compensation. Campbell compensates the Fund’s portfolio managers for their management of the Fund. As of the date of this SAI, the portfolio managers’ compensation consists of a cash base salary and a discretionary bonus that is based on the individual performance of the portfolio manager and overall profitability of Campbell, which is, in part, dependent on the performance of the Fund, and therefore in part based on the value of the Fund’s net assets and other client accounts they are managing.

 

Conflicts of Interests. The portfolio managers’ management of other accounts may give rise to potential conflicts of interest in connection with their management of the Fund’s 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, Campbell has established policies and procedures to ensure that the purchase and sale of securities and other investments among all accounts it manages are fairly and equitably allocated.

 

The Manager, its affiliates and their respective employees manage other investment funds that may pursue investment objectives similar to, or materially different from, those of the Fund. The Manager, its affiliates and their respective employees may also manage discretionary accounts in which the Fund will have no interest, some of which may have investment objectives similar to, or materially different from, those of the Fund. Conflicts of interest among the Fund and any such affiliated entities may include, but are not limited to, those described herein.

 

Principals of the Manager and its affiliates may trade futures, forward and options contracts for his or her own account. In addition, the Manager and its affiliates manage proprietary accounts for itself, its deferred compensation plan and for certain principals and employees. There are written procedures that govern proprietary trading by principals and employees. For instance, the Manager and its affiliates have implemented employee trading policies that prohibit employee trading in futures and options on futures unless consent is given to the employee in writing. Such consent will only be given on a case by case basis. All employees must preclear all trades in equities, equity options, equity indices or equity index options through a computer-based system. The proposed trades are compared to a restricted list that includes positions traded in material amounts. The daily feed received from its approved brokerage firms is compared against the preclearance lists to assure compliance. Trading records for all proprietary trading are available for review by clients and investors upon reasonable notice. A conflict of interest exists if proprietary trades are executed and cleared at more favorable rates than trades executed and cleared on behalf of the Fund. It is the Manager’s policy to objectively allocate trade executions that afford each account the same likelihood of receiving favorable or unfavorable executions over time.

 

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Conflicts of interest may also arise from the fact that the Manager and its affiliates generally will be carrying on substantial investment activities for other clients, including other investment funds and discretionary accounts, in which the Fund will have no interest. The Manager may have financial incentives to favor certain of such accounts over the Fund. Any of their proprietary accounts and other customer accounts may use the same or different information and trading strategies as those which are utilized on behalf of the Fund, may compete with the Fund for specific trades, or may hold positions opposite to positions maintained on behalf of the Fund. The Manager may give advice and recommend securities to, or buy or sell securities for, the Fund, which advice or securities may differ from advice given to, or securities recommended or bought or sold for, other accounts and customers, even though their investment objectives may be the same as, or similar to, those of the Fund. The performance of the Fund may be adversely affected by the manner in which particular orders are entered for all accounts managed by and customers of the Manager.

 

The Manager may determine that an investment opportunity is appropriate for a particular investment fund or discretionary account that it manages or for itself, but not for the Fund. Situations may arise in which private investment funds managed by the Manager or its affiliates have made investments that would have been suitable for investment by the Fund but, for various reasons, were not pursued by, or available to, the Fund. To the extent that entities affiliated with the Manager trade pursuant to portfolios other than that which is traded on behalf of the Fund, the Fund may not participate in certain investment opportunities pursued by such other portfolios. The Manager, its affiliates, their respective employees and other investment funds or discretionary accounts, other than the Fund, managed by the Manager or its affiliates may invest on terms more favorable than those available to the Fund and may act in ways adverse to the interest of the Fund. The Manager and its affiliates regard their analyses as proprietary and confidential, and the Manager will not disclose its analyses, opinions or purchase and sale activities on behalf of the Fund, except to Shareholders in the periodic reports distributed by the Fund.

 

The Manager and its affiliates are major participants in the global currency, equity, commodity, fixed income, derivative and other markets. As such, the Manager and its affiliates are actively engaged in transactions in the same securities and other instruments in which the Fund may invest. The Manager and its affiliates are not under any obligation to share any investment opportunity, idea or strategy with the Fund. As a result, the Manager and its affiliates may indirectly compete with the Fund for appropriate investment opportunities, or engage in trading activities, either for its proprietary account or on behalf of other clients, that is detrimental to the trading positions of the Fund. The proprietary activities or other portfolio strategies of the Manager or its affiliates, or the activities or strategies used for other accounts managed by the Manager or its affiliates, could conflict with the transactions and strategies employed on behalf of the Fund and may affect the prices and availability of the securities and instruments in which the Fund invests.

 

The Manager may invest the Fund’s cash reserve in investment funds managed or maintained by the Manager or its affiliates, to the extent permitted by applicable law. In such event, the Fund pays any expenses and fees associated with such investment, including any fees payable to the Manager or its affiliates. Accordingly, the Manager has a conflict of interest in evaluating any such investment.

 

Market quotations regarding certain investments by the Manager may not always be available. In such cases, valuations of such Fund investments may be made by the Manager in accordance with the Fund’s valuation procedures. The Manager will have a conflict of interest in making certain valuations, because any such valuation will affect the Fund’s net asset value and, consequently, the amount of Management Fee that the Manager receives for its services. However, any determination of the value of the Fund is ultimately the responsibility of the Board.

 

Other present and future activities of the Manager or its affiliates may give rise to additional conflicts of interest.

 

Securities Ownership . No shares of the Fund were outstanding as the Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI.

 

ADMINISTRATION AND ACCOUNTING AGREEMENT

 

USBFS, located at 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202, serves as fund administrator to the Fund pursuant to a fund administration servicing agreement and serves as fund accountant pursuant to a fund accounting servicing agreement (the “Administration Agreements”). Under the fund accounting servicing agreement, USBFS has agreed to furnish to the Fund statistical and research data, clerical, accounting and bookkeeping services, and certain other services required by the Fund. Under the fund administration servicing agreement, USBFS has agreed to provide fund administration services to the Company. These services include the preparation and coordination of the Company’s annual post-effective amendment filing and supplements to the Fund’s registration statement, the preparation and assembly of board meeting materials, and certain other services necessary to the Company’s fund administration. In addition, USBFS has agreed to prepare and file various reports with the appropriate regulatory agencies and prepare materials required by the SEC or any state securities commission having jurisdiction over the Fund.

 

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The Administration Agreements provide that USBFS shall be obligated to exercise reasonable care in the performance of its duties and that USFBS shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or any loss suffered by the Company in connection with its duties under the Administration Agreements, except a loss resulting from USBSF’s refusal or failure to comply with the terms of the applicable Administration Agreement or from its bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties thereunder.

 

USBFS receives a fee under the Administration Agreements based on the average daily net assets of the Company.

 

Administration fee information is not provided for the Fund because the Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI.

 

CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT

 

U.S. Bank, N.A., 1555 North River Center Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53212 (the “Custodian”), is custodian of the Fund’s and of the Subsidiary’s assets pursuant to a custodian agreement (the “Custodian Agreement”). Under the Custodian Agreement, the Custodian: (a) maintains a separate account or accounts in the name of the Fund; (b) holds and transfers portfolio investments on account of the Fund; (c) accepts receipts and makes disbursements of money on behalf of the Fund; (d) collects and receives all income and other payments and distributions on account of the Fund’s portfolio investments; and (e) makes periodic reports to the Board concerning the Fund’s operations. The Custodian is authorized to select one or more banks or trust companies to serve as sub-custodian on behalf of the Fund, provided that the Custodian remains responsible for the performance of all of its duties under the Custodian Agreement and holds the Fund harmless from the acts and omissions of any affiliate, sub-custodian or domestic sub-custodian. For its services to the Fund under the Custodian Agreement, the Custodian receives a fee based on the Fund’s average gross assets calculated daily and payable monthly. Transaction charges and out-of-pocket expenses are also charged to the Fund.

 

TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT

 

USBFS, 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, serves as the transfer and dividend disbursing agent for the Fund pursuant to a transfer agency and servicing agreement (the “Transfer Agency Agreement”), under which USBFS: (a) issues and redeems shares of the Fund; (b) addresses and mails all communications by the Fund to record owners of the shares, including reports to shareholders, dividend and distribution notices and proxy materials for its meetings of shareholders; (c) maintains shareholder accounts and, if requested, sub-accounts; and (d) makes periodic reports to the Board concerning the operations of the Fund. USBFS may, subject to the Board’s approval, assign its duties as transfer and dividend disbursing agent to any affiliate of USBFS. For its services to the Fund under the Transfer Agency Agreement, USBFS receives an annual fee based on the number of accounts in the Fund and the Fund’s average gross assets calculated daily and payable monthly. Transaction charges and out-of-pocket expenses are also charged to the Fund.

 

USBFS also provides services relating to the implementation of the Company’s Anti-Money Laundering Program. In addition, USBFS provides services relating to the implementation of the Fund’s Customer Identification Program, including verification of required customer information and the maintenance of records with respect to such verification.

 

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DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), whose principal business address is 777 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, serves as the underwriter to the Fund pursuant to the terms of a distribution agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”). The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). The Distributor is not affiliated with the Company or the Manager. The Distributor, U.S. Bank, N.A. and USBFS are affiliates.

 

Under the Distribution Agreement with the Company, the Distributor acts as the agent of the Company in connection with the continuous offering of shares of the Fund. The Distributor continually distributes shares of the Fund on a best efforts basis. The Distributor has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of Fund shares. The Distributor and its officers have no role in determining the investment policies or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Company.

 

The Distributor may enter into agreements with selected broker-dealers, banks or other financial intermediaries for distribution of shares of the Fund. With respect to certain financial intermediaries and related fund “supermarket” platform arrangements, the Fund and/or the Manager, rather than the Distributor, typically enter into such agreements. These financial intermediaries may charge a fee for their services and may receive shareholder service or other fees from parties other than the Distributor. These financial intermediaries may otherwise act as processing agents and are responsible for promptly transmitting purchase, redemption and other requests to the Fund.

 

Investors who purchase shares through financial intermediaries will be subject to the procedures of those intermediaries through which they purchase shares, which may include charges, investment minimums, cutoff times and other restrictions in addition to, or different from, those listed herein. Information concerning any charges or services will be provided to customers by the financial intermediary through which they purchase shares. Investors purchasing shares of the Fund through financial intermediaries should acquaint themselves with their financial intermediary’s procedures and should read the Prospectus in conjunction with any materials and information provided by their financial intermediary. The financial intermediary, and not its customers, will be the shareholder of record, although customers may have the right to vote shares depending upon their arrangement with the financial intermediary. The Distributor does not receive compensation from the Fund for its distribution services. Campbell & Company pays the Distributor a fee for certain distribution-related services.

 

The Distribution Agreement has an initial term of up to two years and will continue in effect only if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by vote of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities in accordance with the 1940 Act. The Distribution Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Company on behalf of the Fund on no less than 60 days’ written notice when authorized either by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the members of the Board who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Company and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Distribution Agreement, or by the Distributor, and will automatically terminate in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act). The Distribution Agreement provides that the Distributor shall not be liable for any loss suffered by the Company in connection with the performance of the Distributor’s obligations and duties under the Distribution Agreement, except a loss resulting from the Distributor’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of such duties and obligations, or by reason of its reckless disregard thereof.

 

Class UI Shares and Class I Shares . Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, Quasar Distributors, LLC acts as the agent of the Company in connection with the continuous offering of the Fund’s shares. Quasar Distributors, LLC continually distributes shares of the Fund on a best efforts basis. Quasar Distributors, LLC has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of Fund shares. Quasar Distributors, LLC and its officers have no role in determining the investment policies or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Company. Quasar Distributors, LLC does not receive compensation from the Company for the distribution of the Fund’s Class UI Shares and Class I Shares; however, Campbell & Company pays an annual fee to Quasar Distributors, LLC as compensation for underwriting services rendered to the Fund pursuant to the Distribution Agreement.

 

Class N Shares and Class T Shares. Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement and the related Plans of Distribution for Class N Shares and Class T Shares (together, the “Plans”), which were adopted by the Company in the manner prescribed by Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, the Distributor will act as the agent of the Company in connection with the continuous offering for the sale of the Fund’s Class N Shares and Class T Shares, respectively. The Distributor continually distributes shares of the Fund on a best efforts basis. The Distributor has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of Fund shares. The Distributor and its officers have no role in determining the investment policies or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Company. Payments to the Distributor under the Plans are to compensate it for distribution assistance and expenses assumed and activities intended to result in the sale of Class N Shares and Class T Shares, including advertising, printing and mailing of prospectuses to other than current shareholders, compensation of underwriters, compensation to broker-dealers, compensation to sales personnel, and interest, carrying or other financing changes. As compensation for its distribution services, the Distributor receives, pursuant to the terms of the Distribution Agreement, a distribution fee under the Plans, to be calculated daily and paid monthly by the Class N Shares and Class T Shares of the Fund at the annual rates set forth in the Prospectus.

 

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Among other things, the Plans provide that: (1) the Distributor shall be required to submit quarterly reports to the Directors of the Company regarding all amounts expended under the Plans and the purposes for which such expenditures were made, including commissions, advertising, printing, interest, carrying charges and any allocated overhead expenses; (2) the Plans will continue in effect only so long as they are approved at least annually, and any material amendment thereto is approved, by the Company’s Directors, including a majority of those Directors who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plans or any agreements related to the Plans, acting in person at a meeting called for said purpose; (3) the aggregate amount to be spent by the Fund on the distribution of the Fund’s Class N Shares and Class T Shares under the respective Plans shall not be materially increased without shareholder approval; and (4) while the Plans remain in effect, the selection and nomination of the Company’s Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company (as defined in the 1940 Act) shall be committed to the discretion of such Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company.

 

12b-1 fee information is not provided for the Fund because the Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI.

 

PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES

 

The Manager and/or its affiliates, at their discretion, may make payments from their own resources and not from Fund assets to affiliated or unaffiliated brokers, dealers, banks (including bank trust departments), trust companies, registered investment advisers, financial planners, retirement plan administrators, insurance companies, and any other institution having a service, administration, or any similar arrangement with the Fund, its service providers or their respective affiliates, as incentives to help market and promote the Fund and/or in recognition of their distribution, marketing, administrative services, and/or processing support.

 

These additional payments may be made to financial intermediaries that sell Fund shares or provide services to the Fund, the Distributor or shareholders of the Fund through the financial intermediary’s retail distribution channel and/or fund supermarkets. Payments may also be made through the financial intermediary’s retirement, qualified tuition, fee-based advisory, wrap fee bank trust, or insurance (e.g., individual or group annuity) programs. These payments may include, but are not limited to, placing the Fund in a financial intermediary’s retail distribution channel or on a preferred or recommended fund list; providing business or shareholder financial planning assistance; educating financial intermediary personnel about the Fund; providing access to sales and management representatives of the financial intermediary; promoting sales of Fund shares; providing marketing and educational support; maintaining share balances and/or for sub-accounting, administrative or shareholder transaction processing services. A financial intermediary may perform the services itself or may arrange with a third party to perform the services.

 

The Manager and/or its affiliates may also make payments from their own resources to financial intermediaries for costs associated with the purchase of products or services used in connection with sales and marketing, participation in and/or presentation at conferences or seminars, sales or training programs, client and investor entertainment and other sponsored events. The costs and expenses associated with these efforts may include travel, lodging, sponsorship at educational seminars and conferences, entertainment and meals to the extent permitted by law.

 

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Revenue sharing payments may be negotiated based on a variety of factors, including the level of sales, the amount of Fund assets attributable to investments in the Fund by financial intermediaries’ customers, a flat fee or other measures as determined from time to time by the Manager and/or its affiliates. A significant purpose of these payments is to increase the sales of Fund shares, which in turn may benefit the Manager through increased fees as Fund assets grow.

 

FUND TRANSACTIONS

 

Subject to policies established by the Board and applicable rules, the Manager is responsible for the execution of portfolio transactions and the allocation of brokerage transactions for the Fund. In executing portfolio transactions, the Manager seeks to obtain the best price and most favorable execution for the Fund, taking into account such factors as the price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of the order, difficulty of execution and operational facilities of the firm involved. While the Manager generally seeks reasonably competitive commission rates, payment of the lowest commission or spread is not necessarily consistent with obtaining the best price and execution in particular transactions.

 

Brokerage Transactions

 

Generally, equity securities, both listed and over-the-counter, 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 dealer’s mark-up or reflect a dealer’s mark-down. Money market securities and other debt securities are usually bought and sold directly from the issuer or an underwriter or market maker for the securities. Generally, the Fund will not pay brokerage commissions for such purchases. When a debt security is bought from an underwriter, the purchase price will usually include an underwriting commission or concession. The purchase price for securities bought from dealers serving as market makers will similarly include the dealer’s mark up or reflect a dealer’s 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 addition, the Manager may place a combined order for two or more accounts they manage, including the Fund, engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security if, in its judgment, joint execution is in the best interest of each participant and will result in best price and execution. Transactions involving commingled orders are allocated in a manner deemed equitable to each account or fund. Although it is recognized that, in some cases, the joint execution of orders could adversely affect the price or volume of the security that a particular account or the Fund may obtain, it is the opinion of the Manager and the Board that the advantages of combined orders outweigh the possible disadvantages of separate transactions. Nonetheless, the Manager believes that the ability of the Fund to participate in higher volume transactions will generally be beneficial to the Fund.

 

The Fund is required to identify any securities of the Company’s regular broker-dealers (as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act) or their parents held by the Fund as of the end of the most recent fiscal year. There were no securities held by the Fund of its regular broker-dealers as of the end of the most recent fiscal year as the Fund had not yet commenced operations.

 

Brokerage commission information is not provided for the Fund because the Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI.

 

Brokerage Selection

 

The Company does not expect to use one particular broker or dealer, and when one or more brokers is believed capable of providing the best combination of price and execution, the Fund’s Manager may select a broker based upon brokerage or research services provided to the Manager. The Manager may pay a higher commission than otherwise obtainable from other brokers in return for such services only if a good faith determination is made that the commission is reasonable in relation to the services provided.

 

Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 permits an investment adviser, under certain circumstances, to cause a 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 Manager 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, portfolio 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 Manager believes that access to independent investment research is beneficial to their investment decision-making processes and, therefore, to the Fund.

 

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To the extent 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 Manager 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 Manager 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 Manager will be in addition to and not in lieu of the services required to be performed by the Manager under the Advisory Agreement. Any advisory or other fees paid to the Manager are not reduced as a result of the receipt of research services.

 

In some cases the Manager may receive a service from a broker that has both a “research” and a “non-research” use. When this occurs, the Manager 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 Manager 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 Manager faces a potential conflict of interest, but the Manager 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.

 

From time to time, the Fund may purchase new issues of securities for clients 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 Manager with research services. FINRA 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).

 

PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION

 

Read the Fund’s Prospectus for information regarding the purchase and redemption of Fund shares, including, in the case of Class T Shares, any applicable sales load charges. The following information supplements information in the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

You may purchase shares through an account maintained by your brokerage firm, financial institutions and industry professionals and you may also purchase shares directly by mail or wire. The Company reserves the right, if conditions exist that make cash payments undesirable, to honor any request for redemption or repurchase of the Fund’s shares by making payment in whole or in part in securities chosen by the Company and valued in the same way as they would be valued for purposes of computing the Fund’s NAV. If payment is made in securities, a shareholder may incur transaction costs in converting these securities into cash. A shareholder will also bear any market risk or tax consequences as a result of a payment in securities. The Company has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act so that the Fund is obligated to redeem its shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its NAV during any 90-day period for any one shareholder of the Fund. A shareholder will bear the risk of a decline in market value and any tax consequences associated with a redemption in securities.

 

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Under the 1940 Act, the Company may suspend the right to redemption or postpone the date of payment upon redemption for any period during which the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the “NYSE”) is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings), or during which the SEC restricts trading on the NYSE or determines an emergency exists as a result of which disposal or valuation of portfolio securities is not reasonably practicable, or for such other periods as the SEC may permit. (The Company may also suspend or postpone the recordation of the transfer of its shares upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions).

 

Shares of the Company are subject to redemption by the Company, at the redemption price of such shares as in effect from time to time, including, without limitation: (1) to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of the failure of a shareholder to make full payment for shares purchased by the shareholder or to collect any charge relating to a transaction effected for the benefit of a shareholder as provided in the Prospectus from time to time; (2) if such redemption is, in the opinion of the Board, desirable in order to prevent the Company or the Fund from being deemed a “personal holding company” within the meaning of the Code; (3) or if the net income with respect to any particular class of common stock should be negative or it should otherwise be appropriate to carry out the Company’s responsibilities under the 1940 Act.

 

The Fund has the right to redeem your shares at current NAV at any time and without prior notice if, and to the extent that, such redemption is necessary to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of your failure to make full payment for shares of the Fund you previously purchased or subscribed for.

 

Class T Shares of the Fund may be subject to sales charge waivers as described below.

Reducing or Eliminating the Front-End Sales Charge

 

Different Service Organizations may impose different sales charges and these variations are described in the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

Class T Shares

Class T Shares of the Fund are offered to the public at NAV plus a front-end sales charge. No reductions or waivers of sales charges are available for Class T shares except as noted in the Prospectus.

 

Quantity Discounts . Quantity Discounts do not apply to Class T Shares.

 

Rights of Accumulation. Rights of Accumulation do not apply to Class T Shares.

 

Letter of Intent. Letters of Intent do not apply to Class T Shares.

 

Dealer Reallowances

 

As shown in the table below, the Distributor, may provide dealer reallowances up to the full sales charge for purchases of the Fund’s Class T Shares in which a front-end sales charge is applicable. Any residual allowance is retained by the Distributor to be used solely for distribution related expenses and not retained as profit.

 

Amount of Purchase of
Class T Shares
Sales Charge as a
% of Offering Price
Sales Charge as a % of Net Amount Invested Dealer Compensation as a Percentage of
Offering Price
Less than $250,000 2.50% 2.56% 2.50%
At least $250,000 but less than $500,000 2.00% 2.04% 2.00%
At least $500,000 but less than $1,000,000 1.50% 1.52% 1.50%
$1,000,000 or greater 1.00% 1.01% 1.00%

 

Other Purchase Information

 

If shares of the Fund are held in a “street name” account with an authorized dealer, all recordkeeping, transaction processing and payments of distributions relating to the beneficial owner’s account will be performed by the authorized dealer, and not by the Fund and its Transfer Agent. Since the Fund will have no record of the beneficial owner’s transactions, a beneficial owner should contact the authorized dealer to purchase, redeem or exchange shares, to make changes in or give instructions concerning the account or to obtain information about the account. The transfer of shares in a “street name” account to an account with another dealer or to an account directly with the Fund involves special procedures and will require the beneficial owner to obtain historical purchase information about the shares in the account from the authorized dealer.

 

41

 

TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PROCEDURES

 

The Company’s telephone transaction procedures include the following measures: (1) requiring the appropriate telephone transaction privilege forms; (2) requiring the caller to provide the names of the account owners, the account social security number and name of the Fund, all of which must match the Company’s records; (3) requiring the Company’s service representative to complete a telephone transaction form, listing all of the above caller identification information; (4) permitting exchanges (if applicable) only if the two account registrations are identical; (5) requiring that redemption proceeds be sent only by check to the account owners of record at the address of record, or by electronic funds transfer through the ACH network or wire only to the owners of record at the bank account of record; (6) sending a written confirmation for each telephone transaction to the owners of record at the address of record within five (5) business days of the call; and (7) recording and maintaining a record of all telephone transactions. For accounts held of record by broker-dealers (other than the Distributor), financial institutions, securities dealers, financial planners and other industry professionals, additional documentation or information regarding the scope of a caller’s authority is required. Finally, for telephone transactions in accounts held jointly, additional information regarding other account holders is required.

 

VALUATION OF SHARES

 

In accordance with procedures adopted by the Board, the net asset value (“NAV”) per share of the Fund is calculated by determining the value of the net assets attributed to the Fund and dividing by the number of outstanding shares of the Fund. All securities are valued on each Business Day as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally, but not always, 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) or such other time as the New York Stock Exchange or National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations System (“NASDAQ”) market may officially close. The term “Business Day” means any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading, which is Monday through Friday except for holidays. The New York Stock Exchange is generally closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day (observed), Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday (observed), Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas.

 

The time at which transactions and shares are priced and the time by which orders must be received may be changed in case of an emergency or if regular trading on the NYSE is stopped at a time other than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The Company reserves the right to reprocess purchase, redemption and exchange transactions that were initially processed at a NAV other than the Fund’s official closing NAV (as the same may be subsequently adjusted), and to recover amounts from (or distribute amounts to) shareholders based on the official closing NAV. The Company reserves the right to advance the time by which purchase and redemption orders must be received for same business day credit as otherwise permitted by the SEC. In addition, the Fund may compute its NAV as of any time permitted pursuant to any exemption, order or statement of the SEC or its staff.

 

The securities of the Fund are valued under the direction of the Administrator and under the general supervision of the Board. Prices are generally determined using readily available market prices. Subject to the approval of the Board, the Fund may employ outside organizations, which may use a matrix or formula method that takes into consideration market indices, matrices, yield curves and other specific adjustments in determining the approximate market value of portfolio investments. This may result in the investments being valued at a price that differs from the price that would have been determined had the matrix or formula method not been used. All cash, receivables, and current payables are carried on the Fund’s books at their face value. Other assets, if any, are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Fund’s Valuation Committee under the direction of the Board.

 

The procedures used by any pricing service and its valuation results are reviewed by the officers of the Company under the general supervision of the Board.

 

42

 

The Fund may hold portfolio securities that are listed on foreign exchanges. These securities may trade on weekends or other days when the Fund does not calculate NAV. As a result, the value of these investments may change on days when you cannot purchase or sell Fund shares.

 

TAXES

 

General

 

The following summarizes certain additional tax considerations generally affecting the Fund and its shareholders that are not described in the Prospectus. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of the tax treatment of the Fund or its shareholders, and the discussions here and in the Prospectus are not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. Potential investors should consult their tax advisers with specific reference to their own tax situations.

 

The discussions of the federal tax consequences in the Prospectus and this SAI are based on the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) and the regulations issued under it, and court decisions and administrative interpretations, as in effect on the date of this SAI. Future legislative or administrative changes or court decisions may significantly alter the statements included herein, and such changes or decisions may be retroactive.

 

The Fund intends to qualify and to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of Subtitle A, Chapter 1, of the Code. As such, the Fund generally will be exempt from federal income tax on its net investment income and realized capital gains that it distributes to shareholders. To qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company, it must meet three important tests each year.

 

First, the Fund must derive with respect to each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, certain payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities or foreign currencies, other income derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing in stock, securities or currencies, or net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships.

 

Second, generally, at the close of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year, at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s assets must consist of cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and securities of other issuers as to which the Fund has not invested more than 5% of the value of its total assets in securities of the issuer and as to which the Fund does not hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer, and no more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in the securities of (1) any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies), (2) two or more issuers that the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or (3) one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.

 

Third, the Fund must distribute an amount equal to at least the sum of 90% of its investment company taxable income (net investment income and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss) before taking into account any deduction for dividends paid and 90% of its tax-exempt income, if any, for the year.

 

The Fund intends to comply with these requirements. If the Fund were to fail to make sufficient distributions, it could be liable for corporate income tax and for excise tax in respect of the shortfall or, if the shortfall is large enough, the Fund could be disqualified as a regulated investment company. If for any taxable year the Fund were not to qualify as a regulated investment company, all its taxable income would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders. In that event, shareholders would recognize dividend income on distributions to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, and corporate shareholders could be eligible for the dividends-received deduction.

 

The Code imposes a nondeductible 4% excise tax on regulated investment companies that fail to distribute each year an amount equal to specified percentages of their ordinary taxable income and capital gain net income (excess of capital gains over capital losses). The Fund intends to make sufficient distributions or deemed distributions each year to avoid liability for this excise tax.

 

43

 

State and Local Taxes

 

Although the Fund expects to qualify as a regulated investment company and to be relieved of all or substantially all federal income taxes, depending upon the extent of its activities in states and localities in which its offices are maintained, in which its agents or independent contractors are located or in which it is otherwise deemed to be conducting business, the Fund may be subject to the tax laws of such states or localities.

 

Taxation of Certain Investments

 

The tax principles applicable to transactions in financial instruments, such as futures contracts and options, that may be engaged in by the Fund, and investments in passive foreign investment companies (“PFICs”), are complex and, in some cases, uncertain. Such transactions and investments may cause the Fund to recognize taxable income prior to the receipt of cash, thereby requiring the Fund to liquidate other positions, or to borrow money, so as to make sufficient distributions to shareholders to avoid corporate-level tax. Moreover, some or all of the taxable income recognized may be ordinary income or short-term capital gain, so that the distributions may be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.

 

In addition, in the case of any shares of a PFIC in which the Fund invests, the Fund may be liable for corporate-level tax on any ultimate gain or distributions on the shares if the Fund fails to make an election to recognize income annually during the period of its ownership of the shares.

 

Any annual net profit of the Subsidiary will be recognized as ordinary income by the Fund, but any annual net loss of the Subsidiary will not be recognized and will not carry forward.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING COMPANY SHARES

 

The Company has authorized capital of 100 billion shares of common stock at a par value of $0.001 per share. Currently, 84.923 billion shares have been classified into 176 classes, however, the Company only has 43 active share classes that have begun investment operations. Under the Company’s charter, the Board has the power to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of common stock from time to time.

 

Each share that represents an interest in the Fund has an equal proportionate interest in the assets belonging to the Fund with each other share that represents an interest in the Fund, even where a share has a different class designation than another share representing an interest in the Fund. Shares of the Company do not have preemptive or conversion rights. When issued for payment as described in the Prospectus, shares of the Company will be fully paid and non-assessable.

 

The Company does not currently intend to hold annual meetings of shareholders except as required by the 1940 Act or other applicable law. The Company’s amended By-Laws provide that shareholders owning at least ten percent of the outstanding shares of all classes of common stock of the Company have the right to call for a meeting of shareholders to consider the removal of one or more directors. To the extent required by law, the Company will assist in shareholder communication in such matters.

 

Holders of shares of each class of the Company will vote in the aggregate and not by class on all matters, except where otherwise required by law. Further, shareholders of the Company will vote in the aggregate and not by portfolio except as otherwise required by law or when the Board determines that the matter to be voted upon affects only the interests of the shareholders of a particular portfolio or class of shares. Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides that any matter required to be submitted by the provisions of such Act or applicable state law, or otherwise, to the holders of the outstanding voting securities of an investment company such as the Company shall not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each portfolio affected by the matter. Rule 18f-2 further provides that a portfolio shall be deemed to be affected by a matter unless it is clear that the interests of each portfolio in the matter are identical or that the matter does not affect any interest of the portfolio. Under Rule 18f-2 the approval of an investment advisory agreement or distribution agreement or any change in a fundamental investment objective or fundamental investment policy would be effectively acted upon with respect to a portfolio only if approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such portfolio. However, the Rule also provides that the ratification of the selection of independent public accountants and the election of directors are not subject to the separate voting requirements and may be effectively acted upon by shareholders of an investment company voting without regard to a portfolio. Shareholders of the Company are entitled to one vote for each full share held (irrespective of class or portfolio) and fractional votes for fractional shares held. Voting rights are not cumulative and, accordingly, the holders of more than 50% of the aggregate shares of common stock of the Company may elect all of the Directors.

 

44

 

Notwithstanding any provision of Maryland law requiring a greater vote of shares of the Company’s common stock (or of any class voting as a class) in connection with any corporate action, unless otherwise provided by law (for example by Rule 18f-2 discussed above), or by the Company’s Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, the Company may take or authorize such action upon the favorable vote of the holders of more than 50% of all of the outstanding shares of Common Stock voting without regard to class (or portfolio).

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Counsel

 

The law firm of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, One Logan Square, Suite 2000, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-6996, serves as independent counsel to the Company and the Independent Directors.

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Ernst & Young LLP, One Commerce Square, 2005 Market Street, Suite 700, Philadelphia, PA 19103, serves as the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, and in that capacity audits the Fund’s financial statements.

 

45

 

APPENDIX A

 

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS

 

Short-Term Credit Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings short-term issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation having an original maturity of no more than 365 days. The following summarizes the rating categories used by S&P Global Ratings for short-term issues:

 

“A-1” – A short-term obligation rated “A-1” is rated in the highest category by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

 

“A-2” – A short-term obligation rated “A-2” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is satisfactory.

 

“A-3” – A short-term obligation rated “A-3” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken an obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“B” – A short-term obligation rated “B” is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.

 

“C” – A short-term obligation rated “C” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“D” – A short-term obligation rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

 

Local Currency and Foreign Currency Ratings – S&P Global Ratings’ issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. An issuer’s foreign currency rating will differ from its local currency rating when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.

 

Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) short-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect both on the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default.

 

Moody’s employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

 

“P-1” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

A- 1

 

“P-2” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

“P-3” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.

 

“NP” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issuer.

 

Fitch, Inc. / Fitch Ratings Ltd. (“Fitch”) short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as “short-term” based on market convention. Typically, this means up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign, and structured obligations and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets. The following summarizes the rating categories used by Fitch for short-term obligations:

 

“F1” – Securities possess the highest short-term credit quality. This designation indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

 

“F2” – Securities possess good short-term credit quality. This designation indicates good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.

 

“F3” – Securities possess fair short-term credit quality. This designation indicates that the intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.

 

“B” – Securities possess speculative short-term credit quality. This designation indicates minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

 

“C” – Securities possess high short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility.

 

“RD” – Restricted default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only.

 

“D” – Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) – The “F1” rating may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show the relative status within that major rating category.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issue of a rated issuer.

 

The DBRS® Ratings Limited (“DBRS”) short-term debt rating scale provides an opinion on the risk that an issuer will not meet its short-term financial obligations in a timely manner. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer and the relative ranking of claims. The R-1 and R-2 rating categories are further denoted by the sub-categories “(high)”, “(middle)”, and “(low)”.

 

The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for commercial paper and short-term debt:

 

“R-1 (high)” - Short-term debt rated “R-1 (high)” is of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is exceptionally high. Unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.

 

A- 2

 

“R-1 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (middle)” is of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is very high. Differs from “R-1 (high)” by a relatively modest degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.

 

“R-1 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (low)” is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is substantial. Overall strength is not as favorable as higher rating categories. May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.

 

“R-2 (high)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (high)” is considered to be at the upper end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.

 

“R-2 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (middle)” is considered to be of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events or may be exposed to other factors that could reduce credit quality.

 

“R-2 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (low)” is considered to be at the lower end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events. A number of challenges are present that could affect the issuer’s ability to meet such obligations.

 

“R-3” – Short-term debt rated “R-3” is considered to be at the lowest end of adequate credit quality. There is a capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due. May be vulnerable to future events and the certainty of meeting such obligations could be impacted by a variety of developments.

 

“R-4” – Short-term debt rated “R-4” is considered to be of speculative credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is uncertain.

 

“R-5” – Short-term debt rated “R-5” is considered to be of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet short-term financial obligations as they fall due.

 

“D” – Short-term debt rated “D” is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to “D” may occur. DBRS may also use “SD” (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a “distressed exchange”.

 

Long-Term Credit Ratings

 

The following summarizes the ratings used by S&P Global Ratings for long-term issues:

 

“AAA” – An obligation rated “AAA” has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is extremely strong.

 

“AA” – An obligation rated “AA” differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is very strong.

 

“A” – An obligation rated “A” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is still strong.

 

“BBB” – An obligation rated “BBB” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC” and “C” – Obligations rated “BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC” and “C” are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. “BB” indicates the least degree of speculation and “C” the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposure to adverse conditions.

 

A- 3

 

“BB” – An obligation rated “BB” is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“B” – An obligation rated “B” is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated “BB”, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“CCC” – An obligation rated “CCC” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“CC” – An obligation rated “CC” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The “CC” rating is used when a default has not yet occurred, but S&P Global Ratings expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.

 

“C” – An obligation rated “C” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared with obligations that are rated higher.

 

“D” – An obligation rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) – The ratings from “AA” to “CCC” may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

 

“NR” – This indicates that no rating has been requested, or that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P Global Ratings does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.

 

Local Currency and Foreign Currency Risks - S&P Global Ratings’ issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. An issuer’s foreign currency rating will differ from its local currency rating when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.

 

Moody’s long-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of one year or more. Such ratings reflect both on the likelihood of default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for long-term debt:

 

“Aaa” – Obligations rated “Aaa” are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk.

 

“Aa” – Obligations rated “Aa” are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.

 

“A” – Obligations rated “A” are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.

 

A- 4

 

“Baa” – Obligations rated “Baa” are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.

 

“Ba” – Obligations rated “Ba” are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.

 

“B” – Obligations rated “B” are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.

 

“Caa” – Obligations rated “Caa” are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.

 

“Ca” – Obligations rated “Ca” are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.

 

“C” – Obligations rated “C” are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.

 

Note: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from “Aa” through “Caa.” The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to unrated obligations.

 

The following summarizes long-term ratings used by Fitch :

 

“AAA” – Securities considered to be of the highest credit quality. “AAA” ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

 

“AA” – Securities considered to be of very high credit quality. “AA” ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

 

“A” – Securities considered to be of high credit quality. “A” ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

 

“BBB” – Securities considered to be of good credit quality. “BBB” ratings indicate that expectations of credit risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.

 

“BB” – Securities considered to be speculative. “BB” ratings indicate that there is an elevated vulnerability to credit risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met.

 

“B” – Securities considered to be highly speculative. “B” ratings indicate that material credit risk is present.

 

“CCC” – A “CCC” rating indicates that substantial credit risk is present.

 

“CC” – A “CC” rating indicates very high levels of credit risk.

 

“C” – A “C” rating indicates exceptionally high levels of credit risk.

 

Defaulted obligations typically are not assigned “RD” or “D” ratings but are instead rated in the “B” to “C” rating categories, depending on their recovery prospects and other relevant characteristics. Fitch believes that this approach better aligns obligations that have comparable overall expected loss but varying vulnerability to default and loss.

 

A- 5

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the “AAA” obligation rating category, or to corporate finance obligation ratings in the categories below “CCC”.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issue of a rated issuer.

 

The DBRS long-term rating scale provides an opinion on the risk of default. That is, the risk that an issuer will fail to satisfy its financial obligations in accordance with the terms under which an obligation has been issued. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer, and the relative ranking of claims. All rating categories other than AAA and D also contain subcategories “(high)” and “(low)”. The absence of either a “(high)” or “(low)” designation indicates the rating is in the middle of the category. The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for long-term debt:

 

“AAA” – Long-term debt rated “AAA” is of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is exceptionally high and unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.

 

“AA” – Long-term debt rated “AA” is of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered high. Credit quality differs from “AAA” only to a small degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.

 

“A” – Long-term debt rated “A” is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is substantial, but of lesser credit quality than “AA.” May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.

 

“BBB” – Long-term debt rated “BBB” is of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.

 

“BB” – Long-term debt rated “BB” is of speculative, non-investment grade credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is uncertain. Vulnerable to future events.

 

“B” – Long-term debt rated “B” is of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet financial obligations.

 

“CCC”, “CC” and “C” – Long-term debt rated in any of these categories is of very highly speculative credit quality. In danger of defaulting on financial obligations. There is little difference between these three categories, although “CC” and “C” ratings are normally applied to obligations that are seen as highly likely to default, or subordinated to obligations rated in the “CCC” to “B” range. Obligations in respect of which default has not technically taken place but is considered inevitable may be rated in the “C” category.

 

“D” – A security rated “D” is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to “D” may occur. DBRS may also use “SD” (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a “distressed exchange”.

 

Municipal Note Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings U.S. municipal note rating reflects S&P Global Ratings’ opinion about the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to the notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes with an original maturity of more than three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. In determining which type of rating, if any, to assign, S&P Global Ratings’ analysis will review the following considerations:

 

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Amortization schedule - the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and

 

Source of payment - the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.

 

Municipal Short-Term Note rating symbols are as follows:

 

“SP-1” – A municipal note rated “SP-1” exhibits a strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.

 

“SP-2” – A municipal note rated “SP-2” exhibits a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.

 

“SP-3” – A municipal note rated “SP-3” exhibits a speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

 

Moody’s uses the Municipal Investment Grade (“MIG”) scale to rate U.S. municipal bond anticipation notes of up to three years maturity. Municipal notes rated on the MIG scale may be secured by either pledged revenues or proceeds of a take-out financing received prior to note maturity. MIG ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation, and the issuer’s long-term rating is only one consideration in assigning the MIG rating. MIG ratings are divided into three levels – “MIG-1” through “MIG-3” while speculative grade short-term obligations are designated “SG”. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for short-term municipal obligations:

 

“MIG-1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

 

“MIG-2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.

 

“MIG-3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.

 

“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated obligation.

 

In the case of variable rate demand obligations (“VRDOs”), a two-component rating is assigned: a long or short-term debt rating and a demand obligation rating. The first element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with scheduled principal and interest payments. The second element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with the ability to receive purchase price upon demand (“demand feature”). The second element uses a rating from a variation of the MIG scale called the Variable Municipal Investment Grade or “VMIG” scale. The rating transitions on the VMIG scale differ from those on the Prime scale to reflect the risk that external liquidity support generally will terminate if the issuer’s long-term rating drops below investment grade.

 

“VMIG-1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“VMIG-2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“VMIG-3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

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“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated obligation.

 

About Credit Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion reflects S&P Global Ratings’ view of the obligor’s capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and this opinion may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.

 

Moody’s credit ratings must be construed solely as statements of opinion and not statements of fact or recommendations to purchase, sell or hold any securities.

 

Fitch’s credit ratings provide an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of principal, insurance claims or counterparty obligations. Fitch credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving the money owed to them in accordance with the terms on which they invested. Fitch’s credit ratings cover the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign financial, bank, insurance, and public finance entities (including supranational and sub-national entities) and the securities or other obligations they issue, as well as structured finance securities backed by receivables or other financial assets.

 

Credit ratings provided by DBRS are forward-looking opinions about credit risk which reflect the creditworthiness of an issuer, rated entity, and/or security. Credit ratings are not statements of fact. While historical statistics and performance can be important considerations, credit ratings are not based solely on such; they include subjective considerations and involve expectations for future performance that cannot be guaranteed. To the extent that future events and economic conditions do not match expectations, credit ratings assigned to issuers and/or securities can change. Credit ratings are also based on approved and applicable methodologies, models and criteria (“Methodologies”), which are periodically updated and when material changes are deemed necessary, this may also lead to rating changes.

 

Credit ratings typically provide an opinion on the risk that investors may not be repaid in accordance with the terms under which the obligation was issued. In some cases, credit ratings may also include consideration for the relative ranking of claims and recovery, should default occur. Credit ratings are meant to provide opinions on relative measures of risk and are not based on expectations of any specific default probability, nor are they meant to predict such.

 

The data and information on which DBRS bases its opinions is not audited or verified by DBRS, although DBRS conducts a reasonableness review of information received and relied upon in accordance with its Methodologies and policies.

 

DBRS uses rating symbols as a concise method of expressing its opinion to the market, but there are a limited number of rating categories for the possible slight risk differentials that exist across the rating spectrum and DBRS does not assert that credit ratings in the same category are of “exactly” the same quality.

 

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STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

CAMPBELL MULTI-ASSET CARRY FUND

 

a series of THE RBB FUND, INC.

 

Institutional Shares Ticker Symbol: CCRYX

 

December 31, 2017

 

Investment Manager:

CAMPBELL & COMPANY INVESTMENT ADVISER LLC

 

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) provides supplementary information pertaining to Institutional Shares (the “Shares”), representing interests in the Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Fund (the “Fund”) of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”). This SAI is not a prospectus and should be read only in conjunction with the Fund’s Prospectus dated December 31, 2017 (the “Prospectus”) and the Fund’s Annual Report dated August 31, 2017, (the “Annual Report”). The financial statements and notes contained in the Annual Report are incorporated by reference into this SAI. No other part of the Annual Report is incorporated by reference herein. Copies of the Prospectus and Annual Report and Semi-Annual Report may be obtained free of charge by calling toll-free 1-844-261-6488.

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

GENERAL INFORMATION 1
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE 1
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS 1
NON-PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS 16
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS 19
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS 21
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER 22
MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY 22
CODE OF ETHICS 31
PROXY VOTING 31
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES 31
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES 31
INVESTMENT MANAGER 31
THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS 33
ADMINISTRATION AND ACCOUNTING AGREEMENT 35
CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT 36
TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT 36
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT 36
PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES 37
FUND TRANSACTIONS 38
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION 40
TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PROCEDURES 40
VALUATION OF SHARES 41
TAXES 41
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING COMPANY SHARES 43
MISCELLANEOUS 44
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 44
APPENDIX A A-1

 

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GENERAL INFORMATION

 

The Company is an open-end management investment company currently operating twenty-nine separate portfolios. The Company is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”) and was organized as a Maryland corporation on February 29, 1988. This SAI pertains to the Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Fund (the “Fund”) a non-diversified portfolio. Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC (“Campbell” or the “Manager”) serves as the investment manager to the Fund.

 

Prior to January 1, 2017, the Fund was named the Campbell Core Carry Fund.

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

 

The following supplements the information contained in the Prospectus concerning the investment objective and policies of the Fund.

 

The Fund seeks positive absolute return through investment in a broad range of instruments, including but not limited to, futures (including commodity futures, index futures, equity futures, bond futures and interest rate futures), currency forwards, options and swaps (including commodity swaps, swaps on commodity futures, equity swaps, swaps on index futures, total return swaps and interest rate swaps). The investment objective of the Fund is not a fundamental policy of the Fund and may be changed by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) without a vote of the Shareholders. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The Fund may not necessarily invest in all of the instruments or use all of the investment techniques permitted by the Fund’s Prospectus and this SAI, or invest in such instruments or engage in such techniques to the full extent permitted by the Fund’s investment policies and limitations.

 

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS

 

Portfolio Turnover Rate. Portfolio turnover rate is defined under U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) rules as the greater of the value of the securities purchased or securities sold, excluding all securities whose maturities at the time of acquisition were one-year or less, divided by the average monthly value of such securities owned during the year. Based on this definition, instruments with remaining maturities of less than one-year are excluded from the calculation of the portfolio turnover rate. Instruments excluded from the calculation of portfolio turnover generally would include the futures contracts in which the Fund may invest since such contracts generally have remaining maturities of less than one-year. The Fund may at times hold investments in other short-term instruments which are excluded for purposes of computing portfolio turnover.

 

Commodity-Linked Investments. The Fund may attempt to provide exposure to the returns of real assets that trade in the commodity markets without direct investment in physical commodities. Real assets include oil, gas, industrial and precious metals, livestock, and agricultural or meat products, or other items that have tangible properties. Commodity-linked derivative instruments include commodity index-linked securities and other derivative instruments that provide exposure to the investment returns of the commodities markets. Commodity-linked investments may be more volatile and less liquid than the underlying instruments and their value may be affected by the performance of commodities as well as weather, tax, and other regulatory or political developments, overall market movements and other factors affecting the value of particular industries or commodities, such as disease, embargoes, acts of war or terrorism.

 

The Fund may invest in commodity-linked derivative instruments such as commodity-linked structured notes. The Fund may invest in commodity-linked notes that pay a return linked to the performance of a commodities index or basket of futures contracts with respect to all of the commodities in an index. In some cases, the return will be based on some multiple of the performance of the index, and this embedded leverage will magnify the positive and negative return the Fund earns from these notes as compared to the index. The principal and/or interest payments of commodity-linked derivatives are tied to the value of a real asset or commodity index. Structured notes may be structured by the issuer and the purchaser of the note. The notes are derivative debt instruments with principal payments generally linked to the value of commodities, commodity futures contracts or the performance of commodity indices and interest and coupon payments pegged to a market-based interest rate, such as LIBOR or a bank’s prime rate. The value of these notes will rise or fall in response to changes in the underlying commodity or related index or investment. These notes expose the Fund economically to movements in commodity prices.

 

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Corporate Obligations. The Fund may invest in debt obligations, such as bonds and debentures, issued by corporations and other business organizations without limit on credit quality or maturity of debt securities. See Appendix “A” to this SAI for a description of corporate debt ratings. An issuer of debt obligations may default on its obligation to pay interest and repay principal. Also, changes in the financial strength of an issuer or changes in the credit rating of a security may affect its value.

 

Equity Securities. Equity securities represent ownership interests in a company and consist of common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stock, and securities convertible into common stock. Investments in equity securities in general are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. Fluctuations in the value of equity securities in which the Fund invests will cause the net asset value of the Fund to fluctuate. The Fund purchases equity securities traded in the U.S. on registered exchanges or the over-the-counter market. Equity securities are described in more detail below:

 

Common Stock. Common stock represents an equity or ownership interest in an issuer. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds and preferred stock take precedence over the claims of those who own common stock.
   
Preferred Stock. Preferred stock represents an equity or ownership interest in an issuer that pays dividends at a specified rate and that has precedence over common stock in the payment of dividends. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds take precedence over the claims of those who own preferred and common stock.
   
Warrants. Warrants are instruments that entitle the holder to buy an equity security at a specific price for a specific period of time. Changes in the value of a warrant do not necessarily correspond to changes in the value of its underlying security. The price of a warrant may be more volatile than the price of its underlying security, and a warrant may offer greater potential for capital appreciation as well as capital loss. Warrants do not entitle a holder to dividends or voting rights with respect to the underlying security and do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuing company. A warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. These factors can make warrants more speculative than other types of investments.

 

Convertible Securities. Convertible securities are bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stocks or other securities that may be converted or exchanged (by the holder or by the issuer) into shares of the underlying common stock (or cash or securities of equivalent value) at a stated exchange ratio. A convertible security may also be called for redemption or conversion by the issuer after a particular date and under certain circumstances (including a specified price) established upon issue. If a convertible security held by the Fund is called for redemption or conversion, the Fund could be required to tender it for redemption, convert it into the underlying common stock, or sell it to a third party.

 

Convertible securities generally have less potential for gain or loss than common stocks. Convertible securities generally provide yields higher than the underlying common stocks, but generally lower than comparable non-convertible securities. Because of this higher yield, convertible securities generally sell at a price above their “conversion value,” which is the current market value of the stock to be received upon conversion. The difference between this conversion value and the price of convertible securities will vary over time depending on changes in the value of the underlying common stocks and interest rates. When the underlying common stocks decline in value, convertible securities will tend not to decline to the same extent because of the interest or dividend payments and the repayment of principal at maturity for certain types of convertible securities. However, securities that are convertible other than at the option of the holder generally do not limit the potential for loss to the same extent as securities convertible at the option of the holder. When the underlying common stocks rise in value, the value of convertible securities may also be expected to increase. At the same time, however, the difference between the market value of convertible securities and their conversion value will narrow, which means that the value of convertible securities will generally not increase to the same extent as the value of the underlying common stocks. Because convertible securities may also be interest-rate sensitive, their value may increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. Convertible securities are also subject to credit risk, and are often lower-quality securities.

 

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Small and Medium Capitalization Issuers. Investing in equity securities of small and medium capitalization companies often involves greater risk than is customarily associated with investments in larger capitalization companies. This increased risk may be due to the greater business risks of smaller size, limited markets and financial resources, narrow product lines and frequent lack of depth of management. The securities of smaller companies are often traded in the over-the-counter market and even if listed on a national securities exchange may not be traded in volumes typical for that exchange. Consequently, the securities of smaller companies are less likely to be liquid, may have limited market stability, and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than securities of larger, more established growth companies or the market averages in general.

 

Foreign Markets. Foreign investments involve higher costs than investments in U.S. securities, including higher transaction costs as well as the imposition of additional taxes by foreign governments. In addition, foreign investments may include additional risks associated with currency exchange rates, less complete financial information about the issuers, less market liquidity and political stability. Volume and liquidity in most foreign bond markets are less than in the United States and, at times, volatility or price can be greater than in the United States. Future political and economic information, the possible imposition of withholding taxes on interest income, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, the possible establishment of exchange controls, or the adoption of other governmental restrictions, might adversely affect the payment of principal and interest on foreign obligations. Inability to dispose of Fund securities due to settlement problems could result either in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the securities, or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the instruments, could result in possible liability to the purchaser. Individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth or gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position.

 

Fixed commissions on foreign financial exchanges are generally higher than negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges, although the Fund endeavors to achieve the most favorable net results on their portfolio transactions. There is generally less government supervision and regulation of financial exchanges, brokers, dealers and listed companies than in the United States.

 

Settlement mechanics ( e.g. , mail service between the United States and foreign countries) may be slower or less reliable than within the United States, thus increasing the risk of delayed settlements of portfolio transactions or loss of certificates for portfolio securities. Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Such delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of the Fund is uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of the Fund to make intended purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities.

 

Although the Fund may invest in instruments denominated in foreign currencies, the Fund values its assets in U.S. dollars. As a result, the NAV of the Fund’s shares may fluctuate with U.S. dollar exchange rates as well as the price changes of the Fund’s investments in the various local markets and currencies. Thus, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar compared to the currencies in which the Fund makes its investments could reduce the effect of increases and magnify the effect of decreases in the price of the Fund’s investments in their local markets. Conversely, a decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar may have the opposite effect of magnifying the effect of increases and reducing the effect of decreases in the prices of the Fund’s investments in its foreign markets. In addition to favorable and unfavorable currency exchange rate developments, the Fund is subject to the possible imposition of exchange control regulations or freezes on convertibility of currency. The Fund may invest in obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks (Eurodollars) and U.S. branches of foreign banks (Yankee dollars) as well as foreign branches of foreign banks. These investments involve risks that are different from investments in securities of U.S. banks, including potential unfavorable political and economic developments, different tax provisions, seizure of foreign deposits, currency controls, interest limitations or other governmental restrictions which might affect payment of principal or interest. The Fund may also invest in Yankee bonds, which are issued by foreign governments and their agencies and foreign corporations but pay interest in U.S. dollars and are typically issued in the United States.

 

3  

 

European countries can be significantly affected by the tight fiscal and monetary controls that the European Economic and Monetary Union (“EMU”) imposes for membership. Europe’s economies are diverse, its governments are decentralized, and its cultures vary widely. Several EU countries, including Greece, Ireland, Italy, Spain and Portugal have faced budget issues, some of which may have negative long-term effects for the economies of those countries and other EU countries. There is continued concern about national-level support for the euro and the accompanying coordination of fiscal and wage policy among EMU member countries. Member countries are required to maintain tight control over inflation, public debt, and budget deficit to qualify for membership in the EMU. These requirements can severely limit the ability of EMU member countries to implement monetary policy to address regional economic conditions.

In 2016, the United Kingdom (“UK”) held a referendum election and voters elected to withdraw from the EU. The Fund may be exposed to risks related to the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, including volatile trading markets and significant and unpredictable currency fluctuations. Securities issued by companies domiciled in the UK could be subject to changing regulatory and tax regimes. Banking and financial services companies that operate in the UK or EU could be disproportionately impacted by these actions. Greece has recently experienced political pressure to hold a similar referendum election. Further insecurity in EU membership or the abandonment of the euro could exacerbate market and currency volatility and negatively impact investments in securities issued by companies located in EU countries. The potential impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, is not clear but could be significant and far-reaching.

Forward Foreign Currency Transactions. The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts in order to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates or to seek to increase total return. The Fund will conduct its foreign currency exchange transactions either on a spot ( i.e. , cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market, or through entering into forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies. A forward foreign currency exchange contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days (usually less than one year) from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts are traded in the interbank market conducted directly between traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. A forward contract generally has no deposit requirement, and no commissions are charged at any stage for trades. Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a profit based on the difference (the spread) between the price at which they are buying and selling various currencies.

 

The Fund may engage in cross-hedging by using forward contracts in one currency to hedge against fluctuations in the value in financial instruments denominated or quoted in a different currency or to seek to increase total return. Cross-hedging may also include entering into a forward transaction involving two foreign currencies, using one foreign currency as a proxy for the U.S. dollar to hedge against variations in the other foreign currency.

 

At the consummation of the forward contract, the Fund may terminate its contractual obligation by purchasing an offsetting contract obligating it to purchase at the same maturity date, the same amount of such foreign currency. If the Fund engages in an offsetting transaction, the Fund will realize a gain or a loss to the extent that there has been a change in forward contract prices. Closing purchase transactions with respect to forward contracts are usually effected with the currency trader who is a party to the original forward contract.

 

The Fund’s transactions in forward contracts will be limited to those described above. Of course, the Fund is not required to enter into such transactions with regard to its foreign currency quoted or denominated instruments, and the Fund will not do so unless deemed appropriate by the Manager.

 

When the Fund enters into forward contracts the Fund is required to “cover” its position in order to limit leveraging and related risks. To cover its position, the Fund may segregate (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) cash or liquid assets that, when added to any amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the market value of the forward contract or otherwise “cover” its position in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations thereunder. The segregated account functions as a practical limit on the amount of leverage which the Fund may undertake and on the potential increase in the speculative character of the Fund’s outstanding portfolio holdings. Additionally, such segregated accounts will generally assure the availability of adequate funds to meet the obligations of the Fund arising from such investment activities.

 

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The Fund or its wholly-owned and controlled Cayman Islands subsidiary (the “Subsidiary”), through which the Fund may invest, may enter into agreements with a futures commission merchant (“FCM”) which require the FCM to accept physical settlement for certain financial instruments. If this occurs, the Fund would treat the financial instrument as being cash-settled for purposes of determining the Fund’s coverage requirements.

 

If the Fund uses forward contracts as a method of protecting the value of the Fund’s investments against a decline in the value of a currency, this does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the investments. It simply establishes a rate of exchange which can be achieved at some future point in time. The precise projection of short-term currency market movements is not possible, and short-term hedging provides a means of fixing the U.S. dollar value of only a portion of the Fund’s foreign assets. It also reduces any potential gain which may have otherwise occurred had the currency value increased above the settlement price of the contract.

 

While the Fund may enter into forward contracts to seek to reduce currency exchange rate risks or to seek to increase total return, transactions in such contracts involve certain other risks. Thus, while the Fund may benefit from such transactions, unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in a poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not engaged in any such transactions. Moreover, there may be imperfect correlation between the Fund’s portfolio holdings quoted or denominated in a particular currency and forward contracts entered into by the Fund. Such imperfect correlation may cause the Fund to sustain losses, which will prevent the Fund from achieving a complete hedge, or expose the Fund to the risk of foreign exchange loss.

 

Forward contracts are subject to the risks that the counterparty to such contract will default on its obligations. Since a forward foreign currency exchange contract is not guaranteed by an exchange or clearing house, a default on the contract would deprive the Fund of unrealized profits, transaction costs or the benefits of a currency hedge or force the Fund to cover its purchase or sale commitments, if any, at the current market price.

 

The Fund’s foreign currency transactions (including related options, futures and forward contracts) may be limited by the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), for qualification as a regulated investment company.

 

Futures and Options on Futures. Futures contracts provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific financial instrument at a specified future time and at a specified price. An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in exchange for a premium, to assume a position in a futures contract at a specified exercise price during the term of the option. The Fund may use futures contracts and related options for: bona fide hedging; attempting to offset changes in the value of financial instruments held or expected to be acquired or be disposed of; attempting to minimize fluctuations in foreign currencies; attempting to gain exposure to a particular market, index or instrument; or other risk management purposes.

 

The Fund and the Subsidiary, through which the Fund invests, are subject to regulation by the CFTC as commodity pools and the Manager’s parent, Campbell & Company, LP (“Campbell & Company”) is subject to regulation by the CFTC as a commodity pool operator (“CPO”) with respect to the Fund under the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”). The Campbell & Company does not currently rely on an exclusion from the definition of CPO in CFTC Rule 4.5 with respect to the Fund.

 

Transactions in futures and options by the Fund are subject to limitations established by futures and option exchanges governing the maximum number of futures and options that may be written or held by a single investor or group of investors acting in concert, regardless of whether the futures or options were written or purchased on the same or different exchanges or are held in one or more accounts or through one or more different exchanges or through one or more brokers. Thus the number of futures or options which the Fund may write or hold may be affected by futures or options written or held by other entities, including other investment companies advised by the Manager. An exchange may order the liquidation of positions found to be in violation of those limits and may impose certain other sanctions.

 

An index futures contract is a bilateral agreement pursuant to which two parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to a specified currency amount times the difference between the index value at the close of trading of the contract and the price at which the futures contract is originally struck. No physical delivery of the securities comprising the index is made; generally contracts are closed out prior to the expiration date of the contract.

 

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When the Fund purchases or sells a futures contract, or sells an option thereon, the Fund is required to “cover” its position in order to limit leveraging and related risks. To cover its position, the Fund may segregate (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) cash or liquid assets that, when added to any amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the market value of the futures contract or otherwise “cover” its position in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations thereunder. The segregated account functions as a practical limit on the amount of leverage which the Fund may undertake and on the potential increase in the speculative character of the Fund’s outstanding portfolio holdings. Additionally, such segregated accounts will generally assure the availability of adequate funds to meet the obligations of the Fund arising from such investment activities.

 

The Fund or the Subsidiary may enter into agreements with a FCM which require the FCM to accept physical settlement for certain financial instruments. If this occurs, the Fund would treat the financial instrument as being cash-settled for purposes of determining the Fund’s coverage requirements.

 

The Fund may also cover its long position in a futures contract by purchasing a put option on the same futures contract with a strike price (i.e., an exercise price) as high or higher than the price of the futures contract. In the alternative, if the strike price of the put is less than the price of the futures contract, the Fund will segregate cash or liquid assets equal in value to the difference between the strike price of the put and the price of the futures contract. The Fund may also cover its long position in a futures contract by taking a short position in the instruments underlying the futures contract, or by taking positions in instruments with prices which are expected to move relatively consistently with the futures contract. The Fund may cover its short position in a futures contract by taking a long position in the instruments underlying the futures contracts, or by taking positions in instruments with prices which are expected to move relatively consistently with the futures contract.

 

The Fund may cover its sale of a call option on a futures contract by taking a long position in the underlying futures contract at a price less than or equal to the strike price of the call option. In the alternative, if the long position in the underlying futures contract is established at a price greater than the strike price of the written (sold) call, the Fund will maintain in a segregated account cash or liquid assets equal in value to the difference between the strike price of the call and the price of the futures contract. The Fund may also cover its sale of a call option by taking positions in instruments with prices which are expected to move relatively consistently with the call option. The Fund may cover its sale of a put option on a futures contract by taking a short position in the underlying futures contract at a price greater than or equal to the strike price of the put option, or, if the short position in the underlying futures contract is established at a price less than the strike price of the written put, the Fund will maintain in a segregated account cash or liquid assets equal in value to the difference between the strike price of the put and the price of the futures contract. The Fund may also cover its sale of a put option by taking positions in instruments with prices which are expected to move relatively consistently with the put option.

 

There are significant risks associated with the Fund’s use of futures contracts and related options, including the following: (1) the success of a hedging strategy may depend on the Manager’s ability to predict movements in the prices of individual securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) there may be an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the instruments held by the Fund and the prices of futures and options on futures; (3) there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract or option; (4) trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange; and (5) government regulations may restrict trading in futures contracts and options on futures. In addition, some strategies reduce the Fund’s exposure to price fluctuations, while others tend to increase its market exposure.

 

Swap Agreements. Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a day to more than one-year. In a standard “swap” transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments. The gross returns to be exchanged or “swapped” between the parties are calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” i.e. , the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested in a “basket” of securities representing a particular index. Forms of swap agreements include interest rate caps, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates exceed a specified rate, or “cap,” interest rate floors, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates fall below a specified level, or “floor,” and interest rate dollars, under which a party sells a cap and purchases a floor or vice versa in an attempt to protect itself against interest rate movements exceeding given minimum or maximum levels.

 

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Most swap agreements entered into by the Fund calculate the obligations of the parties to the agreement on a “net basis.” Consequently, the Fund’s current obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the “net amount”). The Fund’s current obligations under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owing to the Fund) and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed to a swap counterparty will be covered by segregating assets determined to be liquid.

 

Obligations under swap agreements so covered will not be construed to be “senior securities” for purposes of the Fund’s investment restriction concerning senior securities. Because they are two party contracts and because they may have terms of greater than seven days, swap agreements may be considered to be illiquid for the Fund’s illiquid investment limitation. The Fund will not enter into any swap agreement unless the Manager believes that the other party to the transaction is creditworthy. The Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty.

 

The Fund may enter into swap agreements to invest in a market without owning or taking physical custody of securities in circumstances in which direct investment is restricted for legal reasons or is otherwise impracticable. The counterparty to any swap agreement will typically be a bank, investment banking firm or broker/dealer. The counter-party will generally agree to pay the Fund the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the swap agreement would have increased in value had it been invested in the particular stocks, plus the dividends that would have been received on those stocks. The Fund will agree to pay to the counter-party a floating rate of interest on the notional amount of the swap agreement plus the amount, if any, by which the notional amount would have decreased in value had it been invested in such stocks. Therefore, the return to the Fund on any swap agreement should be the gain or loss on the notional amount plus dividends on the stocks less the interest paid by the Fund on the notional amount.

 

Swap agreements typically are settled on a net basis, which means that the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. Payments may be made at the conclusion of a swap agreement or periodically during its term. Swap agreements do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to swap agreements is limited to the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the other party to a swap agreement defaults, the Fund’s risk of loss consists of the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually entitled to receive, if any. The net amount of the excess, if any, of the Fund’s obligations over its entitlements with respect to each equity swap will be accrued on a daily basis and an amount of cash or liquid assets, having an aggregate net asset value at least equal to such accrued excess will be maintained in a segregated account by the Fund’s custodian. Inasmuch as these transactions are entered into for hedging purposes or are offset by segregated cash of liquid assets, as permitted by applicable law, the Fund and the Manager believe that these transactions do not constitute senior securities under the 1940 Act and, accordingly, will not treat them as being subject to the Fund’s borrowing restrictions.

 

Total Return Swaps. Total return swaps are contracts in which one party agrees to make payments of the total return from the underlying asset during the specified period, in return for payments equal to a fixed or floating rate of interest or the total return from another underlying asset. The total return includes appreciation or depreciation on the underlying asset, plus any interest or dividend payments. Payments under the swap are based upon an agreed upon principal amount but since the principal amount is not exchanged, it represents neither an asset nor a liability to either counterparty, and is referred to as notional. Total return swaps are marked to market daily using different sources, including quotations from counterparties, pricing services, brokers or market makers. The unrealized appreciation (depreciation) related to the change in the valuation of the notional amount of the swap is combined with the amount due to the Fund at termination or settlement. The primary risks associated with total returns swaps are credit risks (if the counterparty fails to meet its obligations) and market risk (if there is no liquid market for the agreement or unfavorable changes occur to the underlying asset).

 

Interest Rate Swaps. Interest rate swaps are financial instruments that involve the exchange of one type of interest rate for another type of interest rate cash flow on specified dates in the future. Some of the different types of interest rate swaps are “fixed-for floating rate swaps,” “termed basis swaps” and “index amortizing swaps.” Fixed-for floating rate swaps involve the exchange of fixed interest rate cash flows for floating rate cash flows. Termed basis swaps entail cash flows to both parties based on floating interest rates, where the interest rate indices are different. Index amortizing swaps are typically fixed-for floating swaps where the notional amount changes if certain conditions are met.

 

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Like a traditional investment in a debt security, the Fund could lose money by investing in an interest rate swap if interest rates change adversely. For example, if the Fund enters into a swap where it agrees to exchange a floating rate of interest for a fixed rate of interest, the Fund may have to pay more money than it receives. Similarly, if the Fund enters into a swap where it agrees to exchange a fixed rate of interest for a floating rate of interest, the Fund may receive less money than it has agreed to pay.

 

Currency Swaps. A currency swap is an agreement between two parties in which one party agrees to make interest rate payments in one currency and the other promises to make interest rate payments in another currency. The Fund may enter into a currency swap when it has one currency and desires a different currency. Typically the interest rates that determine the currency swap payments are fixed, although occasionally one or both parties may pay a floating rate of interest. Unlike an interest rate swap, however, the principal amounts are exchanged at the beginning of the contract and returned at the end of the contract. Changes in foreign exchange rates and changes in interest rates, as described above may negatively affect currency swaps.

 

Caps, Collars and Floors. Caps and floors have an effect similar to buying or writing options. In a typical cap or floor agreement, one party agrees to make payments only under specified circumstances, usually in return for payment of a fee by the other party. For example, the buyer of an interest rate cap obtains the right to receive payments to the extent that a specified interest rate exceeds an agreed-upon level. The seller of an interest rate floor is obligated to make payments to the extent that a specified interest rate falls below an agreed-upon level. An interest rate collar combines elements of buying a cap and selling a floor.

 

The Manager, under the supervision of the Board, is responsible for determining and monitoring the liquidity of Fund transactions in swap agreements. The use of swaps is a highly specialized activity, which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions.

 

Investing in Emerging Countries, including Asia and Eastern Europe. The Fund intends to have exposure to emerging markets due to its investments in certain stock index futures and foreign exchange instruments. The financial markets of emerging countries are less liquid and have far fewer trading volumes than the developed markets.

 

Emerging country financial markets are typically marked by a high concentration of market capitalization and trading volume in a small number of issuers representing a limited number of industries, as well as a high concentration of ownership by a limited number of investors. The markets in certain emerging countries are in the earliest stages of their development. Even the markets for relatively widely traded instruments in emerging countries may not be able to absorb, without price disruptions, a significant increase in trading volume or trades of a size customarily undertaken by institutional investors in the financial markets of developed countries. The limited size of many of these markets can cause prices to be erratic for reasons apart from factors that affect the soundness and competitiveness of the securities issuers. For example, prices may be unduly influenced by traders who control large positions in these markets. Additionally, market making and arbitrage activities are generally less extensive in such markets, which may contribute to increased volatility and reduced liquidity of such markets. The limited liquidity of emerging country markets may also affect the Fund’s ability to accurately value its portfolio holdings or to acquire or dispose of instruments at the price and time it wishes to do so or in order to meet redemption requests.

 

With respect to investments in certain emerging market countries, antiquated legal systems may have an adverse impact on the Fund. For example, while the potential liability of a shareholder in a U.S. corporation with respect to acts of the corporation is generally limited to the amount of the shareholder’s investment, the notion of limited liability is less clear in certain emerging market countries. Similarly, the rights of investors in emerging market companies may be more limited than those of shareholders in U.S. corporations.

 

Transaction costs, including brokerage commissions or dealer mark-ups, in emerging countries may be higher than in the United States and other developed financial markets. In addition, existing laws and regulations are often inconsistently applied. As legal systems in emerging countries develop, foreign investors may be adversely affected by new or amended laws and regulations. In circumstances where adequate laws exist, it may not be possible to obtain swift and equitable enforcement of the law.

 

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Foreign investment in the financial markets of certain emerging countries is restricted or controlled to varying degrees. These restrictions may limit the Fund’s investment in certain emerging countries and may increase the expenses of the Fund. Certain emerging countries require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons or limit investment by foreign persons to only a specified percentage of an issuer’s outstanding securities or a specific class of securities which may have less advantageous terms (including price) than securities of the company available for purchase by nationals. In addition, the repatriation of both investment income and capital from emerging countries may be subject to restrictions which require governmental consents or prohibit repatriation entirely for a period of time. Even where there is no outright restriction on repatriation of capital, the mechanics of repatriation may affect certain aspects of the operation of the Fund. The Fund may be required to establish special custodial or other arrangements before investing in certain emerging countries.

 

Emerging countries may be subject to a substantially greater degree of economic, political and social instability and disruption than is the case in the United States, Japan and most Western European countries. This instability may result from, among other things, the following: (i) authoritarian governments or military involvement in political and economic decision making, including changes or attempted changes in governments through extra-constitutional means; (ii) popular unrest associated with demands for improved political, economic or social conditions; (iii) internal insurgencies; (iv) hostile relations with neighboring countries; (v) ethnic, religious and racial disaffection or conflict; and (vi) the absence of developed legal structures governing foreign private investments and private property. Such economic, political and social instability could disrupt the principal financial markets in which the Fund may invest and adversely affect the value of the Fund’s assets. The Fund’s investments can also be adversely affected by any increase in taxes or by political, economic or diplomatic developments.

 

The Fund may seek investment opportunities within former “east bloc” countries in Eastern Europe. Most Eastern European countries had a centrally planned, socialist economy for a substantial period of time. The governments of many Eastern European countries have more recently been implementing reforms directed at political and economic liberalization, including efforts to decentralize the economic decision-making process and move towards a market economy. However, business entities in many Eastern European countries do not have an extended history of operating in a market-oriented economy, and the ultimate impact of Eastern European countries’ attempts to move toward more market-oriented economies is currently unclear. In addition, any change in the leadership or policies of Eastern European countries may halt the expansion of or reverse the liberalization of foreign investment policies now occurring and adversely affect existing investment opportunities. As a result of recent events involving Ukraine and the Russian Federation, the United States and the European Union have imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and Russian corporations. Additional broader sanctions may be imposed in the future. These sanctions, or even the threat of further sanctions, may result in the decline of the value and liquidity of Russian securities, a weakening of the ruble or other adverse consequences to the Russian economy. These sanctions could also result in the immediate freeze of Russian securities, impairing the ability of the Fund to buy, sell, receive or deliver those securities. Sanctions could also result in Russia taking counter measures or retaliatory actions which may further impair the value and liquidity of Russian and/or Ukrainian securities.

 

The economies of emerging countries may differ unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resources, self-sufficiency and balance of payments. Many emerging countries have experienced in the past, and continue to experience, high rates of inflation. In certain countries inflation has at times accelerated rapidly to hyperinflationary levels, creating a negative interest rate environment and sharply eroding the value of outstanding financial assets in those countries. Other emerging countries, on the other hand, have recently experienced deflationary pressures and are in economic recessions. The economies of many emerging countries are heavily dependent upon international trade and are accordingly affected by protective trade barriers and the economic conditions of their trading partners. In addition, the economies of some emerging countries are vulnerable to weakness in world prices for their commodity exports. The Fund’s income and, in some cases, capital gains from foreign investments will be subject to applicable taxation in certain of the countries in which it invests, and treaties between the U.S. and such countries may not be available in some cases to reduce the otherwise applicable tax rates. See “Taxes.”

 

Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Such delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of the Fund remain uninvested and no return is earned on such assets. The inability of the Fund to make intended purchases or sales due to settlement problems could result either in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the instrument or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the instrument, could result in possible liability to the purchaser.

 

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Large Shareholder Purchase and Redemption Risk. The Fund may experience adverse effects when certain large shareholders purchase or redeem large amounts of shares of the Fund. Such large shareholder redemptions may cause the Fund to sell its securities at times when it would not otherwise do so, which may negatively impact the Fund’s NAV and liquidity. Similarly, large share purchases may adversely affect the Fund’s performance to the extent that the Fund is delayed in investing new cash and is required to maintain a larger cash position than it ordinarily would. In addition, a large redemption could result in the Fund’s current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the Fund’s expense ratio. However, this risk may be limited to the extent that the Manager and Fund have entered into a fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement agreement.

 

Margin Deposits and Cover Requirements. Unlike the purchase or sale of portfolio securities, no price is paid or received by the Fund upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract. Initially, the Subsidiary will be required to deposit with the broker an amount of cash or cash equivalents, known as initial margin, based on the value of the contract. The nature of initial margin in futures transactions is different from that of margin in securities transactions in that futures contract margin does not involve the borrowing of funds by the customer to finance the transactions. Rather, the initial margin is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the contract which is returned to the Fund upon termination of the futures contract, assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied. Subsequent payments, called variation margin, to and from the broker, will be made on a daily basis as the price of the underlying instruments fluctuates, making the long and short positions in the futures contract more or less valuable, a process known as “marking to the market.” For example, when the Fund has purchased a futures contract and the price of the contract has risen in response to a rise in the price of the underlying instruments, that position will have increased in value and the Fund will be entitled to receive from the broker a variation margin payment equal to that increase in value. Conversely, where the Fund has purchased a futures contract and the price of the futures contract has declined in response to a decrease in the underlying instruments, the position would be less valuable and the Fund would be required to make a variation margin payment to the broker. At any time prior to expiration of the futures contract, the Manager may elect to close the position by taking an opposite position, subject to the availability of a secondary market, which will operate to terminate the Fund’s position in the futures contract. A final determination of variation margin is then made, additional cash is required to be paid by or released to the Fund, and the Fund realizes a loss or gain.

 

The Fund will comply with guidelines established by the SEC with respect to coverage of forwards, futures, swaps and options. For example, when entering into a contract that must be cash settled, the Fund will cover (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) its position, when added to the amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the daily mark-to-market obligation, rather than the notional value of the contract.

 

When entering into a contract that does not need to be settled in cash, the Fund is also required to “cover” its position in order to limit leveraging and related risks. To cover its position, the Fund may segregate (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) cash or liquid assets that, when added to any amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the market value of the contract or otherwise “cover” its position in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations thereunder. The segregated account functions as a practical limit on the amount of leverage which the Fund may undertake and on the potential increase in the speculative character of the Fund’s outstanding portfolio holdings. Additionally, such segregated accounts will generally assure the availability of adequate funds to meet the obligations of the Fund arising from such investment activities. Segregated assets cannot be sold or transferred unless equivalent assets are substituted in their place or it is no longer necessary to segregate them. As a result, there is a possibility that segregation of a large percentage of the Fund’s assets could impede portfolio management or the Fund’s ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations. The Subsidiary will comply with these coverage requirements to the same extent as the Fund that holds the Subsidiary’s securities.

 

The Fund or the Subsidiary may enter into agreements with a FCM which require the FCM to accept physical settlement for certain financial instruments. If this occurs, the Fund would treat the financial instrument as being cash-settled for purposes of determining the Fund’s coverage requirements.

 

The Fund may also cover its position in relation to forwards, futures, swaps and options through ownership of the underlying financial instrument, commodity index, or currency or by other portfolio positions or by other means consistent with applicable regulatory policies.

 

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Options. The Fund may purchase and write put and call options on indices, currencies, commodities or other financial instruments and enter into related closing transactions. A put option gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell, and the writer of the option the obligation to buy, the underlying instrument at any time during the option period. A call option gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the writer of the option the obligation to sell, the underlying instrument at any time during the option period. The premium paid to the writer is the consideration for undertaking the obligations under the option contract.

 

The Fund may purchase and write put and call options on foreign currencies (traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges or over-the-counter markets) to manage its exposure to exchange rates or to seek and increase in total return. Call options on foreign currency written by the Fund will be “covered” as set out below.

 

Put and call options on indices are similar to options on securities except that options on an index give the holder the right to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the underlying index is greater than (or less than, in the case of puts) the exercise price of the option. This amount of cash is equal to the difference between the closing price of the index and the exercise price of the option, expressed in dollars multiplied by a specified number. Thus, unlike options on individual securities, all settlements are in cash, and gain or loss depends on price movements in the particular market represented by the index generally, rather than the price movements in individual securities.

 

When the Fund writes an option, the Fund is required to “cover” its position in order to limit leveraging and related risks. To cover its position, the Fund may segregate (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) cash or liquid assets that, when added to any amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the market value of the option or otherwise “cover” its position in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations thereunder. The segregated account functions as a practical limit on the amount of leverage which the Fund may undertake and on the potential increase in the speculative character of the Fund’s outstanding portfolio holdings. Additionally, such segregated accounts will generally assure the availability of adequate funds to meet the obligations of the Fund arising from such investment activities.

 

The Fund or the Subsidiary may enter into agreements with a FCM which require the FCM to accept physical settlement for certain financial instruments. If this occurs, the Fund would treat the financial instrument as being cash-settled for purposes of determining the Fund’s coverage requirements. Similarly, the Fund or Subsidiary may enter into agreements with counterparties which require the counterparty to settle currency forward contracts in US Dollar, rather than the deliverable currency. If this occurs, the Fund would treat the financial instrument as being cash-settled for purposes of determining the Fund’s coverage requirements.

 

The initial purchase (sale) of an option contract is an “opening transaction.” In order to close out an option position, the Fund may enter into a “closing transaction,” which is simply the sale (purchase) of an option contract on the same instrument with the same exercise price and expiration date as the option contract originally opened. If the Fund is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction with respect to an option it has written, it will not be able to sell the underlying instrument until the option expires or the Fund delivers the instrument upon exercise.

 

The Fund may purchase put and call options to protect against a decline in the market value of the holdings in its portfolio, to anticipate an increase in the market value of instruments that the Fund may seek to purchase in the future or to seek to increase total return. The Fund purchasing put and call options pays a premium therefor. If price movements in the underlying instruments are such that exercise of the options would not be profitable for the Fund, loss of the premium paid may be offset by an increase in the value of the Fund’s instruments or by a decrease in the cost of acquisition of instruments by the Fund.

 

The Fund may write covered call options as a means of increasing the yield on its assets and as a means of providing limited protection against decreases in its market value. When the Fund writes an option, if the underlying instruments do not increase or decrease to a price level that would make the exercise of the option profitable to the holder thereof, the option generally will expire without being exercised and the Fund will realize as profit the premium received for such option. When a call option of which the Fund is the writer is exercised, the Fund will be required to sell the underlying instruments to the option holder at the strike price, and will not participate in any increase in the price of such securities above the strike price. When a put option of which the Fund is the writer is exercised, the Fund will be required to purchase the underlying instruments at a price in excess of the market value of such securities.

 

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The Fund may purchase and write options on an exchange or over-the-counter. Over-the-counter options (“OTC options”) differ from exchange-traded options in several respects. They are transacted directly with dealers and not with a clearing corporation, and therefore entail the risk of non-performance by the dealer. OTC options are available for a greater variety of securities and for a wider range of expiration dates and exercise prices than are available for exchange-traded options. Because OTC options are not traded on an exchange, pricing is done normally by reference to information from a market maker. It is the SEC’s position that OTC options are generally illiquid.

 

The market value of an option generally reflects the market price of an underlying instrument. Other principal factors affecting market value include supply and demand, interest rates, the pricing volatility of the underlying instrument and the time remaining until the expiration date.

 

Risks associated with options transactions include: (1) the success of a hedging strategy may depend on an ability to predict movements in the prices of individual instruments, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) there may be an imperfect correlation between the movement in prices of options and the instruments underlying them; (3) there may not be a liquid secondary market for options; and (4) while the Fund will receive a premium when it writes covered call options, it may not participate fully in a rise in the market value of the underlying instrument.

 

Restricted and Illiquid Securities. The Fund may not invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, including securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily available market or legal or contractual restrictions on resale. Illiquid securities include: repurchase agreements and time deposits with a notice or demand period of more than seven days; interest rate; currency, mortgage and credit default swaps; interest rate caps; floors and collars; municipal leases; certain restricted securities, such as those purchased in a private placement of securities, unless it is determined, based upon a review of the trading markets for a specific restricted security, that such restricted security is liquid; and certain over-the-counter options. Securities that have legal or contractual restrictions on resale but have a readily available market are not considered illiquid for purposes of this limitation.

 

Mutual funds do not typically hold a significant amount of restricted or other illiquid securities because of the potential for delays on resale and uncertainty in valuation. Limitations on resale may have an adverse effect on the marketability of portfolio securities and a mutual fund might be unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty in satisfying redemptions within seven days. A mutual fund might also have to register such restricted securities in order to dispose of them resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of securities.

 

The Fund may purchase securities which are not registered under the Securities Act but which may be sold to “qualified institutional buyers” in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act (“Restricted Securities”). These securities will not be considered illiquid so long as it is determined by the Manager that an adequate trading market exists for the securities. This investment practice could have the effect of increasing the level of illiquidity in the Fund during any period that qualified institutional buyers become uninterested in purchasing restricted securities.

 

The Manager will monitor the liquidity of Restricted Securities held by the Fund under the supervision of the Board. In reaching liquidity decisions, the Manager may consider, among others, the following factors: (1) the unregistered nature of the security; (2) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (3) the number of dealers wishing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential purchasers; (4) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; and (5) the nature of the security and the nature of the marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of the transfer).

 

The purchase price and subsequent valuation of Restricted Securities normally reflect a discount from the price at which such securities trade when they are not restricted, since the restriction makes them less liquid. The amount of the discount from the prevailing market price is expected to vary depending upon the type of security, the character of the issuer, the party who will bear the expenses of registering the Restricted Securities and prevailing supply and demand conditions.

 

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As consistent with the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund may also invest in Section 4(2) commercial paper. Section 4(2) commercial paper is issued in reliance on an exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the Act and is generally sold to institutional investors who purchase for investment. Any resale of such commercial paper must be in an exempt transaction, usually to an institutional investor through the issuer or investment dealers who make a market in such commercial paper. The Company believes that Section 4(2) commercial paper is liquid to the extent it meets the criteria established by the Board. The Company intends to treat such commercial paper as liquid and not subject to the investment limitations applicable to illiquid securities or restricted securities.

 

Risk Considerations of Medium Grade Securities. Obligations in the lowest investment grade ( i.e. , BBB or Baa), referred to as “medium grade” obligations, have speculative characteristics, and changes in economic conditions and other factors are more likely to lead to weakened capacity to make interest payments and repay principal on these obligations than is the case for higher rated securities. In the event that a security purchased by the Fund is subsequently downgraded below investment grade, the Manager will consider such event in its determination of whether the Fund should continue to hold the security.

 

Short Sales. As consistent with the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund may engage in short sales that are “uncovered”.

 

Uncovered short sales are transactions under which the Fund sells an instrument it does not own. To complete such a transaction, the Fund must borrow the instrument to make delivery to the buyer. The Fund then is obligated to replace the instrument borrowed by purchasing the instrument at the market price at the time of the replacement. The price at such time may be more or less than the price at which the instrument was sold by the Fund. Until the instrument is replaced, the Fund is required to pay the lender amounts equal to any dividends or interest that accrue during the period of the loan. To borrow the instrument, the Fund also may be required to pay a premium, which would increase the cost of the instrument sold. The proceeds of the short sale will be retained by the broker, to the extent necessary to meet margin requirements, until the short position is closed out.

 

Until the Fund replaces a borrowed instrument in connection with a short sale, the Fund will: (a) maintain daily a segregated account, containing cash, cash equivalents, or liquid assets, at such a level that the amount deposited in the account plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will equal the current value of the instrument sold short or (b) otherwise cover its short position in accordance with positions taken by the staff of the SEC.

 

The Fund will incur a loss as a result of the short sale if the price of the instrument increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund replaces the borrowed instrument. The Fund will realize a gain if the instrument declines in price between those dates. This result is the opposite of what one would expect from a cash purchase of a long position in an instrument. The amount of any gain will be decreased, and the amount of any loss increased, by the amount of any premium or amounts in lieu of interest the Fund may be required to pay in connection with a short sale. A Fund may purchase call options to provide a hedge against an increase in the price of an instrument sold short by the Fund. See the section entitled “Options” above.

 

Short Sales “Against the Box.” In addition to the short sales discussed above, the Fund may make short sales “against the box,” transactions in which the Fund enters into a short sale of a security that the Fund owns or has the right to obtain at no additional cost. The proceeds of the short sale will be held by a broker until the settlement date at which time the Fund delivers the security to close the short position. The Fund receives the net proceeds from the short sale.

 

Special Note Regarding Market Events. Events in the financial sector over the past several years have resulted in reduced liquidity in credit and fixed income markets and in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestically and internationally. While entire markets have been impacted, issuers that have exposure to the real estate, mortgage and credit markets have been particularly affected. These events and the potential for continuing market turbulence may have an adverse effect on the underlying investment companies’ investments. It is uncertain how long these conditions will continue.

 

The instability in the financial markets has led the U.S. government to take a number of unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions and certain segments of the financial markets. Federal, state and foreign governments, regulatory agencies, and self-regulatory organizations may take actions that affect the regulation of the instruments in which the Fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that are unforeseeable. Such legislation or regulation could limit or preclude an underlying investment company’s, and thus the Fund’s, ability to achieve its investment objective.

 

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Governments or their agencies may also acquire distressed assets from financial institutions and acquire ownership interests in those institutions. The implications of government ownership and disposition of these assets are unclear, and such ownership or disposition may have positive or negative effects on the liquidity, valuation and performance of the underlying investment companies’ holdings.

 

Subsidiary Risk. The Fund intends to make investments through the Subsidiary of the Fund (Campbell Core Carry Offshore Limited). Investment in the Subsidiary is expected to provide the Fund with exposure to the commodity markets within the limitations of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code and recent Internal Revenue Service revenue rulings. The Subsidiary is organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands. The Fund is the sole shareholder of the Subsidiary, and it is not currently expected that shares of the Subsidiary will be sold or offered to other investors.

 

It is expected that the Subsidiary will invest primarily in derivative instruments, such as, commodity futures contracts, non-commodity futures contracts, such as equity index, government bond, fixed income and foreign exchange futures contracts, commodity and non-commodity swap agreements. The Subsidiary may also invest in fixed income securities and money market instruments, cash and cash equivalents with two years or less term to maturity, and other investments intended to serve as margin or collateral for the Subsidiary’s derivative positions. Although the Fund may enter into these commodity-linked derivative instruments directly, the Fund will likely gain exposure to these derivative instruments indirectly by investing in the Subsidiary. The Fund’s investment in the Subsidiary may vary depending on the types of instruments selected by the Manager to gain exposure to the commodities markets. To the extent that the Fund invests in the Subsidiary, the Fund may be subject to the risks associated with the abovementioned derivative instruments and other securities, which are discussed elsewhere in the Prospectus and this SAI.

 

The Fund intends to treat physically settled futures contracts in the same manner as cash settled futures contracts through the use of a swap and/or letter agreement with the Subsidiary’s futures commission merchant for the purposes of complying with Section 18 of 1940 Act. The SEC has not declared whether or not the use of such a letter agreement is sufficient for the purpose of compliance with Section 18 of the 1940 Act. There is a risk, therefore, that the SEC may deem the use of the letter agreement as insufficient and that the Fund may not be permitted to continue to gain exposure to these contracts through the use of the letter agreement.

 

While the Subsidiary may be considered similar to an investment company, it is not registered under the 1940 Act and, unless otherwise noted in the Prospectus and this SAI, is not subject to all of the investor protections of the 1940 Act and other U.S. regulations. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Fund and/or the Subsidiary to operate as described in the Prospectuses and this SAI and could negatively affect the Fund and its shareholders.

 

Tax Risk. The Fund intends to qualify annually to be treated as a regulated investment company under the Code. To qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code, the Fund must invest in assets which produce the types of income specified in the Code and the Treasury regulations (“Qualifying Income”). Whether the income from certain derivatives, swaps, commodity-linked derivatives and other commodity/natural resource-related securities, including income from the Fund’s investment in its subsidiary, is Qualifying Income is unclear. The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has issued a ruling that income realized from certain types of commodity-linked derivatives would not be qualifying income. The Fund’s investment in the Subsidiary is expected to provide the Fund with exposure to the commodities markets within the limitations of the Code for qualification as a regulated investment company, but there is a risk that the IRS could assert that the income derived from the Fund’s investment in the Subsidiary and certain commodity- linked structured notes will not be considered Qualifying Income. In addition, pursuant to recent guidance issued by the Treasury and the IRS, the Subsidiary’s commodity related income for a taxable year will only be treated as Qualifying Income to the extent the Subsidiary actually distributes such income out of its earnings and profits to the Fund for such taxable year. If the Fund invests in these types of securities and the income is determined to not be Qualifying Income, it may cause the Fund to fail to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code. Moreover, an investment in a subsidiary may not exceed 25% of the value of the Fund at the end of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year. If the subsidiary does exceed 25% of the value of the Fund, in any quarter, the Fund may fail to qualify as a registered investment company under the Code. See “Taxes” below for additional information related to these restrictions.

 

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Temporary Defensive Positions. In anticipation of or in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may take temporary defensive positions (up to 100% of its assets) in cash, cash equivalents and short-term U.S. government securities. If the Fund were to take a temporary defensive position, it may be unable for a time to achieve its investment objective.

 

U.S. Government Securities. The Fund may purchase U.S. government agency and instrumentality obligations that are debt securities issued by U.S. government-sponsored enterprises and federal agencies. Some obligations of agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government or by U.S. Treasury guarantees, such as securities of the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) and the Federal Housing Authority; others, by the ability of the issuer to borrow, provided approval is granted, from the U.S. Treasury, such as securities of Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) and others, only by the credit of the agency or instrumentality issuing the obligation, such as securities of Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) and the Federal Home Loan Banks (“FHLBs”). Such guarantees of U.S. government securities held by a Fund do not, however, guarantee the market value of the shares of the Fund. There is no guarantee that the U.S. government will continue to provide support to its agencies or instrumentalities in the future. U.S. government obligations that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government are subject to greater risks than those that are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. All U.S. government obligations are subject to interest rate risk.

 

In September 2008, the U.S. Treasury Department and Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”) announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would be placed in conservatorship under the FHFA. On June 16, 2010, FHFA ordered Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s stock de-listed from the New York Stock Exchange after the price of common stock in Fannie Mae fell below the New York Stock Exchange’s minimum average closing price of $1 for more than 30 days. The future status and role of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could be impacted by (among other things) the actions taken and restrictions placed on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac by the FHFA in its role as conservator, the restrictions placed on Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s operations and activities as a result of the senior preferred stock investment made by the U.S. Treasury, market responses to developments at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and future legislative and regulatory action that alters the operations, ownership, structure and/or mission of these institutions, each of which may, in turn, impact the value of, and cash flows on, any mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, including any such mortgage-backed securities held by the Fund.

The Fund’s net assets may be invested in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury or the agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government, including, if applicable, options and futures on such obligations. The maturities of U.S. government securities usually range from three months to thirty years. Examples of types of U.S. government obligations include U.S. Treasury Bills, Treasury Notes and Treasury Bonds and the obligations of Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Farm Credit Banks, Federal Land Banks, the Federal Housing Administration, Farmers Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Small Business Administration, Fannie Mae, GNMA, General Services Administration, Central Bank for Cooperatives, Freddie Mac, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, the Maritime Administration, the Asian-American Development Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. U.S. government securities may include inflation-indexed fixed income securities, such as U.S. Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (“TIPS”). The interest rate of TIPS, which is set at auction, remains fixed throughout the term of the security and the principal amount of the security is adjusted for inflation. The inflation-adjusted principal is not paid until maturity.

 

There is risk that the U.S. government will not provide financial support to its agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. The Fund may purchase U.S. government securities that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, such as those issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. government securities held by the Fund may greatly exceed their current resources, including their legal right to support from the U.S. Treasury. It is possible that these issuers will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future.

 

U.S. Treasury Obligations. U.S. Treasury obligations consist of bills, notes and bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury and separately traded interest and principal component parts of such obligations that are transferable through the federal book-entry system known as Separately Traded Registered Interest and Principal Securities (“STRIPS”) and Treasury Receipts (“TRs”).

 

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Receipts. Interests in separately traded interest and principal component parts of U.S. government obligations that are issued by banks or brokerage firms and are created by depositing U.S. government obligations into a special account at a custodian bank. The custodian holds the interest and principal payments for the benefit of the registered owners of the certificates or receipts. The custodian arranges for the issuance of the certificates or receipts evidencing ownership and maintains the register. TRs and STRIPS are interests in accounts sponsored by the U.S. Treasury. Receipts are sold as zero coupon securities.

 

U.S. Government Zero Coupon Securities. STRIPS and receipts are sold as zero coupon securities, that is, fixed income securities that have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons. Zero coupon securities are sold at a (usually substantial) discount and redeemed at face value at their maturity date without interim cash payments of interest or principal. The amount of this discount is accreted over the life of the security, and the accretion constitutes the income earned on the security for both accounting and tax purposes. Because of these features, the market prices of zero coupon securities are generally more volatile than the market prices of securities that have similar maturity but that pay interest periodically. Zero coupon securities are likely to respond to a greater degree to interest rate changes than are non-zero coupon securities with similar maturity and credit qualities.

 

U.S. Government Agencies. Some obligations issued or guaranteed by agencies of the U.S. government are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury, others are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury, while still others are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality. Guarantees of principal by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government may be a guarantee of payment at the maturity of the obligation so that in the event of a default prior to maturity there might not be a market and thus no means of realizing on the obligation prior to maturity. Guarantees as to the timely payment of principal and interest do not extend to the value or yield of these securities nor to the value of the Fund’s shares.

 

NON-PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS

 

Cyber Security Risk. The Fund and its service providers may be prone to operational and information security risks resulting from breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption, or lose operational capacity. Breaches in cyber security include, among other behaviors, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, denial of service attacks on websites, the unauthorized release of confidential information or various other forms of cyber-attacks. Cyber security breaches affecting the Fund or its Manager, custodian, transfer agent, intermediaries and other third-party service providers may adversely impact the Fund. For instance, cyber security breaches may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, impact the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAVs, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential business information, impede trading, subject the Fund to regulator fines or financial losses and/or cause reputational damage. The Fund may also present for issuer of securities in which the Fund may invest, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Fund’s investment in such companies to lose value.

 

Investment Company Shares. The Fund may invest in shares of other investment companies to the extent permitted by applicable law and subject to certain restrictions. These investment companies typically incur fees that are separate from those fees incurred directly by the Fund. The Fund’s purchase of such investment company securities results in the layering of expenses, such that shareholders would indirectly bear a proportionate share of the operating expenses of such investment companies, including advisory fees, in addition to paying the Fund’s expenses. Unless an exception is available, Section 12(d)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act prohibits a fund from (i) acquiring more than 3% of the voting shares of any one investment company, (ii) investing more than 5% of its total assets in any one investment company, and (iii) investing more than 10% of its total assets in all investment companies combined, including its ETF investments.

 

For hedging or other purposes, the Fund may invest in investment companies that seek to track the composition and/or performance of specific indexes or portions of specific indexes. Certain of these investment companies, known as exchange-traded funds, are traded on a securities exchange. The market prices of index-based investments will fluctuate in accordance with changes in the underlying portfolio securities of the investment company and also due to supply and demand of the investment company’s shares on the exchange upon which the shares are traded. Index-based investments may not replicate or otherwise match the composition or performance of their specified index due to transaction costs, among other things.

 

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Pursuant to orders issued by the SEC to each of certain exchange-traded funds (collectively, the “ETFs”) and procedures approved by the Board, the Fund may invest in the ETFs in excess of the limits described above, provided that the Fund has described the ETF investments in its prospectus and otherwise complies with the conditions of the SEC, as it may be amended, and any other applicable investment limitations. Neither the ETFs nor their investment advisers make any representations regarding the advisability of investing in the ETFs.

 

Rights Offerings and Purchase Warrants. Rights offerings and purchase warrants are privileges issued by a corporation which enable the owner to subscribe to and purchase a specified number of shares of the corporation at a specified price during a specified period of time. Subscription rights normally have a short lifespan to expiration. The purchase of rights or warrants involves the risk that the Fund could lose the purchase value of a right or warrant if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not executed prior to the right’s or warrant’s expiration. Also, the purchase of rights and/or warrants involves the risk that the effective price paid for the right and/or warrant added to the subscription price of the related security may exceed the value of the subscribed security’s market price such as when there is no movement in the level of the underlying security.

 

Risk Considerations of Lower Rated Securities. The Fund may invest in fixed income securities that are not investment grade but are rated as low as B by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or B by S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) (or their equivalents or, if unrated, determined by the Manager to be of comparable credit quality). In the case of a security that is rated differently by two or more rating services, the higher rating is used in connection with the foregoing limitation. In the event that the rating on a security held in the Fund’s portfolio is downgraded by a rating service, such action will be considered by the Manager in its evaluation of the overall investment merits of that security, but will not necessarily result in the sale of the security. The widespread expansion of government, consumer and corporate debt within the U.S. economy has made the corporate sector, especially cyclically sensitive industries, more vulnerable to economic downturns or increased interest rates. An economic downturn could severely disrupt the market for high yield fixed income securities and adversely affect the value of outstanding fixed income securities and the ability of the issuers to repay principal and interest.

 

The Fund may invest in high yield debt obligations, such as bonds and debentures, issued by corporations and other business organizations. The Fund may invest in high yield debt instruments when the Fund believes that such instruments offer a better risk/reward profile than comparable equity opportunities. High yield fixed income securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”) are considered speculative investments while generally providing greater income than investments in higher rated securities, involve greater risk of loss of principal and income (including the possibility of default or bankruptcy of the issuers of such securities) and may involve greater volatility of price (especially during periods of economic uncertainty or change) than securities in the higher rating categories. Since yields vary over time, no specific level of income can ever be assured.

 

The prices of high yield fixed income securities have been found to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than higher-rated investments but more sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual corporate developments. Also, during an economic downturn or substantial period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress, which would adversely affect their ability to service their principal and interest payment obligations, to meet projected business goals and to obtain additional financing. If the issuer of a fixed income security owned by the Fund defaulted, the Fund could incur additional expenses in attempting to obtain a recovery. In addition, periods of economic uncertainty and changes can be expected to result in increased volatility of market prices of high yield fixed income securities and the Fund’s NAV to the extent it holds such securities.

 

High yield fixed income securities also present risks based on payment expectations. For example, high yield fixed income securities may contain redemption or call provisions. If an issuer exercises these provisions in a declining interest rate market, the Fund may, to the extent it holds such fixed income securities, have to replace the securities with a lower yielding security, which may result in a decreased return for investors. Conversely, a high yield fixed income security’s value will decrease in a rising interest rate market, as will the value of the Fund’s assets, to the extent it holds such fixed income securities. In addition, to the extent that there is no established retail secondary market, there may be thin trading of high yield fixed income securities, and this may have an impact on the Manager’s ability to accurately value such securities and the Fund’s assets and on the Fund’s ability to dispose of such securities. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of high yield fixed income securities, especially in a thinly traded market.

 

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New laws proposed or adopted from time to time may have an impact on the market for high yield securities.

 

Finally, there are risks involved in applying credit or dividend ratings as a method for evaluating high yield securities. For example, ratings evaluate the safety of principal and interest or dividend payments, not market value risk of high yield securities. Also, since rating agencies may fail to timely change the credit ratings to reflect subsequent events, the Fund will continuously monitor the issuers of high yield securities in its portfolio, if any, to determine if the issuers will have sufficient cash flow and profits to meet required principal and interest payments, and to assure the security’s liquidity so the Fund can meet redemption requests.

 

Securities Lending. The Fund may lend portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial organizations that meet capital and other credit requirements or other criteria established by the Board. These loans, if and when made, may not exceed 33 1/3% of the total asset value of the Fund (including the loan collateral). The Fund will not lend portfolio securities to the Adviser or their affiliates unless permissible under the 1940 Act and the rules and promulgations thereunder. Loans of portfolio securities will be fully collateralized by cash, letters of credit or U.S. government securities, and the collateral will be maintained in an amount equal to at least 102% of the current market value of the loaned domestic securities (105% of loaned foreign securities) by marking to market daily. Any gain or loss in the market price of the securities loaned that might occur during the term of the loan would be for the account of the Fund.

 

The Fund may pay a part of the interest earned from the investment of collateral, or other fee, to an unaffiliated or, to the extent consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations thereunder, affiliated third party for acting as the Fund’s securities lending agent.

 

By lending its securities, the Fund may increase its income by receiving payments from the borrower that reflect the amount of any interest or any dividends payable on the loaned securities as well as by either investing cash collateral received from the borrower in short-term instruments or obtaining a fee from the borrower when U.S. government securities or letters of credit are used as collateral. The Fund does not have the right to vote loaned securities. The Fund will attempt to call all loaned securities back to permit the exercise of voting rights on material matters, if time and jurisdictional restrictions permit. There is no guarantee that all loans can be recalled.

 

Structured Securities. The Fund may invest in structured securities to the extent consistent with its investment objective. The value of the principal of and/or interest on structured securities is determined by reference to changes in the value of specific currencies, commodities, securities, indices or other financial indicators (the “Reference”) or the relative change in two or more References. The interest rate or the principal amount payable upon maturity or redemption may be increased or decreased depending upon changes in the applicable Reference. Examples of structured securities include, but are not limited to, notes where the principal repayment at maturity is determined by the value of the relative change in two or more specified securities or securities indices.

 

The terms of some structured securities may provide that in certain circumstances no principal is due at maturity and, therefore, the Fund could suffer a total loss of its investment. Structured securities may be positively or negatively indexed, so that appreciation of the Reference may produce an increase or decrease in the interest rate or value of the security at maturity. In addition, changes in the interest rate or the value of the security at maturity may be a multiple of the changes in the value of the Reference. Consequently, structured securities may entail a greater degree of market risk than other types of securities. Structured securities may also be more volatile, less liquid and more difficult to accurately price than less complex securities due to their derivative nature.

 

The Fund’s Service Providers Could Fail. The institutions with which the Fund or Subsidiary trades or invests may encounter financial difficulties that impair the operational capabilities or the capital position of the Fund. A futures broker is generally required by U.S. law to segregate all funds received from such broker’s customers from such broker’s proprietary assets. If the futures broker did not do so to the full extent required by law, the assets of the Fund might not be fully protected in the event of the bankruptcy of the futures broker. Furthermore, in the event of the futures broker’s bankruptcy, the Fund or Subsidiary could be limited to recovering only a pro rata share of all available funds segregated on behalf of the futures broker’s combined customer accounts, even though certain property specifically traceable to the Fund (for example, Treasury bills deposited by the Fund with the futures broker as margin) was held by the futures broker.

 

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Although the Manager regularly monitors the financial condition of the counterparties it uses, if the counterparties were to become insolvent or the subject of liquidation proceedings in the United States (either under the Securities Investor Protection Act of the United States Bankruptcy Code), there exists the risk that the recovery of the Fund’s or subsidiary’s assets from such counterparty will be delayed or be a value less than the value of the assets originally entrusted to such counterparty.

 

Failure to Receive Timely and Accurate Market Data from Third Party Vendors Could Cause Disruptions or the Inability to Trade. The Manager’s strategies are dependent to a significant degree on the receipt of timely and accurate market data from third party vendors. Accordingly, the failure to receive such data in a timely manner or the receipt of inaccurate data, whether due to acts or omissions of such third party vendors or otherwise, could disrupt trading to the detriment of the Fund or make trading impossible until such failure or inaccuracy is remedied. Any such failure or inaccuracy could, in certain market conditions, cause the Fund to experience significant trading losses, effect trades in a manner which it otherwise would not have done, or miss opportunities for profitable trading. For example, the receipt of inaccurate market data may cause the Manager to establish (or exit) a position which it otherwise would not have established (or exited), or fail to establish (or exit) a position which it otherwise would have established (or exited), and any subsequent correction of such inaccurate data may cause the Manager to reverse such action or inaction, all of which may ultimately be to the detriment of the Fund.

 

INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

 

The Fund has adopted the following fundamental investment limitations which may not be changed with respect to the Fund without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding shares (as defined in Section 2(a)(42) of the 1940 Act). As used in this SAI and in the Prospectus, “shareholder approval” and a “majority of the outstanding shares” of the Fund means, with respect to the approval of an investment advisory agreement, a distribution plan or a change in a fundamental investment limitation, the lesser of (1) 67% of the shares of the Fund represented at a meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present in person or by proxy, or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. Unless otherwise noted, the Fund’s investment goals and strategies described in the Prospectus may be changed by the Board without the approval of the Fund’s shareholders.

 

The Fund may not:

 

1. Borrow money or issue senior securities, except that the Fund may borrow from banks and enter into reverse repurchase agreements provided that there is at least 300% asset coverage for the borrowings of the Fund. The Fund may not mortgage, pledge or hypothecate any assets, except in connection with any such borrowing and then in amounts not in excess of one-third of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the time of such borrowing. However, the amount shall not be in excess of lesser of the dollar amounts borrowed or 33 1/3% of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the time of such borrowing, provided that: (a) short sales and related borrowings of securities are not subject to this restriction; and (b) for the purposes of this restriction, collateral arrangements with respect to options, short sales, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, collateral arrangements with respect to initial and variation margin and collateral arrangements with respect to derivatives instruments are not deemed to be a pledge or other encumbrance of assets. Securities held in escrow or separate accounts in connection with the Fund’s investment practices are not considered to be borrowings or deemed to be pledged for purposes of this limitation;

 

2. Act as an underwriter of securities within the meaning of the 1933 Act, except insofar as it might be deemed to be an underwriter upon disposition of certain portfolio securities acquired within the limitation on purchases of restricted securities;

 

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3. Purchase or sell real estate (including real estate limited partnership interests), provided that the Fund may invest: (a) in securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies that invest in real estate or interests therein; or (b) in real estate investment trusts;

 

4. Purchase or sell commodities, except as permitted by the 1940 Act, as amended, and as interpreted or modified by the regulatory authority having jurisdiction from time to time;

 

5. Make loans, except through loans of portfolio securities and repurchase agreements, provided that for purposes of this restriction the acquisition of bonds, debentures or other debt instruments or interests therein and investment in government obligations, loan participations and assignments, short-term commercial paper, certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances shall not be deemed to be the making of a loan; or

 

6. Invest 25% or more of its total assets, taken at market value at the time of each investment, in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry, provided that (a) there is no limitation with respect to (i) instruments issued or guaranteed by the United States, any state, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia or any of their authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions, and (ii) repurchase agreements secured by the instruments described in clause (i); (b) wholly-owned finance companies will be considered to be in the industries of their parents if their activities are primarily related to financing the activities of the parents; and (c) utilities will be divided according to their services, for example, gas, gas transmission, electric and gas, electric and telephone will each be considered a separate industry.

 

In addition to the fundamental investment limitations specified above, the Fund is subject to the following non-fundamental limitations, which may be changed without shareholder approval, in compliance with applicable law and regulatory policy. The Fund may not:

 

1. Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management, but investments by the Fund in wholly-owned investment entities created under the laws of certain countries will not be deemed the making of investments for the purpose of exercising control or management; or

 

2. Purchase securities on margin, except that the Fund may use margin to the extent necessary to engage in short sales and may obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of portfolio transactions; and provided that margin deposits in connection with options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts or other derivative instruments, including foreign exchange forward contracts, shall not constitute purchasing securities on margin.

 

The Fund may invest in securities issued by other investment companies within the limits prescribed by the 1940 Act. Pursuant to orders issued by the SEC to ETFs and procedures approved by the Board, the Fund may invest in ETFs in excess of the limits of the 1940 Act. As a shareholder of another investment company, the Fund would bear, along with other shareholders, its pro rata portion of the other investment company’s expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses would be in addition to the advisory and other expenses that the Fund bears directly in connection with its own operations.

 

Securities held by the Fund generally may not be purchased from, sold or loaned to the Manager or its affiliates or any of their directors, officers or employees, acting as principal, unless pursuant to a rule or exemptive order under the 1940 Act. Neither the Fund nor the Manager has obtained such an exemptive order as of the date of this SAI.

 

Under the 1940 Act, the Fund will be required to maintain asset coverage of at least 300% for borrowings from a bank. In the event that such asset coverage is below 300%, the Fund will be required to reduce the amount of its borrowings to obtain 300% asset coverage within three business days (not including Sundays and holidays).

 

The 1940 Act does not directly restrict an investment company’s ability to invest in commodities, but does require that every investment company have a fundamental investment policy governing such investments. The Fund has adopted fundamental policies that would permit direct investment in commodities.

 

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Any collateral arrangements with respect to, if applicable, the writing of options and futures contracts, options on futures contracts, short sales and other similar instruments, and collateral arrangements with respect to initial and variation margin are not deemed to be a pledge of assets. The Fund may pledge, mortgage or hypothecate assets to secure borrowings permitted by the Fund’s fundamental limitation on borrowing.

 

Senior securities may include any obligation or instrument issued by a fund evidencing indebtedness. The 1940 Act generally prohibits funds from issuing senior securities, although it does not treat certain transactions as senior securities, such as certain borrowings, short sales, reverse repurchase agreements, firm commitment agreements and standby commitments, with appropriate earmarking or segregation of assets to cover such obligation.

 

If a percentage restriction under one of the Fund’s investment policies or limitations or the use of assets is adhered to at the time a transaction is effected, later changes in percentages resulting from changing values will not be considered a violation (except with respect to any restrictions that may apply to borrowings or senior securities issued by the Fund).

 

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

The Company has adopted, on behalf of the Fund, a policy relating to the selective disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings by the Manager, director, officer or third party service provider, in accordance with regulations that seek to ensure that disclosure of information about portfolio holdings is in the best interest of Fund shareholders and to address the conflicts of interests of the Fund shareholders and its service providers. The policies relating to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings are designed to allow disclosure of portfolio holdings information where necessary to the Fund’s operation without compromising the integrity or performance of the Fund. It is the policy of the Company that disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings to a select person or persons prior to the release of such holdings to the public (“selective disclosure”) is prohibited, unless there are legitimate business purposes for selective disclosure.

 

The Company discloses portfolio holdings information as required in regulatory filings and shareholder reports, discloses portfolio holdings information as required by federal and state securities laws and may disclose portfolio holdings information in response to requests by governmental authorities. As required by the federal securities laws, including the 1940 Act, the Company will disclose the Fund’s portfolio holdings in applicable regulatory filings, including shareholder reports, reports on Form N-CSR and Form N-Q or such other filings, reports or disclosure documents as the applicable regulatory authorities may require.

 

The Company may distribute or authorize the distribution of information about the Fund’s portfolio holdings that is not publicly available to its third-party service providers of the Company, which include U.S. Bank, N.A., the custodian; U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“USBFS”), the administrator, accounting agent and transfer agent; Ernst & Young, LLP, the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm; Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, legal counsel; and FilePoint, the financial printer. These service providers are required to keep such information confidential, and are prohibited from trading based on the information or otherwise using the information except as necessary in providing services to the Fund. Such holdings are released on conditions of confidentiality, which include appropriate trading prohibitions. “Conditions of confidentiality” include confidentiality terms included in written agreements, implied by the nature of the relationship (e.g. attorney-client relationship), or required by fiduciary or regulatory principles (e.g., custody services provided by financial institutions). Portfolio holdings may also be provided earlier to shareholders and their agents who receive redemptions in kind that reflect a pro rata allocation of all securities held in the Fund’s portfolio.

 

Portfolio holdings may also be disclosed, upon authorization by a designated officer of the Manager, to certain independent reporting agencies recognized by the SEC as acceptable agencies for the reporting of industry statistical information. Disclosures to financial consultants are also subject to a confidentiality agreement and/or trading restrictions as well as a 15 - day time lag. The foregoing disclosures are made pursuant to the Company’s policy on selective disclosure of portfolio holdings. The Board or a committee thereof may, in limited circumstances, permit other selective disclosure of portfolio holdings subject to a confidentiality agreement and/or trading restrictions. Portfolio holdings may also be provided earlier to shareholders and their agents who receive redemptions in kind that reflect a pro rata allocation of all securities held in the Fund’s portfolio.

 

The Manager reserves the right to refuse to fulfill any request for portfolio holdings information from a shareholder or non-shareholder if it believes that providing such information will be contrary to the best interests of the Fund.

 

21  

 

The Board provides ongoing oversight of the Company’s policies and procedures and compliance with such policies and procedures. As part of this oversight function, the Board receives from the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) as necessary, reports on compliance with these policies and procedures. In addition, the Board receives an annual assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of the policies and procedures with respect to the Fund, and any changes thereto, and an annual review of the operation of the policies and procedures. Any violation of the policy set forth above as well as any corrective action undertaken to address such violations must be reported by the Manager, director, officer or third party service provider to the Company’s CCO, who will determine whether the violation should be reported immediately to the Board or at its next quarterly Board meeting.

 

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

Portfolio turnover measures the percentage of the Fund’s total portfolio market value that was purchased or sold during the period. The Fund’s turnover rate provides an indication of how transaction costs (which are not included in the Fund’s expenses) may affect the Fund’s performance. Also, funds with a high turnover may be more likely to distribute capital gains that may be taxable to shareholders. The Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated by the value of the investment securities purchased or sold, excluding all instruments whose maturities at the time of acquisition were one year or less, divided by the average monthly value of such securities owned during the year. Based on this calculation, instruments, including options and futures contracts, with remaining maturities of less than one year are excluded from the portfolio turnover rate. If such instruments were included, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate would be higher.

 

The Fund’s portfolio turnover rates for the two most recent fiscal years are stated below. Portfolio turnover rates could change significantly in response to turbulent market conditions.

Portfolio Turnover

Fiscal Year Ended August 31,

2017

Fiscal Period Ended August 31,

2016 (1)

0% 0% (2)

 

(1) The Fund commenced investment operations on December 21, 2015.
(2) Not annualized.

 

MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the oversight of the Board, subject to the laws of the State of Maryland and the Company’s Charter. The Directors are responsible for deciding matters of overall policy and overseeing the actions of the Company’s service providers. The officers of the Company conduct and supervise the Company’s daily business operations.

 

Directors who are not deemed to be “interested persons” of the Company as defined in the 1940 Act are referred to as “Independent Directors.” Directors who are deemed to be “interested persons” of the Company are referred to as “Interested Directors.” The Board is currently composed of seven Independent Directors and one Interested Director. The Board has selected Arnold M. Reichman, an Independent Director, to act as Chairman. Mr. Reichman’s duties include presiding at meetings of the Board and interfacing with management to address significant issues that may arise between regularly scheduled Board and Committee meetings. In the performance of his duties, Mr. Reichman will consult with the other Independent Directors and the Company’s officers and legal counsel, as appropriate. The Chairman may perform other functions as requested by the Board from time to time.

 

The Board meets as often as necessary to discharge its responsibilities. Currently, the Board conducts regular, in-person meetings at least four times a year, and holds special in-person or telephonic meetings as necessary to address specific issues that require attention prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting. The Board also relies on professionals, such as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firms and legal counsel, to assist the Directors in performing their oversight responsibilities.

 

22  

 

The Board has established nine standing committees — Audit, Contract, Executive, Investment Risk, Nominating and Governance, Product Development, Regulatory Oversight, Strategic Oversight, and Valuation Committees. The Board may establish other committees, or nominate one or more Directors to examine particular issues related to the Board’s oversight responsibilities, from time to time. Each Committee meets periodically to perform its delegated oversight functions and reports its findings and recommendations to the Board. For more information on the Committees, see the section “Standing Board Committees,” below.

The Board has determined that the Company’s leadership structure is appropriate because it allows the Board to effectively perform its oversight responsibilities.

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below.

 

Name, Address, and Age Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and
Length of
Time

Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund

Complex Overseen by Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 84

Director 1988 to present From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications). 29 AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

J. Richard Carnall
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 79

Director 2002 to present

Since 1984, Director of Haydon Bolts, Inc. (bolt manufacturer) and Parkway Real Estate Company (subsidiary of Haydon Bolts, Inc.); since 2004, Director of Cornerstone Bank.

29 None

 

23  

 

Name, Address, and Age Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and
Length of
Time

Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund

Complex Overseen by Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 51

 

Director 2012 to present

Since 2009, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services); from 2003 to 2009, Managing Director, head of Business Services and IT Services Practice, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC (investment banking/brokerage).

29

Emtec, Inc.; FS Investment Corporation (business development company); FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company).

 

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 74

Director 2006 to present Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations. 29 Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company)(until September 2017); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios)(registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance).

Sam Lambroza

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI

53202

Age: 63

Director 2016 to present

Since 2010, Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer and Board Member, Tinsel Group of Companies (asset management).

29 None

Arnold M. Reichman
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 69

Chairman

 

Director

2005 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2006, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Lifebooker, LLC (online beauty and health appointment booking service).

29 Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

 

24  

 

Name, Address, and Age Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and
Length of
Time

Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund

Complex Overseen by Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 76

Director 2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

29

Reich and Tang Group (asset management).

 

INTERESTED DIRECTOR 2

Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 79

Vice Chairman

 

Director

2016 to present

 

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director - Investments and prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

29 None
OFFICERS

Salvatore Faia, JD,
CPA, CFE
Vigilant Compliance, LLC
Gateway Corporate
Center Suite 216
223 Wilmington West
Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 55

President

 

Chief Compliance Officer

2009 to present

 

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

N/A N/A

 

25  

 

Name, Address, and Age Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and
Length of
Time

Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund

Complex Overseen by Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 57

 

Treasurer

and

Secretary

 2016 to present

Since 2016, Treasurer and Secretary of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A N/A

Robert Amweg
Vigilant Compliance, LLC

Gateway Corporate Center Suite 216
223 Wilmington West Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 64

Assistant

Treasurer

2016 to present

Since 2013, Compliance Director, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2012, Consultant to the financial services industry; from 2007 to 2012, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, Turner Investments, LP (registered investment company).

N/A N/A

Jesse Schmitting

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 35

Assistant Treasurer 2016 to present Since 2008, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm). N/A N/A

Edward Paz

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 46

Assistant Secretary

 

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A N/A

 

26  

 

Name, Address, and Age Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and
Length of
Time

Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund

Complex Overseen by Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square
Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 58

Assistant
Secretary
1999 to present Since 1993, Partner, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm). N/A N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann
One Logan Square
Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 38

Assistant
Secretary

September 2017

to present

Since 2017, Partner, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm); Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (2006 to present). N/A N/A

 

* Each Director oversees twenty-nine portfolios of the Company.
1. Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his successor is elected and qualified or his death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.
2. Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Carnall has decades of senior executive-level management experience in the banking and financial services industry and also serves on the boards of various corporations and a bank. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Mr. Lambroza has decades of experience and executive level leadership in the energy trading industry in addition to his experience in academia.

 

Standing Committees

 

The responsibilities of each Committee of the Board and its members are described below.

 

27  

 

Audit Committee. The Board has an Audit Committee comprised of three Independent Directors. The current members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Brodsky, Chandler and Giordano. The Audit Committee, among other things, reviews results of the annual audit and approves the firm(s) to serve as independent auditors. The Audit Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Contract Committee. The Board has a Contract Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Contract Committee are Messrs. Brodsky, Chandler, Sablowsky and Straniere. The Contract Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the approval and continuation of agreements and plans of the Company. The Contract Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Executive Committee. The Board has an Executive Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Executive Committee are Messrs. Chandler, Giordano, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Executive Committee may generally carry on and manage the business of the Company when the Board is not in session. The Executive Committee did not meet during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Investment Risk Committee. The Board has an Investment Risk Committee comprised of the Interested Director and two Independent Directors. The current members of the Investment Risk Committee are Messrs. Lambroza, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Investment Risk Committee ensures that the Company’s investment advisers have adopted investment risk management policies and procedures. The Investment Risk Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Nominating and Governance Committee. The Board has a Nominating and Governance Committee comprised of three Independent Directors. The current members of the Nominating and Governance Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Giordano and Reichman. The Nominating and Governance Committee recommends to the Board all persons to be nominated as Directors of the Company. The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders. Recommendations should be submitted to the Committee care of the Company’s Secretary. The Nominating and Governance Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Product Development Committee. The Board has a Product Development Committee comprised of the Interested Director and one Independent Director. The current members of the Product Development Committee are Messrs. Reichman and Sablowsky. The Product Development Committee oversees the process regarding the addition of new investment advisers and investment products to the Company. The Product Development Committee convened six times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Regulatory Oversight Committee. The Board has a Regulatory Oversight Committee comprised of the Interested Director and four Independent Directors. The current members of the Regulatory Oversight Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Lambroza, Reichman, Sablowsky and Straniere. The Regulatory Oversight Committee monitors regulatory developments in the mutual fund industry and focuses on various regulatory aspects of the operation of the Company. The Regulatory Oversight Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Strategic Oversight Committee. The Board has a Strategic Oversight Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Strategic Oversight Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Chandler, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Strategic Oversight Committee assists the Board in its oversight and review of the Company’s strategic plan and operations. The Strategic Oversight Committee convened one time during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Valuation Committee. The Board has a Valuation Committee comprised of the Interested Director, one Independent Director and three officers of the Company. The members of the Valuation Committee are Messrs. Amweg, Faia, Lambroza, Sablowsky and Shaw. The Valuation Committee is responsible for reviewing fair value determinations. The Valuation Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Risk Oversight

 

The Board performs its risk oversight function for the Company through a combination of (1) direct oversight by the Board as a whole and Board committees and (2) indirect oversight through the Company’s investment advisers and other service providers, Company officers and the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer. The Company is subject to a number of risks, including but not limited to investment risk, compliance risk, operational risk, reputational risk, credit risk and counterparty risk. Day-to-day risk management with respect to the Company is the responsibility of the Company’s investment advisers or other service providers (depending on the nature of the risk) that carry out the Company’s investment management and business affairs. Each of the investment advisers and the other service providers have their own independent interest in risk management and their policies and methods of risk management will depend on their functions and business models and may differ from the Company’s and each other’s in the setting of priorities, the resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls.

 

28  

 

The Board provides risk oversight by receiving and reviewing on a regular basis reports from the Company’s investment advisers or other service providers, receiving and approving compliance policies and procedures, periodic meetings with the Company’s portfolio managers to review investment policies, strategies and risks, and meeting regularly with the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer to discuss compliance reports, findings and issues. The Board also relies on the Company’s investment advisers and other service providers, with respect to the day-to-day activities of the Company, to create and maintain procedures and controls to minimize risk and the likelihood of adverse effects on the Company’s business and reputation.

 

Board oversight of risk management is also provided by various Board Committees. For example, the Audit Committee meets with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firms to ensure that the Company’s respective audit scopes include risk-based considerations as to the Company’s financial position and operations.

 

The Board may, at any time and in its discretion, change the manner in which it conducts risk oversight. The Board’s oversight role does not make the Board a guarantor of the Company’s investments or activities.

 

Director Ownership of Shares of the Company

 

The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Director in the Fund and in all of the portfolios of the Company (which for each Director comprise all registered investment companies within the Company’s family of investment companies overseen by him), as of December 31, 2016:

 

Name of Director

Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in the
Fund

Aggregate Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in All
Registered Investment Companies
Overseen by Director within the
Family of Investment Companies
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
Julian A. Brodsky None Over $100,000
J. Richard Carnall None $10,001-$50,000
Gregory P. Chandler None $1-$10,000
Nicholas A. Giordano None $10,001-$50,000
Sam Lambroza None Over $100,000
Arnold M. Reichman None Over $100,000
Robert A. Straniere None $1-$10,000
INTERESTED DIRECTOR
Robert Sablowsky None Over $100,000

 

Directors’ and Officers’ Compensation

 

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company pays each Director a retainer at the rate of $100,000 annually, $10,000 for each regular meeting of the Board, $3,500 for each committee meeting attended in-person, and $2,000 for each committee meeting attended telephonically or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each receive an additional fee of $15,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Contract Committee receives an additional fee of $10,000 per year for his services, and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee and Chairman of the Investment Risk Committee each receive an additional fee of $7,500 per year for his services. The Vice Chairman of the Board receives an additional fee of $25,000 per year for his services in this capacity and the Chairman of the Board receives an additional fee of $50,000 per year for his services in this capacity.

 

29  

 

From January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017, the Company paid each Director a retainer at the rate of $100,000 annually, $5,000 for each regular meeting of the Board, $2,500 for each committee meeting attended in-person, and $2,000 for each committee meeting attended telephonically or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each received an additional fee of $15,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Contract Committee received an additional fee of $10,000 for his services and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee received an additional fee of $7,500 for his services. Effective June 1, 2017, the Chairman of the Investment Risk Committee received an additional fee of $7,500 for his services. The Vice Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $25,000 for his services in this capacity and the Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $50,000 for his services in this capacity.

 

From January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016, the Company paid each Director a retainer at the rate of $85,000 annually, $3,500 for each regular meeting of the Board, and $2,000 for each committee meeting or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each received an additional fee of $10,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Chairman of the Contract Committee each received an additional fee of $6,000 per year for his services. The Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $25,000 per year for his services in this capacity.

 

Directors are reimbursed for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board or any committee thereof. Employees of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serve as President, Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Treasurer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company, and such compensation is determined by the Board. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, Vigilant Compliance LLC received $17,878 from the Fund and $600,000 in aggregate from all series of the Company for its services. An employee of the Company serves as Treasurer and Secretary and is compensated for services provided. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, each of the following members of the Board and the Treasurer and Secretary received compensation from the Company in the following amounts:

 

Name of Director/Officer Aggregate
Compensation
from the Fund
Pension or
Retirement
Benefits Accrued

Estimated
Annual
Benefits

Upon
Retirement

Total
Compensation
From
Fund Complex
Paid to

Directors
or Officer

Independent Directors:        
Julian A. Brodsky, Director $2,113 N/A N/A $130,250
J. Richard Carnall, Director $2,029 N/A N/A $128,250
Gregory P. Chandler, Director $2,443 N/A N/A $151,000
Nicholas A. Giordano, Director $1,999 N/A N/A $132,875
Sam Lambroza, Director $2,207 N/A N/A $133,375
Arnold M. Reichman, Director and Chairman $2,734 N/A N/A $175,500
Robert A. Straniere, Director $2,235 N/A N/A $130,750
Interested Director:        
Robert Sablowsky, Director $2,719 N/A N/A $173,750
Officer:        
James G. Shaw, Treasurer and Secretary $194 N/A N/A $240,000

 

Each compensated Director is entitled to participate in the Company’s deferred compensation plan (the “DC Plan”). Under the DC Plan, a compensated Director may elect to defer all or a portion of his compensation and have the deferred compensation treated as if it had been invested by the Company in shares of one or more of the portfolios of the Company. The amount paid to the Directors under the DC Plan will be determined based upon the performance of such investments.

 

30  

 

As of December 31, 2016, the Independent Directors and their respective immediate family members (spouse or dependent children) did not own beneficially or of record any securities of the Company’s investment advisers or distributor, or of any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment advisers or distributor.

 

CODE OF ETHICS

 

The Company and the Manager have each adopted a code of ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act that permits personnel subject to the codes to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Company, subject to certain restrictions.

 

PROXY VOTING

 

The Board has delegated the responsibility of voting proxies with respect to the portfolio securities purchased and/or held by the Fund to the Fund’s Manager, subject to the Board’s continuing oversight. The Fund and the Manager have agreed that the Manager will abstain from voting any proxies received.

 

The Company is required to disclose annually the Fund’s complete proxy voting record on Form N-PX. The Fund’s proxy voting record for the most recent 12 month period ended June 30th is available upon request by calling 1-844-261-6488 or by writing to the Fund at: Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Fund, c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, PO Box 701, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202. The Fund’s Form N-PX is also available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

As of November 30, 2017 to the Company’s knowledge, the following named persons at the addresses shown below were owners of record of approximately 5% or more of the total outstanding shares of the Fund as indicated below. See “Additional Information Concerning Company Shares” below. Any shareholder that owns 25% or more of the outstanding shares of a portfolio or class may be presumed to “control” (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) the portfolio or class. Shareholders controlling a portfolio or class could have the ability to vote a majority of the shares of the portfolio or class on any matter requiring approval of the shareholders of the portfolio or class.

 

Name of Fund   Shareholder Name and Address   Number and Percentage of
Shares Owned as of
November 30, 2017
 
Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Fund  

Keith Campbell TTEE

Keith Campbell Declaration of Trust U/A DTD 12/20/2004

c/o Keith Campbell Family Office

2850 Quarry Lake Drive, Suite 302

Baltimore, Maryland 21209-0000

  1,697,643   99.84 %

 

As of November 30, 2017, Directors and Officers as a group owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.

 

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES

 

INVESTMENT MANAGER

 

Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC (“Campbell” or the “Manager”) is located at 2850 Quarry Lake Drive, Baltimore, MD 21209. The Manager was founded in 2005. The Manager is registered as an Investment Adviser with the SEC and as a Commodity Trading Adviser with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and is a member of the National Futures Association.

 

31  

 

The Manager is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Campbell & Company, LP (“Campbell & Company”). Campbell & Company LLC is the General Partner of Campbell & Company. Campbell & Company is controlled by KC Holding, Inc. and EC LLC, which is wholly-owned by the members of Campbell & Company’s Executive Committee. Campbell & Company and its predecessor organization, Campbell & Company, Inc., was formed in 1972 and have over forty years of experience in creating and managing alternative investment vehicles. Campbell & Company is registered with the CFTC as a CPO and a CTA. Campbell & Company is a member of the NFA in such capacities. The Manager has appointed Campbell & Company as the Fund’s Commodity Pool Operator. Campbell & Company’s officers are: G. William Andrews, Chief Executive Officer; Kevin Cole, Chief Research Officer; Gregory T. Donovan, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary; Michael S. Harris, President; Jeri R. Hawthorne, Director of Human Resources; Robert W. McBride, Chief Technology Officer; Heidi L. Kaiser, Deputy General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer; Thomas P. Lloyd, General Counsel, Secretary and Assistant Treasurer; Brian O. Nabet, Director of Technology; John R. Radle, Global Head of Trading; Darvin N. Sterner, Managing Director of Private Wealth Distribution; Joseph D. Kelly, Managing Director, Client Solutions Group; and Adam Tremper, Director of Marketing.

 

The Manager also serves as the investment adviser to the Subsidiary, Campbell Core Carry Offshore Limited, a wholly-owned and controlled subsidiary of the Fund organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands as an exempted company, pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with the Subsidiary. The Manager does not receive additional compensation for its management of the Subsidiary.

 

Advisory Agreement with the Company. The Manager renders advisory services to the Fund pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement (“Advisory Agreement”).

 

Subject to the supervision of the Board, the Manager will provide for the overall management of the Fund including (i) the provision of a continuous investment program for the Fund, including investment research and management with respect to all securities, investments, cash and cash equivalents, (ii) the determination from time to time of what securities and other investments will be purchased, retained or sold by the Fund, and (iii) the placement from time to time of orders for all purchases and sales of securities and other investments made for the Fund. The Manager will provide the services rendered by it in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective, restrictions and policies as stated in the Prospectus and in this SAI. The Manager will not be liable for any error of judgment, mistake of law, or for any loss suffered by the Fund in connection with the performance of the Advisory 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 Manager in the performance of its duties, or from reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Advisory Agreement.

 

For its services to the Fund, the Manager is entitled to an advisory fee computed daily and payable monthly at the annual rate of 1.05% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The Manager has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses through December 31, 2018 in order to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) to 1.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to its Institutional Shares. In determining the Manager’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to exceed 1.25%: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes.

 

For the fiscal period December 21, 2015 (commenced operations) through August 31, 2016, and the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the Fund paid the Manager the following advisory fees and the Manager waived/reimbursed advisory fees as follows:

 

    Advisory Fees Paid
(after waivers and
reimbursements)
    Waivers     Reimbursements  
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017   $ 0     $ 162,443     $ 0  
For the fiscal period December 21, 2015* through August 31, 2016   $ 3,474     $ 107,862     $ 58,631  

 

* The Fund commenced operations on December 21, 2015.

 

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The Manager will pay all expenses incurred by it in connection with its activities under the Advisory Agreement. The Fund bears all of its own expenses not specifically assumed by the Manager. General expenses of the Company not readily identifiable as belonging to a portfolio of the Company are allocated among all investment portfolios by or under the direction of the Board in such manner as it deems to be fair and equitable. Expenses borne by the Fund include, but are not limited to the following (or the Fund’s share of the following): (a) the cost (including brokerage commissions) of securities and other investments, including futures contracts, forward contracts, swaps, and options, purchased or sold by the Fund and any losses incurred in connection therewith; (b) fees payable to and expenses incurred on behalf of the Fund by the Manager; (c) filing fees and expenses relating to the registration and qualification of the Company and the Fund’s shares under federal and/or state securities laws and maintaining such registrations and qualifications; (d) fees and salaries payable to the Company’s Directors and officers; (e) taxes (including any income or franchise taxes) and governmental fees; (f) costs of any liability and other insurance or fidelity bonds; (g) any costs, expenses or losses arising out of a liability of or claim for damages or other relief asserted against the Company or the Fund for violation of any law; (h) legal, accounting and auditing expenses, including legal fees of special counsel for the independent Directors; (i) charges of custodians and other agents; (j) expenses of setting in type and printing prospectuses, statements of additional information and supplements thereto for existing shareholders, reports, statements, and confirmations to shareholders and proxy material that are not attributable to a class; (k) costs of mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information and supplements thereto to existing shareholders, as well as reports to shareholders and proxy materials that are not attributable to a class; (1) any extraordinary expenses; (m) fees, voluntary assessments and other expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; (n) costs of mailing and tabulating proxies and costs of shareholders’ and Directors’ meetings; (o) costs of independent pricing services to value the Fund’s securities; and (p) the costs of investment company literature and other publications provided by the Company to its Directors and officers. Distribution expenses, transfer agency expenses, expenses of preparation, printing and mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information, proxy statements and reports to shareholders, and organizational expenses and registration fees, identified as belonging to a particular class of the Company, are allocated to such class.

 

Disclosure relating to the material factors and the conclusions with respect to those factors that formed the basis for the Board’s approval of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement is available in the Fund’s annual report to shareholders dated August 31, 2017, and may be obtained by calling 1-844-261-6488 or visiting the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

The Advisory Agreement provides that the Manager shall at all times have all rights in and to the Fund’s name and all investment models used by or on behalf of the Fund. The Manager may use the Fund’s name or any portion thereof in connection with any other mutual fund or business activity without the consent of any shareholder, and the Company has agreed to execute and deliver any and all documents required to indicate its consent to such use.

 

THE PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

 

This section includes information about the Fund’s portfolio managers, including information about other accounts they manage, the dollar range of Fund shares they own and how they are compensated.

 

Campbell

 

Other Accounts. In addition to the Fund, the portfolio managers are responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as listed below. The information below is provided as of August 31, 2017.

 

Name of Portfolio Manager
or Team Member
Type of Accounts Total
# of
Accounts
Managed
Total Assets # of Accounts
Managed that
Advisory Fee
Based on
Performance
Total Assets
that Advisory
Fee Based on
Performance
1. G. William Andrews Other Registered Investment Companies: 0 $ 0 0 $ 0
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles: 9 $ 1.3 billion 9 $1.3 billion
  Other Accounts: 11 $ 2.4 billion 11 $2.4 billion
2. Dr. Kevin Cole Other Registered Investment Companies: 0 $0 0 $0
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles: 9 $ 1.3 million 9 $ 1.3 million
  Other Accounts: 11 $ 2.4 billion 11 $2.4 billion

 

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Compensation. Campbell compensates the Fund’s portfolio managers for their management of the Fund. As of the date of this SAI, the portfolio managers’ compensation consists of a cash base salary and a discretionary bonus that is based on the individual performance of the portfolio manager and overall profitability of Campbell, which is, in part, dependent on the performance of the Fund, and therefore in part based on the value of the Fund’s net assets and other client accounts they are managing.

 

Conflicts of Interests. The portfolio managers’ management of other accounts may give rise to potential conflicts of interest in connection with their management of the Fund’s 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, Campbell has established policies and procedures to ensure that the purchase and sale of securities and other investments among all accounts it manages are fairly and equitably allocated.

 

The Manager, its affiliates and their respective employees manage other investment funds that may pursue investment objectives similar to, or materially different from, those of the Fund. The Manager, its affiliates and their respective employees may also manage discretionary accounts in which the Fund will have no interest, some of which may have investment objectives similar to, or materially different from, those of the Fund. Conflicts of interest among the Fund and any such affiliated entities may include, but are not limited to, those described herein.

 

Principals of the Manager and its affiliates may trade futures, forward and options contracts for his or her own account. In addition, the Manager and its affiliates manage proprietary accounts for itself, its deferred compensation plan and for certain principals and employees. There are written procedures that govern proprietary trading by principals and employees. For instance, the Manager and its affiliates have implemented employee trading policies that prohibit employee trading in futures and options on futures unless consent is given to the employee in writing. Such consent will only be given on a case by case basis. All employees must preclear all trades in equities, equity options, equity indices or equity index options through a computer-based system. The proposed trades are compared to a restricted list that includes positions traded in material amounts. The daily feed received from its approved brokerage firms is compared against the preclearance lists to assure compliance. Trading records for all proprietary trading are available for review by clients and investors upon reasonable notice. A conflict of interest exists if proprietary trades are executed and cleared at more favorable rates than trades executed and cleared on behalf of the Fund. It is the Manager’s policy to objectively allocate trade executions that afford each account the same likelihood of receiving favorable or unfavorable executions over time.

 

Conflicts of interest may also arise from the fact that the Manager and its affiliates generally will be carrying on substantial investment activities for other clients, including other investment funds and discretionary accounts, in which the Fund will have no interest. The Manager may have financial incentives to favor certain of such accounts over the Fund. Any of their proprietary accounts and other customer accounts may use the same or different information and trading strategies as those which are utilized on behalf of the Fund, may compete with the Fund for specific trades, or may hold positions opposite to positions maintained on behalf of the Fund. The Manager may give advice and recommend securities to, or buy or sell securities for, the Fund, which advice or securities may differ from advice given to, or securities recommended or bought or sold for, other accounts and customers, even though their investment objectives may be the same as, or similar to, those of the Fund. The performance of the Fund may be adversely affected by the manner in which particular orders are entered for all accounts managed by and customers of the Manager.

 

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The Manager may determine that an investment opportunity is appropriate for a particular investment fund or discretionary account that it manages or for itself, but not for the Fund. Situations may arise in which private investment funds managed by the Manager or its affiliates have made investments that would have been suitable for investment by the Fund but, for various reasons, were not pursued by, or available to, the Fund. To the extent that entities affiliated with the Manager trade pursuant to portfolios other than that which is traded on behalf of the Fund, the Fund may not participate in certain investment opportunities pursued by such other portfolios. The Manager, its affiliates, their respective employees and other investment funds or discretionary accounts, other than the Fund, managed by the Manager or its affiliates may invest on terms more favorable than those available to the Fund and may act in ways adverse to the interest of the Fund. The Manager and its affiliates regard their analyses as proprietary and confidential, and the Manager will not disclose its analyses, opinions or purchase and sale activities on behalf of the Fund, except to Shareholders in the periodic reports distributed by the Fund.

 

The Manager and its affiliates are major participants in the global currency, equity, commodity, fixed income, derivative and other markets. As such, the Manager and its affiliates are actively engaged in transactions in the same securities and other instruments in which the Fund may invest. The Manager and its affiliates are not under any obligation to share any investment opportunity, idea or strategy with the Fund. As a result, the Manager and its affiliates may indirectly compete with the Fund for appropriate investment opportunities, or engage in trading activities, either for its proprietary account or on behalf of other clients, that is detrimental to the trading positions of the Fund. The proprietary activities or other portfolio strategies of the Manager or its affiliates, or the activities or strategies used for other accounts managed by the Manager or its affiliates, could conflict with the transactions and strategies employed on behalf of the Fund and may affect the prices and availability of the securities and instruments in which the Fund invests.

 

The Manager may invest the Fund’s cash reserve in investment funds managed or maintained by the Manager or its affiliates, to the extent permitted by applicable law. In such event, the Fund pays any expenses and fees associated with such investment, including any fees payable to the Manager or its affiliates. Accordingly, the Manager has a conflict of interest in evaluating any such investment.

 

Market quotations regarding certain investments by the Manager may not always be available. In such cases, valuations of such Fund investments may be made by the Manager in accordance with the Fund’s valuation procedures. The Manager will have a conflict of interest in making certain valuations, because any such valuation will affect the Fund’s net asset value and, consequently, the amount of Management Fee that the Manager receives for its services. However, any determination of the value of the Fund is ultimately the responsibility of the Board.

 

Other present and future activities of the Manager or its affiliates may give rise to additional conflicts of interest.

 

Securities Ownership . As August 31, 2017, the Fund’s portfolio managers did not own any shares of the Fund.

 

ADMINISTRATION AND ACCOUNTING AGREEMENT

 

USBFS, located at 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202, serves as fund administrator to the Fund pursuant to a fund administration servicing agreement and serves as fund accountant pursuant to a fund accounting servicing agreement (the “Administration Agreements”). Under the fund accounting servicing agreement, USBFS has agreed to furnish to the Fund statistical and research data, clerical, accounting and bookkeeping services, and certain other services required by the Fund. Under the fund administration servicing agreement, USBFS has agreed to provide fund administration services to the Company. These services include the preparation and coordination of the Company’s annual post-effective amendment filing and supplements to the Fund’s registration statement, the preparation and assembly of board meeting materials, and certain other services necessary to the Company’s fund administration. In addition, USBFS has agreed to prepare and file various reports with the appropriate regulatory agencies and prepare materials required by the SEC or any state securities commission having jurisdiction over the Fund.

 

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The Administration Agreements provide that USBFS shall be obligated to exercise reasonable care in the performance of its duties and that USFBS shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or any loss suffered by the Company in connection with its duties under the Administration Agreements, except a loss resulting from USBSF’s refusal or failure to comply with the terms of the applicable Administration Agreement or from its bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties thereunder.

USBFS receives a fee under the Administration Agreements based on the average daily net assets of the Company.

 

Effective October 1, 2016, USBFS replaced the Fund’s prior administrator as fund administrator and fund accountant to the Fund. The Fund paid USBFS and the Fund’s prior administrator received certain administration, accounting and regulatory administration fees, including waivers and reimbursements, for the fiscal period ended August 31, 2017 and 2016 as follows:

 

For the Fiscal Period*   Administration, Accounting and
Regulatory Administration Fees
Paid (after waivers)
  Waivers (if any)   Reimbursements (if any)  
August 31, 2017     $53,976     $0     $0  
August 31, 2016     $72,427     $36,198     $0  

 

 

* The Fund commenced operations on December 21, 2015.

 

CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT

 

U.S. Bank, N.A., 1555 North River Center Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212 (the “Custodian”), is custodian of the Fund’s and of the Subsidiary’s assets pursuant to a custodian agreement (the “Custodian Agreement”). Under the Custodian Agreement, the Custodian: (a) maintains a separate account or accounts in the name of the Fund; (b) holds and transfers portfolio investments on account of the Fund; (c) accepts receipts and makes disbursements of money on behalf of the Fund; (d) collects and receives all income and other payments and distributions on account of the Fund’s portfolio investments; and (e) makes periodic reports to the Board concerning the Fund’s operations. The Custodian is authorized to select one or more banks or trust companies to serve as sub-custodian on behalf of the Fund, provided that the Custodian remains responsible for the performance of all of its duties under the Custodian Agreement and holds the Fund harmless from the acts and omissions of any affiliate, sub-custodian or domestic sub-custodian. For its services to the Fund under the Custodian Agreement, the Custodian receives a fee based on the Fund’s average gross assets calculated daily and payable monthly. Transaction charges and out-of-pocket expenses are also charged to the Fund.

 

TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT

 

USBFS, 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, serves as the transfer and dividend disbursing agent for the Fund pursuant to a transfer agency and servicing agreement (the “Transfer Agency Agreement”), under which USBFS: (a) issues and redeems shares of the Fund; (b) addresses and mails all communications by the Fund to record owners of the shares, including reports to shareholders, dividend and distribution notices and proxy materials for its meetings of shareholders; (c) maintains shareholder accounts and, if requested, sub-accounts; and (d) makes periodic reports to the Board concerning the operations of the Fund. USBFS may, subject to the Board’s approval, assign its duties as transfer and dividend disbursing agent to any affiliate of USBFS. For its services to the Fund under the Transfer Agency Agreement, USBFS receives an annual fee based on the number of accounts in the Fund and the Fund’s average gross assets calculated daily and payable monthly. Transaction charges and out-of-pocket expenses are also charged to the Fund.

 

USBFS also provides services relating to the implementation of the Company’s Anti-Money Laundering Program. In addition, USBFS provides services relating to the implementation of the Fund’s Customer Identification Program, including verification of required customer information and the maintenance of records with respect to such verification.

 

DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), whose principal business address is 777 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, serves as the underwriter to the Fund pursuant to the terms of a distribution agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”). The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). The Distributor is not affiliated with the Company or the Manager. The Distributor, U.S. Bank, N.A. and USBFS are affiliates.

 

36  

 

Under the Distribution Agreement with the Company, the Distributor acts as the agent of the Company in connection with the continuous offering of shares of the Fund. The Distributor continually distributes shares of the Fund on a best efforts basis. The Distributor has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of Fund shares. The Distributor and its officers have no role in determining the investment policies or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Company.

 

The Distributor may enter into agreements with selected broker-dealers, banks or other financial intermediaries for distribution of shares of the Fund. With respect to certain financial intermediaries and related fund “supermarket” platform arrangements, the Fund and/or the Manager, rather than the Distributor, typically enter into such agreements. These financial intermediaries may charge a fee for their services and may receive shareholder service or other fees from parties other than the Distributor. These financial intermediaries may otherwise act as processing agents and are responsible for promptly transmitting purchase, redemption and other requests to the Fund.

 

Investors who purchase shares through financial intermediaries will be subject to the procedures of those intermediaries through which they purchase shares, which may include charges, investment minimums, cutoff times and other restrictions in addition to, or different from, those listed herein. Information concerning any charges or services will be provided to customers by the financial intermediary through which they purchase shares. Investors purchasing shares of the Fund through financial intermediaries should acquaint themselves with their financial intermediary’s procedures and should read the Prospectus in conjunction with any materials and information provided by their financial intermediary. The financial intermediary, and not its customers, will be the shareholder of record, although customers may have the right to vote shares depending upon their arrangement with the financial intermediary. The Distributor does not receive compensation from the Fund for its distribution services. Campbell & Company pays the Distributor a fee for certain distribution-related services.

 

The Distribution Agreement has an initial term of up to two years and will continue in effect only if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by vote of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities in accordance with the 1940 Act. The Distribution Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Company on behalf of the Fund on no less than 60 days’ written notice when authorized either by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the members of the Board who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Company and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Distribution Agreement, or by the Distributor, and will automatically terminate in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act). The Distribution Agreement provides that the Distributor shall not be liable for any loss suffered by the Company in connection with the performance of the Distributor’s obligations and duties under the Distribution Agreement, except a loss resulting from the Distributor’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of such duties and obligations, or by reason of its reckless disregard thereof.

 

Institutional Shares . Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, Quasar Distributors, LLC acts as the agent of the Company in connection with the continuous offering of the Fund’s shares. Quasar Distributors, LLC continually distributes shares of the Fund on a best efforts basis. Quasar Distributors, LLC has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of Fund shares. Quasar Distributors, LLC and its officers have no role in determining the investment policies or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Company. Quasar Distributors, LLC does not receive compensation from the Company for the distribution of the Fund’s Institutional Shares; however, Campbell & Company pays an annual fee to Quasar Distributors, LLC as compensation for underwriting services rendered to the Fund pursuant to the Distribution Agreement.

 

PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES

 

The Manager and/or its affiliates, at their discretion, may make payments from their own resources and not from Fund assets to affiliated or unaffiliated brokers, dealers, banks (including bank trust departments), trust companies, registered investment advisers, financial planners, retirement plan administrators, insurance companies, and any other institution having a service, administration, or any similar arrangement with the Fund, its service providers or their respective affiliates, as incentives to help market and promote the Fund and/or in recognition of their distribution, marketing, administrative services, and/or processing support.

 

37  

 

These additional payments may be made to financial intermediaries that sell Fund shares or provide services to the Fund, the Distributor or shareholders of the Fund through the financial intermediary’s retail distribution channel and/or fund supermarkets. Payments may also be made through the financial intermediary’s retirement, qualified tuition, fee-based advisory, wrap fee bank trust, or insurance (e.g., individual or group annuity) programs. These payments may include, but are not limited to, placing the Fund in a financial intermediary’s retail distribution channel or on a preferred or recommended fund list; providing business or shareholder financial planning assistance; educating financial intermediary personnel about the Fund; providing access to sales and management representatives of the financial intermediary; promoting sales of Fund shares; providing marketing and educational support; maintaining share balances and/or for sub-accounting, administrative or shareholder transaction processing services. A financial intermediary may perform the services itself or may arrange with a third party to perform the services.

 

The Manager and/or its affiliates may also make payments from their own resources to financial intermediaries for costs associated with the purchase of products or services used in connection with sales and marketing, participation in and/or presentation at conferences or seminars, sales or training programs, client and investor entertainment and other sponsored events. The costs and expenses associated with these efforts may include travel, lodging, sponsorship at educational seminars and conferences, entertainment and meals to the extent permitted by law.

 

Revenue sharing payments may be negotiated based on a variety of factors, including the level of sales, the amount of Fund assets attributable to investments in the Fund by financial intermediaries’ customers, a flat fee or other measures as determined from time to time by the Manager and/or its affiliates. A significant purpose of these payments is to increase the sales of Fund shares, which in turn may benefit the Manager through increased fees as Fund assets grow.

 

FUND TRANSACTIONS

 

Subject to policies established by the Board and applicable rules, the Manager is responsible for the execution of portfolio transactions and the allocation of brokerage transactions for the Fund. In executing portfolio transactions, the Manager seeks to obtain the best price and most favorable execution for the Fund, taking into account such factors as the price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of the order, difficulty of execution and operational facilities of the firm involved. While the Manager generally seeks reasonably competitive commission rates, payment of the lowest commission or spread is not necessarily consistent with obtaining the best price and execution in particular transactions.

 

Brokerage Transactions

 

Generally, equity securities, both listed and over-the-counter, 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 dealer’s mark-up or reflect a dealer’s mark-down. Money market securities and other debt securities are usually bought and sold directly from the issuer or an underwriter or market maker for the securities. Generally, the Fund will not pay brokerage commissions for such purchases. When a debt security is bought from an underwriter, the purchase price will usually include an underwriting commission or concession. The purchase price for securities bought from dealers serving as market makers will similarly include the dealer’s mark up or reflect a dealer’s 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 addition, the Manager may place a combined order for two or more accounts they manage, including the Fund, engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security if, in its judgment, joint execution is in the best interest of each participant and will result in best price and execution. Transactions involving commingled orders are allocated in a manner deemed equitable to each account or fund. Although it is recognized that, in some cases, the joint execution of orders could adversely affect the price or volume of the security that a particular account or the Fund may obtain, it is the opinion of the Manager and the Board that the advantages of combined orders outweigh the possible disadvantages of separate transactions. Nonetheless, the Manager believes that the ability of the Fund to participate in higher volume transactions will generally be beneficial to the Fund.

 

38  

 

For the fiscal period December 21, 2015 (commenced operations) through August 31, 2016, and the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the Fund paid $0 and $0, respectively, in commissions to brokers on account of research services.

 

For the fiscal period December 21, 2015 (commenced operations) through August 31, 2016, and the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the Fund paid $0 and $0, respectively, in aggregated brokerage commissions.

 

The Fund is required to identify any securities of the Company’s regular broker-dealers (as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act) or their parents held by the Fund as of the end of the most recent fiscal year. As of August 31, 2017, there were no securities held by the Fund of its regular broker-dealers.

 

Brokerage Selection

 

The Company does not expect to use one particular broker or dealer, and when one or more brokers is believed capable of providing the best combination of price and execution, the Fund’s Manager may select a broker based upon brokerage or research services provided to the Manager. The Manager may pay a higher commission than otherwise obtainable from other brokers in return for such services only if a good faith determination is made that the commission is reasonable in relation to the services provided.

 

Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Act permits an investment adviser, under certain circumstances, to cause a 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 Manager 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, portfolio 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 Manager believes that access to independent investment research is beneficial to their investment decision-making processes and, therefore, to the Fund.

 

To the extent 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 Manager 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 Manager 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 Manager will be in addition to and not in lieu of the services required to be performed by the Manager under the Advisory Agreement. Any advisory or other fees paid to the Manager are not reduced as a result of the receipt of research services.

 

In some cases the Manager may receive a service from a broker that has both a “research” and a “non-research” use. When this occurs, the Manager 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 Manager 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 Manager faces a potential conflict of interest, but the Manager 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.

 

39  

 

From time to time, the Fund may purchase new issues of securities for clients 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 Manager with research services. FINRA 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).

 

PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION

 

Read the Fund’s Prospectus for information regarding the purchase and redemption of Fund shares. The following information supplements information in the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

You may purchase shares through an account maintained by your brokerage firm, financial institutions and industry professionals and you may also purchase shares directly by mail or wire. The Company reserves the right, if conditions exist which make cash payments undesirable, to honor any request for redemption or repurchase of the Fund’s shares by making payment in whole or in part in securities chosen by the Company and valued in the same way as they would be valued for purposes of computing the Fund’s NAV. If payment is made in securities, a shareholder may incur transaction costs in converting these securities into cash. A shareholder will also bear any market risk or tax consequences as a result of a payment in securities. The Company has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act so that the Fund is obligated to redeem its shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its NAV during any 90-day period for any one shareholder of the Fund. A shareholder will bear the risk of a decline in market value and any tax consequences associated with a redemption in securities.

 

Under the 1940 Act, the Company may suspend the right to redemption or postpone the date of payment upon redemption for any period during which the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the “NYSE”) is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings), or during which the SEC restricts trading on the NYSE or determines an emergency exists as a result of which disposal or valuation of portfolio securities is not reasonably practicable, or for such other periods as the SEC may permit. (The Company may also suspend or postpone the recordation of the transfer of its shares upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions).

 

Shares of the Company are subject to redemption by the Company, at the redemption price of such shares as in effect from time to time, including, without limitation: (1) to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of the failure of a shareholder to make full payment for shares purchased by the shareholder or to collect any charge relating to a transaction effected for the benefit of a shareholder as provided in the Prospectus from time to time; (2) if such redemption is, in the opinion of the Board, desirable in order to prevent the Company or the Fund from being deemed a “personal holding company” within the meaning of the Code; (3) or if the net income with respect to any particular class of common stock should be negative or it should otherwise be appropriate to carry out the Company’s responsibilities under the 1940 Act.

 

The Fund has the right to redeem your shares at current NAV at any time and without prior notice if, and to the extent that, such redemption is necessary to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of your failure to make full payment for shares of the Fund you previously purchased or subscribed for.

 

Other Purchase Information

 

If shares of the Fund are held in a “street name” account with an authorized dealer, all recordkeeping, transaction processing and payments of distributions relating to the beneficial owner’s account will be performed by the authorized dealer, and not by the Fund and its Transfer Agent. Since the Fund will have no record of the beneficial owner’s transactions, a beneficial owner should contact the authorized dealer to purchase, redeem or exchange shares, to make changes in or give instructions concerning the account or to obtain information about the account. The transfer of shares in a “street name” account to an account with another dealer or to an account directly with the Fund involves special procedures and will require the beneficial owner to obtain historical purchase information about the shares in the account from the authorized dealer.

 

TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PROCEDURES

 

The Company’s telephone transaction procedures include the following measures: (1) requiring the appropriate telephone transaction privilege forms; (2) requiring the caller to provide the names of the account owners, the account social security number and name of the Fund, all of which must match the Company’s records; (3) requiring the Company’s service representative to complete a telephone transaction form, listing all of the above caller identification information; (4) permitting exchanges (if applicable) only if the two account registrations are identical; (5) requiring that redemption proceeds be sent only by check to the account owners of record at the address of record, or by electronic funds transfer through the ACH network or wire only to the owners of record at the bank account of record; (6) sending a written confirmation for each telephone transaction to the owners of record at the address of record within five (5) business days of the call; and (7) recording and maintaining a record of all telephone transactions. For accounts held of record by broker-dealers (other than the Distributor), financial institutions, securities dealers, financial planners and other industry professionals, additional documentation or information regarding the scope of a caller’s authority is required. Finally, for telephone transactions in accounts held jointly, additional information regarding other account holders is required.

 

40  

 

VALUATION OF SHARES

 

In accordance with procedures adopted by the Board, the net asset value (“NAV”) per share of the Fund is calculated by determining the value of the net assets attributed to the Fund and dividing by the number of outstanding shares of the Fund. All securities are valued on each Business Day as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally, but not always, 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) or such other time as the New York Stock Exchange or National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations System (“NASDAQ”) market may officially close. The term “Business Day” means any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading, which is Monday through Friday except for holidays. The New York Stock Exchange is generally closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day (observed), Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday (observed), Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas.

 

The time at which transactions and shares are priced and the time by which orders must be received may be changed in case of an emergency or if regular trading on the NYSE is stopped at a time other than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The Company reserves the right to reprocess purchase, redemption and exchange transactions that were initially processed at a NAV other than the Fund’s official closing NAV (as the same may be subsequently adjusted), and to recover amounts from (or distribute amounts to) shareholders based on the official closing NAV. The Company reserves the right to advance the time by which purchase and redemption orders must be received for same business day credit as otherwise permitted by the SEC. In addition, the Fund may compute its NAV as of any time permitted pursuant to any exemption, order or statement of the SEC or its staff.

 

The securities of the Fund are valued under the direction of the Administrator and under the general supervision of the Board. Prices are generally determined using readily available market prices. Subject to the approval of the Board, the Fund may employ outside organizations, which may use a matrix or formula method that takes into consideration market indices, matrices, yield curves and other specific adjustments in determining the approximate market value of portfolio investments. This may result in the investments being valued at a price that differs from the price that would have been determined had the matrix or formula method not been used. All cash, receivables, and current payables are carried on the Fund’s books at their face value. Other assets, if any, are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Fund’s Valuation Committee under the direction of the Board.

 

The procedures used by any pricing service and its valuation results are reviewed by the officers of the Company under the general supervision of the Board.

 

The Fund may hold portfolio securities that are listed on foreign exchanges. These securities may trade on weekends or other days when the Fund does not calculate NAV. As a result, the value of these investments may change on days when you cannot purchase or sell Fund shares.

 

TAXES

 

General

 

The following summarizes certain additional tax considerations generally affecting the Fund and its shareholders that are not described in the Prospectus. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of the tax treatment of the Fund or its shareholders, and the discussions here and in the Prospectus are not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. Potential investors should consult their tax advisers with specific reference to their own tax situations.

 

41  

 

The discussions of the federal tax consequences in the Prospectus and this SAI are based on the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) and the regulations issued under it, and court decisions and administrative interpretations, as in effect on the date of this SAI. Future legislative or administrative changes or court decisions may significantly alter the statements included herein, and such changes or decisions may be retroactive.

 

The Fund qualified during its last taxable year and intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of Subtitle A, Chapter 1, of the Code. As such, the Fund generally will be exempt from federal income tax on its net investment income and realized capital gains that it distributes to shareholders. To qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company, it must meet three important tests each year.

 

First, the Fund must derive with respect to each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, certain payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities or foreign currencies, other income derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing in stock, securities or currencies, or net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships.

 

Second, generally, at the close of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year, at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s assets must consist of cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and securities of other issuers as to which the Fund has not invested more than 5% of the value of its total assets in securities of the issuer and as to which the Fund does not hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer, and no more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in the securities of (1) any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies), (2) two or more issuers that the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or (3) one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.

 

Third, the Fund must distribute an amount equal to at least the sum of 90% of its investment company taxable income (net investment income and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss) before taking into account any deduction for dividends paid and 90% of its tax-exempt income, if any, for the year.

 

The Fund intends to comply with these requirements. If the Fund were to fail to make sufficient distributions, it could be liable for corporate income tax and for excise tax in respect of the shortfall or, if the shortfall is large enough, the Fund could be disqualified as a regulated investment company. If for any taxable year the Fund were not to qualify as a regulated investment company, all its taxable income would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders. In that event, shareholders would recognize dividend income on distributions to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, and corporate shareholders could be eligible for the dividends-received deduction.

 

The Code imposes a nondeductible 4% excise tax on regulated investment companies that fail to distribute each year an amount equal to specified percentages of their ordinary taxable income and capital gain net income (excess of capital gains over capital losses). The Fund intends to make sufficient distributions or deemed distributions each year to avoid liability for this excise tax.

 

State and Local Taxes

 

Although the Fund expects to qualify as a regulated investment company and to be relieved of all or substantially all federal income taxes, depending upon the extent of its activities in states and localities in which its offices are maintained, in which its agents or independent contractors are located or in which it is otherwise deemed to be conducting business, the Fund may be subject to the tax laws of such states or localities.

 

Taxation of Certain Investments

 

The tax principles applicable to transactions in financial instruments, such as futures contracts and options, that may be engaged in by the Fund, and investments in passive foreign investment companies (“PFICs”), are complex and, in some cases, uncertain. Such transactions and investments may cause the Fund to recognize taxable income prior to the receipt of cash, thereby requiring the Fund to liquidate other positions, or to borrow money, so as to make sufficient distributions to shareholders to avoid corporate-level tax. Moreover, some or all of the taxable income recognized may be ordinary income or short-term capital gain, so that the distributions may be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.

 

42  

 

In addition, in the case of any shares of a PFIC in which the Fund invests, the Fund may be liable for corporate-level tax on any ultimate gain or distributions on the shares if the Fund fails to make an election to recognize income annually during the period of its ownership of the shares.

 

Any annual net profit of the Subsidiary will be recognized as ordinary income by the Fund, but any annual net loss of the Subsidiary will not be recognized and will not carry forward.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING COMPANY SHARES

 

The Company has authorized capital of 100 billion shares of common stock at a par value of $0.001 per share. Currently, 84.923 billion shares have been classified into 176 classes, however, the Company only has 43 active share classes that have begun investment operations. Under the Company’s charter, the Board has the power to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of common stock from time to time.

 

Each share that represents an interest in the Fund has an equal proportionate interest in the assets belonging to the Fund with each other share that represents an interest in the Fund, even where a share has a different class designation than another share representing an interest in the Fund. Shares of the Company do not have preemptive or conversion rights. When issued for payment as described in the Prospectus, shares of the Company will be fully paid and non-assessable.

 

The Company does not currently intend to hold annual meetings of shareholders except as required by the 1940 Act or other applicable law. The Company’s amended By-Laws provide that shareholders owning at least ten percent of the outstanding shares of all classes of common stock of the Company have the right to call for a meeting of shareholders to consider the removal of one or more directors. To the extent required by law, the Company will assist in shareholder communication in such matters.

 

Holders of shares of each class of the Company will vote in the aggregate and not by class on all matters, except where otherwise required by law. Further, shareholders of the Company will vote in the aggregate and not by portfolio except as otherwise required by law or when the Board determines that the matter to be voted upon affects only the interests of the shareholders of a particular portfolio or class of shares. Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides that any matter required to be submitted by the provisions of such Act or applicable state law, or otherwise, to the holders of the outstanding voting securities of an investment company such as the Company shall not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each portfolio affected by the matter. Rule 18f-2 further provides that a portfolio shall be deemed to be affected by a matter unless it is clear that the interests of each portfolio in the matter are identical or that the matter does not affect any interest of the portfolio. Under Rule 18f-2 the approval of an investment advisory agreement or distribution agreement or any change in a fundamental investment objective or fundamental investment policy would be effectively acted upon with respect to a portfolio only if approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such portfolio. However, the Rule also provides that the ratification of the selection of independent public accountants and the election of directors are not subject to the separate voting requirements and may be effectively acted upon by shareholders of an investment company voting without regard to a portfolio. Shareholders of the Company are entitled to one vote for each full share held (irrespective of class or portfolio) and fractional votes for fractional shares held. Voting rights are not cumulative and, accordingly, the holders of more than 50% of the aggregate shares of common stock of the Company may elect all of the Directors.

 

Notwithstanding any provision of Maryland law requiring a greater vote of shares of the Company’s common stock (or of any class voting as a class) in connection with any corporate action, unless otherwise provided by law (for example by Rule 18f-2 discussed above), or by the Company’s Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, the Company may take or authorize such action upon the favorable vote of the holders of more than 50% of all of the outstanding shares of Common Stock voting without regard to class (or portfolio).

 

43  

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Counsel

 

The law firm of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, One Logan Square, Suite 2000, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-6996, serves as independent counsel to the Company and the Independent Directors.

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Ernst & Young LLP, One Commerce Square, 2005 Market Street, Suite 700, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, serves as the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, and in that capacity audits the Fund’s financial statements.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The audited financial statements and notes thereto in the Fund’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017 (the “Annual Report”) are incorporated by reference into this SAI. No other parts of the Annual Report are incorporated by reference herein. The financial statements included in the Annual Report have been audited by the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, whose report thereon also appears in the Annual Report and is incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements have been incorporated herein in reliance upon such report given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing. Copies of the Annual Report may be obtained at no charge by telephoning the Fund at the telephone number appearing on the front page of this SAI.

 

44  

 

APPENDIX A

 

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS

 

Short-Term Credit Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings short-term issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation having an original maturity of no more than 365 days. The following summarizes the rating categories used by S&P Global Ratings for short-term issues:

 

“A-1” – A short-term obligation rated “A-1” is rated in the highest category by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

 

“A-2” – A short-term obligation rated “A-2” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is satisfactory.

 

“A-3” – A short-term obligation rated “A-3” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken an obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“B” – A short-term obligation rated “B” is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.

 

“C” – A short-term obligation rated “C” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“D” – A short-term obligation rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

 

Local Currency and Foreign Currency Ratings – S&P Global Ratings’ issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. An issuer’s foreign currency rating will differ from its local currency rating when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.

 

Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) short-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect both on the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default.

 

Moody’s employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

 

“P-1” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

“P-2” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

A- 1

 

“P-3” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.

 

“NP” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issuer.

 

Fitch, Inc. / Fitch Ratings Ltd. (“Fitch”) short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as “short-term” based on market convention. Typically, this means up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign, and structured obligations and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets. The following summarizes the rating categories used by Fitch for short-term obligations:

 

“F1” – Securities possess the highest short-term credit quality. This designation indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

 

“F2” – Securities possess good short-term credit quality. This designation indicates good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.

 

“F3” – Securities possess fair short-term credit quality. This designation indicates that the intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.

 

“B” – Securities possess speculative short-term credit quality. This designation indicates minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

 

“C” – Securities possess high short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility.

 

“RD” – Restricted default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only.

 

“D” – Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) – The “F1” rating may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show the relative status within that major rating category.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issue of a rated issuer.

 

The DBRS® Ratings Limited (“DBRS”) short-term debt rating scale provides an opinion on the risk that an issuer will not meet its short-term financial obligations in a timely manner. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer and the relative ranking of claims. The R-1 and R-2 rating categories are further denoted by the sub-categories “(high)”, “(middle)”, and “(low)”.

 

The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for commercial paper and short-term debt:

 

“R-1 (high)” - Short-term debt rated “R-1 (high)” is of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is exceptionally high. Unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.

 

“R-1 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (middle)” is of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is very high. Differs from “R-1 (high)” by a relatively modest degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.

 

A- 2

 

“R-1 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (low)” is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is substantial. Overall strength is not as favorable as higher rating categories. May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.

 

“R-2 (high)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (high)” is considered to be at the upper end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.

 

“R-2 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (middle)” is considered to be of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events or may be exposed to other factors that could reduce credit quality.

 

“R-2 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (low)” is considered to be at the lower end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events. A number of challenges are present that could affect the issuer’s ability to meet such obligations.

 

“R-3” – Short-term debt rated “R-3” is considered to be at the lowest end of adequate credit quality. There is a capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due. May be vulnerable to future events and the certainty of meeting such obligations could be impacted by a variety of developments.

 

“R-4” – Short-term debt rated “R-4” is considered to be of speculative credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is uncertain.

 

“R-5” – Short-term debt rated “R-5” is considered to be of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet short-term financial obligations as they fall due.

 

“D” – Short-term debt rated “D” is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to “D” may occur. DBRS may also use “SD” (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a “distressed exchange”.

 

Long-Term Credit Ratings

 

The following summarizes the ratings used by S&P Global Ratings for long-term issues:

 

“AAA” – An obligation rated “AAA” has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is extremely strong.

 

“AA” – An obligation rated “AA” differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is very strong.

 

“A” – An obligation rated “A” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is still strong.

 

“BBB” – An obligation rated “BBB” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC” and “C” – Obligations rated “BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC” and “C” are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. “BB” indicates the least degree of speculation and “C” the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposure to adverse conditions.

 

A- 3

 

“BB” – An obligation rated “BB” is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“B” – An obligation rated “B” is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated “BB”, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“CCC” – An obligation rated “CCC” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“CC” – An obligation rated “CC” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The “CC” rating is used when a default has not yet occurred, but S&P Global Ratings expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.

 

“C” – An obligation rated “C” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared with obligations that are rated higher.

 

“D” – An obligation rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) – The ratings from “AA” to “CCC” may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

 

“NR” – This indicates that no rating has been requested, or that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P Global Ratings does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.

 

Local Currency and Foreign Currency Risks - S&P Global Ratings’ issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. An issuer’s foreign currency rating will differ from its local currency rating when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.

 

Moody’s long-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of one year or more. Such ratings reflect both on the likelihood of default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for long-term debt:

 

“Aaa” – Obligations rated “Aaa” are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk.

 

“Aa” – Obligations rated “Aa” are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.

 

“A” – Obligations rated “A” are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.

 

“Baa” – Obligations rated “Baa” are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.

 

“Ba” – Obligations rated “Ba” are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.

 

A- 4

 

“B” – Obligations rated “B” are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.

 

“Caa” – Obligations rated “Caa” are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.

 

“Ca” – Obligations rated “Ca” are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.

 

“C” – Obligations rated “C” are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.

 

Note: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from “Aa” through “Caa.” The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to unrated obligations.

 

The following summarizes long-term ratings used by Fitch :

 

“AAA” – Securities considered to be of the highest credit quality. “AAA” ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

 

“AA” – Securities considered to be of very high credit quality. “AA” ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

 

“A” – Securities considered to be of high credit quality. “A” ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

 

“BBB” – Securities considered to be of good credit quality. “BBB” ratings indicate that expectations of credit risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.

 

“BB” – Securities considered to be speculative. “BB” ratings indicate that there is an elevated vulnerability to credit risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met.

 

“B” – Securities considered to be highly speculative. “B” ratings indicate that material credit risk is present.

 

“CCC” – A “CCC” rating indicates that substantial credit risk is present.

 

“CC” – A “CC” rating indicates very high levels of credit risk.

 

“C” – A “C” rating indicates exceptionally high levels of credit risk.

 

Defaulted obligations typically are not assigned “RD” or “D” ratings but are instead rated in the “B” to “C” rating categories, depending on their recovery prospects and other relevant characteristics. Fitch believes that this approach better aligns obligations that have comparable overall expected loss but varying vulnerability to default and loss.

 

A- 5

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the “AAA” obligation rating category, or to corporate finance obligation ratings in the categories below “CCC”.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issue of a rated issuer.

 

The DBRS long-term rating scale provides an opinion on the risk of default. That is, the risk that an issuer will fail to satisfy its financial obligations in accordance with the terms under which an obligation has been issued. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer, and the relative ranking of claims. All rating categories other than AAA and D also contain subcategories “(high)” and “(low)”. The absence of either a “(high)” or “(low)” designation indicates the rating is in the middle of the category. The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for long-term debt:

 

“AAA” – Long-term debt rated “AAA” is of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is exceptionally high and unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.

 

“AA” – Long-term debt rated “AA” is of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered high. Credit quality differs from “AAA” only to a small degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.

 

“A” – Long-term debt rated “A” is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is substantial, but of lesser credit quality than “AA.” May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.

 

“BBB” – Long-term debt rated “BBB” is of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.

 

“BB” – Long-term debt rated “BB” is of speculative, non-investment grade credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is uncertain. Vulnerable to future events.

 

“B” – Long-term debt rated “B” is of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet financial obligations.

 

“CCC”, “CC” and “C” – Long-term debt rated in any of these categories is of very highly speculative credit quality. In danger of defaulting on financial obligations. There is little difference between these three categories, although “CC” and “C” ratings are normally applied to obligations that are seen as highly likely to default, or subordinated to obligations rated in the “CCC” to “B” range. Obligations in respect of which default has not technically taken place but is considered inevitable may be rated in the “C” category.

 

“D” – A security rated “D” is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to “D” may occur. DBRS may also use “SD” (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a “distressed exchange”.

 

Municipal Note Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings U.S. municipal note rating reflects S&P Global Ratings’ opinion about the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to the notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes with an original maturity of more than three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. In determining which type of rating, if any, to assign, S&P Global Ratings’ analysis will review the following considerations:

 

Amortization schedule - the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and

 

A- 6

 

Source of payment - the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.

 

Municipal Short-Term Note rating symbols are as follows:

 

“SP-1” – A municipal note rated “SP-1” exhibits a strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.

 

“SP-2” – A municipal note rated “SP-2” exhibits a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.

 

“SP-3” – A municipal note rated “SP-3” exhibits a speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

 

Moody’s uses the Municipal Investment Grade (“MIG”) scale to rate U.S. municipal bond anticipation notes of up to three years maturity. Municipal notes rated on the MIG scale may be secured by either pledged revenues or proceeds of a take-out financing received prior to note maturity. MIG ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation, and the issuer’s long-term rating is only one consideration in assigning the MIG rating. MIG ratings are divided into three levels – “MIG-1” through “MIG-3” while speculative grade short-term obligations are designated “SG”. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for short-term municipal obligations:

 

“MIG-1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

 

“MIG-2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.

 

“MIG-3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.

 

“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated obligation.

 

In the case of variable rate demand obligations (“VRDOs”), a two-component rating is assigned: a long or short-term debt rating and a demand obligation rating. The first element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with scheduled principal and interest payments. The second element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with the ability to receive purchase price upon demand (“demand feature”). The second element uses a rating from a variation of the MIG scale called the Variable Municipal Investment Grade or “VMIG” scale. The rating transitions on the VMIG scale differ from those on the Prime scale to reflect the risk that external liquidity support generally will terminate if the issuer’s long-term rating drops below investment grade.

 

“VMIG-1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“VMIG-2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“VMIG-3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

A- 7

 

“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated obligation.

 

About Credit Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion reflects S&P Global Ratings’ view of the obligor’s capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and this opinion may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.

 

Moody’s credit ratings must be construed solely as statements of opinion and not statements of fact or recommendations to purchase, sell or hold any securities.

 

Fitch’s credit ratings provide an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of principal, insurance claims or counterparty obligations. Fitch credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving the money owed to them in accordance with the terms on which they invested. Fitch’s credit ratings cover the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign financial, bank, insurance, and public finance entities (including supranational and sub-national entities) and the securities or other obligations they issue, as well as structured finance securities backed by receivables or other financial assets.

 

Credit ratings provided by DBRS are forward-looking opinions about credit risk which reflect the creditworthiness of an issuer, rated entity, and/or security. Credit ratings are not statements of fact. While historical statistics and performance can be important considerations, credit ratings are not based solely on such; they include subjective considerations and involve expectations for future performance that cannot be guaranteed. To the extent that future events and economic conditions do not match expectations, credit ratings assigned to issuers and/or securities can change. Credit ratings are also based on approved and applicable methodologies, models and criteria (“Methodologies”), which are periodically updated and when material changes are deemed necessary, this may also lead to rating changes.

 

Credit ratings typically provide an opinion on the risk that investors may not be repaid in accordance with the terms under which the obligation was issued. In some cases, credit ratings may also include consideration for the relative ranking of claims and recovery, should default occur. Credit ratings are meant to provide opinions on relative measures of risk and are not based on expectations of any specific default probability, nor are they meant to predict such.

 

The data and information on which DBRS bases its opinions is not audited or verified by DBRS, although DBRS conducts a reasonableness review of information received and relied upon in accordance with its Methodologies and policies.

 

DBRS uses rating symbols as a concise method of expressing its opinion to the market, but there are a limited number of rating categories for the possible slight risk differentials that exist across the rating spectrum and DBRS does not assert that credit ratings in the same category are of “exactly” the same quality.

 

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MATSON MONEY, INC.

FAMILY OF FUNDS

 

of

 

The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

Institutional Class

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund: FMUEX

Free Market International Equity Fund: FMNEX

Free Market Fixed Income Fund: FMFIX

 

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

December 31, 2017

 

Investment Adviser:

 

Matson Money, Inc.

 

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) provides additional information about the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund and Free Market Fixed Income Fund (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”). The Funds are series of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”). This information is in addition to the information contained in the Funds’ prospectus dated December 31, 2017 (the “Prospectus”). This SAI is not a prospectus. Copies of the Prospectus and Annual and Semi-Annual Reports may be obtained free of charge by calling toll-free (866) 780-0357 Ext. 3863. The financial statements and notes contained in the Annual Report are incorporated by reference into this SAI. No other part of the Annual Report is incorporated by reference herein.

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

GENERAL INFORMATION 1
NON- PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICIES OF THE FUNDS 1
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS 1
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES OF UNDERLYING INVESTMENT COMPANIES AND RELATED RISKS 3
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS 23
MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY 24
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES 33
CODE OF ETHICS 34
PROXY VOTING POLICIES 34
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES 34
DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENTS 39
FUND TRANSACTIONS 40
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION 40
TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PROCEDURES 41
VALUATION OF SHARES 41
TAXES 42
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING COMPANY SHARES 43
MISCELLANEOUS 44
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 45
APPENDIX A A-1
APPENDIX B B-1

 

i

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

The Company is an open-end management investment company currently operating twenty-nine separate investment portfolios. The Company is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”) and was organized as a Maryland corporation on February 29, 1988. This SAI pertains to Institutional Class shares representing interests in three diversified Funds, which are offered by the Prospectus. Matson Money, Inc. (“Matson Money” or the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Funds.

 

NON- PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICIES OF THE FUNDS

 

Although the Funds invest primarily in shares of other registered investment companies, for temporary defensive purposes, the Funds may hold cash or invest in a variety of money market instruments, including U.S. government securities, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, and bankers’ acceptances. When a Fund invests for temporary defensive purposes, it may do so without any percentage limitations. A Fund may not achieve its investment objective during periods when it has taken such a temporary defensive position.

 

U.S. Government Securities. Each Fund may invest in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities (“U.S. government”) that have remaining maturities not exceeding one year. Agencies and instrumentalities that issue or guarantee debt securities and that have been established or sponsored by the U.S. government include the Export-Import Bank, the Federal Farm Credit System, the Federal Home Loan Banks, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”), the Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, the Federal Land Banks, and the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”).

 

Bank Obligations. Each Fund may invest in obligations of U.S. banks (including certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances) and U.S. dollar-denominated obligations of U.S. subsidiaries and branches of foreign banks having total assets at the time of purchase in excess of $1 billion. Such banks must be members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

 

The activities of banks are subject to extensive regulations which may limit both the amount and types of loans that may be made and the interest rates that may be charged. In addition, the profitability of the banking industry is largely dependent upon the availability and costs of funds for the purpose of financing lending operations under prevailing money market conditions. General economic conditions as well as exposure to credit losses arising from possible financial difficulties play an important part in the operation of this industry.

 

Commercial Paper. Commercial paper represents short-term unsecured promissory notes issued by bank holding companies, corporations, and finance companies. The commercial paper purchased by the Funds consists of direct obligations of issuers which, at the time of investment, are (i) rated “P-1” by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or “A-1” by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“Standard & Poor’s”), or (ii) if not rated, issued by a corporation having an outstanding unsecured debt issue rated Aaa by Moody’s or AAA by Standard & Poor’s. In the event that a security held by a Fund is placed on a credit watch or is downgraded by a rating agency, the value of such security may decline and the Fund invested in such security may consequently experience losses in respect of such security. See Appendix A for a description of Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s rating categories.

 

FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

 

The Funds have adopted the following fundamental investment limitations which may not be changed with respect to a Fund without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund outstanding shares (as defined in Section 2(a)(42) of the 1940 Act). As used in this SAI and in the Prospectus, “shareholder approval” and a “majority of the outstanding shares” of a Fund means, with respect to the approval of an investment advisory agreement or a change in a fundamental investment limitation, the lesser of (1) 67% of the shares of the Fund represented at a meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present in person or by proxy, or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. Each Fund’s investment goals and strategies described in the Prospectus may be changed by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) without the approval of the Fund’s shareholders. Each Fund may not:

 

1

 

1. Borrow money or issue senior securities, except that the Fund may borrow from banks and enter into reverse repurchase agreements and the Free Market Fixed Income Fund may enter into dollar rolls (including mortgage dollar rolls), for temporary purposes in amounts up to one-third of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the time of such borrowing and provided that, for any borrowing with respect to the Fund, there is at least 300% asset coverage for borrowings of the Fund. A Fund may not mortgage, pledge or hypothecate any assets, except in connection with any such borrowing and then in amounts not in excess of one-third of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the time of such borrowing. Securities held in escrow or separate accounts in connection with a Fund’s investment practices are not considered to be borrowings or deemed to be pledged for purposes of this limitation.

 

2. Issue any senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act.

 

3. Act as underwriter of securities within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), except insofar as the Fund might be deemed to be an underwriter upon disposition of certain portfolio securities acquired within the limitation on purchases of restricted securities.

 

4. Purchase or sell real estate (including real estate limited partnership interests), provided that the Fund may invest: (a) in securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies that invest in real estate or interests therein; or (b) in real estate investment trusts.

 

5. Purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts, except that to the extent consistent with its investment policies and restrictions, the Fund may deal in forward foreign exchanges between currencies of the different countries in which it may invest and purchase and sell stock index and currency options, stock index futures, financial futures and currency futures contracts and related options on such futures.

 

6. Make loans, except through loan portfolio instruments and repurchase agreements, provided that, for purposes of this restriction, the acquisition of bonds, debentures or other debt instruments or interests therein and investment in government obligations, loan participations and assignments, short-term commercial paper, certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances shall not be deemed to be the making of a loan.

 

7. Purchase any security if, as a result of such purchase, more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in the securities of issuers concentrated in a particular industry except that this limitation does not apply to securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities.

 

8. Purchase the securities of any one issuer, other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, if immediately after and as a result of such purchase, more than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in the securities of such issuer, or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer would be owned by the Fund, except that up to 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets may be invested without regard to such limitations.

 

With respect to Investment Limitation No. 1, in the event that asset coverage is below 300%, the Fund will be required to reduce the amount of its borrowing to obtain 300% asset coverage within three business days.

 

For purposes of Investment Limitation No. 2, the SEC has concluded that even though reverse repurchase agreements, firm commitment agreements, and standby commitment agreements fall within the meaning of the term “evidence indebtedness,” the issue of compliance with Section 18 of the 1940 Act will not be raised with the SEC by the Division of Investment Management if a Fund covers such securities by earmarking and maintaining certain assets on the books and records of the Fund’s custodian.

 

Similarly, so long as such earmarked assets are maintained, the issue of compliance with Section 18 will not be raised with respect to any of the following: any swap contract; any borrowings or pledge or encumbrance of assets permitted by Investment Limitation No. 1; any collateral arrangements with respect to the writing of options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts and foreign currency contracts and collateral arrangements with respect to short sales and initial and variation margin; and purchases and sales of futures or related options

 

The Funds have adopted the following non-fundamental investment limitation, which may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval:

 

2

 

1. No Fund will invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities.

 

Securities held by the Funds generally may not be purchased from, sold or loaned to the Adviser or its affiliates or any of their directors, officers or employees, acting as principal, unless pursuant to a rule or exemptive order under the 1940 Act.

 

If a percentage restriction under one of the Fund’s investment policies or limitations is adhered to at the time a transaction is effected, later changes in percentages resulting from changing values will not be considered a violation (except with respect to any restrictions that may apply to borrowings or senior securities by the Fund.) In the event that investments in illiquid instruments exceed 15% of a Fund’s net assets, the Fund must take steps to bring the aggregate amount of illiquid instruments back within the prescribed limitations as soon as reasonably practicable. This requirement would not force the Fund to liquidate any instrument where the Fund would suffer a loss on the sale of that instrument.

 

INVESTMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES OF UNDERLYING INVESTMENT COMPANIES AND RELATED RISKS

 

The underlying investment companies in which the Funds invest have their own investment objectives, policies, practices, and techniques, any one or all of which may subject their assets to varying degrees of risk. In addition, as a shareholder of another investment company, each Fund would bear, along with other shareholders, its pro rata portion of that company’s expenses, including advisory and administrative fees. These expenses would be in addition to the advisory and other expenses that the Fund bears directly in connection with its own operations. Therefore, it may be more costly for a Fund to own shares of another investment company than to own directly the underlying securities owned by such company. Investment companies in which the Funds may invest also may impose a sales or distribution charge in connection with the purchase or redemption of their shares and other types of commissions or charges. Such charges will be payable by the Funds and, therefore, will be borne by shareholders. The underlying investment companies in which each Fund invests may purchase securities of affiliated and unaffiliated unregistered money market funds.

 

Set forth below is additional information with respect to the types of securities and instrument techniques of the underlying investment companies and the risks involved in certain of these practices and techniques.

 

Asset-Backed Securities. To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Fund’s underlying investment companies may invest in asset-backed securities, which represent participations in, or are secured by and payable from, pools of assets such as motor vehicle installment sale contracts, installment loan contracts, leases of various types of real and personal property, receivables from revolving credit (credit card) agreements and other categories of receivables. Asset-backed securities may also be collateralized by a portfolio of U.S. government securities, but are not direct obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities. Such asset pools are securitized through the use of privately-formed trusts or special purpose corporations. Payments or distributions of principal and interest on asset-backed securities may be guaranteed up to certain amounts and for a certain time period by a letter of credit or a pool insurance policy issued by a financial institution unaffiliated with the trust or corporation, or other credit enhancements may be present; however privately issued obligations collateralized by a portfolio of privately issued asset-backed securities do not involve any government-related guarantee or insurance. In addition, asset-backed securities generally do not have the benefit of a security interest in collateral that is comparable to mortgage assets. See “Mortgage-Backed Securities.”

 

Corporate Obligations. The Free Market Fixed Income Fund’s underlying investment companies may invest in debt obligations, such as bonds and debentures, (i) rated Aa3 or better by Moody’s, or AA- or better by Standard & Poor’s, or AA- or better by Fitch, or (ii) if there is no rating for the debt security, determined by the investment adviser(s) to the underlying investment companies to be of comparable quality to equivalent issues of the same issuer rated at least AA- or Aa3. See Appendix “A” to this SAI for a description of corporate debt ratings. An issuer of debt obligations may default on its obligation to pay interest and repay principal. Also, changes in the financial strength of an issuer or changes in the credit rating of a security may affect its value.

 

3

 

Convertible Securities and Preferred Stocks. To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Fund’s underlying investment companies may invest in convertible securities. A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible securities have characteristics similar to nonconvertible debt securities in that they ordinarily provide a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than those of common stocks of the same or similar issuers. Convertible securities rank senior to common stock in a corporation’s capital structure but are usually subordinated to comparable nonconvertible securities. While no securities investment is completely without risk, investments in convertible securities generally entail less risk than the corporation’s common stock, although the extent to which such risk is reduced depends in large measure upon the degree to which the convertible security sells above its value as a fixed income security. Convertible securities have unique investment characteristics in that they generally: (1) have higher yields than common stocks, but lower yields than comparable non-convertible securities; (2) are less subject to fluctuation in value than the underlying stock since they have fixed income characteristics; and (3) provide the potential for capital appreciation if the market price of the underlying common stock increases.

 

The value of a convertible security is a function of its “investment value” (determined by its yield in comparison with the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege) and its “conversion value” (the security’s worth, at market value, if converted into the underlying common stock). The investment value of a convertible security is influenced by changes in interest rates, with investment value declining as interest rates increase and increasing as interest rates decline. The credit standing of the issuer and other factors also may have an effect on the convertible security’s investment value. The conversion value of a convertible security is determined by the market price of the underlying common stock. If the conversion value is low relative to the investment value, the price of the convertible security is governed principally by its investment value. Generally the conversion value decreases as the convertible security approaches maturity. To the extent the market price of the underlying common stock approaches or exceeds the conversion price, the price of the convertible security will be increasingly influenced by its conversion value. A convertible security generally will sell at a premium over its conversion value by the extent to which investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying common stock while holding a fixed income security.

 

A convertible security might be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security’s governing instrument. If a convertible security held by a Fund is called for redemption, that Fund will be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security, convert it into the underlying common stock or sell it to a third party.

 

Preferred stocks are securities that represent an ownership interest in a company and provide their owner with claims on the company’s earnings and assets prior to the claims of owners of common stocks but after those of bond owners. Preferred stocks in which the Funds may invest include sinking fund, convertible, perpetual fixed and adjustable rate (including auction rate) preferred stocks. There is no minimum credit rating applicable to a Fund’s investment in preferred stocks and securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stock.

 

Cyber Security Risk. The Funds and their service providers may be prone to operational and information security risks resulting from breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause a Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption, or lose operational capacity. Breaches in cyber security include, among other behaviors, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, denial of service attacks on websites, the unauthorized release of confidential information or various other forms of cyber-attacks. Cyber security breaches affecting a Fund or its Adviser, custodian, transfer agent, intermediaries and other third-party service providers may adversely impact a Fund. For instance, cyber security breaches may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, impact a Fund’s ability to calculate its NAVs, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential business information, impede trading, subject a Fund to regulatory fines or financial losses and/or cause reputational damage. The Funds may also incur additional costs for cyber security risk management purposes. Similar types of cyber security risks are also present for issuers of securities in which a Fund may invest, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Fund’s investment in such companies to lose value.

 

4

 

Depository Arrangements . To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Fund’s underlying investment companies may invest in American Depository Receipts (“ADRs”). ADRs are receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company evidencing ownership of the underlying foreign securities. ADRs are denominated in U.S. dollars. They are publicly traded on exchanges or over-the-counter in the United States.

 

The underlying investment companies may invest in both sponsored and unsponsored ADR programs. There are certain risks associated with investments in unsponsored ADR programs. Because the non-U.S. securities issuer does not actively participate in the creation of the ADR program, the underlying agreement for service and payment will be between the depository and the shareholder. The company issuing the stock underlying the ADR pays nothing to establish the unsponsored facility because fees for ADR issuance and cancellation are paid by brokers. Investors directly bear the expenses associated with certificate transfer, custody and dividend payment.

 

In an unsponsored ADR program, there also may be several depositories with no defined legal obligations to the non-U.S. company. The duplicate depositories may lead to marketplace confusion because there would be no central source of information for buyers, sellers and intermediaries. The efficiency of centralization gained in a sponsored program can greatly reduce the delays in delivery of dividends and annual reports.

 

The underlying investment companies may also invest in Holding Company Depository Receipts (“HOLDRS”). HOLDRS represent trust-issued receipts that represent individual and undivided beneficial ownership interests in the common stock or ADRs of specific companies in a particular industry, sector or group.

 

The underlying investment companies of the Free Market International Equity Fund may also invest in European Depository Receipts (“EDRs”), International Depository Receipts (“IDRs”) and Global Depository Receipts (“GDRs”). These are receipts issued by a non-U.S. financial institution evidencing ownership of underlying foreign or U.S. securities and are usually denominated in foreign currencies. They may not be denominated in the same currency as the securities they represent. Generally, EDRs, GDRs and IDRs are designed for use in the foreign securities markets. Investments in EDRs, GDRs and IDRs involve certain risks not typically involved in purely domestic investments, including currency exchange risk. These risks are set forth under “Foreign Securities” in this SAI.

 

Dollar Rolls. To the extent consistent with its investment policies and limitations, the Free Market Fixed Income Fund’s underlying investment companies may enter into dollar rolls in which the investment companies sell fixed income securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contract to repurchase substantially similar (same type, coupon and maturity) securities on a specified future date.

 

During the roll period, an investment company would forgo principal and interest paid on such securities. However, the investment company would be compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the forward price for the future purchase, as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale. The return on dollar rolls may be negatively impacted by fluctuations in interest rates. For additional information on dollar roll transactions, see the section entitled “Mortgage Dollar Roll Transactions” in this SAI.

 

Equity Markets. The underlying investment companies of the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund and Free Market International Equity Fund invest primarily in equity markets at all times. Equity markets can be highly volatile, so that investing in the underlying investment companies involves substantial risk. As a result, investing in the underlying investment companies involves the risk of loss of capital.

 

European Currency Unification. On January 1, 1999, the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) introduced a new single currency called the euro. The euro has replaced the national currencies of many European countries. The European Central Bank has control over each member country’s monetary policies. Therefore, the member countries no longer control their own monetary policies by directing independent interest rates for their currencies. The national governments of the participating countries, however, have retained the authority to set tax and spending policies and public debt levels.

 

5

 

European countries can be significantly affected by the tight fiscal and monetary controls that the EMU imposes for membership. Europe’s economies are diverse, its governments are decentralized, and its cultures vary widely. Several European Union (“EU”) countries, including Greece, Ireland, Italy, Spain and Portugal have faced budget issues, some of which may have negative long-term effects for the economies of those countries and other EU countries. There is continued concern about national-level support for the euro and the accompanying coordination of fiscal and wage policy among EMU member countries. Member countries are required to maintain tight control over inflation, public debt, and budget deficit to qualify for membership in t he EMU. These requirements can severely limit the ability of EMU member countries to implement monetary policy to address regional economic conditions. Also, it is possible that the EU’s single currency, the euro, could be abandoned in the future by countries that have already adopted its use. These or other events, including political and economic developments, could cause market disruptions, and could affect adversely the values of securities held by the Funds. Because of the number of countries using this single currency, a significant portion of the assets held by certain Funds may be denominated in the euro.

 

Foreign Securities. The underlying investment companies of the Free Market International Equity Fund and Free Market Fixed Income Fund may invest in securities issued by foreign companies. Investments in foreign securities involve higher costs than investments in U.S. securities, including higher transaction costs as well as the imposition of additional taxes by foreign governments. In addition, foreign investments may include additional risks associated with currency exchange rates, less complete financial information about the issuers, less market liquidity and political stability. Volume and liquidity in most foreign bond markets are less than in the United States and, at times, volatility or price can be greater than in the United States. Future political and economic information, the possible imposition of withholding taxes on interest income, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, the possible establishment of exchange controls, or the adoption of other governmental restrictions, might adversely affect the payment of principal and interest on foreign obligations. Inability to dispose of securities due to settlement problems could result either in losses to an underlying investment company due to subsequent declines in value of the securities, or, if the underlying investment company has entered into a contract to sell the securities, could result in possible liability to the purchaser. Individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth or gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position.

 

Fixed commissions on foreign securities exchanges are generally higher than negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges. There is generally less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, brokers, dealers and listed companies than in the United States.

 

Settlement mechanics may be slower or less reliable than within the United States, thus increasing the risk of delayed settlements of portfolio transactions or loss of certificates for portfolio securities. Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Such delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of an underlying investment company is uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of an underlying investment company to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the underlying investment company to miss attractive investment opportunities.

 

Although the underlying investment companies may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies, each investment company values its securities and other assets in U.S. dollars. As a result, the NAV of an underlying investment company’s shares may fluctuate with U.S. dollar exchange rates as well as the price changes of the underlying investment company’s securities in the various local markets and currencies. Thus, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar compared to the currencies in which an underlying investment company makes its investments could reduce the effect of increases and magnify the effect of decreases in the price of the underlying investment company’s securities in their local markets. Conversely, a decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar may have the opposite effect of magnifying the effect of increases and reducing the effect of decreases in the prices of an underlying investment company’s securities in its foreign markets. In addition to favorable and unfavorable currency exchange rate developments, an underlying investment company is subject to the possible imposition of exchange control regulations or freezes on convertibility of currency.

 

The underlying investment companies may invest in obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks (Eurodollars) and U.S. branches of foreign banks (Yankee dollars) as well as foreign branches of foreign banks. These investments involve risks that are different from investments in securities of U.S. banks, including potential unfavorable political and economic developments, different tax provisions, seizure of foreign deposits, currency controls, interest limitations or other governmental restrictions which might affect payment of principal or interest. The underlying investment companies may also invest in debt securities issued or guaranteed by foreign governments, including Yankee bonds, which are issued by foreign governments and their agencies and foreign corporations, but pay interest in U.S. dollars and are typically issued in the United States.

 

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In 2016, the United Kingdom (“UK”) held a referendum election and voters elected to withdraw from the EU. The Funds may be exposed to risks related to the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, including volatile trading markets and significant and unpredictable currency fluctuations. Securities issued by companies domiciled in the UK could be subject to changing regulatory and tax regimes. Banking and financial services companies that operate in the UK or EU could be disproportionately impacted by these actions. Greece has recently experienced political pressure to hold a similar referendum election. Further insecurity in EU membership or the abandonment of the euro could exacerbate market and currency volatility and negatively impact investments in securities issued by companies located in EU countries. The potential impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, is not clear but could be significant and far-reaching.

 

Forward Commitment and When-Issued Transactions. To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Fund’s underlying investment companies may purchase or sell securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis. These transactions involve a commitment by an underlying investment company to purchase or sell securities at a future date (ordinarily one or two months later). The price of the underlying securities (usually expressed in terms of yield) and the date when the securities will be delivered and paid for (the settlement date) are fixed at the time the transaction is negotiated. When-issued purchases and forward commitments are negotiated directly with the other party, and such commitments are not traded on exchanges.

 

When-issued purchases and forward commitments enable an underlying investment company to lock in what is believed by the underlying investment adviser to be an attractive price or yield on a particular security for a period of time, regardless of future changes in interest rates. For instance, in periods of rising interest rates and falling prices, an underlying investment company might sell securities it owns on a forward commitment basis to limit its exposure to falling prices. In periods of falling interest rates and rising prices, an underlying investment company might sell securities it owns and purchase the same or a similar security on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, thereby obtaining the benefit of currently higher yields. When-issued securities or forward commitments involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date.

 

The value of securities purchased on a when-issued or forward commitment basis and any subsequent fluctuations in their value are reflected in the computation of an underlying investment company’s NAV starting on the date of the agreement to purchase the securities, and the underlying investment company is subject to the rights and risks of ownership of the securities on that date. An underlying investment company does not earn interest on the securities it has committed to purchase until they are paid for and delivered on the settlement date. When an underlying investment company makes a forward commitment to sell securities it owns, the proceeds to be received upon settlement are included in the underlying investment company’s assets. Fluctuations in the market value of the underlying securities are not reflected in the underlying investment company’s NAV as long as the commitment to sell remains in effect. Settlement of when-issued purchases and forward commitment transactions generally takes place within two months after the date of the transaction, but an underlying investment company may agree to a longer settlement period.

 

An underlying investment company generally will make commitments to purchase securities on a when-issued basis or to purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment basis only with the intention of completing the transaction and actually purchasing or selling the securities. If deemed advisable as a matter of investment strategy, however, an underlying investment company may dispose of or renegotiate a commitment after it is entered into. An underlying investment company also may sell securities it has committed to purchase before those securities are delivered to the underlying investment company on the settlement date. An underlying investment company may realize a capital gain or loss in connection with these transactions, and its distributions from any net realized capital gains will be taxable to shareholders.

 

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When an underlying investment company purchases securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, the investment company or its custodian will maintain in a segregated account cash or liquid securities having a value (determined daily) at least equal to the amount of the underlying investment company’s purchase commitments. These procedures are designed to ensure that the underlying investment company will maintain sufficient assets at all times to cover its obligations under when-issued purchases and forward commitments.

 

Forward Foreign Currency Transactions. The Free Market International Equity and Free Market Fixed Income Funds’ underlying investment companies may, to the extent that they invest in foreign securities, enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts in order to facilitate the settlement of equity or bond purchases; exchange one currency for another, including to repatriate excess currencies; or, in the case of the Free Market Fixed Income Fund, hedge against fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The underlying investment companies will conduct their foreign currency exchange transactions either on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market, or through entering into forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies. A forward foreign currency exchange contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days (usually less than one year) from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts are traded in the interbank market conducted directly between traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. A forward contract generally has no deposit requirement, and no commissions are charged at any stage for trades. Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a profit based on the difference (the spread) between the price at which they are buying and selling various currencies.

 

The underlying investment companies may to enter into forward contracts under several circumstances. First, when an underlying investment company enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security quoted or denominated in a foreign currency, it may desire to “lock in” the U.S. dollar price of the security. By entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale, for a fixed number of U.S. dollars, of the amount of foreign currency involved in the underlying security transactions, the underlying investment company will be able to insulate itself from a possible loss resulting from a change in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and the subject foreign currency during the period between the date on which the security is purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made or received. The underlying investment adviser(s) may also use non-U.S. currency to enter into a forward foreign exchange contract.

 

Second, the investment adviser to certain underlying fixed income investment companies may cause such investment companies to enter a forward contract to sell, for a fixed amount, the amount of foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of the investment company’s portfolio securities quoted or denominated in such foreign currency in an effort to hedge against fluctuations in currency exchange rates. These underlying fixed income investment companies may also engage in cross-hedging by using forward contracts in one currency to hedge against fluctuations in the value in securities denominated or quoted in a different currency if the investment adviser determines that there is a pattern of correlation between the two currencies. Cross-hedging may also include entering into a forward transaction involving two foreign currencies, using one foreign currency as a proxy for the U.S. dollar to hedge against variations in the other U.S. foreign currency, if the investment adviser determines that there is a pattern of correlation between the proxy currency and the U.S. dollar. With currency hedging techniques, the precise matching of the forward contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible since the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of those securities between the date the forward contract is entered into and the date it matures. Additionally, these techniques do not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities. They simply establish a rate of exchange which can be achieved at some future point in time. The precise projection of short-term currency market movements is not possible, and short-term hedging provides a means of fixing the U.S. dollar value of only a portion of the underlying investment company’s foreign assets. It also reduces any potential gain which may have otherwise occurred had the currency value increased above the settlement price of the contract.

 

Third, the investment adviser may exchange one currency for another if it believes it may need the other currency to settle future equity purchases or to repatriate excess foreign currency to U.S. dollars.

 

The underlying investment companies generally will not enter into forward contracts to sell currency or maintain a net exposure to such contracts if the consummation of such contracts would obligate the investment company to deliver an amount of foreign currency in excess of the value of the investment company’s respective portfolio securities (including accrued interest or other accrued receivables) or other assets quoted or denominated in that currency. At the consummation of the forward contract, an underlying investment company may either make delivery of the foreign currency or terminate its contractual obligation by purchasing an offsetting contract obligating it to purchase at the same maturity date, the same amount of such foreign currency. If an underlying investment company chooses to make delivery of foreign currency, it may be required to obtain such delivery through the sale of portfolio securities quoted or denominated in such currency or through conversion of other assets of the Fund into such currency. If an underlying investment company engages in an offsetting transaction, the underlying investment company will realize a gain or a loss to the extent that there has been a change in forward contract prices.

 

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The underlying investment companies’ transactions in forward contracts generally will be limited to those described above. Of course, the underlying investment companies are not required to enter into such transactions with regard to their foreign currency quoted or denominated securities, and the investment companies will not do so unless deemed appropriate by their respective investment advisers.

 

While the underlying investment company may enter into forward contracts to seek to reduce currency exchange rate risks, transactions in such contracts involve certain other risks. Thus, while an underlying investment company may benefit from such transactions, unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in a poorer overall performance for the underlying investment company than if it had not engaged in any such transactions. Moreover, there may be imperfect correlation between the underlying investment company’s portfolio holdings or securities quoted or denominated in a particular currency and forward contracts entered into by the underlying investment company. Such imperfect correlation may cause the underlying investment company to sustain losses, which will prevent the underlying investment company from achieving a complete hedge, or expose the underlying investment company to the risk of foreign exchange loss.

 

Forward contracts are subject to the risks that the counterparts to such contract will default on its obligations. Since a forward foreign currency exchange contract is not guaranteed by an exchange or clearing house, a default on the contract would deprive an underlying investment company of unrealized profits, transaction costs or the benefits of a currency hedge or force an underlying investment company to cover its purchase or sale commitments, if any, at the current market price.

 

The underlying investment companies’ foreign currency transactions (including related options, futures and forward contracts) may be limited by the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) for qualification as a regulated investment company.

 

Futures Contracts. A futures contract may generally be described as an agreement between two parties to buy and sell particular financial instruments for an agreed price during a designated month (or to deliver the final cash settlement price, in the case of a contract relating to an index or otherwise not calling for physical delivery at the end of trading in the contract). When interest rates are rising or securities prices are falling, an underlying investment company can seek to offset a decline in the value of its current portfolio securities through the sale of futures contracts. When interest rates are falling or securities prices are rising, an underlying investment company, through the purchase of futures contracts, can attempt to secure better rates or prices than might later be available in the market when it affects anticipated purchases.

 

To seek to increase total return or to hedge against changes in interest rates or securities prices, an underlying investment company may purchase and sell various kinds of futures contracts, and purchase and write call and put options on any of such futures contracts. An underlying investment company may also enter into closing purchase and sale transactions with respect to any of such contracts and options. The futures contracts may be based on various securities (such as U.S. government securities), securities indices, and any other financial instruments and indices. Generally an underlying investment company will engage in futures and related options transactions for bona fide hedging purposes as described below or for purposes of seeking to increase total return, in each case, only to the extent permitted by regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”). All futures contracts entered into by an underlying investment company are traded on U.S. exchanges or boards of trade that are licensed and regulated by the CFTC or on foreign exchanges.

 

The Funds intend to limit investments in commodity futures, commodity options contracts and swaps to below the de minimis thresholds adopted by the CFTC in its recent amendments to Rule 4.5 (see below for a description of these thresholds). However, the application of the amended rules to “funds-of-funds” remains unclear. Accordingly, the Adviser has filed for relief with respect to each Fund which defers compliance until six months following the effective date of any CFTC guidance regarding the application of the amended rules to “fund-of-funds.” As of the date of this SAI, no such guidance has been issued. For this reason, the Adviser is not required to register as a “commodity pool operator” (“CPO”) under the Commodity Exchange Act at this time.

 

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With respect to investments in swap transactions, commodity futures, commodity options or certain other derivatives used for purposes other than bona fide hedging purposes, an investment company must meet one of the following tests under the amended regulations in order to claim an exemption from being considered a “commodity pool” or a CPO. First, the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish an investment company’s positions in such investments may not exceed five percent (5%) of the liquidation value of the investment company’s portfolio (after accounting for unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such investments). Alternatively, the aggregate net notional value of such instruments, determined at the time of the most recent position established, may not exceed one hundred percent (100%) of the liquidation value of the investment company’s portfolio (after accounting for unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions). In addition to meeting one of the foregoing trading limitations, the investment company may not market itself as a commodity pool or otherwise as a vehicle for trading in the commodity futures, commodity options or swaps and derivatives markets. In the event that the Adviser was required to register as a CPO, the disclosure and operations of the Funds would need to comply with all applicable CFTC regulations.

 

Positions taken in the futures markets are not normally held to maturity but are instead liquidated through offsetting transactions, which may result in a profit or a loss. While futures contracts on securities will usually be liquidated in this manner, an underlying investment company may instead make, or take, delivery of the underlying securities or currency whenever it appears economically advantageous to do so. A clearing corporation associated with the exchange on which futures on securities are traded guarantees that, if still open, the sale or purchase will be performed on the settlement date.

 

Hedging, by use of futures contracts, seeks to establish with more certainty than would otherwise be possible the effective price or rate of return on portfolio securities or securities that an underlying investment company proposes to acquire or the exchange rate of currencies in which portfolio securities are quoted or denominated. An underlying investment company may, for example, take a “short” position in the futures market by selling futures contracts to seek to hedge against an anticipated rise in interest rates or a decline in market prices that would adversely affect the value of the underlying investment company’s portfolio securities. Such futures contracts may include contracts for the future delivery of securities held by an underlying investment company or securities with characteristics similar to those of the underlying investment company’s portfolio securities. If, in the opinion of the investment adviser to an underlying investment company, there is a sufficient degree of correlation between price trends for an underlying investment company’s portfolio securities and futures contracts based on other financial instruments, securities indices or other indices, the underlying investment company may also enter into such futures contracts as part of its hedging strategy. Although under some circumstances prices of securities in an underlying investment company’s portfolio may be more or less volatile than prices of such futures contracts, the underlying investment adviser will attempt to estimate the extent of this volatility difference based on historical patterns and compensate for any such differential by having the underlying investment company’s enter into a greater or lesser number of futures contracts or by seeking to achieve only a partial hedge against price changes affecting the underlying investment company’s portfolio securities. When hedging of this character is successful, any depreciation in the value of portfolio securities will be substantially offset by appreciation in the value of the futures position. On the other hand, any unanticipated appreciation in the value of an underlying investment company portfolio’s securities would be substantially offset by a decline in the value of the futures position.

 

On other occasions, an underlying investment company may take a “long” position by purchasing futures contracts. This would be done, for example, when the underlying investment company anticipates the subsequent purchase of particular securities when it has the necessary cash, but expects the prices then available in the applicable market to be less favorable than prices that are currently available.

 

Indexed Securities. To the extent consistent with its investment policies and limitations, each Fund’s underlying investment companies may invest in indexed securities whose value is linked to securities indices. Most such securities have values which rise and fall according to the change in one or more specified indices, and may have characteristics similar to direct investments in the underlying securities. Depending on the index, such securities may have greater volatility than the market as a whole. An underlying investment company may also invest in exchange-traded funds, which generally track their related indices and trade like an individual stock throughout the trading day. For example, an underlying investment company may invest in Standard & Poor’s Depositary Receipts (commonly referred to as “Spiders”), which are exchange-traded shares of a closed-end investment company that are designed to replicate the price performance and dividend yield of the Standard & Poor’s 500® Composite Stock Price Index.

 

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Initial Public Offerings. To the extent consistent with its investment policies and limitations, each Fund’s underlying investment companies may purchase stock in an initial public offering (“IPO”). An IPO is a company’s first offering of stock to the public. Risks associated with IPOs may include considerable fluctuation in the market value of IPO shares due to certain factors, such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, a limited number of shares available for trading, lack of information about the issuer and limited operating history. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. When an underlying investment company’s asset base is small, a significant portion of the underlying investment company’s performance could be attributable to investments in IPOs, because such investments would have a magnified impact on the underlying investment company. As an underlying investment company’s assets grow, the effect of the underlying investment company’s investments in IPOs on the underlying investment company’s performance probably will decline, which could reduce the underlying investment company’s performance. Because of the price volatility of IPO shares, an underlying investment company may choose to hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the underlying investment company’s portfolio and may lead to increased expenses to the underlying investment company, such as commissions and transaction costs. In addition, the underlying investment advisers cannot guarantee continued access to IPOs.

 

Inflation-Protected Securities. The Free Market Fixed Income Fund’s underlying investment companies may invest in inflation-protected securities issued by the U.S. Treasury, known as “TIPs” or “Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities,” which are debt securities whose principal and interest payments are adjusted for inflation and interest is paid on the adjusted amount. The inflation adjustment, which is typically applied monthly to the principal of the bond, follows a designated inflation index, such as the consumer price index (“CPI”). A fixed coupon rate is applied to the inflation-adjusted principal so that as inflation rises, both the principal value and the interest payments increase. This can provide investors with a hedge against inflation, as it helps preserve the purchasing power of your investment.

 

Inflation-protected securities normally will decline in price when real interest rates rise. (A real interest rate is calculated by subtracting the inflation rate from a nominal interest rate. For example, if a 10-year Treasury note is yielding 5% and inflation is 2%, the real interest rate is 3%.) If inflation is negative, the principal and income of an inflation-protected security will decline and could result in losses for the Fund’s underlying investment companies.

 

Any increase in principal for an inflation-protected security resulting from inflation adjustments is considered by IRS regulations to be taxable income in the year it occurs. For direct holders of an inflation-protected security, this means that taxes must be paid on principal adjustments even though these amounts are not received until the bond matures. By contrast, an underlying investment company holding these securities distributes both interest income and the income attributable to principal adjustments in the form of cash or reinvested shares, which are taxable to shareholders.

 

Interest Rate Swaps, Floors and Caps and Currency Swaps. The Free Market Fixed-Income Fund’s underlying investment companies may enter into interest rate swaps and may purchase interest rate floors or caps. An underlying investment company will typically use interest rate swaps to preserve a return on a particular investment or portion of its portfolio or to shorten the effective duration of its portfolio investments. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the underlying investment company with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, such as an exchange of fixed rate payments for floating rate payments. The purchase of an interest rate floor or cap entitles the purchaser to receive payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the seller, to the extent the specified index falls below (floor) or exceeds (cap) a predetermined interest rate. The Free Market International Equity Fund and Free Market Fixed Income Fund may enter into currency swaps, which involve the exchange of the rights of the underlying investment company and another party to make or receive payments in specific currencies.

 

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An underlying investment company will only enter into interest rate swaps or interest rate floor or cap transactions on a net basis, i.e. the two payment streams are netted out, with the underlying investment company receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. In contrast, currency swaps usually involve the delivery of the entire principal value of one designated currency in exchange for the other designated currency.

 

The net amount of the excess, if any, of an underlying investment company’s obligations over its entitlements with respect to each interest rate or currency swap will be accrued on a daily basis, and an amount of liquid assets having an aggregate net asset value at least equal to such accrued excess will be segregated by the underlying investment company.

 

If there is a default by the other party to such transaction, the underlying investment company will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction.

 

Large Shareholder Purchase and Redemption Risk. The Funds may experience adverse effects when certain large shareholders purchase or redeem large amounts of shares of the Funds. Such large shareholder redemptions may cause a Fund to sell its securities at times when it would not otherwise do so, which may negatively impact the Fund’s NAV and liquidity. Similarly, large share purchases may adversely affect a Fund’s performance to the extent that the Fund is delayed in investing new cash and is required to maintain a larger cash position than it ordinarily would. In addition, a large redemption could result in a Fund’s current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the Fund’s expense ratio.

 

Lending of Portfolio Securities. To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Fund’s underlying investment companies may lend their portfolio securities to financial institutions provided that (1) the loan is continuously secured by collateral consisting of U.S. government securities or cash or cash equivalents maintained on a daily mark-to-market basis in an amount at least equal to the current market value of the securities loaned; (2) the underlying investment company may at any time call the loan and obtain the return of the securities loaned; (3) the underlying investment company will receive any interest or dividends paid on the loaned securities; and (4) the aggregate market value of the securities loaned will not at any time exceed one-third of the total assets of the underlying investment company. Such loans would involve risk of delay in receiving additional collateral in the event the value of the collateral decreased below the value of the securities loaned or risk of delay in recovering the securities loaned or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially.

 

Loan Participations . The Free Market Fixed-Income Fund’s underlying investment companies may purchase participations in commercial loans. Such indebtedness may be secured or unsecured. Loan participations typically represent direct participation in a loan to a corporate borrower, and generally are offered by banks or other financial institutions or lending syndicates. An underlying investment company may participate in such syndications, or can buy part of a loan, becoming a part lender. When purchasing loan participations, the underlying investment company assumes the credit risk associated with the corporate borrower and may assume the credit risk associated with an interposed bank or other financial intermediary. The participation interests in which the Fund intends to invest may not be rated by any nationally recognized rating service.

 

A loan is often administered by an agent bank acting as agent for all holders. The agent bank administers the terms of the loan, as specified in the loan agreement. In addition, the agent bank is normally responsible for the collection of principal and interest payments from the corporate borrower and the apportionment of these payments to the credit of all institutions which are parties to the loan agreement. Unless, under the terms of the loan or other indebtedness, the underlying investment company has direct recourse against the corporate borrower, the underlying investment company may have to rely on the agent bank or other financial intermediary to apply appropriate credit remedies against a corporate borrower.

 

Purchases of loans and other forms of direct indebtedness depend primarily upon the creditworthiness of the corporate borrower for payment of principal and interest. If the underlying investment company does not receive scheduled interest or principal payments on such indebtedness, the underlying investment company’s share price and yield could be adversely affected. Loans that are fully secured offer the underlying investment company more protection than an unsecured loan in the event of non-payment of scheduled interest or principal. However, there is no assurance that the liquidation of collateral from a secured loan would satisfy the corporate borrower’s obligation, or that the collateral can be liquidated.

 

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An underlying investment company invests in loan participations with credit quality comparable to that of issuers of its securities investments. Indebtedness of companies whose creditworthiness is poor involves substantially greater risks, and may be highly speculative. Some companies may never pay off their indebtedness, or may pay only a small fraction of the amount owed. Consequently, when investing in indebtedness of companies with poor credit, the underlying investment company bears a substantial risk of losing the entire amount invested.

 

Loans and other types of direct indebtedness may not be readily marketable and may be subject to restrictions on resale. In some cases, negotiations involved in disposing of indebtedness may require weeks to complete. Consequently, some indebtedness may be difficult or impossible to dispose of readily at what the underlying investment company’s investment adviser believes to be a fair price.

 

Investments in loans through a direct assignment of the financial institution’s interests with respect to the loan may involve additional risks to an underlying investment company. For example, if a loan is foreclosed, the underlying investment company could become part owner of any collateral, and would bear the costs and liabilities associated with owning and disposing of the collateral. In addition, it is conceivable that under emerging legal theories of lender liability, an underlying investment company could be held liable as co-lender. It is unclear whether loans and other forms of direct indebtedness offer securities law protections against fraud and misrepresentation. In the absence of definitive regulatory guidance, an underlying investment company relies on its investment adviser’s research in an attempt to avoid situations where fraud or misrepresentation could adversely affect the Fund.

 

Market Fluctuation. The market value of the investments of each underlying investment company, and thus each underlying investment company’s NAV, will change in response to market conditions affecting the value of its portfolio securities. When interest rates decline, the value of fixed rate obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of fixed rate obligations can be expected to decline. In contrast, as interest rates on adjustable rate loans are reset periodically, yields on investments in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates, causing the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed rate obligations.

 

Micro Cap, Small Cap and Mid Cap Stocks. Securities of companies with micro, small and mid-size capitalizations tend to be riskier than securities of companies with large capitalizations. This is because micro, small and mid cap companies typically have smaller product lines and less access to liquidity than large cap companies, and are therefore more sensitive to economic downturns. In addition, growth prospects of micro, small and mid cap companies tend to be less certain than large cap companies, and the dividends paid on micro, small and mid cap stocks are frequently negligible. Moreover, micro, small and mid cap stocks have, on occasion, fluctuated in the opposite direction of large cap stocks or the general stock market. Consequently, securities of micro, small and mid cap companies tend to be more volatile than those of large cap companies. The market for micro and small cap securities may be thinly traded and as a result, greater fluctuations in the price of micro and small cap securities may occur.

 

Mortgage-Backed Securities. The Free Market Fixed Income Fund’s underlying investment companies may invest in mortgage pass-through certificates and multiple-class pass-through securities, such as real estate mortgage investment conduits (“REMIC”) pass-through certificates and collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”).

 

Guaranteed mortgage pass-through securities represent participation interests in pools of residential mortgage loans and are issued by U.S. governmental or private lenders and guaranteed by the U.S. government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities, including but not limited to the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”), Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Ginnie Mae certificates are guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government for timely payment of principal and interest on the certificates. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac certificates are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. Fannie Mae certificates are guaranteed by Fannie Mae, a federally chartered and privately owned corporation, for full and timely payment of principal and interest on the certificates. Fannie Mae is authorized to borrow from the U.S. Treasury to meet its obligations. Freddie Mac certificates are guaranteed by Freddie Mac, a corporate instrumentality of the U.S. government, for timely payment of interest and the ultimate collection of all principal of the related mortgage loans.

 

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In September 2008, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”) announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would be placed in conservatorship under the FHFA. On June 16, 2010, FHFA ordered Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s stock de-listed from the New York Stock Exchange after the price of common stock in Fannie Mae fell below the New York Stock Exchange’s minimum average closing price of $1 for more than 30 days. The future status and role of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could be impacted by (among other things) the actions taken and restrictions placed on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac by the FHFA in its role as conservator, the restrictions placed on Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s operations and activities as a result of the senior preferred stock investment made by the U.S. Treasury, market responses to developments at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and future legislative and regulatory action that alters the operations, ownership, structure and/or mission of these institutions, each of which may, in turn, impact the value of, and cash flows on, any Mortgage-Backed Securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, including any such Mortgage-Backed Securities held by a Fund.

 

There is risk that the U.S. government will not provide financial support to its agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. A Fund may purchase U.S. government securities that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, such as those issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. government securities held by a Fund may greatly exceed their current resources, including their legal right to support from the U.S. Treasury. It is possible that these issuers will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future.

 

CMOs and REMIC pass-through or participation certificates may be issued by, among others, U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities as well as private lenders. CMOs and REMIC certificates are issued in multiple classes and the principal of and interest on the mortgage assets may be allocated among the several classes of CMOs or REMIC certificates in various ways. Each class of CMOs or REMIC certificates, often referred to as a “tranche,” is issued at a specific adjustable or fixed interest rate and must be fully retired no later than its final distribution date. Generally, interest is paid or accrues on all classes of CMOs or REMIC certificates on a monthly basis.

 

Typically, CMOs are collateralized by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac certificates but also may be collateralized by other mortgage assets such as whole loans or private mortgage pass-through securities. Debt service on CMOs is provided from payments of principal and interest on collateral of mortgaged assets and any reinvestment income thereon. Mortgage-backed securities that are collateralized by a portfolio of mortgages or mortgage-related securities depend on the payments of principal and interest made by or through the underlying assets, which may not be sufficient to meet the payment obligations of the mortgage-backed securities. The quality and value of the underlying collateral may decline, or default, which has become a significant risk for collateral related to sub-prime mortgage loans, especially in a declining residential real estate market. Further, these securities generally are privately sold and may not be readily marketable, particularly after a rapid decrease in value.

 

A REMIC is a CMO that qualifies for special tax treatment under the Code and invests in certain mortgages primarily secured by interests in real property and other permitted investments. Investors may purchase “regular” and “residual” interest shares of beneficial interest in REMIC trusts.

 

An underlying investment company may invest in mortgage-backed securities issued by trusts or other entities formed or sponsored by private originators of and institutional investors in mortgage loans and other non-governmental entities (or representing custodial arrangements administered by such institutions). These private originators and institutions include savings and loan associations, mortgage bankers, commercial banks, insurance companies, investment banks and special purpose subsidiaries of the foregoing.

 

Privately issued mortgage-backed securities are generally backed by pools of conventional (i.e., non-government guaranteed or insured) mortgage loans. Since such mortgage-backed securities normally are not guaranteed by an entity having the credit standing of Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac in order to receive a high quality rating from the rating organizations (e.g., Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s), they often are structured with one or more types of “credit enhancement.” Such credit enhancement falls into two categories: (1) liquidity protection and (2) protection against losses resulting after default by a borrower and liquidation of the collateral (e.g., sale of a house after foreclosure). Liquidity protection refers to the payment of cash advances to holders of mortgage-backed securities when a borrower on an underlying mortgage fails to make its monthly payment on time. Protection against losses resulting after default and liquidation is designed to cover losses resulting when, for example, the proceeds of a foreclosure sale are insufficient to cover the outstanding amount on the mortgage. Such protection may be provided through guarantees, insurance policies or letters of credit, through various means of structuring the securities or through a combination of such approaches.

 

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Examples of credit enhancement arising out of the structure of the transaction include “senior-subordinated securities” (multiple class securities with one or more classes entitled to receive payment before other classes, with the result that defaults on the underlying mortgages are borne first by the holders of the subordinated class), creation of “spread accounts” or “reserve funds” (where cash or investments are held in reserve against future losses) and “over-collateralization” (where the scheduled payments on the underlying mortgages in a pool exceed the amount required to be paid on the mortgage-backed securities). The degree of credit enhancement for a particular issue of mortgage-backed securities is based on the level of credit risk associated with the particular mortgages in the related pool. Losses on a pool in excess of anticipated levels could nevertheless result in losses to security holders since credit enhancement rarely covers every dollar owed on a pool.

 

Investing in mortgage-backed securities (such as those described above) involves certain risks, including the failure of a counter-party to meet its commitments, adverse interest rate changes and the effects of prepayments on mortgage cash flows. Further, the yield characteristics of mortgage-backed securities differ from those of traditional fixed income securities. The major differences typically include more frequent interest and principal payments (usually monthly), the adjustability of interest rates, and the possibility that prepayments of principal may be made substantially earlier than their final distribution dates.

 

Prepayment rates are influenced by changes in current interest rates and a variety of economic, geographic, social and other factors and cannot be predicted with certainty. Both adjustable rate mortgage loans and fixed rate mortgage loans may be subject to a greater rate of principal prepayments in a declining interest rate environment and to a lesser rate of principal prepayments in an increasing interest rate environment. Under certain interest rate and prepayment rate scenarios, a Fund may fail to recoup fully its investment in Mortgage-Backed Securities notwithstanding any direct or indirect governmental or agency guarantee. When a Fund reinvests amounts representing payments and unscheduled prepayments of principal, it may receive a rate of interest that is lower than the rate on existing adjustable rate mortgage pass-through securities. Thus, mortgage-backed securities, and adjustable rate mortgage pass-through securities in particular, may be less effective than other types of U.S. government securities as a means of “locking in” interest rates.

 

Conversely, in a rising interest rate environment, a declining prepayment rate will extend the average life of many mortgage-backed securities. This possibility is often referred to as extension risk. Extending the average life of a mortgage-backed security increases the risk of depreciation due to future increases in market interest rates. The market for certain types of mortgage-backed securities (i.e., certain CMOs) may not be liquid under all interest rate scenarios, which may prevent a Fund from selling such securities held in its portfolio at times or prices that it desires.

 

Different types of derivative debt securities are subject to different combinations of prepayment, extension and/or interest rate risk. Conventional mortgage pass-through securities and sequential pay CMOs are subject to all of these risks, but are typically not leveraged. Thus, the magnitude of exposure may be less than for more leveraged mortgage-backed securities.

 

Planned amortization class (“PAC”) and target amortization class (“TAC”) CMO bonds involve less exposure to prepayment, extension and interest rate risk than other mortgage-backed securities, provided that prepayment rates remain within expected prepayment ranges or “collars.” To the extent that prepayment rates remain within these prepayment ranges, the residual or support tranches of PAC and TAC CMOs assume the extra prepayment extension and interest rate risk associated with the underlying mortgage assets.

 

An underlying investment company may invest in floating rate securities based on the Cost of Funds Index (“COFI floaters”), other “lagging rate” floating rate securities, floating rate securities that are subject to a maximum interest rate (“capped floaters”), and mortgage-backed securities purchased at a discount. The primary risks associated with these derivative debt securities are the potential extension of average life and/or depreciation due to rising interest rates.

 

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Recently, rating agencies have placed on credit watch or downgraded the ratings previously assigned to a large number of mortgage-related securities (which may include certain of the mortgage-related securities in which an underlying investment company may have invested or may in the future be invested), and may continue to do so in the future. In the event that any mortgage-related security held by an underlying investment company is placed on credit watch or downgraded, the value of such mortgage-related security may decline and the underlying investment company invested in such security, and thus the Free Market Fixed Income Fund, may consequently experience losses in respect of such mortgage-related security.

 

Mortgage Dollar Roll Transactions. The Free Market Fixed Income Fund’s underlying investment companies may enter into mortgage dollar roll transactions in which the underlying investment company sells securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts with the same counterparty to repurchase similar (same type, coupon and maturity), but not identical securities on a specified future date.

 

During the roll period, the underlying investment company would forgo principal and interest paid on such securities. However, the underlying investment company would benefit to the extent of any difference between the price received for the securities sold and the lower forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the “drop”) or fee income plus the interest on the cash proceeds of the securities sold until the settlement date of the forward purchase. Unless such benefits exceed the income, capital appreciation and gain or loss due to mortgage prepayments that would have been realized on the securities sold as part of the mortgage dollar roll, the use of this technique will diminish the investment performance of the underlying investment company compared with what such performance would have been without the use of mortgage dollar rolls. Any benefits derived from the use of mortgage dollar rolls may depend upon mortgage prepayment assumptions, which will be affected by changes in interest rates. There is no assurance that mortgage dollar rolls can be successfully employed. For additional information on dollar rolls, please refer to the section entitled “Dollar Rolls” in this SAI.

 

Options on Futures Contracts. To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Fund’s underlying investment companies may purchase and sell various kinds of futures contracts, and purchase and write call and put options on any of such futures contracts. The acquisition of put and call options on futures contracts will give an underlying investment company the right (but not the obligation) for a specified price to sell or to purchase, respectively, the underlying futures contract at any time during the option period. As the purchaser of an option on a futures contract, an underlying investment company obtains the benefit of the futures position if prices move in a favorable direction but limits its risk of loss in the event of an unfavorable price movement to the loss of the premium and transaction costs.

 

The writing of a call option on a futures contract generates a premium, which may partially offset a decline in the value of an underlying investment company’s assets. By writing a call option, an underlying investment company becomes obligated, in exchange for the premium, (upon exercise of the option) to sell a futures contract if the option is exercised, which may have a value higher than the exercise price. Conversely, the writing of a put option on a futures contract generates a premium, which may partially offset an increase in the price of securities that an underlying investment company intends to purchase. However, the underlying investment company becomes obligated (upon exercise of the option) to purchase a futures contract if the option is exercised, which may have a value lower than the exercise price. Thus, the loss incurred by an underlying investment company in writing options on futures is potentially unlimited and may exceed the amount of the premium received. The underlying investment company will incur transaction costs in connection with the writing of options on futures.

 

The holder or writer of an option on a futures contract may terminate its position by selling or purchasing an offsetting option on the same financial instrument. There is no guarantee that such closing transactions can be effected. An underlying investment company’s ability to establish and close out positions on such options will be subject to the development and maintenance of a liquid market.

 

Transactions in futures contracts and options on futures involve brokerage costs, require margin deposits and, in some cases, may require the applicable underlying investment company to establish a segregated account consisting of cash or liquid securities in an amount equal to the underlying value of such contracts and options.

 

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The use of futures contracts entails certain risks, including but not limited to the following: no assurance that futures contracts transactions can be offset at favorable prices; possible reduction of the underlying investment company’s income due to the use of hedging; possible reduction in value of both the securities hedged and the hedging instrument; possible lack of liquidity due to daily limits on price fluctuations; imperfect correlation between the contract and the securities being hedged; and potential losses in excess of the amount initially invested in the futures contracts themselves. If the expectations of the adviser of the underlying investment company regarding movements in securities prices or interest rates are incorrect, the underlying investment company may have experienced better investment results without hedging. The use of futures contracts and options on futures contracts requires special skills in addition to those needed to select portfolio securities.

 

While transactions in futures contracts and options on futures may reduce certain risks, such transactions themselves entail certain other risks. Thus, while an underlying investment company may benefit from the use of futures and options on futures, unanticipated changes in interest rates or securities prices may result in a poorer overall performance for the underlying investment company than if it had not entered into any futures contracts or options transactions. In the event of an imperfect correlation between a futures position and a portfolio position which is intended to be protected, the desired protection may not be obtained and the underlying investment company may be exposed to risk of loss.

 

Perfect correlation between an underlying investment company’s futures positions and portfolio positions will be impossible to achieve. There are no futures contracts based upon individual securities, except certain U.S. government securities. Other futures contracts available to hedge an underlying investment company’s portfolio investments generally are limited to futures on various securities indices.

 

Options on Securities and Securities Indices. To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Fund’s underlying investment companies may each write covered call and secured put options on any securities in which it may invest or on any domestic stock indices based on securities in which it may invest. An underlying investment company may purchase and write such options on securities that are listed on national domestic securities exchanges or foreign securities exchanges or traded in the over-the-counter market. A call option written by an underlying investment company obligates the investment company to sell specified securities to the holder of the option at a specified price if the option is exercised at any time before the expiration date, regardless of the market price of the security.

 

A put option written by an underlying investment company obligates the underlying investment company to purchase specified securities from the option holder at a specified price if the option is exercised at any time before the expiration date, regardless of the market price for the security. The purpose of writing such options is to generate additional income. However, in return for the option premium, the underlying investment company accepts the risk that it will be required to purchase the underlying securities at a price in excess of the securities’ market value at the time of purchase.

 

A written call option or put option may be covered by (i) maintaining cash or liquid securities, either of which may be quoted or denominated in any currency, in a segregated account noted on the underlying investment company’s records or maintained by the underlying investment company’s custodian with a value at least equal to the underlying investment company’s obligation under the option, (ii) entering into an offsetting forward commitment and/or (iii) purchasing an offsetting option or any other option which, by virtue of its exercise price or otherwise, reduces the underlying investment company’s net exposure on its written option position.

 

An underlying investment company may terminate its obligations under an exchange-traded call or put option by purchasing an option identical to the one it has written. Obligations under over-the-counter options may be terminated only by entering into an offsetting transaction with the counterparts to such option. Such purchases are referred to as “closing purchase transactions” and do not result in the ownership of an option. A closing purchase transaction will ordinarily be effected to realize a profit on an outstanding option, to prevent an underlying security from being called, to permit the sale of the underlying security or to permit the writing of a new option containing different terms on such underlying security. The cost of such a liquidation purchase plus transaction costs may be greater than the premium received upon the original option, in which event the underlying investment company will have incurred a loss in the transaction.

 

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An underlying investment company may also write (sell) covered call and put options on any securities index composed of securities in which it may invest. Options on securities indices are similar to options on securities, except that the exercise of securities index options requires cash settlement payments and does not involve the actual purchase or sale of securities. The amount of this settlement will be equal to the difference between the closing price of the securities index at the time of exercise and the exercise price of the option expressed in dollars, times a specified amount. In addition, securities index options are designed to reflect price fluctuations in a group of securities or segment of the securities market rather than price fluctuations in a single security.

 

An underlying investment company may cover call options on a securities index by owning securities whose price changes are expected to be similar to those of the underlying index or by having an absolute and immediate right to acquire such securities without additional cash consideration (or for additional cash consideration held in a segregated account) upon conversion or exchange of other securities in its portfolio. An underlying investment company may also cover call and put options on a securities index by using the other methods described above.

 

An underlying investment company would normally purchase call options in anticipation of an increase, or put options in anticipation of a decrease (“protective puts”) in the market value of securities of the type in which it may invest. The purchase of a call option would entitle an underlying investment company, in return for the premium paid, to purchase specified securities at a specified price during the option period. An underlying investment company would ordinarily realize a gain on the purchase of a call option if, during the option period, the value of such securities exceeded the sum of the exercise price, the premium paid and transaction costs; otherwise the underlying investment company would realize either no gain or a loss on the purchase of the call option. The purchase of a put option would entitle an underlying investment company, in exchange for the premium paid, to sell specified securities at a specified price during the option period. The purchase of protective puts is designed to offset or hedge against a decline in the market value of an underlying investment company’s securities. Put options may also be purchased by an underlying investment company for the purpose of affirmatively benefiting from a decline in the price of securities which it does not own. An underlying investment company would ordinarily realize a gain if, during the option period, the value of the underlying securities decreased below the exercise price sufficiently to cover the premium and transaction costs; otherwise the underlying investment company would realize either no gain or a loss on the purchase of the put option. Gains and losses on the purchase of put options may be offset by countervailing changes in the value of the underlying portfolio securities.

 

An underlying investment company may purchase put and call options on securities indices for the same purposes as it may purchase options on securities. Options on securities indices are similar to options on securities, except that the exercise of securities index options requires cash payments and does not involve the actual purchase or sale of securities. In addition, securities index options are designed to reflect price fluctuations in a group of securities or segment of the securities market rather than price fluctuations in a single security.

 

Although an underlying investment company may use option transactions to seek to generate additional income and to seek to reduce the effect of any adverse price movement in the securities or currency subject to the option, they do involve certain risks that are different in some respects from investment risks associated with similar mutual funds, which do not engage in such activities. These risks include the following: for writing call options, the inability to effect closing transactions at favorable prices and the inability to participate in the appreciation of the underlying securities above the exercise price; for writing put options, the inability to effect closing transactions at favorable prices and the obligation to purchase the specified securities or to make a cash settlement on the securities index at prices which may not reflect current market values; and for purchasing call and put options, the possible loss of the entire premium paid. In addition, the effectiveness of hedging through the purchase or sale of securities index options, including options on the S&P 500® Index, will depend upon the extent to which price movements in the portion of the securities portfolio being hedged correlate with the price movements in the selected securities index. Perfect correlation may not be possible because the securities held or to be acquired by an underlying investment company may not exactly match the composition of the securities index on which options are written. If the forecasts of the adviser of the underlying investment company regarding movements in securities prices or interest rates are incorrect, an underlying investment company’s investment results may have been better without the hedge transactions.

 

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There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on a domestic or foreign options exchange will exist for any particular exchange-traded option or at any particular time. If an underlying investment company is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction with respect to covered options it has written, the investment company will not be able to sell the underlying securities or dispose of assets held in a segregated account until the options expire or are exercised. Similarly, if an underlying investment company is unable to effect a closing sale transaction with respect to options it has purchased, it would have to exercise the options in order to realize any profit and will incur transaction costs upon the purchase or sale of underlying securities or currencies.

 

Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market on an exchange include the following: (i) there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options; (ii) restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions or closing transactions or both; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options; (iv) unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; (v) the facilities of an exchange or the Options Clearing Corporation may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading volume; or (vi) one or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options), in which event the secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to exist although outstanding options on that exchange that had been issued by the Options Clearing Corporation as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.

 

The writing and purchase of options is a highly specialized activity, which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The successful use of options for hedging purposes depends in part on the adviser’s ability to predict future price fluctuations and the degree of correlation between the options and securities markets.

 

Pay-in-Kind Securities, Zero Coupon and Capital Appreciation Bonds. To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Fund’s underlying investment companies may invest in pay-in-kind (“PIK”) securities. PIK securities may be debt obligations or preferred shares that provide the issuer with the option of paying interest or dividends on such obligations in cash or in the form of additional securities rather than cash. Similarly, zero coupon and capital appreciation bonds are debt securities issued or sold at a discount from their face value and do not entitle the holder to any periodic payment of interest prior to maturity or a specified date. The amount of the discount varies depending on the time remaining until maturity or cash payment date, prevailing interest rates, the liquidity of the security and the perceived credit quality of the issuer. These securities also may take the form of debt securities that have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons, the coupons themselves or receipts or certificates representing interests in such stripped debt obligations or coupons. A portion of the discount with respect to stripped tax-exempt securities or their coupons may be taxable. Such securities are designed to give an issuer flexibility in managing cash flow. PIK securities that are debt securities can either be senior or subordinated debt and generally trade flat (i.e., without accrued interest). The trading price of PIK debt securities generally reflects the market value of the underlying debt plus an amount representing accrued interest since the last interest payment.

 

PIK securities, zero coupon bonds and capital appreciation bonds involve the additional risk that, unlike securities that periodically pay interest to maturity, an underlying investment company will realize no cash until a specified future payment date unless a portion of such securities is sold and, if the issuer of such securities defaults, an underlying investment company may obtain no return at all on its investment. In addition, even though such securities may not provide for the payment of current interest in cash, an underlying investment company is nonetheless required to accrue income on such investments for each taxable year and generally is required to distribute such accrued amounts (net of deductible expenses, if any) to avoid being subject to tax. Because no cash is generally received at the time of the accrual, an underlying investment company may be required to liquidate other portfolio securities to obtain sufficient cash to satisfy federal tax distribution requirements applicable to the underlying investment company. Additionally, the market prices of PIK securities, zero coupon bonds and capital appreciation bonds generally are more volatile than the market prices of interest bearing securities and are likely to respond to a greater degree to changes in interest rates than interest bearing securities having similar maturities and credit quality.

 

Purchase Warrants. To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Fund’s underlying investment companies may invest in purchase warrants and similar rights. Purchase warrants are privileges issued by a corporation which enable the owner to subscribe to and purchase a specified number of shares of the corporation at a specified price during a specified period of time. Subscription rights normally have a short lifespan to expiration. The purchase of warrants involves the risk that the underlying investment company could lose the purchase value of a warrant if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not executed prior to the warrants’ expiration. Also, the purchase of warrants involves the risk that the effective price paid for the warrant added to the subscription price of the related security may exceed the value of the subscribed security’s market price such as when there is no movement in the level of the underlying security.

 

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Real Estate Investment Trust Securities. To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Fund’s underlying investment companies may invest in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”). REITs generally invest directly in real estate, in mortgages or in some combination of the two. Individual REITs may own a limited number of properties and may concentrate in a particular region or property type. A REIT is a corporation, or a business trust that would otherwise be taxed as a corporation, which meets the definitional requirements of the Code. The Code permits a qualifying REIT to deduct dividends paid, thereby effectively eliminating corporate level Federal income tax and making the REIT a pass-through vehicle for federal income tax purposes. To meet the definitional requirements of the Code, a REIT must, among other things, invest substantially all of its assets in interests in real estate (including mortgages and other REITs) or cash and government securities, derive most of its income from rents from real property or interest on loans secured by mortgages on real property, and distribute to shareholders annually a substantial portion of its otherwise taxable income.

 

Generally, REITs can be classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs and hybrid REITs. Equity REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive their income primarily from rents and capital gains from appreciation realized through property sales. Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive their income primarily from interest payments. Hybrid REITs combine the characteristics of both equity and mortgage REITs. The values of securities issued by REITs are affected by tax and regulatory requirements and by perceptions of management skill. They also are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers or tenants, self-liquidation and the possibility of failing to qualify for tax-free status under the Code or to maintain exemption from the 1940 Act. Unexpected high rates of default on the mortgages held by a mortgage pool may adversely affect the value of a mortgage-backed security and could result in losses to a mortgage REIT. The risk of such defaults is generally higher in the case of mortgage pools that include subprime mortgages. To the extent that a mortgage REIT’s portfolio is exposed to lower-rated, unsecured or subordinated instruments, the risk of loss may increase, which may have a negative impact on an underlying investment company, and therefore the Funds.

 

The REITs in which the underlying investment companies may invest may be affected by economic forces and other factors related to the real estate industry. REITs are sensitive to factors such as changes in real estate values, property taxes, interest rates, cash flow of underlying real estate assets, occupancy rates, government regulations affecting zoning, land use and rents, and management skill and creditworthiness of the issuer. Companies in the real estate industry may also be subject to liabilities under environmental and hazardous waste laws. REITS whose underlying assets include long-term health care properties; such as nursing, retirement and assisted living homes, may be impacted by federal regulations concerning the health care industry. An underlying investment company will indirectly bear its proportionate share of expenses, including management fees, paid by each REIT in which it invests in addition to the expenses of the underlying investment company. An underlying investment company is also subject to the risk that the REITs in which it invests will fail to qualify for tax-free pass-through of income under the Code, and/or fail to qualify for an exemption from registration as an investment company under the 1940 Act. Mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of the credit extended. A REIT’s return may be adversely affected when interest rates are high or rising.

 

Investing in REITs may involve risks similar to those associated with investing in small capitalization companies. REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. Historically, small capitalization stocks, such as REITs, have been more volatile in price than the larger capitalization stocks included in the S&P 500® Index.

 

Repurchase Agreements. Each Fund’s underlying investment companies may agree to purchase securities from financial institutions subject to the seller’s agreement to repurchase them at an agreed-upon time and price (“repurchase agreements”). The securities held subject to a repurchase agreement may have stated maturities exceeding 397 days, provided the repurchase agreement itself matures in less than 13 months. Default by or bankruptcy of the seller would, however, expose an underlying investment company to possible loss because of adverse market action or delays in connection with the disposition of the underlying obligations.

 

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Default by or bankruptcy of the seller would, expose an underlying investment company to possible loss because of adverse market action or delays in connection with the disposition of the underlying obligations.

 

Restricted and Illiquid Securities. Each Fund’s underlying investment companies may not invest more than 15% of their respective net assets in illiquid securities, including securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily available market or legal or contractual restrictions on resale. Illiquid securities include: repurchase agreements and time deposits with a notice or demand period of more than seven days; interest rate; currency and mortgage swaps; interest rate caps; floors and collars; municipal leases; certain restricted securities, such as those purchased in a private placement of securities, unless it is determined, based upon a review of the trading markets for a specific restricted security, that such restricted security is liquid; and certain over-the-counter options. Securities that have legal or contractual restrictions on resale but have a readily available market are not considered illiquid for purposes of this limitation.

 

Mutual funds do not typically hold a significant amount of restricted or other illiquid securities because of the potential for delays on resale and uncertainty in valuation. Limitations on resale may have an adverse effect on the marketability of portfolio securities and a mutual fund might be unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty in satisfying redemptions within seven days. A mutual fund might also have to register such restricted securities in order to dispose of them resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of securities.

 

Each underlying investment company may purchase securities which are not registered under the Securities Act but which may be sold to “qualified institutional buyers” in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act (“Restricted Securities”). These securities will not be considered illiquid so long as it is determined by the underlying investment adviser that an adequate trading market exists for the securities. This investment practice could have the effect of increasing the level of illiquidity in an underlying investment company during any period that qualified institutional buyers become uninterested in purchasing restricted securities.

 

The underlying investment adviser will monitor the liquidity of Restricted Securities held by an underlying investment company. In reaching liquidity decisions, the underlying investment adviser may consider, among others, the following factors: (1) the unregistered nature of the security; (2) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (3) the number of dealers wishing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential purchasers; (4) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; and (5) the nature of the security and the nature of the marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of the transfer).

 

The purchase price and subsequent valuation of Restricted Securities normally reflect a discount from the price at which such securities trade when they are not restricted, since the restriction makes them less liquid. The amount of the discount from the prevailing market price is expected to vary depending upon the type of security, the character of the issuer, the party who will bear the expenses of registering the Restricted Securities and prevailing supply and demand conditions.

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreements. To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Fund’s underlying investment companies may enter into reverse repurchase agreements. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the sale of securities held by an underlying investment company subject to the underlying investment company’s agreement to repurchase the securities at an agreed-upon price, date and rate of interest. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities sold by an underlying investment company may decline below the price of the securities the underlying investment company is obligated to repurchase and the interest received on the cash exchanged for the securities. Reverse repurchase agreements are considered to be borrowings under the 1940 Act.

 

Short Sales. To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Fund’s underlying investment companies may enter into short sales. Short sales are transactions in which an underlying investment company sells a security it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the market value of that security. To complete such a transaction, the underlying investment company must borrow the security to make delivery to the buyer. The underlying investment company then is obligated to replace the security borrowed by purchasing it at the market price at the time of replacement. The price at such time may be more or less than the price at which the security was sold by the underlying investment company. Until the security is replaced, the underlying investment company is required to pay to the lender amounts equal to any dividend which accrues during the period of the loan. To borrow the security, the underlying investment company also may be required to pay a premium, which would increase the cost of the security sold. The proceeds of the short sale will be retained by the broker, to the extent necessary to meet margin requirements, until the short position is closed out.

 

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Until an underlying investment company replaces a borrowed security in connection with a short sale, the underlying investment company will: (a) maintain daily a segregated account, containing cash, cash equivalents, or liquid marketable securities, at such a level that the amount deposited in the account plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will equal the current value of the security sold short or (b) otherwise cover its short position in accordance with positions taken by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

 

An underlying investment company will incur a loss as a result of the short sale if the price of the security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the underlying investment company replaces the borrowed security. The underlying investment company will realize a gain if the security declines in price between those dates. This result is the opposite of what one would expect from a cash purchase of a long position in a security. The amount of any gain will be decreased, and the amount of any loss increased, by the amount of any premium or amounts in lieu of interest the underlying investment company may be required to pay in connection with a short sale.

 

Short Sales “Against the Box.” In addition to the short sales discussed above, an underlying investment company may make short sales “against the box,” a transaction in which a fund enters into a short sale of a security that the fund owns or has the right to obtain at no additional cost. The proceeds of the short sale will be held by a broker until the settlement date at which time the underlying investment company delivers the security to close the short position. The underlying investment company receives the net proceeds from the short sale.

 

Structured Securities. The Free Market Fixed Income Fund’s underlying investment companies may invest in structured securities. The value of the principal of and/or interest on structured securities is determined by reference to changes in the value of specific currencies, commodities, securities, indices or other financial indicators (the “Reference”) or the relative change in two or more References. The interest rate or the principal amount payable upon maturity or redemption may be increased or decreased depending upon changes in the applicable Reference. Examples of structured securities include, but are not limited to, notes where the principal repayment at maturity is determined by the value of the relative change in two or more specified securities or securities indices.

 

The terms of some structured securities may provide that in certain circumstances no principal is due at maturity and, therefore, an underlying investment company could suffer a total loss of its investment. Structured securities may be positively or negatively indexed, so that appreciation of the Reference may produce an increase or decrease in the interest rate or value of the security at maturity. In addition, changes in the interest rate or the value of the security at maturity may be a multiple of the changes in the value of the Reference. Consequently, structured securities may entail a greater degree of market risk than other types of securities. Structured securities may also be more volatile, less liquid and more difficult to accurately price than less complex securities due to their derivative nature.

 

Special Note Regarding Market Events. Events in the financial sector over the past several years have resulted in reduced liquidity in credit and fixed income markets and in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestically and internationally. While entire markets have been impacted, issuers that have exposure to the real estate, mortgage and credit markets have been particularly affected. These events and the potential for continuing market turbulence may have an adverse effect on the underlying investment companies’ investments. It is uncertain how long these conditions will continue.

 

The instability in the financial markets has led the U.S. government to take a number of unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions and certain segments of the financial markets. Federal, state and foreign governments, regulatory agencies, and self-regulatory organizations may take actions that affect the regulation of the instruments in which the Fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that are unforeseeable. Such legislation or regulation could limit or preclude an underlying investment company’s, and thus a Fund’s, ability to achieve its investment objective.

 

22

 

Governments or their agencies may also acquire distressed assets from financial institutions and acquire ownership interests in those institutions. The implications of government ownership and disposition of these assets are unclear, and such ownership or disposition may have positive or negative effects on the liquidity, valuation and performance of the underlying investment companies’ holdings.

 

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

The Company has adopted, on behalf of the Funds, a policy relating to the selective disclosure of each Fund’s portfolio holdings by the Adviser, director, officer or third party service provider in accordance with regulations that seek to ensure that disclosure of information about portfolio holdings is in the best interest of Fund shareholders and to address conflicts of interests of Portfolio shareholders and their service providers. The policies relating to the disclosure of the Funds’ portfolio securities are designed to allow disclosure of Portfolio holdings information where necessary to the Fund’s operation without compromising the integrity or performance of the Fund. It is the policy of the Company that disclosure of a Fund’s portfolio holdings to a select person or persons prior to the release of such holdings to the public (“selective disclosure”) is prohibited, unless there are legitimate business purposes for selective disclosure.

 

The Company discloses portfolio holdings information as required in regulatory filings and shareholder reports, discloses portfolio holdings information as required by federal and state securities laws and may disclose portfolio holdings information in response to requests by governmental authorities. As required by the federal securities laws, including the 1940 Act, the Company will disclose the Funds’ portfolio holdings in applicable regulatory filings, including shareholder reports, reports on Form N-CSR and Form N-Q or such other filings, reports or disclosure documents as the applicable regulatory authorities may require.

 

The Company may distribute or authorize the distribution of information about the Funds’ portfolio holdings that is not publicly available to its third-party service providers of the Company, which include U.S. Bank, N.A., the custodian for the Funds; U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“USBFS”), the administrator, accounting agent and transfer agent; PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm; Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, legal counsel; and FilePoint, the financial printer. These service providers are required to keep such information confidential, and are prohibited from trading based on the information or otherwise using the information except as necessary in providing services to the Funds. Such holdings are released on conditions of confidentiality, which include appropriate trading prohibitions. “Conditions of confidentiality” include confidentiality terms included in written agreements, implied by the nature of the relationship (e.g. attorney-client relationship), or required by fiduciary or regulatory principles (e.g., custody services provided by financial institutions). Portfolio holdings may also be provided earlier to shareholders and their agents who receive redemptions in kind that reflect a pro rata allocation of all securities held in a Fund’s portfolio.

 

Portfolio holdings may also be disclosed, upon authorization by a designated officer of the Adviser, to (i) certain independent reporting agencies recognized by the SEC as acceptable agencies for the reporting of industry statistical information. Disclosures to financial consultants are also subject to a confidentiality agreement and/or trading restrictions as well as 15-day time lag. The foregoing disclosures are made pursuant to the Company’s policy on selective disclosure of portfolio holdings. The Board or a committee thereof may, in limited circumstances, permit other selective disclosure of portfolio holdings subject to a confidentiality agreement and/or trading restrictions. Portfolio holdings may also be provided earlier to shareholders and their agents who receive redemptions in kind that reflect a pro rata allocation of all securities held in the Funds’ portfolios.

 

The Adviser reserves the right to refuse to fulfill any request for portfolio holdings information from a shareholder or non-shareholder if it believes that providing such information will be contrary to the best interests of the Funds.

 

The Board provides ongoing oversight of the Company’s policies and procedures and compliance with such policies and procedures. As part of this oversight function, the Board receives from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) as necessary, reports on compliance with these policies and procedures. In addition, the Board receives an annual assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of the policies and procedures with respect to the Funds, and any changes thereto, and an annual review of the operation of the policies and procedures. Any violation of the policy set forth above as well as any corrective action undertaken to address such violation must be reported by the Adviser, director, officer or third party service provider to the Company’s CCO, who will determine whether the violation should be reported immediately to the Board or at its next quarterly Board meeting.

 

23

 

Portfolio Turnover. Changes may be made to a Fund’s portfolio consistent with the investment objective and policies of such Fund whenever such changes are believed to be in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. The portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities by the average monthly value of a Fund’s portfolio securities. For purposes of this calculation, portfolio securities exclude all securities having a maturity when purchased of one year or less. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the portfolio turnover rates for the Funds can be found below. High portfolio turnover may result in increased brokerage costs to a Fund and also adverse tax consequences to a Fund’s shareholders. Under normal circumstances each of the Funds expects to have a low portfolio turnover rate.

 

 

For the Fiscal

Year Ended
August 31, 2017

 

For the Fiscal

Year Ended
August 31, 2016

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund   5%   1%
Free Market International Equity Fund   2%   1%
Free Market Fixed Income Fund   0%   31%

 

MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the oversight of the Board, subject to the laws of the State of Maryland and the Company’s Charter. The Directors are responsible for deciding matters of overall policy and overseeing the actions of the Company’s service providers. The officers of the Company conduct and supervise the Company’s daily business operations.

 

Directors who are not deemed to be “interested persons” of the Company (as defined in the 1940 Act) are referred to as “Independent Directors.” Directors who are deemed to be “interested persons” of the Company are referred to as “Interested Directors.” The Board is currently composed of seven Independent Directors and one Interested Director. The Board has selected Arnold M. Reichman, an Independent Director, to act as Chairman. Mr. Reichman’s duties include presiding at meetings of the Board and interfacing with management to address significant issues that may arise between regularly scheduled Board and Committee meetings. In the performance of his duties, Mr. Reichman will consult with the other Independent Directors and the Company’s officers and legal counsel, as appropriate. The Chairman may perform other functions as requested by the Board from time to time.

 

The Board meets as often as necessary to discharge its responsibilities. Currently, the Board conducts regular, in-person meetings at least four times a year, and holds special in-person or telephonic meetings as necessary to address specific issues that require attention prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting. The Board also relies on professionals, such as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firms and legal counsel, to assist the Directors in performing their oversight responsibilities.

 

The Board has established nine standing committees — Audit, Contract, Executive, Investment Risk, Nominating and Governance, Product Development, Regulatory Oversight, Strategic Oversight, and Valuation Committees. The Board may establish other committees, or nominate one or more Directors to examine particular issues related to the Board’s oversight responsibilities, from time to time. Each Committee meets periodically to perform its delegated oversight functions and reports its findings and recommendations to the Board. For more information on the Committees, see the section “Standing Board Committees,” below.

 

The Board has determined that the Company’s leadership structure is appropriate because it allows the Board to effectively perform its oversight responsibilities.

 

24

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below.

 

Name, Address, and Age Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and Length of

Time Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios

in Fund Complex

Overseen by Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 84

Director 1988 to present From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications). 29 AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

J. Richard Carnall
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 79

Director 2002 to present

Since 1984, Director of Haydon Bolts, Inc. (bolt manufacturer) and Parkway Real Estate Company (subsidiary of Haydon Bolts, Inc.); since 2004, Director of Cornerstone Bank.

29 None

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 51

Director 2012 to present

Since 2009, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services); from 2003 to 2009, Managing Director, head of Business Services and IT Services Practice, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC (investment banking/brokerage).

29

Emtec, Inc.; FS Investment Corporation (business development company); FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company).

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 74

Director 2006 to present Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations. 29

Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until September 2017); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios)(registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance). 

 

25

 

Name, Address, and Age Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and Length of

Time Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios

in Fund Complex

Overseen by Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

Sam Lambroza

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI

53202

Age: 63

Director 2016 to present

Since 2010, Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer and Board Member, Tinsel Group of Companies (asset management).

29 None

Arnold M. Reichman
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 69

Chairman

 

Director

2005 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2006, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Lifebooker, LLC (online beauty and health appointment booking service).

29 Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 76

Director 2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

29

Reich and Tang Group (asset management).

 

INTERESTED DIRECTOR 2

Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 79

Vice Chairman

 

Director

2016 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director - Investments and prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

29 None

OFFICERS

Salvatore Faia, JD,
CPA, CFE
Vigilant Compliance, LLC
Gateway Corporate
Center Suite 216
223 Wilmington West
Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 55

President

 

Chief Compliance Officer

2009 to present

 

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

N/A N/A

 

26

 

Name, Address, and Age Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and Length of

Time Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios

in Fund Complex

Overseen by Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 57

 

Treasurer

and

Secretary

 2016 to present

Since 2016, Treasurer and Secretary of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A N/A

Robert Amweg
Vigilant Compliance, LLC

Gateway Corporate Center Suite 216
223 Wilmington West Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 64

Assistant

Treasurer

2016 to present

Since 2013, Compliance Director, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2012, Consultant to the financial services industry; from 2007 to 2012, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, Turner Investments, LP (registered investment company).

N/A N/A

Jesse Schmitting

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 35

Assistant Treasurer 2016 to present Since 2008, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm). N/A N/A

Edward Paz

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 46

Assistant Secretary

 

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A N/A

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square
Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 58

Assistant
Secretary
1999 to present Since 1993, Partner, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm). N/A N/A

 

27

 

Name, Address, and Age Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and Length of

Time Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios

in Fund Complex

Overseen by Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

Jillian L. Bosmann

One Logan Square
Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 38

Assistant
Secretary

September 2017

to present

Since 2017, Partner, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm); Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (2006 to present). N/A N/A

 

* Each Director oversees twenty-nine portfolios of the Company.
1. Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his successor is elected and qualified or his death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.
2. Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Carnall has decades of senior executive-level management experience in the banking and financial services industry and also serves on the boards of various corporations and a bank. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Mr. Lambroza has decades of experience and executive level leadership in the energy trading industry in addition to his experience in academia.

 

Standing Committees

 

The responsibilities of each Committee of the Board and its members are described below.

 

Audit Committee. The Board has an Audit Committee comprised of three Independent Directors. The current members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Brodsky, Chandler and Giordano. The Audit Committee, among other things, reviews results of the annual audit and approves the firm(s) to serve as independent auditors. The Audit Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Contract Committee. The Board has a Contract Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Contract Committee are Messrs. Brodsky, Chandler, Sablowsky and Straniere. The Contract Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the approval and continuation of agreements and plans of the Company. The Contract Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

28

 

Executive Committee. The Board has an Executive Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Executive Committee are Messrs. Chandler, Giordano, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Executive Committee may generally carry on and manage the business of the Company when the Board is not in session. The Executive Committee did not meet during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Investment Risk Committee. The Board has an Investment Risk Committee comprised of the Interested Director and two Independent Directors. The current members of the Investment Risk Committee are Messrs. Lambroza, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Investment Risk Committee ensures that the Company’s investment advisers have adopted investment risk management policies and procedures. The Investment Risk Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Nominating and Governance Committee. The Board has a Nominating and Governance Committee comprised of three Independent Directors. The current members of the Nominating and Governance Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Giordano and Reichman. The Nominating and Governance Committee recommends to the Board all persons to be nominated as Directors of the Company. The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders. Recommendations should be submitted to the Committee care of the Company’s Secretary. The Nominating and Governance Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Product Development Committee. The Board has a Product Development Committee comprised of the Interested Director and one Independent Director. The current members of the Product Development Committee are Messrs. Reichman and Sablowsky. The Product Development Committee oversees the process regarding the addition of new investment advisers and investment products to the Company. The Product Development Committee convened six times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Regulatory Oversight Committee. The Board has a Regulatory Oversight Committee comprised of the Interested Director and four Independent Directors. The current members of the Regulatory Oversight Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Lambroza, Reichman, Sablowsky and Straniere. The Regulatory Oversight Committee monitors regulatory developments in the mutual fund industry and focuses on various regulatory aspects of the operation of the Company. The Regulatory Oversight Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Strategic Oversight Committee. The Board has a Strategic Oversight Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Strategic Oversight Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Chandler, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Strategic Oversight Committee assists the Board in its oversight and review of the Company’s strategic plan and operations. The Strategic Oversight Committee convened one time during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Valuation Committee. The Board has a Valuation Committee comprised of the Interested Director, one Independent Director and three officers of the Company. The members of the Valuation Committee are Messrs. Amweg, Faia, Lambroza, Sablowsky and Shaw. The Valuation Committee is responsible for reviewing fair value determinations. The Valuation Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Risk Oversight

 

The Board performs its risk oversight function for the Company through a combination of (1) direct oversight by the Board as a whole and Board committees and (2) indirect oversight through the Company’s investment advisers and other service providers, Company officers and the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer. The Company is subject to a number of risks, including but not limited to investment risk, compliance risk, operational risk, reputational risk, credit risk and counterparty risk. Day-to-day risk management with respect to the Company is the responsibility of the Company’s investment advisers or other service providers (depending on the nature of the risk) that carry out the Company’s investment management and business affairs. Each of the investment advisers and the other service providers have their own independent interest in risk management and their policies and methods of risk management will depend on their functions and business models and may differ from the Company’s and each other’s in the setting of priorities, the resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls.

 

29

 

The Board provides risk oversight by receiving and reviewing on a regular basis reports from the Company’s investment advisers or other service providers, receiving and approving compliance policies and procedures, periodic meetings with the Company’s portfolio managers to review investment policies, strategies and risks, and meeting regularly with the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer to discuss compliance reports, findings and issues. The Board also relies on the Company’s investment advisers and other service providers, with respect to the day-to-day activities of the Company, to create and maintain procedures and controls to minimize risk and the likelihood of adverse effects on the Company’s business and reputation.

 

Board oversight of risk management is also provided by various Board Committees. For example, the Audit Committee meets with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firms to ensure that the Company’s respective audit scopes include risk-based considerations as to the Company’s financial position and operations.

 

The Board may, at any time and in its discretion, change the manner in which it conducts risk oversight. The Board’s oversight role does not make the Board a guarantor of the Company’s investments or activities.

 

Director Ownership of Shares of the Company

 

The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Director in the Funds and in all of the portfolios of the Company (which for each Director comprise all registered investment companies within the Company’s family of investment companies overseen by him) as of December 31, 2016.

 

Name of Director

Dollar Range of

Equity Securities in the

Funds

Aggregate Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in All
Registered Investment Companies
Overseen by Director within the
Family of Investment Companies
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
Julian A. Brodsky None Over $100,000
J. Richard Carnall None $10,001-$50,000
Gregory P. Chandler None $1-$10,000
Nicholas A. Giordano None $10,001-$50,000
Sam Lambroza None Over $100,000
Arnold M. Reichman None Over $100,000
Robert A. Straniere None $1-$10,000
INTERESTED DIRECTOR
Robert Sablowsky None Over $100,000

 

The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Director in each individual Fund as of December 31, 2016:

 

30

 

Name of Director/Officer Free Market
U.S. Equity Fund
Free Market
International
Equity Fund
Free Market
Fixed Income
Fund
Independent Directors:      
Julian A. Brodsky, Director None None None
J. Richard Carnall, Director None None None
Gregory P. Chandler, Director None None None
Nicholas A. Giordano, Director None None None
Sam Lambroza, Director None None None
Arnold M. Reichman, Director and Chairman None None None
Robert A. Straniere, Director None None None
Interested Director:      
Robert Sablowsky, Director None None None

 

Directors’ and Officers’ Compensation

 

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company pays each Director a retainer at the rate of $100,000 annually, $10,000 for each regular meeting of the Board, $3,500 for each committee meeting attended in-person, and $2,000 for each committee meeting attended telephonically or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each receive an additional fee of $15,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Contract Committee receives an additional fee of $10,000 per year for his services, and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee and Chairman of the Investment Risk Committee each receive an additional fee of $7,500 per year for his services. The Vice Chairman of the Board receives an additional fee of $25,000 per year for his services in this capacity and the Chairman of the Board receives an additional fee of $50,000 per year for his services in this capacity.

 

From January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017, the Company paid each Director a retainer at the rate of $100,000 annually, $5,000 for each regular meeting of the Board, $2,500 for each committee meeting attended in-person, and $2,000 for each committee meeting attended telephonically or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each received an additional fee of $15,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Contract Committee received an additional fee of $10,000 for his services and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee received an additional fee of $7,500 for his services. Effective June 1, 2017, the Chairman of the Investment Risk Committee received an additional fee of $7,500 for his services. The Vice Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $25,000 for his services in this capacity and the Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $50,000 for his services in this capacity.

 

From January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 the Company paid each Director a retainer at the rate of $85,000 annually, $3,500 for each regular meeting of the Board, and $2,000 for each committee meeting or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each received an additional fee of $10,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Chairman of the Contract Committee each received an additional fee of $6,000 per year for his services. The Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $25,000 per year for his services in this capacity.

 

Directors are reimbursed for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board or any committee thereof. Employees of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serve as President, Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Treasurer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company, and such compensation is determined by the Board. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, Vigilant Compliance, LLC received $68,035, $50,738 and $60,802 from the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund and Free Market Fixed Income Fund, respectively, and $600,000 in aggregate from all series of the Company for services provided. An employee of the Company serves as Treasurer and Secretary and is compensated for services provided. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, each of the following members of the Board and the Treasurer and Secretary received compensation from the Funds in the following amounts:

 

31

 

Name of Director/Officer Aggregate
Compensation
from the Funds
Pension or
Retirement
Benefits Accrued

Estimated
Annual
Benefits

Upon
Retirement

Total
Compensation
From
Fund Complex
Paid to

Directors
or Officer

Independent Directors:        
Julian A. Brodsky, Director $41,881 N/A N/A $130,250
J. Richard Carnall, Director $41,351 N/A N/A $128,250
Gregory P. Chandler, Director $48,669 N/A N/A $151,000
Nicholas A. Giordano, Director $43,025 N/A N/A $132,875
Sam Lambroza, Director $42,906 N/A N/A $133,375
Arnold M. Reichman, Director and Chairman $56,770 N/A N/A $175,500
Robert A. Straniere, Director $41,909 N/A N/A $130,750
Interested Director:        
Robert Sablowsky, Director $56,170 N/A N/A $173,750
Officer:        
James G. Shaw, Treasurer and Secretary $84,924 N/A N/A $240,000

 

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, each of the following members of the Board and the Treasurer and Secretary received compensation from each of the Funds in the following amounts:

 

Name of Director/Officer Free Market
U.S. Equity Fund
Free Market
International
Equity Fund
Free Market
Fixed Income
Fund
Independent Directors:      
Julian A. Brodsky, Director $15,972 $11,673 $14,236
J. Richard Carnall, Director $15,775 $11,517 $14,059
Gregory P. Chandler, Director $18,574 $13,578 $16,517
Nicholas A. Giordano, Director $16,412 $11,985 $14,628
Sam Lambroza, Director $16,377 $11,967 $14,562
Arnold M. Reichman, Director and Chairman $21,672 $15,836 $19,262
Robert A. Straniere, Director $15,990 $11,683 $14,236
Interested Director:      
Robert Sablowsky, Director $21,433 $15,665 $19,072
Officer:      
James G. Shaw, Treasurer and Secretary $32,114 $23,861 $28,949

 

Each compensated Director is entitled to participate in the Company’s deferred compensation plan (the “DC Plan”). Under the DC Plan, a compensated Director may elect to defer all or a portion of his compensation and have the deferred compensation treated as if it had been invested by the Company in shares of one or more of the portfolios of the Company. The amount paid to the Directors under the DC Plan will be determined based upon the performance of such investments.

 

As of December 31, 2016, the Independent Directors and their respective immediate family members (spouse or dependent children) did not own beneficially or of record any securities of the Company’s investment advisers or distributor, or of any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment advisers or distributor.

 

32

 

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

 

As of November 30, 2017, to the Company’s knowledge, the following named persons at the addresses shown below were owners of record of approximately 5% or more of the total outstanding shares of each Fund as indicated below. See “Additional Information Concerning Company Shares” below. Any shareholder that owns 25% or more of the outstanding shares of a portfolio or class may be presumed to “control” (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) the portfolio or class. Shareholders controlling a portfolio or class could have the ability to vote a majority of the shares of the portfolio or class on any matter requiring approval of the shareholders of the portfolio or class.

 

Name of Fund Shareholder Name and Address

Number and Percentage of
Shares Owned as of
November 30, 2017
*(Percentage of shares
owned rounded to the
nearest whole percentage)  

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

Charles Schwab & Co. Inc.

211 Main Street

San Francisco, CA 94105-1905

98,379,522 62.85%
Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

Trust Company of America

P.O. Box 6503

Centennial, Co 80155-6503

55,355,329 35.37%
Free Market International Equity Fund

Charles Schwab & Co. Inc.

211 Main Street

San Francisco, CA 94105-1905

125,655,533 62.82%
Free Market International Equity Fund

Trust Company of America

P.O. Box 6503

Centennial, Co 80155-6503

70,741,860 35.37%
Free Market Fixed Income Fund

Charles Schwab & Co. Inc.

211 Main Street

San Francisco, CA 94105-1905

161,513,948 63.75%
Free Market Fixed Income Fund

Trust Company of America

P.O. Box 6503

Centennial, Co 80155-6503

89,126,863 35.18%

 

As of November 30, 2017, the Directors and officers as a group owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of each portfolio and class within the Company.

 

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CODE OF ETHICS

 

The Company and the Adviser have each adopted a code of ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act that permits personnel subject to the codes to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Company, subject to certain restrictions.

 

PROXY VOTING POLICIES

 

The Board has delegated the responsibility of voting proxies with respect to the portfolio securities purchased and/or held by each Fund to the Adviser, subject to the Board’s continuing oversight. In exercising its voting obligations, the Adviser is guided by its general fiduciary duty to act prudently and in the interest of the Funds. The Adviser will consider factors affecting the value of the Funds’ investments and the rights of shareholders in its determination on voting portfolio securities.

 

The Adviser has adopted proxy voting procedures with respect to voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Funds. A copy of the Adviser’s Proxy Voting Policies is included with this SAI. Please see Appendix B to this SAI for further information.

 

Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available, without charge, upon request, by calling 1-866-780-0357 or by visiting the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES

 

Investment Adviser

 

The Adviser renders advisory services to the Fund pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement (“Advisory Agreement”) dated as of December 31, 2007. The Adviser is not a subsidiary of or under the control of any other company. Mark E. Matson, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Adviser, owns approximately 90% of the Adviser’s voting stock, and members of Mr. Matson’s family own all of the remaining shares of the Adviser’s voting stock.

 

Subject to the supervision of the Board, the Adviser will provide for the overall management of the Funds including (i) the provision of a continuous investment program for the Funds, including investment research and management with respect to all securities, investments, cash and cash equivalents, (ii) the determination from time to time of what securities and other investments will be purchased, retained, or sold by the Funds, and (iii) the placement from time to time of orders for all purchases and sales made for the Funds. The Adviser will provide the services rendered by it in accordance with each Fund’s investment goal, restrictions and policies as stated in the Prospectus and in this SAI. The Adviser will not be liable for any error of judgment, mistake of law, or for any loss suffered by the Funds in connection with the performance of the Advisory 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 Adviser in the performance of its duties, or from reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Advisory Agreement.

 

For its services to the Funds, the Adviser is entitled to receive a monthly advisory fee at an annual rate of 0.50% of the first $1 billion of each Fund’s average daily net assets, 0.49% of each Fund’s average daily net assets over $1 billion to $5 billion and 0.47% of each Fund’s average daily net assets over $5 billion. Prior to January 1, 2013, the Adviser was entitled to receive a monthly advisory fee at an annual rate of 0.50% of each Fund’s average daily net assets. The Adviser has voluntarily agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses to the extent that the Fund’s total annual operating expenses exceeded 1.13%, 1.35% and 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets with respect to the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund and Free Market Fixed Income Fund, respectively. The Adviser may discontinue these arrangements at any time.

 

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The advisory fees, including waivers and reimbursements for the past three fiscal years are as follows:

 

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended
August 31, 2017

  Advisory Fees (after waivers and reimbursements)     Waivers     Reimbursements  
Free Market U.S. Equity Fund   $ 12,605,219     $ 0     $ 0  
Free Market International Equity Fund   $ 9,451,305     $ 0     $ 0  
Free Market Fixed Income Fund   $ 11,315,952     $ 0     $ 0  

 

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended
August 31, 2016

  Advisory Fees (after waivers and reimbursements)     Waivers     Reimbursements  
Free Market U.S. Equity Fund   $ 10,317,614     $ 0     $ 0  
Free Market International Equity Fund   $ 7,525,389     $ 0     $ 0  
Free Market Fixed Income Fund   $ 10,217,487     $ 0     $ 0  

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended
August 31, 2015
  Advisory Fees (after waivers and reimbursements)     Waivers     Reimbursements  
Free Market U.S. Equity Fund   $ 10,004,450     $ 0     $ 0  
Free Market International Equity Fund   $ 7,218,249     $ 0     $ 0  
Free Market Fixed Income Fund   $ 9,559,437     $ 0     $ 0  

 

The Adviser will pay all expenses incurred by it in connection with its activities under the Advisory Agreement. Each Fund bears all of its own expenses not specifically assumed by the Adviser. General expenses of the Company not readily identifiable as belonging to a portfolio of the Company are allocated among all investment portfolios by or under the direction of the Board in such manner as it deems to be fair and equitable. Expenses borne by the Fund include, but are not limited to the following (or the Fund’s share of the following): (a) the cost (including brokerage commissions) of securities purchased or sold by the Fund and any losses incurred in connection therewith; (b) fees payable to and expenses incurred on behalf of the Fund by the Adviser; (c) filing fees and expenses relating to the registration and qualification of the Company and the Fund’s shares under federal and/or state securities laws and maintaining such registrations and qualifications; (d) fees and salaries payable to the Company’s Directors and officers; (e) taxes (including any income or franchise taxes) and governmental fees; (f) costs of any liability and other insurance or fidelity bonds; (g) any costs, expenses or losses arising out of a liability of or claim for damages or other relief asserted against the Company or the Fund for violation of any law; (h) legal, accounting and auditing expenses, including legal fees of special counsel for the independent Directors; (i) charges of custodians and other agents; (j) expenses of setting in type and printing prospectuses, statements of additional information and supplements thereto for existing shareholders, reports, statements, and confirmations to shareholders and proxy materials that are not attributable to a class; (k) costs of mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information and supplements thereto to existing shareholders, as well as reports to shareholders and proxy materials that are not attributable to a class; (1) any extraordinary expenses; (m) fees, voluntary assessments and other expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; (n) costs of mailing and tabulating proxies and costs of shareholders’ and Directors’ meetings; (o) costs of independent pricing services to value a portfolio’s securities; and (p) the costs of investment company literature and other publications provided by the Company to its Directors and officers. Distribution expenses, transfer agency expenses, expenses of preparation, printing and mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information, proxy statements and reports to shareholders, and organizational expenses and registration fees, identified as belonging to a particular class of the Company, are allocated to such class.

 

The Advisory Agreement is terminable by vote of the Board or by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, at any time without penalty, on 60 days’ written notice to the Adviser. The Advisory Agreement may be terminated by the Adviser at any time, without payment of any penalty, on 60 days’ written notice to the Fund. The Advisory Agreement terminates automatically in the event of its assignment.

 

The Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser shall at all times have all rights in and to the Fund’s name and all investment models used by or on behalf of the Fund. The Adviser may use the Fund’s name or any portion thereof in connection with any other mutual fund or business activity without the consent of any shareholder, and the Company has agreed to execute and deliver any and all documents required to indicate its consent to such use.

 

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The Advisory Agreement further provides that no public reference to, or description of, the Adviser or its methodology or work shall be made by the Company, whether in the Prospectus, SAI or otherwise, without the Adviser’s prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. In each case, the Company has agreed to provide the Adviser a reasonable opportunity to review any such reference or description before being asked for such consent.

 

Portfolio Managers

 

Description of Compensation . As of the date of this SAI, the portfolio managers receive a base salary, a year-end incentive bonus based on company profitability and may receive a quarterly bonus based on services provided to the Adviser. Compensation of a portfolio manager is determined at the discretion of the Portfolio manager’s supervisor and is based on a portfolio manager’s experience, responsibilities, the perception of the quality of his or her work efforts and other subjective factors. The compensation of portfolio managers is not directly based upon the performance of the Portfolios or other accounts that they manage. The portfolio manager’s supervisor reviews the compensation of each portfolio manager annually and may make modifications in compensation as it deems necessary to reflect changes in the market.

 

Other Accounts . The table below discloses accounts, other than the Funds, for which each portfolio manager is primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management, as of August 31, 2017.

 

Name of Portfolio
Manager or Team
Member
Type of Accounts Total
# of
Accounts
Managed
Total Assets # of Accounts
Managed that
Advisory Fee
Based on
Performance
Total Assets that
Advisory Fee
Based on
Performance
1. Mark E. Matson Other Registered Investment Companies: 0 $0 0 $0
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles: 0 $0 0 $0
  Other Accounts: 1,972 $446 million 0 $0
2. Steven B. Miller Other Registered Investment Companies: 0 $0 0 $0
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles: 0 $0 0 $0
  Other Accounts: 1,972 $446 million 0 $0
3. Kenneth E. Gatliff Other Registered Investment Companies: 0 $0 0 $0
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles: 0 $0 0 $0
  Other Accounts: 1,972 $446 million 0 $0

 

The portfolio managers utilize a team based approach to other accounts managed. The portfolio managers are jointly and primarily responsible for the management of a portion of the total assets and number of accounts shown.

 

Conflicts of Interest. Matson Money reviewed its conflicts of interest and risk factors and has attempted to develop policies and procedures to address these matters. Matson Money does not engage in transactions on behalf of client accounts with any affiliates. Matson Money does not have custody of any client securities or funds. Neither Matson Money nor any of its related persons act as general partners or managing members of any unregistered pooled investment vehicle. Matson Money does not manage its own proprietary account. Moreover, none of Matson Money’s officers or employees engage in any outside business activities that conflict with Matson Money’s duties to its clients. Finally, Matson Money does not purchase IPOs or individual securities for clients. Thus, Matson Money’s conflicts and risk factors are in the following areas: solicitation practices, suitability of Matson Money’s services for a client, trade errors, marketing practices, compliance with any client guidelines and restrictions, valuation of client accounts and calculation of fees, safeguarding of client assets, safeguarding of the privacy of client information, disaster recovery, accurate disclosure of information to clients and regulators, and accurate creation and secure maintenance of client records. Matson Money’s Compliance Manual is available upon request, which has more detailed explanations of policies and procedures currently in place to safeguard against potential conflicts/risks.

 

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Securities Ownership . The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the Portfolio Manager in each of the Funds as of August 31, 2017:

 

Portfolio Manager Dollar ($) Value of Fund Shares
Beneficially Owned
Free Market U.S. Equity  
Mark E. Matson $10,001 - $50,000
Steven B. Miller $100,001 - $500,000
Kenneth E. Gatliff $50,001 - $100,000
   
Free Market International Equity  
Mark E. Matson $10,001 - $50,000
Steven B. Miller $100,001 - $500,000
Kenneth E. Gatliff $50,001 - $100,000
   
Free Market Fixed Income  
Mark E. Matson $100,001 - $500,000
Steven B. Miller $10,001 - $50,000
Kenneth E. Gatliff $1 - $10,000

 

Custodian Agreement

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”), 1555 North River Center Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212, serves as the custodian of the Funds’ assets pursuant to a custodian agreement between the Custodian and the Company (the “Custodian Agreement”). Under the Custodian Agreement, the Custodian: (a) maintains a separate account or accounts in the name of each Fund; (b) holds and transfers portfolio securities on account of each Fund; (c) accepts receipts and makes disbursements of money on behalf of each Fund; (d) collects and receives all income and other payments and distributions on account of each Fund’s portfolio securities; and (e) makes periodic reports to the Board concerning the Funds’ operations. The Custodian is authorized to select one or more banks or trust companies to serve as sub-custodian on behalf of the Funds, provided that the Custodian remains responsible for the performance of all of its duties under the Custodian Agreement and holds the Company harmless from the acts and omissions of any sub-custodian. For its services to the Funds under the Custodian Agreement, the Custodian receives a fee based on the Funds’ average gross assets calculated daily and payable monthly. Transaction charges and out-of-pocket expenses are also charged to the Funds.

 

Transfer Agency Agreement

 

USBFS, with corporate offices at 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, serves as the transfer and dividend disbursing agent for the Funds pursuant to a transfer agency and servicing agreement (the “Transfer Agency Agreement”). Under the Transfer Agency Agreement, USBFS: (a) issues and redeems shares of each Fund; (b) addresses and mails all communications by the Funds to record owners of Shares of the Fund, including reports to shareholders, dividend and distribution notices and proxy materials for its meetings of shareholders; (c) maintains shareholder accounts and, if requested, sub-accounts; and (d) makes periodic reports to the Board concerning the operations of the Funds. USBFS may, subject to the Board’s approval, assign its duties as transfer and dividend disbursing agent to any affiliate. For its services to the Funds under the Transfer Agency Agreement, USBFS receives an annual fee based on the number of accounts in the Funds and the Funds’ average gross assets calculated daily and payable monthly. Transaction charges and out-of-pocket expenses are also charged to the Funds.

 

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USBFS also provides services relating to the implementation of the Company’s Anti-Money Laundering Program. In addition, USBFS provides services relating to the implementation of the Company’s Customer Identification Program, including the verification of required customer information and the maintenance of records with respect to such verification.

 

Administration and Accounting Services Agreement

 

USBFS, located at 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202, serves as fund administrator to the Fund pursuant to a fund administration servicing agreement, and serves as fund accountant pursuant to a fund accounting servicing agreement (the “Administration Agreements”). Under the fund accounting servicing agreement, USBFS has agreed to furnish to the Fund statistical and research data, clerical, accounting and bookkeeping services, and certain other services required by the Fund. Under the fund administration servicing agreement, USBFS has agreed to provide fund administration services to the Company. These services include the preparation and coordination of the Company’s annual post-effective amendment filing and supplements to the Fund’s registration statement, the preparation and assembly of board meeting materials, and certain other services necessary to the Company’s fund administration. In addition, USBFS has agreed to prepare and file various reports with the appropriate regulatory agencies and prepare materials required by the SEC or any state securities commission having jurisdiction over the Fund.

 

The Administration Agreements provide that USBFS shall be obligated to exercise reasonable care in the performance of its duties and that USFBS shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or any loss suffered by the Company in connection with its duties under the Administration Agreements, except a loss resulting from USBSF’s refusal or failure to comply with the terms of the applicable Administration Agreement or from its bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties thereunder.

USBFS receives a fee under the Administration Agreements based on the average daily net assets of the Company.

 

Effective October 1, 2016, USBFS replaced the Funds’ prior administrator as fund administrator and fund accountant to the Funds. For the past three fiscal years, each Fund paid USBFS and the Funds’ prior administrator, as applicable, certain administration, accounting and regulatory administration fees and related out of pocket expenses as follows:

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended
August 31, 2017
  Administration,
Accounting
and Regulatory
Administration
Fees Paid
(after waivers and
reimbursements)
    Waivers     Reimbursements  
Free Market U.S. Equity Fund   $ 723,880     $ 0     $ 0  
Free Market International Equity Fund   $ 482,000     $ 0     $ 0  
Free Market Fixed Income Fund   $ 641,906     $ 0     $ 0  

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended
August 31, 2016
  Administration, Accounting
and Regulatory
Administration Fees Paid
(after waivers and
reimbursements)
    Waivers     Reimbursements  
Free Market U.S. Equity Fund   $ 821,397     $ 0     $ 0  
Free Market International Equity Fund   $ 613,922     $ 0     $ 0  
Free Market Fixed Income Fund   $ 818,913     $ 0     $ 0  

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended
August 31, 2015
  Administration, Accounting
and Regulatory
Administration Fees Paid
(after waivers and
reimbursements)
    Waivers     Reimbursements  
Free Market U.S. Equity Fund   $ 992,370     $ 0     $ 0  
Free Market International Equity Fund   $ 749,024     $ 0     $ 0  
Free Market Fixed Income Fund   $ 956,796     $ 0     $ 0  

 

38

 

The Administration Agreement provides that USBFS shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or any loss suffered by the Company or a Fund in connection with the performance of the agreement, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard by it of its duties and obligations thereunder.

 

The Company entered into a fund administration servicing agreement with USBFS. Under this agreement, USBFS has agreed to provide fund administration services to the Company. These services include the preparation and coordination of the Company’s annual post-effective amendment filing and supplements to the Company’s registration statement, the preparation and assembly of board meeting materials, and certain other services necessary to the Company’s fund administration. USBFS receives an annual fee based on the average daily net assets of the portfolios of the Company.

 

DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENTS

 

Distribution Agreement

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), whose principal business address is 777 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, serves as the underwriter to the Funds pursuant to the terms of a distribution agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”). The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). The Distributor is not affiliated with the Company or the Adviser. The Distributor, U.S. Bank, N.A., and USBFS are affiliates.

 

Under the Distribution Agreement with the Company, the Distributor acts as the agent of the Company in connection with the continuous offering of shares of the Funds. The Distributor continually distributes shares of the Funds on a best efforts basis. The Distributor has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of Fund shares. The Distributor and its officers have no role in determining the investment policies or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Company.

 

The Distributor may enter into agreements with selected broker-dealers, banks or other financial intermediaries for distribution of shares of the Funds. With respect to certain financial intermediaries and related fund “supermarket” platform arrangements, the Funds and/or the Adviser, rather than the Distributor, typically enter into such agreements. These financial intermediaries may charge a fee for their services and may receive shareholder service or other fees from parties other than the Distributor. These financial intermediaries may otherwise act as processing agents and are responsible for promptly transmitting purchase, redemption and other requests to the Funds.

 

Investors who purchase shares through financial intermediaries will be subject to the procedures of those intermediaries through which they purchase shares, which may include charges, investment minimums, cutoff times and other restrictions in addition to, or different from, those listed herein. Information concerning any charges or services will be provided to customers by the financial intermediary through which they purchase shares. Investors purchasing shares of the Funds through financial intermediaries should acquaint themselves with their financial intermediary’s procedures and should read the Prospectus in conjunction with any materials and information provided by their financial intermediary. The financial intermediary, and not its customers, will be the shareholder of record, although customers may have the right to vote shares depending upon their arrangement with the financial intermediary. The Distributor does not receive compensation from the Funds for its distribution services except the distribution/service fees with respect to the shares of those classes for which a Rule 12b-1 distribution plan is effective. The Adviser pays the Distributor a fee for certain distribution-related services.

 

The Distribution Agreement has an initial term of up to two years and will continue in effect only if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by vote of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities in accordance with the 1940 Act. The Distribution Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Company on behalf of the Fund on no less than 60 days’ written notice when authorized either by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the members of the Board who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Company and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Distribution Agreement, or by the Distributor, and will automatically terminate in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act). The Distribution Agreement provides that the Distributor shall not be liable for any loss suffered by the Company in connection with the performance of the Distributor’s obligations and duties under the Distribution Agreement, except a loss resulting from the Distributor’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of such duties and obligations, or by reason of its reckless disregard thereof.

 

39

 

FUND TRANSACTIONS

 

Subject to policies established by the Board and applicable rules, the Adviser is responsible for the execution of portfolio transactions and the allocation of brokerage transactions for the Funds. In executing portfolio transactions, the Adviser seeks to obtain the best price and most favorable execution for the Funds, taking into account such factors as the price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of the order, difficulty of execution and operational facilities of the firm involved. While the Adviser generally seeks reasonably competitive commission rates, payment of the lowest commission or spread is not necessarily consistent with obtaining the best price and execution in particular transactions.

 

No Fund has any obligation to deal with any broker or group of brokers in the execution of portfolio transactions. The Adviser may, consistent with the interests of the Funds and subject to the approval of the Board, select brokers on the basis of the research, statistical and pricing services they provide to the Funds and other clients of the Adviser. Information and research received from such brokers will be in addition to, and not in lieu of, the services required to be performed by the Adviser under its respective contracts. A commission paid to such brokers may be higher than that which another qualified broker would have charged for effecting the same transaction, provided that the Adviser determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in terms either of the transaction or the overall responsibility of the Adviser to a Fund and its other clients and that the total commissions paid by a Fund will be reasonable in relation to the benefits to a Fund over the long-term.

 

Investment decisions for each Fund and for other investment accounts managed by the Adviser are made independently of each other in the light of differing conditions. However, the same investment decision may be made for two or more of such accounts. In such cases, simultaneous transactions are inevitable. Purchases or sales are then averaged as to price and allocated as to amount according to a formula deemed equitable to each such account. While in some cases this practice could have a detrimental effect upon the price or value of the security as far as a Fund is concerned, in other cases it is believed to be beneficial to a Fund.

 

No Fund paid brokerage commissions on portfolio transactions for the past three fiscal years.

 

PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION

 

You may purchase shares through an account maintained by your brokerage firm and you may also purchase shares directly by mail or wire. The Company reserves the right, if conditions exist that make cash payments undesirable, to honor any request for redemption or repurchase of a Fund’s shares by making payment in whole or in part in securities chosen by the Company and valued in the same way as they would be valued for purposes of computing that Fund’s NAV. If payment is made in securities, a shareholder may incur transaction costs in converting these securities into cash. A shareholder will also bear any market risk or tax consequences as a result of a payment in securities. The Company has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act so that each Fund is obligated to redeem its shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its NAV during any 90-day period for any one shareholder of the Fund. A shareholder will bear the risk of a decline in market value and any tax consequences associated with a redemption in securities.

 

Under the 1940 Act, the Company may suspend the right to redemption or postpone the date of payment upon redemption for any period during which the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the “NYSE”) is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings), or during which the SEC restricts trading on the NYSE or determines an emergency exists as a result of which disposal or valuation of portfolio securities is not reasonably practicable, or for such other periods as the SEC may permit. (The Company may also suspend or postpone the recordation of the transfer of its shares upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions.)

 

Shares of the Company are subject to redemption by the Company, at the redemption price of such shares as in effect from time to time, including, without limitation: (1) to reimburse a Fund for any loss sustained by reason of the failure of a shareholder to make full payment for shares purchased by the shareholder or to collect any charge relating to a transaction effected for the benefit of a shareholder as provided in the Prospectus from time to time; (2) if such redemption is, in the opinion of the Board, desirable in order to prevent the Company or any Fund from being deemed a “personal holding company” within the meaning of the Code; (3) or if the net income with respect to any particular class of common stock should be negative or it should otherwise be appropriate to carry out the Company’s responsibilities under the 1940 Act.

 

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Each Fund has the right to redeem your shares at current NAV at any time and without prior notice if, and to the extent that, such redemption is necessary to reimburse the particular Fund for any loss sustained by reason of your failure to make full payment for shares of the Fund you previously purchased or subscribed for.

 

TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PROCEDURES

 

The Company’s telephone transaction procedures include the following measures: (1) requiring the appropriate telephone transaction privilege forms; (2) requiring the caller to provide the names of the account owners, the account social security number and name of the Fund, all of which must match the Company’s records; (3) requiring the Company’s service representative to complete a telephone transaction form, listing all of the above caller identification information; (4) permitting exchanges (if applicable) only if the two account registrations are identical; (5) requiring that redemption proceeds be sent only by check to the account owners of record at the address of record, or by wire only to the owners of record at the bank account of record; (6) sending a written confirmation for each telephone transaction to the owners of record at the address of record within five (5) business days of the call; and (7) recording and maintaining a record of all telephone transactions. For accounts held of record by broker-dealers (other than Quasar Distributors, LLC), financial institutions, securities dealers, financial planners and other industry professionals, additional documentation or information regarding the scope of a caller’s authority is required. Finally, for telephone transactions in accounts held jointly, additional information regarding other account holders is required. Telephone transactions will not be permitted in connection with Individual Retirement Account or other retirement plan accounts.

 

VALUATION OF SHARES

 

In accordance with procedures adopted by the Board, the NAV per share of each Fund is calculated by determining the value of the net assets attributed to the Fund and dividing by the number of outstanding shares of the Fund. All securities are valued on each Business Day as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally, but not always, 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) or such other time as the New York Stock Exchange or National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations System (“NASDAQ”) market may officially close. The term “Business Day” means any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading, which is Monday through Friday except for holidays. The New York Stock Exchange is generally closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day (observed), Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday (observed), Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas.

 

The time at which transactions and shares are priced and the time by which orders must be received may be changed in case of an emergency or if regular trading on the NYSE is stopped at a time other than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The Company reserves the right to reprocess purchase, redemption and exchange transactions that were initially processed at a NAV other than a Fund’s official closing NAV (as the same may be subsequently adjusted), and to recover amounts from (or distribute amounts to) shareholders based on the official closing NAV. The Company reserves the right to advance the time by which purchase and redemption orders must be received for same business day credit as otherwise permitted by the SEC. In addition, a Fund may compute its NAV as of any time permitted pursuant to any exemption, order or statement of the SEC or its staff.

 

The securities of the Funds are valued under the direction of the Funds’ administrator and under the general supervision of the Board. Prices are generally determined using readily available market prices. Subject to the approval of the Board, the Funds may employ outside organizations, which may use a matrix or formula method that takes into consideration market indices, matrices, yield curves and other specific adjustments in determining the approximate market value of portfolio investments. This may result in the investments being valued at a price that differs from the price that would have been determined had the matrix or formula method not been used. All cash, receivables, and current payables are carried on a Fund’s books at their face value. Other assets, if any, are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Funds’ Valuation Committee under the direction of the Board.

 

41

 

The procedures used by any pricing service and its valuation results are reviewed by the officers of the Company under the general supervision of the Board.

 

The Funds may hold portfolio securities that are listed on foreign exchanges. These securities may trade on weekends or other days when the Funds do not calculate NAV. As a result, the value of these investments may change on days when you cannot purchase or sell Fund shares.

 

TAXES

 

General

 

The following summarizes certain tax considerations generally affecting the Funds, the underlying investment companies, and Fund shareholders that are not fully described in the Prospectus. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of the tax treatment of the Funds, the underlying investment companies, or Fund shareholders, and the discussions here and in the Prospectus are not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. Potential investors should consult their tax advisers with specific reference to their own tax situations.

 

The discussions of the federal tax consequences in the Prospectus and this SAI are based on the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) and the regulations issued under it, and court decisions and administrative interpretations, as in effect on the date of this SAI. Future legislative or administrative changes or court decisions may significantly alter the statements included herein, and such changes or decisions may be retroactive.

 

Each Fund and each underlying investment company intends to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of Subtitle A, Chapter 1, of the Code. As such, each Fund and underlying investment company generally will be exempt from federal income tax on its net investment income and realized capital gains that it distributes to shareholders. To qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company, each Fund and underlying investment company must meet three important tests each year.

 

First, each Fund and underlying investment company must derive with respect to each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, certain payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities or foreign currencies, other income derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities, or currencies or net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships.

 

Second, generally, at the close of each quarter of each Fund’s and each underlying investment company’s taxable year, at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s and the underlying investment companies’ assets must consist of cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies and securities of other issuers (as to which the Fund or underlying investment company has not invested more than 5% of the value of its total assets in securities of such issuer and as to which the Fund or underlying investment company does not hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer), and no more than 25% of the value of each Fund’s and each underlying investment company’s total assets may be invested in the securities of (1) any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies), (2) two or more issuers that the Fund or underlying investment company controls and which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses, or (3) one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.

 

Third, each Fund and underlying investment company must distribute an amount equal to at least the sum of 90% of the Fund’s or underlying investment company’s investment company taxable income (net investment income and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss) before taking into account any deduction for dividends paid, and 90% of its tax-exempt income, if any, for the year.

 

Each Fund and underlying investment company intends to comply with these requirements. If a Fund or underlying investment company were to fail to make sufficient distributions, it could be liable for corporate income tax and for excise tax in respect of the shortfall or, if the shortfall is large enough, the Fund or underlying investment company could be disqualified as a regulated investment company. If for any taxable year a Fund or underlying investment company were not to qualify as a regulated investment company, all its taxable income would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders. In that event, shareholders in a Fund or underlying investment company would recognize dividend income on distributions to the extent of the Fund’s or underlying investment company’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, and corporate shareholders could be eligible for the dividends-received deduction.

 

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The Code imposes a nondeductible 4% excise tax on regulated investment companies that fail to distribute each year an amount equal to specified percentages of their ordinary taxable income and capital gain net income (excess of capital gains over capital losses). Each Fund and underlying investment company intends to make sufficient distributions or deemed distributions each year to avoid liability for this excise tax.

 

State and Local Taxes

 

Although each Fund and underlying investment company expects to qualify as a regulated investment company and to be relieved of all or substantially all federal income taxes, depending upon the extent of its activities in states and localities in which its offices are maintained, in which its agents or independent contractors are located or in which it is otherwise deemed to be conducting business, a Fund or an underlying investment company may be subject to the tax laws of such states or localities.

 

Taxation of Certain Investments

 

The tax principles applicable to transactions in financial instruments, such as futures contracts and options, that may be engaged in by a Fund or an underlying investment company, and investments in passive foreign investment companies (“PFICs”), are complex and, in some cases, uncertain. Such transactions and investments may cause a Fund or an underlying investment company to recognize taxable income prior to the receipt of cash, thereby requiring the Fund or the underlying investment company to liquidate other positions, or to borrow money, so as to make sufficient distributions to shareholders to avoid corporate-level tax. Moreover, some or all of the taxable income recognized may be ordinary income or short-term capital gain, so that the distributions may be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.

 

In addition, in the case of any shares of a PFIC in which a Fund or an underlying investment company invests, the Fund or the underlying investment company may be liable for corporate-level tax on any ultimate gain or distributions on the shares if the Fund or the underlying investment company fails to make an election to recognize income annually during the period of its ownership of the shares.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING COMPANY SHARES

 

The Company has authorized capital of 100 billion shares of common stock at a par value of $0.001 per share. Currently, 84.923 billion shares have been classified into 176 classes, however, the Company only has 43 active share classes that have begun investment operations. Under the Company’s charter, the Board has the power to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of common stock from time to time.

 

Each share that represents an interest in a Fund has an equal proportionate interest in the assets belonging to such Fund with each other share that represents an interest in such Fund, even where a share has a different class designation than another share representing an interest in that Fund. Shares of the Company do not have preemptive or conversion rights. When issued for payment as described in the Prospectus, shares of the Company will be fully paid and non-assessable.

 

The Company does not currently intend to hold annual meetings of shareholders except as required by the 1940 Act or other applicable law. The Company’s amended By-Laws provide that shareholders collectively owning at least ten percent of the outstanding shares of all classes of Common Stock of the Company have the right to call for a meeting of shareholders to consider the removal of one or more directors. To the extent required by law, the Company will assist in shareholder communication in such matters.

 

Holders of shares of each Fund will vote in the aggregate on all matters, except where otherwise required by law. Further, shareholders of the Company will vote in the aggregate and not by portfolio except as otherwise required by law or when the Board determines that the matter to be voted upon affects only the interests of the shareholders of a particular portfolio or class of shares. Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides that any matter required to be submitted by the provisions of such Act or applicable state law, or otherwise, to the holders of the outstanding voting securities, as defined in the 1940 Act, of an investment company such as the Company shall not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each portfolio affected by the matter. Rule 18f-2 further provides that a portfolio shall be deemed to be affected by a matter unless it is clear that the interests of each portfolio in the matter are identical or that the matter does not affect any interest of the portfolio. Under Rule 18f-2 the approval of an investment advisory agreement or distribution agreement or any change in a fundamental investment objective or fundamental investment policy would be effectively acted upon with respect to a portfolio only if approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such portfolio. However, the Rule also provides that the ratification of the selection of independent public accountants and the election of directors are not subject to the separate voting requirements and may be effectively acted upon by shareholders of an investment company voting without regard to a portfolio. Shareholders of the Company are entitled to one vote for each full share held (irrespective of class or portfolio) and fractional votes for fractional shares held. Voting rights are not cumulative and, accordingly, the holders of more than 50% of the aggregate shares of common stock of the Company may elect all of the Directors.

 

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Notwithstanding any provision of Maryland law requiring a greater vote of shares of the Company’s common stock (or of any class voting as a class) in connection with any corporate action, unless otherwise provided by law (for example by Rule 18f-2 discussed above), or by the Company’s Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, the Company may take or authorize such action upon the favorable vote of the holders of more than 50% of all of the outstanding shares of Common Stock voting without regard to class (or portfolio).

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Counsel

 

The law firm of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, One Logan Square, Suite 2000, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-6996, serves as independent counsel to the Company and the Independent Directors.

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, Two Commerce Square, Suite 1800, 2001 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, serves as the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm.

 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The audited financial statements and notes thereto in the Funds’ Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017 (the “Annual Report”) are incorporated by reference into this SAI. No other parts of the Annual Report are incorporated by reference herein. The financial statements included in the Annual Report have been audited by the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, whose report thereon also appears in the Annual Report and is incorporated by reference into this SAI. Such financial statements have been incorporated herein in reliance upon such reports given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing. Copies of the Annual Report may be obtained at no charge by telephoning the Transfer Agent at the telephone number appearing on the front page of this SAI.

 

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APPENDIX A

 

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS

Short-Term Credit Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings short-term issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation having an original maturity of no more than 365 days. The following summarizes the rating categories used by S&P Global Ratings for short-term issues:

 

“A-1” – A short-term obligation rated “A-1” is rated in the highest category by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

 

“A-2” – A short-term obligation rated “A-2” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is satisfactory.

 

“A-3” – A short-term obligation rated “A-3” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken an obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“B” – A short-term obligation rated “B” is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.

 

“C” – A short-term obligation rated “C” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“D” – A short-term obligation rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

 

Local Currency and Foreign Currency Ratings – S&P Global Ratings’ issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. An issuer’s foreign currency rating will differ from its local currency rating when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.

 

Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) short-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect both on the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default.

 

Moody’s employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

 

“P-1” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

“P-2” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

A- 1

 

“P-3” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.

 

“NP” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issuer.

 

Fitch, Inc. / Fitch Ratings Ltd. (“Fitch”) short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as “short-term” based on market convention. Typically, this means up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign, and structured obligations and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets. The following summarizes the rating categories used by Fitch for short-term obligations:

 

“F1” – Securities possess the highest short-term credit quality. This designation indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

 

“F2” – Securities possess good short-term credit quality. This designation indicates good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.

 

“F3” – Securities possess fair short-term credit quality. This designation indicates that the intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.

 

“B” – Securities possess speculative short-term credit quality. This designation indicates minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

 

“C” – Securities possess high short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility.

 

“RD” – Restricted default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only.

 

“D” – Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) – The “F1” rating may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show the relative status within that major rating category.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issue of a rated issuer.

 

The DBRS® Ratings Limited (“DBRS”) short-term debt rating scale provides an opinion on the risk that an issuer will not meet its short-term financial obligations in a timely manner. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer and the relative ranking of claims. The R-1 and R-2 rating categories are further denoted by the sub-categories “(high)”, “(middle)”, and “(low)”.

 

The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for commercial paper and short-term debt:

 

“R-1 (high)” - Short-term debt rated “R-1 (high)” is of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is exceptionally high. Unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.

 

“R-1 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (middle)” is of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is very high. Differs from “R-1 (high)” by a relatively modest degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.

 

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“R-1 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (low)” is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is substantial. Overall strength is not as favorable as higher rating categories. May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.

 

“R-2 (high)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (high)” is considered to be at the upper end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.

 

“R-2 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (middle)” is considered to be of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events or may be exposed to other factors that could reduce credit quality.

 

“R-2 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (low)” is considered to be at the lower end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events. A number of challenges are present that could affect the issuer’s ability to meet such obligations.

 

“R-3” – Short-term debt rated “R-3” is considered to be at the lowest end of adequate credit quality. There is a capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due. May be vulnerable to future events and the certainty of meeting such obligations could be impacted by a variety of developments.

 

“R-4” – Short-term debt rated “R-4” is considered to be of speculative credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is uncertain.

 

“R-5” – Short-term debt rated “R-5” is considered to be of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet short-term financial obligations as they fall due.

 

“D” – Short-term debt rated “D” is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to “D” may occur. DBRS may also use “SD” (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a “distressed exchange”.

 

Long-Term Credit Ratings

 

The following summarizes the ratings used by S&P Global Ratings for long-term issues:

 

“AAA” – An obligation rated “AAA” has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is extremely strong.

 

“AA” – An obligation rated “AA” differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is very strong.

 

“A” – An obligation rated “A” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is still strong.

 

“BBB” – An obligation rated “BBB” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC” and “C” – Obligations rated “BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC” and “C” are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. “BB” indicates the least degree of speculation and “C” the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposure to adverse conditions.

 

A- 3

 

“BB” – An obligation rated “BB” is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“B” – An obligation rated “B” is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated “BB”, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“CCC” – An obligation rated “CCC” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“CC” – An obligation rated “CC” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The “CC” rating is used when a default has not yet occurred, but S&P Global Ratings expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.

 

“C” – An obligation rated “C” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared with obligations that are rated higher.

 

“D” – An obligation rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) – The ratings from “AA” to “CCC” may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

 

“NR” – This indicates that no rating has been requested, or that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P Global Ratings does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.

 

Local Currency and Foreign Currency Risks - S&P Global Ratings’ issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. An issuer’s foreign currency rating will differ from its local currency rating when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.

 

Moody’s long-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of one year or more. Such ratings reflect both on the likelihood of default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for long-term debt:

 

“Aaa” – Obligations rated “Aaa” are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk.

 

“Aa” – Obligations rated “Aa” are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.

 

“A” – Obligations rated “A” are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.

 

“Baa” – Obligations rated “Baa” are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.

 

“Ba” – Obligations rated “Ba” are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.

 

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“B” – Obligations rated “B” are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.

 

“Caa” – Obligations rated “Caa” are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.

 

“Ca” – Obligations rated “Ca” are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.

 

“C” – Obligations rated “C” are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.

 

Note: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from “Aa” through “Caa.” The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to unrated obligations.

 

The following summarizes long-term ratings used by Fitch :

 

“AAA” – Securities considered to be of the highest credit quality. “AAA” ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

 

“AA” – Securities considered to be of very high credit quality. “AA” ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

 

“A” – Securities considered to be of high credit quality. “A” ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

 

“BBB” – Securities considered to be of good credit quality. “BBB” ratings indicate that expectations of credit risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.

 

“BB” – Securities considered to be speculative. “BB” ratings indicate that there is an elevated vulnerability to credit risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met.

 

“B” – Securities considered to be highly speculative. “B” ratings indicate that material credit risk is present.

 

“CCC” – A “CCC” rating indicates that substantial credit risk is present.

 

“CC” – A “CC” rating indicates very high levels of credit risk.

 

“C” – A “C” rating indicates exceptionally high levels of credit risk.

 

Defaulted obligations typically are not assigned “RD” or “D” ratings but are instead rated in the “B” to “C” rating categories, depending on their recovery prospects and other relevant characteristics. Fitch believes that this approach better aligns obligations that have comparable overall expected loss but varying vulnerability to default and loss.

 

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Plus (+) or minus (-) may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the “AAA” obligation rating category, or to corporate finance obligation ratings in the categories below “CCC”.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issue of a rated issuer.

 

The DBRS long-term rating scale provides an opinion on the risk of default. That is, the risk that an issuer will fail to satisfy its financial obligations in accordance with the terms under which an obligation has been issued. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer, and the relative ranking of claims. All rating categories other than AAA and D also contain subcategories “(high)” and “(low)”. The absence of either a “(high)” or “(low)” designation indicates the rating is in the middle of the category. The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for long-term debt:

 

“AAA” – Long-term debt rated “AAA” is of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is exceptionally high and unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.

 

“AA” – Long-term debt rated “AA” is of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered high. Credit quality differs from “AAA” only to a small degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.

 

“A” – Long-term debt rated “A” is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is substantial, but of lesser credit quality than “AA.” May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.

 

“BBB” – Long-term debt rated “BBB” is of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.

 

“BB” – Long-term debt rated “BB” is of speculative, non-investment grade credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is uncertain. Vulnerable to future events.

 

“B” – Long-term debt rated “B” is of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet financial obligations.

 

“CCC”, “CC” and “C” – Long-term debt rated in any of these categories is of very highly speculative credit quality. In danger of defaulting on financial obligations. There is little difference between these three categories, although “CC” and “C” ratings are normally applied to obligations that are seen as highly likely to default, or subordinated to obligations rated in the “CCC” to “B” range. Obligations in respect of which default has not technically taken place but is considered inevitable may be rated in the “C” category.

 

“D” – A security rated “D” is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to “D” may occur. DBRS may also use “SD” (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a “distressed exchange”.

 

Municipal Note Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings U.S. municipal note rating reflects S&P Global Ratings’ opinion about the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to the notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes with an original maturity of more than three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. In determining which type of rating, if any, to assign, S&P Global Ratings’ analysis will review the following considerations:

 

Amortization schedule - the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and

 

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Source of payment - the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.

 

Municipal Short-Term Note rating symbols are as follows:

 

“SP-1” – A municipal note rated “SP-1” exhibits a strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.

 

“SP-2” – A municipal note rated “SP-2” exhibits a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.

 

“SP-3” – A municipal note rated “SP-3” exhibits a speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

 

Moody’s uses the Municipal Investment Grade (“MIG”) scale to rate U.S. municipal bond anticipation notes of up to three years maturity. Municipal notes rated on the MIG scale may be secured by either pledged revenues or proceeds of a take-out financing received prior to note maturity. MIG ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation, and the issuer’s long-term rating is only one consideration in assigning the MIG rating. MIG ratings are divided into three levels – “MIG-1” through “MIG-3” while speculative grade short-term obligations are designated “SG”. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for short-term municipal obligations:

 

“MIG-1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

 

“MIG-2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.

 

“MIG-3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.

 

“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated obligation.

 

In the case of variable rate demand obligations (“VRDOs”), a two-component rating is assigned: a long or short-term debt rating and a demand obligation rating. The first element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with scheduled principal and interest payments. The second element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with the ability to receive purchase price upon demand (“demand feature”). The second element uses a rating from a variation of the MIG scale called the Variable Municipal Investment Grade or “VMIG” scale. The rating transitions on the VMIG scale differ from those on the Prime scale to reflect the risk that external liquidity support generally will terminate if the issuer’s long-term rating drops below investment grade.

 

“VMIG-1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“VMIG-2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“VMIG-3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

A- 7

 

“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated obligation.

 

About Credit Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion reflects S&P Global Ratings’ view of the obligor’s capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and this opinion may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.

 

Moody’s credit ratings must be construed solely as statements of opinion and not statements of fact or recommendations to purchase, sell or hold any securities.

 

Fitch’s credit ratings provide an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of principal, insurance claims or counterparty obligations. Fitch credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving the money owed to them in accordance with the terms on which they invested. Fitch’s credit ratings cover the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign financial, bank, insurance, and public finance entities (including supranational and sub-national entities) and the securities or other obligations they issue, as well as structured finance securities backed by receivables or other financial assets.

 

Credit ratings provided by DBRS are forward-looking opinions about credit risk which reflect the creditworthiness of an issuer, rated entity, and/or security. Credit ratings are not statements of fact. While historical statistics and performance can be important considerations, credit ratings are not based solely on such; they include subjective considerations and involve expectations for future performance that cannot be guaranteed. To the extent that future events and economic conditions do not match expectations, credit ratings assigned to issuers and/or securities can change. Credit ratings are also based on approved and applicable methodologies, models and criteria (“Methodologies”), which are periodically updated and when material changes are deemed necessary, this may also lead to rating changes.

 

Credit ratings typically provide an opinion on the risk that investors may not be repaid in accordance with the terms under which the obligation was issued. In some cases, credit ratings may also include consideration for the relative ranking of claims and recovery, should default occur. Credit ratings are meant to provide opinions on relative measures of risk and are not based on expectations of any specific default probability, nor are they meant to predict such.

 

The data and information on which DBRS bases its opinions is not audited or verified by DBRS, although DBRS conducts a reasonableness review of information received and relied upon in accordance with its Methodologies and policies.

 

DBRS uses rating symbols as a concise method of expressing its opinion to the market, but there are a limited number of rating categories for the possible slight risk differentials that exist across the rating spectrum and DBRS does not assert that credit ratings in the same category are of “exactly” the same quality.

 

A- 8

 

APPENDIX B

 

1. PROXY VOTING

 

1.1. ADVISER PROXY VOTING

Advisers Act Rule 206(4)-6 prohibits SEC-registered advisers from exercising voting authority over client securities without adopting and implementing written policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure that the adviser votes client securities in the best interest of its clients. 1/ An adviser that chooses not to exercise voting authority must make its nonvoting policy clear to clients. 2/

 

1.2. ERISA PROXY VOTING

The Department of Labor (“DOL”) has provided investment managers the following guidance about their ERISA responsibilities, when voting proxies:

 

Where the authority to manage plan assets has been delegated to an investment manager, only the investment manager has authority to vote proxies, except when the named fiduciary has reserved to itself or to another named fiduciary (as authorized by the plan document) the right to direct a plan trustee regarding the voting of proxies. 3 /

 

Under DOL guidance, any adviser with a duty to vote proxies has an obligation to take reasonable steps under the circumstances to ensure that it receives the proxies, including informing the plan sponsor and its trustees, bank custodian or broker-dealer custodian of the requirement that all proxies be forwarded to the adviser and making periodic reviews during the proxy season, including follow-up letters and phone calls if necessary. When voting proxies, an investment manager must consider proxies as a plan asset and vote only in the best economic interests of the plan participants. 4 / However, advisers to ERISA accounts may determine not to vote a particular proxy where, for example: (1) the cost of voting the proxy outweighs the potential benefit derived from voting; (2) a proxy is received with respect to securities that have been sold before the date of the shareholder meeting and are no longer held in a client account; (3) the terms of an applicable securities lending agreement prevent the adviser from voting with respect to a loaned security; (4) despite reasonable efforts, the adviser receives proxy materials without sufficient time to reach an informed voting decision and vote the proxies; or (5) the terms of the security or any related agreement or applicable law preclude the adviser from voting. The adviser must properly document votes cast and the named fiduciary has a duty to monitor the adviser’s proxy voting process so advisers to ERISA accounts should be prepared to issue proxy voting reports to clients.

 

1.3. Matson Policy: GENERAL

Matson votes all proxies relating to underlying mutual funds held in any Matson-managed mutual fund in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act and related rules and forms. Matson’s Portfolio Manager decides how shares of the underlying funds are voted. Due to inherent conflicts of interest, Matson does not vote proxies on shares of the Matson funds held in client accounts. In addition, Matson’s does not accept proxy voting responsibility for any other securities held in the client accounts. Matson’s client agreements specifically disclose that Matson does not vote proxies and requests that ERISA clients, if any, expressly reserve voting authority. The CCO monitors the firm’s proxy voting policy.

 

 

1 / Compare Rel. No. IC-25922 (Jan. 31, 2003) (proxy voting for registered investment companies).
2 / According to the SEC, “[a]dvisers that have implicit as well as explicit voting authority must comply with rule 206(4)-6. The rule thus applies when the advisory contract is silent but the adviser’s voting authority is implied by an overall delegation of discretionary authority.” Final Rule: Proxy Voting by Investment Advisers, SEC Rel. No. IA-2106 (Jan. 31, 2003). Discretionary advisers may avoid implicit voting responsibility by explicitly stating their lack of voting responsibility in advisory contracts or other disclosure documents. See id ., at n. 10.
3 / Interpretive Bulletin 94-2, July 28, 1994.
4 / AVON letter (Feb. 23, 1988); MONKS letter (Jan. 23, 1990).

 

B- 1

 

Where Matson has proxy voting authority for securities held by its advisory clients, Matson votes such securities for the exclusive benefit, and in the best economic interest, of those clients and their beneficiaries, as determined by Matson in good faith, subject to any restrictions or directions from a client. Such voting responsibilities will be exercised in a manner that is consistent with the general antifraud provisions of the Advisers Act, as well as with Matson’s fiduciary duties under federal and state law to act in the best interests of its clients. Matson considers each issue presented in a proxy on its merits and votes on a case-by-case basis consistent with its clients’ best economic interests.

 

1.4. Matson ProcedureS: Proxy Voting
All standard client agreements for new clients shall contain a provision stating that Matson will not vote proxies associated with any securities held directly in the client’s account, but will vote underlying securities held in any Matson-managed fund. Because Matson-managed funds invest in shares of other mutual funds, votes on underlying securities will include votes on proposals relating to increases in a mutual fund’s advisory, distribution, and/or service (12b-1) or other fees.

All clients with accounts open prior to October 5, 2004, that had not signed an agreement with the language stating that Matson will not vote proxies associated with any securities held in their accounts received a letter stating that Matson will not vote proxies.

The CCO shall annually review a sample of new client contracts to ensure that the client has signed a contract with the non-voting provision or received a letter to that effect, and will maintain an electronic database of client contracts reviewed and letters sent (as needed).

With respect to Matson Fund proxies, clients are responsible for voting all proxies of fund shares held in their account; provided that, if client is subject to ERISA, Matson may vote on all proxies for, and take action concerning legal proceedings regarding, Matson Fund shares held in the Account, provided there is no conflict of interest, unless the right to vote such proxies and take such action has been expressly reserved to another person. If voting is not reserved to another person and Matson is responsible for voting shares of the Matson Funds where a conflict of interest exists, Matson Money will comply with the conflicts procedures outlined in Section 20.5, below.

No Referrer is authorized to vote proxies on behalf of client.

Clients may request a copy of Matson’s Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures and/or information about how Matson has voted securities in Matson-managed funds. A description of the Proxy Policy appears in Matson’s Brochure and is available to Matson clients.

 

1.5. IDENTIFYING AND ADDRESSING CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Matson acknowledges its responsibility for identifying material conflicts of interest related to voting proxies. In order to ensure that Matson is aware of the facts necessary to identify conflicts, anyone responsible for voting proxies must disclose to the CCO any personal conflicts such as officer or director positions held by them, their spouses or close relatives, in any portfolio company. Conflicts based on business relationships with Matson will be considered only to the extent that Matson has actual knowledge of such relationships. If a conflict exists that cannot be otherwise addressed, Matson may choose one of several options, including: (1) voting as recommended by a third party service, if employed by Matson; (2) “echo” or “mirror” voting the proxies in the same proportion as the votes of other proxy holders that are not Matson clients; (3) if possible, erecting information barriers around the person or persons making the voting decision sufficient to insulate the decision from the conflict; or (4) if agreed upon in writing with the client, forwarding the proxies to affected clients and allowing them to vote their own proxies.

 

B- 2

 

 

MATSON MONEY, INC.

FAMILY OF PORTFOLIOS

of

The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

Institutional Class

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio: FMVUX

Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio: FMVIX

Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio: FMVFX

 

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

December 31, 2017

 

Investment Adviser:

 

Matson Money, Inc.

 

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) provides additional information about the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio (each a “Portfolio” and collectively, the “Portfolios”). The Portfolios are series of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”). This information is in addition to the information contained in the Portfolios’ prospectus dated December 31, 2017 (the “Prospectus”). This SAI is not a prospectus. Copies of the Prospectus and Annual and Semi-Annual Reports may be obtained free of charge by calling toll-free (866) 780-0357 Ext. 3863. The financial statements and notes contained in the Annual Report are incorporated by reference into this SAI. No other part of the Annual Report is incorporated by reference herein.

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

GENERAL INFORMATION 1
NON- PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICIES OF THE PORTFOLIOS 1
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS 1
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES OF UNDERLYING INVESTMENT COMPANIES AND RELATED RISKS 3
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS 23
MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY 24
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES 33
CODE OF ETHICS 34
PROXY VOTING POLICIES 34
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES 34
DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENTS 39
FUND TRANSACTIONS 39
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION 40
TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PROCEDURES 41
VALUATION OF SHARES 41
TAXES 42
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING COMPANY SHARES 44
MISCELLANEOUS 45
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 45
APPENDIX A A-1
APPENDIX B B-1

 

i

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

The Company is an open-end management investment company currently operating twenty-nine separate investment portfolios. The Company is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”) and was organized as a Maryland corporation on February 29, 1988. This SAI pertains to Institutional Class shares representing interests in three diversified Portfolios, which are offered by the Prospectus. Shares of the Portfolios may be purchased and held by the separate accounts (“Separate Accounts”) of participating insurance companies (“Participating Insurance Companies”) for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Shares of the Portfolios are not offered directly to the general public. Matson Money, Inc. (“Matson Money” or the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Portfolios.

 

NON- PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICIES OF THE PORTFOLIOS

 

Although the Portfolios invest primarily in shares of other registered investment companies, for temporary defensive purposes, the Portfolios may hold cash or invest in a variety of money market instruments, including U.S. government securities, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, and bankers’ acceptances. When a Portfolio invests for temporary defensive purposes, it may do so without any percentage limitations. A Portfolio may not achieve its investment objective during periods when it has taken such a temporary defensive position.

 

U.S. Government Securities. Each Portfolio may invest in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities (“U.S. government”) that have remaining maturities not exceeding one year. Agencies and instrumentalities that issue or guarantee debt securities and that have been established or sponsored by the U.S. government include the Export-Import Bank, the Federal Farm Credit System, the Federal Home Loan Banks, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”), the Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, the Federal Land Banks, and the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”).

 

Bank Obligations. Each Portfolio may invest in obligations of U.S. banks (including certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances) and U.S. dollar-denominated obligations of U.S. subsidiaries and branches of foreign banks having total assets at the time of purchase in excess of $1 billion. Such banks must be members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

 

The activities of banks are subject to extensive regulations which may limit both the amount and types of loans that may be made and the interest rates that may be charged. In addition, the profitability of the banking industry is largely dependent upon the availability and costs of funds for the purpose of financing lending operations under prevailing money market conditions. General economic conditions as well as exposure to credit losses arising from possible financial difficulties play an important part in the operation of this industry.

 

Commercial Paper. Commercial paper represents short-term unsecured promissory notes issued by bank holding companies, corporations, and finance companies. The commercial paper purchased by the Portfolios consists of direct obligations of issuers which, at the time of investment, are (i) rated “P-1” by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or “A-1” by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“Standard & Poor’s”), or (ii) if not rated, issued by a corporation having an outstanding unsecured debt issue rated Aaa by Moody’s or AAA by Standard & Poor’s. In the event that a security held by a Portfolio is placed on a credit watch or is downgraded by a rating agency, the value of such security may decline and the Portfolio invested in such security may consequently experience losses in respect of such security. See Appendix A for a description of Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s rating categories.

 

FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

 

The Portfolios have adopted the following fundamental investment limitations which may not be changed with respect to a Portfolio without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Portfolio outstanding shares (as defined in Section 2 (a) (42) of the 1940 Act). As used in this SAI and in the Prospectus, “shareholder approval” and a “majority of the outstanding shares” of a Portfolio means, with respect to the approval of an investment advisory agreement or a change in a fundamental investment limitation, the lesser of (1) 67% of the shares of the Portfolio represented at a meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Portfolio are present in person or by proxy, or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Portfolio. Each Portfolio’s investment goals and strategies described in the Prospectus may be changed by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) without the approval of the Portfolio’s shareholders. Each Portfolio may not:

 

1

 

1. Borrow money or issue senior securities, except that the Portfolio may borrow from banks and enter into reverse repurchase agreements and the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio may enter into dollar rolls (including mortgage dollar rolls), for temporary purposes in amounts up to one-third of the value of the Portfolio’s total assets at the time of such borrowing and provided that, for any borrowing with respect to the Portfolio, there is at least 300% asset coverage for borrowings of the Portfolio. A Portfolio may not mortgage, pledge or hypothecate any assets, except in connection with any such borrowing and then in amounts not in excess of one-third of the value of the Portfolio’s total assets at the time of such borrowing. Securities held in escrow or separate accounts in connection with a Portfolio’s investment practices are not considered to be borrowings or deemed to be pledged for purposes of this limitation.

 

2. Issue any senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act.

 

3. Act as underwriter of securities within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), except insofar as the Portfolio might be deemed to be an underwriter upon disposition of certain portfolio securities acquired within the limitation on purchases of restricted securities.

 

4. Purchase or sell real estate (including real estate limited partnership interests), provided that the Portfolio may invest: (a) in securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies that invest in real estate or interests therein; or (b) in real estate investment trusts.

 

5. Purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts, except that to the extent consistent with its investment policies and restrictions, the Portfolio may deal in forward foreign exchanges between currencies of the different countries in which it may invest and purchase and sell stock index and currency options, stock index futures, financial futures and currency futures contracts and related options on such futures.

 

6. Make loans, except through loan portfolio instruments and repurchase agreements, provided that, for purposes of this restriction, the acquisition of bonds, debentures or other debt instruments or interests therein and investment in government obligations, loan participations and assignments, short-term commercial paper, certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances shall not be deemed to be the making of a loan.

 

7. Purchase any security if, as a result of such purchase, more than 25% of the value of the Portfolio’s total assets would be invested in the securities of issuers concentrated in a particular industry except that this limitation does not apply to securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities.

 

8. Purchase the securities of any one issuer, other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, if immediately after and as a result of such purchase, more than 5% of the value of the Portfolio’s total assets would be invested in the securities of such issuer, or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer would be owned by the Portfolio, except that up to 25% of the value of the Portfolio’s total assets may be invested without regard to such limitations.

 

With respect to Investment Limitation No. 1, in the event that asset coverage is below 300%, the Portfolio will be required to reduce the amount of its borrowing to obtain 300% asset coverage within three business days.

 

For purposes of Investment Limitation No. 2, the SEC has concluded that even though reverse repurchase agreements, firm commitment agreements, and standby commitment agreements fall within the meaning of the term “evidence indebtedness,” the issue of compliance with Section 18 of the 1940 Act will not be raised with the SEC by the Division of Investment Management if a Portfolio covers such securities by earmarking and maintaining certain assets on the books and records of the Portfolio’s custodian.

 

Similarly, so long as such earmarked assets are maintained, the issue of compliance with Section 18 will not be raised with respect to any of the following: any swap contract; any borrowings or pledge or encumbrance of assets permitted by Investment Limitation No. 1; any collateral arrangements with respect to the writing of options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts and foreign currency contracts and collateral arrangements with respect to short sales and initial and variation margin; and purchases and sales of futures or related options

 

2

 

The Portfolios have adopted the following non-fundamental investment limitation, which may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval:

 

1. No Portfolio will invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities.

 

Securities held by the Portfolios generally may not be purchased from, sold or loaned to the Adviser or its affiliates or any of their directors, officers or employees, acting as principal, unless pursuant to a rule or exemptive order under the 1940 Act.

 

If a percentage restriction under one of the Portfolio’s investment policies or limitations is adhered to at the time a transaction is effected, later changes in percentages resulting from changing values will not be considered a violation (except with respect to any restrictions that may apply to borrowings or senior securities by the Portfolio.) In the event that investments in illiquid instruments exceed 15% of a Portfolio’s net assets, the Portfolio must take steps to bring the aggregate amount of illiquid instruments back within the prescribed limitations as soon as reasonably practicable. This requirement would not force the Portfolio to liquidate any instrument where the Portfolio would suffer a loss on the sale of that instrument.

 

INVESTMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES OF UNDERLYING INVESTMENT COMPANIES AND RELATED RISKS

 

The underlying investment companies in which the Portfolios invest have their own investment objectives, policies, practices, and techniques, any one or all of which may subject their assets to varying degrees of risk. In addition, as a shareholder of another investment company, each Portfolio would bear, along with other shareholders, its pro rata portion of that company’s expenses, including advisory and administrative fees. These expenses would be in addition to the advisory and other expenses that the Portfolio bears directly in connection with its own operations. Therefore, it may be more costly for a Portfolio to own shares of another investment company than to own directly the underlying securities owned by such company. Investment companies in which the Portfolios may invest also may impose a sales or distribution charge in connection with the purchase or redemption of their shares and other types of commissions or charges. Such charges will be payable by the Portfolios and, therefore, will be borne by shareholders. The underlying investment companies in which each Portfolio invests may purchase securities of affiliated and unaffiliated unregistered money market funds.

 

Set forth below is additional information with respect to the types of securities and instrument techniques of the underlying investment companies and the risks involved in certain of these practices and techniques.

 

Asset-Backed Securities. To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Portfolio’s underlying investment companies may invest in asset-backed securities, which represent participations in, or are secured by and payable from, pools of assets such as motor vehicle installment sale contracts, installment loan contracts, leases of various types of real and personal property, receivables from revolving credit (credit card) agreements and other categories of receivables. Asset-backed securities may also be collateralized by a portfolio of U.S. government securities, but are not direct obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities. Such asset pools are securitized through the use of privately-formed trusts or special purpose corporations. Payments or distributions of principal and interest on asset-backed securities may be guaranteed up to certain amounts and for a certain time period by a letter of credit or a pool insurance policy issued by a financial institution unaffiliated with the trust or corporation, or other credit enhancements may be present; however privately issued obligations collateralized by a portfolio of privately issued asset-backed securities do not involve any government-related guarantee or insurance. In addition, asset-backed securities generally do not have the benefit of a security interest in collateral that is comparable to mortgage assets. See “Mortgage-Backed Securities.”

 

Corporate Obligations. The Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio’s underlying investment companies may invest in debt obligations, such as bonds and debentures, (i) rated Aa3 or better by Moody’s, or AA- or better by Standard & Poor’s, or AA- or better by Fitch, or (ii) if there is no rating for the debt security, determined by the investment adviser(s) to the underlying investment companies to be of comparable quality to equivalent issues of the same issuer rated at least AA- or Aa3. See Appendix “A” to this SAI for a description of corporate debt ratings. An issuer of debt obligations may default on its obligation to pay interest and repay principal. Also, changes in the financial strength of an issuer or changes in the credit rating of a security may affect its value.

 

3

 

Convertible Securities and Preferred Stocks. To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Portfolio’s underlying investment companies may invest in convertible securities. A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible securities have characteristics similar to nonconvertible debt securities in that they ordinarily provide a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than those of common stocks of the same or similar issuers. Convertible securities rank senior to common stock in a corporation’s capital structure but are usually subordinated to comparable nonconvertible securities. While no securities investment is completely without risk, investments in convertible securities generally entail less risk than the corporation’s common stock, although the extent to which such risk is reduced depends in large measure upon the degree to which the convertible security sells above its value as a fixed income security. Convertible securities have unique investment characteristics in that they generally: (1) have higher yields than common stocks, but lower yields than comparable non-convertible securities; (2) are less subject to fluctuation in value than the underlying stock since they have fixed income characteristics; and (3) provide the potential for capital appreciation if the market price of the underlying common stock increases.

 

The value of a convertible security is a function of its “investment value” (determined by its yield in comparison with the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege) and its “conversion value” (the security’s worth, at market value, if converted into the underlying common stock). The investment value of a convertible security is influenced by changes in interest rates, with investment value declining as interest rates increase and increasing as interest rates decline. The credit standing of the issuer and other factors also may have an effect on the convertible security’s investment value. The conversion value of a convertible security is determined by the market price of the underlying common stock. If the conversion value is low relative to the investment value, the price of the convertible security is governed principally by its investment value. Generally the conversion value decreases as the convertible security approaches maturity. To the extent the market price of the underlying common stock approaches or exceeds the conversion price, the price of the convertible security will be increasingly influenced by its conversion value. A convertible security generally will sell at a premium over its conversion value by the extent to which investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying common stock while holding a fixed income security.

 

A convertible security might be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security’s governing instrument. If a convertible security held by a Portfolio is called for redemption, that Portfolio will be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security, convert it into the underlying common stock or sell it to a third party.

 

Preferred stocks are securities that represent an ownership interest in a company and provide their owner with claims on the company’s earnings and assets prior to the claims of owners of common stocks but after those of bond owners. Preferred stocks in which the Portfolios may invest include sinking fund, convertible, perpetual fixed and adjustable rate (including auction rate) preferred stocks. There is no minimum credit rating applicable to a Portfolio’s investment in preferred stocks and securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stock.

 

Cyber Security Risk. The Portfolios and their service providers may be prone to operational and information security risks resulting from breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause a Portfolio to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption, or lose operational capacity. Breaches in cyber security include, among other behaviors, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, denial of service attacks on websites, the unauthorized release of confidential information or various other forms of cyber-attacks. Cyber security breaches affecting a Portfolio or its Adviser, custodian, transfer agent, intermediaries and other third-party service providers may adversely impact a Fund. For instance, cyber security breaches may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, impact a Portfolio’s ability to calculate its NAVs, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential business information, impede trading, subject a Portfolio to regulatory fines or financial losses and/or cause reputational damage. The Portfolios may also incur additional costs for cyber security risk management purposes. Similar types of cyber security risks are also present for issuers of securities in which a Portfolio may invest, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Portfolio’s investment in such companies to lose value.

 

4

 

Depository Arrangements . To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Portfolio’s underlying investment companies may invest in American Depository Receipts (“ADRs”). ADRs are receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company evidencing ownership of the underlying foreign securities. ADRs are denominated in U.S. dollars. They are publicly traded on exchanges or over-the-counter in the United States.

 

The underlying investment companies may invest in both sponsored and unsponsored ADR programs. There are certain risks associated with investments in unsponsored ADR programs. Because the non-U.S. securities issuer does not actively participate in the creation of the ADR program, the underlying agreement for service and payment will be between the depository and the shareholder. The company issuing the stock underlying the ADR pays nothing to establish the unsponsored facility because fees for ADR issuance and cancellation are paid by brokers. Investors directly bear the expenses associated with certificate transfer, custody and dividend payment.

 

In an unsponsored ADR program, there also may be several depositories with no defined legal obligations to the non-U.S. company. The duplicate depositories may lead to marketplace confusion because there would be no central source of information for buyers, sellers and intermediaries. The efficiency of centralization gained in a sponsored program can greatly reduce the delays in delivery of dividends and annual reports.

 

The underlying investment companies may also invest in Holding Company Depository Receipts (“HOLDRS”). HOLDRS represent trust-issued receipts that represent individual and undivided beneficial ownership interests in the common stock or ADRs of specific companies in a particular industry, sector or group.

 

The underlying investment companies of the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio may also invest in European Depository Receipts (“EDRs”), International Depository Receipts (“IDRs”) and Global Depository Receipts (“GDRs”). These are receipts issued by a non-U.S. financial institution evidencing ownership of underlying foreign or U.S. securities and are usually denominated in foreign currencies. They may not be denominated in the same currency as the securities they represent. Generally, EDRs, GDRs and IDRs are designed for use in the foreign securities markets. Investments in EDRs, GDRs and IDRs involve certain risks not typically involved in purely domestic investments, including currency exchange risk. These risks are set forth under “Foreign Securities” in this SAI.

 

Dollar Rolls. To the extent consistent with its investment policies and limitations, the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio’s underlying investment companies may enter into dollar rolls in which the investment companies sell fixed income securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contract to repurchase substantially similar (same type, coupon and maturity) securities on a specified future date.

 

During the roll period, an investment company would forgo principal and interest paid on such securities. However, the investment company would be compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the forward price for the future purchase, as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale. The return on dollar rolls may be negatively impacted by fluctuations in interest rates. For additional information on dollar roll transactions, see the section entitled “Mortgage Dollar Roll Transactions” in this SAI.

 

Equity Markets. The underlying investment companies of the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio and Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio invest primarily in equity markets at all times. Equity markets can be highly volatile, so that investing in the underlying investment companies involves substantial risk. As a result, investing in the underlying investment companies involves the risk of loss of capital.

 

European Currency Unification. On January 1, 1999, the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) introduced a new single currency called the euro. The euro has replaced the national currencies of many European countries. The European Central Bank has control over each member country’s monetary policies. Therefore, the member countries no longer control their own monetary policies by directing independent interest rates for their currencies. The national governments of the participating countries, however, have retained the authority to set tax and spending policies and public debt levels.

 

5

 

European countries can be significantly affected by the tight fiscal and monetary controls that the EMU imposes for membership. Europe’s economies are diverse, its governments are decentralized, and its cultures vary widely. Several European Union (“EU”) countries, including Greece, Ireland, Italy, Spain and Portugal have faced budget issues, some of which may have negative long-term effects for the economies of those countries and other EU countries. There is continued concern about national-level support for the euro and the accompanying coordination of fiscal and wage policy among EMU member countries. Member countries are required to maintain tight control over inflation, public debt, and budget deficit to qualify for membership in the EMU. These requirements can severely limit the ability of EMU member countries to implement monetary policy to address regional economic conditions. Also, it is possible that the EU’s single currency, the euro, could be abandoned in the future by countries that have already adopted its use. These or other events, including political and economic developments, could cause market disruptions, and could affect adversely the values of securities held by the Portfolios. Because of the number of countries using this single currency, a significant portion of the assets held by certain Portfolios may be denominated in the euro.

 

Foreign Securities. The underlying investment companies of the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio may invest in securities issued by foreign companies. Investments in foreign securities involve higher costs than investments in U.S. securities, including higher transaction costs as well as the imposition of additional taxes by foreign governments. In addition, foreign investments may include additional risks associated with currency exchange rates, less complete financial information about the issuers, less market liquidity and political stability. Volume and liquidity in most foreign bond markets are less than in the United States and, at times, volatility or price can be greater than in the United States. Future political and economic information, the possible imposition of withholding taxes on interest income, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, the possible establishment of exchange controls, or the adoption of other governmental restrictions, might adversely affect the payment of principal and interest on foreign obligations. Inability to dispose of securities due to settlement problems could result either in losses to an underlying investment company due to subsequent declines in value of the securities, or, if the underlying investment company has entered into a contract to sell the securities, could result in possible liability to the purchaser. Individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth or gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position.

 

Fixed commissions on foreign securities exchanges are generally higher than negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges. There is generally less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, brokers, dealers and listed companies than in the United States.

 

Settlement mechanics may be slower or less reliable than within the United States, thus increasing the risk of delayed settlements of portfolio transactions or loss of certificates for portfolio securities. Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Such delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of an underlying investment company is uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of an underlying investment company to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the underlying investment company to miss attractive investment opportunities.

 

Although the underlying investment companies may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies, each investment company values its securities and other assets in U.S. dollars. As a result, the NAV of an underlying investment company’s shares may fluctuate with U.S. dollar exchange rates as well as the price changes of the underlying investment company’s securities in the various local markets and currencies. Thus, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar compared to the currencies in which an underlying investment company makes its investments could reduce the effect of increases and magnify the effect of decreases in the price of the underlying investment company’s securities in their local markets. Conversely, a decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar may have the opposite effect of magnifying the effect of increases and reducing the effect of decreases in the prices of an underlying investment company’s securities in its foreign markets. In addition to favorable and unfavorable currency exchange rate developments, an underlying investment company is subject to the possible imposition of exchange control regulations or freezes on convertibility of currency.

 

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The underlying investment companies may invest in obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks (Eurodollars) and U.S. branches of foreign banks (Yankee dollars) as well as foreign branches of foreign banks. These investments involve risks that are different from investments in securities of U.S. banks, including potential unfavorable political and economic developments, different tax provisions, seizure of foreign deposits, currency controls, interest limitations or other governmental restrictions which might affect payment of principal or interest. The underlying investment companies may also invest in debt securities issued or guaranteed by foreign governments, including Yankee bonds, which are issued by foreign governments and their agencies and foreign corporations, but pay interest in U.S. dollars and are typically issued in the United States.

 

In 2016, the United Kingdom (“UK”) held a referendum election and voters elected to withdraw from the EU. The Portfolios may be exposed to risks related to the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, including volatile trading markets and significant and unpredictable currency fluctuations. Securities issued by companies domiciled in the UK could be subject to changing regulatory and tax regimes. Banking and financial services companies that operate in the UK or EU could be disproportionately impacted by these actions. Greece has recently experienced political pressure to hold a similar referendum election. Further insecurity in EU membership or the abandonment of the euro could exacerbate market and currency volatility and negatively impact investments in securities issued by companies located in EU countries. The potential impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, is not clear but could be significant and far-reaching.

 

Forward Commitment and When-Issued Transactions. To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Portfolio’s underlying investment companies may purchase or sell securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis. These transactions involve a commitment by an underlying investment company to purchase or sell securities at a future date (ordinarily one or two months later). The price of the underlying securities (usually expressed in terms of yield) and the date when the securities will be delivered and paid for (the settlement date) are fixed at the time the transaction is negotiated. When-issued purchases and forward commitments are negotiated directly with the other party, and such commitments are not traded on exchanges.

 

When-issued purchases and forward commitments enable an underlying investment company to lock in what is believed by the underlying investment adviser to be an attractive price or yield on a particular security for a period of time, regardless of future changes in interest rates. For instance, in periods of rising interest rates and falling prices, an underlying investment company might sell securities it owns on a forward commitment basis to limit its exposure to falling prices. In periods of falling interest rates and rising prices, an underlying investment company might sell securities it owns and purchase the same or a similar security on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, thereby obtaining the benefit of currently higher yields. When-issued securities or forward commitments involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date.

 

The value of securities purchased on a when-issued or forward commitment basis and any subsequent fluctuations in their value are reflected in the computation of an underlying investment company’s NAV starting on the date of the agreement to purchase the securities, and the underlying investment company is subject to the rights and risks of ownership of the securities on that date. An underlying investment company does not earn interest on the securities it has committed to purchase until they are paid for and delivered on the settlement date. When an underlying investment company makes a forward commitment to sell securities it owns, the proceeds to be received upon settlement are included in the underlying investment company’s assets. Fluctuations in the market value of the underlying securities are not reflected in the underlying investment company’s NAV as long as the commitment to sell remains in effect. Settlement of when-issued purchases and forward commitment transactions generally takes place within two months after the date of the transaction, but an underlying investment company may agree to a longer settlement period.

 

An underlying investment company generally will make commitments to purchase securities on a when-issued basis or to purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment basis only with the intention of completing the transaction and actually purchasing or selling the securities. If deemed advisable as a matter of investment strategy, however, an underlying investment company may dispose of or renegotiate a commitment after it is entered into. An underlying investment company also may sell securities it has committed to purchase before those securities are delivered to the underlying investment company on the settlement date. An underlying investment company may realize a capital gain or loss in connection with these transactions, and its distributions from any net realized capital gains will be taxable to shareholders.

 

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When an underlying investment company purchases securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, the investment company or its custodian will maintain in a segregated account cash or liquid securities having a value (determined daily) at least equal to the amount of the underlying investment company’s purchase commitments. These procedures are designed to ensure that the underlying investment company will maintain sufficient assets at all times to cover its obligations under when-issued purchases and forward commitments.

 

Forward Foreign Currency Transactions. The Matson Money International Equity VI and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolios’ underlying investment companies may, to the extent that they invest in foreign securities, enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts in order to facilitate the settlement of equity or bond purchases; exchange one currency for another, including to repatriate excess currencies; or, in the case of the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio, hedge against fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The underlying investment companies will conduct their foreign currency exchange transactions either on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market, or through entering into forward contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies. A forward foreign currency exchange contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days (usually less than one year) from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts are traded in the interbank market conducted directly between traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. A forward contract generally has no deposit requirement, and no commissions are charged at any stage for trades. Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a profit based on the difference (the spread) between the price at which they are buying and selling various currencies.

 

The underlying investment companies generally may enter into forward contracts under several circumstances. First, when an underlying investment company enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security quoted or denominated in a foreign currency, it may desire to “lock in” the U.S. dollar price of the security. By entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale, for a fixed number of U.S. dollars, of the amount of foreign currency involved in the underlying security transactions, the underlying investment company will be able to insulate itself from a possible loss resulting from a change in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and the subject foreign currency during the period between the date on which the security is purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made or received. The underlying investment adviser(s) may also use non-U.S. currency to enter into a forward foreign exchange contract.

 

Second, the investment adviser to certain underlying fixed income investment companies may cause such investment companies to enter a forward contract to sell, for a fixed amount, the amount of foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of the investment company’s portfolio securities quoted or denominated in such foreign currency in an effort to hedge against fluctuations in currency exchange rates. These underlying fixed income investment companies may also engage in cross-hedging by using forward contracts in one currency to hedge against fluctuations in the value in securities denominated or quoted in a different currency if the investment adviser determines that there is a pattern of correlation between the two currencies. Cross-hedging may also include entering into a forward transaction involving two foreign currencies, using one foreign currency as a proxy for the U.S. dollar to hedge against variations in the other U.S. foreign currency, if the investment adviser determines that there is a pattern of correlation between the proxy currency and the U.S. dollar. With currency hedging techniques, the precise matching of the forward contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible since the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of those securities between the date the forward contract is entered into and the date it matures. Additionally, these techniques do not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities. They simply establish a rate of exchange which can be achieved at some future point in time. The precise projection of short-term currency market movements is not possible, and short-term hedging provides a means of fixing the U.S. dollar value of only a portion of the underlying investment company’s foreign assets. It also reduces any potential gain which may have otherwise occurred had the currency value increased above the settlement price of the contract.

 

Third, the investment adviser may exchange one currency for another if it believes it may need the other currency to settle future equity purchases or to repatriate excess foreign currency to U.S. dollars.

 

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The underlying investment companies generally will not enter into forward contracts to sell currency or maintain a net exposure to such contracts if the consummation of such contracts would obligate the investment company to deliver an amount of foreign currency in excess of the value of the investment company’s respective portfolio securities (including accrued interest or other accrued receivables) or other assets quoted or denominated in that currency. At the consummation of the forward contract, an underlying investment company may either make delivery of the foreign currency or terminate its contractual obligation by purchasing an offsetting contract obligating it to purchase at the same maturity date, the same amount of such foreign currency. If an underlying investment company chooses to make delivery of foreign currency, it may be required to obtain such delivery through the sale of portfolio securities quoted or denominated in such currency or through conversion of other assets of the Portfolio into such currency. If an underlying investment company engages in an offsetting transaction, the underlying investment company will realize a gain or a loss to the extent that there has been a change in forward contract prices.

 

The underlying investment companies’ transactions in forward contracts generally will be limited to those described above. Of course, the underlying investment companies are not required to enter into such transactions with regard to their foreign currency quoted or denominated securities, and the investment companies will not do so unless deemed appropriate by their respective investment advisers.

 

While the underlying investment company may enter into forward contracts to seek to reduce currency exchange rate risks, transactions in such contracts involve certain other risks. Thus, while an underlying investment company may benefit from such transactions, unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in a poorer overall performance for the underlying investment company than if it had not engaged in any such transactions. Moreover, there may be imperfect correlation between the underlying investment company’s portfolio holdings or securities quoted or denominated in a particular currency and forward contracts entered into by the underlying investment company. Such imperfect correlation may cause the underlying investment company to sustain losses, which will prevent the underlying investment company from achieving a complete hedge, or expose the underlying investment company to the risk of foreign exchange loss.

 

Forward contracts are subject to the risks that the counterparts to such contract will default on its obligations. Since a forward foreign currency exchange contract is not guaranteed by an exchange or clearing house, a default on the contract would deprive an underlying investment company of unrealized profits, transaction costs or the benefits of a currency hedge or force an underlying investment company to cover its purchase or sale commitments, if any, at the current market price.

 

The underlying investment companies’ foreign currency transactions (including related options, futures and forward contracts) may be limited by the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) for qualification as a regulated investment company.

 

Futures Contracts. A futures contract may generally be described as an agreement between two parties to buy and sell particular financial instruments for an agreed price during a designated month (or to deliver the final cash settlement price, in the case of a contract relating to an index or otherwise not calling for physical delivery at the end of trading in the contract). When interest rates are rising or securities prices are falling, an underlying investment company can seek to offset a decline in the value of its current portfolio securities through the sale of futures contracts. When interest rates are falling or securities prices are rising, an underlying investment company, through the purchase of futures contracts, can attempt to secure better rates or prices than might later be available in the market when it affects anticipated purchases.

 

To seek to increase total return or to hedge against changes in interest rates or securities prices, an underlying investment company may purchase and sell various kinds of futures contracts, and purchase and write call and put options on any of such futures contracts. An underlying investment company may also enter into closing purchase and sale transactions with respect to any of such contracts and options. The futures contracts may be based on various securities (such as U.S. government securities), securities indices, and any other financial instruments and indices. Generally an underlying investment company will engage in futures and related options transactions for bona fide hedging purposes as described below or for purposes of seeking to increase total return, in each case, only to the extent permitted by regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”). All futures contracts entered into by an underlying investment company are traded on U.S. exchanges or boards of trade that are licensed and regulated by the CFTC or on foreign exchanges.

 

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The Portfolios intend to limit investments in commodity futures, commodity options contracts and swaps to below the de minimis thresholds adopted by the CFTC in its recent amendments to Rule 4.5 (see below for a description of these thresholds). However, the application of the amended rules to “funds-of-funds” remains unclear. Accordingly, the Adviser has filed for relief with respect to each Portfolio which defers compliance until six months following the effective date of any CFTC guidance regarding the application of the amended rules to “fund-of-funds.” As of the date of this SAI, no such guidance has been issued. For this reason, the Adviser is not required to register as a “commodity pool operator” (“CPO”) under the Commodity Exchange Act at this time.

 

With respect to investments in swap transactions, commodity futures, commodity options or certain other derivatives used for purposes other than bona fide hedging purposes, an investment company must meet one of the following tests under the amended regulations in order to claim an exemption from being considered a “commodity pool” or a CPO. First, the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish an investment company’s positions in such investments may not exceed five percent (5%) of the liquidation value of the investment company’s portfolio (after accounting for unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such investments). Alternatively, the aggregate net notional value of such instruments, determined at the time of the most recent position established, may not exceed one hundred percent (100%) of the liquidation value of the investment company’s portfolio (after accounting for unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions). In addition to meeting one of the foregoing trading limitations, the investment company may not market itself as a commodity pool or otherwise as a vehicle for trading in the commodity futures, commodity options or swaps and derivatives markets. In the event that the Adviser was required to register as a CPO, the disclosure and operations of the Portfolios would need to comply with all applicable CFTC regulations.

 

Positions taken in the futures markets are not normally held to maturity but are instead liquidated through offsetting transactions, which may result in a profit or a loss. While futures contracts on securities will usually be liquidated in this manner, an underlying investment company may instead make, or take, delivery of the underlying securities or currency whenever it appears economically advantageous to do so. A clearing corporation associated with the exchange on which futures on securities are traded guarantees that, if still open, the sale or purchase will be performed on the settlement date.

 

Hedging, by use of futures contracts, seeks to establish with more certainty than would otherwise be possible the effective price or rate of return on portfolio securities or securities that an underlying investment company proposes to acquire or the exchange rate of currencies in which portfolio securities are quoted or denominated. An underlying investment company may, for example, take a “short” position in the futures market by selling futures contracts to seek to hedge against an anticipated rise in interest rates or a decline in market prices that would adversely affect the value of the underlying investment company’s portfolio securities. Such futures contracts may include contracts for the future delivery of securities held by an underlying investment company or securities with characteristics similar to those of the underlying investment company’s portfolio securities. If, in the opinion of the investment adviser to an underlying investment company, there is a sufficient degree of correlation between price trends for an underlying investment company’s portfolio securities and futures contracts based on other financial instruments, securities indices or other indices, the underlying investment company may also enter into such futures contracts as part of its hedging strategy. Although under some circumstances prices of securities in an underlying investment company’s portfolio may be more or less volatile than prices of such futures contracts, the underlying investment adviser will attempt to estimate the extent of this volatility difference based on historical patterns and compensate for any such differential by having the underlying investment company’s enter into a greater or lesser number of futures contracts or by seeking to achieve only a partial hedge against price changes affecting the underlying investment company’s portfolio securities. When hedging of this character is successful, any depreciation in the value of portfolio securities will be substantially offset by appreciation in the value of the futures position. On the other hand, any unanticipated appreciation in the value of an underlying investment company portfolio’s securities would be substantially offset by a decline in the value of the futures position.

 

On other occasions, an underlying investment company may take a “long” position by purchasing futures contracts. This would be done, for example, when the underlying investment company anticipates the subsequent purchase of particular securities when it has the necessary cash, but expects the prices then available in the applicable market to be less favorable than prices that are currently available.

 

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Indexed Securities. To the extent consistent with its investment policies and limitations, each Portfolio’s underlying investment companies may invest in indexed securities whose value is linked to securities indices. Most such securities have values which rise and fall according to the change in one or more specified indices, and may have characteristics similar to direct investments in the underlying securities. Depending on the index, such securities may have greater volatility than the market as a whole. An underlying investment company may also invest in exchange-traded funds, which generally track their related indices and trade like an individual stock throughout the trading day. For example, an underlying investment company may invest in Standard & Poor’s Depositary Receipts (commonly referred to as “Spiders”), which are exchange-traded shares of a closed-end investment company that are designed to replicate the price performance and dividend yield of the Standard & Poor’s 500® Composite Stock Price Index.

 

Initial Public Offerings. To the extent consistent with its investment policies and limitations, each Portfolio’s underlying investment companies may purchase stock in an initial public offering (“IPO”). An IPO is a company’s first offering of stock to the public. Risks associated with IPOs may include considerable fluctuation in the market value of IPO shares due to certain factors, such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, a limited number of shares available for trading, lack of information about the issuer and limited operating history. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. When an underlying investment company’s asset base is small, a significant portion of the underlying investment company’s performance could be attributable to investments in IPOs, because such investments would have a magnified impact on the underlying investment company. As an underlying investment company’s assets grow, the effect of the underlying investment company’s investments in IPOs on the underlying investment company’s performance probably will decline, which could reduce the underlying investment company’s performance. Because of the price volatility of IPO shares, an underlying investment company may choose to hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the underlying investment company’s portfolio and may lead to increased expenses to the underlying investment company, such as commissions and transaction costs. In addition, the underlying investment advisers cannot guarantee continued access to IPOs.

 

Inflation-Protected Securities. The Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio’s underlying investment companies may invest in inflation-protected securities issued by the U.S. Treasury, known as “TIPs” or “Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities,” which are debt securities whose principal and interest payments are adjusted for inflation and interest is paid on the adjusted amount. The inflation adjustment, which is typically applied monthly to the principal of the bond, follows a designated inflation index, such as the consumer price index (“CPI”). A fixed coupon rate is applied to the inflation-adjusted principal so that as inflation rises, both the principal value and the interest payments increase. This can provide investors with a hedge against inflation, as it helps preserve the purchasing power of your investment.

 

Inflation-protected securities normally will decline in price when real interest rates rise. (A real interest rate is calculated by subtracting the inflation rate from a nominal interest rate. For example, if a 10-year Treasury note is yielding 5% and inflation is 2%, the real interest rate is 3%.) If inflation is negative, the principal and income of an inflation-protected security will decline and could result in losses for the Portfolio’s underlying investment companies.

 

Any increase in principal for an inflation-protected security resulting from inflation adjustments is considered by IRS regulations to be taxable income in the year it occurs. For direct holders of an inflation-protected security, this means that taxes must be paid on principal adjustments even though these amounts are not received until the bond matures. By contrast, an underlying investment company holding these securities distributes both interest income and the income attributable to principal adjustments in the form of cash or reinvested shares, which are taxable to shareholders.

 

Interest Rate Swaps, Floors and Caps and Currency Swaps. The Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio’s underlying investment companies may enter into interest rate swaps and may purchase interest rate floors or caps. An underlying investment company will typically use interest rate swaps to preserve a return on a particular investment or portion of its portfolio or to shorten the effective duration of its portfolio investments. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the underlying investment company with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, such as an exchange of fixed rate payments for floating rate payments. The purchase of an interest rate floor or cap entitles the purchaser to receive payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the seller, to the extent the specified index falls below (floor) or exceeds (cap) a predetermined interest rate. The Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio may enter into currency swaps, which involve the exchange of the rights of the underlying investment company and another party to make or receive payments in specific currencies.

 

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An underlying investment company will only enter into interest rate swaps or interest rate floor or cap transactions on a net basis, i.e. the two payment streams are netted out, with the underlying investment company receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. In contrast, currency swaps usually involve the delivery of the entire principal value of one designated currency in exchange for the other designated currency.

 

The net amount of the excess, if any, of an underlying investment company’s obligations over its entitlements with respect to each interest rate or currency swap will be accrued on a daily basis, and an amount of liquid assets having an aggregate net asset value at least equal to such accrued excess will be segregated by the underlying investment company.

 

If there is a default by the other party to such transaction, the underlying investment company will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction.

 

Large Shareholder Purchase and Redemption Risk. The Portfolios may experience adverse effects when certain large shareholders purchase or redeem large amounts of shares of the Portfolios. Such large shareholder redemptions may cause a Portfolio to sell its securities at times when it would not otherwise do so, which may negatively impact the Portfolio’s NAV and liquidity. Similarly, large share purchases may adversely affect a Portfolio’s performance to the extent that the Portfolio is delayed in investing new cash and is required to maintain a larger cash position than it ordinarily would. In addition, a large redemption could result in a Portfolio’s current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the Portfolio’s expense ratio. However, this risk may be limited to the extent that the Adviser and a Portfolio have entered into a fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement arrangement.

 

Lending of Portfolio Securities. To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Portfolio’s underlying investment companies may lend their portfolio securities to financial institutions provided that (1) the loan is continuously secured by collateral consisting of U.S. government securities or cash or cash equivalents maintained on a daily mark-to-market basis in an amount at least equal to the current market value of the securities loaned; (2) the underlying investment company may at any time call the loan and obtain the return of the securities loaned; (3) the underlying investment company will receive any interest or dividends paid on the loaned securities; and (4) the aggregate market value of the securities loaned will not at any time exceed one-third of the total assets of the underlying investment company. Such loans would involve risk of delay in receiving additional collateral in the event the value of the collateral decreased below the value of the securities loaned or risk of delay in recovering the securities loaned or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially.

 

Loan Participations . The Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio’s underlying investment companies may purchase participations in commercial loans. Such indebtedness may be secured or unsecured. Loan participations typically represent direct participation in a loan to a corporate borrower, and generally are offered by banks or other financial institutions or lending syndicates. An underlying investment company may participate in such syndications, or can buy part of a loan, becoming a part lender. When purchasing loan participations, the underlying investment company assumes the credit risk associated with the corporate borrower and may assume the credit risk associated with an interposed bank or other financial intermediary. The participation interests in which the Portfolio intends to invest may not be rated by any nationally recognized rating service.

 

A loan is often administered by an agent bank acting as agent for all holders. The agent bank administers the terms of the loan, as specified in the loan agreement. In addition, the agent bank is normally responsible for the collection of principal and interest payments from the corporate borrower and the apportionment of these payments to the credit of all institutions which are parties to the loan agreement. Unless, under the terms of the loan or other indebtedness, the underlying investment company has direct recourse against the corporate borrower, the underlying investment company may have to rely on the agent bank or other financial intermediary to apply appropriate credit remedies against a corporate borrower.

 

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Purchases of loans and other forms of direct indebtedness depend primarily upon the creditworthiness of the corporate borrower for payment of principal and interest. If the underlying investment company does not receive scheduled interest or principal payments on such indebtedness, the underlying investment company’s share price and yield could be adversely affected. Loans that are fully secured offer the underlying investment company more protection than an unsecured loan in the event of non-payment of scheduled interest or principal. However, there is no assurance that the liquidation of collateral from a secured loan would satisfy the corporate borrower’s obligation, or that the collateral can be liquidated.

 

An underlying investment company invests in loan participations with credit quality comparable to that of issuers of its securities investments. Indebtedness of companies whose creditworthiness is poor involves substantially greater risks, and may be highly speculative. Some companies may never pay off their indebtedness, or may pay only a small fraction of the amount owed. Consequently, when investing in indebtedness of companies with poor credit, the underlying investment company bears a substantial risk of losing the entire amount invested.

 

Loans and other types of direct indebtedness may not be readily marketable and may be subject to restrictions on resale. In some cases, negotiations involved in disposing of indebtedness may require weeks to complete. Consequently, some indebtedness may be difficult or impossible to dispose of readily at what the underlying investment company’s investment adviser believes to be a fair price.

 

Investments in loans through a direct assignment of the financial institution’s interests with respect to the loan may involve additional risks to an underlying investment company. For example, if a loan is foreclosed, the underlying investment company could become part owner of any collateral, and would bear the costs and liabilities associated with owning and disposing of the collateral. In addition, it is conceivable that under emerging legal theories of lender liability, an underlying investment company could be held liable as co-lender. It is unclear whether loans and other forms of direct indebtedness offer securities law protections against fraud and misrepresentation. In the absence of definitive regulatory guidance, an underlying investment company relies on its investment adviser’s research in an attempt to avoid situations where fraud or misrepresentation could adversely affect the Portfolio.

 

Market Fluctuation. The market value of the investments of each underlying investment company, and thus each underlying investment company’s NAV, will change in response to market conditions affecting the value of its portfolio securities. When interest rates decline, the value of fixed rate obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of fixed rate obligations can be expected to decline. In contrast, as interest rates on adjustable rate loans are reset periodically, yields on investments in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates, causing the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed rate obligations.

 

Micro Cap, Small Cap and Mid Cap Stocks. Securities of companies with micro, small and mid-size capitalizations tend to be riskier than securities of companies with large capitalizations. This is because micro, small and mid cap companies typically have smaller product lines and less access to liquidity than large cap companies, and are therefore more sensitive to economic downturns. In addition, growth prospects of micro, small and mid cap companies tend to be less certain than large cap companies, and the dividends paid on micro, small and mid cap stocks are frequently negligible. Moreover, micro, small and mid cap stocks have, on occasion, fluctuated in the opposite direction of large cap stocks or the general stock market. Consequently, securities of micro, small and mid cap companies tend to be more volatile than those of large cap companies. The market for micro and small cap securities may be thinly traded and as a result, greater fluctuations in the price of micro and small cap securities may occur.

 

Mortgage-Backed Securities. The Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio’s underlying investment companies may invest in mortgage pass-through certificates and multiple-class pass-through securities, such as real estate mortgage investment conduits (“REMIC”) pass-through certificates and collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”).

 

Guaranteed mortgage pass-through securities represent participation interests in pools of residential mortgage loans and are issued by U.S. governmental or private lenders and guaranteed by the U.S. government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities, including but not limited to the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”), Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Ginnie Mae certificates are guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government for timely payment of principal and interest on the certificates. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac certificates are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. Fannie Mae certificates are guaranteed by Fannie Mae, a federally chartered and privately owned corporation, for full and timely payment of principal and interest on the certificates. Fannie Mae is authorized to borrow from the U.S. Treasury to meet its obligations. Freddie Mac certificates are guaranteed by Freddie Mac, a corporate instrumentality of the U.S. government, for timely payment of interest and the ultimate collection of all principal of the related mortgage loans.

 

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In September 2008, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”) announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would be placed in conservatorship under the FHFA. On June 16, 2010, FHFA ordered Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s stock de-listed from the New York Stock Exchange after the price of common stock in Fannie Mae fell below the New York Stock Exchange’s minimum average closing price of $1 for more than 30 days. The future status and role of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could be impacted by (among other things) the actions taken and restrictions placed on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac by the FHFA in its role as conservator, the restrictions placed on Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s operations and activities as a result of the senior preferred stock investment made by the U.S. Treasury, market responses to developments at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and future legislative and regulatory action that alters the operations, ownership, structure and/or mission of these institutions, each of which may, in turn, impact the value of, and cash flows on, any Mortgage-Backed Securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, including any such Mortgage-Backed Securities held by a Fund.

 

There is risk that the U.S. government will not provide financial support to its agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. A Portfolio may purchase U.S. government securities that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, such as those issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. government securities held by a Portfolio may greatly exceed their current resources, including their legal right to support from the U.S. Treasury. It is possible that these issuers will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future.

 

CMOs and REMIC pass-through or participation certificates may be issued by, among others, U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities as well as private lenders. CMOs and REMIC certificates are issued in multiple classes and the principal of and interest on the mortgage assets may be allocated among the several classes of CMOs or REMIC certificates in various ways. Each class of CMOs or REMIC certificates, often referred to as a “tranche,” is issued at a specific adjustable or fixed interest rate and must be fully retired no later than its final distribution date. Generally, interest is paid or accrues on all classes of CMOs or REMIC certificates on a monthly basis.

 

Typically, CMOs are collateralized by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac certificates but also may be collateralized by other mortgage assets such as whole loans or private mortgage pass-through securities. Debt service on CMOs is provided from payments of principal and interest on collateral of mortgaged assets and any reinvestment income thereon. Mortgage-backed securities that are collateralized by a portfolio of mortgages or mortgage-related securities depend on the payments of principal and interest made by or through the underlying assets, which may not be sufficient to meet the payment obligations of the mortgage-backed securities. The quality and value of the underlying collateral may decline, or default, which has become a significant risk for collateral related to sub-prime mortgage loans, especially in a declining residential real estate market. Further, these securities generally are privately sold and may not be readily marketable, particularly after a rapid decrease in value.

 

A REMIC is a CMO that qualifies for special tax treatment under the Code and invests in certain mortgages primarily secured by interests in real property and other permitted investments. Investors may purchase “regular” and “residual” interest shares of beneficial interest in REMIC trusts.

 

An underlying investment company may invest in mortgage-backed securities issued by trusts or other entities formed or sponsored by private originators of and institutional investors in mortgage loans and other non-governmental entities (or representing custodial arrangements administered by such institutions). These private originators and institutions include savings and loan associations, mortgage bankers, commercial banks, insurance companies, investment banks and special purpose subsidiaries of the foregoing.

 

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Privately issued mortgage-backed securities are generally backed by pools of conventional (i.e., non-government guaranteed or insured) mortgage loans. Since such mortgage-backed securities normally are not guaranteed by an entity having the credit standing of Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac in order to receive a high quality rating from the rating organizations (e.g., Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s), they often are structured with one or more types of “credit enhancement.” Such credit enhancement falls into two categories: (1) liquidity protection and (2) protection against losses resulting after default by a borrower and liquidation of the collateral (e.g., sale of a house after foreclosure). Liquidity protection refers to the payment of cash advances to holders of mortgage-backed securities when a borrower on an underlying mortgage fails to make its monthly payment on time. Protection against losses resulting after default and liquidation is designed to cover losses resulting when, for example, the proceeds of a foreclosure sale are insufficient to cover the outstanding amount on the mortgage. Such protection may be provided through guarantees, insurance policies or letters of credit, through various means of structuring the securities or through a combination of such approaches.

 

Examples of credit enhancement arising out of the structure of the transaction include “senior-subordinated securities” (multiple class securities with one or more classes entitled to receive payment before other classes, with the result that defaults on the underlying mortgages are borne first by the holders of the subordinated class), creation of “spread accounts” or “reserve funds” (where cash or investments are held in reserve against future losses) and “over-collateralization” (where the scheduled payments on the underlying mortgages in a pool exceed the amount required to be paid on the mortgage-backed securities). The degree of credit enhancement for a particular issue of mortgage-backed securities is based on the level of credit risk associated with the particular mortgages in the related pool. Losses on a pool in excess of anticipated levels could nevertheless result in losses to security holders since credit enhancement rarely covers every dollar owed on a pool.

 

Investing in mortgage-backed securities (such as those described above) involves certain risks, including the failure of a counter-party to meet its commitments, adverse interest rate changes and the effects of prepayments on mortgage cash flows. Further, the yield characteristics of mortgage-backed securities differ from those of traditional fixed income securities. The major differences typically include more frequent interest and principal payments (usually monthly), the adjustability of interest rates, and the possibility that prepayments of principal may be made substantially earlier than their final distribution dates.

 

Prepayment rates are influenced by changes in current interest rates and a variety of economic, geographic, social and other factors and cannot be predicted with certainty. Both adjustable rate mortgage loans and fixed rate mortgage loans may be subject to a greater rate of principal prepayments in a declining interest rate environment and to a lesser rate of principal prepayments in an increasing interest rate environment. Under certain interest rate and prepayment rate scenarios, a Portfolio may fail to recoup fully its investment in Mortgage-Backed Securities notwithstanding any direct or indirect governmental or agency guarantee. When a Portfolio reinvests amounts representing payments and unscheduled prepayments of principal, it may receive a rate of interest that is lower than the rate on existing adjustable rate mortgage pass-through securities. Thus, mortgage-backed securities, and adjustable rate mortgage pass-through securities in particular, may be less effective than other types of U.S. government securities as a means of “locking in” interest rates.

 

Conversely, in a rising interest rate environment, a declining prepayment rate will extend the average life of many mortgage-backed securities. This possibility is often referred to as extension risk. Extending the average life of a mortgage-backed security increases the risk of depreciation due to future increases in market interest rates. The market for certain types of mortgage-backed securities (i.e., certain CMOs) may not be liquid under all interest rate scenarios, which may prevent a Portfolio from selling such securities held in its portfolio at times or prices that it desires.

 

Different types of derivative debt securities are subject to different combinations of prepayment, extension and/or interest rate risk. Conventional mortgage pass-through securities and sequential pay CMOs are subject to all of these risks, but are typically not leveraged. Thus, the magnitude of exposure may be less than for more leveraged mortgage-backed securities.

 

Planned amortization class (“PAC”) and target amortization class (“TAC”) CMO bonds involve less exposure to prepayment, extension and interest rate risk than other mortgage-backed securities, provided that prepayment rates remain within expected prepayment ranges or “collars.” To the extent that prepayment rates remain within these prepayment ranges, the residual or support tranches of PAC and TAC CMOs assume the extra prepayment extension and interest rate risk associated with the underlying mortgage assets.

 

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An underlying investment company may invest in floating rate securities based on the Cost of Funds Index (“COFI floaters”), other “lagging rate” floating rate securities, floating rate securities that are subject to a maximum interest rate (“capped floaters”), and mortgage-backed securities purchased at a discount. The primary risks associated with these derivative debt securities are the potential extension of average life and/or depreciation due to rising interest rates.

 

Recently, rating agencies have placed on credit watch or downgraded the ratings previously assigned to a large number of mortgage-related securities (which may include certain of the mortgage-related securities in which an underlying investment company may have invested or may in the future be invested), and may continue to do so in the future. In the event that any mortgage-related security held by an underlying investment company is placed on credit watch or downgraded, the value of such mortgage-related security may decline and the underlying investment company invested in such security, and thus the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio, may consequently experience losses in respect of such mortgage-related security.

 

Mortgage Dollar Roll Transactions. The Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio’s underlying investment companies may enter into mortgage dollar roll transactions in which the underlying investment company sells securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts with the same counterparty to repurchase similar (same type, coupon and maturity), but not identical securities on a specified future date.

 

During the roll period, the underlying investment company would forgo principal and interest paid on such securities. However, the underlying investment company would benefit to the extent of any difference between the price received for the securities sold and the lower forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the “drop”) or fee income plus the interest on the cash proceeds of the securities sold until the settlement date of the forward purchase. Unless such benefits exceed the income, capital appreciation and gain or loss due to mortgage prepayments that would have been realized on the securities sold as part of the mortgage dollar roll, the use of this technique will diminish the investment performance of the underlying investment company compared with what such performance would have been without the use of mortgage dollar rolls. Any benefits derived from the use of mortgage dollar rolls may depend upon mortgage prepayment assumptions, which will be affected by changes in interest rates. There is no assurance that mortgage dollar rolls can be successfully employed. For additional information on dollar rolls, please refer to the section entitled “Dollar Rolls” in this SAI.

 

Options on Futures Contracts. To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Portfolio’s underlying investment companies may purchase and sell various kinds of futures contracts, and purchase and write call and put options on any of such futures contracts. The acquisition of put and call options on futures contracts will give an underlying investment company the right (but not the obligation) for a specified price to sell or to purchase, respectively, the underlying futures contract at any time during the option period. As the purchaser of an option on a futures contract, an underlying investment company obtains the benefit of the futures position if prices move in a favorable direction but limits its risk of loss in the event of an unfavorable price movement to the loss of the premium and transaction costs.

 

The writing of a call option on a futures contract generates a premium, which may partially offset a decline in the value of an underlying investment company’s assets. By writing a call option, an underlying investment company becomes obligated, in exchange for the premium, (upon exercise of the option) to sell a futures contract if the option is exercised, which may have a value higher than the exercise price. Conversely, the writing of a put option on a futures contract generates a premium, which may partially offset an increase in the price of securities that an underlying investment company intends to purchase. However, the underlying investment company becomes obligated (upon exercise of the option) to purchase a futures contract if the option is exercised, which may have a value lower than the exercise price. Thus, the loss incurred by an underlying investment company in writing options on futures is potentially unlimited and may exceed the amount of the premium received. The underlying investment company will incur transaction costs in connection with the writing of options on futures.

 

The holder or writer of an option on a futures contract may terminate its position by selling or purchasing an offsetting option on the same financial instrument. There is no guarantee that such closing transactions can be effected. An underlying investment company’s ability to establish and close out positions on such options will be subject to the development and maintenance of a liquid market.

 

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Transactions in futures contracts and options on futures involve brokerage costs, require margin deposits and, in some cases, may require the applicable underlying investment company to establish a segregated account consisting of cash or liquid securities in an amount equal to the underlying value of such contracts and options.

 

The use of futures contracts entails certain risks, including but not limited to the following: no assurance that futures contracts transactions can be offset at favorable prices; possible reduction of the underlying investment company’s income due to the use of hedging; possible reduction in value of both the securities hedged and the hedging instrument; possible lack of liquidity due to daily limits on price fluctuations; imperfect correlation between the contract and the securities being hedged; and potential losses in excess of the amount initially invested in the futures contracts themselves. If the expectations of the adviser of the underlying investment company regarding movements in securities prices or interest rates are incorrect, the underlying investment company may have experienced better investment results without hedging. The use of futures contracts and options on futures contracts requires special skills in addition to those needed to select portfolio securities.

 

While transactions in futures contracts and options on futures may reduce certain risks, such transactions themselves entail certain other risks. Thus, while an underlying investment company may benefit from the use of futures and options on futures, unanticipated changes in interest rates or securities prices may result in a poorer overall performance for the underlying investment company than if it had not entered into any futures contracts or options transactions. In the event of an imperfect correlation between a futures position and a portfolio position which is intended to be protected, the desired protection may not be obtained and the underlying investment company may be exposed to risk of loss.

 

Perfect correlation between an underlying investment company’s futures positions and portfolio positions will be impossible to achieve. There are no futures contracts based upon individual securities, except certain U.S. government securities. Other futures contracts available to hedge an underlying investment company’s portfolio investments generally are limited to futures on various securities indices.

 

Options on Securities and Securities Indices. To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Portfolio’s underlying investment companies may each write covered call and secured put options on any securities in which it may invest or on any domestic stock indices based on securities in which it may invest. An underlying investment company may purchase and write such options on securities that are listed on national domestic securities exchanges or foreign securities exchanges or traded in the over-the-counter market. A call option written by an underlying investment company obligates the investment company to sell specified securities to the holder of the option at a specified price if the option is exercised at any time before the expiration date, regardless of the market price of the security.

 

A put option written by an underlying investment company obligates the underlying investment company to purchase specified securities from the option holder at a specified price if the option is exercised at any time before the expiration date, regardless of the market price for the security. The purpose of writing such options is to generate additional income. However, in return for the option premium, the underlying investment company accepts the risk that it will be required to purchase the underlying securities at a price in excess of the securities’ market value at the time of purchase.

 

A written call option or put option may be covered by (i) maintaining cash or liquid securities, either of which may be quoted or denominated in any currency, in a segregated account noted on the underlying investment company’s records or maintained by the underlying investment company’s custodian with a value at least equal to the underlying investment company’s obligation under the option, (ii) entering into an offsetting forward commitment and/or (iii) purchasing an offsetting option or any other option which, by virtue of its exercise price or otherwise, reduces the underlying investment company’s net exposure on its written option position.

 

An underlying investment company may terminate its obligations under an exchange-traded call or put option by purchasing an option identical to the one it has written. Obligations under over-the-counter options may be terminated only by entering into an offsetting transaction with the counterparts to such option. Such purchases are referred to as “closing purchase transactions” and do not result in the ownership of an option. A closing purchase transaction will ordinarily be effected to realize a profit on an outstanding option, to prevent an underlying security from being called, to permit the sale of the underlying security or to permit the writing of a new option containing different terms on such underlying security. The cost of such a liquidation purchase plus transaction costs may be greater than the premium received upon the original option, in which event the underlying investment company will have incurred a loss in the transaction.

 

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An underlying investment company may also write (sell) covered call and put options on any securities index composed of securities in which it may invest. Options on securities indices are similar to options on securities, except that the exercise of securities index options requires cash settlement payments and does not involve the actual purchase or sale of securities. The amount of this settlement will be equal to the difference between the closing price of the securities index at the time of exercise and the exercise price of the option expressed in dollars, times a specified amount. In addition, securities index options are designed to reflect price fluctuations in a group of securities or segment of the securities market rather than price fluctuations in a single security.

 

An underlying investment company may cover call options on a securities index by owning securities whose price changes are expected to be similar to those of the underlying index or by having an absolute and immediate right to acquire such securities without additional cash consideration (or for additional cash consideration held in a segregated account) upon conversion or exchange of other securities in its portfolio. An underlying investment company may also cover call and put options on a securities index by using the other methods described above.

 

An underlying investment company would normally purchase call options in anticipation of an increase, or put options in anticipation of a decrease (“protective puts”) in the market value of securities of the type in which it may invest. The purchase of a call option would entitle an underlying investment company, in return for the premium paid, to purchase specified securities at a specified price during the option period. An underlying investment company would ordinarily realize a gain on the purchase of a call option if, during the option period, the value of such securities exceeded the sum of the exercise price, the premium paid and transaction costs; otherwise the underlying investment company would realize either no gain or a loss on the purchase of the call option. The purchase of a put option would entitle an underlying investment company, in exchange for the premium paid, to sell specified securities at a specified price during the option period. The purchase of protective puts is designed to offset or hedge against a decline in the market value of an underlying investment company’s securities. Put options may also be purchased by an underlying investment company for the purpose of affirmatively benefiting from a decline in the price of securities which it does not own. An underlying investment company would ordinarily realize a gain if, during the option period, the value of the underlying securities decreased below the exercise price sufficiently to cover the premium and transaction costs; otherwise the underlying investment company would realize either no gain or a loss on the purchase of the put option. Gains and losses on the purchase of put options may be offset by countervailing changes in the value of the underlying portfolio securities.

 

An underlying investment company may purchase put and call options on securities indices for the same purposes as it may purchase options on securities. Options on securities indices are similar to options on securities, except that the exercise of securities index options requires cash payments and does not involve the actual purchase or sale of securities. In addition, securities index options are designed to reflect price fluctuations in a group of securities or segment of the securities market rather than price fluctuations in a single security.

 

Although an underlying investment company may use option transactions to seek to generate additional income and to seek to reduce the effect of any adverse price movement in the securities or currency subject to the option, they do involve certain risks that are different in some respects from investment risks associated with similar mutual funds, which do not engage in such activities. These risks include the following: for writing call options, the inability to effect closing transactions at favorable prices and the inability to participate in the appreciation of the underlying securities above the exercise price; for writing put options, the inability to effect closing transactions at favorable prices and the obligation to purchase the specified securities or to make a cash settlement on the securities index at prices which may not reflect current market values; and for purchasing call and put options, the possible loss of the entire premium paid. In addition, the effectiveness of hedging through the purchase or sale of securities index options, including options on the S&P 500® Index, will depend upon the extent to which price movements in the portion of the securities portfolio being hedged correlate with the price movements in the selected securities index. Perfect correlation may not be possible because the securities held or to be acquired by an underlying investment company may not exactly match the composition of the securities index on which options are written. If the forecasts of the adviser of the underlying investment company regarding movements in securities prices or interest rates are incorrect, an underlying investment company’s investment results may have been better without the hedge transactions.

 

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There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on a domestic or foreign options exchange will exist for any particular exchange-traded option or at any particular time. If an underlying investment company is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction with respect to covered options it has written, the investment company will not be able to sell the underlying securities or dispose of assets held in a segregated account until the options expire or are exercised. Similarly, if an underlying investment company is unable to effect a closing sale transaction with respect to options it has purchased, it would have to exercise the options in order to realize any profit and will incur transaction costs upon the purchase or sale of underlying securities or currencies.

 

Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market on an exchange include the following: (i) there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options; (ii) restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions or closing transactions or both; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options; (iv) unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; (v) the facilities of an exchange or the Options Clearing Corporation may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading volume; or (vi) one or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options), in which event the secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to exist although outstanding options on that exchange that had been issued by the Options Clearing Corporation as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.

 

The writing and purchase of options is a highly specialized activity, which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The successful use of options for hedging purposes depends in part on the adviser’s ability to predict future price fluctuations and the degree of correlation between the options and securities markets.

 

Pay-in-Kind Securities, Zero Coupon and Capital Appreciation Bonds. To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Portfolio’s underlying investment companies may invest in pay-in-kind (“PIK”) securities. PIK securities may be debt obligations or preferred shares that provide the issuer with the option of paying interest or dividends on such obligations in cash or in the form of additional securities rather than cash. Similarly, zero coupon and capital appreciation bonds are debt securities issued or sold at a discount from their face value and do not entitle the holder to any periodic payment of interest prior to maturity or a specified date. The amount of the discount varies depending on the time remaining until maturity or cash payment date, prevailing interest rates, the liquidity of the security and the perceived credit quality of the issuer. These securities also may take the form of debt securities that have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons, the coupons themselves or receipts or certificates representing interests in such stripped debt obligations or coupons. A portion of the discount with respect to stripped tax-exempt securities or their coupons may be taxable. Such securities are designed to give an issuer flexibility in managing cash flow. PIK securities that are debt securities can either be senior or subordinated debt and generally trade flat (i.e., without accrued interest). The trading price of PIK debt securities generally reflects the market value of the underlying debt plus an amount representing accrued interest since the last interest payment.

 

PIK securities, zero coupon bonds and capital appreciation bonds involve the additional risk that, unlike securities that periodically pay interest to maturity, an underlying investment company will realize no cash until a specified future payment date unless a portion of such securities is sold and, if the issuer of such securities defaults, an underlying investment company may obtain no return at all on its investment. In addition, even though such securities may not provide for the payment of current interest in cash, an underlying investment company is nonetheless required to accrue income on such investments for each taxable year and generally is required to distribute such accrued amounts (net of deductible expenses, if any) to avoid being subject to tax. Because no cash is generally received at the time of the accrual, an underlying investment company may be required to liquidate other portfolio securities to obtain sufficient cash to satisfy federal tax distribution requirements applicable to the underlying investment company. Additionally, the market prices of PIK securities, zero coupon bonds and capital appreciation bonds generally are more volatile than the market prices of interest bearing securities and are likely to respond to a greater degree to changes in interest rates than interest bearing securities having similar maturities and credit quality.

 

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Purchase Warrants. To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Portfolio’s underlying investment companies may invest in purchase warrants and similar rights. Purchase warrants are privileges issued by a corporation which enable the owner to subscribe to and purchase a specified number of shares of the corporation at a specified price during a specified period of time. Subscription rights normally have a short lifespan to expiration. The purchase of warrants involves the risk that the underlying investment company could lose the purchase value of a warrant if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not executed prior to the warrants’ expiration. Also, the purchase of warrants involves the risk that the effective price paid for the warrant added to the subscription price of the related security may exceed the value of the subscribed security’s market price such as when there is no movement in the level of the underlying security.

 

Real Estate Investment Trust Securities. To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Portfolio’s underlying investment companies may invest in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”). REITs generally invest directly in real estate, in mortgages or in some combination of the two. Individual REITs may own a limited number of properties and may concentrate in a particular region or property type. A REIT is a corporation, or a business trust that would otherwise be taxed as a corporation, which meets the definitional requirements of the Code. The Code permits a qualifying REIT to deduct dividends paid, thereby effectively eliminating corporate level Federal income tax and making the REIT a pass-through vehicle for federal income tax purposes. To meet the definitional requirements of the Code, a REIT must, among other things, invest substantially all of its assets in interests in real estate (including mortgages and other REITs) or cash and government securities, derive most of its income from rents from real property or interest on loans secured by mortgages on real property, and distribute to shareholders annually a substantial portion of its otherwise taxable income.

 

Generally, REITs can be classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs and hybrid REITs. Equity REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive their income primarily from rents and capital gains from appreciation realized through property sales. Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive their income primarily from interest payments. Hybrid REITs combine the characteristics of both equity and mortgage REITs. The values of securities issued by REITs are affected by tax and regulatory requirements and by perceptions of management skill. They also are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers or tenants, self-liquidation and the possibility of failing to qualify for tax-free status under the Code or to maintain exemption from the 1940 Act. Unexpected high rates of default on the mortgages held by a mortgage pool may adversely affect the value of a mortgage-backed security and could result in losses to a mortgage REIT. The risk of such defaults is generally higher in the case of mortgage pools that include subprime mortgages. To the extent that a mortgage REIT’s portfolio is exposed to lower-rated, unsecured or subordinated instruments, the risk of loss may increase, which may have a negative impact on an underlying investment company and, therefore, the Portfolios.

 

The REITs in which the underlying investment companies may invest may be affected by economic forces and other factors related to the real estate industry. REITs are sensitive to factors such as changes in real estate values, property taxes, interest rates, cash flow of underlying real estate assets, occupancy rates, government regulations affecting zoning, land use and rents, and management skill and creditworthiness of the issuer. Companies in the real estate industry may also be subject to liabilities under environmental and hazardous waste laws. REITS whose underlying assets include long-term health care properties; such as nursing, retirement and assisted living homes, may be impacted by federal regulations concerning the health care industry. An underlying investment company will indirectly bear its proportionate share of expenses, including management fees, paid by each REIT in which it invests in addition to the expenses of the underlying investment company. An underlying investment company is also subject to the risk that the REITs in which it invests will fail to qualify for tax-free pass-through of income under the Code, and/or fail to qualify for an exemption from registration as an investment company under the 1940 Act. Mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of the credit extended. A REIT’s return may be adversely affected when interest rates are high or rising.

 

Investing in REITs may involve risks similar to those associated with investing in small capitalization companies. REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. Historically, small capitalization stocks, such as REITs, have been more volatile in price than the larger capitalization stocks included in the S&P 500® Index.

 

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Repurchase Agreements. Each Portfolio’s underlying investment companies may agree to purchase securities from financial institutions subject to the seller’s agreement to repurchase them at an agreed-upon time and price (“repurchase agreements”). The securities held subject to a repurchase agreement may have stated maturities exceeding 397 days, provided the repurchase agreement itself matures in less than 13 months. Default by or bankruptcy of the seller would, however, expose an underlying investment company to possible loss because of adverse market action or delays in connection with the disposition of the underlying obligations.

 

Default by or bankruptcy of the seller would, expose an underlying investment company to possible loss because of adverse market action or delays in connection with the disposition of the underlying obligations.

 

Restricted and Illiquid Securities. Each Portfolio’s underlying investment companies may not invest more than 15% of their respective net assets in illiquid securities, including securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily available market or legal or contractual restrictions on resale. Illiquid securities include: repurchase agreements and time deposits with a notice or demand period of more than seven days; interest rate; currency and mortgage swaps; interest rate caps; floors and collars; municipal leases; certain restricted securities, such as those purchased in a private placement of securities, unless it is determined, based upon a review of the trading markets for a specific restricted security, that such restricted security is liquid; and certain over-the-counter options. Securities that have legal or contractual restrictions on resale but have a readily available market are not considered illiquid for purposes of this limitation.

 

Mutual funds do not typically hold a significant amount of restricted or other illiquid securities because of the potential for delays on resale and uncertainty in valuation. Limitations on resale may have an adverse effect on the marketability of portfolio securities and a mutual fund might be unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty in satisfying redemptions within seven days. A mutual fund might also have to register such restricted securities in order to dispose of them resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of securities.

 

Each underlying investment company may purchase securities which are not registered under the Securities Act but which may be sold to “qualified institutional buyers” in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act (“Restricted Securities”). These securities will not be considered illiquid so long as it is determined by the underlying investment adviser that an adequate trading market exists for the securities. This investment practice could have the effect of increasing the level of illiquidity in an underlying investment company during any period that qualified institutional buyers become uninterested in purchasing restricted securities.

 

The underlying investment adviser will monitor the liquidity of Restricted Securities held by an underlying investment company. In reaching liquidity decisions, the underlying investment adviser may consider, among others, the following factors: (1) the unregistered nature of the security; (2) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (3) the number of dealers wishing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential purchasers; (4) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; and (5) the nature of the security and the nature of the marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of the transfer).

 

The purchase price and subsequent valuation of Restricted Securities normally reflect a discount from the price at which such securities trade when they are not restricted, since the restriction makes them less liquid. The amount of the discount from the prevailing market price is expected to vary depending upon the type of security, the character of the issuer, the party who will bear the expenses of registering the Restricted Securities and prevailing supply and demand conditions.

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreements. To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Portfolio’s underlying investment companies may enter into reverse repurchase agreements. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the sale of securities held by an underlying investment company subject to the underlying investment company’s agreement to repurchase the securities at an agreed-upon price, date and rate of interest. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities sold by an underlying investment company may decline below the price of the securities the underlying investment company is obligated to repurchase and the interest received on the cash exchanged for the securities. Reverse repurchase agreements are considered to be borrowings under the 1940 Act.

 

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Short Sales. To the extent consistent with their respective investment policies and limitations, each Portfolio’s underlying investment companies may enter into short sales. Short sales are transactions in which an underlying investment company sells a security it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the market value of that security. To complete such a transaction, the underlying investment company must borrow the security to make delivery to the buyer. The underlying investment company then is obligated to replace the security borrowed by purchasing it at the market price at the time of replacement. The price at such time may be more or less than the price at which the security was sold by the underlying investment company. Until the security is replaced, the underlying investment company is required to pay to the lender amounts equal to any dividend which accrues during the period of the loan. To borrow the security, the underlying investment company also may be required to pay a premium, which would increase the cost of the security sold. The proceeds of the short sale will be retained by the broker, to the extent necessary to meet margin requirements, until the short position is closed out.

 

Until an underlying investment company replaces a borrowed security in connection with a short sale, the underlying investment company will: (a) maintain daily a segregated account, containing cash, cash equivalents, or liquid marketable securities, at such a level that the amount deposited in the account plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will equal the current value of the security sold short or (b) otherwise cover its short position in accordance with positions taken by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

 

An underlying investment company will incur a loss as a result of the short sale if the price of the security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the underlying investment company replaces the borrowed security. The underlying investment company will realize a gain if the security declines in price between those dates. This result is the opposite of what one would expect from a cash purchase of a long position in a security. The amount of any gain will be decreased, and the amount of any loss increased, by the amount of any premium or amounts in lieu of interest the underlying investment company may be required to pay in connection with a short sale.

 

Short Sales “Against the Box.” In addition to the short sales discussed above, an underlying investment company may make short sales “against the box,” a transaction in which a fund enters into a short sale of a security that the fund owns or has the right to obtain at no additional cost. The proceeds of the short sale will be held by a broker until the settlement date at which time the underlying investment company delivers the security to close the short position. The underlying investment company receives the net proceeds from the short sale.

 

Structured Securities. The Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio’s underlying investment companies may invest in structured securities. The value of the principal of and/or interest on structured securities is determined by reference to changes in the value of specific currencies, commodities, securities, indices or other financial indicators (the “Reference”) or the relative change in two or more References. The interest rate or the principal amount payable upon maturity or redemption may be increased or decreased depending upon changes in the applicable Reference. Examples of structured securities include, but are not limited to, notes where the principal repayment at maturity is determined by the value of the relative change in two or more specified securities or securities indices.

 

The terms of some structured securities may provide that in certain circumstances no principal is due at maturity and, therefore, an underlying investment company could suffer a total loss of its investment. Structured securities may be positively or negatively indexed, so that appreciation of the Reference may produce an increase or decrease in the interest rate or value of the security at maturity. In addition, changes in the interest rate or the value of the security at maturity may be a multiple of the changes in the value of the Reference. Consequently, structured securities may entail a greater degree of market risk than other types of securities. Structured securities may also be more volatile, less liquid and more difficult to accurately price than less complex securities due to their derivative nature.

 

Special Note Regarding Market Events. Events in the financial sector over the past several years have resulted in reduced liquidity in credit and fixed income markets and in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestically and internationally. While entire markets have been impacted, issuers that have exposure to the real estate, mortgage and credit markets have been particularly affected. These events and the potential for continuing market turbulence may have an adverse effect on the underlying investment companies’ investments. It is uncertain how long these conditions will continue.

 

22

 

The instability in the financial markets has led the U.S. government to take a number of unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions and certain segments of the financial markets. Federal, state and foreign governments, regulatory agencies, and self-regulatory organizations may take actions that affect the regulation of the instruments in which the Portfolio invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that are unforeseeable. Such legislation or regulation could limit or preclude an underlying investment company’s, and thus a Portfolio’s, ability to achieve its investment objective.

 

Governments or their agencies may also acquire distressed assets from financial institutions and acquire ownership interests in those institutions. The implications of government ownership and disposition of these assets are unclear, and such ownership or disposition may have positive or negative effects on the liquidity, valuation and performance of the underlying investment companies’ holdings.

 

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

The Company has adopted, on behalf of the Portfolios, a policy relating to the selective disclosure of each Portfolio’s portfolio holdings by the Adviser, director, officer or third party service provider in accordance with regulations that seek to ensure that disclosure of information about portfolio holdings is in the best interest of Portfolio shareholders and to address conflicts of interests of Portfolio shareholders and their service providers. The policies relating to the disclosure of the Portfolios’ portfolio holdings are designed to allow disclosure of portfolio holdings information where necessary to a Portfolio’s operation without compromising the integrity or performance of the Portfolio. It is the policy of the Company that disclosure of a Portfolio’s portfolio holdings to a select person or persons prior to the release of such holdings to the public (“selective disclosure”) is prohibited, unless there are legitimate business purposes for selective disclosure.

 

The Company discloses portfolio holdings information as required in regulatory filings and shareholder reports, discloses portfolio holdings information as required by federal and state securities laws and may disclose portfolio holdings information in response to requests by governmental authorities. As required by the federal securities laws, including the 1940 Act, the Company will disclose the Portfolios’ portfolio holdings in applicable regulatory filings, including shareholder reports, reports on Form N-CSR and Form N-Q or such other filings, reports or disclosure documents as the applicable regulatory authorities may require.

 

The Company may distribute or authorize the distribution of information about the Portfolios’ portfolio holdings that is not publicly available to its third-party service providers of the Company, which include U.S. Bank, N.A., the custodian for the Portfolios; U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“USBFS”), the administrator, accounting agent and transfer agent; PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Portfolios’ independent registered public accounting firm; Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, legal counsel; and Filepoint, the financial printer. These service providers are required to keep such information confidential, and are prohibited from trading based on the information or otherwise using the information except as necessary in providing services to the Portfolios. Such holdings are released on conditions of confidentiality, which include appropriate trading prohibitions. “Conditions of confidentiality” include confidentiality terms included in written agreements, implied by the nature of the relationship (e.g. attorney-client relationship), or required by fiduciary or regulatory principles (e.g., custody services provided by financial institutions). Portfolio holdings may also be provided earlier to shareholders and their agents who receive redemptions in kind that reflect a pro rata allocation of all securities held in a Portfolio’s portfolio.

 

Portfolio holdings may also be disclosed, upon authorization by a designated officer of the Adviser, to (i) certain independent reporting agencies recognized by the SEC as acceptable agencies for the reporting of industry statistical information. Disclosures to financial consultants are also subject to a confidentiality agreement and/or trading restrictions as well as a 15-day time lag. The foregoing disclosures are made pursuant to the Company’s policy on selective disclosure of portfolio holdings. The Board or a committee thereof may, in limited circumstances, permit other selective disclosure of portfolio holdings subject to a confidentiality agreement and/or trading restrictions. Portfolio holdings may also be provided earlier to shareholders and their agents who receive redemptions in kind that reflect a pro rata allocation of all securities held in the Portfolios’ portfolios.

 

23

 

The Adviser reserves the right to refuse to fulfill any request for portfolio holdings information from a shareholder or non-shareholder if it believes that providing such information will be contrary to the best interests of the Portfolios.

 

The Board provides ongoing oversight of the Company’s policies and procedures and compliance with such policies and procedures. As part of this oversight function, the Board receives from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) as necessary, reports on compliance with these policies and procedures. In addition, the Board receives an annual assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of the policies and procedures with respect to the Portfolios, and any changes thereto, and an annual review of the operation of the policies and procedures. Any violation of the policy set forth above as well as any corrective action undertaken to address such violation must be reported by the Adviser, director, officer or third party service provider to the Company’s CCO, who will determine whether the violation should be reported immediately to the Board or at its next quarterly Board meeting.

 

Portfolio Turnover. Changes may be made to a Portfolio’s portfolio consistent with the investment objective and policies of such Portfolio whenever such changes are believed to be in the best interests of the Portfolio and its shareholders. The portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities by the average monthly value of a Portfolio’s portfolio securities. For purposes of this calculation, portfolio securities exclude all securities having a maturity when purchased of one year or less. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the portfolio turnover rates for the Portfolios can be found below. High portfolio turnover may result in increased brokerage costs to a Portfolio. Under normal circumstances each of the Portfolios expects to have a low portfolio turnover rate.

 

 

For the Fiscal

Year Ended
August 31, 2017

For the Fiscal

Year Ended
August 31, 2016

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio 21.00% 7.38%
Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio 21.23% 4.52%
Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio 10.82% 40.27%

 

MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the oversight of the Board, subject to the laws of the State of Maryland and the Company’s Charter. The Directors are responsible for deciding matters of overall policy and overseeing the actions of the Company’s service providers. The officers of the Company conduct and supervise the Company’s daily business operations.

 

Directors who are not deemed to be “interested persons” of the Company (as defined in the 1940 Act) are referred to as “Independent Directors.” Directors who are deemed to be “interested persons” of the Company are referred to as “Interested Directors.” The Board is currently composed of seven Independent Directors and one Interested Director. The Board has selected Arnold M. Reichman, an Independent Director, to act as Chairman. Mr. Reichman’s duties include presiding at meetings of the Board and interfacing with management to address significant issues that may arise between regularly scheduled Board and Committee meetings. In the performance of his duties, Mr. Reichman will consult with the other Independent Directors and the Company’s officers and legal counsel, as appropriate. The Chairman may perform other functions as requested by the Board from time to time.

 

The Board meets as often as necessary to discharge its responsibilities. Currently, the Board conducts regular, in-person meetings at least four times a year, and holds special in-person or telephonic meetings as necessary to address specific issues that require attention prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting. The Board also relies on professionals, such as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firms and legal counsel, to assist the Directors in performing their oversight responsibilities.

 

The Board has established nine standing committees — Audit, Contract, Executive, Investment Risk, Nominating and Governance, Product Development, Regulatory Oversight, Strategic Oversight, and Valuation Committees. The Board may establish other committees, or nominate one or more Directors to examine particular issues related to the Board’s oversight responsibilities, from time to time. Each Committee meets periodically to perform its delegated oversight functions and reports its findings and recommendations to the Board. For more information on the Committees, see the section “Standing Board Committees,” below.

 

24

 

The Board has determined that the Company’s leadership structure is appropriate because it allows the Board to effectively perform its oversight responsibilities.

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below.

 

Name, Address,

and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and Length of Time Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of

Portfolios in

Fund Complex Overseen by

Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 84

Director 1988 to present From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications). 29 AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

J. Richard Carnall
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 79

Director 2002 to present

Since 1984, Director of Haydon Bolts, Inc. (bolt manufacturer) and Parkway Real Estate Company (subsidiary of Haydon Bolts, Inc.); since 2004, Director of Cornerstone Bank.

29 None

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 51

 

Director 2012 to present

Since 2009, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services); from 2003 to 2009, Managing Director, head of Business Services and IT Services Practice, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC (investment banking/brokerage).

29

Emtec, Inc.; FS Investment Corporation (business development company); FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company).

 

25

 

Name, Address,

and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and Length of Time Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of

Portfolios in

Fund Complex Overseen by

Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 74

Director 2006 to present Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations. 29

Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until September 2017); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios)(registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance).

Sam Lambroza

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 63

Director 2016 to present

Since 2010, Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer and Board Member, Tinsel Group of Companies (asset management).

29 None

Arnold M. Reichman
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 69

Chairman

 

Director

2005 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2006, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Lifebooker, LLC (online beauty and health appointment booking service).

29 Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 76

Director 2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

29

Reich and Tang Group (asset management).

 

INTERESTED DIRECTOR 2

Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 79

Vice Chairman

 

Director

2016 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director – Investments and prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

29 None

 

26

 

Name, Address,

and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and Length of Time Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of

Portfolios in

Fund Complex Overseen by

Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

OFFICERS

Salvatore Faia, JD,
CPA, CFE
Vigilant Compliance, LLC
Gateway Corporate
Center Suite 216
223 Wilmington West
Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 55

President

 

Chief Compliance Officer

2009 to present

 

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

N/A N/A

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 57

 

Treasurer

and

Secretary

 2016 to present

Since 2016, Treasurer and Secretary of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A N/A

Robert Amweg
Vigilant Compliance, LLC

Gateway Corporate Center Suite 216
223 Wilmington West Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 64

Assistant

Treasurer

2016 to present

Since 2013, Compliance Director, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2012, Consultant to the financial services industry; from 2007 to 2012, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, Turner Investments, LP (registered investment company).

N/A N/A

Jesse Schmitting

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 35

Assistant Treasurer 2016 to present Since 2008, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm). N/A N/A

 

27

 

Name, Address,

and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and Length of Time Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of

Portfolios in

Fund Complex Overseen by

Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

Edward Paz

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 46

Assistant Secretary

 

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A N/A

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square
Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 58

Assistant
Secretary
1999 to present Since 1993, Partner, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm). N/A N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann

One Logan Square
Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 38

Assistant
Secretary

September 2017

to present

Since 2017, Partner, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm); Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (2006 to present). N/A N/A

 

* Each Director oversees twenty-nine portfolios of the Company.
1. Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his successor is elected and qualified or his death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.
2. Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Carnall has decades of senior executive-level management experience in the banking and financial services industry and also serves on the boards of various corporations and a bank. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Mr. Lambroza has decades of experience and executive level leadership in the energy trading industry in addition to his experience in academia.

 

28

 

Standing Committees

 

The responsibilities of each Committee of the Board and its members are described below.

 

Audit Committee. The Board has an Audit Committee comprised of three Independent Directors. The current members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Brodsky, Chandler and Giordano. The Audit Committee, among other things, reviews results of the annual audit and approves the firm(s) to serve as independent auditors. The Audit Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Contract Committee. The Board has a Contract Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Contract Committee are Messrs. Brodsky, Chandler, Sablowsky and Straniere. The Contract Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the approval and continuation of agreements and plans of the Company. The Contract Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Executive Committee. The Board has an Executive Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Executive Committee are Messrs. Chandler, Giordano, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Executive Committee may generally carry on and manage the business of the Company when the Board is not in session. The Executive Committee did not meet during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Investment Risk Committee. The Board has an Investment Risk Committee comprised of the Interested Director and two Independent Directors. The current members of the Investment Risk Committee are Messrs. Lambroza, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Investment Risk Committee ensures that the Company’s investment advisers have adopted investment risk management policies and procedures. The Investment Risk Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Nominating and Governance Committee. The Board has a Nominating and Governance Committee comprised of three Independent Directors. The current members of the Nominating and Governance Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Giordano and Reichman. The Nominating and Governance Committee recommends to the Board all persons to be nominated as Directors of the Company. The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders. Recommendations should be submitted to the Committee care of the Company’s Secretary. The Nominating and Governance Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Product Development Committee. The Board has a Product Development Committee comprised of the Interested Director and one Independent Director. The current members of the Product Development Committee are Messrs. Reichman and Sablowsky. The Product Development Committee oversees the process regarding the addition of new investment advisers and investment products to the Company. The Product Development Committee convened six times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Regulatory Oversight Committee. The Board has a Regulatory Oversight Committee comprised of the Interested Director and four Independent Directors. The current members of the Regulatory Oversight Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Lambroza, Reichman, Sablowsky and Straniere. The Regulatory Oversight Committee monitors regulatory developments in the mutual fund industry and focuses on various regulatory aspects of the operation of the Company. The Regulatory Oversight Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Strategic Oversight Committee. The Board has a Strategic Oversight Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Strategic Oversight Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Chandler, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Strategic Oversight Committee assists the Board in its oversight and review of the Company’s strategic plan and operations. The Strategic Oversight Committee convened one time during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

29

 

Valuation Committee. The Board has a Valuation Committee comprised of the Interested Director, one Independent Director and three officers of the Company. The members of the Valuation Committee are Messrs. Amweg, Faia, Lambroza, Sablowsky and Shaw. The Valuation Committee is responsible for reviewing fair value determinations. The Valuation Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Risk Oversight

 

The Board performs its risk oversight function for the Company through a combination of (1) direct oversight by the Board as a whole and Board committees and (2) indirect oversight through the Company’s investment advisers and other service providers, Company officers and the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer. The Company is subject to a number of risks, including but not limited to investment risk, compliance risk, operational risk, reputational risk, credit risk and counterparty risk. Day-to-day risk management with respect to the Company is the responsibility of the Company’s investment advisers or other service providers (depending on the nature of the risk) that carry out the Company’s investment management and business affairs. Each of the investment advisers and the other service providers have their own independent interest in risk management and their policies and methods of risk management will depend on their functions and business models and may differ from the Company’s and each other’s in the setting of priorities, the resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls.

 

The Board provides risk oversight by receiving and reviewing on a regular basis reports from the Company’s investment advisers or other service providers, receiving and approving compliance policies and procedures, periodic meetings with the Company’s portfolio managers to review investment policies, strategies and risks, and meeting regularly with the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer to discuss compliance reports, findings and issues. The Board also relies on the Company’s investment advisers and other service providers, with respect to the day-to-day activities of the Company, to create and maintain procedures and controls to minimize risk and the likelihood of adverse effects on the Company’s business and reputation.

 

Board oversight of risk management is also provided by various Board Committees. For example, the Audit Committee meets with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firms to ensure that the Company’s respective audit scopes include risk-based considerations as to the Company’s financial position and operations.

 

The Board may, at any time and in its discretion, change the manner in which it conducts risk oversight. The Board’s oversight role does not make the Board a guarantor of the Company’s investments or activities.

 

Director Ownership of Shares of the Company

 

The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Director in the Portfolios and in all of the portfolios of the Company (which for each Director comprise all registered investment companies within the Company’s family of investment companies overseen by him) as of December 31, 2016. Shares of the Portfolios are offered only to Separate Accounts of Participating Insurance Companies for the purpose of funding various annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies and are not available for direct investment by the Directors.

 

Name of Director

Dollar Range of

Equity Securities in the

Portfolios

Aggregate Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in All
Registered Investment Companies
Overseen by Director within the
Family of Investment Companies
  INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS  
Julian A. Brodsky None Over $100,000
J. Richard Carnall None $10,001-$50,000
Gregory P. Chandler None $1-$10,000
Nicholas A. Giordano None $10,001-$50,000
Sam Lambroza None Over $100,000
Arnold M. Reichman None Over $100,000
Robert A. Straniere None $1-$10,000
  INTERESTED DIRECTOR  
Robert Sablowsky None Over $100,000

 

30

 

The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Director in each individual Fund as of December 31, 2016:

 

Name of Director/Officer Matson Money
U.S. Equity VI
Portfolio
Matson Money
International
Equity VI
Portfolio
Matson Money
Fixed Income VI
Portfolio
Independent Directors:      
Julian A. Brodsky, Director None None None
J. Richard Carnall, Director None None None
Gregory P. Chandler, Director None None None
Nicholas A. Giordano, Director None None None
Sam Lambroza, Director None None None
Arnold M. Reichman, Director and Chairman None None None
Robert A. Straniere, Director None None None
Interested Director:      
Robert Sablowsky, Director None None None

 

Directors’ and Officers’ Compensation

 

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company pays each Director a retainer at the rate of $100,000 annually, $10,000 for each regular meeting of the Board, $3,500 for each committee meeting attended in-person, and $2,000 for each committee meeting attended telephonically or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each receive an additional fee of $15,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Contract Committee receives an additional fee of $10,000 per year for his services, and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee and Chairman of the Investment Risk Committee each receive an additional fee of $7,500 per year for his services. The Vice Chairman of the Board receives an additional fee of $25,000 per year for his services in this capacity and the Chairman of the Board receives an additional fee of $50,000 per year for his services in this capacity.

 

From January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017, the Company paid each Director a retainer at the rate of $100,000 annually, $5,000 for each regular meeting of the Board, $2,500 for each committee meeting attended in-person, and $2,000 for each committee meeting attended telephonically or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each received an additional fee of $15,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Contract Committee received an additional fee of $10,000 for his services and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee received an additional fee of $7,500 for his services. Effective June 1, 2017, the Chairman of the Investment Risk Committee received an additional fee of $7,500 for his services. The Vice Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $25,000 for his services in this capacity and the Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $50,000 for his services in this capacity.

 

From January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016, the Company paid each Director a retainer at the rate of $85,000 annually, $3,500 for each regular meeting of the Board, and $2,000 for each committee meeting or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each received an additional fee of $10,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Chairman of the Contract Committee each received an additional fee of $6,000 per year for his services. The Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $25,000 per year for his services in this capacity.

 

31

 

Directors are reimbursed for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board or any committee thereof. Employees of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serve as President, Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Treasurer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company, and such compensation is determined by the Board. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, Vigilant Compliance, LLC received $509, $366 and $635 from the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio, respectively, and $600,000 in aggregate from all series of the Company for services provided. An employee of the Company serves as Treasurer and Secretary and is compensated for services provided. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, each of the following members of the Board and the Treasurer and Secretary received compensation from the Portfolios in the following amounts:

 

Name of Director/Officer Aggregate
Compensation
from the Portfolios
Pension or
Retirement
Benefits Accrued

Estimated
Annual
Benefits

Upon
Retirement

Total
Compensation
From
Fund Complex
Paid to

Directors
or Officer

Independent Directors:        
Julian A. Brodsky, Director $353 N/A N/A $130,250
J. Richard Carnall, Director $348 N/A N/A $128,250
Gregory P. Chandler, Director $410 N/A N/A $151,000
Nicholas A. Giordano, Director $362 N/A N/A $132,875
Sam Lambroza, Director $361 N/A N/A $133,375
Arnold M. Reichman, Director and Chairman $477 N/A N/A $175,500
Robert A. Straniere, Director $353 N/A N/A $130,750
Interested Director:        
Robert Sablowsky, Director $473 N/A N/A $173,750
Officer:        
James G. Shaw, Treasurer and Secretary $718 N/A N/A $240,000

 

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, each of the following members of the Board and the Treasurer and Secretary received compensation from each of the Portfolios in the following amounts:

 

Name of Director/Officer Matson Money
U.S. Equity VI
Portfolio
Matson Money
International
Equity VI
Portfolio
Matson Money
Fixed Income VI
Portfolio
Independent Directors:      
Julian A. Brodsky, Director $120 $85 $148
J. Richard Carnall, Director $118 $84 $146
Gregory P. Chandler, Director $139 $99 $172
Nicholas A. Giordano, Director $123 $87 $152
Sam Lambroza, Director $123 $87 $151
Arnold M. Reichman, Director and Chairman $162 $115 $200
Robert A. Straniere, Director $ 120 $85 $148
Interested Director:      
Robert Sablowsky, Director $ 161 $114 $198
Officer:      
James G. Shaw, Treasurer and Secretary $ 242 $174 $302

 

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Each compensated Director is entitled to participate in the Company’s deferred compensation plan (the “DC Plan”). Under the DC Plan, a compensated Director may elect to defer all or a portion of his compensation and have the deferred compensation treated as if it had been invested by the Company in shares of one or more of the portfolios of the Company. The amount paid to the Directors under the DC Plan will be determined based upon the performance of such investments.

 

As of December 31, 2016, the Independent Directors and their respective immediate family members (spouse or dependent children) did not own beneficially or of record any securities of the Company’s investment advisers or distributor, or of any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment advisers or distributor.

 

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

 

As of November 30, 2017, to the Company’s knowledge, the following named persons at the addresses shown below were owners of record of approximately 5% or more of the total outstanding shares of each Portfolio as indicated below. See “Additional Information Concerning Company Shares” below. Any shareholder that owns 25% or more of the outstanding shares of a portfolio or class may be presumed to “control” (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) the portfolio or class. Shareholders controlling a portfolio or class could have the ability to vote a majority of the shares of the portfolio or class on any matter requiring approval of the shareholders of the portfolio or class.

 

Name of Portfolio Shareholder Name and Address Number and Percentage of
Shares Owned as of
November 30, 2017
*(Percentage of shares
owned rounded to the
nearest whole percentage)
Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio JP Morgan Chase Bank Cust. FBO
Intelligent Variable Annuity
TIAA-CREF Life SEP A/C VA-1 of
TIAA-CREF Life Insurance Company
8625 Andrew Carnegie Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28262-8551
692,155

100%

Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio JP Morgan Chase Bank Cust. FBO
Intelligent Variable Annuity
TIAA-CREF Life SEP A/C VA-1 of
TIAA-CREF Life Insurance Company
8625 Andrew Carnegie Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28262-8551
561,198

100%

Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio JP Morgan Chase Bank Cust. FBO
Intelligent Variable Annuity
TIAA-CREF Life SEP A/C VA-1 of
TIAA-CREF Life Insurance Company
8625 Andrew Carnegie Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28262-8551
1,056,737

100%

 

As of November 30, 2017, the Directors and officers as a group owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of each portfolio and class within the Company.

 

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CODE OF ETHICS

 

The Company and the Adviser have each adopted a code of ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act that permits personnel subject to the codes to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Company, subject to certain restrictions.

 

PROXY VOTING POLICIES

 

The Board has delegated the responsibility of voting proxies with respect to the portfolio securities purchased and/or held by each Portfolio to the Adviser, subject to the Board’s continuing oversight. In exercising its voting obligations, the Adviser is guided by its general fiduciary duty to act prudently and in the interest of the Portfolios. The Adviser will consider factors affecting the value of the Portfolios’ investments and the rights of shareholders in its determination on voting portfolio securities.

 

The Adviser has adopted proxy voting procedures with respect to voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Portfolios. A copy of the Adviser’s Proxy Voting Policies is included with this SAI. Please see Appendix B to this SAI for further information.

 

Information regarding how the Portfolios voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available, without charge, upon request, by calling 1-866-780-0357 or by visiting the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES

 

Investment Adviser

 

The Adviser renders advisory services to the Portfolio pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement (“Advisory Agreement”). The Adviser is not a subsidiary of or under the control of any other company. Mark E. Matson, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Adviser, owns approximately 90% of the Adviser’s voting stock, and members of Mr. Matson’s family own all of the remaining shares of the Adviser’s voting stock.

 

Subject to the supervision of the Board, the Adviser will provide for the overall management of the Portfolios including (i) the provision of a continuous investment program for the Portfolios, including investment research and management with respect to all securities, investments, cash and cash equivalents, (ii) the determination from time to time of what securities and other investments will be purchased, retained, or sold by the Portfolios, and (iii) the placement from time to time of orders for all purchases and sales made for the Portfolios. The Adviser will provide the services rendered by it in accordance with each Portfolio’s investment goal, restrictions and policies as stated in the Prospectus and in this SAI. The Adviser will not be liable for any error of judgment, mistake of law, or for any loss suffered by the Portfolios in connection with the performance of the Advisory 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 Adviser in the performance of its duties, or from reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Advisory Agreement.

 

For its services to the Portfolios the Adviser is entitled to receive a monthly advisory fee at an annual rate of 0.50% of the first $1 billion of each Portfolio’s average daily net assets, 0.49% of each Portfolio’s average daily net assets over $1 billion to $5 billion and 0.47% of each Portfolio’s average daily net assets over $5 billion. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Portfolio operating expenses to 1.13%, 1.35% and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio, respectively. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and certain of these expenses could cause net Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to exceed 1.13%, 1.35% and 1.00%, as applicable: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. The Adviser may not recoup waived management fees or reimbursed expenses. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2018 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board.

 

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The advisory fees, including waivers and reimbursements for the past three fiscal years are as follows:

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended
August 31, 2017
  Advisory Fees (after waivers and reimbursements)   Waivers   Reimbursements  
Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio   $ 95,411   $ 0   $ 0  
Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio   $ 68,925   $ 0   $ 0  
Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio   $ 119,321   $ 0   $ 0  

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended
August 31, 2016

Advisory Fees

(after waivers and reimbursements)

  Waivers   Reimbursements  
Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio   $ 76,200   $ 0   $ 0  
Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio   $ 54,534   $ 0   $ 0  
Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio   $ 97,586   $ 0   $ 0  

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended
August 31, 2015
 

Advisory Fees

(after waivers and reimbursements)

  Waivers   Reimbursements  
Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio   $ 22,453   $ 37,729   $ 0  
Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio   $ 15,582   $ 27,575   $ 0  
Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio   $ 18,903   $ 54,542   $ 0  

 

The Adviser will pay all expenses incurred by it in connection with its activities under the Advisory Agreement. Each Portfolio bears all of its own expenses not specifically assumed by the Adviser. General expenses of the Company not readily identifiable as belonging to a portfolio of the Company are allocated among all investment portfolios by or under the direction of the Board in such manner as it deems to be fair and equitable. Expenses borne by the Portfolio include, but are not limited to the following (or the Portfolio’s share of the following): (a) the cost (including brokerage commissions) of securities purchased or sold by the Portfolio and any losses incurred in connection therewith; (b) fees payable to and expenses incurred on behalf of the Portfolio by the Adviser; (c) filing fees and expenses relating to the registration and qualification of the Company and the Portfolio’s shares under federal and/or state securities laws and maintaining such registrations and qualifications; (d) fees and salaries payable to the Company’s Directors and officers; (e) taxes (including any income or franchise taxes) and governmental fees; (f) costs of any liability and other insurance or fidelity bonds; (g) any costs, expenses or losses arising out of a liability of or claim for damages or other relief asserted against the Company or the Portfolio for violation of any law; (h) legal, accounting and auditing expenses, including legal fees of special counsel for the independent Directors; (i) charges of custodians and other agents; (j) expenses of setting in type and printing prospectuses, statements of additional information and supplements thereto for existing shareholders, reports, statements, and confirmations to shareholders and proxy materials that are not attributable to a class; (k) costs of mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information and supplements thereto to existing shareholders, as well as reports to shareholders and proxy materials that are not attributable to a class; (1) any extraordinary expenses; (m) fees, voluntary assessments and other expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; (n) costs of mailing and tabulating proxies and costs of shareholders’ and Directors’ meetings; (o) costs of independent pricing services to value a portfolio’s securities; and (p) the costs of investment company literature and other publications provided by the Company to its Directors and officers. Distribution expenses, transfer agency expenses, expenses of preparation, printing and mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information, proxy statements and reports to shareholders, and organizational expenses and registration fees, identified as belonging to a particular class of the Company, are allocated to such class.

 

The Advisory Agreement is terminable by vote of the Board or by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio, at any time without penalty, on 60 days’ written notice to the Adviser. The Advisory Agreement may be terminated by the Adviser at any time, without payment of any penalty, on 60 days’ written notice to the Portfolio. The Advisory Agreement terminates automatically in the event of its assignment.

 

The Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser shall at all times have all rights in and to the Portfolio’s name and all investment models used by or on behalf of the Portfolio. The Adviser may use the Portfolio’s name or any portion thereof in connection with any other mutual fund or business activity without the consent of any shareholder, and the Company has agreed to execute and deliver any and all documents required to indicate its consent to such use.

 

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The Advisory Agreement further provides that no public reference to, or description of, the Adviser or its methodology or work shall be made by the Company, whether in the Prospectus, SAI or otherwise, without the Adviser’s prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. In each case, the Company has agreed to provide the Adviser a reasonable opportunity to review any such reference or description before being asked for such consent.

 

Portfolio Managers

 

Description of Compensation . As of the date of this SAI, the portfolio managers currently and will continue to receive a base salary, a year-end incentive bonus based on company profitability and may receive a quarterly bonus based on services provided to the Adviser. Compensation of a portfolio manager is determined at the discretion of the portfolio manager’s supervisor and is based on a portfolio manager’s experience, responsibilities, the perception of the quality of his or her work efforts and other subjective factors. The compensation of portfolio managers is not directly based upon the performance of the Portfolios or other accounts that they manage. The portfolio manager’s supervisor reviews the compensation of each portfolio manager annually and may make modifications in compensation as it deems necessary to reflect changes in the market.

 

Other Accounts . The table below discloses accounts, other than the Portfolios, for which each portfolio manager is primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management, as of August 31, 2017.

 

Name of Portfolio Manager
or Team Member
Type of Accounts Total
# of
Accounts
Managed
Total Assets # of Accounts
Managed that
Advisory Fee
Based on
Performance
Total Assets
that Advisory
Fee Based on
Performance
 1. Mark E. Matson Other Registered Investment Companies: 0 $0 0 $0
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles: 0 $0 0 $0
  Other Accounts: 1,972 $446 million 0 $0
 2. Steven B. Miller Other Registered Investment Companies: 0 $0 0 $0
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles: 0 $0 0 $0
  Other Accounts: 1,972 $446 million 0 $0
 3. Kenneth E. Gatliff Other Registered Investment Companies: 0 $0 0 $0
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles: 0 $0 0 $0
  Other Accounts: 1,972 $446 million 0 $0

 

The portfolio managers utilize a team based approach to other accounts managed. The portfolio managers are jointly and primarily responsible for the management of a portion of the total assets and number of accounts shown.

 

Conflicts of Interest. Matson Money reviewed its conflicts of interest and risk factors and has attempted to develop policies and procedures to address these matters. Matson Money does not engage in transactions on behalf of client accounts with any affiliates. Matson Money does not have custody of any client securities or funds. Neither Matson Money nor any of its related persons act as general partners or managing members of any unregistered pooled investment vehicle. Matson Money does not manage its own proprietary account. Moreover, none of Matson Money’s officers or employees engage in any outside business activities that conflict with Matson Money’s duties to its clients. Finally, Matson Money does not purchase IPOs or individual securities for clients. Thus, Matson Money’s conflicts and risk factors are in the following areas: solicitation practices, suitability of Matson Money’s services for a client, trade errors, marketing practices, compliance with any client guidelines and restrictions, valuation of client accounts and calculation of fees, safeguarding of client assets, safeguarding of the privacy of client information, disaster recovery, accurate disclosure of information to clients and regulators, and accurate creation and secure maintenance of client records. Matson Money’s Compliance Manual is available upon request, which has more detailed explanations of policies and procedures currently in place to safeguard against potential conflicts/risks.

 

36

 

Securities Ownership . As of the date of this SAI, no Portfolio Manager owned shares of any Portfolio. Shares of the Portfolios are only offered to Separate Accounts of Participating Insurance Companies for the purpose of funding various annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies and are not available for direct investment by the Portfolio Managers.

 

Custodian Agreement

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”), 1555 North River Center Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212, serves as the custodian of the Portfolios’ assets pursuant to a custodian agreement between the Custodian and the Company (the “Custodian Agreement”). Under the Custodian Agreement, the Custodian: (a) maintains a separate account or accounts in the name of each Portfolio; (b) holds and transfers portfolio securities on account of each Portfolio; (c) accepts receipts and makes disbursements of money on behalf of each Portfolio; (d) collects and receives all income and other payments and distributions on account of each Portfolio’s portfolio securities; and (e) makes periodic reports to the Board concerning the Portfolios’ operations. The Custodian is authorized to select one or more banks or trust companies to serve as sub-custodian on behalf of the Portfolios, provided that the Custodian remains responsible for the performance of all of its duties under the Custodian Agreement and holds the Company harmless from the acts and omissions of any sub-custodian. For its services to the Portfolios under the Custodian Agreement, the Custodian receives a fee based on the Portfolios’ average gross assets calculated daily and payable monthly. Transaction charges and out-of-pocket expenses are also charged to the Portfolios.

 

Transfer Agency Agreement

 

USBFS, with corporate offices at 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, serves as the transfer and dividend disbursing agent for the Portfolios pursuant to a transfer agency and servicing agreement (the “Transfer Agency Agreement”). Under the Transfer Agency Agreement, USBFS: (a) issues and redeems shares of each Portfolio; (b) addresses and mails all communications by the Portfolios to record owners of Shares of the Portfolio, including reports to shareholders, dividend and distribution notices and proxy materials for its meetings of shareholders; (c) maintains shareholder accounts and, if requested, sub-accounts; and (d) makes periodic reports to the Board concerning the operations of the Portfolios. USBFS may, subject to the Board’s approval, assign its duties as transfer and dividend disbursing agent to any affiliate. For its services to the Portfolios under the Transfer Agency Agreement, USBFS receives an annual fee based on the number of accounts in the Portfolios and the Portfolios’ average gross assets calculated daily and payable monthly. Transaction charges and out-of-pocket expenses are also charged to the Portfolio.

 

USBFS also provides services relating to the implementation of the Company’s Anti-Money Laundering Program. In addition, USBFS provides services relating to the implementation of the Company’s Customer Identification Program, including the verification of required customer information and the maintenance of records with respect to such verification.

 

Administration and Accounting Services Agreement

 

USBFS, located at 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202, serves as fund administrator to the Portfolios pursuant to a fund administration servicing agreement, and serves as fund accountant pursuant to a fund accounting servicing agreement (the “Administration Agreements”). Under the fund accounting servicing agreement, USBFS has agreed to furnish to the Portfolios statistical and research data, clerical, accounting and bookkeeping services, and certain other services required by the Portfolios. Under the fund administration servicing agreement, USBFS has agreed to provide fund administration services to the Company. These services include the preparation and coordination of the Company’s annual post-effective amendment filing and supplements to the Portfolio’s registration statement, the preparation and assembly of board meeting materials, and certain other services necessary to the Company’s fund administration. In addition, USBFS has agreed to prepare and file various reports with the appropriate regulatory agencies and prepare materials required by the SEC or any state securities commission having jurisdiction over the Portfolios.

 

37

 

The Administration Agreements provide that USBFS shall be obligated to exercise reasonable care in the performance of its duties and that USFBS shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or any loss suffered by the Company in connection with its duties under the Administration Agreements, except a loss resulting from USBSF’s refusal or failure to comply with the terms of the applicable Administration Agreement or from its bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties thereunder.

 

USBFS receives a fee under the Administration Agreements based on the average daily net assets of the Company.

 

Effective October 1, 2016, USBFS replaced the Portfolios’ administrator as fund administrator and fund accountant to the Portfolios. For the past three fiscal years each Portfolio paid USBFS and the Portfolios’ prior administrator, as applicable, certain administration, accounting and regulatory administration fees and related out of pocket expenses as follows:

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended
August 31, 2017
  Administration and Accounting
Fees Paid
(after waivers and
reimbursements)
  Waivers   Reimbursements  
Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio   $ 7,477   $ 0   $ 0  
Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio   $ 6,376   $ 0   $ 0  
Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio   $ 8,551   $ 0   $ 0  

 

  For the Fiscal Year Ended
August 31, 2016
 

Administration, Accounting
and Regulatory
Administration

Fees Paid
(after waivers and
reimbursements)

  Waivers   Reimbursements  
Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio   $ 4,920   $ 0   $ 0  
Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio   $ 2,810   $ 0   $ 0  
Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio   $ 6,974   $ 0   $ 0  

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended
August 31, 2015
 

Administration, Accounting
and Regulatory
Administration

Fees Paid
(after waivers and
reimbursements)

  Waivers   Reimbursements  
Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio   $ 7,716   $ 0   $ 0  
Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio   $ 6,174   $ 0   $ 0  
Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio   $ 9,285   $ 0   $ 0  

 

 

The Administration Agreement provides that USBFS shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or any loss suffered by the Company or a Portfolio in connection with the performance of the agreement, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard by it of its duties and obligations thereunder.

 

The Company entered into a fund administration services agreement with USBFS. Under this agreement, USBFS has agreed to provide fund administration services to the Company. These services include the preparation and coordination of the Company’s annual post-effective amendment filing and supplements to the Company’s registration statement, the preparation and assembly of board meeting materials, and certain other services necessary to the Company’s fund administration. USBFS receives an annual fee based on the average daily net assets of the portfolios of the Company.

 

38

 

DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENTS

 

Distribution Agreement

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), whose principal business address is 777 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, serves as the underwriter to the Portfolios pursuant to the terms of a distribution agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”). The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). The Distributor is not affiliated with the Company or the Adviser. The Distributor, U.S. Bank, N.A and USBFS are affiliates.

 

Under the Distribution Agreement with the Company, the Distributor acts as the agent of the Company in connection with the continuous offering of shares of the Portfolios. The Distributor continually distributes shares of the Portfolio on a best efforts basis. The Distributor has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of Portfolio shares. The Distributor and its officers have no role in determining the investment policies or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Company.

 

The Distributor may enter into agreements with selected broker-dealers, banks or other financial intermediaries for distribution of shares of the Portfolios. With respect to certain financial intermediaries and related fund “supermarket” platform arrangements, the Portfolios and/or the Adviser, rather than the Distributor, typically enter into such agreements. These financial intermediaries may charge a fee for their services and may receive shareholder service or other fees from parties other than the Distributor. These financial intermediaries may otherwise act as processing agents and are responsible for promptly transmitting purchase, redemption and other requests to the Portfolios.

 

Investors who purchase shares through financial intermediaries will be subject to the procedures of those intermediaries through which they purchase shares, which may include charges, investment minimums, cutoff times and other restrictions in addition to, or different from, those listed herein. Information concerning any charges or services will be provided to customers by the financial intermediary through which they purchase shares. Investors purchasing shares of the Portfolios through financial intermediaries should acquaint themselves with their financial intermediary’s procedures and should read the Prospectus in conjunction with any materials and information provided by their financial intermediary. The financial intermediary, and not its customers, will be the shareholder of record, although customers may have the right to vote shares depending upon their arrangement with the financial intermediary. The Distributor does not receive compensation from the Portfolios for its distribution services except the distribution/service fees with respect to the shares of those classes for which a Rule 12b-1 distribution plan is effective. The Adviser pays the Distributor a fee for certain distribution-related services.

 

The Distribution Agreement has an initial term of up to two years and will continue in effect only if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by vote of a majority of the Portfolio’s outstanding voting securities in accordance with the 1940 Act. The Distribution Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Company on behalf of the Portfolios on no less than 60 days’ written notice when authorized either by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio or by vote of a majority of the members of the Board who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Company and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Distribution Agreement, or by the Distributor, and will automatically terminate in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act). The Distribution Agreement provides that the Distributor shall not be liable for any loss suffered by the Company in connection with the performance of the Distributor’s obligations and duties under the Distribution Agreement, except a loss resulting from the Distributor’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of such duties and obligations, or by reason of its reckless disregard thereof.

 

FUND TRANSACTIONS

 

Subject to policies established by the Board and applicable rules, the Adviser is responsible for the execution of portfolio transactions and the allocation of brokerage transactions for the Portfolios. In executing portfolio transactions, the Adviser seeks to obtain the best price and most favorable execution for the Portfolios, taking into account such factors as the price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of the order, difficulty of execution and operational facilities of the firm involved. While the Adviser generally seeks reasonably competitive commission rates, payment of the lowest commission or spread is not necessarily consistent with obtaining the best price and execution in particular transactions.

 

39

 

No Portfolio has any obligation to deal with any broker or group of brokers in the execution of portfolio transactions. The Adviser may, consistent with the interests of the Portfolios and subject to the approval of the Board, select brokers on the basis of the research, statistical and pricing services they provide to the Portfolios and other clients of the Adviser. Information and research received from such brokers will be in addition to, and not in lieu of, the services required to be performed by the Adviser under its respective contracts. A commission paid to such brokers may be higher than that which another qualified broker would have charged for effecting the same transaction, provided that the Adviser determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in terms either of the transaction or the overall responsibility of the Adviser to a Portfolio and its other clients and that the total commissions paid by a Portfolio will be reasonable in relation to the benefits to a Portfolio over the long-term.

 

Investment decisions for each Portfolio and for other investment accounts managed by the Adviser are made independently of each other in the light of differing conditions. However, the same investment decision may be made for two or more of such accounts. In such cases, simultaneous transactions are inevitable. Purchases or sales are then averaged as to price and allocated as to amount according to a formula deemed equitable to each such account. While in some cases this practice could have a detrimental effect upon the price or value of the security as far as a Portfolio is concerned, in other cases it is believed to be beneficial to a Portfolio.

 

No Portfolio paid brokerage commissions on portfolio transactions for the past three fiscal years.

 

PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION

 

You may purchase shares through an account maintained by your brokerage firm and you may also purchase shares directly by mail or wire. The Company reserves the right, if conditions exist that make cash payments undesirable, to honor any request for redemption or repurchase of a Portfolio’s shares by making payment in whole or in part in securities chosen by the Company and valued in the same way as they would be valued for purposes of computing that Portfolio’s NAV. If payment is made in securities, a shareholder may incur transaction costs in converting these securities into cash. A shareholder will also bear any market risk or tax consequences as a result of a payment in securities. The Company has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act so that each Portfolio is obligated to redeem its shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its NAV during any 90-day period for any one shareholder of the Portfolio. A shareholder will bear the risk of a decline in market value and any tax consequences associated with a redemption in securities.

 

Under the 1940 Act, the Company may suspend the right to redemption or postpone the date of payment upon redemption for any period during which the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the “NYSE”) is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings), or during which the SEC restricts trading on the NYSE or determines an emergency exists as a result of which disposal or valuation of portfolio securities is not reasonably practicable, or for such other periods as the SEC may permit. (The Company may also suspend or postpone the recordation of the transfer of its shares upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions.)

 

Shares of the Company are subject to redemption by the Company, at the redemption price of such shares as in effect from time to time, including, without limitation: (1) to reimburse a Portfolio for any loss sustained by reason of the failure of a shareholder to make full payment for shares purchased by the shareholder or to collect any charge relating to a transaction effected for the benefit of a shareholder as provided in the Prospectus from time to time; (2) if such redemption is, in the opinion of the Board, desirable in order to prevent the Company or any Portfolio from being deemed a “personal holding company” within the meaning of the Code; (3) or if the net income with respect to any particular class of common stock should be negative or it should otherwise be appropriate to carry out the Company’s responsibilities under the 1940 Act.

 

Each Portfolio has the right to redeem your shares at current NAV at any time and without prior notice if, and to the extent that, such redemption is necessary to reimburse the particular Portfolio for any loss sustained by reason of your failure to make full payment for shares of the Portfolio you previously purchased or subscribed for.

 

40

 

TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PROCEDURES

 

The Company’s telephone transaction procedures include the following measures: (1) requiring the appropriate telephone transaction privilege forms; (2) requiring the caller to provide the names of the account owners, the account social security number and name of the Portfolio, all of which must match the Company’s records; (3) requiring the Company’s service representative to complete a telephone transaction form, listing all of the above caller identification information; (4) permitting exchanges (if applicable) only if the two account registrations are identical; (5) requiring that redemption proceeds be sent only by check to the account owners of record at the address of record, or by wire only to the owners of record at the bank account of record; (6) sending a written confirmation for each telephone transaction to the owners of record at the address of record within five (5) business days of the call; and (7) recording and maintaining a record of all telephone transactions. For accounts held of record by broker-dealers (other than Quasar Distributors, LLC), financial institutions, securities dealers, financial planners and other industry professionals, additional documentation or information regarding the scope of a caller’s authority is required. Finally, for telephone transactions in accounts held jointly, additional information regarding other account holders is required. Telephone transactions will not be permitted in connection with Individual Retirement Account or other retirement plan accounts.

 

VALUATION OF SHARES

 

In accordance with procedures adopted by the Board, the NAV per share of each Portfolio is calculated by determining the value of the net assets attributed to the Fund and dividing by the number of outstanding shares of the Fund. All securities are valued on each Business Day as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally, but not always, 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) or such other time as the New York Stock Exchange or National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations System (“NASDAQ”) market may officially close. The term “Business Day” means any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading, which is Monday through Friday except for holidays. The New York Stock Exchange is generally closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day (observed), Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday (observed), Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas.

 

The time at which transactions and shares are priced and the time by which orders must be received may be changed in case of an emergency or if regular trading on the NYSE is stopped at a time other than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The Company reserves the right to reprocess purchase, redemption and exchange transactions that were initially processed at a NAV other than a Portfolio’s official closing NAV (as the same may be subsequently adjusted), and to recover amounts from (or distribute amounts to) shareholders based on the official closing NAV. The Company reserves the right to advance the time by which purchase and redemption orders must be received for same business day credit as otherwise permitted by the SEC. In addition, a Portfolio may compute its NAV as of any time permitted pursuant to any exemption, order or statement of the SEC or its staff.

 

The securities of the Portfolios are valued under the direction of the Portfolios’ administrator and under the general supervision of the Board. Prices are generally determined using readily available market prices. Subject to the approval of the Board, the Portfolios may employ outside organizations, which may use a matrix or formula method that takes into consideration market indices, matrices, yield curves and other specific adjustments in determining the approximate market value of portfolio investments. This may result in the investments being valued at a price that differs from the price that would have been determined had the matrix or formula method not been used. All cash, receivables, and current payables are carried on a Portfolio’s books at their face value. Other assets, if any, are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Portfolios’ Valuation Committee under the direction of the Board.

 

The procedures used by any pricing service and its valuation results are reviewed by the officers of the Company under the general supervision of the Board.

 

The Portfolios may hold portfolio securities that are listed on foreign exchanges. These securities may trade on weekends or other days when the Portfolios do not calculate NAV. As a result, the value of these investments may change on days when you cannot purchase or sell Portfolio shares.

 

41

 

TAXES

 

General

 

Shares of the Portfolios are offered to Separate Accounts that fund variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies issued by Participating Insurance Companies. See the prospectuses for such contracts or policies for a discussion of the special taxation of insurance companies with respect to the Separate Accounts, the variable annuity contracts, variable life insurance policies and the holders thereof.

 

The following summarizes certain tax considerations generally affecting the Portfolios, the underlying investment companies, and Portfolio shareholders that are not fully described in the Prospectus. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of the tax treatment of the Portfolios, the underlying investment companies, or Portfolio shareholders, and the discussions here and in the Prospectus are not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. Potential investors should consult their tax advisers with specific reference to their own tax situations.

 

The discussions of the federal tax consequences in the Prospectus and this SAI are based on the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) and the regulations issued under it, and court decisions and administrative interpretations, as in effect on the date of this SAI. Future legislative or administrative changes or court decisions may significantly alter the statements included herein, and such changes or decisions may be retroactive.

 

The holders of variable life insurance policies or annuity contracts should not be subject to tax with respect to distributions made on, or redemptions of, Portfolio shares, assuming that the variable life insurance policies and annuity contracts qualify under the Code, as life insurance or annuities, respectively, and that the Separate Accounts (rather than the holders of such policies or contracts) are treated as owners of the Portfolio shares. Thus, this summary does not describe the tax consequences to a holder of a life insurance policy or annuity contract as a result of the ownership of such policies or contracts. Policy or contract holders must consult the prospectuses of their respective policies or contracts for information concerning the federal income tax consequences of owning such policies or contracts. This summary also does not describe the tax consequences applicable to the owners of the Portfolio shares because the Portfolio shares will be sold only to insurance companies. Thus, purchasers of Portfolio shares must consult their own tax advisers regarding the federal, state, and local tax consequences of owning Portfolio shares.

 

Each Portfolio and each underlying investment company intends to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of Subtitle A, Chapter 1, of the Code. As such, each Portfolio and underlying investment company generally will be exempt from federal income tax on its net investment income and realized capital gains that it distributes to shareholders. To qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company, each Portfolio and underlying investment company must meet three important tests each year.

 

First, each Portfolio and underlying investment company must derive with respect to each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, certain payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities or foreign currencies, other income derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities, or currencies or net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships.

 

Second, generally, at the close of each quarter of each Portfolio’s and each underlying investment company’s taxable year, at least 50% of the value of the Portfolio’s and the underlying investment companies’ assets must consist of cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies and securities of other issuers (as to which the Portfolio or underlying investment company has not invested more than 5% of the value of its total assets in securities of such issuer and as to which the Portfolio or underlying investment company does not hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer), and no more than 25% of the value of each Portfolio’s and each underlying investment company’s total assets may be invested in the securities of (1) any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies), (2) two or more issuers that the Portfolio or underlying investment company controls and which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses, or (3) one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.

 

Third, each Portfolio and underlying investment company must distribute an amount equal to at least the sum of 90% of the Portfolio’s or underlying investment company’s investment company taxable income (net investment income and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss) before taking into account any deduction for dividends paid, and 90% of its tax-exempt income, if any, for the year.

 

42

 

Each Portfolio and underlying investment company intends to comply with these requirements. If a Portfolio or underlying investment company were to fail to make sufficient distributions, it could be liable for corporate income tax and for excise tax in respect of the shortfall or, if the shortfall is large enough, the Portfolio or underlying investment company could be disqualified as a regulated investment company. If for any taxable year a Portfolio or underlying investment company were not to qualify as a regulated investment company, all its taxable income would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders. Moreover, a failure of a Portfolio to qualify as a regulated investment company could cause Separate Accounts that invest in the Portfolio to fail to meet the applicable diversification requirements described below, which in turn, could have adverse tax effects on policy or contract holders.

 

The Code imposes a nondeductible 4% excise tax on regulated investment companies that fail to distribute each year an amount equal to specified percentages of their ordinary taxable income and capital gain net income (excess of capital gains over capital losses). Each Portfolio and underlying investment company intends to make sufficient distributions or deemed distributions each year to avoid liability for this excise tax.

 

Each Portfolio intends to comply with the diversification requirements imposed by Section 817(h) of the Code and the regulations thereunder. Under Code Section 817(h), a variable life insurance or annuity contract will not be treated as a life insurance policy or annuity contract, respectively, under the Code, unless the Separate Account upon which such contract or policy is based is “adequately diversified.” A Separate Account will be adequately diversified if it satisfies one of two alternative tests set forth in the Treasury regulations. Specifically, the Treasury regulations provide that, except as permitted by the “safe harbor” discussed below, as of the end of each calendar quarter (or within 30 days thereafter) no more than 55% of the Separate Account’s total assets may be represented by any one investment, no more than 70% by any two investments, no more than 80% by any three investments and no more than 90% by any four investments. For this purpose, all securities of the same issuer are considered a single investment, and each U.S. government agency and instrumentality is considered a separate issuer. As a safe harbor, a Separate Account will be treated as being adequately diversified if the diversification requirements under Subchapter M of Subtitle A, Chapter 1, of the Code are satisfied and no more than 55% of the value of the account’s total assets are cash and cash items, U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies. In addition, a Separate Account with respect to a variable life insurance contract is treated as adequately diversified to the extent of its investment in securities issued by the United States Treasury.

 

For purposes of these alternative diversification tests, a Separate Account investing in shares of a regulated investment company generally will be entitled to “look through” the regulated investment company to its pro rata portion of the regulated investment company’s assets, provided that the shares of such regulated investment company are generally held only by insurance companies in their general account or in Separate Accounts and certain fund managers (a “Closed Portfolio”). Public access to such regulated investment company is available exclusively through the purchase of a variable contract. Each Portfolio will be a Closed Portfolio.

 

If the Separate Account upon which a variable contract is based is not “adequately diversified” under the foregoing rules, then the variable contract will not be treated as a life insurance contract or annuity contract under the Code, and the taxation and treatment of a policy or contract holder will be other than as described in the applicable prospectus of such policy or contract and generally will be more adverse to the holder.

 

In addition, if a Portfolio did not constitute a Closed Portfolio or the holders of the contracts and annuities which invest in the Portfolio through a Separate Account were able, or were treated as able, to direct the Portfolio’s investment in any particular asset, those holders might be treated as owners of Portfolio shares and might be subject to tax on distributions made by the Portfolio. The IRS may consider several factors in determining whether a contract holder has an impermissible level of investor control. One factor the IRS considers when a Separate Account invests in one or more regulated investment companies is whether a regulated investment company’s investment strategies are sufficiently broad to prevent a contract holder from being deemed to be making particular investment decisions through its investment in the Separate Account. Current IRS guidance indicates that typical regulated investment company investment strategies, even those with a specific sector or geographic focus, are generally considered sufficiently broad to prevent a contract holder from being deemed to be making particular investment decisions through its investment in a Separate Account. Another factor that the IRS examines concerns actions of contract holders. Under the IRS pronouncements, a contract holder may not select or control particular investments, other than choosing among broad investment choices such as selecting a particular regulated investment company. A contract holder thus may not select or direct the purchase or sale of a particular investment of the Portfolio. The relationship between the Portfolio and the variable contracts is designed to satisfy the current expressed view of the IRS on this subject, such that the investor control doctrine should not apply.

 

43

 

The Portfolios requested and received a private letter ruling from the IRS that the contract holders will not be treated as the owners of the Portfolios’ shares for federal income tax purposes based on the structure and intended operation of the Portfolios. However, it is possible that the Treasury Department may issue future pronouncements addressing the circumstances in which a contract holder’s control of the investments of a Separate Account may cause the contract holder, rather than the insurance company, to be treated as the owner of the assets held by the Separate Account. It is not known what standards will be set forth in any such pronouncements or when, if at all, these pronouncements may be issued. If such pronouncements are issued, the Portfolios would seek to modify the structure of the Portfolios.

 

State and Local Taxes

 

Although each Portfolio and underlying investment company expects to qualify as a regulated investment company and to be relieved of all or substantially all federal income taxes, depending upon the extent of its activities in states and localities in which its offices are maintained, in which its agents or independent contractors are located or in which it is otherwise deemed to be conducting business, a Portfolio or an underlying investment company may be subject to the tax laws of such states or localities.

 

Taxation of Certain Investments

 

The tax principles applicable to transactions in financial instruments, such as futures contracts and options, that may be engaged in by a Portfolio or an underlying investment company, and investments in passive foreign investment companies (“PFICs”), are complex and, in some cases, uncertain. Such transactions and investments may cause a Portfolio or an underlying investment company to recognize taxable income prior to the receipt of cash, thereby requiring the Portfolio or the underlying investment company to liquidate other positions, or to borrow money, so as to make sufficient distributions to shareholders to avoid corporate-level tax. Moreover, some or all of the taxable income recognized may be ordinary income or short-term capital gain, so that the distributions may be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.

 

In addition, in the case of any shares of a PFIC in which a Portfolio or an underlying investment company invests, the Portfolio or the underlying investment company may be liable for corporate-level tax on any ultimate gain or distributions on the shares if the Portfolio or the underlying investment company fails to make an election to recognize income annually during the period of its ownership of the shares.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING COMPANY SHARES

 

The Company has authorized capital of 100 billion shares of common stock at a par value of $0.001 per share. Currently, 84.923 billion shares have been classified into 176 classes, however, the Company only has 43 active share classes that have begun investment operations. Under the Company’s charter, the Board has the power to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of common stock from time to time.

 

Each share that represents an interest in a Portfolio has an equal proportionate interest in the assets belonging to such Portfolio with each other share that represents an interest in such Portfolio, even where a share has a different class designation than another share representing an interest in that Portfolio. Shares of the Company do not have preemptive or conversion rights. When issued for payment as described in the Prospectus, shares of the Company will be fully paid and non-assessable.

 

The Company does not currently intend to hold annual meetings of shareholders except as required by the 1940 Act or other applicable law. The Company’s amended By-Laws provide that shareholders collectively owning at least ten percent of the outstanding shares of all classes of Common Stock of the Company have the right to call for a meeting of shareholders to consider the removal of one or more directors. To the extent required by law, the Company will assist in shareholder communication in such matters.

 

44

 

Holders of shares of each Portfolio will vote in the aggregate on all matters, except where otherwise required by law. Further, shareholders of the Company will vote in the aggregate and not by portfolio except as otherwise required by law or when the Board determines that the matter to be voted upon affects only the interests of the shareholders of a particular portfolio or class of shares. Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides that any matter required to be submitted by the provisions of such Act or applicable state law, or otherwise, to the holders of the outstanding voting securities, as defined in the 1940 Act, of an investment company such as the Company shall not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each portfolio affected by the matter. Rule 18f-2 further provides that a portfolio shall be deemed to be affected by a matter unless it is clear that the interests of each portfolio in the matter are identical or that the matter does not affect any interest of the portfolio. Under Rule 18f-2 the approval of an investment advisory agreement or distribution agreement or any change in a fundamental investment objective or fundamental investment policy would be effectively acted upon with respect to a portfolio only if approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such portfolio. However, the Rule also provides that the ratification of the selection of independent public accountants and the election of directors are not subject to the separate voting requirements and may be effectively acted upon by shareholders of an investment company voting without regard to a portfolio. Shareholders of the Company are entitled to one vote for each full share held (irrespective of class or portfolio) and fractional votes for fractional shares held. Voting rights are not cumulative and, accordingly, the holders of more than 50% of the aggregate shares of common stock of the Company may elect all of the Directors.

 

Notwithstanding any provision of Maryland law requiring a greater vote of shares of the Company’s common stock (or of any class voting as a class) in connection with any corporate action, unless otherwise provided by law (for example by Rule 18f-2 discussed above), or by the Company’s Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, the Company may take or authorize such action upon the favorable vote of the holders of more than 50% of all of the outstanding shares of Common Stock voting without regard to class (or portfolio).

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Counsel

 

The law firm of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, One Logan Square, Suite 2000, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, serves as independent counsel to the Company and the Independent Directors.

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Two Commerce Square, Suite 1800, 2001 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, serves as the Portfolios’ independent registered public accounting firm.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The audited financial statements and notes thereto in the Portfolios’ Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017 (the “Annual Report”) are incorporated by reference into this SAI. No other parts of the Annual Report are incorporated by reference herein. The financial statements included in the Annual Report have been audited by the Portfolios’ independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, whose report thereon also appears in the Annual Report and is incorporated by reference into this SAI. Such financial statements have been incorporated herein in reliance upon such reports given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing. Copies of the Annual Report may be obtained at no charge by telephoning the Transfer Agent at the telephone number appearing on the front page of this SAI.

 

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APPENDIX A

 

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS

 

Short-Term Credit Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings short-term issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation having an original maturity of no more than 365 days. The following summarizes the rating categories used by S&P Global Ratings for short-term issues:

 

“A-1” – A short-term obligation rated “A-1” is rated in the highest category by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

 

“A-2” – A short-term obligation rated “A-2” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is satisfactory.

 

“A-3” – A short-term obligation rated “A-3” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken an obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“B” – A short-term obligation rated “B” is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.

 

“C” – A short-term obligation rated “C” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“D” – A short-term obligation rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

 

Local Currency and Foreign Currency Ratings – S&P Global Ratings’ issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. An issuer’s foreign currency rating will differ from its local currency rating when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.

 

Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) short-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect both on the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default.

 

Moody’s employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

 

“P-1” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

“P-2” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

A- 1

 

“P-3” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.

 

“NP” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issuer.

 

Fitch, Inc. / Fitch Ratings Ltd. (“Fitch”) short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as “short-term” based on market convention. Typically, this means up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign, and structured obligations and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets. The following summarizes the rating categories used by Fitch for short-term obligations:

 

“F1” – Securities possess the highest short-term credit quality. This designation indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

 

“F2” – Securities possess good short-term credit quality. This designation indicates good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.

 

“F3” – Securities possess fair short-term credit quality. This designation indicates that the intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.

 

“B” – Securities possess speculative short-term credit quality. This designation indicates minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

 

“C” – Securities possess high short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility.

 

“RD” – Restricted default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only.

 

“D” – Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) – The “F1” rating may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show the relative status within that major rating category.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issue of a rated issuer.

 

The DBRS® Ratings Limited (“DBRS”) short-term debt rating scale provides an opinion on the risk that an issuer will not meet its short-term financial obligations in a timely manner. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer and the relative ranking of claims. The R-1 and R-2 rating categories are further denoted by the sub-categories “(high)”, “(middle)”, and “(low)”.

 

The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for commercial paper and short-term debt:

 

“R-1 (high)” - Short-term debt rated “R-1 (high)” is of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is exceptionally high. Unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.

 

“R-1 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (middle)” is of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is very high. Differs from “R-1 (high)” by a relatively modest degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.

 

A- 2

 

“R-1 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (low)” is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is substantial. Overall strength is not as favorable as higher rating categories. May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.

 

“R-2 (high)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (high)” is considered to be at the upper end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.

 

“R-2 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (middle)” is considered to be of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events or may be exposed to other factors that could reduce credit quality.

 

“R-2 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (low)” is considered to be at the lower end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events. A number of challenges are present that could affect the issuer’s ability to meet such obligations.

 

“R-3” – Short-term debt rated “R-3” is considered to be at the lowest end of adequate credit quality. There is a capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due. May be vulnerable to future events and the certainty of meeting such obligations could be impacted by a variety of developments.

 

“R-4” – Short-term debt rated “R-4” is considered to be of speculative credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is uncertain.

 

“R-5” – Short-term debt rated “R-5” is considered to be of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet short-term financial obligations as they fall due.

 

“D” – Short-term debt rated “D” is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to “D” may occur. DBRS may also use “SD” (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a “distressed exchange”.

 

Long-Term Credit Ratings

 

The following summarizes the ratings used by S&P Global Ratings for long-term issues:

 

“AAA” – An obligation rated “AAA” has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is extremely strong.

 

“AA” – An obligation rated “AA” differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is very strong.

 

“A” – An obligation rated “A” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is still strong.

 

“BBB” – An obligation rated “BBB” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC” and “C” – Obligations rated “BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC” and “C” are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. “BB” indicates the least degree of speculation and “C” the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposure to adverse conditions.

 

A- 3

 

“BB” – An obligation rated “BB” is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“B” – An obligation rated “B” is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated “BB”, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“CCC” – An obligation rated “CCC” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“CC” – An obligation rated “CC” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The “CC” rating is used when a default has not yet occurred, but S&P Global Ratings expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.

 

“C” – An obligation rated “C” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared with obligations that are rated higher.

 

“D” – An obligation rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) – The ratings from “AA” to “CCC” may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

 

“NR” – This indicates that no rating has been requested, or that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P Global Ratings does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.

 

Local Currency and Foreign Currency Risks - S&P Global Ratings’ issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. An issuer’s foreign currency rating will differ from its local currency rating when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.

 

Moody’s long-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of one year or more. Such ratings reflect both on the likelihood of default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for long-term debt:

 

“Aaa” – Obligations rated “Aaa” are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk.

 

“Aa” – Obligations rated “Aa” are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.

 

“A” – Obligations rated “A” are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.

 

“Baa” – Obligations rated “Baa” are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.

 

“Ba” – Obligations rated “Ba” are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.

 

A- 4

 

“B” – Obligations rated “B” are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.

 

“Caa” – Obligations rated “Caa” are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.

 

“Ca” – Obligations rated “Ca” are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.

 

“C” – Obligations rated “C” are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.

 

Note: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from “Aa” through “Caa.” The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to unrated obligations.

 

The following summarizes long-term ratings used by Fitch :

 

“AAA” – Securities considered to be of the highest credit quality. “AAA” ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

 

“AA” – Securities considered to be of very high credit quality. “AA” ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

 

“A” – Securities considered to be of high credit quality. “A” ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

 

“BBB” – Securities considered to be of good credit quality. “BBB” ratings indicate that expectations of credit risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.

 

“BB” – Securities considered to be speculative. “BB” ratings indicate that there is an elevated vulnerability to credit risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met.

 

“B” – Securities considered to be highly speculative. “B” ratings indicate that material credit risk is present.

 

“CCC” – A “CCC” rating indicates that substantial credit risk is present.

 

“CC” – A “CC” rating indicates very high levels of credit risk.

 

“C” – A “C” rating indicates exceptionally high levels of credit risk.

 

Defaulted obligations typically are not assigned “RD” or “D” ratings but are instead rated in the “B” to “C” rating categories, depending on their recovery prospects and other relevant characteristics. Fitch believes that this approach better aligns obligations that have comparable overall expected loss but varying vulnerability to default and loss.

 

A- 5

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the “AAA” obligation rating category, or to corporate finance obligation ratings in the categories below “CCC”.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issue of a rated issuer.

 

The DBRS long-term rating scale provides an opinion on the risk of default. That is, the risk that an issuer will fail to satisfy its financial obligations in accordance with the terms under which an obligation has been issued. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer, and the relative ranking of claims. All rating categories other than AAA and D also contain subcategories “(high)” and “(low)”. The absence of either a “(high)” or “(low)” designation indicates the rating is in the middle of the category. The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for long-term debt:

 

“AAA” – Long-term debt rated “AAA” is of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is exceptionally high and unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.

 

“AA” – Long-term debt rated “AA” is of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered high. Credit quality differs from “AAA” only to a small degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.

 

“A” – Long-term debt rated “A” is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is substantial, but of lesser credit quality than “AA.” May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.

 

“BBB” – Long-term debt rated “BBB” is of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.

 

“BB” – Long-term debt rated “BB” is of speculative, non-investment grade credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is uncertain. Vulnerable to future events.

 

“B” – Long-term debt rated “B” is of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet financial obligations.

 

“CCC”, “CC” and “C” – Long-term debt rated in any of these categories is of very highly speculative credit quality. In danger of defaulting on financial obligations. There is little difference between these three categories, although “CC” and “C” ratings are normally applied to obligations that are seen as highly likely to default, or subordinated to obligations rated in the “CCC” to “B” range. Obligations in respect of which default has not technically taken place but is considered inevitable may be rated in the “C” category.

 

“D” – A security rated “D” is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to “D” may occur. DBRS may also use “SD” (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a “distressed exchange”.

 

Municipal Note Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings U.S. municipal note rating reflects S&P Global Ratings’ opinion about the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to the notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes with an original maturity of more than three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. In determining which type of rating, if any, to assign, S&P Global Ratings’ analysis will review the following considerations:

 

Amortization schedule - the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and

 

A- 6

 

Source of payment - the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.

 

Municipal Short-Term Note rating symbols are as follows:

 

“SP-1” – A municipal note rated “SP-1” exhibits a strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.

 

“SP-2” – A municipal note rated “SP-2” exhibits a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.

 

“SP-3” – A municipal note rated “SP-3” exhibits a speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

 

Moody’s uses the Municipal Investment Grade (“MIG”) scale to rate U.S. municipal bond anticipation notes of up to three years maturity. Municipal notes rated on the MIG scale may be secured by either pledged revenues or proceeds of a take-out financing received prior to note maturity. MIG ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation, and the issuer’s long-term rating is only one consideration in assigning the MIG rating. MIG ratings are divided into three levels – “MIG-1” through “MIG-3” while speculative grade short-term obligations are designated “SG”. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for short-term municipal obligations:

 

“MIG-1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

 

“MIG-2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.

 

“MIG-3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.

 

“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated obligation.

 

In the case of variable rate demand obligations (“VRDOs”), a two-component rating is assigned: a long or short-term debt rating and a demand obligation rating. The first element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with scheduled principal and interest payments. The second element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with the ability to receive purchase price upon demand (“demand feature”). The second element uses a rating from a variation of the MIG scale called the Variable Municipal Investment Grade or “VMIG” scale. The rating transitions on the VMIG scale differ from those on the Prime scale to reflect the risk that external liquidity support generally will terminate if the issuer’s long-term rating drops below investment grade.

 

“VMIG-1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“VMIG-2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“VMIG-3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

A- 7

 

“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated obligation.

 

About Credit Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion reflects S&P Global Ratings’ view of the obligor’s capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and this opinion may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.

 

Moody’s credit ratings must be construed solely as statements of opinion and not statements of fact or recommendations to purchase, sell or hold any securities.

 

Fitch’s credit ratings provide an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of principal, insurance claims or counterparty obligations. Fitch credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving the money owed to them in accordance with the terms on which they invested. Fitch’s credit ratings cover the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign financial, bank, insurance, and public finance entities (including supranational and sub-national entities) and the securities or other obligations they issue, as well as structured finance securities backed by receivables or other financial assets.

 

Credit ratings provided by DBRS are forward-looking opinions about credit risk which reflect the creditworthiness of an issuer, rated entity, and/or security. Credit ratings are not statements of fact. While historical statistics and performance can be important considerations, credit ratings are not based solely on such; they include subjective considerations and involve expectations for future performance that cannot be guaranteed. To the extent that future events and economic conditions do not match expectations, credit ratings assigned to issuers and/or securities can change. Credit ratings are also based on approved and applicable methodologies, models and criteria (“Methodologies”), which are periodically updated and when material changes are deemed necessary, this may also lead to rating changes.

 

Credit ratings typically provide an opinion on the risk that investors may not be repaid in accordance with the terms under which the obligation was issued. In some cases, credit ratings may also include consideration for the relative ranking of claims and recovery, should default occur. Credit ratings are meant to provide opinions on relative measures of risk and are not based on expectations of any specific default probability, nor are they meant to predict such.

 

The data and information on which DBRS bases its opinions is not audited or verified by DBRS, although DBRS conducts a reasonableness review of information received and relied upon in accordance with its Methodologies and policies.

 

DBRS uses rating symbols as a concise method of expressing its opinion to the market, but there are a limited number of rating categories for the possible slight risk differentials that exist across the rating spectrum and DBRS does not assert that credit ratings in the same category are of “exactly” the same quality.

 

A- 8

 

APPENDIX B

 

1. PROXY VOTING

 

1.1. ADVISER PROXY VOTING

Advisers Act Rule 206(4)-6 prohibits SEC-registered advisers from exercising voting authority over client securities without adopting and implementing written policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure that the adviser votes client securities in the best interest of its clients. 1/ An adviser that chooses not to exercise voting authority must make its nonvoting policy clear to clients. 2/

 

1.2. ERISA PROXY VOTING

The Department of Labor (“DOL”) has provided investment managers the following guidance about their ERISA responsibilities, when voting proxies:

 

Where the authority to manage plan assets has been delegated to an investment manager, only the investment manager has authority to vote proxies, except when the named fiduciary has reserved to itself or to another named fiduciary (as authorized by the plan document) the right to direct a plan trustee regarding the voting of proxies. 3 /

 

Under DOL guidance, any adviser with a duty to vote proxies has an obligation to take reasonable steps under the circumstances to ensure that it receives the proxies, including informing the plan sponsor and its trustees, bank custodian or broker-dealer custodian of the requirement that all proxies be forwarded to the adviser and making periodic reviews during the proxy season, including follow-up letters and phone calls if necessary. When voting proxies, an investment manager must consider proxies as a plan asset and vote only in the best economic interests of the plan participants. 4 / However, advisers to ERISA accounts may determine not to vote a particular proxy where, for example: (1) the cost of voting the proxy outweighs the potential benefit derived from voting; (2) a proxy is received with respect to securities that have been sold before the date of the shareholder meeting and are no longer held in a client account; (3) the terms of an applicable securities lending agreement prevent the adviser from voting with respect to a loaned security; (4) despite reasonable efforts, the adviser receives proxy materials without sufficient time to reach an informed voting decision and vote the proxies; or (5) the terms of the security or any related agreement or applicable law preclude the adviser from voting. The adviser must properly document votes cast and the named fiduciary has a duty to monitor the adviser’s proxy voting process so advisers to ERISA accounts should be prepared to issue proxy voting reports to clients.

 

1.3. Matson Policy: GENERAL

Matson votes all proxies relating to underlying mutual funds held in any Matson-managed mutual fund in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act and related rules and forms. Matson’s Portfolio Manager decides how shares of the underlying funds are voted. Due to inherent conflicts of interest, Matson does not vote proxies on shares of the Matson funds held in client accounts. In addition, Matson’s does not accept proxy voting responsibility for any other securities held in the client accounts. Matson’s client agreements specifically disclose that Matson does not vote proxies and requests that ERISA clients, if any, expressly reserve voting authority. The CCO monitors the firm’s proxy voting policy.

 

 

1 / Compare Rel. No. IC-25922 (Jan. 31, 2003) (proxy voting for registered investment companies).
2 / According to the SEC, “[a]dvisers that have implicit as well as explicit voting authority must comply with rule 206(4)-6. The rule thus applies when the advisory contract is silent but the adviser’s voting authority is implied by an overall delegation of discretionary authority.” Final Rule: Proxy Voting by Investment Advisers, SEC Rel. No. IA-2106 (Jan. 31, 2003). Discretionary advisers may avoid implicit voting responsibility by explicitly stating their lack of voting responsibility in advisory contracts or other disclosure documents. See id ., at n. 10.
3 / Interpretive Bulletin 94-2, July 28, 1994.
4 / AVON letter (Feb. 23, 1988); MONKS letter (Jan. 23, 1990).

 

B- 1

 

Where Matson has proxy voting authority for securities held by its advisory clients, Matson votes such securities for the exclusive benefit, and in the best economic interest, of those clients and their beneficiaries, as determined by Matson in good faith, subject to any restrictions or directions from a client. Such voting responsibilities will be exercised in a manner that is consistent with the general antifraud provisions of the Advisers Act, as well as with Matson’s fiduciary duties under federal and state law to act in the best interests of its clients. Matson considers each issue presented in a proxy on its merits and votes on a case-by-case basis consistent with its clients’ best economic interests.

 

1.4. Matson ProcedureS: Proxy Voting
All standard client agreements for new clients shall contain a provision stating that Matson will not vote proxies associated with any securities held directly in the client’s account, but will vote underlying securities held in any Matson-managed fund. Because Matson-managed funds invest in shares of other mutual funds, votes on underlying securities will include votes on proposals relating to increases in a mutual fund’s advisory, distribution, and/or service (12b-1) or other fees.

All clients with accounts open prior to October 5, 2004, that had not signed an agreement with the language stating that Matson will not vote proxies associated with any securities held in their accounts received a letter stating that Matson will not vote proxies.

 

The CCO shall annually review a sample of new client contracts to ensure that the client has signed a contract with the non-voting provision or received a letter to that effect, and will maintain an electronic database of client contracts reviewed and letters sent (as needed).

With respect to Matson Fund proxies, clients are responsible for voting all proxies of fund shares held in their account; provided that, if client is subject to ERISA, Matson may vote on all proxies for, and take action concerning legal proceedings regarding, Matson Fund shares held in the Account, provided there is no conflict of interest, unless the right to vote such proxies and take such action has been expressly reserved to another person. If voting is not reserved to another person and Matson is responsible for voting shares of the Matson Funds where a conflict of interest exists, Matson Money will comply with the conflicts procedures outlined in Section 20.5, below.

No Referrer is authorized to vote proxies on behalf of client.

Clients may request a copy of Matson’s Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures and/or information about how Matson has voted securities in Matson-managed funds. A description of the Proxy Policy appears in Matson’s Brochure and is available to Matson clients.

 

1.5. IDENTIFYING AND ADDRESSING CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Matson acknowledges its responsibility for identifying material conflicts of interest related to voting proxies. In order to ensure that Matson is aware of the facts necessary to identify conflicts, anyone responsible for voting proxies must disclose to the CCO any personal conflicts such as officer or director positions held by them, their spouses or close relatives, in any portfolio company. Conflicts based on business relationships with Matson will be considered only to the extent that Matson has actual knowledge of such relationships. If a conflict exists that cannot be otherwise addressed, Matson may choose one of several options, including: (1) voting as recommended by a third party service, if employed by Matson; (2) “echo” or “mirror” voting the proxies in the same proportion as the votes of other proxy holders that are not Matson clients; (3) if possible, erecting information barriers around the person or persons making the voting decision sufficient to insulate the decision from the conflict; or (4) if agreed upon in writing with the client, forwarding the proxies to affected clients and allowing them to vote their own proxies.

 

 

 

Motley Fool Global Opportunities Fund

(formerly, the Motley Fool Independence Fund)

Investor Shares (Ticker: FOOLX)

Institutional Shares (Ticker: FOIIX)

 

Motley Fool Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund

(formerly, the Motley Fool Great America Fund)

Investor Shares (Ticker: TMFGX)

Institutional Shares (Ticker: FOGIX)

 

Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund

Investor Shares (Ticker: TMFEX)

 

Each a series of The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

2000 Duke Street, Suite 275
Alexandria, VA 22314

 

Statement of

Additional Information

Dated December 31, 2017

 

Motley Fool Global Opportunities Fund (“Global Opportunities Fund”), Motley Fool Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund (“Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund”) and Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund (“Emerging Markets Fund”) (each a “Fund” and together the “Funds”) are diversified series of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”). The investment objective of each Fund is to achieve long-term capital appreciation. The Global Opportunities Fund pursues its objective by investing primarily in common stocks of U.S. companies and of companies that are organized under the laws of other countries around the world. The Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund pursues its objective by investing primarily in common stocks of companies that are organized in the United States and that are engaged in a broad range of industries. The Emerging Markets Fund pursues its objective by investing primarily in common stocks of emerging markets companies.

 

Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC (the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Funds.

 

Shares of each Fund are distributed on a continuous basis at their current net asset value (“NAV”) per share, without imposition of any front-end or contingent deferred sales charge, by Foreside Funds Distributors LLC (“Foreside” or the “Underwriter”) and by selected securities dealers.

 

Information about each Fund is set forth in the prospectus dated December 31, 2017 (the “Prospectus”) and provides the basic information you should know before investing. To obtain a copy of the Prospectus, please write to Motley Fool Funds, 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0701, or call 1-888-863-8803. This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus but contains information in addition to and more detailed than that set forth in the Prospectus. It is incorporated by reference in its entirety into the Prospectus. This SAI is intended to provide you with additional information regarding the activities and operations of the Funds and the Company, and it should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus and the Funds’ Annual Report dated August 31, 2017.

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

Fund History 1
Investment Policies and Practices 1
Investment Restrictions 10
Management of the Company 12
Code of Ethics 20
Principal Holders 20
Investment Advisory Agreement 21
Portfolio Managers 22
Underwriter 26
How to Redeem Shares 27
Portfolio Holdings Information 27
Determination of Net Asset Value 28
Dividends, Distributions, and Taxes 29
Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage 31
Proxy Voting Procedures 33
Payments To Financial Intermediaries 34
Additional Information Concerning Company Shares 34
General Information 35
Financial Statements 36
Appendix A A-1

 

 

 

Fund History

 

The Company is an open-end management investment company currently operating twenty-nine separate portfolios. The Company is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”) and was organized as a Maryland corporation on February 29, 1988. This SAI pertains to shares of the Motley Fool Global Opportunities Fund, the Motley Fool Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund, and the Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund (each, a “Fund,” and collectively, the “Funds”). Each Fund is non-diversified. Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC (“Motley Fool” or the “Adviser”), serves as the investment adviser to the Funds.

 

The Funds commenced operations after the close of business on December 21, 2016 and are the successors in interest to certain funds having the same investment objectives that were included as series of another investment company, The Motley Fool Funds Trust, and that were also advised by the Adviser (the “Predecessor Funds”). On December 21, 2016, the shareholders of each of the Predecessor Funds approved the reorganization of the Predecessor Funds with and into their corresponding series of the Company and effective as of the close of business on December 21, 2016, the assets and liabilities of each of the Predecessor Funds were transferred to the Company in exchange for shares of each of the applicable Fund.

 

Prior to the date of this SAI, the Global Opportunities Fund was named the Motley Fool Independence Fund, and the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund was named the Motley Fool Great America Fund.

 

Effective August 1, 2017, the Funds changed their fiscal year end from October 31 to August 31.

 

Investment Policies and Practices

 

The sections below describe, in greater detail than in the Prospectus, some of the different types of investments that may be made by the Funds as a part of their non-principal investment strategies, and the investment practices in which the Funds may engage. The principal investment strategies and associated risks of the Funds are described in the Prospectus.

 

Types of Equity Securities

 

In addition to common stock, the equity securities that the Funds may purchase include preferred and convertible preferred stocks, and securities having equity characteristics, such as rights, warrants, and convertible debt securities. Preferred stocks represent equity ownership interests in a corporation and participate in the corporation’s earnings through dividends that the corporation may declare. Unlike common stocks, preferred stocks are entitled to stated dividends payable from the corporation’s earnings, which in some cases may be “cumulative” if previous stated dividends have not been paid. Dividends payable on preferred stock have priority over distributions to holders of common stock, and preferred stocks generally have preferences on the distribution of assets in the event of the corporation’s liquidation. Preferred stocks may be “participating,” which means that they may be entitled to dividends in excess of the stated dividend, in certain cases. The rights of preferred stocks are generally subordinate to rights associated with a corporation’s debt securities.

 

Convertible Securities

 

The Funds may purchase convertible securities. These securities include convertible debt obligations and convertible preferred stock. A convertible security entitles the holder to exchange it for a fixed number of shares of common stock (or other equity security), usually at a fixed price within a specified period of time. Until conversion, the holder receives the interest paid on a convertible bond or the dividend preference of a preferred stock.

 

Convertible securities have an “investment value,” which is the theoretical value determined by the yield it provides in comparison with similar securities without the conversion feature. The investment value changes are based on prevailing interest rates and other factors. They also have a “conversion value,” which is the worth in market value if the security were exchanged for the underlying equity security. Conversion value fluctuates directly with the price of the underlying security. If conversion value is substantially below investment value, the price of the convertible security is governed principally by its investment value. If the conversion value is near or above investment value, the price of the convertible security generally will rise above investment value and may represent a premium over conversion value because of the combination of the convertible security’s right to interest (or dividend preference) and the possibility of capital appreciation from the conversion feature. A convertible security’s price, when price is influenced primarily by its conversion value, will generally yield less than a senior non-convertible security of comparable investment value. Convertible securities may be purchased at varying price levels above their investment values or conversion values. However, there is no assurance that any premium above investment value or conversion value will be recovered, because prices change, and, as a result, the ability to achieve capital appreciation through conversion may never occur.

 

1  

 

Foreign Securities

 

The Global Opportunities Fund and the Emerging Markets Fund may invest, in equity and fixed-income securities of foreign companies, including companies located in both developed and emerging-market countries. Investment in foreign securities may include the purchase of American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) and other depositary receipts (European Depositary Receipts, Global Depositary Receipts and Non-Voting Depositary Receipts) that represent indirect interests in securities of foreign issuers. A significant portion of a Fund’s exposure to foreign investments may be composed of such investments. Investments in foreign securities are affected by risk factors generally not associated with investments in the securities of U.S. companies in the U.S. With respect to such securities, there may be more limited information publicly available concerning the issuer than would be the case with respect to domestic securities, foreign issuers may use different accounting standards, and foreign trading markets may not be as liquid as are U.S. markets . Foreign securities also involve such risks as currency risks, possible imposition of withholding or confiscatory taxes, possible currency transfer restrictions, expropriation or other adverse political or economic developments, and the difficulty of enforcing obligations in other countries. These risks may be greater in emerging-market countries and in less developed countries.

 

The purchase of securities denominated in foreign currencies will subject the value of a Fund’s investments in those securities to fluctuations caused by changes in foreign exchange rates. To hedge against the effects of changes in foreign exchange rates, the Funds may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts (“forward contracts”). These contracts represent agreements to exchange an amount of currency at an agreed-upon future date and rate. The Funds will generally use forward contracts only to “lock in” the price in U.S. dollars of a foreign security that the Funds plan to purchase or to sell, but in certain limited cases, they may use such contracts to hedge against an anticipated substantial decline in the price of a foreign currency against the U.S. dollar that would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value of foreign securities held by the Funds. Forward contracts will not be used in all cases and, in any event, cannot completely protect the Funds against all changes in the values of foreign securities resulting from fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. The Funds will not enter into a forward contract if, as a result, forward contracts would represent more than 20% of the Funds’ total assets. For hedging purposes, the Funds may also use options on foreign currencies, which expose the Funds to certain risks. See “DERIVATIVE INVESTMENTS — Options on Foreign Currency” and “INVESTMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES — Forward Contracts.”

 

Some foreign securities are traded in the U.S. in the form of ADRs. ADRs are receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company evidencing ownership of the underlying securities of foreign issuers. European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) and Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”) are receipts typically issued by foreign banks or trust companies, evidencing ownership of underlying securities issued by either a foreign or U.S. issuer. Non-Voting Depositary Receipts (“NVDRs”) are listed securities through which investors receive the same financial benefits as those who invest directly in a company’s ordinary shares; however, unlike ordinary shareholders, NVDR holders cannot be involved in proxy voting if the company solicits votes from shareholders. Investments in NVDRs involve certain risks unique to foreign investments. Generally, depositary receipts in registered form are designed for use in the U.S. and depositary receipts in bearer form are designed for use in securities markets outside the U.S. Depositary receipts may not necessarily have the same currency denomination as the underlying securities into which they may be converted. Depositary receipts generally involve the same risks as do other investments in foreign securities. However, holders of ADRs and other depositary receipts may not have all the legal rights of shareholders and may experience difficulty in receiving shareholder communications.

 

In 2016, the United Kingdom (“UK”) held a referendum election and voters elected to withdraw from the European Union (the “EU”). The Funds may be exposed to risks related to the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, including volatile trading markets and significant and unpredictable currency fluctuations. Securities issued by companies domiciled in the UK could be subject to changing regulatory and tax regimes. Banking and financial services companies that operate in the UK or EU could be disproportionately impacted by these actions. Greece has recently experienced political pressure to hold a similar referendum election. Further insecurity in EU membership or the abandonment of the euro could exacerbate market and currency volatility and negatively impact investments in securities issued by companies located in EU countries. The potential impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, is not clear but could be significant and far-reaching.

 

2  

 

Exchange-Traded Funds and Other Similar Instruments

 

The Global Opportunities Fund and the Emerging Markets Fund may purchase shares of exchange-traded funds that are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) (“ETFs”) and shares of similar investment vehicles that are not registered under the 1940 Act (together with the ETFs, “Traded Funds”). Typically, a Traded Fund holds a portfolio of common stocks designed to track the performance of a particular index or a “basket” of stocks of companies within a particular industry sector or group. Traded Funds sell and redeem their shares at NAV in large blocks (typically 50,000 shares) called “creation units.” Shares representing fractional interests in these creation units are listed for trading on national securities exchanges and can be purchased and sold in the secondary market in lots of any size at any time during the trading day. The Funds do not invest in actively managed Traded Funds.

 

Investments in Traded Funds involve certain inherent risks generally associated with investments in a broadly based portfolio of stocks, including risks that the general level of stock prices may decline and thereby adversely affect the value of each unit of the Traded Fund. In addition, a Traded Fund may not fully replicate the performance of its benchmark index because of the temporary unavailability of certain index securities in the secondary market or discrepancies between the Traded Fund and the index with respect to the weighting of securities or number of stocks held.

 

Because Traded Funds bear various fees and expenses, a Fund’s investment in these instruments will involve certain indirect costs, as well as transaction costs, such as brokerage commissions. The Adviser will consider the expenses associated with an investment in determining whether to invest in a Traded Fund.

 

Special Corporate Situation Investments

 

Each Fund may invest a portion of its total assets in securities of companies that may be involved in special corporate situations, the occurrence of which would favorably affect the values of the companies’ equity securities. Such situations could include, among other developments, a change in management or management policies; the acquisition of a significant equity position in the company by an investor or investor group; a merger, a reorganization, or the sale of a division; the spinoff of a subsidiary, division, or other substantial assets; or a third-party or issuer tender offer. The primary risk of this type of investing is that if the contemplated event does not occur or if a proposed transaction is abandoned, revised, or delayed or becomes subject to unanticipated uncertainties, the market price of the securities may decline below the purchase price the Funds paid.

 

In general, securities that are the subject of a special corporate situation sell at a premium to their market prices immediately following the announcement of the situation. However, the increased market price of these securities may nonetheless represent a discount from what the stated or appraised value of the security would be if the contemplated transaction were approved or consummated. These investments may be advantageous when the following occur: (1) the discount significantly overstates the risk of the contingencies involved; (2) the discount significantly undervalues the securities, assets, or cash to be received by shareholders of the prospective portfolio company as a result of the contemplated transactions; or (3) the discount fails adequately to recognize the possibility that the offer or proposal may be replaced or superseded by an offer or proposal of greater value. The evaluation of these contingencies requires unusually broad knowledge and experience on the part of the Adviser, which must appraise not only the value of the issuer and its component businesses as well as the assets or securities to be received as a result of the contemplated transaction, but also the financial resources and business motivation of the offeror, as well as the dynamics of the business climate when the offer or proposal is in progress.

 

A Fund’s special corporate situation investments may tend to increase its portfolio turnover ratio and thereby increase brokerage commissions and other transaction expenses. However, the Adviser attempts to select investments of the type described that, in its view, also have a reasonable prospect of significant capital appreciation over the long term.

 

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Types of Fixed-Income Securities

 

The Funds may invest in bonds and other types of debt obligations of U.S. and foreign issuers. Fixed-income securities purchased by the Funds may include, among others, bonds, notes, and debentures issued by corporations; debt securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities (“U.S. Government Securities”); municipal securities; mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities; and debt securities issued or guaranteed by foreign governments, their agencies, instrumentalities, or political subdivisions, or by government-owned, -controlled, or -sponsored entities, including central banks. These investments also include money market instruments and other types of obligations. Investors should recognize that, although securities ratings issued by Standard & Poor’s ® Ratings Services (“S&P”), a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and Moody’s Investors Services © , Inc. (“Moody’s”), provide a generally useful guide as to credit risks, they do not offer any criteria to evaluate interest rate risk. A description of the ratings that the Adviser deems most relevant to the Funds is set forth in Appendix A to this SAI. Changes in interest rate levels generally cause fluctuations in the prices of fixed-income securities and will, therefore, cause fluctuations in the NAV per share of the Funds. Subsequent to the purchase of a fixed-income security by a Fund, the ratings or credit quality of such security may deteriorate. Any such subsequent adverse changes in the rating or quality of a security held by the Funds would not require the Funds to sell the security.

 

Zero-Coupon Securities

 

Fixed-income securities purchased by the Funds may include zero-coupon securities. These securities do not pay any interest until maturity, and for this reason, zero-coupon securities of longer maturities may trade at a deep discount from their face or par values and may be subject to greater fluctuations in market value than would ordinary debt obligations of comparable maturity. Current federal tax law requires the holder of a zero-coupon security to accrue a portion of the discount at which the security was purchased as income each year, even though the holder receives no interest payment that year.

 

Variable- and Floating-Rate Securities

 

Fixed-income securities purchased by the Funds may also include variable- and floating-rate securities. The interest rates payable on these securities are adjusted either at predesignated periodic intervals or whenever there is a change in an established market rate of interest. Other features may include a right whereby the Funds may demand prepayment of the principal amount before the stated maturity (a “demand feature”) and the right of an issuer to prepay the principal amount before maturity. One benefit of variable- and floating-rate securities is that because of interest rate adjustments on the obligation, changes in market value that would normally result from fluctuations in prevailing interest rates are reduced. One benefit of a demand feature is enhanced liquidity.

 

Non-Investment-Grade Debt Securities

 

As discussed in the Prospectus, the Global Opportunities Fund and the Emerging Markets Fund may invest in both investment-grade and non-investment-grade debt securities (including high-yield bonds). Non-investment-grade debt securities (typically called “junk bonds”) are securities considered to be predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal.

 

Companies that issue these securities often are highly leveraged and may not have available to them more traditional methods of financing. Therefore, the risks associated with acquiring the securities of such issuers generally are greater than is the case with higher-grade securities . For example, during an economic downturn or a sustained period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers of these securities may not have sufficient revenues to meet their interest payment obligations. The issuer’s ability to service its debt obligations also may be affected adversely by specific corporate developments, forecasts, or the unavailability of additional financing. The risk of loss because of default by the issuer is significantly greater for the holders of these securities, because such securities generally are unsecured and often are subordinated to other creditors of the issuer.

 

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Because there is no established retail secondary market for many of these securities, the Funds anticipate that such securities could be sold only to a limited number of dealers or institutional investors. To the extent a secondary trading market for these securities does exist, it generally is not as liquid as is the secondary market for higher-grade securities. The lack of a liquid secondary market may have an adverse impact on market price and yield, as well as on the Funds’ ability to dispose of particular issues when necessary to meet the Funds’ liquidity needs or in response to a specific economic event such as a deterioration in the creditworthiness of the issuer. The lack of a liquid secondary market for certain securities also may make it more difficult for the Funds to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing the Funds’ portfolio and calculating its NAV . Adverse publicity and investor perceptions may decrease the values and liquidity of these securities. In such cases, judgment may play a greater role in valuation, because of a lack of reliable, objective data.

 

These securities may be particularly susceptible to economic downturns. It is likely that an economic recession could severely disrupt the market for such securities and may have an adverse impact on the value of such securities. In addition, it is likely that any such economic downturn could adversely affect the ability of the issuers of such securities to repay principal and pay interest thereon and increase the incidence of default for such securities.

 

The Funds may acquire these securities during an initial offering. Such securities may involve special risks because they are new issues. The Funds have no arrangement with any person concerning the acquisition of such securities, and the Adviser will review the credit and other characteristics pertinent to such new issues.

 

Securities of Other Investment Companies

 

Each Fund may invest in securities of other investment companies, including ETF shares and shares of money market funds. A Fund’s investment in these securities (other than shares of money market funds and of certain ETFs) may be subject to certain limitations imposed by the 1940 Act -- generally, a prohibition on acquiring more than 3 percent of the outstanding voting stock of another investment company. Investment companies such as ETFs and money market funds pay investment advisory and other fees and incur various expenses in connection with their operations. When the Funds invest in another investment company, shareholders of the Funds will indirectly bear these fees and expenses, which will be in addition to the fees and expenses of the Funds.

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts

 

Real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) are pooled investment vehicles that manage a portfolio of real estate or real estate-related loans to earn profits for their shareholders. REITs are generally classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs, or a combination of equity and mortgage REITs. Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks in addition to the risks associated with investing in the real estate industry in general. Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the REITs, and mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of the borrower on any credit extended. REITs are dependent on management skills, may not be diversified geographically or by property type, and are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by borrowers, and self-liquidation. REITs must also meet certain requirements under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), to avoid entity-level tax and be eligible to pass through certain tax attributes of their income to shareholders. REITs are consequently subject to the risk of failing to meet these requirements for favorable tax treatment and of failing to maintain their exemptions from registration under the 1940 Act. REITs are also subject to the risks of changes in the Code that could affect their tax status.

 

REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are also subject to interest rate risks. When interest rates decline, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed-rate obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed-rate obligations can be expected to decline. In contrast, as interest rates on adjustable-rate mortgage loans are reset periodically, yields on a REIT’s investments in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates, and as a result, the value of such investments will fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed-rate obligations.

 

The management of a REIT may be subject to conflicts of interest with respect to the operation of the business of the REIT and may be involved in real estate activities competitive with the REIT. REITs may own properties through joint ventures or in other circumstances in which a REIT may not have control over its investments. REITs may use significant amounts of leverage.

 

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REITs often do not provide complete tax information until after the end of the calendar year. Consequently, because of the delay, it may be necessary for the Funds, if invested in REITs, to request permission to extend the deadline for issuance of Forms 1099-DIV beyond January 31. Alternatively, amended Forms 1099-DIV may be sent.

 

Master Limited Partnerships

 

Master limited partnerships (“MLPs”) are publicly traded companies organized as limited partnerships or limited liability companies and treated as partnerships for U.S. federal tax purposes. MLPs combine the tax advantages of a partnership with the liquidity of a publicly traded stock. MLP income is generally not subject to entity-level tax. Instead, an MLP’s income, gain, loss, deductions, and other tax items pass through to common unitholders. If tax were to be required to be paid by the MLP at the entity level, the value of the MLP interests held by the Funds would be expected to decrease.

 

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 (“MQD”). Common and general partner interests also accrue arrearages in distributions to the extent that 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 that causes 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 at which it receives 50% of every incremental dollar paid to common and subordinated unitholders. These incentive distributions encourage the general partner to streamline costs, increase capital expenditures, and acquire assets in order to increase the partnership’s cash flow and raise the quarterly cash distribution in order to reach higher tiers. Such results benefit all security holders of the MLP.

 

Derivative Investments

 

As part of their non-principal investment strategies, the Funds may use certain derivative instruments in connection with their investment activities. Described below are the types of derivatives in which the Funds may invest, as well as information regarding the risks associated with Funds’ use of derivatives.

 

Derivatives, Generally

 

The Funds may invest in derivatives for a variety of reasons, including to gain access to certain securities, to provide a substitute for purchasing or selling particular securities, to hedge currency risk, or to seek capital appreciation. Derivatives can be volatile and involve various types and degrees of risk, depending upon the characteristics of the particular derivative and the Funds’ portfolio as a whole. Derivatives may permit the Funds to increase or decrease the level of risk, or change the character of the risk, to which its portfolio is exposed, in much the same way as the Funds can increase or decrease the level of risk, or change the character of the risk, of its portfolio by making investments in specific securities or currencies. Derivatives may entail investment exposures that are greater than their cost would suggest, meaning that a small investment in derivatives could have a large potential impact on the Funds’ performance.

 

Derivatives may be purchased on established exchanges or over the counter (“OTC”) through privately negotiated transactions. Exchange-traded derivatives generally are guaranteed by the clearing agency that is the issuer or counterparty to such derivatives. This guarantee usually is supported by a daily payment system ( i.e., variation margin requirements) operated by the clearing agency in order to reduce settlement risks. As a result, unless the clearing agency defaults, there is relatively little counterparty credit risk associated with derivatives purchased on an exchange. By contrast, no clearing agency guarantees OTC derivatives. Therefore, each party to an OTC derivative bears the risk that the counterparty will default. Accordingly, the Adviser will consider the creditworthiness of counterparties to OTC derivatives in the same manner as it would review the credit quality of a security to be purchased by the Funds. OTC derivatives are less liquid than exchange-traded derivatives, since the other party to the transaction may be the only investor with sufficient understanding of the derivative to be interested in bidding for it. Variable-rate and floating-rate securities may also be considered a type of derivative.

 

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To the extent a Fund invests in derivatives subject to regulation by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), it will do so in accordance with Regulation 4.5 under the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”). The Company, on behalf of the Funds, has filed with the National Futures Association a notice claiming an exclusion from the definition of the term “commodity pool operator” (“CPO”) under the CEA, and the regulations of the CFTC promulgated thereunder, with respect to the Funds’ operation. The Company is not subject to registration or regulation as a CPO. However, the CFTC has adopted certain rule amendments that significantly affect the continued availability of this exclusion and may subject advisers to mutual funds to regulation by the CFTC. Although the Company has concluded that the Funds should be able to operate within the exclusion from CFTC regulation, there is no certainty that the Funds or the Company will be able to continue to rely on an exclusion from CFTC regulation in the future. The Funds may determine not to use investment strategies that trigger CFTC regulation or may determine to operate subject to CFTC regulation, if applicable. If a Fund operates subject to CFTC regulation, it may incur additional expenses.

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

 

The Global Opportunities Fund and the Emerging Markets Fund are authorized to enter into forward foreign currency contracts. These contracts represent agreements to exchange an amount of currency at an agreed-upon future date and rate. The rate can be higher or lower than the spot rate between the currencies that are the subject of the contract . A forward contract generally has no deposit requirement, and such transactions do not involve commissions. By entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale of the amount of foreign currency invested in an equity or fixed-income security of a foreign issuer (a “foreign security”), the Funds can hedge against possible variations in the value of the dollar versus the subject currency either between the date the foreign security is purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made or received (“transaction hedging”), or during the time the Funds hold the foreign security (“position hedging”). Hedging against a decline in the value of a currency through the use of forward contracts does not eliminate fluctuations in the prices of securities or prevent losses if the prices of securities decline. Hedging transactions precludes the opportunity for gain if the value of the hedged currency should rise. The Funds will not speculate in forward currency contracts. If the Funds enter into a position-hedging transaction, which is the sale of forward non-U.S. currency with respect to a security held by it and denominated in such foreign currency, the Company’s custodian will place cash or liquid securities in a separate account in an amount equal to the value of the Funds’ total assets committed to the consummation of such forward contract. If the value of the securities placed in the account declines, additional cash or securities will be placed in the account so that the value of cash or securities in the account will equal the amount of the Funds’ commitments with respect to such contracts. Forward contracts will not be used in all cases and, in any event, cannot completely protect the Funds against all changes in the values of foreign securities resulting from fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.

 

Warrants and Rights

 

Each of the Funds may invest in warrants and rights. These securities are forms of derivative instruments that have equity-like characteristics. Warrants are instruments that give the Funds the right to purchase certain securities from an issuer at a specific price (the “strike price”) for a limited period of time. The strike price of warrants typically is much lower than is the current market price of the underlying securities, yet they are subject to similar price fluctuations. As a result, warrants may be more volatile investments than are the underlying securities and may offer greater potential for capital appreciation as well as capital loss. Warrants do not entitle a holder to dividends or voting rights with respect to the underlying securities and do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuing company. In addition, the value of the warrant does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities, and a warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised before the expiration date. These factors may make warrants more speculative than other types of investments. Rights are similar to warrants but normally have a short duration (usually two to four weeks) and are distributed directly by the issuer to its existing shareholders.

 

Total Return Swaps and Participatory Notes

 

The Global Opportunities Fund and the Emerging Markets Fund may enter into total return swaps and participatory notes, which are very similar to swaps but specific to a particular foreign market. A swap is a contract under which two parties agree to make payments to each other based on specified interest rates or the value of an index or other instrument, applied to a stated or “notional” amount. The Funds may use total return swaps and participatory notes to increase their investment exposure to particular foreign securities markets and foreign securities. These instruments are subject to various types of risks, including market risk, liquidity risk, counterparty credit risk, legal risk, and operations risk. In addition, they can involve significant economic leverage and risks of loss.

 

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Illiquid Securities

 

Each Fund may invest up to 15% of the value of its net assets in illiquid securities. Illiquid securities are securities that the Funds cannot sell or dispose of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the value at which the Funds carry the securities. These securities include restricted securities and repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days. Restricted securities are securities that may not be sold to the public without an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), and thus may be sold only in privately negotiated transactions or pursuant to an exemption from registration. Subject to the adoption of guidelines by the Board, certain restricted securities that may be sold to institutional investors pursuant to Rule 144A under the 1933 Act and non-exempt commercial paper may be determined to be liquid by the Adviser. Illiquid securities involve the risk that the securities will not be able to be sold at the time the Adviser desires or at prices approximating the value at which the Funds are carrying the securities. If, as a result of changes in the values of securities held by the Funds, the value of holdings by the Funds of illiquid securities exceeds 15% of the value of the Funds’ net assets, the Adviser will take appropriate actions to reduce the Funds’ holdings of illiquid securities to 15% of the value of the Funds’ net assets as soon as reasonably practicable, in a manner consistent with prudent management and the interests of the Funds.

 

Temporary Investments

 

During periods of adverse market or economic conditions, the Funds may temporarily invest all or a substantial portion of their assets in high-quality, fixed-income securities, money market instruments, and shares of money market mutual funds, or it may hold cash. At such times, the Funds would not be pursuing their stated investment objective with its usual investment strategies. The Funds may also hold these investments for liquidity purposes. Fixed-income securities will be deemed to be of high quality if they are rated “A” or better by S&P or Moody’s or, if unrated, are determined to be of comparable quality by the Adviser. Money market instruments are high-quality, short-term fixed-income obligations (which generally have remaining maturities of one year or less) and may include U.S. Government Securities, commercial paper, certificates of deposit and banker’s acceptances issued by domestic branches of U.S. banks that are members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and repurchase agreements for U.S. Government Securities. In lieu of purchasing money market instruments, the Funds may purchase shares of money market mutual funds that invest primarily in U.S. Government Securities and repurchase agreements involving those securities, subject to certain limitations imposed by the 1940 Act. The Funds, as an investor in a money market fund, will indirectly bear that fund’s fees and expenses, which will be in addition to the fees and expenses of the Funds. Repurchase Agreements involve certain risks not associated with direct investments in debt securities. See “INVESTMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES — Repurchase Agreements.”

 

Diversification

 

As a “diversified” investment company, each Fund, with respect to 75% of its total assets, must limit its investment in the securities of any single issuer to not greater than 5% of the value of the Funds’ total assets and to not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer (except that these limitations do not apply to investments in U.S. Government Securities and securities of other investment companies). However, to limit the risks associated with highly concentrated holdings, it is each Fund’s current policy (which may be changed by the Board of Directors of the Company) (the “Board”) not to invest more than 5% of the value of its total assets in the securities of any one issuer. The Funds also intend to satisfy to the diversification requirements of the Code applicable to regulated investment companies. See “DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS, AND TAXES.”

 

Portfolio Turnover

 

Although the Funds generally do not engage in short-term trading, portfolio securities may be sold without regard to the time they have been held when investment considerations warrant such action. It is expected that the Funds’ portfolio turnover rate will not exceed 100% . A higher portfolio turnover rate would result in higher brokerage costs to the Funds and could also result in the realization of larger amounts of capital gains, including short-term capital gains. Capital gains are generally taxable when distributed to shareholders, and distributions of short-term capital gains are generally taxable at ordinary income tax rates. See “DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS, AND TAXES.” For the fiscal period ended August 31, 2017, the portfolio turnover rates for the Funds can be found below.

 

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  For the Fiscal Period Ended
August 31, 2017*
For the Fiscal Year Ended
October 31, 2016
Global Opportunities Fund 38% 26%
Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund 24% 21%
Emerging Markets Fund 21% 54%

 

* Effective May 17, 2017, the Funds changed their fiscal year end from October 31 to August 31.

 

Repurchase Agreements

 

Each Fund may enter into repurchase agreements involving the types of securities eligible for purchase by the Funds. However, there is no limitation on the maturity of the securities underlying the repurchase agreements. The Funds may use repurchase agreements in lieu of purchasing money market instruments.

 

Repurchase agreements, which may be viewed as a type of secured lending by the Funds, typically involve the acquisition by a Fund of U.S. Government Securities or other securities from a selling financial institution such as a bank, savings and loan association, or broker-dealer. The agreement provides that the Funds will sell back to the institution, and that the institution will repurchase, the underlying security (“collateral”) at a specified price and at a fixed time in the future, usually not more than seven days from the date of purchase. The Funds will receive interest from the institution until the time the repurchase is to occur . Although such date is deemed to be the maturity date of a repurchase agreement, the maturities of securities subject to repurchase agreements are not subject to any limits and may exceed one year.

 

Repurchase agreements involve certain risks not associated with direct investments in debt securities. If the seller under a repurchase agreement becomes insolvent, a Fund’s right to dispose of the securities may be restricted, or the value of the securities may decline before the Fund is able to dispose of them. In the event of the commencement of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings with respect to the seller of the securities before the repurchase of the securities under a repurchase agreement is accomplished, a Fund may encounter delay and incur costs, including a decline in the value of the securities, before being able to sell the securities. If the seller defaults, the value of such securities may decline before the Funds are able to dispose of them. If a Fund enters into a repurchase agreement that is subject to foreign law and the other party defaults, the Fund may not enjoy protections comparable to those provided to certain repurchase agreements under U.S. bankruptcy law and may suffer delays and losses in disposing of the collateral as a result.

 

The Funds have adopted procedures designed to minimize the risks of loss from repurchase agreement transactions. These procedures include a requirement that the Adviser effect repurchase transactions only with large, well-capitalized U.S. financial institutions that the Adviser approves as creditworthy based on periodic review under guidelines established and monitored by the Board. In addition, the value of the collateral underlying the repurchase agreement, which the Company’s custodian will hold on behalf of the Funds, will always be at least equal to the repurchase price, including any accrued interest earned on the repurchase agreement. In the event of a default or bankruptcy by a selling financial institution, the Funds will seek to liquidate such collateral. However, the exercise of a Fund’s right to liquidate such collateral could involve certain costs or delays and, to the extent that proceeds from any sale upon a default of the obligation to repurchase were less than the repurchase price, the Funds could suffer a loss.

 

Lending Portfolio Securities

 

Each Fund may lend its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers, and financial institutions in an amount not exceeding 33 1/3% of the value of the Funds’ total assets. These loans will be secured by collateral (consisting of cash, U.S. Government Securities, or irrevocable letters of credit) maintained in an amount equal to at least 100% of the market value, determined daily, of the loaned securities. The Funds may, subject to certain notice requirements, at any time call the loan and obtain the return of the securities loaned. The Funds will be entitled to payments equal to the interest and dividends on the loaned securities and may receive a premium for lending the securities. The advantage of such loans is that a Fund continues to receive the income on the loaned securities while earning interest on the cash amounts deposited as collateral, which will be invested in short-term investments.

 

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A loan may be terminated by the borrower on one business day’s notice, or by the Company on two business days’ notice. If the borrower fails to deliver the loaned securities within four days after receipt of notice, the Company may use the collateral to replace the securities while holding the borrower liable for any excess of replacement cost exceeding the collateral. As with any extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery and, in some cases, even loss of rights in the collateral, should the borrower of the securities fail financially. In addition, securities lending involves a form of leverage, and a Fund may incur a loss if securities purchased with the collateral from securities loans decline in value or if the income earned does not cover the Funds’ transaction costs. However, loans of securities will be made only to companies the Board deems to be creditworthy (such creditworthiness will be monitored on an ongoing basis) and when the income that can be earned from such loans justifies the attendant risks. Upon termination of the loan, the borrower is required to return the securities. Any gain or loss in the market price during the loan period would inure to the Funds.

 

When voting or consent rights that accompany loaned securities pass to the borrower, the Company will follow the policy of calling the loaned securities, to be delivered within one day after notice, to permit the exercise of such rights if the matters involved would have a material effect on the investment in such loaned securities. The Funds will pay reasonable finder’s, administrative, and custodial fees in connection with loans of securities. The Funds may lend foreign securities consistent with the foregoing requirements.

 

Cyber Security Risk

 

The Funds and their service providers may be prone to operational and information security risks resulting from breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Funds to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption, or lose operational capacity. Breaches in cyber security include, among other behaviors, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, denial of service attacks on websites, the unauthorized release of confidential information or various other forms of cyber-attacks. Cyber security breaches affecting the Funds or the Adviser, custodian, transfer agent, intermediaries and other third-party service providers may adversely impact the Funds. For instance, cyber security breaches may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, impact a Fund’s ability to calculate its NAVs, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential business information, impede trading, subject the Fund to regulatory fines or financial losses and/or cause reputational damage. The Funds may also incur additional costs for cyber security risk management purposes. Similar types of cyber security risks are also present for issuers of securities in which the Funds may invest, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause a Fund’s investment in such companies to lose value. While the Funds and their service providers have established IT and data security programs and have in place business continuity plans and other systems designed to prevent losses and mitigate cyber risk, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified or that cyber-attacks may be highly sophisticated.

 

Investment Restrictions

 

Each Fund has adopted various restrictions on its investment activities. Certain of these restrictions, as well as each Fund’s investment objective, are fundamental policies and cannot be changed without approval by the holders of a majority, as defined by the 1940 Act, of the Fund’s outstanding voting shares. Such a majority means the affirmative vote of the holders of (1) 67% or more of the shares of a Fund present at a meeting of shareholders, if the holders of at least 50% of the outstanding shares of a Fund are present or represented by proxy; or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of a Fund, whichever is less.

 

Under its fundamental policies, each Fund may not:

 

1. Invest more than 25% of the value of its total assets in the securities of issuers engaged in any single industry or group of industries, provided that this does not apply to U.S. Government Securities.

 

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2. With respect to 75% of its total assets, invest more than 5% of the value of its total assets in the securities of any one issuer or purchase more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer, except that these limitations do not apply to investments in U.S. Government Securities and securities of other investment companies.

 

3. Purchase or sell commodities, except that each Fund may purchase and sell foreign currency, as well as options on foreign currency and financial futures contracts, and may enter into forward foreign currency contracts in connection with its investments in foreign securities, in accordance with such investment policies as the Board may adopt and subject to applicable regulatory limitations.

 

4. Purchase or sell real estate or interests therein, or purchase oil, gas, or other mineral leases, rights or royalty contracts or development programs, except that the Fund may invest in the securities of issuers engaged in the foregoing activities and may invest in securities secured by real estate or interests therein.

 

5. Issue senior securities as defined by the 1940 Act or borrow money, except that each Fund may borrow from banks for temporary extraordinary or emergency purposes (but not for investment) in an amount up to 10% of the value of its total assets (calculated at the time of the borrowing). Each Fund may not make additional investments while it has any borrowings outstanding. This restriction shall not be deemed to prohibit each Fund from purchasing or selling securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis, or entering into reverse repurchase agreements, lending portfolio securities, selling securities short, purchasing or selling financial futures contracts, writing covered put and call options on securities, stock indices, and foreign currencies, or entering into swaps and other forms of derivative transactions, in each case in accordance with such investment policies as the Board may adopt and provided that the Fund segregates assets on the records of its custodian to cover these positions. (The foregoing transactions, other than borrowing money, are not considered to involve the issuance of senior securities provided that cash and liquid securities segregated by a Fund are maintained in an amount at least equal to the Fund’s obligations in connection with those transactions in accordance with applicable interpretations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and its staff.)

 

6. Underwrite the securities of other issuers, except to the extent that a Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities.

 

7. Make loans of money or securities, except that a Fund may lend money through the purchase of permitted investments, including repurchase agreements, and may lend its portfolio securities in an amount not exceeding 33 1/3% of the value of the Fund’s total assets.

 

Notwithstanding any restrictions relating to entering into reverse repurchase agreements, selling securities short, purchasing or selling financial futures contracts, or writing covered put and call options on securities, stock indices, and foreign currencies, the Funds do not engage in these types of activities.

 

Each Fund has adopted the following additional investment restrictions, which are not fundamental and which the Board may change. Under these restrictions, a Fund may not:

 

1. Invest in the securities of a company for the purpose of exercising management or control; however, this limitation shall not be deemed to prohibit the Fund from exercising voting rights with respect to its portfolio securities.

 

2. Pledge, mortgage, hypothecate, or otherwise encumber its assets, except in an amount not to exceed 33 1/3% of the value of the Funds’ total assets to secure permitted borrowings and to implement collateral and similar arrangements incident to permitted investment practices.

 

3. Purchase securities that are illiquid, including repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days, if, as a result, more than 15% of the value of a Fund’s net assets would be so invested.

 

11  

 

4. Purchase securities of other investment companies, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act.

 

and the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund may not:

 

5. Make any change in its policy to invest 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in securities of U.S. companies under normal market conditions unless it provides its shareholders with at least 60 days prior written notice.

 

Except with respect to borrowing, and as otherwise may be stated, all percentage limitations on the Funds’ investment practices set forth in this SAI and the Prospectus apply at the time of an investment or a transaction, and a subsequent change in percentage resulting from a change in value of the investment or the total value of the Funds’ assets will not constitute a violation of such restriction.

 

Management of the Company

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the oversight of the Company’s Board of Directors, subject to the laws of the State of Maryland and the Company’s Charter. The Directors are responsible for deciding matters of overall policy and overseeing the actions of the Company’s service providers. The officers of the Company conduct and supervise the Company’s daily business operations.

 

Directors who are not deemed to be “interested persons” of the Company (as defined in the 1940 Act) are referred to as “Independent Directors.” Directors who are deemed to be “interested persons” of the Company are referred to as “Interested Directors.” The Board is currently composed of six Independent Directors and one Interested Director. The Board has selected Arnold M. Reichman, an Independent Director, to act as Chairman. Mr. Reichman’s duties include presiding at meetings of the Board and interfacing with management to address significant issues that may arise between regularly scheduled Board and Committee meetings. In the performance of his duties, Mr. Reichman will consult with the other Independent Directors and the Company’s officers and legal counsel, as appropriate. The Chairman may perform other functions as requested by the Board from time to time.

 

The Board meets as often as necessary to discharge its responsibilities. Currently, the Board conducts regular, in-person meetings at least four times a year, and holds special in-person or telephonic meetings as necessary to address specific issues that require attention prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting. The Board also relies on professionals, such as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firms and legal counsel, to assist the Directors in performing their oversight responsibilities.

 

The Board has established nine standing committees — Audit, Contract, Executive, Investment Risk, Nominating and Governance, Product Development, Regulatory Oversight, Strategic Oversight, and Valuation Committees. The Board may establish other committees, or nominate one or more Directors to examine particular issues related to the Board’s oversight responsibilities, from time to time. Each Committee meets periodically to perform its delegated oversight functions and reports its findings and recommendations to the Board. For more information on the Committees, see the section “Standing Board Committees,” below.

 

The Board has determined that the Company’s leadership structure is appropriate because it allows the Board to effectively perform its oversight responsibilities.

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below.

 

12  

 

Name,

Address, and

Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and
Length of
Time

Served 1

Principal

Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 84

Director 1988 to present From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications). 29 AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

J. Richard Carnall
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 79

Director 2002 to present

Since 1984, Director of Haydon Bolts, Inc. (bolt manufacturer) and Parkway Real Estate Company (subsidiary of Haydon Bolts, Inc.); since 2004, Director of Cornerstone Bank.

29 None

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 51

Director 2012 to present

Since 2009, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services); from 2003-2009, Managing Director, head of Business Services and IT Services Practice, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC (investment banking/brokerage).

29

Emtec, Inc.; FS Investment Corporation (business development company); FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company).

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 74

Director 2006 to present Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations. 29

Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until September 2017); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance).

Sam Lambroza

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 63

Director 2016 to present Since 2010, Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer and Board Member, Tinsel Group of Companies (asset management). 29 None

 

13  

 

Name,

Address, and

Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and
Length of
Time
Served 1

Principal

Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

Arnold M. Reichman
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 69

Chairman

 

Director

2005 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2006, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Lifebooker, LLC (online beauty and health appointment booking service).

29 Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 76

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

29

Reich and Tang Group (asset management).

INTERESTED DIRECTOR 2

Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 79

Vice Chairman

 

Director

2016 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director – Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

29 None
OFFICERS

Salvatore Faia, JD,
CPA, CFE
Vigilant Compliance, LLC
Gateway Corporate
Center Suite 216
223 Wilmington West
Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 55

President

 

Chief Compliance Officer

2009 to present

 

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

N/A N/A

 

14  

 

Name,

Address, and

Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and
Length of
Time
Served 1

Principal

Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 57

Treasurer

and

Secretary

 2016 to present

Since 2016, Treasurer and Secretary of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A N/A

Robert Amweg
Vigilant Compliance, LLC

Gateway Corporate Center Suite 216
223 Wilmington West Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 64

Assistant

Treasurer

Since 2016 Since 2013, Compliance Director, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2012, Consultant to the financial services industry; from 2007 to 2012, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, Turner Investments, LP (registered investment company). N/A N/A

Jesse Schmitting

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 35

Assistant Treasurer Since 2016 Since 2008, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm). N/A N/A

Edward Paz

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 46

Assistant Secretary

Since 2016

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A  N/A

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 58

Assistant
Secretary
1999 to present Since 1993, Partner, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm). N/A N/A

 

15  

 

Name,

Address, and

Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and
Length of
Time

Served 1

Principal

Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

Jillian L. Bosmann

One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 38

Assistant
Secretary

September 2017

to present

Since 2017, Partner, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm); Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (2006 to present). N/A N/A

 

* Each Director oversees twenty-nine portfolios of the Company.
1. Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his successor is elected and qualified or his death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.
2. Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and also serves on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Carnall has decades of senior executive-level management experience in the banking and financial services industry and also serves on the boards of various corporations and a bank. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Mr. Lambroza has decades of experience and executive level leadership in the energy trading industry in addition to his experience in academia.

 

Standing Committees

 

The responsibilities of each Committee of the Board and its members are described below.

 

Audit Committee. The Board has an Audit Committee comprised of three Independent Directors. The current members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Brodsky, Chandler and Giordano. The Audit Committee, among other things, reviews results of the annual audit and approves the firm(s) to serve as independent auditors. The Audit Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Contract Committee. The Board has a Contract Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Contract Committee are Messrs. Brodsky, Chandler, Sablowsky and Straniere. The Contract Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the approval and continuation of agreements and plans of the Company. The Contract Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

16  

 

Executive Committee. The Board has an Executive Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Executive Committee are Messrs. Chandler, Giordano, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Executive Committee may generally carry on and manage the business of the Company when the Board is not in session. The Executive Committee did not meet during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Investment Risk Committee. The Board has an Investment Risk Committee comprised of the Interested Director and two Independent Directors. The current members of the Investment Risk Committee are Messrs. Lambroza, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Investment Risk Committee ensures that the Company’s investment advisers have adopted investment risk management policies and procedures. The Investment Risk Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Nominating and Governance Committee. The Board has a Nominating and Governance Committee comprised of three Independent Directors. The current members of the Nominating and Governance Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Giordano and Reichman. The Nominating and Governance Committee recommends to the Board all persons to be nominated as Directors of the Company. The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders. Recommendations should be submitted to the Committee care of the Company’s Secretary. The Nominating and Governance Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Product Development Committee. The Board has a Product Development Committee comprised of the Interested Director and one Independent Director. The current members of the Product Development Committee are Messrs. Reichman and Sablowsky. The Product Development Committee oversees the process regarding the addition of new investment advisers and investment products to the Company. The Product Development Committee convened six times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Regulatory Oversight Committee. The Board has a Regulatory Oversight Committee comprised of the Interested Director and four Independent Directors. The current members of the Regulatory Oversight Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Lambroza, Reichman, Sablowsky and Straniere. The Regulatory Oversight Committee monitors regulatory developments in the mutual fund industry and focuses on various regulatory aspects of the operation of the Company. The Regulatory Oversight Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Strategic Oversight Committee. The Board has a Strategic Oversight Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Strategic Oversight Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Chandler, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Strategic Oversight Committee assists the Board in its oversight and review of the Company’s strategic plan and operations. The Strategic Oversight Committee convened one time during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Valuation Committee. The Board has a Valuation Committee comprised of the Interested Director, one Independent Director and three officers of the Company. The members of the Valuation Committee are Messrs. Amweg, Faia, Lambroza, Sablowsky and Shaw. The Valuation Committee is responsible for reviewing fair value determinations. The Valuation Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Risk Oversight

 

The Board performs its risk oversight function for the Company through a combination of (1) direct oversight by the Board as a whole and Board committees and (2) indirect oversight through the Company’s investment advisers and other service providers, Company officers and the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer. The Company is subject to a number of risks, including but not limited to investment risk, compliance risk, operational risk, reputational risk, credit risk and counterparty risk. Day-to-day risk management with respect to the Company is the responsibility of the Company’s investment advisers or other service providers (depending on the nature of the risk) that carry out the Company’s investment management and business affairs. Each of the investment advisers and the other service providers have their own independent interest in risk management and their policies and methods of risk management will depend on their functions and business models and may differ from the Company’s and each other’s in the setting of priorities, the resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls.

 

17  

 

The Board provides risk oversight by receiving and reviewing on a regular basis reports from the Company’s investment advisers or other service providers, receiving and approving compliance policies and procedures, periodic meetings with the Company’s portfolio managers to review investment policies, strategies and risks, and meeting regularly with the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer to discuss compliance reports, findings and issues. The Board also relies on the Company’s investment advisers and other service providers, with respect to the day-to-day activities of the Company, to create and maintain procedures and controls to minimize risk and the likelihood of adverse effects on the Company’s business and reputation.

 

Board oversight of risk management is also provided by various Board Committees. For example, the Audit Committee meets with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firms to ensure that the Company’s respective audit scopes include risk-based considerations as to the Company’s financial position and operations. The Board may, at any time and in its discretion, change the manner in which it conducts risk oversight. The Board’s oversight role does not make the Board a guarantor of the Company’s investments or activities.

 

Director Ownership of Shares of the Company

 

The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Director in the Funds and in all of the portfolios of the Company (which for each Director comprise all registered investment companies within the Company’s family of investment companies overseen by him), as of December 31, 2016.

 

Name of Director

Dollar Range of

Equity Securities in the

Funds

Aggregate Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in All
Registered Investment Companies
Overseen by Director within the
Family of Investment Companies
  INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS  
Julian A. Brodsky None Over $100,000
J. Richard Carnall None $10,001-$50,000
Gregory P. Chandler None $1-$10,000
Nicholas A. Giordano None $10,001-$50,000
Sam Lambroza None Over $100,000
Arnold M. Reichman None Over $100,000
Robert A. Straniere None $1-$10,000
  INTERESTED DIRECTOR  
Robert Sablowsky None Over $100,000

 

Directors’ and Officers’ Compensation

 

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company pays each Director a retainer at the rate of $100,000 annually, $10,000 for each regular meeting of the Board, $3,500 for each committee meeting attended in-person, and $2,000 for each committee meeting attended telephonically or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each receive an additional fee of $15,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Contract Committee receives an additional fee of $10,000 per year for his services, and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee and Chairman of the Investment Risk Committee each receive an additional fee of $7,500 per year for his services. The Vice Chairman of the Board receives an additional fee of $25,000 per year for his services in this capacity and the Chairman of the Board receives an additional fee of $50,000 per year for his services in this capacity.

 

From January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017, the Company paid each Director a retainer at the rate of $100,000 annually, $5,000 for each regular meeting of the Board, $2,500 for each committee meeting attended in-person, and $2,000 for each committee meeting attended telephonically or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each received an additional fee of $15,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Contract Committee received an additional fee of $10,000 for his services and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee received an additional fee of $7,500 for his services. Effective June 1, 2017, the Chairman of the Investment Risk Committee received an additional fee of $7,500 for his services. The Vice Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $25,000 for his services in this capacity and the Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $50,000 for his services in this capacity.

 

18  

 

From January 1, 2016 until December 31, 2016, the Company paid each Director a retainer at the rate of $85,000 annually, $3,500 for each regular meeting of the Board, and $2,000 for each committee meeting or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each receive an additional fee of $10,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee and Chairman of the Contract Committee each receives an additional fee of $6,000 per year for his services. The Chairman of the Board receives an additional fee of $25,000 per year for his services in this capacity.

 

Directors are reimbursed for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board or any committee thereof. Employees of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serve as President, Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Treasurer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company, and such compensation is determined by the Board. For the fiscal period ended August 31, 2017, Vigilant Compliance, LLC received $0 in aggregate from all series of the Company for services provided. An employee of the Company serves as a Treasurer and Secretary and is compensated for services provided. For the fiscal period ended August 31, 2017, each of the following members of the Board of Directors and the Treasurer and Secretary received compensation from the Company in the following amounts:

 

Name of Director/Officer Aggregate
Compensation
from the Funds

 

 

Pension or
Retirement
Benefits Accrued

Estimated
Annual
Benefits

Upon
Retirement

Total
Compensation
From
Fund Complex
Paid to

Directors
or Officers

Independent Directors:        
Julian A. Brodsky, Director $0 N/A N/A $130,250
J. Richard Carnall, Director $0 N/A N/A $128,250
Gregory P. Chandler, Director $0 N/A N/A $151,000
Nicholas A. Giordano, Director $0 N/A N/A $132,875
Sam Lambroza, Director $0 N/A N/A $133,375
Arnold M. Reichman, Director and Chairman $0 N/A N/A $175,500
Robert A. Straniere, Director $0 N/A N/A $130,750
Interested Director: $0      
Robert Sablowsky, Director $0 N/A N/A $173,750
Officer: $0      
James G. Shaw, Treasurer and Secretary $0 N/A N/A $240,000

 

19  

 

Each compensated Director is entitled to participate in the Company’s deferred compensation plan (the “DC Plan”). Under the DC Plan, a compensated Director may elect to defer all or a portion of his compensation and have the deferred compensation treated as if it had been invested by the Company in shares of one or more of the portfolios of the Company. The amount paid to the Directors under the DC Plan will be determined based upon the performance of such investments.

 

As of December 31, 2016, the Independent Directors and their respective immediate family members (spouse or dependent children) did not own beneficially or of record any securities of the Adviser or distributor, or of any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Adviser or distributor.

 

Code of Ethics

 

The Company and the Adviser have each adopted a code of ethics (“Code of Ethics”) pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, which governs personal securities trading by their respective personnel. Each Code of Ethics permits such individuals to purchase and sell securities, including securities that are purchased, sold, or held by the Funds, but only subject to certain conditions designed to ensure that purchases and sales by such individuals do not adversely affect the Funds’ investment activities.

 

Principal Holders

 

Any person owning, directly or indirectly, more than 25% of the outstanding shares of a Fund is presumed to control the Fund. Principal holders are persons who own 5% or more of the outstanding shares of a Fund. As of December 5, 2017, the following individuals owned 5% or more of the Funds.

 

Global Opportunities Fund – Investor Class

 

Name Address Percentage of Ownership
Charles Schwab & Co Inc.

101 Montgomery Street

San Francisco CA 94104-4122

33.20%
National Financial Services LLC

499 Washington Blvd FL 5

Jersey City, NJ 07310-2010

25.12%
TD AmeriTrade Inc.

PO Box 2226

Omaha, NE 68103-2226

12.17%

 

Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund – Investor Class

 

Name Address Percentage of Ownership
Charles Schwab & Co Inc.

101 Montgomery Street

San Francisco CA 94104-4122

34.99%
National Financial Services LLC

499 Washington Blvd FL 5

Jersey City, NJ 07310-2010

28.81%
TD AmeriTrade Inc.

PO Box 2226

Omaha, NE 68103-2226

11.62%

 

Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund – Institutional Class

 

Name Address Percentage of Ownership
Motley Fool Asset Management LLC

2000 Duke Street Suite 275

Alexandria, VA 22314-6116

10.64%
LPL Financial

4707 Executive Drive

San Diego, CA 92121

6.53%

 

20  

 

Emerging Markets Fund – Investor Class

 

Name Address Percentage of Ownership
National Financial Services LLC

499 Washington Blvd FL 5

Jersey City, NJ 07310-2010

25.58%
Charles Schwab & Co Inc.

101 Montgomery Street

San Francisco CA 94104-4122

22.13%
TD AmeriTrade Inc.

PO Box 2226

Omaha, NE 68103-2226

12.02%

 

As of December 1, 2017, the Directors and officers of the Company as a group owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of each of the Funds.

 

Investment Advisory Agreement

 

The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in the Prospectus titled “MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY — Investment Adviser.”

 

The Adviser is a Delaware limited liability company with offices at 2000 Duke Street, Suite 275, Alexandria, VA 22314. The Adviser is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Motley Fool Holdings Inc. (“TMF Holdings”), a multimedia financial-services holding company that also owns The Motley Fool, LLC, which publishes investment information and analysis across a wide range of media, including investment newsletter services, websites, and books. TMF Holdings is controlled by David Gardner and Tom Gardner, along with other private shareholders.

 

The Adviser provides investment advisory services to the Funds pursuant to the terms of an Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) dated December 21, 2016, between the Company and the Adviser. After the initial two year-term, the Advisory Agreement may be continued in effect from year to year with the approval of (1) the Board or (2) vote of a majority (as defined by the 1940 Act) of the outstanding voting securities of the Funds, provided that in either event the continuance must also be approved by a majority of the Independent Directors by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Advisory Agreement terminates automatically in the event of its assignment, as defined in the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder.

 

The Adviser manages each Fund’s investments in accordance with the stated policies of the Funds, subject to the supervision of the Board. The Adviser is responsible for all investment decisions for the Funds and for placing orders for the purchase and sale of investments for each Fund’s portfolio. The Adviser also provides such additional administrative services as the Company may require beyond those furnished by the Administrator and furnishes, at its own expense, such office space, facilities, equipment, clerical help, and other personnel and services as may reasonably be necessary in connection with the operations of the Company. In addition, the Adviser pays the salaries of officers of the Company who are employees of the Adviser and any fees and expenses of Directors of the Company who are also officers, directors, or employees of the Adviser or who are officers or employees of any company affiliated with the Adviser and bears the cost of telephone service, heat, light, power, and other utilities associated with the services it provides.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Advisory Agreement, in consideration of the services provided by the Adviser, each Fund pays the Adviser a fee that is computed and paid monthly at an annual rate of 0.85% of the Fund’s average daily net assets during the month. The table below shows the amounts paid to the Adviser or the amount that the Adviser reimbursed the Funds and the Predecessor Funds, as applicable, during each of the last three fiscal years and the amounts that would have been paid by each Fund or Predecessor Fund to the Adviser had fee waivers and expense reimbursements not been in place during the past three fiscal years.

 

21  

 

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended*

 

Amount Fund Paid to
(or Reimbursed by) Adviser

Amount Fund would have paid to
Adviser had fee waivers and expense
reimbursements not been in place
Global Opportunities Fund
August 31, 2017 $2,543,165 $2,626,713
October 31, 2016 $3,063,980 $3,149,025
October 31, 2015 $3,563,295 $3,556,494
October 31, 2014 $3,484,787 $3,402,475
Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund
August 31, 2017 $1,505,763 $1,598,288
October 31, 2016 $1,799,760 $1,933,223
October 31, 2015 $2,068,756 $2,168,601
October 31, 2014 $1,736,012 $1,811,031
Emerging Markets Fund
August 31, 2017 $(47,463) $218,226
October 31, 2016 $(99,055) $262,406
October 31, 2015 $(21,620) $334,651
October 31, 2014 $89,518 $415,673

 

* Effective August 1, 2017, the Funds changed their fiscal year end from October 31 to August 31.

 

Portfolio Managers

 

The Adviser has established an investment committee (“Investment Committee”) composed of portfolio managers Bryan C. Hinmon, CFA, William S. Barker, CFA, Anthony L. Arsta, Nathan G. Weisshaar, CFA, David A. Meier, and Charles L. Travers Jr. Mr. Hinmon is the chair of the Investment Committee and is the person primarily responsible for all investment-related services provided to the Funds by the Adviser. The following table provides information regarding accounts managed by the portfolio managers as of August 31, 2017.

 

Portfolio Manager;

Other Accounts

Total Accounts

Accounts With Performance-Based Fees

Number

Assets

(in Millions)

Number

Assets

(in Millions)

Bryan C. Hinmon        
Registered Investment Companies 0 $0 0 $0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles 0 $0 0 $0
Other Accounts 0 $0 0 $0
         
William S. Barker        
Registered Investment Companies 0 $0 0 $0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles 0 $0 0 $0
Other Accounts 0 $0 0 $0
         
Anthony L. Arsta        
Registered Investment Companies 0 $0 0 $0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles 0 $0 0 $0
Other Accounts 0 $0 0 $0
         
 Nathan G. Weisshaar        
Registered Investment Companies 0 $0 0 $0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles 0 $0 0 $0
Other Accounts 0 $0 0 $0
         
David A. Meier        
Registered Investment Companies 0 $0 0 $0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles 0 $0 0 $0
Other Accounts 0 $0 0 $0
         
Charles L. Travers Jr.        
Registered Investment Companies 0 $0 0 $0
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles 0 $0 0 $0
Other Accounts 0 $0 0 $0

 

22  

 

Portfolio Manager Compensation

 

Each portfolio manager’s base salary is determined by the Adviser based on his level of responsibility at the Adviser. In determining the amount of the base salary, the Adviser considered compensation levels in the mutual fund industry and in the geographic area of the Adviser, as well as compensation levels generally at the Adviser and its affiliates.

 

Material Conflicts of Interest

 

Real, potential, or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a portfolio manager has day-to-day portfolio management responsibilities with respect to more than one fund. The portfolio managers may manage or provide investment advisory services for other accounts with investment strategies similar to the Funds, including other pooled investment vehicles and separately managed accounts, and some of the Adviser’s personnel, including the members of its investment committee, provide advisory services on behalf of the Adviser’s affiliate, Motley Fool Wealth Management (“MFWM”), particularly for MFWM’s separately managed accounts. Fees earned by the Adviser may vary among these accounts, and the portfolio managers may personally invest in these accounts. Performance-based fees earned by the Adviser from managing other accounts could potentially exceed the fees earned by the Adviser from managing the Funds. These factors could create conflicts of interest because portfolio managers have potential incentives to favor certain accounts over others (including the Funds), with the result that other accounts could outperform the Funds.

 

A conflict may also exist if the portfolio managers identify a limited investment opportunity that may be appropriate for more than one account but the Funds are unable to take full advantage of that opportunity because of the need to allocate that opportunity among multiple accounts. In addition, the portfolio managers may execute transactions or make recommendations for another account that may adversely affect the value of securities held by the Funds. However, the Adviser believes that these risks are mitigated by the fact that accounts with like investment strategies managed or advised by the portfolio managers are generally managed in a similar fashion and that the Adviser has a policy that seeks to allocate opportunities on a fair and equitable basis.

 

23  

 

The Adviser and the portfolio managers may carry on investment activities for their own accounts and for those of their families and other clients, including those of MFWM, in which the Funds have no interest and thus may have certain additional conflicts of interest. In addition, the Adviser or MFWM may act as the investment adviser to accounts pursuing a range of traditional and alternative investment strategies. As a consequence of managing multiple investment products with varying investment programs, securities may be purchased or sold for some accounts but not others, and securities that are being sold for some accounts may be purchased for others. Factors that could lead to differences in trading decisions for various investment strategies include, among others, in the case of conflicting positions: differing portfolio manager analyses, different investment horizons, implementation of a particular hedging strategy, and differing desired market exposures. When making allocations, portfolio managers may also consider a number of factors, such as cash flow situations, tax considerations, different investment horizons, and different investment strategies. All portfolio managers are aware that trades may not be made in one client account for the purpose of benefiting another client account. Investment decisions must be made only on the basis of the investment considerations relevant to the particular account for which a trade is being made.

 

The Adviser has adopted a Code of Ethics and Best Execution Guidelines, among other policies and procedures, that seek to ensure that clients’ accounts are not harmed by potential conflicts of interests. The Adviser also has procedures to assure that fair and appropriate allocation of investments purchased and sold is made among all clients, and MFWM and the Adviser have adopted procedures to assure that neither MFWM nor the Adviser (or their respective clients) can benefit from an informational or trading advantage over the other.

 

In addition, certain publishing affiliates of the Adviser (the “Publishing Affiliates”) publish opinions, and recommendations regarding the purchase and sale of securities, potentially including particular securities, industries, or market sectors in which a Fund has invested or that the Adviser is considering for purchase or sale by the Funds. These opinions and recommendations may be consistent with, or opposed to, the views of the Adviser, and they may adversely affect the prices of securities held by the Funds or the prices at which the Funds can purchase or sell particular securities. The Funds, the Adviser, and the Publishing Affiliates have adopted procedures designed to prevent the Publishing Affiliates’ personnel from obtaining or using nonpublic information about each Fund’s holdings or the Adviser’s strategy or actual or potential portfolio transactions and to prevent personnel of the Adviser from using information from the Publishing Affiliates and their publications before publication. These procedures include physical segregation of offices with controls on access, restrictions on electronic access to information, policies to maintain the confidentiality of information, and related training with respect to these policies. In addition, the procedures require monitoring by the chief compliance officer of the Adviser and the general counsel of the Publishing Affiliates through the review of transactions and publications, with the goal of identifying possible use of information by the Adviser or the Publishing Affiliates or their respective personnel in violation of applicable policies. Certain conflicts may nonetheless be deemed to exist to the extent that the Funds might benefit if a Publishing Affiliate recommends the purchase of a security held by the Funds or recommends the sale of a security being considered by the Funds for purchase, and to the extent that the price of a security on which a Publishing Affiliate has expressed an opinion could be affected by the Adviser’s purchase or sale of that security for the Funds. In this regard, members of the Investment Committee may consider analysis published by the Publishing Affiliates in making investment decisions for the Funds and other clients; however, they do not base their decisions solely on such analysis, and, as a matter of policy, decisions to purchase and sell securities for the Funds are made based on the Adviser’s best judgment, consistent with the best interests of the Funds.

 

24  

 

Ownership of Fund Shares by the Portfolio Managers

 

As of August 31, 2017 the dollar range of equity securities of the Global Opportunities Fund beneficially owned by each portfolio manager is as follows:

 

Name of Portfolio Manager

Dollar Range of Equity Securities Owned in the Fund

 

None

$1 -
$10,000

$10,001 -
$50,000


$50,001 -
$100,000

$100,001-
$500,000

$500,001 -
$1,000,000

Over
$1,000,000

Bryan C. Hinmon       X      
William S. Barker X            
Anthony L. Arsta         X    
Nathan G. Weisshaar       X      
David A. Meier X            
Charles L. Travers Jr.       X      

 

As of August 31, 2017, the dollar range of equity securities of the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund beneficially owned by each portfolio manager is as follows:

 

Name of Portfolio Manager

Dollar Range of Equity Securities Owned in the Fund

 

None

$1 -
$10,000

$10,001 -
$50,000

$50,001 -
$100,000

$100,001-
$500,000

$500,001 -
$1,000,000

Over
$1,000,000

Bryan C. Hinmon     X        
William S. Barker     X        
Anthony L. Arsta     X        
Nathan G. Weisshaar       X      
David A. Meier X            
Charles L. Travers Jr.     X        

 

25  

 

As of August 31, 2017, the dollar range of equity securities of the Emerging Markets Fund beneficially owned by each portfolio manager is as follows:

 

Name of Portfolio Manager

 

Dollar Range of Equity Securities Owned in the Fund

 

None

$1 -
$10,000

$10,001 -
$50,000

$50,001 -
$100,000

$100,001-
$500,000

$500,001 -
$1,000,000

Over
$1,000,000

Bryan C. Hinmon     X        
William S. Barker     X        
Anthony L. Arsta         X    
Nathan G. Weisshaar     X        
David A. Meier X            
Charles L. Travers Jr. X            

 

Underwriter

 

Foreside is the underwriter of the shares of the Funds and is located at 899 Cassatt Road, 400 Berwyn Park, Suite 110, Berwyn, PA 19312. The Underwriter is a registered broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”).

 

Under an Underwriting Agreement with the Company, the Underwriter acts as the agent of the Company in connection with the continuous offering of shares of the Funds. The Underwriter continually distributes shares of the Funds on a best efforts basis. The Underwriter has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of Fund shares. The Underwriter and its officers have no role in determining the investment policies or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Company.

 

The Underwriter may enter into agreements with selected broker-dealers, banks or other financial intermediaries for distribution of shares of the Funds. With respect to certain financial intermediaries and related fund “supermarket” platform arrangements, the Funds and/or the Adviser, rather than the Underwriter, typically enter into such agreements. These financial intermediaries may charge a fee for their services and may receive shareholder service or other fees from parties other than the Underwriter. These financial intermediaries may otherwise act as processing agents and are responsible for promptly transmitting purchase, redemption and other requests to the Fund.

 

Investors who purchase shares through financial intermediaries will be subject to the procedures of those intermediaries through which they purchase shares, which may include charges, investment minimums, cutoff times and other restrictions in addition to, or different from, those listed herein. Information concerning any charges or services will be provided to customers by the financial intermediary through which they purchase shares. Investors purchasing shares of the Fund through financial intermediaries should acquaint themselves with their financial intermediary’s procedures and should read the Prospectus in conjunction with any materials and information provided by their financial intermediary. The financial intermediary, and not its customers, will be the shareholder of record, although customers may have the right to vote shares depending upon their arrangement with the intermediary. The Underwriter does not receive compensation from the Fund for its distribution services except the distribution/service fees with respect to the shares of those classes for which a Rule 12b-1 plan is effective, as applicable. The Adviser pays the Underwriter a fee for certain distribution-related services.

 

26  

 

The Underwriting Agreement has an initial term of up to two years and will continue in effect only if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by vote of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities in accordance with the 1940 Act. The Underwriting Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Company on behalf of the Funds on no less than 60 days’ written notice when authorized either by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the members of the Board who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Company and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Underwriting Agreement, or by the Underwriter, and will automatically terminate in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act). The Underwriting Agreement provides that the Underwriter shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Company in connection with the performance of the Underwriter’s obligations and duties under the Underwriting Agreement, except a loss resulting from the Underwriter’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of such duties and obligations, or by reason of its reckless disregard thereof.

 

How to Redeem Shares

 

The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in the Prospectus titled “HOW TO REDEEM SHARES.”

 

Wire Redemption Privilege

 

By using this privilege, the investor authorizes the Transfer Agent to act on wire or telephone redemption instructions from any person representing himself or herself to be the investor and reasonably believed by the Transfer Agent to be genuine. Ordinarily, the Company will initiate payment for shares redeemed pursuant to this privilege on the next business day after the Transfer Agent receives the redemption request in proper form. Redemption proceeds ($1,000 minimum) will be transferred by Federal Reserve wire only to the commercial bank account specified by the investor on the Account Application, or to a correspondent bank if the investor’s bank is not a member of the Federal Reserve System. Fees ordinarily are imposed by such bank and usually are borne by the investor. Immediate notification by the correspondent bank to the investor’s bank may be necessary to avoid a delay in crediting the funds to the investor’s bank account.

 

To change the commercial bank or account designated to receive redemption proceeds, a written request must be sent to the Transfer Agent. Each shareholder must sign this request, with each signature guaranteed as described in the Prospectus under “HOW TO REDEEM SHARES.”

 

Suspension of Redemptions

 

The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed (1) during any period when the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the “NYSE”), is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings); (2) when trading in the markets a Fund ordinarily uses is restricted, or when an emergency exists as determined by the SEC such that disposal of a Fund’s investments or determination of its NAV is not reasonably practicable; or (3) for such other periods as the SEC by order may permit to protect the Fund’s shareholders.

 

Portfolio Holdings Information

 

The Company has adopted, on behalf of the Funds, a written policy relating to disclosure of its portfolio holdings governing the circumstances under which disclosure may be made to shareholders and third parties of information regarding the portfolio investments the Funds hold. Disclosure of the Funds’ complete holdings is required to be made quarterly within 60 days of the end of each fiscal quarter (in the Annual Report and Semi-annual Report to Fund shareholders and in the quarterly holdings report on Form N-Q). These reports are available, free of charge, on the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Except for these reports, or as otherwise specifically permitted by the Company’s policy, information regarding the Funds’ portfolio holdings may not be provided to any person.

 

Information regarding the Funds’ portfolio securities, and other information regarding the investment activities of the Funds, may be disclosed to rating and ranking organizations for use in connection with their rating or ranking of the Funds, but only if such disclosure has been approved by the Chief Compliance Officer of the Company (the “CCO”). In connection with any such arrangement, the recipient of the information must agree to maintain the confidentiality of the information and to use the information only to facilitate its rating or ranking of the Funds. The Funds’ policy does not prohibit (1) disclosure of information to the Funds’ investment adviser or to other service providers to the Company (including its administrator, distributor, custodian, legal counsel, and auditors) or to brokers and dealers through which portfolio securities are purchased and sold (but only with respect to information relating to the particular securities being purchased or sold), or (2) disclosure that is made on the same basis to all shareholders of the Funds regarding holdings of, or transactions in, portfolio securities. The CCO is authorized to approve other arrangements under which information relating to portfolio securities held by, or purchased or sold by, the Funds is disclosed to shareholders or third parties, subject to a requirement that the CCO concludes (based upon various factors) that the arrangement is reasonably necessary to aid in conducting the ongoing business of the Company and the Funds and is unlikely to affect adversely the Company or the Funds. Any such arrangements approved by the CCO are required to be reported to the Board. The Company believes that the standards applicable to approval of these arrangements should help assure that any disclosure of information is in the best interests of the Funds and their shareholders and that disclosure is not made under circumstances in which the Adviser or an affiliated person of the Company stands to benefit to the detriment of the Funds.

 

27  

 

The Company’s CCO is responsible for monitoring the use and disclosure of information relating to the Funds’ portfolio securities and is also responsible to report to the Board at least annually regarding the effectiveness of the Company’s compliance program, including its policy governing the disclosure of portfolio holdings and any material violations of that policy. Under the Company’s policy, the Adviser, the Company, and their respective affiliated persons are prohibited from receiving any direct or indirect compensation in consideration of information relating to each Fund’s portfolio securities held, purchased, or sold by the Funds.

 

Consistent with the Company’s policy, information relating to the Funds’ portfolio securities is provided to certain persons as described in the following table. Such persons are subject to an obligation not to trade on such information. There are no other arrangements in effect involving the disclosure of information regarding the Funds’ portfolio holdings.

 

TYPE OF SERVICE PROVIDER TYPICAL FREQUENCY OF ACCESS TO PORTFOLIO INFORMATION RESTRICTIONS
Adviser Daily Ethical
Administrator Daily Contractual and ethical
Underwriter Daily Contractual and ethical
Custodian Daily Contractual and ethical
Auditor During annual audit Ethical
Legal Counsel Regulatory filings, board meetings, and if a legal issue regarding the portfolio requires counsel’s review Ethical
Printers Quarterly—filing and printing of portfolio holdings schedules and semi-annual and annual reports No formal restrictions in place. However, printer would not receive portfolio information until at least 30 days old.
Broker-Dealers Through Which the Fund Purchases and Sells Portfolio Securities Daily access to the relevant purchase and/or sale—no broker/dealer has access to the Fund’s entire portfolio Contractual and ethical

 

Determination of Net Asset Value

 

The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the sections in the Funds’ Prospectus titled “HOW TO BUY SHARES” and “HOW TO REDEEM SHARES.”

 

NAV is determined as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) each day the NYSE is open, except that no computation need be made on a day on which no orders to purchase or redeem shares have been received. The NYSE currently observes the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January), Presidents Day (third Monday in February), Good Friday (Friday before Easter), Memorial Day (last Monday in May), Independence Day, Labor Day (first Monday in September), Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November), and Christmas Day.

 

28  

 

NAV per share is computed by dividing the value of each Fund’s net assets ( i.e. , the value of its assets less its liabilities) by the total number of each Fund’s shares outstanding. In computing NAV, securities are valued at market value as of the close of trading on each business day when the NYSE is open. Securities, other than stock options, listed on the NYSE or other exchanges are valued on the basis of the last reported sale price on the exchange on which they are primarily traded. However, if the last sale price on the NYSE is different from the last sale price on any other exchange, the NYSE price will be used. If there are no sales on that day, then the securities are valued at the bid price on the NYSE or other primary exchange for that day. Securities traded in the OTC market are valued on the basis of the last sales price as reported by NASDAQ ® . If there are no sales on that day, then the securities are valued at the mean between the closing bid and asked prices as reported by NASDAQ ® . Stock options and stock index options traded on national securities exchanges or on NASDAQ ® are valued at the mean between the latest bid and asked prices for such options. Securities for which market quotations are not readily available and other assets are valued at fair value as determined pursuant to procedures adopted in good faith by the Board. Debt securities that mature in less than 60 days are valued at amortized cost (unless the Board determines that this method does not represent fair value), if their original maturity was 60 days or less or by amortizing the value as of the 61st day before maturity, if their original term to maturity exceeded 60 days. A pricing service may be used to determine the fair value of securities held by the Funds. Any such service might value the investments based on methods that include consideration of yields or prices of securities of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, and type; indications as to values from dealers; and general market conditions. The service may also employ electronic data-processing techniques, a matrix system, or both to determine valuation. The Board will review and monitor the methods such services use to assure itself that securities are valued at their fair values.

 

The values of securities held by the Funds and other assets used in computing NAV are determined as of the time at which trading in such securities is completed each day. That time, in the case of foreign securities, generally occurs at various times before the close of the NYSE. Trading in securities listed on foreign securities exchanges will be valued at the last sale or, if no sales are reported, at the bid price as of the close of the exchange, subject to possible adjustment as described in the Prospectus. Foreign currency exchange rates are also generally determined before the close of the NYSE. On occasion, the values of such securities and exchange rates may be affected by events occurring between the time as of which determinations of such values or exchange rates are made and the close of the NYSE. When such events materially affect the value of securities held by the Funds or their liabilities, such securities and liabilities will be valued at fair value in accordance with procedures adopted in good faith by the Board. The values of any assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies will be converted to U.S. dollars based on exchange rates supplied by a quotation service.

 

Dividends, Distributions, and Taxes

 

The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in the Funds’ Prospectus titled “DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS, AND TAXES.” In addition, the following is only a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations that generally affect the Funds and their shareholders. No attempt is made to present a comprehensive explanation of the tax treatment of a Fund or its shareholders, and the discussion here and in the Prospectus is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisors with specific reference to their own tax situations, including their state, local, and foreign tax liabilities.

 

It is the policy of the Company each fiscal year to distribute substantially all of each Fund’s net investment income ( i.e., generally, the income that it earns from dividends and interest on its investments, and any short-term capital gains, net of Fund expenses) and net capital gains (i.e., the excess of the Fund’s net long-term capital gains over its net short-term capital losses), if any, to its shareholders. Unless requested otherwise by a shareholder, dividends and other distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Funds at the NAV per share in effect on the day after the record date.

 

29  

 

Taxes - General

 

The discussions of the federal tax consequences in the Prospectus and this SAI are based on the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) and the regulations issued under it, and court decisions and administrative interpretations, as in effect on the date of this SAI. Future legislative or administrative changes or court decisions may significantly alter the statements included herein, and any such changes or decisions may be retroactive. Each Fund qualified during its last taxable year and intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of Subtitle A, Chapter 1, of the Code. As such, each Fund generally is exempt from federal income tax on its net investment income and realized capital gains that it distributes to shareholders. To qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company, each Fund must meet three important tests each year.

 

First, each Fund must derive with respect to each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, certain payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities or foreign currencies, other income derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities, or currencies, or net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships.

 

Second, generally, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year, at least 50% of the value of each Fund’s assets must consist of cash and cash items, U.S. Government Securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and securities of other issuers (as to which the Fund has not invested more than 5% of the value of its total assets in securities of such issuer and as to which the Fund does not hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer), and no more than 25% of the value of each Fund’s total assets may be invested in the securities of (1) any one issuer (other than U.S. Government Securities and securities of other regulated investment companies), (2) two or more issuers that the Fund controls and that are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses, or (3) one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.

 

Third, each Fund must distribute an amount equal to at least the sum of 90% of its investment company taxable income (net investment income and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss) before taking into account any deduction for dividends paid, and 90% of its tax-exempt income, if any, for the year.

 

Each Fund intends to comply with these requirements. If a Fund were to fail to make sufficient distributions, it could be liable for corporate income tax and for excise tax in respect of the shortfall or, if the shortfall is large enough, the Fund could be disqualified as a regulated investment company. If for any taxable year a Fund were not to qualify as a regulated investment company, all its taxable income would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders. In that event, taxable shareholders would recognize dividend income on distributions to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, and corporate shareholders could be eligible for the dividends-received deduction.

 

The Code imposes a nondeductible 4% excise tax on regulated investment companies that fail to distribute each year an amount equal to specified percentages of their ordinary taxable income and capital gain net income (excess of capital gains over capital losses). Each Fund intends to make sufficient distributions or deemed distributions each year to avoid liability for this excise tax.

 

Loss Carryforwards

 

For federal income tax purposes, each Fund is generally permitted to carry forward a net capital loss in any year to offset its own capital gains, if any, during subsequent years. As of August 31, 2017, the Emerging Markets Fund had unexpiring short-term losses of $479,367 and long-term losses of $1,066,547. The capital losses can be carried forward for an unlimited period.

 

State and Local Taxes

 

Although each Fund expects to qualify as a regulated investment company and to be relieved of all or substantially all federal income taxes, depending upon the extent of its activities in states and localities in which its offices are maintained, in which its agents or independent contractors are located or in which it is otherwise deemed to be conducting business, a Fund may be subject to the tax laws of such states or localities.

 

30  

 

Taxation of Certain Investments

 

The tax principles applicable to transactions in financial instruments, such as futures contracts and options, that may be engaged in by a Fund, and investments in passive foreign investment companies (“PFICs”), are complex and, in some cases, uncertain. Such transactions and investments may cause a Fund to recognize taxable income prior to the receipt of cash, thereby requiring the Fund to liquidate other positions, or to borrow money, so as to make sufficient distributions to shareholders to avoid corporate-level tax. Moreover, some or all of the taxable income recognized may be ordinary income or short-term capital gain, so that the distributions may be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.

 

In addition, in the case of any shares of a PFIC in which a Fund invests, the Fund may be liable for corporate-level tax on any ultimate gain or distributions on the shares if the Fund fails to make an election to recognize income annually during the period of its ownership of the shares.

 

Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage

 

Subject to the general supervision of the Board, the Adviser is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for the Funds, the selection of brokers and dealers to effect the transactions, and the negotiation of brokerage commissions, if any. Purchases and sales of securities on a stock exchange are effected through brokers who charge a commission for their services. In the OTC market, securities are generally traded on a “net” basis, with dealers acting as principal for their own accounts without a stated commission, although the price of the security usually includes a profit to the dealer. In underwritten offerings, securities are purchased at a fixed price, which includes an amount of compensation to the underwriter, generally referred to as the underwriter’s concession or discount. Certain money market instruments may be purchased directly from an issuer, in which case no commission or discounts are paid. The Funds anticipate that their transactions involving foreign securities will be effected through ADRs and on principal stock exchanges for such securities. Fixed commissions on foreign stock-exchange transactions are generally higher than are negotiated commissions on domestic transactions. There is also generally less government supervision and regulation of foreign stock exchanges and brokers than in the U.S.

 

The Adviser may serve as an investment adviser to other clients, including private investment companies, and the Adviser may in the future act as an investment adviser to other registered investment companies. It is the practice of the Adviser to cause purchase and sale transactions to be allocated among the Funds and others whose assets are managed by the Adviser in such manner as it deems equitable. In making such allocations, the main factors considered are the respective investment objectives, the relative size of portfolio holdings of the same or comparable securities, the availability of cash for investment, the size of investment commitments generally held, and the opinions of the persons responsible for managing the Funds and the other client accounts. This procedure may, under certain circumstances, have an adverse effect on the Funds.

 

The policy of the Company regarding purchases and sales of securities for the Funds is that primary consideration will be given to obtaining the most favorable prices and efficient executions of transactions. Consistent with this policy, when securities transactions are effected on a stock exchange, the Company’s policy is to pay commissions that are considered fair and reasonable without necessarily determining that the lowest possible commissions are paid in all circumstances. The Adviser believes that a requirement always to seek the lowest commission cost could impede effective management and preclude the Adviser from obtaining high-quality brokerage and research services. In seeking to determine the reasonableness of brokerage commissions paid in any transaction, the Adviser relies on its experience and knowledge regarding commissions generally charged by various brokers and on its judgment in evaluating the brokerage and research services received from the broker effecting the transaction.

 

In seeking to implement the Company’s policies, the Adviser, through a brokerage or an outsourced trading desk, conducts trades on behalf of the Company and effects transactions with brokers and dealers that it believes provide the most favorable prices and are capable of providing efficient executions. The Adviser may place portfolio transactions with a broker or dealer that furnishes research and other services to the Adviser and may pay higher commissions to brokers in recognition of research provided (or direct the payment of commissions to such brokers). Such services may include, but are not limited to, any one or more of the following: (1) information as to the availability of securities for purchase or sale, (2) statistical or factual information or opinions pertaining to investments, (3) wire services, (4) and appraisals or evaluations of portfolio securities. The information and services received by the Adviser from brokers and dealers may be of benefit in the management of accounts of other clients and may not in all cases benefit the Company directly. While such services are useful and important in supplementing its own research and facilities, the Adviser believes the value of such services is not determinable and does not significantly reduce its expenses.

 

31  

 

For the fiscal period ended August 31, 2017 and the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016, October 31, 2015 and October 31, 2014, the Global Opportunities Fund paid brokerage commissions of $191,014, $135,497, $137,089 and $174,953, respectively. For the fiscal period ended August 31, 2017 and the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016, October 31, 2015 and October 31, 2014, Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund paid brokerage commission of $121,803, $80,109, $35,265 and $27,154, respectively. For the fiscal period ended August 31, 2017 and the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016, October 31, 2015 and October 31, 2014, the Emerging Markets Fund paid brokerage commission of $25,876, $55,804, $23,712 and $49,494, respectively.

 

Directed Brokerage

 

During the fiscal period ended August 31, 2017 and the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016, October 31, 2015 and October 31, 2014, the Global Opportunities Fund directed a portion of its brokerage transactions to brokers for research services provided. The table below shows the amount of brokerage transactions directed for such services and related commissions paid by the Global Opportunities Fund during those periods.

 

Fiscal Year Ended* Amount of Brokerage Transactions Brokerage Commissions Paid
August 31, 2017 $93,565,348 $69,627
October 31, 2016 $31,167,075 $21,573
October 31, 2015 $6,972,002 $25,504
October 31, 2014 $22,149,772 $55,220

 

* Effective August 1, 2017, the Funds changed their fiscal year end from October 31 to August 31.

 

During the fiscal period ended August 31, 2017 and the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016, October 31, 2015 and October 31, 2014, the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund directed a portion of its brokerage transactions to brokers for research services provided. The table below shows the amount of brokerage transactions directed for such services and related commissions paid by the Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund during those periods.

 

Fiscal Year Ended* Amount of Brokerage Transactions Brokerage Commissions Paid
August 31, 2017 $2,417,914 $20,308
October 31, 2016 $27,222,611 $17,618
October 31, 2015 $0 $0
October 31, 2014 $253,693 $200

 

* Effective August 1, 2017, the Funds changed their fiscal year end from October 31 to August 31.

 

During the fiscal period ended August 31, 2017 and the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016, October 31, 2015 and October 31, 2014, the Emerging Markets Fund directed a portion of its brokerage transactions to brokers for research services provided. The table below shows the amount of brokerage transactions directed for such services and related commissions paid by the Emerging Markets Fund during those periods.

 

32  

 

Fiscal Year Ended* Amount of Brokerage Transactions Brokerage Commissions Paid
August 31, 2017 $274,040 $2,302
October 31, 2016 $1,741,141 $2,757
October 31, 2015 $413,917 $1,081
October 31, 2014 $3,104,261 $8,655

 

* Effective August 1, 2017, the Funds changed their fiscal year end from October 31 to August 31.

 

Proxy Voting Procedures

 

The Funds have delegated authority to vote proxies to the Adviser, subject to the supervision of the Board. The Adviser’s proxy voting policies are summarized below.

 

Policies of the Funds’ Adviser

 

It is the Adviser’s policy to vote all proxies the Funds receive in a manner that serves the Funds’ best interests. Upon receiving each proxy, the Adviser will review the issues presented and make a decision to vote for, vote against, or abstain on each of the issues presented in accordance with the proxy voting guidelines that it has adopted. The Adviser will consider information from a variety of sources in evaluating the matters to be voted on and in determining how to vote. Factors the Adviser considers in making such determinations include the impact on the value of securities, the anticipated costs and benefits associated with the proposal, the effect on liquidity of the Funds’ investment, and customary industry and business practices. The Adviser generally supports policies, plans, and structures that it believes gives quality management teams appropriate latitude to run the business in a way that is likely to maximize value for owners. Conversely, the Adviser generally opposes proposals that clearly have the effect of restricting the ability of shareholders to realize the full potential value of their investment.

 

Conflicts of Interest

 

The Adviser’s duty is to vote in the best interests of the Funds’ shareholders. Therefore, in situations in which there is a conflict of interest between the interests of the Adviser, the Underwriter, or any affiliated person and the interests of the Funds’ shareholders, the Adviser will take one of the following steps to resolve the conflict:

 

A. If a proposal is addressed by the specific policies adopted by the Adviser, it will vote in accordance with those policies.

 

B. If the Adviser believes it is in the best interest of the Funds to depart from the specific policies provided, the Adviser will be subject to the requirements of C or D below, as applicable.

 

C. If the proxy proposal (1) is not addressed by the specific policies or (2) requires a case-by-case determination by the Adviser, the Adviser may vote such proxy as it determines to be in the best interest of the Funds, without taking any action described in D below (except to the extent that E below applies), provided that such vote would be against the Adviser’s own interest in the matter ( i.e. , against the perceived or actual conflict). The Adviser will memorialize the rationale of such votes in writing.

 

D. If the proxy proposal (1) is not addressed by the specific policies or (2) requires a case-by-case determination by the Adviser, and the Adviser believes it should vote in a way that may also benefit, or be perceived to benefit, its own interest, then the Adviser must take one of the following actions in voting such proxy: (a) delegate the voting decision for such proxy proposal to an independent third party, or (b) delegate the voting decision to any “independent” Director of the Funds, as applicable.

 

E. If the proxy proposal involves a security of a company of which a person associated with the Adviser, a Fund it advises, or their affiliates is a member of the board of directors, and the proxy proposal is (1) not addressed by the specific policies or (2) requires a case-by-case determination by the Adviser, then the Adviser shall abstain from voting that proxy.

 

33  

 

More Information

 

Each year, the Funds will make available the actual voting records relating to portfolio securities held by the Funds during the 12-month period ending June 30 on www.foolfunds.com without charge, upon request by calling 1-888-863-8803, or by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov . In addition, a copy of the Adviser’s proxy-voting policies and procedures is available on www.foolfunds.com, or by calling 1-888-863-8803 and will be sent within three business days of receipt of a request.

 

Payments To Financial Intermediaries

 

The Adviser and/or its affiliates, at their discretion, may make payments from their own resources and not from Fund assets to affiliated or unaffiliated brokers, dealers, banks (including bank trust departments), trust companies, registered investment advisers, financial planners, retirement plan administrators, insurance companies, and any other institution having a service, administration, or any similar arrangement with the Fund, its service providers or their respective affiliates, as incentives to help market and promote the Fund and/or in recognition of their distribution, marketing, administrative services, and/or processing support.

 

These additional payments may be made to financial intermediaries that sell Fund shares or provide services to the Fund, the Distributor or shareholders of the Fund through the financial intermediary’s retail distribution channel and/or fund supermarkets. Payments may also be made through the financial intermediary’s retirement, qualified tuition, fee-based advisory, wrap fee bank trust, or insurance (e.g., individual or group annuity) programs. These payments may include, but are not limited to, placing the Fund in a financial intermediary’s retail distribution channel or on a preferred or recommended fund list; providing business or shareholder financial planning assistance; educating financial intermediary personnel about the Fund; providing access to sales and management representatives of the financial intermediary; promoting sales of Fund shares; providing marketing and educational support; maintaining share balances and/or for sub-accounting, administrative or shareholder transaction processing services. A financial intermediary may perform the services itself or may arrange with a third party to perform the services.

 

The Adviser and/or its affiliates may also make payments from their own resources to financial intermediaries for costs associated with the purchase of products or services used in connection with sales and marketing, participation in and/or presentation at conferences or seminars, sales or training programs, client and investor entertainment and other sponsored events. The costs and expenses associated with these efforts may include travel, lodging, sponsorship at educational seminars and conferences, entertainment and meals to the extent permitted by law.

 

Revenue sharing payments may be negotiated based on a variety of factors, including the level of sales, the amount of Fund assets attributable to investments in the Fund by financial intermediaries’ customers, a flat fee or other measures as determined from time to time by the Adviser and/or its affiliates. A significant purpose of these payments is to increase the sales of Fund shares, which in turn may benefit the Adviser through increased fees as Fund assets grow.

 

Additional Information Concerning Company Shares

 

The Company has authorized capital of 100 billion shares of common stock at a par value of $0.001 per share. Currently, approximately 84.923 billion shares have been classified into 176 classes, however, the Company only has approximately 43 active share classes that have begun investment operations. Under the Company’s charter, the Board of Directors has the power to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of common stock from time to time.

 

Each share that represents an interest in the Fund has an equal proportionate interest in the assets belonging to the Fund with each other share that represents an interest in the Fund, even where a share has a different class designation than another share representing an interest in the Fund. Shares of the Company do not have preemptive or conversion rights. When issued for payment as described in the Prospectus, shares of the Company will be fully paid and non-assessable.

 

34  

 

The Company does not currently intend to hold annual meetings of shareholders except as required by the 1940 Act or other applicable law. The Company’s amended By-Laws provide that shareholders owning at least ten percent of the outstanding shares of all classes of Common Stock of the Company have the right to call for a meeting of shareholders to consider the removal of one or more directors. To the extent required by law, the Company will assist in shareholder communication in such matters.

 

Holders of shares of each class of the Company will vote in the aggregate on all matters, except where otherwise required by law. Further, shareholders of the Company will vote in the aggregate and not by portfolio except as otherwise required by law or when the Board of Directors determines that the matter to be voted upon affects only the interests of the shareholders of a particular portfolio or class of shares. Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides that any matter required to be submitted by the provisions of such Act or applicable state law, or otherwise, to the holders of the outstanding voting securities of an investment company such as the Company shall not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each portfolio affected by the matter. Rule 18f-2 further provides that a portfolio shall be deemed to be affected by a matter unless it is clear that the interests of each portfolio in the matter are identical or that the matter does not affect any interest of the portfolio. Under Rule 18f-2 the approval of an investment advisory agreement or distribution agreement or any change in a fundamental investment objective or fundamental investment policy would be effectively acted upon with respect to a portfolio only if approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such portfolio. However, the Rule 18f-2 also provides that the ratification of the selection of independent public accountants and the election of directors are not subject to the separate voting requirements and may be effectively acted upon by shareholders of an investment company voting without regard to a portfolio. Shareholders of the Company are entitled to one vote for each full share held (irrespective of class or portfolio) and fractional votes for fractional shares held. Voting rights are not cumulative and, accordingly, the holders of more than 50% of the aggregate shares of common stock of the Company may elect all of the Directors.

 

Notwithstanding any provision of Maryland law requiring a greater vote of shares of the Company’s common stock (or of any class voting as a class) in connection with any corporate action, unless otherwise provided by law (for example by Rule 18f-2 discussed above), or by the Company’s Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, the Company may take or authorize such action upon the favorable vote of the holders of more than 50% of all of the outstanding shares of Common Stock voting without regard to class (or portfolio).

 

General Information

 

The following information supplements and should be read in conjunction with the section in the Prospectus titled “GENERAL INFORMATION.”

 

Anti-Money Laundering Program

 

The Funds have established an Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Program (the “Program”) as required by the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (“USA PATRIOT Act”). To ensure compliance with this law, the Funds’ Program provides for the development of internal practices, procedures, and controls, designation of anti-money laundering compliance officers, an ongoing training program, and an independent audit function to determine the effectiveness of the Program.

 

Procedures to implement the Program include, but are not limited to, determining that certain of its service providers have established proper anti-money laundering procedures, reporting suspicious and/or fraudulent activity, and conducting a complete and thorough review of all new account applications. The Funds will not transact business with any person or entity whose identity cannot be adequately verified under the provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act.

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Tait, Weller & Baker LLP, located at 1818 Market Street, Suite 2400, Philadelphia, PA 19103, is the independent registered public accounting firm of the Funds. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for conducting the annual audit of the Funds’ financial statements. The selection of the independent registered public accounting firm is approved annually by the Board.

 

35  

 

Transfer Agent

 

USBFS, 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202, serves as the Funds’ transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent. Shareholders of the Funds may contact the Transfer Agent with any questions regarding their transactions in shares of the Funds and account balances.

 

Custodian

 

U.S. Bank, N.A, 777 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202, serves as custodian of the Funds’ assets and is responsible for maintaining custody of the Funds’ cash and investments and retaining sub-custodians, including in connection with the custody of foreign securities. Cash held by the custodian, the amount of which may at times be substantial, is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to the amount of available insurance coverage limits.

 

Administrator

 

The Funds have retained USBFS, 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202 , t o provide various administrative and accounting services necessary for the operations of the Funds. Services provided by the Administrator include facilitating general Fund management; monitoring Fund compliance with federal and state regulations; supervising the maintenance of the Funds’ general ledger, the preparation of the Funds’ financial statements, the determination of NAV, and the payment of dividends and other distributions to shareholders; and preparing specified financial, tax, and other reports. The Funds pay the Administrator an annual fee calculated based on each Fund’s average net assets, subject to certain conditions. The fee is paid monthly. The Funds also reimburse the Administrator for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Effective December 2, 2017, USBFS replaced the Funds’ prior administrator as fund administrator and fund accountant to the Funds. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017 and the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016, October 31, 2015 and October, 31, 2014, USBFS and the Funds’ prior administrator, as applicable, received $574,949, $645,075, $725,982 and $594,806, respectively, for services provided to the Funds. Effective August 1, 2017, the Funds changed their fiscal year end from October 31 to August 31.

 

Legal Counsel

 

Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, One Logan Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103, serves as counsel to the Company.

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Tait, Weller & Baker LLP, 1818 Market Street, Suite 2400, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, serves as the Funds’ Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

Registration Statement

 

This SAI and the Prospectus do not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement the Company has filed with the SEC. The complete Registration Statement may be obtained from the SEC upon payment of the fee prescribed by SEC rules and regulations. A text-only version of the Registration Statement is available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov.

 

Financial Statements

 

The Funds’ Financial Statements for the fiscal period ended August 31, 2017, appearing in the Funds’ annual report to shareholders dated August 31, 2017, and the report of Tait, Weller & Baker LLP, the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm, also appearing therein, are incorporated by reference in this SAI. For a more complete discussion of the Funds’ performance, please see the Funds’ annual report to shareholders dated August 31, 2017, which may be obtained without charge.

 

36  

 

Appendix A

 

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS

 

Short-Term Credit Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings short-term issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation having an original maturity of no more than 365 days. The following summarizes the rating categories used by S&P Global Ratings for short-term issues:

 

“A-1” – A short-term obligation rated “A-1” is rated in the highest category by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

 

“A-2” – A short-term obligation rated “A-2” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is satisfactory.

 

“A-3” – A short-term obligation rated “A-3” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken an obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“B” – A short-term obligation rated “B” is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.

 

“C” – A short-term obligation rated “C” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“D” – A short-term obligation rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

 

Local Currency and Foreign Currency Ratings – S&P Global Ratings’ issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. An issuer’s foreign currency rating will differ from its local currency rating when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.

 

Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) short-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect both on the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default.

 

Moody’s employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

 

“P-1” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

 A- 1

 

“P-2” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

“P-3” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.

 

“NP” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issuer.

 

Fitch, Inc. / Fitch Ratings Ltd. (“Fitch”) short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as “short-term” based on market convention. Typically, this means up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign, and structured obligations and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets. The following summarizes the rating categories used by Fitch for short-term obligations:

 

“F1” – Securities possess the highest short-term credit quality. This designation indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

 

“F2” – Securities possess good short-term credit quality. This designation indicates good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.

 

“F3” – Securities possess fair short-term credit quality. This designation indicates that the intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.

 

“B” – Securities possess speculative short-term credit quality. This designation indicates minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

 

“C” – Securities possess high short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility.

 

“RD” – Restricted default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only.

 

“D” – Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) – The “F1” rating may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show the relative status within that major rating category.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issue of a rated issuer.

 

The DBRS® Ratings Limited (“DBRS”) short-term debt rating scale provides an opinion on the risk that an issuer will not meet its short-term financial obligations in a timely manner. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer and the relative ranking of claims. The R-1 and R-2 rating categories are further denoted by the sub-categories “(high)”, “(middle)”, and “(low)”.

 

The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for commercial paper and short-term debt:

 

“R-1 (high)” - Short-term debt rated “R-1 (high)” is of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is exceptionally high. Unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.

 

 A- 2

 

“R-1 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (middle)” is of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is very high. Differs from “R-1 (high)” by a relatively modest degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.

 

“R-1 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (low)” is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is substantial. Overall strength is not as favorable as higher rating categories. May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.

 

“R-2 (high)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (high)” is considered to be at the upper end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.

 

“R-2 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (middle)” is considered to be of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events or may be exposed to other factors that could reduce credit quality.

 

“R-2 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (low)” is considered to be at the lower end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events. A number of challenges are present that could affect the issuer’s ability to meet such obligations.

 

“R-3” – Short-term debt rated “R-3” is considered to be at the lowest end of adequate credit quality. There is a capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due. May be vulnerable to future events and the certainty of meeting such obligations could be impacted by a variety of developments.

 

“R-4” – Short-term debt rated “R-4” is considered to be of speculative credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is uncertain.

 

“R-5” – Short-term debt rated “R-5” is considered to be of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet short-term financial obligations as they fall due.

 

“D” – Short-term debt rated “D” is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to “D” may occur. DBRS may also use “SD” (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a “distressed exchange”.

 

Long-Term Credit Ratings

 

The following summarizes the ratings used by S&P Global Ratings for long-term issues:

 

“AAA” – An obligation rated “AAA” has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is extremely strong.

 

“AA” – An obligation rated “AA” differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is very strong.

 

“A” – An obligation rated “A” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is still strong.

 

“BBB” – An obligation rated “BBB” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC” and “C” – Obligations rated “BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC” and “C” are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. “BB” indicates the least degree of speculation and “C” the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposure to adverse conditions.

 

 A- 3

 

“BB” – An obligation rated “BB” is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“B” – An obligation rated “B” is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated “BB”, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“CCC” – An obligation rated “CCC” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“CC” – An obligation rated “CC” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The “CC” rating is used when a default has not yet occurred, but S&P Global Ratings expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.

 

“C” – An obligation rated “C” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared with obligations that are rated higher.

 

“D” – An obligation rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) – The ratings from “AA” to “CCC” may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

 

“NR” – This indicates that no rating has been requested, or that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P Global Ratings does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.

 

Local Currency and Foreign Currency Risks - S&P Global Ratings’ issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. An issuer’s foreign currency rating will differ from its local currency rating when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.

 

Moody’s long-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of one year or more. Such ratings reflect both on the likelihood of default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for long-term debt:

 

“Aaa” – Obligations rated “Aaa” are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk.

 

“Aa” – Obligations rated “Aa” are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.

 

“A” – Obligations rated “A” are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.

 

 A- 4

 

“Baa” – Obligations rated “Baa” are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.

 

“Ba” – Obligations rated “Ba” are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.

 

“B” – Obligations rated “B” are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.

 

“Caa” – Obligations rated “Caa” are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.

 

“Ca” – Obligations rated “Ca” are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.

 

“C” – Obligations rated “C” are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.

 

Note: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from “Aa” through “Caa.” The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to unrated obligations.

 

The following summarizes long-term ratings used by Fitch :

 

“AAA” – Securities considered to be of the highest credit quality. “AAA” ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

 

“AA” – Securities considered to be of very high credit quality. “AA” ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

 

“A” – Securities considered to be of high credit quality. “A” ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

 

“BBB” – Securities considered to be of good credit quality. “BBB” ratings indicate that expectations of credit risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.

 

“BB” – Securities considered to be speculative. “BB” ratings indicate that there is an elevated vulnerability to credit risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met.

 

“B” – Securities considered to be highly speculative. “B” ratings indicate that material credit risk is present.

 

“CCC” – A “CCC” rating indicates that substantial credit risk is present.

 

“CC” – A “CC” rating indicates very high levels of credit risk.

 

“C” – A “C” rating indicates exceptionally high levels of credit risk.

 

Defaulted obligations typically are not assigned “RD” or “D” ratings but are instead rated in the “B” to “C” rating categories, depending on their recovery prospects and other relevant characteristics. Fitch believes that this approach better aligns obligations that have comparable overall expected loss but varying vulnerability to default and loss.

 

 A- 5

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the “AAA” obligation rating category, or to corporate finance obligation ratings in the categories below “CCC”.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issue of a rated issuer.

 

The DBRS long-term rating scale provides an opinion on the risk of default. That is, the risk that an issuer will fail to satisfy its financial obligations in accordance with the terms under which an obligation has been issued. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer, and the relative ranking of claims. All rating categories other than AAA and D also contain subcategories “(high)” and “(low)”. The absence of either a “(high)” or “(low)” designation indicates the rating is in the middle of the category. The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for long-term debt:

 

“AAA” – Long-term debt rated “AAA” is of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is exceptionally high and unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.

 

“AA” – Long-term debt rated “AA” is of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered high. Credit quality differs from “AAA” only to a small degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.

 

“A” – Long-term debt rated “A” is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is substantial, but of lesser credit quality than “AA.” May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.

 

“BBB” – Long-term debt rated “BBB” is of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.

 

“BB” – Long-term debt rated “BB” is of speculative, non-investment grade credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is uncertain. Vulnerable to future events.

 

“B” – Long-term debt rated “B” is of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet financial obligations.

 

“CCC”, “CC” and “C” – Long-term debt rated in any of these categories is of very highly speculative credit quality. In danger of defaulting on financial obligations. There is little difference between these three categories, although “CC” and “C” ratings are normally applied to obligations that are seen as highly likely to default, or subordinated to obligations rated in the “CCC” to “B” range. Obligations in respect of which default has not technically taken place but is considered inevitable may be rated in the “C” category.

 

“D” – A security rated “D” is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to “D” may occur. DBRS may also use “SD” (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a “distressed exchange”.

 

Municipal Note Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings U.S. municipal note rating reflects S&P Global Ratings’ opinion about the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to the notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes with an original maturity of more than three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. In determining which type of rating, if any, to assign, S&P Global Ratings’ analysis will review the following considerations:

 

 A- 6

 

Amortization schedule - the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and

 

Source of payment - the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.

 

Municipal Short-Term Note rating symbols are as follows:

 

“SP-1” – A municipal note rated “SP-1” exhibits a strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.

 

“SP-2” – A municipal note rated “SP-2” exhibits a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.

 

“SP-3” – A municipal note rated “SP-3” exhibits a speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

 

Moody’s uses the Municipal Investment Grade (“MIG”) scale to rate U.S. municipal bond anticipation notes of up to three years maturity. Municipal notes rated on the MIG scale may be secured by either pledged revenues or proceeds of a take-out financing received prior to note maturity. MIG ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation, and the issuer’s long-term rating is only one consideration in assigning the MIG rating. MIG ratings are divided into three levels – “MIG-1” through “MIG-3” while speculative grade short-term obligations are designated “SG”. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for short-term municipal obligations:

 

“MIG-1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

 

“MIG-2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.

 

“MIG-3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.

 

“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated obligation.

 

In the case of variable rate demand obligations (“VRDOs”), a two-component rating is assigned: a long or short-term debt rating and a demand obligation rating. The first element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with scheduled principal and interest payments. The second element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with the ability to receive purchase price upon demand (“demand feature”). The second element uses a rating from a variation of the MIG scale called the Variable Municipal Investment Grade or “VMIG” scale. The rating transitions on the VMIG scale differ from those on the Prime scale to reflect the risk that external liquidity support generally will terminate if the issuer’s long-term rating drops below investment grade.

 

“VMIG-1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“VMIG-2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“VMIG-3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

 A- 7

 

“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated obligation.

 

About Credit Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion reflects S&P Global Ratings’ view of the obligor’s capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and this opinion may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.

 

Moody’s credit ratings must be construed solely as statements of opinion and not statements of fact or recommendations to purchase, sell or hold any securities.

 

Fitch’s credit ratings provide an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of principal, insurance claims or counterparty obligations. Fitch credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving the money owed to them in accordance with the terms on which they invested. Fitch’s credit ratings cover the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign financial, bank, insurance, and public finance entities (including supranational and sub-national entities) and the securities or other obligations they issue, as well as structured finance securities backed by receivables or other financial assets.

 

Credit ratings provided by DBRS are forward-looking opinions about credit risk which reflect the creditworthiness of an issuer, rated entity, and/or security. Credit ratings are not statements of fact. While historical statistics and performance can be important considerations, credit ratings are not based solely on such; they include subjective considerations and involve expectations for future performance that cannot be guaranteed. To the extent that future events and economic conditions do not match expectations, credit ratings assigned to issuers and/or securities can change. Credit ratings are also based on approved and applicable methodologies, models and criteria (“Methodologies”), which are periodically updated and when material changes are deemed necessary, this may also lead to rating changes.

 

Credit ratings typically provide an opinion on the risk that investors may not be repaid in accordance with the terms under which the obligation was issued. In some cases, credit ratings may also include consideration for the relative ranking of claims and recovery, should default occur. Credit ratings are meant to provide opinions on relative measures of risk and are not based on expectations of any specific default probability, nor are they meant to predict such.

 

The data and information on which DBRS bases its opinions is not audited or verified by DBRS, although DBRS conducts a reasonableness review of information received and relied upon in accordance with its Methodologies and policies.

 

DBRS uses rating symbols as a concise method of expressing its opinion to the market, but there are a limited number of rating categories for the possible slight risk differentials that exist across the rating spectrum and DBRS does not assert that credit ratings in the same category are of “exactly” the same quality.

 

 A- 8

 

 

 

 

STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

ORINDA INCOME OPPORTUNITIES FUND
of
The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

Class I OIOIX
Class A OIOAX
Class D OIODX

 

December 31, 2017

 

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) provides information about the Orinda Income Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”). The Fund is a series of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”). This information is in addition to the information contained in the Class I, Class A and Class D shares’ prospectus of the Fund dated December 31, 2017 (the “Prospectus”).

 

This SAI is not a prospectus. It should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus and the Fund’s Annual Report dated August 31, 2017. Copies of the Prospectus and the Fund’s Annual Report and Semi-Annual Report may be obtained by calling toll-free 1-855-467-4632 (855-4ORINDA). The financial statements and notes contained in the Annual Report are incorporated by reference into this SAI. No other part of the Annual Report is incorporated by reference herein.

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

GENERAL INFORMATION 1
INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS AND POLICIES 1
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS 21
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS 22
MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY 23
CODE OF ETHICS 32
PROXY VOTING 32
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES 32
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES 34
DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENTS 38
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING PLAN 40
PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES 41
FUND TRANSACTIONS 41
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION 43
OTHER INFORMATION REGARDING MAXIMUM SALES CHARGE, PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS 43
TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PROCEDURES 44
VALUATION OF SHARES 44
TAXES 45
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING COMPANY SHARES 46
MISCELLANEOUS 47
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 47
APPENDIX A A-1

 

 

 

  GENERAL INFORMATION

 

The Company is an open-end management investment company currently operating twenty-nine separate portfolios. The Company is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”) and was organized as a Maryland corporation on February 29, 1988. The Orinda Income Opportunities Fund was organized as a non-diversified series of Advisors Series Trust and commenced operations on June 28, 2013 (the “Predecessor Fund”). After the close of business on April 28, 2017, the Predecessor Fund was reorganized into a newly formed series of the Company with the same name, the Orinda Income Opportunities (the “Fund”). This SAI pertains to the Class I, Class A and Class D shares representing interests in the Fund that is offered by the Prospectus. The Fund is non-diversified. Orinda Asset Management LLC (the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.

 

INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS AND POLICIES

 

The following supplements the information contained in the Prospectus concerning the investment objective and policies of the Fund. To the extent an investment policy is discussed in this SAI but not in the Prospectus, such policy is not a principal policy of the Fund.

 

The Fund seeks to maximize current income with potential for modest growth of capital.

 

The Adviser may not necessarily invest in all of the instruments or use all of the investment techniques permitted by the Fund’s Prospectus and this SAI, or invest in such instruments or engage in such techniques to the full extent permitted by the Fund’s investment policies and limitations.

 

Non-Diversification

The Fund is non-diversified under the 1940 Act, which means that there is no restriction as to how much the Fund may invest in the securities of any one issuer. However, to qualify for tax treatment as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), the Fund intends to comply, as of the end of each fiscal quarter, with certain diversification requirements imposed by the Code. Pursuant to these requirements, at the end of each fiscal quarter, the Fund, among other things, will not have investments in the securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies) of more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets. In addition, the Fund, with respect to 50% of its total assets, will not have investments in the securities of any issuer greater than 5% of the Fund’s total assets, and will not purchase more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer. As a non-diversified investment company, the Fund may be subject to greater risks than diversified companies because of the larger impact of fluctuation in the values of securities of fewer issues.

 

Percentage Limitations

Whenever an investment policy or limitation states a maximum percentage of the Fund’s assets that may be invested in any security or other asset, or sets forth a policy regarding quality standards, such standard or percentage limitation will be determined immediately after and as a result of the Fund’s acquisition or sale of such security or other asset. Accordingly, except with respect to borrowing and illiquid securities, any subsequent change in values, net assets or other circumstances will not be considered in determining whether an investment complies with the Fund’s investment policies and limitations. In addition, if a bankruptcy or other extraordinary event occurs concerning a particular investment by the Fund, the Fund may receive stock, real estate or other investments that the Fund would not, or could not buy. If this happens the Fund would sell such investments as soon as practicable while trying to maximize the return to its shareholders.

 

Risks Associated With Recent Economic Events

The U.S. credit markets have been experiencing above-average volatility and disruption for more than five years. Instability in the credit markets has made it more difficult for some issuers of debt securities to obtain financing or refinancing for their investment or lending activities or operations. In particular, because of volatile conditions in the credit markets, issuers of debt securities may be subject to increased cost for debt, tightening underwriting standards and reduced liquidity for loans they make, securities they purchase and securities they issue. These developments may increase the volatility of the value of securities owned by the Fund. A significant worsening of the conditions could adversely affect the broader economy, which in turn may adversely affect the ability of issuers of securities owned by a Fund to make payments of principal and interest when due, lead to lower credit ratings of issuers and increased defaults by issuers. Such developments could, in turn, reduce the value of securities owned by a Fund and adversely affect the net asset value (“NAV”) of its shares.

 

1  

 

The U.S. government, the Federal Reserve, the Treasury, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and other governmental and regulatory bodies have recently taken or are considering taking actions to address the financial crisis. These actions include, but are not limited to, the enactment by the United States Congress of the “Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act”, which was signed into law on July 21, 2010 and imposes a new regulatory framework over the U.S. financial services industry and the consumer credit markets in general, and proposed regulations by the SEC. Given the broad scope, sweeping nature, and relatively recent enactment of some of these regulatory measures, the potential impact they could have on securities held by the Fund is unknown. There can be no assurance that these measures will not have an adverse effect on the value or marketability of securities held by the Fund. Furthermore, no assurance can be made that the U.S. government or any U.S. regulatory body (or other authority or regulatory body) will not continue to take further legislative or regulatory action in response to the economic crisis or otherwise, and the effect of such actions, if taken, cannot be known. The Fund may incur additional costs to comply with new requirements as well as to monitor for compliance in the future. In addition, the U.S. government or other governmental and regulatory bodies may repeal or revise the Dodd-Frank Act or portions thereof and other laws and regulations. The new Presidential administration adds to the uncertainty of the regulatory environment with threats of the repeal of the Dodd-Frank Act, which may result in increased compliance for the Fund.

 

Government Intervention In Financial Markets Risk

The recent instability in the financial markets has led the U.S. government and foreign governments to take a number of unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions and segments of the financial markets that have experienced excess volatility, and in some cases a lack of liquidity. U.S. federal and state governments and foreign governments, their regulatory agencies or self-regulatory organizations may take additional actions that affect the regulation of the securities in which the Fund invests, or the issuers of such securities, in ways that are unforeseeable. In unusual circumstances, issuers of corporate securities might seek protection under the bankruptcy laws. Legislation or regulation may also change the way in which the Fund itself is regulated. Such legislation or regulation could limit or preclude the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective.

 

Exemption from Definition of Commodity Pool Operator

Pursuant to amendments by the Commodities Future Trading Commission (“CFTC”) to Rule 4.5 under the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”), the Adviser has filed a notice of exemption from registration as a “commodity pool operator” with respect to the Fund. Neither the Fund nor the Adviser is therefore subject to registration or regulation as a pool operator under the CEA. In order to claim the Rule 4.5 exemption, the Fund is significantly limited in its ability to invest in commodity futures, options and swaps (including securities futures, broad-based stock index futures and financial futures contracts). As a result, the Fund is limited in its ability to use these instruments and these limitations may have a negative impact on the ability of the Adviser to manage the Fund, and on the Fund’s performance.

 

The Fund may invest in the following types of investments, each of which is subject to certain risks, as discussed below:

 

Equity Securities

Common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible securities, rights, warrants and American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) are examples of equity securities in which the Fund may invest.

 

All investments in equity securities are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. Historically, the equity markets have moved in cycles and the value of the securities in the Fund’s portfolio may fluctuate substantially from day to day. Owning an equity security can also subject the Fund to the risk that the issuer may discontinue paying dividends.

 

2  

 

Common Stocks. A common stock represents a proportionate share of the ownership of a company and its value is based on the success of the company’s business, any income paid to stockholders, the value of its assets, and general market conditions. In addition to the general risks set forth above, investments in common stocks are subject to the risk that in the event a company in which the Fund invests is liquidated, the holders of preferred stock and creditors of that company will be paid in full before any payments are made to the Fund as a holder of common stock. It is possible that all assets of that company will be exhausted before any payments are made to the Fund.

 

Preferred Stocks. Preferred stocks are equity securities that often pay dividends at a specific rate and have a preference over common stocks in dividend payments and liquidation of assets. A preferred stock has a blend of the characteristics of a bond and common stock. It can offer the higher yield of a bond and has priority over common stock in equity ownership, but does not have the seniority of a bond and, unlike common stock, its participation in the issuer’s growth may be limited. Although the dividend is set at a fixed annual rate, in some circumstances it can be changed or omitted by the issuer.

 

Convertible Securities. The Fund may invest in convertible securities. 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.

 

Rights and Warrants. The Fund may invest in rights and warrants. A right is a privilege granted to existing shareholders of a corporation to subscribe to shares of a new issue of common stock and it is issued at a predetermined price in proportion to the number of shares already owned. Rights normally have a short life, usually two to four weeks, are freely transferable and entitle the holder to buy the new common stock at a lower price than the current market. 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. Hence, 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.

 

An investment in rights and warrants may entail greater risks than certain other types of investments. Generally, rights and warrants do not carry the right to receive dividends or exercise voting rights with respect to the underlying securities, and they do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuer. In addition, although their value is influenced by the value of the underlying security, their value does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities, and they cease to have value if they are not exercised on or before their expiration date. Investing in rights and warrants increases the potential profit or loss to be realized from the investment as compared with investing the same amount in the underlying securities.

 

Small- and Medium-Sized Companies

To the extent the Fund invests in the equity securities of small- and medium-sized companies, it will be exposed to the risks of smaller sized companies. Small- and medium-sized companies may have narrower markets for their goods and/or services and may have more limited managerial and financial resources than larger, more established companies. Furthermore, such companies may have limited product lines, services, markets, or financial resources or may be dependent on a small management group. In addition, because these stocks may not be well-known to the investing public, do not have significant institutional ownership or are typically followed by fewer security analysts, there will normally be less publicly available information concerning these securities compared to what is available for the securities of larger companies. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, can decrease the value and liquidity of securities held by the Fund. As a result, their performance can be more volatile and they face greater risk of business failure, which could increase the volatility of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

3  

 

Investment Companies

The Fund may invest in shares of other registered investment companies, including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), money market mutual funds and other mutual funds in pursuit of its investment objective, in accordance with the limitations established under the 1940 Act. This may include investments in money market mutual funds in connection with the Fund’s management of daily cash positions and for temporary defensive purposes. Investments in the securities of other investment companies may involve duplication of advisory fees and certain other expenses. By investing in another investment company, the Fund becomes a shareholder of that investment company. As a result, Fund shareholders indirectly will bear the Fund’s proportionate share of the fees and expenses paid by shareholders of the other investment company, in addition to the fees and expenses Fund shareholders directly bear in connection with the Fund’s own operations.

 

Section 12(d)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act generally prohibits a fund from purchasing (1) more than 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of another fund; (2) securities of another fund having an aggregate value in excess of 5% of the value of the acquiring fund; and (3) securities of the other fund and all other funds having an aggregate value in excess of 10% of the value of the total assets of the acquiring fund. There are some exceptions, however, to these limitations pursuant to various rules promulgated by the SEC.

 

In accordance with Section 12(d)(1)(F) and Rule 12d1-3 of the 1940 Act, the provisions of Section 12(d)(1) shall not apply to securities purchased or otherwise acquired by the Fund if (i) immediately after such purchase or acquisition not more than 3% of the total outstanding stock of such registered investment company is owned by the Fund and all affiliated persons of the Fund; and (ii) the Fund is not proposing to offer or sell any security issued by it through a principal underwriter or otherwise at a public or offering price including a sales load that exceeds the limits set forth in rule 2830 of the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) applicable to a fund of funds ( i.e. , 8.5%). In accordance with Rule 12d1-1 under the 1940 Act, the provisions of section 12(d)(1) shall not apply to shares of money market funds purchased by the Fund, whether or not for temporary defensive purposes, provided that the Fund does not pay a sales charge, distribution fee or service fee as defined in Rule 2830 of the Conduct Rules of FINRA on acquired money market fund shares (or the Adviser must waive its advisory fee in an amount necessary to offset any sales charge, distribution fee or service fee).

 

Exchange-Traded Funds. ETFs are open-end investment companies whose shares are listed on a national securities exchange. An ETF is similar to a traditional mutual fund, but trades at different prices during the day on a security exchange like a stock. Similar to investments in other investment companies discussed above, the Fund’s investments in ETFs will involve duplication of advisory fees and other expenses since the Fund will be investing in another investment company. In addition, the Fund’s investment in ETFs is also subject to its limitations on investments in investment companies discussed above. To the extent the Fund invests in ETFs which focus on a particular market segment or industry, the Fund will also be subject to the risks associated with investing in those sectors or industries. To the extent the Fund invests in inverse ETFs, these are subject to the risk that their performance will decline as the value of their benchmark indices rises. The shares of the ETFs in which the Fund will invest will be listed on a national securities exchange and the Fund will purchase or sell these shares on the secondary market at its current market price, which may be more or less than its NAV per share.

 

As a purchaser of ETF shares on the secondary market, the Fund will be subject to the market risk associated with owning any security whose value is based on market price. ETF shares historically have tended to trade at or near their NAV, but there is no guarantee that they will continue to do so. Unlike traditional mutual funds, shares of an ETF may be purchased and redeemed directly from the ETFs only in large blocks (typically 50,000 shares or more) and only through participating organizations that have entered into contractual agreements with the ETF. The Fund does not expect to enter into such agreements and therefore will not be able to purchase and redeem its ETF shares directly from the ETF.

 

4  

 

Foreign Investments

The Fund may make investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers (“foreign securities”). The Fund reserves the right to invest without limit in U.S. dollar-denominated securities, foreign securities and securities of companies incorporated outside the U.S., including securities listed on foreign exchanges.

 

Risks of Investing in Foreign Securities. Investments in foreign securities involve certain inherent risks, including the following:

Political and Economic Factors. Individual economies of certain countries may differ favorably or unfavorably from the United States’ economy in such respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency, diversification and balance of payments position. The internal politics of certain foreign countries may not be as stable as those of the United States. Governments in certain foreign countries also continue to participate to a significant degree, through ownership interest or regulation, in their respective economies. Action by these governments could include restrictions on foreign investment, nationalization, expropriation of goods or imposition of taxes, and could have a significant effect on market prices of securities and payment of interest. The economies of many foreign countries are heavily dependent upon international trade and are accordingly affected by the trade policies and economic conditions of their trading partners. Enactment by these trading partners of protectionist trade legislation could have a significant adverse effect upon the securities markets of such countries.

 

Legal and Regulatory Matters. Certain foreign countries may have less supervision of securities markets, brokers and issuers of securities, and less financial information available to issuers, than is available in the United States. Additionally, the rights of investors in certain foreign countries may be more limited than those of shareholders of U.S. issuers and the Fund may have greater difficulty taking appropriate legal action to enforce its rights in a foreign court than in a U.S. court.

 

Market Characteristics. The Adviser expects that some foreign securities in which the Fund invests will be purchased in over-the-counter markets or on exchanges located in the countries in which the principal offices of the issuers of the various securities are located, if that is the best available market. Foreign exchanges and markets may be more volatile than those in the United States. Though growing, they usually have substantially less volume than U.S. markets, and the Fund’s foreign securities may be less liquid and more volatile than U.S. securities. Also, settlement practices for transactions in foreign markets may differ from those in United States markets, and may include delays beyond periods customary in the United States. Foreign security trading practices include those involving securities settlement where Fund assets may be released prior to receipt of payment or securities, may expose the Fund to increased risk in the event of a failed trade or the insolvency of a foreign broker-dealer.

 

Currency Fluctuations. The Fund’s NAV may change significantly when the currencies, other than the U.S. dollar, in which the Fund’s portfolio securities are denominated, strengthen or weaken against the U.S. dollar. Currency exchange rates generally are determined by the forces of supply and demand in the foreign exchange markets and the relative merits of investments in different countries as seen from an international perspective. Currency exchange rates can also be affected unpredictably by intervention by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks or by currency controls or political developments in the United States or abroad.

 

Taxes. The interest and dividends payable to the Fund on certain of the Fund’s foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes or withholding, thus reducing the net amount of income available for distribution to Fund shareholders. The Fund may not be eligible to pass through to its shareholders any tax credits or deductions with respect to such foreign taxes or withholding.

 

5  

 

In considering whether to invest in the securities of a non-U.S. company, the Adviser considers such factors as the characteristics of the particular company, differences between economic trends and the performance of securities markets within the U.S. and those within other countries, and also factors relating to the general economic, governmental and social conditions of the country or countries where the company is located. The extent to which the Fund will be invested in non-U.S. companies, foreign countries and depositary receipts will fluctuate from time to time within any limitations described in the Prospectus, depending on the Adviser’s assessment of prevailing market, economic and other conditions.

 

Emerging Markets. The Fund may invest up to 50% of its net assets in securities of companies located in developing or emerging markets, which entails not only the risks listed above with respect to investing in foreign securities, but also entails additional risks, including: less social, political and economic stability; smaller securities markets and lower trading volume, which may result in less liquidity and greater price volatility; national policies that may restrict an underlying fund’s investment opportunities, including restrictions on investments in issuers or industries, or expropriation or confiscation of assets or property; and less developed legal structures governing private or foreign investment.

 

Recently, the United Kingdom (“UK”) held a referendum election and voters elected to withdraw from the EU. The Fund may be exposed to risks related to the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, including volatile trading markets and significant and unpredictable currency fluctuations. Securities issued by companies domiciled in the UK could be subject to changing regulatory and tax regimes. Banking and financial services companies that operate in the UK or EU could be disproportionately impacted by these actions. Greece has recently experienced political pressure to hold a similar referendum election. Further insecurity in EU membership or the abandonment of the euro could exacerbate market and currency volatility and negatively impact investments in securities issued by companies located in EU countries. The potential impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, is not clear but could be significant and far-reaching.

 

Depositary Receipts

Depositary Receipts (“DRs”) include ADRs, European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”), Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”) or other forms of DRs. DRs are receipts typically issued in connection with a U.S. or foreign bank or trust company that evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a non-U.S. company. Fund investments in depositary receipts are not deemed to be investments in foreign securities for purposes of the Fund’s investment strategy.

 

ADRs are depositary receipts for foreign securities denominated in U.S. dollars and traded on U.S. securities markets. These securities may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the securities for which they may be exchanged. These are certificates evidencing ownership of shares of a foreign-based issuer held in trust by a bank or similar financial institutions. Designed for use in U.S. securities markets, ADRs are alternatives to the purchase of the underlying securities in their national market and currencies. ADRs may be purchased through “sponsored” or “unsponsored” facilities. A sponsored facility is established jointly by the issuer of the underlying security and a depositary, whereas a depositary may establish an unsponsored facility without participation by the issuer of the depositary security. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all the costs of such facilities and the depositary of an unsponsored facility frequently is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through voting rights to the holders of such receipts of the deposited securities.

 

Foreign Currency Transactions

The Fund may invest in foreign currency exchange transactions. Exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies are a function of such factors as supply and demand in the currency exchange markets, international balances of payments, governmental intervention, speculation and other economic and political conditions. Foreign exchange dealers may realize a profit on the difference between the price at which the Fund buys and sells currencies.

 

Short Sales

The Fund is authorized to make short sales of securities. In a short sale, the Fund sells a security, which it does not own, in anticipation of a decline in the market value of the security. To complete the sale, the Fund must borrow the security (generally from the broker through which the short sale is made) in order to make delivery to the buyer. The Fund is then obligated to replace the security borrowed by purchasing it at the market price at the time of replacement. The Fund is said to have a “short position” in the securities sold until it delivers them to the broker. The period during which the Fund has a short position can range from as little as one day to more than a year. Until the security is replaced, the proceeds of the short sale are retained by the broker, and the Fund is required to pay to the broker a negotiated portion of any dividends or interest that accrues during the period of the loan. To meet current margin requirements, the Fund is also required to deposit with the broker cash or securities in excess of the current market value of the securities sold short as security for its obligation to cover its short position. The Fund is also required to segregate or earmark liquid assets on its books or hold an offsetting position to cover its obligation to return the security.

 

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Short sales by the Fund create opportunities to increase the Fund’s return but, at the same time, involve specific risk considerations and may be considered a speculative technique. Since the Fund in effect profits from a decline in the price of the securities sold short without the need to invest the full purchase price of the securities on the date of the short sale, the Fund’s NAV per share will tend to increase more when the securities it has sold short decrease in value, and to decrease more when the securities it has sold short increase in value, than would otherwise be the case if it had not engaged in such short sales. The amount of any gain will be decreased, and the amount of any loss increased, by the amount of any premium, dividends or interest the Fund may be required to pay in connection with the short sale. Furthermore, under adverse market conditions, the Fund might have difficulty purchasing securities to meet its short sale delivery obligations, and might have to sell portfolio securities to raise the capital necessary to meet its short sale obligations at a time when fundamental investment considerations would not favor such sales.

 

Derivative Securities

The Fund may invest in a wide range of derivatives, including call and put options, futures, credit default swaps, equity swaps and forward contracts, for hedging purposes as well as direct investment. There are risks involved in the use of options and futures, including the risk that the prices of the hedging vehicles may not correlate perfectly with the securities held by the Fund. This may cause the futures or options to react differently from the Fund’s securities to market changes.

 

The Fund may enter into forward currency contracts. A forward currency contract is an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. For example, the Fund might purchase a particular currency or enter into a forward currency contract to preserve the U.S. dollar price of securities it intends to or has contracted to purchase. Alternatively, it might sell a particular currency on either a spot or forward basis to hedge against an anticipated decline in the dollar value of securities it intends to or has contracted to sell. Although this strategy could minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, it could also limit any potential gain from an increase in the value of the currency.

 

Options on Securities. The Fund may purchase and write call and put options on securities and securities indices.

 

Call Options. The Fund may purchase and write (sell) covered call options on its portfolio securities (“covered options”) in an attempt to enhance gain and protect the Fund from downside market risk. The Fund may write (sell) call options on individual stocks to protect against possible price declines in the securities held or to extend a holding period to achieve long-term capital gain status.

 

When the Fund writes a covered call option, it gives the purchaser of the option the right, upon exercise of the option, to buy the underlying security at the price specified in the option (the “exercise price”) at any time during the option period, generally ranging up to nine months. If the option expires unexercised, the Fund will realize income to the extent of the amount received for the option (the “premium”). If the call option is exercised, a decision over which the Fund has no control, the Fund must sell the underlying security to the option holder at the exercise price. By writing a covered option, the Fund forgoes, in exchange for the premium less the commission (“net premium”) the opportunity to profit during the option period from an increase in the market value of the underlying security above the exercise price.

 

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The Fund may terminate its obligation as writer of a call option by purchasing an option with the same exercise price and expiration date as the option previously written. This transaction is called a “closing purchase transaction.”

 

Closing sale transactions enable the Fund immediately to realize gains or minimize losses on its option positions. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an options exchange will exist for any particular option, or at any particular time, and for some options no secondary market may exist. If the Fund is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction with respect to options it has written, it will not be able to terminate its obligations or minimize its losses under such options prior to their expiration. If the Fund is unable to effect a closing sale transaction with respect to options that it has purchased, it would have to exercise the option in order to realize any profit.

 

The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the options markets close before the markets for the underlying securities, significant price and rate movements may take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the options markets. The purchase of options is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions.

 

Put Options. The Fund may write and purchase put options (“puts”). If the Fund purchases a put option, the Fund acquires the right to sell the underlying security at a specified price at any time during the term of the option (for “American-style” options) or on the option expiration date (for “European-style” options). Purchasing put options may be used as a portfolio investment strategy when the Adviser perceives significant short-term risk but substantial long-term appreciation for the underlying security. The put option acts as an insurance policy, as it protects against significant downward price movement while it allows full participation in any upward movement less the premium paid to purchase the option. If the Fund is holding a security that the Adviser feels has strong fundamentals, but for some reason may be weak in the near term, the Fund may purchase a put option on such security, thereby giving the Fund the right to sell such security at a certain strike price throughout the term of the option. Consequently, the Fund will exercise the put only if the price of such security falls below the strike price of the put. The difference between the put’s strike price and the market price of the underlying security on the date the Fund exercises the put, less transaction costs, will be the amount by which the Fund will be able to hedge against a decline in the underlying security. If during the period of the option the market price for the underlying security remains at or above the put’s strike price, the put will expire worthless, representing a loss of the price the Fund paid for the put, plus transaction costs. If the price of the underlying security increases, the profit the Fund realizes on the sale of the security will be reduced by the premium paid for the put option less any amount for which the put may be sold.

 

When the Fund writes a put, it receives a premium and gives the purchaser of the put the right to sell the underlying security to the Fund at the exercise price at any time during the option period. If the Fund writes a put option it assumes an obligation to purchase specified securities from the option holder at a specified price if the option is exercised at any time before the expiration date. The Fund may terminate its position in an exchange-traded put option before exercise by buying an option identical to the one it has written. Similarly, the Fund may cancel an over-the-counter option by entering into an offsetting transaction with the counter-party to the option.

 

Options on Securities Indices . The Fund may write (sell) covered call options on securities indices in an attempt to increase gain. A securities index option written by the Fund would obligate it, upon exercise of the options, to pay a cash settlement, rather than to deliver actual securities, to the option holder. Although the Fund will not ordinarily own all of the securities comprising the stock indices on which it writes call options, such options will usually be written on those indices that correspond most closely to the composition of the Fund’s portfolio. As with the writing of covered call options on securities, the Fund will realize a gain in the amount of the premium received upon writing an option if the value of the underlying index increases above the exercise price and the option is exercised, the Fund will be required to pay a cash settlement that may exceed the amount of the premium received by the Fund. The Fund may purchase call options in order to terminate its obligations under call options it has written.

 

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The Fund may purchase and/or write (sell) call and put options on securities indices for the purpose of hedging against the risk of unfavorable price movements adversely affecting the value of the Fund’s securities or securities the Fund intends to buy. Unlike an option on securities, which gives the holder the right to purchase or sell specified securities at a specified price, an option on a securities index gives the holder the right, upon the exercise of the option, to receive a cash “exercise settlement amount” equal to (i) the difference between the exercise price of the option and the value of the underlying securities index on the exercise date multiplied by (ii) a fixed “index multiplier.”

 

A securities index fluctuates with changes in the market value of the securities included in the index. For example, some securities index options are based on a broad market index such as the Standard & Poor’s 500 ® Index or the Value Line Composite Index, or a narrower market index such as the Standard & Poor’s 100 ® Index. Indices may also be based on industry or market segments.

 

The Fund may purchase put options in order to hedge against an anticipated decline in stock market prices that might adversely affect the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities. If the Fund purchases a put option on a stock index, the amount of payment it receives on exercising the option depends on the extent of any decline in the level of the stock index below the exercise price. Such payments would tend to offset a decline in the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities. If, however, the level of the stock index increases and remains above the exercise price while the put option is outstanding, the Fund will not be able to profitably exercise the option and will lose the amount of the premium and any transaction costs. Such loss may be partially offset by an increase in the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities. The Fund may write put options on stock indices in order to close out positions in stock index put options that it has purchased.

 

The Fund may purchase call options on stock indices in order to participate in an anticipated increase in stock market prices or to lock in a favorable price on securities that it intends to buy in the future. If the Fund purchases a call option on a stock index, the amount of the payment it receives upon exercising the option depends on the extent of any increase in the level of the stock index above the exercise price. Such payments would in effect allow the Fund to benefit from stock market appreciation even though it may not have had sufficient cash to purchase the underlying stocks. Such payments may also offset increases in the price of stocks that the Fund intends to purchase. If, however, the level of the stock index declines and remains below the exercise price while the call option is outstanding, the Fund will not be able to exercise the option profitably and will lose the amount of the premium and transaction costs. Such loss may be partially offset by a reduction in the price the Fund pays to buy additional securities for its portfolio. The Fund may write call options on stock indices in order to close out positions in stock index call options that it has purchased.

 

The effectiveness of hedging through the purchase of options on securities indices will depend upon the extent to which price movements in the portion of the securities portfolio being hedged correlate with price movements in the selected stock index. Perfect correlation is not possible because the securities held or to be acquired by the Fund will not exactly match the composition of the stock indices on which the options are available. In addition, the purchase of stock index options involves the risk that the premium and transaction costs paid by the Fund in purchasing an option will be lost as a result of unanticipated movements in prices of the securities comprising the stock index on which the option is based.

 

The use of hedging strategies, such as writing (selling) and purchasing options on indices involves complex rules that will determine for federal income tax purposes the amount, character and timing of recognition of the gains and losses a fund realizes in connection therewith. Options on indices may be governed by Section 1256 of the Code, which requires that positions held as of the end of any taxable year must be marked to market and provides that gains or losses are treated partly as a long-term gain or loss (60% of the gain or loss) and partly as a short-term gain or loss (40% of the gain or loss).

 

Credit Default Swaps. The Fund may enter into credit default swap agreements. The credit default swap agreement may have as a reference obligation one or more securities that are not currently held by the Fund. The buyer in a credit default swap agreement is obligated to pay the seller a periodic fee, typically expressed in basis points on the principal amount of the underlying obligation (the “notional” amount), over the term of the agreement in return for a contingent payment upon the occurrence of a credit event with respect to the underlying reference obligation. A credit event is typically a default, restructuring or bankruptcy.

 

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The Fund may be either the buyer or seller in the transaction. As a seller, the Fund receives a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the agreement, which typically is between one month and five years, provided that no credit event occurs. If a credit event occurs, the Fund typically must pay the contingent payment to the buyer, which is typically the par value (full notional value) of the reference obligation. The contingent payment may be a cash settlement or by physical delivery of the reference obligation in return for payment of the face amount of the obligation. If the Fund is a buyer and no credit event occurs, the Fund may lose its investment and recover nothing. However, if a credit event occurs, the buyer typically receives full notional value for a reference obligation that may have little or no value.

 

Credit default swaps may involve greater risks than if the Fund had invested in the reference obligation directly. Credit default swaps are subject to general market risk, liquidity risk and credit risk. If the Fund is a buyer in a credit default swap agreement and no credit event occurs, then it will lose its investment. In addition, the value of the reference obligation received by the Fund as a seller if a credit event occurs, coupled with the periodic payments previously received, may be less than the full notional value it pays to the buyer, resulting in a loss of value to the Fund.

 

The Fund may also invest in credit default swap index products and in options on credit default swap index products. The individual credits underlying these credit default swap indices may be rated investment grade or non-investment grade. These instruments are designed to track representative segments of the credit default swap market and provide investors with exposure to specific “baskets” of issuers of bonds or loans. Such investments are subject to liquidity risks as well as other risks associated with investments in credit default swaps discussed above. The Fund reserves the right to invest in similar instruments that may become available in the future.

 

Interest Rate Swaps. The Fund may enter into interest rate swaps. Interest rate swaps are financial instruments that involve the exchange of one type of interest rate for another type of interest rate cash flow on specified future dates. Some of the different types of interest rate swaps are “fixed-for floating rate swaps,” “termed basis swaps” and “index amortizing swaps.” Fixed-for floating rate swaps involve the exchange of fixed interest rate cash flows for floating rate cash flows. Termed basis swaps entail cash flows to both parties based on floating interest rates, where the interest rate indices are different. Index amortizing swaps are typically fixed-for floating swaps where the notional amount changes if certain conditions are met.

 

Like a traditional investment in a debt security, the Fund could lose money by investing in an interest rate swap if interest rates change adversely. For example, if the Fund enters into a swap where it agrees to exchange a floating rate of interest for a fixed rate of interest, the Fund may have to pay more money than it receives. Similarly, if the Fund enters into a swap where it agrees to exchange a fixed rate of interest for a floating rate of interest, the Fund may receive less money than it has agreed to pay.

 

Equity Swap Agreements . The Fund may enter into equity swap agreements for the purpose of attempting to obtain a desired return or exposure to certain equity securities or equity indices in an expedited manner or at a lower cost to the Fund than if the Fund had invested directly in such securities.

 

Swap agreements are two party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a few weeks to more than one year. In a standard swap transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments. The gross returns to be exchanged or “swapped” between the parties are generally calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” i.e. , the return on, or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested in a “basket” of particular securities or securities representing a particular index.

 

Forms of swap agreements include:

 

(1) equity or index caps, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payment to the other to the extent that the return on securities exceeds a specified rate, or “cap;”

 

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(2) equity or index floors, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that the return on securities fall below a specified level, or “floor;” and

 

(3) equity or index collars, under which a party sells a cap and purchases a floor or vice versa in an attempt to protect itself against movements exceeding given minimum or maximum levels.

 

Parties may also enter into bilateral swap agreements, which obligate one party to pay the amount of any net appreciation in a basket or index of securities while the counterparty is obligated to pay the amount of any net depreciation.

 

The “notional amount” of the swap agreement is only a fictive basis on which to calculate the obligations that the parties to a swap agreement have agreed to exchange. Most swap agreements entered into by the Fund would calculate the obligations of the parties to the agreement on a “net basis.” Consequently, the Fund’s current obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the “net amount”). The Fund’s current obligations under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against amounts owed to the Fund) and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed to a swap counterparty will be covered by the maintenance of a segregated account consisting of liquid assets.

 

Whether the Fund’s use of swap agreements will be successful in furthering its investment objective will depend on the Adviser’s ability to predict correctly whether certain types of investments are likely to produce greater returns than other investments. Moreover, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty. Certain restrictions imposed on the Fund by the Internal Revenue Code may limit the Fund’s ability to use swap agreements. The swaps market is a relatively new market and is largely unregulated. It is possible that developments in the swaps market, including potential government regulation, could adversely affect the Fund’s ability to terminate existing swap agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements.

 

Contracts for Differences. A contract for difference is a contract in which one party agrees to pay the other party an amount of money based on the difference between the current value of a security or instrument and its value on a specified date in the future. Contracts for differences are similar to total return swaps and allow a fund to take a long or short position without having to own the reference security or index.

 

Futures and Options on Futures. The Fund may enter into futures contracts (including contracts relating to foreign currencies, interest rates, and other financial indexes), and purchase and write (sell) related options traded on exchanges designated by the CFTC or, consistent with CFTC regulations, on foreign exchanges. A futures contract provides for the future sale by one party and the purchase by the other party of a specified amount of an underlying asset, at a specified price, date, time and place. For example, a foreign currency futures contract provides for the future sale by one party and the purchase by the other party of a certain amount of a specified non-U.S. currency at a specified price, date, time and place. Similarly, an interest rate futures contract provides for the future sale by one party and the purchase by the other party of a certain amount of a specific interest rate sensitive financial instrument (e.g., a debt security) at a specified price, date, time and place. Securities and other financial indexes are capitalization weighted indexes that reflect the market value of the securities or other financial instruments respectively, represented in the indexes. A futures contract on an index is an agreement to be settled by delivery of an amount of cash equal to a specified multiplier times the difference between the value of the index at the close of the last trading day on the contract and the price at which the agreement is made. The clearing house of the exchange on which a futures contract is entered into becomes the counterparty to each purchaser and seller of the futures contract.

 

The Fund may purchase and write (sell) call and put futures options. Futures options possess many of the same characteristics as options on securities and indexes. A futures option gives the holder the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a long position (call) or short position (put) in a futures contract at a specified exercise price upon expiration of, or at any time during the period of, the option. Upon exercise of a call option, the holder acquires a long position in the futures contract and the writer is assigned the opposite short position. In the case of a put option, the opposite is true.

 

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A futures contract is a commitment to buy or sell a specific product at a currently determined market price, for delivery at a predetermined future date. The futures contract is uniform as to quantity, quality and delivery time for a specified underlying product. The commitment is executed in a designated contract market – a futures exchange – that maintains facilities for continuous trading. The buyer and seller of the futures contract are both required to make a deposit of cash or U.S. Treasury Bills with their brokers equal to a varying specified percentage of the contract amount; the deposit is known as initial margin. Since ownership of the underlying product is not being transferred, the margin deposit is not a down payment; it is a security deposit to protect against nonperformance of the contract. No credit is being extended, and no interest expense accrues on the non-margined value of the contract. The contract is marked to market every day, and the profits and losses resulting from the daily change are reflected in the accounts of the buyer and seller of the contract. A profit in excess of the initial deposit can be withdrawn, but a loss may require an additional payment, known as variation margin, if the loss causes the equity in the account to fall below an established maintenance level. The Fund will maintain cash or liquid securities sufficient to cover its obligations under each futures contract that it has entered into.

 

When a purchase or sale of a futures contract is made by the Fund, the Fund is required to deposit with its futures commission merchant a specified amount of liquid assets (“initial margin”). The margin required for a futures contract is set by the exchange on which the contract is traded and may be modified during the term of the contract. The initial margin is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the futures contract that is returned to the Fund upon termination of the contract, assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied. The Fund expects to earn taxable interest income on its initial margin deposits.

 

A futures contract held by the Fund is valued daily at the official settlement price on the exchange on which it is traded. Each day the Fund pays or receives cash, called “variation margin”, equal to the daily change in value of the futures contract. This process is known as “marking to market”. Variation margin does not represent a borrowing or loan by the Fund but is instead a settlement between the Fund and the broker of the amount one would owe the other if the futures contract expired. In computing daily NAV, the Fund will mark to market its open futures positions. The Fund also is required to deposit and to maintain margin with respect to put and call options on futures contracts written by it. Such margin deposits will vary depending on the nature of the underlying futures contract (and the related initial margin requirements), the current market value of the option and other futures positions held by the Fund. Although some futures contracts call for making or taking delivery of the underlying assets, generally these obligations are closed out prior to delivery by offsetting purchases or sales of matching futures contracts (involving the same exchange, underlying security or index and delivery month). If an offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, the Fund realizes a capital gain, or if it is more, the Fund realizes a capital loss. Conversely, if an offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase price, the Fund realizes a capital gain, or if it is less, the Fund realizes a capital loss. The transaction costs also must be included in these calculations. As discussed below, however, the Fund may not always be able to make an offsetting purchase or sale. In the case of a physically settled futures contract, this could result in the Fund being required to deliver, or receive, the underlying asset, which could be adverse to the Fund.

 

At any time prior to the expiration of a futures contract, the Fund may seek to close the position by seeking to take an opposite position, which would operate to terminate the Fund’s existing position in the contract. Positions in futures contracts and options on futures contracts may be closed out only on the exchange on which they were entered into (or through a linked exchange). No secondary market for such contracts exists. Although the Fund may enter into futures contracts only if there is an active market for such contracts, there is no assurance that an active market will exist at any particular time. Most futures exchanges limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in futures contract prices during a single trading day. Once the daily limit has been reached in a particular contract, no trades may be made that day at a price beyond that limit or trading may be suspended for specified periods during the day. It is possible that futures contract prices could move to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of futures positions at an advantageous price and subjecting the Fund to substantial losses. In such event, and in the event of adverse price movements, the Fund would be required to make daily cash payments of variation margin. In such situations, if the Fund had insufficient cash, it might have to sell assets to meet daily variation margin requirements at a time when it would be disadvantageous to do so. In addition, if the transaction is entered into for hedging purposes, in such circumstances the Fund may realize a loss on a futures contract or option that is not offset by an increase in the value of the hedged position. Losses incurred in futures transactions and the costs of these transactions will affect the Fund’s performance.

 

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To liquidate a futures position before the contract expiration date, a buyer simply sells the contract, and the seller of the contract simply buys the contract, on the futures exchange. However, the entire value of the contract does not change hands; only the gains and losses on the contract since the preceding day are credited and debited to the accounts of the buyers and sellers, just as on every other preceding trading day, and the positions are closed out.

 

Debt Futures. The Fund may invest in futures contracts on debt securities (“Debt Futures”) or options on Debt Futures. One risk in employing Debt Futures to attempt to protect against declines in the value of the securities held by the Fund is the possibility that the prices of Debt Futures will correlate imperfectly with the behavior of the market value of the Fund’s securities. The ordinary spreads between prices in the cash and futures markets, due to differences in those markets, are subject to distortions. First, all participants in the futures market are subject to margin deposit and maintenance requirements. Rather than meeting additional margin deposit requirements, investors may close futures contracts through off-setting transactions that could distort the normal relationship between the cash and futures markets. Second, the liquidity of the futures market depends on participants entering into offsetting transactions rather than making or taking delivery. To the extent participants decide to make or take delivery, liquidity in the futures market could be reduced, thus producing distortion. Third, from the point of view of speculators the deposit requirements in the futures market are less onerous than margin requirements in the securities market. Therefore, increased participation by speculators in the futures market may cause temporary price distortions.

 

It is possible that, where the Fund has sold Debt Futures in a short hedge, the market may advance but the value of the securities held by the Fund may decline. If this occurred, the Fund would lose money on the Future and also experience a decline in the value of its securities. Where Debt Futures are purchased in a long hedge, it is possible that the market may decline; if the Fund then decides not to invest in securities at that time because of concern as to possible further market decline or for other reasons, the Fund will realize a loss on the Future that is not offset by a reduction in the price of any securities purchased.

 

Master Limited Partnerships

The Fund may invest in publicly traded Master Limited Partnerships (“MLPs”). MLPs are businesses organized as limited partnerships that trade their proportionate shares of the partnership (units) on a public exchange. MLPs are required to pay out most or all of their earnings in distributions. Generally speaking, MLP investment returns are enhanced during periods of declining or low interest rates and tend to be negatively influenced when interest rates are rising. As an income vehicle, the unit price may be influenced by general interest rate trends independent of specific underlying fundamentals. In addition, most MLPs are fairly leveraged and typically carry a portion of “floating” rate debt. As such, a significant upward swing in interest rates would drive interest expense higher. Furthermore, most MLPs grow by acquisitions partly financed by debt, and higher interest rates could make it more difficult to make acquisitions.

 

Government Obligations

The Fund may make investments in U.S. government obligations. Such obligations include Treasury bills, certificates of indebtedness, notes and bonds, and issues of such entities as the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”), Export Import Bank of the United States, Tennessee Valley Authority, Resolution Funding Corporation, Farmers Home Administration, Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, Federal Farm Credit Banks, Federal Land Banks, Federal Housing Administration, Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”), and the Student Loan Marketing Association.

 

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Some of these obligations, such as those of the GNMA, are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury Department; others, such as those of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; others, such as those of the FNMA, are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the agency’s obligations; still others, such as those of the Student Loan Marketing Association, are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality. No assurance can be given that the U.S. government would provide financial support to U.S. government-sponsored instrumentalities if it is not obligated to do so by law.

 

The Fund may invest in sovereign debt obligations of foreign countries. A sovereign debtor’s willingness or ability to repay principal and interest in a timely manner may be affected by a number of factors, including its cash flow situation, the extent of its foreign reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor’s policy toward principal international lenders and the political constraints to which it may be subject. Emerging market governments could default on their sovereign debt. Such sovereign debtors also may be dependent on expected disbursements from foreign governments, multilateral agencies and other entities abroad to reduce principal and interest arrearages on their debt. The commitments on the part of these governments, agencies and others to make such disbursements may be conditioned on a sovereign debtor’s implementation of economic reforms and/or economic performance and the timely service of such debtor’s obligations. Failure to meet such conditions could result in the cancellation of such third parties’ commitments to lend funds to the sovereign debtor, which may further impair such debtor’s ability or willingness to service its debt in a timely manner.

 

Asset-Backed Securities

Asset-backed securities represent interests in “pools” of assets, including consumer loans or receivables held in trust. Rising interest rates tend to extend the duration of these securities, making them more sensitive to changes in interest rates. As a result, in a period of rising interest rates, these securities may exhibit additional volatility. This is known as extension risk. In addition, these securities are subject to prepayment risk, which is the risk that when interest rates decline or are low but are expected to rise, borrowers may pay off their debts sooner than expected. This can reduce the returns of the Fund because the Fund will have to reinvest that money at the lower prevailing interest rates. This is also known as contraction risk. These securities also are subject to risk of default on the underlying assets, particularly during period of economic downturn.

 

Mortgage-Backed Securities

The Fund may invest in mortgage-backed securities. Investing in mortgage-backed securities involves certain unique risks in addition to those generally associated with investing in fixed-income securities and in the real estate industry in general. These unique risks include the failure of a party to meet its commitments under the related operative documents, adverse interest rate changes and the effects of prepayments on mortgage cash flows. Mortgage-backed securities are "pass-through" securities, meaning that principal and interest payments made by the borrower on the underlying mortgages are passed through to the Fund. The value of mortgage-backed securities, like that of traditional fixed-income securities, typically increases when interest rates fall and decreases when interest rates rise. However, mortgage-backed securities differ from traditional fixed-income securities because of their potential for prepayment without penalty. The price paid by the Fund for its mortgage-backed securities, the yield the Fund expects to receive from such securities and the average life of the securities are based on a number of factors, including the anticipated rate of prepayment of the underlying mortgages. In a period of declining interest rates, borrowers may prepay the underlying mortgages more quickly than anticipated, thereby reducing the yield to maturity and the average life of the mortgage-backed securities. Moreover, when the Fund reinvests the proceeds of a prepayment in these circumstances, it will likely receive a rate of interest that is lower than the rate on the security that was prepaid.

 

Mortgage-backed securities can be collateralized by either fixed-rate mortgages or adjustable rate mortgages. Fixed-rate mortgage securities (“FRMs”) are collateralized by fixed-rate mortgages and tend to have high prepayment rates when the level of prevailing interest rates declines significantly below the interest rates on the mortgages. Thus, under those circumstances, the securities are generally less sensitive to interest rate movements than lower coupon fixed rate mortgages.

 

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Generally, adjustable rate mortgage securities (“ARMs”) have a specified maturity date and amortize principal over their life. In periods of declining interest rates, there is a reasonable likelihood that ARMs will experience increased rates of prepayment of principal. However, the major difference between ARMs and FRMs is that the interest rate and the rate of amortization of principal of ARMs can and do change in accordance with movements in a particular, pre-specified, published interest rate index. The amount of interest on an ARM is calculated by adding a specified amount, the “margin,” to the index, subject to limitations on the maximum and minimum interest that is charged during the life of the mortgage or to maximum and minimum changes to that interest rate during a given period.

 

The underlying mortgages which collateralize the ARMs in which the Fund invests will frequently have caps and floors that limit the maximum amount by which the loan rate to the residential borrower may change up or down (1) per reset or adjustment interval and (2) over the life of the loan. Some residential mortgage loans restrict periodic adjustments by limiting changes in the borrower’s monthly principal and interest payments rather than limiting interest rate changes. These payment caps may result in negative amortization.

 

To the extent that the Fund purchases mortgage-backed securities at a premium, mortgage foreclosures and principal prepayments may result in a loss to the extent of the premium paid. If the Fund buys such securities at a discount, both scheduled payments of principal and unscheduled prepayments will increase current and total returns and will accelerate the recognition of income which, when distributed to shareholders, will be taxable as ordinary income. In a period of rising interest rates, prepayments of the underlying mortgages may occur at a slower than expected rate, creating maturity extension risk. This particular risk may effectively change a security that was considered short or intermediate-term at the time of purchase into a long-term security. Since long-term securities generally fluctuate more widely in response to changes in interest rates than shorter-term securities, maturity extension risk could increase the inherent volatility of the Fund. Under certain interest rate and prepayment scenarios, the Fund may fail to recoup fully its investment in mortgage-backed securities notwithstanding any direct or indirect governmental or agency guarantee.

 

Most mortgage-backed securities are issued by federal government agencies such as the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”), or by government sponsored enterprises such as Freddie Mac (formally, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation) or Fannie Mae (formally, the Federal National Mortgage Association). Principal and interest payments on mortgage-backed securities issued by the federal government and some federal government agencies, such as Ginnie Mae, are guaranteed by the federal government and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Mortgage-backed securities issued by other government agencies or government sponsored enterprises are backed only by the credit of the government agency or enterprise and are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Private mortgage-backed securities are issued by private corporations rather than government agencies and are subject to credit risk and interest rate risk.

 

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are stockholder-owned companies chartered by Congress. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guarantee the securities they issue as to timely payment of principal and interest, but such guarantee is not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. In September 2008, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were placed into conservatorship by their regulator, the Federal Housing Finance Agency. It is unclear what effect this conservatorship will have on the securities issued or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Although the U.S. government has provided financial support to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, there can be no assurance that it will support these or other government-sponsored enterprises in the future.

 

Exchange-Traded Notes

The Fund may invest in exchange-traded notes (“ETNs”). An ETN is a type of unsecured, unsubordinated debt security that differs from other types of bonds and notes because ETN returns are typically based upon the performance of a market index. ETNs are publically traded on a U.S. securities exchange. An ETN incurs certain expenses not incurred by its applicable index, and an investment in an ETN will bear its proportionate share of any fees and expenses borne by the ETN. The market value of an ETN share may differ from its net asset value; the share may trade at a premium or discount to its net asset value, which may be due to, among other things, differences in the supply and demand in the market for the share. Although an ETN is a debt security, it is unlike a typical bond, in that there are no periodic interest payments and principal is not protected. ETNs are subject to credit risk and the value of the ETN may drop due to a downgrade in the issuer’s credit rating, despite the underlying market benchmark or strategy remaining unchanged.

 

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Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”)

The Fund may invest in REITs. The real estate industry has been subject to substantial fluctuations and declines on a local, regional and national basis in the past and may continue to be in the future. Real property values and income from real property may decline due to general and local economic conditions, overbuilding and increased competition, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in zoning laws, casualty or condemnation losses, regulatory limitations on rents, changes in neighborhoods and in demographics, increases in market interest rates, or other factors. Factors such as these may adversely affect companies that own and operate real estate directly, companies that lend to such companies, and companies that service the real estate industry.

 

A REIT is a corporation or a business trust that would otherwise be taxed as a corporation. REITs are often divided into three categories: equity REITs, mortgage REITs and hybrid REITs. An equity REIT invests primarily in the fee ownership or leasehold ownership of land and buildings. Rental income is the main source of income for equity REITs. An equity REIT may also realize capital gains or losses by selling real estate properties in its portfolio that have appreciated or depreciated in value. A mortgage REIT invests primarily in mortgages on real estate and other loans secured by interests in real estate, including construction, development or long-term loans. A hybrid REIT combines the characteristics of equity REITs and mortgage REITs, generally by holding both ownership interests and mortgage interests in real estate.

 

To the extent that the Fund invests in REITs, the Fund could conceivably own real estate directly as a result of a default on the securities it owns. The Fund, therefore, may be subject to certain risks associated with the direct ownership of real estate including difficulties in valuing and trading real estate, declines in the value of real estate, risks related to general and local economic conditions, adverse changes in the climate for real estate, environmental liability risks, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in zoning laws, casualty or condemnation losses, limitations on rents, changes in neighborhood values, the appeal of properties to tenants, and increases in interest rates.

 

In addition to the risks described above, equity REITs may be affected by any changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the trusts, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. Equity and mortgage REITs are dependent upon management skill, are not diversified, and are therefore subject to the risk of financing single or a limited number of projects. Such trusts are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers, self-liquidation, and the possibility of failing to maintain an exemption from the 1940 Act. Changes in interest rates may also affect the value of debt securities held by the Fund. By investing in REITs indirectly through the Fund, a shareholder will bear not only his/her proportionate share of the expenses of the Fund, but also, indirectly, similar expenses of the REITs.

 

Initial Public Offerings

The Fund may purchase shares in initial public offerings (“IPOs”). Because IPO shares frequently are volatile in price, the Fund may hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the Fund’s portfolio and may lead to increased expenses to the Fund, such as brokerage commissions and transaction costs. By selling shares, the Fund may realize taxable capital gains that it will subsequently distribute to shareholders. Investing in IPOs increases risk because IPO shares are frequently volatile in price. As a result, their performance can be more volatile and they face greater risk of business failure, which could increase the volatility of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

When-Issued Securities

The Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued basis, for payment and delivery at a later date, generally within one month. The price and yield are generally fixed on the date of commitment to purchase, and the value of the security is thereafter reflected in the Fund’s NAV. During the period between purchase and settlement, no payment is made by the Fund and no interest accrues to the Fund. At the time of settlement, the market value of the security may be more or less than the purchase price. When the Fund purchases securities on a when-issued basis, it maintains liquid assets in a segregated account with its custodian in an amount equal to the purchase price as long as the obligation to purchase continues.

 

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Corporate Debt Securities

The Fund may invest in fixed-income securities of any maturity, including fixed income securities rated below investment grade by one or more statistical ratings organizations such as Stand & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”). Bonds rated below BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody’s, commonly referred to as “junk bonds,” typically carry higher coupon rates than investment grade bonds, but also are described as speculative by both S&P and Moody’s and may be subject to greater market price fluctuations, less liquidity and greater risk of income or principal including greater possibility of default and bankruptcy of the issuer of such securities than more highly rated bonds. Lower-rated bonds also are more likely to be sensitive to adverse economic or company developments and more subject to price fluctuations in response to changes in interest rates. The market for lower-rated debt issues generally is thinner and less active than that for higher quality securities, which may limit the Fund’s ability to sell such securities at fair value in response to changes in the economy or financial markets. During periods of economic downturn or rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers of lower-rated securities may experience financial stress that could adversely affect their ability to make payments of interest and principal and increase the possibility of default.

 

Ratings of debt securities represent the rating agencies’ opinions regarding their quality, are not a guarantee of quality and may be reduced after the Fund has acquired the security. If a security’s rating is reduced while it is held by the Fund, the Adviser will consider whether the Fund should continue to hold the security but is not required to dispose of it. Credit ratings attempt to evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments and do not evaluate the risks of fluctuations in market value. Also, rating agencies may fail to make timely changes in credit ratings in response to subsequent events, so that an issuer’s current financial conditions may be better or worse than the rating indicates. The ratings for corporate debt securities are described in Appendix A.

 

Municipal Securities

Municipal securities are debt obligations issued by or on behalf of states, territories, and possessions of the United States, including the District of Columbia, and any political subdivisions or financing authority of any of these, the income from which is, in the opinion of qualified legal counsel, exempt from federal regular income tax (“Municipal Securities”).

 

Municipal Securities are generally issued to finance public works such as airports, bridges, highways, housing, hospitals, mass transportation projects, schools, and water and sewer works. They are also issued to repay outstanding obligations, to include industrial development bonds issued by or on behalf of public authorities to provide financing aid to acquire sites or construct and equip facilities for privately or publicly owned corporations. The availability of this financing encourages these corporations to locate within the sponsoring communities and thereby increases local employment.

 

Municipal Securities Risks . Municipal Securities prices are interest rate sensitive, which means that their value varies inversely with market interest rates. Thus, if market interest rates have increased from the time a security was purchased, the security, if sold, might be sold at a price less than its cost. Similarly, if market interest rates have declined from the time a security was purchased, the security, if sold, might be sold at a price greater than its cost. (In either instance, if the security was held to maturity, no loss or gain normally would be realized as a result of interim market fluctuations.) Yields on Municipal Securities depend on a variety of factors, including: the general conditions of the money market and the taxable and Municipal Securities market; the size of the particular offering; the maturity of the obligations; and the credit quality of the issue. Further, any adverse economic conditions or developments affecting the states or municipalities could impact Municipal Securities.

 

Illiquid Securities

As a non-principal strategy, the Fund may hold up to 15% of its net assets in securities that are illiquid, which means that there may be legal or contractual restrictions on their disposition, or that there are no readily available market quotations for such a security. Illiquid securities present the risks that the Fund may have difficulty valuing these holdings and/or may be unable to sell these holdings at the time or price desired. There are generally no restrictions on the Fund’s ability to invest in restricted securities (that is, securities that are not registered pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”)), except to the extent such securities may be considered illiquid. Securities issued pursuant to Rule 144A of the Securities Act (“Rule 144A securities”) will be considered liquid if determined to be so under procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. The Adviser is responsible for making the determination as to the liquidity of restricted securities (pursuant to the procedures adopted by the Board of Directors). The Fund will determine a security to be illiquid if it cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at the value at which the Fund has valued the security. Factors considered in determining whether a security is illiquid may include, but are not limited to: the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; the number of dealers willing to purchase and sell the security and the number of potential purchasers; the number of dealers who undertake to make a market in the security; the nature of the security, including whether it is registered or unregistered, and the market place; whether the security has been rated by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (“NRSRO”); the period of time remaining until the maturity of a debt instrument or until the principal amount of a demand instrument can be recovered through demand; the nature of any restrictions on resale; and with respect to municipal lease obligations and certificates of participation, there is reasonable assurance that the obligation will remain liquid throughout the time the obligation is held and, if unrated, an analysis similar to that which would be performed by an NRSRO is performed. If a restricted security is determined to be liquid, it will not be included within the category of illiquid securities. Investing in Rule 144A securities could have the effect of increasing the level of the Fund’s illiquidity to the extent that the Fund, at a particular point in time may be unable to find qualified institutional buyers interested in purchasing the securities. The Fund is permitted to sell restricted securities to qualified institutional buyers.

 

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Securities Lending

The Fund may lend its portfolio securities in order to generate additional income. Securities may be loaned to broker-dealers, major banks or other recognized domestic institutional borrowers of securities. Generally, the Fund may lend portfolio securities to securities broker-dealers or financial institutions if: (1) the loan is collateralized in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements including collateralization continuously at no less than 100% by marking to market daily (which may include cash, U.S. government or agency securities, or irrevocable bank letters of credit); (2) the loan is subject to termination by the Fund at any time; (3) the Fund receives reasonable interest or fee payments on the loan, as well as any dividends, interest, or other distributions on the loaned securities; (4) the Fund is able to exercise all voting rights with respect to the loaned securities; and (5) the loan will not cause the value of all loaned securities to exceed one-third of the value of the Fund’s assets. As part of participating in a lending program, the Fund will invest its cash collateral only in investments that are consistent with the investment objectives, principal investment strategies and investment policies of the Fund. All investments made with the cash collateral received are subject to the risks associated with such investments. If such investments lose value, the Fund will have to cover the loss when repaying the collateral. Any income or gains and losses from investing and reinvesting any cash collateral delivered by a borrower shall be at the Fund’s risk.

 

Borrowing

Subject to the limitations described under “Investment Restrictions” below, the Fund may be permitted to borrow for temporary purposes and/or for investment purposes. Such a practice will result in leveraging of the Fund’s assets and may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it would not be advantageous to do so. This borrowing may be secured or unsecured. Provisions of the 1940 Act require the Fund to maintain continuous asset coverage (that is, total assets including borrowings, less liabilities exclusive of borrowings) of 300% of the amount borrowed, with an exception for borrowings not in excess of 5% of the Fund’s total assets made for temporary administrative purposes. Any borrowings for temporary administrative purposes in excess of 5% of the Fund’s total assets must maintain continuous asset coverage. If the 300% asset coverage should decline as a result of market fluctuations or other reasons, the Fund may be required to sell some of its portfolio holdings within three days to reduce the debt and restore the 300% asset coverage, even though it may be disadvantageous from an investment standpoint if the Fund sells holdings at that time. Borrowing, like other forms of leverage, will tend to exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio. Money borrowed will be subject to interest costs that may or may not be recovered by appreciation of the securities purchased, if any. The Fund also may be required to maintain minimum average balances in connection with such borrowing or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a line of credit; either of these requirements would increase the cost of borrowing over the stated interest rate.

 

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In addition to borrowing money, the Fund may enter into other investment transactions that may be viewed as forms of financial leverage – for example, entering into reverse repurchase agreements, dollar rolls, investing collateral from loans of portfolio securities, entering into when-issued, delayed-delivery, or forward commitment transactions, or using derivatives such as swaps, futures, forwards and options.

 

A reverse repurchase agreement involves the sale of a portfolio-eligible security by the Fund to another party, such as a bank or broker-dealer, coupled with its agreement to repurchase the instrument at a specified time and price. Under a reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund continues to receive any principal and interest payments on the underlying security during the term of the agreement. Such transactions are advantageous if the interest cost to the Fund of the reverse repurchase transaction is less than the returns it obtains on investments purchased with the cash.

 

Dollar rolls are transactions in which the Fund sells mortgage-related securities, such as a security issued by the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”), for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar (same type and coupon) securities on a specified future date at a pre-determined price. Unlike in the case of reverse repurchase agreements, the dealer with which the Fund enters into a dollar-roll transaction is not obligated to return the same securities as those originally sold by the Fund, but only securities that are “substantially identical.” To be considered “substantially identical,” the securities returned to the Fund generally must: (1) be collateralized by the same types of underlying mortgages; (2) be issued by the same agency and be part of the same program; (3) have a similar original stated maturity; (4) have identical net coupon rates; (5) have similar market yields (and therefore price); and (6) satisfy “good delivery” requirements, meaning that the aggregate principal amounts of the securities delivered and received back must be within 0.01% of the initial amount delivered.

 

The Fund will typically segregate or “earmark” assets determined to be liquid by the Adviser in accordance with procedures approved by the Board of Directors and equal (on a daily mark-to-market basis) to its obligations under reverse repurchase agreements and dollar rolls. Reverse repurchase agreements and dollar rolls involve leverage risk and the risk that the market value of securities retained by the Fund may decline below the repurchase price of the securities that the Fund sold and is obligated to repurchase. In the event the buyer of securities under a reverse repurchase agreement or dollar roll files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, the Fund’s use of the proceeds of the agreement may be restricted pending a determination by the other party, or its trustee or receiver, whether to enforce the Fund’s obligation to repurchase the securities. Reverse repurchase agreements and dollar rolls will be subject to the Fund’s limitations on borrowings as specified under “Investment Restrictions” below.

 

Short-Term, Temporary, and Cash Investments

The Fund may invest in any of the following securities and instruments:

 

Bank Certificates of Deposit, Bankers’ Acceptances and Time Deposits. The Fund may acquire certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances and time deposits. Certificates of deposit are negotiable certificates issued against funds deposited in a commercial bank for a definite period of time and earning a specified return. Bankers’ acceptances are negotiable drafts or bills of exchange, normally drawn by an importer or exporter to pay for specific merchandise, which are “accepted” by a bank, meaning in effect that the bank unconditionally agrees to pay the face value of the instrument on maturity. Certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances acquired by the Fund will be dollar denominated obligations of domestic or foreign banks or financial institutions which at the time of purchase have capital, surplus and undivided profits in excess of $100 million (including assets of both domestic and foreign branches), based on latest published reports, or less than $100 million if the principal amount of such bank obligations are fully insured by the U.S. government. If the Fund holds instruments of foreign banks or financial institutions, it may be subject to additional investment risks that are different in some respects from those incurred by a fund that invests only in debt obligations of U.S. domestic issuers. See “Foreign Investments” above. Such risks include future political and economic developments, the possible imposition of withholding taxes by the particular country in which the issuer is located on interest income payable on the securities, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits, the possible establishment of exchange controls or the adoption of other foreign governmental restrictions which might adversely affect the payment of principal and interest on these securities.

 

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Domestic banks and foreign banks are subject to different governmental regulations with respect to the amount and types of loans that may be made and interest rates that may be charged. In addition, the profitability of the banking industry depends largely upon the availability and cost of funds for the purpose of financing lending operations under prevailing money market conditions. General economic conditions as well as exposure to credit losses arising from possible financial difficulties of borrowers play an important part in the operations of the banking industry.

 

As a result of federal and state laws and regulations, domestic banks are, among other things, required to maintain specified levels of reserves, limited in the amount that they can loan to a single borrower, and subject to other regulations designed to promote financial soundness. However, such laws and regulations do not necessarily apply to foreign bank obligations that the Fund may acquire.

 

In addition to purchasing certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances, to the extent permitted under its investment objectives and policies stated above and in its Prospectus, the Fund may make interest bearing time or other interest bearing deposits in commercial or savings banks. Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained at a banking institution for a specified period of time at a specified interest rate.

 

Savings Association Obligations. The Fund may invest in certificates of deposit (interest bearing time deposits) issued by savings banks or savings and loan associations that have capital, surplus and undivided profits in excess of $100 million, based on latest published reports, or less than $100 million if the principal amount of such obligations is fully insured by the U.S. government.

 

Commercial Paper, Short-Term Notes and Other Corporate Obligations. The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in commercial paper and short-term notes. Commercial paper consists of unsecured promissory notes issued by corporations. Issues of commercial paper and short-term notes will normally have maturities of less than nine months and fixed rates of return, although such instruments may have maturities of up to one year.

 

Commercial paper and short-term notes will consist of issues rated at the time of purchase “A-2” or higher by S&P, “Prime-1” by Moody’s, or similarly rated by another nationally recognized statistical rating organization or, if unrated, will be determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality. These rating symbols are described in Appendix B.

 

Special Risks Related to Cyber Security. The Fund and its service providers may be prone to operational and information security risks resulting from breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption, or lose operational capacity. Breaches in cyber security include, among other behaviors, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, denial of service attacks on websites, the unauthorized release of confidential information or various other forms of cyberattacks. Cyber security breaches affecting the Fund or its Adviser, custodian, transfer agent, intermediaries and other third-party service providers may adversely impact the Fund. For instance, cyber security breaches may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, impact the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential business information, impede trading, subject the Fund to regulatory fines or financial losses and/or cause reputational damage. The Fund may also incur additional costs for cyber security risk management purposes. Similar types of cyber security risks are also present for issuers of securities in which the Fund may invest, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Fund’s investment in such companies to lose value. While the Fund and its service providers have stablished IT and data security programs and have in place business continuity plans and other systems designed to prevent losses and mitigate cyber risk, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified or that cyber attacks may be highly sophisticated.

 

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INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

 

The Fund has adopted the following fundamental investment limitations that may not be changed without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding shares (as defined in Section 2(a) (42) of the 1940 Act). As used in this SAI and in the Prospectus, “shareholder approval” and a “majority of the outstanding shares” of the Fund means, with respect to the approval of an investment advisory agreement, a distribution plan or a change in a fundamental investment limitation, the lesser of (1) 67% of the shares of the Fund represented at a meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present in person or by proxy, or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. The Fund’s investment goal and strategies described in the Prospectus may be changed by the Company’s Board of Directors without the approval of the Fund’s shareholders.

 

The Fund may not:

 

1. Borrow money or issue senior securities, except that the Fund may borrow from banks and enter into reverse repurchase agreements for temporary purposes in amounts up to one-third of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the time of such borrowing and provided that there is at least 300% asset coverage for the borrowings of the Fund. The Fund may not mortgage, pledge or hypothecate any assets, except in connection with any such borrowing and then in amounts not in excess of one-third of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the time of such borrowing. However, the amount shall not be in excess of lesser of the dollar amounts borrowed or 33 1/3% of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the time of such borrowing, provided that: (a) short sales and related borrowings of securities are not subject to this restriction; and (b) for the purposes of this restriction, collateral arrangements with respect to options, short sales, stock index, interest rate, currency or other futures, options on futures contracts, collateral arrangements with respect to initial and variation margin and collateral arrangements with respect to swaps and other derivatives are not deemed to be a pledge or other encumbrance of assets. Securities held in escrow or separate accounts in connection with the Fund’s investment practices are not considered to be borrowings or deemed to be pledged for purposes of this limitation; (For purposes of this Limitation No. 1, any collateral arrangements with respect to, if applicable, the writing of options and futures contracts, options on futures contracts, and collateral arrangements with respect to initial and variation margin are not deemed to be a pledge of assets);

 

2. Issue any senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act. (For purposes of this Limitation No. 2, neither the collateral arrangements with respect to options and futures identified in Limitation No. 1, nor the purchase or sale of futures or related options are deemed to be the issuance of senior securities);

 

3. Act as an underwriter of securities within the meaning of the Securities Act, except insofar as it might be deemed to be an underwriter upon disposition of certain portfolio securities acquired within the limitation on purchases of restricted securities;

 

4. Purchase or sell real estate, which term does not include securities of companies which deal in real estate and/or mortgages or investments secured by real estate, or interests therein, except that the Fund reserves freedom of action to hold and to sell real estate acquired as a result of the Fund’s ownership of securities;

 

5. Purchase or sell physical commodities, unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments. This limitation shall not prevent the Fund from purchasing, selling, or entering into futures contracts, or acquiring securities or other instruments and options thereon backed by, or related to, physical commodities;

 

6. Make loans, except through loans of portfolio securities and repurchase agreements, provided that for purposes of this restriction the acquisition of bonds, debentures or other debt instruments or interests therein and investment in government obligations, loan participations and assignments, short-term commercial paper, certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances shall not be deemed to be the making of a loan; or

 

7. With the exception of the real estate industry, in which the Fund will concentrate, invest 25% or more of its total assets in the securities of companies engaged in any one industry or group of industries. (Does not apply to investments in the securities of other investment companies or securities of the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities.

 

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For purposes of Investment Limitation No. 1, collateral arrangements with respect to, if applicable, the writing of options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, forward currency contracts and collateral arrangements with respect to initial and variation margin are not deemed to be a pledge of assets and neither such arrangements nor the purchase or sale of futures or related options are deemed to be the issuance of a senior security for purposes of Investment Limitation No. 2. Neither the purchase nor the sale of futures or related options will be deemed to be the issuance of senior securities because such transactions will be covered by the segregation of cash or liquid assets or by other means in compliance with applicable SEC guidance.

 

In addition to the fundamental investment limitations specified above, the Fund is subject to the following non-fundamental limitations. These non-fundamental restrictions may be changed without shareholder approval, in compliance with applicable law and regulatory policy. The Fund may not:

 

1. Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management, but investments by the Fund in wholly-owned investment entities created under the laws of certain countries will not be deemed the making of investments for the purpose of exercising control or management; or

 

2. Purchase securities on margin, except that the Fund may use margin to the extent necessary to engage in short sales and may obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of portfolio transactions; and provided that margin deposits in connection with options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, transactions in currencies or other derivative instruments shall not constitute purchasing securities on margin.

 

3. Hold illiquid securities in an amount exceeding, in the aggregate, 15% of the Fund’s net assets.

 

The Fund may invest in securities issued by other investment companies within the limits prescribed by the 1940 Act. As a shareholder of another investment company, the Fund would bear, along with other shareholders, its pro rata portion of the other investment company’s expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses would be in addition to the advisory and other expenses that the Fund bears directly in connection with its own operations.

 

Securities held by the Fund generally may not be purchased from, sold or loaned to the Adviser or its affiliates or any of their directors, officers or employees, acting as principal, unless pursuant to a rule or exemptive order under the 1940 Act. Neither the Company nor the Adviser has obtained such an exemptive order.

 

If a percentage restriction under the Fund’s investment policies or limitations or the use of assets is adhered to at the time a transaction is effected, later changes in percentages resulting from changing values will not be considered a violation (except with respect to any restrictions that may apply to borrowings or senior securities issued by the Fund).

 

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

The Company has adopted, on behalf of the Fund, a policy relating to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio securities to ensure that disclosure of information about portfolio holdings is in the best interest of Fund shareholders. The policies relating to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio securities are designed to allow disclosure of portfolio holdings information where necessary to the Fund’s operation without compromising the integrity or performance of the Fund. It is the policy of the Company that disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings to a select person or persons prior to the release of such holdings to the public (“selective disclosure”) is prohibited, unless there are legitimate business purposes for selective disclosure.

 

The Company discloses portfolio holdings information as required in regulatory filings and shareholder reports, discloses portfolio holdings information as required by federal and state securities laws and may disclose portfolio holdings information in response to requests by governmental authorities. As required by the federal securities laws, including the 1940 Act, the Company will disclose the Fund’s portfolio holdings in applicable regulatory filings, including shareholder reports, reports on Form N-CSR and Form N-Q or such other filings, reports or disclosure documents as the applicable regulatory authorities may require.

 

The Company may distribute or authorize the distribution of information about the Fund’s portfolio holdings that is not publicly available to its third-party service providers of the Company, which include U.S. Bank National Association, the custodian; U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“USBFS”), the administrator, accounting agent and transfer agent; Tait, Weller & Baker LLP, the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm; Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, legal counsel; FilePoint, the financial printer; and Institutional Shareholder Services, the Fund’s proxy voting service. These service providers are required to keep such information confidential, and are prohibited from trading based on the information or otherwise using the information except as necessary in providing services to the Fund. Such holdings are released on conditions of confidentiality, which include appropriate trading prohibitions. “Conditions of confidentiality” include confidentiality terms included in written agreements, implied by the nature of the relationship (e.g. attorney-client relationship), or required by fiduciary or regulatory principles (e.g., custody services provided by financial institutions). Portfolio holdings may also be provided earlier to shareholders and their agents who receive redemptions in kind that reflect a pro rata allocation of all securities held in the Fund’s portfolio.

 

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Portfolio holdings may also be disclosed, upon authorization by a designated officer of the Adviser, to certain independent reporting agencies recognized by the SEC as acceptable agencies for the reporting of industry statistical information. Disclosures to financial consultants are also subject to a confidentiality agreement and/or trading restrictions as well as a 15-day time lag. The foregoing disclosures are made pursuant to the Company’s policy on selective disclosure of portfolio holdings. The Board of Directors of the Company or a committee thereof may, in limited circumstances, permit other selective disclosure of portfolio holdings subject to a confidentiality agreement and/or trading restrictions. Portfolio holdings may also be provided earlier to shareholders and their agents who receive redemptions in kind that reflect a pro rata allocation of all securities held in the Fund’s portfolio.

 

The Adviser reserves the right to refuse to fulfill any request for portfolio holdings information from a shareholder or non-shareholder if it believes that providing such information will be contrary to the best interests of the Fund.

 

The Board of Directors provides ongoing oversight of the Company’s policies and procedures and compliance with such policies and procedures. As part of this oversight function, the Board of Directors receives from the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) as necessary, reports on compliance with these policies and procedures. In addition, the Board of Directors receives an annual assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of the policies and procedures with respect to the Fund, and any changes thereto, and an annual review of the operation of the policies and procedures. Any violations of the policy set forth above as well as any corrective action undertaken to address such violations must be reported by the Adviser, director, officer or third party service provider to the Company’s CCO, who will determine whether the violation should be reported immediately to the Board of Directors of the Company or at its next quarterly Board meeting.

 

MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the oversight of the Board, subject to the laws of the State of Maryland and the Company’s Charter. The Directors are responsible for deciding matters of overall policy and overseeing the actions of the Company’s service providers. The officers of the Company conduct and supervise the Company’s daily business operations.

 

Directors who are not deemed to be “interested persons” of the Company as defined in the 1940 Act are referred to as “Independent Directors.” Directors who are deemed to be “interested persons” of the Company are referred to as “Interested Directors.” The Board is currently composed of seven Independent Directors and one Interested Director. The Board has selected Arnold M. Reichman, an Independent Director, to act as Chairman. Mr. Reichman’s duties include presiding at meetings of the Board and interfacing with management to address significant issues that may arise between regularly scheduled Board and Committee meetings. In the performance of his duties, Mr. Reichman will consult with the other Independent Directors and the Company’s officers and legal counsel, as appropriate. The Chairman may perform other functions as requested by the Board from time to time.

 

The Board meets as often as necessary to discharge its responsibilities. Currently, the Board conducts regular, in-person meetings at least four times a year, and holds special in-person or telephonic meetings as necessary to address specific issues that require attention prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting. The Board also relies on professionals, such as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firms and legal counsel, to assist the Directors in performing their oversight responsibilities.

 

23  

 

The Board has established nine standing committees — Audit, Contract, Executive, Investment Risk, Nominating and Governance, Product Development, Regulatory Oversight, Strategic Oversight, and Valuation Committees. The Board may establish other committees, or nominate one or more Directors to examine particular issues related to the Board’s oversight responsibilities, from time to time. Each Committee meets periodically to perform its delegated oversight functions and reports its findings and recommendations to the Board. For more information on the Committees, see the section “Standing Board Committees,” below.

 

The Board has determined that the Company’s leadership structure is appropriate because it allows the Board to effectively perform its oversight responsibilities.

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below.

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company  

Term of
Office and
Length of
Time
Served 1  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years  

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 84

Director 1988 to present From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications). 29 AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

J. Richard Carnall
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 79

Director 2002 to present Since 1984, Director of Haydon Bolts, Inc. (bolt manufacturer) and Parkway Real Estate Company (subsidiary of Haydon Bolts, Inc.); since 2004, Director of Cornerstone Bank. 29 None

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 51

 

Director 2012 to present

Since 2009, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services); from 2003-2009, Managing Director, head of Business Services and IT Services Practice, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC (investment banking/brokerage). 

29

Emtec, Inc.; FS Investment Corporation (business development company); FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company).

 

24  

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company  

Term of
Office and
Length of
Time
Served 1  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years  

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 74

Director 2006 to present Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations. 29

Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company)(until September 2017); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios)(registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance).

Sam Lambroza

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 63

Director 2016 to present Since 2010, Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer and Board Member, Tinsel Group of Companies (asset management). 29 None

Arnold M. Reichman
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 69

Chairman

 

Director

2005 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2006, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Lifebooker, LLC (online beauty and health appointment booking service).

29 Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 76

Director 2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

29

Reich and Tang Group (asset management).

 

 

INTERESTED DIRECTOR 2
Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 79

Vice Chairman

 

Director

2016 to present  

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Director – Investments and prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

29 None

 

25  

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company  

Term of
Office and
Length of
Time
Served 1  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years  

OFFICERS

Salvatore Faia, JD,
CPA, CFE
Vigilant Compliance, LLC
Gateway Corporate
Center Suite 216
223 Wilmington West
Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 55

President

 

Chief Compliance Officer

2009 to present

 

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

N/A N/A

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 57

 

 

Treasurer and Secretary

 

Assistant Treasurer

2016 to present

 

 

2005-2016

Since 2016, Treasurer and Secretary of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A N/A

Robert Amweg
Vigilant Compliance, LLC

Gateway Corporate Center Suite 216
223 Wilmington West Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 64

Assistant Treasurer

2016 to present Since 2013, Compliance Director, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2012, Consultant to the financial services industry; from 2007 to 2012, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, Turner Investments, LP (registered investment company). N/A N/A

Jesse Schmitting

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 35

Assistant Treasurer 2016 to present Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm) (2008-present). N/A N/A

Edward Paz

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 46

Assistant Secretary

 

 

2016 to present

Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm) (2007- present)

N/A N/A

 

26  

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company  

Term of
Office and
Length of
Time
Served 1  

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years  

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 58

Assistant
Secretary
1999 to present Since 1993, Partner, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm). N/A N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann

One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 38

Assistant
Secretary
2017 to present Since 2017, Partner, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm); Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (2006 to present). N/A N/A

 

 

* Each Director oversees twenty-nine portfolios of the Company.

1. Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his successor is elected and qualified or his death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board of Directors until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

2. Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Carnall has decades of senior executive-level management experience in the banking and financial services industry and also serves on the boards of various corporations and a bank. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Mr. Lambroza has decades of experience and executive level leadership in the energy trading industry in addition to his experience in academia.

 

Standing Committees

 

The responsibilities of each Committee of the Board and its members are described below.

 

Audit Committee. The Board has an Audit Committee comprised of three Independent Directors. The current members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Brodsky, Chandler and Giordano. The Audit Committee, among other things, reviews results of the annual audit and approves the firm(s) to serve as independent auditors. The Audit Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

27  

 

Contract Committee. The Board has a Contract Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Contract Committee are Messrs. Brodsky, Chandler, Sablowsky and Straniere. The Contract Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the approval and continuation of agreements and plans of the Company. The Contract Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Executive Committee. The Board has an Executive Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Executive Committee are Messrs. Chandler, Giordano, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Executive Committee may generally carry on and manage the business of the Company when the Board is not in session. The Executive Committee did not meet during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Investment Risk Committee. The Board has an Investment Risk Committee comprised of the Interested Director and two Independent Directors. The current members of the Investment Risk Committee are Messrs. Lambroza, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Investment Risk Committee ensures that the Company’s investment advisers have adopted investment risk management policies and procedures. The Investment Risk Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Nominating and Governance Committee. The Board has a Nominating and Governance Committee comprised of three Independent Directors. The current members of the Nominating and Governance Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Giordano and Reichman. The Nominating and Governance Committee recommends to the Board all persons to be nominated as Directors of the Company. The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders. Recommendations should be submitted to the Committee care of the Company’s Secretary. The Nominating and Governance Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Product Development Committee. The Board has a Product Development Committee comprised of the Interested Director and one Independent Director. The current members of the Product Development Committee are Messrs. Reichman and Sablowsky. The Product Development Committee oversees the process regarding the addition of new investment advisers and investment products to the Company. The Product Development Committee convened six times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Regulatory Oversight Committee. The Board has a Regulatory Oversight Committee comprised of the Interested Director and four Independent Directors. The current members of the Regulatory Oversight Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Lambroza, Reichman, Sablowsky and Straniere. The Regulatory Oversight Committee monitors regulatory developments in the mutual fund industry and focuses on various regulatory aspects of the operation of the Company. The Regulatory Oversight Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Strategic Oversight Committee. The Board has a Strategic Oversight Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Strategic Oversight Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Chandler, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Strategic Oversight Committee assists the Board in its oversight and review of the Company’s strategic plan and operations. The Strategic Oversight Committee convened one time during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Valuation Committee. The Board has a Valuation Committee comprised of the Interested Director, one Independent Director and three officers of the Company. The members of the Valuation Committee are Messrs. Amweg, Faia, Lambroza, Sablowsky and Shaw. The Valuation Committee is responsible for reviewing fair value determinations. The Valuation Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

28  

 

Risk Oversight

 

The Board performs its risk oversight function for the Company through a combination of (1) direct oversight by the Board as a whole and Board committees and (2) indirect oversight through the Company’s investment advisers and other service providers, Company officers and the Company’s CCO. The Company is subject to a number of risks, including but not limited to investment risk, compliance risk, operational risk, reputational risk, credit risk and counterparty risk. Day-to-day risk management with respect to the Company is the responsibility of the Company’s investment advisers or other service providers (depending on the nature of the risk) that carry out the Company’s investment management and business affairs. Each of the investment advisers and the other service providers have their own independent interest in risk management and their policies and methods of risk management will depend on their functions and business models and may differ from the Company’s and each other’s in the setting of priorities, the resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls.

 

The Board provides risk oversight by receiving and reviewing on a regular basis reports from the Company’s investment advisers or other service providers, receiving and approving compliance policies and procedures, periodic meetings with the Company’s portfolio managers to review investment policies, strategies and risks, and meeting regularly with the Company’s CCO to discuss compliance reports, findings and issues. The Board also relies on the Company’s investment advisers and other service providers, with respect to the day-to-day activities of the Company, to create and maintain procedures and controls to minimize risk and the likelihood of adverse effects on the Company’s business and reputation.

 

Board oversight of risk management is also provided by various Board Committees. For example, the Audit Committee meets with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firms to ensure that the Company’s respective audit scopes include risk-based considerations as to the Company’s financial position and operations.

 

The Board may, at any time and in its discretion, change the manner in which it conducts risk oversight. The Board’s oversight role does not make the Board a guarantor of the Company’s investments or activities.

 

29  

 

Director Ownership of Shares of the Company

 

The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Director in all of the portfolios of the Company (which for each Director comprise all registered investment companies within the Company’s family of investment companies overseen by him), as of December 31, 2016.

 

Name of Director

Dollar Range of

Equity Securities in the Fund

Aggregate Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in All
Registered Investment Companies
Overseen by Director within the
Family of Investment Companies

  INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS  
Julian A. Brodsky None Over $100,000
J. Richard Carnall None $10,001-$50,000
Gregory P. Chandler None $1-$10,000
Nicholas A. Giordano None $10,001-$50,000
Sam Lambroza None Over $100,000
Arnold M. Reichman None Over $100,000
Robert A. Straniere None $1-$10,000
  INTERESTED DIRECTOR  
Robert Sablowsky None Over $100,000

 

Directors’ and Officers’ Compensation

 

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company pays each Director a retainer at the rate of $100,000 annually, $10,000 for each regular meeting of the Board, $3,500 for each committee meeting attended in-person, and $2,000 for each committee meeting attended telephonically or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each receive an additional fee of $15,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Contract Committee receives an additional fee of $10,000 per year for his services, and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee and Chairman of the Investment Risk Committee each receive an additional fee of $7,500 per year for his services. The Vice Chairman of the Board receives an additional fee of $25,000 per year for his services in this capacity and the Chairman of the Board receives an additional fee of $50,000 per year for his services in this capacity.

 

30  

 

From January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017, the Company paid each Director a retainer at the rate of $100,000 annually, $5,000 for each regular meeting of the Board, $2,500 for each committee meeting attended in-person, and $2,000 for each committee meeting attended telephonically or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each received an additional fee of $15,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Contract Committee received an additional fee of $10,000 for his services and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee received an additional fee of $7,500 for his services. Effective June 1, 2017, the Chairman of the Investment Risk Committee received an additional fee of $7,500 for his services. The Vice Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $25,000 for his services in this capacity and the Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $50,000 for his services in this capacity.

 

From January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016, the Company paid each Director a retainer at the rate of $85,000 annually, $3,500 for each regular meeting of the Board, and $2,000 for each committee meeting or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each received an additional fee of $10,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Chairman of the Contract Committee each received an additional fee of $6,000 per year for his services. The Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $25,000 per year for his services in this capacity.

 

Each compensated Director is entitled to participate in the Company’s deferred compensation plan (the “DC Plan”). Under the DC Plan, a compensated Director may elect to defer all or a portion of his compensation and have the deferred compensation treated as if it had been invested by the Company in shares of one or more of the portfolios of the Company. The amount paid to the Directors under the DC Plan will be determined based upon the performance of such investments.

 

As of December 31, 2016, the Independent Directors and their respective immediate family members (spouse or dependent children) did not own beneficially or of record any securities of the Company’s investment advisers or distributor, or of any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment advisers or distributor.

 

Directors are reimbursed for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board or any committee thereof. Employees of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serve as President, Chief Compliance Officer, and Assistant Treasurer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company, and such compensation is determined by the Board. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, Vigilant Compliance LLC received $0 from the Fund and $600,000 in aggregate from all series of the Company for services provided. An employee of the Company serves as Treasurer and Secretary and is compensated for services provided. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, each of the following members of the Board and the Treasurer and Secretary received compensation from the Company in the following amounts:

 

Name of Director/Officer Aggregate
Compensation
from the Fund

Pension or
Retirement
Benefits

Accrued

Estimated
Annual
Benefits
Upon
Retirement

Total
Compensation
From
Fund Complex
Paid to
Directors
or Officer

Independent Directors:        
Julian A. Brodsky, Director $0 N/A N/A $130,250
J. Richard Carnall, Director $0 N/A N/A $128,250
Gregory P. Chandler, Director $0 N/A N/A $151,000
Nicholas A. Giordano, Director $0 N/A N/A $132,875
Sam Lambroza, Director $0 N/A N/A $133,375
Arnold M. Reichman, Director and Chairman $0 N/A N/A $175,500
Robert A. Straniere, Director $0 N/A N/A $130,750
Interested Director:        
Robert Sablowsky, Director $0 N/A N/A $173,750
Officer:        
James G. Shaw, Treasurer and Secretary $0 N/A N/A $240,000

 

31  

 

CODE OF ETHICS

 

The Company and the Adviser have each adopted a code of ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act that permits personnel subject to the codes to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Company, subject to certain restrictions.

 

PROXY VOTING

 

The Board of Directors has delegated the responsibility of voting proxies with respect to the portfolio securities purchased and/or held by the Fund to the Adviser, subject to the Board’s continuing oversight. In exercising its voting obligations, the Adviser is guided by its general fiduciary duty to act prudently and in the interest of the Fund. The Adviser will consider factors affecting the value of the Fund’s investments and the rights of shareholders in its determination on voting portfolio securities.

 

The Adviser has adopted proxy voting procedures with respect to voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Fund. The Adviser employs a third party service provider, Institutional Shareholder Services, to assist in the voting of proxies. These procedures have been provided to the service provider, who analyzes the proxies and makes recommendations, based on the Adviser’s policy, as to how to vote such proxies. A copy of the Adviser’s Proxy Voting Guidelines is included with this SAI. Please see Appendix B to this SAI for further information.

 

Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent 12- month period ended June 30 is available, without charge, upon request, by calling 1-855-467-4632 (855-4ORINDA) or by visiting the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov .

 

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

 

As of November 30, 2017, the entity listed below was a principal shareholder and control person of the Fund. To the Company’s knowledge, the following named persons at the addresses shown below were owners of record of approximately 5% or more of the total outstanding shares of the Fund as indicated below. See “Additional Information Concerning Company Shares” below. Any shareholder that owns 25% or more of the outstanding shares of a portfolio or class may be presumed to “control” (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) the portfolio or class. Shareholders controlling a portfolio or class could have the ability to vote a majority of the shares of the portfolio or class on any matter requiring approval of the shareholders of the portfolio or class.

 

32  

 

 

Class Shareholder and Address Percentage of
Class Owned

Class I

 

 

TD Ameritrade, Inc.*

For the Exclusive Benefit of its Clients

P.O. Box 2226

Omaha, NE 68103-2226

31.77%
 

Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.*

FBO Its Customers

211 Main St.

San Francisco, CA 94105-1905

24.08%
 

Pershing LLC*

P.O. Box 2052

Jersey City, NJ 07303-2052

15.13%
 

LPL Financial*

Omnibus Customer Account

4707 Executive Drive

San Diego, CA 92121-3091

15.11%
 

National Financial Services LLC*

FBO Various Clients

200 Liberty Street

New York, NY 10281

10.34%

Class A

 

 

TD Ameritrade, Inc.*

For the Exclusive Benefit of its Clients

P.O. Box 2226

Omaha, NE 68103-2226

55.52%
 

LPL Financial*

Omnibus Customer Account

4707 Executive Drive

San Diego, CA 92121-3091

16.61%
 

National Financial Services LLC*

FBO Various Clients

200 Liberty Street

New York, NY 10281

11.22%
 

Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.*

FBO Its Customers

211 Main St.

San Francisco, CA 94105-1905

7.45%
 

Pershing LLC*

P.O. Box 2052

Jersey City, NJ 07303-2052

6.22%

Class D

 

 

National Financial Services LLC*

FBO Various Clients

200 Liberty Street

New York, NY 10281

35.12%
 

Pershing LLC*

P.O. Box 2052

Jersey City, NJ 07303-2052

27.83%
 

LPL Financial*

Omnibus Customer Account

4707 Executive Drive

San Diego, CA 92121-3091

21.54%

 

* The Company believes that this entity, the holder of record of these shares, is not the beneficial owner of such shares.

 

As of December 1, 2017, Directors and Officers as a group owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.

 

33  

 

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES

 

Investment Adviser

 

The Adviser is located at 4 Orinda Way, Suite 150-A, Orinda, California 94563 and acts as investment adviser to the Fund pursuant to an investment advisory agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with the Company. The Adviser is majority owned and controlled by Orinda Investment Partners, LLC, an investment partnership, which is controlled by Paul Gray due to his greater than 25% ownership of the voting securities of Orinda Investment Partners, LLC.

 

The Adviser has investment discretion for the Fund and will make all decisions affecting the assets of the Fund under the supervision of the Company’s Board of Directors and in accordance with the Fund’s stated policies. The Adviser will select investments for the Fund.

 

Subject to the supervision of the Company’s Board of Directors, the Adviser will provide for the overall management of the Fund, including (i) the provision of a continuous investment program for the Fund, including investment research and management with respect to all securities, investments, cash and cash equivalents, (ii) the determination from time to time of what securities and other investments will be purchased, retained or sold by the Fund, and (iii) the placement from time to time of orders for all purchases and sales made for the Fund. The Adviser will provide the services rendered by it in accordance with the Fund’s investment goals, restrictions and policies as stated in the Prospectus and in this SAI.

 

For its services to the Fund under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser is entitled to receive a monthly advisory fee computed at an annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees to the extent necessary to maintain an annualized expense ratio (excluding certain items noted below) of 1.40%, 1.70%, and 2.40%, for the Fund’s Class I, Class A and Class D, respectively.

 

This limit is calculated daily based on the Fund’s average daily net assets. This limitation is effected in the waiver of advisory fees and reimbursements of expenses exceeding the advisory fee as necessary. The contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2018 and may not be terminated without approval of the Board.

 

For the fiscal periods shown in the table below, the Fund and/or the Predecessor Fund paid the following management fees to the Adviser * :

 

34  

 

 

Six Month
Period Ended
August 31, 2017 **

Fiscal Year
Ended
February 28, 2017

Fiscal Year
Ended
February 29, 2016

Fiscal Year
Ended
February 28, 2015

Accrued Management Fees * $1,593,790 $2,612,651 $2,321,448 $1,800,065
Management Fees Waived by Adviser $0 $0 $0 $0
Management Fees Recouped by Adviser $0 $0 $0 $95,724
Net Management Fees Paid to Adviser $1,593,790 $2,612,651 $2,321,448 $1,895,789

 

* Management fees paid to the Adviser for services provided from May 1, 2017 and thereafter were paid by the Fund. Management fees incurred during periods prior to May 1, 2017 were paid by the Predecessor Fund. The Adviser was entitled to management fees at the annual rate of 1.00% of the Predecessor Fund’s average daily net assets.

** The Fund changed its fiscal year end to August 31.

 

The Fund bears its own expenses not specifically assumed by the Adviser. General expenses of the Company not readily identifiable as belonging to a portfolio of the Company are allocated among all investment portfolios by or under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors in such manner as it deems to be fair and equitable. Expenses borne by a portfolio include, but are not limited to the expenses listed in the Prospectus and the following (or a portfolio’s share of the following): (a) the cost (including brokerage commissions) of securities purchased or sold by a portfolio and any losses incurred in connection therewith; (b) fees payable to and expenses incurred on behalf of a portfolio by the Adviser; (c) any costs, expenses or losses arising out of a liability of or claim for damages or other relief asserted against the Company or a portfolio for violation of any law; (d) any extraordinary expenses; (e) fees, voluntary assessments and other expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; (f) the cost of investment company literature and other publications provided by the Company to its Directors and officers; (g) organizational costs; (h) fees to the investment advisers and USBFS; (i) fees and expenses of officers and Directors who are not affiliated with a portfolio’s investment adviser or Quasar Distributors, LLC (“Quasar”); (j) taxes; (k) interest; (l) legal fees; (m) custodian fees; (n) auditing fees; (o) brokerage fees and commissions; (p) certain of the fees and expenses of registering and qualifying the portfolios and their shares for distribution under federal and state securities laws; (q) expenses of preparing prospectuses and statements of additional information and distributing annually to existing shareholders that are not attributable to a particular class of shares of the Company; (r) the expense of reports to shareholders, shareholders’ meetings and proxy solicitations that are not attributable to a particular class of shares of the Company; (s) fidelity bond and directors’ and officers’ liability insurance premiums; (t) the expense of using independent pricing services; and (u) other expenses which are not expressly assumed by a portfolio’s investment adviser under its advisory agreement with the portfolio.

 

Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser will not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund or the Company in connection with the performance of the Advisory 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 Adviser in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard of its duties and obligations thereunder. The Advisory Agreement was approved on November 17, 2016, for an initial two-year term by a vote of the Board of Directors of the Company, including a majority of those Directors who are not parties to the Advisory Agreement or “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of such parties. The Advisory Agreement is terminable by vote of the Company’s Board of Directors or by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, at any time without penalty, on 60 days’ written notice to the Adviser. The Advisory Agreement may also be terminated by the Adviser on 60 days’ written notice to the Company. The Advisory Agreement terminates automatically in the event of assignment thereof.

 

Portfolio Managers

 

Description of Compensation. As of the date of this SAI, Mr. Gray is a principal of Orinda and as such is compensated with a fixed salary, participation in Orinda’s retirement plan. Messrs. Rowe and Goltra are each compensated with a fixed salary, a discretionary bonus and participation in Orinda’s retirement plan. Mr. Gray and Mr. Goltra are equity partners in Orinda, and share in the firm’s profits.

 

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Other Accounts. The table below discloses accounts, other than the Fund, for which each Portfolio Manager is primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management, as of August 31, 2017.

 

Name of Portfolio Manager
or Team Member

Type of Accounts

Total
# of
Accounts
Managed

Total Assets
($mm)

# of Accounts
Managed that
Advisory Fee
Based on
Performance

Total Assets
that Advisory
Fee Based on
Performance
($mm)

1. Paul Gray Other Registered Investment        
  Companies: 0 $0 0 $0
  Other Pooled Investment        
  Vehicles: 2 $30 million 2 $30 million
  Other Accounts: 0 $0 0 $0
2. Joshua Rowe Other Registered Investment        
  Companies: 0 $0 0 $0
  Other Pooled Investment        
  Vehicles: 0 $0 0 $0
  Other Accounts: 0 $0 0 $0
3. Ian Goltra Other Registered Investment        
  Companies: 0 $0 0 $0
  Other Pooled Investment        
  Vehicles: 0 $0 0 $0
  Other Accounts: 0 $0 0 $0

 

Conflict of Interest. The Adviser seeks to identify all potential conflicts of interest applicable to its business that may affect its clients and to treat all clients and accounts fairly and equitably.

 

The Adviser provides investment related services to multiple client accounts. In particular, the portfolio managers may manage both mutual funds or other “traditional” accounts and private funds or other accounts that may pay performance fees, may be beneficially owned, in whole or in part by the Adviser or its personnel, and/or may be able to utilize certain strategies (e.g., short selling) not available to mutual funds and other traditional accounts. In those circumstances, the Adviser’s economic interests may conflict with its fiduciary duty to all accounts based on the fees and compensation paid by, or differential ownership interests in, such accounts. The Adviser uses a non-preferential allocation system with allocations determined prior to orders being executed. While the Adviser expects that it will perform its responsibilities in accordance with its fiduciary duties and not allow such conflicts to influence that performance, the Adviser recognizes the potential conflicts of interest associated with managing private funds and other accounts on one hand, and more traditional accounts, such as mutual funds, on the other. In order to identify and mitigate such conflicts, the Adviser has adopted and maintains compliance policies and procedures and believes that these policies are, for the most part, sufficient to reasonably address such conflicts of interests.

 

Securities Ownership . As of August 31, 2017, the portfolio managers beneficially owned shares of the Fund as follows:

 

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Portfolio Manager

Dollar Range of Equity Securities owned in the Fund
(None, $1-$10,000, $10,001-$50,000, $50,001-$100,000, $100,001 - $500,000,
$500,001 - $1,000,000, Over $1,000,000)

Paul Gray $500,001 - $1,000,000
Joshua Rowe $10,001-$50,000
Ian Goltra $100,001 - $500,000

 

Custodian Agreement

 

U.S. Bank National Association, located at 1555 North River Center Drive, Suite 302, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212 (the “Custodian”), is custodian of the Fund’s assets pursuant to a custodian agreement (the “Custodian Agreement”). Under the Custodian Agreement, the Custodian: (a) maintains a separate account or accounts in the name of the Fund; (b) holds and transfers portfolio securities on account of the Fund; (c) accepts receipts and makes disbursements of money on behalf of the Fund; (d) collects and receives all income and other payments and distributions on account of the Fund’s portfolio securities; and (e) makes periodic reports to the Company’s Board of Directors concerning the Fund’s operations. The Custodian is authorized to select one or more banks or trust companies to serve as sub-custodian on behalf of the Fund, provided that the Custodian remains responsible for the performance of all of its duties under the Custodian Agreement and holds the Fund harmless from the acts and omissions of any sub-custodian. For its services to the Fund under the Custodian Agreement, the Custodian receives a fee based on the Fund’s average daily gross assets calculated daily and payable monthly, or a minimum monthly fee for the Fund, exclusive of transaction charges and out-of-pocket expenses, which are also charged to the Fund.

 

Transfer Agency Agreement

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, (“USBFS”) 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, serves as the transfer and dividend disbursing agent for the Fund pursuant to a transfer agency agreement (the “Transfer Agency Agreement”), under which USBFS: (a) issues and redeems shares of the Fund; (b) addresses and mails all communications by the Fund to record owners of the shares, including reports to shareholders, dividend and distribution notices and proxy materials for its meetings of shareholders; (c) maintains shareholder accounts and, if requested, sub-accounts; and (d) makes periodic reports to the Company’s Board of Directors concerning the operations of the Fund. USBFS may, on 30 days’ notice to the Company, assign its duties as transfer and dividend disbursing agent to any other affiliate of USBFS For its services to the Fund under the Transfer Agency Agreement, USBFS receives an annual fee based on the number of accounts in the Fund, subject to a minimum fee payable monthly on a pro rata basis, and also receives reimbursement of its out-of-pocket expenses.

 

USBFS also provides services relating to the implementation of the Company’s Anti-Money Laundering Program. The Company pays an annual fee based on the number of open accounts in each portfolio of the Company. In addition, USBFS provides services relating to the implementation of the Fund’s Customer Identification Program, including verification of required customer information and the maintenance of records with respect to such verification. The Fund will pay USBFS a fee for each customer verified and a monthly fee for each record result maintained.

 

Administration and Accounting Agreement

 

USBFS serves as administrator to the Fund pursuant to an administration and accounting services agreement (the “Administration Agreement”). USBFS has agreed to furnish to the Fund statistical and research data, clerical, accounting and bookkeeping services, and certain other services required by the Fund. In addition, USBFS has agreed to prepare and file various reports with the appropriate regulatory agencies and prepare materials required by the SEC or any state securities commission having jurisdiction over the Fund. The Administration Agreement provides that USBFS shall be obligated to exercise care and diligence in the performance of its duties, to act in good faith and to use its best efforts, within reasonable limits, in performing services thereunder. USBFS shall be responsible for failure to perform its duties under the Administration Agreement arising out of its willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard.

 

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The Administration Agreement provides that USBFS shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or any loss suffered by the Company or the Fund in connection with the performance of the agreement, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard by it of its duties and obligations thereunder.

 

The Fund and/or the Predecessor Fund paid the following fees to USBFS for fund administration and fund accounting services during the fiscal periods shown below * :

 

Six Month Period
Ended August 31, 2017 **
Fiscal Year Ended
February 28, 2017
Fiscal Year Ended
February 29, 2016
Fiscal Year Ended
February 28, 2015
$109,870 $281,029 $270,516 $229,708

 

* Fees paid to USBFS for services provided from May 1, 2017 and thereafter were paid by the Fund. Fees incurred during periods prior to May 1, 2017 were paid by the Predecessor Fund.

** The Fund changed its fiscal year end to August 31.

 

DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENTS

 

Distribution Agreement

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), whose principal business address is 777 East Wisconsin Avenue, Floor 6, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, serves as the underwriter to the Fund pursuant to a distribution agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”). The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). The Distributor, USBFS, and the Custodian are affiliates.

 

Under a Distribution Agreement with the Company, the Distributor acts as the agent of the Company in connection with the continuous offering of shares of the Fund. The Distributor continually distributes shares of the Fund on a best efforts basis. The Distributor has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of Fund shares. The Distributor and its officers have no role in determining the investment policies or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Company.

 

The Distributor may enter into agreements with selected broker-dealers, banks or other financial intermediaries for distribution of shares of the Fund. With respect to certain financial intermediaries and related fund “supermarket” platform arrangements, the Fund and/or the Adviser, rather than the Distributor, typically enter into such agreements. These financial intermediaries may charge a fee for their services and may receive shareholder service or other fees from parties other than the Distributor. These financial intermediaries may otherwise act as processing agents and are responsible for promptly transmitting purchase, redemption and other requests to the Fund.

 

Investors who purchase shares through financial intermediaries will be subject to the procedures of those intermediaries through which they purchase shares, which may include charges, investment minimums, cutoff times and other restrictions in addition to, or different from, those listed herein. Information concerning any charges or services will be provided to customers by the financial intermediary through which they purchase shares. Investors purchasing shares of the Fund through financial intermediaries should acquaint themselves with their financial intermediary’s procedures and should read the Prospectus in conjunction with any materials and information provided by their financial intermediary. The financial intermediary, and not its customers, will be the shareholder of record, although customers may have the right to vote shares depending upon their arrangement with the financial intermediary. The Distributor does not receive compensation from the Fund for its distribution services. The Adviser pays the Distributor a fee for certain distribution-related services.

 

The Distribution Agreement has an initial term of up to two years and will continue in effect only if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by vote of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities in accordance with the 1940 Act. The Distribution Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Company on behalf of the Fund on no less than 60 days’ written notice when authorized either by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the members of the Board who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Company and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Distribution Agreement, or by the Distributor, and will automatically terminate in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act). The Distribution Agreement provides that the Distributor shall not be liable for any loss suffered by the Company in connection with the performance of the Distributor’s obligations and duties under the Distribution Agreement, except a loss resulting from the Distributor’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of such duties and obligations, or by reason of its reckless disregard thereof.

 

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Plan of Distribution

 

Class I Shares . Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor acts as the agent of the Company in connection with the continuous offering of the Fund’s shares. The Distributor continually distributes shares of the Fund on a best efforts basis. The Distributor has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of Fund shares. The Distributor and its officers have no role in determining the investment policies or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Company. The Distributor does not receive compensation from the Company for the distribution of the Fund’s Class I shares; however, the Adviser pays an annual fee to the Distributor as compensation for underwriting services rendered to the Fund pursuant to the Distribution Agreement.

 

Class A Shares and Class D Shares . Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement and the related Plans of Distribution for Class A Shares and Class D Shares (together, the “Plans”), which were adopted by the Company in the manner prescribed by Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, the Distributor will act as the agent of the Company in connection with the continuous offering for the sale of the Fund’s Class A Shares and Class D Shares. The Distributor continually distributes shares of the Fund on a best efforts basis. The Distributor has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of Fund shares. The Distributor and its officers have no role in determining the investment policies or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Company. Payments to the Distributor under the Plans are to compensate it for distribution assistance and expenses assumed and activities intended to result in the sale of Class A Shares and Class D Shares, including advertising, printing and mailing of prospectuses to others than current shareholders, compensation of underwriters, compensation to broker-dealers, compensation to sales personnel, and interest, carrying or other financing changes. As compensation for its distribution services, the Distributor receives, pursuant to the terms of the Distribution Agreement, a distribution fee under the Plans, to be calculated daily and paid monthly by the Class A Shares and Class D Shares of the Fund at the annual rates set forth in the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

Among other things, the Plans provide that: (1) the Distributor shall be required to submit quarterly reports to the Directors of the Company regarding all amounts expended under the Plans and the purposes for which such expenditures were made, including commissions, advertising, printing, interest, carrying charges and any allocated overhead expenses; (2) the Plans will continue in effect only so long as they are approved at least annually, and any material amendment thereto is approved, by the Company’s Directors, including a majority of those Directors who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plans or any agreements related to the Plans, acting in person at a meeting called for said purpose; (3) the aggregate amount to be spent by the Fund on the distribution of the Fund’s Class A Shares and Class D Shares under the respective Plans shall not be materially increased without shareholder approval; and (4) while the Plans remain in effect, the selection and nomination of the Company’s Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company (as defined in the 1940 Act) shall be committed to the discretion of such Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company.

 

Mr. Sablowsky, a Director of the Company, has an indirect interest in the operation of the Plans by virtue of his position with Oppenheimer Co., Inc., a broker-dealer.

 

For the fiscal year ended February 28, 2017, distribution-related expenditures primarily intended to result in the sale of the Predecessor Fund’s Class A and Class D shares that were made by the Predecessor Fund totaled $219,575 and $230,281, respectively. For the fiscal period from March 1, 2017 through August 31, 2017, distribution-related expenditures primarily intended to result in the sale of Class A and Class D shares that were made by the Fund and/or Predecessor Fund totaled $134,521 and $115,370, respectively. The following table shows the dollar amounts by category allocated to the Fund’s Class A and Class D shares for distribution-related expenses * :

 

39  

 

Class A

Actual 12b-1 Expenditures Paid by the Fund
  Total Dollars Allocated for the Six Month Period from March 1, 2017 through August 31, 2017 Total Dollars Allocated for Fiscal Year Ended February 28, 2017
Advertising/Marketing $0 $2,950
Printing/Postage $0 $0
Payment to distributor $0 $0
Payment to dealers $134,521 $216,625
Compensation to sales personnel $0 $0
Interest, carrying, or other financing charges $0 $0
Other $0 $0
Total $134,521 $219,575

 

Class D

Actual 12b-1 Expenditures Paid by the Fund
  Total Dollars Allocated for the Six Month Period from March 1, 2017 through August 31, 2017 Total Dollars Allocated for Fiscal Year Ended February 28, 2017
Advertising/Marketing $0 $2,950
Printing/Postage $0 $0
Payment to distributor $0 $0
Payment to dealers $115,370 $227,331
Compensation to sales personnel $0 $0
Interest, carrying, or other financing charges $0 $0
Other $0 $0
Total $115,370 $230,281

 

* Distribution-related expenses paid from May 1, 2017 and thereafter were paid by the Fund. Distribution-related expenses incurred during periods prior to May 1, 2017 were paid by the Predecessor Fund.

 

SHAREHOLDER SERVICING PLAN

 

In addition, the Board approved the implementation of a Shareholder Servicing Plan (the “Servicing Plan”) separate and distinct from the Plan, under which the Adviser will provide, or arrange for others to provide, certain specified shareholder services. As compensation for the provision of shareholder services, Class I shares of the Fund will pay the Adviser a monthly fee at an annual rate of up to 0.10% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. Class A and Class D shares of the Fund will pay the Adviser a monthly fee at an annual rate of up to 0.15% and 0.10%, respectively, of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The Adviser will pay certain banks, trust companies, broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries (each, a “Participating Organization”) out of the fees the Adviser receives from the Fund under the Servicing Plan to the extent that the Participating Organization performs shareholder servicing functions for the Fund’s shares owned by its customers.

 

40  

 

For the fiscal period shown below, the Fund and/or the Predecessor Fund paid the following Servicing Plan fees * :

 

 

Fiscal Six Month
Period Ended
August 31, 2017 **

Fiscal Year Ended
February 28, 2017
Fiscal Year Ended
February 29, 2016

Period Ended
February 28, 2015

Class I $90,399 $131,143 $120,061 $114,678
Class A $79,369 $121,457 $105,907 $70,180
Class D $8,113 $17,397 $10,324 $27,813

 

* Servicing Plan fees paid from May 1, 2017 and thereafter were paid by the Fund. Servicing Plan fees incurred during periods prior to May 1, 2017 were paid by the Predecessor Fund.

** The Fund changed its fiscal year end to August 31.

 

PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES

 

The Adviser and/or its affiliates, at their discretion, may make payments from their own resources and not from Fund assets to affiliated or unaffiliated brokers, dealers, banks (including bank trust departments), trust companies, registered investment advisers, financial planners, retirement plan administrators, insurance companies, and any other institution having a service, administration, or any similar arrangement with the Fund, its service providers or their respective affiliates, as incentives to help market and promote the Fund and/or in recognition of their distribution, marketing, administrative services, and/or processing support.

 

These additional payments may be made to financial intermediaries that sell Fund shares or provide services to the Fund, the Distributor or shareholders of the Fund through the financial intermediary’s retail distribution channel and/or fund supermarkets. Payments may also be made through the financial intermediary’s retirement, qualified tuition, fee-based advisory, wrap fee bank trust, or insurance (e.g., individual or group annuity) programs. These payments may include, but are not limited to, placing the Fund in a financial intermediary’s retail distribution channel or on a preferred or recommended fund list; providing business or shareholder financial planning assistance; educating financial intermediary personnel about the Fund; providing access to sales and management representatives of the financial intermediary; promoting sales of Fund shares; providing marketing and educational support; maintaining share balances and/or for sub-accounting, administrative or shareholder transaction processing services. A financial intermediary may perform the services itself or may arrange with a third party to perform the services.

 

The Adviser and/or its affiliates may also make payments from their own resources to financial intermediaries for costs associated with the purchase of products or services used in connection with sales and marketing, participation in and/or presentation at conferences or seminars, sales or training programs, client and investor entertainment and other sponsored events. The costs and expenses associated with these efforts may include travel, lodging, sponsorship at educational seminars and conferences, entertainment and meals to the extent permitted by law.

 

Revenue sharing payments may be negotiated based on a variety of factors, including the level of sales, the amount of Fund assets attributable to investments in the Fund by financial intermediaries’ customers, a flat fee or other measures as determined from time to time by the Adviser and/or its affiliates. A significant purpose of these payments is to increase the sales of Fund shares, which in turn may benefit the Adviser through increased fees as Fund assets grow.

 

FUND TRANSACTIONS

 

Subject to policies established by the Board of Directors and applicable rules, the Adviser is responsible for the execution of portfolio transactions and the allocation of brokerage transactions for the Fund. In executing portfolio transactions, the Adviser seeks to obtain the best price and most favorable execution for the Fund, taking into account such factors as the price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of the order, difficulty of execution and operational facilities of the firm involved. While the Adviser generally seeks reasonably competitive commission rates, payment of the lowest commission or spread is not necessarily consistent with obtaining the best price and execution in particular transactions.

 

41  

 

The Fund has no obligation to deal with any broker or group of brokers in the execution of portfolio transactions. The Adviser may, consistent with the interests of the Fund and subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, select brokers on the basis of the research, statistical and pricing services they provide to the Fund and other clients of the Adviser. Information and research received from such brokers will be in addition to, and not in lieu of, the services required to be performed by the Adviser under its contracts. A commission paid to such brokers may be higher than that which another qualified broker would have charged for effecting the same transaction, provided that the Adviser determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in terms either of the transaction or the overall responsibility of the Adviser to the Fund and its other clients and that the total commissions paid by the Fund will be reasonable in relation to the benefits to the Fund over the long-term.

 

Investment decisions for the Fund and for other investment accounts managed by the Adviser are made independently of each other in the light of differing conditions. However, the same investment decision may be made for two or more of such accounts. In such cases, simultaneous transactions are inevitable. Purchases or sales are then averaged as to price and allocated as to amount according to a formula deemed equitable to each such account. While in some cases this practice could have a detrimental effect upon the price or value of the security as far as the Fund is concerned, in other cases it is believed to be beneficial to the Fund.

 

For the fiscal periods shown below, the Fund and/or the Predecessor Fund paid brokerage commissions as follows * :

 

March 1, 2017 through
August 31, 2017 **
Fiscal Year Ended
February 28, 2017
Fiscal Year Ended
February 29, 2016
Fiscal Year Ended
February 28, 2015
$391,738 $1,604,972 $687,330 $370,582

 

* Brokerage commissions paid from May 1, 2017 and thereafter were paid by the Fund. Brokerage commissions incurred during periods prior to May 1, 2017 were paid by the Predecessor Fund.

** The Fund changed its fiscal year end to August 31.

 

The Fund experienced increased brokerage commissions paid for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2017, compared to the prior fiscal year ended February 29, 2016, due to an increase in net assets of the Fund.

 

The following table indicates the portion of the Fund’s aggregate brokerage for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2017 and the fiscal period ended August 31, 2017 (from the table above) that was directed to brokers who, in addition to providing trade execution, also supplied the Fund with research services * :

 

  Dollar Value of Securities Traded Related Soft Dollar Brokerage Commissions
Fiscal Six Month Period from March 1, 2017 through August 31, 2017 $1,031,801,569 $112,268
Fiscal Year Ended February 28, 2017 ** $1,449,704,302 $234,606

 

* Soft dollar brokerage commissions paid from May 1, 2017 and thereafter were paid by the Fund. Soft dollar brokerage commissions incurred during periods prior to May 1, 2017 were paid by the Predecessor Fund.

** The Fund changed its fiscal year end to August 31.

 

As of the fiscal period ended August 31, 2017, the Fund did not own securities of its “regular brokers or dealers” or their parents.

 

42  

 

PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION

 

You may purchase shares through an account maintained by your brokerage firm and you may also purchase shares directly by mail or wire. The Company reserves the right, if conditions exist that make cash payments undesirable, to honor any request for redemption or repurchase of the Fund’s shares by making payment in whole or in part in securities chosen by the Company and valued in the same way as they would be valued for purposes of computing the Fund’s NAV. If payment is made in securities, a shareholder may incur transaction costs in converting these securities into cash. A shareholder will also bear any market risk or tax consequences as a result of a payment in securities. The Company has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act so that the Fund is obligated to redeem its shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its NAV during any 90-day period for any one shareholder of the Fund. A shareholder will bear the risk of a decline in market value and any tax consequences associated with a redemption in securities.

 

Under the 1940 Act, the Company may suspend the right to redemption or postpone the date of payment upon redemption for any period during which the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the “NYSE”) is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings), or during which the SEC restricts trading on the NYSE or determines an emergency exists as a result of which disposal or valuation of portfolio securities is not reasonably practicable, or for such other periods as the SEC may permit. (The Company may also suspend or postpone the recordation of the transfer of its shares upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions).

 

Shares of the Company are subject to redemption by the Company, at the redemption price of such shares as in effect from time to time, including, without limitation: (1) to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of the failure of a shareholder to make full payment for shares purchased by the shareholder or to collect any charge relating to a transaction effected for the benefit of a shareholder as provided in the Prospectus from time to time; (2) if such redemption is, in the opinion of the Company’s Board of Directors, desirable in order to prevent the Company or the Fund from being deemed a “personal holding company” within the meaning of the Code; or (3) if the net income with respect to any particular class of common stock should be negative or it should otherwise be appropriate to carry out the Company’s responsibilities under the 1940 Act.

 

The Fund has the right to redeem your shares at current NAV at any time and without prior notice if, and to the extent that, such redemption is necessary to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of your failure to make full payment for shares of the Fund you previously purchased or subscribed for.

 

Automatic Investment Plan

 

The Automatic Investment Plan enables investors to make regular (monthly or quarterly) investments in shares of the Fund through an automatic withdrawal from your designated bank account by simply completing the Automatic Investment Plan application. Please call the Transfer Agent at 1-855-467-4632 (855-4ORINDA) to enroll. By completing the enrollment form, you authorize the Fund’s Custodian to periodically draw money from your designated account, and to invest such amounts in account(s) with the fund(s) specified.

 

If you elect the Automatic Investment Plan, please be aware that: (1) the privilege may be revoked without prior notice if any check is not paid upon presentation; (2) the Fund’s Custodian is under no obligation to notify you as to the non-payment of any check, and (3) this service may be modified or discontinued by the Fund’s Custodian upon 5 business days’ written notice to you prior to any payment date, or may be discontinued by you by written notice to the Transfer Agent at least five (5) days before the next payment date.

 

OTHER INFORMATION REGARDING MAXIMUM SALES CHARGE,
PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS

 

The following information supplements the information in the Prospectus under the caption “Shareholder Information.” Please see the Prospectus for more complete information.

 

43  

 

Other Purchase Information

 

If shares of the Fund are held in a “street name” account with an Authorized Dealer, all recordkeeping, transaction processing and payments of distributions relating to the beneficial owner’s account will be performed by the Authorized Dealer, and not by the Fund and its Transfer Agent. Since the Fund will have no record of the beneficial owner’s transactions, a beneficial owner should contact the Authorized Dealer to purchase, redeem or exchange shares, to make changes in or give instructions concerning the account or to obtain information about the account. The transfer of shares in a “street name” account to an account with another dealer or to an account directly with the Fund involves special procedures and will require the beneficial owner to obtain historical purchase information about the shares in the account from the Authorized Dealer.

 

TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PROCEDURES

 

The Company’s telephone transaction procedures include the following measures: (1) requiring the appropriate telephone transaction privilege forms; (2) requiring the caller to provide the names of the account owners, the account social security number and name of the Fund, all of which must match the Company’s records; (3) requiring the Company’s service representative to complete a telephone transaction form, listing all of the above caller identification information; (4) permitting exchanges (if applicable) only if the two account registrations are identical; (5) requiring that redemption proceeds be sent only by check to the account owners of record at the address of record, or by wire only to the owners of record at the bank account of record; (6) sending a written confirmation for each telephone transaction to the owners of record at the address of record within five (5) business days of the call; and (7) maintaining tapes of telephone transactions for six months, if the Company elects to record shareholder telephone transactions. For accounts held of record by broker-dealers (other than the Distributor), financial institutions, securities dealers, financial planners and other industry professionals, additional documentation or information regarding the scope of a caller’s authority is required. Finally, for telephone transactions in accounts held jointly, additional information regarding other account holders is required.

 

VALUATION OF SHARES

 

In accordance with procedures adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors, the NAV per share of the Fund is calculated by determining the value of the net assets attributed to the Fund and dividing by the number of outstanding shares of the Fund. All securities are valued on each Business Day as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally, but not always, 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) or such other time as the New York Stock Exchange or National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations System (“NASDAQ”) market may officially close. The term “Business Day” means any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading, which is Monday through Friday except for holidays. The New York Stock Exchange is generally closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day (observed), Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday (observed), Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas.

 

The time at which transactions and shares are priced and the time by which orders must be received may be changed in case of an emergency or if regular trading on the NYSE is stopped at a time other than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The Company reserves the right to reprocess purchase, redemption and exchange transactions that were initially processed at a NAV other than the Fund’s official closing NAV (as the same may be subsequently adjusted), and to recover amounts from (or distribute amounts to) shareholders based on the official closing NAV. The Company reserves the right to advance the time by which purchase and redemption orders must be received for same business day credit as otherwise permitted by the SEC. In addition, the Fund may compute its NAV as of any time permitted pursuant to any exemption, order or statement of the SEC or its staff.

 

The securities of the Fund are valued under the direction of the Fund’s administrator and under the general supervision of the Company’s Board of Directors. Prices are generally determined using readily available market prices. Subject to the approval of the Company’s Board of Directors, the Fund may employ outside organizations, which may use a matrix or formula method that takes into consideration market indices, matrices, yield curves and other specific adjustments in determining the approximate market value of portfolio investments. This may result in the investments being valued at a price that differs from the price that would have been determined had the matrix or formula method not been used. All cash, receivables, and current payables are carried on the Fund’s books at their face value. Other assets, if any, are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Fund’s Valuation Committee under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors.

 

44  

 

The procedures used by any pricing service and its valuation results are reviewed by the officers of the Company under the general supervision of the Company’s Board of Directors.

 

The Fund may hold portfolio securities that are listed on foreign exchanges. These securities may trade on weekends or other days when the Fund does not calculate NAV. As a result, the value of these investments may change on days when you cannot purchase or sell Fund shares.

 

TAXES

 

General

 

The following summarizes certain additional tax considerations generally affecting the Fund and its shareholders that are not described in the Prospectus. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of the tax treatment of the Fund or its shareholders, and the discussions here and in the Prospectus are not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. Potential investors should consult their tax advisers with specific reference to their own tax situations.

 

The discussions of the federal tax consequences in the Prospectus and this SAI are based on the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) and the regulations issued under it, and court decisions and administrative interpretations, as in effect on the date of this SAI. Future legislative or administrative changes or court decisions may significantly alter the statements included herein, and any such changes or decisions may be retroactive.

 

The Fund qualified during its last taxable year and intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of Subtitle A, Chapter 1, of the Code. As such, the Fund generally is exempt from federal income tax on its net investment income and realized capital gains that it distributes to shareholders. To qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company, it must meet three important tests each year.

 

First, the Fund must derive with respect to each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, certain payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities or foreign currencies, other income derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities, or currencies, or net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships.

 

Second, generally, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year, at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s assets must consist of cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and securities of other issuers (as to which the Fund has not invested more than 5% of the value of its total assets in securities of such issuer and as to which the Fund does not hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer), and no more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in the securities of (1) any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies), (2) two or more issuers that the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses, or (3) one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.

 

Third, the Fund must distribute an amount equal to at least the sum of 90% of its investment company taxable income (net investment income and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss) before taking into account any deduction for dividends paid, and 90% of its tax-exempt income, if any, for the year.

 

The Fund intends to comply with these requirements. If the Fund were to fail to make sufficient distributions, it could be liable for corporate income tax and for excise tax in respect of the shortfall or, if the shortfall is large enough, the Fund could be disqualified as a regulated investment company. If for any taxable year the Fund were not to qualify as a regulated investment company, all its taxable income would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders. In that event, taxable shareholders would recognize dividend income on distributions to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, and corporate shareholders could be eligible for the dividends-received deduction.

 

45  

 

The Code imposes a nondeductible 4% excise tax on regulated investment companies that fail to distribute each year an amount equal to specified percentages of their ordinary taxable income and capital gain net income (excess of capital gains over capital losses). The Fund intends to make sufficient distributions or deemed distributions each year to avoid liability for this excise tax.

 

As of August 31, 2017, the Fund had a short-term capital loss carryforward for federal income tax purposes of $17,856,280 which may be carried forward indefinitely.

 

State and Local Taxes

 

Although the Fund expects to qualify as a regulated investment company and to be relieved of all or substantially all federal income taxes, depending upon the extent of its activities in states and localities in which its offices are maintained, in which its agents or independent contractors are located or in which it is otherwise deemed to be conducting business, the Fund may be subject to the tax laws of such states or localities.

 

Taxation of Certain Investments

 

The tax principles applicable to transactions in financial instruments, such as futures contracts and options, that may be engaged in by the Fund, and investments in passive foreign investment companies (“PFICs”), are complex and, in some cases, uncertain. Such transactions and investments may cause the Fund to recognize taxable income prior to the receipt of cash, thereby requiring the Fund to liquidate other positions, or to borrow money, so as to make sufficient distributions to shareholders to avoid corporate-level tax. Moreover, some or all of the taxable income recognized may be ordinary income or short-term capital gain, so that the distributions may be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.

 

In addition, in the case of any shares of a PFIC in which the Fund invests, the Fund may be liable for corporate-level tax on any ultimate gain or distributions on the shares if the Fund fails to make an election to recognize income annually during the period of its ownership of the shares.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING COMPANY SHARES

 

The Company has authorized capital of 100 billion shares of common stock at a par value of $0.001 per share. Currently, 84.923 billion shares have been classified into 176 classes, however, the Company only has approximately 43 active share classes that have begun investment operations. Under the Company’s charter, the Board of Directors has the power to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of common stock from time to time.

 

Each share that represents an interest in the Fund has an equal proportionate interest in the assets belonging to the Fund with each other share that represents an interest in the Fund, even where a share has a different class designation than another share representing an interest in the Fund. Shares of the Company do not have preemptive or conversion rights. When issued for payment as described in the Prospectus, shares of the Company will be fully paid and non-assessable.

 

The Company does not currently intend to hold annual meetings of shareholders except as required by the 1940 Act or other applicable law. The Company’s amended By-Laws provide that shareholders owning at least ten percent of the outstanding shares of all classes of Common Stock of the Company have the right to call for a meeting of shareholders to consider the removal of one or more directors. To the extent required by law, the Company will assist in shareholder communication in such matters.

 

Holders of shares of each class of the Company will vote in the aggregate on all matters, except where otherwise required by law. Further, shareholders of the Company will vote in the aggregate and not by portfolio except as otherwise required by law or when the Board of Directors determines that the matter to be voted upon affects only the interests of the shareholders of a particular portfolio or class of shares. Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides that any matter required to be submitted by the provisions of such Act or applicable state law, or otherwise, to the holders of the outstanding voting securities of an investment company such as the Company shall not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each portfolio affected by the matter. Rule 18f-2 further provides that a portfolio shall be deemed to be affected by a matter unless it is clear that the interests of each portfolio in the matter are identical or that the matter does not affect any interest of the portfolio. Under Rule 18f-2 the approval of an investment advisory agreement or distribution agreement or any change in a fundamental investment objective or fundamental investment policy would be effectively acted upon with respect to a portfolio only if approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such portfolio. However, the Rule 18f-2 also provides that the ratification of the selection of independent public accountants and the election of directors are not subject to the separate voting requirements and may be effectively acted upon by shareholders of an investment company voting without regard to a portfolio. Shareholders of the Company are entitled to one vote for each full share held (irrespective of class or portfolio) and fractional votes for fractional shares held. Voting rights are not cumulative and, accordingly, the holders of more than 50% of the aggregate shares of common stock of the Company may elect all of the Directors.

 

46  

 

Notwithstanding any provision of Maryland law requiring a greater vote of shares of the Company’s common stock (or of any class voting as a class) in connection with any corporate action, unless otherwise provided by law (for example by Rule 18f-2 discussed above), or by the Company’s Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, the Company may take or authorize such action upon the favorable vote of the holders of more than 50% of all of the outstanding shares of Common Stock voting without regard to class (or portfolio).

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Counsel

 

The law firm of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, One Logan Square, Suite 2000, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-6996, serves as independent counsel to the Company and the Independent Directors.

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Tait, Weller & Baker LLP serves as the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, and in that capacity audits the Fund’s financial statements.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 

The audited financial statements, financial highlights and notes thereto in the Fund’s Annual Report to shareholders for the fiscal period ended August 31, 2017 (the “Annual Report”), have been audited by Tait, Weller & Baker LLP, the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, whose report thereon also appears in the Annual Report, which is incorporated by reference into this SAI. Such financial statements have been incorporated herein in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing. Copies of the Annual Report may be obtained at no charge by telephoning the transfer agent at the telephone number appearing at the front page of this SAI.

 

47  

 

APPENDIX A

 

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS

 

Short-Term Credit Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings short-term issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation having an original maturity of no more than 365 days. The following summarizes the rating categories used by S&P Global Ratings for short-term issues:

 

“A-1” – A short-term obligation rated “A-1” is rated in the highest category by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

 

“A-2” – A short-term obligation rated “A-2” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is satisfactory.

 

“A-3” – A short-term obligation rated “A-3” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken an obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“B” – A short-term obligation rated “B” is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.

 

“C” – A short-term obligation rated “C” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“D” – A short-term obligation rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

 

Local Currency and Foreign Currency Ratings – S&P Global Ratings’ issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. An issuer’s foreign currency rating will differ from its local currency rating when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.

 

Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) short-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect both on the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default.

 

Moody’s employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

 

A- 1  

 

“P-1” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

“P-2” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

“P-3” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.

 

“NP” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issuer.

 

Fitch, Inc. / Fitch Ratings Ltd. (“Fitch”) short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as “short-term” based on market convention. Typically, this means up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign, and structured obligations and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets. The following summarizes the rating categories used by Fitch for short-term obligations:

 

“F1” – Securities possess the highest short-term credit quality. This designation indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

 

“F2” – Securities possess good short-term credit quality. This designation indicates good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.

 

“F3” – Securities possess fair short-term credit quality. This designation indicates that the intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.

 

“B” – Securities possess speculative short-term credit quality. This designation indicates minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

 

“C” – Securities possess high short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility.

 

“RD” – Restricted default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only.

 

“D” – Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) – The “F1” rating may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show the relative status within that major rating category.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issue of a rated issuer.

 

The DBRS® Ratings Limited (“DBRS”) short-term debt rating scale provides an opinion on the risk that an issuer will not meet its short-term financial obligations in a timely manner. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer and the relative ranking of claims. The R-1 and R-2 rating categories are further denoted by the sub-categories “(high)”, “(middle)”, and “(low)”.

 

A- 2  

 

The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for commercial paper and short-term debt:

 

“R-1 (high)” - Short-term debt rated “R-1 (high)” is of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is exceptionally high. Unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.

 

“R-1 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (middle)” is of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is very high. Differs from “R-1 (high)” by a relatively modest degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.

 

“R-1 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (low)” is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is substantial. Overall strength is not as favorable as higher rating categories. May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.

 

“R-2 (high)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (high)” is considered to be at the upper end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.

 

“R-2 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (middle)” is considered to be of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events or may be exposed to other factors that could reduce credit quality.

 

“R-2 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (low)” is considered to be at the lower end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events. A number of challenges are present that could affect the issuer’s ability to meet such obligations.

 

“R-3” – Short-term debt rated “R-3” is considered to be at the lowest end of adequate credit quality. There is a capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due. May be vulnerable to future events and the certainty of meeting such obligations could be impacted by a variety of developments.

 

“R-4” – Short-term debt rated “R-4” is considered to be of speculative credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is uncertain.

 

“R-5” – Short-term debt rated “R-5” is considered to be of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet short-term financial obligations as they fall due.

 

“D” – Short-term debt rated “D” is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to “D” may occur. DBRS may also use “SD” (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a “distressed exchange”.

 

Long-Term Credit Ratings

 

The following summarizes the ratings used by S&P Global Ratings for long-term issues:

 

“AAA” – An obligation rated “AAA” has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is extremely strong.

 

“AA” – An obligation rated “AA” differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is very strong.

 

A- 3  

 

“A” – An obligation rated “A” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is still strong.

 

“BBB” – An obligation rated “BBB” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC” and “C” – Obligations rated “BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC” and “C” are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. “BB” indicates the least degree of speculation and “C” the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposure to adverse conditions.

 

“BB” – An obligation rated “BB” is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“B” – An obligation rated “B” is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated “BB”, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“CCC” – An obligation rated “CCC” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“CC” – An obligation rated “CC” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The “CC” rating is used when a default has not yet occurred, but S&P Global Ratings expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.

 

“C” – An obligation rated “C” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared with obligations that are rated higher.

 

“D” – An obligation rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) – The ratings from “AA” to “CCC” may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

 

“NR” – This indicates that no rating has been requested, or that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P Global Ratings does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.

 

Local Currency and Foreign Currency Risks - S&P Global Ratings’ issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. An issuer’s foreign currency rating will differ from its local currency rating when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.

 

A- 4  

 

Moody’s long-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of one year or more. Such ratings reflect both on the likelihood of default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for long-term debt:

 

“Aaa” – Obligations rated “Aaa” are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk.

 

“Aa” – Obligations rated “Aa” are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.

 

“A” – Obligations rated “A” are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.

 

“Baa” – Obligations rated “Baa” are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.

 

“Ba” – Obligations rated “Ba” are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.

 

“B” – Obligations rated “B” are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.

 

“Caa” – Obligations rated “Caa” are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.

 

“Ca” – Obligations rated “Ca” are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.

 

“C” – Obligations rated “C” are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.

 

Note: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from “Aa” through “Caa.” The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to unrated obligations.

 

The following summarizes long-term ratings used by Fitch :

 

“AAA” – Securities considered to be of the highest credit quality. “AAA” ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

 

“AA” – Securities considered to be of very high credit quality. “AA” ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

 

“A” – Securities considered to be of high credit quality. “A” ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

 

A- 5  

 

“BBB” – Securities considered to be of good credit quality. “BBB” ratings indicate that expectations of credit risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.

 

“BB” – Securities considered to be speculative. “BB” ratings indicate that there is an elevated vulnerability to credit risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met.

 

“B” – Securities considered to be highly speculative. “B” ratings indicate that material credit risk is present.

 

“CCC” – A “CCC” rating indicates that substantial credit risk is present.

 

“CC” – A “CC” rating indicates very high levels of credit risk.

 

“C” – A “C” rating indicates exceptionally high levels of credit risk.

 

Defaulted obligations typically are not assigned “RD” or “D” ratings but are instead rated in the “B” to “C” rating categories, depending on their recovery prospects and other relevant characteristics. Fitch believes that this approach better aligns obligations that have comparable overall expected loss but varying vulnerability to default and loss.

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the “AAA” obligation rating category, or to corporate finance obligation ratings in the categories below “CCC”.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issue of a rated issuer.

 

The DBRS long-term rating scale provides an opinion on the risk of default. That is, the risk that an issuer will fail to satisfy its financial obligations in accordance with the terms under which an obligation has been issued. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer, and the relative ranking of claims. All rating categories other than AAA and D also contain subcategories “(high)” and “(low)”. The absence of either a “(high)” or “(low)” designation indicates the rating is in the middle of the category. The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for long-term debt:

 

“AAA” – Long-term debt rated “AAA” is of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is exceptionally high and unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.

 

“AA” – Long-term debt rated “AA” is of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered high. Credit quality differs from “AAA” only to a small degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.

 

“A” – Long-term debt rated “A” is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is substantial, but of lesser credit quality than “AA.” May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.

 

“BBB” – Long-term debt rated “BBB” is of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.

 

“BB” – Long-term debt rated “BB” is of speculative, non-investment grade credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is uncertain. Vulnerable to future events.

 

A- 6  

 

“B” – Long-term debt rated “B” is of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet financial obligations.

 

“CCC”, “CC” and “C” – Long-term debt rated in any of these categories is of very highly speculative credit quality. In danger of defaulting on financial obligations. There is little difference between these three categories, although “CC” and “C” ratings are normally applied to obligations that are seen as highly likely to default, or subordinated to obligations rated in the “CCC” to “B” range. Obligations in respect of which default has not technically taken place but is considered inevitable may be rated in the “C” category.

 

“D” – A security rated “D” is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to “D” may occur. DBRS may also use “SD” (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a “distressed exchange”.

 

Municipal Note Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings U.S. municipal note rating reflects S&P Global Ratings’ opinion about the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to the notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes with an original maturity of more than three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. In determining which type of rating, if any, to assign, S&P Global Ratings’ analysis will review the following considerations:

 

Amortization schedule - the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and

 

Source of payment - the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.

 

Municipal Short-Term Note rating symbols are as follows:

 

“SP-1” – A municipal note rated “SP-1” exhibits a strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.

 

“SP-2” – A municipal note rated “SP-2” exhibits a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.

 

“SP-3” – A municipal note rated “SP-3” exhibits a speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

 

Moody’s uses the Municipal Investment Grade (“MIG”) scale to rate U.S. municipal bond anticipation notes of up to three years maturity. Municipal notes rated on the MIG scale may be secured by either pledged revenues or proceeds of a take-out financing received prior to note maturity. MIG ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation, and the issuer’s long-term rating is only one consideration in assigning the MIG rating. MIG ratings are divided into three levels – “MIG-1” through “MIG-3” while speculative grade short-term obligations are designated “SG”. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for short-term municipal obligations:

 

“MIG-1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

 

“MIG-2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.

 

A- 7  

 

“MIG-3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.

 

“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated obligation.

 

In the case of variable rate demand obligations (“VRDOs”), a two-component rating is assigned: a long or short-term debt rating and a demand obligation rating. The first element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with scheduled principal and interest payments. The second element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with the ability to receive purchase price upon demand (“demand feature”). The second element uses a rating from a variation of the MIG scale called the Variable Municipal Investment Grade or “VMIG” scale. The rating transitions on the VMIG scale differ from those on the Prime scale to reflect the risk that external liquidity support generally will terminate if the issuer’s long-term rating drops below investment grade.

 

“VMIG-1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“VMIG-2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“VMIG-3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated obligation.

 

About Credit Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion reflects S&P Global Ratings’ view of the obligor’s capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and this opinion may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.

 

Moody’s credit ratings must be construed solely as statements of opinion and not statements of fact or recommendations to purchase, sell or hold any securities.

 

Fitch’s credit ratings provide an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of principal, insurance claims or counterparty obligations. Fitch credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving the money owed to them in accordance with the terms on which they invested. Fitch’s credit ratings cover the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign financial, bank, insurance, and public finance entities (including supranational and sub-national entities) and the securities or other obligations they issue, as well as structured finance securities backed by receivables or other financial assets.

 

A- 8  

 

Credit ratings provided by DBRS are forward-looking opinions about credit risk which reflect the creditworthiness of an issuer, rated entity, and/or security. Credit ratings are not statements of fact. While historical statistics and performance can be important considerations, credit ratings are not based solely on such; they include subjective considerations and involve expectations for future performance that cannot be guaranteed. To the extent that future events and economic conditions do not match expectations, credit ratings assigned to issuers and/or securities can change. Credit ratings are also based on approved and applicable methodologies, models and criteria (“Methodologies”), which are periodically updated and when material changes are deemed necessary, this may also lead to rating changes.

 

Credit ratings typically provide an opinion on the risk that investors may not be repaid in accordance with the terms under which the obligation was issued. In some cases, credit ratings may also include consideration for the relative ranking of claims and recovery, should default occur. Credit ratings are meant to provide opinions on relative measures of risk and are not based on expectations of any specific default probability, nor are they meant to predict such.

 

The data and information on which DBRS bases its opinions is not audited or verified by DBRS, although DBRS conducts a reasonableness review of information received and relied upon in accordance with its Methodologies and policies.

 

DBRS uses rating symbols as a concise method of expressing its opinion to the market, but there are a limited number of rating categories for the possible slight risk differentials that exist across the rating spectrum and DBRS does not assert that credit ratings in the same category are of “exactly” the same quality.

 

A- 9  

 

APPENDIX B

 

Orinda Asset Management
LLC POLICY AND PROCEDURES

 

Proxy Voting & Class Action Claims

Effective August 31, 2015

 

Overview

 

In Proxy Voting by Investment Advisers, Investment Advisers Act Release No. 2106 (January 31, 2003), the SEC noted that, “The federal securities laws do not specifically address how an adviser must exercise its proxy voting authority for its clients. Under the Advisers Act, however, an adviser is a fiduciary that owes each of its clients a duty of care and loyalty with respect to all services undertaken on the client’s behalf, including proxy voting. The duty of care requires an adviser with proxy voting authority to monitor corporate events and to vote the proxies.”

 

Rule 206(4)-6 under the Advisers Act requires each registered investment adviser that exercises proxy voting authority with respect to client securities to:

 

Adopt and implement written policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure that the adviser votes client securities in the clients’ best interests. Such policies and procedures must address the manner in which the adviser will resolve material conflicts of interest that can arise during the proxy voting process;

Disclose to clients how they may obtain information from the adviser about how the adviser voted with respect to their securities; and

Describe to clients the adviser’s proxy voting policies and procedures and, upon request, furnish a copy of the policies and procedures.

 

Additionally, paragraph (c)(2) of Rule 204-2 imposes additional recordkeeping requirements on investment advisers that execute proxy voting authority.

 

The Advisers Act lacks specific guidance regarding an adviser’s duty to direct clients’ participation in class actions. However, many investment advisers adopt policies and procedures regarding class actions.

 

Proxy Voting & Class Actions Policies and Procedures

 

Proxy Voting

 

Proxies are assets of Orinda’s Clients that must be voted with diligence, care, and loyalty. Orinda will ensure that proxies are voted in accordance with its fiduciary duty to its Clients. Orinda has engaged Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS”) for proxy voting advisory services and to manage the proxy voting process. ISS ensures that all ballots are collected from the custodians and are voted in line with guidelines intended to represent the best interests of the shareholders. ISS publishes on an annual basis, Summary Proxy Voting Guidelines – Benchmark Policy Recommendations for the following proxy season. Orinda reviews these Summary Proxy Voting Guidelines to provide assurance that these Guidelines represent the best interests of the shareholders. ISS also prepares Proxy Voting Recommendations for each Proxy Meeting to which they provide proxy voting services. Orinda is provided the opportunity to review these Proxy Voting Recommendation Reports prior to the official deadline for casting the proxy votes. Orinda may override any vote that ISS has set up if it believes that it serves the best interests of the Client by doing so. The CCO coordinates Orinda’s proxy voting process.

 

B- 10

 

ISS provides Orinda proxy voting reports that contain the following information in connection with each proxy vote:

 

The Issuer’s name;

The security’s ticker symbol or CUSIP, as applicable;

The shareholder meeting date;

The number of shares that were voted;

A brief identification of the matter voted on;

Whether the matter was proposed by the Issuer or a security-holder;

Whether a vote was cast;

How the vote was cast (for the proposal, against the proposal, or abstain); and

Whether the vote was cast with or against management.

 

Class Actions

 

Class Action claims (state, federal & international class action lawsuits and SEC disgorgements) are potential assets of Orinda’s Clients. Orinda has engaged Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS”) for managing the securities class action process. ISS provides comprehensive securities class action coverage for state, federal, and international securities class actions and all SEC cases (civil and criminal) that result in a fund for the direct benefit of a defined group of investors who file claims. ISS also monitors securities class actions globally.

 

The CCO oversees the class action claim process of ISS (the completion of Proof of Claim forms and any associated documentation, the submission of such documents to the claim administrator, and the receipt of any recovered monies.) The CCO will maintain documentation associated with Clients’ participation in class actions.

 

Identifying and Addressing Material Conflicts of Interest

 

Orinda acknowledges its responsibility for identifying material conflicts of interest related to voting proxies. In order to ensure that Orinda is aware of the facts necessary to identify conflicts, Employees are required to disclose to the CCO any personal conflicts such as officer or director positions held by them, their spouses or close relatives, in any publicly traded company. Conflicts based on business relationships with Orinda or any affiliate will be considered only to the extent that Orinda has actual knowledge of such relationships. Portfolio Managers may consult with the CCO as necessary to identify conflicts.

 

B- 11

 

Orinda takes appropriate steps to address identified conflicts including: (i) votes being cast by ISS on behalf of the affected Clients are in line with guidelines intended to represent the best interests of the shareholders, (ii) erecting information barriers around the person(s) charged with coordinating the proxy voting process as delegated to ISS sufficient to insulate the decision from the conflict; (iii) notifying affected Clients of the conflict of interest and seeking a waiver of the conflict or the consent of the Client before voting the proxy; (iv) if agreed upon in writing with the Client, forwarding the proxies to affected Clients allowing them to vote their own proxies; (v) convening an ad hoc committee of no fewer than two senior executives and the portfolio manager to debate the conflict and to give ruling on the preferred course of action. In all instances, Orinda will seek to resolve the conflict in a manner that is acceptable to all affected parties and in the best interest of Clients.

 

Documentation, Record Keeping and Reporting Requirements

 

Reliance on Third-Parties

 

Orinda may rely on third parties to maintain the records required by Rule 204-2(c). With regard to maintaining copies of proxy statements, Orinda will generally rely on the SEC’s EDGAR system to the extent that such proxy statements are filed on that system (e.g., proxy statements of large, U.S.-based issuers).

 

Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

 

A description of the Proxy Policy and Procedures appears in Orinda’s Brochure – Form ADV Part II, and has been provided to Orinda clients as well as to investors in the private funds. Additionally, the Orinda Funds’ Statement of Information (“SAI”) contains a description of the Proxy Procedures. Proxy voting information with respect to the Orinda Funds also appears in SEC filing Form N-PX.

 

Providing Proxy Voting Information

 

Upon request from a Client, Orinda will make available a record of how it voted proxies relating to that Client’s securities. Such request must be within the recordkeeping requirements described above. Clients may obtain copies of these policies and procedures as well as information on how proxies were voted for their own account by requesting such information from Orinda Asset Management LLC, located at 4 Orinda Way, Suite 150A, Orinda, CA 94563.

 

The requested proxy information will be provided with three (3) business days of receipt of the request. Orinda will not disclose proxy votes for a client to other clients or third parties unless specifically requested, in writing, by the client.

 

Proxy voting records for the Orinda Funds are publicly available on the www.sec.gov website. The Orinda Funds are required to annually file Form N-PX, a report detailing the proxy votes made on behalf of the Orinda Funds. The reporting period is July 1 st through June 30 th with the report then due two months later on August 31 st .

 

B- 12

 

Records Maintenance

 

Orinda shall maintain the records of all proxies it has voted. As required by Rule 204-2(c) under the Advisers Act, such records will also include: (1) a copy of these Policies and Procedures; (2) a copy of each proxy statement that Orinda receives regarding Client securities; (3) a copy of any document created by Orinda that was material to making a decision on how to vote proxies on behalf of a Client or that memorializes the basis for that decision; and (4) each written Client request for proxy voting records and Orinda’s written response to any (written or oral) Client request for such records. Required proxy records shall be maintained in an easily accessible place for a period of six years, the first two years shall be on site in the offices of Orinda.

 

Oversight of Proxy Advisory Firm

 

Orinda has an ongoing duty to oversee any proxy advisory firm it retains. Orinda has retained ISS to assist with its proxy voting responsibilities. Orinda will implement the following procedures that are reasonably designed to provide sufficient ongoing oversight in order to ensure that the Orinda, acting through ISS, continues to vote proxies in the best interest of Orinda’s clients. On an annual basis, Orinda will review ISS and consider the following:

 

The firm’s capacity and competency to adequately analyze proxy issues

 

The adequacy and quality of the firm’s staff and personnel

 

The robustness of the firm’s policies and procedures regarding its ability to ensure that the proxy voting recommendations are based on current and accurate information

 

The firm has identified & addressed any conflicts of interest and any other considerations that Orinda believes would be appropriate in considering the nature and quality of the services provided by the firm.

 

The firm has provided adequate disclosure of significant relationships or material interests that enables Orinda to understand the nature and scope of the relationships or interests, including steps taken, if any to mitigate the conflict and provide sufficient information to allow Orinda to make an assessment about the reliability or objectivity of the relevant recommendations.

 

B- 13

 

Orinda Asset Management LLC

ATTACHMENT TO PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES

 

Proxy Voting Guidelines

 

Revised January 29, 2013

 

Overview

 

Orinda Management views proxies of companies held in Client portfolios as significant Client assets and proxy voting as an integral part of the investment process. These guidelines provide an important framework for analysis and decision making; however, they are not exhaustive and do not address all potential issues. Even when an issue is addressed, flexibility is important so that all relevant facts and circumstances can be considered in connection with every vote. As a result, each proxy received is voted on a case-by-case basis. While we generally adhere to these guidelines we always consider the specific circumstances of each proposal. These are “guidelines” and not “rules”. Our voting process reflects our understanding of the company’s business, its management and its relationship with shareholders over time. In all cases, we remain focused on the investment objectives and policies of our Clients.

 

Proxy Voting Guidelines

 

DIRECTOR MATTERS

 

Election of Directors

 

We generally support the election of a company’s nominees for director. In addition, we generally leave the choice of the chairman to the board’s discretion. We may, however, oppose all or some of the company’s nominees, or support separating the CEO and chairman positions if we believe it to be in the best interest of shareholders.

 

Classified Boards

 

A “classified” board is one that elects only a percentage of the board members each year (usually one- third of directors are elected to serve a three-year term). Generally we support proposals declassifying boards. We believe that declassification (the annual election of all directors) increases a board’s sense of accountability to shareholders.

 

B- 14

 

ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS, SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS & REINCORPORATIONS

 

Cumulative Voting

 

Under cumulative voting, each shareholder has a number of votes equal to the number of shares owned multiplied by the number of directors for election. A shareholder can cast all of his/her votes for a single director, thus allowing minority shareholders to elect a director. We generally support proposals for cumulative voting in order to promote management and board accountability and opportunity for leadership change.

 

Confidential Voting

 

Allowing shareholders to vote anonymously may help large institutional shareholders avoid undue influence exerted by, or potential conflicts with companies other shareholders or third parties. We generally support proposals that allow for confidential voting.

 

Shareholder Rights Plans (commonly called “Poison Pills”)

 

Poison pills are a defense against unwelcome takeover offers. These plans allow shareholders (other than the shareholder making the unwelcome takeover offer) to purchase stock at significantly discounted prices under certain circumstances. The plans force would-be acquirers to negotiate with the board, giving the board an effective veto power over any offer. Poison pills can be detrimental to the creation of shareholder value and can help entrench management by thwarting or deterring acquisition offers that are not favored by the board but that may be beneficial to shareholders. We generally support the elimination of existing poison pills and proposals that would require shareholder approval to adopt prospective poison pills.

 

Change of Corporate Domicile

 

Reincorporation within the U.S. – We generally leave the state domicile decision to the discretion of company management and its board.

 

Reincorporation outside the U.S. – We generally do not support a change of corporate domicile from the

 

U.S. to another country where the probable intent is to avoid U.S. taxes.

 

Elimination of Action by Written Consent

 

The shareholder right to act by written consent (without calling a formal meeting of shareholders) can be a powerful tool for shareholders especially in a proxy fight. We generally oppose proposals that would prevent shareholders from taking action without a formal meeting and, in some instances, take away the shareholder’s right to call a special meeting.

 

B- 15

 

CAPITALIZATION

 

Authorization of New Common Shares

 

We support reasonable increases in authorized shares when the company has articulated a need (for example, a stock split or recapitalization). Even so, we are aware that new shares may dilute the ownership interest of shareholders. Consequently, we generally oppose proposals that would more than double the number of authorized shares.

 

Authorization of Blank Check Preferred Shares

 

“Blank check” preferred shares give the board complete discretion to set terms (including voting rights). Such shares may have voting rights far in excess of those held by common stockholders. We generally oppose proposals that allow a board to set terms and voting rights of preferred shares at their discretion. A request for preferred shares where the voting rights are equal to existing common stock shares, however, would generally be supported.

 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFIT PLANS

 

Option Plans

 

Option plans are complicated and many factors are considered when evaluating a plan. No factor is determinative; the Portfolio Manager will weigh each plan based on protecting shareholder interests and our historical knowledge of the company and its management. Some considerations include:

 

Pricing: We believe options should be priced at 100% of fair market value on the date they are granted (the price shareholders would pay on the open market). We do not generally support options priced at a discount to the market.

 

Repricing: An “out-of-the-money” option is an option whose exercise price is higher than the current price of the stock. We generally have not supported replacing “out-of-the-money” options with new options at a lower exercise price (generally known as “repricing”) because it is not consistent with the purpose of offering options as compensation.

 

Dilution: Dilution is the reduction of voting power, and/or economic interests of existing shareholders due to an increase in shares available for distribution to company employees in lieu of cash compensation. We consider several kinds of dilution: the historical annual dilution of the current plan, the potential dilution of the proposed plan and the cumulative dilution of all option plans. We tend to oppose plans that result in “excessive” dilution for existing shareholders. Acceptable dilution levels are not rigidly defined, but will be a function of: (i) the stage of the company’s lifecycle (embryonic to mature), (ii) the size of the company in terms of market capitalization, (iii) the historical growth rate of sales and earnings and (iv) to a lesser degree, extenuating circumstances related to the company’s industry. In addition, greater dilution can be tolerated when options are awarded to all employees, instead of limiting awards to top-level management. We generally oppose evergreen plans (which provide for an annual increase of shares available for award without future shareholder approval).

 

B- 16

 

Restricted Stock Plans

 

We support restricted stock plans when such grants replace cash compensation without increasing the historical cash award and when the amount of restricted stock available for distribution represents a reasonable percentage of overall equity awards.

 

Non-Employee Director Compensation

 

We generally support equity-based compensation for non-employee directors that align their interests with shareholders. Such plans must be reasonable in size, have fair market value option grants and not create excess total compensation (subject to the same limitation as executive incentive plans). We also review the mix of options or stock awards to cash compensation. We believe that compensation packages should be structured to attract, motivate and retain qualified directors. However, excessive board compensation can undermine the board’s independence.

 

Employee Stock Purchase Plans

 

These plans are designed to allow employees to purchase stock at a discount price and to receive favorable tax treatment when the stock is sold. In many cases, the price is 85% of the market value of the stock. These plans are broad-based and have relatively low caps on the amount of stock that may be purchased by a single employee. We generally support these types of plans.

 

SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS REGARDING EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

Caps on Executive Pay

 

In general, we oppose shareholder proposals that seek to set limits on executive compensation because competitive compensation packages are necessary to attract, motivate and retain executives. Shareholder proposals on this issue tend to specify arbitrary compensation criteria.

 

Requests for Additional Disclosure Concerning Executive Pay

 

In general, we oppose shareholder requests for disclosure beyond regulatory requirements. We believe that additional disclosure is often unwarranted, costly and can have other disadvantages. We also believe that the current regulatory requirements for disclosure of executive compensation are appropriate.

 

B- 17

 

Performance-Based Senior Executive Stock Option Grants

 

From time to time, shareholder proposals attempt to link performance-based options to an industry or peer group index rather than the market as a whole. Generally, we support the concept of linking pay to the company’s stock performance. However, we typically do not support shareholder requests to link stock option grants to the performance of a specific peer group or an industry index, but prefer that compensation committees retain the flexibility to propose an appropriate index.

 

Other Executive Pay Restrictions or Freezes

 

We decide these issues based on whether they are in the interests of shareholders. Such proposals include: terminating the company’s option or restricted stock programs; freezing executive pay during periods of large layoffs; establishing a maximum ratio between the highest paid executive and lowest paid employee; and linking executive pay to social criteria.

 

Expensing of Stock Options of the Company’s Financial Statements

 

We generally support shareholder proposals to expense stock options. While we acknowledge that there currently is no uniform methodology for expensing options, we believe that such expensing is appropriate. Among other things, we believe that expensing presents a more accurate picture of the company’s financial results, and that companies will be more conservative when granting options if the awards are an expense item.

 

Executive Severance Agreements (“Golden Parachutes”)

 

Generally, we support proposals that require shareholder approval of executive severance agreements, largely because of the trend toward excessive severance benefits (known as “golden parachutes”). If an executive leaves for reasons related to poor performance, allowing a generous “parting gift” seems contrary to good corporate governance.

 

OTHER SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS

 

Social Issues

 

When evaluating social proposals relating to issues such as human rights, labor and employment, the environment, and smoking and tobacco, decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. We consider each of these proposals based on the impact to the company’s shareholders, the specific circumstances at each individual company, and the current policies and practices of the company.

 

B- 18

 

NON-U.S. ISSUERS

 

We will vote non-U.S. proxies whenever practicable, and considering the benefits of voting against the costs. While the procedures for non-U.S. proxies are similar to those of U.S. proxies, we will utilize an expedited review process for these proxies. This is because typically proxies are received from non-U.S. companies just prior to the meeting, although progress has been made in increasing the amount of time given to consider and cast a vote. In addition, certain countries impose restrictions on the ability of shareholders to sell shares during the proxy voting period. We may choose, due to liquidity issues, not to subject shares to such restrictions and thus may not vote some shares. We will also take into consideration differences in practice, regulations and the laws of the various countries and generally abstain from voting when there is not sufficient information to allow an informed decision.

 

B- 19  

 

SCHNEIDER SMALL CAP VALUE FUND

 

TICKER: SCMVX

 

(an Investment Portfolio of The RBB Fund, Inc.)

 

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

December 31, 2017

 

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) provides supplementary information pertaining to shares (the “Shares”) representing interests in the Schneider Small Cap Value Fund (the “Fund”) of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”). This SAI is not a prospectus, and should be read only in conjunction with the Fund’s Prospectus, dated December 31, 2017 (the “Prospectus”) and the Fund’s Annual Report dated August 31, 2017 (the “Annual Report”). A copy of the Prospectus and Annual and Semi-Annual Reports may be obtained free of charge by calling toll-free 1-888-520-3277. The financial statements and notes contained in the Annual Report are incorporated by reference into this SAI. No other part of the Annual Report is incorporated by reference herein.

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

FUND HISTORY AND CLASSIFICATION 1
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS 1
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS 1
NON-PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS 4
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS 9
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS 10
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER 11
MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY 11
CODE OF ETHICS 20
PROXY VOTING 20
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES 20
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES 21
Investment Adviser 21
Portfolio Manager 22
Custodian Agreement 23
Transfer Agency Agreement 23
Distribution Agreement 23
Administration and Accounting Services Agreements 24
FUND TRANSACTIONS 25
SECURITIES LENDING 26
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION 26
TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PROCEDURES 27
VALUATION OF SHARES 27
TAXES 28
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING COMPANY SHARES 29
MISCELLANEOUS 30
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 31
APPENDIX A A-1
APPENDIX B   B-1

 

i

 

FUND HISTORY AND CLASSIFICATION

 

The Company is an open-end management investment company currently operating twenty-nine separate portfolios. The Company is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and was organized as a Maryland corporation on February 29, 1988. This SAI pertains to one class of shares representing interests in one diversified portfolio of the Company, which is offered by the Prospectus.

 

INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS

 

The following supplements the information contained in the Prospectus concerning the investment objectives and policies of the Fund.

 

The Fund seeks long-term capital growth by investing primarily in common stocks of companies which have capitalizations that are less than the largest company in the Russell 2000 ® Value Index (“small cap companies”) and which Schneider Capital Management Company (the “Adviser”) believes are undervalued. There can be no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the Fund’s net assets (including borrowings for investment purposes) will be invested in small cap companies. The Board of Directors may change the Fund’s investment objective and the policies described above without the approval of the Fund’s shareholders. However, as a matter of policy, the Fund would not materially change its investment objective or primary investment strategy without informing shareholders at least 60 days in advance of any such change.

 

The Adviser may not necessarily invest in all of the instruments or use all of the investment techniques permitted by the Fund’s Prospectus and this SAI or invest in such instruments or engage in such techniques to the full extent permitted by the Fund’s investment policies and limitations.

 

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS

 

Bank and Corporate Obligations. The Fund may purchase obligations of issuers in the banking industry, such as short-term obligations of bank holding companies, certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances and time deposits issued by U.S. or foreign banks or savings institutions having total assets at the time of purchase in excess of $1 billion. Investment in obligations of foreign banks or foreign branches of U.S. banks may entail risks that are different from those of investments in obligations of U.S. banks due to differences in political, regulatory and economic systems and conditions. Such obligations are not FDIC insured and the Fund bears the risk of their failure. The activities of banks are subject to extensive regulations which may limit both the amount and types of loans that may be made and the interest rates that may be charged. In addition, the profitability of the banking industry is largely dependent upon the availability and costs of funds for the purpose of financing lending operations under prevailing money market conditions. General economic conditions as well as exposure to credit losses arising from possible financial difficulties play an important part in the operation of this industry. The Fund may also make interest-bearing savings deposits in commercial and savings banks in amounts not in excess of 5% of its total assets.

 

The Fund may invest in debt obligations, such as bonds and debentures, issued by corporations and other business organizations that are rated at the time of purchase within the three highest ratings categories of S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) or Moody’s Investors Services, Inc. (“Moody’s”) (or which, if unrated, are determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality). Unrated securities will be determined to be of comparable quality to rated debt obligations if, among other things, other outstanding obligations of the issuers of such securities are rated A or better. See Appendix “A” to this SAI for a description of corporate debt ratings. An issuer of debt obligations may default on its obligation to pay interest and repay principal. Also, changes in the financial strength of an issuer or changes in the credit rating of a security may affect its value. In the event that a security held by the Fund is placed on a credit watch or is downgraded by a rating agency, the value of such security may decline and the Fund may consequently experience losses in respect of such security.

 

Equity Securities . Equity securities represent ownership interests in a company and consist of common stock, preferred stock, warrants to acquire common stock, and securities convertible into common stock. Investments in equity securities in general are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. Fluctuations in the value of equity securities in which the Fund invests will cause the net asset value of the Fund to fluctuate. The Fund purchases equity securities traded in the U.S. on registered exchanges or the over-the-counter market. Equity securities are described in more detail below:

 

1

 

Common Stock . Common stock represents an equity or ownership interest in an issuer. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds and preferred stock take precedence over the claims of those who own common stock.

 

Preferred Stock . Preferred stock represents an equity or ownership interest in an issuer that pays dividends at a specified rate and that has precedence over common stock in the payment of dividends. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds take precedence over the claims of those who own preferred and common stock.

 

Warrants . Warrants are instruments that entitle the holder to buy an equity security at a specific price for a specific period of time. Changes in the value of a warrant do not necessarily correspond to changes in the value of its underlying security. The price of a warrant may be more volatile than the price of its underlying security, and a warrant may offer greater potential for capital appreciation as well as capital loss. Warrants do not entitle a holder to dividends or voting rights with respect to the underlying security and do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuing company. A warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. These factors can make warrants more speculative than other types of investments.

 

Convertible Securities . Convertible securities are bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stocks or other securities that may be converted or exchanged (by the holder or by the issuer) into shares of the underlying common stock (or cash or securities of equivalent value) at a stated exchange ratio. A convertible security may also be called for redemption or conversion by the issuer after a particular date and under certain circumstances (including a specified price) established upon issue. If a convertible security held by the Fund is called for redemption or conversion, the Fund could be required to tender it for redemption, convert it into the underlying common stock, or sell it to a third party.

 

Convertible securities generally have less potential for gain or loss than common stocks. Convertible securities generally provide yields higher than the underlying common stocks, but generally lower than comparable non-convertible securities. Because of this higher yield, convertible securities generally sell at a price above their “conversion value,” which is the current market value of the stock to be received upon conversion. The difference between this conversion value and the price of convertible securities will vary over time depending on changes in the value of the underlying common stocks and interest rates. When the underlying common stocks decline in value, convertible securities will tend not to decline to the same extent because of the interest or dividend payments and the repayment of principal at maturity for certain types of convertible securities. However, securities that are convertible other than at the option of the holder generally do not limit the potential for loss to the same extent as securities convertible at the option of the holder. When the underlying common stocks rise in value, the value of convertible securities may also be expected to increase. At the same time, however, the difference between the market value of convertible securities and their conversion value will narrow, which means that the value of convertible securities will generally not increase to the same extent as the value of the underlying common stocks. Because convertible securities may also be interest-rate sensitive, their value may increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. Convertible securities are also subject to credit risk, and are often lower-quality securities.

 

Small and Medium Capitalization Issuers . Investing in equity securities of small and medium capitalization companies often involves greater risk than is customarily associated with investments in larger capitalization companies. This increased risk may be due to the greater business risks of smaller size, limited markets and financial resources, narrow product lines and frequent lack of depth of management. The securities of smaller companies are often traded in the over-the-counter market and even if listed on a national securities exchange may not be traded in volumes typical for that exchange. Consequently, the securities of smaller companies are less likely to be liquid, may have limited market stability, and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than securities of larger, more established growth companies or the market averages in general.

 

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Foreign Securities. The Fund may invest in foreign securities, either directly or indirectly through American Depositary Receipts and European Depositary Receipts. Investments in foreign securities involve higher costs than investments in U.S. securities, including higher transaction costs as well as the imposition of additional taxes by foreign governments. In addition, foreign investments may include additional risks associated with currency exchange rates, less complete financial information about the issuers, less market liquidity and political stability. Future political and economic information, the possible imposition of withholding taxes on interest income, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, the possible establishment of exchange controls, or the adoption of other governmental restrictions, might adversely affect the payment of principal and interest on foreign obligations. Transactions in foreign securities may involve greater time from the trade date until the settlement date than domestic securities transactions, and may involve the risk of possible losses through the holding of securities in custodians and securities depositories in foreign countries. These factors could interfere with the Adviser’s ability to sell the securities.

 

Although the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign currencies, the Fund values its securities and other assets in U.S. dollars. As a result, the net asset value (“NAV”) of the Fund’s shares may fluctuate with U.S. dollar exchange rates as well as the price changes of the Fund’s securities in the various local markets and currencies. Thus, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar compared to the currencies in which the Fund makes its investments could reduce the effect of increases and magnify the effect of decreases in the price of the Fund’s securities in their local markets. Conversely, a decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar may have the opposite effect of magnifying the effect of increases and reducing the effect of decreases in the prices of the Fund’s securities in its foreign markets. In addition to favorable and unfavorable currency exchange rate developments, the Fund is subject to the possible imposition of exchange control regulations or freezes on convertibility of currency.

 

In 2016, the United Kingdom (“UK”) held a referendum election and voters elected to withdraw from the European Union (the “EU”). The Fund may be exposed to risks related to the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, including volatile trading markets and significant and unpredictable currency fluctuations. Securities issued by companies domiciled in the UK could be subject to changing regulatory and tax regimes. Banking and financial services companies that operate in the UK or EU could be disproportionately impacted by these actions. Greece has recently experienced political pressure to hold a similar referendum election. Further insecurity in EU membership or the abandonment of the euro could exacerbate market and currency volatility and negatively impact investments in securities issued by companies located in EU countries. The potential impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, is not clear but could be significant and far-reaching.

 

Lending of Fund Securities. The Fund may lend securities to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions desiring to borrow securities to complete transactions and for other purposes. Because the government securities or other assets that are pledged as collateral to the Fund in connection with these loans generate income, securities lending enables the Fund to earn income that may partially offset expenses. These loans may not exceed 33 1/3% of the Fund’s total assets. The documentation for these loans will provide that the Fund will receive collateral equal to at least 102% of the current market value of the loaned securities, as marked to market each day that the NAV of the Fund is determined, consisting of government securities or other assets permitted by applicable regulations and interpretations. The Fund will pay administrative and custodial fees in connection with the loan of securities. The Fund will invest collateral in short-term investments, and will bear the risk of loss of the invested collateral. In addition, the Fund will be exposed to the risk of loss should a borrower default on its obligation to return the borrowed securities. The Fund’s share of income from the loan collateral will be included in its gross investment income.

 

Securities lending would involve risk of delay in receiving additional collateral in the event the value of the collateral decreased below the value of the securities loaned or risk of delay in recovering the securities loaned or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. However, loans will be made only to borrowers deemed by the Adviser to be of good standing and only when, in the Adviser’s judgment, the income to be earned from the loans justifies the attendant risks. Any loans of the Fund’s securities will be marked to market daily. The Fund does not have the right to vote loaned securities. The Fund may attempt to call loaned securities back to permit the exercise of voting rights, if time and jurisdictional restrictions permit. There is no guarantee that all loans can be recalled.

 

Special Note Regarding Market Events. Events in the financial sector over the past several years have resulted in reduced liquidity in credit and fixed income markets and in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestically and internationally. While entire markets have been impacted, issuers that have exposure to the real estate, mortgage and credit markets have been particularly affected. These events and the potential for continuing market turbulence may have an adverse effect on the Fund’s investments. It is uncertain how long these conditions will continue.

 

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The instability in the financial markets has led the U.S. government to take a number of unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions and certain segments of the financial markets. Federal, state and foreign governments, regulatory agencies, and self-regulatory organizations may take actions that affect the regulation of the instruments in which the Fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that are unforeseeable. Such legislation or regulation could limit or preclude the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective.

 

Governments or their agencies may also acquire distressed assets from financial institutions and acquire ownership interests in those institutions. The implications of government ownership and disposition of these assets are unclear, and such ownership or disposition may have positive or negative effects on the liquidity, valuation and performance of the Fund’s holdings.

 

Temporary Defensive Positions. In anticipation of or in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, the Fund may take temporary defensive positions (up to 100% of its assets) in cash, cash equivalents and short-term U.S. government securities. If the Fund were to take a temporary defensive position, it may be unable for a time to achieve its investment objective.

 

NON-PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS

 

Commercial Paper. The Fund may purchase commercial paper rated (at the time of purchase) “A-1” by S&P or “Prime-1” by Moody’s or, when deemed advisable by the Adviser, issues rated “A-2” or “Prime-2” by S&P or Moody’s, respectively. These rating categories are described in Appendix “A” to this SAI. The Fund may also purchase unrated commercial paper provided that such paper is determined to be of comparable quality by the Fund’s Adviser pursuant to guidelines approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. Commercial paper issues in which the Fund may invest include securities issued by corporations without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”) in reliance on the exemption from such registration afforded by Section 3(a) (3) thereof, and commercial paper issued in reliance on the so-called “private placement” exemption from registration, which is afforded by Section 4(2) of the 1933 Act (“Section 4(2) paper”). Section 4(2) paper is restricted as to disposition under the federal securities laws in that any resale must similarly be made in an exempt transaction. Section 4(2) paper is normally resold to other institutional investors through or with the assistance of investment dealers who make a market in Section 4(2) paper, thus providing liquidity.

 

Cyber Security Risk. The Fund and its service providers may be prone to operational and information security risks resulting from breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption, or lose operational capacity. Breaches in cyber security include, among other behaviors, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, denial of service attacks on websites, the unauthorized release of confidential information or various other forms of cyber-attacks. Cyber security breaches affecting the Fund or its Adviser, custodian, transfer agent, intermediaries and other third-party service providers may adversely impact the Fund. For instance, cyber security breaches may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, impact the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAVs, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential business information, impede trading, subject the Fund to regulatory fines or financial losses and/or cause reputational damage. The Fund may also incur additional costs for cyber security risk management purposes. Similar types of cyber security risks are also present for issuers of securities in which the Fund may invest, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Fund’s investment in such companies to lose value.

 

Futures Contracts. The Fund may invest in financial futures contracts with respect to those securities listed on the S&P 500® Index. Financial futures contracts obligate the seller to deliver a specific type of security called for in the contract, at a specified future time, and for a specified price. Financial futures contracts may be satisfied by actual delivery of the securities or, more typically, by entering into a transaction that offsets the financial futures contract. The Fund will comply with guidelines established by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) with respect to coverage of options and futures strategies by mutual funds, and if the guidelines so require will set aside cash and high grade liquid debt securities in a segregated account with its custodian bank in the amount prescribed. Securities held in a segregated account cannot be sold while the futures or option strategy is outstanding, unless they are replaced with similar securities. As a result, there is a possibility that segregation of a large percentage of the Fund’s assets could impede portfolio management or the Fund’s ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations. Depending on the asset levels that are required to be segregated, the Fund may be required to sell off assets it would not otherwise liquidate. There are risks that are associated with the use of futures contracts for hedging purposes. In certain market conditions, as in a rising interest rate environment, sales of futures contracts may not completely offset a decline in value of the portfolio securities against which the futures contracts are being sold. In the futures market, it may not always be possible to execute a buy or sell order at the desired price, or to close out an open position due to market conditions, limits on open positions, and/or daily price fluctuations. Risks in the use of futures contracts also result from the possibility that changes in the market interest rates may differ substantially from the changes anticipated by the Adviser when hedge positions were established. The Fund does not presently intend to invest more than 5% of the value of its net assets in futures contracts.

 

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All futures contracts entered into by the Fund are traded on U.S. exchanges or boards of trade that are licensed and regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) or on foreign exchanges. The Fund will limit investments in futures to below the de minimis thresholds adopted by the CFTC in its recent amendments to Rule 4.5 (see below for a description of these thresholds). For this reason, with respect to the Fund, the Adviser is not required to register as a “commodity pool operator” (“CPO”) under the Commodity Exchange Act at this time.

 

With respect to investments in swap transactions, commodity futures, commodity options or certain other derivatives used for purposes other than bona fide hedging purposes, an investment company must meet one of the following tests under the amended regulations in order to claim an exemption from being considered a “commodity pool” or a CPO. First, the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish an investment company’s positions in such investments may not exceed five percent (5%) of the liquidation value of the investment company’s portfolio (after accounting for unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such investments). Alternatively, the aggregate net notional value of such instruments, determined at the time of the most recent position established, may not exceed one hundred percent (100%) of the liquidation value of the investment company’s portfolio (after accounting for unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions). In addition to meeting one of the foregoing trading limitations, the investment company may not market itself as a commodity pool or otherwise as a vehicle for trading in the commodity futures, commodity options or swaps and derivatives markets. In the event that the Adviser was required to register as a CPO with respect to the Fund, the disclosure and operations of the Fund would need to comply with all applicable CFTC regulations.

 

Hedging Investments. At such times as the Adviser deems it appropriate and consistent with the investment objective of the Fund, the Fund may invest in financial futures contracts and options on financial futures contracts. The purpose of such transactions is to hedge against changes in the market value of securities in the Fund caused by fluctuating interest rates and to close out or offset its existing positions in such futures contracts or options as described below. Such instruments will not be used for speculation. Futures contracts and options on futures are discussed below.

 

Indexed Securities. The Fund may invest in indexed securities whose value is linked to securities indices. Most such securities have values which rise and fall according to the change in one or more specified indices, and may have characteristics similar to direct investments in the underlying securities. Depending on the index, such securities may have greater volatility than the market as a whole. The Fund does not presently intend to invest more than 5% of its net assets in indexed securities.

 

Investment Company Securities. The Fund may invest in securities issued by other investment companies (including exchange-traded funds) to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund’s investments in such securities currently are limited to, subject to certain exceptions, (i) 3% of the total voting stock of any one investment company, (ii) 5% of the Fund’s total assets with respect to any one investment company and (iii) 10% of the Fund’s total assets with respect to investment companies in the aggregate. Investments in the securities of other investment companies will involve duplication of advisory fees and certain other expenses. Rule 12d1-1 under the 1940 Act permits the Fund to invest an unlimited amount of its uninvested cash in a money market fund so long as, among other things, said investment is consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives and policies. As a shareholder in an investment company, the Fund would bear its pro rata portion of the investment company’s expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to its own expenses.

 

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The Fund may invest in investment companies that are not registered with the SEC or privately placed securities of investment companies (which may or may not be registered), such as hedge funds and offshore funds. Unregistered funds are largely exempt from the regulatory requirements that apply to registered investment companies. As a result, unregistered funds may have a greater ability to make investments, or use investment techniques, that offer a higher potential investment return (for example, leveraging), but which may carry high risk. Unregistered funds are not regulated by the SEC like registered funds. Investments in unregistered funds may be difficult to sell, which could cause the Fund selling an interest in an unregistered fund to lose money. For example, many hedge funds require their investors to hold their investments for at least one year.

 

Large Shareholder Purchase and Redemption Risk. The Fund may experience adverse effects when certain large shareholders purchase or redeem large amounts of shares of the Fund. Such large shareholder redemptions may cause the Fund to sell its securities at times when it would not otherwise do so, which may negatively impact the Fund’s NAV and liquidity. Similarly, large share purchases may adversely affect the Fund’s performance to the extent that the Fund is delayed in investing new cash and is required to maintain a larger cash position than it ordinarily would. In addition, a large redemption could result in the Fund’s current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the Fund’s expense ratio. However, this risk may be limited to the extent that the Adviser and the Fund have entered into a fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement arrangement.

 

Options on Futures. The Fund may purchase and write call and put options on futures contracts with respect to those securities listed on the S&P 500® Index and enter into closing transactions with respect to such options to terminate an existing position. 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. The Fund may use options on futures contracts in connection with hedging strategies. The purchase of put options on futures contracts is a means of hedging against the risk of rising interest rates. The purchase of call options on futures contracts is a means of hedging against a market advance when the Fund is not fully invested.

 

The Fund may seek to terminate its position in a put option it writes before exercise by closing out the option in the secondary market at its current price. If the secondary market is not liquid for an option the Fund has written, however, the Fund must continue to be prepared to pay the strike price while the option is outstanding, regardless of price changes, and must continue to set aside assets to cover its position. The characteristics of writing call options are similar to those of writing put options, as described above, except that writing covered call options generally is a profitable strategy if prices remain the same or fall. Through receipt of the option premium, the Fund would seek to mitigate the effects of a price decline. At the same time, because the Fund would have to be prepared to deliver the underlying instrument in return for the strike price, even if its current value is greater, the Fund would give up some ability to participate in security price increases when writing call options.

 

Because there are a limited number of types of futures contracts, it is likely that the standardized futures contracts available to the Fund will not match the Fund’s current or anticipated investments. Futures prices can also diverge from the prices of their underlying instruments, even if the underlying instruments match the Fund’s investments well. Futures prices are affected by such factors as current and anticipated short-term interest rates, changes in volatility of the underlying instrument, and the time remaining until expiration of the contract, which may not affect security prices the same way. Imperfect correlation between the Fund’s investments and its futures positions may also result from differing levels of demand in the futures markets and the securities markets, from structural differences in how futures and securities are traded, or from imposition of daily price fluctuation limits for futures contracts. The Fund may purchase or sell futures contracts with a greater or lesser value than the securities it wishes to hedge or intends to purchase in order to attempt to compensate for differences in historical volatility between the futures contract and the securities, although this may not be successful in all cases. If price changes in the Fund’s futures positions are poorly correlated with its other investments, its futures positions may fail to produce anticipated gains or result in losses that are not offset by the gains in the Fund’s other investments.

 

There is no assurance that the Fund will be able to close out its financial futures positions at any time, in which case it would be required to maintain the margin deposits on the contract. The Fund does not presently intend to invest more than 5% of its net assets in options on futures.

 

Private Investments in Public Equity . The Fund may invest up to 5% in equity securities in a private placement that are issued by issuers who have outstanding, publicly-traded equity securities of the same class (“private investments in public equity” or “PIPEs”). Shares in PIPEs generally are not registered with the SEC until after a certain time period from the date the private sale is completed. This restricted period can last many months. Until the public registration process is completed, PIPEs are restricted as to resale and the Fund cannot freely trade the securities. Generally, such restrictions cause the PIPEs to be illiquid during this time. PIPEs may contain provisions that the issuer will pay specified financial penalties to the holder if the issuer does not publicly register the restricted equity securities within a specified period of time, but there is no assurance that the restricted equity securities will be publicly registered, or that the registration will remain in effect.

 

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Portfolio Turnover. Investment strategies that require periodic changes to portfolio holdings with the expectation of outperforming equity indices are typically referred to as “active” strategies. These strategies contrast with “passive” (“index”) strategies that buy and hold only the stocks in the equity indices. Passive strategies tend to trade infrequently, only as the stocks in the indices change (largely due to changes in the sizes of the companies in the indices, takeovers or bankruptcies). Most equity mutual funds pursue active strategies, which have higher turnover than passive strategies.

 

The generally higher portfolio turnover of active investment strategies can adversely affect taxable investors, especially those in higher marginal tax brackets, in two particularly significant ways. First, short-term capital gains, which often accompany higher turnover investment strategies, are currently taxed at ordinary income rates. Ordinary income tax rates are generally higher than long-term capital gain tax rates. Thus, the tax liability is often higher for investors in active strategies. Second, the more frequent realization of gains caused by higher turnover investment strategies means that taxes will be paid sooner. Such acceleration of the tax liability is financially more costly to investors. Less frequent realization of capital gains allows the payment of taxes to be deferred until later years, allowing more of the gains to compound before taxes are paid. Consequently, after-tax compound rates of return will generally be higher for taxable investors using investment strategies with very low turnover, compared with high turnover strategies. The difference is particularly large when the general market rates of return are higher than average.

 

The portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of the Fund’s annual sales or purchases of portfolio securities (exclusive of purchases or sales of securities with maturities at the time of acquisition of one year or less) by the monthly average value of the securities in the portfolio during the year. Under normal market conditions it is expected that the Fund’s portfolio turnover will range between 60% and 85%. The portfolio turnover rate of the Fund for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2016 and 2017 were 113.69% and 137.61%, respectively, of the average value of its portfolio.

 

Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may agree to purchase securities from financial institutions subject to the seller’s agreement to repurchase them at an agreed-upon time and price (“repurchase agreements”). The securities held subject to a repurchase agreement may have stated maturities exceeding 13 months, provided the repurchase agreement itself matures in less than 13 months. The financial institutions with whom the Fund may enter into repurchase agreements will be banks which the Adviser considers creditworthy pursuant to criteria approved by the Board of Directors and non-bank dealers of U.S. government securities that are listed on the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s list of reporting dealers. The Adviser will consider the creditworthiness of a seller in determining whether to cause the Fund to enter into a repurchase agreement. The seller under a repurchase agreement will be required to maintain the value of collateral at not less than the repurchase price plus accrued interest. The Adviser will monitor daily the value of the collateral, and will, if necessary, require the seller to increase the collateral so that its value is not less than the repurchase price. Default by or bankruptcy of the seller would, however, expose the Fund to the risk of loss because of possible market declines in the value of the collateral or delays in connection with its disposition.

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreements and Dollar Rolls. The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with respect to portfolio securities for temporary purposes (such as to obtain cash to meet redemption requests) when the liquidation of portfolio securities is deemed disadvantageous or inconvenient by the Adviser. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the sale of securities held by the Fund subject to the Fund’s agreement to repurchase the securities at an agreed-upon price, date and rate of interest. Such agreements are considered to be borrowings under the 1940 Act, and may be entered into only for temporary or emergency purposes. While reverse repurchase transactions are outstanding, the Fund will maintain in a segregated account with the Fund’s custodian or a qualified sub-custodian, cash or liquid securities of an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities, plus accrued interest, subject to the agreement and will monitor the account to ensure that such value is maintained. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities sold by the Fund may decline below the price of the securities the Fund is obligated to repurchase and the return on the cash exchanged for the securities. The Fund may also enter into “dollar rolls,” in which it sells fixed income securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar (same type, coupon and maturity) securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, the Fund would forgo principal and interest paid on such securities. The Fund would be compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the forward price for the future purchase, as well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale. The return on dollar rolls may be negatively impacted by fluctuations in interest rates. The Fund does not presently intend to engage in reverse repurchase or dollar roll transactions involving more than 5% of the Fund’s net assets.

 

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Rule 144A Securities. The Fund may invest up to 15% of the value of its net assets in securities that are illiquid and may be difficult to value. The Fund may purchase securities which are not registered under the 1933 Act, but which can be sold to “qualified institutional buyers” in accordance with Rule 144A under the 1933 Act. Any such security will not be considered illiquid so long as it is determined by the Adviser, acting under guidelines approved and monitored by the Board of Directors, that an adequate trading market exists for that security. This investment practice could have the effect of increasing the level of illiquidity in the Fund during any period that qualified institutional buyers become uninterested in purchasing these restricted securities.

 

Temporary Investments. The short-term and medium-term debt securities in which the Fund may invest for temporary defensive purposes consist of: (a) obligations of the United States or foreign governments, their respective agencies or instrumentalities; (b) bank deposits and bank obligations (including certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers’ acceptances) of U.S. or foreign banks denominated in any currency; (c) floating rate securities and other instruments denominated in any currency issued by international development agencies; (d) finance company and corporate commercial paper and other short-term corporate debt obligations of U.S. and foreign corporations; and (e) repurchase agreements with banks and broker-dealers with respect to such securities.

 

U.S. Government Obligations. The Fund may purchase U.S. government agency and instrumentality obligations that are debt securities issued by U.S. government-sponsored enterprises and federal agencies. Some obligations of agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government or by U.S. Treasury guarantees, such as securities of the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) and the Federal Housing Authority; others, by the ability of the issuer to borrow, provided approval is granted, from the U.S. Treasury, such as securities of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) and others, only by the credit of the agency or instrumentality issuing the obligation, such as securities of the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) and the Federal Home Loan Banks. Such guarantees of U.S. government securities held by the Fund do not, however, guarantee the market value of the shares of the Fund. There is no guarantee that the U.S. government will continue to provide support to its agencies or instrumentalities in the future. U.S. government obligations that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government are subject to greater risks than those that are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. All U.S. government obligations are subject to interest rate risk.

 

In September 2008, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”) announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would be placed in conservatorship under the FHFA. On June 16, 2010, FHFA ordered Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s stock de-listed from the New York Stock Exchange after the price of common stock in Fannie Mae fell below the New York Stock Exchange’s minimum average closing price of $1 for more than 30 days. The future status and role of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could be impacted by (among other things) the actions taken and restrictions placed on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac by the FHFA in its role as conservator, the restrictions placed on Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s operations and activities as a result of the senior preferred stock investment made by the U.S. Treasury, market responses to developments at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and future legislative and regulatory action that alters the operations, ownership, structure and/or mission of these institutions, each of which may, in turn, impact the value of, and cash flows on, any mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, including any such mortgage-backed securities held by the Fund.

 

The Fund’s net assets may be invested in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury or the agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government, including, if applicable, options and futures on such obligations. The maturities of U.S. government securities usually range from three months to thirty years. Examples of types of U.S. government obligations include U.S. Treasury Bills, Treasury Notes and Treasury Bonds and the obligations of Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Farm Credit Banks, Federal Land Banks, the Federal Housing Administration, Farmers Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Small Business Administration, Fannie Mae, GNMA, General Services Administration, Central Bank for Cooperatives, Freddie Mac, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, the Maritime Administration, the Asian-American Development Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. U.S. government securities may include inflation-indexed fixed income securities, such as U.S. Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS). The interest rate of TIPS, which is set at auction, remains fixed throughout the term of the security and the principal amount of the security is adjusted for inflation. The inflation-adjusted principal is not paid until maturity.

 

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There is risk that the U.S. government will not provide financial support to its agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. The Fund may purchase U.S. government securities that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, such as those issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. government securities held by the Fund may greatly exceed their current resources, including their legal right to support from the U.S. Treasury. It is possible that these issuers will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future.

 

FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

 

The Company has adopted the following fundamental investment limitations, which may not be changed with respect to the Fund without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding Shares (as defined in Section 2(a) (42) of the 1940 Act). As used in this SAI and in the Prospectus, “shareholder approval” and a “majority of the outstanding shares” of the Fund means, with respect to the approval of an investment advisory agreement, a distribution plan or a change in a fundamental investment limitation, the lesser of: (1) 67% of the shares of the Fund represented at a meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present in person or by proxy; or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. The Fund may not:

 

1. Borrow money or issue senior securities, except that the Fund may borrow from banks and enter into reverse repurchase agreements and dollar rolls for temporary purposes in amounts up to one-third of the value of its total assets at the time of such borrowing; or mortgage, pledge or hypothecate any assets, except in connection with any such borrowing and then in amounts not in excess of one-third of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the time of such borrowing. The Fund will not purchase securities while its aggregate borrowings (including reverse repurchase agreements, dollar rolls and borrowings from banks) are in excess of 5% of its total assets. Securities held in escrow or separate accounts in connection with the Fund’s investment practices are not considered to be borrowings or deemed to be pledged for purposes of this limitation;

 

2. Act as an underwriter of securities within the meaning of the 1933 Act, except insofar as it might be deemed to be an underwriter upon disposition of certain portfolio securities acquired within the limitation on purchases of restricted securities;

 

3. Purchase or sell real estate (including real estate limited partnership interests), provided that the Fund may invest (a) in securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies that invest in real estate or interests therein or (b) in real estate investment trusts;

 

4. Purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts, except that the Fund may deal in forward foreign exchanges between currencies of the different countries in which it may invest and purchase and sell stock index and currency options, stock index futures, financial futures and currency futures contracts and related options on such futures;

 

5. Make loans, except through loans of portfolio securities and repurchase agreements, provided that for purposes of this restriction the acquisition of bonds, debentures or other debt instruments or interests therein and investment in government obligations, loan participations and assignments, short-term commercial paper, certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances shall not be deemed to be the making of a loan;

 

6. Invest 25% or more of its assets, taken at market value at the time of each investment, in the securities of issuers in any particular industry (excluding the U.S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities); or

 

9

 

7. Purchase the securities of any one issuer, other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, if immediately after and as a result of such purchase, more than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in the securities of such issuer, or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer would be owned by the Fund, except that up to 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets may be invested without regard to such limitations.

 

(For purposes of Investment Limitation No. 1, any collateral arrangements with respect to, if applicable, the writing of options and futures contracts, options on futures contracts, and collateral arrangements with respect to initial and variation margin are not deemed to be a pledge of assets. For purposes of Investment Limitation No. 2, neither the foregoing arrangements nor the purchase or sale of futures or related options are deemed to be the issuance of senior securities.)

 

The Fund may invest in securities issued by other investment companies within the limits prescribed by the 1940 Act. As a shareholder of another investment company, the Fund would bear, along with other shareholders, its pro rata portion of the other investment company’s expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses would be in addition to the advisory and other expenses that the Fund bears directly in connection with its own operations.

 

Under the 1940 Act, the Fund will be required to maintain asset coverage of at least 300% for borrowings from a bank. In the event that such asset coverage is below 300%, the Fund will be required to reduce the amount of its borrowings to obtain 300% asset coverage within three business days.

 

Except as required by the 1940 Act with respect to the borrowing of money and the limitation on illiquid holdings, if a percentage restriction is adhered to at the time of investment, a later increase or decrease in percentage resulting from a change in market values of portfolio securities or amount of total or net assets will not be considered a violation of any of the foregoing restrictions.

 

Securities held by the Fund generally may not be purchased from, sold or loaned to the Adviser or its affiliates or any of their directors, officers or employees, acting as principal, unless pursuant to a rule or exemptive order under the 1940 Act.

 

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

The Company has adopted, on behalf of the Fund, a policy relating to the selective disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio securities by the Adviser, director, officer or third party service provider, in accordance with regulations that seek to ensure that disclosure of information about portfolio holdings is in the best interest of Fund shareholders and to address the conflicts of interests of the Fund shareholders and its service providers. The policies relating to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio securities are designed to allow disclosure of portfolio holdings information where necessary to the Fund’s operation without compromising the integrity or performance of the Fund. It is the policy of the Company that disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings to a select person or persons prior to the release of such holdings to the public (“selective disclosure”) is prohibited, unless there are legitimate business purposes for selective disclosure.

 

The Company discloses portfolio holdings information as required in regulatory filings and shareholder reports, discloses portfolio holdings information as required by federal and state securities laws and may disclose portfolio holdings information in response to requests by governmental authorities. As required by the federal securities laws, including the 1940 Act, the Company will disclose the Fund’s portfolio holdings in its applicable regulatory filings, including shareholder reports, reports on Form N-CSR and Form N-Q or such other filings, reports or disclosure documents as the applicable regulatory authorities may require.

 

The Company may distribute or authorize the distribution of information about the Fund’s portfolio holdings that is not publicly available to its third-party service providers of the Company, which include U.S. Bank, N.A., the custodian; U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“USBFS”), the administrator, accounting agent and transfer agent; PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm; Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, legal counsel; and FilePoint, the financial printer. These service providers are required to keep such information confidential, and are prohibited from trading based on the information or otherwise using the information except as necessary in providing services to the Fund. Such holdings are released on conditions of confidentiality, which include appropriate trading prohibitions. “Conditions of confidentiality” include confidentiality terms included in written agreements, implied by the nature of the relationship ( e.g. attorney-client relationship), or required by fiduciary or regulatory principles (e.g., custody services provided by financial institutions). Portfolio holdings may also be provided earlier to shareholders and their agents who receive redemptions in kind that reflect a pro rata allocation of all securities held in the portfolio.

 

10

 

Portfolio holdings may also be disclosed, upon authorization by a designated officer of the Adviser, to (i) certain independent reporting agencies recognized by the SEC as acceptable agencies for the reporting of industry statistical information, and (ii) financial consultants to assist them in determining the suitability of the Fund as an investment for their clients, in each case in accordance with the anti-fraud provisions of the federal securities laws and the Company’s and the Adviser’s fiduciary duties to Fund shareholders The foregoing disclosures are made pursuant to the Company’s policy on selective disclosure of portfolio holdings. The Board of Directors of the Company or a committee thereof may, in limited circumstances, permit other selective disclosure of portfolio holdings subject to a confidentiality agreement and/or trading restrictions. Portfolio holdings may also be provided earlier to shareholders and their agents who receive redemptions in kind that reflect a pro rata allocation of all securities held in the Fund’s portfolio.

 

The Adviser reserves the right to refuse to fulfill any request for portfolio holdings information from a shareholder or non-shareholder if it believes that providing such information will be contrary to the best interests of the Fund.

 

The Board provides ongoing oversight of the Company’s policies and procedures and compliance with such policies and procedures. As part of this oversight function, the Board receives from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) as necessary, reports on compliance with these policies and procedures. In addition, the Board receives an annual assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of the policies and procedures with respect to the Fund, and any changes thereto, and an annual review of the operation of the policies and procedures. Any violation of the policy set forth above as well as any corrective action undertaken to address such violation must be reported by the Adviser, director, officer or third party service provider to the Company’s CCO who will determine whether the violation should be reported immediately to the Board of Directors of the Company or at its next quarterly Board meeting.

 

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

 

Portfolio turnover measures the percentage of the Fund’s total portfolio market value that was purchased or sold during the period. The Fund’s turnover rate provides an indication of how transaction costs (which are not included in the Fund’s expenses) may affect the Fund’s performance. Also, funds with a high turnover may be more likely to distribute capital gains that may be taxable to shareholders.

 

The Fund’s portfolio turnover rates for the two most recent fiscal years are stated below. Portfolio turnover rates could change significantly in response to turbulent market conditions.

 

Portfolio Turnover
Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2017 Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2016
137.61% 113.69%

 

MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the oversight of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), subject to the laws of the State of Maryland and the Company’s Charter. The Directors are responsible for deciding matters of overall policy and overseeing the actions of the Company’s service providers. The officers of the Company conduct and supervise the Company’s daily business operations.

 

Directors who are not deemed to be “interested persons” of the Company (as defined in the 1940 Act) are referred to as “Independent Directors.” Directors who are deemed to be “interested persons” of the Company are referred to as “Interested Directors.” The Board is currently composed of seven Independent Directors and one Interested Director. The Board has selected Arnold M. Reichman, an Independent Director, to act as Chairman. Mr. Reichman’s duties include presiding at meetings of the Board and interfacing with management to address significant issues that may arise between regularly scheduled Board and Committee meetings. In the performance of his duties, Mr. Reichman will consult with the other Independent Directors and the Company’s officers and legal counsel, as appropriate. The Chairman may perform other functions as requested by the Board from time to time.

 

11

 

The Board meets as often as necessary to discharge its responsibilities. Currently, the Board conducts regular, in-person meetings at least four times a year, and holds special in-person or telephonic meetings as necessary to address specific issues that require attention prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting. The Board also relies on professionals, such as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firms and legal counsel, to assist the Directors in performing their oversight responsibilities.

 

The Board has established nine standing committees — Audit, Contract, Executive, Investment Risk, Nominating and Governance, Product Development, Regulatory Oversight, Strategic Oversight, and Valuation Committees. The Board may establish other committees, or nominate one or more Directors to examine particular issues related to the Board’s oversight responsibilities, from time to time. Each Committee meets periodically to perform its delegated oversight functions and reports its findings and recommendations to the Board. For more information on the Committees, see the section “Standing Board Committees,” below.

 

The Board has determined that the Company’s leadership structure is appropriate because it allows the Board to effectively perform its oversight responsibilities.

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below.

 

12

 

Name, Address,

and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of

Office and
Length of

Time Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of

Portfolios in Fund

Complex Overseen by Director*

Other Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 84

Director 1988 to present From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications). 29 AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

J. Richard Carnall
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 79

Director 2002 to present

Since 1984, Director of Haydon Bolts, Inc. (bolt manufacturer) and Parkway Real Estate Company (subsidiary of Haydon Bolts, Inc.); since 2004, Director of Cornerstone Bank.

 

29 None

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 51

 

Director 2012 to present

Since 2009, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services); from 2003 to 2009, Managing Director, head of Business Services and IT Services Practice, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC (investment banking/brokerage).

 

29

Emtec, Inc.; FS Investment Corporation (business development company); FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company).

 

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 74

Director 2006 to present Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations. 29 Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company)(until September 2017); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios)(registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance).

 

13

 

Name, Address,

and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of

Office and
Length of

Time Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of

Portfolios in Fund

Complex Overseen by Director*

Other Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

Sam Lambroza

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI

53202

Age: 63

Director 2016 to present

Since 2010, Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer and Board Member, Tinsel Group of Companies (asset management).

 

29 None

Arnold M. Reichman
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 69

Chairman

 

Director

2005 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2006, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Lifebooker, LLC (online beauty and health appointment booking service).

29 Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 76

Director 2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

29

Reich and Tang Group (asset management).

 

INTERESTED DIRECTOR 2

Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 79

Vice Chairman

 

Director

2016 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director - Investments and prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

29 None
OFFICERS

Salvatore Faia, JD,
CPA, CFE
Vigilant Compliance, LLC
Gateway Corporate
Center Suite 216
223 Wilmington West
Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 55

President

 

Chief Compliance Officer

2009 to present

 

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

 

N/A N/A

 

14

 

Name, Address,

and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of

Office and
Length of

Time Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of

Portfolios in Fund

Complex Overseen by Director*

Other Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 57

 

Treasurer

and

Secretary

 2016 to present

Since 2016, Treasurer and Secretary of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A N/A

Robert Amweg
Vigilant Compliance, LLC

Gateway Corporate Center Suite 216
223 Wilmington West Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 64

Assistant

Treasurer

2016 to present

Since 2013, Compliance Director, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2012, Consultant to the financial services industry; from 2007 to 2012, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, Turner Investments, LP (registered investment company).

N/A N/A

Jesse Schmitting

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 35

Assistant Treasurer 2016 to present Since 2008, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm). N/A N/A

Edward Paz

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 46

Assistant Secretary

 

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

 

N/A N/A

 

15

 

Name, Address,

and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of

Office and
Length of

Time Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of

Portfolios in Fund

Complex Overseen by Director*

Other Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square
Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 58

Assistant
Secretary
1999 to present Since 1993, Partner, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm). N/A N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann

One Logan Square
Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 38

Assistant
Secretary

2017

to present

Since 2017, Partner, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm); Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (2006 to present). N/A N/A

 

* Each Director oversees twenty-nine portfolios of the Company.
1. Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his successor is elected and qualified or his death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.
2. Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Carnall has decades of senior executive-level management experience in the banking and financial services industry and also serves on the boards of various corporations and a bank. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Mr. Lambroza has decades of experience and executive level leadership in the energy trading industry in addition to his experience in academia.

 

16

 

Standing Committees

 

The responsibilities of each Committee of the Board and its members are described below.

 

Audit Committee. The Board has an Audit Committee comprised of three Independent Directors. The current members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Brodsky, Chandler and Giordano. The Audit Committee, among other things, reviews results of the annual audit and approves the firm(s) to serve as independent auditors. The Audit Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Contract Committee. The Board has a Contract Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Contract Committee are Messrs. Brodsky, Chandler, Sablowsky and Straniere. The Contract Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the approval and continuation of agreements and plans of the Company. The Contract Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Executive Committee. The Board has an Executive Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Executive Committee are Messrs. Chandler, Giordano, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Executive Committee may generally carry on and manage the business of the Company when the Board is not in session. The Executive Committee did not meet during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Investment Risk Committee. The Board has an Investment Risk Committee comprised of the Interested Director and two Independent Directors. The current members of the Investment Risk Committee are Messrs. Lambroza, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Investment Risk Committee ensures that the Company’s investment advisers have adopted investment risk management policies and procedures. The Investment Risk Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Nominating and Governance Committee. The Board has a Nominating and Governance Committee comprised of three Independent Directors. The current members of the Nominating and Governance Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Giordano and Reichman. The Nominating and Governance Committee recommends to the Board all persons to be nominated as Directors of the Company. The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders. Recommendations should be submitted to the Committee care of the Company’s Secretary. The Nominating and Governance Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Product Development Committee. The Board has a Product Development Committee comprised of the Interested Director and one Independent Director. The current members of the Product Development Committee are Messrs. Reichman and Sablowsky. The Product Development Committee oversees the process regarding the addition of new investment advisers and investment products to the Company. The Product Development Committee convened six times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Regulatory Oversight Committee. The Board has a Regulatory Oversight Committee comprised of the Interested Director and four Independent Directors. The current members of the Regulatory Oversight Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Lambroza, Reichman, Sablowsky and Straniere. The Regulatory Oversight Committee monitors regulatory developments in the mutual fund industry and focuses on various regulatory aspects of the operation of the Company. The Regulatory Oversight Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Strategic Oversight Committee. The Board has a Strategic Oversight Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Strategic Oversight Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Chandler, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Strategic Oversight Committee assists the Board in its oversight and review of the Company’s strategic plan and operations. The Strategic Oversight Committee convened one time during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Valuation Committee. The Board has a Valuation Committee comprised of the Interested Director, one Independent Director and three officers of the Company. The members of the Valuation Committee are Messrs. Amweg, Faia, Lambroza, Sablowsky and Shaw. The Valuation Committee is responsible for reviewing fair value determinations. The Valuation Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

17

 

Risk Oversight

 

The Board performs its risk oversight function for the Company through a combination of (1) direct oversight by the Board as a whole and Board committees and (2) indirect oversight through the Company’s investment advisers and other service providers, Company officers and the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer. The Company is subject to a number of risks, including but not limited to investment risk, compliance risk, operational risk, reputational risk, credit risk and counterparty risk. Day-to-day risk management with respect to the Company is the responsibility of the Company’s investment advisers or other service providers (depending on the nature of the risk) that carry out the Company’s investment management and business affairs. Each of the investment advisers and the other service providers have their own independent interest in risk management and their policies and methods of risk management will depend on their functions and business models and may differ from the Company’s and each other’s in the setting of priorities, the resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls.

 

The Board provides risk oversight by receiving and reviewing on a regular basis reports from the Company’s investment advisers or other service providers, receiving and approving compliance policies and procedures, periodic meetings with the Company’s portfolio managers to review investment policies, strategies and risks, and meeting regularly with the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer to discuss compliance reports, findings and issues. The Board also relies on the Company’s investment advisers and other service providers, with respect to the day-to-day activities of the Company, to create and maintain procedures and controls to minimize risk and the likelihood of adverse effects on the Company’s business and reputation.

 

Board oversight of risk management is also provided by various Board Committees. For example, the Audit Committee meets with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firms to ensure that the Company’s respective audit scopes include risk-based considerations as to the Company’s financial position and operations.

 

The Board may, at any time and in its discretion, change the manner in which it conducts risk oversight. The Board’s oversight role does not make the Board a guarantor of the Company’s investments or activities.

 

Director Ownership of Shares of the Company

 

The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Director in the Fund and in all of the portfolios of the Company (which for each Director comprise all registered investment companies within the Company’s family of investment companies overseen by him), as of December 31, 2016.

 

Name of Director

Dollar Range of

Equity Securities in the

Fund

Aggregate Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in All
Registered Investment Companies
Overseen by Director within the
Family of Investment Companies
  INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS  
Julian A. Brodsky None Over $100,000
J. Richard Carnall None $10,001-$50,000
Gregory P. Chandler None $1-$10,000
Nicholas A. Giordano None $10,001-$50,000
Sam Lambroza None Over $100,000
Arnold M. Reichman None Over $100,000
Robert A. Straniere None $1-$10,000
INTERESTED DIRECTOR
Robert Sablowsky None Over $100,000

 

Directors’ and Officers’ Compensation

 

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company pays each Director a retainer at the rate of $100,000 annually, $10,000 for each regular meeting of the Board, $3,500 for each committee meeting attended in-person, and $2,000 for each committee meeting attended telephonically or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each receive an additional fee of $15,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Contract Committee receives an additional fee of $10,000 per year for his services, and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee and Chairman of the Investment Risk Committee each receive an additional fee of $7,500 per year for his services. The Vice Chairman of the Board receives an additional fee of $25,000 per year for his services in this capacity and the Chairman of the Board receives an additional fee of $50,000 per year for his services in this capacity.

 

18

 

From January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017, the Company paid each Director a retainer at the rate of $100,000 annually, $5,000 for each regular meeting of the Board, $2,500 for each committee meeting attended in-person, and $2,000 for each committee meeting attended telephonically or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each received an additional fee of $15,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Contract Committee received an additional fee of $10,000 for his services and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee received an additional fee of $7,500 for his services. Effective June 1, 2017, the Chairman of the Investment Risk Committee received an additional fee of $7,500 for his services. The Vice Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $25,000 for his services in this capacity and the Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $50,000 for his services in this capacity.

 

From January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016, the Company paid each Director a retainer at the rate of $85,000 annually, $3,500 for each regular meeting of the Board, and $2,000 for each committee meeting or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each received an additional fee of $10,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Chairman of the Contract Committee each received an additional fee of $6,000 per year for his services. The Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $25,000 per year for his services in this capacity.

 

Directors are reimbursed for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board or any committee thereof. Employees of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serve as President, Chief Compliance Officer, and Assistant Treasurer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company, and such compensation is determined by the Board. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, Vigilant Compliance LLC received $17,882 from the Fund and $600,000 in aggregate from all series of the Company for services provided. An employee of the Company serves as Treasurer and Secretary and is compensated for services provided. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, each of the following members of the Board and the Treasurer and Secretary received compensation from the Company in the following amounts:

 

Name of Director/Officer Aggregate
Compensation
from the Fund
Pension or
Retirement
Benefits Accrued

Estimated
Annual
Benefits

Upon
Retirement

Total
Compensation
From
Fund Complex
Paid to

Directors
or Officer

Independent Directors:        
Julian A. Brodsky, Director $2,085 N/A N/A $130,250
J. Richard Carnall, Director $1,982 N/A N/A $128,250
Gregory P. Chandler, Director $2,402 N/A N/A $151,000
Nicholas A. Giordano, Director $1,980 N/A N/A $132,875
Sam Lambroza, Director $2,133 N/A N/A $133,375
Arnold M. Reichman, Director and Chairman $2,685 N/A N/A $175,500
Robert A. Straniere, Director $2,147 N/A N/A $130,750
Interested Director:        
Robert Sablowsky, Director $2,637 N/A N/A $173,750
Officer:        
Jim Shaw, Treasurer and Secretary $556 N/A N/A $240,000

 

19

 

Each compensated Director is entitled to participate in the Company’s deferred compensation plan (the “DC Plan”). Under the DC Plan, a compensated Director may elect to defer all or a portion of his compensation and have the deferred compensation treated as if it had been invested by the Company in shares of one or more of the portfolios of the Company. The amount paid to the Directors under the DC Plan will be determined based upon the performance of such investments.

 

As of December 31, 2016, the Independent Directors and their respective immediate family members (spouse or dependent children) did not own beneficially or of record any securities of the Company’s investment advisers or distributor, or of any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment advisers or distributor.

 

CODE OF ETHICS

 

The Company and the Adviser have each adopted a code of ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act that permits personnel subject to the codes to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Company, subject to certain restrictions.

 

PROXY VOTING

 

The Board has delegated the responsibility of voting proxies with respect to the portfolio securities purchased and/or held by the Fund to the Adviser, subject to the Board’s continuing oversight. In exercising its voting obligations, the Adviser is guided by its general fiduciary duty to act prudently and in the interest of the Fund. The Adviser will consider factors affecting the value of the Fund’s investments and the rights of shareholders in its determination on voting portfolio securities. The Adviser has adopted proxy voting procedures with respect to voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Fund. A copy of the Adviser’s Proxy Voting Policy is included with this SAI. Please see Appendix B to this SAI for further information.

 

Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available, without charge, upon request, by calling 1-888-520-3277 and by visiting the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

 

As of November 30, 2017 to the Company’s knowledge, the following named persons at the addresses shown below were owners of record of approximately 5% or more of the total outstanding shares of the classes of the Fund indicated below. See “Additional Information Concerning Company Shares” below. Any shareholder that owns 25% or more of the outstanding shares of a portfolio or class may be presumed to “control” (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) the portfolio or class. Shareholders controlling a portfolio or class could have the ability to vote a majority of the shares of the portfolio or class on any matter requiring approval of the shareholders of the portfolio or class.

 

Shareholder Name and Address

Number and Percentage of
Shares Owned as of

November 30, 2017

Vanguard Brokerage Services

P.O. Box 1170

Valley Forge, PA 19482-1170

532,104   20.76 %

Arnold C. Schneider III

SEP IRA

c/o U.S. Bank, NA

P.O. Box 1787

Milwaukee, WI 53201-1787

511,325   19.95 %

Charles Schwab & Co Inc.
Special Cust A/C FBO Customers

101 Montgomery St
San Francisco, CA 94104-4151

494,139   19.28 %

Turnbridge Management

Partners, Inc.

c/o U.S. Bank, NA

P.O. Box 1787

Milwaukee, WI 53201-1787

191,972   7.49 %

National Financial Services LLC FEBO Jeleco Partners Ltd.

A Partnership

Lori B. Garrison and John E. Garrison

200 Liberty Street

New York, NY 10281

137,374   5.36 %

 

20

 

As of November 30, 2017, the Directors and officers as a group owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.

 

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES

 

Investment Adviser

 

Advisory Agreement. The Adviser renders advisory services to the Fund pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement dated September 1, 1998 (the “Advisory Agreement”).

 

The Adviser is a Pennsylvania corporation controlled by its majority shareholder, Arnold C. Schneider, III. The Adviser has been managing assets for institutional accounts since 1996. The Adviser is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.

 

The Adviser is an active, equity value manager that believes a disciplined fundamental approach can consistently add value in a market that has shown to be extremely efficient with current data, but less so with future events. The Adviser is research intensive and focuses on new ideas, believing that the market is slow to react to change, particularly where out-of-favor stocks are concerned. The Adviser strives to act on them as soon as possible to generate above-average returns. The Adviser has investment discretion for the Fund and will make all decisions affecting assets in the Fund under the supervision of the Board and in accordance with the Fund’s stated policies. The Adviser will select investments for the Fund. For its services to the Fund, the Adviser is entitled to receive a monthly advisory fee under the Advisory Agreement computed at an annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The Adviser has agreed to waive its fees to the extent necessary to maintain an annualized expense ratio (excluding certain items discussed below) for the Fund of 1.15%. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual fund operating expenses to exceed 1.15%: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes. The Adviser may not recoup waived advisory fees or reimbursed expenses. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2018 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board. There can be no assurance that the Adviser will continue such waiver after December 31, 2018.

 

The Fund bears its own expenses not specifically assumed by the Adviser. General expenses of the Company not readily identifiable as belonging to a portfolio of the Company are allocated among all investment portfolios by or under the direction of the Board in such manner as it deems to be fair and equitable. Expenses borne by a Fund include, but are not limited to the expenses listed in the prospectus and the following (or a portfolio’s share of the following): (a) the cost (including brokerage commissions) of securities purchased or sold by a portfolio and any losses incurred in connection therewith; (b) fees payable to and expenses incurred on behalf of a portfolio by the Adviser; (c) any costs, expenses or losses arising out of a liability of or claim for damages or other relief asserted against the Company or a portfolio for violation of any law; (d) any extraordinary expenses; (e) fees, voluntary assessments and other expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; (f) the cost of investment company literature and other publications provided by the Company to its Directors and officers; (g) organizational costs; (h) fees to the Adviser and USBFS; (i) fees and expenses of officers and directors who are not affiliated with the Adviser or Distributor; (j) taxes; (k) interest; (l) legal fees; (m) custodian fees; (n) auditing fees; (o) brokerage fees and commissions; (p) certain of the fees and expenses of registering and qualifying the Fund and its shares for distribution under federal and state securities laws; (q) expenses of preparing prospectuses and statements of additional information and distributing annually to existing shareholders that are not attributable to a particular class of shares of the Company; (r) the expense of reports to shareholders, shareholders’ meetings and proxy solicitations that are not attributable to a particular class of shares of the Company; (s) fidelity bond and directors’ and officers’ liability insurance premiums; (t) the expense of using independent pricing services; and (u) other expenses which are not expressly assumed by the Adviser under its advisory agreement with the portfolio.

 

21

 

Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser will not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund or the Company in connection with the performance of the Advisory Agreement, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Adviser in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard of its duties and obligations thereunder.

 

The advisory fees, including waivers and reimbursements for the past three fiscal years are as follows:

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended   Advisory Fees
(after waivers and
reimbursements)
    Waivers     Reimbursements  
August 31, 2017   $ 255,497     $ 187,776     $ 0  
August 31, 2016   $ 4,153     $ 250,716     $ 0  
August 31, 2015   $ 137,522     $ 283,563     $ 0  

 

Portfolio Manager

 

Description of Compensation.

 

Mr. Schneider’s compensation consists of a salary and a bonus. A portion of his bonus may be deferred. Generally, his salary is fixed at the beginning of each year; his bonus and any deferred compensation are discretionary and based on the overall profitability of the firm.

 

Other Accounts . The table below discloses accounts, other than the Fund, for which the portfolio manager is jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management, as of August 31, 2017:

 

Name of Portfolio Manager

or Team Member

Type of Accounts Total
# of
Accounts
Managed
Total Assets # of Accounts
Managed that
Advisory Fee
Based on
Performance
Total Assets
that Advisory
Fee Based on
Performance
Arnold C. Schneider III Other Registered Investment Companies: 0 $0 0 $0
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles: 5 $ 30 million 0 $0
  Other Accounts: 3 $ 515 million 0 $0

 

Material Conflicts of Interest. The Adviser provides investment management services to multiple clients with investment objectives and strategies that are similar as well as different than those of the Fund. Although each client’s account is individually managed, the Adviser may purchase and/or sell the same securities for numerous accounts. The Adviser aggregates client orders based on circumstances existing at the time the orders are received and consistent with its policy of seeking best price and execution. Aggregated orders may include orders for investment vehicles in which the Adviser or its affiliates have an interest. The inclusion of an account in an aggregate order is based on factors such as consistency with investment objective and guidelines, suitability, investment strategy, timing of order placement, order price, and client cash flow. Certain investment opportunities may be suitable for or consistent with the strategy or investment objective of only one or a limited number of client accounts. In those cases, it is possible that a particular securities acquisition or disposition will be considered for one or a limited number of accounts.

 

22

 

The Adviser is under common control with Turnbridge Management Partners (“Turnbridge”), the General Partner to a private investment fund. The Adviser manages the portfolio of the private investment fund. Turnbridge, in accordance with the provisions of the private investment fund, is entitled to receive an incentive allocation each year, based on the performance of the private investment fund.

 

Securities Ownership . The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the portfolio manager in the Fund as of August 31, 2017:

 

Portfolio Manager   Dollar ($) Value of Fund Shares
Beneficially Owned
Arnold C. Schneider III   Over $1,000,000

 

Custodian Agreement

 

U.S. Bank, N.A., (the “Custodian”), with offices at 1555 RiverCenter Drive, Suite 302, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212 serves as the custodian of the Fund’s assets pursuant to a custodian agreement between the Custodian and the Company (the “Custodian Agreement”). Under the Custodian Agreement, the Custodian (a) maintains a separate account or accounts in the name of the Fund, (b) holds and transfers portfolio securities on account of the Fund, (c) accepts receipts and makes disbursements of money on behalf of the Fund, (d) collects and receives all income and other payments and distributions on account of the Fund’s portfolio securities, and (e) makes periodic reports to the Board concerning the Fund’s operations. The Custodian is authorized to select one or more banks or trust companies to serve as sub-custodian on behalf of the Fund, provided that the Custodian remains responsible for the performance of all of its duties under the Custodian Agreement and holds the Company harmless from the acts and omissions of any sub-custodian. For its services to the Fund under the Custodian Agreement, the Custodian receives a fee based on each Fund’s average daily gross assets calculated daily and payable monthly. Transaction charges and out-of-pocket expenses are also charged to the Fund.

 

Transfer Agency Agreement

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, (“USBFS”) with corporate offices at 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, serves as the transfer and dividend disbursing agent for the Fund pursuant to a transfer agency and servicing agreement (the “Transfer Agency Agreement”). USBFS (a) issues and redeems shares of the Fund, (b) addresses and mails all communications by the Fund to record owners of the Shares, including reports to shareholders, dividend and distribution notices and proxy materials for its meetings of shareholders, (c) maintains shareholder accounts and, if requested, sub-accounts, and (d) makes periodic reports to the Board concerning the operations of the Fund. USBFS may, subject to the Board’s approval, assign its duties as transfer and dividend disbursing agent to any other affiliate of USBFS. For its services to the Fund under the Transfer Agency Agreement, USBFS receives an annual fee based on the number of accounts in the Fund and the Fund’s average gross assets calculated daily and payable monthly. Transaction charges and out-of-pocket expenses are also charged to the Fund.

 

USBFS also provides services relating to the implementation of the Company’s Anti-Money Laundering Program. In addition, USBFS provides services relating to the implementation of the Company’s Customer Identification Program, including the verification of required customer information and the maintenance of records with respect to such verification.

 

Distribution Agreement

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), whose principal business address is 777 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202, serves as the underwriter to the Fund pursuant to the terms of a distribution agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”). The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). The Distributor is not affiliated with the Company or the Adviser. The Distributor, U.S. Bank, N.A., and USBFS are affiliates.

 

23

 

Under the Distribution Agreement with the Fund, the Distributor acts as the agent of the Company in connection with the continuous offering of shares of the Fund. The Distributor continually distributes shares of the Fund on a best efforts basis. The Distributor has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of Fund shares. The Distributor and its officers have no role in determining the investment policies or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Company.

 

The Distributor may enter into agreements with selected broker-dealers, banks or other financial intermediaries for distribution of shares of the Fund. With respect to certain financial intermediaries and related fund “supermarket” platform arrangements, the Fund and/or the Adviser, rather than the Distributor, typically enter into such agreements. These financial intermediaries may charge a fee for their services and may receive shareholder service or other fees from parties other than the Distributor. These financial intermediaries may otherwise act as processing agents and are responsible for promptly transmitting purchase, redemption and other requests to the Fund.

 

Investors who purchase shares through financial intermediaries will be subject to the procedures of those intermediaries through which they purchase shares, which may include charges, investment minimums, cutoff times and other restrictions in addition to, or different from, those listed herein. Information concerning any charges or services will be provided to customers by the financial intermediary through which they purchase shares. Investors purchasing shares of the Fund through financial intermediaries should acquaint themselves with their financial intermediary’s procedures and should read the Prospectus in conjunction with any materials and information provided by their financial intermediary. The financial intermediary, and not its customers, will be the shareholder of record, although customers may have the right to vote shares depending upon their arrangement with the financial intermediary. The Distributor does not receive compensation from the Fund for its distribution services except the distribution/service fees with respect to the shares of those classes for which a Rule 12b-1 distribution plan is effective. The Adviser pays the Distributor a fee for certain distribution-related services.

 

The Distribution Agreement has an initial term of up to two years and will continue in effect only if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by vote of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities in accordance with the 1940 Act. The Distribution Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Company on behalf of the Fund on no less than 60 days’ written notice when authorized either by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the members of the Board who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Company and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Distribution Agreement, or by the Distributor, and will automatically terminate in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act). The Distribution Agreement provides that the Distributor shall not be liable for any loss suffered by the Company in connection with the performance of the Distributor’s obligations and duties under the Distribution Agreement, except a loss resulting from the Distributor’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of such duties and obligations, or by reason of its reckless disregard thereof.

 

Administration and Accounting Services Agreements

 

USBFS, located at 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202, serves as fund administrator to the Fund pursuant to a fund administration servicing agreement and serves as fund accountant pursuant to a fund accounting servicing agreement (the “Administration Agreements”). Under the fund accounting servicing agreement, USBFS has agreed to furnish to the Fund statistical and research data, clerical, accounting and bookkeeping services, and certain other services required by the Fund. Under the fund administration servicing agreement, USBFS has agreed to provide fund administration services to the Company. These services include the preparation and coordination of the Company’s annual post-effective amendment filing and supplements to the Fund’s registration statement, the preparation and assembly of board meeting materials, and certain other services necessary to the Company’s fund administration. In addition, USBFS has agreed to prepare and file various reports with the appropriate regulatory agencies and prepare materials required by the SEC or any state securities commission having jurisdiction over the Fund.

 

The Administration Agreements provide that USBFS shall be obligated to exercise reasonable care in the performance of its duties and that USFBS shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or any loss suffered by the Company in connection with its duties under the Administration Agreements, except a loss resulting from USBSF’s refusal or failure to comply with the terms of the applicable Administration Agreement or from its bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties thereunder.

 

24

 

USBFS receives a fee under the Administration Agreements based on the average daily net assets of the Company.

 

Effective November 21, 2016, USBFS replaced the Fund’s prior administrator as fund administrator and fund accountant to the Fund. For the fiscal years ended August 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, the Fund paid USBFS and the Fund’s prior administrator certain administration, accounting and regulatory administration fees as follows:

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended   Administration, Accounting and Regulatory Administration Fees Paid (after waivers)     Waivers     Reimbursements  
August 31, 2017   $ 54,207     $ 0     $ 0  
August 31, 2016   $ 91,087     $ 0     $ 0  
August 31, 2015   $ 121,389     $ 0     $ 0  

 

FUND TRANSACTIONS

 

Subject to policies established by the Board and applicable rules, the Adviser is responsible for the execution of portfolio transactions and the allocation of brokerage transactions for the Fund. In executing portfolio transactions, the Adviser seeks to obtain the best price and most favorable execution for the Fund, taking into account such factors as the price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of the order, difficulty of execution and operational facilities of the firm involved. While the Adviser generally seeks reasonably competitive commission rates, payment of the lowest commission or spread is not necessarily consistent with obtaining the best price and execution in particular transactions.

 

The Fund has no obligation to deal with any broker or group of brokers in the execution of portfolio transactions. The Adviser may, consistent with the interests of the Fund and subject to the approval of the Board, select brokers on the basis of the research, statistical and pricing services they provide to the Fund and other clients of the Adviser. Information and research received from such brokers will be in addition to, and not in lieu of, the services required to be performed by the Adviser under its respective contracts. The research may be used by the Adviser for all of its accounts. A commission paid to such brokers may be higher than that which another qualified broker would have charged for effecting the same transaction, provided that the Adviser, as applicable, determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in terms either of the transaction or the overall responsibility of the Adviser, as applicable, to the Fund and its other clients and that the total commissions paid by the Fund will be reasonable in relation to the benefits to the Fund over the long-term. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, the Fund paid $96,832 in aggregate commissions to brokers on account of research services.

 

The Adviser typically aggregates orders for the purchase and sale of securities for client portfolios including portfolios of the investment partnerships and registered investment companies it advises. In this process, orders for investment partnerships or registered investment companies in which the Adviser or persons associated with the Adviser have an interest may be aggregated with orders for other client portfolios. Securities purchased or proceeds of securities sold through aggregated orders are allocated to the account of each client or fund that bought or sold such securities at the average execution price. If less than the total of the aggregated orders is executed, purchased securities or proceeds will be allocated pro rata among the participating portfolios in proportion to their planned participation in the aggregated orders. Transaction costs for any transaction will be shared pro rata based on each portfolio’s participation in the transaction. The Fund will not purchase securities during the existence of any underwriting or selling group relating to such security of which the Adviser or any affiliated person (as defined in the 1940 Act) thereof is a member except pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board pursuant to Rule 10f-3 under the 1940 Act.

 

The brokerage commissions for the past three fiscal years are as follows:

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended   Brokerage
Commissions Paid
 
August 31, 2017   $ 298,174  
August 31, 2016   $ 155,160  
August 31, 2015   $ 206,153  

 

25

 

The Fund is required to identify any securities of the Company’s regular broker-dealers (as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act) or their parents held by the Fund as of the end of the most recent fiscal year. As of August 31, 2017, the Fund did not hold any securities of its regular broker-dealers or their parents.

 

The Fund expects that its annual portfolio turnover rate will range between 60% and 85% under normal market conditions. A high rate (100% or more) of portfolio turnover involves correspondingly greater brokerage commission expenses and other transaction costs that must be borne directly by the Fund. The Fund anticipates that its annual portfolio turnover rate will vary from year to year.

 

SECURITIES LENDING

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. serves as securities lending agent for the Fund and in that role administers the Fund’s securities lending program pursuant to the terms of a Master Securities Lending Agreement entered into between the Fund and U.S. Bank, N.A.

 

As securities lending agent, U.S. Bank, N.A. is responsible for marketing to approved borrowers available securities from the Fund’s portfolio. U.S. Bank, N.A. is responsible for the administration and management of the Fund’s securities lending program, including the preparation and execution of a participant agreement with each borrower governing the terms and conditions of any securities loan, ensuring that securities loans are properly coordinated and documented with the Fund’s custodian, ensuring that loaned securities are daily valued and that the corresponding required cash collateral of at least 102% of the current market value of the loaned securities is delivered by the borrower(s), using best efforts to obtain additional collateral on the next business day if the value of the collateral falls below the required amount, and arranging for the investment of cash collateral received from borrowers in accordance with the Fund’s investment guidelines.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. receives as compensation for its services a portion of the amount earned by the Fund for lending securities.

 

The table below sets forth, for the Fund’s most recently completed fiscal year, the Fund’s gross income received from securities lending activities, the fees and/or other compensation paid by the Fund for securities lending activities, and the net income earned by the Fund for securities lending activities.

 

 

 

Schneider Small Cap Value Fund

Gross income from securities lending activities: $168,486.50
Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split: $0
Fees paid for any cash collateral management service that are not included in the revenue split: $5,174.10
Administrative fees not included in revenue split: $0
Indemnification fee not included in revenue split: $0
Rebates (paid to borrower): $67,610.48
Other fees not included in revenue split: $0
Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities: $72,784.58
Net income from securities lending activities: $95,701.92

 

PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION

 

You may purchase shares through an account maintained by your brokerage firm and you may also purchase shares directly by mail or wire. The Company reserves the right, if conditions exist which make cash payments undesirable, to honor any request for redemption or repurchase of the Fund’s shares by making payment in whole or in part in securities chosen by the Company and valued in the same way as they would be valued for purposes of computing the Fund’s NAV. If payment is made in securities, a shareholder may incur transaction costs in converting these securities into cash. A shareholder will also bear any market risk or tax consequences as a result of a payment in securities. The Company has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act so that the Fund is obligated to redeem its shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its NAV during any 90-day period for any one shareholder of the Fund. A shareholder will bear the risk of a decline in market value and any tax consequences associated with a redemption in securities.

 

26

 

Under the 1940 Act, the Company may suspend the right to redemption or postpone the date of payment upon redemption for any period during which the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the “NYSE”) is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings), or during which the SEC restricts trading on the NYSE or determines an emergency exists as a result of which disposal or valuation of portfolio securities is not reasonably practicable, or for such other periods as the SEC may permit. (The Company may also suspend or postpone the recordation of the transfer of its shares upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions).

 

Shares of the Company are subject to redemption by the Company, at the redemption price of such shares as in effect from time to time, including, without limitation: (1) to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of the failure of a shareholder to make full payment for shares purchased by the shareholder or to collect any charge relating to a transaction effected for the benefit of a shareholder as provided in the Prospectus from time to time; (2) if such redemption is, in the opinion of the Board, desirable in order to prevent the Company or the Fund from being deemed a “personal holding company” within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”); (3) or if the net income with respect to any particular class of common stock should be negative or it should otherwise be appropriate to carry out the Company’s responsibilities under the 1940 Act.

 

TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PROCEDURES

 

The Company’s telephone transaction procedures include the following measures: (1) requiring the appropriate telephone transaction privilege forms; (2) requiring the caller to provide the names of the account owners, the account social security number and name of the Fund, all of which must match the Company’s records; (3) requiring the Company’s service representative to complete a telephone transaction form, listing all of the above caller identification information; (4) permitting exchanges (if applicable) only if the two account registrations are identical; (5) requiring that redemption proceeds be sent only by check to the account owners of record at the address of record, or by electronic funds transfer through the ACH network or wire only to the owners of record at the bank account of record; (6) sending a written confirmation for each telephone transaction to the owners of record at the address of record within five (5) business days (defined below) of the call; and (7) recording and maintaining a record of all telephone transactions. For accounts held of record by broker-dealers (other than Foreside Distributors), financial institutions, securities dealers, financial planners and other industry professionals, additional documentation or information regarding the scope of a caller’s authority is required. Finally, for telephone transactions in accounts held jointly, additional information regarding other account holders is required.

 

The Fund has the right to redeem your shares at current NAV at any time and without prior notice if, and to the extent that, such redemption is necessary to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of your failure to make full payment for shares of the Fund you previously purchased or subscribed for.

 

VALUATION OF SHARES

 

In accordance with procedures adopted by the Board, the NAV per share of the Fund is calculated by determining the value of the net assets attributed to the Fund and dividing by the number of outstanding shares of the Fund. All securities are valued on each Business Day as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally, but not always, 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time) or such other time as the New York Stock Exchange or National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations System (“NASDAQ”) market may officially close. The term “Business Day” means any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading, which is Monday through Friday except for holidays. The New York Stock Exchange is generally closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day (observed), Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday (observed), Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

 

The time at which transactions and shares are priced and the time by which orders must be received may be changed in case of an emergency or if regular trading on the NYSE is stopped at a time other than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The Company reserves the right to reprocess purchase, redemption and exchange transactions that were initially processed at a NAV other than the Fund’s official closing NAV (as the same may be subsequently adjusted), and to recover amounts from (or distribute amounts to) shareholders based on the official closing NAV. The Company reserves the right to advance the time by which purchase and redemption orders must be received for same business day credit as otherwise permitted by the SEC. In addition, the Fund may compute its NAV as of any time permitted pursuant to any exemption, order or statement of the SEC or its staff.

 

27

 

The securities of the Fund are valued under the direction of the Fund’s administrator and under the general supervision of the Board. Prices are generally determined using readily available market prices. Subject to the approval of the Board, the Fund may employ outside organizations, which may use a matrix or formula method that takes into consideration market indices, matrices, yield curves and other specific adjustments in determining the approximate market value of portfolio investments. This may result in the investments being valued at a price that differs from the price that would have been determined had the matrix or formula method not been used. All cash, receivables, and current payables are carried on the Fund’s books at their face value. Other assets, if any, are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Fund’s Valuation Committee under the direction of the Board.

 

The procedures used by any pricing service and its valuation results are reviewed by the officers of the Company under the general supervision of the Board.

 

The Fund may hold portfolio securities that are listed on foreign exchanges. These securities may trade on weekends or other days when the Fund does not calculate NAV. As a result, the value of these investments may change on days when you cannot purchase or sell Fund shares.

 

TAXES

 

The following summarizes certain additional tax considerations generally affecting the Fund and its shareholders that are not described in the Prospectus. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of the tax treatment of the Fund or its shareholders, and the discussions here and in the Prospectus are not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. Potential investors should consult their tax advisers with specific reference to their own tax situations.

 

The discussions of the federal tax consequences in the Prospectus and this SAI are based on the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) and the regulations issued under it, and court decisions and administrative interpretations, as in effect on the date of this SAI. Future legislative or administrative changes or court decisions may significantly alter the statements included herein, and any such changes or decisions may be retroactive.

 

The Fund qualified during its last taxable year and intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of Subtitle A, Chapter 1, of the Code. As such, the Fund generally will be exempt from federal income tax on its net investment income and realized capital gains that it distributes to its shareholders. To qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company, it must meet three important tests each year.

 

First, the Fund must derive with respect to each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, certain payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities or foreign currencies, other income derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing in stock, securities or currencies, or net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships.

 

Second, generally, at the close of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year, at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s assets must consist of cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies and securities of other issuers as to which the Fund has not invested more than 5% of the value of its total assets in securities of the issuer and as to which the Fund does not hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer, and no more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in the securities of (1) any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies), (2) two or more issuers that the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or (3) one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.

 

Third, the Fund must distribute an amount equal to at least the sum of 90% of its investment company taxable income (net investment income and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss) before taking into account any deduction for dividends paid, and 90% of its tax-exempt income, if any, for the year.

 

28

 

The Fund intends to comply with these requirements. If the Fund were to fail to make sufficient distributions, it could be liable for corporate income tax and for excise tax in respect of the shortfall or, if the shortfall is large enough, the Fund could be disqualified as a regulated investment company. If for any taxable year the Fund were not to qualify as a regulated investment company, all its taxable income would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders. In that event, shareholders would recognize dividend income on distributions to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, and corporate shareholders could be eligible for the dividends-received deduction.

 

A 4% nondeductible excise tax is imposed on regulated investment companies that fail to distribute with respect to each calendar year at least 98% of their ordinary taxable income for the calendar year and 98.2% of their capital gain net income (excess of capital gains over capital losses) for the one year period ending October 31 of such calendar year and 100% of any such amounts that were not distributed in the prior year. The Fund intends to make sufficient distributions or deemed distributions of its ordinary taxable income and any capital gain net income prior to the end of each calendar year to avoid liability for this excise tax.

 

The tax principles applicable to transactions in financial instruments, such as futures contracts and options, that may be engaged in by the Fund, and investments in passive foreign investment companies (“PFICs”), are complex and, in some cases, uncertain. Such transactions and investments may cause the Fund to recognize taxable income prior to the receipt of cash, thereby requiring the Fund to liquidate other positions, or to borrow money, so as to make sufficient distributions to shareholders to avoid corporate-level tax. Moreover, some or all of the taxable income recognized may be ordinary income or short-term capital gain, so that the distributions may be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. In addition, in the case of any shares of a PFIC in which the Fund invests, the Fund may be liable for corporate-level tax on any ultimate gain or distributions on the shares if the Fund fails to make an election to recognize income annually during the period of its ownership of the shares.

 

Although the Fund expects to qualify as a regulated investment company and to be relieved of all or substantially all federal income taxes, depending upon the extent of its activities in states and localities in which its offices are maintained, in which its agents or independent contractors are located, or in which it is otherwise deemed to be conducting business, the Fund may be subject to the tax laws of such states or localities.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING COMPANY SHARES

 

The Company has authorized capital of 100 billion shares of common stock at a par value of $0.001 per share. Currently, 84.923 billion shares have been classified into 176 classes, however, the Company only has 43 active share classes that have begun investment operations. Under the Company’s charter, the Board has the power to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of common stock from time to time.

 

Each share that represents an interest in the Fund has an equal proportionate interest in the assets belonging to such Fund with each other share that represents an interest in the Fund, even if a share has a different class designation than another share representing an interest in the Fund. Shares of the Company do not have preemptive or conversion rights. When issued for payment as described in the Prospectus, shares of the Company will be fully paid and non-assessable.

 

The Company does not currently intend to hold annual meetings of shareholders except as required by the 1940 Act or other applicable law. The Company’s amended By-Laws provide that shareholders owning at least ten percent of the outstanding shares of all classes of common stock of the Company have the right to call for a meeting of shareholders to consider the removal of one or more directors. To the extent required by law, the Company will assist in shareholder communication in such matters.

 

Holders of shares of the Fund will vote in the aggregate on all matters, except where otherwise required by law. Further, shareholders of the Company will vote in the aggregate and not by portfolio except as otherwise required by law or when the Board determines that the matter to be voted upon affects only the interests of the shareholders of a particular portfolio or class of shares. Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides that any matter required to be submitted by the provisions of the 1940 Act or applicable state law, or otherwise, to the holders of the outstanding securities of an investment company such as the Company shall not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting shares, as defined in the 1940 Act, of each portfolio affected by the matter. Rule 18f-2 further provides that a portfolio shall be deemed to be affected by a matter unless it is clear that the interests of each portfolio in the matter are identical or that the matter does not affect any interest of the portfolio. Under Rule 18f-2, the approval of an investment advisory agreement, distribution agreement or any change in a fundamental investment objective or fundamental investment policy would be effectively acted upon with respect to a portfolio only if approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities, as defined in the 1940 Act, of such portfolio. However, Rule 18f-2 also provides that the ratification of the selection of independent public accountants and the election of directors are not subject to the separate voting requirements and may be effectively acted upon by shareholders of an investment company voting without regard to portfolio. Shareholders of the Company are entitled to one vote for each full share held (irrespective of class or portfolio) and fractional votes for fractional shares held. Voting rights are not cumulative and, accordingly, the holders of more than 50% of the aggregate shares of common stock of the Company may elect all of the Directors.

 

29

 

Notwithstanding any provision of Maryland law requiring a greater vote of shares of the Company’s common stock (or of any class voting as a class) in connection with any corporate action, unless otherwise provided by law, or by the Company’s Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, the Company may take or authorize such action upon the favorable vote of the holders of more than 50% of all of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote on the matter voting without regard to class (or portfolio).

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Counsel. The law firm of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, One Logan Square, Suite 2000, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-6996, serves as independent counsel to the Company and the Independent Directors.

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Two Commerce Square, Suite 1800, 2001 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-7042, serves as the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, and in that capacity audits the Fund’s financial statements.

 

30

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The audited financial statements and notes thereto in the Fund’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017 (the “Annual Report”) are incorporated by reference into this SAI. No other parts of the Annual Report are incorporated by reference herein. The financial statements included in the Annual Report have been audited by the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose report thereon also appears in the Annual Report and is incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements have been incorporated herein in reliance upon such reports given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing. Copies of the Annual Report may be obtained at no charge by telephoning USBFS at the telephone number appearing on the front page of this SAI.

 

31

 

APPENDIX A

 

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS

 

Short-Term Credit Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings short-term issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation having an original maturity of no more than 365 days. The following summarizes the rating categories used by S&P Global Ratings for short-term issues:

 

“A-1” – A short-term obligation rated “A-1” is rated in the highest category by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

 

“A-2” – A short-term obligation rated “A-2” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is satisfactory.

 

“A-3” – A short-term obligation rated “A-3” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken an obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“B” – A short-term obligation rated “B” is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.

 

“C” – A short-term obligation rated “C” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“D” – A short-term obligation rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

 

Local Currency and Foreign Currency Ratings – S&P Global Ratings’ issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. An issuer’s foreign currency rating will differ from its local currency rating when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.

 

Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) short-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect both on the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default.

 

Moody’s employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

 

“P-1” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

“P-2” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

A- 1

 

“P-3” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.

 

“NP” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issuer.

 

Fitch, Inc. / Fitch Ratings Ltd. (“Fitch”) short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as “short-term” based on market convention. Typically, this means up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign, and structured obligations and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets. The following summarizes the rating categories used by Fitch for short-term obligations:

 

“F1” – Securities possess the highest short-term credit quality. This designation indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

 

“F2” – Securities possess good short-term credit quality. This designation indicates good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.

 

“F3” – Securities possess fair short-term credit quality. This designation indicates that the intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.

 

“B” – Securities possess speculative short-term credit quality. This designation indicates minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

 

“C” – Securities possess high short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility.

 

“RD” – Restricted default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only.

 

“D” – Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) – The “F1” rating may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show the relative status within that major rating category.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issue of a rated issuer.

 

The DBRS® Ratings Limited (“DBRS”) short-term debt rating scale provides an opinion on the risk that an issuer will not meet its short-term financial obligations in a timely manner. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer and the relative ranking of claims. The R-1 and R-2 rating categories are further denoted by the sub-categories “(high)”, “(middle)”, and “(low)”.

 

The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for commercial paper and short-term debt:

 

“R-1 (high)” - Short-term debt rated “R-1 (high)” is of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is exceptionally high. Unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.

 

“R-1 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (middle)” is of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is very high. Differs from “R-1 (high)” by a relatively modest degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.

 

A- 2

 

“R-1 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (low)” is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is substantial. Overall strength is not as favorable as higher rating categories. May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.

 

“R-2 (high)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (high)” is considered to be at the upper end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.

 

“R-2 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (middle)” is considered to be of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events or may be exposed to other factors that could reduce credit quality.

 

“R-2 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (low)” is considered to be at the lower end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events. A number of challenges are present that could affect the issuer’s ability to meet such obligations.

 

“R-3” – Short-term debt rated “R-3” is considered to be at the lowest end of adequate credit quality. There is a capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due. May be vulnerable to future events and the certainty of meeting such obligations could be impacted by a variety of developments.

 

“R-4” – Short-term debt rated “R-4” is considered to be of speculative credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is uncertain.

 

“R-5” – Short-term debt rated “R-5” is considered to be of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet short-term financial obligations as they fall due.

 

“D” – Short-term debt rated “D” is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to “D” may occur. DBRS may also use “SD” (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a “distressed exchange”.

 

Long-Term Credit Ratings

 

The following summarizes the ratings used by S&P Global Ratings for long-term issues:

 

“AAA” – An obligation rated “AAA” has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is extremely strong.

 

“AA” – An obligation rated “AA” differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is very strong.

 

“A” – An obligation rated “A” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is still strong.

 

“BBB” – An obligation rated “BBB” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC” and “C” – Obligations rated “BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC” and “C” are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. “BB” indicates the least degree of speculation and “C” the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposure to adverse conditions.

 

A- 3

 

“BB” – An obligation rated “BB” is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“B” – An obligation rated “B” is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated “BB”, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“CCC” – An obligation rated “CCC” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“CC” – An obligation rated “CC” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The “CC” rating is used when a default has not yet occurred, but S&P Global Ratings expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.

 

“C” – An obligation rated “C” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared with obligations that are rated higher.

 

“D” – An obligation rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) – The ratings from “AA” to “CCC” may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

 

“NR” – This indicates that no rating has been requested, or that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P Global Ratings does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.

 

Local Currency and Foreign Currency Risks - S&P Global Ratings’ issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. An issuer’s foreign currency rating will differ from its local currency rating when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.

 

Moody’s long-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of one year or more. Such ratings reflect both on the likelihood of default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for long-term debt:

 

“Aaa” – Obligations rated “Aaa” are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk.

 

“Aa” – Obligations rated “Aa” are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.

 

“A” – Obligations rated “A” are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.

 

“Baa” – Obligations rated “Baa” are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.

 

“Ba” – Obligations rated “Ba” are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.

 

A- 4

 

“B” – Obligations rated “B” are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.

 

“Caa” – Obligations rated “Caa” are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.

 

“Ca” – Obligations rated “Ca” are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.

 

“C” – Obligations rated “C” are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.

 

Note: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from “Aa” through “Caa.” The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to unrated obligations.

 

The following summarizes long-term ratings used by Fitch :

 

“AAA” – Securities considered to be of the highest credit quality. “AAA” ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

 

“AA” – Securities considered to be of very high credit quality. “AA” ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

 

“A” – Securities considered to be of high credit quality. “A” ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

 

“BBB” – Securities considered to be of good credit quality. “BBB” ratings indicate that expectations of credit risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.

 

“BB” – Securities considered to be speculative. “BB” ratings indicate that there is an elevated vulnerability to credit risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met.

 

“B” – Securities considered to be highly speculative. “B” ratings indicate that material credit risk is present.

 

“CCC” – A “CCC” rating indicates that substantial credit risk is present.

 

“CC” – A “CC” rating indicates very high levels of credit risk.

 

“C” – A “C” rating indicates exceptionally high levels of credit risk.

 

Defaulted obligations typically are not assigned “RD” or “D” ratings but are instead rated in the “B” to “C” rating categories, depending on their recovery prospects and other relevant characteristics. Fitch believes that this approach better aligns obligations that have comparable overall expected loss but varying vulnerability to default and loss.

 

A- 5

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the “AAA” obligation rating category, or to corporate finance obligation ratings in the categories below “CCC”.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issue of a rated issuer.

 

The DBRS long-term rating scale provides an opinion on the risk of default. That is, the risk that an issuer will fail to satisfy its financial obligations in accordance with the terms under which an obligation has been issued. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer, and the relative ranking of claims. All rating categories other than AAA and D also contain subcategories “(high)” and “(low)”. The absence of either a “(high)” or “(low)” designation indicates the rating is in the middle of the category. The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for long-term debt:

 

“AAA” – Long-term debt rated “AAA” is of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is exceptionally high and unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.

 

“AA” – Long-term debt rated “AA” is of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered high. Credit quality differs from “AAA” only to a small degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.

 

“A” – Long-term debt rated “A” is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is substantial, but of lesser credit quality than “AA.” May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.

 

“BBB” – Long-term debt rated “BBB” is of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.

 

“BB” – Long-term debt rated “BB” is of speculative, non-investment grade credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is uncertain. Vulnerable to future events.

 

“B” – Long-term debt rated “B” is of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet financial obligations.

 

“CCC”, “CC” and “C” – Long-term debt rated in any of these categories is of very highly speculative credit quality. In danger of defaulting on financial obligations. There is little difference between these three categories, although “CC” and “C” ratings are normally applied to obligations that are seen as highly likely to default, or subordinated to obligations rated in the “CCC” to “B” range. Obligations in respect of which default has not technically taken place but is considered inevitable may be rated in the “C” category.

 

“D” – A security rated “D” is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to “D” may occur. DBRS may also use “SD” (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a “distressed exchange”.

 

Municipal Note Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings U.S. municipal note rating reflects S&P Global Ratings’ opinion about the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to the notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes with an original maturity of more than three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. In determining which type of rating, if any, to assign, S&P Global Ratings’ analysis will review the following considerations:

 

Amortization schedule - the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and

 

A- 6

 

Source of payment - the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.

 

Municipal Short-Term Note rating symbols are as follows:

 

“SP-1” – A municipal note rated “SP-1” exhibits a strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.

 

“SP-2” – A municipal note rated “SP-2” exhibits a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.

 

“SP-3” – A municipal note rated “SP-3” exhibits a speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

 

Moody’s uses the Municipal Investment Grade (“MIG”) scale to rate U.S. municipal bond anticipation notes of up to three years maturity. Municipal notes rated on the MIG scale may be secured by either pledged revenues or proceeds of a take-out financing received prior to note maturity. MIG ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation, and the issuer’s long-term rating is only one consideration in assigning the MIG rating. MIG ratings are divided into three levels – “MIG-1” through “MIG-3” while speculative grade short-term obligations are designated “SG”. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for short-term municipal obligations:

 

“MIG-1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

 

“MIG-2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.

 

“MIG-3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.

 

“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated obligation.

 

In the case of variable rate demand obligations (“VRDOs”), a two-component rating is assigned: a long or short-term debt rating and a demand obligation rating. The first element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with scheduled principal and interest payments. The second element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with the ability to receive purchase price upon demand (“demand feature”). The second element uses a rating from a variation of the MIG scale called the Variable Municipal Investment Grade or “VMIG” scale. The rating transitions on the VMIG scale differ from those on the Prime scale to reflect the risk that external liquidity support generally will terminate if the issuer’s long-term rating drops below investment grade.

 

“VMIG-1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“VMIG-2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“VMIG-3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

A- 7

 

“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated obligation.

 

About Credit Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion reflects S&P Global Ratings’ view of the obligor’s capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and this opinion may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.

 

Moody’s credit ratings must be construed solely as statements of opinion and not statements of fact or recommendations to purchase, sell or hold any securities.

 

Fitch’s credit ratings provide an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of principal, insurance claims or counterparty obligations. Fitch credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving the money owed to them in accordance with the terms on which they invested. Fitch’s credit ratings cover the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign financial, bank, insurance, and public finance entities (including supranational and sub-national entities) and the securities or other obligations they issue, as well as structured finance securities backed by receivables or other financial assets.

 

Credit ratings provided by DBRS are forward-looking opinions about credit risk which reflect the creditworthiness of an issuer, rated entity, and/or security. Credit ratings are not statements of fact. While historical statistics and performance can be important considerations, credit ratings are not based solely on such; they include subjective considerations and involve expectations for future performance that cannot be guaranteed. To the extent that future events and economic conditions do not match expectations, credit ratings assigned to issuers and/or securities can change. Credit ratings are also based on approved and applicable methodologies, models and criteria (“Methodologies”), which are periodically updated and when material changes are deemed necessary, this may also lead to rating changes.

 

Credit ratings typically provide an opinion on the risk that investors may not be repaid in accordance with the terms under which the obligation was issued. In some cases, credit ratings may also include consideration for the relative ranking of claims and recovery, should default occur. Credit ratings are meant to provide opinions on relative measures of risk and are not based on expectations of any specific default probability, nor are they meant to predict such.

 

The data and information on which DBRS bases its opinions is not audited or verified by DBRS, although DBRS conducts a reasonableness review of information received and relied upon in accordance with its Methodologies and policies.

 

DBRS uses rating symbols as a concise method of expressing its opinion to the market, but there are a limited number of rating categories for the possible slight risk differentials that exist across the rating spectrum and DBRS does not assert that credit ratings in the same category are of “exactly” the same quality.

 

A- 8

 

APPENDIX B

 

PROXY POLICY STATEMENT

 

INTRODUCTION

 

STATEMENT OF POLICY

 

Schneider Capital Management Corporation (SCM) views the fiduciary act of managing plan assets to include the voting of proxies appurtenant to shares held in the plan. As a rule, SCM strives to ensure that all proxies are received from the custodian in a timely manner and then exercises its right to vote all proxies. In keeping with the ERISA definition of fiduciary responsibility and the Department of Labor directives, all proxy voting decisions are made “solely in the best interest of the client’s plan participants and beneficiaries.”

 

This document represents what the firm believes to be important elements of sound corporate governance and social responsibility. In our opinion, good corporate governance should maintain an appropriate balance between the rights of shareholders (the owners of the corporation) and the needs of management to direct the corporation’s affairs devoid of distracting short-term pressures. As a responsible long term investment manager, SCM acknowledges its responsibility to strive for improved corporate governance and performance discipline. SCM offers this policy as a basis for dialogue with the objective of improving corporate governance and social practices. This statement identifies SCM’s voting guidelines on numerous proxy issues. These guidelines are not an exhaustive list of every issue that may arise. Proxy issues that are not described herein will be considered in light of the relevant facts and circumstances.

 

CRITERIA AND STANDARDS

 

Each proxy issue is reviewed on its own merits, on a case-by-case basis. Every proxy voting decision, whether on Corporate Governance or Social Issues, is made with the exclusive purpose of maximizing the economic value of the client’s investment. SCM gives special consideration to “out of the ordinary” matters and may vote against management on specific issues which are deemed to impair shareholder rights or value. Furthermore, SCM would oppose any proposal which would entrench or protect management interest contrary to the financial interests of the stockholder.

 

PROXY ADMINISTRATION

 

The portfolio manager and compliance officer are primarily responsible for monitoring corporate actions, making voting decisions and ensuring that proxies are submitted timely, consistent with this policy. SCM may form special committees, from time to time, to address unusual proxy voting issues or conflicts.

 

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

 

All conflicts of interest will be resolved in the interest of the clients. Occasionally, SCM may be subject to conflicts of interest in the voting of proxies due to business or personal relationships it maintains with persons having an interest in the outcome of certain votes. In situations where SCM perceives a material conflict of interest, SCM may disclose the conflict to the relevant clients; defer to the voting recommendation of the clients or of an independent third party provider of proxy services; send the proxy directly to the clients for a voting decision; abstain from voting; or take such other action in good faith, in consultation with counsel, to determine the appropriate method to resolve the conflict in the interest of clients, based upon the particular facts and circumstances. With respect to investment company clients, conflicts may arise as to votes involving the investment adviser, the underwriter, their affiliates or affiliates of the investment company. In such cases, SCM will follow the voting guidelines described herein, including the process for handling conflicts. Under normal circumstances, if a conflict is determined not to be material, SCM will vote the proxy in accordance with this policy. The method selected by SCM to vote proxies in the presence of a conflict may vary depending upon the facts and circumstances of each situation and the requirements of applicable law.

 

B- 1

 

I. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE:

 

A. BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

 

A company’s board of directors represents the focal point of corporate governance. The board is a group of elected individuals which oversees the operation and direction of the company on behalf of its owners. The principal responsibility of the board is to further the long term success of the corporation while remaining true to its fiduciary responsibility to the shareholders. SCM supports the primary authority of the board; however, at the same time, the firm believes that directors must remain accountable to the shareholders. Consequently, SCM’s guidelines are as follows:

 

1. Election of Directors: While SCM normally votes for the board’s nominees, the firm may decline to vote for unopposed candidates when their record indicates that their election to the board would not be in the interest of shareholders. Likewise, SCM may vote for alternative candidates when its analysis indicates that these candidates will better represent shareholder interests.

 

2. Independent Directors: In SCM’s opinion, the ideal board should be comprised primarily of independent (non-management) directors who are both willing and qualified to serve in such capacity. In this context, independence means no present or former employment by the company or its management which could interfere with the director’s loyalty to the shareholders.

 

3. Cumulative Voting: This voting procedure entitles each stockholder to as many votes as shall equal the number of shares owned multiplied by the number of directors to be elected. Such votes may all be cast for a single candidate or for any two or more as the stockholder sees fit. SCM believes this method is an important democratic means of electing directors and allows shareholders to obtain representation on the board by significant vote. Consequently, SCM generally supports the practice of cumulative voting.

 

4. Classified Board: A classified board is a staggered board arrangement in which each director is elected for an established term of two, three, or four years, depending on the number of classes established. Only those directors in the class up for election can be approved or rejected by shareholders in any given year. In SCM’s opinion, a classified board serves to entrench management and limit shareholders’ ability to effect favorable change. Consequently, SCM generally opposes classified boards.

 

5. Director Liability and Indemnification: A proper director liability policy should balance the need to hold directors accountable for improper actions with the need to attract competent and diligent individuals for board positions. The Corporation should be free to indemnify directors for legal expenses and judgments in connection with their service as directors and eliminate the directors’ liability for ordinary negligence. However, directors should be held liable to the corporation for violations of their fiduciary duty involving gross negligence. Similarly, proposals that indemnify directors who have committed fraud or dereliction of duty would be opposed.

 

6. Director Compensation: Normally, the remuneration of Directors is considered a routine item of business. Therefore, it is not usually submitted for a shareholder vote. However, non-employee director compensation has become a shareholder issue recently. Generally, SCM would prefer to see more of the directors’ compensation based upon shareholder returns as measured by stock price appreciation or some other meaningful performance measure. Furthermore, SCM encourages corporations to phase out pension or retirement plans for their non-employee directors. Most non-employee directors have retirement benefits from their primary employer; however, SCM recognizes that a blanket vote to eliminate all such retirement plans could negatively impact a company’s access to potentially valuable directors. Consequently, SCM will not vote in favor of unilaterally eliminating retirement benefits.

 

7. General: SCM recognizes the responsibilities of the board to organize its function and conduct its business in an efficient manner. Therefore, barring unusual circumstances, SCM would favor management proposals related to board size and oppose shareholder resolutions calling for the separation of the CEO and Chairman positions, establishing age limits for directors, special interest representation, the formation of shareholder advisory committees, or term limits for directors. SCM is also against restricting the date or location of the annual meeting.

 

B- 2

 

B. CAPITALIZATION ISSUES: Capitalization related proposals pertain to the creation, repurchase, or reclassification of securities. SCM may support the authorization of additional stock if management provides a satisfactory explanation of its plans for the stock; however, SCM will oppose large unexplained increases in common stock. SCM will also oppose the issuance of “blank check” preferred or convertible stock which could potentially be used as a takeover deterrent or dilute/jeopardize the clients’ common stock ownership.

 

1. Increase Authorized Common Stock: SCM considers a proposal to increase the number of authorized but unissued shares of common stock on case-by-case basis. SCM takes into account the size of the requested increase, its stated purpose, and how much authorized but unissued common stock remains. The firm generally supports a stock split or a reasonable replenishment after a stock split. Likewise, SCM may approve an increase to support a shareholder value enhancing acquisition, to provide the necessary flexibility to maintain an optimal capital structure, or to fund stock option and stock purchase plans. Requests to significantly increase the number of authorized shares (those resulting in greater than 10% dilution) without a stated reason or demonstrated need would be opposed. Similarly, SCM would oppose an increase when additional shares are to be used for anti-takeover measures.

 

2. Authorize Blank Check Preferred Stock: This proposal would grant authority to the board to create and issue a new class of preferred stock with unspecified terms and conditions. “Blank check” preferred stock could be granted special voting rights and be used to entrench management or deter takeover attempts. SCM generally opposes proposals to vest the board with such power.

 

3. Authorize Convertible Stock: SCM would review the rationale on a case-by-case basis taking into account the company’s current capitalization structure, the stated purpose for the security and the potential dilution effect this security would have on existing common shareholders upon conversion. SCM would oppose any request which is “blank check” in nature, where the company’s rationale is unclear, and where the request appears to blunt possible takeover attempts.

 

C. SHAREHOLDERS RIGHTS AND PROXY VOTING: The proxy vote is the key mechanism by which shareholders render their opinion in corporate governance. In exercising its votes, SCM believes:

 

1. Confidential Voting should be adopted by all corporations on all matters brought before the shareholders. Such provisions would protect the importance of the proxy vote and eliminate the appearance of any impropriety.

 

2. Multiple Classes of Common Stock with disparate voting rights should not exist. Rather, the board should adhere to the principle of one share-one vote.

 

3. Super-majority rules or requirements which interfere with the shareholder’s right to elect directors and ratify corporate actions should be opposed.

 

4. Changes in Corporation’s Domicile should only be proposed for valid business reasons, not to obtain protection against unfriendly takeovers.

 

5. Change of Control occurs when a third party becomes, or obtains the right to become, the beneficial owner of Company securities having 50% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities of the company. Change of Control also would occur when the directors prior to a given event cease to constitute a majority of the Board as a result of the event.

 

B- 3

 

6. Fair Price Provisions and measures to limit the corporation’s ability to buy back shares from a particular shareholder at higher than market prices are generally supported.

 

7. Pre-emptive Rights allow shareholders the option to buy part of any new issue prior to its public offering. This provision allows existing shareholders to maintain their original ownership percentage. However, pre-emptive rights often raise the cost of capital by increasing both the time and expense of issuing new shares. Therefore, pre-emptive rights should generally be eliminated, except where SCM’s analysis concludes such rights have value to the shareholders.

 

8. “Anti-Takeover” measures should be submitted for shareholder approval. SCM is generally against such measures.

 

9. Bundled Proposals: Occasionally management will attempt to tie a non-routine issue to one that is routine, attempting to pass both items in the form of a bundled proposal. Disparate issues should not be combined and presented for a single vote. Such proposals are generally not well received and must be carefully reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

 

10. Special Meetings of the Board of Directors, on such issues as takeovers and changes in the make-up of the Board, by its shareholders is permitted at most companies. Schneider Capital Management is generally against limitations on the calling of Special Meetings.

 

D. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION: The board and its compensation committee should set executive compensation levels adequate to attract and retain qualified executives. These managers should be rewarded in direct relationship to the contribution they make in maximizing shareholder value. SCM readily admits it is not qualified to thoroughly evaluate the specific issues of executive compensation for each of its portfolio holdings; however the firm does evaluate the reasonableness of compensation policies, criteria and formulas. Likewise, SCM decides what constitutes adequate disclosure of executive compensation. SCM generally supports sound “pay for performance” plans which ensure equitable treatment of both corporate management and shareholders. Compensation should include both salary and performance components. The salary should have a defined relationship to salaries in an industry peer group. Similarly, performance measures should relate to key industry success measurements and be judged over adequate time periods.

 

1. Incentive Plans should be set forth annually in the proxy statement. The criteria used to evaluate the performance of senior executives should be clearly stated. Terms of the awards, such as type, coverage and option price should be specified. Excess discretion will not be approved. SCM generally supports management if the company defines their performance goals. However, SCM opposes incentive plans where no specific goals are defined. Without specific performance goals, there is no assurance that awards will be paid based upon realistic performance criteria. SCM also votes against plans where performance hurdles are, in its opinion, set too low. Total potential dilution from existing and proposed compensation plans should not exceed 10% over the duration of the plan(s). Finally, SCM generally opposes plans which grant reload options (favorable repricing of options) or where options become immediately exercisable following a change of control defined as anything less than 50%.

 

2. Stock/Stock Option Plans: SCM generally votes against a plan if the exercise price is unspecified or below 90% of the fair market value on the date of the grant.

 

3. Golden Parachutes should always be put to shareholder vote because they often exceed ordinary compensation practices. We are generally against Golden Parachutes.

 

E. ROUTINE CORPORATE ISSUES: Proposals in this category, which have been seen repeatedly on an historical basis, are usually non-controversial. Generally, these issues revolve around items that are related to the normal operating procedures of the company. SCM, however, votes against a management proposal to “approve any other business that properly comes before the meeting.” As a fiduciary, SCM opposes any attempt by management to get a blanket approval without full disclosure. Conversely, each of the proposals listed below are generally supported, unless compelling reasons exist to question why it is not in the best interest of shareholders.

 

B- 4

 

1. Appointment of Auditors

 

2. Corporate Name and/or Ticker Change

 

3. Approval of Articles of Incorporation

 

4. Changes to the Articles of Incorporation

 

5. Changes in the Date, Time and/or Location of Annual Meeting

 

6. Stock Splits

 

7. Acceptance of Director’s Report

 

8. Approval of Corporate Dividend

 

II. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ISSUES: Schneider Capital Management acknowledges its duty both as a corporate citizen and as a manager of investment funds to address important social issues. The intention of our firm is not to impose its moral or social views upon clients. Nor should SCM restrict in any way the day-to-day operating procedures of a corporation unless, in so doing, the economic value of the client’s investment is enhanced.

 

DOCUMENTATION OF VOTING DECISIONS

 

Schneider Capital Management maintains accurate records of each corporate proxy received and voted along with documentation of the proxy voting decisions on each issue. The records will be retained for such period of time as is required to comply with applicable laws and regulations.

 

REPORTING

 

In order to facilitate a client’s monitoring of proxy decisions made and actions taken by Schneider Capital Management, a report summarizing each corporate issue and corresponding proxy vote is available to clients upon request.

 

B- 5

 

 

 

 

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS U.S. LOW VOLATILITY EQUITY FUND

 

Class I Shares Ticker Symbol: SILVX

Class A Shares Ticker Symbol: LVOLX

Class C Shares Ticker Symbol: SGICX

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS SMALL CAP LOW VOLATILITY FUND

 

Class I Shares Ticker Symbol: SCLVX

Class A Shares Ticker Symbol: LVSMX

Class C Shares Ticker Symbol: SMLVX

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS GLOBAL LOW VOLATILITY FUND

 

Class I Shares Ticker Symbol: SGLIX

Class A Shares Ticker Symbol: SGLAX

Class C Shares Ticker Symbol: SGLOX

 

December 31, 2017

 

Investment Adviser:

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS, LLC (the “Adviser”)

 

each a series of THE RBB FUND, INC.

 

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) provides supplementary information pertaining to the Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund (the “U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund”), the Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund (the “Small Cap Low Volatility Fund”), and the Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund (the “Global Low Volatility Fund”) (each a “Fund” and together the “Funds”) of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”). The Funds are each authorized to issue three classes: Class A Shares, Class I Shares and Class C Shares (collectively, the “Shares”). This SAI is not a prospectus and should be read only in conjunction with the Funds’ Prospectus dated December 31, 2017 (the “Prospectus”) and the Funds’ Annual Reports dated August 31, 2017 (the “Annual Reports”). The financial statements and notes contained in the Annual Reports are incorporated by reference into this SAI. No other parts of the Annual Reports are incorporated by reference herein. Copies of the Prospectus and Annual and Semi-Annual Reports may be obtained free of charge by calling toll-free 855-744-8500.

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES 1
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS 1
NON-PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS 4
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS 15
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS 18
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER 19
MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY 20
CODE OF ETHICS 28
PROXY VOTING 28
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES 28
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES 31
INVESTMENT ADVISER 31
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS 32
ADMINISTRATION AND ACCOUNTING AGREEMENT 33
CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT 34
TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT 34
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION 35
PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES 37
FUND TRANSACTIONS 37
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION 39
TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PROCEDURES 42
VALUATION OF SHARES 42
TAXES 43
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING COMPANY SHARES 44
MISCELLANEOUS 45
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 45
APPENDIX A A-1
APPENDIX B B-1

 

1

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

The Company is an open-end management investment company currently operating 29 separate portfolios. The Company is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”) and was organized as a Maryland corporation on February 29, 1988. This SAI pertains to the Class A, Class I and Class C Shares of the Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund (“U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund”), the Class A (formerly, Retail Shares), Class I and Class C Shares of the Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund (“Small Cap Low Volatility Fund”), and the Class I Shares, Class A Shares (formerly, Class II Shares), and Class C Shares (formerly, Institutional Shares) of the Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund (the “Global Low Volatility Fund”), each a diversified portfolio. Summit Global Investments, LLC (“Summit” or the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Funds.

 

The Company’s Board of Directors approved Summit to serve as the Global Low Volatility Fund’s investment adviser effective January 1, 2017 in connection with the resignation of the Global Low Volatility Fund’s former investment adviser. The Global Low Volatility Fund’s principal investment strategies and risks changed as a result of the change in investment adviser. Prior to January 1, 2017, the Global Low Volatility Fund was named the Scotia Dynamic U.S. Growth Fund.

 

Before the Global Low Volatility Fund commenced operations, all of the assets and liabilities of the Dynamic U.S. Growth Fund (the “Predecessor Fund”), a series of Scotia Institutional Funds (“Predecessor Fund Trust”), which was formerly known as DundeeWealth Funds, were transferred to the Global Low Volatility Fund in a tax-free reorganization (the “Reorganization”). The Reorganization occurred on March 21, 2014. The Predecessor Fund commenced operations on March 31, 2009. As a result of the Reorganization, the performance and accounting history of the Predecessor Fund was assumed by the Global Low Volatility Fund. Financial and performance information prior to the close of business on March 21, 2014 included herein is that of the Predecessor Fund. Returns for periods prior to January 1, 2017 were generated under the management of the prior investment adviser.

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES

 

The following supplements the information contained in the Prospectus concerning the investment objective and policies of the Funds.

 

The U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund seeks to outperform the S&P 500 ® Index over a market cycle while reducing overall volatility. The Small Cap Low Volatility Fund seeks to outperform the Russell 2000 ® Index over a market cycle while reducing overall volatility. Global Low Volatility Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.

 

During unusual economic or market conditions, or for temporary defensive or liquidity purposes, the each Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in money market instruments that would not ordinarily be consistent with each Fund’s objective.

 

There can be no guarantee that a Fund will achieve its investment objective. A Fund may not necessarily invest in all of the instruments or use all of the investment techniques permitted by the Fund’s Prospectus and this SAI, or invest in such instruments or engage in such techniques to the full extent permitted by the Fund’s investment policies and limitations.

 

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS

 

American, European and Global Depositary Receipts. As part of its principal investment strategy, the Global Low Volatility Fund invests in American Depository Receipts (“ADRs”). ADRs, as well as other “hybrid” forms of ADRs, including European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) and Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”), are certificates evidencing ownership of shares of a foreign issuer. These certificates are issued by depository banks and generally trade on an established market in the United States or elsewhere. The underlying shares are held in trust by a custodian bank or similar financial institution in the issuer’s home country. The depository bank may not have physical custody of the underlying securities at all times and may charge fees for various services, including forwarding dividends and interest and corporate actions. ADRs are alternatives to directly purchasing the underlying foreign securities in their national markets and currencies. However, ADRs continue to be subject to many of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities.

 

1

 

Investments in the securities of foreign issuers may subject the Global Low Volatility Fund to investment risks that differ in some respects from those related to investments in securities of U.S. issuers. Such risks include future adverse political and economic developments, possible imposition of withholding taxes on income, possible seizure, nationalization or expropriation of foreign deposits, possible establishment of exchange controls or taxation at the source or greater fluctuation in value due to changes in exchange rates. Foreign issuers of securities often engage in business practices different from those of domestic issuers of similar securities, and there may be less information publicly available about foreign issuers. In addition, foreign issuers are, generally speaking, subject to less government supervision and regulation and different accounting treatment than are those in the United States.

 

Equity Securities. Equity securities represent ownership interests in a company and consist of common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stock, and securities convertible into common stock. Investments in equity securities in general are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. Fluctuations in the value of equity securities in which a Fund invests will cause the net asset value of the Fund to fluctuate. The Funds purchase equity securities traded in the U.S. on registered exchanges or the over-the-counter market. Equity securities are described in more detail below:

 

Common Stock. Common stock represents an equity or ownership interest in an issuer. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds and preferred stock take precedence over the claims of those who own common stock.

 

Preferred Stock. Preferred stock represents an equity or ownership interest in an issuer that pays dividends at a specified rate and that has precedence over common stock in the payment of dividends. In the event an issuer is liquidated or declares bankruptcy, the claims of owners of bonds take precedence over the claims of those who own preferred and common stock.

 

Warrants. Warrants are instruments that entitle the holder to buy an equity security at a specific price for a specific period of time. Changes in the value of a warrant do not necessarily correspond to changes in the value of its underlying security. The price of a warrant may be more volatile than the price of its underlying security, and a warrant may offer greater potential for capital appreciation as well as capital loss. Warrants do not entitle a holder to dividends or voting rights with respect to the underlying security and do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuing company. A warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. These factors can make warrants more speculative than other types of investments.

 

Convertible Securities. Convertible securities are bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stocks or other securities that may be converted or exchanged (by the holder or by the issuer) into shares of the underlying common stock (or cash or securities of equivalent value) at a stated exchange ratio. A convertible security may also be called for redemption or conversion by the issuer after a particular date and under certain circumstances (including a specified price) established upon issue. If a convertible security held by a Fund is called for redemption or conversion, the Fund could be required to tender it for redemption, convert it into the underlying common stock, or sell it to a third party.

 

Convertible securities generally have less potential for gain or loss than common stocks. Convertible securities generally provide yields higher than the underlying common stocks, but generally lower than comparable non-convertible securities. Because of this higher yield, convertible securities generally sell at a price above their “conversion value,” which is the current market value of the stock to be received upon conversion. The difference between this conversion value and the price of convertible securities will vary over time depending on changes in the value of the underlying common stocks and interest rates. When the underlying common stocks decline in value, convertible securities will tend not to decline to the same extent because of the interest or dividend payments and the repayment of principal at maturity for certain types of convertible securities. However, securities that are convertible other than at the option of the holder generally do not limit the potential for loss to the same extent as securities convertible at the option of the holder. When the underlying common stocks rise in value, the value of convertible securities may also be expected to increase. At the same time, however, the difference between the market value of convertible securities and their conversion value will narrow, which means that the value of convertible securities will generally not increase to the same extent as the value of the underlying common stocks. Because convertible securities may also be interest-rate sensitive, their value may increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. Convertible securities are also subject to credit risk, and are often lower-quality securities.

 

2

 

Small and Medium Capitalization Issuers. Investing in equity securities of small and medium capitalization companies often involves greater risk than is customarily associated with investments in larger capitalization companies. This increased risk may be due to the greater business risks of smaller size, limited markets and financial resources, narrow product lines and frequent lack of depth of management. The securities of smaller companies are often traded in the over-the-counter market and even if listed on a national securities exchange may not be traded in volumes typical for that exchange. Consequently, the securities of smaller companies are less likely to be liquid, may have limited market stability, and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than securities of larger, more established companies or the market averages in general.

 

Foreign Securities. Investments in foreign securities involve higher costs than investments in U.S. securities, including higher transaction costs as well as the imposition of additional taxes by foreign governments. In addition, foreign investments may include additional risks associated with currency exchange rates, less complete financial information about the issuers, less market liquidity and political stability. Volume and liquidity in most foreign bond markets are less than in the United States and, at times, volatility or price can be greater than in the United States. Future political and economic information, the possible imposition of withholding taxes on interest income, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign holdings, the possible establishment of exchange controls, or the adoption of other governmental restrictions, might adversely affect the payment of principal and interest on foreign obligations. Inability to dispose of securities due to settlement problems could result either in losses to an underlying investment company due to subsequent declines in value of the securities, or, if the underlying investment company has entered into a contract to sell the securities, could result in possible liability to the purchaser. Individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth or gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position. Fixed commissions on foreign securities exchanges are generally higher than negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges. There is generally less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, brokers, dealers and listed companies than in the United States.

 

Settlement mechanics may be slower or less reliable than within the United States, thus increasing the risk of delayed settlements of portfolio transactions or loss of certificates for portfolio securities. Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Such delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of an underlying investment company is uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of an underlying investment company to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the underlying investment company to miss attractive investment opportunities.

 

Each Fund values its securities and other assets in U.S. dollars. As a result, if a Fund invests in securities denominated in foreign currencies, the NAV of the Fund’s shares may fluctuate with U.S. dollar exchange rates as well as the price changes of the Fund’s securities in the various local markets and currencies. Thus, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar compared to the currencies in which the Fund makes its investments could reduce the effect of increases and magnify the effect of decreases in the price of the Fund’s securities in their local markets. Conversely, a decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar may have the opposite effect of magnifying the effect of increases and reducing the effect of decreases in the prices of a Fund’s securities in its foreign markets. In addition to favorable and unfavorable currency exchange rate developments, each Fund is subject to the possible imposition of exchange control regulations or freezes on convertibility of currency.

 

If a Fund invests in obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks (Eurodollars) and U.S. branches of foreign banks (Yankee dollars) or foreign branches of foreign banks, these investments involve risks that are different from investments in securities of U.S. banks, including potential unfavorable political and economic developments, different tax provisions, seizure of foreign deposits, currency controls, interest limitations or other governmental restrictions which might affect payment of principal or interest. A Fund may also invest in debt securities issued or guaranteed by foreign governments, including Yankee bonds, which are issued by foreign governments and their agencies and foreign corporations, but pay interest in U.S. dollars and are typically issued in the United States.

 

3

 

Special Note Regarding Market Events. Events in the financial sector over the past several years have resulted in reduced liquidity in credit and fixed income markets and an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestically and internationally. While entire markets have been impacted, issuers that have exposure to the real estate, mortgage and credit markets have been particularly affected. These events and the potential for continuing market turbulence may have an adverse effect on each Fund’s investments. It is uncertain how long these conditions will continue.

 

The instability in the financial markets has led the U.S. government to take a number of unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions and certain segments of the financial markets. Federal, state and foreign governments, regulatory agencies, and self-regulatory organizations may take actions that affect the regulation of the instruments in which the Funds invest, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that are unforeseeable. Such legislation or regulation could limit or preclude each Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective.

 

Governments or their agencies may also acquire distressed assets from financial institutions and acquire ownership interests in those institutions. The implications of government ownership and disposition of these assets are unclear, and such ownership or disposition may have positive or negative effects on the liquidity, valuation and performance of a Fund.

 

NON-PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS

 

Borrowing. Each Fund may borrow money from a bank equal to 5% of its total assets for temporary purposes to meet redemptions or to pay dividends. Borrowing may exaggerate changes in the net asset value of a Fund’s shares and in the return on a Fund’s portfolio. Although the principal of any borrowing will be fixed, a Fund’s assets may change in value during the time the borrowing is outstanding. A Fund may be required to liquidate portfolio securities at a time when it would be disadvantageous to do so in order to make payments with respect to any borrowing. A Fund may be required to earmark or segregate liquid assets in an amount sufficient to meet its obligations in connection with such borrowings. In an interest rate arbitrage transaction, a Fund borrows money at one interest rate and lends the proceeds at another, higher interest rate. These transactions involve a number of risks, including the risks that the borrower will fail or otherwise become insolvent or that there will be a significant change in prevailing interest rates.

 

Commercial Paper. Commercial paper is the term used to designate unsecured short-term promissory notes issued by corporations and other entities. Maturities on these issues vary from a few to 270 days.

 

Corporate Obligations. Each Fund may invest in debt obligations, such as bonds and debentures, issued by corporations and other business organizations without limit on credit quality or maturity. See Appendix “A” to this SAI for a description of corporate debt ratings. An issuer of debt obligations may default on its obligation to pay interest and repay principal. Also, changes in the financial strength of an issuer or changes in the credit rating of a security may affect its value.

 

Cyber Security Risk. Each Fund and its service providers may be prone to operational and information security risks resulting from breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause a Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption, or lose operational capacity. Breaches in cyber security include, among other behaviors, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, denial of service attacks on websites, the unauthorized release of confidential information or various other forms of cyber-attacks. Cyber security breaches affecting the Funds or the Adviser, custodian, transfer agent, intermediaries and other third-party service providers may adversely impact the Fund. For instance, cyber security breaches may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, impact a Fund’s ability to calculate its NAVs, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential business information, impede trading, subject the Fund to regulatory fines or financial losses and/or cause reputational damage. A Fund may also incur additional costs for cyber security risk management purposes. Similar types of cyber security risks are also present for issuers of securities in which a Fund may invest, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Fund’s investment in such companies to lose value.

 

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Forward Commitment and When-Issued Transactions. Each Fund may purchase or sell securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis (subject to its investment policies and restrictions). These transactions involve a commitment by a Fund to purchase or sell securities at a future date (ordinarily one or two months later). The price of the underlying securities (usually expressed in terms of yield) and the date when the securities will be delivered and paid for (the settlement date) are fixed at the time the transaction is negotiated. When-issued purchases and forward commitments are negotiated directly with the other party, and such commitments are not traded on exchanges. The Funds will not enter into such transactions for the purpose of leverage.

 

When-issued purchases and forward commitments enable a Fund to lock in what is believed by the Adviser to be an attractive price or yield on a particular security for a period of time, regardless of future changes in interest rates. For instance, in periods of rising interest rates and falling prices, a Fund might sell securities it owns on a forward commitment basis to limit its exposure to falling prices. In periods of falling interest rates and rising prices, a Fund might sell securities it owns and purchase the same or a similar security on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, thereby obtaining the benefit of currently higher yields. When-issued securities or forward commitments involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date.

 

The value of securities purchased on a when-issued or forward commitment basis and any subsequent fluctuations in their value are reflected in the computation of a Fund’s Net Asset Value (“NAV”) starting on the date of the agreement to purchase the securities, and the Fund is subject to the rights and risks of ownership of the securities on that date. A Fund does not earn interest on the securities it has committed to purchase until they are paid for and delivered on the settlement date. When a Fund makes a forward commitment to sell securities it owns, the proceeds to be received upon settlement are included in the Fund’s assets. Fluctuations in the market value of the underlying securities are not reflected in the Fund’s NAV as long as the commitment to sell remains in effect. Settlement of when-issued purchases and forward commitment transactions generally takes place within two months after the date of the transaction, but a Fund may agree to a longer settlement period.

 

A Fund will make commitments to purchase securities on a when-issued basis or to purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment basis only with the intention of completing the transaction and actually purchasing or selling the securities. If deemed advisable as a matter of investment strategy, however, the Fund may dispose of or renegotiate a commitment after it is entered into. The Fund also may sell securities it has committed to purchase before those securities are delivered to the Fund on the settlement date. The Fund may realize a capital gain or loss in connection with these transactions, and its distributions from any net realized capital gains will be taxable to shareholders. When a Fund purchases securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, the Fund or the custodian will maintain in a segregated account cash or liquid securities having a value (determined daily) at least equal to the amount of the Fund’s purchase commitments. These procedures are designed to ensure that a Fund will maintain sufficient assets at all times to cover its obligations under when-issued purchases and forward commitments.

 

Futures and Options on Futures. Futures contracts provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific security at a specified future time and at a specified price. An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in exchange for a premium, to assume a position in a futures contract at a specified exercise price during the term of the option. The Funds will reduce the risk that they will be unable to close out a futures contract by only entering into futures contracts that are traded on a national futures exchange regulated by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”). The Funds may use futures contracts and related options for: bona fide hedging; attempting to offset changes in the value of securities held or expected to be acquired or be disposed of; attempting to minimize fluctuations in foreign currencies; attempting to gain exposure to a particular market, index or instrument; or other risk management purposes. To the extent futures and/or options on futures are employed by a Fund, the Fund will limit such investments in commodity futures, commodity options contracts and swaps to below the de minimis thresholds adopted by the CFTC in its recent amendments to Rule 4.5 (see below for a description of these thresholds). For this reason, the Adviser is not required to register as a “commodity pool operator” (“CPO”) under the Commodity Exchange Act at this time.

 

With respect to investments in swap transactions, commodity futures, commodity options or certain other derivatives used for purposes other than bona fide hedging purposes, an investment company must meet one of the following tests under the amended regulations in order to claim an exemption from being considered a “commodity pool” or a CPO. First, the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish an investment company’s positions in such investments may not exceed five percent (5%) of the liquidation value of the investment company’s portfolio (after accounting for unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such investments). Alternatively, the aggregate net notional value of such instruments, determined at the time of the most recent position established, may not exceed one hundred percent (100%) of the liquidation value of the investment company’s portfolio (after accounting for unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions). In addition to meeting one of the foregoing trading limitations, the investment company may not market itself as a commodity pool or otherwise as a vehicle for trading in the commodity futures, commodity options or swaps and derivatives markets. In the event that the Adviser was required to register as a CPO with respect to a Fund, the disclosure and operations of the Fund would need to comply with all applicable CFTC regulations.

 

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An index futures contract is a bilateral agreement pursuant to which two parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to a specified dollar amount times the difference between the index value at the close of trading of the contract and the price at which the futures contract is originally struck. No physical delivery of the securities comprising the index is made; generally contracts are closed out prior to the expiration date of the contract.

 

When a Fund purchases or sells a futures contract, or sells an option thereon, the Fund is required to “cover” its position in order to limit leveraging and related risks. To cover its position, the Fund may segregate (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) cash or liquid securities that, when added to any amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the market value of the futures contract or otherwise “cover” its position in a manner consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations thereunder. The segregated account functions as a practical limit on the amount of leverage which the Fund may undertake and on the potential increase in the speculative character of the Fund’s outstanding portfolio securities. Additionally, such segregated accounts will generally assure the availability of adequate funds to meet the obligations of the Fund arising from such investment activities.

 

A Fund may also cover its long position in a futures contract by purchasing a put option on the same futures contract with a strike price (i.e., an exercise price) as high or higher than the price of the futures contract. In the alternative, if the strike price of the put is less than the price of the futures contract, the Fund will segregate cash or liquid securities equal in value to the difference between the strike price of the put and the price of the futures contract. A Fund may also cover its long position in a futures contract by taking a short position in the instruments underlying the futures contract, or by taking positions in instruments with prices which are expected to move relatively consistently with the futures contract. A Fund may cover its short position in a futures contract by taking a long position in the instruments underlying the futures contracts, or by taking positions in instruments with prices which are expected to move relatively consistently with the futures contract.

 

A Fund may cover its sale of a call option on a futures contract by taking a long position in the underlying futures contract at a price less than or equal to the strike price of the call option. In the alternative, if the long position in the underlying futures contract is established at a price greater than the strike price of the written (sold) call, the Fund will maintain in a segregated account cash or liquid securities equal in value to the difference between the strike price of the call and the price of the futures contract. A Fund may also cover its sale of a call option by taking positions in instruments with prices which are expected to move relatively consistently with the call option. A Fund may cover its sale of a put option on a futures contract by taking a short position in the underlying futures contract at a price greater than or equal to the strike price of the put option, or, if the short position in the underlying futures contract is established at a price less than the strike price of the written put, the Fund will maintain in a segregated account cash or liquid securities equal in value to the difference between the strike price of the put and the price of the futures contract. A Fund may also cover its sale of a put option by taking positions in instruments with prices which are expected to move relatively consistently with the put option.

 

There are significant risks associated with a Fund’s use of futures contracts and related options, including the following: (1) the success of a hedging strategy may depend on the Adviser’s ability to predict movements in the prices of individual securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) there may be an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market value of the securities held by the Fund and the prices of futures and options on futures; (3) there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract or option; (4) trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange; and (5) government regulations may restrict trading in futures contracts and options on futures. In addition, some strategies reduce the Fund’s exposure to price fluctuations, while others tend to increase its market exposure.

 

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Illiquid Securities. Illiquid securities are securities that cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business (within seven days) at approximately the prices at which they are valued. Because of their illiquid nature, illiquid securities must be priced at fair value as determined in good faith pursuant to procedures approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. Despite such good faith efforts to determine fair value prices, a Fund’s illiquid securities are subject to the risk that the security’s fair value price may differ from the actual price which the Fund may ultimately realize upon its sale or disposition. Difficulty in selling illiquid securities may result in a loss or may be costly to a Fund. Under the supervision of the Company’s Board of Directors, the Adviser determines the liquidity of each Fund’s investments. In determining the liquidity of the Fund’s investments, the Adviser may consider various factors, including: (1) the frequency and volume of trades and quotations; (2) the number of dealers and prospective purchasers in the marketplace; (3) dealer undertakings to make a market; and (4) the nature of the security and the market in which it trades (including any demand, put or tender features, the mechanics and other requirements for transfer, any letters of credit or other credit enhancement features, any ratings, the number of holders, the method of soliciting offers, the time required to dispose of the security, and the ability to assign or offset the rights and obligations of the security). The Funds will not hold more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities.

 

Inflation-Protected Securities. Each Fund may invest in inflation-protected securities issued by the U.S. Treasury, known as “TIPs” or “Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities,” which are debt securities whose principal and interest payments are adjusted for inflation and interest is paid on the adjusted amount. The inflation adjustment, which is typically applied monthly to the principal of the bond, follows a designated inflation index, such as the consumer price index. A fixed coupon rate is applied to the inflation-adjusted principal so that as inflation rises, both the principal value and the interest payments increase. This can provide investors with a hedge against inflation, as it helps preserve the purchasing power of the investment. Inflation-protected securities normally will decline in price when real interest rates rise. (A real interest rate is calculated by subtracting the inflation rate from a nominal interest rate. For example, if a 10-year Treasury note is yielding 5% and inflation is 2%, the real interest rate is 3%.) If inflation is negative, the principal and income of an inflation-protected security will decline and could result in losses for a Fund.

 

Any increase in principal for an inflation-protected security resulting from inflation adjustments is considered by Internal Revenue Service regulations to be taxable income in the year it occurs. For direct holders of an inflation-protected security, this means that taxes must be paid on principal adjustments even though these amounts are not received until the bond matures. By contrast, a Fund holding these securities distributes both interest income and the income attributable to principal adjustments in the form of cash or reinvested shares, which are taxable to shareholders.

 

Initial Public Offerings. To the extent consistent with its investment policies and limitations, each Fund may purchase stock in an initial public offering (“IPO”). An IPO is a company’s first offering of stock to the public. Risks associated with IPOs may include considerable fluctuation in the market value of IPO shares due to certain factors, such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, a limited number of shares available for trading, lack of information about the issuer and limited operating history. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. When a Fund’s asset base is small, a significant portion of the Fund’s performance could be attributable to investments in IPOs, because such investments would have a magnified impact on the underlying investment company. As the Fund’s assets grow, the effect of the Fund’s investments in IPOs on the Fund’s performance probably will decline, which could reduce the Fund’s performance. Because of the price volatility of IPO shares, a Fund may choose to hold IPO shares for a very short period of time. This may increase the turnover of the Fund’s portfolio and may lead to increased expenses to the Fund, such as commissions and transaction costs. In addition, a Fund cannot guarantee continued access to IPOs.

 

Investment Company Shares. Each Fund may invest in shares of other investment companies to the extent permitted by applicable law and subject to certain restrictions. These investment companies typically incur fees that are separate from those fees incurred directly by the Fund. A Fund’s purchase of such investment company securities results in the layering of expenses, such that shareholders would indirectly bear a proportionate share of the operating expenses of such investment companies, including advisory fees, in addition to paying the Fund’s expenses. Unless an exception is available, Section 12(d)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act prohibits a fund from (i) acquiring more than 3% of the voting shares of any one investment company, (ii) investing more than 5% of its total assets in any one investment company, and (iii) investing more than 10% of its total assets in all investment companies combined. These limits will not apply to the investment of uninvested cash balances in shares of registered or unregistered money market funds whether affiliated or unaffiliated. The foregoing exemption, however, only applies to an unregistered money market fund that (i) limits its investments to those in which a money market fund may invest under Rule 2a-7 of the 1940 Act, and (ii) undertakes to comply with all the other provisions of Rule 2a-7.

 

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For hedging or other purposes, a Fund may invest in investment companies that seek to track the composition and/or performance of specific indexes or portions of specific indexes. Certain of these investment companies, known as exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), are traded on a securities exchange. The market prices of index-based investments will fluctuate in accordance with changes in the underlying portfolio securities of the investment company and also due to supply and demand of the investment company’s shares on the exchange upon which the shares are traded. Index-based investments may not replicate or otherwise match the composition or performance of their specified index due to transaction costs, among other things.

 

Investments by a Fund in other investment companies, including ETFs, will be subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act except as permitted by SEC orders. The Funds may rely on SEC orders that permit them to invest in certain ETFs beyond the limits contained in the 1940 Act, subject to certain terms and conditions. Generally, these terms and conditions require the Company’s Board of Directors to approve policies and procedures relating to certain of the Fund’s investments in ETFs. These policies and procedures require, among other things, that (i) the Adviser conducts the Fund’s investment in ETFs without regard to any consideration received by the Fund or any of its affiliated persons and (ii) the Adviser certifies to the Company’s Board of Directors quarterly that it has not received any consideration in connection with an investment by the Fund in an ETF, or if it has, the amount and purpose of the consideration will be reported to the Company’s Board of Directors and an equivalent amount of advisory fees shall be waived by the Adviser.

 

Certain investment companies whose securities are purchased by a Fund may not be obligated to redeem such securities in an amount exceeding 1% of the investment company’s total outstanding securities during any period of less than 30 days. Therefore, such securities that exceed this amount may be illiquid.

 

If required by the 1940 Act, the Funds expect to vote the shares of other investment companies that are held by it in the same proportion as the vote of all other holders of such securities.

 

Large Shareholder Purchase and Redemption Risk. Each Fund may experience adverse effects when certain large shareholders purchase or redeem large amounts of shares of the Fund. Such large shareholder redemptions may cause a Fund to sell its securities at times when it would not otherwise do so, which may negatively impact the Fund’s NAV and liquidity. Similarly, large share purchases may adversely affect the Fund’s performance to the extent that the Fund is delayed in investing new cash and is required to maintain a larger cash position than it ordinarily would. In addition, a large redemption could result in the Fund’s current expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in the Fund’s expense ratio. However, this risk may be limited to the extent that the Adviser and the Fund have entered into a fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement arrangement.

 

Money Market Securities. During unusual economic or market conditions, or for temporary defensive or liquidity purposes, each Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in money market instruments (the types of which are discussed below) that would not ordinarily be consistent with the Fund’s objective. For purposes of these policies, money market securities include (i) short-term U.S. government securities, including custodial receipts evidencing separately traded interest and principal components of securities issued by the U.S. Treasury; (ii) commercial paper rated in the highest short-term rating category by a nationally recognized statistical ratings organization (“NRSRO”), such as Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s, or determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality at the time of purchase; (iii) short-term bank obligations (certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers’ acceptances) of U.S. domestic banks, foreign banks and foreign branches of domestic banks, and commercial banks with assets of at least $1 billion as of the end of their most recent fiscal year; and (iv) repurchase agreements involving such securities. Each of these types of money market securities is discussed in more detail below. For a description of ratings, see Appendix A to this SAI.

 

Obligations of Domestic Banks, Foreign Banks and Foreign Branches of U.S. Banks. Each Fund may invest in obligations issued by banks and other savings institutions. Investments in bank obligations include obligations of domestic branches of foreign banks and foreign branches of domestic banks. Such investments in domestic branches of foreign banks and foreign branches of domestic banks may involve risks that are different from investments in securities of domestic branches of U.S. banks. These risks may include future unfavorable political and economic developments, possible withholding taxes on interest income, seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits, currency controls, interest limitations, or other governmental restrictions which might affect the payment of principal or interest on the securities held by a Fund. Additionally, these institutions may be subject to less stringent reserve requirements and to different accounting, auditing, reporting and recordkeeping requirements than those applicable to domestic branches of U.S. banks. Bank obligations include the following:

 

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Bankers’ Acceptances . Bankers’ acceptances are bills of exchange or time drafts drawn on and accepted by a commercial bank. Corporations use bankers’ acceptances to finance the shipment and storage of goods and to furnish dollar exchange. Maturities are generally six months or less.

 

Certificates of Deposit . Certificates of deposit are interest-bearing instruments with a specific maturity. They are issued by banks and savings and loan institutions in exchange for the deposit of funds and normally can be traded in the secondary market prior to maturity. Certificates of deposit with penalties for early withdrawal will be considered illiquid.

 

Time Deposits. Time deposits are non-negotiable receipts issued by a bank in exchange for the deposit of funds. Like a certificate of deposit, it earns a specified rate of interest over a definite period of time; however, it cannot be traded in the secondary market. Time deposits with a withdrawal penalty or that mature in more than seven days are considered to be illiquid securities.

 

Options. Each Fund may purchase and write put and call options on securities and securities indices and enter into related closing transactions. A put option on a security gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell, and the writer of the option the obligation to buy, the underlying security at any time during the option period. A call option on a security gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the writer of the option the obligation to sell, the underlying security at any time during the option period. The premium paid to the writer is the consideration for undertaking the obligations under the option contract.

 

Put and call options on securities indices are similar to options on securities except that options on an index give the holder the right to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the underlying index is greater than (or less than, in the case of puts) the exercise price of the option. This amount of cash is equal to the difference between the closing price of the index and the exercise price of the option, expressed in dollars multiplied by a specified number. Thus, unlike options on individual securities, all settlements are in cash, and gain or loss depends on price movements in the particular market represented by the index generally, rather than the price movements in individual securities.

 

All options written on indices or securities must be covered. When a Fund writes an option on a security or an index, it will establish a segregated account containing cash or liquid securities in an amount at least equal to the market value of the option and will maintain the account while the option is open or will otherwise cover the transaction.

 

A Fund may trade put and call options on securities and securities indices, as the Adviser determines is appropriate in seeking the Fund’s investment objective, and except as restricted by the Fund’s investment limitations. See “Investment Limitations.”

 

The initial purchase (sale) of an option contract is an “opening transaction.” In order to close out an option position, a Fund may enter into a “closing transaction,” which is simply the sale (purchase) of an option contract on the same security with the same exercise price and expiration date as the option contract originally opened. If a Fund is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction with respect to an option it has written, it will not be able to sell the underlying security until the option expires or the Fund delivers the security upon exercise.

 

A Fund may purchase put and call options on securities to protect against a decline in the market value of the securities in its portfolio or to anticipate an increase in the market value of securities that the Fund may seek to purchase in the future. A Fund purchasing put and call options pays a premium therefor. If price movements in the underlying securities are such that exercise of the options would not be profitable for a Fund, loss of the premium paid may be offset by an increase in the value of the Fund’s securities or by a decrease in the cost of acquisition of securities by the Fund.

 

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A Fund may write covered call options on securities as a means of increasing the yield on its assets and as a means of providing limited protection against decreases in its market value. When a Fund writes an option, if the underlying securities do not increase or decrease to a price level that would make the exercise of the option profitable to the holder thereof, the option generally will expire without being exercised and the Fund will realize as profit the premium received for such option. When a call option of which a Fund is the writer is exercised, the Fund will be required to sell the underlying securities to the option holder at the strike price, and will not participate in any increase in the price of such securities above the strike price. When a put option of which a Fund is the writer is exercised, the Fund will be required to purchase the underlying securities at a price in excess of the market value of such securities.

 

A Fund may purchase and write options on an exchange or over-the-counter. Over-the-counter options (“OTC options”) differ from exchange-traded options in several respects. They are transacted directly with dealers and not with a clearing corporation, and therefore entail the risk of non-performance by the dealer. OTC options are available for a greater variety of securities and for a wider range of expiration dates and exercise prices than are available for exchange-traded options. Because OTC options are not traded on an exchange, pricing is done normally by reference to information from a market maker. It is the SEC’s position that OTC options are generally illiquid.

 

The market value of an option generally reflects the market price of an underlying security. Other principal factors affecting market value include supply and demand, interest rates, the pricing volatility of the underlying security and the time remaining until the expiration date.

 

Risks associated with options transactions include: (1) the success of a hedging strategy may depend on an ability to predict movements in the prices of individual securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) there may be an imperfect correlation between the movement in prices of options and the securities underlying them; (3) there may not be a liquid secondary market for options; and (4) while a Fund will receive a premium when it writes covered call options, it may not participate fully in a rise in the market value of the underlying security.

 

Repurchase Agreements. Each Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with financial institutions. A repurchase agreement is an agreement under which a Fund acquires a fixed income security (generally a security issued by the U.S. government or an agency thereof, a banker’s acceptance, or a certificate of deposit) from a commercial bank, broker, or dealer, and simultaneously agrees to resell such security to the seller at an agreed upon price and date (normally, the next business day). Because the security purchased constitutes collateral for the repurchase obligation, a repurchase agreement may be considered a loan that is collateralized by the security purchased. The acquisition of a repurchase agreement may be deemed to be an acquisition of the underlying securities as long as the obligation of the seller to repurchase the securities is collateralized fully. The Funds follow certain procedures designed to minimize the risks inherent in such agreements. These procedures include effecting repurchase transactions only with creditworthy financial institutions whose condition will be continually monitored by the Adviser. The repurchase agreements entered into by a Fund will provide that the underlying collateral at all times shall have a value at least equal to 102% of the resale price stated in the agreement and consist only of securities permissible under Section 101(47)(A)(i) of the Bankruptcy Code (the Adviser monitors compliance with this requirement). Under all repurchase agreements entered into by a Fund, the custodian or its agent must take possession of the underlying collateral. In the event of a default or bankruptcy by a selling financial institution, the Fund will seek to liquidate such collateral. However, the exercising of the Fund’s right to liquidate such collateral could involve certain costs or delays and, to the extent that proceeds from any sale upon a default of the obligation to repurchase were less than the repurchase price, the Fund could suffer a loss. It is the current policy of the Funds, not to invest in repurchase agreements that do not mature within seven days if any such investment, together with any other illiquid assets held by that Fund, amounts to more than 15% of the Fund’s total assets. The investments of a Fund in repurchase agreements, at times, may be substantial when, in the view of the Adviser, liquidity or other considerations so warrant.

 

Restricted Securities. Each Fund may purchase securities which are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (“1933 Act”) but which may be sold to “qualified institutional buyers” in accordance with Rule 144A under the 1933 Act (“Restricted Securities”). These securities will not be considered illiquid so long as it is determined by the Adviser that an adequate trading market exists for the securities. This investment practice could have the effect of increasing the level of illiquidity in an underlying investment company during any period that qualified institutional buyers become uninterested in purchasing restricted securities. In reaching liquidity decisions, the Adviser may consider, among others, the following factors: (1) the unregistered nature of the security; (2) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (3) the number of dealers wishing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential purchasers; (4) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; and (5) the nature of the security and the nature of the marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of the transfer).

 

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The purchase price and subsequent valuation of Restricted Securities normally reflect a discount from the price at which such securities trade when they are not restricted, since the restriction makes them less liquid. The amount of the discount from the prevailing market price is expected to vary depending upon the type of security, the character of the issuer, the party who will bear the expenses of registering the Restricted Securities and prevailing supply and demand conditions.

 

As consistent with each Fund’s respective investment objective, the Fund may also invest in Section 4(2) commercial paper. Section 4(2) commercial paper is issued in reliance on an exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the Act and is generally sold to institutional investors who purchase for investment. Any resale of such commercial paper must be in an exempt transaction, usually to an institutional investor through the issuer or investment dealers who make a market in such commercial paper. The Company believes that Section 4(2) commercial paper is liquid to the extent it meets the criteria established by the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company intends to treat such commercial paper as liquid and not subject to the investment limitations applicable to illiquid securities or restricted securities.

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreements. Each Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with respect to portfolio securities for temporary purposes (such as to obtain cash to meet redemption requests) when the liquidation of portfolio securities is deemed disadvantageous or inconvenient by the Adviser. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the sale of securities held by a Fund subject to the Fund’s agreement to repurchase the securities at an agreed-upon price, date and rate of interest. Such agreements are considered to be borrowings under the 1940 Act and may be entered into only for temporary or emergency purposes. While reverse repurchase transactions are outstanding, the Fund will maintain in a segregated account with the Fund’s custodian or a qualified sub-custodian, cash or liquid securities of an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities, plus accrued interest, subject to the agreement and will monitor the account to ensure that such value is maintained. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities sold by the Fund may decline below the price of the securities the Fund is obligated to repurchase and the interest received on the cash exchanged for the securities.

 

Rights Offerings and Purchase Warrants. Rights offerings and purchase warrants are privileges issued by a corporation which enable the owner to subscribe to and purchase a specified number of shares of the corporation at a specified price during a specified period of time. Subscription rights normally have a short lifespan to expiration. The purchase of rights or warrants involves the risk that a Fund could lose the purchase value of a right or warrant if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not executed prior to the right’s or warrant’s expiration. Also, the purchase of rights and/or warrants involves the risk that the effective price paid for the right and/or warrant added to the subscription price of the related security may exceed the value of the subscribed security’s market price such as when there is no movement in the level of the underlying security.

 

Risk Considerations of Medium Grade Securities. Debt obligations in the lowest investment grade ( i.e. , BBB or Baa), referred to as “medium grade” obligations, have speculative characteristics, and changes in economic conditions and other factors are more likely to lead to weakened capacity to make interest payments and repay principal on these obligations than is the case for higher rated securities. In the event that a security purchased by a Fund is subsequently downgraded below investment grade, the Adviser will consider such event in its determination of whether the Fund should continue to hold the security.

 

Risk Considerations of Lower Rated Securities. Each Fund may invest in fixed income securities that are not investment grade but are rated as low as B by Moody’s Investors Service or B by S&P ® Global Ratings (or their equivalents or, if unrated, determined by the Adviser to be of comparable credit quality). In the case of a security that is rated differently by two or more rating services, the higher rating is used in connection with the foregoing limitation. In the event that the rating on a security held in a Fund’s portfolio is downgraded by a rating service, such action will be considered by the Adviser in its evaluation of the overall investment merits of that security, but will not necessarily result in the sale of the security. The widespread expansion of government, consumer and corporate debt within the U.S. economy has made the corporate sector, especially cyclically sensitive industries, more vulnerable to economic downturns or increased interest rates. An economic downturn could severely disrupt the market for high yield fixed income securities and adversely affect the value of outstanding fixed income securities and the ability of the issuers to repay principal and interest.

 

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Each Fund may invest in high yield debt obligations, such as bonds and debentures, issued by corporations and other business organizations. A Fund will invest in high yield debt instruments when the Fund believes that such instruments offer a better risk/reward profile than comparable equity opportunities. High yield fixed income securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”) are considered speculative investments while generally providing greater income than investments in higher rated securities, involve greater risk of loss of principal and income (including the possibility of default or bankruptcy of the issuers of such securities) and may involve greater volatility of price (especially during periods of economic uncertainty or change) than securities in the higher rating categories. Since yields vary over time, no specific level of income can ever be assured.

 

The prices of high yield fixed income securities have been found to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than higher-rated investments but more sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual corporate developments. Also, during an economic downturn or substantial period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress, which would adversely affect their ability to service their principal and interest payment obligations, to meet projected business goals and to obtain additional financing. If the issuer of a fixed income security owned by a Fund defaulted, the Fund could incur additional expenses in attempting to obtain a recovery. In addition, periods of economic uncertainty and changes can be expected to result in increased volatility of market prices of high yield fixed income securities and the Fund’s NAV to the extent it holds such securities.

 

High yield fixed income securities also present risks based on payment expectations. For example, high yield fixed income securities may contain redemption or call provisions. If an issuer exercises these provisions in a declining interest rate market, a Fund may, to the extent it holds such fixed income securities, have to replace the securities with a lower yielding security, which may result in a decreased return for investors. Conversely, a high yield fixed income security’s value will decrease in a rising interest rate market, as will the value of a Fund’s assets, to the extent it holds such fixed income securities. In addition, to the extent that there is no established retail secondary market, there may be thin trading of high yield fixed income securities, and this may have an impact on the Adviser’s ability to accurately value such securities and a Fund’s assets and on the Fund’s ability to dispose of such securities. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of high yield fixed income securities, especially in a thinly traded market.

 

New laws proposed or adopted from time to time may have an impact on the market for high yield securities.

 

Finally, there are risks involved in applying credit or dividend ratings as a method for evaluating high yield securities. For example, ratings evaluate the safety of principal and interest or dividend payments, not market value risk of high yield securities. Also, since rating agencies may fail to timely change the credit ratings to reflect subsequent events, each Fund will continuously monitor the issuers of high yield securities in its portfolio, if any, to determine if the issuers will have sufficient cash flow and profits to meet required principal and interest payments, and to assure the security’s liquidity so the Fund can meet redemption requests.

 

Securities Lending. Each Fund may lend its portfolio securities to financial institutions. Such loans would involve risks of delay in receiving additional collateral in the event the value of the collateral decreases below the value of the securities loaned or of delay in recovering the securities loaned or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. However, loans will be made only to borrowers which the Adviser deems to be of good standing and only when, in the Adviser’s judgment, the income to be earned from the loans justifies the attendant risks. A Fund may not make loans in excess of 33 1/3 % of the value of its total assets. A Fund may pay a part of the interest earned from the investment of collateral, or other fee, to an unaffiliated or, to the extent consistent with the 1940 Act or the rules and SEC interpretations thereunder, affiliated third party for acting as a Fund’s securities lending agent.

 

By lending its securities, a Fund may increase its income by receiving payments from the borrower that reflect the amount of any interest or any dividends payable on the loaned securities as well as by either investing cash collateral received from the borrower in short-term instruments or obtaining a fee from the borrower when U.S. government securities or letters of credit are used as collateral. A Fund does not have the right to vote loaned securities. A Fund may attempt to call loaned securities back to permit the exercise of voting rights if time and jurisdictional restrictions permit. There is no guarantee that all loans can be recalled.

 

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Securities of Other Investment Companies. Securities of other investment companies, including shares of exchange-traded funds, closed-end investment companies, unit investment trusts, open-end investment companies and real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), represent interests in professionally managed portfolios that may invest in any type of instrument. Investing in other investment companies involves substantially the same risks as investing directly in the underlying instruments, but may involve additional expenses at the investment company-level, such as portfolio management fees and operating expenses. Certain types of investment companies, such as closed-end investment companies, issue a fixed number of shares that trade on a stock exchange or over-the-counter at a premium or a discount to their net asset value. Others are continuously offered at net asset value, but may also be traded in the secondary market. Federal securities laws limit the extent to which the Fund can invest in securities of other investment companies. Each Fund is prohibited from acquiring the securities of another investment company if, as a result of such acquisition: (i) a Fund owns more than 3% of the total voting stock of the other company; (ii) securities issued by any one investment company represent more than 5% of a Fund’s total assets; or (iii) securities issued by all investment companies represent more than 10% of the total assets of a Fund, unless it does so in reliance on a statutory exemption under the 1940 Act, rule, or SEC staff interpretations thereunder.

 

Special Situation Companies. Each Fund may invest in “Special Situations.” The term “Special Situation” shall be deemed to refer to a security of a company in which an unusual and possibly non-repetitive development is taking place which, in the opinion of the Adviser, may cause the security to attain a higher market value independently, to a degree, of the trend in the securities market in general. The particular development (actual or prospective), which may qualify a security as a Special Situation, may be one of many different types.

 

Such developments may include, among others, a technological improvement or important discovery or acquisition which, if the expectation for it materialized, would effect a substantial change in the company’s business; a reorganization; a recapitalization or other development involving a security exchange or conversion; a merger, liquidation or distribution of cash, securities or other assets; a breakup or workout of a holding company; litigation which, if resolved favorably, would improve the value of the company’s stock; a new or changed management; or material changes in management policies. A Special Situation may often involve a comparatively small company, which is not well known, and which has not been closely watched by investors generally, but it may also involve a large company. The fact, if it exists, that an increase in the company’s earnings, dividends or business is expected, or that a given security is considered to be undervalued, would not in itself be sufficient to qualify as a Special Situation. A Fund may invest in securities (even if not Special Situations) which, in the opinion of the Adviser, are appropriate investments for the Fund, including securities which the Adviser believes are undervalued by the market. The Funds are not required to invest any minimum percentage of their aggregate portfolio in “Special Situations,” nor are they required to invest any minimum percentage of their aggregate portfolio in securities other than “Special Situations.”

 

Temporary Defensive Positions. In anticipation of or in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, a Fund may take temporary defensive positions (up to 100% of its assets) in cash, cash equivalents and all types of money market and short-term debt securities. If a Fund were to take a temporary defensive position, it may be unable for a time to achieve its investment objective.

 

U.S. Government Securities. Each Fund may invest in U.S. government securities. Securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities include U.S. Treasury securities, which are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury and which differ only in their interest rates, maturities, and times of issuance. U.S. Treasury bills have initial maturities of one-year or less; U.S. Treasury notes have initial maturities of one to ten years; and U.S. Treasury bonds generally have initial maturities of greater than ten years. Certain U.S. government securities are issued or guaranteed by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government including, but not limited to, obligations of U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities such as Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”), Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”), the Small Business Administration, the Federal Farm Credit Administration, the Federal Home Loan Banks, Banks for Cooperatives (including the Central Bank for Cooperatives), the Federal Land Banks, the Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Federal Financing Bank, the Student Loan Marketing Association, the National Credit Union Administration and the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (“Farmer Mac”).

 

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Some obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities, including, for example, Ginnie Mae pass-through certificates, are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Other obligations issued by or guaranteed by federal agencies, such as those securities issued by Fannie Mae, are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the federal agency, while other obligations issued by or guaranteed by federal agencies, such as those of the Federal Home Loan Banks, are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, while the U.S. government provides financial support to such U.S. government-sponsored federal agencies, no assurance can be given that the U.S. government will always do so, since the U.S. government is not so obligated by law. U.S. Treasury notes and bonds typically pay coupon interest semi-annually and repay the principal at maturity.

 

The extreme and unprecedented volatility and disruption that impacted the capital and credit markets during late 2008 and into 2009 have led to increased market concerns about Freddie Mac’s and Fannie Mae’s ability to withstand future credit losses associated with securities held in their investment portfolios, and on which they provide guarantees, without the direct support of the federal government. On September 6, 2008, both Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae were placed under the conservatorship of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”). Under the plan of conservatorship, the FHFA has assumed control of, and generally has the power to direct, the operations of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, and is empowered to exercise all powers collectively held by their respective shareholders, directors and officers, including the power to (1) take over the assets of and operate Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae with all the powers of the shareholders, the directors, and the officers of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae and conduct all business of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae; (2) collect all obligations and money due to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae; (3) perform all functions of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae which are consistent with the conservator’s appointment; (4) preserve and conserve the assets and property of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae; and (5) contract for assistance in fulfilling any function, activity, action or duty of the conservator. In addition, in connection with the actions taken by the FHFA, the U.S. Treasury Department (the “Treasury”) has entered into certain preferred stock purchase agreements with each of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae which establish the Treasury as the holder of a new class of senior preferred stock in each of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, which stock was issued in connection with financial contributions from the Treasury to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. The conditions attached to the financial contribution made by the Treasury to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae and the issuance of this senior preferred stock place significant restrictions on the activities of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae must obtain the consent of the Treasury to, among other things, (i) make any payment to purchase or redeem its capital stock or pay any dividend other than in respect of the senior preferred stock, (ii) issue capital stock of any kind, (iii) terminate the conservatorship of the FHFA except in connection with a receivership, or (iv) increase its debt beyond certain specified levels. In addition, significant restrictions are placed on the maximum size of each of Freddie Mac’s and Fannie Mae’s respective portfolios of mortgages and mortgage-backed securities portfolios, and the purchase agreements entered into by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae provide that the maximum size of their portfolios of these assets must decrease by a specified percentage each year. The future status and role of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae could be impacted by (among other things) the actions taken and restrictions placed on Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae by the FHFA in its role as conservator, the restrictions placed on Freddie Mac’s and Fannie Mae’s operations and activities as a result of the senior preferred stock investment made by the Treasury, market responses to developments at Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, and future legislative and regulatory action that alters the operations, ownership, structure and/or mission of these institutions, each of which may, in turn, impact the value of, and cash flows on any mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.

 

U.S. Treasury Obligations. U.S. Treasury obligations consist of bills, notes and bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury and separately traded interest and principal component parts of such obligations that are transferable through the federal book-entry system known as Separately Traded Registered Interest and Principal Securities (“STRIPS”) and Treasury Receipts (“TRs”).

 

Receipts. Interests in separately traded interest and principal component parts of U.S. government obligations that are issued by banks or brokerage firms and are created by depositing U.S. government obligations into a special account at a custodian bank. The custodian bank holds the interest and principal payments for the benefit of the registered owners of the certificates or receipts. The custodian bank arranges for the issuance of the certificates or receipts evidencing ownership and maintains the register. TRs and STRIPS are interests in accounts sponsored by the U.S. Treasury. Receipts are sold as zero coupon securities.

 

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U.S. Government Zero Coupon Securities. STRIPS and receipts are sold as zero coupon securities, that is, fixed income securities that have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons. Zero coupon securities are sold at a (usually substantial) discount and redeemed at face value at their maturity date without interim cash payments of interest or principal. The amount of this discount is accreted over the life of the security, and the accretion constitutes the income earned on the security for both accounting and tax purposes. Because of these features, the market prices of zero coupon securities are generally more volatile than the market prices of securities that have similar maturity but that pay interest periodically. Zero coupon securities are likely to respond to a greater degree to interest rate changes than are non-zero coupon securities with similar maturity and credit qualities.

 

U.S. Government Agencies. Some obligations issued or guaranteed by agencies of the U.S. government are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury, others are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury, while still others are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality. Guarantees of principal by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government may be a guarantee of payment at the maturity of the obligation so that in the event of a default prior to maturity there might not be a market and thus no means of realizing on the obligation prior to maturity. Guarantees as to the timely payment of principal and interest do not extend to the value or yield of these securities nor to the value of the Fund’s shares.

 

INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

 

Each Fund has adopted the following fundamental investment limitations which may not be changed with respect to a Fund without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding shares (as defined in Section 2(a) (42) of the 1940 Act). As used in this SAI and in the Prospectus, “shareholder approval” and a “majority of the outstanding shares” of a Fund means, with respect to the approval of an investment advisory agreement, a distribution plan or a change in a fundamental investment limitation, the lesser of (1) 67% of the shares of the Fund represented at a meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present in person or by proxy, or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. Unless otherwise noted, a Fund’s investment goals and strategies described in the Prospectus may be changed by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) without the approval of the Fund’s shareholders.

 

The U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund may not:

 

1. Borrow money or issue senior securities, except that the Fund may borrow from banks and enter into reverse repurchase agreements provided that there is at least 300% asset coverage for the borrowings of the Fund. The Fund may not mortgage, pledge or hypothecate any assets, except in connection with any such borrowing and then in amounts not in excess of one-third of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the time of such borrowing. However, the amount shall not be in excess of lesser of the dollar amounts borrowed or 33 1/3% of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the time of such borrowing, provided that: (a) short sales and related borrowings of securities are not subject to this restriction; and (b) for the purposes of this restriction, collateral arrangements with respect to options, short sales, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, collateral arrangements with respect to initial and variation margin and collateral arrangements with respect to derivatives instruments are not deemed to be a pledge or other encumbrance of assets. Securities held in escrow or separate accounts in connection with the Fund’s investment practices are not considered to be borrowings or deemed to be pledged for purposes of this limitation;

 

2. Act as an underwriter of securities within the meaning of the 1933 Act, except insofar as it might be deemed to be an underwriter upon disposition of certain portfolio securities acquired within the limitation on purchases of restricted securities;

 

3. Purchase or sell real estate (including real estate limited partnership interests), provided that a Fund may invest: (a) in securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies that invest in real estate or interests therein; or (b) in real estate investment trusts;

 

4 Purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts, except that the Fund may purchase and sell options, futures contracts and related options on such futures contracts;

 

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5. Make loans, except through loans of portfolio securities and repurchase agreements, provided that for purposes of this restriction the acquisition of bonds, debentures or other debt instruments or interests therein and investment in government obligations, loan participations and assignments, short-term commercial paper, certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances shall not be deemed to be the making of a loan;

 

6. Invest 25% or more of its total assets, taken at market value at the time of each investment, in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry, provided that (a) there is no limitation with respect to (i) instruments issued or guaranteed by the United States, any state, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia or any of their authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions, and (ii) repurchase agreements secured by the instruments described in clause (i); (b) wholly-owned finance companies will be considered to be in the industries of their parents if their activities are primarily related to financing the activities of the parents; and (c) utilities will be divided according to their services, for example, gas, gas transmission, electric and gas, electric and telephone will each be considered a separate industry; or

 

7. Purchase the securities of any one issuer, other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, if immediately after and as a result of such purchase, more than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in the securities of such issuer, or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer would be owned by the Fund, except that up to 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets may be invested without regard to such limitations.

 

The Small Cap Low Volatility Fund may not:

 

1. Borrow money or issue senior securities, except that the Fund may borrow from banks and enter into reverse repurchase agreements provided that there is at least 300% asset coverage for the borrowings of the Fund. The Fund may not mortgage, pledge or hypothecate any assets, except in connection with any such borrowing and then in amounts not in excess of one-third of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the time of such borrowing. However, the amount shall not be in excess of lesser of the dollar amounts borrowed or 33 1/3% of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the time of such borrowing, provided that: (a) short sales and related borrowings of securities are not subject to this restriction; and (b) for the purposes of this restriction, collateral arrangements with respect to options, short sales, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, collateral arrangements with respect to initial and variation margin and collateral arrangements with respect to derivatives instruments are not deemed to be a pledge or other encumbrance of assets. Securities held in escrow or separate accounts in connection with the Fund’s investment practices are not considered to be borrowings or deemed to be pledged for purposes of this limitation;

 

2. Act as an underwriter of securities within the meaning of the 1933 Act, except insofar as it might be deemed to be an underwriter upon disposition of certain portfolio securities acquired within the limitation on purchases of restricted securities;

 

3. Purchase or sell real estate (including real estate limited partnership interests), provided that the Fund may invest: (a) in securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies that invest in real estate or interests therein; or (b) in real estate investment trusts;

 

4. Purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts, except that the Fund may purchase and sell options, futures contracts and related options on such futures contracts;

 

5. Make loans, except through loans of portfolio securities and repurchase agreements, provided that for purposes of this restriction the acquisition of bonds, debentures or other debt instruments or interests therein and investment in government obligations, loan participations and assignments, short-term commercial paper, certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances shall not be deemed to be the making of a loan;

 

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6. Invest 25% or more of its total assets, taken at market value at the time of each investment, in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry or group of industries, provided that (a) there is no limitation with respect to (i) instruments issued or guaranteed by the United States, any state, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia or any of their authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions, and (ii) repurchase agreements secured by the instruments described in clause (i); (b) wholly-owned finance companies will be considered to be in the industries of their parents if their activities are primarily related to financing the activities of the parents; (c) utilities will be divided according to their services, for example, gas, gas transmission, electric and gas, electric and telephone will each be considered a separate industry; and (d) a private activity bond that is backed only by the assets and revenues of a non-governmental user is considered to be issued by such non-governmental user; or

 

7. Purchase the securities of any one issuer, other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, if immediately after and as a result of such purchase, more than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in the securities of such issuer, or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer would be owned by the Fund, except that up to 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets may be invested without regard to such limitations.

 

The Global Low Volatility Fund may not:

 

1. Purchase any securities which would cause 25% or more of the total assets of the Fund to be invested in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry, provided that this limitation does not apply to investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies and instrumentalities and repurchase agreements involving such securities.

 

2. Borrow money in an amount exceeding 33 1/3 % of the value of its total assets, provided that, for purposes of this limitation, investment strategies which either obligate the Fund to purchase securities or require the Fund to segregate assets are not considered to be borrowings. Asset coverage of at least 300% is required for all borrowings, except where the Fund has borrowed money for temporary purposes in amounts not exceeding 5% of its total assets.

 

3. Make loans if, as a result, more than 33 1/3 % of its total assets would be lent to other parties, except that the Fund may (i) purchase or hold debt instruments in accordance with its investment objective and policies; (ii) enter into repurchase agreements; and (iii) lend its securities.

 

4. Purchase or sell real estate, physical commodities, or commodities contracts, except that the Fund may purchase (i) marketable securities issued by companies which own or invest in real estate (including REITs), commodities, or commodities contracts; and (ii) commodities contracts relating to financial instruments, such as financial futures contracts and options on such contracts.

 

5. Issue senior securities as defined in the 1940 Act except as permitted by rule, regulation or order of the SEC.

 

6. Act as an underwriter of securities of other issuers except as it may be deemed an underwriter in selling a portfolio security.

 

In addition to the fundamental investment limitations specified above, the U.S. Low Volatility Fund and Small Cap Low Volatility Fund are subject to the following non-fundamental limitations, which may be changed without shareholder approval, in compliance with applicable law and regulatory policy. The U.S. Low Volatility Fund and Small Cap Low Volatility Fund may not:

 

1. Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management, but investments by a Fund in wholly-owned investment entities created under the laws of certain countries will not be deemed the making of investments for the purpose of exercising control or management; or

 

2. Purchase securities on margin, except that a Fund may use margin to the extent necessary to engage in short sales and may obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of portfolio transactions; and provided that margin deposits in connection with options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts or other derivative instruments shall not constitute purchasing securities on margin.

 

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The Global Low Volatility Fund is subject to the following additional non-fundamental limitations, which may be changed without shareholder approval, in compliance with applicable law and regulatory policy. The Global Low Volatility Fund may not:

 

1. Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate assets except to secure borrowings permitted by the Fund’s fundamental limitation on borrowing; provided that, such pledging, mortgaging or hypothecation does not exceed 5% of the Fund’s total assets.

 

2. Invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control.

 

3. Purchase securities on margin or effect short sales, except that the Fund may (i) obtain short-term credits as necessary for the clearance of security transactions; (ii) provide initial and variation margin payments in connection with transactions involving futures contracts and options on such contracts; (iii) make short sales “against the box”; and (iv) make short sales in compliance with the SEC’s position regarding the asset segregation requirements imposed by Section 18 of the 1940 Act.

 

4. Invest its assets in securities of any investment company, except as permitted by the 1940 Act.

 

5. Purchase or hold illiquid securities, i.e., securities that cannot be disposed of for their approximate carrying value in seven days or less (which term includes repurchase agreements and time deposits maturing in more than seven days) if, in the aggregate, more than 15% of its net assets would be invested in illiquid securities. The 15% limitation on investments in illiquid securities applies both at the time of initial purchase and while the Fund holds such securities.

 

6. Enter into futures contracts and options on futures contracts except as permitted by the Prospectus and in this SAI

 

Each Fund may invest in securities issued by other investment companies within the limits prescribed by the 1940 Act. As a shareholder of another investment company, a Fund would bear, along with other shareholders, its pro rata portion of the other investment company’s expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses would be in addition to the advisory and other expenses that a Fund bears directly in connection with its own operations.

 

Securities held by a Fund generally may not be purchased from, sold or loaned to the Adviser or its affiliates or any of their directors, officers or employees, acting as principal, unless pursuant to a rule or exemptive order under the 1940 Act.

 

If a percentage restriction under one of a Fund’s investment policies or limitations or the use of assets is adhered to at the time a transaction is effected, later changes in percentages resulting from changing values will not be considered a violation (except with respect to any restrictions that may apply to borrowings or senior securities issued by the Fund).

 

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

The Company has adopted, on behalf of the Funds, a policy relating to the selective disclosure of a Fund’s portfolio holdings by the Adviser, director, officer, or third party service provider, in accordance with regulations that seek to ensure that disclosure of information about portfolio holdings is in the best interest of Fund shareholders. The policies relating to the disclosure of a Fund’s portfolio holdings are designed to allow disclosure of portfolio holdings information where necessary to the Fund’s operation without compromising the integrity or performance of the Fund. It is the policy of the Company that disclosure of a Fund’s portfolio holdings to a select person or persons prior to the release of such holdings to the public (“selective disclosure”) is prohibited, unless there are legitimate business purposes for selective disclosure.

 

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The Company discloses portfolio holdings information as required in regulatory filings and shareholder reports, discloses portfolio holdings information as required by federal and state securities laws and may disclose portfolio holdings information in response to requests by governmental authorities. As required by the federal securities laws, including the 1940 Act, the Company will disclose each Fund’s portfolio holdings in applicable regulatory filings, including shareholder reports, reports on Form N-CSR and Form N-Q or such other filings, reports or disclosure documents as the applicable regulatory authorities may require.

 

The Company may distribute or authorize the distribution of information about a Fund’s portfolio holdings that is not publicly available to its third-party service providers, which include U.S. Bank, N.A., the custodian; U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“USBFS”), the administrator, accounting agent and transfer agent; Ernst & Young LLP, the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm; Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, legal counsel; and FilePoint, the financial printer. These service providers are required to keep such information confidential, and are prohibited from trading based on the information or otherwise using the information except as necessary in providing services to a Fund. Such holdings are released on conditions of confidentiality, which include appropriate trading prohibitions. “Conditions of confidentiality” include confidentiality terms included in written agreements, implied by the nature of the relationship (e.g. attorney-client relationship), or required by fiduciary or regulatory principles (e.g., custody services provided by financial institutions). Portfolio holdings may also be provided earlier to shareholders and their agents who receive redemptions in kind that reflect a pro rata allocation of all securities held in a Fund’s portfolio.

 

Portfolio holdings may also be disclosed, upon authorization by a designated officer of the Adviser, to certain independent reporting agencies recognized by the SEC as acceptable agencies for the reporting of industry statistical information. Disclosures to financial consultants are also subject to a confidentiality agreement and/or trading restrictions as well as a 15 - day time lag. The foregoing disclosures are made pursuant to the Company’s policy on selective disclosure of portfolio holdings. The Board or a committee thereof may, in limited circumstances, permit other selective disclosure of portfolio holdings subject to a confidentiality agreement and/or trading restrictions. Portfolio holdings may also be provided earlier to shareholders and their agents who receive redemptions in kind that reflect a pro rata allocation of all securities held in a Fund’s portfolio.

 

The Adviser reserves the right to refuse to fulfill any request for portfolio holdings information from a shareholder or non-shareholder if it believes that providing such information will be contrary to the best interests of a Fund.

 

The Board provides ongoing oversight of the Company’s policies and procedures and compliance with such policies and procedures. As part of this oversight function, the Board receives from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) as necessary, reports on compliance with these policies and procedures. In addition, the Board receives an annual assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of the policies and procedures with respect to a Fund, and any changes thereto, and an annual review of the operation of the policies and procedures. Any violation of the policy set forth above as well as any corrective action undertaken to address such violation must be reported by the Adviser, director, officer or third party service provider to the Company’s CCO, who will determine whether the violation should be reported immediately to the Board or at its next quarterly Board meeting.

 

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

 

Portfolio turnover measures the percentage of a Fund’s total portfolio market value that was purchased or sold during the period. A Fund’s turnover rate provides an indication of how transaction costs (which are not included in the Fund’s expenses) may affect the Fund’s performance. Also, funds with a high turnover may be more likely to distribute capital gains that may be taxable to shareholders.

 

A Fund’s portfolio turnover rates for the two most recent fiscal years are stated below. Portfolio turnover rates could change significantly in response to turbulent market conditions. The increase in the Small Cap Low Volatility Fund’s portfolio turnover rate for the fiscal period ended August 31, 2017 was due to increased portfolio trading activity over a full fiscal period.

 

19

 

  Portfolio Turnover
 

Fiscal Year Ended

 August 31, 2017

Fiscal Year or Period Ended

August 31, 2016

U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund 31% 41%
Small Cap Low Volatility Fund (2) 95% 0.01% (1)
Global Low Volatility Fund 247% 375%

 

(1) Not annualized.
(2) The Small Cap Low Volatility Fund commenced operations on March 31, 2016.

 

MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the oversight of the Company’s Board of Directors, subject to the laws of the State of Maryland and the Company’s Charter. The Directors are responsible for deciding matters of overall policy and overseeing the actions of the Company’s service providers. The officers of the Company conduct and supervise the Company’s daily business operations.

 

Directors who are not deemed to be “interested persons” of the Company (as defined in the 1940 Act) are referred to as “Independent Directors.” Directors who are deemed to be “interested persons” of the Company are referred to as “Interested Directors.” The Board is currently composed of seven Independent Directors and one Interested Director. The Board has selected Arnold M. Reichman, an Independent Director, to act as Chairman. Mr. Reichman’s duties include presiding at meetings of the Board and interfacing with management to address significant issues that may arise between regularly scheduled Board and Committee meetings. In the performance of his duties, Mr. Reichman will consult with the other Independent Directors and the Company’s officers and legal counsel, as appropriate. The Chairman may perform other functions as requested by the Board from time to time.

 

The Board meets as often as necessary to discharge its responsibilities. Currently, the Board conducts regular, in-person meetings at least four times a year, and holds special in-person or telephonic meetings as necessary to address specific issues that require attention prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting. The Board also relies on professionals, such as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firms and legal counsel, to assist the Directors in performing their oversight responsibilities.

 

The Board has established nine standing committees — Audit, Contract, Executive, Investment Risk, Nominating and Governance, Product Development, Regulatory Oversight, Strategic Oversight, and Valuation Committees. The Board may establish other committees, or nominate one or more Directors to examine particular issues related to the Board’s oversight responsibilities, from time to time. Each Committee meets periodically to perform its delegated oversight functions and reports its findings and recommendations to the Board. For more information on the Committees, see the section “Standing Board Committees,” below.

 

The Board has determined that the Company’s leadership structure is appropriate because it allows the Board to effectively perform its oversight responsibilities.

 

20

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below.

 

Name, Address,

and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and Length of

Time Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of

Portfolios in

Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by

Director in

the Past 5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 84

Director 1988 to present From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications). 29 AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

J. Richard Carnall
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 79

Director 2002 to present

Since 1984, Director of Haydon Bolts, Inc. (bolt manufacturer) and Parkway Real Estate Company (subsidiary of Haydon Bolts, Inc.); since 2004, Director of Cornerstone Bank.

29 None

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 51

 

Director 2012 to present

Since 2009, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services); from 2003 to 2009, Managing Director, head of Business Services and IT Services Practice, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC (investment banking/brokerage).

29

Emtec, Inc.; FS Investment Corporation (business development company); FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company).

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 74

Director 2006 to present Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations. 29

Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company)(until September 2017); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios)(registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance).

 

21

 

Name, Address,

and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and Length of

Time Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of

Portfolios in

Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by

Director in

the Past 5 Years

Sam Lambroza

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 63

Director 2016 to present

Since 2010, Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer and Board Member, Tinsel Group of Companies (asset management).

29 None

Arnold M. Reichman
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 69

Chairman

 

Director

2005 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2006, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Lifebooker, LLC (online beauty and health appointment booking service).

29 Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 76

Director 2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

29

Reich and Tang Group (asset management).

 

INTERESTED DIRECTOR 2

Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 79

Vice Chairman

 

Director

2016 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director – Investments and prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

29 None
Officers

Salvatore Faia, JD,
CPA, CFE
Vigilant Compliance, LLC
Gateway Corporate
Center Suite 216
223 Wilmington West
Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 54

President

 

Chief Compliance Officer

2009 to present

 

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company).

 

N/A N/A

 

22

 

Name, Address,

and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and Length of

Time Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of

Portfolios in

Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by

Director in

the Past 5 Years

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 57

 

Treasurer

and

Secretary

 2016 to present Since 2016, Treasurer and Secretary of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company). N/A N/A

Robert Amweg
Vigilant Compliance, LLC

Gateway Corporate Center Suite 216
223 Wilmington West Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 64

Assistant

Treasurer

Since 2016

Since 2013, Compliance Director, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2012, Consultant to the financial services industry; from 2007 to 2012, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, Turner Investments, LP (registered investment company).

N/A N/A

Jesse Schmitting

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 35

 

Assistant Treasurer Since 2016 Since 2008, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm). N/A N/A

Edward Paz

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 46

Assistant Secretary

 

Since 2016

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A N/A

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square
Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 58 

Assistant
Secretary
1999 to present Since 1993, Partner, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm). N/A N/A

 

23

 

Name, Address,

and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office

and Length of

Time Served 1

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Number of

Portfolios in

Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other

Directorships
Held by

Director in

the Past 5 Years

Jillian L. Bosmann

One Logan Square, Suite 2000

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 38

Assistant Secretary

 

2017 to present

Since 2017, Partner, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm); Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (2006 to present).

 

N/A N/A

 

* Each Director oversees twenty-nine portfolios of the Company.
1. Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his successor is elected and qualified or his death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.
2. Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as a senior officer of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Carnall has decades of senior executive-level management experience in the banking and financial services industry and also serves on the boards of various corporations and a bank. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Mr. Lambroza has decades of experience and executive level leadership in the energy trading industry in addition to his experience in academia.

 

Standing Committees

 

The responsibilities of each Committee of the Board and its members are described below.

 

Audit Committee. The Board has an Audit Committee comprised of three Independent Directors. The current members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Brodsky, Chandler and Giordano. The Audit Committee, among other things, reviews results of the annual audit and approves the firm(s) to serve as independent auditors. The Audit Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Contract Committee. The Board has a Contract Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Contract Committee are Messrs. Brodsky, Chandler, Sablowsky and Straniere. The Contract Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the approval and continuation of agreements and plans of the Company. The Contract Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

24

 

Executive Committee. The Board has an Executive Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Executive Committee are Messrs. Chandler, Giordano, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Executive Committee may generally carry on and manage the business of the Company when the Board is not in session. The Executive Committee did not meet during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Investment Risk Committee. The Board has an Investment Risk Committee comprised of the Interested Director and two Independent Directors. The current members of the Investment Risk Committee are Messrs. Lambroza, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Investment Risk Committee ensures that the Company’s investment advisers have adopted investment risk management policies and procedures. The Investment Risk Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Nominating and Governance Committee. The Board has a Nominating and Governance Committee comprised of three Independent Directors. The current members of the Nominating and Governance Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Giordano and Reichman. The Nominating and Governance Committee recommends to the Board all persons to be nominated as Directors of the Company. The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders. Recommendations should be submitted to the Committee care of the Company’s Secretary. The Nominating and Governance Committee convened two times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Product Development Committee. The Board has a Product Development Committee comprised of the Interested Director and one Independent Director. The current members of the Product Development Committee are Messrs. Reichman and Sablowsky. The Product Development Committee oversees the process regarding the addition of new investment advisers and investment products to the Company. The Product Development Committee convened six times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Regulatory Oversight Committee. The Board has a Regulatory Oversight Committee comprised of the Interested Director and four Independent Directors. The current members of the Regulatory Oversight Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Lambroza, Reichman, Sablowsky and Straniere. The Regulatory Oversight Committee monitors regulatory developments in the mutual fund industry and focuses on various regulatory aspects of the operation of the Company. The Regulatory Oversight Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Strategic Oversight Committee. The Board has a Strategic Oversight Committee comprised of the Interested Director and three Independent Directors. The current members of the Strategic Oversight Committee are Messrs. Carnall, Chandler, Reichman and Sablowsky. The Strategic Oversight Committee assists the Board in its oversight and review of the Company’s strategic plan and operations. The Strategic Oversight Committee convened one time during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Valuation Committee. The Board has a Valuation Committee comprised of the Interested Director, one Independent Director and three officers of the Company. The members of the Valuation Committee are Messrs. Amweg, Faia, Lambroza, Sablowsky and Shaw. The Valuation Committee is responsible for reviewing fair value determinations. The Valuation Committee convened four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.

 

Risk Oversight

 

The Board performs its risk oversight function for the Company through a combination of (1) direct oversight by the Board as a whole and Board committees and (2) indirect oversight through the Company’s investment advisers and other service providers, Company officers and the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer. The Company is subject to a number of risks, including but not limited to investment risk, compliance risk, operational risk, reputational risk, credit risk and counterparty risk. Day-to-day risk management with respect to the Company is the responsibility of the Company’s investment advisers or other service providers (depending on the nature of the risk) that carry out the Company’s investment management and business affairs. Each of the investment advisers and the other service providers have their own independent interest in risk management and their policies and methods of risk management will depend on their functions and business models and may differ from the Company’s and each other’s in the setting of priorities, the resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls.

 

25

 

The Board provides risk oversight by receiving and reviewing on a regular basis reports from the Company’s investment advisers or other service providers, receiving and approving compliance policies and procedures, periodic meetings with the Company’s portfolio managers to review investment policies, strategies and risks, and meeting regularly with the Company’s Chief Compliance Officer to discuss compliance reports, findings and issues. The Board also relies on the Company’s investment advisers and other service providers, with respect to the day-to-day activities of the Company, to create and maintain procedures and controls to minimize risk and the likelihood of adverse effects on the Company’s business and reputation.

 

Board oversight of risk management is also provided by various Board Committees. For example, the Audit Committee meets with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firms to ensure that the Company’s respective audit scopes include risk-based considerations as to the Company’s financial position and operations.

 

The Board may, at any time and in its discretion, change the manner in which it conducts risk oversight. The Board’s oversight role does not make the Board a guarantor of the Company’s investments or activities.

 

Director Ownership of Shares of the Company

 

The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each Director in each Fund and in all of the portfolios of the Company (which for each Director comprise all registered investment companies within the Company’s family of investment companies overseen by him), as of December 31, 2016:

 

Name of Director

Dollar Range of

Equity Securities in the

Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity

Fund

Dollar Range of

Equity Securities in the

Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility

Fund

Dollar Range of

Equity Securities in the

Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund

Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in All Registered Investment Companies Overseen by Director within the Family of Investment Companies
  INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
Julian A. Brodsky None None  None Over $100,000
J. Richard Carnall None None None $10,001-$50,000
Gregory P. Chandler None None None $1-$10,000
Nicholas A. Giordano None None None $10,001-$50,000
Sam Lambroza $50,001-$100,000 None None Over $100,000
Arnold M. Reichman None None None Over $100,000
Robert A. Straniere None None None $1-$10,000
  INTERESTED DIRECTOR
Robert Sablowsky None Over $100,000 None Over $100,000

 

Directors’ and Officers’ Compensation

 

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company pays each Director a retainer at the rate of $100,000 annually, $10,000 for each regular meeting of the Board, $3,500 for each committee meeting attended in-person, and $2,000 for each committee meeting attended telephonically or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each receive an additional fee of $15,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Contract Committee receives an additional fee of $10,000 per year for his services, and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee and Chairman of the Investment Risk Committee each receive an additional fee of $7,500 per year for his services. The Vice Chairman of the Board receives an additional fee of $25,000 per year for his services in this capacity and the Chairman of the Board receives an additional fee of $50,000 per year for his services in this capacity.

 

26

 

From January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017, the Company paid each Director a retainer at the rate of $100,000 annually, $5,000 for each regular meeting of the Board, $2,500 for each committee meeting attended in-person, and $2,000 for each committee meeting attended telephonically or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each received an additional fee of $15,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Contract Committee received an additional fee of $10,000 for his services and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee received an additional fee of $7,500 for his services. Effective June 1, 2017, the Chairman of the Investment Risk Committee received an additional fee of $7,500 for his services. The Vice Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $25,000 for his services in this capacity and the Chairman of the Board received an additional fee of $50,000 for his services in this capacity.

 

From January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016, the Company paid each Director a retainer at the rate of $85,000 annually, $3,500 for each regular meeting of the Board, and $2,000 for each committee meeting or special meeting of the Board attended in-person or telephonically. The Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the Regulatory Oversight Committee each received an additional fee of $10,000 for his services. The Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee and Chairman of the Contract Committee each received an additional fee of $6,000 per year for his services. The Chairman of the Board received an additional $25,000 per year for his services in this capacity.

 

Directors are reimbursed for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board or any committee thereof. Employees of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serve as President, Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Treasurer of the Company. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company, and such compensation is determined by the Board. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, Vigilant Compliance LLC received $32,057 from the U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund and $4,054 from the Small Cap Low Volatility Equity Fund, and $8,936 from the Global Low Volatility Fund, respectively, and $600,000 in the aggregate from all series of the Company for its services. An employee of the Company serves as a Treasurer and Secretary and is compensated for services provided. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, each of the following members of the Board and the Treasurer and Secretary received compensation from the Funds and the Company in the following amounts:

 

Name of Director/Officer

Aggregate
Compensation

from the Funds

Pension or

Retirement

Benefits Accrued

Estimated Annual
Benefits Upon
Retirement

Total
Compensation
From Fund Complex
Paid to Directors
or Officer
Independent Directors:        
Julian A. Brodsky, Director $5,841 N/A N/A $130,250
J. Richard Carnall, Director $5,592 N/A N/A $128,250
Gregory P. Chandler, Director $6,696 N/A N/A $151,000
Nicholas A. Giordano, Director $5,556 N/A N/A $132,875
Sam Lambroza, Director $6,031 N/A N/A $133,375
Arnold M. Reichman, Director and Chairman $7,542 N/A N/A $175,500
Robert A. Straniere, Director $6,075 N/A N/A $130,750
Interested Director:        
Robert Sablowsky, Director $7,496 N/A N/A $173,750
Officer:        
James G. Shaw, Treasurer and Secretary $2,134 N/A N/A $240,000

 

27

 

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, each of the following members of the Board and the Treasurer and Secretary received compensation from each of the Funds in the following amounts:

 

Name of Director/Officer U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund

Small Cap

Low Volatility

Fund

Global

Low Volatility

Fund

Independent Directors:      
Julian A. Brodsky, Director

$3,667

$446

$1,728
J. Richard Carnall, Director

$3,520

$426

$1,646
Gregory P. Chandler, Director

$4,221

$516

$1,959
Nicholas A. Giordano, Director

$3,512

$426

$1,618
Sam Lambroza, Director

$3,791

$464

$1,776
Arnold M. Reichman, Director and Chairman

$4,770

$584

$2,188
Robert A. Straniere, Director

$3,805

$464

$1,806
Interested Director:      
Robert Sablowsky, Director

$4,726

$579

$2,191
Officer:      
James G. Shaw, Treasurer and Secretary

$1,425

$184

$525

 

Each compensated Director is entitled to participate in the Company’s deferred compensation plan (the “DC Plan”). Under the DC Plan, a compensated Director may elect to defer all or a portion of his compensation and have the deferred compensation treated as if it had been invested by the Company in shares of one or more of the portfolios of the Company. The amount paid to the Directors under the DC Plan will be determined based upon the performance of such investments.

 

As of December 31, 2016, the Independent Directors and their respective immediate family members (spouse or dependent children) did not own beneficially or of record any securities of the Company’s investment advisers or distributor, or of any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment advisers or distributor.

 

CODE OF ETHICS

 

The Company and the Adviser have each adopted a code of ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act that permits personnel subject to the codes to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Company, subject to certain restrictions.

 

PROXY VOTING

 

The Board has delegated the responsibility of voting proxies with respect to the portfolio securities purchased and/or held by the Funds to the Funds’ Adviser, subject to the Board’s continuing oversight. In exercising its voting obligations, the Adviser is guided by its general fiduciary duty to act prudently and in the interest of the Funds. The Adviser will consider factors affecting the value of a Fund’s investments and the rights of shareholders in its determination on voting portfolio securities.

 

The Adviser will vote proxies in accordance with its proxy policies and procedures, which are included in Appendix B to this SAI.

 

The Company is required to disclose annually each Fund’s complete proxy voting record on Form N-PX. Each Fund’s proxy voting record for the most recent 12 month period ended June 30th is available upon request by calling 855-744-8500 or by writing to the Fund at: Summit Global Investments Funds, c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, PO Box 701, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701. Each Fund’s Form N-PX is also available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

 

As of November 30, 2017, to the Company’s knowledge, the following named persons at the addresses shown below were owners of record of approximately 5% or more of the total outstanding shares of the Funds as indicated below. See “Additional Information Concerning Company Shares” below. Any shareholder that owns 25% or more of the outstanding shares of a portfolio or class may be presumed to “control” (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) the portfolio or class. Shareholders controlling a portfolio or class could have the ability to vote a majority of the shares of the portfolio or class on any matter requiring approval of the shareholders of the portfolio or class.

 

28

 

Class, Shareholder Name and Address Number of shares
owned as of
November 30, 2017

Percentage of
Shares

Owned as of
November 30, 2017

U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund — Class I:    
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
211 Main Street
San Francisco, CA 94105-1905
3,855,584 67.62%

National Financial Services LLC
499 Washington Blvd

Jersey City, NJ 07310-1995

749,295 13.14%
U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund — Class A:    
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
211 Main Street
San Francisco, CA 94105-1905
319,764 58.26%
U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund — Class C:    

U.S. Bank, NA

FBO Clients

P.O. Box 1787

Milwaukee, WI 53201-1787

7,056 8.01%

Arisa Oki*
805 Temple Terrace Unit 210

Los Angeles, CA 90042-5030

5,301 6.02%
Small Cap Low Volatility Fund — Class I:    
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
211 Main Street
San Francisco, CA 94105-1905
847,365 64.50%

Folio Investments Inc.

8180 Greensboro Dr., 8th Floor

Mclean, VA 22102-3865

273,247 20.80%

National Financial Services LLC
499 Washington Blvd

Jersey City, NJ 07310-1995

107,316 8.17%

 

29

 

Small Cap Low Volatility Fund — Class A:    
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
211 Main Street
San Francisco, CA 94105-1905
213,006 86.01%
TD Ameritrade Inc.
200 South 108th Avenue
Omaha, NE 68103
21,336 8.62%
Small Cap Low Volatility Fund — Class C:    
U.S. Bank, NA
FBO Client
P.O. Box 1787
Milwaukee, WI 53201-1787
3,975 23.06%
U.S. Bank, NA
FBO Client
P.O. Box 1787
Milwaukee, WI 53201-1787
2,685 15.57%
Pershing LLC
1 Pershing Plaza, Floor 14
Jersey City, NJ 07399
1,349 7.83%
U.S. Bank, NA
FBO Client
P.O. Box 1787
Milwaukee, WI 53201-1787
1,158 6.72%
U.S. Bank, NA
FBO Client
P.O. Box 1787
Milwaukee, WI 53201-1787
1,104 6.41%
Larry L. Munkelt*
8037 W. Portneuf Road
Pocatello, ID 83204-7305
994 5.76%
U.S. Bank, NA
FBO Client
P.O. Box 1787
Milwaukee, WI 53201-1787
983 5.70%
Global Low Volatility Fund — Class I:    
National Financial Services LLC
499 Washington Blvd
Jersey City, NJ 07310-1995
534,884 67.85%
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
211 Main Street
San Francisco, CA 94105-1905
163,351 20.72%

 

* Beneficial Owner.

 

30

 

As of November 30, 2017, Directors and Officers as a group owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Company.

 

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES

 

INVESTMENT ADVISER

 

Summit Global Investments, LLC (“Summit” or the “Adviser”) is a Limited Liability Company registered with the State of Utah in October 2010. The Adviser is 100% privately-owned and is controlled by David Harden.

 

Advisory Agreement with the Company. The Adviser renders advisory services to the U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund and Small Cap Low Volatility Fund pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement dated as of February 28, 2012. The Adviser renders advisory services to the Global Low Volatility Fund pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement (the Investment Advisory Agreements are together referred to as the “Advisory Agreement”), dated as of March 24, 2017. Prior to March 24, 2017, the Adviser rendered advisory services pursuant to an Interim Investment Advisory Agreement for the period from January 1, 2017 to March 24, 2017. Prior to January 1, 2017, another investment adviser managed the Global Low Volatility Fund.

 

Subject to the supervision of the Board, the Adviser will provide for the overall management of the Funds including (i) the provision of a continuous investment program for the Funds, including investment research and management with respect to all securities, investments, cash and cash equivalents, (ii) the determination from time to time of the securities and other investments to be purchased, retained, or sold by the Funds, and (iii) the placement from time to time of orders for all purchases and sales of securities and other investments made for the Funds. The Adviser will provide the services rendered by it in accordance with each Fund’s investment objective, restrictions and policies as stated in the Prospectus and in this SAI. The Adviser will not be liable for any error of judgment, mistake of law, or for any loss suffered by the Funds in connection with the performance of the Advisory 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 Adviser in the performance of its duties, or from reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Advisory Agreement.

 

For its services to the U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund, the Adviser is entitled to an advisory fee computed daily and payable monthly at the annual rate of 0.70% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fees and reimburse expenses through December 31, 2018, to the extent that the Fund’s total annual operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes) exceed 0.98%, 1.23% and 1.98% for Class I Shares, Class A Shares and Class C Shares, respectively.

 

For its services to the Small Cap Low Volatility Fund, the Adviser is entitled to an advisory fee computed daily and payable monthly at the annual rate of 0.95% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fees and reimburse expenses through December 31, 2018, to the extent that the Fund’s total annual operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes) exceed 1.23%, 1.48% and 2.23% for Class I Shares, Class A Shares and Class C Shares, respectively.

 

For its services to the Global Low Volatility Fund, the Adviser is entitled to an advisory fee computed daily and payable monthly at the annual rate of 0.70% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. Prior to March 24, 2017, the management fee was 0.65%. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fees and reimburse expenses through December 31, 2018, to the extent that the Fund’s total annual operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, short sale dividend expenses, extraordinary items, interest and taxes) exceed 0.84%, 1.09% and 1.84% for the Fund’s Class I Shares, Class A Shares and Class C Shares, respectively.

 

The Adviser will pay all expenses incurred by it in connection with its activities under the Advisory Agreement. Each Fund bears all of its own expenses not specifically assumed by the Adviser. General expenses of the Company not readily identifiable as belonging to a portfolio of the Company are allocated among all investment portfolios by or under the direction of the Board in such manner as it deems to be fair and equitable. Expenses borne by a Fund include, but are not limited to the following (or a Fund’s share of the following): (a) the cost (including brokerage commissions) of securities purchased or sold by the Fund and any losses incurred in connection therewith; (b) fees payable to and expenses incurred on behalf of the Fund by the Adviser; (c) filing fees and expenses relating to the registration and qualification of the Company and the Fund’s shares under federal and/or state securities laws and maintaining such registrations and qualifications; (d) fees and salaries payable to the Company’s Directors and officers; (e) taxes (including any income or franchise taxes) and governmental fees; (f) costs of any liability and other insurance or fidelity bonds; (g) any costs, expenses or losses arising out of a liability of or claim for damages or other relief asserted against the Company or the Fund for violation of any law; (h) legal, accounting and auditing expenses, including legal fees of special counsel for the independent Directors; (i) charges of custodians and other agents; (j) expenses of setting in type and printing prospectuses, statements of additional information and supplements thereto for existing shareholders, reports, statements, and confirmations to shareholders and proxy material that are not attributable to a class; (k) costs of mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information and supplements thereto to existing shareholders, as well as reports to shareholders and proxy materials that are not attributable to a class; (1) any extraordinary expenses; (m) fees, voluntary assessments and other expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; (n) costs of mailing and tabulating proxies and costs of shareholders’ and Directors’ meetings; (o) costs of independent pricing services to value a portfolio’s securities; and (p) the costs of investment company literature and other publications provided by the Company to its Directors and officers. Distribution expenses, transfer agency expenses, expenses of preparation, printing and mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information, proxy statements and reports to shareholders, and organizational expenses and registration fees, identified as belonging to a particular class of the Company, are allocated to such class.

 

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Disclosure relating to the material factors and the conclusions with respect to those factors that formed the basis for the Board of Directors’ approval of the Advisory Agreement is available in the Funds’ annual report to shareholders. Copies of future shareholder reports, may be obtained by calling 1-1-855-744-8500 or visiting the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

The advisory fees, including waivers and reimbursements for the past three fiscal years are as follows:

 

    Advisory Fees Paid
(after waivers and
reimbursements)
    Waivers     Reimbursements  
U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund                  
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017   $ 623,878     $ 180,221     $ 0  
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016   $ 519,110     $ 151,284     $ 0  
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015   $ 333,220     $ 147,547     $ 0  
Small Cap Low Volatility Fund                        
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017   $ 0     $ 140,932     $ 0  
For the fiscal period ended August 31, 2016 (1)   $ 0     $ 32,308     $ 75,767  
Global Low Volatility Fund                        
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017   $ 66,711     $ 170,653     $ 0  
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016   $ 253,911     $ 209,200     $ 0  
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015   $ 175,561     $ 223,030     $ 0  

 

(1) The Small Cap Low Volatility Fund commenced operations on March 31, 2016.

 

The Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser shall at all times have all rights in and to each Fund’s name and all investment models used by or on behalf of the Fund. The Adviser may use each Fund’s name or any portion thereof in connection with any other mutual fund or business activity without the consent of any shareholder, and the Company has agreed to execute and deliver any and all documents required to indicate its consent to such use.

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

 

This section includes information about the Fund’s portfolio managers, including information about other accounts they manage, the dollar range of Fund shares they own and how they are compensated.

 

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Description of Compensation . As of the date of this SAI, The Adviser compensates the Funds’ portfolio managers for their management of the Funds. The portfolio managers are compensated through equity ownership of the Adviser, adjusted to reflect current market rates, and therefore compensation is in part based on the value of a Fund’s net assets and other client accounts they are managing. The Adviser’s Board of Managers reviews the compensation of each portfolio manager periodically and may make modifications in compensation as it deems necessary to reflect changes in the market.

 

Other Accounts. In addition to the Funds, each portfolio manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts, as listed below. The information below is provided as of August 31, 2017.

 

Name of Portfolio Manager
or Team Member
Type of Accounts Total # of
Accounts
Managed

Total Assets

# of Accounts
Managed that
Advisory Fee
Based on
Performance
Total Assets
that Advisory
Fee Based on
Performance
(in millions)
1. David Harden Other Registered Investment Companies: 0 $0 0 $0
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles: 2 $360,298,474 0 $0
  Other Accounts: 9 $ 149,702,983 0 $0
           
2. Richard Thawley Other Registered Investment Companies: 0 $0 0 $0
  Other Pooled Investment Vehicles: 0 $0 0 $0
  Other Accounts: 681 $70,265,683 0 $0

 

Conflict of Interest . The portfolio managers’ management of other accounts may give rise to potential conflicts of interest in connection with his management of a Fund’s 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 a 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 a 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.

 

Securities Ownership . The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each portfolio manager in the Funds managed by each such portfolio manager as of August 31, 2017.

 

Portfolio Manager Dollar Value of Securities Beneficially Owned
  U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund  
David Harden $1 - $10,000
Small Cap Low Volatility Fund  
David Harden $1 - $10,000
Richard Thawley $1 - $10,000
Global Low Volatility Fund  
David Harden $1 - $10,000

 

ADMINISTRATION AND ACCOUNTING AGREEMENT

 

USBFS, located at 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, serves as fund administrator to the Funds pursuant to a fund administration servicing agreement and serves as fund accountant pursuant to a fund accounting servicing agreement (the “Administration Agreements”). Under the fund accounting servicing agreement, USBFS has agreed to furnish to the Funds statistical and research data, clerical, accounting and bookkeeping services, and certain other services required by the Funds. Under the fund administration servicing agreement, USBFS has agreed to provide fund administration services to the Company. These services include the preparation and coordination of the Company’s annual post-effective amendment filing and supplements to the Funds’ registration statement, the preparation and assembly of board meeting materials, and certain other services necessary to the Company’s fund administration. In addition, USBFS has agreed to prepare and file various reports with the appropriate regulatory agencies and prepare materials required by the SEC or any state securities commission having jurisdiction over the Funds.

 

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The Administration Agreements provide that USBFS shall be obligated to exercise reasonable care in the performance of its duties and that USFBS shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or any loss suffered by the Company in connection with its duties under the Administration Agreements, except a loss resulting from USBSF’s refusal or failure to comply with the terms of the applicable Administration Agreement or from its bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties thereunder.

 

USBFS receives a fee under the Administration Agreements based on the average daily net assets of the Company.

 

Effective October 3, 2016, USBFS replaced the Funds’ prior administrator and fund accountant to the Funds. The administration fees paid to USBFS and the prior administrator, including waivers and reimbursements for the past three fiscal years are as follows:

 

   

Administration,
Accounting and
Regulatory
Administration 

Fees Paid
(after waivers and
reimbursements)

    Waivers     Reimbursements  
U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund                  
For the fiscal year August 31, 2017   $ 93,765     $ 0     $ 0  
For the fiscal year August 31, 2016   $ 104,182     $ 0     $ 0  
For the fiscal year August 31, 2015   $ 91,147     $ 0     $ 0  
Small Cap Low Volatility Fund                        
For the fiscal period August 31, 2017   $ 22,840     $ 0     $ 0  
For the fiscal period August 31, 2016 (1)   $ 32,105     $ 0     $ 0  
Global Low Volatility Fund                        
For the fiscal year August 31, 2017   $ 33,966     $ 0     $ 0  
For the fiscal year August 31, 2016   $ 86,027     $ 0     $ 0  
For the fiscal year August 31, 2015   $ 88,189     $ 0     $ 0  

 

(1) The Small Cap Low Volatility Fund commenced operations on March 31, 2016.

 

CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT

 

U.S. Bank, N.A., (the “Custodian”), 1555 North RiverCenter Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212, is custodian of the Funds’ assets pursuant to a custodian agreement (the “Custodian Agreement”). Under the Custodian Agreement, the Custodian: (a) maintains a separate account or accounts in the name of the Funds; (b) holds and transfers portfolio securities on account of the Funds; (c) accepts receipts and makes disbursements of money on behalf of the Funds; (d) collects and receives all income and other payments and distributions on account of the Funds’ portfolio securities; and (e) makes periodic reports to the Board concerning the Funds’ operations. The Custodian is authorized to select one or more banks or trust companies to serve as sub-custodian on behalf of the Funds, provided that the Custodian remains responsible for the performance of all of its duties under the Custodian Agreement and holds the Funds harmless from the acts and omissions of any affiliate, sub-custodian or domestic sub-custodian. For its services to the Funds under the Custodian Agreement, the Custodian receives a fee based on the Funds’ average gross assets calculated daily and payable monthly. Transaction charges and out-of-pocket expenses are also charged to the Funds.

 

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TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT

 

USBFS, 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, also serves as the transfer and dividend disbursing agent for the Fund pursuant to a transfer agency and servicing agreement (the “Transfer Agency Agreement”), under which USBFS: (a) issues and redeems shares of the Funds; (b) addresses and mails all communications by the Funds to record owners of the shares, including reports to shareholders, dividend and distribution notices and proxy materials for its meetings of shareholders; (c) maintains shareholder accounts and, if requested, sub-accounts; and (d) makes periodic reports to the Board concerning the operations of the Funds. USBFS may, subject to the Board’s approval, assign its duties as transfer and dividend disbursing agent to any affiliate. For its services to the Funds under the Transfer Agency Agreement, USBFS receives an annual fee based on the number of accounts in the Funds and the Funds’ average gross assets calculated daily and payable monthly. Transaction charges and out-of-pocket expenses are also charged to the Funds.

USBFS also provides services relating to the implementation of the Company’s Anti-Money Laundering Program. In addition, USBFS provides services relating to the implementation of the Funds’ Customer Identification Program, including verification of required customer information and the maintenance of records with respect to such verification.

 

DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), whose principal business address is 777 Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, serves as the underwriter to the Funds pursuant to the terms of a distribution agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”). The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). The Distributor is not affiliated with the Company or the Adviser. The Distributor, U.S. Bank, NA. and USBFS are affiliates.

 

Under the Distribution Agreement with the Funds, the Distributor acts as the agent of the Company in connection with the continuous offering of shares of the Funds. The Distributor continually distributes shares of the Funds on a best efforts basis. The Distributor has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of Fund shares. The Distributor and its officers have no role in determining the investment policies or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Company.

 

The Distributor may enter into agreements with selected broker-dealers, banks or other financial intermediaries for distribution of shares of the Funds. With respect to certain financial intermediaries and related fund “supermarket” platform arrangements, the Funds and/or the Adviser, rather than the Distributor, typically enter into such agreements. These financial intermediaries may charge a fee for their services and may receive shareholder service or other fees from parties other than the Distributor. These financial intermediaries may otherwise act as processing agents and are responsible for promptly transmitting purchase, redemption and other requests to the Funds.

 

Investors who purchase shares through financial intermediaries will be subject to the procedures of those intermediaries through which they purchase shares, which may include charges, investment minimums, cutoff times and other restrictions in addition to, or different from, those listed herein. Information concerning any charges or services will be provided to customers by the financial intermediary through which they purchase shares. Investors purchasing shares of the Funds through financial intermediaries should acquaint themselves with their financial intermediary’s procedures and should read the Prospectus in conjunction with any materials and information provided by their financial intermediary. The financial intermediary, and not its customers, will be the shareholder of record, although customers may have the right to vote shares depending upon their arrangement with the financial intermediary. The Distributor does not receive compensation from the Funds for its distribution services except the distribution/service fees with respect to the shares of those classes for which a Rule 12b-1 distribution plan is effective. The Adviser pays the Distributor a fee for certain distribution-related services.

 

The Distribution Agreement has an initial term of up to two years and will continue in effect only if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by vote of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities in accordance with the 1940 Act. The Distribution Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Company on behalf of the Funds on no less than 60 days’ written notice when authorized either by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Funds or by vote of a majority of the members of the Board who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Company and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Distribution Agreement, or by the Distributor, and will automatically terminate in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act). The Distribution Agreement provides that the Distributor shall not be liable for any loss suffered by the Company in connection with the performance of the Distributor’s obligations and duties under the Distribution Agreement, except a loss resulting from the Distributor’s willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of such duties and obligations, or by reason of its reckless disregard thereof.

 

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Shareholder Servicing. Prior to January 1, 2017, the Global Low Volatility Fund had a Shareholder Services Plan (the “Shareholder Services Plan”). Under the Shareholder Services Plan, the service providers were entitled to receive aggregate fees for shareholder services not exceeding (i) ten basis points (0.10%) of the Global Low Volatility Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares and (ii) twenty-five basis points (0.25%) of the Global Low Volatility Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares (formerly, Class II Shares) in return for providing a broad range of shareholder services, including: (i) maintaining accounts relating to shareholders that invest in Shares; (ii) arranging for bank wires; (iii) responding to shareholder inquiries relating to the services performed by service providers; (iv) responding to inquiries from shareholders concerning their investment in the Company; (v) assisting shareholders in changing dividend options, account designations and addresses; (vi) providing information periodically to shareholders showing their position in the Company; (vii) forwarding shareholder communications from the Global Low Volatility Fund such as proxies, shareholder reports, annual reports, and dividend distribution and tax notices to shareholders; (viii) processing purchase, exchange and redemption requests from shareholders and placing orders with the Global Low Volatility Fund or their service providers; and (ix) processing dividend payments from the Global Low Volatility Fund on behalf of shareholders. Institutional Shares did not charge a shareholder servicing fee. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017, shareholder servicing fees were $30,425 for Class I Shares. As of August 31, 2017, no other classes of the Fund were offered.

 

Plan of Distribution

 

Class I Shares . Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor acts as the agent of the Company in connection with the continuous offering of each Fund’s shares. The Distributor continually distributes shares of the Funds on a best efforts basis. The Distributor has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of Fund shares. The Distributor and its officers have no role in determining the investment policies or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Company. The Distributor does not receive compensation from the Company for the distribution of a Fund’s Class I shares; however, the Adviser pays an annual fee to The Distributor as compensation for underwriting services rendered to a Fund pursuant to the Distribution Agreement.

 

Class A Shares and Class C Shares . Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement and the related Plans of Distribution for Class A Shares and Class C Shares (together, the Plans”), which were adopted by the Company in the manner prescribed by Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, the Distributor will act as the agent of the Company in connection with the continuous offering for the sale of the Class A Shares and Class C Shares, respectively. The Distributor continually distributes shares of the Funds on a best efforts basis. The Distributor has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of Fund shares. The Distributor and its officers have no role in determining the investment policies or which securities are to be purchased or sold by the Company. Payments to the Distributor under the Plans are to compensate it for distribution assistance and expenses assumed and activities intended to result in the sale of Class A Shares and Class C Shares, including advertising, printing and mailing of prospectuses to others than current shareholders, compensation of underwriters, compensation to broker-dealers, compensation to sales personnel, and interest, carrying or other financing changes. As compensation for its distribution services, the Distributor receives, pursuant to the terms of the Distribution Agreement, a distribution fee under the Plans, to be calculated daily and paid monthly by the Class A Shares and Class C Shares of a Fund at the annual rates set forth in the Funds’ Prospectus.

 

Among other things, the Plans provide that: (1) the Distributor shall be required to submit quarterly reports to the Directors of the Company regarding all amounts expended under the Plans and the purposes for which such expenditures were made, including commissions, advertising, printing, interest, carrying charges and any allocated overhead expenses; (2) the Plans will continue in effect only so long as they are approved at least annually, and any material amendment thereto is approved, by the Company’s Directors, including a majority of those Directors who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plans or any agreements related to the Plans, acting in person at a meeting called for said purpose; (3) the aggregate amount to be spent by a Fund on the distribution of Class A Shares and Class C Shares under the respective Plans shall not be materially increased without shareholder approval; and (4) while the Plans remain in effect, the selection and nomination of the Company’s Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company (as defined in the 1940 Act) shall be committed to the discretion of such Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company.

 

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Mr. Sablowsky, a Director of the Company, has an indirect interest in the operation of the Plans by virtue of his position with Oppenheimer Co., Inc., a broker-dealer.

 

PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES

 

The Adviser and/or its affiliates, at their discretion, may make payments from their own resources and not from Fund assets to affiliated or unaffiliated brokers, dealers, banks (including bank trust departments), trust companies, registered investment advisers, financial planners, retirement plan administrators, insurance companies, and any other institution having a service, administration, or any similar arrangement with the Funds, their service providers or their respective affiliates, as incentives to help market and promote the Funds and/or in recognition of their distribution, marketing, administrative services, and/or processing support.

 

These additional payments may be made to financial intermediaries that sell Fund shares or provide services to the Funds, the Distributor or shareholders of the Funds through the financial intermediary’s retail distribution channel and/or fund supermarkets. Payments may also be made through the financial intermediary’s retirement, qualified tuition, fee-based advisory, wrap fee bank trust, or insurance (e.g., individual or group annuity) programs. These payments may include, but are not limited to, placing a Fund in a financial intermediary’s retail distribution channel or on a preferred or recommended fund list; providing business or shareholder financial planning assistance; educating financial intermediary personnel about a Fund; providing access to sales and management representatives of the financial intermediary; promoting sales of Fund shares; providing marketing and educational support; maintaining share balances and/or for sub-accounting, administrative or shareholder transaction processing services. A financial intermediary may perform the services itself or may arrange with a third party to perform the services.

 

The Adviser and/or its affiliates may also make payments from their own resources to financial intermediaries for costs associated with the purchase of products or services used in connection with sales and marketing, participation in and/or presentation at conferences or seminars, sales or training programs, client and investor entertainment and other sponsored events. The costs and expenses associated with these efforts may include travel, lodging, sponsorship at educational seminars and conferences, entertainment and meals to the extent permitted by law.

 

Revenue sharing payments may be negotiated based on a variety of factors, including the level of sales, the amount of Fund assets attributable to investments in a Fund by financial intermediaries’ customers, a flat fee or other measures as determined from time to time by the Adviser and/or its affiliates. A significant purpose of these payments is to increase the sales of Fund shares, which in turn may benefit the Adviser through increased fees as Fund assets grow.

 

FUND TRANSACTIONS

 

Subject to policies established by the Board and applicable rules, the Adviser is responsible for the execution of portfolio transactions and the allocation of brokerage transactions for the Funds. In executing portfolio transactions, the Adviser seeks to obtain the best price and most favorable execution for the Funds, taking into account such factors as the price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of the order, difficulty of execution and operational facilities of the firm involved. While the Adviser generally seeks reasonably competitive commission rates, payment of the lowest commission or spread is not necessarily consistent with obtaining the best price and execution in particular transactions.

 

Brokerage Transactions

 

Generally, equity securities, both listed and over-the-counter, 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 dealer’s mark-up or reflect a dealer’s mark-down. Money market securities and other debt securities are usually bought and sold directly from the issuer or an underwriter or market maker for the securities. Generally, the Fund will not pay brokerage commissions for such purchases. When a debt security is bought from an underwriter, the purchase price will usually include an underwriting commission or concession. The purchase price for securities bought from dealers serving as market makers will similarly include the dealer’s mark up or reflect a dealer’s 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.

 

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In addition, the Adviser may place a combined order for two or more accounts they manage, including the Funds, engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security if, in its judgment, joint execution is in the best interest of each participant and will result in best price and execution. Transactions involving commingled orders are allocated in a manner deemed equitable to each account and each Fund. Although it is recognized that, in some cases, the joint execution of orders could adversely affect the price or volume of the security that a particular account or Fund may obtain, it is the opinion of the Adviser and the Board that the advantages of combined orders outweigh the possible disadvantages of separate transactions. Nonetheless, the Adviser believes that the ability of a Fund to participate in higher volume transactions will generally be beneficial to the Fund.

 

For the fiscal years or period ended August 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Funds paid the following commissions to brokers on account of research services:

 

U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund      
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017   $ 0  
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016   $ 0  
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015   $ 0  
Small Cap Low Volatility Fund        
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017   $ 0  
For the fiscal period ended August 31, 2016 (1)   $ 0  
Global Low Volatility Fund        
For the fiscal year August 31, 2017   $ 0  
For the fiscal year August 31, 2016   $ 0  
For the fiscal year August 31, 2015   $ 0  

 

The following chart shows the aggregate brokerage commissions paid by the Funds for the fiscal years or period ended August 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

 

U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund      
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017   $ 10,445  
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016   $ 20,776  
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2015   $ 12,309  
Small Cap Low Volatility Fund        
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017   $ 8,788  
For the fiscal period ended August 31, 2016 (1)   $ 2,790  
Global Low Volatility Fund        
For the fiscal year August 31, 2017   $ 19,392  
For the fiscal year August 31, 2016   $ 217,957  
For the fiscal year August 31, 2015   $ 145,056  

 

(1) The Small Cap Low Volatility Fund commenced operations on March 31, 2016.

 

Each Fund is required to identify any securities of the Company’s regular broker-dealers (as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the 1940 Act) or their parents held by the Fund as of the end of the most recent fiscal year. As of August 31, 2017, no Fund held securities of its regular broker-dealers.

 

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Brokerage Selection

 

The Company does not expect to use one particular broker or dealer, and when one or more brokers is believed capable of providing the best combination of price and execution, the Funds’ Adviser may select a broker based upon brokerage or research services provided to the Adviser. The Adviser may pay a higher commission than otherwise obtainable from other brokers in return for such services only if a good faith determination is made that the commission is reasonable in relation to the services provided.

 

Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, permits an investment adviser, under certain circumstances, to cause a 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, portfolio 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 their investment decision-making processes and, therefore, to the Funds.

 

To the extent 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 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.

 

From time to time, the Funds may purchase new issues of securities for clients 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. FINRA 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).

 

PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION

 

Read the Funds’ Prospectus for information regarding the purchase and redemption of Fund shares, including any applicable sales charges. The following information supplements information in the Fund’s Prospectus.

 

You may purchase shares through an account maintained by your brokerage firm, financial institutions and industry professionals (“Service Organizations”) and you may also purchase shares directly by mail or wire. The Company reserves the right, if conditions exist which make cash payments undesirable, to honor any request for redemption or repurchase of a Fund’s shares by making payment in whole or in part in securities chosen by the Company and valued in the same way as they would be valued for purposes of computing a Fund’s NAV. If payment is made in securities, a shareholder may incur transaction costs in converting these securities into cash. A shareholder will also bear any market risk or tax consequences as a result of a payment in securities. The Company has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act so that a Fund is obligated to redeem its shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its NAV during any 90-day period for any one shareholder of the Fund. A shareholder will bear the risk of a decline in market value and any tax consequences associated with a redemption in securities.

 

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Under the 1940 Act, the Company may suspend the right to redemption or postpone the date of payment upon redemption for any period during which the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the “NYSE”) is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings), or during which the SEC restricts trading on the NYSE or determines an emergency exists as a result of which disposal or valuation of portfolio securities is not reasonably practicable, or for such other periods as the SEC may permit. (The Company may also suspend or postpone the recordation of the transfer of its shares upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions).

 

Shares of the Funds are subject to redemption by the Company, at the redemption price of such shares as in effect from time to time, including, without limitation: (1) to reimburse the Funds for any loss sustained by reason of the failure of a shareholder to make full payment for shares purchased by the shareholder or to collect any charge relating to a transaction effected for the benefit of a shareholder as provided in the Prospectus from time to time; (2) if such redemption is, in the opinion of the Board, desirable in order to prevent the Company or the Funds from being deemed a “personal holding company” within the meaning of the Code; (3) or if the net income with respect to any particular class of common stock should be negative or it should otherwise be appropriate to carry out the Company’s responsibilities under the 1940 Act.

 

Each Fund has the right to redeem your shares at current NAV at any time and without prior notice if, and to the extent that, such redemption is necessary to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of your failure to make full payment for shares of the Fund you previously purchased or subscribed for.

 

Class A Shares of the Funds may be subject to sales charges as described below.

 

Contingent Deferred Sales Charge on Certain Redemptions — Class A Shares ONLY . Purchases of $1,000,000 or more of Class A Shares are not subject to an initial sales charge; however, a contingent deferred sales charge is payable on these investments in the event of a share redemption within 18 months following the share purchase, at the rate of 1% of the lesser of the value of the shares redeemed (exclusive of reinvested dividends and capital gain distributions) or the total cost of such shares. In determining whether a contingent deferred sales charge is payable, and the amount of the charge, it is assumed that shares purchased with reinvested dividend and capital gain distributions and then other shares held the longest are the first redeemed. The contingent deferred sales charge is waived in the event of (a) the death or disability (as defined in Section 72(m)(7) of the Code) of the shareholder, (b) a lump sum distribution from a benefit plan qualified under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), or (c) systematic withdrawals from ERISA plans if the shareholder is at least 59 1/2 years old. The Fund applies the waiver for death or disability to shares held at the time of death or the initial determination of disability of either an individual shareholder or one who owns the shares of a joint tenant with the right of survivorship or as a tenant in common. Prior to January 1, 2018, Class A Shares (formerly, Retail Shares) of the Small Cap Low Volatility Fund were not subject to the front-end sales charge.

 

Reducing or Eliminating the Front-End Sales Charge — Class A Shares ONLY.

 

The Funds’ Class A Shares are offered to the public at NAV plus a front-end sales charge. You can reduce or eliminate the front-end sales charge on Class A Shares of the Funds as follows:

 

Quantity Discounts — Class A Shares ONLY . Purchases of at least $50,000 can reduce the sales charges you pay, and purchases of at least $1,000,000 can eliminate the sales charges you pay.

 

Rights of Accumulation. You will have the benefit of a reduced sales charge by combining your purchase of Class A shares of a Fund in a single transaction with your purchase of Class A shares of another Fund. You may also combine your new purchase of Class A shares of a Fund with Class C shares currently owned for the purpose of qualifying for the lower initial sales charge rates that apply to larger purchases. The applicable sales charge for the new purchase is based on the total of your current purchase and the current NAV of all other shares you own. You may combine your account, your spouse’s account, and the account(s) of your children under age 25.

 

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This privilege is also extended to certain employee benefit plans and trust estates. The following purchases may be combined for purposes of determining the “Amount of Purchase:” (a) individual purchases, if made at the same time, by a single purchaser, the purchaser’s spouse and children under the age of 25 purchasing Shares for their own accounts, including Shares purchased by a qualified retirement Plan(s) exclusively for the benefit of such individual(s) (such as an IRA, individual-type section 403(b) plan or single-participant Keogh-type plan) or by a “Company,” as defined in Section 2(a)(8) of the 1940 Act, solely controlled as fined in the 1940 Act, by such individual(s), or (b) individual purchases by trustees or other fiduciaries purchase Shares (i) for a single trust estate or a single fiduciary account, including an employee benefit plan, or (ii) concurrently by two or more employee benefit plans for a single employer or of employers affiliated with each other in accordance with Section 2(a)(3)(c) of the 1940 Act (excluding in either case an employee benefit plan described in (a) above). Provided such trustees or other fiduciaries purchase Shares in a single payment. Purchases made for nominee or street name accounts may not be combined with purchases made for such other accounts. You may also further discuss Rights of Accumulation with your investment broker, brokerage firm, financial institution, or other industry profession, including affiliates of the Adviser (collectively, “Service Organizations”).

 

You will need to provide written instruction with respect to the other accounts whose purchases should be considered in Rights of Accumulation.

 

Letter of Intent — Class A Shares ONLY. You can sign a Letter of Intent committing to purchase at least $50,000 in Class A Shares of the Funds within a 13-month period to combine such purchases in calculating the sales charge. A portion of your Fund shares will be held in escrow. If you complete your purchase commitments as stated in the Letter of Intent, your Fund shares held in escrow will be released to your account. If you do not fulfill the Letter of Intent, the appropriate amount of Fund shares held in escrow will be redeemed to pay the sales charges that were not applied to your purchases.

 

Dealer Reallowances — Class A Shares ONLY. As shown in the table below, the Distributor for the shares of the Funds, may provide dealer reallowances up to the full sales charge for purchases of the Funds’ Class A Shares in which a front-end sales charge is applicable.

 

Amount of Purchase Sales Charge as a
% of Offering
Price
Commission as a
% of Offering Price
Less than $50,000 5.25 % 4.75 %
At least $50,000 but less than $100,000 4.75 % 4.25 %
At least $100,000 but less than $250,000 3.50 % 3.25 %
At least $250,000 but less than $500,000 2.50 % 2.25 %
At least $500,000 but less than $750,000 2.00 % 1.90 %
At least $750,000 but less than $1,000,000 1.50 % 1.45 %
$1,000,000 or greater None* **

 

 

* No sales charge is payable at the time of purchase on investments of $1,000,000 or more; however, a 1% contingent deferred sales charge is imposed in the event of redemption within 18 months following any such purchase.
** The Funds’ distributor may pay a commission at the rate of 1% to certain brokerage firms, financial institutions and other industry professionals, including affiliates of the Adviser, who initiate and are responsible for purchases of $1,000,000 or more.

 

Other Purchase Information

 

If shares of the Funds are held in a “street name” account with an authorized dealer, all recordkeeping, transaction processing and payments of distributions relating to the beneficial owner’s account will be performed by the authorized dealer, and not by the Fund and its Transfer Agent. Since the Funds will have no record of the beneficial owner’s transactions, a beneficial owner should contact the authorized dealer to purchase, redeem or exchange shares, to make changes in or give instructions concerning the account or to obtain information about the account. The transfer of shares in a “street name” account to an account with another dealer or to an account directly with the Fund involves special procedures and will require the beneficial owner to obtain historical purchase information about the shares in the account from the authorized dealer.

 

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TELEPHONE TRANSACTION PROCEDURES

 

The Company’s telephone transaction procedures include the following measures: (1) requiring the appropriate telephone transaction privilege forms; (2) requiring the caller to provide the names of the account owners, the account social security number and name of the Fund, all of which must match the Company’s records; (3) requiring the Company’s service representative to complete a telephone transaction form, listing all of the above caller identification information; (4) permitting exchanges (if applicable) only if the two account registrations are identical; (5) requiring that redemption proceeds be sent only by check to the account owners of record at the address of record, or by electronic funds transfer through the ACH network or by wire only to the owners of record at the bank account of record; (6) sending a written confirmation for each telephone transaction to the owners of record at the address of record within five (5) business days of the call; and (7) recording and maintaining a record of all telephone transactions. For accounts held of record by broker-dealers, financial institutions, securities dealers, financial planners and other industry professionals, additional documentation or information regarding the scope of a caller’s authority is required. Finally, for telephone transactions in accounts held jointly, additional information regarding other account holders is required. Telephone transactions will not be permitted in connection with IRA or other retirement plan accounts.

 

VALUATION OF SHARES

 

In accordance with procedures adopted by the Board, the NAV per share of each Fund is calculated by determining the value of the net assets attributed to the Fund and dividing by the number of outstanding shares of the Fund. All securities are valued on each Business Day as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally, but not always, 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) or such other time as the New York Stock Exchange or National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations System (“NASDAQ”) market may officially close. The term “Business Day” means any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading, which is Monday through Friday except for holidays. The New York Stock Exchange is generally closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day (observed), Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday (observed), Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas.

 

The time at which transactions and shares are priced and the time by which orders must be received may be changed in case of an emergency or if regular trading on the NYSE is stopped at a time other than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The Company reserves the right to reprocess purchase, redemption and exchange transactions that were initially processed at a NAV other than the Fund’s official closing NAV (as the same may be subsequently adjusted), and to recover amounts from (or distribute amounts to) shareholders based on the official closing NAV. The Company reserves the right to advance the time by which purchase and redemption orders must be received for same business day credit as otherwise permitted by the SEC. In addition, the Fund may compute its NAV as of any time permitted pursuant to any exemption, order or statement of the SEC or its staff.

 

The securities of each Fund are valued under the direction of the Funds’ administrator and under the general supervision of the Board. Prices are generally determined using readily available market prices. Subject to the approval of the Board, the Funds may employ outside organizations, which may use a matrix or formula method that takes into consideration market indices, matrices, yield curves and other specific adjustments in determining the approximate market value of portfolio investments. This may result in the investments being valued at a price that differs from the price that would have been determined had the matrix or formula method not been used. All cash, receivables, and current payables are carried on a Fund’s books at their face value. Other assets, if any, are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Fund’s Valuation Committee under the direction of the Board.

 

The procedures used by any pricing service and its valuation results are reviewed by the officers of the Company under the general supervision of the Board.

 

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Each Fund may hold portfolio securities that are listed on foreign exchanges. These securities may trade on weekends or other days when the Funds do not calculate NAV. As a result, the value of these investments may change on days when you cannot purchase or sell Fund shares.

 

TAXES

 

General

 

The following summarizes certain additional tax considerations generally affecting the Funds and their shareholders that are not described in the Prospectus. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of the tax treatment of the Funds or their shareholders, and the discussions here and in the Prospectus are not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. Potential investors should consult their tax advisers with specific reference to their own tax situations.

 

The discussions of the federal tax consequences in the Prospectus and this SAI are based on the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) and the regulations issued under it, and court decisions and administrative interpretations, as in effect on the date of this SAI. Future legislative or administrative changes or court decisions may significantly alter the statements included herein, and such changes or decisions may be retroactive.

 

Each Fund qualified during its last taxable year and intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of Subtitle A, Chapter 1, of the Code. As such, the Funds generally will be exempt from federal income tax on its net investment income and realized capital gains that it distributes to shareholders. To qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company, it must meet three important tests each year.

 

First, a Fund must derive with respect to each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, certain payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities or foreign currencies, other income derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing in stock, securities or currencies, or net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships.

 

Second, generally, at the close of each quarter of a Fund’s taxable year, at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s assets must consist of cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and securities of other issuers as to which the Fund has not invested more than 5% of the value of its total assets in securities of the issuer and as to which the Fund does not hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer, and no more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in the securities of (1) any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies), (2) two or more issuers that the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or (3) one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.

 

Third, a Fund must distribute an amount equal to at least the sum of 90% of its investment company taxable income (net investment income and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss) before taking into account any deduction for dividends paid, and 90% of its tax-exempt income, if any, for the year.

 

Each Fund intends to comply with these requirements. If a Fund were to fail to make sufficient distributions, it could be liable for corporate income tax and for excise tax in respect of the shortfall or, if the shortfall is large enough, the Fund could be disqualified as a regulated investment company. If for any taxable year a Fund were not to qualify as a regulated investment company, all its taxable income would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders. In that event, shareholders would recognize dividend income on distributions to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, and corporate shareholders could be eligible for the dividends-received deduction.

 

The Code imposes a nondeductible 4% excise tax on regulated investment companies that fail to distribute each year an amount equal to specified percentages of their ordinary taxable income and capital gain net income (excess of capital gains over capital losses). Each Fund intends to make sufficient distributions or deemed distributions each year to avoid liability for this excise tax.

 

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State and Local Taxes

 

Although the Funds each expect to qualify as a “regulated investment company” and to be relieved of all or substantially all federal income taxes, depending upon the extent of its activities in states and localities in which its offices are maintained, in which its agents or independent contractors are located or in which it is otherwise deemed to be conducting business, each Fund may be subject to the tax laws of such states or localities.

 

Taxation of Certain Investments

 

The tax principles applicable to transactions in financial instruments, such as futures contracts and options, that may be engaged in by a Fund, and investments in passive foreign investment companies (“PFICs”), are complex and, in some cases, uncertain. Such transactions and investments may cause a Fund to recognize taxable income prior to the receipt of cash, thereby requiring the Fund to liquidate other positions, or to borrow money, so as to make sufficient distributions to shareholders to avoid corporate-level tax. Moreover, some or all of the taxable income recognized may be ordinary income or short-term capital gain, so that the distributions may be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.

 

In addition, in the case of any shares of a PFIC in which a Fund invests, the Fund may be liable for corporate-level tax on any ultimate gain or distributions on the shares if the Fund fails to make an election to recognize income annually during the period of its ownership of the shares.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING COMPANY SHARES

 

The Company has authorized capital of 100 billion shares of common stock at a par value of $0.001 per share. Currently, 84.923 billion shares have been classified into 176 classes, however, the Company only has 43 active share classes that have begun investment operations. Under the Company’s charter, the Board has the power to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of common stock from time to time.

 

Each share that represents an interest in a Fund has an equal proportionate interest in the assets belonging to the Fund with each other share that represents an interest in the Fund, even where a share has a different class designation than another share representing an interest in the Fund. Shares of the Company do not have preemptive or conversion rights. When issued for payment as described in the Prospectus, shares of the Company will be fully paid and non-assessable.

 

The Company does not currently intend to hold annual meetings of shareholders except as required by the 1940 Act or other applicable law. The Company’s amended By-Laws provide that shareholders owning at least ten percent of the outstanding shares of all classes of common stock of the Company have the right to call for a meeting of shareholders to consider the removal of one or more directors. To the extent required by law, the Company will assist in shareholder communication in such matters.

 

Holders of shares of each class of the Funds will vote in the aggregate and not by class on all matters, except where otherwise required by law. Further, shareholders of the Company will vote in the aggregate and not by portfolio except as otherwise required by law or when the Board determines that the matter to be voted upon affects only the interests of the shareholders of a particular portfolio or class of shares. Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides that any matter required to be submitted by the provisions of such Act or applicable state law, or otherwise, to the holders of the outstanding voting securities of an investment company such as the Company shall not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each portfolio affected by the matter. Rule 18f-2 further provides that a portfolio shall be deemed to be affected by a matter unless it is clear that the interests of each portfolio in the matter are identical or that the matter does not affect any interest of the portfolio. Under Rule 18f-2 the approval of an investment advisory agreement or distribution agreement or any change in a fundamental investment objective or fundamental investment policy would be effectively acted upon with respect to a portfolio only if approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such portfolio. However, the Rule also provides that the ratification of the selection of independent public accountants and the election of directors are not subject to the separate voting requirements and may be effectively acted upon by shareholders of an investment company voting without regard to a portfolio. Shareholders of the Company are entitled to one vote for each full share held (irrespective of class or portfolio) and fractional votes for fractional shares held. Voting rights are not cumulative and, accordingly, the holders of more than 50% of the aggregate shares of common stock of the Company may elect all of the Directors.

 

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Notwithstanding any provision of Maryland law requiring a greater vote of shares of the Company’s common stock (or of any class voting as a class) in connection with any corporate action, unless otherwise provided by law (for example by Rule 18f-2 discussed above), or by the Company’s Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, the Company may take or authorize such action upon the favorable vote of the holders of more than 50% of all of the outstanding shares of Common Stock voting without regard to class (or portfolio).

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Counsel

 

The law firm of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, One Logan Square, Suite 2000, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-6996, serves as independent counsel to the Company and the Independent Directors.

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Ernst & Young LLP, One Commerce Square, 2005 Market Street, Suite 700, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, serves as the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm, and in that capacity audits the Funds’ financial statements.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The audited financial statements and notes thereto in the Funds’ Annual Reports to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017 (the “Annual Reports”) are incorporated by reference into this SAI. No other parts of the Annual Reports are incorporated by reference herein. The financial statements included in the Annual Reports have been audited by the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firms (Ernst & Young LLP for the Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund and the Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund, and BBD, LLP for the Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund) whose reports thereon also appears in the Annual Reports and are incorporated by reference into this SAI. Such financial statements have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon such report given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing. Copies of the Annual Reports may be obtained at no charge by telephoning the Funds at the telephone number appearing on the front page of this SAI.

 

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APPENDIX A

 

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS

 

Short-Term Credit Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings short-term issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation having an original maturity of no more than 365 days. The following summarizes the rating categories used by S&P Global Ratings for short-term issues:

 

“A-1” – A short-term obligation rated “A-1” is rated in the highest category by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

 

“A-2” – A short-term obligation rated “A-2” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is satisfactory.

 

“A-3” – A short-term obligation rated “A-3” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken an obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“B” – A short-term obligation rated “B” is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.

 

“C” – A short-term obligation rated “C” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“D” – A short-term obligation rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

 

Local Currency and Foreign Currency Ratings – S&P Global Ratings’ issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. An issuer’s foreign currency rating will differ from its local currency rating when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.

 

Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) short-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect both on the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default.

 

Moody’s employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

 

“P-1” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

A- 1

 

“P-2” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

“P-3” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.

 

“NP” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issuer.

 

Fitch, Inc. / Fitch Ratings Ltd. (“Fitch”) short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as “short-term” based on market convention. Typically, this means up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign, and structured obligations and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets. The following summarizes the rating categories used by Fitch for short-term obligations:

 

“F1” – Securities possess the highest short-term credit quality. This designation indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

 

“F2” – Securities possess good short-term credit quality. This designation indicates good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.

 

“F3” – Securities possess fair short-term credit quality. This designation indicates that the intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.

 

“B” – Securities possess speculative short-term credit quality. This designation indicates minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

 

“C” – Securities possess high short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility.

 

“RD” – Restricted default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only.

 

“D” – Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) – The “F1” rating may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show the relative status within that major rating category.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issue of a rated issuer.

 

The DBRS® Ratings Limited (“DBRS”) short-term debt rating scale provides an opinion on the risk that an issuer will not meet its short-term financial obligations in a timely manner. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer and the relative ranking of claims. The R-1 and R-2 rating categories are further denoted by the sub-categories “(high)”, “(middle)”, and “(low)”.

 

The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for commercial paper and short-term debt:

 

“R-1 (high)” - Short-term debt rated “R-1 (high)” is of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is exceptionally high. Unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.

 

A- 2

 

“R-1 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (middle)” is of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is very high. Differs from “R-1 (high)” by a relatively modest degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.

 

“R-1 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (low)” is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is substantial. Overall strength is not as favorable as higher rating categories. May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.

 

“R-2 (high)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (high)” is considered to be at the upper end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.

 

“R-2 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (middle)” is considered to be of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events or may be exposed to other factors that could reduce credit quality.

 

“R-2 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (low)” is considered to be at the lower end of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events. A number of challenges are present that could affect the issuer’s ability to meet such obligations.

 

“R-3” – Short-term debt rated “R-3” is considered to be at the lowest end of adequate credit quality. There is a capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due. May be vulnerable to future events and the certainty of meeting such obligations could be impacted by a variety of developments.

 

“R-4” – Short-term debt rated “R-4” is considered to be of speculative credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is uncertain.

 

“R-5” – Short-term debt rated “R-5” is considered to be of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet short-term financial obligations as they fall due.

 

“D” – Short-term debt rated “D” is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to “D” may occur. DBRS may also use “SD” (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a “distressed exchange”.

 

Long-Term Credit Ratings

 

The following summarizes the ratings used by S&P Global Ratings for long-term issues:

 

“AAA” – An obligation rated “AAA” has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is extremely strong.

 

“AA” – An obligation rated “AA” differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is very strong.

 

“A” – An obligation rated “A” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is still strong.

 

“BBB” – An obligation rated “BBB” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC” and “C” – Obligations rated “BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC” and “C” are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. “BB” indicates the least degree of speculation and “C” the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposure to adverse conditions.

 

A- 3

 

“BB” – An obligation rated “BB” is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions that could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“B” – An obligation rated “B” is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated “BB”, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“CCC” – An obligation rated “CCC” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

 

“CC” – An obligation rated “CC” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The “CC” rating is used when a default has not yet occurred, but S&P Global Ratings expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.

 

“C” – An obligation rated “C” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared with obligations that are rated higher.

 

“D” – An obligation rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to “D” if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

 

Plus (+) or minus (-) – The ratings from “AA” to “CCC” may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

 

“NR” – This indicates that no rating has been requested, or that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P Global Ratings does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.

 

Local Currency and Foreign Currency Risks - S&P Global Ratings’ issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. An issuer’s foreign currency rating will differ from its local currency rating when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.

 

Moody’s long-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of one year or more. Such ratings reflect both on the likelihood of default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for long-term debt:

 

“Aaa” – Obligations rated “Aaa” are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk.

 

“Aa” – Obligations rated “Aa” are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.

 

“A” – Obligations rated “A” are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.

 

A- 4

 

“Baa” – Obligations rated “Baa” are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.

 

“Ba” – Obligations rated “Ba” are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.

 

“B” – Obligations rated “B” are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.

 

“Caa” – Obligations rated “Caa” are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.

 

“Ca” – Obligations rated “Ca” are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.

 

“C” – Obligations rated “C” are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.

 

Note: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from “Aa” through “Caa.” The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to unrated obligations.

 

The following summarizes long-term ratings used by Fitch :

 

“AAA” – Securities considered to be of the highest credit quality. “AAA” ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

 

“AA” – Securities considered to be of very high credit quality. “AA” ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

 

“A” – Securities considered to be of high credit quality. “A” ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

 

“BBB” – Securities considered to be of good credit quality. “BBB” ratings indicate that expectations of credit risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.

 

“BB” – Securities considered to be speculative. “BB” ratings indicate that there is an elevated vulnerability to credit risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met.

 

“B” – Securities considered to be highly speculative. “B” ratings indicate that material credit risk is present.

 

“CCC” – A “CCC” rating indicates that substantial credit risk is present.

 

“CC” – A “CC” rating indicates very high levels of credit risk.

 

“C” – A “C” rating indicates exceptionally high levels of credit risk.

 

Defaulted obligations typically are not assigned “RD” or “D” ratings but are instead rated in the “B” to “C” rating categories, depending on their recovery prospects and other relevant characteristics. Fitch believes that this approach better aligns obligations that have comparable overall expected loss but varying vulnerability to default and loss.

 

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Plus (+) or minus (-) may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the “AAA” obligation rating category, or to corporate finance obligation ratings in the categories below “CCC”.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated issue of a rated issuer.

 

The DBRS long-term rating scale provides an opinion on the risk of default. That is, the risk that an issuer will fail to satisfy its financial obligations in accordance with the terms under which an obligation has been issued. Ratings are based on quantitative and qualitative considerations relevant to the issuer, and the relative ranking of claims. All rating categories other than AAA and D also contain subcategories “(high)” and “(low)”. The absence of either a “(high)” or “(low)” designation indicates the rating is in the middle of the category. The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for long-term debt:

 

“AAA” – Long-term debt rated “AAA” is of the highest credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is exceptionally high and unlikely to be adversely affected by future events.

 

“AA” – Long-term debt rated “AA” is of superior credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered high. Credit quality differs from “AAA” only to a small degree. Unlikely to be significantly vulnerable to future events.

 

“A” – Long-term debt rated “A” is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is substantial, but of lesser credit quality than “AA.” May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable.

 

“BBB” – Long-term debt rated “BBB” is of adequate credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is considered acceptable. May be vulnerable to future events.

 

“BB” – Long-term debt rated “BB” is of speculative, non-investment grade credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is uncertain. Vulnerable to future events.

 

“B” – Long-term debt rated “B” is of highly speculative credit quality. There is a high level of uncertainty as to the capacity to meet financial obligations.

 

“CCC”, “CC” and “C” – Long-term debt rated in any of these categories is of very highly speculative credit quality. In danger of defaulting on financial obligations. There is little difference between these three categories, although “CC” and “C” ratings are normally applied to obligations that are seen as highly likely to default, or subordinated to obligations rated in the “CCC” to “B” range. Obligations in respect of which default has not technically taken place but is considered inevitable may be rated in the “C” category.

 

“D” – A security rated “D” is assigned when the issuer has filed under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up statute or there is a failure to satisfy an obligation after the exhaustion of grace periods, a downgrade to “D” may occur. DBRS may also use “SD” (Selective Default) in cases where only some securities are impacted, such as the case of a “distressed exchange”.

 

Municipal Note Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings U.S. municipal note rating reflects S&P Global Ratings’ opinion about the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to the notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes with an original maturity of more than three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. In determining which type of rating, if any, to assign, S&P Global Ratings’ analysis will review the following considerations:

 

A- 6

 

Amortization schedule - the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and

 

Source of payment - the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.

 

Municipal Short-Term Note rating symbols are as follows:

 

“SP-1” – A municipal note rated “SP-1” exhibits a strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.

 

“SP-2” – A municipal note rated “SP-2” exhibits a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.

 

“SP-3” – A municipal note rated “SP-3” exhibits a speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

 

Moody’s uses the Municipal Investment Grade (“MIG”) scale to rate U.S. municipal bond anticipation notes of up to three years maturity. Municipal notes rated on the MIG scale may be secured by either pledged revenues or proceeds of a take-out financing received prior to note maturity. MIG ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation, and the issuer’s long-term rating is only one consideration in assigning the MIG rating. MIG ratings are divided into three levels – “MIG-1” through “MIG-3” while speculative grade short-term obligations are designated “SG”. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for short-term municipal obligations:

 

“MIG-1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

 

“MIG-2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.

 

“MIG-3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.

 

“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated obligation.

 

In the case of variable rate demand obligations (“VRDOs”), a two-component rating is assigned: a long or short-term debt rating and a demand obligation rating. The first element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with scheduled principal and interest payments. The second element represents Moody’s evaluation of risk associated with the ability to receive purchase price upon demand (“demand feature”). The second element uses a rating from a variation of the MIG scale called the Variable Municipal Investment Grade or “VMIG” scale. The rating transitions on the VMIG scale differ from those on the Prime scale to reflect the risk that external liquidity support generally will terminate if the issuer’s long-term rating drops below investment grade.

 

“VMIG-1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“VMIG-2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“VMIG-3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

A- 7

 

“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

“NR” – Is assigned to an unrated obligation.

 

About Credit Ratings

 

An S&P Global Ratings issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion reflects S&P Global Ratings’ view of the obligor’s capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and this opinion may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.

 

Moody’s credit ratings must be construed solely as statements of opinion and not statements of fact or recommendations to purchase, sell or hold any securities.

 

Fitch’s credit ratings provide an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of principal, insurance claims or counterparty obligations. Fitch credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving the money owed to them in accordance with the terms on which they invested. Fitch’s credit ratings cover the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign financial, bank, insurance, and public finance entities (including supranational and sub-national entities) and the securities or other obligations they issue, as well as structured finance securities backed by receivables or other financial assets.

 

Credit ratings provided by DBRS are forward-looking opinions about credit risk which reflect the creditworthiness of an issuer, rated entity, and/or security. Credit ratings are not statements of fact. While historical statistics and performance can be important considerations, credit ratings are not based solely on such; they include subjective considerations and involve expectations for future performance that cannot be guaranteed. To the extent that future events and economic conditions do not match expectations, credit ratings assigned to issuers and/or securities can change. Credit ratings are also based on approved and applicable methodologies, models and criteria (“Methodologies”), which are periodically updated and when material changes are deemed necessary, this may also lead to rating changes.

 

Credit ratings typically provide an opinion on the risk that investors may not be repaid in accordance with the terms under which the obligation was issued. In some cases, credit ratings may also include consideration for the relative ranking of claims and recovery, should default occur. Credit ratings are meant to provide opinions on relative measures of risk and are not based on expectations of any specific default probability, nor are they meant to predict such.

 

The data and information on which DBRS bases its opinions is not audited or verified by DBRS, although DBRS conducts a reasonableness review of information received and relied upon in accordance with its Methodologies and policies.

 

DBRS uses rating symbols as a concise method of expressing its opinion to the market, but there are a limited number of rating categories for the possible slight risk differentials that exist across the rating spectrum and DBRS does not assert that credit ratings in the same category are of “exactly” the same quality.

 

A- 8

 

APPENDIX B

 

Proxy Voting

 

Issue

 

Rule 206(4)-6 under the Advisers Act requires every investment adviser to adopt and implement written policies and procedures, reasonably designed to ensure that the adviser votes proxies in the best interest of its clients. The procedures must address material conflicts that may arise in connection with proxy voting. The Rule further requires the adviser to provide a concise summary of the adviser’s proxy voting process and offer to provide copies of the complete proxy voting policy and procedures to clients upon request. Lastly, the Rule requires that the adviser disclose to clients how they may obtain information on how the adviser voted their proxies.

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS, LLC does vote proxies on behalf of its clients.

 

Policy

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS, LLC does vote proxies on behalf of its clients.

 

Procedures:

 

1. Upon receipt of proxy voting request, review items to be voted upon and Board recommendations.
2. Log into the proper online voting site and vote in accordance with Board recommendations unless otherwise notified by the Investment Committee.
3. Document the company, items voted on, and how SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS, LLC voted on the proxy spreadsheet.

 

Procedures for SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS, LLC’s Receipt of Class Actions

 

The following procedures outline SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS, LLC’s receipt of “Class Action” documents from clients and custodians. It is SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS, LLC’s position not to file these “Class Action” documents, but if received will follow these guidelines:

 

1. If “Class Action” documents are received by SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS, LLC from the Client , SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS, LLC will gather any requisite information it has and forward to the client, to enable the client to file the “Class Action” at the client’s discretion. SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS, LLC will not file “Class Actions” on behalf of any client.

 

2. Similarly, if “Class Action” documents are received by SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS, LLC from the Custodian , SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS, LLC will gather any requisite information it has and forward to the client, to enable the client to file the “Class Action” at the client’s discretion. SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS, LLC will not file “Class Actions” on behalf of any client.

 

B- 1

 

THE RBB FUND, INC.

PEA 232

PART C: OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 28 . EXHIBITS

 

(a) Articles of Incorporation.
(1) Articles of Incorporation of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 24, 1988, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
(2) Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 24, 1988, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
(3) Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 12, 1988, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
(4) Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 12, 1988, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
(5) Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on April 27, 1990, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
(6) Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 1, 1990, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
(7) Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 15, 1992, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
(8) Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 22, 1992, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
(9) Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1993, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
(10) Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1993, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
(11) Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 19, 1994, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.

 

 

 

(12) Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 19, 1994, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
(13) Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 19, 1994, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
(14) Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 19, 1994, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
(15) Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 31, 1995.
(16) Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 34 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 16, 1996.
(17) Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 11, 1996.
(18) Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 9, 1997.
(19) Articles of Amendment to Charter of the Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 25, 1997.
(20) Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 25, 1997.
(21) Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998.
(22) Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998.
(23) Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1998.
(24) Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1998.
(25) Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 30, 1999.
(26) Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 29, 1999.
(27) Articles of Amendment to Charter of the Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2000.
(28) Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2000.
(29) Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2000.
(30) Articles of Amendment to Charter of the Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2000.

 

2  

 

(31) Articles Supplementary of Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 73 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 15, 2001.
(32) Articles of Amendment to Charter of the Registrant ( Boston Partners Bond Fund – Institutional Class and Boston Partners Bond Fund – Investor Class ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 77 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 15, 2002.
(33) Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund – Institutional Class and Boston Partners Bond Fund – Institutional Class ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 77 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 15, 2002.
(34) Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Schneider Value Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 16, 2002.
(35) Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Institutional Liquidity Fund for Credit Unions and Liquidity Fund for Credit Union Members ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 84 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2003.
(36) Articles of Amendment to Charter of the Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 89 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2004.
(37) Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund – Investor Class, Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund – Institutional Class, Robeco WPG Tudor Fund – Institutional Class, Robeco WPG Large Cap Growth Fund – Institutional Class ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 93 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 4, 2005.
(38) Certificate of Correction of Registrant is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 2005.
(39) Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund – Investor Class, Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund – Institutional Class, Robeco WPG Tudor Fund – Institutional Class, Robeco WPG 130/30 Large Cap Core Fund f/k/a Robeco WPG Large Cap Growth Fund – Institutional Class ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 23, 2005.
(40) Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Senbanc Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 96 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 6, 2005.
(41) Articles of Amendment of Registrant ( Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund – Retirement Class) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 97 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on August 19, 2005.
(42) Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Robeco WPG Core Bond Fund – Investor Class) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 27, 2005.
(43) Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Bear Stearns CUFS MLP Mortgage Portfolio) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 18, 2006.
(44) Articles of Amendment to Charter of the Registrant (Bear Stearns CUFS MLP Mortgage Portfolio) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 108 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 2006.
(45) Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Bear Stearns Ultra Short Income Fund f/k/a Bear Stearns Enhanced Income Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 109 to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 15, 2006.
(46) Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Marvin & Palmer Large Cap Growth Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 109 to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 15, 2006.

 

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(47) Articles of Amendment to Charter of the Registrant (Bear Stearns Ultra Short Income Fund f/k/a Bear Stearns Enhanced Income Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 111 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on February 28, 2007.
(48) Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Bear Stearns Ultra Short Income Fund f/k/a Bear Stearns Enhanced Income Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 111 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on February 28, 2007.
(49) Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund, Free Market Fixed Income Fund) incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 1, 2007.
(50) Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Robeco WPG 130/30 Large Cap Core Fund – Investor Class) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 113 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 13, 2007.
(51) Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( SAM Sustainable Water Fund, SAM Sustainable Climate Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 114 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 17, 2007.
(52) Articles of Amendment of Registrant (Robeco WPG 130/30 Large Cap Core Fund – Institutional Class) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 116 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 4, 2007.
(53) Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Bear Stearns Multifactor 130/30 US Core Equity Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 123 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 17, 2007.
(54) Articles of Amendment to Charter of the Registrant (Bear Stearns Ultra Short Income Fund f/k/a Bear Stearns Enhanced Income Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 124 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2007.
(55) Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( SAM Sustainable Global Active Fund, SAM Sustainable Themes Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 128 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on April 23, 2009.
(56) Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Perimeter Small Cap Growth Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 129 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 2, 2009.
(57) Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( S1 Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 135 to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 19, 2010.
(58) Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 136 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on August 4, 2010.
(59) Articles of Amendment of Registrant (Robeco WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund f/k/a Robeco WPG Small Cap Value Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 141 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2010.
(60) Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Robeco Boston Partners Global Equity Fund and Robeco Boston Partners International Equity Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 142 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 14, 2011.
(61) Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 144 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 15, 2011.
(62) Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund, Free Market Fixed Income Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827 ) filed on October 29, 2012.

 

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(63) Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Robeco Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 152 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 29, 2013.
(64) Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund – Institutional Class) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 157 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2013.
(65) Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International VI Equity Portfolio, Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 159 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 20, 2013.
(66) Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Scotia Dynamic U.S. Growth Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 161 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 27, 2013.
(67) Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund – Institutional Class) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014.
(68) Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund and Adara Smaller Companies Fund (f/k/a Altair Smaller Companies Fund )) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014.
(69) Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Campbell Core Trend Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 171 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 16, 2014.
(70) Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund, Free Market Fixed Income Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 174 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23. 2014. (71) Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Boston Partners Investment Funds) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 174 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23. 2014.
(72) Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund, Free Market Fixed Income Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 174 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2014. Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Boston Partners Investment Funds) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 174 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2014. Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 182 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 16, 2015
(73) Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Campbell Core Carry Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 182 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 16, 2015.
(74) Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Boston Partners Alpha Blue Dynamic Equity Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 182 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 16, 2015.
(75) Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund – Class C ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 184 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 30, 2015.
(76) Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund – Institutional Class) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 187 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2015.
(77) Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 195 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 30, 2016.

 

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(78) Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Fasanara Capital Absolute Return Multi-Asset Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 198 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on April 29, 2016.
(79) Articles of Amendment of Registrant (Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund f/k/a Campbell Core Trend Fund and Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Fund f/k/a Campbell Core Carry Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 207 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2016.
(80) Articles Supplementary of Registrant ( Motley Fool Global Opportunities Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Independence Fund), Motley Fool Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Great America Fund), and Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Epic Voyage Fund)) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 206 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2016.
(81) Articles of Amendment of Registrant (Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Epic Voyage Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 212 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on February 28, 2017.
(82) Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Orinda Income Opportunities Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 216 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on April 10, 2017.
(83) Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund — Class T) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 216 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on April 10, 2017.
(84) Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 224 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 28, 2017.
(85) Articles Supplementary of Registrant (Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 226 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on August 23, 2017.
(86) Articles of Amendment of Registrant (Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund) will be filed by amendment.
(87) Articles of Amendment of Registrant ( Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund ) will be filed by amendment.
(88) Articles of Amendment of Registrant ( Adara Smaller Companies Fund (f/k/a Altair Smaller Companies Fund) ) will be filed by amendment.
(89) Articles of Amendment of Registrant ( Motley Fool Global Opportunities Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Independence Fund), Motley Fool Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Great America Fund), and Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Epic Voyage Fund)) will be filed by amendment.
(b) By-Laws.
(1)

By-Laws, as amended, are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 28, 2011.

(c) Instruments Defining Rights of Security Holders.
(1) See Articles VI, VII, VIII, IX and XI of Registrant’s Articles of Incorporation dated February 17, 1988 which are incorporated herein by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 24, 1988, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
(2) See Articles II, III, VI, XIII, and XIV of Registrant’s By-Laws as amended through August 25, 2004, which are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 89 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2004.

 

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(d) Investment Advisory Contracts.
(1) Investment Advisory Agreement (Schneider Small Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and Schneider Capital Management Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998.
(2) Investment Advisory Agreement (Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund) between Registrant and Bogle Investment Management, L.P. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 30, 1999.
(3) Investment Advisory Agreement (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund, Free Market Fixed Income Fund) between Registrant and Matson Money, Inc. (f/k/a Abundance Technologies, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 125 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on February 27, 2008.
(4) Amendment No. 1 to the Investment Advisory Agreement ( Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund and Free Market Fixed Income Fund ) between Registrant and Matson Money, Inc. (f/k/a Abundance Technologies, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 157 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2013.
(5) Form of Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement (Schneider Small Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and Schneider Capital Management Company is filed herewith.
(6) Form of Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement (Boston Partners Investment Funds) between Registrant and Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. is filed herewith.
(7) Investment Advisory Agreement ( Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund ) between Registrant and Summit Global Investments, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 160 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2013.
(8) Form of Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement ( Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund ) between Registrant and Summit Global Investments, LLC is filed herewith.
(9) Investment Advisory Agreement (Boston Partners Investment Funds) between Registrant and Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. (f/k/a Robeco Investment Management, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 157 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2013.
(10) Addendum No. 1 to Investment Advisory Agreement ( Robeco Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund) between Registrant and Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. (f/k/a Robeco Investment Management, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 160 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2013.
(11) Form of Investment Advisory Agreement ( Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund ( f/k/a Scotia Dynamic U.S. Growth Fund )) between Registrant and Summit Global Investments, LLC is filed herewith.
(12) Form of Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement ( Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund) between Registrant and Summit Global Investments, LLC is filed herewith.
(13) Investment Advisory Agreement ( Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund ) between Registrant and Abbey Capital Limited is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014.
(14) Investment Advisory Agreement ( Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund ) between Abbey Capital Offshore Fund Limited and Abbey Capital Limited is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014.

 

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(15) Form of Trading Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) among Abbey Capital Offshore Fund Limited, Abbey Capital Limited and Altis Partners (Jersey) Limited is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014.
(16) Form of Trading Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) among Abbey Capital Offshore Fund Limited, Abbey Capital Limited and Cantab Capital Partners, LLP is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014.
(17) Form of Trading Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) among Abbey Capital Offshore Fund Limited, Abbey Capital Limited and Eclipse Capital Management, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014.
(18) Form of Trading Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) among Abbey Capital Offshore Fund Limited, Abbey Capital Limited and Graham Capital Management, LP is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014.
(19) Form of Trading Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) among Abbey Capital Offshore Fund Limited, Abbey Capital Limited and P/E Investments, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014.
(20) Form of Trading Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) among Abbey Capital Offshore Fund Limited, Abbey Capital Limited and Revolution Capital Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014.
(21) Form of Trading Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) among Abbey Capital Offshore Fund Limited, Abbey Capital Limited and Trigon Investment Advisors, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014.
(22) Form of Trading Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) among Abbey Capital Offshore Fund Limited, Abbey Capital Limited and Harmonic Capital Partners LLP is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014.
(23) Addendum No. 2 to Investment Advisory Agreement ( Robeco WPG Small/Micro Cap Fund) between Registrant and Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. (f/k/a Robeco Investment Management, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014.
(24) Form of Investment Advisory Agreement ( Adara Smaller Companies Fund (f/k/a Altair Smaller Companies Fund) ) between Registrant and Altair Advisers LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014.
(25) Form of Investment Advisory Agreement dated December 29, 2014 ( Campbell Core Trend Fund ) between Registrant and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 175 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2014.
(26) Form of Investment Advisory Agreement dated January 2, 2015 ( Campbell Core Trend Fund ) between Registrant and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 175 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2014.
(27) Form of Investment Advisory Agreement ( Campbell Core Trend Fund ) between Campbell Core Offshore Limited and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 175 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2014.

 

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(28) Form of Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (Adara Smaller Companies Fund (f/k/a Altair Smaller Companies Fund)) among Registrant, Altair Advisers LLC and Aperio Group, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014.
(29) Form of Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (Adara Smaller Companies Fund (f/k/a Altair Smaller Companies Fund)) among Registrant, Altair Advisers LLC and Driehaus Capital Management LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014.
(30) Form of Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (Adara Smaller Companies Fund (f/k/a Altair Smaller Companies Fund)) among Registrant, Altair Advisers LLC and Granite Investment Partners, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014.
(31) Form of Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (Adara Smaller Companies Fund (f/k/a Altair Smaller Companies Fund)) among Registrant, Altair Advisers LLC and Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014.
(32) Form of Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (Adara Smaller Companies Fund (f/k/a Altair Smaller Companies Fund)) among Registrant, Altair Advisers LLC and Pier Capital, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014.
(33) Form of Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (Adara Smaller Companies Fund (f/k/a Altair Smaller Companies Fund)) among Registrant, Altair Advisers LLC and River Road Asset Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014.
(34) Form of Addendum No. 3 to Investment Advisory Agreement ( Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund ) between Registrant and Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. (f/k/a Robeco Investment Management, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 180 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on August 14, 2015.
(35) Form of Investment Advisory Agreement ( Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Fund, f/k/a Campbell Core Carry Fund ) between Registrant and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 181 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 2, 2015.
(36) Form of Investment Advisory Agreement ( Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Fund, f/k/a Campbell Core Carry Fund ) between Campbell Core Carry Offshore Limited and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 181 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 2, 2015.
(37) Form of Investment Advisory Agreement (Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund) between Registrant and Summit Global Investments, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 195 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 30, 2016.
(38) Form of Contractual Fee Waiver (Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund) between Registrant and Summit Global Investments, LLC is filed herewith.
(39) Form of Contractual Fee Waiver (Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund) between Registrant and Bogle Investment Management is filed herewith.
(40) Form of Contractual Fee Waiver (Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund and Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Fund) between Registrant and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC is filed herewith.
(41) Form of Contractual Fee Waiver (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) from April 10, 2017 through April 30, 2018 between Registrant and Abbey Capital Limited is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 216 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on April 10, 2017.

 

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(42) Form of Contractual Fee Waiver ( Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio, and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio) between Registrant and Matson Money Inc. is filed herewith.
(43) Form of Addendum No. 4 to Investment Advisory Agreement ( Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund ) between Registrant and Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. (f/k/a Robeco Investment Management, Inc.) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 213 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on February 28, 2017.
(44) First Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund ) between Registrant and Abbey Capital Limited is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 216 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on April 10, 2017.
(45) Form of Trading Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) among Abbey Capital Offshore Fund Limited, Abbey Capital Limited and Aspect Capital Limited is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 216 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on April 10, 2017.
(46) Form of Investment Advisory Agreement (Orinda Income Opportunities Fund) between Registrant and Orinda Asset Management LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 219 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 1, 2017.
(47) Form of Expense Limitation and Reimbursement Agreement (Orinda Income Opportunities Fund) between Registrant and Orinda Asset Management LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 219 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 1, 2017.
(48) Form of Investment Advisory Agreement (Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund) between Registrant and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 220 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 9, 2017.
(49) Form of Investment Advisory Agreement (Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund) between Campbell Managed Futures LV Offshore Limited and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 220 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 9, 2017.
(50) Form of Expense Limitation and Reimbursement Agreement (Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund) between Registrant and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 220 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 9, 2017.
(51) Form of Addendum No. 5 to Investment Advisory Agreement ( Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund ) between Registrant and Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 226 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on August 23, 2017.
(52) Form of Contractual Fee Waiver (Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund) between Registrant and Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 226 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on August 23, 2017.
(53) Form of Investment Advisory Agreement ( Motley Fool Global Opportunities Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Independence Fund), Motley Fool Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Great America Fund), and Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Epic Voyage Fund)) between Registrant and Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 206 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2016.
(54) Form of Expense Limitation and Reimbursement Agreement ( Motley Fool Global Opportunities Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Independence Fund), Motley Fool Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Great America Fund), and Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Epic Voyage Fund)) between Registrant and Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC is filed herewith.
(55) Amendment to Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (Adara Smaller Companies Fund (f/k/a Altair Smaller Companies Fund)) among Registrant, Altair Advisers LLC and Aperio Group, LLC will be filed by amendment.

 

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(56) Form of Amendment to Trading Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) among Abbey Capital Offshore Fund Limited, Abbey Capital Limited and Aspect Capital Limited is filed herewith.
(57) Form of Contractual Fee Waiver (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) from May 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018 between Registrant and Abbey Capital Limited is filed herewith.
(e) Underwriting Contracts.
(1) Distribution Agreement between Registrant, Quasar Distributors, LLC, and Abbey Capital Limited dated June 30, 2016 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 207 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2016.
(2) Distribution Agreement between Registrant, Quasar Distributors, LLC, and Altair Advisers LLC dated June 30, 2016 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 207 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2016.
(3) Distribution Agreement between Registrant, Quasar Distributors, LLC, and Bogle Investment Management, L.P. dated June 30, 2016 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 207 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2016.
(4) Distribution Agreement between Registrant, Quasar Distributors, LLC, and Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. dated June 30, 2016 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 207 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2016.
(5) Distribution Agreement between Registrant, Quasar Distributors, LLC, and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC dated June 30, 2016 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 207 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2016.
(6) Distribution Agreement between Registrant, Quasar Distributors, LLC, and Matson Money, Inc. dated June 30, 2016 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 207 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2016.
(7) Distribution Agreement between Registrant, Quasar Distributors, LLC, and Schneider Capital Management Company dated June 30, 2016 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 207 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2016.
(8) Distribution Agreement between Registrant, Quasar Distributors, LLC, and Summit Global Investments, LLC dated June 30, 2016 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 207 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2016.
(9) Form of Distribution Agreement ( Motley Fool Global Opportunities Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Independence Fund), Motley Fool Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Great America Fund), and Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Epic Voyage Fund)) between Registrant and Foreside Funds Distributors LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 212 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on February 28, 2017.
(10) Form of Distribution Agreement (Orinda Income Opportunities Fund) between Registrant, Quasar Distributors, LLC, and Orinda Asset Management LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 219 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 1, 2017.
(11) Amendment to the Distribution Agreement ( Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund ) between Registrant, Quasar Distributors, LLC, and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 224 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 28, 2017.
(12) Form of Amendment to the Distribution Agreement between Registrant, Quasar Distributors, LLC, and Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. dated June 30, 2016 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 226 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on August 23, 2017.

 

11  

 

(13) Amendment to Distribution Agreement between Registrant, Quasar Distributors, LLC, and Abbey Capital Limited dated July 11, 2017 is filed herewith.
(f) Bonus or Profit Sharing Contracts.
(1) Form of Deferred Compensation Plan is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 160 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2013.
(2) Form of Deferred Compensation Agreement is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 160 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2013.
(g) Custodian Agreements.
(1) Custody Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association dated June 30, 2016 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 207 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2016.
(2) First Amendment dated June 30, 2016 to the Custody Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 207 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2016.
(3)

Addendum to Custody Agreement dated January 5, 2017 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 216 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on April 10, 2017.

(4)

Form of Second Amendment dated May 1, 2017 to the Custody Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 219 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 1, 2017.

(5)

Form of Third Amendment to the Custody Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 224 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 28, 2017.

(6) Form of Fourth Amendment to the Custody Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 226 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on August 23, 2017.
(7) Form of Amendment to the Custody Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association dated December 1, 2017 is filed herewith.
(h)

Other Material Contracts.

(1) Non 12b-1 Shareholder Services Plan and Agreement (Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth - Investor Shares) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 30, 1999.
(2) Non-12b-1 Shareholder Services Plan and Related Form of Shareholder Servicing Agreement (Robeco WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund f/k/a Robeco WPG Tudor Fund – Institutional Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 25, 2005.
(3) Services Plan for Class I Shares and Form of Servicing Agreement ( Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund, formerly known as Scotia Dynamic U.S. Growth Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 161 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 27, 2013.

 

12  

 

(4) Services Plan for Class II Shares and Form of Servicing Agreement ( Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund, formerly known as Scotia Dynamic U.S. Growth Fund ) are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 161 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 27, 2013.
(5) Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC dated June 30, 2016 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 207 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2016.
(6) First Amendment to the Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 207 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2016.
(7) Form of Second Amendment to the Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 219 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 1, 2017.
(8) Form of Third Amendment to the Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 224 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 28, 2017.
(9) Form of Fourth Amendment to the Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 226 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on August 23, 2017.
(10) Form of Amendment to the Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC dated December 1, 2017 is filed herewith.
(11) Fund Administration Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC dated June 30, 2016 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 207 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2016.
(12) First Amendment to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 207 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2016.
(13) Form of Second Amendment to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 219 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 1, 2017.
(14) Form of Third Amendment to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 224 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 28, 2017.
(15) Form of Fourth Amendment to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 226 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on August 23, 2017.
(16) Form of Amendment to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC dated December 1, 2017 is filed herewith.
(17) Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC dated June 30, 2016 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 207 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2016.
(18) First Amendment to the Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 207 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2016.
(19) Form of Second Amendment to the Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 219 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 1, 2017.

 

13  

 

(20) Form of Third Amendment to the Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 224 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 28, 2017.
(21) Form of Fourth Amendment to the Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 226 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on August 23, 2017.
(22) Form of Amendment to the Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC dated December 1, 2017 is filed herewith.
(i)  
(1) Opinion of Counsel is filed herewith.
 (2) Consent of Counsel is filed herewith.
(j)  
(1) Consent of Ernst & Young LLP is filed herewith.
 (2) Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is filed herewith.
 (3) Consent of BBD, LLP is filed herewith.
(4) Consent of Tait, Weller & Baker LLP is filed herewith.
(k) None.
(l) Initial Capital Agreements.
(1) Subscription Agreement, relating to Classes A through N, is incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 12, 1988, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
(2) Subscription Agreement between Registrant and Planco Financial Services, Inc., relating to Classes O and P is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1990.
(3) Subscription Agreement between Registrant and Planco Financial Services, Inc., relating to Class Q is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1990.
(4) Subscription Agreement between Registrant and Counselors Securities Inc. relating to Classes R, S, and Alpha 1 through Theta 4 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 15, 1992, and refiled electronically with Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 to Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on October 30, 1998.
(5) Purchase Agreement between Registrant and Boston Partners Asset Management, L.P. relating to Classes TT and UU (Boston Partners Mid Cap Value Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 25, 1997.
(6) Purchase Agreement between Registrant and Schneider Capital Management Company relating to Class YY (Schneider Small Cap Value Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998.
(7) Purchase Agreement between Registrant and Boston Partners Asset Management, L.P. relating to Classes DDD and EEE (Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II (formerly Micro Cap Value)) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 60 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 1998.
(8) Purchase Agreement between Registrant and Boston Partners Asset Management relating to Classes III and JJJ (Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund (formerly Market Neutral)) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1998.

 

14  

 

(9) Form of Purchase Agreement between Registrant and Boston Partners Asset Management, L. P. relating to Classes KKK and LLL (Boston Partners Fund (formerly Long-Short Equity)) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 19, 1999.
(10) Purchase Agreement (Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund) between Registrant and Bogle Investment Management, L.P. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on September 30, 1999.
(11) Purchase Agreement (Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and Boston Partners Asset Management, L.P. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002.
(12) Purchase Agreement (Schneider Value Fund) between Registrant and Schneider Capital Management Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002.
(13) Purchase Agreement (Robeco WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund f/k/a Robeco WPG Tudor Fund) between Registrant and Weiss, Peck & Greer Investments is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 96 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 6, 2005.
(14) Form of Purchase Agreement (Free Market U.S. Equity Fund) between Registrant and Matson Money, Inc. (f/k/a Abundance Technologies, Inc.), is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 1, 2007.
(15) Form of Purchase Agreement (Free Market International Equity Fund) between Registrant and Matson Money, Inc. (f/k/a Abundance Technologies, Inc.) , is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 1, 2007.
(16) Form of Purchase Agreement (Free Market Fixed Income Fund) between Registrant and Matson Money, Inc. (f/k/a Abundance Technologies, Inc.) , is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 1, 2007.
(17) Form of Purchase Agreement ( Perimeter Small Cap Growth Fund ) between Registrant and Perimeter Capital Management is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 134 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2009.
(18) Purchase Agreement (S1 Fund) between Registrant and Simple Alternatives, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 138 to the Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2010.
(19) Purchase Agreement (Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 136 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on August 4, 2010.
(20) Form of Purchase Agreement (Robeco Boston Partners Global Equity Fund) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 142 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 14, 2011.
(21) Form of Purchase Agreement (Robeco Boston Partners International Equity Fund) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 142 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 14, 2011.
(22) Purchase Agreement (Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund) between Registrant and Summit Global Investments, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 157 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 29, 2013.
(23) Form of Purchase Agreement (Robeco Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund-Investor Class) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management Inc. is incorporated hereby by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 160 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2013.

 

15  

 

(24) Form of Purchase Agreement (Robeco Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund-Institutional Class) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management Inc. is incorporated hereby by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 160 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2013.

(25)

 

(26)

Form of Purchase Agreement (Robeco Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund-Investor Class) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management Inc. is incorporated hereby by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 160 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2013.

Form of Purchase Agreement ( Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund, formerly known as Scotia Dynamic U.S. Growth Fund ) between Registrant and Scotia Institutional Asset Management US, Ltd. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014.

(27) Form of Purchase Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) between Registrant and Abbey Capital Limited is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014.
(28) Form of Purchase Agreement (Adara Smaller Companies Fund (f/k/a Altair Smaller Companies Fund)) between Registrant and Altair Advisers LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014.
(29) Form of Purchase Agreement ( Campbell Core Trend Fund ) between Registrant and Campbell & Company, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 175 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2014.
(30) Purchase Agreement (Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 187 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2015.
(31) Purchase Agreement (Campbell Core Carry Fund) between Registrant and Campbell & Company, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 187 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 29, 2015.
(32) Form of Purchase Agreement (Boston Partners Alpha Blue Dynamic Equity Fund) between Registrant and Robeco Investment Management, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 182 to the Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 16, 2015.
(33) Form of Purchase Agreement (Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund) between Registrant and Summit Global Investments, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 195 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 30, 2016.
(34) Form of Purchase Agreement Form of Purchase Agreement ( Motley Fool Global Opportunities Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Independence Fund), Motley Fool Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Great America Fund), and Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Epic Voyage Fund)) between Registrant and Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 206 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2016.
(34) Form of Purchase Agreement (Orinda Income Opportunities Fund) between Registrant and Orinda Asset Management LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 219 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 1, 2017.
(35) Form of Purchase Agreement (Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund) between Registrant and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 220 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 9, 2017.
(36) Form of Purchase Agreement (Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund) between Registrant and Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 226 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on August 23, 2017.
(m) Rule 12b-1 Plan.

 

16  

 

(1) Plan of Distribution (Boston Partners Mid Cap Value Fund - Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 9, 1997.
(2) Plan of Distribution (Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II (formerly Micro Cap Value) - Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 53 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on April 10, 1998.
(3) Amendment to Plans of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 14, 1998.
(4) Plan of Distribution (Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund (formerly Market Neutral) - Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 12, 1998.
(5) Plan of Distribution (Boston Partners Fund (formerly Long Short Equity) - Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 19, 1999.
(6) Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 80 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on November 1, 2002.
(7) Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1( Robeco Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund — Investor Class ) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 141 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 28, 2010.
(8) Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1( Robeco Boston Partners Global Equity Fund — Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 142 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 14, 2011.
(9) Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 ( Robeco Boston Partners International Equity Fund — Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 142 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 14, 2011.
(10) Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 ( Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund — Retail Class) is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 144 to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 15, 2011.
(11) Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 ( Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund – Class A) is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 144 to Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 15, 2011.
(12) Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 ( Robeco Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund — Investor Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 154 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 11, 2013.
(13) Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 ( Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund — Class A) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014.
(14) Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 ( Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund — Class C) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014.
(15) Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 ( Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund —Class C) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 184 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 30, 2015.
(16) Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 ( Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund – Retail Class) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 195 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 30, 2016.

 

17  

 

(17) Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 ( Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund – Class C) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 195 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on March 30, 2016.
(18) Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 ( Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund — Class T) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 216 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on April 10, 2017.
(19) Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 ( Orinda Income Opportunities Fund — Class A) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 219 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 1, 2017.
(20) Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 ( Orinda Income Opportunities Fund — Class D) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 219 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on May 1, 2017.
(21) Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 ( Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund — Class N ) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 224 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 28, 2017.
(22) Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 ( Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund — Class T ) is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 224 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 28, 2017.
(23) Form of Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 ( Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund – Class A Shares (formerly Class II Shares)) is filed herewith.
(24) Form of Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 ( Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund – Class C Shares (formerly Institutional Shares) ) is filed herewith.
(n) Rule 18f-3 Plan.
(1)

Amended Rule 18f-3 Plan is filed herewith.

(p) Code of Ethics.
(1) Code of Ethics of the Registrant is incorporated filed herewith.
(2) Code of Ethics of Robeco Investment Management is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2011.
(3) Code of Ethics of Schneider Capital Management Company is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 129 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 2, 2009.
(4) Code of Ethics of Bogle Investment Management, L.P. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 129 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on July 2, 2009.
(5)

Code of Ethics of Matson Money, Inc. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2011.

(6) Code of Ethics of Foreside Funds Distributors LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 182 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 16, 2015.
(7) Code of Ethics of Summit Global Investments, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 145 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 30, 2011.
(8) Code of Ethics of Abbey Capital Limited is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 168 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on June 30, 2014.
(9) Code of Ethics of Altair Advisers LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014.

 

18  

 

(10) Code of Ethics of Aperio Group is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014.
(11) Code of Ethics of Driehaus Capital Management LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014.
(12) Code of Ethics of Granite Investment Partners, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014.
(13) Code of Ethics of Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014.
(14) Code of Ethics of Pier Capital LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014.
(15) Code of Ethics of River Road Asset Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 172 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on October 17, 2014.
(16) Code of Ethics of Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 175 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 23, 2014.
(17) Code of Ethics of Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 206 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on December 21, 2016.
(18) Code of Ethics of Quasar Distributors, LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 210 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement (No. 33-20827) filed on January 31, 2017.
(19) Code of Ethics of Orinda Asset Management LLC is filed herewith.

 

Item 29. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT

 

None.

 

Item 30. INDEMNIFICATION

 

Sections 1, 2, 3 and 4 of Article VIII of Registrant’s Articles of Incorporation, as amended, incorporated herein by reference as Exhibits (a)(1) and (a)(3), provide as follows:

 

Section 1. To the fullest extent that limitations on the liability of directors and officers are permitted by the Maryland General Corporation Law, no director or officer of the Corporation shall have any liability to the Corporation or its shareholders for damages. This limitation on liability applies to events occurring at the time a person serves as a director or officer of the Corporation whether or not such person is a director or officer at the time of any proceeding in which liability is asserted.

 

Section 2. The Corporation shall indemnify and advance expenses to its currently acting and its former directors to the fullest extent that indemnification of directors is permitted by the Maryland General Corporation Law. The Corporation shall indemnify and advance expenses to its officers to the same extent as its directors and to such further extent as is consistent with law. The Board of Directors may by law, resolution or agreement make further provision for indemnification of directors, officers, employees and agents to the fullest extent permitted by the Maryland General Corporation law.

 

Section 3. No provision of this Article shall be effective to protect or purport to protect any director or officer of the Corporation against any liability to the Corporation or its security holders to which he would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office.

 

Section 4. References to the Maryland General Corporation Law in this Article are to the law as from time to time amended. No further amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation shall decrease, but may expand, any right of any person under this Article based on any event, omission or proceeding prior to such amendment. Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, 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 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

19  

 

Section 12 of the Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. (“Boston Partners”) (f/k/a Robeco Investment Management, Inc.), incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(9), provides for the indemnification of Boston Partners against certain losses.

 

Section 12 of the Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Bogle Investment Management, L.P. (“Bogle”), dated September 15, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(2) provides for the indemnification of Bogle against certain losses.

 

Section 12 of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Schneider Capital Management (“Schneider”) incorporated herein by reference as exhibit (d)(1) provides for the indemnification of Schneider against certain losses.

 

Section 12 of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Matson Money, Inc. ( f/k/a Abundance Technologies, Inc.) , (“Matson Money”) dated December 31, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference as exhibit (d)(3) provides for the indemnification of Matson Money against certain losses.

 

Section 12 of each of the Investment Advisory Agreements between the Registrant and Summit Global Investments, LLC (“SGI”) incorporated herein by reference as exhibits (d)(7), (d)(11) and (d)(37) provides for the indemnification of SGI against certain losses.

 

Section 12 of each of the Investment Advisory Agreements with Abbey Capital Limited (“Abbey Capital”) incorporated herein by reference as exhibit (d)(13) and (d)(14) provides for the indemnification of Abbey Capital against certain losses.

 

Section 12 of the form of Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Altair Advisers LLC (“Altair”) incorporated herein by reference as exhibit (d)(24( provides for indemnification of Altair against certain losses.

 

Section 12 of each of the forms of Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC (“CCIA”) incorporated herein by reference as exhibits (d)(25), (d)(26), (d)(35) and (d)(48) provide for indemnification of CCIA against certain losses.

 

Section 12 of the form of Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC (“Motley Fool”) incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(53) provides for indemnification of Motley Fool against certain losses.

 

Section 12 of the form of Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Orinda Asset Management LLC (“Orinda”) incorporated herein by reference to exhibit (d)(46) provides for indemnification of Orinda against certain losses.

 

Section 8 of each of the Distribution Agreements between Registrant and Quasar Distributors, LLC incorporated herein by reference to exhibits (e)(1) – (e)(10) provide for the indemnification of Quasar Distributors, LLC against certain losses.

 

20  

 

Item 31. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISERS.

 

  1.

Bogle Investment Management, LP:

The sole business activity of Bogle Investment Management, LP (“Bogle”), 2310 Washington Street, Suite 310, Newton Lower Falls, MA 02462, is to serve as an investment adviser. Bogle is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

The directors and officers have not held any positions with other companies during the last two fiscal years.

 

  2.

Schneider Capital Management Company:

The sole business activity of Schneider Capital Management Company (“Schneider”), 460 E. Swedesford Road, Suite 2000, Wayne, PA 19087, is to serve as an investment adviser. Schneider is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

 

Information as to the directors and officers of Schneider is as follows:

 

    Name and Position with Schneider Other Company Position With Other Company
   

Arnold C. Schneider, III

President and Chief Investment Officer

Turnbridge Management Partners Corp. President
   

Steven J. Fellin

Sr. Vice President, Chief Operating & Financial Officer Chief Compliance Officer

Turnbridge Management Partners Corp. Vice President

 

3.

Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc.

The sole business activity of Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. (“Boston Partners”), 909 Third Avenue, New York 10022, is to serve as an investment adviser. Boston Partners provides investment advisory services to the Boston Partners Funds and the WPG Partners Funds. Boston Partners is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and serves as an investment adviser to domestic and foreign institutional investors, investment companies, commingled trust funds, private investment partnerships and collective investment vehicles. Information as to the directors and officers of Boston Partners is as follows: 

 

  Name and Position with
Boston Partners
Other Company Position With Other Company
 

Mark E. Donovan

Co-Chief Executive Officer

Robeco Institutional Asset Management US Inc.

 

Director
 

Joseph F. Feeney, Jr.

Co-Chief Executive Officer

Robeco US Holding, Inc. Director
 

William George Butterly, III

General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer & Secretary

Robeco Institutional Asset Management US Inc.

 

Chief Legal Officer, Chief Compliance Officer & Secretary

 

    Robeco Securities, L.L.C. Chief Legal Officer
    Robeco Trust Company Chief Operating Officer, Secretary & Director
    RobecoSAM USA, Inc. Chief Legal Officer, Chief Compliance Officer & Secretary
    Robeco Boston Partners (UK) Limited Director, Chief Operating Officer & Secretary

 

21  

 

 

Matthew J. Davis

Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer

Robeco Institutional Asset Management US Inc.

President, Treasurer & Director

    Robeco Securities, L.L.C. Chief Financial Officer
    Robeco Trust Company Director, President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer & Director
    Robeco Boston Partners (UK) Limited Chief Financial Officer
 

David Steyn

Director

Robeco Groep N.V. Chief Executive Officer
 

Leni M. Boeren

Director

Robeco Groep N.V. Chief Operating Officer
    Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. Director
    RobecoSAM AG Director
    RobecoSAM USA, Inc. Director
 

Martin Mlynár

Director

Corestone Investment Managers AG Chief Executive Officer
    Source Capital AG Board Member
    Source Capital Holding AG Board Member

 

 4.

Matson Money, Inc. :

The sole business activity of Matson Money, Inc. (“Matson Money”), 5955 Deerfield Blvd., Mason, Ohio 45040, is to serve as an investment adviser. Matson Money is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

 

Below is a list of each executive officer and director of Matson Money indicating each business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each such person has been engaged within the last two years, for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, partner or trustee.

   
 

Name and Position with

Matson Money, Inc.

Name of Other Company Position With Other Company
 

Mark E. Matson

CEO

 Keep It Tight Fitness, LLC

 50% owner

 

 

Mark E. Matson

CEO

The Matson Family Foundation

100% owner

 

 

Michelle Matson

Vice President/ Secretary

None None
 

Daniel J. List

Chief Compliance Officer

None None
 

Steven B. Miller

President

None None

 

22  

 

5.

Summit Global Investments, LLC:

The sole business activity of Summit Global Investments, LLC (“SGI”), 620 South Main Street, Bountiful, Utah 84010, is to serve as an investment adviser. SGI is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

 

The only employment of a substantial nature of each of SGI’s directors and officers is with SGI.

 

6.

Abbey Capital Limited :

The only employment of a substantial nature of each of Abbey Capital Limited directors and officers is with Abbey Capital Limited.

 

7.

Altair Advisers LLC:

The only employment of a substantial nature of each of Altair Advisers LLC directors and officers is with Altair Advisers LLC.

 

23  

 

8.

Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC:

The principal business activity of Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC (“CCIA”), 2850 Quarry Lake Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21209, is to serve as an investment adviser. CCIA is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

 

Below is a list of each executive officer and director of CCIA indicating each business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each such person has been engaged within the last two years, for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, partner or trustee. 

 

  Name and Position with CCIA Name of Other Company Position With Other Company
 

G. Williams Andrews

Chief Executive Officer

Campbell & Company, LP

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

    Campbell & Company, LLC Director & Chief Executive Officer
    EC LLC Managing Member
    The Campbell Multi-Strategy Trust Trustee & Chief Executive Officer
   

Campbell Financial Services, LLC

Director

    Campbell & Company International Bahamas Limited Director & President
    Campbell Core Offshore Limited Director
    Campbell Core Carry Offshore Limited Director
 

Gregory T. Donovan

Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer & Assistant Secretary

Campbell & Company, LP

 

 

Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer & Assistant Secretary

 

    Campbell & Company, LLC Chief Financial Officer
   

The Campbell Multi-Strategy Trust

 

Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer & Assistant Secretary
    Campbell Financial Services, LLC

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

   

Campbell & Company International Bahamas Limited

Director & Treasurer
 

Michael S. Harris

President

Campbell & Company, LLC

 

President
    Campbell & Company, LLC Director & President
    EC LLC Managing Member

 

24  

 

   

The Campbell Multi-Strategy Trust

President
   

Campbell Financial Services, LLC

Director
    Managed Futures Association

Director & Vice-Chairman

    Campbell & Company International Bahamas Limited Director
    Campbell Core Offshore Limited Director
    Campbell Core Carry Offshore Limited Director
 

Dr. Kevin Cole

Director of Research

Campbell & Company, LP

 

Director of Research

 

 

Heidi L. Kaiser

Deputy General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer, Anti-Money Laundering Officer

The Campbell Multi-Strategy Trust Deputy General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer
   

Campbell Financial Services, LLC

Deputy General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer
    Campbell & Company, LP Deputy General Counsel & Director of Compliance, Anti-Money Laundering Officer
 

Thomas P. Lloyd

General Counsel, & Secretary

Campbell & Company, LP General Counsel & Secretary
    Campbell & Company, LLC Secretary
    EC LLC Managing Member
   

The Campbell Multi-Strategy Trust

General Counsel, Secretary & Assistant Treasurer
 

Campbell & Company International Bahamas Limited

Secretary
    Campbell Core Offshore Limited Director
    Campbell Core Carry Offshore Limited Director

 

25  

 

   

Campbell Financial Services, LLC

 

General Counsel & Director; previously, Chief Compliance Officer & Secretary until September 2014
 

Robert W. McBride

Chief Technology Officer

Campbell & Company, LLC Chief Technology Officer
 

John R. Radle

Global Head of Trading

Campbell & Company, LP Global Head of Trading
 

Richard Johnson

Managing Director

Campbell & Company, LP Managing Director, Global Head of Client Solutions Group of Campbell & Company
 

Darvin N. Sterner

Director of Private Wealth Distribution

Campbell & Company, LP Director of Private Wealth Distribution
    Campbell Financial Services, LLC Vice President

 

9.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.

Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC:

A description of any other business, profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature in which Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC and each director, officer, or partner of Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC is or has been engaged within the last two fiscal years for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, employee, partner or trustee, is set forth in the Form ADV of Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC, as filed with the SEC on January 17, 2017, and is incorporated herein by this reference.

 

Orinda Asset Management, LLC:

A description of any other business, profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature in which Orinda Asset Management, LLC and each director, officer, or partner of Orinda Asset Management, LLC is or has been engaged within the last two fiscal years for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, employee, partner or trustee, is set forth in the Form ADV of Orinda Asset Management LLC, as filed with the SEC on March 27, 2017, and is incorporated herein by this reference.

 

Item 32 . Principal Underwriter

 

(a) Quasar Distributors, LLC, the Registrant’s principal underwriter, acts as principal underwriter for the following investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended:

 

  Academy Funds Trust LoCorr Investment Trust
  Advisors Series Trust Lord Asset Management Trust
  Aegis Funds MainGate Trust
  Allied Asset Advisors Funds Managed Portfolio Series
  Alpha Architect ETF Trust Manager Directed Portfolios
  Alpine Equity Trust Matrix Advisors Fund Trust
  Alpine Income Trust Matrix Advisors Value Fund, Inc.
  Alpine Series Trust Merger Fund
  Amplify ETF Trust Monetta Trust
  Angel Oak Funds Trust Nicholas Equity Income Fund, Inc.
  Barrett Opportunity Fund, Inc. Nicholas Family of Funds, Inc.

 

26  

 

  Bridge Builder Trust Oaktree Funds
  Bridges Investment Fund, Inc. Permanent Portfolio Family of Funds
  Brookfield Investment Funds Perritt Funds, Inc.
  Brown Advisory Funds PRIMECAP Odyssey Funds
  Buffalo Funds Professionally Managed Portfolios
  CG Funds Trust Prospector Funds, Inc.
  DoubleLine Funds Trust Provident Mutual Funds, Inc.
  ETF Series Solutions Rainier Investment Management Mutual Funds
  Evermore Funds Trust RBB Fund, Inc.
  First American Funds, Inc. RBC Funds Trust
  FundX Investment Trust Series Portfolio Trust
  Glenmede Fund, Inc. Sims Total Return Fund, Inc.
  Glenmede Portfolios Stone Ridge Trust
  GoodHaven Funds Trust Stone Ridge Trust II
  Greenspring Fund, Inc. Stone Ridge Trust III
  Guinness Atkinson Funds Stone Ridge Trust V
  Harding Loevner Funds, Inc. Thompson IM Funds, Inc.
  Hennessy Funds Trust TrimTabs ETF Trust
  Horizon Funds Trust for Professional Managers
  Hotchkis & Wiley Funds Trust for Advised Portfolios
  Intrepid Capital Management Funds Trust USA Mutuals
  IronBridge Funds, Inc. Wall Street EWM Funds Trust
  Jacob Funds, Inc. Westchester Capital Funds
  Jensen Portfolio, Inc. Wisconsin Capital Funds, Inc.
  Kirr Marbach Partners Funds, Inc. YCG Funds
  LKCM Funds  

 

(b) To the best of Registrant’s knowledge, the directors and executive officers of Quasar Distributors, LLC are as follows:

Name and Principal

Business Address

Position and Offices with Quasar Distributors, LLC Positions and Offices
with Registrant
James R. Schoenike (1) President, Board Member None
Andrew M. Strnad (2) Vice President, Secretary None
Joe Neuberger (1) Board Member None
Michael Peck (1) Board Member None
Susan LaFond (1) Vice President, Treasurer None
Peter A. Hovel (1) Chief Financial Officer None
Teresa Cowan (1) Senior Vice President, Assistant Secretary None
Brett Scribner (3) Assistant Treasurer None
Thomas A. Wolden (3) Assistant Treasurer None

 

(1) This individual is located at 777 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202.
(2) This individual is located at 10 West Market Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204.
(3) This individual is located at 800 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402.

(c) Not Applicable

 

27  

 

Item 33. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS

 

(1) Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc., 909 Third Avenue, 32 nd floor, New York, New York 10022 (records relating to its function as investment adviser).
(2) Schneider Capital Management Co., 460 East Swedesford Road, Suite 1080, Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087 (records relating to its function as investment adviser).
(3) Bogle Investment Management, L.P., 2310 Washington Street, Suite 310, Newton Lower Falls, Massachusetts 02462 (records relating to its function as investment adviser).
(4) Matson Money, Inc. (formerly Abundance Technologies, Inc.), 5955 Deerfield Blvd., Mason, OH 45040 (records relating to its function as investment adviser).
(5) Summit Global Investments, LLC, 620 South Main Street, Bountiful, Utah 84010 (records relating to its function as investment adviser).
(6) Abbey Capital Limited, 1-2 Cavendish Row, Dublin 1, Ireland (records relating to its function as investment adviser).
(7) Altair Advisers LLC, 303 West Madison, Suite 600, Chicago, Illinois 60606 (records relating to its function as investment adviser).
(8) Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC, 2850 Quarry Lake Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21209 (records relating to its function as investment adviser).
(9) Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC, 2000 Duke Street, Suite 275, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 (records relating to its function as investment adviser).
(10) Orinda Asset Management, LLC, 4 Orinda Way, Suite 150A, Orinda, California 94563 (records relating to its function as investment adviser).
(11) U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 (records relating to its function as administrator, transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent).
(12) U.S. Bank, N.A., 1555 North RiverCenter Drive, Suite 302, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53212 (records relating to its function as custodian).
(13) Quasar Distributors, LLC, 777 East Wisconsin Avenue, Floor, 6, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202 (records relating to its function as underwriter).

 

Item 34. MANAGEMENT SERVICES

 

None.

 

Item 35. UNDERTAKINGS

 

(a) Registrant hereby undertakes to hold a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of considering the removal of directors in the event the requisite number of shareholders so request.
(b) Registrant hereby undertakes to furnish each person to whom a prospectus is delivered a copy of Registrant’s latest annual report to shareholders upon request and without charge.

 

28  

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this Post-Effective Amendment to its Registration Statement under Rule 485(b) under the 1933 Act and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment to its Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized, in the City of Chadds Ford, and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on December 28, 2017.

 

  THE RBB FUND, INC.  
       
  By: /s/ Salvatore Faia  
  Salvatore Faia  
  President  

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the 1933 Act, this Amendment to Registrant’s Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

SIGNATURE

 

 

TITLE

DATE
       

/s/ Salvatore Faia

  President (Principal Executive Officer)
and Chief Compliance Officer
December 28, 2017
Salvatore Faia      
       

/s/ James G. Shaw

  Treasurer (Chief Financial Officer)
and Secretary
December 28, 2017
James G. Shaw      
       

*J. Richard Carnall

  Director December 28, 2017
J. Richard Carnall      
       

*Julian A. Brodsky

  Director December 28, 2017
Julian A. Brodsky      
       

*Arnold M. Reichman

  Director December 28, 2017
Arnold M. Reichman      
       

*Robert Sablowsky

  Director December 28, 2017
Robert Sablowsky      
       

*Robert Straniere

  Director December 28, 2017
Robert Straniere      
       

*Nicholas A. Giordano

  Director December 28, 2017
Nicholas A. Giordano      
       

*Gregory P. Chandler

  Director December 28, 2017
Gregory P. Chandler      
       

*Sam Lambroza

  Director December 28, 2017
Sam Lambroza      
       
*By: /s/ Salvatore Faia     December 28, 2017
Salvatore Faia
Attorney-in-Fact

 

29  

 

THE RBB FUND, INC.

(the “Company”)

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, Julian A. Brodsky, hereby constitutes and appoints Salvatore Faia, Michael P. Malloy, James G. Shaw, Edward Paz, and Robert Amweg, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.

 

DATED: February 16, 2017  
     
  /s/ Julian A. Brodsky  
  Julian A. Brodsky  

 

30  

 

THE RBB FUND, INC.

(the “Company”)

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, J. Richard Carnall, hereby constitutes and appoints Salvatore Faia, Michael P. Malloy, James G. Shaw, Edward Paz, and Robert Amweg, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.

 

DATED: February 16, 2017  
     
  /s/ J. Richard Carnall  
  J. Richard Carnall  

 

31  

 

THE RBB FUND, INC.

(the “Company”)

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, Nicholas A. Giordano, hereby constitutes and appoints Salvatore Faia, Michael P. Malloy, James G. Shaw, Edward Paz, and Robert Amweg, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.

 

DATED: February 16, 2017  
     
  /s/ Nicholas A. Giordano  
  Nicholas A. Giordano  

 

32  

 

THE RBB FUND, INC.

(the “Company”)

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, Arnold M. Reichman, hereby constitutes and appoints Salvatore Faia, Michael P. Malloy, James G. Shaw, Edward Paz, and Robert Amweg, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.

 

DATED: February 16, 2017  
     
  /s/ Arnold M. Reichman  
  Arnold M. Reichman  

 

33  

 

THE RBB FUND, INC.

(the “Company”)

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, Robert Sablowsky, hereby constitutes and appoints Salvatore Faia, Michael P. Malloy, James G. Shaw, Edward Paz, and Robert Amweg, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.

 

DATED: February 16, 2017  
     
  /s/ Robert Sablowsky  
  Robert Sablowsky  

 

34  

 

THE RBB FUND, INC.

(the “Company”)

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, Robert A. Straniere, hereby constitutes and appoints Salvatore Faia, Michael P. Malloy, James G. Shaw, Edward Paz, and Robert Amweg, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.

 

DATED: February 16, 2017  
     
  /s/ Robert Straniere  
  Robert Straniere  

 

35  

 

THE RBB FUND, INC.

(the “Company”)

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, Gregory P. Chandler, hereby constitutes and appoints Salvatore Faia, Michael P. Malloy, James G. Shaw, Edward Paz, and Robert Amweg, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.

 

DATED: February 17, 2017  
     
  /s/ Gregory P. Chandler  
  Gregory P. Chandler  

 

36  

 

THE RBB FUND, INC.

(the “Company”)

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

Know All Men by These Presents, that the undersigned, Sam Lambroza, hereby constitutes and appoints Salvatore Faia, Michael P. Malloy, James G. Shaw, Edward Paz, and Robert Amweg, his true and lawful attorneys, to execute in his name, place, and stead, in his capacity as Director or officer, or both, of the Company, the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, said acts of said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.

 

DATED: February 16, 2017  
     
  /s/ Sam Lambroza  
  Sam Lambroza  

 

37  

 

PEA 232

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION

 

(d)(5) Form of Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement (Schneider Small Cap Value Fund) between Registrant and Schneider Capital Management Company
(d)(6) Form of Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement (Boston Partners Investment Funds) between Registrant and Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc.
(d)(8) Form of Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement ( Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund ) between Registrant and Summit Global Investments, LLC
(d)(11) Form of Investment Advisory Agreement ( Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund ( f/k/a Scotia Dynamic U.S. Growth Fund )) between Registrant and Summit Global Investments, LLC
(d)(12) Form of Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement ( Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund ) between Registrant and Summit Global Investments, LLC
(d)(38) Form of Contractual Fee Waiver (Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund) between Registrant and Summit Global Investments, LLC
(d)(39) Form of Contractual Fee Waiver (Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund) between Registrant and Bogle Investment Management
(d)(40) Form of Contractual Fee Waiver (Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund and Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Fund) between Registrant and Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC
(d)(42) Form of Contractual Fee Waiver ( Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio, and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio) between Registrant and Matson Money Inc.
(d)(54) Form of Expense Limitation and Reimbursement Agreement ( Motley Fool Global Opportunities Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Independence Fund), Motley Fool Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Great America Fund), and Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund (f/k/a Motley Fool Epic Voyage Fund)) between Registrant and Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC
(d)(56) Form of Amendment to Trading Advisory Agreement (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) among Abbey Capital Offshore Fund Limited, Abbey Capital Limited and Aspect Capital Limited
(d)(57) Form of Contractual Fee Waiver (Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund) from May 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018 between Registrant and Abbey Capital Limited
(e)(13) Amendment to Distribution Agreement between Registrant, Quasar Distributors, LLC, and Abbey Capital Limited dated July 11, 2017
(g)(7) Form of Amendment to the Custody Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bank National Association dated December 1, 2017
(h)(10) Form of Amendment to the Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC dated December 1, 2017
(h)(16) Form of Amendment to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC dated December 1, 2017
(h)(22) Form of Amendment to the Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement between Registrant and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC dated December 1, 2017
(i)(1) Opinion of Counsel
(i)(2) Consent of Counsel
(j)(1) Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
(j)(2) Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

 

38  

 

(j)(3) Consent of BBD, LLP
(j)(4) Consent of Tait, Weller & Baker LLP
(m)(23) Form of Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 ( Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund – Class A Shares (formerly Class II Shares ))
(m)(24) Form of Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 ( Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund – Class C Shares (formerly Institutional Shares ))
(n)(1) Amended Rule 18f-3 Plan
(p)(1) Code of Ethics of the Registrant
(p)(19) Code of Ethics of Orinda Asset Management LLC

 

39  

 

 

September 19, 2017

 

Salvatore Faia

President

The RBB Fund, Inc.

615 E Michigan St

Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Re: The RBB Fund, Inc. - Schneider Small Cap Value Fund (the “Fund”)

 

Dear Mr. Faia:

 

By our execution of this letter agreement (this “Agreement”), intending to be legally bound hereby, Schneider Capital Management Company (the “Adviser”) agrees that in order to improve the performance of the Fund, the Adviser shall, from January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018, waive all or a portion of its investment advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses (other than brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes) in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the Fund's total operating expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes) exceed a total operating expense ratio (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes) of:

 

1.15% of the Fund's average daily net assets.

 

The Adviser acknowledges that (1) it shall not be entitled to collect on or make a claim for waived fees at any time in the future, and (2) it shall not be entitled to collect on or make a claim for reimbursed Fund expenses at any time in the future.

 

  SCHNEIDER CAPITAL MANAGEMENT COMPANY  
       
  By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    

 

Your signature below acknowledges

acceptance of this Agreement:

 

By:    
  Salvatore Faia  
  President  
  The RBB Fund, Inc.  

 

September 19, 2017

 

Salvatore Faia

President

The RBB Fund, Inc.

615 E Michigan St

Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Re: The RBB Fund, Inc. - Boston Partners Investment Funds (each a "Fund" and collectively the “Funds”)

 

Dear Mr. Faia:

 

By our execution of this letter agreement (the “Agreement”), intending to be legally bound hereby, and effective as of the date noted above, Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. (the “Adviser”) agrees that in order to maintain the established expense ratios of the Boston Partners Investment Funds (each a "Fund" and collectively the “Funds”) of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”), the Adviser shall, until further notice, but in no event terminating before February 28, 2019, waive all or a portion of its investment advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest, taxes and any other items as agreed upon by both parties from time to time) in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which a Fund’s total operating expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest, taxes and any other items as agreed upon by both parties from time to time) exceeds a total operating expense ratio (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest, taxes and any other items as agreed upon by both parties from time to time) of:

 

0.80% and 1.05% of the average daily net assets of the Institutional Class and Investor Class, respectively, of the Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund.
2.50% and 2.75% of the average daily net assets of the Institutional Class and Investor Class, respectively, of the Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund.
1.50% and 1.75% of the average daily net assets of the Institutional Class and Investor Class, respectively, of the Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund.
2.00% and 2.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Institutional Class shares and Investor Class shares, respectively, of the Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund.
0.95% and 1.20% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Institutional Class shares and Investor Class shares, respectively, of the Boston Partners Global Equity Fund.
1.10% and 1.35% of the average daily net assets of the Institutional Class and Investor Class, respectively, of the Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II.
1.10% of the average daily net assets of the Institutional Class of the WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund.
2.00% of the average daily net assets of the Institutional Class of the Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund.
1.10% of the average daily net assets of the Institutional Class of the Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund.

 

The Adviser acknowledges that (1) it shall not be entitled to collect on or make a claim for waived fees at any time in the future, and (2) it shall not be entitled to collect on or make a claim for reimbursed Fund expenses at any time in the future with respect to the Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund or the Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund.

 

 

(1) With respect to the Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, Boston Partners Global Equity Fund, Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund, Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund or Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund, effective with respect to each Fund as of the effective date of the Advisory Agreement between the Company, on behalf of such Fund and the Adviser, and (2) with respect to the Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II or the WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund, effective with respect to each Fund as of May 28, 2014: if at any time the total annual fund operating expenses of a Fund are less than the applicable expense limitation, 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 this Agreement within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made by the Adviser if such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. The total amount of reimbursement to which the Adviser may be entitled (the "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 applicable Fund pursuant to this Agreement, less any reimbursement previously paid by the Fund to the Adviser, with respect to such waivers, reductions, and payments. The Reimbursement Amount shall not include any additional charges or fees whatsoever, including, e.g., interest accruable on the Reimbursement Amount.

 

  BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL INVESTORS, INC.  
       
  By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    

 

Your signature below acknowledges

acceptance of this Agreement:

 

By:    
  Salvatore Faia  
  President  
  The RBB Fund, Inc.  

 

September 19, 2017

 

Salvatore Faia

President

The RBB Fund, Inc.

615 E Michigan St

Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Re: The RBB Fund, Inc. - Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund (the “Fund”)

 

Dear Mr. Faia:

By our execution of this letter agreement (the “Agreement”), intending to be legally bound hereby and effective as of the date noted above, Summit Global Investments, LLC (“Summit”) agrees that in order to maintain the established expense ratio of the Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund (the "Fund"), of The RBB Fund, Inc., Summit shall, until further notice, but in no event terminating before December 31, 2018, waive all or a portion of its investment advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest, taxes and any other items as agreed upon by both parties from time to time) in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the Fund’s total annual fund operating expenses for each of its Class A, Class I, Class C and Retail Class Shares (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest, taxes and any other items as agreed upon by both parties from time to time) exceeds a total annual fund operating expense ratio (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest, taxes and any other items as agreed upon by both parties from time to time) of:

1.23% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Class A Shares;
0.98% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Class I Shares;
1.98% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Class C Shares; and
1.23% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Retail Class Shares.

 

Effective January 1, 2013, if at any time the total annual fund operating expenses of the Fund for a year are less than 1.23% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Class A Shares, less than 0.98% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Class I Shares, less than 1.98% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Class C Shares or less than 1.23% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Retail Class Shares, Summit shall be entitled to reimbursement by the Fund, in whole or in part as provided below, of the investment advisory fees waived or reduced and other payments remitted by Summit to the Fund pursuant to this Agreement within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made by Summit if such reimbursement by the Fund does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. The total amount of reimbursement to which Summit may be entitled (the “Reimbursement Amount”) shall equal, at any time, the sum of all investment advisory fees previously waived or reduced by Summit and all other payments remitted by Summit to the Fund, pursuant to this Agreement, less any reimbursement previously paid by the Fund to Summit, 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.

 

 

  SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS, LLC  
       
  By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    

 

Your signature below acknowledges

acceptance of this Agreement:

 

By:    
  Salvatore Faia  
  President  
  The RBB Fund, Inc.  

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

 

Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund

 

AGREEMENT made as of __________, between THE RBB FUND, INC., a Maryland corporation (herein called the "Fund"), and Summit Global Investments, LLC, a Utah limited liability company (herein called the "Investment Adviser").

 

WHEREAS, the Fund is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”), and currently offers or proposes to offer shares representing interests in separate investment portfolios; and

 

WHEREAS, the Fund desires to retain the Investment Adviser to render certain investment advisory services to the Fund with respect to the Fund’s Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund (the "Portfolio”), and the Investment Adviser is willing to so render such services; and

 

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Fund and a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio have approved this Agreement, and the Investment Adviser is willing to furnish such services upon the terms and conditions herein set forth;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby, it is agreed between the parties hereto as follows:

 

SECTION 1. APPOINTMENT. The Fund hereby appoints the Investment Adviser to act as investment adviser for the Portfolio for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement. The Investment Adviser accepts such appointment and agrees to render the services herein set forth for the compensation herein provided.

 

SECTION 2. DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS. The Fund has furnished the Investment Adviser with copies properly certified or authenticated of each of the following:

 

(a) Resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Fund authorizing the appointment of the Investment Adviser and the execution and delivery of this Agreement; and

 

(b) A prospectus and statement of additional information relating to each class of shares representing interests in the Portfolio of the Fund in effect under the Securities Act of 1933 (such prospectus and statement of additional information, as presently in effect and as they shall from time to time be amended and supplemented, are herein collectively called the "Prospectus" and “Statement of Additional Information,” respectively).

 

The Fund will promptly furnish the Investment Adviser from time to time with copies, properly certified or authenticated, of all amendments of or supplements to the foregoing, if any.

 

In addition to the foregoing, the Fund will also provide the Investment Adviser with copies of the Fund’s Charter and By-laws, and any registration statement or service contracts related to the Portfolio, and will promptly furnish the Investment Adviser with any amendments of or supplements to such documents.

 

 

SECTION 3. MANAGEMENT.

 

(a ) Subject to the supervision of the Board of Directors of the Fund and subject to Section 3 (b) below, the Investment Adviser will provide for the overall management of the Portfolio including (i) the provision of a continuous investment program for the Portfolio, including investment research and management with respect to all securities, investments, cash and cash equivalents in the Portfolio, (ii) the determination from time to time of the securities and other investments to be purchased, retained, or sold by the Fund for the Portfolio, and (iii) the placement from time to time of orders for all purchases and sales made for the Portfolio. The Investment Adviser will provide the services rendered by it hereunder in accordance with the Portfolio's investment objective, restrictions and policies as stated in the applicable Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, provided that the Investment Adviser has actual notice or knowledge of any changes by the Board of Directors to such investment objectives, restrictions or policies. The Investment Adviser further agrees that it will render to the Fund's Board of Directors such periodic and special reports regarding the performance of its duties under this Agreement as the Board may reasonably request. The Investment Adviser agrees to provide to the Fund (or its agents and service providers) prompt and accurate data with respect to the Portfolio's transactions and, where not otherwise available, the daily valuation of securities in the Portfolio.

 

(b) Sub-Advisers. The Investment Adviser may delegate certain of its responsibilities hereunder with respect to provision of the investment advisory services set forth in Section 3(a) above to one or more other parties (each such party, a “Sub-Adviser”), pursuant in each case to a written agreement with such Sub-Adviser that meets the requirements of Section 15 of the 1940 Act and rules thereunder applicable to contracts for service as investment adviser of a registered investment company (including without limitation the requirements for approval by the Board of Directors of the Fund and the shareholders of the Portfolio), subject, however, to such exemptions as may be granted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission upon application or by rule. Such Sub-Adviser may (but need not) be affiliated with the Investment Adviser.

 

Any delegation of services pursuant to this Section 3(b) shall be subject to the following conditions:

 

1.       Any fees or compensation payable to any Sub-Adviser shall be paid by the Investment Adviser and no additional obligation may be incurred on the Fund’s behalf to any Sub-Adviser; except that any Fund expenses that may be incurred by the Investment Adviser and paid by the Fund to the Investment Adviser directly may be incurred by the Sub-Adviser and paid by the Fund to the Sub-Adviser directly, so long as such payment arrangements are approved by the Fund and the Investment Adviser prior to the Sub-Adviser’s incurring such expenses.

 

2.       If the Investment Adviser delegates its responsibilities to more than one Sub-Adviser, the Investment Adviser shall be responsible for assigning to each Sub-Adviser that portion of the assets of the Portfolio for which the Sub-Adviser is to act as Sub-Adviser, subject to the approval of the Fund’s Board of Directors.

 

- 2 -

 

3.       To the extent that any obligations of the Investment Adviser or any Sub-Adviser require any service provider of the Fund or Portfolio to furnish information or services, such information or services shall be furnished by the Fund’s or the Portfolio’s service providers directly to both the Investment Adviser and any Sub-Adviser.

 

SECTION 4. BROKERAGE. Subject to the Investment Adviser's obligation to obtain best price and execution, the Investment Adviser shall have full discretion to select brokers or dealers to effect the purchase and sale of securities. When the Investment Adviser places orders for the purchase or sale of securities for the Portfolio, in selecting brokers or dealers to execute such orders, the Investment Adviser is expressly authorized to consider the fact that a broker or dealer has furnished statistical, research or other information or services for the benefit of the Portfolio directly or indirectly. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Investment Adviser is authorized to cause the Portfolio to pay brokerage commissions which may be in excess of the lowest rates available to brokers who execute transactions for the Portfolio or who otherwise provide brokerage and research services utilized by the Investment Adviser, provided that the Investment Adviser determines in good faith that the amount of each such commission paid to a broker is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker viewed in terms of either the particular transaction to which the commission relates or the Investment Adviser's overall responsibilities with respect to accounts as to which the Investment Adviser exercises investment discretion. The Investment Adviser may aggregate securities orders so long as the Investment Adviser adheres to a policy of allocating investment opportunities to the Portfolio over a period of time on a fair and equitable basis relative to other clients. In no instance will the Portfolio’s securities be purchased from or sold to the Fund's principal underwriter, the Investment Adviser, or any affiliated person thereof, except to the extent permitted by SEC exemptive order or by applicable law.

 

The Investment Adviser shall report to the Board of Directors of the Fund at least quarterly with respect to brokerage transactions that were entered into by the Investment Adviser, pursuant to the foregoing paragraph, and shall certify to the Board that the commissions paid were reasonable in terms either of that transaction or the overall responsibilities of the Investment Adviser to the Fund and the Investment Adviser's other clients, that the total commissions paid by the Fund were reasonable in relation to the benefits to the Fund over the long term, and that such commissions were paid in compliance with Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

SECTION 5. CONFORMITY WITH LAW; CONFIDENTIALITY. The Investment Adviser further agrees that it will comply with all applicable rules and regulations of all federal regulatory agencies having jurisdiction over the Investment Adviser in the performance of its duties hereunder. The Investment Adviser will treat confidentially and as proprietary information of the Fund all records and other information relating to the Fund and prior, present, or potential shareholders (except with respect to clients of the Investment Adviser) and will not use such records and information for any purpose other than performance of its responsibilities and duties hereunder, except after prior notification to and approval in writing by the Fund, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld and may not be withheld where the Investment Adviser may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings for failure to comply, when requested to divulge such information by duly constituted authorities, or when so requested by the Fund. Where the Investment Adviser may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings for failure to comply with a request for records or other information relating to the Fund, the Investment Adviser may comply with such request prior to obtaining the Fund’s written approval, provided that the Investment Adviser has taken reasonable steps to promptly notify the Fund, in writing, upon receipt of the request.

 

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SECTION 6. SERVICES NOT EXCLUSIVE. The Investment Adviser and its officers may act and continue to act as investment managers for others, and nothing in this Agreement shall in any way be deemed to restrict the right of the Investment Adviser to perform investment management or other services for any other person or entity, and the performance of such services for others shall not be deemed to violate or give rise to any duty or obligation to the Portfolio or the Fund.

 

Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the Investment Adviser or any of its directors, officers, affiliates or employees from buying, selling or trading in any securities for its or their own account. The Fund acknowledges that the Investment Adviser and its directors, officers, affiliates, employees and other clients may, at any time, have, acquire, increase, decrease, or dispose of positions in investments which are at the same time being acquired or disposed of for the Portfolio. The Investment Adviser shall have no obligation to acquire for the Portfolio a position in any investment which the Investment Adviser, its directors, officers, affiliates or employees may acquire for its or their own accounts or for the account of another client, so long as it continues to be the policy and practice of the Investment Adviser not to favor or disfavor consistently or consciously any client or class of clients in the allocation of investment opportunities so that, to the extent practical, such opportunities will be allocated among clients over a period of time on a fair and equitable basis.

 

The Investment Adviser agrees that this Section 6 does not constitute a waiver by the Fund of the obligations imposed upon the Investment Adviser to comply with Sections 17(d) and 17(j) of the 1940 Act, and the rules thereunder, nor constitute a waiver by the Fund of the obligations imposed upon the Investment Adviser under Section 206 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and the rules thereunder. Further, the Investment Adviser agrees that this Section 6 does not constitute a waiver by the Fund of the fiduciary obligation of the Investment Adviser arising under federal or state law, including Section 36 of the 1940 Act. The Investment Adviser agrees that this Section 6 shall be interpreted consistent with the provisions of Section 17(i) of the 1940 Act.

 

SECTION 7. BOOKS AND RECORDS. In compliance with the requirements of Rule 3la-3 under the 1940 Act, the Investment Adviser hereby agrees that all records which it maintains for the Portfolio are the property of the Fund and further agrees to surrender promptly to the Fund any of such records upon the Fund's request. The Investment Adviser further agrees to preserve for the periods prescribed by Rule 3la-2 under the 1940 Act the records required to be maintained by Rule 3la-1 under the 1940 Act.

 

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SECTION 8. EXPENSES. During the term of this Agreement, the Investment Adviser will pay all expenses incurred by it in connection with its activities under this Agreement. The Portfolio shall bear all of its own expenses not specifically assumed by the Investment Adviser. General expenses of the Fund not readily identifiable as belonging to an investment portfolio of the Fund shall be allocated among all investment portfolios by or under the direction of the Fund's Board of Directors in such manner as the Board determines to be fair and equitable. Expenses borne by the Portfolio shall include, but are not limited to, the following (or the Portfolio's share of the following): (a) the cost (including brokerage commissions) of securities purchased or sold by the Portfolio and any losses incurred in connection therewith; (b) fees payable to and expenses incurred on behalf of the Portfolio by the Investment Adviser; (c) filing fees and expenses relating to the registration and qualification of the Fund and the Portfolio’s shares under federal and/or state securities laws and maintaining such registrations and qualifications; (d) fees and salaries payable to the Fund's directors and officers; (e) taxes (including any income or franchise taxes) and governmental fees; (f) costs of any liability and other insurance or fidelity bonds; (g) any costs, expenses or losses arising out of a liability of or claim for damages or other relief asserted against the Fund or the Portfolio for violation of any law; (h) legal, accounting and auditing expenses, including legal fees of special counsel for the independent directors; (i) charges of custodians and other agents; (j) expenses of setting in type and printing prospectuses, statements of additional information and supplements thereto for existing shareholders, reports, statements, and confirmations to shareholders and proxy materials that are not attributable to a class; (k) costs of mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information and supplements thereto to existing shareholders, as well as reports to shareholders and proxy materials that are not attributable to a class; (1) any extraordinary expenses; (m) fees, voluntary assessments and other expenses incurred in connection with membership in investment company organizations; (n) costs of mailing and tabulating proxies and costs of shareholders' and directors' meetings; (o) costs of independent pricing services to value the Portfolio's securities; and (p) the costs of investment company literature and other publications provided by the Fund to its directors and officers. Distribution expenses, transfer agency expenses, expenses of preparing, printing and mailing prospectuses, statements of additional information, proxy statements and reports to shareholders, and organizational expenses and registration fees, identified as belonging to a particular class of the Portfolio are allocated to such class.

 

SECTION 9. VOTING. The Investment Adviser shall have the authority to vote as agent for the Portfolio, either in person or by proxy, tender and take all actions incident to the ownership of all securities in which the Portfolio’s assets may be invested from time to time, subject to such policies and procedures as the Board of Directors of the Fund may adopt from time to time.

 

SECTION 10. RESERVATION OF NAME. The Investment Adviser shall at all times have all rights in and to the Portfolio’s name and all investment models used by or on behalf of the Portfolio. The Investment Adviser may use the Portfolio’s name or any portion thereof in connection with any other mutual fund or business activity without the consent of any shareholder and the Fund shall execute and deliver any and all documents required to indicate the consent of the Fund to such use. The Fund hereby agrees that in the event that neither the Investment Adviser nor any of its affiliates acts as investment adviser to the Portfolio, the name of the Portfolio will be changed to one that does not suggest an affiliation with the Investment Adviser.

 

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SECTION 11. COMPENSATION.

 

(a) For the services provided and the expenses assumed pursuant to this Agreement with respect to the Portfolio, the Fund will pay the Investment Adviser from the assets of the Portfolio and the Investment Adviser will accept as full compensation therefor a fee, computed daily and payable monthly, at the annual rate of 0.70% of the Portfolio’s average daily net assets. For any period less than a full month during which this Agreement is in effect, the fee shall be prorated according to the proportion which such period bears to a full month.

 

(b) The fee attributable to the Portfolio shall be satisfied only against the assets of the Portfolio and not against the assets of any other investment portfolio of the Fund. The Investment Adviser may from time to time agree not to impose all or a portion of its fee otherwise payable hereunder (in advance of the time such fee or portion thereof would otherwise accrue) and/or undertake to pay or reimburse the Portfolio for all or a portion of its expenses not otherwise required to be borne or reimbursed by the Investment Adviser.

 

SECTION 12. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. The Investment Adviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relates, 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 Investment Adviser in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard by it of its obligations and duties under this Agreement (“disabling conduct”). The Portfolio will indemnify the Investment Adviser against and hold it harmless from any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (including reasonable counsel fees and expenses) resulting from any claim, demand, action or suit not resulting from disabling conduct by the Investment Adviser. Indemnification shall be made only following: (i) a final decision on the merits by a court or other body before whom the proceeding was brought that the Investment Adviser was not liable by reason of disabling conduct or (ii) in the absence of such a decision, a reasonable determination, based upon a review of the facts, that the Investment Adviser was not liable by reason of disabling conduct by (a) the vote of a majority of a quorum of directors of the Portfolio who are neither "interested persons" of the Fund nor parties to the proceeding ("disinterested non-party directors") or (b) an independent legal counsel in a written opinion. The Investment Adviser shall be entitled to advances from the Portfolio for payment of the reasonable expenses incurred by it in connection with the matter as to which it is seeking indemnification in the manner and to the fullest extent permissible under the Maryland General Corporation Law. The Investment Adviser shall provide to the Portfolio a written affirmation of its good faith belief that the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the Portfolio has been met and a written undertaking to repay any such advance if it should ultimately be determined that the standard of conduct has not been met. In addition, at least one of the following additional conditions shall be met: (a) the Investment Adviser shall provide a security in form and amount acceptable to the Portfolio for its undertaking; (b) the Portfolio is insured against losses arising by reason of the advance; or (c) a majority of a quorum of disinterested non-party directors, or independent legal counsel, in a written opinion, shall have determined, based upon a review of facts readily available to the Portfolio at the time the advance is proposed to be made, that there is reason to believe that the Investment Adviser will ultimately be found to be entitled to indemnification. Any amounts payable by the Portfolio under this Section shall be satisfied only against the assets of the Portfolio and not against the assets of any other investment portfolio of the Fund.

 

- 6 -

 

The limitations on liability and indemnification provisions of this Section 12 shall not be applicable to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses arising from the Investment Adviser's rights to the Portfolio’s name. The Investment Adviser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Fund and the Portfolio for any claims arising from the use of the term “Summit Global Investments” in the name of the Portfolio.

 

SECTION 13. DURATION AND TERMINATION. This Agreement shall become effective with respect to the Portfolio as of the date first above written and, unless sooner terminated as provided herein, shall continue with respect to the Portfolio until August 16, 2017. Thereafter, if not terminated, this Agreement shall continue with respect to the Portfolio for successive annual periods ending on August 16, provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (a) by the vote of a majority of those members of the Board of Directors of the Fund who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, and (b) by the Board of Directors of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio; provided, however, that this Agreement may be terminated with respect to the Portfolio by the Fund at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by the Board of Directors of the Fund or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio, on 60 days' prior written notice to the Investment Adviser, or by the Investment Adviser at any time, without payment of any penalty, on 60 days' prior written notice to the Fund. This Agreement will immediately terminate in the event of its assignment. (As used in this Agreement, the terms "majority of the outstanding voting securities," "interested person" and "assignment" shall have the same meaning as such terms have in the 1940 Act).

 

SECTION 14. AMENDMENT OF THIS AGREEMENT. No provision of this Agreement may be changed, discharged or terminated orally, except by an instrument in writing signed by the party against which enforcement of the change, discharge or termination is sought, and, unless otherwise permitted by the 1940 Act, no amendment of this Agreement affecting the Portfolio shall be effective until approved by vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio.

 

SECTION 15. MISCELLANEOUS. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors.

 

SECTION 16. NOTICE. All notices hereunder shall be given in writing and delivered by hand, national overnight courier, facsimile (provided written confirmation of receipt is obtained and said notice is sent via first class mail on the next business day) or mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested, as follows:

 

- 7 -

 

If to the Fund:

 

The RBB Fund, Inc

c/o US Bancorp Fund Services

615 E. Michigan Street.

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Attention: Salvatore Faia

Fax:

 

If to the Investment Adviser:

 

Summit Global Investments

189 North, Hwy 89, Suite 144

North Salt Lake, Utah 84054

Attention: [_____________________]

Fax: [_____________________]

 

The effective date of any notice shall be (i) the date such notice is sent if such delivery is effected by hand or facsimile, (ii) one business day after the date such notice is sent if such delivery is effected by national overnight courier; or (iii) the fifth (5 th ) Business Day after the date of mailing thereof.

 

SECTION 17. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof.

 

SECTION 18. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

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.

 

  SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS, LLC  
       
  By:    
  Name: Salvatore Faia  
  Title: President  

 

  THE RBB FUND, INC.  
       
  By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    

 

- 8 -

December 28, 2017

 

Salvatore Faia

President

The RBB Fund, Inc.

615 E Michigan St

Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Re: The RBB Fund, Inc. - Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund (the “Fund”)

 

Dear Mr. Faia:

 

By our execution of this letter agreement (the “Agreement”), intending to be legally bound hereby and effective as of the date noted above, Summit Global Investments, LLC (“Summit”) agrees that in order to maintain the established expense ratio of the Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund (the "Fund") of The RBB Fund, Inc., Summit shall, until further notice, but in no event terminating before December 31, 2018, waive all or a portion of its investment advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest, taxes and any other items as agreed upon by both parties from time to time) in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the Fund’s total annual fund operating expenses for each of its Class I, Class A, and Class C Shares (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest, taxes and any other items as agreed upon by both parties from time to time) exceeds a total annual fund operating expense ratio (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest, taxes and any other items as agreed upon by both parties from time to time) of:

 

0.84% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Class I Shares;

 

1.09% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Class A Shares; and

 

1.84% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Class C Shares.

 

If at any time the total annual fund operating expenses of the Fund for a year are less than 0.84% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Class I Shares, less than 1.09% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Class A Shares or less than 1.84% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Class C Shares, Summit shall be entitled to reimbursement by the Fund, in whole or in part as provided below, of the investment advisory fees waived or reduced and other payments remitted by Summit to the Fund pursuant to this Agreement within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made by Summit if such reimbursement by the Fund does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. The total amount of reimbursement to which Summit may be entitled (the “Reimbursement Amount”) shall equal, at any time, the sum of all investment advisory fees previously waived or reduced by Summit and all other payments remitted by Summit to the Fund, pursuant to this Agreement, less any reimbursement previously paid by the Fund to Summit, 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.

 

 

  SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS, LLC  
       
  By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    

 

Your signature below acknowledges

acceptance of this Agreement:

 

By:    
  Salvatore Faia  
  President  
  The RBB Fund, Inc.  

September 19, 2017

 

Salvatore Faia

President

The RBB Fund, Inc.

615 E Michigan St

Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Re: The RBB Fund, Inc. - Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund (the “Fund”)

 

Dear Mr. Faia:

 

By our execution of this letter agreement (the “Agreement”), intending to be legally bound hereby and effective as of the date noted above, Summit Global Investments, LLC (“Summit”) agrees that in order to maintain the established expense ratio of the Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund (the "Fund"), of The RBB Fund, Inc., Summit shall, until further notice, but in no event terminating before December 31, 2018, waive all or a portion of its investment advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest, taxes and any other items as agreed upon by both parties from time to time) in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the Fund’s total annual fund operating expenses for each of its Class I, Class C and Retail Class Shares (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest, taxes and any other items as agreed upon by both parties from time to time) exceeds a total annual fund operating expense ratio (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest, taxes and any other items as agreed upon by both parties from time to time) of:

 

1.23% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Class I Shares;
2.23% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Class C Shares; and
1.48% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Retail Class Shares.

Effective January 1, 2013, if at any time the total annual fund operating expenses of the Fund for a year are less than 1.23% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Class I Shares, less than 2.23% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Class C Shares or less than 1.48% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Retail Class Shares, Summit shall be entitled to reimbursement by the Fund, in whole or in part as provided below, of the investment advisory fees waived or reduced and other payments remitted by Summit to the Fund pursuant to this Agreement within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made by Summit if such reimbursement by the Fund does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. The total amount of reimbursement to which Summit may be entitled (the “Reimbursement Amount”) shall equal, at any time, the sum of all investment advisory fees previously waived or reduced by Summit and all other payments remitted by Summit to the Fund, pursuant to this Agreement, less any reimbursement previously paid by the Fund to Summit, 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.

 

 

  SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS, LLC  
       
  By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    

 

Your signature below acknowledges

acceptance of this Agreement:

 

By:    
  Salvatore Faia  
  President  
  The RBB Fund, Inc.  

September 19, 2017

 

Salvatore Faia

President

The RBB Fund, Inc.

615 E Michigan St

Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Re: The RBB Fund, Inc. - Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”)

 

Dear Mr. Faia:

 

By our execution of this letter agreement (this “Agreement”), Bogle Investment Management, L.P. (the “Adviser”) agrees that in order to improve the performance of the Fund, the Adviser shall, from January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018, waive all or a portion of its investment advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes) in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the Fund's total operating expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes) exceed a total operating expense ratio (other than brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes) of 1.25% of the Institutional Class of the Fund's average daily net assets.

 

The Adviser acknowledges that (1) it shall not be entitled to collect on or make a claim for waived fees at any time in the future, and (2) it shall not be entitled to collect on or make a claim for reimbursed Fund expenses at any time in the future.

 

  BOGLE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, L.P.  
       
  By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    

 

Your signature below acknowledges

acceptance of this Agreement:

 

By:    
  Salvatore Faia  
  President  
  The RBB Fund, Inc.  

September 19, 2017

 

Salvatore Faia

President

The RBB Fund, Inc.

615 E Michigan St

Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Re: The RBB Fund, Inc. - Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Fund and Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund (each, a “Fund”)

 

Dear Mr. Faia:

 

By our execution of this letter agreement (this “Agreement”), Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC (the “Adviser”) agrees that in order to improve the performance of each Fund, the Adviser shall, from January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018, waive all or a portion of its investment advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes) in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which a Fund's total operating expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes) exceed a total operating expense ratio (other than brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes) of 1.25% of such Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

If at any time the total annual fund operating expenses of a Fund for a year are less than 1.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets, 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 the Fund pursuant to this Agreement within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made by the Adviser if such reimbursement by the Fund does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. The total amount of reimbursement to which the Adviser may be entitled (the “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 applicable Fund, pursuant to this Agreement, less any reimbursement previously paid by the Fund to the Adviser, with respect to such waivers, reductions, and payments. The Reimbursement Amount shall not include any additional charges or fees whatsoever, including, e.g., interest accruable on the Reimbursement Amount.

 

  CAMPBELL & COMPANY INVESTMENT ADVISER LLC  
       
  By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    

 

Your signature below acknowledges

acceptance of this Agreement:

 

By:    
  Salvatore Faia  
  President  
  The RBB Fund, Inc.  

September 19, 2017

 

Salvatore Faia

President

The RBB Fund, Inc.

615 E Michigan St

Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Re: The RBB Fund, Inc. - Matson Money, Inc., Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio, and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio (the “Portfolios”)

 

Dear Mr. Faia:

 

By our execution of this letter agreement (this “Agreement”), intending to be legally bound hereby, Matson Money, Inc. (the “Adviser”) agrees that in order to maintain the established expense ratios of the Portfolios of The RBB Fund, Inc., the Adviser shall, until further notice, but in no event terminating before December 31, 2018, waive all or a portion of its investment advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses (other than brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes) in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which each Portfolio’s total operating expenses (other than brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes) exceed a total operating expense ratio (other than brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes) of 1.13%, 1.35%, and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Matson Money, Inc. Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio, and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio, respectively.

 

The Adviser acknowledges that (1) it shall not be entitled to collect on or make a claim for waived fees at any time in the future, and (2) it shall not be entitled to collect on or make a claim for reimbursed Portfolio expenses at any time in the future.

 

  MATSON MONEY, INC.  
       
  By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    

 

Your signature below acknowledges

acceptance of this Agreement:

 

By:    
  Salvatore Faia  
  President  
  The RBB Fund, Inc.  

EXPENSE LIMITATION AND REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT

 

AGREEMENT made as of the 19th day of September, 2017, by and between The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”), on behalf of the Motley Fool Independence Fund, Motley Fool Great America Fund and Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund (each a “Fund” and together, the “Funds”), and Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC (the “Adviser”).

 

WHEREAS, the Company is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”); and

 

WHEREAS, the Adviser is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and has been retained by the Company to serve as the investment adviser of the Funds pursuant to an investment advisory agreement dated as of December 21, 2016; and

 

WHEREAS, each Fund operated as a series (the “Predecessor Funds”) of The Motley Fools Funds Trust (the “Trust”) prior to the close of business on December 21, 2016; and

 

WHEREAS, the Adviser had been retained by the Trust to serve as the investment adviser of the Predecessor Funds pursuant to an investment advisory agreement dated as of June 15, 2009, and amended and restated as of June 17, 2014; and

 

WHEREAS, the Trust and the Adviser previously have entered into an amended and restated expense limitation and reimbursement agreement dated June 17, 2014 with respect to the Predecessor Funds (the “Prior Agreement”);

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1.       The Adviser agrees to pay, waive or absorb the Operating Expenses (defined below) of each Fund (including any fees or expense reimbursements payable to the Adviser or any affiliate of the Adviser pursuant to this Agreement or any other agreement) as may be necessary to maintain the annual rate of Operating Expenses of each Fund at the expense limit set forth in Schedule A to this Agreement based on the Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Expense Limitation”).  For purposes of this Agreement, Operating Expenses means the ordinary operating expenses of each Fund, excluding interest expense, brokerage commissions, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses of the Fund.

 

2.        The Company, on behalf of each Fund, agrees to carry forward for a period not to exceed three (3) years from the date such expense is paid, waived or absorbed by the Adviser, and to reimburse the Adviser out of assets belonging to the Fund for, any Operating Expenses of the Fund in excess of the Expense Limitation that are paid or assumed by the Adviser pursuant to this Agreement.  Such reimbursement will be made as promptly as possible, and to the maximum extent permissible, without causing Operating Expenses of the Fund for any year to exceed the Expense Limitation.

 

3.        In addition, the Company and the Adviser hereto agree that, notwithstanding the termination of the Prior Agreement, the Adviser’s right to recover fees and expenses thereunder out of assets belonging to a particular Predecessor Fund survive termination of such Prior Agreement and such amounts recoverable by the Adviser in accordance with the terms thereof are hereby assumed by the respective successor Fund. A Fund is not obligated to pay any such waived or absorbed fees or expenses under the Prior Agreement more than three (3) years after the date on which the fee or expense was waived or absorbed by its Predecessor Fund under the Prior Agreement.

 

 

4.        This Agreement shall become effective on the date hereof and shall remain in effect for each Fund through the initial term month end date specified in Schedule A; provided , however , that the Adviser and the Company may continue the effectiveness of this Agreement for such additional period or periods as may be agreed to by the Adviser and the Company.  However, this Agreement shall also terminate automatically for a Fund in the event that neither the Adviser nor any affiliate of the Adviser continues to serve as investment adviser of that Fund.  Upon the termination of this Agreement, the affected Fund(s) shall have no further obligation to reimburse the Adviser for any amounts pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 2 of this Agreement which have not been reimbursed on or before the date of termination of this Agreement, except that the Fund(s) shall be obligated to reimburse, and shall promptly make reimbursement of, the full amount of all such expenses that remain subject to reimbursement and have not been reimbursed as of the date of termination of this Agreement in the event that this Agreement terminates due to the failure of the Company to approve or renew an investment advisory agreement with the Adviser or an affiliate of the Adviser.

 

5.        This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of Delaware and the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act.  To the extent the applicable law of Delaware, or any of the provisions herein, conflict with the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control.

 

6.        This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the matters described herein.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this Agreement on the day and year first above written.

 

THE RBB FUND, INC.  
   
By:    
  Salvatore Faia  
  President  

 

MOTLEY FOOL ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC  
   
By:    
  [Name]  
  [Title]  

 

2

 

  SCHEDULE A

DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 19, 2017

TO THE

EXPENSE LIMITATION AND

 REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT

DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 19, 2017

 

Fund Class Expense
Limitation
Initial Term
Month End Date
Motley Fool Independence Fund Investor Shares 1.15% December 2018
Motley Fool Independence Fund Institutional Shares 0.95% December 2018
Motley Fool Great America Fund Investor Shares 1.15% December 2018
Motley Fool Great America Fund Institutional Shares 0.95% December 2018
Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund Investor Shares 1.15% December 2018

 

3

 

 

AMENDMENT TO TRADING ADVISORY AGREEMENT

 

THIS AMENDMENT is made on the ______ day of ______ by and between:

 

1. Aspect Capital Limited with its registered office at 10 Portman Square, London W1H 6AZ, United Kingdom (the “ Trader ”);

 

2. Abbey Capital Offshore Fund Limited, an exempted company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund (as defined below) (the “ Subsidiary ”); and

 

3. Abbey Capital Limited, a company organized under the laws of Ireland with its principal office at 1-2 Cavendish Row, Dublin 1, Ireland (“ Abbey ”).

 

(together the “ Parties ”)

 

WHEREAS , Abbey has entered into an investment advisory agreement dated the 25 th day of June, 2014 with The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “ Fund ”), relating to the provision of investment advisory services to the Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund (the “ Investment Advisory Agreement ”);

 

WHEREAS, Abbey has also entered into an investment advisory agreement dated the 25th day of June, 2014 with the Subsidiary relating to the provision of investment advisory services to the Subsidiary;

 

WHEREAS , the Parties have entered into a Trading Advisory Agreement dated 9 th day of January, 2017 as amended from time to time, (the “ Trading Advisory Agreement ”) whereby the Trader was appointed to act as a commodity trading advisor to the Subsidiary with respect to that portion of the Subsidiary’s assets allocated from time to time by Abbey to the Trader;

 

WHEREAS , the Subsidiary and Abbey entered into a Supplemental Trading Agreement dated 9 th day of January, 2017 (as amended from time to time) (together with the Trading Advisory Agreement, the “ Existing Agreement ”); and

 

WHEREAS , the Parties now wish to amend Appendix A of the Trading Advisory Agreement as set out in this amendment agreement (the “ Amendment ”).

 

NOW THEREFORE IT IS HEREBY AGREED AS FOLLOWS :

 

1. Appendix A of the Trading Advisory Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with Appendix A attached hereto:

 

2. Except where the context otherwise requires, terms and expressions described in this Amendment shall bear the same meaning as those given to them in the Existing Agreement.

 

3. This Amendment is subject to and shall be construed and enforced with the laws applicable to the Existing Agreement and the jurisdiction provisions of the Existing Agreement shall apply equally to this Amendment.

 

 

4. This Amendment may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. The Parties agree that this Amendment may be exchanged by electronic means and that any portable document format (pdf) file, facsimile or other reproduction of its signature on any counterpart of this Amendment shall be equal to and enforceable and shall have the same binding force and effect as its original signature.

 

5. Except as expressly amended by the Amendment, the Parties hereby confirm that in all other respects the Existing Agreement and the rights and obligations therein remain in full force and effect.

 

6. This Amendment shall be deemed effective as at the close of business on the day of                .

 

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank – signature page to follow]

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Parties hereto have caused the Amendment to be duly executed.

 

For and on behalf of

Aspect Capital Limited

 

Signed:    
     
Name:    
     
Title:    
     
Date:  

 

For and on behalf of

Abbey Capital Offshore Fund Limited

 

Signed:    
     
Name:    
     
Title:    
     
Date:  

 

For and on behalf of

Abbey Capital Limited

 

Signed:    
     
Name:    
     
Title:    
     
Date:    

 

 

Appendix A

 

Trading Fees

 

All defined terms shall have the meaning prescribed in the Supplemental Trading Agreement

 

In consideration of, and as compensation for, all of the services to be rendered by the Trader to the Subsidiary, subject to receipt by the Adviser of the relevant management fee from the Fund the Adviser shall pay the Trader from the management fee the Adviser receives from the Fund (i) a monthly management fee equal to [ ] monthly equivalent to [ ] % annually of the Account Trading Size calculated daily and paid monthly in arrears (the “Management Fee”).

 

Invoices for Management Fees shall be addressed to the Fund c/o Trader. Invoices specifying the Fund will also be sent to the Subsidiary’s Administrator. Each Management Fee shall be paid within seven days of the close of the applicable calendar month to which the fee relates, provided such seven-day period may be extended to the extent the Subsidiary’s Administrator is not in receipt of the relevant invoice. In the event of the termination of this Agreement as of any date that is not the end of a calendar month, the Management Fee shall be pro- rated to the effective date of termination. Any Management Fee paid to the Trader shall be retained by the Trader despite net trading losses suffered in subsequent periods.

 

Neither the Trader nor any of its affiliates may receive any commission, compensation, remuneration or payment whatsoever from the Broker or any other broker with respect to the Managed Account, save for de minimis gifts or entertainment in accordance with the Trader’s gifts and entertainment policy.

 

September 19, 2017

 

Salvatore Faia

President

The RBB Fund, Inc.

615 E Michigan St

Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Re: The RBB Fund, Inc. - Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund (the "Fund")

 

Dear Mr. Faia:

 

By our execution of this letter agreement (this "Agreement"), Abbey Capital Limited (the "Adviser") agrees that in order to improve the performance of the Fund, the Adviser shall, from May 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018, waive all or a portion of its investment advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes) in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the Fund's total operating expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes) exceed a total operating expense ratio (other than brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes) of 1.79% of the Class I Shares average daily net assets, 2.04% of the Class A Shares average daily net assets, 2.04% of the Class T Shares average daily net assets, and 2.79% of the Class C Shares average daily net assets.

 

If at any time the total annual fund operating expenses for a year are less than 1.79% of the Class I Shares average daily net assets, 2.04% of the Class A Shares average daily net assets, 2.04% of the Class T Shares average daily net assets, or 2.79% of the Class C Shares average daily net assets, the Adviser shall be entitled to reimbursement by the 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 the Fund pursuant to this Agreement within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made by the Adviser if such reimbursement by the Fund does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. The total amount of reimbursement to which the Adviser may be entitled (the "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 this Agreement, less any reimbursement previously paid by the Fund to the Adviser, with respect to such waivers, reductions, and payments. The Reimbursement Amount shall not include any additional charges or fees whatsoever, including, e.g., interest accruable on the Reimbursement Amount.

 

  ABBEY CAPITAL LIMITED  
       
  By:    
  Name:    
  Title:    

 

Your signature below acknowledges

acceptance of this Agreement:

 

By:    
  Salvatore Faia  
  President  
  The RBB Fund, Inc.  

ABBEY CAPITAL

 

AMENDMENT TO DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

 

THIS AMENDMENT , dated as of the 11th day of July, 2017 to the Distribution Agreement dated June 30 th , 2016 (the “Agreement”), is entered into by and between The RBB Fund, Inc., a Maryland corporation (“Company”), and Quasar Distributors, LLC , a Delaware limited liability company (the “Distributor”). Abbey Capital Limited , an Irish limited company and an investment advisor to the Company (the “Advisor”), is a party hereto with respect to Section 3F. and 6 only .

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS , the parties previously entered into the Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS , the parties desire to amend the Agreement to provide (i) that a portion of the default sales charges and underwriter concessions received by the Distributor may be used to offset the compensation owed to the Distributor by the Trust and (ii) to amend and restate the fee schedule set forth as Exhibit B ; and

 

WHEREAS , Section 11 of the Agreement allows for its amendment by a written instrument executed by both parties.

 

NOW, THEREFORE , effective as of the date stated above, the parties agree as follows:

 

1.         Section 2 of the Agreement shall be amended to incorporate subsection (L) as set forth below:

 

L. The Distributor shall retain the underwriter concession on each sale of Fund shares, and the sales charge, as described in the Prospectus, not otherwise assigned to and received by a selling broker-dealer in accordance with an executed dealer agreement. The portion of such sales charges and the underwriter concessions received by the Distributor, as described in Exhibit B , will be used to offset the compensation owed to the Distributor for its services as described in Exhibit B of this Agreement.

 

2.       Exhibit B is hereby superseded and replaced with Amended Exhibit B attached hereto.

 

Except to the extent amended hereby, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed by a duly authorized officer on one or more counterparts as of the date first above written.

 

the rbb fund, inc.   quasar distributors, llc  
       
By: /s/ Salvatore Faia   By: /s/ James R. Schoenike  
Name: Title:

Salvatore Faia

President

    James R. Schoenike, President  
           

abbey capital limited (advisor)

(WITH RESPECT TO SECTIONS 3f. AND 6 ONLY)

       
           
By: /s/ Peter Carney        
Name:

Peter Carey

       
Title:

Authorized Signatory

       

 

By: /s/ Tony Gannon  
Name: Tony Gannon  
Title: Director  

 

2

 

Amended Exhibit B to the Distribution Agreement

Quasar Distributors, LLC Regulatory Distribution Services Fee Schedule at 4/10/2017

 

Regulatory Distribution Annual Services per Fund

 

Base fee of $[ ] per fund

 

Commissions or Underwriter Concessions

All Default Sales Charges and Underwriter Concessions on sales of Fund Shares (Underwriter Concessions) payable to Quasar.

 

Distribution Service Fee to be offset by: 1) Default Sales Charges and 2) Underwriter Concessions.

If excess concession funds remain after the offset of Quasar’s distribution service fee, Quasar will make the balance available for use by the Fund for pre-approved marketing expenses only at a rate of [ ]% of the remaining balance. The remaining [ ]% will be retained by Quasar to offset Quasar expenses.

 

Standard Advertising Compliance Review

$[ ] per communication piece for the first [ ] pages (minutes if audio or video); $[ ] per page (minute if audio or video) thereafter.
$[ ] FINRA filing fee per communication piece for the first [ ] pages (minutes if audio or video); $[ ] per page (minute if audio or video) thereafter. FINRA filing fee subject to change. (FINRA filing fee may not apply to all communication pieces.)

 

Expedited Advertising Compliance Review

$[ ] for the first [ ] pages (minutes if audio or video); $[ ] per page (minute if audio or video) thereafter, 24 hour initial turnaround.
$[ ] FINRA filing fee per communication piece for the first [ ] pages (minutes if audio or video); $[ ] per page (minute if audio or video) thereafter. FINRA filing fee subject to change. (FINRA filing fee may not apply to all communication pieces.)

 

Licensing of Investment Advisor’s Staff

$[ ] per year per registered representative
Quasar sponsors the following licenses: Series 6, 7, 24, 26, 27, 63, 66
$[ ] per FINRA designated branch location
All associated FINRA and state fees for registered representatives, including license and renewal fees

 

Fund Fact Sheets

Design – $[ ] per fact sheet, includes first production
Production – $[ ] per fact sheet per each production period
All printing costs are Miscellaneous expenses in addition to the design and production fees
Web sites, third-party data provider costs, brochures, and other sales support materials – Project priced via Quasar proposal

 

Miscellaneous Expenses

Reasonable Miscellaneous expenses incurred by the Distributor in connection with activities primarily intended to result in the sale of shares, including, but not limited to:

 

Typesetting, printing and distribution of prospectuses and shareholder reports
Production, printing, distribution, and placement of advertising, sales literature, and materials
Engagement of designers, free-lance writers, and public relations firms
Postage, overnight delivery charges
FINRA registration fees other costs to fulfill regulatory requirements
Record retention (Including RR email correspondence if applicable)
Travel, lodging, and meals

 

Fees are calculated pro rata and billed monthly.

 

3

 

AMENDMENT TO THE

CUSTODY AGREEMENT

 

THIS AMENDMENT, effective as of ___, 2017, to the Custody Agreement dated as of June 30, 2016, as amended (the “Agreement”), is entered into by and between THE RBB FUND, INC., a Maryland corporation, (the “Company”) and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America (the “Custodian”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, the parties have entered into the Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, the Company and the Custodian desire to amend the series of the Company to add new Funds; and

 

WHEREAS, Article XV, Section 15.02 of the Agreement provides that the Agreement may be amended by written agreement executed by both parties, and authorized or approved by the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree to amend the Agreement by adding Exhibit O attached hereto for the purposes of adding the following series to the Agreement:

 

Motley Fool Independence Fund

Motley Fool Great America Fund

Motley Fool Emerging Market Fund

 

Except to the extent amended hereby, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed by a duly authorized officer on one or more counterparts as of the date and year first written above.

 

THE RBB Fund, Inc.   U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION  
           
By:     By:    
           
Printed Name: Salvatore Faia   Printed Name: Michael L. Ceccato  
         
Title: President   Title: Vice President  

 

 

Exhibit O to the Custody Agreement – The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

Fund Name

Motley Fool Independence Fund

Motley Fool Great America Fund

Motley Fool Emerging Market Fund

AMENDMENT TO THE

FUND ACCOUNTING SERVICING AGREEMENT

 

THIS AMENDMENT, effective as of _____, 2017, to the Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2016, as amended (the “Agreement”), is entered into by and between THE RBB FUND, INC., a Maryland corporation, (the “Company”) and U.S. BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC, a Wisconsin limited liability company (“USBFS”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, the parties have entered into the Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, the Company and USBFS desire to amend the series of the Company to add a new Fund; and

 

WHEREAS, Section 13 of the Agreement provides that the Agreement may be amended by written agreement executed by both parties, and authorized or approved by the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree to amend the Agreement by adding Exhibit L attached hereto for the purposes of adding the following series of The RBB Fund, Inc. to the Agreement:

 

Motley Fool Independence Fund

Motley Fool Great America Fund

Motley Fool Emerging Market Fund

 

Except to the extent amended hereby, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed by a duly authorized officer on one or more counterparts as of the date and year first written above.

 

THE RBB Fund, Inc.   U.S. BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC  
           
By:     By:    
           
Printed Name: Salvatore Faia   Printed Name: Michael L. Ceccato  
           
Title: President   Title: Senior Vice President  

 

 

Exhibit L to the Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement – The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

Fund Names (Exhibit I-1 fee schedule applies)

Motley Fool Independence Fund

Motley Fool Great America Fund

Motley Fool Emerging Market Fund

AMENDMENT TO THE

FUND ADMINISTRATION SERVICING AGREEMENT

 

THIS AMENDMENT, effective as of _____, 2017, to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2016, as amended (the “Agreement”), is entered into by and between THE RBB FUND, INC., a Maryland corporation, (the “Company”) and U.S. BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC, a Wisconsin limited liability company (“USBFS”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, the parties have entered into the Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, the Company and USBFS desire to amend the series of the Company to add a new Fund; and

 

WHEREAS, Section 11 of the Agreement provides that the Agreement may be amended by written agreement executed by both parties, and authorized or approved by the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree to amend the Agreement by adding Exhibit M attached hereto for the purposes of adding the following series of The RBB Fund, Inc. to the Agreement:

 

Motley Fool Independence Fund

Motley Fool Great America Fund

Motley Fool Emerging Market Fund

 

Except to the extent amended hereby, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed by a duly authorized officer on one or more counterparts as of the date and year first written above.

 

THE RBB Fund, Inc.   U.S. BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC  
           
By:     By:    
           
Printed Name: Salvatore Faia   Printed Name: Michael L. Ceccato  
           
Title: President   Title: Senior Vice President  

 

 

Exhibit M to the Fund Administration Servicing Agreement – The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

Fund Name (Exhibit J-1 fee schedule applies)

 

Motley Fool Independence Fund

Motley Fool Great America Fund

Motley Fool Emerging Market Fund

AMENDMENT TO THE

TRANSFER AGENT SERVICING AGREEMENT

 

THIS AMENDMENT, effective as of __, 2017, to the Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2016, as amended (the “Agreement”), is entered into by and between THE RBB FUND, INC., a Maryland corporation, (the “Company”) and U.S. BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC, a Wisconsin limited liability company (“USBFS”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, the parties have entered into the Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, the Company and USBFS desire to amend the series of the Company to add a new Fund; and

 

WHEREAS, Section 13 of the Agreement provides that the Agreement may be amended by written agreement executed by both parties, and authorized or approved by the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree to amend the Agreement by adding Exhibit N

attached hereto for the purposes of adding the following series of The RBB Fund, Inc. to the Agreement:

 

Motley Fool Independence Fund

Motley Fool Great America Fund

Motley Fool Emerging Market Fund

 

Except to the extent amended hereby, the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed by a duly authorized officer on one or more counterparts as of the date and year first written above.

 

THE RBB Fund, Inc.   U.S. BANCORP FUND SERVICES, LLC  
           
By:     By:    
           
Printed Name: Salvatore Faia   Printed Name: Michael L. Ceccato  
           
Title: President   Title: Senior Vice President  

   

 

Exhibit N to the Transfer Agent Servicing Agreement – The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

Fund Name

Motley Fool Independence Fund

Motley Fool Great America Fund

Motley Fool Emerging Market Fund

 Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP

One Logan Square

Suite 2000

Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

Telephone: (215) 988-2700

 

December 28, 2017

The RBB Fund, Inc.

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Re: Shares Registered by Post-Effective Amendment No. 232 to

Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 33-20827)

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

We have acted as counsel to The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) in connection with the preparation and filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Post-Effective Amendment No. 232 (the “Amendment”) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Board of Directors of the Company has authorized the issuance and sale by the Company of the following classes and numbers of shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share (collectively, the “Shares”), with respect to the Company’s Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund, Adara Smaller Companies Fund (formerly, Altair Smaller Companies Fund), Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund, Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund, Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund, Boston Partners Global Equity Fund, Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II, Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund, WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund, Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund, Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Fund, Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund, Free Market Fixed Income Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund, Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Schneider Small Cap Value Fund, Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund, Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund, Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund, Orinda Income Opportunities Fund, Motley Fool Global Opportunities Fund (formerly, Motley Fool Independence Fund), Motley Fool Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund (formerly, Motley Fool Great America Fund) and Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund:

 

  PORTFOLIO CLASS AUTHORIZED SHARES
Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

RRRRR

SSSSS

TTTTT

NNNNNN

100 million

100 million

100 million

100 million

 

 

December 28, 2017

Page 2

 

  PORTFOLIO CLASS AUTHORIZED SHARES
Adara Smaller Companies Fund UUUUU 100 million

Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund

NNN

OOO

100 million

100 million

Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund

VV

WW

100 million

100 million

Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund WWWWW 100 million
Boston Partners Global Equity Fund

CCCCC

DDDDD

100 million

100 million

Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund

JJJJJ

KKKKK

100 million

100 million

Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund

III

JJJ

100 million

100 million

Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund

AAAAA

BBBBB

100 million

750 million

Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II

DDD

EEE

100 million

100 million

Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund SSSSSS 100 million
WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund UUU 50 million
Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund VVVVV 100 million
Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Fund YYYYY 100 million
Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund

OOOOOO

PPPPPP

QQQQQQ

RRRRRR

100 million

100 million

100 million

100 million

 

 

December 28, 2017

Page 3

 

  PORTFOLIO CLASS AUTHORIZED SHARES
Free Market Fixed Income Fund DDDD 300 million
Free Market International Equity Fund CCCC 300 million
Free Market U.S. Equity Fund BBBB 300 million
Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio NNNNN 100 million
Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio MMMMM 100 million
Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio LLLLL 100 million
Schneider Small Cap Value Fund YY 100 million
Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund

OOOOO

PPPPP

QQQQQ

100 million

100 million

100 million

Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Fund

AAAAAA

BBBBBB

CCCCCC

100 million

100 million

100 million

Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund

GGGGG

HHHHH

ZZZZZ

100 million

100 million

100 million

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

KKKKKK

LLLLLL

MMMMMM

100 million

100 million

100 million

Motley Fool Global Opportunities Fund

EEEEEE

FFFFFF

100 million

100 million

Motley Fool Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund

GGGGGG

HHHHHH

100 million

100 million

Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund

IIIIII

JJJJJJ

100 million

100 million

 

 

December 28, 2017

Page 4

 

The Amendment seeks to register an indefinite number of the Shares.

 

We have reviewed the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, ByLaws, resolutions of its Board of Directors, and such other legal and factual matters as we have deemed appropriate. This opinion is based exclusively on the Maryland General Corporation Law and the federal law of the United States of America.

 

Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that the Shares, when issued for payment as described in the Company’s Prospectuses offering the Shares and in accordance with the Company’s Articles of Incorporation for not less than $0.001 per share, will be legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable by the Company.

 

We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Amendment to the Company’s Registration Statement.

 

  Very truly yours,  
     
  /s/ Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP  
  Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP  

 

CONSENT OF COUNSEL

 

We hereby consent to the use of our name and to the reference to our Firm under the caption “Legal Counsel” in the Motley Fool Funds’ Prospectus and under the caption “Counsel” in all the Statements of Additional Information that are included in Post-Effective Amendment No. 232 to the Registration Statement (No. 33-20827; 811-5518) on Form N-1A of The RBB Fund, Inc., under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, respectively. This consent does not constitute a consent under section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, and in consenting to the use of our name and the references to our Firm under such caption we have not certified any part of the Registration Statement and do not otherwise come within the categories of persons whose consent is required under said section 7 or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.

 

  /s/ Drinker Biddle  & Reath LLP  
  DRINKER BIDDLE & REATH LLP  

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

December 28, 2017

 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

We consent to the references to our firm under the captions “Financial Highlights” in the Prospectuses of the Boston Partners Investment Funds (Institutional Class and Investor Class), Summit Global Investments Funds (Class A (formerly Retail), I and C Shares), Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund (I, A and C Shares), Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund (Institutional Shares) and Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Fund (Institutional Shares) dated December 31, 2017, and “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” and “Financial Statements” in the Statements of Additional Information of the Boston Partners Investment Funds, Summit Global Investments Funds, Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund, Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund and Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Fund dated December 31, 2017, and to the incorporation by reference of our reports dated October 30, 2017 in the Registration Statement of The RBB Fund, Inc. (Form N-1A) (Post-Effective Amendment No. 232 to File No. 33-20827) with respect to the financial statements and financial highlights of Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II, Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund, WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund, Boston Partners Global Equity Fund, Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund, Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long Short Fund, Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund, Summit Global Investment Small Cap Low Volatility Fund, Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund, Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund and Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Fund (thirteen of the portfolios constituting The RBB Fund, Inc.) (the “Funds”), included in the Funds’ Annual Reports to shareholders for the year ended August 31, 2017.

 

  /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

December 22, 2017

 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 reports dated October 26, 2017, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights, which appear in Bogle Investment Management Small Cap Growth Fund, Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund, Free Market Fixed Income Fund, Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio, The Schneider Small Cap Value Fund, and the Adara Smaller Companies Fund (formerly, the Altair Smaller Companies Fund)(each constituting a separate series of the RBB Fund, Inc.) Annual Reports on Form N-CSR for the year ended August 31, 2017. We also consent to the references to us under the headings "Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm", "Financial Statements", "Financial Highlights", and “Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings” in such Registration Statement.

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

 

Philadelphia, PA

December 28, 2017

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

We consent to the references to our firm in the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of the The RBB Fund, Inc and to the use of our report dated October 27, 2017 on the financial statements and financial highlights of Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund, a series of shares of beneficial interest in The RBB Fund, Inc. Such financial statements and financial highlights appear in the August 31, 2017 Annual Report to Shareholders which is incorporated by reference into the Statement of Additional Information.

 

 
  BBD, LLP

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

December 28, 2017

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

We consent to the references to our firm in the Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of The RBB Fund, Inc. and to the use of our report dated October 27, 2017 on the financial statements and financial highlights of Orinda Income Opportunities Fund, Motley Fool Global Opportunities Fund (formerly Motley Fool Independence Fund), Motley Fool Small-Mid Cap Growth Fund (formerly Motley Fool Great America Fund), and Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund, each a series of The RBB Fund, Inc. Such financial statements and financial highlights appear in the 2017 Annual Report to Shareholders which is incorporated by reference into the Statement of Additional Information.

 

  /s/ TAIT, WELLER & BAKER LLP

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

December 28, 2017

 THE RBB FUND, INC.

 

DISTRIBUTION PLAN
for Class A Shares of the

Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund

 

WHEREAS, The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) is engaged in business as an open-end investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”); and

 

WHEREAS, the Directors of the Company have determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that the following Distribution Plan will benefit the Company and the holders of Class A Shares of the Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund (the “Fund”);

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the Directors of the Company hereby adopt this Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.

 

SECTION 1. The Company has adopted this Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) to enable the Company to directly or indirectly bear expenses relating to the distribution of Class A Shares of the Fund.

 

SECTION 2. The Company will pay the distributor of Class A Shares of the Fund a fee at the annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares. The distributor may retain all or part of this fee as compensation for distribution or shareholder services it provides or it may use such fees for compensation of broker/dealers and other financial institutions and intermediaries that provide distribution or shareholder services as specified by the distributor. The actual fee to be paid by the distributor to broker/dealers and financial institutions and intermediaries will be negotiated based on the extent and quality of services provided.

 

SECTION 3. This Plan shall not take effect until it has been approved (a) by a vote of at least a majority of the outstanding Class A Shares of the Fund; and (b) together with any related agreements, by votes of the majority of both (i) the Directors of the Company and (ii) the Qualified Directors (as defined herein), cast in person at a Board of Directors meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan or such agreement.

 

SECTION 4. This Plan shall continue in effect for a period of more than one year after it takes effect only for so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in the manner provided in Part (b) of Section 3 herein for the approval of this Plan.

 

SECTION 5. Any person authorized to direct the disposition of monies paid or payable by the Company pursuant to this Plan or any related agreement shall provide to the Directors of the Company, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts so expended and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.

 

SECTION 6. This Plan may be terminated at any time by the vote of a majority of the Qualified Directors or by vote of a majority of the outstanding Class A Shares of the Fund.

 

SECTION 7. All agreements with any person relating to implementation of this Plan shall be in writing, and any agreement related to this Plan shall provide (a) that such agreement may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, by the vote of a majority of the Qualified Directors or by vote of a majority of the outstanding Class A Shares of the Fund, on not more than 60 days written notice to any other party to the agreement; and (b) that such agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.

 

SECTION 8. This Plan may be amended in the manner provided in Part (b) of Section 3 herein for the approval of this Plan; provided, however, that the Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of distribution expenses permitted pursuant to Section 2 hereof without the approval of a majority of the outstanding Class A Shares of the Fund.

  

 

 

SECTION 9. While this Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination of those Directors who are not interested persons of the Company shall be committed to the discretion of the Directors then in office who are not interested persons of the Company.

 

SECTION 10. As used in this Plan, (a) the term “Qualified Directors” shall mean those Directors who are not interested persons of the Company, and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or any agreements related to it, and (b) the terms “assignment” and “interested person” shall have the respective meanings specified in the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, subject to such exemptions as may be granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

SECTION 11. This Plan shall not obligate the Company or any other party to enter into an agreement with any particular person.

 

Adopted: December 7, 2017

 

 THE RBB FUND, INC.

 

DISTRIBUTION PLAN
for Class C Shares of the

Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund

 

WHEREAS, The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”) is engaged in business as an open-end investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”); and

 

WHEREAS, the Directors of the Company have determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that the following Distribution Plan will benefit the Company and the holders of Class C Shares of the Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund (the “Fund”);

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the Directors of the Company hereby adopt this Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.

 

SECTION 1. The Company has adopted this Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) to enable the Company to directly or indirectly bear expenses relating to the distribution of Class C Shares of the Fund.

 

SECTION 2. The Company will pay the distributor of Class C Shares of the Fund a fee at the annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares. The distributor may retain all or part of this fee as compensation for distribution or shareholder services it provides or it may use such fees for compensation of broker/dealers and other financial institutions and intermediaries that provide distribution or shareholder services as specified by the distributor. The actual fee to be paid by the distributor to broker/dealers and financial institutions and intermediaries will be negotiated based on the extent and quality of services provided.

 

SECTION 3. This Plan shall not take effect until it has been approved (a) by a vote of at least a majority of the outstanding Class C Shares of the Fund; and (b) together with any related agreements, by votes of the majority of both (i) the Directors of the Company and (ii) the Qualified Directors (as defined herein), cast in person at a Board of Directors meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan or such agreement.

 

SECTION 4. This Plan shall continue in effect for a period of more than one year after it takes effect only for so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in the manner provided in Part (b) of Section 3 herein for the approval of this Plan.

 

SECTION 5. Any person authorized to direct the disposition of monies paid or payable by the Company pursuant to this Plan or any related agreement shall provide to the Directors of the Company, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts so expended and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.

 

SECTION 6. This Plan may be terminated at any time by the vote of a majority of the Qualified Directors or by vote of a majority of the outstanding Class C Shares of the Fund.

 

SECTION 7. All agreements with any person relating to implementation of this Plan shall be in writing, and any agreement related to this Plan shall provide (a) that such agreement may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, by the vote of a majority of the Qualified Directors or by vote of a majority of the outstanding Class C Shares of the Fund, on not more than 60 days written notice to any other party to the agreement; and (b) that such agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.

 

SECTION 8. This Plan may be amended in the manner provided in Part (b) of Section 3 herein for the approval of this Plan; provided, however, that the Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of distribution expenses permitted pursuant to Section 2 hereof without the approval of a majority of the outstanding Class C Shares of the Fund.

  

 

 

SECTION 9. While this Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination of those Directors who are not interested persons of the Company shall be committed to the discretion of the Directors then in office who are not interested persons of the Company.

 

SECTION 10. As used in this Plan, (a) the term “Qualified Directors” shall mean those Directors who are not interested persons of the Company, and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or any agreements related to it, and (b) the terms “assignment” and “interested person” shall have the respective meanings specified in the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, subject to such exemptions as may be granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

SECTION 11. This Plan shall not obligate the Company or any other party to enter into an agreement with any particular person.

 

Adopted: December 7, 2017

 

 AMENDED RULE 18f-3 PLAN

 

1.          A portfolio of the RBB Fund, Inc. ("Portfolio") may issue more than one class of voting stock ("Class"), provided that:

 

(a)        Each such Class:

 

(1)        (i) Shall have a different arrangement for shareholder services or the distribution of securities or both, and shall pay all of the expenses of that arrangement; and

 

(ii) May pay a different share of other expenses, not including advisory or custodial fees or other expenses related to the management of the Portfolio's assets, if those expenses are actually incurred in a different amount by that Class, or if the Class receives services of a different kind or to a different degree than other Classes;

 

(2)       Shall have exclusive voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders that relates solely to its arrangement;

 

(3)       Shall have separate voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders in which the interests of one Class differ from the interests of any other Class; and

 

(4)       Shall have in all other respects the same rights and obligations as each other class.

 

(b)        Expenses may be waived or reimbursed by the Portfolio's adviser, underwriter, or any other provider of services to the Portfolio.

 

(c)        (1)        Any payments made under paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this Amended Rule 18f-3 Plan (the “Plan”) shall conform to Appendix A to this Plan, as such Appendix A shall be amended from time to time by the Board.

 

(2)       Before any vote on the Plan or Appendix A, the Directors shall be provided, and any agreement relating to a Class arrangement shall require the parties thereto to furnish, such information as may be reasonably necessary to evaluate the Plan.

 

(3)       The provisions of the Plan in Appendix A are severable for each Class, and whenever any action is to be taken with respect to the Plan in Appendix A, that action will be taken separately for each Class.

 

(d)        A Portfolio may offer a Class with an exchange privilege providing that securities of the Class may be exchanged for certain securities of another Portfolio or another Class of the same Portfolio. Such exchange privileges are summarized in Appendix B, as may be modified by the Board from time to time, and are set forth in greater detail in the prospectuses of each of the Classes.

 

 

Appendix A

 

RBB FUND

Current Distribution Fee Levels

As of May 17, 2017

 

Adviser / Series   Class   Class Designation 12b-1 Plan Non 12b-1 Front-End
Sales Charge
Bogle Investment Management L.P.              

Small Cap Growth Fund

  Institutional Class   NNN No No No
               
Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc.              
Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund  

Investor Class

Institutional Class

 

JJJ

III

0.25%

No

No

No

No

No

Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II  

Investor Class

Institutional Class

 

EEE

DDD

0.25%

No

No

No

No

No

Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund  

Investor Class

Institutional Class

 

WW

VV

0.25%

No

No

No

No

No

WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund   Institutional Class   UUU No 0.25% No
Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund  

Investor Class

Institutional Class

 

AAAAA

BBBBB

0.25%

No

No

No

No

No

Boston Partners Global Equity Fund  

Investor Class

Institutional Class

 

CCCCC

DDDDD

0.25%

No

No

No

No

No

Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund  

Investor Class

Institutional Class

  JJJJJ   
KKKKK

0.25%

No

No

No

No

No

Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund   Institutional Class   WWWWW No No No
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund   Institutional Class   SSSSSS No No No
               
Schneider Capital Management              
Schneider Small Cap Value Fund   1 Class   YY No No No
               
Matson Money, Inc.              
Free Market U.S. Equity Fund   1 Class   BBBB No No No
Free Market International Equity Fund   1 Class   CCCC No No No
Free Market Fixed Income Fund   1 Class   DDDD No No No
Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio   1 Class   LLLLL No No No
Matson Money International Equity Portfolio   1 Class   MMMMM No No No
Matson  Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio   1 Class   NNNNN No No No

 

2

 

Adviser / Series   Class   Class Designation 12b-1 Plan Non 12b-1 Front-End
Sales Charge

Summit Global Investments LLC              
Summit Global Investments U.S. Low Volatility Equity Fund  

Class A

Class I

 

GGGGG

HHHHH

0.25%

No

No

No

5.25%

No

    Class C   ZZZZZ 1.00% No No
               
Summit Global Investments Small Cap Low Volatility Equity Fund  

Class A

Class I

 

AAAAAA

BBBBBB

0.25%

No

No

No

5.25%

No

    Class C   CCCCCC 1.00% No No
               
Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund   Class I   OOOOO No No

 

No

    Class A   PPPPP 0.25% No 5.25%
    Class C   QQQQQ 1.00% No No
               
Abbey Capital Limited              
Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund   Class A   RRRRR 0.25% No 5.75%
    Class C   SSSSS 1.00% No No
   

Class I

Class T

 

TTTTT

NNNNNN

No

0.25%

No

No

No

2.50%

               
Altair Advisers LLC              
Altair Smaller Companies Fund   1 Class   UUUUU No No No
               
Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC              
Campbell Dynamic Trend Fund   Institutional   VVVVV No No No
Campbell Multi-Asset Carry Fund   Institutional   YYYYY No No No
Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund   Class UI   OOOOOO No No No
    Class I   PPPPPP No No No
    Class N   QQQQQQ 0.25% No No
    Class T   RRRRRR 0.25% No 2.50%
               
Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC              
Motley Fool Independence Fund   Investor   EEEEEE No No No
    Institutional   FFFFFF No No No
Motley Fool Great America Fund   Investor   GGGGGG No No No
    Institutional   HHHHHH No No No
Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund   Investor   IIIIII No No No
    Institutional   JJJJJJ No No No
               
Orinda Asset Management, LLC              
Orinda Income Opportunities Fund   Class I   KKKKKK No No No
   

Class A

Class D

 

LLLLLL

MMMMMM

0.25%

1.00%

No

No

5.00%

No

 

3

 

APPENDIX B

 

EXCHANGE PRIVILEGES OF THE PORTFOLIOS

OF THE RBB FUND, INC.

 

FAMILY Each Portfolio (Class) . . . May Be Exchanged For Any of
Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund (RRRRR)*

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund (SSSSS)*

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund (TTTTT)*

 

*provided the shareholder meets the eligibility requirements for the class shares are being exchanged for or is otherwise eligible to purchase that class of shares

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund (RRRRR)

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund (SSSSS)

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund (TTTTT)

Boston Partners Investment Funds

(Investor Classes)

Boston Partners All-Cap Value (WW)

Boston Partners Small Cap Value II (EEE)

Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund (JJJ)

Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund (AAAAA)

Boston Partners Global Equity Fund (CCCCC)

Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund (JJJJJ)

Boston Partners All-Cap Value (WW)

Boston Partners Small Cap Value II (EEE)

Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund (JJJ)

Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund (AAAAA)

Boston Partners Global Equity Fund (CCCCC)

Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund (JJJJJ)

Boston Partners Investment Funds

(Investor Classes)

 

Boston Partners All-Cap Value (WW)*

Boston Partners Small Cap Value II (EEE)*

Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund (JJJ)*

Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund (AAAAA)*

Boston Partners Global Equity Fund (CCCCC)*

Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund (JJJJJ)*

 

*provided the accumulated net asset value

exceeds the minimum initial investment amount for Institutional Class Shares or the shareholder is otherwise eligible to purchase Institutional Class Shares and the investor is a financial intermediary sponsored fee-based program.

Boston Partners All-Cap Value (VV)

Boston Partners Small Cap Value II (DDD)

Boston Partners Long/Short Equity (III)

WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund (UUU)

Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund (BBBBB)

Boston Partners Global Equity Fund (DDDDD)

Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund (KKKKK)

Boston Partners Emerging Markets Long/Short Fund (WWWWW)

Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund (SSSSSS)

Matson Money Free Market Funds

(I Class)

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund (BBBB)

Free Market International Equity Fund (CCCC)

Free Market Fixed Income Fund (DDDD)

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund (BBBB)

Free Market International Equity Fund (CCCC)

Free Market Fixed Income Fund (DDDD)

Motley Fool Funds (Investor Classes)

Motley Fool Independence Fund (EEEEEE)

Motley Fool Great America Fund (GGGGGG)

Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund (IIIIII)

Motley Fool Independence Fund (EEEEEE)

Motley Fool Great America Fund (GGGGGG)

Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund (IIIIII)

Motley Fool Funds (Institutional Classes)

Motley Fool Independence Fund (FFFFFF)

Motley Fool Great America Fund (HHHHHH)

Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund (JJJJJJ)

Motley Fool Independence Fund (FFFFFF)

Motley Fool Great America Fund (HHHHHH)

Motley Fool Emerging Markets Fund (JJJJJJ)

 

4

FAMILY Each Portfolio (Class) . . . May Be Exchanged For Any of

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund (LLLLLL)*

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund (MMMMMM)*

 

*Class A and Class D shares of the Fund that have been purchased by a financial intermediary may be converted into Class I shares of the Fund. The minimum initial investment requirement for Class I shares may be waived by the Adviser for existing clients.

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund (KKKKKK)

Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund

 

 

Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund (OOOOOO)*

Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund (PPPPPP)*

Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund (QQQQQQ)*

 

*provided the shareholder meets the eligibility requirements for the class shares are being exchanged for or is otherwise eligible to purchase the class of shares

Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund (OOOOOO)

Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund (PPPPPP)

Campbell Managed Futures 10V Fund (QQQQQQ)

 

 

 

* During periods when these Portfolios are closed they are not eligible for exchange with the exception of an exchange from one class of shares into another class of shares within the same Portfolio.

 

5  

 

THE RBB FUND, INC. (the "Company")

 

CODE OF ETHICS

 

I. Legal Requirement.

Rule 17j-1(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), makes it unlawful for any officer or director of the Company in connection with the purchase or sale by such person of a security “held or to be acquired” by the Company:

 

1. To employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud the Company;

 

2. To make to the Company any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state to the Company a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading;

 

3. To engage in any act, practice, or course of business which operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon the Company; or

 

4. To engage in any manipulative practice with respect to the Company’s investment portfolios.

 

II. Purpose of the Code of Ethics.

 

The Company expects that its officers and directors will conduct their personal investment activities in accordance with (1) the duty at all times to place the interests of the Company’s shareholders first, (2) the requirement that all personal securities transactions be conducted consistent with this Code of Ethics and in such a manner as to avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest or any abuse of an individual’s position of trust and responsibility, and (3) the fundamental standard that investment company personnel should not take inappropriate advantage of their positions.

 

In view of the foregoing, the provisions of Section 17(j) of the 1940 Act, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s 1940 Act Release No. 23958 “Personal Investment Activities of Investment Company Personnel” (August 24, 1999), the “Report of the Advisory Group on Personal Investing” issued by the Investment Company Institute on May 9, 1994 and the Securities and Exchange Commission’s September 1994 Report on “Personal Investment Activities of Investment Company Personnel,” the Company has determined to adopt this Code of Ethics on behalf of the Company to specify a code of conduct for certain types of personal securities transactions which might involve conflicts of interest or an appearance of impropriety, and to establish reporting requirements and enforcement procedures.

 

 

III. Definitions.

 

A. An “Access Person” means: (1) each director and officer of the Company; (2) each director, officer or general partner of the Company’s investment advisers; (3) any of the Company or its investment advisers (or of any company in a control relationship to the Company or its investment advisers) who in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes, participates in, or obtains information regarding the purchase or sale of a security by the Company or whose functions relate to the making of any recommendations with respect to such purchases or sales; and (4) any natural person in a control relationship to the Company or its investment advisers who obtains information concerning recommendations made to the Company with regard to the purchase or sale of a security.

 

For purposes of this Code of Ethics, an “Access Person” does not include any person who is subject to the securities transaction pre-clearance requirements and securities transaction reporting requirements of the Code of Ethics adopted by the Company’s investment advisers or principal underwriter, if any, in compliance with Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act and Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, (the "Advisers Act") or Section 15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "1934 Act"), as applicable.

 

B. “Restricted Director” or “Restricted Officer” means each director or officer of the Company who is not also a director, officer, partner, employee or controlling person of the Company’s investment advisers, co-administrators, custodian, transfer agent or principal underwriter.
C. An Access Person’s “immediate family” includes a spouse, minor children and adults living in the same household as the Access Person.
D. A security is “held or to be acquired” if within the most recent 15 days it (1) is or has been held by the Company, or (2) is being or has been considered by the Company or its investment adviser for purchase by the Company. A purchase or sale includes the writing of an option to purchase or sell and any security that is exchangeable for or convertible into, any security that is held or to be acquired by the Company.
E. An “Initial Public Offering” means an offering of securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933, the issuer of which, immediately before the registration, was not subject to the reporting requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
F. “Investment Personnel” of the Company means:

(i) Any employee of the Company (or of any company in a control relationship to the Company) who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes or participates in making recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of securities by the Company.

 

- 2 -

 

(ii) Any natural person who controls the Company and who obtains information concerning recommendations made to the Company regarding the purchase or sale of securities by the Company.

 

G. A “Limited Offering” means an offering that is exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to Section 4(2) or Section 4(6) or pursuant to Rule 504, Rule 505, or Rule 506 under the Securities Act of 1933.
H. “Covered Security” means a security as defined in Section (2)(a)(36) of the 1940 Act, except that it does not include direct obligations of the Government of the United States; bankers’ acceptances; bank certificates of deposit; commercial paper; high quality short-term debt instruments (any instrument having a maturity at issuance of less than 366 days and that is rated in one of the two highest rating categories by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization), including repurchase agreements; and shares of registered open-end investment companies 1 other than Exchange Traded Funds.
I. “De Minimis Security” means securities issued by any company included in the Standard and Poor’s 500 Stock Index and in an amount less than $10,000.
J. “Automatic Investment Plan” means a program in which regular periodic purchases (or withdrawals) are made automatically in (or from) investment accounts in accordance with a predetermined schedule and allocation. An Automatic Investment Plan includes a dividend reinvestment plan.
IV. Policies of the Company Regarding Personal Securities Transactions.
A. General Policy.

No Access Person of the Company shall engage in any act, practice or course of business that would violate the provisions of Rule 17j-1(b) set forth above, or in connection with any personal investment activity, engage in conduct inconsistent with this Code of Ethics.

 

B. Specific Policies.

 

 

1. Shares of certain registered open-end investment companies are included as “Covered Securities” with respect to Access Persons of the Company’s investment advisers or any company controlled by or under common control with the investment advisers.

 

- 3 -

 

1. Restrictions on Personal Securities Transactions By Access Persons Other Than Restricted Directors and Restricted Officers.
a. Except as provided below in paragraph IV.B.1.d., no Access Person who is not a Restricted Director or Restricted Officer may buy or sell Covered Securities for his or her personal portfolio or the portfolio of a member of his or her immediate family without obtaining oral authorization from the Compliance Officer of the Company’s investment adviser prior to effecting such security transaction.

A written authorization for such security transaction will be provided by the investment adviser’s Compliance Officer to the person receiving the authorization (if granted) and to the Company’s administrator to memorialize the oral authorization that was granted.

 

Note: If an Access Person has questions as to whether purchasing or selling a security for his or her personal portfolio or the portfolio of a member of his or her immediate family requires prior oral authorization, the Access Person should consult the investment adviser’s Compliance Officer for clearance or denial of clearance to trade prior to effecting any securities transactions.

 

b. Pre-clearance approval under paragraph (a) will expire at the close of business on the seventh trading day after the date on which oral authorization is received, and the Access Person is required to renew clearance for the transaction if the trade is not completed before the authority expires.
c. No clearance will be given to an Access Person other than a Restricted Director or Restricted Officer to purchase or sell any Covered Security (1) on a day when any portfolio of the Company has a pending “buy” or “sell” order in that same Covered Security until that order is executed or withdrawn or (2) when the Compliance Officer has been advised by the investment adviser that the same Covered Security is being considered for purchase or sale for any portfolio of the Company.
d. The pre-clearance requirements contained in paragraph IV.B.1.a, above, shall not apply to the following securities (“Exempt Securities”):
(i) Securities that are not Covered Securities.
(ii) De Minimis Securities.

 

- 4 -

 

(iii) Securities purchased or sold in any account over which the Access Person has no direct or indirect influence or control.
(iv) Securities purchased or sold in a transaction which is non-volitional on the part of either the Access Person or the Company.
(v) Securities acquired as a part of an automatic dividend reinvestment plan.
(vi) Securities acquired upon the exercise of rights issued by an issuer pro rata to all holders of a class of its securities, to the extent such rights were acquired from such issuer, and sales of such rights so acquired.
(vii) Securities which the Company’s investment portfolios are not permitted to purchase under the investment objectives and policies set forth in the Company’s then current prospectuses under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Company’s registration statements on Form N-1A.
e. The pre-clearance requirement contained in paragraph IV.B.1.a, above, shall apply to all purchases of a beneficial interest in any security through an Initial Public Offering or a Limited Offering by any Access Person who is also classified as Investment Personnel. A record of any decision and the reason supporting such decision to approve the acquisition by Investment Personnel of Initial Public Offerings or Limited Offerings shall be made by the Compliance Officer.
2. Restrictions on Personal Securities Transactions by Access Persons Who Are Restricted Directors and Restricted Officers.

The Company recognizes that an Access Person who is a Restricted Director or a Restricted Officer does not have on-going, day-to-day involvement with the operations of the Company. In addition, it has been the practice of the Company to give information about securities purchased or sold by the Company or considered for purchase or sale by the Company to Restricted Directors and Restricted Officers in materials circulated more than 15 days after such securities are purchased or sold by the Company or are considered for purchase or sale by the Company. Accordingly, the Company believes that less stringent controls are appropriate for Restricted Directors and Restricted Officers, as follows:

 

a. The securities pre-clearance requirement contained in paragraph IV.B.1.a. above shall only apply to an Access Person who is a Restricted Director or Restricted Officer if he or she knew or, in the ordinary course of fulfilling his or her official duties as a director or officer, should have known, that during the fifteen day period before the transaction in a Covered Security (other than an Exempt Security) or at the time of the transaction that the Covered Security purchased or sold by him or her other than an Exempt Security, was also purchased or sold by the Company or considered for the purchase or sale by the Company.

 

- 5 -

 

b. Pre-clearance approval under paragraph (a) will expire at the close of business on the seventh trading day after the date on which oral authorization is received, and the Access Person is required to renew clearance for the transaction if the trade is not completed before the authority expires.
c. If the pre-clearance provisions of paragraph IV.B.2.a. apply, no clearance will be given to an Access Person who is a Restricted Director or Restricted Officer to purchase or sell any Covered Security (1) on a day when any portfolio of the Company has a pending “buy” or “sell” order in that same Covered Security until that order is executed or withdrawn or (2) when the Compliance Officer has been advised by the investment adviser that the same Covered Security is being considered for purchase or sale for any portfolio of the Company.
V. Procedures.

In order to provide the Company with information to enable it to determine with reasonable assurance whether the provisions of this Code are being observed by its Access Persons:

 

A. Each Access Person of the Company other than a director who is not an “interested person” of the Company (as defined in the 1940 Act) will submit to the administrator an Initial Holdings Report in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A that lists all Covered Securities beneficially owned 2 by the Access Person except as stated below. The Initial Holdings Report must be submitted within ten days of becoming an Access Person and must contain information current as of a date no more than 45 days prior to becoming an Access Person. The Initial Holdings Report must include the title of each security, the number of shares held, and the principal amount of the security as well as a list of any securities accounts maintained with any broker, dealer or bank.

 

 

2. You will be treated as the “beneficial owner” of a security under this policy only if you have a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in the security.

 

(a) A direct pecuniary interest is the opportunity, directly or indirectly, to profit, or to share the profit, from the transaction.

 

(b) An indirect pecuniary interest is any nondirect financial interest, but is specifically defined in the rules to include securities held by members of your immediate family sharing the same household; securities held by a partnership of which you are a general partner; securities held by a trust of which you are the settlor if you can revoke the trust without the consent of another person, or a beneficiary if you have or share investment control with the trustee; and equity securities which may be acquired upon exercise of an option or other right, or through conversion.

 

For interpretive guidance on this test, you should consult counsel.

 

- 6 -

 

B. Each Access Person of the Company other than a director who is not an “interested person” of the Company (as defined in the 1940 Act) will also submit to the administrator an Annual Holdings Report attached hereto as Exhibit A no later than 45 days after the end of the calendar year. Except as stated below, the Annual Holdings Report must list all Covered Securities beneficially owned by the Access Person, the title of each security, the number of shares held, and the principal amount of the security, as well as a list of any securities accounts maintained with any broker, dealer or bank.
C. Each Access Person of the Company other than a Restricted Director or Restricted Officer shall direct his or her broker to supply to the Compliance Officer of the Company’s administrator, on a timely basis, duplicate copies of confirmations of all securities transactions in which the person has, or by reason of such transaction acquires any direct or indirect beneficial ownership and copies of periodic statements for all securities accounts.
D. Except as stated below, each Access Person of the Company, other than a director who is not an “interested person” (as defined in the 1940 Act), shall submit reports in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B to the Company’s administrator, showing all transactions in Covered Securities in which the person has, or by reason of such transaction acquires, any direct or indirect beneficial ownership, as well as all accounts established with brokers, dealers or banks during the quarter in which any Covered Securities were held for the direct or indirect beneficial interest of the Access Person. 3 Such reports shall be filed no later than 30 days after the end of each calendar quarter. An Access Person of the Company need not make a quarterly transaction report under this paragraph with respect to transactions effected pursuant to an Automatic Investment Plan or if all of the information required by this paragraph V.D. is contained in the brokerage confirmations or account statements required to be submitted under paragraph V.C. and is received by the administrator in the time period stated above.
E. Each director who is not an “interested person” of the Company need not make an initial or annual holdings report but shall submit the same quarterly report as required under paragraph V.D. to the administrator, but only for a transaction in a Covered Security (except as stated below) where he or she knew at the time of the transaction or, in the ordinary course of fulfilling his or her official duties as a director, should have known that during the 15 calendar day period immediately preceding or after the date of the transaction, such Covered Security is or was purchased or sold, or considered for purchase or sale, by the Company.

 

 

3 See footnote 1 above.

 

- 7 -

 

F. The reporting requirements of this Section V. do not apply to securities transactions effected for, and any Covered Securities held in, any account over which an Access Person does not have any direct or indirect influence or control.
G. The administrator of the Company shall notify each Access Person of the Company who may be subject to the pre-clearance requirement or required to make reports pursuant to this Code that such person is subject to the pre-clearance or reporting requirements and shall deliver a copy of this Code to each such person.
H. The administrator of the Company shall review the initial holdings reports, annual holdings reports, and quarterly transaction reports received, and as appropriate compare the reports with the pre-clearance authorization received, and report to the Company’s Board of Directors:
a. with respect to any transaction that appears to evidence a possible violation of this Code; and
b. apparent violations of the reporting requirement stated herein.
I. The Board shall consider reports made to it hereunder and shall determine whether the policies established in Sections IV and V of this Code of Ethics have been violated, and what sanctions, if any, should be imposed on the violator, including but not limited to a letter of censure, suspension or termination of the employment of the violator, or the unwinding of the transaction and the disgorgement of any profits to the Company. The Board shall review the operation of this Code of Ethics at least once a year.
J. The Company’s investment advisers and principal underwriter 4 shall adopt, maintain and enforce separate codes of ethics with respect to their personnel which comply with Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, and Rule 204-1 of the Advisers Act or Section 15(f) of the 1934 Act, as applicable (and shall forward to the Company’s administrator and the Company’s counsel copies of such codes and all future amendments and modifications thereto. The Board of Directors, including a majority of the directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company (as defined in the 1940 Act), shall approve this Code of Ethics, and the codes of ethics of each investment adviser and principal underwriter of the Company, and any material amendments to such codes. Such approval must be based on a determination that such codes contain provisions reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons of the Company from engaging in any conduct prohibited under such codes and under Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act. The Board shall review and approve such codes at least once a year. Furthermore, any material changes to an investment adviser’s or principal underwriter’s code will be approved by the Board at the next scheduled quarterly board meeting and in no case more than six months after such change. Before approving any material amendments to the investment adviser’s or principal underwriter’s code of ethics, the Board must receive a certification from the investment adviser or principal underwriter that it has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from violating its code of ethics and under Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act.

 

 

4 The provisions of Rule 17j-1 only apply to principal underwriters if (a) the principal underwriter is an affiliated person of the Company or the Company’s investment adviser; or (b) an officer, director or general partner of the principal underwriter serves as an officer, director or general partner of the Company or of the Company’s investment adviser.

 

- 8 -

 

K. At each quarterly Board of Directors’ meeting the administrator (on behalf of the Company), investment adviser and principal underwriter of the Company shall provide a written report to the Company’s Board of Directors stating:
a. any reported securities transaction that occurred during the prior quarter that may have been inconsistent with the provisions of the codes of ethics adopted by the Company, the Company’s investment advisers or principal underwriter; and
b. all disciplinary actions 5 taken in response to such violations.
L. At least once a year, the administrator shall provide to the Board with respect to this Code of Ethics, and the Company’s investment adviser and principal underwriter shall provide to the Board, with respect to their codes of ethics, a written report which contains: (a) a summary of existing procedures concerning personal investing by advisory persons and any changes in the procedures during the past year, as applicable; (b) an evaluation of current compliance procedures and a report on any recommended changes in existing restrictions or procedures based upon the Company’s experience under this Code of Ethics, industry practices, or developments in applicable laws and regulations; (c) a summary of any issues arising under the Code of Ethics or procedures since the last report, including but not limited to, information about material violations of the Code or procedures and sanctions imposed in response to material violations; and (d) a certification that the procedures which have been adopted are those reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from violating the respective Codes of Ethics.

 

 

5 . Disciplinary action includes but is not limited to any action that has a material financial effect upon the employee, such as fining, suspending, or demoting the employee, imposing a substantial fine or requiring the disgorgement of profits.

 

- 9 -

 

M. This Code, the codes of the investment advisers and principal underwriter, a record of any violation of such codes and any action taken as a result of the violation, a copy of each report by an Access Person, any written report hereunder by the Company’s administrator, investment adviser or principal underwriter, records of approvals relating to Initial Public Offerings and Limited Offerings, lists of all persons required to make reports and a list of all persons responsible for reviewing such reports shall be preserved with the Company’s records for the period and in the manner required by Rule 17j-1.
VI. Certification.

Each Access Person will be required to certify annually that he or she has read and understood this Code of Ethics, and will abide by it. Each Access Person will further certify annually that he or she has disclosed or reported all personal securities transactions required to be disclosed or reported under the Code of Ethics. A form of such certification is attached hereto as Exhibit C.

 

  The Board of Directors of The RBB Fund. Inc.

 

Adopted: February 1, 1995

Revised: February 6, 2013

As Revised Effective: November 17, 2016

Revised: November 18, 2016

 

- 10 -

 

Exhibit A

 

The RBB Fund, Inc.

Holdings Report

 

For the Year/Period Ended _______________________

(month/day/year)

 

[  ]       Check Here if this is an Initial Holdings Report

 

To: U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, as Administrator of the above listed Company

 

As of the calendar year/period referred to above, I have a direct or indirect beneficial ownership interest in the securities listed below which are required to be reported pursuant to the Code of Ethics of the Company:

 

Title of

Security

Cusip

Number

Number

of Shares

Principal

Amount

       

 

The name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom I maintain an account in which my securities are held for my direct or indirect benefit are as follows:

 

For Initial Holdings Reports: This report contains information current as of a date no more than 45 days prior to the date of becoming an Access Person.

 

This report (i) excludes transactions with respect to which I had no direct or indirect influence or control, (ii) excludes other transactions not required to be reported, and (iii) is not an admission that I have or had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the securities listed above.

 

Date:     Signature:    
           
      Print Name:    

 

 

Exhibit B

 

THE RBB FUND, INC.

(the “Company”)

 

Quarterly Transaction Report*

 

For the Calendar Quarter Ended _______________________

(month/day/year)

 

To: U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, as Administrator of the above listed Company

 

A.        Securities Transactions . During the quarter referred to above, the following transactions were effected in securities of which I had, or by reason of such transactions acquired, direct or indirect beneficial ownership, and which are required to be reported pursuant to the Code of Ethics of the Company:

 

 

 

Title of

Security

 

 

CUSIP

Number

Interest Rate and Maturity Date (If Applicable)

 

 

Date of Transaction

Number of Shares or Principal Amount

 

Dollar Amount of Transaction

Nature of

Transaction (Purchase, Sale,

Other)

 

 

Price

Broker/Dealer or Bank Through Whom

Effected

                 

 

 

* Dis-interested (Independent) directors only have to complete this report for transactions where they knew at the time of the transaction or, in the ordinary course of fulfilling their official duties as a director or officer, should have known that during the 7 calendar day period immediately preceding or after the date of the transaction, such security was purchased or sold, or such security was being considered for purchase or sale, by the Company (The RBB Fund, Inc.).

 

B.        New Brokerage Accounts . During the quarter referred to above, I established the following accounts in which securities were held during the quarter for my direct or indirect benefit:

 

Name of Broker, Dealer or Bank Date Account Was Established
   

 

C.        Other Matters . This report (i) excludes transactions with respect to which I had no direct or indirect influence or control, (ii) excludes other transactions not required to be reported, and (iii) is not an admission that I have or had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the securities listed above.

 

Date:     Signature:    
           
      Print Name:    

 

 

Exhibit C

 

The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

ANNUAL CERTIFICATE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Code of Ethics of The RBB Fund, Inc., the undersigned hereby certifies as follows:

 

1. I have read the Company’s Code of Ethics.

 

2. I understand the Code of Ethics and acknowledge that I am subject to it.

 

3. Since the date of the last Annual Certificate (if any) given pursuant to the Code of Ethics, I have reported all personal securities transactions and provided any securities holding reports required to be reported under the requirements of the Code of Ethics.

 

Date:        
        Print Name  
           
           
      Signature  

 

 

The RBB Fund, Inc.’s Code Of Ethics And How The Code Affect Your Personal Securities Transactions

 

Your Classification Rule Pre-Clearance Requirements Filing Requirements

Restricted/

Interested Director(s)

 

 

You or a member of your immediate family may not trade a Covered Security (other than an Exempt Security) while the Company is transacting or considering for transaction the same security if during the 15 calendar day period before, or at the same time, you know (or should know) that the security was transacted or considered for such by the Company. You must obtain advance clearance for security transactions from the compliance officer of the Company’s adviser (“Adviser”) if you know (or should know) that the same Covered Security (other than an Exempt Security) has been traded or considered for trade by the Company within the past 15 days. Your trade must be completed by the close of business on the seventh trading day after the date on which oral authorization is received.

You must make:

•   An initial holdings report listing all Covered Securities (other than transactions affected for, and any Covered Securities held in, accounts over which you have no direct or indirect influence or control) you beneficially own (including for example, such securities held by members of your immediate family) and any securities accounts maintained with any broker, dealer or bank to the Administrator within 10 days of becoming an interested director and containing information current as of a date no more than 45 days prior to the date of becoming an interested director;

 

•    An annual holdings report listing all Covered Securities (other than transactions affected for, and any Covered Securities held in, accounts over which you have no direct or indirect influence or control) you beneficially own (including for example, such securities held by members of your immediate family) and any securities accounts maintained with any broker, dealer or bank to the Administrator within 45 days after the end of the calendar year;

 

•    A quarterly report listing all transactions in Covered Securities (other than transactions affected for, and any Covered Securities held in, accounts over which you have no direct or indirect influence or control or with respect to transactions pursuant to an Automatic Investment Plan) you beneficially own (including for example such securities held by members of your immediate family) and accounts established with brokers, dealers or banks during the quarter, to the Administration within 30 days after the end of each calendar quarter.

 

 

Your Classification Rule Pre-Clearance Requirements Filing Requirements

Restricted/

Non-Interested Director(s))

 

 

Same as above Rule for Restricted/Interested Directors Same as above Pre-Clearance Requirements for Restricted/Interested Directors You must make a quarterly report listing all transactions in Covered Securities (other than transactions affected for, and any Covered Securities held in, accounts over which you have no direct or indirect influence or control or with respect to transactions effected pursuant to an Automatic Investment Plan) you beneficially own (including for example, such securities held by members of your immediate family) and accounts established with brokers, dealers or banks during the quarter, to the Administrator within 30 days after the calendar quarter end which were effected when you knew (or should have known) that such Covered Security was transacted by the Company within 15 days of your transaction in the security.

 

 

Your Classification Rule Pre-Clearance Requirements Filing Requirements

Non-Restricted/

Interested Director(s) and Non-Restricted Officer(s)

 

None

 

You or a member of your immediate family may not trade a Covered Security (other than an Exempt Security) while the Company is purchasing, selling or considering for purchase or sale the same securities. You must obtain advance clearance from the compliance officer of the Adviser for a transaction in any Covered Security (other than an Exempt Security). The trade must be completed by the close of business on the trading day after the date on which oral authorization is received.

You must provide to the Administrator copies of all brokerage confirmations.

You must make:

•    An initial holdings report listing all Covered Securities (other than transactions effected for, and any Covered Securities held in, accounts over which you have no direct or indirect influence or control) you beneficially own (including for example, such securities held by members of your immediate family) and any securities accounts maintained with any broker, dealer or bank to the Administrator within 10 days of becoming an interested director and containing information current as of a date no more than 45 days prior to the date of becoming an interested director or officer;

 

•    An annual holdings report listing all Covered Securities (other than transactions effected for, and any Covered Securities held in, accounts over which you have no direct or indirect influence or control) you beneficially own (including for example, such securities held by members of your immediate family) and any securities accounts maintained with any broker, dealer or bank to the Administrator within 45 days after the end of the calendar year;

 

•    A quarterly report listing all transactions in Covered Securities (other than transactions effected for, and any Covered Securities held in, accounts over which you have no direct or indirect influence or control or with respect to transactions effected pursuant to an Automatic Investment Plan) you beneficially own (including for example, such securities held by members of your immediate family) and accounts established with brokers, dealers or banks during the quarter to the Administrator within 30 days after the end of each calendar quarter, unless all of the quarterly report information is contained in brokerage confirmations or account statements submitted to the Administrator.

 

 

Your Classification Rule Pre-Clearance Requirements Filing Requirements

Restricted Officer(s)

 

 

You or a member of your immediate family may not trade a Covered Security (other than an Exempt Security) while the Company is transacting or considering for transaction the same security if during the 7 calendar day period before, or at the same time, you know (or should know) that the security was transacted or considered for such by the Company. You must obtain advance clearance for security transactions from the compliance officer of the Adviser if you know (or should know) that the same Covered Security (other than an Exempt Security) has been traded or considered for trade by the Company within the past 7 calendar days. Your trade must be completed by the close of business on the seventh trading day after the date on which oral authorization is received.

You must make:

•     An initial holdings report listing all Covered Securities (other than transactions affected for, and any Covered Securities held in, accounts over which you have no direct or indirect influence or control) you beneficially own (including for example, such securities held by members of your immediate family) and any securities accounts maintained with any broker, dealer or bank to the Administrator within 10 days of becoming an officer and containing information current as of a date no more than 45 days prior to the date of becoming an officer;

 

   An annual holdings report listing all Covered Securities (other than transactions affected for, and any Covered Securities held in, accounts over which you have no direct or indirect influence or control) you beneficially own (including for example, such securities held by members of your immediate family) and any securities accounts maintained with any broker, dealer or bank to the Administrator within 30 days after the end of the calendar year;

 

   A quarterly report listing all transactions in Covered Securities (other than transactions affected for, and any Covered Securities held in, accounts over which you have no direct or indirect influence or control) you beneficially own (including for example, such securities held by members of your immediate family) and accounts established with brokers, dealers or banks during the quarter to the Administrator within 30 days after the end of each calendar quarter.

 

Note 1: The terms "Covered Security," "Exempt Security" and "beneficial ownership" are defined terms. Please see the Code of Ethics for the definitions of beneficial ownership, Covered Security and Exempt Security to determine which securities are not subject to the Code's pre-clearance and reporting requirements.

Note 2: This chart has been developed to assist you in understanding the provisions and requirements of the Code of Ethics. This is not intended to be used as a substitute for but merely as supplement to the Code.

 

Orinda Asset Management LLC

POLICY AND PROCEDURES

Code of Ethics

Revised & Effective November 30, 2017

 

Overview

This Code of Ethics (“Code”) is adopted in compliance with the requirements of U.S. securities laws applicable to registered investment advisers and registered investment companies. Registered investment advisers are required by Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (“Advisers Act”), to adopt a code of ethics which, among other things, sets forth the standards of business conduct required of their supervised persons and requires those supervised persons to comply with the Federal Securities Laws. Similarly, each registered investment company and its adviser and principal underwriter must adopt a code of ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“Company Act”). In conformity with these rules, this Code is adopted by Orinda.

 

Code of Ethics

 

1. Standards of Business Conduct

We seek to foster a reputation for integrity and professionalism. Our reputation is a vital business asset. The confidence and trust placed in us by our clients, registered investment companies and their shareholders and unregistered pooled investment vehicles and their interest holders (collectively, “Clients”), is something we value and endeavor to protect. To further that goal, we have adopted this Code and implemented policies and procedures to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and manipulative practices and to ensure compliance with the Federal Securities Laws and the fiduciary duties owed to our Clients.

 

We are fiduciaries and as such, we have affirmative duties of care, honesty, loyalty and good faith to act in the best interests of our Clients. Our Clients’ interests are paramount and come before our personal interests. Our Access Persons and Supervised Persons, as those terms are defined in this Code, are required to abide by Orinda’s Code of Ethics and are also expected to behave as fiduciaries with respect to our Clients. This means that each must render disinterested advice, protect Client assets (including nonpublic information about a Client or a Client’s account) and act always in the best interest of our Clients. We must also strive to identify and avoid conflicts of interest, however such conflicts may arise.

 

Access Persons and Supervised Persons of Orinda must not:

 

employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud a Client;

 

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make to a Client any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state to a Client a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading;

 

engage in any act, practice, or course of business which operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon a Client;

 

engage in any manipulative practice with respect to a Client;

 

use their positions, or any investment opportunities presented by virtue of their positions, to personal advantage or to the detriment of a Client; or

 

conduct personal trading activities in contravention of this Code or applicable legal principles or in such a manner as may be inconsistent with the duties owed to Clients as a fiduciary.

 

To assure compliance with these restrictions and the Federal Securities Laws, as defined in this Code, we have adopted, and agreed to be governed by, the provisions of this Code in addition to the procedures contained in applicable compliance manuals. 1 However, Access Persons and Supervised Persons are expected to comply not merely with the “letter of the law”, but with the spirit of the laws, this Code and applicable compliance manuals.

 

Should you have any doubt as to whether this Code applies to you, you should contact the Chief Compliance Officer (CCO).

 

2. Definitions

As used in the Code, the following terms have the following meanings:

 

A. Access Persons include: (1) any director, trustee, officer or general partner of the Adviser; (2) any employee (whether full-time, part-time, temporary, contract or intern) of the Adviser (or of any company in a control relationship to the Adviser) who in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes, participates in, or obtains information regarding the purchase or sale of Reportable Securities by the Adviser, or whose functions relate to the making of any recommendations with respect to such purchases or sales; (3) any supervised person of the Adviser who (a) has access to nonpublic information regarding any Clients’ purchase or sale of securities, or portfolio holdings of any Reportable Fund; or (b) is involved in making securities recommendations to Clients or has access to such recommendations that are nonpublic; (4) any natural person in a control relationship to the Adviser who obtains information concerning recommendations made to the Clients with regard to the purchase or sale of securities by the Clients; and (5) any other person who the CCO determines to be an Access Person. 2 For purposes of this Code, Orinda has determined that all employees who are named Officers, have research & trading functions and FINRA registered representatives are considered Access Persons.

 

 

1 Applicable compliance manuals include the Adviser’s policies and procedures adopted pursuant to Advisers Act Rule 206(4)-7, the Trust’s policies and procedures adopted pursuant to Company Act Rule 38a-1 and/or any written supervisory procedures adopted by the Distributor, as they may exist from time to time. Access Persons and Supervised Persons are required to comply with all relevant compliance procedures.
2 The CCO will inform all Access Persons of their status as such and will maintain a list of Access Persons and Supervised Persons.

 

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B. Automatic Investment Plan means any program in which regular periodic purchases (or withdrawals) are made automatically in (or from) investment accounts in accordance with a predetermined schedule and allocation, including, but not limited to, any dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP).

 

C. Beneficial Ownership generally means having a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in a security and is legally defined to be beneficial ownership as used in Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”). It should be noted that direct or indirect beneficial ownership may extend to ownership of certain family members. If you are uncertain how this may apply to you, clarification should be obtained from the CCO. However, any transactions or holdings reports required by Section 4.C of this Code may contain a statement that the report will not be construed as an admission that the person making the report has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the security or securities to which the report relates.

 

D. Chief Compliance Officer or CCO means the Adviser’s Chief Compliance Officer, as designated on Form ADV, Part 1, Schedule A, or the CCO’s designee, as applicable.

 

E. Compliance Technologies means the compliance management system utilized by Orinda for personal trading pre-clearance, code of ethics certifications, gift giving and receiving certifications, conflicts of interest certifications, political contribution certifications, and other employee affirmations as necessary.

 

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F. Federal Securities Laws means: (1) the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”); (2) the Exchange Act; (3) the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; (4) the Company Act, (5) the Advisers Act; (6) title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act; (7) any rules adopted by the SEC under the foregoing statutes; (8) the Bank Secrecy Act, as it applies to funds and investment advisers; and (9) any rules adopted under relevant provisions of the Bank Secrecy Act by the SEC or the Department of the Treasury.

 

G. Initial Public Offering or IPO means an offering of securities registered under the Securities Act, the issuer of which, immediately before the registration, was not subject to the reporting requirements of Exchange Act Sections 13 or 15(d).

 

H. Limited Offering means an offering that is exempt from registration under the Securities Act Sections 4(2) or 4(6) or pursuant to Securities Act Rules 504, 505 or 506. For greater clarity, Limited Offerings of securities issued by Orinda or any private collective investment vehicle or unregistered hedge fund advised by Orinda are included within the term Limited Offering.

 

I. Purchase or Sale of a Security includes, among other things, the writing of an option to purchase or sell a security.

 

J. Reportable Fund means: (1) any registered investment company advised by Adviser; or (2) any registered investment company whose investment adviser or principal underwriter controls, is controlled by or is under common control with any Orinda entity. Appendix A, as may be amended from time to time, contains a list of all Reportable Funds.

 

K. Reportable Security means any security as defined in Advisers Act Section 202(a)(18) and Company Act Section 2(a)(36) except (1) direct obligations of the Government of the United States; (2) bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements; (3) shares issued by money market funds; (4) shares issued by open-end funds (including ETFs) other than Reportable Funds; and (5) shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more open-end funds, none of which are Reportable Funds. For purposes of this Code, the term Reportable Security which provides a narrower exemption than the term “Covered Security”, 3 is used for compliance with both Rule 204A-1 and Rule 17j-1.

 

 

3 Covered Security under Rule 17j-1 means any security as defined in Company Act Section 2(a)(36) except (1) direct obligations of the Government of the United States; (2) bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements; and (3) shares issued by open-end registered investment companies.

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L. Security Held means any Reportable Security which is held by a Client. This definition also includes any option to purchase or sell, and any security convertible into or exchangeable for, a Reportable Security.

 

M. Supervised Person of the Adviser means any partner, officer, director, or any employee of the Adviser (whether full-time, part-time, temporary, contract or intern); and any other person who provides investment advice on behalf of the Adviser and is subject to the supervision and control of the Adviser. Contractors and consultants may, in certain circumstances, be deemed to be Supervised Persons.

 

3. Substantive Restrictions
A. Trading Restrictions. No Access Person shall purchase or sell a Reportable Security without Pre-Clearance of such activity through Compliance Technologies.

 

B. IPO and Limited Offering Restrictions . Access Persons may not acquire any securities issued as part of an IPO or a Limited Offering, without Pre-Clearance of such activity through Compliance Technologies. An Access Person who has been authorized to acquire interests in such securities must disclose their interests if involved in considering an investment in such securities for a Client. Any decision to acquire the issuer’s securities on behalf of a Client shall be subject to review by Access Persons with no personal interest in the issuer.

 

C. Restricted List . Orinda may at certain times include Reportable Securities on a “Restricted List” of which Access Persons may not purchase or sell the securities of any issuer whose securities are included on such Restricted List as provided in Compliance Technologies.

 

D. Transactions in Mutual Funds . When making purchases or sales of open-end funds, including Reportable Funds, Access Persons are reminded that “market timing” the Reportable Funds violates our policies and that “front-running” Client transactions or trading in Reportable Funds on the basis of material, nonpublic inside or confidential information violates not only this Code, but our insider trading policies and procedures as well as other securities laws and, if proven, is punishable by fines and other penalties. Additionally, purchases and sales of Reportable Funds are subject to the Reporting Requirements set forth in Section 4.D., below.

 

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E. Gift Policy . To address potential conflicts of interest that may arise when an Access Persons and Supervised Persons accepts or gives a Gift or other item of value, Orinda places restrictions and reporting requirements on Gifts and certain types of business entertainment. Gifts should not be given to or accepted from an individual or organization with whom Orinda has a current or potential business relationship which might in any way create a conflict of interest, violate applicable law, or be likely to influence decisions made in business transactions involving Orinda. This prohibition does not apply to Gifts of a purely nominal value, which are offered on a basis of a pre-existing personal relationship (friendship) and may not raise concerns related to conflicts of interest or influence a Supervised Person’s decisions. Additionally, the restriction does not apply to occasional dinners, sporting, concert or customary entertainment events and other activities which are part of a business relationship, provided if the value of the item is consistent with customary business entertainment and not likely to raise a conflict of interest, violate applicable law or be likely to influence decisions made by Orinda or a current or potential business relationship. Access Persons and Supervised Persons must consult with the CCO prior to accepting Gift from, and giving Gifts to, representatives of any state or city pension plan. Additional restrictions on Gifts may apply to Access Persons and Supervised Persons who are registered as “lobbyists” in connection with their solicitation and investor relation’s activities with pension plans of certain states (e.g. CalPERS, CalSTERS) or cities. Access Persons and Supervised Persons should use good judgement to avoid giving or receiving Gifts that place Orinda in a difficult, embarrassing or conflict situation with its Clients. If an Access Persons or Supervised Persons has any questions regarding this policy, the CCO should be consulted prior to delivery or acceptance of such Gifts. Access Persons and Supervised Persons are required to document all Gifts given and Gifts received within Orinda’s contact relationship management system.

 

F. Conflicts of Interest . Access Persons must provide disinterested advice and any relevant potential personal or business conflicts of interest must be disclosed to the CCO and, where appropriate, “Chinese Wall” procedures may be utilized to avoid potential conflicts of interest. Access Persons must avoid engaging in any activity which might reflect poorly upon themselves or Orinda or which would impair their ability to discharge their duties with respect to us and our Clients.

 

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G. Fair Treatment . Access Persons must avoid taking any action which would favor one Client or group of Clients over another in violation of our fiduciary duties and applicable law. Access Persons must comply with relevant provisions of our compliance manuals designed to detect, prevent or mitigate such conflicts.

 

H. Service as Outside Director, Trustee or Executor . Access Persons shall not serve on the boards of directors of publicly traded companies, or in any similar capacity, absent the prior approval of such service by the CCO following the receipt of a written request for such approval. In the event such a request is approved, “Chinese Wall” procedures may be utilized to avoid potential conflicts of interest. Other than by virtue of their position with Orinda or with respect to a family member, no Access Person may serve as a trustee, executor or fiduciary. Similarly, Access Persons may not serve on a creditor’s committee. In appropriate circumstances the CCO may grant exemptions from this provision. This restriction shall not apply to any trustee who is not an “interested person” of the Trust within the meaning of Company Act Section 2(a)(19) (“Independent Trustees”).

 

I. Forfeitures . Any profits derived from securities transactions in violation of paragraphs 3.A, 3.B, 3.C, or 3.D, above, shall be forfeited and may be paid to one or more Clients or Reportable Funds for the benefit of the Client(s) or, if the Client is a Reportable Fund, its shareholders, if such a payment is determined by the CCO (or, in the case of a Reportable Fund, the Reportable Fund’s Board of Trustees) to be appropriate under the circumstances, or to a charity determined by the CCO or the Board of Trustees, as applicable. Gifts accepted in violation of paragraph 3.E shall be forfeited, if practicable, and/or dealt with in any manner determined appropriate and in the best interests of our Clients.

 

J. Reporting Violations . Any Access Person or Supervised Person who believes that a violation of this Code has taken place must promptly report that violation to the CCO or to the CCO’s designee. To the extent that such reports are provided to a designee, the designee shall provide periodic updates to the CCO with respect to violations reported. Access Persons and Supervised Persons may make these reports anonymously and no adverse action shall be taken against any such person making such a report in good faith.

 

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K. Waivers . CCO may grant waivers of any substantive restriction in appropriate circumstances ( e.g ., personal hardship) and will maintain records necessary to justify such waivers.

 

L. Brokerage Accounts . Access Persons must disclose all brokerage accounts in which they have a direct or indirect beneficial ownership to the CCO and instruct their broker to provide to the CCO, timely duplicate account statements or transaction and position data feeds electronically through Compliance Technologies.

 

4. Pre-clearance and Reporting Procedures
A. Pre-clearance of IPOs and Limited Offerings . Each Access Person shall obtain prior written approval from the CCO through Compliance Technologies for all personal securities transactions in IPOs and Limited Offerings. Any such approval will take into account, among other factors, whether the investment opportunity should be reserved for a Client and whether the opportunity is being offered to such person because of his or her position with Orinda. Once pre-approval has been granted, the pre-approved transaction must be executed within five business days.

 

B. Pre-clearance of a Purchase or Sale of a Reportable Security . Each Access Person shall obtain pre-clearance through Compliance Technologies. Once pre-approval has been granted, the pre-approved transaction must be executed within five trading days. Compliance Technologies will automatically match all pre-clearance approvals to securities transactions to ensure pre-clearance has been received for all transactions requiring pre-approval. To the extent pre-approval was not obtained by an Access Person, Compliance Technologies will automatically notify the CCO of an exception requiring further review for resolution.

 

C. Pre-clearance Exceptions . Pre-clearance requirements do not apply to transactions effected pursuant to an Automatic Investment Plan or DRIP, or to purchases or sales in any account over which the Access Person has no direct or indirect influence or control or purchases or sales which are non-volitional on the part of the Access Person. Access Persons should consult the CCO if there are any questions about whether either of the exemptions listed above applies to a given transaction.

 

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D. Required Reports .

 

(1) Initial and Annual Holdings Reports . Each Access Person must submit to the CCO through Compliance Technologies a report: (i) not later than ten (10) days after becoming an Access Person, reflecting the Access Person’s direct or indirect beneficial ownership in holdings as of a date not more than 45 days prior to becoming an Access Person; and (ii) annually, on a date selected by the CCO, as of a date not more than 45 days prior to the date the report was submitted.

Holdings reports must contain the following information:

 

(a) the title and type of security and as applicable, the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, number of shares, and principal amount of each Reportable Security in which the Access Person has any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership;
(b) the name of any broker, dealer or bank with which the Access Person maintains an account in which any securities are held for the Access Person’s direct or indirect benefit. (Note that even those accounts which hold only non-Reportable Securities, must be included); and
(c) the date the Access Person submits the report.

Brokerage statements or electronically provided transaction and position data feeds containing all required information may be substituted for the Holdings Report if submitted timely. To the extent that a brokerage statement or electronic data feed lacks some of the information otherwise required to be reported, you must submit the missing information as a supplement through Compliance Technologies.

 

(2) Quarterly Reports . Within 30 days after the end of each calendar quarter, each Access Person must submit a report to the CCO covering all transactions in non-excepted Reportable Securities through Compliance Technologies.

Transactions reports must contain the following information:

 

(a) the date of the transaction, the title and as applicable, the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, interest rate and maturity date, number of shares, and principal amount of each Reportable Security involved;

 

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(b) the nature of the transaction ( i.e. , purchase, sale or any other type of acquisition or disposition);
(c) the price of the security at which the transaction was effected;
(d) the name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through which the transaction was effected; and
(e) the date the Access Person submits the report.

Brokerage account statements or electronically provided transaction and position data feeds for the employee’s brokerage accounts must contain all the required information. To the extent that a brokerage statement or electronic transaction and position data feeds lack some of the information otherwise required to be reported, you must submit the missing information as a supplement through Compliance Technologies.

 

E. Exceptions to Reporting Requirements . The reporting requirements of Section 4.D. apply to all transactions in Reportable Securities other than:

 

(1) transactions with respect to securities held in accounts over which the Access Person had no direct or indirect influence or control; and
(2) transactions effected pursuant to an Automatic Investment Plan or DRIP.
F. Duplicate Statements . Each Access Person, with respect to each brokerage account in which such Access Person has any direct or indirect beneficial interest, may choose to arrange that the broker mail periodic statements directly or deliver electronic transaction and positions feeds through Compliance Technologies to the CCO with respect to such account.

 

G. Prohibition on Self Pre-clearance . No Access Person shall pre-clear his own trades, review his own reports or approve his own exemptions from this Code. When such actions are to be undertaken with respect to the CCO’s personal transaction, Orinda’s President will perform such actions as are required of the CCO by this Code.

 

5. Code Notification and Access Person Certifications

The CCO shall provide notice to all Access Persons of their status under this Code, and shall deliver a copy of the Code to each Access Person annually. Additionally, each Access Person will be provided a copy of any Code amendments. After reading the Code or amendment, each Access Person shall make the certification through Compliance Technologies. Annual certifications are due within thirty (30) days after the end of each calendar year. Certifications with respect to amendments to the Code must be returned to the CCO within a reasonably prompt time. To the extent that any Code related training sessions or seminars are held, the CCO shall keep records of such sessions and the Access Persons attending. Supervised Persons that are not considered Access Persons will also on an annual basis be delivered a copy of Orinda’s Code of Ethics and any amendments when made.

 

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6. Review of Required Code Reports
A. Reports required to be submitted pursuant to the Code will be reviewed by the CCO or a designee on a periodic basis.

 

B. Any material violation or potential material violation of the Code must be promptly reported to the CCO. The CCO will investigate any such violation or potential violation and report violations the CCO determines to be “major” to the Adviser’s President and/or the Trust’s Board of Trustees (“Board”), as appropriate, with a recommendation of such action to be taken against any individual who is determined to have violated the Code, as is necessary and appropriate to cure the violation and prevent future violations. Other violations shall be handled by the CCO which is deemed to be appropriate. However, sanctions more severe than a warning or censure must be approved by the CCO or President or, if the violations relate to a mutual fund client, the Board of Trustees as deemed necessary.

 

C. The CCO will keep a written record of all investigations in connection with any Code violations including any action taken as a result of the violation.

 

D. Sanctions for violations of the Code include: verbal or written warnings and censures, monetary sanctions, disgorgement or dismissal. Where a particular Client has been harmed by the code violation, disgorgement may be paid directly to the Client; otherwise, monetary sanctions shall be paid to an appropriate charity determined by the CCO or President or, if violations relate to a mutual fund client, the Board of Trustees as deemed necessary.

 

7. Reports to the Executive Committee

No less frequently than annually, the CCO shall submit to the Executive Committee a written report (1) describing any issues arising under the Code since the last report to the Executive Committee, including, but not limited to, information about material violations of or waivers from the Code, and (2) certifying that the Code contains procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from violating it. The Executive Committee shall review the Code and the operation of these policies no less frequently than annually.

 

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The Executive Committee shall consider reports made to it pursuant to Section 6.B and determine what sanctions, if any, in addition to any forfeitures imposed pursuant to Section 3.I., should be imposed for the material violations reported. Sanctions may include, among other things, a letter of censure or suspension or termination of the employment of the violator. The Executive Committee shall also consider whether it is appropriate under the circumstances for any forfeitures imposed pursuant to Section 3.I to be paid to any affected Funds or whether a charity should be designated to receive such forfeitures.

 

8. Recordkeeping and Review

This Code, any written prior approvals pursuant to Section 4.A and 4.B of the Code, a copy of each report by an Access Person, a record of any violation of the Code and any action taken as a result of the violation, any written report hereunder by the CCO, and lists of all persons required to make and/or review reports under the Code shall be preserved with the Trust’s and/or Adviser’s records, as appropriate for the periods and in the manner required by Rules 17j-1 and 204-2. To the extent appropriate and permissible, the CCO may choose to keep such records electronically.

 

The CCO shall review this Code and its operation annually and may determine to make amendments to the Code as a result of that review. Non-material amendments to this Code should be made no more frequently than annually and shall be distributed as described in Section 5. Material amendments to the Code may be made at any time.

 

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Orinda Asset Management LLC

POLICY AND PROCEDURES

Code of Ethics - Appendix A

Reportable Mutual Funds

Effective December 1, 2010 and Amended November 30, 2017

 

Reportable Mutual Funds

 

The Orinda Funds, consisting of:

 

Orinda Income Opportunities Fund

 

The Private Funds to which Orinda served as the Investment Adviser, consisting of:

 

Condor Partners, LP
Preferred Yield Plus, LP

 

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