Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 30, 2019
Securities Act of 19933 File No. 333-180308
Investment Company Act of 1940 File No. 811-22680
U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 | [X] |
Pre-Effective Amendment No. | |
Post-Effective Amendment No. 149 | |
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 | [X] |
Amendment No. __152_ |
(Check appropriate box or boxes)
ULTIMUS MANAGERS TRUST
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: (513) 587-3400
Matthew J. Beck
Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):
/ / | immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) |
/ X / | on December 30, 2019 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(b) |
If appropriate, check the following box:
/ / | This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment. |
BLUE CURRENT GLOBAL DIVIDEND FUND
INVESTOR CLASS (BCGFX)
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS (BCGDX)
Managed
by
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PROSPECTUS
December 30, 2019 |
For information or assistance in opening an account, please call toll-free 1-800-514-3583.
This Prospectus has information about the Fund that you should know before you invest. You should read it carefully and keep it with your investment records.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved the Fund’s shares or passed on the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
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Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Fund’s shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from the Fund or from your financial intermediary, such as a broker-dealer or bank. Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.
If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically by contacting the Fund at 1-800-514-3583 or, if you own these shares through a financial intermediary, you may contact your financial intermediary.
You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. You can inform the Fund that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports by contacting the Fund at 1-800-514-3583. If you own shares through a financial intermediary, you may contact your financial intermediary or follow instructions included with this disclosure to elect to continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds held with the fund complex or at your financial intermediary.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Risk/Return Summary | 3 | |
Investment Objective, Investment Strategies and Related Risks | 9 | |
Fund Management | 12 | |
Distribution Plan | 14 | |
How the Fund Values its Shares | 14 | |
How to Buy Shares | 14 | |
How to Redeem Shares | 18 | |
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes | 20 | |
Financial Highlights | 21 | |
Customer Privacy Notice | 23 | |
For Additional Information | back cover |
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RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Blue Current Global Dividend Fund (the “Fund”) seeks current income and capital appreciation.
FEES AND EXPENSES
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)
|
||
Investor
|
Institutional Class |
|
Management Fees | 0.99% | 0.99% |
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees | 0.25% | None |
Other Expenses |
0.44% |
0.44% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 1.68% | 1.43% |
Less Management Fee Reductions and/or Expense Reimbursements(2) |
(0.44%) |
(0.44%) |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Reductions and/or Expense Reimbursements |
1.24% |
0.99% |
(1) | As of the date of this Prospectus, the Investor Class shares are not being offered. |
(2) | Edge Capital Group, LLC (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed, until April 30, 2021, to reduce Management Fees and reimburse Other Expenses to the extent necessary to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (exclusive of brokerage costs, taxes, interest, borrowing costs such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short, costs to organize the Fund, Acquired Fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and merger or reorganization costs and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business) to an amount not exceeding 1.24% of the average daily net assets of the Investor Class shares and 0.99% of the average daily net assets of the Institutional Class shares, respectively. Management Fee reductions and expense reimbursements by the Adviser are subject to repayment by the Fund for a period of 3 years after the date that such fees and expenses were incurred, provided that the repayments do not cause Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (exclusive of such reductions and reimbursements) to exceed (i) the expense limitation then in effect, if any, and (ii) the expense limitation in effect at the time the expenses to be repaid were incurred. Prior to April 30, 2021, this agreement may not be modified or terminated without the approval of the Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”). This agreement will terminate automatically if the Fund’s investment advisory agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with the Adviser is terminated. |
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Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the operating expenses of the Fund remain the same and the contractual agreement to limit expenses remains in effect only until April 30, 2021. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
Class
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1 Year |
3 Years
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5 Years
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10 Years
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Investor | $126 | $487 | $871 | $1,950 |
Institutional | $101 | $409 | $740 | $1,675 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Annual 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 46% of the average value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing in dividend-paying equity securities of companies whose stocks are selling at discounts to the Adviser’s estimate of their intrinsic value. The Fund invests primarily in domestic and foreign equity securities such as common and preferred stock that are currently paying dividends. In order to hedge against currency risk to its foreign equity securities, the Fund will invest in forward foreign currency exchange contracts (“forwards”). The Fund may also invest in publicly traded master limited partnerships (“MLPs”) and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) that tend to pay dividends. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities that either have paid a dividend in the 12 months prior to purchase, or are expected by the Adviser to pay a dividend within 12 months following the Fund’s purchase of the security. There are no restrictions as to the market capitalization of companies in which the Fund invests. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will generally hold securities of 25 to 50 companies.
An MLP is a limited partnership, the securities of which are traded on a public exchange or in the over-the-counter markets, that is eligible for special tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). To qualify as an MLP, the partnership must receive at least 90% of its income from certain qualifying sources, including real estate, commodities, or natural resources. The Adviser believes that MLPs are an efficient way to gain portfolio exposure to such asset classes.
In selecting investments for the Fund, the Adviser seeks securities that the Adviser believes are undervalued, high-quality dividend paying equities issued by companies with a commitment to dividend growth, and that pay above-market dividend yields. The Adviser considers such factors as dividend sustainability, balance sheet quality, growth characteristics, and valuation when selecting investments for the Fund. Throughout this process the Adviser applies fundamental, “bottom-up” analysis when selecting investments. This analysis focuses on the specific attributes of each company rather than the industry in which the company operates or the economy in general.
The Fund seeks to have a diversified portfolio by issuer, industry, and country. The Fund will invest, under normal market conditions, in at least three different countries, one of which will be the United States. The Fund will also invest at least 40% of its assets in foreign securities. The Fund’s foreign securities will primarily be in companies in developed countries.
The Fund’s investment in foreign securities may include investing in securities traded on foreign exchanges, investing in American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) listed on U.S. stock exchanges, or investing in ETFs that invest in foreign securities. The Fund may seek to hedge against currency fluctuations and deviations involving its foreign equity securities, including by investing in forward foreign currency exchange contracts.
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A security may be sold when the security reaches its intrinsic value as determined by the Adviser, the Adviser has identified a more attractive security, or the security no longer meets the Adviser’s dividend-paying criteria.
PRINCIPAL RISKS
As with any mutual fund investment, there is a risk that you could lose money by investing in the Fund. The success of the Fund’s investment strategies depends largely upon the Adviser’s skill in selecting securities for purchase and sale by the Fund and there is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. Because of the types of securities in which the Fund invests and the investment techniques the Adviser uses, the Fund is designed for investors who are investing for the long term. The Fund may not be appropriate for use as a complete investment program. The principal risks of an investment in the Fund are generally described below.
Stock Market Risk – The return on and value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate in response to stock market movements. Stocks are subject to market risks, such as a rapid increase or decrease in a stock’s value or liquidity, fluctuations in price due to earnings, economic conditions and other factors beyond the control of the Adviser. A company’s share price may decline if a company does not perform as expected, if it is not well managed, if there is a decreased demand for its products or services, or during periods of economic uncertainty or stock market turbulence, among other conditions. In a declining stock market, stock prices for all companies (including those in the Fund’s portfolio) may decline, regardless of their long-term prospects. During periods of market volatility, stock prices can change drastically, and you could lose money over short or long term periods.
Management Style Risk – The portfolio manager’s method of security selection may not be successful and the Fund may underperform relative to other mutual funds that employ similar investment strategies. In addition, the Adviser may select investments that fail to perform as anticipated. The ability of the Fund to meet its investment objective is directly related to the success of the Adviser’s investment process and there is no guarantee that the Adviser’s judgments about the attractiveness, value, dividend-paying and potential appreciation of a particular investment for the Fund will be correct or produce the desired results.
Investment Style Risk – Returns from dividend-paying stocks may underperform the returns from the overall stock market. Since the Fund invests primarily in dividend-paying stocks, the Fund’s performance may at times be better or worse than the performance of the mutual funds that focus on other types of strategies.
Large-Capitalization Company Risk – Large-capitalization companies are generally more mature and may be unable to respond as quickly as smaller companies to new competitive challenges, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, and also may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
Small- and Mid-Capitalization Company Risk – Investments in small-capitalization and mid-capitalization companies often involve higher risks than large-capitalization companies because these companies may lack the management experience, financial resources, product diversification and competitive strengths of larger companies. Therefore, the securities of small- and mid- capitalization companies may be more susceptible to market downturns and other events, and their prices may be subject to greater price fluctuation. In addition, the securities of small- and mid-capitalization companies may trade less frequently and carry less volume than that of larger companies. Because small- and mid-capitalization companies normally have fewer shares outstanding than larger companies, it may be difficult to buy or sell significant amounts of such shares without an unfavorable impact on prevailing prices. Small-capitalization and mid-capitalization companies are typically subject to greater changes in earnings and business prospects than larger, more established companies and also may not be widely followed by investors, which can lower the demand for their stock.
Foreign Securities Risk – Investments in foreign securities involve risks that may be different from those of U.S. securities. Foreign securities may not be subject to uniform audit, financial reporting, or disclosure standards, practices, or requirements comparable to those found in the United States. Foreign securities are also subject to the risk of adverse changes in investment or exchange control regulations or currency exchange rates, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, limitations on the removal of funds or other assets, political or social instability and nationalization of companies or industries. In addition, the dividend and interest payable on certain of the Fund’s foreign securities may be subject to foreign withholding taxes. Foreign securities also involve currency risk, which is the risk that the value of a foreign security will decrease due to changes in the relative value of the U.S. dollar and the security’s underlying foreign currency. ADRs and ETFs investing in foreign securities are subject to risks similar to those associated with direct investments in foreign securities.
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Currency Risk. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates will affect the value of the Fund’s foreign securities. Generally, when the value of the U.S. dollar raises relative to a foreign currency, securities valued in that foreign currency lose value in terms of U.S. dollars since that foreign currency is worth fewer U.S. dollars. Currency exchange rates can fluctuate for a number of reasons, including the economic stability of a country, changes in interest rates, devaluation of a currency by a country’s government or central banking authority, and overall demand for a currency or lack thereof. Exchange rates can change significantly over short periods.
The Fund may seek to hedge against currency exposure, such as investing in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, to attempt to reduce the effect of currency fluctuations and deviations. However, the Fund’s use of currency hedging may not be successful and the use of such strategy may lower the Fund’s potential returns.
Forward Currency Exchange Contract Risk. Forward Currency Exchange Contracts (“Forex Contracts”) are individually negotiated and privately traded agreements to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date and at a price set at the time of the transaction. Although Forex Contracts may reduce the risk of loss from a change in value of a currency, they also limit any potential gains, are subject to the creditworthiness of the counterparty, do not protect against fluctuations in the value of the underlying security, and are subject to additional risk of loss or depreciation due to: unanticipated adverse changes in interest rates, indices, and currency exchange rates; the inability to close out a position; default by the counterparty; imperfect correlation between a forward and the underlying currency; and tax constraints on closing out positions. The loss on Forex Contracts may substantially exceed the amount invested in these instruments.
Exchange-Traded Fund (“ETF”) Risk – Investments in ETFs are subject to the risk that the market price of an ETF’s shares may differ from its net asset value (“NAV”). This difference in price may be due to the fact that the supply and demand in the market for ETF shares at any point in time is not always identical to the supply and demand in the market for the underlying basket of securities. Accordingly, there may be times when an ETF trades at a premium (creating the risk that the Fund pays more than NAV for an ETF when making a purchase) or discount (creating the risks that the Fund’s NAV is reduced for undervalued ETFs it holds, and that the Fund receives less than NAV when selling an ETF). Investments in index-based ETFs are also subject to the risk that the ETF may not be able to replicate exactly the performance of the indices it tracks because the total return generated by the securities will be reduced by transaction costs incurred in adjusting the actual balance of the securities. In addition, the index-based ETFs in which the Fund invests may incur expenses not incurred by their applicable indices. Certain securities comprising the indices tracked by index-based ETFs may, from time to time, temporarily be unavailable, which may further impede the ETFs’ ability to track their applicable indices or match their performance. To the extent that the Fund invests in ETFs, the Fund would bear its pro-rata portion of such ETF’s advisory fees and operational expenses.
MLP Risk – Investments in MLPs are generally subject to many of the risks that apply to investments in partnerships, such as limited control and limited voting rights and fewer corporate protections than afforded investors in a corporation. MLPs that concentrate in a particular industry or region are subject to risks associated with such industry or region. Investing in MLPs also involves certain risks related to investing in the underlying assets of the MLPs and risks associated with pooled investment vehicles, such as adverse economic conditions, an increase in the market price of the underlying commodity, higher taxes or other regulatory actions that increase costs, a shift in consumer demand or conflicts of interest with the general partner. The benefit derived from the Fund’s investment in MLPs is largely dependent on the MLPs being treated as partnerships for federal income tax purposes, so any change to this status would adversely affect its value. The Fund’s investment in MLPs may result in the layering of expenses such that shareholders will indirectly bear a proportionate share of the MLP’s operating expenses in addition to paying Fund expenses.
MLP Tax Risk – MLPs generally do not pay U.S. federal income tax at the partnership level. Rather, each partner in an MLP is allocated a share of the MLP’s income, gains, losses, deductions and expenses. A change in current tax law, or a change in the underlying business mix of a given MLP, could result in an MLP being treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which would result in such MLP being required to pay U.S. federal income tax purposes, which would result in such MLP being required to pay U.S. federal income tax on its taxable income, and could result in lower income to the Fund and a reduction in the value of the Fund’s investment in the MLP. Additionally, open- end mutual funds seeking to be taxed as regulated investment companies, such as the Fund, are limited in their ability to invest in MLPs by current federal tax rules. If a mutual fund invests more than 25% of the value of its total assets in MLP securities, it will be subject to federal corporate income tax, currently at a maximum rate of 21%. For more information about the Fund’s tax status, please see “Dividends, Distributions and Taxes” in this Prospectus.
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PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
The bar chart and table shown below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual total returns for one year and since inception periods compare with those of a broad-based securities market index. The bar chart and table show the performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class, which is the only class currently being offered. The Investor Class, if available, would have substantially similar annual returns and would differ only to the extent the Investor Class has different expenses. How the Fund has performed in the past (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information, current through the most recent month end, is available by calling 1-800-514-3583 or by visiting www.bluecurrentfunds.com.
The Fund’s year-to-date return through September 30, 2019 is 19.51%.
Quarterly Returns During This Time Period
Highest: 6.60% (quarter ended March 31, 2017)
Lowest: (11.91%) (quarter ended December 31, 2018)
Average
Annual Total Returns
|
One Year
|
Since
Inception
|
Return Before Taxes | (12.51%) | 2.19% |
Return After Taxes on Distributions | (12.44%) | 1.71% |
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | (6.95%) | 1.71% |
MSCI World High Dividend Yield Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | (7.56%) | 3.05% |
MSCI World Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) | (8.71%) | 3.80% |
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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 shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account (“IRA”).
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
The Investment Adviser
Edge Capital Group, LLC is the Fund’s investment adviser.
Portfolio Managers
|
Investment
Experience
|
Primary Title with Adviser
|
Henry M. Jones | Management of the Fund since its inception in September 2014 | Managing Partner |
Dennis Sabo | Management of the Fund since its inception in September 2014 | Partner |
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
Minimum Initial Investment
For Investor Class shares, the minimum initial investment amount is $2,500 for all regular accounts. As of the date of this Prospectus, the Investor Class shares are not being offered.
For Institutional Class shares, the minimum initial investment amount is $100,000 for all regular accounts.
Minimum Additional Investment
Once an account is open, additional purchases of Fund shares may be made in any amount.
General Information
You may purchase or redeem (sell) shares of the Fund on each day that the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for business. Transactions may be initiated by written request, by telephone or through your financial intermediary. Written requests to the Fund should be sent to the Blue Current Global Dividend Fund, c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, P.O. Box 46707, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707. For more information about purchasing and redeeming shares, please see “How to Buy Shares” and “How to Redeem Shares” in this Prospectus or call 1-800-514-3583 for assistance.
TAX INFORMATION
The Fund’s distributions are generally taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an IRA. Such tax-deferred arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from those arrangements.
PAYMENTS TO BROKER-DEALERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or any 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. These payments are sometimes referred to as “revenue sharing”. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
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INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS
Investment Objective
The Fund seeks current income and capital appreciation. The Board has reserved the right to change the investment objective of the Fund without shareholder approval upon at least 60 days advance written notice to shareholders.
Investment Strategies
The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by generally investing in dividend-paying equity securities of companies whose stocks are selling at discounts to the Adviser’s estimate of their intrinsic value. The Fund invests primarily in domestic and foreign equity securities such as common and preferred stock that are currently paying dividends. In order to hedge against currency risk to its foreign equity securities, the Fund will invest in forwards. The Fund may also invest in publicly traded MLPs and ETFs that tend to pay dividends. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities that either have paid a dividend in the 12 months prior to purchase, or are expected by the Adviser to pay a dividend within 12 months following the Fund’s purchase of the security. There are no restrictions as to the market capitalization of companies in which the Fund invests. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will generally hold securities of 25 to 50 companies.
An MLP is a limited partnership, the securities of which are traded on a public exchange or in the over-the-counter markets, that is eligible for special tax treatment under the Code. To qualify as an MLP, the partnership must receive at least 90% of its income from certain qualifying sources, including real estate, commodities or natural resources. The Adviser believes that MLPs are an efficient way to gain portfolio exposure to such asset classes.
In selecting investments for the Fund, the Adviser seeks securities that the Adviser believes are undervalued, high-quality dividend paying equities issued by companies with a commitment to dividend growth, and that pay above-market dividend yields. The Adviser considers such factors as dividend sustainability, balance sheet quality, growth characteristics, and valuation when selecting investments. Throughout this process the Adviser applies fundamental, “bottom-up” analysis when selecting investments for the Fund. This analysis focuses on the specific attributes of each company rather than the industry in which the company operates or the economy in general.
The Fund seeks to have a diversified portfolio by issuer, industry, and country. The Fund will invest, under normal market conditions, in at least three different countries, one of which will be the United States, and invest at least 40% of its assets in foreign securities. The Fund’s foreign securities will primarily be in companies in developed countries.
The Fund’s investment in foreign securities may include investing in securities traded on foreign exchanges, investing in ADRs listed on U.S. stock exchanges, or investing in ETFs that invest in foreign securities. The Fund may seek to hedge against currency fluctuations and deviations involving its foreign equity securities, including by investing in forward foreign currency exchange contracts. ADRs are depositary receipts generally issued by a bank or other financial institution and represent an ownership interest in the common stock or other equity securities of a foreign company.
A security may be sold when the issue reaches its intrinsic value as determined by the Adviser, the Adviser has identified a more attractive security, or the security no longer meets the Adviser’s dividend-paying criteria.
Investment Risks
The principal risks associated with the Fund’s investment strategies are generally described below. The Fund may be subject to additional risks because the types of investments the Fund makes and changes in market conditions. As with any mutual fund investment, there is a risk that you could lose money by investing in the Fund. The success of the Fund’s investment strategy depends largely upon the Adviser’s skill in selecting securities for purchase and sale by the Fund and there is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. Because of the types of securities in which the Fund invests and the investment techniques the Adviser uses, the Fund is designed for investors who are investing for the long term. The Fund may not be appropriate for use as a complete investment program.
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Stock Market Risk – The return on and value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate in response to stock market movements. Stocks are subject to market risks, such as a rapid increase or decrease in a stock’s value or liquidity, fluctuations in price due to earnings, economic conditions and other factors beyond the control of the Adviser. A company’s share price may decline if a company does not perform as expected, if it is not well managed, if there is a decreased demand for its products or services, or during periods of economic uncertainty or stock market turbulence, among other conditions. In a declining stock market, stock prices for all companies (including those in the Fund’s portfolio) may decline, regardless of their long-term prospects. During periods of market volatility, stock prices can change drastically, and you could lose money over short or long term periods.
Management Style Risk – The Adviser’s method of security selection may not be successful and the Fund may underperform relative to other mutual funds that employ similar investment strategies. In addition, the Adviser may select investments that fail to perform as anticipated. The ability of the Fund to meet its investment objective is directly related to the success of the Adviser’s investment process and there is no guarantee that the Adviser’s judgments about the attractiveness, value, dividend-paying and potential appreciation of a particular investment for the Fund will be correct or produce the desired results.
Investment Style Risk – Returns from dividend-paying stocks may underperform the returns from the overall stock market. Since the Fund invests primarily in dividend-paying stocks, the Fund’s performance may at time be better or worse than the performance of the mutual funds that focus on other types of stock strategies or have a broader investment style.
Large-Capitalization Company Risk – Large-capitalization companies are generally more mature and may be unable to respond as quickly as smaller companies to new competitive challenges, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, and also may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion. In addition, there may be times when the returns for large capitalization companies generally trail returns of smaller companies or the overall stock market.
Small- and Mid-Capitalization Company Risk – Investments in small-capitalization and mid-capitalization companies often involve higher risks than large-capitalization companies because these companies may lack the management experience, financial resources, product diversification and competitive strengths of larger companies. Therefore, the securities of small- and mid- capitalization companies may be more susceptible to market downturns and other events, and their prices may be subject to greater price fluctuation. In addition, the securities of small- and mid-capitalization companies may trade less frequently and carry less volume than that of larger companies. Because small- and mid-capitalization companies normally have fewer shares outstanding than larger companies, it may be difficult to buy or sell significant amounts of such shares without an unfavorable impact on prevailing prices. Small-capitalization and mid-capitalization companies are typically subject to greater changes in earnings and business prospects than larger, more established companies and also may not be widely followed by investors, which can lower the demand for their stock.
Foreign Securities Risk – Investments in foreign securities involve risks that may be different from those of U.S. securities. Foreign securities may not be subject to uniform audit, financial reporting, or disclosure standards, practices, or requirements comparable to those found in the United States. Foreign securities are also subject to the risk of adverse changes in investment or exchange control regulations or currency exchange rates, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, limitations on the removal of funds or other assets, political or social instability and nationalization of companies or industries. In addition, the dividend and interest payable on certain of the Fund’s foreign securities may be subject to foreign withholding taxes. Foreign securities also involve currency risk, which is the risk that the value of a foreign security will decrease due to changes in the relative value of the U.S. dollar and the security’s underlying foreign currency. ADRs and ETFs investing in foreign securities are subject to risks similar to those associated with direct investments in foreign securities.
Currency Risk – Changes in foreign currency exchange rates will affect the value of the Fund’s foreign securities trading in foreign currencies. Generally, when the value of the U.S. dollar raises relative to a foreign currency, securities valued in that foreign currency lose value in terms of U.S. dollars since that foreign currency is worth fewer U.S. dollars. Currency exchange rates can fluctuate for a number of reasons, including the economic stability of a country, changes in interest rates, devaluation of a currency by a country’s government or central banking authority, and overall demand for a currency or lack thereof. Exchange rates can change significantly over short periods.
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The Fund may seek to hedge against currency exposure, such as investing in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, to attempt to reduce the effect of currency fluctuations and deviations. However, the Fund’s use of currency hedging may not be successful and the use of such strategy may lower the Fund’s potential returns.
Forward Currency Exchange Contract Risk – Forward Currency Exchange Contracts (“Forex Contracts”) are individually negotiated and privately traded agreements to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date and at a price set at the time of the transaction. Although Forex Contracts may reduce the risk of loss from a change in value of a currency, they also limit any potential gains, are subject to the creditworthiness of the counterparty, do not protect against fluctuations in the value of the underlying security, and are subject to additional risk of loss or depreciation due to: unanticipated adverse changes in interest rates, indices, and currency exchange rates; the inability to close out a position; default by the counterparty; imperfect correlation between a forward and the underlying currency; and tax constraints on closing out positions. The loss on Forex Contracts may substantially exceed the amount invested in these instruments.
ETF Risk – ETFs typically hold a portfolio of securities designed to track the performance of a particular index, while others may be managed in accordance with a particular investment objective and strategy, similar to other non-index based investment companies. Through its positions in ETFs and other investment companies, the Fund will be subject to the risks associated with such vehicles’ investments, including the possibility that the value of the securities or instruments held by an ETF or other investment company could decrease. In addition, certain of the ETFs or other investment companies in which the Fund may invest may hold common portfolio positions, thereby reducing any diversification benefits.
Investments in ETFs are subject to the risk that the market price of an ETF’s shares may differ from its NAV. This difference in price may be due to the fact that the supply and demand in the market for ETF shares at any point in time is not always identical to the supply and demand in the market for the underlying basket of securities. Accordingly, there may be times when an ETF trades at a premium (creating the risk that the Fund pays more than NAV for an ETF when making a purchase) or discount (creating the risks that the Fund’s NAV is reduced for undervalued ETFs it holds, and that the Fund receives less than NAV when selling an ETF). Investments in index-based ETFs are also subject to the risk that the ETF may not be able to replicate exactly the performance of the indices it tracks because the total return generated by the securities will be reduced by transaction costs incurred in adjusting the actual balance of the securities. In addition, the index-based ETFs in which the Fund invests may incur expenses not incurred by their applicable indices. Certain securities comprising the indices tracked by index-based ETFs may, from time to time, temporarily be unavailable, which may further impede the ETFs’ ability to track their applicable indices or match their performance. To the extent that the Fund invests in ETFs, the Fund would bear its pro-rata portion of such ETF’s advisory fees and operational expenses.
MLP Risk – An MLP is a limited partnership in which the ownership units are publicly traded. MLPs generally acquire interests in natural resource, energy, or real estate assets and distribute the resulting income to investors. Investments in MLPs are generally subject to many of the risks that apply to investments in partnerships, such as limited control and limited voting rights and fewer corporate protections than afforded investors in a corporation. MLPs that concentrate in a particular industry or region are subject to risks associated with such industry or region. Investing in MLPs also involves certain risks related to investing in the underlying assets of the MLPs and risks associated with pooled investment vehicles, such as adverse economic conditions, an increase in the market price of the underlying commodity, higher taxes or other regulatory actions that increase costs, a shift in consumer demand or conflicts of interest with the general partner. The benefit derived from the Fund’s investment in MLPs is largely dependent on the MLPs being treated as partnerships for federal income tax purposes, so any change to this status would adversely affect its value. The Fund’s investment in MLPs may result in the layering of expenses such that shareholders will indirectly bear a proportionate share of the MLP’s operating expenses in addition to paying Fund expenses.
MLP Tax Risk – MLPs generally do not pay U.S. federal income tax at the partnership level. Rather, each partner in an MLP is allocated a share of the MLP’s income, gains, losses, deductions and expenses. A change in current tax law, or a change in the underlying business mix of a given MLP, could result in an MLP being treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which would result in such MLP being required to pay U.S. federal income tax on its taxable income, and could result in lower income to the Fund and a reduction in the value of the Fund’s investment in the MLP. Additionally, open-end mutual funds seeking to be taxed as regulated investment companies, such as the Fund, are limited in their ability to invest in MLPs by current federal tax rules. If a mutual fund invests more than 25% of the value of its total assets in MLP securities, it will be subject to federal corporate income tax, currently at a maximum rate of 21%. For more information about the Fund’s tax status, please see “Dividends, Distributions and Taxes” in this Prospectus.
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In addition to the strategies and risks described above, the Fund may invest in other types of securities whose risks are described below or in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).
Investments in Money Market Instruments – The Fund will typically hold a portion of its assets in cash or cash equivalent securities, short-term debt securities, including repurchase agreements and money market mutual fund shares (“Money Market Instruments”). The Fund may invest in Money Market Instruments to maintain liquidity or pending the selection of investments. When the Fund invests in a money market mutual fund, the shareholders of the Fund generally will be subject to duplicative management fees. To the extent the Fund holds other registered investment companies, including money market mutual funds, the Fund will incur Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (as defined by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission).
Temporary Defensive Positions – From time to time, the Fund also may take temporary defensive positions inconsistent with the Fund’s principal investment strategies in an attempt to respond to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, and in doing so, may invest up to 100% of its assets in Money Market Instruments. When the Fund takes a temporary defensive position, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.
Portfolio Holdings and Disclosure Policy – A description of the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of its portfolio holdings is available in the Fund’s SAI.
Additional Information – Whether the Fund is an appropriate investment for an investor will depend largely upon the investor’s financial resources and individual investment goals and objectives. The Fund may not be appropriate for investors who engage in short-term trading and/or other speculative strategies or styles. The Adviser purchases portfolio holdings with the intention of holding the investments for an extended period of time.
CFTC Regulation Notice – To the extent the Fund makes investments regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”), the Fund intends to do so in accordance with Rule 4.5 under the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended (the “CEA”). The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has filed a notice of eligibility for exclusion from the definition of the term “commodity pool operator” in accordance with Rule 4.5 and therefore, the Fund is not subject to registration or regulation as a commodity pool operator under the CEA. If the Fund is unable to comply with the requirements of Rule 4.5, it may be required to modify its investment strategies or be subject to CFTC registration requirements, either of which may have an adverse effect on the Fund.
FUND MANAGEMENT
The Investment Adviser
Edge Capital Group, LLC, with a principal address of 1380 West Paces Ferry Rd., Suite 1000, Atlanta, GA 30327, serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser provides the Fund with a continuous program of investing the Fund’s assets and determining the composition of the Fund’s portfolio. The Adviser was founded in 2018, as the successor-in-interest to the Fund’s previous investment adviser, Edge Advisors, LLC (the “Previous Adviser”), and also provides investment advisory services to high net-worth individuals and institutions, such as corporations, defined benefit plans (both private and governmental), profit sharing plans, endowments and charitable foundations, and other investment pools. The Adviser was appointed to serve as the investment adviser to the Fund on August 1, 2018, after the acquisition of the Previous Adviser by the Adviser. Additional information about the Adviser can be found in the SAI.
For its services, the Fund pays the Adviser a monthly investment advisory fee (the “Management Fee”) computed at the annual rate of 0.99% of the Fund’s average daily net assets under the terms of the Advisory Agreement. The Adviser has contractually agreed under an expense limitation agreement (the “Expense Limitation Agreement”), until December 31, 2020, to reduce its Management Fee and reimburse Other Expenses to the extent necessary to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses of the Fund (exclusive of brokerage costs, taxes, interest, borrowing costs such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short, costs to organize the Fund, Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and merger or reorganization costs and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business) to an amount not exceeding to 1.24% of the average daily net assets of the Investor Class shares and 0.99% of the average daily net assets of the Institutional Class shares. Management Fee reductions and expense reimbursements by the Adviser are subject to repayment by the Fund for a period of 3 years after the date that such fees and expenses were incurred, provided that the repayments do not cause Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (exclusive of such reductions and reimbursements) to exceed (i) the expense limitation then in effect, if any, and (ii) the expense limitation in effect at the time the expenses to be repaid were incurred. Prior to December 31, 2020, the Expense Limitation Agreement may not be modified or terminated without approval of the Board. It is expected that the Expense Limitation Agreement will continue from year-to-year provided such continuance is approved by the Board. The Expense Limitation Agreement may be terminated by the Adviser or the Board, without approval by the other party, at the end of the current term upon not less than 90 days’ notice to the other party as set forth in the Expense Limitation Agreement. The Expense Limitation Agreement will terminate automatically if the Fund’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser is terminated. The net aggregate Management Fee paid to the Adviser by the Fund for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2019 as a percentage of average net assets was 0.55%. A discussion of the factors considered by the Board in its approval of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser, including the Board’s conclusions with respect thereto, is available in the Fund’s Annual Report to shareholders for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2018.
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Portfolio Managers
The following individuals have primary responsibility for day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:
Henry M. Jones is a Co-Portfolio Manager of the Fund and has managed the portfolio since its inception in September 2014. Mr. Jones is Managing Partner at the Adviser and previously was the Managing Partner of the Previous Adviser since 2012 and co-founded the Previous Adviser in 2006. Prior to co-founding the Previous Adviser, Mr. Jones was a Director at Credit Suisse. He also served as portfolio manager for an equity fund and was an analyst for the Excelsior Value & Restructuring Fund. Mr. Jones earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Economics with distinction (Omicron Delta Epsilon) from Hampden-Sydney College and a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler School of Business.
Dennis Sabo, CFA, is a Co-Portfolio Manager of the Fund and has managed the portfolio since its inception in September 2014. Mr. Sabo is Partner at the Adviser and previously was a Partner of the Previous Adviser from 2017 until August 2018 and has co-managed equity strategies since 2010. Mr. Sabo is a member of the Adviser’s Advisory Committee and Strategy Team, where he was responsible for equity investments and asset allocation recommendations. Prior to joining the Previous Adviser, Mr. Sabo was an equity analyst at Jodocus Capital, a long/short hedge fund where he was a sector generalist. Prior to Jodocus, Mr. Sabo was an equity analyst at Credit Suisse where he was a member of the Global Media team. Mr. Sabo was also an associate at Suntrust Robinson Humphrey and covered the consumer technology sector. Prior to his career in investment management, Mr. Sabo worked in telecommunications engineering for six years. Mr. Sabo earned a Bachelor of Science Electrical Engineering from the University of Miami and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Georgia, where he concentrated on finance and investments.
The SAI provides additional information about the Portfolio Managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers, and their ownership of shares of the Fund.
The Administrator and Transfer Agent
Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (“Ultimus”, the “Administrator”, or the “Transfer Agent”), located at 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, serves as the Fund’s administrator, transfer agent and fund accounting agent. Management and administrative services of Ultimus include (i) providing office space, equipment and officers and clerical personnel to the Fund, (ii) obtaining valuations, calculating NAVs and performing other accounting, tax and financial services, (iii) recordkeeping, (iv) regulatory reporting services, (v) processing shareholder account transactions and disbursing dividends and distributions, and (vi) administering custodial and other third party service provider contracts on behalf of the Fund.
The Distributor
Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), located at 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, is the Fund’s principal underwriter and serves as the exclusive agent for the distribution of the Fund’s shares. The Distributor may sell the Fund’s shares to or through qualified securities dealers or other approved entities.
The SAI has more detailed information about the Adviser and other service providers to the Fund.
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DISTRIBUTION PLAN
The Fund has adopted a plan of distribution for its Investor Class shares (the “12b-1 Plan”) in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The 12b-1 Plan allows the Fund to make payments to securities dealers and other financial organizations (including payments directly to the Adviser and the Distributor) for expenses related to the distribution and servicing of the Fund’s Investor Class shares. The annual fees payable under the 12b-1 Plan may not exceed an amount equal to 0.25% of the Investor Class shares’ average daily net assets. Because 12b-1 Plan fees are paid out of the Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time they will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. Expenses related to the distribution and servicing of the Fund’s Investor Class shares may include, but are not limited to, payments to securities dealers and other persons who are engaged in the sale of Investor Class shares of the Fund and who may be advising shareholders regarding the sale or retention of such shares; expenses of maintaining personnel who render shareholder support services not otherwise provided by the Transfer Agent or the Fund; expenses of formulating and implementing marketing and promotional activities, including direct mail promotions and mass media advertising; expenses of preparing, printing or distributing prospectuses and statements of additional information and reports for recipients other than existing shareholders of the Fund; expenses of obtaining such information, analyses and reports with respect to marketing and promotional activities as the Fund may, from time to time, deem advisable; and any other expenses related to the distribution and servicing of the Fund’s Investor Class shares. The Adviser may make additional payments to financial organizations from its own assets. The payment by the Adviser of any such additional compensation will not affect the expense ratio of the Fund. As of the date of this Prospectus, the Investor Class shares are not being offered.
HOW THE FUND VALUES ITS SHARES
The NAV of the Fund is calculated as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) on each day that the NYSE is open for business. Currently, the NYSE is closed on weekends and in recognition of the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. To calculate NAV, the Fund’s assets are valued and totaled, liabilities are subtracted, and the balance is divided by the number of shares outstanding. The Fund generally values its portfolio securities at their current market values determined based on available market quotations. However, if market quotations are not available or are considered unreliable due to market or other events, portfolio securities will be valued at their fair values, as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE, as determined in good faith under procedures adopted by the Board. When fair value pricing is employed, the prices of securities used by the Fund to calculate its NAV are based on the consideration by the Fund of a number of subjective factors and therefore may differ from quoted or published prices for the same securities. To the extent the assets of the Fund are invested in other registered investment companies that are not listed on an exchange, the Fund’s NAV is calculated based upon the NAVs reported by such registered investment companies, and the prospectuses for these companies explain the circumstances under which they will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing. To the extent the Fund has portfolio securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other days when the Fund does not price its shares, the NAV of the Fund’s shares may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem the Fund’s shares.
Your order to purchase or redeem shares is priced at the NAV next calculated after your order is received in proper form by the Fund. An order is considered to be in “proper form” if it includes all necessary information and documentation related to a purchase or redemption request, and, if applicable, payment in full of the purchase amount.
HOW TO BUY SHARES
Shares are available for purchase from the Fund every day the NYSE is open for business, at the NAV next calculated after receipt of a purchase order in proper form. The Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase request and/or suspend its offering of shares at any time. Investors who purchase shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary may be charged a fee by such broker-dealer or intermediary. The Fund mails you confirmations of all purchases or redemptions of Fund shares if shares are purchased directly through the Fund. Certificates representing shares are not issued.
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Choosing a Share Class
The Fund currently offers one class of shares: Institutional Class shares. The Investor Class shares are not currently offered. When both classes of shares are offered, each share class will represent an ownership interest in the same investment portfolio and have the same rights but each class will have its own expense structure.
Investor Class shares, when offered, will be subject to 12b-1 Plan fees that permit the Fund to pay distribution fees of up to 0.25% of the Investor Class’s average net assets per year to those intermediaries offering Investor Class shares. Institutional Class shares are available without a 12b-1 Plan fee to those investors eligible to purchase such shares. Neither the Investor Class nor the Institutional Class shares are subject to a sales charge.
When a choice of share classes is available, you should consider the size of your investment. Your financial consultant or other financial intermediary can help you determine which share class will be best suited to your personal financial goals. If you qualify to purchase Institutional Class shares, you should purchase them rather than the Investor Class shares, when available, because the Investor Class shares will have higher expenses than the Institutional Class shares. Although each class will invest in the same portfolio of securities, the returns for each class will differ because each class will be subject to different expenses.
If you qualify as a purchaser of Institutional Class shares, but your account is invested in Investor Class shares, when available, you may convert your Investor Class shares to Institutional Class shares based on the relative NAV of the two classes on the conversion date.
Minimum Initial Investment
For Investor Class shares, the minimum initial investment for regular accounts in the Fund is $2,500. As of the date of this Prospectus, the Investor Class shares are not being offered. For Institutional Class shares, the minimum initial investment in the Fund is $100,000. These minimum investment requirements may be waived or reduced for any reason at the discretion of the Fund.
Opening an Account
An account may be opened by mail or bank wire if it is submitted in proper form, as follows:
By Mail. To open a new account by mail:
● | Complete and sign the account application. |
● | Enclose a check payable to the Blue Current Global Dividend Fund; please reference Investor Class or Institutional Class to ensure proper crediting to your account. As of the date of this Prospectus, the Investor Class shares are not being offered. |
● | Mail the application and the check to the Transfer Agent at the following address: |
Blue
Current Global Dividend Fund
c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
P.O. Box 46707
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707
Shares will be issued at the NAV next computed after receipt of your application, in proper form, and check. All purchases must be made in U.S. dollars and checks must be drawn on U.S. financial institutions. The Fund does not accept cash, drafts, “starter” checks, travelers checks, credit card checks, post-dated checks, non-U.S. financial institution checks, cashier’s checks under $10,000, or money orders. In addition, the Fund does not accept checks made payable to third parties. When shares are purchased by check, the proceeds from the redemption of those shares will not be paid until the purchase check has been converted to federal funds, which could take up to 15 calendar days from the date of purchase. If an order to purchase shares is canceled because your check does not clear, you will be responsible for any resulting losses or other fees incurred by the Fund or the Transfer Agent in the transaction.
By sending your check to the Transfer Agent, please be aware that you are authorizing the Transfer Agent to make a one-time electronic debit from your account at the financial institution indicated on your check. Your bank account will be debited as early as the same day the Transfer Agent receives your payment in the amount of your check; no additional amount will be added to the total. The transaction will appear on your bank statement. Your original check will be destroyed once processed, and you will not receive your canceled check back. If the Transfer Agent cannot post the transaction electronically, you authorize the Transfer Agent to present an image copy of your check for payment.
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By Wire. To open a new account by wire of federal funds, call the Transfer Agent at 1-800-514-3583 to obtain the necessary information to instruct your financial institution to wire your investment. A representative will assist you in obtaining an account application, which must be completed, signed and faxed (or mailed) to the Transfer Agent before payment by wire will be accepted.
The Fund requires advance notification of all wire purchases in order to ensure that the wire is received in proper form and that your account is subsequently credited in a timely fashion. Failure to notify the Transfer Agent prior to the transmittal of the bank wire may result in a delay in purchasing shares of the Fund. An order, following proper advance notification to the Transfer Agent, is considered received when U.S. Bank, N.A., the Fund’s custodian, receives payment by wire. If your account application was faxed to the Transfer Agent, you must also mail the completed account application to the Transfer Agent on the same day the wire payment is made. See “Opening an Account – By Mail” above. Your financial institution may charge a fee for wiring funds. Shares will be issued at the NAV next computed after receipt of your wire in proper form.
Through Your Broker or Financial Institution. Shares of the Fund may be purchased through certain brokerage firms and financial institutions that are authorized to accept orders on behalf of the Fund at the NAV next determined after your order is received by such organization in proper form. These organizations are authorized to designate other intermediaries to receive purchase orders on the Fund’s behalf. The Fund will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when an authorized broker or, if applicable, a broker’s authorized designee, receives the order in proper form. Certain financial intermediaries may charge fees for purchase and/or redemption transactions by customers, depending on the nature and terms of the financial intermediary’s particular platform. Additionally, investors purchasing shares from a broker or other financial intermediary may be required to pay a commission in connection with such purchases. Such investors should consult with their financial intermediary regarding any commissions and other fees and expenses of the shares being purchased. These organizations may charge you transaction fees on purchases of Fund shares and may impose other charges or restrictions or account option that differ from those applicable to shareholders who purchase shares directly through the Fund. These organizations may be the shareholders of record of your shares. The Fund is not responsible for ensuring that the organizations carry out their obligations to their customers. Shareholders investing in this manner should look to the organization through which they invest for specific instructions on how to purchase and redeem shares.
Subsequent Investments
Once an account is open, additional purchases of Fund shares may be made in any amount. Additional purchases must be submitted in proper form as described below. Additional purchases may be made:
● | By sending a check, made payable to Blue Current Global Dividend Fund, c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, P.O. Box 46707, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707. Be sure to note your account number on the memo line of your check. The shareholder will be responsible for any fees incurred or losses suffered by the Fund as a result of any check returned for insufficient funds. |
● | By wire to the Fund account as described under “Opening an Account – By Wire.” Shareholders are required to call the Transfer Agent at 1-800-514-3583 before wiring funds. |
● | Through your brokerage firm or other financial institution. |
Automatic Investment Plan and Direct Deposit Plans
You may make automatic monthly investments in the Fund from your bank, savings and loan or other depository institution. The minimum investments under the automatic investment plan must be at least $100 under the plan and are made on the 15th and/or last business day of the month. The Transfer Agent currently pays the costs of this service, but reserves the right, upon 30 days written notice, to make reasonable charges. Your depository institution may impose its own charge for making transfers from your account.
Your employer may offer a direct deposit plan which will allow you to have all or a portion of your paycheck transferred automatically to purchase shares of the Fund. Social Security recipients may have all or a portion of their social security check transferred automatically to purchase shares of the Fund. Please call 1-800-514-3583 for more information about the automatic investment plan and direct deposit plans.
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Purchases in Kind
The Fund may accept securities in lieu of cash in payment for the purchase of shares of the Fund. The acceptance of such securities is at the sole discretion of the Adviser based upon the suitability of the securities as an investment for the Fund, the marketability of such securities, and other factors which the Fund may deem appropriate. If accepted, the securities will be valued using the same criteria and methods utilized for valuing securities to compute the Fund’s NAV.
Customer Identification and Verification
To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each person that opens a new account, and to determine whether such person’s name appears on government lists of known or suspected terrorists and terrorist organizations. As a result, the Fund must obtain the following information for each person that opens a new account:
● | Name; |
● | Date of birth (for individuals); |
● | Residential or business street address (although post office boxes are still permitted for mailing); and |
● | Social security number, taxpayer identification number, or other identifying number. |
You may also be asked for a copy of your driver’s license, passport, or other identifying document in order to verify your identity. In addition, it may be necessary to verify your identity by cross-referencing your identification information with a consumer report or other electronic database. Additional information may be required to open accounts for corporations and other entities. Federal law prohibits the Fund and other financial institutions from opening a new account unless they receive the minimum identifying information listed above.
After an account is opened, the Fund may restrict your ability to purchase additional shares until your identity is verified. The Fund also may close your account or take other appropriate action if they are unable to verify your identity within a reasonable time. If your account is closed for this reason, your shares will be redeemed at the NAV next calculated after the account is closed. In that case, your redemption proceeds may be worth more or less than your original investment. The Fund will not be responsible for any loss incurred due to the Fund’s inability to verify your identity.
Frequent Trading Policies
Frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares by a shareholder may harm other Fund shareholders by interfering with the efficient management of the Fund’s portfolio, increasing brokerage and administrative costs, and potentially diluting the value of the Fund’s shares. The Fund does not accommodate frequent purchases or redemptions of Fund shares that result in disruptive trading.
The Board has adopted policies and procedures in an effort to detect and prevent disruptive trading, including market timing in the Fund. The Fund, through its service providers, monitors shareholder trading activity to ensure it complies with the Fund’s policies. The Fund prepares reports illustrating purchase and redemption activity to detect disruptive trading activity. When monitoring shareholder purchases and redemptions, the Fund does not apply a quantitative definition to frequent trading. Instead the Fund uses a subjective approach that permits it to reject any purchase orders that it believes may be indicative of market timing or disruptive trading. The right to reject a purchase order applies to any purchase order, including a purchase order placed by financial intermediaries. The Fund may also modify any terms or conditions of purchases of Fund shares or withdraw all or any part of the offering made by this Prospectus. The Fund’s policies and procedures to prevent disruptive trading activity are applied uniformly to all shareholders. These actions, in the Board’s opinion, should help reduce the risk of abusive trading in the Fund.
When financial intermediaries establish omnibus accounts in the Fund for their clients, the Fund reviews trading activity at the omnibus account level and looks for activity that may indicate potential frequent trading or disruptive trading. If the Fund detects potentially disruptive trading activity, the Fund will seek the assistance of the intermediary to investigate that trading activity and take appropriate action, including prohibiting additional purchases of Fund shares by the intermediary and/or its client. Each intermediary that offers the Fund’s shares through an omnibus account has entered into an information sharing agreement with the Fund designed to assist the Fund in stopping future disruptive trading. Intermediaries may apply frequent trading policies that differ from those described in this Prospectus. If you invest in the Fund through an intermediary, please read that firm’s program materials carefully to learn of any rules or fees that may apply.
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Although the Fund has taken steps to discourage frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares, it cannot guarantee that such trading will not occur.
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
Shares of the Fund may be redeemed on any day on which the Fund computes its NAV. Shares are redeemed at the NAV next determined after the Transfer Agent receives your redemption request in proper form as described below. Redemption requests may be made by mail or by telephone.
By Mail
You may redeem shares by mailing a written request to Blue Current Global Dividend Fund, c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, P.O. Box 46707, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707. Written requests must state the shareholder’s name, the account number and the shares or dollar amount to be redeemed and be signed exactly as the shares are registered with the Fund.
Signature Guarantees
If the shares to be redeemed have a value of greater than $50,000, or if the payment of the proceeds of a redemption of any amount is to be sent to a person other than the shareholder of record or to an address other than that on record with the Fund, you must have all signatures on written redemption requests guaranteed. If the name(s) or the address on your account has changed within the previous 15 days of your redemption request, the request must be made in writing with your signature guaranteed, regardless of the value of the shares being redeemed. The Transfer Agent will accept signatures guaranteed by a domestic bank or trust company, broker, dealer, clearing agency, savings association or other financial institution that participates in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (“STAMP”) sponsored by the Securities Transfer Association. Signature guarantees from financial institutions that do not participate in STAMP will not be accepted. A notary public cannot provide a signature guarantee. The Transfer Agent has adopted standards for accepting signature guarantees from the above institutions. The Fund and the Transfer Agent reserve the right to amend these standards at any time without notice.
Redemption requests by corporate and fiduciary shareholders must be accompanied by appropriate documentation establishing the authority of the person seeking to act on behalf of the account. Forms of resolutions and other documentation to assist in compliance with the Transfer Agent’s procedures may be obtained by calling the Transfer Agent.
By Telephone
Unless you specifically decline the telephone redemption privilege on your account application, you may also redeem shares having a value of $50,000 or less by telephone by calling the Transfer Agent at 1-800-514-3583.
Telephone redemptions may be requested only if the proceeds are to be sent to the shareholder of record and mailed to the address on record with the Fund. Account designations may be changed by sending the Transfer Agent a written request with all signatures guaranteed as described above. Upon request, redemption proceeds of $100 or more may be transferred electronically from an account you maintain with a financial institution by an Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) transaction, and proceeds of $1,000 or more may be transferred by wire, in either case to the account stated on the account application. Shareholders may be charged a fee of $15 by the Fund’s custodian for outgoing wires.
The Transfer Agent requires personal identification before accepting any redemption request by telephone, and telephone redemption instructions may be recorded. If reasonable procedures are followed by the Transfer Agent, neither the Transfer Agent nor the Fund will be liable for losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions. “Reasonable procedures” include, but are not limited to, the Transfer Agent confirming that the account is eligible for telephone transactions, requesting some form of personal identification (e.g. social security number, date of birth, etc.) from you prior to acting on telephonic instructions, and getting a verbal commitment from you on a recorded line at the time of transaction. In the event of drastic economic or market changes, a shareholder may experience difficulty in redeeming shares by telephone. If such a case should occur, redemption by mail should be considered.
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Through Your Broker or Financial Institution
You may also redeem your shares through a brokerage firm or financial institution that has been authorized to accept orders on behalf of the Fund at the NAV next determined after your order is received by such organization in proper form. These organizations are authorized to designate other intermediaries to receive redemption orders on the Fund’s behalf. The Fund calculates its NAV as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time). Your brokerage firm or financial institution may require a redemption request to be received, in proper form, at an earlier time during the day in order for your redemption to be effective as of the day the order is received in proper form. Such an organization may charge you transaction fees on redemptions of Fund shares and may impose other charges or restrictions or account options that differ from those applicable to shareholders who redeem shares directly through the Transfer Agent.
Receiving Payment
The length of time the Fund typically expects to pay redemption proceeds is the same regardless of whether the payment is made by check, wire or ACH. The Fund typically expects to pay redemption proceeds for shares redeemed within the following days after receipt by the Transfer Agent of a redemption request in proper form:
● | For payment by check, the Fund typically expects to mail the check within one (1) to three (3) business days; and |
● | For payment by wire or ACH, the Fund typically expects to process the payment within one (1) to three (3) business days. |
Payment of redemption proceeds may take longer than the time the Fund typically expects and may take up to 7 days as permitted under the 1940 Act. Under unusual circumstances as permitted by the SEC, the Fund may suspend the right of redemption or delay payment of redemption proceeds for more than 7 days. When shares are purchased by check or through ACH, the proceeds from the redemption of those shares will not be paid until the purchase check or ACH transfer has been converted to federal funds, which could take up to 15 calendar days.
Redemption Fee
A redemption fee of 2% of the dollar value of the shares redeemed, payable to the Fund, is imposed on any redemption of Fund shares occurring within 7 days of the date of purchase. No redemption fee will be imposed on the involuntary redemption of accounts below the minimum investment amount (see “Minimum Account Balance” below), the redemption of shares representing reinvested dividends or capital gains distributions, or on amounts representing capital appreciation of shares. In determining whether a redemption fee is applicable to a particular redemption, it is assumed that the redemption is first of shares acquired pursuant to the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, and next of other shares held by the shareholder for the longest period of time.
The redemption fee is waived on required distributions from IRA accounts due to the shareholder reaching age 70½, and for any partial or complete redemption following death or disability (as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code) of a shareholder named on the account. This exemption is available only for shares held at the time of death or initial determination of disability and if the Fund is notified of the requested exemption at the time of the redemption request. The Fund may also require further documentation in connection with these waivers.
The redemption fee is also waived for shareholders systematically redeeming Fund shares under the automatic withdrawal plan (see “Automatic Withdrawal Plan” below).
Minimum Account Balance
Due to the high cost of maintaining shareholder accounts, the Fund may involuntarily redeem shares in an account, and pay the proceeds to the shareholder, if the shareholder’s activity causes the account balance to fall below a share class’s minimum initial investment amount. Such automatic redemptions may cause a taxable event for the shareholder. An automatic redemption does not apply, however, if the balance falls below the minimum initial investment amount solely because of a decline in the Fund’s NAV. Before shares are redeemed to close an account, the shareholder is notified in writing and allowed 30 days to purchase additional shares to meet the minimum account balance requirement.
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Automatic Withdrawal Plan
If the shares of the Fund in your account have a value of at least $5,000, you (or another person you have designated) may receive monthly or quarterly payments in a specified amount of not less than $100 each. There is currently no charge for this service, but the Transfer Agent reserves the right, upon 30 days written notice, to make reasonable charges. Call the Transfer Agent toll-free at 1-800-514-3583 for additional information.
Other Redemption Information
Generally, all redemptions will be paid in cash. The Fund typically expects to satisfy redemption requests by using holdings of cash or cash equivalents or selling portfolio assets. On a less regular basis and if the Adviser believes it is in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders not to sell portfolio assets, the Fund may satisfy redemption requests by using short-term borrowing from the Fund’s custodian. These methods normally will be used during both regular and stressed market conditions. In addition to paying redemption proceeds in cash, the Fund reserves the right to make payment for a redemption in securities rather than cash, which is known as a “redemption in kind.” Redemptions in kind will be made only under extraordinary circumstances and if the Fund deems it advisable for the benefit of all shareholders, such as a very large redemption that could affect Fund operations (for example, more than 1% of the Fund’s net assets). A redemption in kind will consist of securities equal in market value to the Fund shares being redeemed, using the same valuation procedures that the Fund uses to compute its NAV. Redemption in kind proceeds will typically be made by delivering a pro-rata amount of the Fund’s holdings to the redeeming shareholder within 7 days after the Fund’s receipt of the redemption order in proper form. If the Fund redeems your shares in kind, you will bear the market risks associated with maintaining or selling the securities that are transferred as redemption proceeds. In addition, when you sell these securities, you may pay taxes and brokerage charges associated with selling the securities.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Income dividends, if any, are normally declared and paid quarterly by the Fund, while net capital gain distributions, if any, are normally declared and paid annually by the Fund in December. Your distributions of dividends and capital gains will be automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Fund unless you elect to receive them in cash. The Fund’s distributions of income and capital gains, whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares, will be subject to federal income tax.
The Fund has qualified and plans to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes, and as such, will not be subject to federal income tax on its taxable income and gains that it distributes to its shareholders. The Fund intends to distribute its income and gains in such a way that it will not be subject to a federal excise tax on certain undistributed amounts.
Distributions attributable to ordinary income and short-term capital gains are generally taxed as ordinary income, although certain income dividends may be taxed to non-corporate shareholders at long-term capital gains rates. In the case of corporations that hold shares of the Fund, certain income from the Fund may qualify for a 50% dividends- received deduction. Distributions of long-term capital gains are generally taxed as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long you have held your Fund shares.
When you redeem Fund shares, you will generally realize a capital gain or loss if you hold the shares as capital assets. Except for investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or IRAs, and tax-exempt investors that do not borrow to purchase Fund shares, any gain realized on a redemption of Fund shares will be subject to federal income tax.
You will be notified by February 15th of each year about the federal tax status of distributions made by the Fund during the prior year. Depending on your residence for tax purposes, distributions also may be subject to state and local taxes.
Federal law requires the Fund to withhold taxes on distributions paid to shareholders who fail to provide a social security number or taxpayer identification number or fail to certify that such number is correct. Foreign shareholders may be subject to special withholding requirements.
Because everyone’s tax situation is not the same, you should consult your tax professional about federal, state and local tax consequences of an investment in the Fund.
20
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund’s financial performance since the period of the Fund’s operations. 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 on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been audited by the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, Cohen & Company, Ltd. whose report, along with the Fund’s financial statements, is included in the Annual Report to shareholders, which may be obtained at no charge by calling the Fund at 1-800-514-3583 or by visiting the Fund’s website www.bluecurrentfunds.com.
(a) | Represents the period from the commencement of operations (September 18, 2014) through August 31, 2015. |
(b) | Amount rounds to less than $0.01 per share. |
(c) | Total return is a measure of the change in value of an investment in the Fund over the periods covered, which assumes any dividends and capital gain distributions are reinvested in shares of the Fund. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. The total returns would be lower if the Adviser had not reduced advisory fees. |
21
(d) | Not annualized. |
(e) | Annualized. |
(f) | Ratio was determined after advisory fee reductions by the Adviser. |
22
CUSTOMER PRIVACY NOTICE
|
Reasons we can share your personal information | Does the 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 |
No | We don’t share |
For joint marketing with other financial companies | No | We don’t share |
For
our affiliates’ everyday business purposes –
information about your transactions and experiences |
No | We don’t share |
For
our affiliates’ everyday business purposes –
information about your creditworthiness |
No | We don’t share |
For nonaffiliates to market to you | No | We don’t share |
Questions? | Call 1-800-514-3583 |
23
24
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information about the Fund is included in the SAI, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Additional information about the Fund’s investments is available in the Fund’s Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to shareholders. In the Fund’s Annual Report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during its last fiscal year.
To obtain a free copy of the SAI, the Annual and Semi-Annual Reports or other information about the Fund, or to make inquiries about the Fund, please call Toll-Free:
1-800-514-3583
This Prospectus, the SAI and the most recent shareholder reports are also available without charge on the Fund’s website at www.bluecurrentfunds.com or upon written request to:
Blue
Current Global Dividend Fund
c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
P.O. Box 46707
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707
Only one copy of a Prospectus or an Annual or Semi-Annual Report is sent to each household address. This process, known as “Householding,” is used for most required shareholder mailings. (It does not apply to confirmations of transactions and account statements, however). You may, of course, request an additional copy of a Prospectus or an Annual or Semi-Annual Report at any time by calling or writing the Fund or by downloading free of charge at www.bluecurrentfunds.com. You may also request that Householding be eliminated from all your required mailings.
Reports and other information about the Fund are available on the EDGAR Database on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s internet site at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of information on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s internet site may be obtained, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.
Investment Company Act File No. 811-22680
25
Statement of Additional Information
December 30, 2019
BLUE CURRENT GLOBAL DIVIDEND FUND
Investor Class (BCGFX)
Institutional Class (BCGDX)
Series of
ULTIMUS MANAGERS TRUST
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246
This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus for the Blue Current Global Dividend Fund (the “Fund”) dated December 30, 2019, which may be supplemented from time to time (the “Prospectus”). This SAI is incorporated by reference in its entirety into the Prospectus. Because this SAI is not itself a prospectus, no investment in shares of the Fund should be made solely upon the information contained herein. Copies of the Prospectus may be obtained without charge, upon request, by writing the Fund at P.O. Box 46707, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707, by calling toll-free 1-800-514-3583 or by visiting the Fund’s website at www.bluecurrentfunds.com.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON INVESTMENTS, STRATEGIES AND RISKS | 2 |
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS | 12 |
CALCULATION OF SHARE PRICE | 14 |
ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION | 15 |
SPECIAL SHAREHOLDER SERVICES | 15 |
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST | 16 |
INVESTMENT ADVISER | 21 |
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS | 24 |
THE DISTRIBUTOR | 25 |
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS | 25 |
DISTRIBUTION PLAN | 27 |
GENERAL INFORMATION | 28 |
ADDITIONAL TAX INFORMATION | 32 |
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 36 |
APPENDIX A | 36 |
APPENDIX B | 39 |
APPENDIX C | 42 |
1
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Blue Current Global Dividend Fund is a diversified series of Ultimus Managers Trust (the “Trust”), an open-end management investment company. The Trust is an unincorporated business trust that was organized under Ohio law on February 28, 2012. The Fund’s investments are managed by Edge Capital Group, LLC (the “Adviser”). For further information on the Fund, please call 1-800-514-3583 or visit the Fund’s website at www.bluecurrentfunds.com.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON INVESTMENTS, STRATEGIES AND RISKS
Information contained in this SAI expands upon information contained in the Prospectus. All investments in securities and other financial instruments involve a risk of financial loss. No assurance can be given that the Fund’s investment programs will be successful. Investors should carefully review the descriptions of the Fund’s investments and associated risks described in the Prospectus and this SAI. No investment in shares of the Fund should be made without first reading the Prospectus. Unless otherwise indicated, percentage limitations, if any, apply at the time of purchase of the applicable securities.
General Investment Risks. All investments in securities and other financial instruments involve a risk of financial loss. No assurance can be given that the Fund’s investment programs will be successful. Investors should carefully review the descriptions of the Fund’s investments and their risks in this SAI and the Prospectus.
Equity Securities. The equity portion of the Fund’s portfolio will generally be comprised of common stock, preferred stock traded on domestic and foreign securities exchanges or on over-the counter (“OTC”) markets. In addition to common stock and preferred stock, the Fund’s equity investments may include convertible securities. The prices of equity securities in which the Fund invests may fluctuate in response to many factors, including, but not limited to, the activities of the individual companies whose securities the Fund owns, general market and economic conditions, interest rates, and specific industry changes. Such price fluctuations subject the Fund to potential losses. In addition, regardless of any one company’s particular prospects, a declining stock market may produce a decline in prices for all equity securities, which could also result in losses for the Fund. Market declines may continue for an indefinite period of time, and investors should understand that during temporary or extended bear markets, the value of equity securities, including securities held by the Fund, will likely decline.
Preferred Stock, Warrants, and Rights. The Fund may purchase preferred stock, warrants and rights, or it may acquire ownership of such investments by virtue of its ownership of common stocks. Preferred stocks are securities that represent an ownership interest providing the holder with claims on the issuer’s earnings and assets before common stock owners but after bond owners. Unlike debt securities, the obligations of an issuer of preferred stock, including dividend and other payment obligations, may not typically be accelerated by the holders of such preferred stock on the occurrence of an event of default or other non-compliance by the issuer of the preferred stock. Preferred stocks may include the obligation to pay a stated dividend. The price of preferred stocks could depend more on the size of the dividend than on the company’s performance. If a company fails to pay the dividend, its preferred stock is likely to drop in price. Changes in interest rates can also affect the price of preferred stock. Like common stocks, the value of preferred stock may fluctuate in response to many factors, including the activities of the issuer, general market and economic conditions, interest rates, and industry-specific changes.
Warrants are essentially options to purchase equity securities at specific prices and are valid for a specific period of time. Rights are similar to warrants but generally have a short duration and are distributed directly by the issuer to its shareholders. The holders of warrants and rights have no voting rights, and receive no dividends, with respect to the equity interests underlying warrants or rights, and will have no rights with respect to the assets of the issuer, until the warrant or right is exercised. Investments in warrants and rights involve certain risks, including the possible lack of a liquid market for resale, potential price fluctuations as a result of speculation or other factors, and failure of the price of the underlying security to reach or have reasonable prospects of reaching a level at which the warrant or right can be prudently exercised (in which event the warrant or right may expire without being exercised, resulting in a loss of the Fund’s entire investment therein).
2
Convertible Securities. Although the equity investments of the Fund consist primarily of common and preferred stocks, the Fund may invest in securities convertible into common stock if, for example, the Adviser believes that a company’s convertible securities are undervalued in the market.
The Fund may invest in convertible bonds. Convertible bonds are fixed-income securities that may be converted at a stated price within a specified period of time into a certain quantity of the common stock of the same or a different issuer. Convertible bonds are senior to common stocks in an issuer’s capital structure, but are usually subordinated to similar non-convertible securities. While providing a fixed-income stream (generally higher in yield than the income derivable from common stock but lower than that afforded by a similar non-convertible security), a convertible security also provides the investor the opportunity, through its conversion feature, to participate in the capital appreciation of the underlying common stock. Like other debt securities, the value of a convertible bond tends to vary inversely with the level of interest rates. However, to the extent that the market price of the underlying common stock approaches or exceeds the conversion price, the price of the convertible bond will be increasingly influenced by its conversion value (the security’s worth, at market value, if converted into the underlying common stock). Although to a lesser extent than with fixed-income securities, the market value of convertible bonds tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, tends to increase as interest rates decline. In addition, because of the conversion feature, the market value of convertible bonds tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying common stock. A unique feature of convertible securities is that as the market price of the underlying common stock declines, convertible securities tend to trade increasingly on a yield basis and so may not experience market value declines to the same extent as the underlying common stock. When the market price of the underlying common stock increases, the prices of the convertible securities tend to rise as a reflection of the value of the underlying common stock. While no securities investments are without risk, investments in convertible securities generally entail less risk than investments in common stock of the same issuer.
If a convertible security is converted into common stock, the Fund may hold the common stock for an extended period of time. Prices of common stock may fluctuate in response to many factors, including, but not limited to, the activities of the individual companies whose stock the Fund owns, general market and economic conditions, interest rates, and specific industry changes. Such price fluctuations subject the Fund to potential losses. In addition, regardless of any one company’s particular prospects, a declining stock market may produce a decline in prices for all stocks, which could also result in losses for the Funds.
Foreign Securities. Foreign securities are securities of issuers that are tied economically to countries outside the United States (“U.S.”). The Fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers that trade on U.S. and foreign stock exchanges or in the form of American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”). ADRs are receipts that evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign issuer. ADRs are generally issued by a U.S. bank or trust company to U.S. buyers as a substitute for direct ownership of a foreign security and are traded on U.S. exchanges. ADRs, in registered form, are designed for use in the U.S. securities markets. 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. A depositary may establish an unsponsored facility without participation by the issuer of the deposited security. The depositary of an unsponsored ADR is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through voting rights with respect to the deposited security. Investments in ADRs are subject to risks similar to those associated with direct investments in foreign securities.
3
The Fund defines foreign securities as any security issued by a company that meets at least one of the following criteria at the time of purchase:
● | The company is organized under the laws of a foreign country. |
● | The company maintains its principal place of business in a foreign country. |
● | The principal trading market for the company’s securities is located in a foreign country. |
● | During its most recent fiscal year, at least 50% of the company’s revenues or profits were derived from operations in foreign countries. |
● | During its most recent fiscal year, at least 50% of the company’s assets were located in foreign countries. |
Investing in the securities of foreign issuers involves special risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies. The performance of foreign markets does not necessarily track U.S. markets. Foreign investments may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency rates and exchange control regulations. There may be less publicly available information about a foreign company than about a U.S. company, and foreign companies may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. Changes in foreign exchange rates will affect the value of those securities which are denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Therefore, to the extent the Fund invests in a foreign security which is denominated or quoted in a currency other than the U.S. dollar, there is a risk that the value of such security will decrease due to changes in the relative value of the U.S. dollar and the security’s underlying foreign currency. Additional costs associated with an investment in foreign securities may include higher custodial fees than those applicable to domestic custodial arrangements, generally higher commission rates on foreign portfolio transactions, and transaction costs of foreign currency conversions. Foreign securities may trade with less frequency and volume than domestic securities and therefore may exhibit less liquidity and greater price volatility than securities of U.S. companies. There may be less governmental supervision of securities markets, brokers and issuers of securities than in the U.S. Investments in foreign securities may also be subject to other risks different from those affecting U.S. investments, including local political or economic developments, expropriation or nationalization of assets, restrictions on foreign investment and repatriation of capital, imposition of withholding taxes on dividend or interest payments, currency blockage (which would prevent cash from being brought back to the U.S.), limits on proxy voting and difficulty in enforcing legal rights outside the U.S. Currency exchange rates and regulations may cause fluctuation in the value of foreign securities. In addition, foreign securities and dividends and interest payable on those securities may be subject to foreign taxes, including taxes withheld from payments on those securities.
Emerging Markets Investments. The Fund, subject to its investment strategies and policies, may invest directly and indirectly in emerging market equity and fixed-income securities. Emerging market countries may include, among others, countries in Asia, Latin, Central and South America, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa. In addition to the general risk of investing in foreign securities and foreign exchange risk and currency transactions described above and below, investing in emerging markets can involve greater and more unique risks than those associated with investing in more developed markets. The securities markets of emerging countries are generally small, less developed, less liquid, and more volatile than securities markets of the U.S. and other developed markets. The risks of investing in emerging markets include greater social, political and economic uncertainties. Emerging market economies are often dependent upon a few commodities or natural resources that may be significantly adversely affected by volatile price movements against those commodities or natural resources. Emerging market countries may experience high levels of inflation and currency devaluation and have fewer potential buyers for investments. The securities markets and legal systems in emerging market countries may only be in a developmental stage and may provide few, or none, of the advantages and protections of markets or legal systems in more developed countries. Some of these countries may have in the past failed to recognize private property rights and have at times nationalized or expropriated the assets of private companies. Additionally, if settlements do not keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, they may be delayed, potentially causing the Fund’s assets to be uninvested, the Fund to miss investment opportunities and potential returns, and the Fund to be unable to sell an investment. As a result of these various risks, investments in emerging markets are considered to be speculative and may be highly volatile.
4
Foreign Exchange Risk and Currency Transactions. The value of foreign investments as measured in U.S. dollars may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in foreign currency rates and exchange control regulations. Currency exchange rates can also 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 U.S. or abroad. Foreign currency exchange transactions may be conducted on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market or through entering into derivative currency transactions. Currency futures contracts are exchange-traded and change in value to reflect movements of a currency or a basket of currencies. Settlement must be made in a designated currency.
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are individually negotiated and privately traded so they are dependent upon the creditworthiness of the counterparty. Such contracts may be used to (i) gain exposure to a particular currency or currencies as a part of the Fund’s investment strategy, (ii) when a security denominated in a foreign currency is purchased or sold, or (iii) when the receipt in a foreign currency of dividend or interest payments on such a security is anticipated. With respect to subparagraphs (ii) and (iii), a forward contract can then “lock in” the U.S. dollar price of the security or the U.S. dollar equivalent of such dividend or interest payment, as the case may be. Additionally, when the Adviser believes that the currency of a particular foreign country may suffer a substantial decline against the U.S. dollar, it may enter into a forward contract to sell, for a fixed amount of dollars, the amount of foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of the securities held that are 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. In addition, it may not be possible to hedge against long-term currency changes. Cross-hedging may be used by using forward contracts in one currency (or basket of currencies) to hedge against fluctuations in the value of securities denominated in a different currency. Use of a different foreign currency magnifies exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Forward contracts may also be used to shift exposure to foreign currency exchange rate changes from one currency to another. Short-term hedging provides a means of fixing the dollar value of only a portion of portfolio assets.
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) includes foreign exchange forwards in the definition of “swap” as well as OTC derivatives and therefore contemplates that certain of these contracts may be exchange-traded, cleared by a clearinghouse and otherwise regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”). The CFTC has been granted authority to regulate forward foreign currency contracts and many of the final regulations already adopted by the CFTC will apply to such contracts, however a limited category of forward foreign currency contracts were excluded from certain of the Dodd-Frank Act regulations by the Secretary of the U.S. Treasury Department. Therefore, trading by the Fund in forward foreign currency contracts excluded by the Treasury Department are not subject to the CFTC regulations to which other forward foreign currency contracts are subject.
Currency transactions are subject to the risk of a number of complex political and economic factors applicable to the countries issuing the underlying currencies. Furthermore, unlike trading in most other types of instruments, there is no systematic reporting of last sale information with respect to the foreign currencies underlying the derivative currency transactions. As a result, available information may not be complete. In an OTC trading environment, there are no daily price fluctuation limits. There may be no liquid secondary market to close out options purchased or written, or forward contracts entered into, until their exercise, expiration or maturity. There is also the risk of default by, or the bankruptcy of, the financial institution serving as a counterparty.
5
Currency swaps involve the exchange of rights to make or receive payments in specified currencies and are individually negotiated. 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 Fund’s performance may be adversely affected as the Adviser may be incorrect in its forecasts of market value and currency exchange rates.
Investment Companies. The Fund may, from time to time, invest in securities of other investment companies, both open-end and closed-end, including, without limitation, money market funds and exchange traded funds (“ETFs”). Generally, under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), a fund may not acquire shares of another investment company if, immediately after such acquisition, (i) a fund would hold more than 3% of the other investment company’s total outstanding shares, (ii) a fund’s investment in securities of the other investment company would be more than 5% of the value of the total assets of the fund, or (iii) more than 10% of a fund’s total assets would be invested in investment companies. Under certain conditions, a fund may invest in registered and unregistered money market funds in excess of these limitations. The Fund expects to rely on Rule 12d1-1 under the 1940 Act, when purchasing shares of a money market fund. Under Rule 12d1-1, the Fund may generally invest without limitation in money market funds as long as the Fund pays no sales charge (“sales charge”), as defined in rule 2830(b)(8) of the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), or service fee, as defined in rule 2830(b)(9) of the Conduct Rules of FINRA, charged in connection with the purchase, sale, or redemption of securities issued by the money market fund (“service fee”); or the Adviser waives its Management Fee in an amount necessary to offset any sales charge or service fee. The Fund generally expects to rely on Section 12(d)(1)(F) of the 1940 Act when purchasing shares of other investment companies that are not money market funds. Under Section 12(d)(1)(F), the Fund may generally acquire shares of another investment company unless, immediately after such acquisition, the Fund and its affiliated persons would exceed 3% of the investment company’s total outstanding stock (the “3% Limitation”). To the extent the 3% Limitation applies to an investment the Fund wishes to make, the Fund may be prevented from allocating its investments in the manner that the Adviser considers optimal. Also, under the 1940 Act, to the extent that the Fund relies upon Section 12(d)(1)(F) in purchasing securities issued by another investment company, the Fund must either seek instructions from its shareholders with regard to the voting of all proxies with respect to its investment in such securities and vote such proxies only in accordance with the instructions, or vote the shares held by it in the same proportion as the vote of all other holders of the securities. In the event that there is a vote of investment company shares held by the Fund in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(F), the Fund intends to vote such shares in the same proportion as the vote of all other holders of such securities. Investment in other investment companies subjects the Fund to additional operating and management fees and expenses. For example, Fund investors will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests, in addition to the Fund’s direct fees and expenses.
Exchange Traded Funds. The Fund may invest in shares of ETFs. An ETF is typically an investment company registered under the 1940 Act that holds a portfolio of common stocks designed to track the performance of a particular index or market sector. Alternatively, ETFs may be actively managed pursuant to a particular investment strategy, similar to other non-index based investment companies. In addition, ETFs sell and redeem their shares at net asset value (“NAV”) in large blocks (typically 50,000 of its 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 like ordinary stocks in lots of any size at any time during the trading day.
6
An investment in an ETF generally presents the same primary risks as an investment in a conventional registered investment company (i.e., one that is not exchange traded), including the risk that the general level of securities prices, or that the prices of securities within a particular sector, may increase or decrease, thereby affecting the value of the shares of an ETF. In addition, ETFs are subject to the following risks that do not apply to conventional registered investment companies: (i) the market price of the ETF’s shares may trade at a discount to their NAV; (ii) an active trading market for an ETF’s shares may not develop or be maintained; (iii) trading of an ETF’s shares may be halted if the listing exchange deems such action appropriate; (iv) ETF shares may be delisted from the exchange on which they trade; or (v) activation of “circuit breakers” (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices) may halt trading of the ETF’s shares temporarily. ETFs are also subject to the risks of the underlying securities or sectors that the ETF is designed to track.
Because ETFs and pools that issue similar instruments bear various fees and expenses, the Fund will pay a proportionate share of these expenses, as well as transaction costs, such as brokerage commissions. As with traditional registered investment companies, ETFs charge asset-based fees, although these fees tend to be relatively low as compared to other types of investment companies. ETFs do not charge initial sales loads or redemption fees and investors pay only customary brokerage fees to buy and sell ETF shares.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) has granted orders for exemptive relief to certain ETFs that permit investments in those ETFs by other investment companies (such as the Fund) in excess of the limits discussed above under the section entitled “Investment Companies”. The Fund may invest in ETFs that have received such exemptive orders from the SEC, pursuant to the conditions specified in such orders. In accordance with Section 12(d)(1)(F)(i) of the 1940 Act, the Fund may also invest in ETFs that have not received such exemptive orders and in other investment companies in excess of these limits, as long as the Fund (and all of its affiliated persons, including the Adviser) does not acquire more than 3% of the total outstanding stock of such ETF or other investment company (the “3% Limitation”), unless otherwise permitted to do so pursuant to permission granted by the SEC. In purchasing ETFs, the Fund will be subject to the 3% Limitation unless (i) the ETF or the Fund has received a SEC order for exemptive relief from the 3% Limitation that is applicable to the Fund; and (ii) the ETF and the Fund take appropriate steps to comply with any conditions in such order. The SEC has issued such exemptive orders to numerous ETFs and their investment advisers, which permit investment companies, including the Fund, to invest in such ETFs (“Exempted ETFs”) beyond the 3% Limitation, subject to certain terms and conditions, including that such investment companies enter into an agreement with the Exempted ETF. The Fund may enter into such agreements with one or more Exempted ETFs so that the Fund will be permitted to invest in such Exempted ETFs in excess of the 3% Limitation. If the Fund seeks to redeem shares of an ETF or other investment company purchased in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(F), the investment company is not obligated to redeem an amount exceeding 1% of the investment company’s outstanding shares during a period of less than 30 days.
While the creation and redemption of creation units helps an ETF maintain a market value close to NAV, the market value of an ETF’s shares may differ from its NAV. This difference in price may be due to the fact that the supply and demand in the market for ETF shares at any point in time is not always identical to the supply and demand in the market for the ETF’s underlying basket of securities. Accordingly, there may be times when an ETF trades at a premium (creating the risk that the Fund pays more than NAV for an ETF when making a purchase) or discount (creating the risks that the Fund’s NAV is reduced for undervalued ETFs it holds, and that the Fund receives less than NAV when selling an ETF).
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Leveraged and Inverse ETF Risk. The Fund may invest in leveraged and inverse ETFs. Leveraged and inverse ETFs involve additional risks and considerations not present in traditional ETFs. Typically, shares of an index-based ETF are expected to increase in value as the value of the underlying benchmark increases. However, in the case of inverse ETFs (also called “short ETFs” or “bear ETFs”), shares are expected to increase in value as the value of the underlying benchmark decreases, similar to holding short positions in the underlying benchmark. Leveraged ETFs seek to deliver multiples (e.g., 2X or 3X) of the performance of the underlying benchmark, typically by using derivatives in an effort to amplify returns (or decline, in the case of inverse ETFs) of the underlying benchmark. While leveraged ETFs may offer the potential for greater return, the potential for loss and the speed at which losses can be realized also are greater.
Leveraged and inverse ETFs “reset” over short periods of time, meaning they are designed to deliver their stated returns only for the length of their reset periods (typically daily), and are not designed to deliver their returns intraday or over periods longer than the stated reset period. Because of the structure of these products, their rebalancing methodologies and the math of compounding, holding the ETFs beyond the reset period can lead to results very different from a simple doubling, tripling, or inverse of the benchmark’s average return over the same period of time. This difference in results can be magnified in volatile markets. Further, leveraged and inverse ETFs may have lower trading volumes or may be less tax efficient than traditional ETFs and may be subject to additional regulation. To the extent that leveraged or inverse ETFs invest in derivatives, investments in such ETFs will be subject to the risks of investments in derivatives. For these reasons, leveraged and inverse ETFs are typically considered to be riskier investments than traditional ETFs.
Debt Securities. The Fund may invest in corporate debt securities and U.S. Government obligations. Corporate securities include, but are not limited to, debt obligations offered by public or private corporations either registered or unregistered. The market value of such securities may fluctuate in response to interest rates and the creditworthiness of the issuer. A debt instrument’s credit quality depends on the issuer’s ability to pay interest on the security and repay the debt; the lower the credit rating, the greater the risk that the security’s issuer will default. The credit risk of a security may also depend on the credit quality of any bank or financial institution that provides credit enhancement for the security. In the case of corporate debt, the Fund will normally purchase investment grade securities, meaning securities rated BBB or better by S&P’s Global Ratings Group (“S&P”), Baa or better by Moody’s Investor Services (“Moody’s”) or any comparable rating by another NRSRO or, if unrated, as determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality.
U.S. Government Obligations. The Fund may invest in U.S. Government obligations. “U.S. Government obligations” include securities which are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury, by various agencies of the U.S. Government, and by various instrumentalities which have been established or sponsored by the U.S. Government. U.S. Treasury obligations are backed by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. Government. U.S. Treasury obligations include Treasury Bills, Treasury Notes, and Treasury Bonds. Treasury Bills have initial maturities of one year or less; Treasury Notes have initial maturities of one to ten years; and Treasury Bonds generally have initial maturities of greater than ten years.
Agencies and instrumentalities established by the U.S. Government include the Federal Home Loan Banks, the Federal Land Bank, the Government National Mortgage Association, the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the Small Business Administration, the Bank for Cooperatives, the Federal Intermediate Credit Bank, the Federal Financing Bank, the Federal Farm Credit Banks, the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, the Resolution Funding Corporation, the Financing Corporation of America and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Some of these securities are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government while others are supported only by the credit of the agency or instrumentality, which may include the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury. In the case of U.S. Government obligations not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment, and may not be able to assert a claim against the U.S. Government itself in the event the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitment. U.S. Government obligations are subject to price fluctuations based upon changes in the level of interest rates, which will generally result in all those securities changing in price in the same way, i.e., all those securities experiencing appreciation when interest rates decline and depreciation when interest rates rise. Any guarantee of the U.S. Government will not extend to the yield or value of the Fund’s shares.
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Money Market Instruments. The Fund may invest in money market instruments. Money market instruments may include U.S. Government obligations or corporate debt obligations (including those subject to repurchase agreements) as described herein, provided that they mature in thirteen months or less from the date of acquisition and are otherwise eligible for purchase by the Fund. Money market instruments also may include Banker’s Acceptances, Certificates of Deposit of domestic branches of U.S. banks, Commercial Paper, Variable Amount Demand Master Notes (“Master Notes”) and shares of money market investment companies. The Fund may also invest in shares of money market investment companies to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act.
Banker’s Acceptances are time drafts drawn on and “accepted” by a bank, which are the customary means of effecting payment for merchandise sold in import-export transactions and are a source of financing used extensively in international trade. When a bank “accepts” such a time draft, it assumes liability for its payment. When the Fund acquires a Banker’s Acceptance, the bank which “accepted” the time draft is liable for payment of interest and principal when due. The Banker’s Acceptance, therefore, carries the full faith and credit of such bank.
Certificate of Deposit (“CD”) is an unsecured interest-bearing debt obligation of a bank. CDs acquired by the Fund would generally be in amounts of $100,000 or more.
Commercial Paper is an unsecured, short-term debt obligation of a bank, corporation or other borrower. Commercial Paper maturity generally ranges from two to 270 days and is usually sold on a discounted basis rather than as an interest-bearing instrument. The Fund will invest in Commerical Paper only if it is rated in the highest rating category by any nationally recognized statistical rating organization (“NRSRO”) or, if not rated, if the issuer has an outstanding unsecured debt issue rated in the three highest categories by any NRSRO or, if not so rated, is of equivalent quality in the Adviser’s assessment. Commercial Paper may include Master Notes of the same quality.
Master Notes are unsecured obligations which are redeemable upon demand of the holder and which permit the investment of fluctuating amounts at varying rates of interest. Master Notes will be acquired by the Fund only through the Master Note program of the custodian, acting as administrator thereof. The Adviser will monitor, on a continuous basis, the earnings power, cash flow and other liquidity ratios of the issuer of a Master Note held by the Fund.
Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may invest in repurchase agreements. A repurchase agreement transaction occurs when an investor purchases a security (normally a U.S. Government security from a counterparty (e.g., the Fund) with the understanding that the Fund will later resell the security to the same counterparty (normally a member bank of the Federal Reserve or a registered Government securities dealer) and is required to deliver the security (and/or securities substituted for them under the repurchase agreement) to the vendor on an agreed upon date in the future. The repurchase price exceeds the purchase price by an amount that reflects an agreed upon market interest rate effective for the period of time during which the repurchase agreement is in effect. Delivery pursuant to the resale normally will occur within one to seven days of the purchase. Repurchase agreements are considered “loans” under the 1940 Act, collateralized by the underlying security. The Trust has implemented procedures to monitor on a continuous basis the value of the collateral serving as security for repurchase obligations. The Adviser will consider the creditworthiness of the vendor. If the vendor fails to pay the agreed upon resale price on the delivery date, the Fund will retain or attempt to dispose of the collateral. The Fund’s risk is that such default may include any decline in value of the collateral to an amount which is less than 100% of the repurchase price, any costs of disposing of such collateral, and any loss resulting from any delay in foreclosing on the collateral. The Fund will not enter into any repurchase agreement that would cause more than 15% of its net assets to be invested in repurchase agreements that extend beyond seven days.
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Illiquid Investments. The Fund may not purchase or otherwise acquire any illiquid investments if, immediately after the acquisition, the value of illiquid investments held by the Fund would exceed 15% of its net assets. An illiquid investment is any investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. Illiquid investments pose risks of potential delays in resale and uncertainly in valuation. Limitations on resale may have an adverse effect on the marketability of portfolio investments and the Fund may be unable to dispose of illiquid investments promptly or at reasonable prices. Under the supervision of the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), the Adviser determines the liquidity of the Fund’s investments and, through reports from the Adviser, the Trustees monitor investments in illiquid instruments. If through a change in values, net assets, or other circumstances, the Fund were in a position where more than 15% of its net assets were invested in illiquid investments, it would seek to take appropriate steps to bring the Fund’s illiquid investments to or below 15% of its net assets per the requirements of Rule 22e-4 of the 1940 Act. The sale of some illiquid and other types of investments may be subject to legal restrictions.
If the Fund invests in investments for which there is no ready market, it may not be able to readily sell such investments. Such investments are unlike investments that are traded in the open market, and which can be expected to be sold immediately if the market is adequate. The sale price of illiquid investments once realized may be lower or higher than the Adviser’s most recent estimate of their fair market value. Generally, less public information is available about the issuers of such securities than about companies whose investments are publicly traded.
Restricted Securities. The Fund may purchase restricted securities that generally can be sold in privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to an exemption from registration under the federal securities laws, or in a registered public offering, such as securities that may be eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 (“144A Securities”). Where registration is required, the Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expense and a considerable period may elapse between the time it decides to seek registration and the time the Fund may be permitted to sell a security under an effective registration statement. If during such a period adverse market conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to seek registration of the security.
Investing in restricted securities, including securities issued pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“144A Securities”) may decrease the liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio to the extent that qualified buyers become for a time uninterested in purchasing these restricted securities.
Borrowing Money. The Fund may, to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, borrow money in order to meet redemption requests or for extraordinary or emergency purposes. Borrowing involves the creation of a liability that requires the Fund to pay interest. In the event the Fund should ever borrow money under these conditions, such borrowing could increase the Fund’s costs and thus reduce the value of the Fund’s assets. In an extreme case, if the Fund’s current investment income were not sufficient to meet the interest expense of borrowing, it could be necessary for the Fund to liquidate certain of its investments at an inappropriate time.
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Lending of Portfolio Securities. In order to generate additional income, the Fund may lend portfolio securities in an amount up to 33% of its total assets to broker-dealers, major banks, or other recognized domestic institutional borrowers of securities that the Adviser has determined are creditworthy under guidelines established by the Board. In determining whether the Fund will lend securities, the Adviser will consider all relevant facts and circumstances. The Fund may not lend securities to any company affiliated with the Adviser. Each loan of securities will be collateralized by cash, securities, or letters of credit. The Fund might experience a loss if the borrower defaults on the loan.
The borrower at all times during the loan must maintain with the Fund collateral in the form of cash or cash equivalents, or provide to the Fund an irrevocable letter of credit equal in value to at least 100% of the value of the securities loaned. While the loan is outstanding, the borrower will pay the Fund any dividends or interest paid on the loaned securities, and the Fund may invest the cash collateral to earn additional income. Alternatively, the Fund may receive an agreed-upon amount of interest income from the borrower who has delivered equivalent collateral or a letter of credit. It is anticipated that the Fund may share with the borrower some of the income received on the collateral for the loan or the Fund will be paid a premium for the loan. Loans are subject to termination at the option of the Fund or the borrower at any time the Fund may pay reasonable administrative and custodial fees in connection with a loan, and may pay a negotiated portion of the income earned on the cash to the borrower or placing broker. As with other extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. If the Fund invests the cash collateral from the borrower, there is the risk that such investment may result in a financial loss. In such an event, the Fund would be required to repay the borrower out the Fund’s assets.
Where voting rights with respect to the loaned securities pass with the lending of the securities, the Adviser intends to call the loaned securities to vote proxies, or to use other practicable and legally enforceable means to obtain voting rights, when the Adviser believes a material event affecting the loaned securities will occur or the Adviser otherwise believes it necessary to vote.
The Fund did not engage in the lending of portfolio securities during the past fiscal year.
Economic and Regulatory Risks. As economic activity has improved, both domestically and globally, the Federal Reserve and other foreign central banks have begun to retrench from the supportive policies introduced after global financial crisis that began to unfold in 2007. These policies included open market purchases of fixed-income securities and maintaining interest rates at or near historically low levels. It is unclear how long this support will last and at what levels. It is unclear as to the level which the Federal Reserve will allow interest rates to remain in the near future. Further reduction or withdrawal of support by the U.S. and the Federal Reserve and/or by other governments and their central banks, failure of such efforts or support in response to any future crisis, or investor perception that such efforts or support are not succeeding could negatively affect financial markets generally, as well as result in higher interest rates, increase market volatility and reduce the value and liquidity of certain securities, including securities held by the Fund.
In addition, policy and legislative changes in the U.S. and in other countries have been implemented that are affecting many aspects of the financial markets and imposing additional regulatory requirements. Given the broad scope, sweeping nature, and relatively recent enactment of some of these changes, the potential impact they could have on securities held by the Fund is unclear and may not be fully known for some time. These changes and any future regulatory change could adversely affect the Fund.
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Operational Risk. An investment in the Fund involves operational risk arising from factors such as processing errors, human errors, inadequate or failed internal or external processes, failures in systems and technology, changes in personnel and errors caused by third-party service providers. Any of these failures or errors could result in a loss or compromise of information, regulatory scrutiny, reputational damage or other events, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund. While the Fund seeks to minimize such events through controls and oversight, there is no guarantee that the Fund will not suffer losses due to operational risk.
Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund and its service providers may be subject to operational and information security risks resulting from breaches in cybersecurity. A breach in cybersecurity refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund to lose or compromise confidential, proprietary or private personal information, suffer data corruption or lose operational capacity. Breaches in cybersecurity include, among other things, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, denial of service attacks on websites, the unauthorized release of confidential, proprietary or private personal information or various other operational disruptions. Successful cybersecurity breaches of the Fund and/or the Fund’s investment adviser, distributor, custodian, transfer agent or other third-party service providers may adversely impact the Fund and its shareholders. For instance, a successful cybersecurity breach may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, impact the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV, cause the release of proprietary or private personal shareholder information, impede trading, subject the Fund to regulatory fines or financial losses, and/or cause reputational damage. The Fund relies on third-party service providers for many of the day-to-day operations, and is therefore subject to the risk that the protections and protocols implemented by those service providers will be ineffective in protecting the Fund from cybersecurity breaches. Similar types of cybersecurity risks are also present for issuers of securities in which the Fund may invest, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Fund’s investments in such companies to lose value. There is no guarantee the Fund will be successful in protecting against cybersecurity breaches.
Temporary Defensive Positions. The Fund may from time to time take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with its principal investment strategies. If the Adviser believes a temporary defensive position is warranted in view of market conditions, the Fund may hold cash or invest up to 100% of its assets in high-quality short-term government or corporate obligations, money market instruments or shares of money market mutual funds. Taking a temporary defensive position may prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objective.
Portfolio Turnover. The portfolio turnover rate for the Fund is calculated by dividing the lesser of the Fund’s purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the year by the monthly average value of the securities. The Fund’s portfolio turnover rate may vary greatly from year to year as well as within a particular year, and may also be affected by cash requirements for redemption of shares. High portfolio turnover rates will generally result in higher transaction costs to the Fund, including brokerage commissions, and may result in additional tax consequences to the Fund’s shareholders. For the fiscal years ended August 31 below, the portfolio turnover rates for the Fund were:
Fiscal Year Ended | Portfolio Turnover Rate |
2019 | 46% |
2018 | 50% |
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The Fund has adopted the following fundamental investment limitations that may not be changed without the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. As used in the Prospectus and this SAI, the term “majority” of the outstanding shares of the Fund means the lesser of (1) 67% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund are present or represented at such meeting; or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. Unless otherwise indicated, percentage limitations apply at the time of purchase of the applicable securities. See the Prospectus for more information about the Fund’s investment objective and investment strategies, each of which are not fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval.
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Fundamental Restrictions. As a matter of fundamental policy:
1. Borrowing Money. The Fund may, subject to the restrictions of the 1940 Act, borrow money from banks as a temporary measure. For example, the Fund may borrow money to meet redemption requests or for extraordinary or emergency purposes.
2. Senior Securities. The Fund will not issue senior securities, except as permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder or interpretations of the SEC or its staff.
3. Underwriting. The Fund will not act as underwriter, except to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities (including restricted securities), the Fund may be deemed an underwriter under certain federal securities laws or in connection with investments in other investment companies.
4. Real Estate. The Fund will not directly purchase or sell real estate. This limitation is not applicable to investments in marketable securities which are secured by or represent interests in real estate. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from holding or selling real estate acquired as a result of the Fund’s ownership of securities or other instruments, investing in mortgage-related securities or investing in companies engaged in the real estate business or that have a significant portion of their assets in real estate (including real estate investment trusts).
5. Commodities. The Fund will not purchase or sell commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other investments. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from purchasing or selling options, forward contracts, or futures contracts, including those relating to indices, or options on futures contracts or indices, or from investing in securities or other instruments backed by commodities or from investing in companies which are engaged in a commodities business or have a significant portion of their assets in commodities.
6. Loans. The Fund will not make loans to other persons, provided that the Fund may lend its portfolio securities in an amount up to 33% of total Fund assets, and provided further that, for purposes of this restriction, investment in U.S. Government obligations, short-term commercial paper, certificates of deposit, banker’s acceptances, repurchase agreements and any other lending arrangement permitted by the 1940 Act, any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder or interpretations of the SEC or its staff shall not be deemed to be the making of a “loan.” For purposes of this limitation, the term “loans” shall not include the purchase of a portion of an issue of publicly distributed bonds, debentures or other debt securities.
7. Concentration. The Fund will not invest more than 25% of its total assets in a particular industry. This limitation is not applicable to investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government (including its agencies and instrumentalities) or state or municipal governments and their political subdivisions (other than revenue bonds issued in connection with an identifiable industry; e.g., healthcare or education) or repurchase agreements with respect thereto, or investments in registered investment companies.
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Non-Fundamental Restriction. The following investment limitation is not fundamental and may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval. The Fund may not invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities. Securities qualifying for resale under Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Rule 144A”), determined by the Adviser to be liquid, subject to the oversight of the Board, shall not be deemed to be “illiquid securities.”
With respect to the “fundamental” investment restrictions above, if a percentage limitation or standard is adhered to at the time of investment, a later increase or decrease in percentage or departure from the standard resulting from any change in value or net assets or other factors will not result in a violation of such restriction (i.e., percentage limitations are determined at the time of purchase); provided, however, that the treatment of the fundamental restrictions related to borrowing money and issuing senior securities and the non-fundamental restriction relating to illiquid securities are exceptions to this general rule.
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 1940 Act permits the Fund to borrow money from banks in an amount up to one-third of its total assets (including the amount borrowed) less its liabilities (not including any borrowings but including the fair market value at the time of computation of any other senior securities then outstanding). In general, the Fund may not issue any class of senior security, except that the Fund may (i) borrow from banks, provided that immediately following any such borrowing there is an asset coverage of at least 300% for all Fund borrowings and in the event such asset coverage falls below 300% the Fund will within three days (excluding holidays and Sundays) or such longer period as the SEC may prescribe by rules and regulation, reduce the amount of its borrowings to an extent that the asset coverage of such borrowings shall be at least 300%, and (ii) engage in trading practices which could be deemed to involve the issuance of a senior security, including options, futures, forward contracts and reverse repurchase agreements, provided that the Fund earmarks or segregates liquid assets in accordance with applicable SEC regulations and interpretations.
CALCULATION OF SHARE PRICE
The share price or NAV of shares of the Fund is determined as of the close of the regular session of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) on each day the NYSE is open for trading. Currently, the NYSE is open for trading on every day except Saturdays, Sundays and the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
For purposes of computing the Fund’s NAV, securities are valued at market value as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally, 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on each business day the NYSE is open. Securities listed on the NYSE or other exchanges are valued based on their last sale prices on the exchanges on which they are primarily traded. If there are no sales on that day, the securities are valued at the mean of the closing bid and ask prices on the NYSE or other primary exchange for that day. National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (“NASDAQ”) listed securities are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. If there are no sales on that day, the securities are valued at the mean of the most recently quoted bid and ask prices as reported by NASDAQ. Securities traded in the OTC market are valued at the last sale price, if available, otherwise at the mean of the most recently quoted bid and ask prices. In the event that market quotations are not readily available or are considered unreliable due to market or other events, securities and other assets are valued at fair value as determined in good faith in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board. Fixed-income securities are normally valued based on prices obtained from independent third-party pricing services approved by the Board, which are generally determined with consideration given to institutional bid and last sale prices and take into account security prices, yield, maturity, call features, ratings, institutional sized trading in similar groups of securities and developments related to specific securities. Foreign securities are normally valued on the basis of fair valuation prices obtained from independent third-party pricing services approved by the Board, which are generally determined with consideration given to any change in price of the foreign security and any other developments related to the foreign security since the last sale price on the exchange on which such foreign security primarily traded and the close of regular trading on the NYSE. One or more pricing services may be utilized to determine the fair value of securities held by the Fund. The methods used by independent pricing services and the quality of valuations so established are reviewed by the Adviser and the Fund’s administrator under the general supervision of the Board. To the extent the assets of the Fund are invested in other open-end investment companies that are registered under the 1940 Act and not traded on an exchange, the Fund’s NAV is calculated based upon the NAVs reported by such registered open-end investment companies, and the prospectuses for these companies explain the circumstances under which they will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing.
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ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION
Shares of the Fund are offered for sale on a continuous basis. Shares are sold and redeemed at their NAV, as next determined after receipt of the purchase or redemption order in proper form.
The Fund may suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date of payment for shares during a period when: (a) trading on the NYSE is restricted by applicable rules and regulations of the SEC; (b) the NYSE is closed for other than customary weekend and holiday closings; (c) the SEC has by order permitted these suspensions; or (d) an emergency exists as a result of which: (i) disposal by the Fund of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable, or (ii) it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to determine the value of its assets.
The Fund reserves the right to make payment for a redemption in securities rather than cash, which is known as a “redemption in kind”. Redemptions in kind will be made only under extraordinary circumstances and if the Fund deems it advisable for the benefit of its shareholders, such as a very large redemption that could affect Fund operations (for example, more than 1% of the Fund’s net assets). A redemption in kind will consist of liquid securities equal in market value to the Fund shares being redeemed, using the same valuation procedures that the Fund uses to compute its NAV. Redemption in kind proceeds will typically be made by delivering a pro-rata amount of the Fund’s holdings that are readily marketable securities to the redeeming shareholder within seven days after the Fund’s receipt of the redemption order in proper form. If the Fund redeems your shares in kind, you will bear the market risks associated with maintaining or selling the securities paid as redemption proceeds. In addition, when you sell these securities, you bear the risk that the securities have become less liquid and are difficult to sell. You also will be responsible for any taxes and brokerage charges associated with selling the securities.
SPECIAL SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
As noted in the Prospectus, the Fund offers the following shareholder services:
Regular Account. The regular account allows for voluntary investments to be made at any time. Available to individuals, custodians, corporations, trusts, estates, corporate retirement plans and others, investors are free to make additions to and withdrawals from their account as often as they wish. When an investor makes an initial investment in the Fund, a shareholder account is opened in accordance with the investor’s registration instructions. Each time there is a transaction in a shareholder account, such as an additional investment or a redemption, the shareholder will receive a confirmation statement showing the current transaction.
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Automatic Investment Plan. The automatic investment plan enables investors to make regular periodic investments in shares through automatic charges to their checking account. With shareholder authorization and bank approval, the Fund’s transfer agent will automatically charge the checking account for the amount specified ($100 minimum) which will be automatically invested in shares at the NAV on or about the fifteenth and/or the last business day of the month, or both. The shareholder may change the amount of the investment or discontinue the plan at any time by writing to the Fund.
Transfer of Registration. To transfer shares to another owner, send a written request to Blue Current Global Dividend Fund, c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, P.O. Box 46707, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707. Your request should include the following: (i) the Fund name and existing account registration; (ii) signature(s) of the registered owner(s) exactly as the signature(s) appear(s) on the account registration; (iii) if it is for a new account, a completed account application, or if it is an existing account, the account number; (iv) Medallion signature guarantees (See the heading “How to Redeem Shares – Signature Guarantees” in the Prospectus); and (v) any additional documents that are required for transfer by corporations, administrators, executors, trustees, guardians, etc. If you have any questions about transferring shares, call or write the Fund.
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST
Overall responsibility for management and supervision of the Fund and the Trust rests with the Board. The members of the Board (the “Trustees”) are elected by the Trust’s shareholders or existing members of the Board as permitted under the 1940 Act and the Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the “Declaration of Trust”). Each Trustee serves for a term of indefinite duration until death, resignation, retirement or removal from office. The Trustees, in turn, elect the officers of the Trust to actively supervise the Trust’s day-to-day operations. The officers are elected annually. Certain officers of the Trust also may serve as Trustees.
The Trust will be managed by the Board in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio governing business trusts. There are currently six Trustees, five of whom are not “interested persons,” as defined by the 1940 Act, of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”). The Independent Trustees receive compensation for their services as Trustees and attendance at meetings of the Board. Officers of the Trust receive no compensation from the Trust for performing the duties of their offices.
Attached in Appendix A is a list of the Trustees and executive officers of the Trust, their year of birth and address, their present position with the Trust, length of time served in their position, their principal occupation(s) during the past five years, and any other directorships held by the Trustee. Those Trustees who are “interested persons” as defined in the 1940 Act and those Trustees who are Independent Trustees are identified in the table.
Leadership Structure and Qualifications of Trustees
The Board consists of six Trustees, five of whom are Independent Trustees. The Board is responsible for the oversight of the series, or funds, of the Trust.
In addition to the Fund, the Trust has other series managed by other investment advisers. The Board has engaged various investment advisers to oversee the day-to-day management of the Trust’s series. The Board is responsible for overseeing these investment advisers and the Trust’s other service providers in the operations of the Trust in accordance with the 1940 Act, other applicable federal and state laws, and the Declaration of Trust.
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The Board meets at least four times throughout the year. The Board generally meets in person, but may meet by telephone as permitted by the 1940 Act. In addition, the Trustees may meet in person or by telephone at special meetings or on an informal basis at other times. The Independent Trustees also meet at least quarterly without the presence of any representatives of management.
Board Leadership. The Board is led by its Chairperson, Ms. Janine L. Cohen, who is also an Independent Trustee. The Chairperson generally presides at all Board Meetings, facilitates communication and coordination between the Trustees and management, and also reviews meeting agendas for the Board and the information provided by management to the Trustees. The Chairperson works closely with Trust counsel and counsel to the Independent Trustees. The Chairperson is also assisted by the Trust’s President, who, with the assistance of the Trust’s other officers, oversees the daily operations of the Fund, including monitoring the activities of all of the Fund’s service providers.
The Board believes that its leadership structure, including having an Independent Trustee serve as Chairperson and five out of six Trustees as Independent Trustees, is appropriate and in the best interests of the Trust. The Board also believes its leadership structure facilitates the orderly and efficient flow of information to the Independent Trustees from Trust management.
Board Committees. The Board has established the following standing committees:
Committee of Independent Trustees (the “Independent Trustee Committee”): The principal functions of the Independent Trustee Committee are: (i) to appoint, retain and oversee the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm; (ii) to meet separately with the independent registered public accounting firm and receive and consider a report concerning its conduct of the audit, including any comments or recommendations it deems appropriate; (iii) to act as the Trust’s qualified legal compliance committee (“QLCC”), as defined in the regulations under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; and (iv) to act as a proxy voting committee if called upon under the Trust’s Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures when a matter with respect to which a series of the Trust is entitled to vote presents a conflict between the interest of the series’ shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the series’ investment manager, on the other hand. Messrs. David M. Deptula, Robert E. Morrison, and Clifford N. Schireson, and Mses. Janine L. Cohen and Jacqueline A. Williams are the members of the Committee. Mr. Deptula is the Chairperson of the Independent Trustee Committee and presides at its meetings. The Independent Trustee Committee met six times during the Fund’s prior fiscal year.
Nominating Committee (the “Nominating Committee”): The Nominating Committee nominates and selects persons to serve as members of the Board, including Independent Trustees and “interested” Trustees. In selecting and nominating persons to serve as Independent Trustees, the Nominating Committee will not consider nominees recommended by shareholders of the Trust unless required by law. Messrs. Deptula, Morrison, and Schireson and Mses. Cohen and Williams are the members of the Nominating Committee. Ms. Cohen is the Chairperson of the Nominating Committee and presides at its meetings. The Nominating Committee met four times during the Fund’s prior fiscal year.
Qualifications of the Trustees. The Nominating Committee reviews the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills of potential candidates for nomination or election by the Board. In evaluating a candidate for nomination or election as a Trustee, the Nominating Committee takes into account the contribution that the candidate would be expected to make to the diverse mix of experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that the Nominating Committee believes contribute to the oversight of the Trust’s affairs. The Board has concluded, based on the recommendation of the Nominating Committee, that each Trustee’s experience, qualifications, attributes or skills on both an individual basis and in combination with the other Trustees, that each Trustee is qualified to serve on the Board. The Board believes that the Trustees’ ability to review critically, evaluate, question and discuss information provided to them, to interact effectively with the Adviser, other service providers, legal counsel and the independent registered public accounting firm, and to exercise effective business judgment in the performance of their duties as Trustees support this conclusion. In determining that a particular Trustee is and will continue to be qualified to serve as a Trustee, the Board considers a variety of criteria, none of which, in isolation, is controlling.
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In addition to the Trustee qualifications listed above, each of the Trustees has additional Trustee qualifications including, among other things, the experience identified in the “Trustees and Executive Officers” table included in Appendix A and as follows:
Interested Trustee
Robert G. Dorsey is a co-founder of Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (“Ultimus”) and Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”). Mr. Dorsey serves as Vice-Chairman of Ultimus and its subsidiaries (except as otherwise noted for FINRA-regulated broker-dealer entities). Mr. Dorsey served as President and Managing Director of Ultimus and the Distributor from their founding in 1999 until April 2018 and served as Co-Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Ultimus from April 2018 until February 2019. Mr. Dorsey has over 30 years of experience in the mutual fund servicing industry. He holds a B.S. from Christian Brothers University and is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive). Mr. Dorsey has been a Trustee since February 2012.
Independent Trustees
David M. Deptula has served as Vice President of Legal and Special Projects for Dayton Freight Lines, Inc. since February 1, 2016. Prior to that position, Mr. Deptula was Vice President of Tax Treasury for Standard Register, Inc. (a company that provides solutions for companies to manage their critical communications, previously The Standard Register Company) since November 2011. (Standard Register, Inc., a newly formed subsidiary of Taylor Corporation, purchased assets of The Standard Register Company on July 31, 2015.) Prior to joining Standard Register, Mr. Deptula was a Tax Partner at Deloitte Tax LLP (“Deloitte”). Mr. Deptula joined Deloitte in 1984 and remained with Deloitte until October of 2011. During his tenure at Deloitte, he was actively involved in providing tax accounting services to open-end mutual funds and other financial services companies. Mr. Deptula holds a B.S. in Accounting from Wright State University and a Juris Doctor from University of Toledo. He is also a Certified Public Accountant. Mr. Deptula has been a Trustee since June 2012.
Janine L. Cohen, retired, was an executive at AER Advisors, Inc. (“AER”) from 2004 through her retirement in 2013. Ms. Cohen served as the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) from 2004 to 2013 and Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) from 2008 to 2013 at AER. During her tenure at AER, she was actively involved in developing financial forecasts, business plans, and SEC registrations. Prior to those roles at AER, Ms. Cohen was a Senior Vice President at State Street Bank. Ms. Cohen has over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. She holds a B.S. in Accounting and Math from the University of Minnesota and is a Certified Public Accountant. Ms. Cohen has been the Chairperson since October 2019 and a Trustee since January 2016.
Jacqueline A. Williams has served as the Managing Member of Custom Strategies Consulting, LLC since 2017, where she provides consulting services to investment managers. Prior to that, she served as a Managing Director of Global Investment Research for Cambridge Associates, LLC since 2005. Earlier in her career, Ms. Williams served as a Principal at Equinox Capital Management, LLC where she was chairperson of the stock selection committee and the firm's financial services analyst. Ms. Williams also served as an Investment Analyst at IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company where she monitored U.S. financial services stocks. Ms. Williams has over 25 years of experience in the investment management industry. Ms. Williams earned an A.B. in Religion from Duke University and a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Yale University. She has been a Chartered Financial Analyst charter holder since 1990. Ms. Williams has been a Trustee since June 2019.
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Clifford N. Schireson is the founder of Schireson Consulting, LLC, which he launched in 2017. Prior to that, from 2004 to 2017, he was Director of Institutional Services at Brandes Investment Partners, LP, an investment advisory firm, where he was a member of the fixed-income investment committee. From 1998 to 2004, he was a Managing Director at Weiss, Peck & Greer LLC specializing in fixed-income products for both taxable and municipal strategies for institutional clients. Mr. Schireson has over 20 years of experience in the investment management industry. Mr. Schireson holds an A.B. in Economics from Stanford University and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. Mr. Schireson has been a Trustee since June 2019.
Robert E. Morrison serves as a Senior Vice President at Huntington Private Bank, where he has worked since 2014. From 2006 to 2014, he served as the CEO, President and Chief Investment Officer of 5 Star Investment Management. Mr. Morrison has a B.S. in Forestry Management from Auburn University and is a graduate of the Personal Financial Planning program of Old Dominion University. Mr. Morrison previously served on the Ultimus Managers Trust Board of Trustees as the Founding Chairman of the Trust in 2012. Mr. Morrison retired from the Board in 2014 as a result of a business conflict that no longer exists. Mr. Morrison has over 32 years of financial services experience, focusing on asset management and wealth management. Mr. Morrison has been a Trustee since June 2019.
References above to the qualifications, attributes and skills of Trustees are pursuant to requirements of the SEC, do not constitute holding out the Board or any Trustee as having any special expertise or experience, and shall not impose any greater responsibility on any such person or on the Board by reason thereof.
Risk Oversight. The operation of a mutual fund, including its investment activities, generally involves a variety of risks. As part of its oversight of the Fund, the Board oversees risk through various regular board and committee activities. The Board, directly or through its committees, reviews reports from, among others, the Adviser, the Trust’s CCO, the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm, and outside legal counsel, regarding risks faced by the Fund and the risk management programs of the Adviser, with respect to the Fund’s investment and trading activities, and certain service providers. The actual day-to-day risk management with respect to the Fund resides with the Adviser, with respect to the Fund’s investment and trading activities, and other service providers to the Fund. Although the risk management policies of the Adviser and the service providers are designed to be effective, there is no guarantee that they will anticipate or mitigate all risks. Not all risks that may affect the Fund can be identified, eliminated or mitigated and some risks simply may not be anticipated or may be beyond the control of the Board or the Adviser or other service providers. The Independent Trustees meet separately with the Trust’s CCO at least annually, outside the presence of management, to discuss issues related to compliance. Furthermore, the Board receives an annual written report from the Trust’s CCO regarding the operation of the compliance policies and procedures of the Trust and its primary service providers. As part of its oversight function, the Board also may hold special meetings or communicate directly with Trust management or the Trust’s CCO to address matters arising between regular meetings.
The Board also receives quarterly reports from the Adviser on the investments and securities trading of the Fund, including the Fund’s investment performance, as well as reports regarding the valuation of the Fund’s securities. The Board also receives quarterly reports from the Fund’s administrator (the “Administrator”), transfer agent (the “Transfer Agent”) and the Distributor on regular quarterly items and, where appropriate and as needed, on specific issues. In addition, in its annual review of the Fund’s investment advisory agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”), the Board will review information provided by the Adviser relating to its operational capabilities, financial condition and resources. The Board also conducts an annual self-evaluation that includes a review of its effectiveness in overseeing, among other things, the number of funds in the Trust and the effectiveness of the Board’s committee structure.
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Trustees’ Ownership of Fund Shares. The following table shows each Trustee’s beneficial ownership of shares of the Fund and, on an aggregate basis, of shares of all funds within the Trust overseen by the Trustee. Information is provided as of December 31, 2018.
Name of Trustee |
Dollar Range of Shares of the Fund Owned by Trustee |
Aggregate
Dollar Range of Shares
Owned of All Funds in Trust Overseen by Trustee |
Interested Trustee | ||
Robert G. Dorsey | None | Over $100,000 |
Independent Trustees | ||
David M. Deptula | None | None |
Janine L. Cohen | None | None |
Jacqueline A. Williams^ | None | None |
Clifford N. Schireson^ | None | None |
Robert E. Morrison^ | None | None |
^ | Ms. Williams’ and Messrs. Schireson’s and Morrison’s terms as Trustee commenced on June 18, 2019. |
Ownership In Fund Affiliates. As of December 31, 2018, none of the Independent Trustees, nor members of their immediate families, owned, beneficially or of record, securities of the Adviser, the Distributor or any affiliate of the Adviser or the Distributor.
Trustee Compensation. No director, officer or employee of the Adviser or the Distributor receives any compensation from the Trust for serving as an officer or Trustee of the Trust. As of August 1, 2018, each Independent Trustee receives a $500 per meeting fee and a $1,300 annual retainer for each series of the Trust, except the Chairperson who receives a $1,500 annual retainer for serving as Chairperson. The Trust reimburses each Trustee and officer for his or her travel and other expenses incurred in attending meetings. The following table provides the amount of compensation paid to each of the Trustees during the Fund’s fiscal year ended August 31, 2019:
Name of Trustee |
Compensation from the Fund |
Pension or Retirement Benefits Accrued as Part of Fund Expenses |
Estimated Annual Benefits Upon Retirement |
Total Compensation from All Funds Within the Trust |
Interested Trustee | ||||
Robert G. Dorsey | None | None | None | None |
Independent Trustees | ||||
John J. Discepoli^ | $3,500 | None | None | $63,125 |
David M. Deptula | $3,300 | None | None | $59,575 |
Janine L. Cohen | $3,300 | None | None | $59,575 |
Jacqueline A. Williams* | $825 | None | None | $12,375 |
Clifford N. Schireson* | $825 | None | None | $12,375 |
Robert E. Morrison* | $825 | None | None | $12,375 |
^ | Mr. Discepoli served as Chairperson and a trustee until his resignation on October 25, 2019. |
* | Ms. Williams’ and Messrs. Schireson’s and Morrison’s terms as Trustee commenced on June 18, 2019. |
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Principal Holders of Voting Securities. As of December 2, 2019, the Trustees and officers of the Trust as a group owned beneficially (i.e., had direct or indirect voting or investment power) 0% of the then-outstanding shares of the Fund. On the same date, the following shareholders owned of record more than 5% of the outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the Fund.
Name and Address of Record Owner | Percentage Ownership |
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc./Special Custody A/C FBO Customers 101 Montgomery St. San Francisco, California 94104 |
13.55% |
A shareholder owning of record or beneficially more than 25% of the Fund’s outstanding shares may be considered a controlling person. That shareholder’s vote could have a more significant effect on matters presented at a shareholders’ meeting than the vote of other shareholders.
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Edge Capital Group, LLC, located at 1380 West Paces Ferry Road, Suite 1000, Atlanta, Georgia 30327, serves as the investment adviser to the Fund pursuant to an Advisory Agreement that was approved by the shareholders of the Fund and became effective on October 29, 2018. Prior to that, the Adviser served as investment adviser to the Fund under an Interim Investment Advisory Agreement dated August 1, 2018. The Adviser was founded in 2018 as the successor-in-interest to the Fund’s previous investment adviser, Edge Advisors, LLC (the “Previous Adviser”), as a result of Adviser’s acquisition of the Previous Adviser, which was founded in 2006. The Adviser is wholly-owned by Focus Operating, LLC, which in turn is wholly-owned by Focus Financial Partners, LLC. Focus Financial Partners, LLC is controlled by its managing member, Focus Financial Partners Inc., a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ Global Select exchange under the symbol FOCS. Investment vehicles affiliated with Stone Point Capital LLC collectively have a greater-than-25% voting interest in Focus Financial Partners Inc. In addition to serving as investment adviser to the Fund, the Adviser provides investment advisory services to high net-worth individuals and institutions, such as corporations, defined benefit plans (both private and governmental), profit sharing plans, endowments and charitable foundations.
Subject to the Fund’s investment objective and policies approved by the Board, the Adviser is responsible for providing the Fund with a continuous program of investing the Fund’s assets and determining the composition of the Fund’s portfolio.
The Advisory Agreement is effective for an initial two-year period and will be renewed for periods of one year only so long as such renewal and continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by vote of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities, provided that the continuance is also approved by a majority of the Independent Trustees. The Advisory Agreement is terminable without penalty on 60 days’ notice by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund or by the Adviser. The Advisory Agreement provides that it will terminate automatically in the event of its “assignment,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act.
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For its services, the Fund pays the Adviser a monthly investment advisory fee (the “Management Fee”) computed at the annual rate of 0.99% of its average daily net assets. Under an expense limitation agreement (the “Expense Limitation Agreement”), the Adviser has agreed to reduce the Management Fee and reimburse Fund expenses to the extent necessary to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (exclusive of brokerage costs, taxes, interest, borrowing costs such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short, costs to organize the Fund, Acquired Fund fees and expenses, extraordinary expenses such as litigation and merger or reorganization costs and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business, and amounts) to an amount not exceeding 1.24% of the average daily net assets of the Investor Class shares and 0.99% of the average daily net assets of the Institutional Class shares, until April 30, 2021. Management Fee reductions and expense reimbursements by the Adviser are subject to repayment by the Fund, for a period of three years after the date that such fees and expenses were incurred, provided that the repayments do not cause the Fund’s Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (exclusive of such reductions and reimbursements) to exceed (i) the expense limitation then in effect, if any, and (ii) the expense limitation then in effect at the time the expenses to be repaid were incurred.
The table below provides the compensation paid to the Adviser by the Fund and Management Fee reductions and expense reimbursements made by the Adviser during the following fiscal year ended August 31:
Fiscal Year Ended |
Management Fees Accrued |
Management Fee Reductions |
Expense Reimbursements |
Net Advisory Fees Received by Adviser |
2019 | $611,677 | $269,847 | $0 | $341,830 |
2018 | $631,776 | $257,004 | $0 | $374,772 |
2017 | $483,986 | $225,554 | $0 | $258,432 |
The Adviser manages the Fund’s investments in accordance with the stated investment objective and policies of the Fund, subject to the oversight of the Board. The Adviser is responsible for investment decisions, and provides the Fund with a portfolio manager to execute purchases and sales of securities. The Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or for any loss suffered by the Trust or the Fund in connection with the performance of its duties, except a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to receipt of compensation for services (in which case any award of damages shall be limited to the period and the amount set forth in Section 36(b)(3) of the 1940 Act) 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.
Portfolio Managers
The Fund is co-managed by Henry M. Jones and Dennis Sabo (the “Portfolio Managers”), who have joint responsibility for the day-to-day implementation of investment strategies for the Fund.
Other Accounts Managed by Portfolio Managers
In addition to the Fund, the Portfolio Managers are responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts. The table below shows the number of, and total assets in, such other accounts as of August 31, 2019.
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Portfolio Manager | Type of Accounts |
Total
Number of Other Accounts Managed |
Total
Assets of Other Accounts Managed (million) |
Number
of
Accounts Managed with Advisory Fee Based on Performance |
Total
Assets
of Accounts Managed with Advisory Fee Based on Performance (million) |
Henry M. Jones | Registered Investment Companies | 1 | $62M | 0 | $0 |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 1 | $15M | 0 | $0 | |
Other Accounts | 1 | $100M | 0 | $0 | |
Dennis Sabo | Registered Investment Companies | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 | |
Other Accounts | 18 | $298M | 0 | $0 |
Potential Conflicts of Interest
Each Portfolio Manager’s management of other investment pooled vehicles and other accounts (the “Other Accounts”) may give rise to potential conflicts of interest in connection with his management of the Fund’s investments, on the one hand, and the investments of the Other Accounts, on the other. A potential conflict of interest may arise when a particular investment may be suitable for both the Fund and the Other Accounts, whereby the Portfolio Manager could favor one account over another. Another potential conflict could include the Portfolio Manager’s knowledge about the size, timing and possible market impact of Fund trades, whereby the Portfolio Manager could use this information to the advantage of the Other Accounts and to the disadvantage of the Fund or vice versa. Further, differences in the compensation structures of the Adviser with the Other Accounts may give rise to a conflict of interest by creating an incentive for the Portfolio Managers to allocate investment opportunities they believe might be the most profitable to the client accounts where the Adviser might benefit the most from the investment gains. 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.
A potential conflict of interest may arise as a result of the Portfolio Managers’ day-to-day management of the Fund. The Portfolio Managers know the size and timing of trades for the Fund and the ther Accounts, and may be able to predict the market impact of Fund trades. It is theoretically possible that the Portfolio Managers could use this information to the advantage of Other Accounts they manage and to the possible detriment of the Fund, or vice versa.
Compensation
Mr. Jones and Mr. Sabo are compensated by salary, and share in the Adviser’s profits based on their ownership of the Adviser.
Ownership of Fund Shares
The table below shows the value of shares of the Fund beneficially owned by the Portfolio Managers of the Fund as of August 31, 2019 stated as one of the following ranges: A = None; B = $1-$10,000; C = $10,001-$50,000; D = $50,001-$100,000; E = $100,001-$500,000; F = $500,001-$1,000,000; and G = over $1,000,000.
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Name of Portfolio Manager | Dollar Range of Shares of the Fund |
Henry M. Jones | G |
Dennis Sabo | E |
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser determines, subject to the general supervision of the Board and in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective, policies and restrictions, which securities are to be purchased and sold by the Fund and which brokers are eligible to execute the Fund’s portfolio transactions.
Purchases and sales of portfolio securities that are debt securities usually are principal transactions in which portfolio securities are normally purchased directly from the issuer or from an underwriter or market maker for the securities. Purchases from underwriters of portfolio securities generally include a commission or concession paid by the issuer to the underwriter, and purchases from dealers serving as market makers may include the spread between the bid and asked prices. Transactions on stock exchanges involve the payment of negotiated brokerage commissions. Transactions in the OTC market are generally principal transactions with dealers. With respect to the OTC market, the Fund, where possible, will deal directly with the dealers who make a market in the securities involved except under those circumstances where better price and execution are available elsewhere.
Allocation of transactions, including their frequency, to various brokers and dealers is determined by the Adviser in its best judgment consistent with its obligation to seek best execution and in a manner deemed fair and reasonable to shareholders. The primary consideration is prompt execution of orders in an effective manner at the most favorable price. Subject to this consideration, brokers who provide investment research to the Adviser may receive orders for equity transactions on behalf of the Fund. Information so received is in addition to and not in lieu of services required to be performed by the Adviser and does not reduce the fees payable to the Adviser by the Fund. Such information may be useful to the Adviser in serving both the Fund and other clients and, conversely, supplemental information obtained by the placement of brokerage orders of other clients may be useful to the Adviser in carrying out its obligations to the Fund. While the Adviser generally seeks competitive commissions, the Fund may not necessarily pay the lowest commission available on each brokerage transaction for the reasons discussed above.
Consistent with the foregoing, under Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Adviser is authorized to pay a brokerage commission in excess of that which another broker might have charged for effecting the same transaction, in recognition of the value of brokerage and/or research services provided by the broker. The research received by the Adviser may include, without limitation: information on the U.S. and other world economies; information on specific industries, groups of securities, individual companies, political and other relevant news developments affecting markets and specific securities; technical and quantitative information about markets; analysis of proxy proposals affecting specific companies; accounting and performance systems that allow the Adviser to determine and track investment results; and trading systems that allow the Adviser to interface electronically with brokerage firms, custodians and other providers. Research is received in the form of written reports, telephone contacts, personal meetings, research seminars, software programs and access to computer databases. In some instances, research products or services received by the Adviser may also be used by the Adviser for functions that are not research related (i.e., not related to the making of investment decisions). Where a research product or service has a mixed use, the Adviser will make a reasonable allocation according to its use and will pay for the non-research function in cash using its own funds.
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Subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act and procedures adopted by the Board, the Fund may execute portfolio transactions through any broker or dealer and pay brokerage commissions to a broker (i) which is an affiliated person of the Trust, or (ii) which is an affiliated person of such person, or (iii) an affiliated person of which is an affiliated person of the Trust, the Adviser or the Trust’s principal underwriter.
During the years ended August 31 as listed below, the Fund paid the following brokerage commissions:
Fiscal Year Ended | Brokerage Commissions Paid by Fund |
2019 | $40,225 |
2018 | $36,286 |
2017 | $33,560 |
THE DISTRIBUTOR
The Distributor, located at 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, is the exclusive agent for distribution of shares of the Fund pursuant to a Distribution Agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”). The Distributor is obligated to sell shares of the Fund on a best efforts basis only against purchase orders for the shares. Shares of the Fund are offered to the public on a continuous basis. The Distributor is compensated for its services to the Trust under a written agreement for such services. The Distributor is an affiliate of Ultimus. Robert G. Dorsey was a Managing Director of the Distributor from 1999 until April 2018 and is a Trustee of the Trust.
By its terms, the Distribution Agreement remains effective for periods of one year so long as such renewal and continuance is approved at least annually by (1) the Board or (2) a vote of the majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting shares; provided that in either event continuance is also approved by a majority of the Independent Trustees, by a vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Distribution Agreement may be terminated at any time, on sixty days’ written notice, without payment of any penalty, by the Trust or by the Distributor. The Distribution Agreement automatically terminates in the event of its assignment, as defined by the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. Under the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor is paid $6,000 per annum for its services by the Fund and/or the Adviser.
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
Administrator, Fund Accountant and Transfer Agent
Ultimus, located at 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, serves as Administrator, fund accountant (the “Fund Accountant”) and Transfer Agent to the Fund pursuant to an Administration Agreement, a Fund Accounting Agreement and a Transfer Agent and Shareholder Services Agreement (collectively, the “Service Agreements”).
As Administrator, Ultimus assists in supervising all operations of the Fund (other than those performed by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement). Ultimus has agreed to perform or arrange for the performance of the following services (under the Service Agreements, Ultimus may delegate all or any part of its responsibilities thereunder):
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● | prepares and assembles reports required to be sent to the Fund’s shareholders and arranges for the printing and dissemination of such reports; |
● | assembles reports required to be filed with the SEC and files such completed reports with the SEC; |
● | files the Fund’s federal income and excise tax returns and the Fund’s state and local tax returns; |
● | assists and advises the Fund regarding compliance with the 1940 Act and with its investment policies and limitations; and |
● | makes such reports and recommendations to the Board as the Board reasonably requests or deems appropriate. |
As Fund Accountant, Ultimus maintains the accounting books and records for the Fund, including journals containing an itemized daily record of all purchases and sales of portfolio securities, all receipts and disbursements of cash and all other debits and credits, general and auxiliary ledgers reflecting all asset, liability, reserve, capital, income and expense accounts, including interest accrued and interest received, and other required separate ledger accounts. Ultimus also maintains a monthly trial balance of all ledger accounts; performs certain accounting services for the Fund, including calculation of the NAV per share, calculation of the dividend and capital gain distributions, reconciles cash movements with the custodian, verifies and reconciles with the custodian all daily trade activities; provides certain reports; obtains dealer quotations or prices from pricing services used in determining NAV; and prepares an interim balance sheet, statement of income and expense, and statement of changes in net assets for the Fund.
As Transfer Agent, Ultimus performs the following services in connection with the Fund’s shareholders: maintains records for the Fund’s shareholders of record; processes shareholder purchase and redemption orders; processes transfers and exchanges of shares of the Fund on the shareholder files and records; processes dividend payments and reinvestments; and assists in the mailing of shareholder reports and proxy solicitation materials.
Ultimus receives fees from the Fund for its services as Administrator, Fund Accountant and Transfer Agent, and is reimbursed for certain expenses assumed pursuant to the Service Agreements.
The Service Agreements between the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and Ultimus unless otherwise terminated as provided in the Service Agreements, are renewed automatically for successive one-year periods.
The Service Agreements provide that Ultimus shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or any loss suffered by the Trust in connection with the matters to which the Service Agreements relate, except a loss from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties, or from the reckless disregard by Ultimus of its obligations and duties thereunder.
During the fiscal year listed below, Ultimus received the following fees from the Fund for its services as Administrator, Fund Accountant, and Transfer Agent:
Fiscal
Year
Ended August 31 |
Administration | Fund Accounting | Transfer Agent |
2019 | $61,780 | $42,106 | $18,000 |
2018 | $63,822 | $42,431 | $18,000 |
2017 | $48,984 | $37,684 | $17,000 |
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Custodian
U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”), located at 425 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45242, serves as custodian to the Fund pursuant to a Custody Agreement. The Custodian’s responsibilities include safeguarding and controlling the Fund’s cash and securities, handling the receipt and delivery of securities, and collecting interest and dividends on the Fund’s investments.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Cohen & Company, Ltd., located at 1350 Euclid Avenue, Suite 800, Cleveland, Ohio 44115, serves as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund and audits the financial statements of the Fund and assists in the preparation of the Fund’s federal, state and excise tax returns for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2020.
Legal Counsel
Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, located at 4208 Six Forks Road, Suite 1400, Raleigh, North Carolina 27609, serves as legal counsel to the Trust and the Trust’s Independent Trustees.
Compliance Consulting Agreement
Under the terms of a Compliance Consulting Agreement with the Trust, Ultimus provides an individual with the requisite background and familiarity with the federal securities laws to serve as the Trust’s CCO and to administer the Trust’s compliance policies and procedures. For these services, the Fund pays Ultimus a base fee of $12,000 per annum, plus an asset-based fee computed at the annual rate of 0.01% of the average net assets of the Fund in excess of $100 million. In addition, the Fund reimburses Ultimus for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses related to these compliance services.
DISTRIBUTION PLAN
The Fund has adopted a Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the “Plan”) for the Investor Class of shares. As of the date of this SAI, the Investor Class shares are not being offered. See the section entitled “Distribution Plan” in the Prospectus for additional information on the specifics of the Plan. As required by Rule 12b-1, the Plan was approved by the Board and separately by a majority of the Independent Trustees who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan. The Plan provides that the Trust’s Distributor or Treasurer shall provide to the Board, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts expended pursuant to the Plan and the purposes of such expenditures. The Board will take into account the expenditures for purposes of reviewing operation of the Plan and in connection with their annual consideration of the renewal of the Plan.
Under the Plan, the Fund on behalf of the Investor Class shares, may annually expend up to 0.25% of its average daily net assets to pay for any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of those shares and the servicing of shareholder accounts, provided that the Board has approved the category of expenses for which payment is being made. In connection therewith, the Investor Class shares may pay up to 0.25% of its average daily net assets to the Distributor, as compensation for services or other activities that are primarily intended to result in the sale of shares, or reimbursement for expenses incurred in connection with services or other activities that are primarily intended to result in the sale of shares. The Distributor may enter into selling agreements with one or more selling agents under which such agents may receive compensation for distribution-related services from the Distributor, including, but not limited to, commissions or other payments to such agents based on the average daily net assets of the Investor Class shares attributable to them. The Fund does not participate in any joint distribution activities with other investment companies. Robert G. Dorsey, as an owner of the Distributor, may be deemed to receive an indirect benefit from the operation of the Plan.
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As of the date of this SAI, the Investor Class shares are not being offered so no information regarding the Distribution Fees paid by the Fund is included in this SAI.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Other Payments by the Fund
The Fund may enter into agreements with financial intermediaries pursuant to which the Fund may pay financial intermediaries for non-distribution-related sub-transfer agency, administrative, sub-accounting, and other shareholder services. Payments made pursuant to such agreements are generally based on either (1) a percentage of the average daily net assets of Fund shareholders serviced by a financial intermediary, or (2) the number of Fund shareholders serviced by a financial intermediary. Any payments made pursuant to such agreements may be in addition to, rather than in lieu of, distribution fees the Fund may pay to financial intermediaries pursuant to the Fund’s distribution plan.
Other Payments by the Adviser
The Adviser and/or its affiliates, in 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, their 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.
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Investors should understand that some financial intermediaries may also charge their clients fees in connection with purchases of shares or the provision of shareholder services.
Description of Shares
The Trust is an unincorporated business trust organized under Ohio law on February 28, 2012. The Declaration of Trust authorizes the Board to divide shares into series, each series relating to a separate portfolio of investments, and to further divide shares of a series into separate classes. The shares of the Fund are currently divided into two classes, the Investor Class shares and the Institutional Class shares, which are described in the Prospectus. Additional classes of shares may be created at any time. In the event of a liquidation or dissolution of the Trust or an individual series or class, shareholders of a particular series or class would be entitled to receive the assets available for distribution belonging to such series or class. Shareholders of a series or class are entitled to participate equally in the net distributable assets of the particular series or class involved on liquidation, based on the number of shares of the series or class that are held by each shareholder. If any assets, income, earnings, proceeds, funds or payments are not readily identifiable as belonging to any particular series or class, the Board shall allocate them among any one or more series or classes as the Board, in its sole discretion, deems fair and equitable. Subject to the Declaration of Trust, determinations by the Board as to the allocation of liabilities, and the allocable portion of any general assets, with respect to the Fund and each class of the Fund, are conclusive.
Shares of the Fund, when issued, are fully paid and non-assessable. Shares have no subscription, preemptive or conversion rights. Shares do not have cumulative voting rights. Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each full share held and a fractional vote for each fractional share held. Shareholders of all series and classes of the Trust, including the Fund, will vote together and not separately, 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 series or class. Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides, in substance, that any matter required to be submitted to the holders of the outstanding voting securities of an investment company such as the Trust shall not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of each series or class affected by the matter. A series or class is affected by a matter unless it is clear that the interests of each series or class in the matter are substantially identical or that the matter does not affect any interest of the series or class. Under Rule 18f-2, the approval of an investment advisory agreement, a distribution plan or any change in a fundamental investment policy would be effectively acted upon with respect to a series or class only if approved by a majority of the outstanding shares of such series or class. However, the Rule also provides that the ratification of the appointment of independent accountants and the election of Trustees may be effectively acted upon by shareholders of the Trust voting together, without regard to a particular series or class.
Trustee Liability
The Declaration of Trust provides that the Trustees will not be liable in any event in connection with the affairs of the Trust, except as such liability may arise from his or her own bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of their duties to the Trust and its holders of beneficial interest. It also provides that all third parties shall look solely to the Trust’s property for satisfaction of claims arising in connection with the affairs of the Trust. With the exceptions stated, the Declaration of Trust provides that a Trustee or officer is entitled to be indemnified against all liability in connection with the affairs of the Trust.
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Trust Liability
Under Ohio law, liabilities of the Trust to third persons, including the liabilities of any series, extend to the whole of the trust estate to the extent necessary to discharge such liabilities. However, the Declaration of Trust contains provisions intended to limit the liabilities of each series to the applicable series and the Trustees and officers of the Trust intend that notice of such limitation be given in each contract, instrument, certificate, or undertaking made or issued on behalf of the Trust by the Trustees or officers. There is no guarantee that the foregoing steps will prove effective or that the Trust will be successful in preventing the assets of one series from being available to creditors of another series.
Code of Ethics
The Trust, the Adviser, and the Distributor have each adopted a Code of Ethics (each a “COE”, and collectively the “ COEs”) that is designed to prevent their respective personnel subject to the Code from engaging in deceptive, manipulative, or fraudulent activities in connection with securities held or to be acquired by the Fund (which securities may also be held by persons subject to the COEs). These COEs permit personnel subject to the COEs to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund, but prohibit such personnel from engaging in personal investment activities which compete with or attempt to take advantage of the Fund’s planned portfolio transactions. Each of these parties monitors compliance with its respective COE.
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
The Trust and the Adviser have adopted Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures that describe how the Fund intends to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities. The Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures of the Trust and the Adviser are attached to this SAI as Appendix B and Appendix C, respectively. No later than August 31st of each year, information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the prior twelve-month period ended June 30th is available without charge upon request by calling 1-800-514-3583, or on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Portfolio Holdings Disclosure Policy
The Board has adopted a policy to govern the circumstances under which disclosure regarding securities purchased, sold, and held by the Fund (“Portfolio Securities”), may be made to shareholders of the Fund or other persons. The Trust’s CCO is responsible for monitoring the use and disclosure of information relating to Portfolio Securities. Although no material conflicts of interest are believed to exist that could disadvantage the Fund or its shareholders, various safeguards have been implemented to protect the Fund and its shareholders from conflicts of interest, including: the adoption of the Codes of Ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act designed to prevent fraudulent, deceptive or manipulative acts by officers and employees of the Trust, the Adviser and the Distributor in connection with their personal securities transactions; the adoption by the Adviser and the Distributor of insider trading policies and procedures designed to prevent their employees’ misuse of material non-public information; and the adoption by the Trust of a Code of Ethics for officers that requires the Chief Executive Officer and CFO of the Trust to report to the Board any affiliations or other relationships that could potentially create a conflict of interest with the Fund.
● | Public disclosure regarding Portfolio Securities is made: |
○ | Following the end of each calendar quarter, the Fund will publicly disclose information regarding Portfolio Securities as of such quarter-end either in a complete and uncertified schedule, or a list of the top 10 holdings, posted on the Fund’s website or in advertising material that is posted on the Fund’s website. This information is generally available within 30 days of the end of the calendar quarter and will remain available until the posting of the next quarterly Portfolio Securities report. |
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○ | In the Fund’s Annual Reports and Semi-Annual Reports to shareholders, and in quarterly holdings reports (“Official Reports”), which are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. |
● | Information regarding Portfolio Securities and other information regarding the investment activities of the Fund, may be disclosed to rating and ranking organizations for use in connection with their rating or ranking of the Fund, but only if such disclosure is approved and monitored by the Trust’s CCO. Each disclosure arrangement has been authorized by the Fund and/or the Adviser in accordance with the Fund’s disclosure of portfolio holdings policy upon a determination that this disclosure serves a legitimate business purpose of the Fund and that each organization is subject to a duty of confidentiality. |
● | The Trust’s CCO may approve the disclosure of holdings of or transactions in Portfolio Securities that is made on the same basis to all shareholders of the Fund. |
● | The Fund’s policy relating to disclosure of holdings of Portfolio Securities does not prohibit disclosure of information to the Adviser or to other Trust service providers, including the Trust’s administrator, distributor, custodian, legal counsel, accountants and printers/typesetters, N-PORT and N-CEN vendors, pricing and liquidity vendors and consultants, or to brokers and dealers through which the Fund purchases and sells Portfolio Securities. Below is a table that lists each service provider that may receive non-public portfolio information along with information regarding the frequency of access to, and limitations on use of, portfolio information. |
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Such disclosures may be made without approval of the Trust’s CCO because the Board has determined that the Fund and its shareholders are adequately protected by the restrictions on use in those instances listed above.
● | The Trust’s CCO may approve other arrangements under which information relating to Portfolio Securities held by the Fund, or purchased or sold by the Fund (other than information contained in Official Reports), may be disclosed. The Trust’s CCO shall approve such an arrangement only if he or she concludes (based on a consideration of the information to be disclosed, the timing of the disclosure, the intended use of the information and other relevant factors) that the arrangement is reasonably necessary to aid in conducting the ongoing business of the Trust and is unlikely to affect adversely the Fund or any shareholder of the Fund. The Trust’s CCO must inform the Board of any such arrangements that are approved by the Trust’s CCO, and the rationale supporting approval, at the next regular quarterly meeting of the Board following such approval. |
● | Neither the Adviser nor the Trust (or any affiliated person, employee, officer, trustee or director of the Adviser or the Trust) may receive any direct or indirect compensation in consideration of the disclosure of information relating to Portfolio Securities held, purchased or sold by the Fund. |
Other Expenses
In addition to the Management Fee and the Plan fees for the Investor Class of shares, the Fund pays all expenses not expressly assumed by the Adviser, including, without limitation, the fees and expenses of its independent registered public accounting firm and of its legal counsel; the fees of the Administrator, Distributor and Transfer Agent, the costs of printing and mailing to shareholders Annual and Semi-Annual Reports, proxy statements, prospectuses, SAIs and supplements thereto; bank transaction charges and custody fees; any costs associated with shareholder meetings, including proxy solicitors’ fees and expenses; registration and filing fees; federal, state or local income or other taxes; interest; membership fees of the Investment Company Institute and similar organizations; fidelity bond and liability insurance premiums; and any extraordinary expenses, such as indemnification payments or damages awarded in litigation or settlements made.
ADDITIONAL TAX INFORMATION
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. The discussions here and in the Prospectus are not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning and are based on tax laws and regulations that are in effect on the date hereof; such laws and regulations may be changed by legislative, judicial, or administrative action. Investors are advised to consult their tax advisors with specific reference to their own tax situations.
The Fund qualified and intends to remain qualified as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). In order to so qualify, the Fund must elect to be a regulated investment company or have made such an election for a previous year and must satisfy certain requirements relating to the amount of distributions and source of its income for a taxable year. At least 90% of the gross income of the Fund must be derived from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stocks, securities, or foreign currencies, and other income derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing in such stock, securities, or currencies, and net income derived from an investment in a “qualified publicly traded partnership” as defined in section 851(h) of the Code (the “source-of-income test”). Any income derived by the Fund from a partnership (other than a “qualified publicly traded partnership”) or trust is treated as derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing in stock, securities, or currencies only to the extent that such income is attributable to items of income that would have been qualifying income if realized by the Fund in the same manner as by the partnership or trust.
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The Fund may not qualify as a regulated investment company for any taxable year unless it satisfies certain requirements with respect to the diversification of its investments at the close of each quarter of the taxable year (the “asset diversification tests”). In general, at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets must be represented by cash, cash items, government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and other securities which, with respect to any one issuer, do not represent more than 5% of the total assets of the Fund nor more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer. In addition, not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in the securities (other than government securities or the securities of other regulated investment companies) of any one issuer; the securities of two or more issuers (other than securities of another regulated investment company) if the issuers are controlled by the Fund and they are, pursuant to Treasury Regulations, engaged in the same or similar or related trades or businesses; or the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.
The Fund intends to satisfy all of the requirements of the source-of-income test and the asset diversification tests on an ongoing basis for continued qualification as a regulated investment company.
If the Fund fails to meet either the asset diversification test with respect to a taxable quarter or the source-of-income test with respect to a taxable year, the Code provides several remedies, provided certain procedural requirements are met, which will allow the Fund to retain its status as a “regulated investment company.” In addition, there is a remedy for failure to satisfy the asset diversification tests, if the failure was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, subject to certain divestiture and procedural requirements and the payment of a tax. There is a remedy for a de minimis failure of the asset diversification tests, which would require corrective action but no tax. In addition, the Code allows for the remedy of a failure of the source-of-income test, if the failure was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, subject to certain procedural requirements and the payment of a tax.
Under current tax law, qualifying corporate dividends are taxable at long-term capital gains tax rates. The long-term capital gains rate for individual taxpayers is currently at a maximum rate of 20%, with lower rates potentially applicable to taxpayers depending on their income levels. For 2019, individual taxpayers with taxable incomes above $434,550 ($488,850 for married taxpayers filing jointly, and $461,700 for heads of households) are subject to a 20% rate of tax on long-term capital gains and qualified dividends. For individual taxpayers with taxable incomes not in excess of $39,375 ($78,750 for married taxpayers filing jointly, and $52,750 for heads of household) the long-term capital gains rate and rate on qualified dividends is 0%.All other taxpayers are subject to a minimum 15% rate of tax on long-term capital gains and qualified dividends. The above income thresholds are subject to adjustment for inflation beginning in taxable years after 2019.
If the Fund designates a dividend as a capital gains distribution, it generally will be taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long the shareholders have held their Fund shares or whether the dividend was received in cash or reinvested in additional shares. All taxable dividends paid by the Fund other than those designated as qualified dividend income or capital gains distributions will be taxable as ordinary income to shareholders, whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares. To the extent the Fund engages in increased portfolio turnover, short-term capital gains may be realized, and any distribution resulting from such gains will be considered ordinary income for federal tax purposes.
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The U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “U.S. Treasury”) recently issued Proposed Regulations which provide that regulated investment companies that receive qualified REIT dividend income may designate such amounts as Section 199A dividends. Qualified REIT dividend income is the excess of qualified REIT dividends received by the regulated investment company over the amount of the regulated investment company’s deductions that are properly allocable to such income. If the Fund designates a dividend as a Section 199A distribution, it may be treated by shareholders as a qualified REIT dividend that is taxed as ordinary income and for non-corporate taxpayers eligible for the 20% deduction for “qualified business income” under Code section 199A. Generally, only non-corporate shareholders who have held their shares for more than 45 days during the 91-day period beginning on the date which is 45 days prior to the ex-dividend date for such dividend are eligible for such treatment.
Shareholders who hold Fund shares in a tax-deferred account, such as a retirement plan, generally will not have to pay tax on Fund distributions until they receive distributions from their account.
The Fund will designate (1) any distribution that constitutes a qualified dividend as qualified dividend income; (2) any tax-exempt distribution as an exempt-interest dividend; (3) any distribution of long-term capital gains as a capital gain dividend; (4) any dividend eligible for the corporate dividends received deduction as such in a written notice provided to shareholders after the close of the Fund’s taxable year; and (5) any distribution that is comprised of qualified REIT dividend income as a Section 199A dividend. Shareholders should note that, upon the sale or exchange of Fund shares, if the shareholder has not held such shares for at least six months, any loss on the sale or exchange of those shares will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of the capital gain dividends received with respect to the shares.
Foreign currency gains or losses on non-U.S. dollar denominated bonds and other similar debt instruments and on any non-U.S. dollar denominated futures contracts, options and forward contracts that are not Section 1256 contracts generally will be treated as ordinary income or loss.
To the extent that a distribution from the Fund is taxable, it is generally included in a shareholder’s gross income for the taxable year in which the shareholder receives the distribution. However, if the Fund declares a dividend in October, November, or December, but pays it in January, it will be taxable to shareholders as if the dividend was received in the year it was declared. Each year, shareholders will receive a statement detailing the tax status of any Fund distributions for that year.
The Fund’s net realized capital gains from securities transactions will be distributed only after reducing such gains by the amount of any available capital loss carryforwards. Capital losses may be carried forward to offset any capital gains.
A 4% nondeductible excise tax is imposed on regulated investment companies that fail to currently distribute 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 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.
If for any taxable year the Fund does not qualify for the special federal income tax treatment afforded regulated investment companies, all of its taxable income will be subject to federal income tax at regular corporate rates (without any deduction for distributions to its shareholders). Such distributions will be taxable to the shareholders as dividends to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. Such distributions may be eligible for (i) the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders or (ii) treatment as “qualified dividend income” in the case of noncorporate shareholders.
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In general, a shareholder who sells or redeems shares will realize a capital gain or loss, which will be long-term or short-term depending upon the shareholder’s holding period for Fund shares. An exchange of shares is treated as a sale and any gain may be subject to tax.
The Fund will be required in certain cases to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury a percentage (currently 24%) of taxable dividends or of gross proceeds realized upon sale paid to shareholders who have failed to provide a correct taxpayer identification number in the manner required, who are subject to withholding by the Internal Revenue Service for failure to include properly 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.”
Depending upon the extent of the Fund’s 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. In addition, in those states and localities that have income tax laws, the treatment of the Fund and its shareholders under such laws may differ from their treatment under federal income tax laws.
Certain U.S. shareholders, including individuals and estates and trusts, will be subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare tax on all or a portion of their “net investment income,” which should include dividends from the Fund and net gains from the disposition of shares of the Fund. U.S. shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the implications of the additional Medicare tax resulting from an investment in the Fund.
The Fund will send shareholders information each year on the tax status of dividends and distributions. A dividend or capital gains distribution paid shortly after shares have been purchased, although in effect a return of investment, is subject to federal income taxation. Dividends from net investment income, along with capital gains, will be taxable to shareholders, whether received in cash or reinvested in Fund shares and no matter how long the shareholder has held Fund shares, even if they reduce the NAV of shares below the shareholder’s cost, and thus, in effect, result in a return of a part of the shareholder’s investment.
Withholding taxes may be imposed on certain types of payments made to “foreign financial institutions” (as specifically defined in the Code) and certain other non-U.S. entities (including financial intermediaries). A 30% withholding tax is imposed on “withholdable payments” to a foreign financial institution or to a foreign non-financial entity, unless (i) the foreign financial institution undertakes certain diligence and reporting obligations or (ii) the foreign non-financial entity either certifies it does not have any substantial U.S. owners or furnishes identifying information regarding each substantial U.S. owner.
For these purposes, a “withholdable payment” includes any U.S. source payments of interest, dividends, rents, compensation and other fixed or determinable annual or periodical gains, profits and income. If the payee is a foreign financial institution, it must enter into an agreement with the U.S. Treasury requiring, among other things, that it undertake to identify accounts held by certain U.S. persons or U.S.-owned foreign entities, annually report certain information about such accounts, and withhold 30% on payments to account holders whose actions prevent it from complying with these reporting and other requirements. Non-U.S. investors should consult their tax advisors regarding this legislation and the potential implications of this legislation on their particular circumstances.
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Fund’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2019, including the Financial Highlights appearing in the Prospectus, are incorporated by reference and made a part of this document. You may request a copy of the Fund’s Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to shareholders at no charge by calling the Fund at 1-800-514-3583 or by visiting the Fund’s website www.bluecurrentfunds.com.
APPENDIX A
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
Name and Year of Birth |
Length of Time Served |
Position(s) Held with Trust |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
Number of Funds in the Trust overseen by Trustee |
Directorships
of
Public
Held by Trustee During Past 5 Years |
Interested Trustees: | |||||
Robert G. Dorsey*^
Year of Birth: 1957 |
Since February 2012 |
Trustee (February 2012 to present);
President (June 2012 to October 2013) |
Vice Chairman (2019 to present); Managing Director (1999 to 2019); Co-CEO (April 2018 to 2019), and President (1999 to April 2018) of Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC and its subsidiaries (except as otherwise noted for FINRA-related broker-dealer entities) | 14 | Independent Trustee of 10 series of the Capitol Series Trust (a registered management company) |
Independent Trustees: | |||||
Janine L. Cohen^
Year of Birth: 1952 |
Since January 2016 |
Chairperson (October 2019 to present)
Trustee (2016 to present) |
Retired since 2013; previously Chief Financial Officer from 2004 to 2013 and Chief Compliance Officer from 2008 to 2013 at AER Advisors, Inc. | 14 | n/a |
David M. Deptula^
Year of Birth: 1958 |
Since June 2012 |
Trustee | Vice President of Legal and Special Projects at Dayton Freight Lines, Inc. since February 2016; Vice President of Tax Treasury at Standard Register, Inc. (formerly The Standard Register Company) from November 2011 to 2016 | 14 | n/a |
Jacqueline A. Williams
Year of Birth: 1954 |
Since June 2019 |
Trustee | Managing Member of Custom Strategy Consulting, LLC (2017 to present); Managing Director of Global Investment Research (2005 to 2017), Cambridge Associates, LLC. | 14 | n/a |
Clifford N. Schireson
Year of Birth: 1953 |
Since June 2019 |
Trustee | Founder of Schireson Consulting, LLC (2017 to present); Director of Institutional Services for Brandes Investment Partners, LP (2004-2017). | 14 | Trustee of the San Diego City Employees' Retirement System (August 2019 to present) |
Robert E. Morrison
Year of Birth: 1957 |
Since June 2019 |
Trustee | Senior Vice President and National Practice Lead for Investment, Huntington National Bank/Huntington Private Bank (2014 to present); CEO, CIO, President of 5 Star Investment Management Company (2006 to 2014). | 14 | Independent Trustee and Chairman of the Ultimus Managers Trust (2012 to 2014). |
* | Mr. Dorsey is considered an “interested person” of the Trust within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act because of his relationship with the Trust’s administrator, transfer agent, and distributor. Mr. Dorsey was President of the Trust from June 2012 to October 2013. |
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Name and Year of Birth |
Length of Time Served |
Position(s) Held with Trust | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
Executive Officers: | |||
David R. Carson^
Year of Birth: 1958
(Continued) |
Since 2013 |
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Name and Year of Birth |
Length of Time Served |
Position(s) Held with Trust | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
Todd E. Heim^
Year of Birth: 1967 |
Since 2014 |
Vice President (2014 to present) |
Relationship Management Director and Vice President of Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (2018 to present); Client Implementation Manager of Ultimus Managers Trust (2014 to 2018); Naval Flight Officer of United States Navy (May 1989 to June 2017) |
Jennifer L. Leamer^
Year of Birth: 1976 |
Since 2014 |
Treasurer (October 2014 to present);
Assistant Treasurer (April 2014 to October 2014) |
Mutual Fund Controller of Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (2014 to present) |
Daniel D. Bauer^
Year of Birth: 1977 |
Since 2016 |
Assistant Treasurer (April 2016 to present)
|
Assistant Mutual Fund Controller (September 2015 to present) and Fund Accounting Manager (March 2012 to August 2015) of Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC |
Matthew J. Beck
Year of Birth: 1988 |
Since 2018 |
Secretary (July 2018 to present)
|
Senior Attorney of Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (May 2018 to present); Chief Compliance Officer of OBP Capital, LLC (May 2015 to May 2018); Vice President and General Counsel of The Nottingham Company (July 2014 to May 2018) |
Natalie S. Anderson^
Year of Birth: 1975 |
Since 2016 |
Assistant Secretary (April 2016 to present) |
Legal Administration Manager (July 2016 to present) and Paralegal (January 2015 to July 2016) of Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC; Senior Paralegal of Unirush, LLC (October 2011 to January 2015) |
Name and Year of Birth |
Length of Time Served |
Position(s) Held with Trust | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
Martin Dean ^
Year of Birth: 1963 |
Since 2015 |
Interim Chief Compliance Officer (October 2019 to present);
Assistant Chief Compliance Officer (January 2016 to 2017) |
Vice President, Director of Fund Compliance of Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (January 2016 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, BondHouse Investment Trust (September 2019 to present); Interim Chief Compliance Officer, Fenimore Asset Management Trust (May 2019 to present); Interim Chief Compliance Officer, Valued Advisers Trust (April 2019 to present); Interim Chief Compliance Officer, Capitol Series Trust (April 2019 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, Dupree Mutual Funds (August 2017 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, Peachtree Alternative Strategies Fund (January 2017 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, FSI Low Beta Absolute Return Fund (November 2016 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, Cross Shore Discovery Fund (June 2016 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, First Western Funds Trust (April 2016 to present); Anti-Money Laundering Officer and Chief Compliance Officer of The Huntington Funds (July 2013 to April 2016) and the Huntington Strategy Shares (July 2013 to March 2016); Senior Vice President and Compliance Group Manager, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. (July 2013 to December 2015) |
^ | Address is 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, OH 45246 |
38
APPENDIX B
ULTIMUS MANAGERS TRUST
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
1. PURPOSE; DELEGATION
The purpose of this memorandum is to describe the policies and procedures for voting proxies received from issuers whose securities are held by each series (individually, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) of Ultimus Managers Trust (the “Trust”). The Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) believes that each Fund’s Investment Adviser is in the best position to make individual voting decisions for such Fund. Therefore, subject to the oversight of the Board, each Fund’s Investment Adviser is hereby delegated the duty to make proxy voting decisions for such Fund, and to implement and undertake such other duties as set forth in, and consistent with, these Policies and Procedures.
2. DEFINITIONS
Proxy. A proxy permits a shareholder to vote without being present at annual or special meetings. A proxy is the form whereby a person who is eligible to vote on corporate matters transmits written instructions for voting or transfers the right to vote to another person in place of the eligible voter. Proxies are generally solicited by management, but may be solicited by dissident shareholders opposed to management’s policies or strategies.
Proxy Manager. Proxy manager, as used herein, refers to the individual, individuals or committee of individuals appointed by the investment advisers to each Fund (each, an “Investment Adviser”) as being responsible for supervising and implementing these Policies and Procedures.
3. POLICY FOR VOTING PROXIES RELATED TO EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS AND OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
Pursuant to Section 12(d)(1)(E)(iii) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, all proxies from Exchange Traded Funds (“ETFs”) or other Investment Companies voted by a Fund, registered in the name of the Fund, will have the following voting instructions typed on the proxy form: “Vote these shares in the same proportion as the vote of all other holders of such shares. The beneficial owner of these shares is a registered investment company.”
4. POLICY FOR VOTING PROXIES RELATED TO OTHER PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
Fiduciary Considerations. Proxies with respect to securities other than ETFs or other investment companies are voted solely in the interests of the shareholders of the Trust. Any conflict of interest must be resolved in the way that will most benefit the shareholders.
Management Recommendations. Since the quality and depth of management is a primary factor considered when investing in a company, the recommendation of management on any issue should be given substantial weight. The vote with respect to most issues presented in proxy statements should be cast in accordance with the position of the company’s management, unless it is determined that supporting management’s position would adversely affect the investment merits of owning the stock. However, each issue should be considered on its own merits, and the position of the company’s management should not be supported in any situation where it is found not to be in the best interests of the Trust’s shareholders.
39
5. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
The Trust recognizes that under certain circumstances an Investment Adviser may have a conflict of interest in voting proxies on behalf of a Fund. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to, situations where an Investment Adviser or one or more of its affiliates, including officers, directors or employees, has or is seeking a client relationship with the issuer of the security that is the subject of the proxy vote. The Investment Adviser shall periodically inform its employees that they are under an obligation to be aware of the potential for conflicts of interest on the part of the Investment Adviser with respect to voting proxies on behalf of a Fund, both as a result of the employee’s personal relationships and due to circumstances that may arise during the conduct of the Investment Adviser’s business, and to bring any conflict of interest of which they become aware to the attention of the proxy manager. With respect to securities other than ETFs or other investment companies, the Investment Adviser shall not vote proxies relating to such issuers on behalf of a Fund until it has determined that the conflict of interest is not material or a method of resolving such conflict of interest has been determined in the manner described below. A conflict of interest will be considered material to the extent that it is determined that such conflict has the potential to influence the Investment Adviser’s decision-making in voting a proxy. Materiality determinations will be based upon an assessment of the particular facts and circumstances. If the proxy manager determines that a conflict of interest is not material, the Investment Adviser may vote proxies notwithstanding the existence of a conflict. If the conflict of interest is determined to be material, either (i) the conflict shall be disclosed to the Trust’s Committee of Independent Trustees (the “Committee”) and the Investment Adviser shall follow the instructions of the Committee or (ii) the Investment Adviser shall vote the issue in question based upon the recommendation of an independent third-party under a contractual arrangement approved by the Committee. The proxy manager shall keep a record of all materiality decisions and report them to the Committee on an annual basis.
6. ROUTINE PROPOSALS
Proxies for routine proposals (such as election of directors, selection of independent public accountants, stock splits and increases in capital stock) with respect to securities other than ETFs or other investment companies should generally be voted in favor of management.
7. PROXY MANAGER APPROVAL
Votes on non-routine matters and votes against a management’s recommendations with respect to securities other than ETFs or other investment companies are subject to approval by the proxy manager.
8. PROXY VOTING PROCEDURES
Proxy voting will be conducted in compliance with the policies and practices described herein and is subject to the proxy manager’s supervision. A reasonable effort should be made to obtain proxy material and to vote in a timely fashion. Each Investment Adviser shall maintain records regarding the voting of proxies under these Policies and Procedures.
9. FORM N-PX
A record of each proxy vote will be entered on Form N-PX. A copy of each Form N-PX will be signed by the President of the Trust. The Form is to be filed by August 31 each year. Each reporting period covered by the Form N-PX runs from July 1 to June 30. The Trust will disclose in its Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to shareholders and in its registration statement (in the SAI) filed with the SEC on or after August 31 that each Fund’s proxy voting record for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available without charge upon request and is also available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
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10. INVESTMENT ADVISERS’ VOTING PROCEDURES
The Trust acknowledges that the Investment Advisers to the various Funds have adopted voting policies and procedures for their clients that have been delivered to the Trust. To the extent that an Investment Adviser’s policies and procedures are consistent with these Policies and Procedures, the Investment Adviser may implement them with respect to voting proxies on behalf of each Fund managed by such Investment Adviser. However, the provisions of paragraph 5 of these Policies and Procedures relating to conflicts of interest shall supersede any comparable provisions of any Investment Adviser’s policies and procedures.
41
APPENDIX C
EDGE CAPITAL GROUP, LLC
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
I. STATEMENT OF POLICY
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. Edge does not generally vote proxies for its discretionary and non-discretionary clients. Edge does, however, vote the proxies of the Blue Current Global Dividend Fund and may vote proxies for accounts in certain situations in which the firm acts as a subadvisor for assets placed with Edge by a separate, unaffiliated advisor. For situations in which Edge is voting the proxies pursuant to its appointment as a subadvisor, Edge will ensure that the duty to vote proxies is made clear in its agreement with the unaffiliated advisor and that the advisor’s contract with the client stipulates that the proxy will be voted by the advisor or any appointed subadvisor. Edge votes proxies in the best interest of its clients and in accordance with its Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures.
II. USE OF THIRD-PARTY PROXY VOTING SERVICE
The Advisor has entered into an agreement with an independent third-party proxy voting service (the “Proxy Voting Service”) to provide the Advisor with its analysis on proxies and to facilitate the electronic voting of proxies.
The SEC has expressed its view that although the voting of proxies remains the duty of a registered advisor, an advisor may contract with service providers to perform certain functions with respect to proxy voting so long as the advisor is comfortable that (i) the proxy voting service is independent from the issuer companies on which it completes its proxy research, and (ii) the advisor maintains ongoing oversight of the delegated proxy voting functions.
The Compliance Officer will monitor any new SEC interpretations regarding the voting of proxies and the use of third-party proxy voting services and revise the Advisor’s policies and procedures as necessary. A summary of these Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures will be included in the Advisor’s Form ADV Part 2A, and will be updated whenever these policies and procedures are updated.
Conflicts of Interest of the Proxy Voting Service. The Proxy Voting Committee (which includes Compliance, Operations and PMs/Research), will examine information provided by the Proxy Voting Service that describes conflicts to which the Proxy Voting Service is subject or otherwise obtained by the Advisor. The Advisor will seek to require that the Proxy Voting Service promptly provide updates to the Compliance Officer of business changes that might affect or create conflicts and of changes to the proxy voting service’s conflict policies and procedures.
Material Inaccuracies. If the Advisor becomes aware of any material inaccuracies in the information provided by the Proxy Voting Service, the Compliance Officer will investigate the matter to determine the cause, evaluate the adequacy of the Proxy Voting Service’s control structure and assess the efficacy of the measures instituted to prevent further errors.
Annual Review. The Proxy Voting Committee shall review, no less frequently than annually, the adequacy of these policies and procedures, and the Shareholder Value Policy as adopted, to make sure they have been implemented effectively, including whether the policies and procedures continue to be reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interests of its clients.
42
(MRFOX)
Managed
by
Marshfield Associates Inc.
Prospectus
December 30, 2019
For
information or assistance in opening an account,
please call toll-free 1-855-691-5288.
This Prospectus has information about the Fund that you should know before you invest. You should read it carefully and keep it with your investment records.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved the Fund’s shares or passed on the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Fund’s shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from the Fund or from your financial intermediary, such as a broker-dealer or bank. Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.
If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically by contacting the Fund at 1-855-691-5288 or, if you own these shares through a financial intermediary, you may contact your financial intermediary.
You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. You can inform the Fund that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports by contacting the Fund at 1-855-691-5288. If you own shares through a financial intermediary, you may contact your financial intermediary or follow instructions included with this disclosure to elect to continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds held with the fund complex or at your financial intermediary.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Risk/Return Summary | 2 |
Other Information About The Fund’s Investment Objective, Strategies and Risks | 8 |
Fund Management | 8 |
How the Fund Values Its Shares | 10 |
How to Buy Shares | 10 |
How to Redeem Shares | 13 |
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes | 16 |
Financial Highlights | 16 |
Customer Privacy Notice | 18 |
For Additional Information | back cover |
1
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Marshfield Concentrated Opportunity Fund (the “Fund”) seeks the dual goals of capital preservation and the long-term growth of principal, while targeting a pattern of performance at variance with that of the market.
FEES AND EXPENSES
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 fewer than 90 days) | 2.00% |
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
|
Management Fees | 0.95% |
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees | None |
Other Expenses | 0.53% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses(1) |
0.03% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 1.51% |
Management Fee Reductions and/or Expense Reimbursements (2) |
(0.38%) |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Reductions and/or Expense Reimbursements (1) |
1.13% |
(1) | “Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses” and “Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Reductions and/or Expense Reimbursement” will not correlate to the ratios of expenses to the average net assets in the Fund’s Financial Highlights, which reflect the operating expenses of the Fund and do not include “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses.” |
(2) | Marshfield Associates, Inc. (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed, until January 1, 2021, to reduce Management Fees and reimburse Other Expenses to the extent necessary to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (exclusive of brokerage costs, taxes, interest, borrowing costs such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short, costs to organize the Fund, Acquired Fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and merger or reorganization costs and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business) to an amount not exceeding 1.10% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. Management Fee reductions and/or expense reimbursements by the Adviser are subject to repayment by the Fund for a period of 3 years after such fees and/or expenses were incurred, provided that the repayments do not cause Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (exclusive of such reductions and reimbursements) to exceed (i) the expense limitation then in effect, if any, and (ii) the expense limitation in effect at the time the expenses to be repaid were incurred. Prior to January 1, 2021, this agreement may not be modified or terminated without the approval of the Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”). This agreement will terminate automatically if the Fund’s investment advisory agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with the Adviser is terminated. |
2
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 that the operating expenses of the Fund remain the same and the contractual agreement to limit expenses remains in effect only until January 1, 2021. 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 |
$115 | $440 | $788 | $1,769 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Annual 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 14% of the average value of its portfolio.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund seeks the dual goals of capital preservation and long-term growth of principal, while targeting a pattern of performance at variance with that of the market. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing principally in a portfolio of common stocks of companies traded on United States (“U.S.”) securities exchanges or over-the-counter (“OTC”) markets that exhibit low valuations based on the Adviser’s analysis of the companies’ intrinsic value. The Fund may invest in companies of any capitalization size, including large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap companies. The Fund will typically hold from 16 to 24 equity securities plus a cash position. The cash position will, on average, be in the range of 0-25% of the portfolio and will be an output of the Adviser’s buy and sell decisions, not a tactical maneuver.
The Adviser generally develops a list of U.S. exchange-traded and OTC companies for consideration to purchase using its proprietary screening process as described below. The Adviser performs a bottom-up analysis to identify companies that the Adviser believes are: (i) in an industry that allows the company to earn high returns on equity over time; (ii) imbued with a functional and resilient corporate culture; and (iii) trading at a price that is below the Adviser’s estimated intrinsic value of the company.
The Adviser’s screening process generally involves:
● | Rigorous analysis that entails developing an understanding of the ecosystem in which a company operates. The Adviser seeks to review all relevant materials about a company and its industry such as journal articles and securities filings, talk with the management personnel of both the subject company and its competitors, and research the economics underlying the relevant industry or industries in order to have a deep understanding of how the company works. |
● | Determining the value of the company, which the Adviser conducts using conservative assumptions. The Adviser stress tests its valuation based upon a series of different scenarios and sets a target price that incorporates a substantial discount between the company’s market price and the Adviser’s estimate of the company’s value (i.e. intrinsic value). |
● | Selecting portfolio investments in companies that the Adviser believes: (i) are in an industry that allows the company to earn high returns on equity over time, (ii) pass the Adviser’s tests of corporate culture (the internal compass expressed by the company’s attitude toward customers and shareholders), industry structure (attributes like competitive rivalry and the discipline to remain focused on maintaining and exploiting advantages) and management quality (integrity, courage and resolve) and (iii) are trading at a price that is below the Adviser’s estimate intrinsic value of the company. |
3
● | Continuous review of all Fund holdings with ongoing monitoring of the financial performance of each company in the portfolio as well as analysis of whether each holding is performing as the Adviser’s conceptual case suggested. |
The Adviser’s approach emphasizes the potential long-term health of a company rather than the short-term performance of the company. The Adviser normally purchases stock in a company with the intention of holding the investment for an extended period of time. However, the Adviser may sell a portfolio holding if it determines any of the following circumstances exist:
● | The company fails to perform as anticipated; |
● | The company’s or the relevant industry’s outlook has changed for the worse; |
● | Systemic risk to the portfolio should be limited, as with too great an exposure to a single industry or sector of the economy; |
● | A company’s stock becomes excessively overvalued in relationship to its intrinsic value; or |
● | The Adviser decides to readjust the size of the Fund’s investment in the company’s stock (e.g. the company’s stock comprises too great a portion of the Fund, such as if the value of the company’s stock exceeds 20% of the Fund’s portfolio). |
The Fund may hold out-of-favor stocks rather than popular ones. The Fund’s portfolio will be focused and therefore may at times hold stocks in only a few companies. While the Adviser does not intend to focus on any particular sector or industry in making investments for the Fund, at any given time the Fund may have a substantial investment in a particular sector or industry if the Adviser determines such investment to be the best available for the Fund. The Adviser is willing to hold cash and will buy stocks opportunistically when prices are attractive in the Adviser’s estimation.
The Fund is a “non-diversified fund,” which means that it may invest more of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a small number of issuers than a diversified fund.
PRINCIPAL RISKS
As with any mutual fund investment, there is a risk that you could lose money by investing in the Fund. The success of the Fund’s investment strategies depends largely upon the Adviser’s skill in selecting securities for purchase and sale by the Fund and there is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. Because of the types of securities in which the Fund invests and the investment techniques the Adviser uses, the Fund is designed for investors who are investing for the long term. The Fund may not be appropriate for use as a complete investment program. The principal risks of an investment in the Fund are generally described below.
Stock Market Risk. The return on and value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate in response to stock market movements. Stocks are subject to market risks, such as a rapid increase or decrease in a stock’s value or liquidity, fluctuations in price due to earnings, economic conditions and other factors beyond the control of the Adviser. A company’s share price may decline if a company does not perform as expected, if it is not well managed, if there is a decreased demand for its products or services, or during periods of economic uncertainty or stock market turbulence, among other conditions. In a declining stock market, stock prices for all companies (including those in the Fund’s portfolio) may decline, regardless of their long-term prospects. During periods of market volatility, stock prices can change drastically, and you could lose money over short or long term periods.
Equity Securities Risk. Equity prices are volatile and the value of such securities in the Fund’s portfolio may decline due to fluctuations in market prices, interest rates, national and international economic conditions, or other market events. In a declining stock market, stock prices for all companies (including those in the Fund’s portfolio) may decline, regardless of their long-term prospects. Under such circumstances, price of the Fund’s shares will also decline.
4
● | Large-Capitalization Company Risk. Large-capitalization companies are generally more mature and may be unable to respond as quickly as smaller companies to new competitive challenges, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, and also may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion. |
● | Small-Capitalization and Mid-Capitalization Company Risk. Investing in small- and mid-capitalization companies involves greater risk than is customarily associated with larger, more established companies. Small- and mid-capitalization companies frequently have less management depth and experience, narrower market penetrations, less diverse product lines, less competitive strengths and fewer resources. In addition, in many instances, small- and mid-capitalization companies are traded only OTC or on a regional securities exchange, and the frequency and volume of their trading is less than is typical of large-capitalization companies. Due to these and other factors, stocks of small- and mid-capitalization companies may be more susceptible to market downturns and other events, less liquid, and their prices may be more volatile. |
Issuer Risk. Issuer risk is the risk that an issuer in which the Fund invests or to which it has exposure may perform poorly, and the value of its securities may therefore decline, which would negatively affect the Fund’s performance.
Management Style Risk. The portfolio manager’s method of security selection may not be successful and the Fund may underperform relative to other mutual funds that employ similar investment strategies. In addition, the Adviser may select investments that fail to perform as anticipated. The ability of the Fund to meet its investment objective is directly related to the success of the Adviser’s investment process and there is no guarantee that the Adviser’s judgments about the attractiveness, value and potential appreciation of a particular investment for the Fund will be correct or produce the desired results.
Industry and Sector Risk. The Fund may, at times, be more heavily invested in certain industries or sectors, which may cause the value of the Fund’s shares to be especially sensitive to factors and economic conditions or risks that specifically affect those industries or sectors and may cause the Fund’s share price to fluctuate more widely than shares of a mutual fund that invests in a broader range of industries or sectors.
Value Stock Risk. Investments in value stocks present the risk that a stock may decline in value or never reach the value the Adviser believes is its full market value, either because the market fails to recognize what the Adviser considers to be the company’s true business value or because the Adviser’s assessment of the company’s prospects was not correct. Issuers of value stocks may have experienced adverse business developments or may be subject to special risks that have caused the stock to be out of favor. In addition, the Fund’s value investment style may go out of favor with investors, negatively affecting the Fund’s performance.
Non-Diversified Status Risk. The Fund is a non-diversified fund. Because the Fund may invest in securities of a smaller number of issuers, the Fund may be more exposed to the risks associated with and developments affecting an individual issuer than a fund that invests more widely, which may, therefore, have a greater impact on the Fund’s performance.
PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
The bar chart and table that follow provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year and by showing how the Fund’s average annual total returns for one year and since inception compare with those of a broad-based securities market index. How the Fund has performed in the past (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information, current through the most recent month end, is available by calling 1-855-691-5288 or by visiting the Fund’s website at www.marshfieldfunds.com.
5
Calendar Year Returns
The Fund’s year-to-date return through September 30, 2019 is 27.90%.
Quarterly Returns During This Time Period
Highest: 8.02% (quarter ended September 30, 2018)
Lowest: (7.84%) (quarter ended December 31, 2018)
Average Annual Total Returns for Period Ended December 31, 2018 |
One Year |
Since
Inception
|
Return Before Taxes | 1.92% | 13.22% |
Return After Taxes on Distributions | 1.45% | 12.81% |
Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares | 1.46% | 10.34% |
S&P 500 Total Return Index | (4.38%) | 8.64% |
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 shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account (“IRA”).
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
Marshfield Associates, Inc. is the Fund’s investment adviser.
6
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
Minimum Initial Investment
The minimum initial investment for regular accounts in the Fund is $10,000; the minimum initial investment for an IRA or a gift to minors account is $1,000.
Minimum Additional Investment
Once an account is open, additional purchases of Fund shares may be made at any time in any amount.
General Information
You may purchase or redeem (sell) shares of the Fund on each day that the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for business. Transactions may be initiated by written request, by telephone or through your financial intermediary. Written requests to the Fund should be sent to the Marshfield Concentrated Opportunity Fund, c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, P.O. Box 46707, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707. For more information about purchasing and redeeming shares, please see “How to Buy Shares” and “How to Redeem Shares” in this Prospectus or call 1-855-691-5288 for assistance.
TAX INFORMATION
The Fund’s distributions are generally taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an IRA. Such tax-deferred arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from those arrangements.
PAYMENTS TO BROKER-DEALERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or any 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. These payments are sometimes referred to as “revenue sharing”. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
7
OTHER
INFORMATION ABOUT THE
FUND’S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE,
STRATEGIES AND RISKS
The Board has reserved the right to change the investment objective of the Fund without shareholder approval upon at least 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.
In addition to the principal strategies and risks described above, the Fund may invest on a non-principal basis in other types of securities whose risks are described below or in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).
Investments in Money Market Instruments and Temporary Defensive Positions. The Fund will typically hold a portion of its assets in cash or cash equivalent securities, including short-term debt securities, repurchase agreements and money market mutual fund shares (“Money Market Instruments”). The Fund may invest in Money Market Instruments to maintain liquidity or pending the selection of investments. From time to time, the Fund also may, but should not be expected to, take temporary defensive positions in attempting to respond to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, and in doing so, may invest up to 100% of its assets in Money Market Instruments. When the Fund takes a temporary defensive position, it may not achieve its investment objective. When the Fund invests in a money market mutual fund, the shareholders of the Fund generally will be subject to duplicative management fees. To the extent the Fund holds other registered investment companies, including money market mutual funds, the Fund will incur acquired fund fees and expenses (as defined by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”)) which means that the Fund will pay its proportionate share of the fees and expenses of the registered investment companies in which it invests.
Additional Information.
Whether the Fund is an appropriate investment for an investor will depend largely upon the investor’s financial resources and individual investment goals and objectives. The Fund may not be appropriate for investors who engage in short-term trading and/or other speculative strategies or styles. The Adviser purchases portfolio holdings with the intention of holding the investments for an extended period of time.
Portfolio Holdings and Disclosure Policy.
A description of the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of its portfolio holdings is available in the SAI.
CFTC Regulation Risk.
To the extent the Fund makes investments regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”), the Fund intends to do so in accordance with Rule 4.5 under the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended (the “CEA”). The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has filed a notice of eligibility for exclusion from the definition of the term “commodity pool operator” in accordance with Rule 4.5 and therefore, the Fund is not subject to registration or regulation as a commodity pool operator under the CEA. If the Fund is unable to comply with the requirements of Rule 4.5, the Fund may be required to modify its investment strategies or be subject to CFTC registration requirements, either of which may have an adverse effect on the Fund.
FUND MANAGEMENT
THE INVESTMENT ADVISER
Marshfield Associates, Inc., located at 21 Dupont Circle NW, Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20036, serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser provides the Fund with a continuous program of investing the Fund’s assets and determining the composition of the Fund’s portfolio. The Adviser was organized in 1989 and also provides investment advisory services to individuals, pensions and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, corporations or other business entities, and municipalities.
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For its services, the Fund pays the Adviser a monthly investment advisory fee (the “Management Fee”) computed at the annual rate of 0.95% of its average daily net assets under the terms of the Advisory Agreement. The Adviser has contractually agreed under an expense limitation agreement (the “Expense Limitation Agreement”), until January 1, 2021, to reduce its Management Fee and reimburse Other Expenses to the extent necessary to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses of the Fund (exclusive of brokerage costs, taxes, interest, borrowing costs such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short, costs to organize the Fund, Acquired Fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and merger or reorganization costs and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business) to 1.10% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. Management Fee reductions and expense reimbursements by the Adviser are subject to repayment by the Fund for a period of three years after the date that such fees and expenses were incurred, provided that the repayments do not cause Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (exclusive of such reductions and reimbursements) to exceed (i) the expense limitation then in effect, if any, and (ii) the expense limitation in effect at the time the expenses to be repaid were incurred. Prior to January 1, 2021, the Expense Limitation Agreement may not be modified or terminated without the approval of the Board. It is expected that the Expense Limitation Agreement will continue from year-to-year provided such continuance is approved by the Board. The Expense Limitation Agreement may be terminated by the Adviser or the Board, without approval by the other party, at the end of the current term upon not less than 90 days’ notice to the other party as set forth in the Expense Limitation Agreement. The Expense Limitation Agreement will terminate automatically if the Fund’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser is terminated. The net aggregate Management Fee paid to the Adviser by the Fund for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2019 as a percentage of annual average net assets was 0.56%.
A discussion of the factors considered by the Board in its approval of the Fund’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser, including the Board’s conclusions with respect thereto, is available in the Fund’s Semi-Annual Report to shareholders for the fiscal period ended February 28, 2019.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
The following individuals have primary responsibility for day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:
Elise J. Hoffmann is a co-Portfolio Manager of the Fund. She is a Principal of the Adviser and, along with Mr. Niemczewski, leads the Adviser’s research team. Ms. Hoffmann joined the Adviser in 1995 and became a Principal in 1997. Prior to joining the Adviser, she worked for U.S. Congressman Ed Markey, serving seven years as Counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Energy & Commerce, Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Finance, where she was responsible for developing securities legislation. Prior to that, she practiced law in the private sector at Steptoe & Johnson in Washington, D.C., where she was an associate attorney practicing corporate, securities, and tax law. Ms. Hoffmann graduated from Princeton University with an A.B. and earned a J.D. from Yale Law School.
Christopher M. Niemczewski is a co-Portfolio Manager of the Fund. He is the Managing Principal of the Adviser, which he founded in 1989, and, along with Ms. Hoffmann, leads the Adviser’s research team. Mr. Niemczewski was President of Justin Asset Management from 1981 to 1989. He graduated from Swarthmore College with a B.A. and earned an M.B.A. from Columbia University Graduate School of Business. The SAI provides additional information about the Portfolio Managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers and their ownership of shares of the Fund.
THE ADMINISTRATOR AND TRANSFER AGENT
Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (“Ultimus”, the “Administrator” or the “Transfer Agent”), located at 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, serves as the Fund’s administrator, transfer agent and fund accounting agent. Management and administrative services of Ultimus include (i) providing office space, equipment and officers and clerical personnel to the Fund, (ii) obtaining valuations, calculating net asset values (“NAV”) and performing other accounting, tax and financial services, (iii) recordkeeping, (iv) regulatory reporting services, (v) processing shareholder account transactions and disbursing dividends and distributions, and (vi) administering custodial and other third party service provider contracts on behalf of the Fund.
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THE DISTRIBUTOR
Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), located at 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, is the Fund’s principal underwriter and serves as the exclusive agent for the distribution of the Fund’s shares. The Distributor may sell the Fund’s shares to or through qualified securities dealers or other approved entities.
The SAI has more detailed information about the Adviser and other service providers to the Fund.
HOW THE FUND VALUES ITS SHARES
The NAV of the Fund is calculated as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) on each day that the NYSE is open for business. Currently, the NYSE is closed on weekends and in recognition of the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. To calculate NAV, the Fund’s assets are valued and totaled, liabilities are subtracted, and the balance is divided by the number of shares outstanding. The Fund generally values its portfolio securities at their current market values determined on the basis of available market quotations. However, if market quotations are not available or are considered unreliable due to market or other events, portfolio securities will be valued at their fair values, as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE, as determined in good faith under procedures adopted by the Board. When fair value pricing is employed, the prices of securities used by the Fund to calculate its NAV are based on the consideration by the Fund of a number of subjective factors and therefore may differ from quoted or published prices for the same securities. To the extent the assets of the Fund are invested in other registered investment companies that are not listed on an exchange, the Fund’s NAV is calculated based upon the NAVs reported by such registered investment companies, and the prospectuses for these companies explain the circumstances under which they will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing.
Your order to purchase or redeem shares is priced at the NAV next calculated after your order is received in proper form by the Fund. An order is considered to be in “proper form” if it includes all necessary information and documentation related to a purchase or redemption request, and, if applicable, payment in full of the purchase amount.
HOW TO BUY SHARES
Shares are available for purchase from the Fund every day the NYSE is open for business, at the NAV next calculated after receipt of a purchase order in proper form. The Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase request and/or suspend its offering of shares at any time. Investors who purchase shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary may be charged a fee by such broker-dealer or intermediary. The Fund mails you confirmations of all purchases or redemptions of Fund shares if shares are purchased directly through the Fund. Certificates representing Fund shares are not issued.
Minimum Initial Investment
The minimum initial investment for regular accounts in the Fund is $10,000; the minimum initial investment for an IRA or a gift to minors account is $1,000. This minimum investment requirement may be waived or reduced for any reason at the discretion of the Fund.
Opening an Account
An account may be opened by mail or bank wire if it is submitted in proper form, as follows:
By Mail. To open a new account by mail:
● | Complete and sign the account application. |
● | Enclose a check payable to the Marshfield Concentrated Opportunity Fund. |
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● | Mail the application and the check to the Transfer Agent at the following address: |
Marshfield
Concentrated Opportunity Fund
c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
P.O. Box 46707
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707
Shares will be issued at the NAV next computed after receipt of your application, in proper form, and check. All purchases must be made in U.S. dollars and checks must be drawn on U.S. financial institutions. The Fund does not accept cash, drafts, “starter” checks, travelers checks, credit card checks, post-dated checks, non-U.S. financial institution checks, cashier’s checks under $10,000, or money orders. In addition, the Fund does not accept checks made payable to third parties. When shares are purchased by check, the proceeds from the redemption of those shares will not be paid until the purchase check has been converted to federal funds, which could take up to 15 calendar days from the date of purchase. If an order to purchase shares is canceled because your check does not clear, you will be responsible for any resulting losses or other fees incurred by the Fund or the Transfer Agent in the transaction.
By sending your check to the Transfer Agent, please be aware that you are authorizing the Transfer Agent to make a one-time electronic debit from your account at the financial institution indicated on your check. Your bank account will be debited as early as the same day the Transfer Agent receives your payment in the amount of your check; no additional amount will be added to the total. The transaction will appear on your bank statement. Your original check will be destroyed once processed, and you will not receive your canceled check back. If the Transfer Agent cannot post the transaction electronically, you authorize the Transfer Agent to present an image copy of your check for payment.
By Wire. To open a new account by wire of federal funds, call the Transfer Agent at 1-855-691-5288 to obtain the necessary information to instruct your financial institution to wire your investment. A representative will assist you in obtaining an account application, which must be completed, signed and faxed (or mailed) to the Transfer Agent before payment by wire will be accepted.
The Fund requires advance notification of all wire purchases in order to ensure that the wire is received in proper form and that your account is subsequently credited in a timely fashion. Failure to notify the Transfer Agent prior to the transmittal of the bank wire may result in a delay in purchasing shares of the Fund. An order, following proper advance notification to the Transfer Agent, is considered received when the Fund’s custodian, receives payment by wire. If your account application was faxed to the Transfer Agent, you must also mail the completed account application to the Transfer Agent on the same day the wire payment is made. See “Opening an Account – By Mail” above. Your financial institution may charge a fee for wiring funds. Shares will be issued at the NAV next computed after receipt of your wire in proper form.
Through Your Broker or Financial Institution. Shares of the Fund may be purchased through certain brokerage firms and financial institutions that are authorized to accept orders on behalf of the Fund at the NAV next determined after your order is received by such organization in proper form. These organizations are authorized to designate other intermediaries to receive purchase orders on the Fund’s behalf. The Fund will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when an authorized broker or, if applicable, a broker’s authorized designee, receives the order in proper form. Certain financial intermediaries may charge fees for purchase and/or redemption transactions by customers, depending on the nature and terms of the financial intermediaries’ particular platform. Additionally, investors purchasing shares from a broker or other financial intermediary may be required to pay a commission in connection with such purchase. Such investors should consult with their financial intermediary regarding any commissions and other fees and expenses of the shares being purchased. These organizations may charge you transaction fees on purchases of Fund shares and may impose other charges or restrictions or account options that differ from those applicable to shareholders who purchase shares directly from the Fund. These organizations may be the shareholders of record of your shares. The Fund is not responsible for ensuring that the organizations carry out their obligations to their customers. Shareholders investing in this manner should look to the organization through which they invest for specific instructions on how to purchase and redeem shares.
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Subsequent Investments
Once an account is open, additional purchases of Fund shares may be made at any time in any amount. Additional purchases must be submitted in proper form as described below. Additional purchases may be made:
● | By sending a check, made payable to the Marshfield Concentrated Opportunity Fund, c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, P.O. Box 46707, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246 0707. Be sure to note your account number on the memo line of your check. The shareholder will be responsible for any fees incurred or losses suffered by the Fund as a result of any check returned for insufficient funds. |
● | By wire to the Fund account as described under “Opening an Account – By Wire.” Shareholders are required to call the Transfer Agent at 1-855-691-5288 before wiring funds. |
● | Through your brokerage firm or other financial institution. |
Automatic Investment Plan and Direct Deposit Plans.
You may make automatic monthly investments in the Fund from your bank, savings and loan or other depository institution. The minimum investments under the automatic investment plan must be at least $100 under the plan and are made on the 15th and/or last business day of the month. The Transfer Agent currently pays the costs of this service, but reserves the right, upon 30 days written notice, to make reasonable charges. Your depository institution may impose its own charge for making transfers from your account.
Your employer may offer a direct deposit plan which will allow you to have all or a portion of your paycheck transferred automatically to purchase shares of the Fund. Social Security recipients may have all or a portion of their social security check transferred automatically to purchase shares of the Fund. Please call 1-855-691-5288 for more information about the automatic investment plan and direct deposit plans.
Purchases in Kind
The Fund may accept securities in lieu of cash in payment for the purchase of shares of the Fund. The acceptance of such securities is at the sole discretion of the Adviser based upon the suitability of the securities as an investment for the Fund, the marketability of such securities, and other factors which the Fund may deem appropriate. If accepted, the securities will be valued using the same criteria and methods utilized for valuing securities to compute the Fund’s NAV.
Customer Identification and Verification
To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each person that opens a new account, and to determine whether such person’s name appears on government lists of known or suspected terrorists and terrorist organizations. As a result, the Fund must obtain the following information for each person that opens a new account:
● | Name; |
● | Date of birth (for individuals); |
● | Residential or business street address (although post office boxes are still permitted for mailing); and |
● | Social security number, taxpayer identification number, or other identifying number. |
You may also be asked for a copy of your driver’s license, passport, or other identifying document in order to verify your identity. In addition, it may be necessary to verify your identity by cross-referencing your identification information with a consumer report or other electronic database. Additional information may be required to open accounts for corporations and other entities. Federal law prohibits the Fund and other financial institutions from opening a new account unless they receive the minimum identifying information listed above.
After an account is opened, the Fund may restrict your ability to purchase additional shares until your identity is verified. The Fund also may close your account or take other appropriate action if they are unable to verify your identity within a reasonable time. If your account is closed for this reason, your shares will be redeemed at the NAV next calculated after the account is closed. In that case, your redemption proceeds may be worth more or less than your original investment. The Fund will not be responsible for any loss incurred due to the Fund’s inability to verify your identity.
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Frequent Trading Policies
Frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares by a shareholder may harm other Fund shareholders by interfering with the efficient management of the Fund’s portfolio, increasing brokerage and administrative costs, and potentially diluting the value of the Fund’s shares. The Fund does not accommodate frequent purchases or redemptions of Fund shares that result in disruptive trading.
The Board has adopted policies and procedures in an effort to detect and prevent disruptive trading, including market timing in the Fund. The Fund, through its service providers, monitors shareholder trading activity to ensure it complies with the Fund’s policies. The Fund prepares reports illustrating purchase and redemption activity to detect disruptive trading activity. When monitoring shareholder purchases and redemptions, the Fund does not apply a quantitative definition to frequent trading. Instead the Fund uses a subjective approach that permits it to reject any purchase orders that it believes may be indicative of market timing or disruptive trading. The right to reject a purchase order applies to any purchase order, including a purchase order placed by financial intermediaries. The Fund may also modify any terms or conditions of purchases of Fund shares or withdraw all or any part of the offering made by this Prospectus. The Fund’s policies and procedures to prevent disruptive trading activity are applied uniformly to all shareholders. These actions, in the Board’s opinion, should help reduce the risk of abusive trading in the Fund.
When financial intermediaries establish omnibus accounts in the Fund for their clients, the Fund reviews trading activity at the omnibus account level and looks for activity that may indicate potential frequent trading or disruptive trading. If the Fund detects potentially disruptive trading activity, the Fund will seek the assistance of the intermediary to investigate that trading activity and take appropriate action, including prohibiting additional purchases of Fund shares by the intermediary and/or its client. Each intermediary that offers the Fund’s shares through an omnibus account has entered into an information sharing agreement with the Fund designed to assist the Fund in stopping future disruptive trading. Intermediaries may apply frequent trading policies that differ from those described in this Prospectus. If you invest in the Fund through an intermediary, please read that firm’s program materials carefully to learn of any rules or fees that may apply.
Although the Fund has taken steps to discourage frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares, it cannot guarantee that such trading will not occur.
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
Shares of the Fund may be redeemed on any day on which the Fund computes its NAV. Shares are redeemed at their NAV next determined after the Transfer Agent receives your redemption request in proper form as described below. Redemption requests may be made by mail or by telephone.
By Mail
You may redeem shares by mailing a written request to the Marshfield Concentrated Opportunity Fund, c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, P.O. Box 46707, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707. Written requests must state the shareholder’s name, the account number and the shares or dollar amount to be redeemed and be signed exactly as the shares are registered with the Fund.
Signature Guarantees
If the shares to be redeemed have a value of greater than $50,000, or if the payment of the proceeds of a redemption of any amount is to be sent to a person other than the shareholder of record or to an address other than that on record with the Fund, you must have all signatures on written redemption requests guaranteed. If the name(s) or the address on your account has changed within the previous 15 days of your redemption request, the request must be made in writing with your signature guaranteed, regardless of the value of the shares being redeemed. The Transfer Agent will accept signatures guaranteed by a domestic bank or trust company, broker, dealer, clearing agency, savings association or other financial institution that participates in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (“STAMP”) sponsored by the Securities Transfer Association. Signature guarantees from financial institutions that do not participate in STAMP will not be accepted. A notary public cannot provide a signature guarantee. The Transfer Agent has adopted standards for accepting signature guarantees from the above institutions. The Fund and the Transfer Agent reserve the right to amend these standards at any time without notice.
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Redemption requests by corporate and fiduciary shareholders must be accompanied by appropriate documentation establishing the authority of the person seeking to act on behalf of the account. Forms of resolutions and other documentation to assist in compliance with the Transfer Agent’s procedures may be obtained by calling the Transfer Agent.
By Telephone
Unless you specifically decline the telephone redemption privilege on your account application, you may also redeem shares having a value of $50,000 or less by telephone by calling the Transfer Agent at 1-855-691-5288.
Telephone redemptions may be requested only if the proceeds are to be sent to the shareholder of record and mailed to the address on record with the Fund. Account designations may be changed by sending the Transfer Agent a written request with all signatures guaranteed as described above. Upon request, redemption proceeds of $100 or more may be transferred electronically from an account you maintain with a financial institution by an Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) transaction, and proceeds of $1,000 or more may be transferred by wire, in either case to the account stated on the account application. Shareholders may be charged a fee of $15 by the Fund’s custodian for outgoing wires.
The Transfer Agent requires personal identification before accepting any redemption request by telephone, and telephone redemption instructions may be recorded. If reasonable procedures are followed by the Transfer Agent, neither the Transfer Agent nor the Fund will be liable for losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions. “Reasonable procedures” include, but are not limited to, the Transfer Agent confirming that the account is eligible for telephone transactions, requesting some form of personal identification (e.g., social security number, date of birth, etc.) from you prior to acting on telephonic instructions, and getting a verbal commitment from you on a recorded line at the time of the transaction. In the event of drastic economic or market changes, a shareholder may experience difficulty in redeeming shares by telephone. If such a case should occur, redemption by mail should be considered.
Through Your Broker or Financial Institution
You may also redeem your shares through a brokerage firm or financial institution that has been authorized to accept orders on behalf of the Fund at the NAV next determined after your order is received by such organization in proper form. These organizations are authorized to designate other intermediaries to receive redemption orders on the Fund’s behalf. The Fund calculates its NAV as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time). Your brokerage firm or financial institution may require a redemption request to be received in proper form at an earlier time during the day in order for your redemption to be effective as of the day the order is received, in proper form. Such an organization may charge you transaction fees on redemptions of Fund shares and may impose other charges or restrictions or account options that differ from those applicable to shareholders who redeem shares directly through the Transfer Agent.
Receiving Payment
The length of time the Fund typically expects to pay redemption proceeds is the same regardless of whether the payment is made by check, wire or ACH. The Fund typically expects to pay redemption proceeds for shares redeemed within the following days after receipt by the Transfer Agent of a redemption request in proper form:
● | For payment by check, the Fund typically expects to mail the check within one (1) to three (3) business days; and |
● | For payment by wire or ACH, the Fund typically expects to process the payment within one (1) to three (3) business days. |
Payment of redemption proceeds may take longer than the time the Fund typically expects and may take up to 7 days as permitted under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Under unusual circumstances as permitted by the SEC, the Fund may suspend the right of redemption or delay payment of redemption proceeds for more than 7 days. When shares are purchased by check or through ACH, the proceeds from the redemption of those shares will not be paid until the purchase check or ACH transfer has been converted to federal funds, which could take up to 15 calendar days.
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Redemption Fee
A redemption fee of 2% of the dollar value of the shares redeemed, payable to the Fund, is imposed on any redemption of Fund shares occurring within 90 days of the date of purchase. Redemption fees may be waived for the reasons listed below or in the sole discretion of the Fund’s Adviser after considering the circumstances related to the redemption and the Adviser’s management of the Fund’s portfolio. No redemption fee will be imposed on the involuntary redemption of accounts below the minimum investment amount, the redemption of shares representing reinvested dividends or capital gains distributions, or on amounts representing capital appreciation of shares. In determining whether a redemption fee is applicable to a particular redemption, it is assumed that the redemption is first of shares acquired pursuant to the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, and next of other shares held by the shareholder for the longest period of time.
The redemption fee is waived on required distributions from IRA accounts due to the shareholder reaching age 70½, and for any partial or complete redemption following death or disability (as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code) of a shareholder named on the account. This exemption is available only for shares held at the time of death or initial determination of disability and if the Fund is notified of the requested exemption at the time of the redemption request. The Fund may also require further documentation in connection with these waivers.
The redemption fee is also waived for shareholders systematically redeeming Fund shares under the automatic withdrawal plan (see “Automatic Withdrawal Plan” below).
Minimum Account Balance
Due to the high cost of maintaining shareholder accounts, the Fund may involuntarily redeem shares in an account, and pay the proceeds to the shareholder, if the shareholder’s activity causes the account balance to fall below $10,000. Such automatic redemptions may cause a taxable event for the shareholder. An automatic redemption does not apply, however, if the balance falls below the minimum initial investment amount solely because of a decline in the Fund’s NAV. Before shares are redeemed to close an account, the shareholder is notified in writing and allowed 30 days to purchase additional shares to meet the minimum account balance requirement.
Automatic Withdrawal Plan
If the shares of the Fund in your account have a value of at least $5,000, you (or another person you have designated) may receive monthly or quarterly payments in a specified amount of not less than $100 each. There is currently no charge for this service, but the Transfer Agent reserves the right, upon 30 days written notice, to make reasonable charges. Call the Transfer Agent toll-free at 1-855-691-5288 for additional information.
Other Redemption Information
Generally, all redemptions will be paid in cash. The Fund typically expects to satisfy redemption requests by using holdings of cash or cash equivalents or selling portfolio assets. On a less regular basis and if the Adviser believes it is in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders not to sell portfolio assets, the Fund may satisfy redemption requests by using short-term borrowing from the Fund’s custodian. These methods normally will be used during both regular and stressed market conditions. In addition to paying redemption proceeds in cash, the Fund reserves the right to make payment for a redemption in securities rather than cash, which is known as a “redemption in kind.” Redemptions in kind will be made only under extraordinary circumstances and if the Fund deems it advisable for the benefit of all shareholders, such as a very large redemption that could affect Fund operations (for example, more than 1% of the Fund’s net assets). A redemption in kind will consist of securities equal in market value to the Fund shares being redeemed, using the same valuation procedures that the Fund uses to compute its NAV. Redemption in kind proceeds will typically be made by delivering a pro-rata amount of the Fund’s holdings to the redeeming shareholder within 7 days after the Fund’s receipt of the redemption order in proper form. If the Fund redeems your shares in kind, you will bear the market risks associated with maintaining or selling the securities that are transferred as redemption proceeds. In addition, when you sell these securities, you may pay taxes and brokerage charges associated with selling the securities.
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DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Income dividends and net capital gain distributions, if any, are normally declared and paid annually by the Fund in December. Your distributions of dividends and capital gains will be automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Fund unless you elect to receive them in cash. The Fund’s distributions of income and capital gains, whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares, will be subject to federal income tax.
The Fund has qualified and plans to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes, and as such, will not be subject to federal income tax on its taxable income and gains that it distributes to its shareholders. The Fund intends to distribute its income and gains in such a way that it will not be subject to a federal excise tax on certain undistributed amounts.
Distributions attributable to ordinary income and short-term capital gains are generally taxed as ordinary income, although certain income dividends may be taxed to non-corporate shareholders at long-term capital gains rates. In the case of corporations that hold shares of the Fund, certain income from the Fund may qualify for a 50% dividends-received deduction. Distributions of long-term capital gains are generally taxed as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long you have held your Fund shares.
When you redeem Fund shares, you will generally realize a capital gain or loss if you hold the shares as capital assets. Except for investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or IRAs, and tax-exempt investors that do not borrow to purchase Fund shares, any gain realized on a redemption of Fund shares will be subject to federal income tax.
You will be notified by February 15th of each year about the federal tax status of distributions made by the Fund during the prior year. Depending on your residence for tax purposes, distributions also may be subject to state and local taxes.
Federal law requires the Fund to withhold taxes on distributions paid to shareholders who fail to provide a social security number or taxpayer identification number or fail to certify that such number is correct. Foreign shareholders may be subject to special withholding requirements.
Because everyone’s tax situation is not the same, you should consult your tax professional about federal, state and local tax consequences of an investment in the Fund.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund’s financial performance since the period of the Fund’s operations. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total return in the table represents the rate that an investor would have earned on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been audited by the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm, Cohen & Company, Ltd. whose report, along with the Fund’s financial statements, is included in the Annual Report to shareholders, which may be obtained at no charge by calling the Fund at 1-855-691-5288 or by visiting the Fund’s website www.marshfieldfunds.com.
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MARSHFIELD CONCENTRATED OPPORTUNITY FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Per Share Data for a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
Year
Ended August 31, 2019 |
Year
Ended August 31, 2018 |
Year
Ended August 31, 2017 |
Period
Ended August 31, 2016 (a) |
|||||||||||||
Net asset value at beginning of period | $ | 15.37 | $ | 12.58 | $ | 10.61 | $ | 10.00 | ||||||||
Income (loss) from investment operations: | ||||||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss) | 0.02 | (0.00 | )(b) | 0.00 | (b) | 0.02 | ||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments | 2.53 | 3.08 | 2.04 | 0.59 | ||||||||||||
Total from investment operations | 2.55 | 3.08 | 2.04 | 0.61 | ||||||||||||
Less distributions: | ||||||||||||||||
From net investment income | (0.00 | )(b) | (0.01 | ) | (0.02 | ) | — | |||||||||
From net realized gains | (0.27 | ) | (0.28 | ) | (0.05 | ) | — | |||||||||
Total distributions | (0.27 | ) | (0.29 | ) | (0.07 | ) | — | |||||||||
Proceeds from redemption fees collected | 0.00 | (b) | 0.00 | (b) | — | — | ||||||||||
Net asset value at end of period | $ | 17.65 | $ | 15.37 | $ | 12.58 | $ | 10.61 | ||||||||
Total return (c) | 17.12 | % | 24.70 | % | 19.27 | % | 6.10 | %(d) | ||||||||
Net assets at end of period (000's) | $ | 88,589 | $ | 22,898 | $ | 12,834 | $ | 5,891 | ||||||||
Ratios/supplementary data: | ||||||||||||||||
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets | 1.48 | % | 2.09 | % | 2.87 | % | 3.80 | %(e) | ||||||||
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets (f) | 1.10 | % | 1.10 | % | 1.10 | % | 1.22 | %(e) | ||||||||
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets (f) | 0.22 | % | (0.01 | %) | 0.08 | % | 0.42 | %(e) | ||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate | 14 | % | 10 | % | 11 | % | 18 | %(d) |
(a) | Represents the period from the commencement of operations (December 29, 2015) through August 31, 2017. |
(b) | Amount rounds to less than $0.01 per share. |
(c) | Total return is a measure of the change in value of an investment in the Fund over the periods covered. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholders would pay on Fund distributions, if any, or the redemption of Fund shares. The total returns would be lower if the Adviser had not reduced advisory fees and reimbursed expenses. |
(d) | Not annualized. |
(e) | Annualized. |
(f) | Ratio was determined after advisory fee reductions and expense reimbursements. |
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CUSTOMER PRIVACY NOTICE |
Reasons we can share your personal information | Does the 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 |
No | We don’t share |
For joint marketing with other financial companies | No | We don’t share |
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes –
information about your transactions and experiences |
No | We don’t share |
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes –
information about your creditworthiness |
No | We don’t share |
For nonaffiliates to market to you | No | We don’t share |
Questions? | Call 1-855-691-5288 |
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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information about the Fund is included in the SAI, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Additional information about the Fund’s investments is available in the Fund’s Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to shareholders. In the Fund’s Annual Report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during its last fiscal year.
To obtain a free copy of the SAI, the Annual and Semi-Annual Reports or other information about the Fund, or to make inquiries about the Fund, please call Toll-Free:
1-855-691-5288
This Prospectus, the SAI and the most recent shareholder reports are also available without charge on the Fund’s website at www.marshfieldfunds.com or upon written request to:
Marshfield
Concentrated Opportunity Fund
c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
P.O. Box 46707
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707
Only one copy of a Prospectus or an Annual or Semi-Annual Report will be sent to each household address. This process, known as “Householding,” is used for most required shareholder mailings. (It does not apply to confirmations of transactions and account statements, however). You may request an additional copy of a Prospectus or an Annual or Semi-Annual Report at any time by calling or writing the Fund or by downloading free of charge at www.marshfieldfunds.com. You may also request that Householding be eliminated from all your required mailings.
Reports and other information about the Fund are available on the EDGAR Database on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s internet site at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of information on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s internet site may be obtained, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.
Investment Company Act File No. 811-22680
20
Statement of Additional Information
December 30, 2019
MARSHFIELD CONCENTRATED OPPORTUNITY FUND
(MRFOX)
Series of
ULTIMUS MANAGERS TRUST
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246
This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus for the Marshfield Concentrated Opportunity Fund (the “Fund”) dated December 30, 2019, which may be supplemented from time to time (the “Prospectus”). This SAI is incorporated by reference in its entirety into the Prospectus. Because this SAI is not itself a prospectus, no investment in shares of the Fund should be made solely upon the information contained herein. Copies of the Prospectus may be obtained without charge, upon request, by writing the Fund at P.O. Box 46707, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707 or by calling toll-free 1-855-691-5288 or by visiting the Fund’s website at www.marshfieldfunds.com.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Marshfield Concentrated Opportunity Fund is a non-diversified series of Ultimus Managers Trust (the “Trust”), an open-end management investment company. The Trust is an unincorporated business trust that was organized under Ohio law on February 28, 2012. The Fund’s investments are managed by Marshfield Associates, Inc. (the “Adviser”). For further information on the Fund, please call 1-855-691-5288 or by visiting the Fund’s website at www.marshfieldfunds.com.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON INVESTMENTS, STRATEGIES AND RISKS
Information contained in this SAI expands upon information contained in the Prospectus. All investments in securities and other financial instruments involve a risk of financial loss. No assurance can be given that the Fund’s investment programs will be successful. Investors should carefully review the descriptions of the Fund’s investments and associated risks described in the Prospectus and this SAI. No investment in shares of the Fund should be made without first reading the Prospectus. Unless otherwise indicated, percentage limitations apply at the time of purchase of the applicable securities.
General Investment Risks. Prices of securities in which the Fund invests may fluctuate in response to many factors, including, but not limited to, the activities of the individual companies whose securities the Fund owns, general market and economic conditions, interest rates, and specific industry changes. Such price fluctuations subject the Fund to potential losses. In addition, regardless of any one company’s particular prospects, a declining stock market may produce a decline in prices for all securities, which could also result in losses for the Fund. Market declines may continue for an indefinite period, and investors should understand that during temporary or extended bear markets, the value of all types of securities, including securities held by the Fund, can decline.
Diversification. The Fund is non-diversified. A non-diversified fund is a fund that does not satisfy the definition of a “diversified company” set forth in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). A “diversified company” means that as to 75% of the Fund’s total assets (1) no more than 5% may be invested in the securities of a single issuer, and (2) the Fund may not hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of a single issuer. As a result of being a non-diversified fund, the Fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in a particular issuer and hold securities in only a few issuers.
Even though the Fund is non-diversified, it intends to qualify as a “regulated investment company” under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (the “Code”) and as such, the Fund seeks to limit its investment, excluding cash, cash items (including receivables), United States (“U.S.”) government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies, so that at the close of each quarter of the taxable year, (1) not more than 25% of the Fund’s total assets will be invested in the securities of a single issuer, and (2) with respect to 50% of its total assets, not more than 5% of the Fund’s total assets will be invested in the securities of a single issuer nor represent more than 10% of the issuer’s outstanding voting securities.
Because the Fund may invest a great percentage of its assets in the securities of fewer issuers, the Fund is subject to the risk that its performance may be hurt disproportionately by the poor performance of relatively few securities.
Equity Securities. The equity portion of the Fund’s portfolio will generally be comprised of common stock traded on domestic securities exchanges or over-the counter (“OTC”) markets. In addition to common stock, the Fund’s equity investments may include preferred stock, convertible securities, and foreign stocks. The prices of equity in which the Fund invests may fluctuate in response to many factors, including, but not limited to, the activities of the individual companies whose securities the Fund owns, general market and economic conditions, interest rates, and specific industry changes. Such price fluctuations subject the Fund to potential losses. In addition, regardless of any one company’s particular prospects, a declining stock market may produce a decline in prices for all equity securities, which could also result in losses for the Fund. Market declines may continue for an indefinite period of time, and investors should understand that during temporary or extended bear markets, the value of equity securities, including securities held by the Fund, will likely decline.
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Common Stock. The Fund may purchase common stock. Prices of common stock may fluctuate in response to many factors, including, but not limited to, the activities of the individual companies whose stock the Fund owns, general market and economic conditions, interest rates, and specific industry changes. Such price fluctuations subject the Fund to potential losses. In addition, regardless of any one company’s particular prospects, a declining stock market may produce a decline in prices for all stocks, which also result in losses for the Fund. Market declines may continue for any indefinite period, and investors should understand that during temporary or extended bear markets, the value of common stocks, including common stocks held by the Fund, will likely decline.
Preferred Stock. The Fund may invest in preferred stock. Preferred stocks are securities that represent an ownership interest providing the holder with claims on the issuer’s earnings and assets before common stock owners but after bond owners. Unlike debt securities, the obligations of an issuer of preferred stock, including dividend and other payment obligations, may not typically be accelerated by the holders of such preferred stock on the occurrence of an event of default or other non-compliance by the issuer of the preferred stock. Preferred stocks may include the obligation to pay a stated dividend. The price of preferred stocks could depend more on the size of the dividend than on the company’s performance. If a company fails to pay the dividend, its preferred stock is likely to drop in price. Changes in interest rates can also affect the price of preferred stock. Like common stocks, the value of preferred stock may fluctuate in response to many factors, including the activities of the issuer, general market and economic conditions, interest rates, and industry-specific changes. Also, regardless of any one company’s particular prospectus, a declining stock market may produce a decline in prices for all equity securities, which could also result in losses.
Convertible Securities. In addition to common and preferred stocks, the Fund may invest in securities convertible into common stock such as convertible bonds, convertible preferred stocks, and warrants. Convertible bonds are fixed-income securities that may be converted at a stated price within a specified period into a certain quantity of the common stock of the same or a different issuer. Convertible bonds are senior to common stocks in an issuer's capital structure, but are usually subordinated to similar non-convertible securities. While providing a fixed income stream (generally higher in yield than the income derivable from common stock but lower than that afforded by a similar nonconvertible security), a convertible security also provides the investor the opportunity, through its conversion feature, to participate in the capital appreciation of the underlying common stock. Like other debt securities, the value of a convertible bond tends to vary inversely with the level of interest rates. However, to the extent that the market price of the underlying common stock approaches or exceeds the conversion price, the price of the convertible bond will be increasingly influenced by its conversion value (the security's worth, at market value, if converted into the underlying common stock). Although to a lesser extent than with fixed-income securities, the market value of convertible bonds tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, tends to increase as interest rates decline. In addition, because of the conversion feature, the market value of convertible bonds tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying common stock. A unique feature of convertible securities is that as the market price of the underlying common stock declines, convertible securities tend to trade increasingly on a yield basis and so may not experience market value declines to the same extent as the underlying common stock. When the market price of the underlying common stock increases, the prices of the convertible securities tend to rise as a reflection of the value of the underlying common stock. While no securities investments are without risk, investments in convertible securities generally entail less risk than investments in common stock of the same issuer.
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Warrants and Rights. The Fund may purchase warrants and rights, or it may acquire ownership of such investments by virtue of its ownership of common stocks. Warrants are essentially options to purchase equity securities at specific prices and are valid for a specific period of time. Rights are similar to warrants but generally have a short duration and are distributed directly by the issuer to its shareholders. The holders of warrants and rights have no voting rights, and receive no dividends, with respect to the equity interests underlying warrants or rights, and will have no rights with respect to the assets of the issuer, until the warrant or right is exercised. Investments in warrants and rights involve certain risks, including the possible lack of a liquid market for resale, potential price fluctuations as a result of speculation or other factors, and failure of the price of the underlying security to reach or have reasonable prospects of reaching a level at which the warrant or right can be prudently exercised (in which event the warrant or right may expire without being exercised, resulting in a loss of the Fund’s entire investment therein).
Foreign Securities. The Fund may invest in securities issued by foreign governments or foreign corporations, directly or indirectly through exchange traded funds (“ETFs”) or derivative transactions (e.g., foreign currency futures). The Fund may also invest in securities of foreign issuers that trade directly on U.S. and foreign stock exchanges or in the form of American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”).
ADRs are receipts that evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign issuer. ADRs are generally issued by a U.S. bank or trust company to U.S. buyers as a substitute for direct ownership of a foreign security and are traded on U.S. exchanges. ADRs, in registered form, are designed for use in the U.S. securities markets. 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. A depositary may establish an unsponsored facility without participation by the issuer of the deposited security. The depositary of an unsponsored ADR is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through voting rights with respect to the deposited security. Investments in ADRs are subject to risks similar to those associated with direct investments in foreign securities. The Fund intends to invest primarily in foreign securities that are listed on U.S. stock exchanges.
Investing in the securities of foreign issuers involves special risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies. The performance of foreign markets does not necessarily track U.S. markets. Foreign investments may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency rates and exchange control regulations. There may be less publicly available information about a foreign company than about a U.S. company, and foreign companies may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. There may be less governmental supervision of securities markets, brokers and issuers of securities than in the U.S. Foreign securities may trade with less frequency and volume than domestic securities and, therefore, may exhibit less liquidity and greater price volatility than securities of U.S. companies. Changes in foreign exchange rates will affect the value of those securities, which are denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Therefore, to the extent the Fund invests in a foreign security, which are denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, there is a risk that the value of such security will decrease due to changes in the relative value of the U.S. dollar and the securities underlying foreign currency. Additional costs associated with an investment in foreign securities may include higher custodial fees than those applicable to domestic custodial arrangements, generally higher commission rates on foreign portfolio transactions, and transaction costs of foreign currency conversions. Investments in foreign securities may also be subject to other risks different from those affecting U.S. investments, including local political or economic developments, expropriation or nationalization of assets, restrictions on foreign investment and repatriation of capital, imposition of withholding taxes on dividend or interest payments, currency blockage (which would prevent cash from being brought back to the U.S.), limits on proxy voting and difficulty in enforcing legal rights outside the U.S. Currency exchange rates and regulations may cause fluctuation in the value of foreign securities. In addition, foreign securities and dividends and interest payable on those securities, may be subject to foreign taxes, including taxes withheld from payments on those securities.
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Investment Companies. The Fund may, from time to time, invest in securities of other investment companies, including, without limitation, money market funds and ETFs. Generally, under the 1940 Act, a fund may not acquire shares of another investment company if, immediately after such acquisition, (i) a fund would hold more than 3% of the other investment company’s total outstanding shares, (ii) a fund’s investment in securities of the other investment company would be more than 5% of the value of the total assets of the fund, or (iii) more than 10% of a fund’s total assets would be invested in investment companies. Under certain conditions, a fund may invest in registered and unregistered money market funds in excess of these limitations. The Fund expects to rely on Rule 12d1-1 under the 1940 Act, when purchasing shares of a money market fund. Under Rule 12d1-1, the Fund may generally invest without limitation in money market funds as long as the Fund pays no sales charge (“sales charge”), as defined in rule 2830(b)(8) of the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), or service fee, as defined in rule 2830(b)(9) of the Conduct Rules of FINRA, charged in connection with the purchase, sale, or redemption of securities issued by the money market fund (“service fee”); or the Adviser waives its management fee in an amount necessary to offset any sales charge or service fee. The Fund generally expects to rely on Section 12(d)(1)(F) of the 1940 Act when purchasing shares of other investment companies that are not money market funds. Under Section 12(d)(1)(F), the Fund may generally acquire shares of another investment company unless, immediately after such acquisition, the Fund and its affiliated persons would hold more than 3% of the investment company’s total outstanding stock (the “3% Limitation”). To the extent the 3% Limitation applies to an investment the Fund wishes to make, the Fund may be prevented from allocating its investments in the manner that the Adviser considers optimal. Also, under the 1940 Act, to the extent that the Fund relies upon Section 12(d)(1)(F) in purchasing securities issued by another investment company, the Fund must either seek instructions from its shareholders with regard to the voting of all proxies with respect to its investment in such securities and vote such proxies only in accordance with the instructions, or vote the shares held by it in the same proportion as the vote of all other holders of the securities. In the event that there is a vote of investment company shares held by the Fund in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(F), the Fund intends to vote such shares in the same proportion as the vote of all other holders of such securities. Investment in other investment companies subjects the Fund to additional operating and management fees and expenses. For example, Fund investors will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by underlying investment companies in which the Funds invest, in addition to the Fund’s direct fees and expenses.
Exchange Traded Funds. The Fund may invest in shares of ETFs. An ETF is typically an investment company registered under the 1940 Act that holds a portfolio of common stocks designed to track the performance of a particular index or market sector. Alternatively, ETFs may be actively managed pursuant to a particular investment strategy, similar to other non-index based investment companies. ETFs sell and redeem their shares at net asset value (“NAV”) in large blocks (typically 50,000 of its 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 like ordinary stocks in lots of any size at any time during the trading day. ETFs are traded on a securities exchange based on their market values.
An investment in an ETF generally presents the same primary risks as an investment in a conventional registered investment company (i.e., one that is not exchange traded), including the risk that the general level of securities prices, or that the prices of securities within a particular sector, may increase or decrease, thereby affecting the value of the shares of an ETF. ETFs are subject to the following risks that do not apply to conventional registered investment companies: (i) the market price of the ETF’s shares may trade at a discount to the ETF’s NAV; (ii) an active trading market for an ETF’s shares may not develop or be maintained; (iii) trading of an ETF’s shares may be halted if the listing exchange deems such action appropriate; (iv) ETF shares may be delisted from the exchange on which they trade; or (v) activation of “circuit breakers” (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices) may halt trading of the ETF’s shares temporarily. ETFs are also subject to the risks of the underlying securities or sectors the ETF is designed to track.
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Because ETFs and pools that issue similar instruments bear various fees and expenses, the Fund will pay a proportionate share of these expenses, as well as transaction costs, such as brokerage commissions. As with traditional investment companies, ETFs charge asset-based fees, although these fees tend to be relatively low as compared to other types of investment companies. ETFs do not charge initial sales loads or redemption fees and investors pay only customary brokerage fees to buy and sell ETF shares.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) has granted orders for exemptive relief to certain ETFs that permit investments in those ETFs by other investment companies (such as the Fund) in excess of the limits discussed above under the section entitled “Investment Companies.” The Fund may invest in ETFs that have received such exemptive orders from the SEC, pursuant to the conditions specified in such orders. In accordance with Section 12(d)(1)(F)(i) of the 1940 Act, the Fund may also invest in ETFs that have not received such exemptive orders and in other investment companies in excess of these limits, as long as the Fund (and all of its affiliated persons, including the Adviser) does not acquire more than 3% of the total outstanding stock of such ETF or other investment company, unless otherwise permitted to do so pursuant to permission granted by the SEC. In purchasing ETFs, the Fund will be subject to the 3% Limitation unless (i) the ETF or the Fund has received a SEC order for exemptive relief from the 3% Limitation that is applicable to the Fund; and (ii) the ETF and the Fund take appropriate steps to comply with any conditions in such order. The SEC has issued such exemptive orders to numerous ETFs and their investment advisers, which permit investment companies, including the Fund, to invest in such ETFs (“Exempted ETFs”) beyond the 3% Limitation, subject to certain terms and conditions, including that such investment companies enter into an agreement with the Exempted ETF. The Fund may enter into such agreements with one or more Exempted ETFs so that the Fund will be permitted to invest in such Exempted ETFs in excess of the 3% Limitation. If the Fund seeks to redeem shares of an ETF or other investment company purchased in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(F), the investment company is not obligated to redeem an amount exceeding 1% of the investment company’s outstanding shares during a period of less than 30 days.
While the creation and redemption of creation units helps an ETF maintain a market value close to NAV, the market value of an ETF’s shares may differ from its NAV. This difference in price may be due to the fact that the supply and demand in the market for ETF shares at any point in time is not always identical to the supply and demand in the market for the ETF’s underlying basket of securities. Accordingly, there may be times when an ETF trades at a premium (creating the risk that the Fund pays more than NAV for an ETF when making a purchase) or discount (creating the risks that the Fund’s NAV is reduced for undervalued ETFs it holds, and that the Fund receives less than NAV when selling an ETF.
Leveraged and Inverse ETF Risk. The Fund may invest in leveraged and inverse ETFs. Leveraged and inverse ETFs involve additional risks and considerations not present in traditional ETFs. Typically, shares of an index-based ETF are expected to increase in value as the value of the underlying benchmark increases. However, in the case of inverse ETFs (also called “short ETFs” or “bear ETFs”), shares are expected to increase in value as the value of the underlying benchmark decreases, similar to holding short positions in the underlying benchmark. Leveraged ETFs seek to deliver multiples (e.g., 2X or 3X) of the performance of the underlying benchmark, typically by using derivatives in an effort to amplify returns (or decline, in the case of inverse ETFs) of the underlying benchmark. While leveraged ETFs may offer the potential for greater return, the potential for loss and the speed at which losses can be realized also are greater.
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Leveraged and inverse ETFs “reset” over short periods of time, meaning they are designed to deliver their stated returns only for the length of their reset periods (typically daily), and are not designed to deliver their returns intraday or over periods longer than the stated reset period. Because of the structure of these products, their rebalancing methodologies and the math of compounding, extended holdings beyond the reset period can lead to results very different from a simple doubling, tripling, or inverse of the benchmark's average return over the same period of time. This difference in results can be magnified in volatile markets. Further, leveraged and inverse ETFs may have lower trading volumes or may be less tax efficient than traditional ETFs and may be subject to additional regulation. To the extent that leveraged or inverse ETFs invest in derivatives, investments in such ETFs will be subject to the risks of investments in derivatives. For these reasons, leveraged and inverse ETFs are typically considered to be riskier investments than traditional ETFs.
Debt Securities. The Fund may invest in corporate debt securities and U.S. Government obligations. Corporate securities include, but are not limited to, debt obligations offered by public or private corporations either registered or unregistered. The market value of such securities may fluctuate in response to interest rates and the creditworthiness of the issuer. A debt instrument’s credit quality depends on the issuer’s ability to pay interest on the security and repay the debt; the lower the credit rating, the greater the risk that the security’s issuer will default. The credit risk of a security may also depend on the credit quality of any bank or financial institution that provides credit enhancement for the security. In the case of corporate debt, the Fund will normally purchase investment grade securities, meaning securities rated BBB or better by S & P’s Global Ratings (“S&P”), Baa or better by Moody’s Investor Services (“Moody’s”) or any comparable rating by another national recognized statistical rating organization (“NRSRO”) or, if unrated, as determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality.
U.S. Government Obligations. The Fund may invest in “U.S. Government obligations.” U.S. Government obligations include securities which are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury, by various agencies of the U.S. Government, and by various instrumentalities which have been established or sponsored by the U.S. Government. U.S. Treasury obligations are backed by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. Government. U.S. Treasury obligations include Treasury Bills, Treasury Notes, and Treasury Bonds. Treasury Bills have initial maturities of one year or less; Treasury Notes have initial maturities of one to ten years; and Treasury Bonds generally have initial maturities of greater than ten years.
Agencies and instrumentalities established by the U.S. Government include the Federal Home Loan Banks, the Federal Land Bank, the Government National Mortgage Association, the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the Small Business Administration, the Bank for Cooperatives, the Federal Intermediate Credit Bank, the Federal Financing Bank, the Federal Farm Credit Banks, the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, the Resolution Funding Corporation, the Financing Corporation of America and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Some of these securities are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government while others are supported only by the credit of the agency or instrumentality, which may include the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury. In the case of U.S. Government obligations not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment, and may not be able to assert a claim against the U.S. Government itself in the event the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitment. U.S. Government obligations are subject to price fluctuations based upon changes in the level of interest rates, which will generally result in all those securities changing in price in the same way, i.e., all those securities experiencing appreciation when interest rates decline and depreciation when interest rates rise. Any guarantee of the U.S. government will not extend to the yield or value of the Fund’s shares.
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Money Market Instruments. The Fund may invest in money market instruments, which may include, without limitation, U.S. Government obligations or corporate debt obligations (including those subject to repurchase agreements) as described herein. Money market instruments also may include Bankers’ Acceptances, Certificates of Deposit of domestic branches of U.S. banks, Commercial Paper, Variable Amount Demand Master Notes (“Master Notes”) and shares of money market investment companies. The Fund may invest in shares of money market investment companies to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act.
Banker’s Acceptances are time drafts drawn on and “accepted” by a bank, which are the customary means of effecting payment for merchandise sold in import-export transactions and are a source of financing used extensively in international trade. When a bank “accepts” such a time draft, it assumes liability for its payment. When the Fund acquires a Banker’s Acceptance, the bank which “accepted” the time draft is liable for payment of interest and principal when due. The Banker’s Acceptance, therefore, carries the full faith and credit of such bank.
A Certificate of Deposit (“CD”) is an unsecured, interest bearing debt obligation of a bank. Commercial Paper is an unsecured, short-term debt obligation of a bank, corporation, or other borrower. Commercial Paper maturity generally ranges from two to 270 days and is usually sold on a discounted basis rather than as an interest-bearing instrument. The Fund may invest in Commercial Paper of any rating. Commercial Paper may include Master Notes of the same quality.
Master Notes are unsecured obligations which are redeemable upon demand of the holder and which permit the investment of fluctuating amounts at varying rates of interest. Master Notes will be acquired by the Fund only through the Master Note program of the Fund’s custodian bank, acting as administrator thereof. The Adviser will monitor, on a continuous basis, the earnings power, cash flow, and other liquidity ratios of the issuer of a Master Note held by the Fund.
Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may invest in repurchase agreements. A repurchase agreement transaction occurs when an investor purchases a security (normally a U.S. government security from a counterparty (e.g., the Fund) with the understanding that the Fund will later resell the security to the same counterparty (normally a member bank of the Federal Reserve or a registered government securities dealer). The Fund’s initial purchase is essentially a loan that is collateralized by the security (or securities substituted for them under the repurchase agreement). The Fund must return the security to the counterparty when the counterparty repurchases it at a later date and higher price. The repurchase price exceeds the purchase price by an amount that reflects an agreed upon market interest rate effective for the period of time during which the repurchase agreement is in effect. Delivery pursuant to the resale normally will occur within one to seven days of the purchase. Repurchase agreements are considered “loans” under the 1940 Act, collateralized by the underlying security. The Trust has implemented procedures to monitor on a continuous basis the value of the collateral serving as security for repurchase obligations. The Adviser will consider the creditworthiness of the counterparty. If the counterparty fails to pay the agreed upon resale price on the delivery date, the Fund will retain or attempt to dispose of the collateral. The Fund’s risk is that such default may include any decline in value of the collateral to an amount which is less than 100% of the repurchase price, any costs of disposing of such collateral, and any loss resulting from any delay in foreclosing on the collateral. The Fund will not enter into any repurchase agreement that would cause more than 15% of its net assets to be invested in repurchase agreements that extend beyond seven days.
Illiquid Investments. The Fund may not purchase or otherwise acquire any illiquid investments if, immediately after the acquisition, the value of illiquid investments held by the Fund would exceed 15% of its net assets. An illiquid investment is any investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. Illiquid investments pose risks of potential delays in resale and uncertainty in valuation. Limitations on resale may have an adverse effect on the marketability of portfolio investments and the Fund may be unable to dispose of illiquid investments promptly or at reasonable prices. If through a change in values, net assets, or other circumstances, the Fund were in a position where more than 15% of its net assets were invested in illiquid investments, it would seek to take appropriate steps to bring the Fund’s illiquid investments below 15% of its net assets per the requirements of Rule 22e-4 of the 1940 Act. The sale of some illiquid and other types of investments may be subject to legal restrictions.
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If the Fund invests in investments for which there is no ready market, it may not be able to readily sell such investments. Such investments are unlike investments that are traded in the open market, and which can be expected to be sold immediately if the market is adequate. The sale price of illiquid investments once realized may be lower or higher than the Adviser’s most recent estimate of their fair market value. Generally, less public information is available about the issuers of such investments than about companies whose investments are publicly traded.
Restricted Securities. The Fund may purchase restricted securities that generally can be sold in privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to an exemption from registration under the federal securities laws, or in a registered public offering, such as securities that may be eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 (“144A Securities”). Where registration is required, the Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expense and a considerable period may elapse between the time it decides to seek registration and the time the Fund may be permitted to sell a security under an effective registration statement. If during such a period adverse market conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to seek registration of the security.
Investing in 144A Securities may decrease the liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio to the extent that qualified institutional buyers become for a time uninterested in purchasing these restricted securities.
Borrowing Money. The Fund does not intend to borrow money for the purpose of purchasing securities, but may, subject to restrictions of the 1940 Act, borrow up to 33⅓% of its total assets, including the amount of such borrowing, to maintain necessary liquidity to make payments for redemptions of Fund shares or for temporary emergency purposes. Borrowing involves the creation of a liability that requires the Fund to pay interest. In the event the Fund should ever borrow money under these conditions, such borrowing could increase the Fund’s costs and thus reduce the value of the Fund’s assets. In an extreme case, if the Fund’s current investment income were not sufficient to meet the interest expense of borrowing, it could be necessary for the Fund to liquidate certain of its investments at an inappropriate time.
Lending of Portfolio Securities. In order to generate additional income, the Fund may lend portfolio securities in an amount up to 33⅓% of its total assets to broker-dealers, major banks, or other recognized domestic institutional borrowers of securities that the Adviser has determined are creditworthy under guidelines established by the Board. In determining whether the Fund will lend securities, the Adviser will consider all relevant facts and circumstances. The Fund may not lend securities to any company affiliated with the Adviser. Each loan of securities will be collateralized by cash, securities, or letters of credit. The Fund might experience a loss if the borrower defaults on the loan.
The borrower at all times during the loan must maintain with the Fund cash or cash equivalent collateral, or provide to the Fund an irrevocable letter of credit equal in value to at least 100% of the value of the securities loaned. While the loan is outstanding, the borrower will pay the Fund any dividends or interest paid on the loaned securities, and the Fund may invest the cash collateral to earn additional income. Alternatively, the Fund may receive an agreed-upon amount of interest income from the borrower who has delivered equivalent collateral or a letter of credit. It is anticipated that the Fund may share with the borrower some of the income received on the collateral for the loan or the Fund will be paid a premium for the loan. Loans are subject to termination at the option of the Fund or the borrower at any time. The Fund may pay reasonable administrative and custodial fees in connection with a loan, and may pay a negotiated portion of the income earned on the cash to the borrower or placing broker. As with other extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. If the Fund invests the cash collateral from the borrower, there is the risk that such investment may result in a financial loss. In such an event, the Fund would be required to repay the borrower out the Fund’s assets.
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Where voting rights with respect to the loaned securities pass with the lending of the securities, the Adviser normally intends to call the loaned securities to vote proxies, or to use other practicable and legally enforceable means to obtain voting rights, when the Adviser believes a material event affecting the loaned securities will occur or the Adviser otherwise believes it necessary to vote.
The Fund did not engage in the lending of portfolio securities during the past fiscal year.
Economic and Regulatory Risks. As economic activity has improved both domestically and globally, the Federal Reserve and other foreign central banks have begun to retrench from the supportive policies introduced after the global financial crisis that began to unfold in 2007. These policies included open market purchases of fixed income securities and maintaining interest rates at or near historically low levels. It is unclear how long this support will last and at what levels. It is unclear as to the level which the Federal Reserve will allow interest rates to remain in the future. Further reduction or withdrawal of support by the U.S. and the Federal Reserve and/or by other governments and their central banks, failure of such efforts or support in response to any future crisis, or investor perception that such efforts or support are not succeeding could negatively affect financial markets generally, as well as result in higher interest rates, increase market volatility and reduce the value and liquidity of certain securities, including securities held by the Fund.
In addition, policy and legislative changes in the U.S. and in other countries have been implemented that are affecting many aspects of the financial markets and imposing additional regulatory requirements. Given the broad scope, sweeping nature, and relatively recent enactment of some of these changes, the potential impact they could have on securities held by the Fund is unclear and may not be fully known for some time. These changes and any future regulatory change could adversely affect the Fund.
Operational Risk. An investment in the Fund involves operational risk arising from factors such as processing errors, human errors, inadequate or failed internal or external processes, failures in systems and technology, changes in personnel and errors caused by third-party service providers. Any of these failures or errors could result in a loss or compromise of information, regulatory scrutiny, reputational damage or other events, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund. While the Fund seeks to minimize such events through controls and oversight, there is no guarantee that the Fund will not suffer losses due to operational risk.
Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund and its service providers may be subject to operational and information security risks resulting from breaches in cybersecurity. A breach in cybersecurity refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund to lose or compromise confidential, proprietary or private personal information, suffer data corruption or lose operational capacity. Breaches in cybersecurity include, among other things, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, denial of service attacks on websites, the unauthorized release of confidential, proprietary or private personal information or various other operational disruptions. Successful cybersecurity breaches of the Fund or the Fund’s investment adviser, distributor, custodian, the transfer agent or other third party services providers may adversely impact the Fund and its shareholders. For instance, a successful cybersecurity breach may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, impact the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV, cause the release of private personal shareholder information, impede trading, subject the Fund to regulatory fines or financial losses and/or cause reputational damage. The Fund relies on third party service providers for many of the day-to-day operations, and is therefore subject to the risk that the protections and protocols implemented by those service providers will be ineffective in protecting the Fund from cybersecurity breaches. Similar types of cybersecurity risks are also present for issuers of securities in which the Fund may invest, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Fund’s investments in such companies to lose value. There is no guarantee the Fund will be successful in protecting against cybersecurity breaches.
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Temporary Defensive Positions. The Fund may from time to time take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with its principal investment strategies. If the Adviser believes a temporary defensive position is warranted in view of market conditions, the Fund may hold cash or invest up to 100% of its assets in high-quality short-term government or corporate obligations, money market instruments or shares of money market mutual funds. Taking a temporary defensive position may prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objective.
Portfolio Turnover. The portfolio turnover rate for the Fund is calculated by dividing the lesser of the Fund’s purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the year by the monthly average value of the securities. The Fund’s portfolio turnover rate may vary greatly from year to year as well as within a particular year, and may also be affected by cash requirements for redemption of shares. High portfolio turnover rates will generally result in higher transaction costs to the Fund, including brokerage commissions, and may result in additional tax consequences to the Fund’s shareholders. Portfolio turnover will not be a factor in making buy and sell decisions for the Fund. The portfolio turnover rate for the Fund for the fiscal years indicated below was:
Fiscal Year Ended August 31 | Portfolio Turnover Rate |
2019 | 14% |
2018 | 10% |
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The Fund has adopted the following fundamental investment limitations that may not be changed without the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. As used in the Prospectus and this SAI, the term “majority” of the outstanding shares of the Fund means the lesser of (1) 67% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund are present or represented at such meeting; or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. Unless otherwise indicated, percentage limitations apply at the time of purchase of the applicable securities. See the Prospectus for more information about the Fund’s investment objective and investment strategies, each of which are not fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval.
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FUNDAMENTAL RESTRICTIONS. As a matter of fundamental policy:
1. | Borrowing Money. The Fund will not borrow money except as permitted under the 1940 Act. For example, subject to the restrictions of the 1940 Act the Fund may borrow money from banks to meet redemption requests or for extraordinary or emergency purposes. |
2. | Senior Securities. The Fund will not issue senior securities, except as permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder or interpretations of the SEC or its staff. |
3. | Underwriting. The Fund will not act as underwriter, except to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities (including restricted securities), the Fund may be deemed an underwriter under certain federal securities laws or in connection with investments in other investment companies. |
4. | Real Estate. The Fund will not directly purchase or sell real estate. This limitation is not applicable to investments in marketable securities which are secured by or represent interests in real estate. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from holding or selling real estate acquired as a result of the Fund’s ownership of securities or other instruments, investing in mortgage-related securities or investing in companies engaged in the real estate business or that have a significant portion of their assets in real estate (including real estate investment trusts). |
5. | Commodities. The Fund will not purchase or sell commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other investments. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from purchasing or selling options, forward contracts, or futures contracts, including those relating to indices, or options on futures contracts or indices, or from investing in securities or other instruments backed by commodities or from investing in companies which are engaged in a commodities business or have a significant portion of their assets in commodities. |
6. | Loans. The Fund will not make loans to other persons, provided that the Fund may lend its portfolio securities in an amount up to 33% of total Fund assets, and provided further that, for purposes of this restriction, investment in U.S. Government obligations, short-term commercial paper, certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances, repurchase agreements and any other lending arrangement permitted by the 1940 Act, any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder or interpretations of the SEC or its staff shall not be deemed to be the making of a “loan”. For purposes of this limitation, the term “loans” shall not include the purchase of a portion of an issue of publicly distributed bonds, debentures or other debt securities. |
7. | Concentration. The Fund will not invest more than 25% of its total assets in a particular industry. This limitation is not applicable to investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government (including its agencies and instrumentalities) or state or municipal governments and their political subdivisions (other than revenue bonds issued in connection with an identifiable industry; e.g., healthcare or education) or repurchase agreements with respect thereto, or investments in registered investment companies. |
With respect to the “fundamental” investment restrictions above, if a percentage limitation or standard is adhered to at the time of investment, a later increase or decrease in percentage or departure from the standard resulting from any change in value or net assets or other factors will not result in a violation of such restriction (i.e., percentage limitations are determined at the time of purchase); provided, however, that the treatment of the fundamental restrictions related to borrowing money and issuing senior securities are exceptions to this general rule.
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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 1940 Act presently allows the Fund to borrow from any bank (including pledging, mortgaging or hypothecating assets) in an amount up to 33⅓% of its total assets.
CALCULATION OF SHARE PRICE
The share price or NAV of shares of the Fund is determined as of the close of the regular session of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) on each day the NYSE is open for trading. Currently, the NYSE is open for trading on every day except Saturdays, Sundays and the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
For purposes of computing the Fund’s NAV, securities are valued at market value as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally, 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on each business day the NYSE is open. Securities listed on the NYSE or other exchanges are valued based on their last sale prices on the exchanges on which they are primarily traded. If there are no sales on that day, the securities are valued at the mean of the closing bid and ask prices on the NYSE or other primary exchange for that day. National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (“NASDAQ”) listed securities are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. If there are no sales on that day, the securities are valued at the mean of the most recently quoted bid and ask prices as reported by NASDAQ. Securities traded in the OTC market are valued at the last sale price, if available, otherwise at the mean of the most recently quoted bid and ask prices. In the event that market quotations are not readily available or are considered unreliable due to market or other events, securities and other assets are valued at fair value as determined in good faith in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board. Fixed-income securities are normally valued based on prices obtained from independent third-party pricing services approved by the Board, which are generally determined with consideration given to institutional bid and last sale prices and take into account security prices, yield, maturity, call features, ratings, institutional sized trading in similar groups of securities and developments related to specific securities. Foreign securities are normally valued on the basis of fair valuation prices obtained from independent third-party pricing services approved by the Board, which are generally determined with consideration given to any change in price of the foreign security and any other developments related to the foreign security since the last sale price on the exchange on which such foreign security primarily traded and the close of regular trading on the NYSE. One or more pricing services may be utilized to determine the fair value of securities held by the Fund. The methods used by independent pricing services and the quality of valuations so established are reviewed by the Adviser and the Fund’s administrator under the general supervision of the Board. To the extent the assets of the Fund are invested in other open-end investment companies that are registered under the 1940 Act, and not traded on an exchange, the Fund’s NAV is calculated based upon the NAVs reported by such registered open-end investment companies, and the prospectuses for these companies explain the circumstances under which they will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing.
ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION
Shares of the Fund are offered for sale on a continuous basis. Shares are sold and redeemed at their NAV, as next determined after receipt of the purchase or redemption order in proper form.
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The Fund may suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date of payment for shares during a period when: (a) trading on the NYSE is restricted by applicable rules and regulations of the SEC; (b) the NYSE is closed for other than customary weekend and holiday closings; (c) the SEC has by order permitted these suspensions; or (d) an emergency exists as a result of which: (i) disposal by the Fund of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable, or (ii) it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to determine the value of its assets.
The Fund reserves the right to make payment for a redemption in securities rather than cash, which is known as a “redemption in kind”. Redemptions in kind will be made only under extraordinary circumstances and if the Fund deems it advisable for the benefit of its shareholders, such as a very large redemption that could affect Fund operations (for example, more than 1% of the Fund’s net assets). A redemption in kind will consist of liquid securities equal in market value to the Fund shares being redeemed, using the same valuation procedures that the Fund uses to compute its NAV. Redemption in kind proceeds will typically be made by delivering a pro-rata amount of the Fund’s holdings that are readily marketable securities to the redeeming shareholder within 7 days after the Fund’s receipt of the redemption order in proper form. If the Fund redeems your shares in kind, you will bear the market risks associated with maintaining or selling the securities paid as redemption proceeds. In addition, when you sell these securities, you bear the risk that the securities have become less liquid and are difficult to sell. You also will pay taxes and brokerage charges associated with selling the securities.
SPECIAL SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
As noted in the Prospectus, the Fund offers the following shareholder services:
Regular Account. The regular account allows for voluntary investments to be made at any time. Available to individuals, custodians, corporations, trusts, estates, corporate retirement plans and others, investors are free to make additions to and withdrawals from their account as often as they wish. When an investor makes an initial investment in the Fund, a shareholder account is opened in accordance with the investor’s registration instructions. Each time there is a transaction in a shareholder account, such as an additional investment or a redemption, the shareholder will receive a confirmation statement showing the current transaction.
Automatic Investment Plan. The automatic investment plan enables investors to make regular periodic investments in shares through automatic charges to their checking account. With shareholder authorization and bank approval, the Fund’s transfer agent will automatically charge the checking account for the amount specified ($100 minimum) which will be automatically invested in shares at the NAV on or about the fifteenth and/or the last business day of the month, or both. The shareholder may change the amount of the investment or discontinue the plan at any time by writing to the Fund.
Transfer of Registration. To transfer shares to another owner, send a written request to Marshfield Concentrated Opportunity Fund, c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, P.O. Box 46707, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707. Your request should include the following: (i) the Fund name and existing account registration; (ii) signature(s) of the registered owner(s) exactly as the signature(s) appear(s) on the account registration; (iii) if it is for a new account, a completed account application, or if it is an existing account, the account number; (iv) Medallion signature guarantees (See the heading “How to Redeem Shares – Signature Guarantees” in the Prospectus); and (v) any additional documents that are required for transfer by corporations, administrators, executors, trustees, guardians, etc. If you have any questions about transferring shares, call or write the Fund.
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MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST
Overall responsibility for management and supervision of the Fund and the Trust rests with the Board. The members of the Board (the “Trustees”) are elected by the Trust’s shareholders or existing members of the Board as permitted under the 1940 Act and the Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the “Declaration of Trust”). Each Trustee serves for a term of indefinite duration until death, resignation, retirement or removal from office. The Trustees, in turn, elect the officers of the Trust to actively supervise the Trust’s day-to-day operations. The officers are elected annually. Certain officers of the Trust also may serve as Trustees.
The Trust will be managed by the Board in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio governing business trusts. There are currently six Trustees, five of whom are not “interested persons,” as defined by the 1940 Act, of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”). The Independent Trustees receive compensation for their services as Trustees and attendance at meetings of the Board. Officers of the Trust receive no compensation from the Trust for performing the duties of their offices.
Attached in Appendix A is a list of the Trustees and executive officers of the Trust, their year of birth and address, their present position with the Trust, length of time served in their position, their principal occupation(s) during the past five years, and any other directorships held by the Trustee. Those Trustees who are “interested persons” as defined in the 1940 Act and those Trustees who are Independent Trustees are identified in the table.
Leadership Structure and Qualifications of Trustees. The Board consists of six Trustees, five of whom are Independent Trustees. The Board is responsible for the oversight of the series, or funds, of the Trust. In addition to the Fund, the Trust has other Series. The Board has engaged various investment advisers to oversee the day-to-day management of the Trust’s series. The Board is responsible for overseeing these investment advisers and the Trust’s other service providers in the operations of the Trust in accordance with the 1940 Act, other applicable federal and state laws, and the Declaration of Trust.
The Board meets at least four times throughout the year. The Board generally meets in person, but may meet by telephone as permitted by the 1940 Act. In addition, the Trustees may meet in person or by telephone at special meetings or on an informal basis at other times. The Independent Trustees also meet at least quarterly without the presence of any representatives of management.
Board Leadership. The Board is led by its Chairperson, Ms. Janine L. Cohen, who is also an Independent Trustee. The Chairperson generally presides at all Board Meetings, facilitates communication and coordination between the Trustees and management, and reviews meeting agendas for the Board and the information provided by management to the Trustees. The Chairperson works closely with Trust counsel and counsel to the Independent Trustees and is also assisted by the Trust’s President, who, with the assistance of the Trust’s other officers, oversees the daily operations of the Fund, including monitoring the activities of all of the Fund’s service providers.
The Board believes that its leadership structure, including having an Independent Trustee serve as Chairperson and five out of six Trustees as Independent Trustees, is appropriate and in the best interests of the Trust. The Board also believes its leadership structure facilitates the orderly and efficient flow of information to the Independent Trustees from Trust management.
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Board Committees. The Board has established the following standing committees:
Committee of Independent Trustees (the “Independent Trustee Committee”): The principal functions of the Independent Trustee Committee are: (i) to appoint, retain and oversee the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm; (ii) to meet separately with the independent registered public accounting firm and receive and consider a report concerning its conduct of the audit, including any comments or recommendations it deems appropriate; (iii) to act as the Trust’s qualified legal compliance committee (“QLCC”), as defined in the regulations under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; and (iv) to act as a proxy voting committee if called upon under the Trust’s Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures when a matter with respect to which a series of the Trust is entitled to vote presents a conflict between the interest of the series’ shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the series’ investment manager on the other hand. Messrs. David M. Deptula, Clifford N. Schireson, and Mr. Robert E. Morrison, and Mses. Cohen and Jacqueline A. Williams are the members of the Independent Trustee Committee. Mr. Deptula is the Chairperson of the Independent Trustee Committee and presides at its meetings. The Independent Trustee Committee met six times during the Fund’s prior fiscal year.
Nominating Committee (the “Nominating Committee”): The Nominating Committee nominates and selects persons to serve as members of the Board, including Independent Trustees and “interested” Trustees. In selecting and nominating persons to serve as Independent Trustees, the Nominating Committee will not consider nominees recommended by shareholders of the Trust unless required by law. Messrs. Deptula, Schireson, and Morrison and Mses. Cohen and Williams are the members of the Nominating Committee. Ms. Cohen is the Chairperson of the Nominating Committee and presides at its meetings. The Nominating Committee met four times during the Fund’s prior fiscal year.
Qualifications of the Trustees. The Nominating Committee reviews the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills of potential candidates for nomination or election by the Board. In evaluating a candidate for nomination or election as a Trustee, the Nominating Committee takes into account the contribution that the candidate would be expected to make to the diverse mix of experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that the Nominating Committee believes contribute to the oversight of the Trust’s affairs. The Board has concluded, based on the recommendation of the Nominating Committee, that each Trustee’s experience, qualifications, attributes or skills on both an individual basis and in combination with the other Trustees, that each Trustee is qualified to serve on the Board. The Board believes that the Trustees’ ability to review critically, evaluate, question and discuss information provided to them, to interact effectively with the Adviser, other service providers, legal counsel and the independent registered public accounting firm, and to exercise effective business judgment in the performance of their duties as Trustees support this conclusion. In determining that a particular Trustee is and will continue to be qualified to serve as a Trustee, the Board considers a variety of criteria, none of which, in isolation, is controlling.
In addition to the Trustee qualifications listed above, each of the Trustees has additional Trustee qualifications including, among other things, the experience identified in the “Trustees and Executive Officers” table included in Appendix A and as follows:
Interested Trustee
Robert G. Dorsey is a co-founder of Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (“Ultimus”) and Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”). Mr. Dorsey serves as Vice Chairman of Ultimus and its subsidiaries (except as otherwise noted for FINRA-regulated broker-dealer entities). Mr. Dorsey served as President and Managing Director of both Ultimus and the Distributor from their founding in 1999 until April 2018 and served as Co-Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Ultimus from April 2018 until February 2019. Mr. Dorsey has over 30 years of experience in the mutual fund servicing industry. He holds a B.S. from Christian Brothers University and is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive). Mr. Dorsey has been a Trustee since February 2012.
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Independent Trustees
David M. Deptula has served as Vice President of Legal and Special Projects for Dayton Freight Lines, Inc. since February 1, 2016. Prior to that position, Mr. Deptula was Vice President of Tax Treasury for Standard Register, Inc. (a company that provides solutions for companies to manage their critical communications, previously The Standard Register Company) since November 2011. (Standard Register, Inc., a newly formed subsidiary of Taylor Corporation, purchased assets of The Standard Register Company on July 31, 2015.) Prior to joining Standard Register, Mr. Deptula was a Tax Partner at Deloitte Tax LLP (“Deloitte”). Mr. Deptula joined Deloitte in 1984 and remained with Deloitte until October of 2011. During his tenure at Deloitte, he was actively involved in providing tax accounting services to open-end mutual funds and other financial services companies. Mr. Deptula holds a B.S. in Accounting from Wright State University and a Juris Doctor from University of Toledo. He is also a Certified Public Accountant. Mr. Deptula has been a Trustee since June 2012.
Janine L. Cohen, retired, was an executive at AER Advisors, Inc. (“AER”) from 2004 through her retirement in 2013. Ms. Cohen served as the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) from 2004 to 2013 and Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) from 2008 to 2013 at AER. During those roles at AER, she was actively involved in developing financial forecasts, business plans, and SEC registrations. Prior to her tenure at AER, Ms. Cohen was a Senior Vice President at State Street Bank. Ms. Cohen has over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. She holds a B.S. in Accounting and Math from the University of Minnesota and is a Certified Public Accountant. Ms. Cohen has been the Chairperson since October 2019 and a Trustee since January 2016.
Jacqueline A. Williams has served as the Managing Member of Custom Strategies Consulting, LLC since 2017, where she provides consulting services to investment managers. Prior to that, she served as a Managing Director of Global Investment Research for Cambridge Associates, LLC since 2005. Earlier in her career, Ms. Williams served as a Principal at Equinox Capital Management, LLC where she was chairperson of the stock selection committee and the firm’s financial services analyst. Ms. Williams also served as an Investment Analyst at IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company where she monitored U.S. financial services stocks. Ms. Williams has over 25 years of experience in the investment management industry. Ms. Williams earned an A.B. in Religion from Duke University and a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Yale University. She has been a Chartered Financial Analyst charter holder since 1990. Ms. Williams has been a Trustee since June 2019.
Clifford N. Schireson is the founder of Schireson Consulting, LLC, which he launched in 2017. Prior to that, from 2004 to 2017, he was Director of Institutional Services at Brandes Investment Partners, LP, an investment advisory firm, where he was a member of the fixed income investment committee. From 1998 to 2004, he was a Managing Director at Weiss, Peck & Greer LLC specializing in fixed income products for both taxable and municipal strategies for institutional clients. Mr. Schireson has over 20 years of experience in the investment management industry. Mr. Schireson holds an A.B. in Economics from Stanford University and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. Mr. Schireson has been a Trustee since June 2019.
Robert E. Morrison serves as a Senior Vice President at Huntington Private Bank, where he has worked since 2014. From 2006 to 2014, he served as the CEO, President and Chief Investment Officer of 5 Star Investment Management. Mr. Morrison has a B.S. in Forestry Management from Auburn University and is a graduate of the Personal Financial Planning program of Old Dominion University. Mr. Morrison previously served on the Ultimus Managers Trust Board of Trustees as the Founding Chairman of the Trust in 2012. Mr. Morrison retired from the Board in 2014 as a result of a business conflict that no longer exists. Mr. Morrison has over 32 years of financial services experience, focusing on asset management and wealth management. Mr. Morrison has been a Trustee since June 2019.
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References above to the qualifications, attributes and skills of Trustees are pursuant to requirements of the SEC, do not constitute holding out the Board or any Trustee as having any special expertise or experience, and shall not impose any greater responsibility on any such person or on the Board by reason thereof.
Risk Oversight. The operation of a mutual fund, including its investment activities, generally involves a variety of risks. As part of its oversight of the Fund, the Board oversees risk through various regular board and committee activities. The Board, directly or through its committees, reviews reports from, among others, the Adviser, the Trust’s CCO, the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm, and outside legal counsel, regarding risks faced by the Fund and the risk management programs of the Adviser, with respect to the Fund’s investments and trading activities, and certain service providers. The actual day-to-day risk management with respect to the Fund resides with the Adviser, with respect to the Fund’s investment and trading activities and other service providers to the Fund. Although the risk management policies of the Adviser and the service providers are designed to be effective, there is no guarantee that they will anticipate or mitigate all risks. Not all risks that may affect the Fund can be identified, eliminated or mitigated and some risks simply may not be anticipated or may be beyond the control of the Board or the Adviser or other service providers. The Independent Trustees meet separately with the Trust’s CCO at least annually, outside the presence of management, to discuss issues related to compliance. Furthermore, the Board receives an annual written report from the Trust’s CCO regarding the operation of the compliance policies and procedures of the Trust and its primary service providers. As part of its oversight function, the Board also may hold special meetings or communicate directly with Trust management or the Trust’s CCO to address matters arising between regular meetings.
The Board also receives quarterly reports from the Adviser on the investments and securities trading of the Fund, including the Fund’s investment performance, as well as reports regarding the valuation of the Fund’s securities. The Board also receives quarterly reports from the Fund’s administrator (the “Administrator”), transfer agent (the “Transfer Agent”) and the Distributor on regular quarterly items and, where appropriate and as needed, on specific issues. In addition, in its annual review of the Fund’s investment advisory agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”), dated December 27, 2015, the Board reviews information provided by the Adviser relating to its operational capabilities, financial condition and resources. The Board also conducts an annual self-evaluation that includes a review of its effectiveness in overseeing, among other things, the number of funds in the Trust and the effectiveness of the Board’s committee structure.
Trustees’ Ownership of Fund Shares. The following table shows each Trustee’s beneficial ownership of shares of the Fund and, on an aggregate basis, of shares of all funds within the Trust overseen by the Trustee. Information is provided as of December 31, 2018.
Name of Trustee | Dollar Range of Shares owned by Trustee in | |
Marshfield Concentrated Opportunity Fund |
All Funds in the Trust | |
Interested Trustee | ||
Robert G. Dorsey | None | Over $100,000 |
Independent Trustees | ||
David M. Deptula | None | None |
Janine L. Cohen | None | None |
Jacqueline A. Williams* | None | None |
Clifford N. Schireson* | None | None |
Robert E. Morrison* | None | None |
* | Ms. Williams’ and Messrs. Schireson’s and Morrison’s terms as Trustee commenced on June 18, 2019. |
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Ownership In Fund Affiliates. As of December 31, 2018, none of the Independent Trustees, nor members of their immediate families, owned, beneficially or of record, securities of the Adviser, the Distributor or any affiliate of the Adviser or the Distributor.
Trustee Compensation. No director, officer or employee of the Adviser or the Distributor receives any compensation from the Trust for serving as an officer or Trustee of the Trust. As of August 1, 2018, each Independent Trustee receives a $500 per meeting fee and a $1,300 annual retainer for each series of the Trust, except the Chairperson who receives a $1,500 annual retainer for serving as Chairpeson. The Trust reimburses each Trustee and officer for their travel and other expenses incurred by attending meetings.
The following table provides the amount of compensation paid to each Trustee during the Fund’s fiscal year which ended August 31, 2019:
Name of Trustee |
Compensation From the Fund |
Pension or Retirement Benefits Accrued As Part of Fund Expenses |
Estimated Annual Benefits Upon Retirement |
Total Compensation From all Funds Within the Trust |
Interested Trustee | ||||
Robert G. Dorsey | None | None | None | None |
Independent Trustees | ||||
John J. Discepoli^ | $3,500 | None | None | $63,125 |
David M. Deptula | $3,300 | None | None | $59,575 |
Janine L. Cohen | $3,300 | None | None | $59,575 |
Jacqueline A. Williams* | $825 | None | None | $12,375 |
Clifford N. Schireson* | $825 | None | None | $12,375 |
Robert E. Morrison* | $825 | None | None | $12,375 |
^ | Mr. Discepoli served as Chairperson and a trustee until his resignation on October 25, 2019. |
* | Ms. Williams’ and Messrs. Schireson’s and Morrison’s terms as Trustee commended on June 18, 2019. |
Principal Holders of Voting Securities. As of December 2, 2019, the Trustees and officers of the Trust as a group owned beneficially (i.e., had direct or indirect voting and/or investment power) 0% of the then-outstanding shares of the Fund. On the same date, the following shareholders owned of record more than 5% of the outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the Fund:
Name and Address of Record Owner | Percentage Ownership |
RBC Capital Markets LLC/ MF Omnibus Processing 60 South 6th Street Minneapolis, MN 55402 |
48.86% |
Charles Schwab & Co Inc/ Special Custody A/C FBO Customers 211 Main Street San Francisco, CA 94105 |
6.94% |
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A shareholder owning of record or beneficially more than 25% of the Fund’s outstanding shares may be considered a controlling person. That shareholder’s vote could have a more significant effect on matters presented at a shareholders’ meeting than the vote of other shareholders.
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Marshfield Associates, Inc., located at 21 Dupont Circle NW, Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20036, serves as the investment adviser to the Fund pursuant to the Advisory Agreement dated December 27, 2015. The Adviser was organized in 1989 and also provides investment advisory services to individuals, pensions and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, corporations or other business entities, and municipalities. The Adviser is controlled primarily by Christopher N. Niemczewski.
Subject to the Fund’s investment objective and policies approved by the Board, the Adviser is responsible for providing the Fund with a continuous program of investing the Fund’s assets and determining the composition of the Fund’s portfolio.
The Advisory Agreement remains in effect for periods of one year each only so long as such renewal and continuance are specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by vote of a majority of the applicable Fund’s outstanding voting securities, provided the continuance is also approved by a majority of the Independent Trustees. The Advisory Agreement is terminable without penalty on 60 days’ notice by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the applicable Fund. The Advisory Agreement provides that it will terminate automatically in the event of its “assignment,” as defined in the 1940 Act.
For its services, the Fund pays the Adviser a monthly investment advisory fee (the “Management Fee”) computed at the annual rate of 0.95% of its average daily net assets. Under an expense limitation agreement (the “Expense Limitation Agreement”), the Adviser has agreed to reduce the Management Fee and to reimburse Fund expenses to the extent necessary to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (exclusive of brokerage costs, taxes, interest, borrowing costs such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short, costs to organize the Fund, Acquired Fund fees and expenses, extraordinary expenses such as litigation and merger or reorganization costs, and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business) to amount not exceeding 1.10% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. Prior to January 1, 2021, the Expense Limitation Agreement may be modified or terminated only with the approval of the Board. Management Fee reductions and expense reimbursements by the Adviser. are subject to repayment by the Fund for a period of three years after the date that such fees and expenses were incurred, provided that the repayments do not cause the Fund’s Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (exclusive of such reductions and reimbursements) to exceed (i) the expense limitation then in effect, if any, and (ii) the expense limitation in effect at the time the expenses to be repaid were incurred.
The Adviser manages the Fund’s investments in accordance with the stated investment objective and policies of the Fund, subject to the oversight of the Board. The Adviser is responsible for investment decisions, and provides the Fund with a portfolio manager to execute purchases and sales of securities. The Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or for any loss suffered by the Trust or the Fund in connection with the performance of its duties, except a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to receipt of compensation for services (in which case any award of damages shall be limited to the period and the amount set forth in Section 36(b)(3) of the 1940 Act) 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.
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The following table provides the compensation paid to the Adviser and advisory fee reductions and expense reimbursements made by the Adviser during the fiscal year indicated:
Fiscal Year Ended August 31 |
Management Fees Accrued |
Management Fee Reductions |
Expense Reimbursements |
Net Advisory Fees Received by Adviser |
2019 | $429,250 | $176,244 | $0 | $253,006 |
2018 | $157,338 | $157,338 | $6,440 | $0 |
2017 | $80,023 | $80,023 | $69,483 | $0 |
Portfolio Managers
The Fund is co-managed by Elise J. Hoffmann and Christopher M. Niemczewski (the “Portfolio Managers”), who have primary responsibility for the day-to-day implementation of investment strategies for the Fund.
Other Accounts Managed by Portfolio Managers
In addition to the Fund, the Portfolio Managers are responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts. The table below shows the number of, and total assets in, such other accounts as of August 31, 2019.
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Portfolio Manager | Type of Accounts |
Total Number of Other Accounts Managed |
Total Assets of Other Accounts Managed (million) |
Number of Accounts Managed with Advisory Fee Based on Performance |
Total Assets of Accounts Managed with Advisory Fee Based on Performance (million) |
Registered Investment Companies | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 | |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 | |
Elise J. Hoffmann | Other Accounts | 3,053 | $2,884 | 1 | $1.5 |
Registered Investment Companies | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 | |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 | |
Christopher M. Niemczewski | Other Accounts | 3,053 | $2,884 | 1 | $1.5 |
Potential Conflicts of Interest
Other Accounts. The Portfolio Managers’ management of other accounts (the “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. A potential conflict of interest may arise where an Other Account has the same investment objective as the Fund, is compared to the same index as the Fund, or otherwise holds, purchases or sells securities that are eligible to be held, purchased or sold by the Fund. In such situations the Portfolio Managers 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 the Portfolio Managers could use this information to the advantage of the Other Accounts and to the disadvantage of the Fund or vice versa. Further differences in the compensation structures of the Adviser with the Other Accounts may give rise to a conflict of interest by creating an incentive for the Portfolio Managers to allocate investment opportunities they believe might be the most profitable to the client accounts where the Adviser might benefit the most from the investment gains. 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.
Investment Opportunities. The Fund’s investment objectives, strategies, and restrictions may be the same or substantially similar to one or more Other Accounts. As a result, the Adviser must allocate investment opportunities between the Fund and those Other Accounts. In many cases, the Fund and Other Accounts may all participate in opportunities to buy or sell a liquid security, and the Adviser will buy or sell the same security for the Fund and Other Accounts at essentially the same time. However, this may not always be the case: the Adviser may determine to buy or sell different securities for some accounts than for other accounts, or to buy or sell the same securities for some accounts at different times or in different proportions than for other accounts. This may be due to, among other things, limitations on the availability of particular opportunities, differences in investment objectives or strategies, other factors affecting the appropriateness or suitability of particular transactions for particular accounts, differences in accounts’ cash availability or ability to borrow, and/or differences in redemptions or withdrawals or new share purchases or capital contributions. As a result, at any time the Fund’s portfolio may differ from that of Other Accounts that have similar or overlapping investment objectives or strategies.
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Compensation
Mr. Niemczewski receives a salary and is a principal owner of the Adviser. Ms. Hoffmann receives a salary and is an owner of the Adviser.
Ownership of Fund Shares
The table below shows the value of shares of the Fund beneficially owned by the Portfolio Manager of the Fund as of August 31, 2019 stated as one of the following ranges: A = None; B = $1–$10,000; C = $10,001–$50,000; D = $50,001–$100,000; E = $100,001–$500,000; F = $500,001–$1,000,000; and G = over $1,000,000.
Name of Portfolio Manager | Dollar Range of Shares of the Fund |
Elise J. Hoffmann | G |
Christopher M. Niemczewski | G |
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser determines, subject to the general supervision of the Board and in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective, policies and restrictions, which securities are to be purchased and sold by the Fund and which brokers are eligible to execute the Fund’s portfolio transactions.
Purchases and sales of portfolio securities that are debt securities usually are principal transactions in which portfolio securities are normally purchased directly from the issuer or from an underwriter or market maker for the securities. Purchases from underwriters of portfolio securities generally include a commission or concession paid by the issuer to the underwriter, and purchases from dealers serving as market makers may include the spread between the bid and asked prices. Transactions on stock exchanges involve the payment of negotiated brokerage commissions. Transactions in the OTC market are generally principal transactions with dealers. With respect to the OTC market, the Fund, where possible, will deal directly with the dealers who make a market in the securities involved except under those circumstances where better price and execution are available elsewhere.
Allocation of transactions, including their frequency, to various brokers and dealers is determined by the Adviser in its best judgment consistent with its obligation to seek best execution and in a manner deemed fair and reasonable to shareholders. The primary consideration is prompt execution of orders in an effective manner at the most favorable price. Subject to this consideration, brokers who provide investment research to the Adviser may receive orders for transactions on behalf of the Fund. Information so received is in addition to and not in lieu of services required to be performed by the Adviser and does not reduce the fees payable to the Adviser by the Fund. Such information may be useful to the Adviser in serving both the Fund and other clients and, conversely, supplemental information obtained by the placement of brokerage orders of other clients may be useful to the Adviser in carrying out its obligations to the Fund. While the Adviser generally seeks competitive commissions, the Fund may not necessarily pay the lowest commission available on each brokerage transaction for the reasons discussed above.
Consistent with the foregoing, under Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Adviser is authorized to pay a brokerage commission in excess of that which another broker might have charged for effecting the same transaction, in recognition of the value of brokerage and/or research services provided by the broker. The research received by the Adviser may include, without limitation: information on the United States and other world economies; information on specific industries, groups of securities, individual companies, political and other relevant news developments affecting markets and specific securities; technical and quantitative information about markets; analysis of proxy proposals affecting specific companies; accounting and performance systems that allow the Adviser to determine and track investment results; and trading systems that allow the Adviser to interface electronically with brokerage firms, custodians and other providers. Research is received in the form of written reports, telephone contacts, personal meetings, research seminars, software programs and access to computer databases. In some instances, research products or services received by the Adviser may also be used by the Adviser for functions that are not research related (i.e., not related to the making of investment decisions). Where a research product or service has a mixed use, the Adviser will make a reasonable allocation according to its use and will pay for the non-research function in cash using its own funds.
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Subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act and procedures adopted by the Board, the Fund may execute portfolio transactions through any broker or dealer and pay brokerage commissions to a broker (i) which is an affiliated person of the Trust, or (ii) which is an affiliated person of such person, or (iii) an affiliated person of which is an affiliated person of the Trust, the Adviser or the Trust’s principal underwriter. The Fund paid the following brokerage commissions during the fiscal year:
Fiscal Year Ended August 31 | Brokerage Commission Paid By the Fund |
2019
|
$4,257*
|
2018 |
$607 |
2017 | $639 |
* | Brokerage Commissions for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2019 were higher due to an increase in portfolio transactions during the year. |
THE DISTRIBUTOR
The Distributor, located at 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, is the exclusive agent for distribution of shares of the Fund pursuant to a Distribution Agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”). The Distributor is obligated to sell shares of the Fund on a best efforts basis only against purchase orders for the shares. Shares of the Fund are offered to the public on a continuous basis. The Distributor is compensated for its services to the Trust under a written agreement for such services. The Distributor is an affiliate of Ultimus. Robert G. Dorsey was a Managing Director of the Distributor from 1999 until April 2018 and serves as a Trustee of the Trust.
By its terms, the Distribution Agreement remains effective for periods of one year so long as such renewal and continuance is approved at least annually by (1) the Board or (2) a vote of the majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting shares; provided that in either event continuance is also approved by a majority of the Independent Trustees, by a vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Distribution Agreement may be terminated at any time, on sixty days written notice, without payment of any penalty, by the Trust or by the Distributor. The Distribution Agreement automatically terminates in the event of its assignment, as defined by the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. Under the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor is paid $6,000 per annum for its services by the Fund and/or the Adviser to the Fund.
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OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
Administrator, Fund Accountant and Transfer Agent
Ultimus, located at 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, serves as the Administrator, fund accountant (the “Fund Accountant”) and Transfer Agent to the Fund pursuant to a Master Services Agreement (the “Master Services Agreement”).
As Administrator, Ultimus assists in supervising all operations of the Fund (other than those performed by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement). Ultimus has agreed to perform or arrange for the performance of the following services (under the Master Services Agreement, Ultimus may delegate all or any part of its responsibilities thereunder):
● | prepares and assembles reports required to be sent to the Fund’s shareholders and arranges for the printing and dissemination of such reports; |
● | assembles reports required to be filed with the SEC and files such completed reports with the SEC; |
● | files the Fund’s federal income and excise tax returns and the Fund’s state and local tax returns; |
● | assists and advises the Fund regarding compliance with the 1940 Act and with its investment policies and limitations; and |
● | makes such reports and recommendations to the Board upon its reasonable request. |
As Fund Accountant, Ultimus maintains the accounting books and records for the Fund, including journals containing an itemized daily record of all purchases and sales of portfolio securities, all receipts and disbursements of cash and all other debits and credits, general and auxiliary ledgers reflecting all asset, liability, reserve, capital, income and expense accounts, including interest accrued and interest received, and other required separate ledger accounts. Ultimus also maintains a monthly trial balance of all ledger accounts; performs certain accounting services for the Fund, including calculation of the NAV per share, calculation of the dividend and capital gain distributions, reconciles cash movements with the custodian, verifies and reconciles with the custodian all daily trade activities; provides certain reports; obtains dealer quotations or prices from pricing services used in determining NAV; and prepares an interim balance sheet, statement of income and expense, and statement of changes in net assets for the Fund.
As Transfer Agent, Ultimus performs the following services in connection with the Fund’s shareholders: maintains records for the Fund’s shareholders of record; processes shareholder purchase and redemption orders; processes transfers and exchanges of shares of the Fund on the shareholder files and records; processes dividend payments and reinvestments; and assists in the mailing of shareholder reports and proxy solicitation materials.
Ultimus receives fees from the Fund for its services as Administrator, Fund Accountant and Transfer Agent, and is reimbursed for certain expenses assumed pursuant to the Master Services Agreement.
The Master Services Agreement between the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and Ultimus, unless otherwise terminated as provided in the Master Services Agreement, is renewed automatically for successive one-year periods.
The Master Services Agreement provides that Ultimus shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or any loss suffered by the Trust in connection with the matters to which the Master Services Agreement relates, except a loss from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties, or from the reckless disregard by Ultimus of its obligations and duties thereunder.
During the fiscal years listed below, Ultimus received the following fees from the Fund for its services as Administrator, Fund Accountant, and Transfer Agent:
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Fiscal Year Ended August 31 |
Administration | Fund Accounting | Transfer Agent |
2019
|
$47,171
|
$34,534
|
$18,000
|
2018 |
$29,000 |
$30,657 |
$18,000 |
2017 | $26,000 | $26,845 | $15,750 |
Custodian
MUFG Union Bank, N.A., located at 350 California Street, 6th Floor, San Francisco, California 94104 (the “Custodian”), serves as custodian to the Fund pursuant to a Custody Agreement. The Custodian’s responsibilities include safeguarding and controlling the Fund’s cash and securities, handling the receipt and delivery of securities, and collecting interest and dividends on the Fund’s investments.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Cohen & Company, Ltd., located at 1350 Euclid Avenue, Suite 800, Cleveland, Ohio 44115, serves as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund and audits the financial statements of the Fund and assists in preparing the Fund’s federal, state, and excise tax returns for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2020.
Legal Counsel
Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, located at 4208 Six Forks Road, Suite 1400, Raleigh, North Carolina 27609, serves as legal counsel to the Trust and the Trust’s Independent Trustees.
Compliance Consulting Agreement
Under the terms of a Compliance Consulting Agreement with the Trust, Ultimus provides an individual with the requisite background and familiarity with the Federal securities laws to serve as the Trust’s CCO and to administer the Trust’s compliance policies and procedures. For these services, the Fund pays Ultimus a base fee of $12,000 per annum, plus an asset-based fee computed at the annual rate of 0.01% of the average net assets of the Fund in excess of $100 million. In addition, the Fund reimburses Ultimus for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to these compliance services.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Other Payments by the Fund. The Fund may enter into agreements with financial intermediaries pursuant to which the Fund may pay financial intermediaries for non-distribution-related sub-transfer agency, administrative, sub-accounting, and other shareholder services. Payments made pursuant to such agreements are generally based on either (1) a percentage of the average daily net assets of Fund shareholders serviced by a financial intermediary, or (2) the number of Fund shareholders serviced by a financial intermediary. Any payments made pursuant to such agreements may be in addition to, rather than in lieu of, distribution fees the Fund may pay to financial intermediaries pursuant to the Fund’s distribution plan.
Other Payments by the Adviser. The Adviser and/or its affiliates, in 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, their 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.
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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.
Investors should understand that some financial intermediaries may also charge their clients fees in connection with purchases of shares or the provision of shareholder services.
Description of Shares
The Trust is an unincorporated business trust organized under Ohio law on February 28, 2012. The Declaration of Trust authorizes the Board to divide shares into series, each series relating to a separate portfolio of investments, and to further divide shares of a series into separate classes. In the event of a liquidation or dissolution of the Trust or an individual series or class, shareholders of a particular series or class would be entitled to receive the assets available for distribution belonging to such series or class. Shareholders of a series or class are entitled to participate equally in the net distributable assets of the particular series or class involved on liquidation, based on the number of shares of the series or class that are held by each shareholder. If any assets, income, earnings, proceeds, funds or payments are not readily identifiable as belonging to any particular series or class, the Board shall allocate them among any one or more series or classes as the Board, in its sole discretion, deems fair and equitable. Subject to the Declaration of Trust, determinations by the Board as to the allocation of liabilities, and the allocable portion of any general assets, with respect to the Fund and each class of the Fund is conclusive.
Shares of the Fund, when issued, are fully paid and non-assessable. Shares have no subscription, preemptive or conversion rights. Shares do not have cumulative voting rights. Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each full share held and a fractional vote for each fractional share held. Shareholders of all series and classes of the Trust, including the Fund, will vote together and not separately, 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 series or class. Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides, in substance, that any matter required to be submitted to the holders of the outstanding voting securities of an investment company such as the Trust shall not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of each series or class affected by the matter. A series or class is affected by a matter unless it is clear that the interests of each series or class in the matter are substantially identical or that the matter does not affect any interest of the series or class. Under Rule 18f-2, the approval of an investment advisory agreement, a distribution plan or any change in a fundamental investment policy would be effectively acted upon with respect to a series or class only if approved by a majority of the outstanding shares of such series or class. However, the Rule also provides that the ratification of the appointment of independent accountants and the election of Trustees may be effectively acted upon by shareholders of the Trust voting together, without regard to a particular series or class.
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Trustee Liability
The Declaration of Trust provides that the Trustees will not be liable in any event in connection with the affairs of the Trust, except as such liability may arise from his or her own bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of their duties to the Trust and its holders of beneficial interest. It also provides that all third parties shall look solely to the Trust’s property for satisfaction of claims arising in connection with the affairs of the Trust. With the exceptions stated, the Declaration of Trust provides that a Trustee or officer is entitled to be indemnified against all liability in connection with the affairs of the Trust.
Trust Liability
Under Ohio law, liabilities of the Trust to third persons, including the liabilities of any series, extend to the whole of the trust estate to the extent necessary to discharge such liabilities. However, the Declaration of Trust contains provisions intended to limit the liabilities of each series to the applicable series and the Trustees and officers of the Trust intend that notice of such limitation be given in each contract, instrument, certificate, or undertaking made or issued on behalf of the Trust by the Trustees or officers. There is no guarantee that the foregoing steps will prove effective or that the Trust will be successful in preventing the assets of one series from being available to creditors of another series.
Code of Ethics
The Trust, the Adviser and the Distributor have each adopted a Code of Ethics (each a “COE” and collectively, the “COEs”) that is designed to prevent their respective personnel subject to the COEs from engaging in deceptive, manipulative, or fraudulent activities in connection with securities held or to be acquired by the Fund (which securities may also be held by persons subject to the COEs). These COEs permit personnel subject to the COEs to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund, but prohibit such personnel from engaging in personal investment activities which compete with or attempt to take advantage of the Fund’s planned portfolio transactions. Each of these parties monitors compliance with its respective COE.
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
The Trust and the Adviser have adopted Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures that describe how the Fund intends to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities. The Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures of the Trust and the Adviser are attached to this SAI as Appendix B and Appendix C, respectively. No later than August 31st of each year, information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the prior twelve-month period ended June 30th is available without charge upon request by calling 1-855-691-5288, or on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
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Portfolio Holdings Disclosure Policy
The Board has adopted a policy to govern the circumstances under which disclosure regarding securities purchased, sold, and held by the Fund (“Portfolio Securities”) may be made to shareholders of the Fund or other persons. The Trust’s CCO is responsible for monitoring the use and disclosure of information relating to Portfolio Securities. Although no material conflicts of interest are believed to exist that could disadvantage the Fund or its shareholders, various safeguards have been implemented to protect the Fund and its shareholders from conflicts of interest, including: the adoption of the COE pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act designed to prevent fraudulent, deceptive or manipulative acts by officers and employees of the Trust, the Adviser and the Distributor in connection with their personal securities transactions; the adoption by the Adviser and the Distributor of insider trading policies and procedures designed to prevent their employees’ misuse of material non-public information; and the adoption by the Trust of a code of ethics for senior officers that requires the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer of the Trust to report to the Board any affiliations or other relationships that could potentially create a conflict of interest with the Fund.
Public disclosure regarding Portfolio Securities is made:
● | Following the end of each calendar quarter, the Fund will publicly disclose information regarding Portfolio Securities as of such quarter-end either in a complete and uncertified schedule, or a list of the top 10 holdings, posted on the Fund’s website or in advertising material that is posted on the Fund’s website. This information is generally available within 30 days of the end of the calendar quarter and will remain available until the posting of the next quarterly Portfolio Securities report. |
● | In the Fund’s Annual Reports and Semi-Annual Reports to shareholders, and in quarterly holdings reports (“Official Reports”), which are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. |
● | Information regarding Portfolio Securities and other information regarding the investment activities of the Fund, may be disclosed to rating and ranking organizations for use in connection with their rating or ranking of the Fund, but only if such disclosure is approved and monitored by the Trust’s CCO. Each disclosure arrangement has been authorized by the Fund and/or the Adviser in accordance with the Fund’s disclosure of portfolio holdings policy upon a determination that this disclosure serves a legitimate business purpose of the Fund and that each organization is subject to a duty of confidentiality. |
● | The Trust’s CCO may approve the disclosure of holdings of or transactions in Portfolio Securities that is made on the same basis to all shareholders of the Fund. |
● | The Fund’s policy relating to disclosure of holdings of Portfolio Securities does not prohibit disclosure of information to the Adviser or to other Trust service providers, including the Trust’s administrator, distributor, custodian, legal counsel, accountants and printers/typesetters, N-PORT and N-CEN vendors, pricing and liquidity vendors and consultants, or to brokers and dealers through which the Fund purchases and sells Portfolio Securities. Below is a table that lists each service provider that may receive non-public portfolio information along with information regarding the frequency of access to, and limitations on use of, portfolio information. |
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Type of Service Provider | Typical Frequency of Access to Portfolio Information | Restrictions on Use |
Adviser | Daily | Contractual and Ethical |
Administrator and Distributor | Daily | Contractual and Ethical |
Custodian | Daily | Ethical |
Accountants | During annual audit | Ethical |
Legal counsel | Regulatory filings, board meetings, and if a legal issue regarding the portfolio requires counsel’s review | Ethical |
Printers/Typesetters | Twice a year – printing of semi-annual and annual reports | No formal restrictions in place – typesetter or 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 |
N-PORT and N-CEN Vendors | Monthly or Annually | Contractual and Ethical |
Pricing and Liquidity Vendors | Daily | Contractual and Ethical |
Such disclosures may be made without approval of the Trust’s CCO because the Board has determined that the Fund and its shareholders are adequately protected by the restrictions on use in those instances listed above.
● The Trust’s CCO may approve other arrangements under which information relating to Portfolio Securities held by the Fund, or purchased or sold by the Fund (other than information contained in Official Reports), may be disclosed. The Trust’s CCO shall approve such an arrangement only if he or she concludes (based on a consideration of the information to be disclosed, the timing of the disclosure, the intended use of the information and other relevant factors) that the arrangement is reasonably necessary to aid in conducting the ongoing business of the Trust and is unlikely to affect adversely the Fund or any shareholder of the Fund. The Trust’s CCO must inform the Board of any such arrangements that are approved by the Trust’s CCO, and the rationale supporting approval, at the next regular quarterly meeting of the Board following such approval.
● Neither the Adviser nor the Trust (or any affiliated person, employee, officer, trustee or director of the Adviser or the Trust) may receive any direct or indirect compensation in consideration of the disclosure of information relating to Portfolio Securities held, purchased, or sold by the Fund.
Other Expenses
In addition to the Management Fee, the Fund pays all expenses not expressly assumed by the Adviser, including, without limitation, the fees and expenses of its independent registered public accounting firm and of its legal counsel; the fees of the Administrator, Distributor and Transfer Agent, the costs of printing and mailing to shareholders Annual and Semi-Annual Reports, proxy statements, prospectuses, SAIs and supplements thereto; bank transaction charges and custody fees; any costs associated with shareholder meetings, including proxy solicitors’ fees and expenses; registration and filing fees; federal, state or local income or other taxes; interest; membership fees of the Investment Company Institute and similar organizations; fidelity bond and liability insurance premiums; and any extraordinary expenses, such as indemnification payments or damages awarded in litigation or settlements made.
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ADDITIONAL TAX INFORMATION
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. The discussions here and in the Prospectus are not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning and are based on tax laws and regulations that are in effect on the date hereof; such laws and regulations may be changed by legislative, judicial, or administrative action. Investors are advised to consult their tax advisors with specific reference to their own tax situations.
The Fund has qualified and intends to remain qualified as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). In order to so qualify, the Fund must elect to be a regulated investment company or have made such an election for a previous year and must satisfy certain requirements relating to the amount of distributions and source of its income for a taxable year. At least 90% of the gross income of the Fund must be derived from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stocks, securities, or foreign currencies, and other income derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing in such stock, securities, or currencies, and net income derived from an investment in a “qualified publicly traded partnership” as defined in section 851(h) of the Code (the “source-of-income test”). Any income derived by the Fund from a partnership (other than a “qualified publicly traded partnership”) or trust is treated as derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing in stock, securities, or currencies only to the extent that such income is attributable to items of income that would have been qualifying income if realized by the Fund in the same manner as by the partnership or trust.
The Fund may not qualify as a regulated investment company for any taxable year unless it satisfies certain requirements with respect to the diversification of its investments at the close of each quarter of the taxable year (the “asset diversification tests”). In general, at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets must be represented by cash, cash items, government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and other securities which, with respect to any one issuer, do not represent more than 5% of the total assets of the Fund nor more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer. In addition, not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in the securities (other than government securities or the securities of other regulated investment companies) of any one issuer; the securities of two or more issuers (other than securities of another regulated investment company) if the issuers are controlled by the Fund and they are, pursuant to Treasury Regulations, engaged in the same or similar or related trades or businesses; or the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.
The Fund intends to satisfy all of the requirements of the source-of-income test and the asset diversification tests on an ongoing basis for continued qualification as a regulated investment company.
If the Fund fails to meet either the asset diversification test with respect to a taxable quarter or the source-of-income test with respect to a taxable year, the Code provides several remedies, provided certain procedural requirements are met, which will allow the Fund to retain its status as a “regulated investment company.” There is a remedy for failure to satisfy the asset diversification tests, if the failure was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, subject to certain divestiture and procedural requirements and the payment of a tax. In addition, there is a remedy for a de minimis failure of the asset diversification tests, which would require corrective action but no tax. In addition, the Code allows for the remedy of a failure of the source-of-income test, if the failure was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, subject to certain procedural requirements and the payment of a tax.
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Under current tax law, qualifying corporate dividends are taxable at long-term capital gains tax rates. The long-term capital gains rate for individual taxpayers is currently at a maximum rate of 20%, with lower rates potentially applicable to taxpayers depending on their income levels. For 2019, individual taxpayers with taxable incomes above $434,550 ($488,850 for married taxpayers filing jointly and $461,700 for heads of households) are subject to a 20% rate of tax on long-term capital gains and qualified dividends. For individual taxpayers with taxable incomes not in excess of $39,375 ($78,750 for married taxpayers filing jointly and $52,750 for heads of household), the long-term capital gains rate and rate on qualified dividends is 0%. All other taxpayers are subject to a minimum 15% rate of tax on long-term capital gains and qualified dividends. The above income thresholds are subject to adjustment for inflation beginning in taxable years after 2019.
If the Fund designates a dividend as a capital gains distribution, it generally will be taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long the shareholders have held their Fund shares or whether the dividend was received in cash or reinvested in additional shares. All taxable dividends paid by the Fund other than those designated as qualified dividend income or capital gains distributions will be taxable as ordinary income to shareholders, whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares. To the extent the Fund engages in increased portfolio turnover, short-term capital gains may be realized, and any distribution resulting from such gains will be considered ordinary income for federal tax purposes.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “U.S. Treasury”) recently issued Proposed Regulations which provide that regulated investment companies that receive qualified REIT dividend income may designate such amounts as Section 199A dividends. Qualified REIT dividend income is the excess of qualified REIT dividends received by the regulated investment company over the amount of the regulated investment company’s deductions that are properly allocable to such income. If the Fund designates a dividend as a Section 199A distribution, it may be treated by shareholders as a qualified REIT dividend that is taxed as ordinary income and for non-corporate taxpayers eligible for the 20% deduction for “qualified business income” under Code section 199A. Generally, only non-corporate shareholders who have held their shares for more than 45 days during the 91-day period beginning on the date which is 45 days prior to the ex-dividend date for such dividend are eligible for such treatment.
Shareholders who hold Fund shares in a tax-deferred account, such as a retirement plan, generally will not have to pay tax on Fund distributions until they receive distributions from their account.
The Fund will designate (1) any distribution that constitutes a qualified dividend as qualified dividend income; (2) any tax-exempt distribution as an exempt-interest dividend; (3) any distribution of long-term capital gains as a capital gain dividend; (4) any dividend eligible for the corporate dividends received deduction as such in a written notice provided to shareholders after the close of the Fund’s taxable year; and (5) any distribution that is comprised of qualified REIT dividend income as a Section 199A dividend. Shareholders should note that, upon the sale or exchange of Fund shares, if the shareholder has not held such shares for at least six months, any loss on the sale or exchange of those shares will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of the capital gain dividends received with respect to the shares.
Foreign currency gains or losses on non-U.S. dollar denominated bonds and other similar debt instruments and on any non-U.S. dollar denominated futures contracts, options and forward contracts that are not Section 1256 contracts generally will be treated as ordinary income or loss.
To the extent that a distribution from the Fund is taxable, it is generally included in a shareholder’s gross income for the taxable year in which the shareholder receives the distribution. However, if the Fund declares a dividend in October, November, or December but pays it in January, it will be taxable to shareholders as if the dividend was received in the year it was declared. Each year, shareholders will receive a statement detailing the tax status of any Fund distributions for that year.
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The Fund’s net realized capital gains from securities transactions will be distributed only after reducing such gains by the amount of any available capital loss carryforwards. Capital losses may be carried forward to offset any capital gains.
A 4% nondeductible excise tax is imposed on regulated investment companies that fail to currently distribute 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 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.
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If for any taxable year the Fund does not qualify for the special federal income tax treatment afforded regulated investment companies, all of its taxable income will be subject to federal income tax at regular corporate rates (without any deduction for distributions to its shareholders). Such distributions will be taxable to the shareholders as dividends to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. Such distributions may be eligible for (i) the dividends-received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders or (ii) treatment as “qualified dividend income” in the case of noncorporate shareholders.
In general, a shareholder who sells or redeems shares will realize a capital gain or loss, which will be long-term or short-term depending upon the shareholder’s holding period for Fund shares. An exchange of shares is treated as a sale and any gain may be subject to tax.
The Fund will be required in certain cases to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury a percentage (currently 24%) of taxable dividends or of gross proceeds realized upon sale paid to shareholders who have failed to provide a correct taxpayer identification number in the manner required, who are subject to withholding by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) for failure to include properly 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.”
Depending upon the extent of the Fund’s 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. In addition, in those states and localities that have income tax laws, the treatment of the Fund and its shareholders under such laws may differ from their treatment under federal income tax laws.
Certain U.S. shareholders, including individuals and estates and trusts, will be subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare tax on all or a portion of their “net investment income,” which should include dividends from the Fund and net gains from the disposition of shares of the Fund. U.S. shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the implications of the additional Medicare tax resulting from an investment in the Fund.
The Fund will send shareholders information each year on the tax status of dividends and distributions. A dividend or capital gains distribution paid shortly after shares have been purchased, although in effect a return of investment, is subject to federal income taxation. Dividends from net investment income, along with capital gains, will be taxable to shareholders, whether received in cash or reinvested in Fund shares and no matter how long the shareholder has held Fund shares, even if they reduce the NAV of shares below the shareholder’s cost, and thus, in effect, result in a return of a part of the shareholder’s investment.
Withholding taxes may be imposed on certain types of payments made to “foreign financial institutions” (as specifically defined in the Code) and certain other non-U.S. entities (including financial intermediaries). A 30% withholding tax is imposed on “withholdable payments” to a foreign financial institution or to a foreign non-financial entity, unless (i) the foreign financial institution undertakes certain diligence and reporting obligations or (ii) the foreign non-financial entity either certifies it does not have any substantial U.S. owners or furnishes identifying information regarding each substantial U.S. owner.
For these purposes, a “withholdable payment” includes any U.S. source payments of interest, dividends, rents, compensation and other fixed or determinable annual or periodical gains, profits and income. If the payee is a foreign financial institution, it must enter into an agreement with the U.S. Treasury requiring, among other things, that it undertake to identify accounts held by certain U.S. persons or U.S.-owned foreign entities, annually report certain information about such accounts, and withhold 30% on payments to account holders whose actions prevent it from complying with these reporting and other requirements. Non-U.S. investors should consult their tax advisors regarding this legislation and the potential implications of this legislation on their particular circumstances.
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Fund’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2019, including the Financial Highlights appearing in the Prospectus, are incorporated by reference and made a part of this document. You may request a copy of the Fund’s Annual Report and Semi-Annual Report to shareholders at no charge by calling the Fund at 1-855-691-5288 or by visiting the Fund’s website www.marshfieldfunds.com.
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APPENDIX A
Trustees and Officers
Name and Year of Birth |
Length of Time Served |
Position(s) Held with Trust |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
Number of Funds in the Trust overseen by Trustee |
Directorships
of
Public
Held by Trustee During Past 5 Years |
Interested Trustees: | |||||
Robert G. Dorsey*^
Year of Birth: 1957 |
Since February 2012 |
Trustee (February 2012 to present);
President (June 2012 to October 2013) |
Vice Chairman (2019 to present); Managing Director (1999 to 2019), Co-CEO (2018 to 2019), and President (1999 to 2018) of Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC and its subsidiaries (except as otherwise noted for FINRA-regulated broker-dealer entities) | 13 | Interested Trustee of 10 series of the Capitol Series Trust (a registered management company) |
Independent Trustees: | |||||
David M. Deptula^
Year of Birth: 1958 |
Since June 2012 |
Trustee | Vice President of Legal and Special Projects at Dayton Freight Lines, Inc. since February 2016; Vice President of Tax Treasury at The Standard Register, Inc. (formerly The Standard Register Company) from November 2011 to 2016 | 13 | n/a |
Janine L. Cohen^
Year of Birth: 1952 |
Since January 2016 |
Chairperson (October 2019 to present)
Trustee (January 2016 to present) |
Retired since 2013 | 13 | n/a |
Jacqueline A. Williams
Year of Birth: 1954 |
Since June 2019 |
Trustee | Managing Member of Custom Strategy Consulting, LLC (2017 to present); Managing Director of Global Investment Research (2005 to 2017), Cambridge Associates, LLC | 13 | n/a |
Clifford N. Schireson
Year of Birth: 1953 |
Since June 2019 |
Trustee | Founder of Schireson Consulting, LLC (2017 to present); Director of Institutional Services for Brandes Investment Partners, LP (2004-2017) | 13 | Trustee of the San Diego City Employees' Retirement System (August 2019 to present) |
Robert E. Morrison
Year of Birth: 1957 |
Since June 2019 |
Trustee | Senior Vice President and National Practice Lead for Investment, Huntington National Bank/Huntington Private Bank (2014 to present); CEO, CIO, President of 5 Star Investment Management Company (2006 to 2014) | 13 | Independent Trustee and Chairman of the Ultimus Managers Trust (2012 to 2014) |
* | Mr. Dorsey is considered an “interested person” of the Trust within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act because of his relationship with the Trust’s administrator, transfer agent, and distributor. Mr. Dorsey was President of the Trust from June 2012 to October 2013. |
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Name and Year of Birth |
Length of Time Served |
Position(s) Held with Trust | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
Executive Officers: | |||
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Name and Year of Birth |
Length of Time Served |
Position(s) Held with Trust | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
Todd E. Heim^
Year of Birth:
1967 |
Since 2014 |
Vice President (2014 to present) |
Relationship Management Director and Vice President of Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (2018 to present); Client Implementation Manager of Ultimus Managers Trust (2014 to 2018); Naval Flight Officer of United States Navy (May 1989 to June 2017); |
Jennifer L. Leamer^
Year of Birth:
1976 |
Since 2014 |
Treasurer (October 2014 to present);
Assistant Treasurer (April 2014 to October 2014) |
Mutual Fund Controller of Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (2014 to present); |
Daniel D. Bauer^
Year of Birth:
1977 |
Since 2016 |
Assistant Treasurer (April 2016 to present)
|
Assistant Mutual Fund Controller (September 2015 to present) and Fund Accounting Manager (March 2012 to August 2015) of Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC |
Matthew J. Beck^
Year of Birth:
1988 |
Since July 2018 |
Secretary (July 2018 to present) |
Senior Attorney of Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (May 2018 to present); Chief Compliance Officer of OBP Capital, LLC (May 2015 to May 2018); Vice President and General Counsel of The Nottingham Company (July 2014 to May 2018) |
Natalie S. Anderson^
Year of Birth:
1975 |
Since 2016 |
Assistant Secretary (April 2016 to present) |
Legal Administration Manager (July 2016 to present) and Paralegal (January 2015 to June 2016) of Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC; Senior Paralegal of Unirush, LLC (October 2011 to January 2015) |
Martin Dean^
Year of Birth:
1963 |
Since 2019 |
Interim Chief Compliance Officer (October 2019 to present)
Assistant Chief Compliance Officer (January 2016 to 2017) |
Vice President, Director of Fund Compliance of Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (January 2016 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, BondHouse Investment Trust (September 2019 to present); Interim Chief Compliance Officer, Fenimore Asset Management Trust (May 2019 to present); Interim Chief Compliance Officer, Valued Advisers Trust (April 2019 to present); Interim Chief Compliance Officer, Capitol Series Trust (April 2019 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, Dupree Mutual Funds (August 2017 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, Peachtree Alternative Strategies Fund (January 2017 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, FSI Low Beta Absolute Return Fund (November 2016 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, Cross Shore Discovery Fund (June 2016 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, First Western Funds Trust (April 2016 to present); Anti-Money Laundering Officer and Chief Compliance Officer of The Huntington Funds (July 2013 to April 2016) and the Huntington Strategy Shares (July 2013 to March 2016); Senior Vice President and Compliance Group Manager, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. (July 2013 to December 2015) |
^ | Address is 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, OH 45246 |
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APPENDIX B
ULTIMUS MANAGERS TRUST
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
1. PURPOSE; DELEGATION
The purpose of this memorandum is to describe the policies and procedures for voting proxies received from issuers whose securities are held by each series (individually, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) of Ultimus Managers Trust (the “Trust”). The Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) believes that each Fund’s Investment Adviser is in the best position to make individual voting decisions for such Fund. Therefore, subject to the oversight of the Board, each Fund’s Investment Adviser is hereby delegated the duty to make proxy voting decisions for such Fund, and to implement and undertake such other duties as set forth in, and consistent with, these Policies and Procedures.
2. DEFINITIONS
Proxy. A proxy permits a shareholder to vote without being present at annual or special meetings. A proxy is the form whereby a person who is eligible to vote on corporate matters transmits written instructions for voting or transfers the right to vote to another person in place of the eligible voter. Proxies are generally solicited by management, but may be solicited by dissident shareholders opposed to management’s policies or strategies.
Proxy Manager. Proxy manager, as used herein, refers to the individual, individuals or committee of individuals appointed by the investment advisers to each Fund (each, an “Investment Adviser”) as being responsible for supervising and implementing these Policies and Procedures.
3. POLICY FOR VOTING PROXIES RELATED TO EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS AND OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
Pursuant to Section 12(d)(1)(E)(iii) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, all proxies from Exchange Traded Funds (“ETFs”) or other Investment Companies voted by a Fund, registered in the name of the Fund, will have the following voting instructions typed on the proxy form: “Vote these shares in the same proportion as the vote of all other holders of such shares. The beneficial owner of these shares is a registered investment company.”
4. POLICY FOR VOTING PROXIES RELATED TO OTHER PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
Fiduciary Considerations. Proxies with respect to securities other than ETFs or other investment companies are voted solely in the interests of the shareholders of the Trust. Any conflict of interest must be resolved in the way that will most benefit the shareholders.
Management Recommendations. Since the quality and depth of management is a primary factor considered when investing in a company, the recommendation of management on any issue should be given substantial weight. The vote with respect to most issues presented in proxy statements should be cast in accordance with the position of the company’s management, unless it is determined that supporting management’s position would adversely affect the investment merits of owning the stock. However, each issue should be considered on its own merits, and the position of the company’s management should not be supported in any situation where it is found not to be in the best interests of the Trust’s shareholders.
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5. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
The Trust recognizes that under certain circumstances an Investment Adviser may have a conflict of interest in voting proxies on behalf of a Fund. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to, situations where an Investment Adviser or one or more of its affiliates, including officers, directors or employees, has or is seeking a client relationship with the issuer of the security that is the subject of the proxy vote. The Investment Adviser shall periodically inform its employees that they are under an obligation to be aware of the potential for conflicts of interest on the part of the Investment Adviser with respect to voting proxies on behalf of a Fund, both as a result of the employee’s personal relationships and due to circumstances that may arise during the conduct of the Investment Adviser’s business, and to bring any conflict of interest of which they become aware to the attention of the proxy manager. With respect to securities other than ETFs or other investment companies, the Investment Adviser shall not vote proxies relating to such issuers on behalf of a Fund until it has determined that the conflict of interest is not material or a method of resolving such conflict of interest has been determined in the manner described below. A conflict of interest will be considered material to the extent that it is determined that such conflict has the potential to influence the Investment Adviser’s decision-making in voting a proxy. Materiality determinations will be based upon an assessment of the particular facts and circumstances. If the proxy manager determines that a conflict of interest is not material, the Investment Adviser may vote proxies notwithstanding the existence of a conflict. If the conflict of interest is determined to be material, either (i) the conflict shall be disclosed to the Trust’s Committee of Independent Trustees (the “Committee”) and the Investment Adviser shall follow the instructions of the Committee or (ii) the Investment Adviser shall vote the issue in question based upon the recommendation of an independent third party under a contractual arrangement approved by the Committee. The proxy manager shall keep a record of all materiality decisions and report them to the Committee on an annual basis.
6. ROUTINE PROPOSALS
Proxies for routine proposals (such as election of directors, selection of independent public accountants, stock splits and increases in capital stock) with respect to securities other than ETFs or other investment companies should generally be voted in favor of management.
7. PROXY MANAGER APPROVAL
Votes on non-routine matters and votes against a management’s recommendations with respect to securities other than ETFs or other investment companies are subject to approval by the proxy manager.
8. PROXY VOTING PROCEDURES
Proxy voting will be conducted in compliance with the policies and practices described herein and is subject to the proxy manager’s supervision. A reasonable effort should be made to obtain proxy material and to vote in a timely fashion. Each Investment Adviser shall maintain records regarding the voting of proxies under these Policies and Procedures.
9. FORM N-PX
A record of each proxy vote will be entered on Form N-PX. A copy of each Form N-PX will be signed by the President of the Trust. The Form is to be filed by August 31 each year. Each reporting period covered by the Form N-PX runs from July 1 to June 30. The Trust will disclose in its annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders and in its registration statement (in the SAI) filed with the SEC on or after August 31 that each Fund’s proxy voting record for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available without charge upon request and is also available on the SEC’s Website at www.sec.gov.
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10. INVESTMENT ADVISERS’ VOTING PROCEDURES
The Trust acknowledges that the Investment Advisers to the various Funds have adopted voting policies and procedures for their clients that have been delivered to the Trust. To the extent that an Investment Adviser’s policies and procedures are consistent with these Policies and Procedures, the Investment Adviser may implement them with respect to voting proxies on behalf of each Fund managed by such Investment Adviser. However, the provisions of paragraph 5 of these Policies and Procedures relating to conflicts of interest shall supersede any comparable provisions of any Investment Adviser’s policies and procedures.
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APPENDIX C
MARSHFIELD ASSOCIATES, INC.
Proxy Voting Policy
I. | Policy |
We vote client proxies in a manner solely in the interest of the client. We consider only those factors that relate to the client's investment, including how a vote will economically impact and affect the value of the client's investment. Proxy votes generally will be cast in favor of proposals that maintain or strengthen the shared interests of shareholders and management, increase shareholder value, maintain or increase shareholder influence over the issuer's board of directors and management, and maintain or increase the rights of shareholders; proxy votes generally will be cast against proposals having the opposite effect. In voting on each and every issue, the Company and its employees shall vote in a prudent and diligent fashion and only after a careful evaluation of the issue presented on the ballot.
We use the services of ISS ProxyExchange (“ISS”), a third party proxy voting service, to assist in our proxy voting process. We look to ISS to provide it with governance analytics, and frequently, though not always, vote in accordance with the recommendations of ISS.1 We may also, upon client request, look to the Taft-Hartley recommendations provided by ISS in voting client proxies. We do not substitute these recommendations for our own judgment, however, and will (unless requested otherwise by a client) make our own independent assessment of the maximization of shareholder value and the best interests of our clients when voting proxies.
1. | Marshfield Proxies |
Typically Marshfield only votes proxies for clients where we are contractually obligated to vote on their behalf, these clients are listed in Appendix A. When there is an issue that Marshfield feels strongly about, we will exercise our ability to vote proxies for all clients where we have the discretion. Chad Goldberg is the Proxy Manager responsible for directing how the proxies should be cast for Marshfield.
2. | ERISA Account Proxies |
In considering votes for ERISA accounts (“Plans”), we recognize that:
(a) | Plan trustees are ordinarily responsible for voting proxies, unless the Plan documents direct Marshfield to vote the proxies. |
(b) | If we are directed to vote proxies, voting may be subject to specific guidelines issued by the Plan’s trustees. |
1 | The ISS Guidelines, as amended from time to time, are available upon request. |
3. | Mutual Fund Proxies |
The Mutual Fund Advisor will vote proxies in a manner consistent with the best interest of the Funds and their shareholders. Goldberg is responsible for casting all proxies received for the Marshfield Mutual Fund.
II. | The Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures are supervised by the Proxy Voting Manager(s) and executed under the direction of a Proxy Voting Coordinator. The Proxy Voting Coordinator is responsible for executing the Proxy Voting Procedures on behalf of each client, or delegating such authority to another employee, subject to the supervision of the Proxy Voting Coordinator. Proxy Voting Procedure |
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1. | All proxies received for the Advisors will be sent to the appropriate proxy voting manager. If a proxy notification is received via ISS Governance Analytics: |
i. | The Proxy Voting Coordinator will log into the ISS Governance Analytics system, and print the security-holder report to ascertain which clients hold the security in question. |
ii. | The Proxy Voting Coordinator will then reconcile that report against a Security Cross Reference Report printed from Axys, to verify that the information from ISS Governance Analytics is correct as of the record date. Any corrections will be made by the Proxy Voting Coordinator as necessary. |
iii. | The Proxy Voting Coordinator will provide the voting information, any relevant research, recommendations from Governance Analytics, and any relevant client instructions or recommendations to the Voting Manager. |
2. | Absent any material conflicts, the Proxy Voting Manager will first determine if the firm wants to only vote proxies where required by the client or for all accounts where we have discretion to do so. |
3. | The proxy manager will alert compliance as to whether we only voted where required by the client or if for all clients where we have the discretion to vote proxies, if we voted with or against an ISS recommendation and why if against the recommendation. This information will be maintained in a file on the share drive. |
4. | Resolution of Conflicts Of Interest |
Material conflict of interest between the interests of the Advisors or affiliates, Trust’s principal underwriter, affiliated person of the Mutual Fund, or a principal underwriter the advisors shall resolve such conflict in the manner described below:
a. | The advisors will identify any conflicts that exist between the interests of the advisor and client, by reviewing the relationship of the firm with the issuer of each security to determine if the firm or any of its employees/affiliates has any financial, business or personal relationship with the issuer. |
b. | If material conflict of interest exists, the CCO will be notified. In the case of Marshfield Associate clients, the Voting Manager (or Proxy Voting Coordinator) will refer the vote back to the client, disclosing the conflict of interest. The Voting Manager will then vote the proxy according to the direction of the client. For the Mutual Fund, the CCO shall promptly notify the Mutual Fund Trust of any material conflict of best interest of the Mutual Fund and its shareholders. Consultation with outside counsel may be sought. |
c. | The advisors will maintain a record of the voting resolution as well as any conflict of interest. |
III. | Reports |
1. | Marshfield |
Unless otherwise requested by a client, and agreed to by us, records of proxy votes will only be transmitted to clients upon their request. Such requests must be made in writing, and will be answered within 5 business days of any such request. In some cases we will agree to provide quarterly, bi-annual, or annual reports of proxy voting, as requested by a client.
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2. | Marshfield Mutual Funds |
Annually, the Mutual Fund will provide to the Mutual Fund Trust Board a record of each proxy voted with respect to portfolio securities held by the Mutual Fund during the year.
i. | A separate report will be provided for proxies involving conflict of interest; indicating the nature of the conflict, and how the conflict was resolved. |
IV. | Annual Filing |
Annually, in July, the proxy coordinator shall generate a report of each proxy voted with respect to portfolio securities held in the Mutual Fund during the twelve-month period ending June 30, and forward to the appropriate Fund Administrator.
Ultimus, on behalf of Marshfield Mutual Fund shall file an annual proxy votes cast on Form N-PX, no later than August 31 of each year.
V. | Review of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures |
A. | On a regular basis, the Proxy Voting Coordinator will verify that proxies held by the advisors, that are instructed to be voted, have been voted. The coordinator may, in addition, verify that individual votes were processed according to the Voting Manager’s instructions. |
B. | Annually, the CCO will: |
(i) | Verify that all annual proxies for the securities held in the client accounts managed by each Advisors were voted; |
(ii) | Verify that each proxy received was voted in a manner consistent with these Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures and the guidelines (if any) issued by the client (or in the case of an employee benefit plan, the plan's trustee or other fiduciaries); |
(iii) | Review any instances where errors occurred, and determine what steps, if any, may be taken to prevent similar error in the future; and |
(iv) | Review the files to verify that records of the voting of the proxies have been properly maintained. |
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PROSPECTUS
December 30, 2019
Q3 ALL-WEATHER SECTOR ROTATION FUND | |||
Investor Class: | (QAWSX) | ||
Institutional Class: | (QAISX) | ||
Q3 ALL-WEATHER TACTICAL FUND | |||
Investor Class: | (QAWTX) | ||
Institutional Class: | (QAITX) |
Managed by
Q3 Asset Management Corporation
For information or assistance in opening an account,
please call toll-free 1-855-784-2399.
This Prospectus has information about the Funds that you should know before you invest.
You should read it carefully and keep it with your investment records.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved
the Funds’ shares or passed on the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus.
Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Funds’ shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from the Funds or from your financial intermediary, such as a broker-dealer or bank. Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.
If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Funds electronically by contacting the Funds at 1-855-784-2399 or, if you own these shares through a financial intermediary, you may contact your financial intermediary.
You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. You can inform the Funds that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports by contacting the Funds at 1-855-784-2399. If you own shares through a financial intermediary, you may contact your financial intermediary or follow instructions included with this disclosure to elect to continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds held with the fund complex or at your financial intermediary.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY: | ||
Q3 ALL-WEATHER SECTOR ROTATION FUND | 1 | |
Q3 ALL-WEATHER TACTICAL FUND | 9 | |
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS | ||
Q3 ALL-WEATHER SECTOR ROTATION FUND | 17 | |
Q3 ALL-WEATHER TACTICAL FUND | 18 | |
FUND MANAGEMENT | 24 | |
HOW THE FUNDS VALUE THEIR SHARES | 27 | |
HOW TO BUY SHARES | 28 | |
HOW TO EXCHANGE SHARES | 31 | |
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES | 32 | |
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES | 34 | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | 35 | |
CUSTOMER PRIVACY NOTICE | 36 | |
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION | 39 |
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY:
Q3 ALL-WEATHER SECTOR ROTATION FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Q3 All-Weather Sector Rotation Fund (the “Sector Rotation Fund”) seeks to achieve long-term growth of capital.
FEES AND EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Sector Rotation Fund.
Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment) |
Investor Class | Institutional Class |
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) | None | None |
Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (Load) | None | None |
Redemption Fee | None | None |
Annual
Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
Investor Class | Institutional Class |
Management Fees | 1.00% | 1.00% |
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees | 0.25% | 0.00% |
Other Expenses(1) | 2.64% | 2.64% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses | 0.40% | 0.40% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(2) | 4.29% | 4.04% |
Less Management Fee Reductions and/or Expense Reimbursements(3) | (1.70)% | (1.70)% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Reductions and/or Expense Reimbursements(2)(3) | 2.59% | 2.34% |
(1) | “Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts. |
(2) | “Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses” and “Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Reductions and/or Expenses Reimbursement” will not correlate to the ratios of expenses to the average net assets in the Sector Rotation Fund’s Financial Highlights, which reflect the operating expenses of the Sector Rotation Fund and do not include “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses.” |
(3) | Q3 Asset Management Corporation (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed, until March 31, 2022, to reduce Management Fees and reimburse Other Expenses to the extent necessary to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (exclusive of brokerage costs; taxes; interest; borrowing costs such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short; costs to organize the Fund; acquired fund fees and expenses; and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and merger or reorganization costs; and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Sector Rotation Fund’s business) to an amount not exceeding 2.19% of the Investor Class shares’, and 1.94% of the Institutional Class shares’, average daily net assets. Management Fee reductions and expense reimbursements by the Adviser are subject to repayment by the Sector Rotation Fund for a period of 3 years after the date on which such fees and expenses were incurred or waived, provided that the repayments do not cause Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (exclusive of such reductions and reimbursements) to exceed (i) the expense limitation then in effect, if any, and (ii) the expense limitation in effect at the time the expenses to be repaid were incurred. Prior to March 31, 2022, this agreement may not be modified or terminated without the approval of the Sector Rotation Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Ultimus Managers Trust (the “Trust”); provided, however, this agreement will terminate automatically as to the Sector Rotation Fund if the Sector Rotation Fund’s investment advisory agreement (the “Sector Rotation Fund’s Advisory Agreement”) with the Adviser is terminated. |
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Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Sector Rotation Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Sector Rotation 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, the operating expenses of the Sector Rotation Fund remain the same and the contractual agreement to limit expenses remains in effect only until March 31, 2022. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
1 Year | 3 Years | |
Investor Class Shares | $262 | $982 |
Institutional Class Shares | $237 | $908 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Sector Rotation Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in Annual Fund Operating Expenses or in the Example, affect the Sector Rotation Fund’s performance. The Fund is a new series and therefore it does not yet have a portfolio turnover rate.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Under normal circumstances, the Sector Rotation Fund will invest in shares of other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), open-end mutual funds, and closed-end funds collectively, “Portfolio Funds”) in an attempt to invest in sectors and subsectors which have exhibited recent relative performance strength, as evaluated on a monthly basis according to the Adviser’s proprietary rules-based analytical approach.
In evaluating a sector’s or subsector’s relative strength, the Sector Rotation Fund will measure the recent performance of that sector’s or subsector’s securities against the recent performance of other sectors’ securities in the Fund’s investing universe, which encompasses all eleven global industry classification standard (“GICS”) sectors across global equities and fixed-income securities. The Sector Rotation Fund will seek to invest in those GICS sectors or subsectors which the Adviser identifies as exhibiting relative total return performance strength retrospectively in both the near and long-term. In addition, the Adviser may, from time to time, invest in Portfolio Funds that invest in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”).
The Fund will rotate assets into, and out of, sectors and subsector positions on a periodic basis, and the Fund’s portfolio may therefore be traded frequently.
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During certain market conditions, notably those which the Sector Rotation Fund deems to be relatively unattractive for equities (based on certain proprietary quantitative indicators), the Sector Rotation Fund may take positions in Portfolio Funds that focus on fixed-income securities as an alternative to equities in an attempt to preserve capital. This may, at times, result in the Sector Rotation Fund’s portfolio holding Portfolio Funds across both equities and fixed-income securities simultaneously. The Sector Rotation Fund may indirectly invest in equity securities of all capitalization ranges and in debt securities of all credit qualities.
PRINCIPAL RISKS
As with any mutual fund investment, there is a risk that you could lose money by investing in the Sector Rotation Fund. The success of the Sector Rotation Fund’s investment strategy depends largely upon the Adviser’s skill in selecting securities for purchase and sale by the Sector Rotation Fund and there is no assurance that the Sector Rotation Fund will achieve its investment objective. Because of the types of securities in which the Sector Rotation Fund invests and the investment techniques the Adviser uses, the Sector Rotation Fund is designed for investors who are investing for the long term. The Sector Rotation Fund will be subject to the following principal risks:
Active Management Risk. Due to the active management of the Sector Rotation Fund by the Adviser, the Sector Rotation Fund could underperform its benchmark index and/or other funds with similar investment objectives and strategies.
Debt Securities Risk. The Sector Rotation Fund may invest indirectly in corporate debt securities and U.S. Government obligations. Corporate debt securities include, but are not limited to, debt obligations offered by public or private corporations either registered or unregistered. The market value of such securities may fluctuate in response to interest rates and the creditworthiness of the issuer. A debt security’s credit quality depends on the issuer’s ability to pay interest on the security and repay the debt; the lower the credit rating, the greater the risk that the security’s issuer will default. The credit risk of a security may also depend on the credit quality of any bank or financial institution that provides credit enhancement for the security.
Equity Securities Risk. The prices of equity securities in which the Sector Rotation Fund invests indirectly through ETFs and other investment companies may fluctuate in response to many factors, including, but not limited to, the activities of the individual issuers, general market and economic conditions, interest rates, and specific industry changes. Such price fluctuations subject the Sector Rotation Fund to potential losses.
Large-Cap Company Risk. Large-capitalization companies may be unable to respond as quickly as smaller companies to new competitive challenges, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, and may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
Small-Cap and Mid-Cap Company Risk. Investing in small- and mid-capitalization companies involves greater risk than is customarily associated with larger, more established companies. Small- and mid-cap companies frequently have less management depth and experience, narrower market penetrations, less diverse product lines, less competitive strengths and fewer resources. Due to these and other factors, stocks of small- and mid-cap companies may be more susceptible to market downturns and other events, less liquid, and their prices may be more volatile.
Foreign Securities Risk. The Sector Rotation Fund may, directly or indirectly, invest in foreign securities on foreign exchanges or in American Depository Receipts (“ADRs”). Investments in foreign securities involve risks that may be different from those of U.S. securities. Foreign securities are subject to individual country risk, less favorable reporting and disclosure risk, currency exchange risk, greater volatility, and may have higher liquidity risk than U.S.-registered securities.
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ADR Risk. ADRs are subject to risks similar to those associated with direct investments in foreign securities such as individual country, currency exchange, volatility, and liquidity risks.
Foreign Currency Risk. The Sector Rotation Fund may invest in foreign securities and therefore be indirectly exposed to foreign currencies. The value of the Sector Rotation Fund’s assets as measured in U.S. dollars may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency exchange rates and exchange control regulations. The Sector Rotation Fund’s exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Sector Rotation Fund to constantly changing exchange rates and the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. As a result, the Sector Rotation Fund’s exposure to foreign currencies may reduce the returns of the Sector Rotation Fund.
Fund of Funds Structure Risk. Investments in ETFs and other investment companies (e.g. open end and closed end mutual funds) subject the Sector Rotation Fund to paying its proportionate share of fees and expenses from those investments. In other words, by investing in the Sector Rotation Fund, you will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the underlying ETFs and investment companies in which the Sector Rotation Fund invests in addition to the Sector Rotation Fund’s direct fees and expenses. In addition, under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), the Sector Rotation Fund is subject to restrictions that may limit the amount of any particular ETF or other registered investment company that the Sector Rotation Fund may own.
ETF Risk. Investments in ETFs are subject to the risk that the market price of an ETF’s shares may differ from its NAV. This difference in price may be due to the fact that the supply and demand in the market for ETF shares at any point in time is not always identical to the supply and demand in the market for the underlying basket of securities. Investments in ETFs are also subject to the following additional risks:
Investment Limitation Risk. Under the 1940 Act, the Sector Rotation Fund may not acquire shares of an ETF or other investment company if, immediately after such acquisition, the Sector Rotation Fund and its affiliated persons would hold more than 3% of the ETF’s or investment company’s total outstanding shares unless (i) the ETF or the Sector Rotation Fund has received an order for exemptive relief from the 3% limitation from the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) that is applicable to the Sector Rotation Fund; and (ii) the ETF and the Sector Rotation Fund take appropriate steps to comply with any conditions in such order. Accordingly, the 3% limitation may prevent the Sector Rotation Fund from allocating its investments in the manner the Adviser considers optimal, or cause the Adviser to select an investment other than that which the Adviser considers optimal.
Market Value Risk. The market value of an ETF’s shares may differ from its NAV. This difference in price may be due to the fact that the supply and demand in the market for ETF shares at any point in time is not always identical to the supply and demand in the market for the underlying basket of securities. Accordingly, there may be times when an ETF trades at a premium (creating the risk that the Fund pays more than NAV for an ETF when making a purchase) or discount (creating the risks that the Fund’s NAV is reduced for undervalued ETFs it holds, and that the Fund receives less than NAV when selling an ETF).
Tracking Risk. Index-based Portfolio Funds may not be able to replicate exactly the performance of the indices they track because the total return generated by the securities will be reduced by transaction costs incurred in adjusting the actual balance of the securities. In addition, Portfolio Funds may incur expenses not incurred by their applicable indices. Certain securities comprising these indices may, from time to time, temporarily be unavailable, which may further impede a Portfolio Fund’s ability to track its applicable indices or match its performance.
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Sampling Risk. Index-based Portfolio Funds may utilize a representative sampling approach to track their respective underlying indices. Index-based Portfolio Funds that utilize a representative sampling approach are subject to an increased risk of tracking error because the securities selected for the Portfolio Fund in the aggregate may vary from the investment profile of the underlying index. Additionally, if using a representative sampling approach, a Portfolio Fund will typically hold a smaller number of securities than the underlying index, and as a result, an adverse development to a Portfolio Fund could result in a greater decline in NAV than would be the case if the Portfolio Fund held all of the securities in the underlying index.
Fixed-income ETFs Risk. There are risks associated with the potential investment of the Sector Rotation Fund’s assets in fixed-income ETFs, which may include credit risk, interest rate risk and maturity risk as described below:
Credit Risk. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a fixed-income security or counterparty to a transaction involving one or more bonds in an ETF’s portfolio will be unable or unwilling to make timely principal and/or interest payments, or otherwise will be unable or unwilling to honor its financial obligations. If the issuer, guarantor, or counterparty fails to pay interest, an ETF’s income may be reduced. If the issuer, guarantor, or counterparty fails to repay principal, the value of that security and of the particular ETF’s shares may be reduced. ETFs may be subject to credit risk to the extent that they invest in fixed-income securities that involve a promise by a third party to honor an obligation with respect to the fixed-income security. Securities rated BBB by S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) or Fitch Ratings, Inc. (“Fitch”) or Baa by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) are considered investment-grade securities, but are somewhat riskier than more highly-rated investment-grade obligations (those rated A or better) because they are regarded as having only an adequate capacity to pay principal and interest, are considered to lack outstanding investment characteristics, and may be speculative. Such investment-grade securities will be subject to higher credit risk and may be subject to greater fluctuations in value than higher-rated securities. Credit risk is particularly significant for investments in “junk bonds” or lower than investment-grade securities.
Interest Rate Risk. The price of a bond or a fixed-income security is dependent, in part, upon interest rates. Therefore, the share price and total return of an ETF, when investing a significant portion of its assets in fixed-income securities, will vary in response to changes in interest rates. There is the possibility that the value of an ETF’s investment in bonds or fixed income securities may fall because bonds or fixed income securities generally fall in value when interest rates rise. The longer the term of a bond or fixed incomefixed-income instrument, the more sensitive it will be to fluctuations in value from interest rate changes. Changes in interest rates may have a more pronounced effect if the ETF holds a significant portion of its assets in fixed-income securities with long-term maturities.
In the case of mortgage-backed securities, rising interest rates tend to extend the term to maturity of the securities, making them even more susceptible to interest rate changes. When interest rates drop, not only can the value of fixed-income securities drop, but also the yield can drop, particularly where the yield is tied to changes in interest rates, such as adjustable mortgages. Also when interest rates drop, the holdings of mortgage-backed securities by an ETF can reduce returns if the owners of the underlying mortgages pay off their mortgages sooner than expected since the Fund prepaid must be reinvested at lower prevailing interest rates. This is known as prepayment risk. When interest rates rise, the holdings of mortgage-backed securities by an ETF can reduce returns if the owners of the underlying mortgages pay off their mortgages later than anticipated. This is known as extension risk.
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Maturity Risk. Maturity risk is another factor that can affect the value of an ETF’s fixed-income holdings. Certain ETFs may not have a limitation policy regarding the length of maturity for their fixed-income holdings. In general, fixed-income obligations with longer maturities have higher yields and a greater sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Conversely, fixed-income obligations with shorter maturities generally have lower yields but less sensitivity to changes in interest rates.
Investment Style and Management Risk. The Adviser’s method of security selection may not be successful and the Sector Rotation Fund may underperform relative to other mutual funds that employ similar investment strategies. The Sector Rotation Fund’s sector rotation style may not be implemented successfully, negatively affecting the Fund’s performance. In addition, the Adviser may select investments that fail to appreciate as anticipated.
Market Risk. Market risk is the risk that the value of the securities in the Sector Rotation Fund’s portfolio may decline due to daily fluctuations in the securities markets that are generally beyond the Adviser’s control, including fluctuation in interest rates, the quality of the Sector Rotation Fund’s investments, economic conditions and general bond market conditions.
New Fund Risk. The Sector Rotation Fund was formed in 2019 and has no operating history as of the date of this Prospectus. Accordingly, investors in the Sector Rotation Fund bear the risk that the Sector Rotation Fund may not be successful in implementing its investment strategy or growing to an economically viable size.
Portfolio Turnover Risk. Frequent and active trading may result in greater expenses to the Sector Rotation Fund, which may lower the Sector Rotation Fund’s performance and may result in the realization of capital gains, including net short-term capital gains, which must generally be distributed to shareholders. Therefore, high portfolio turnover may reduce the Sector Rotation Fund’s returns and increase taxable distributions to shareholders.
Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”) Risk. REITs are susceptible to real estate risk and their operating expenses are separate from those of the Fund. Therefore, the Sector Rotation Fund’s investments in REITs will result in the layering of expenses, which shareholders will indirectly, but proportionally, bear.
Sector Risk. At times the Sector Rotation Fund may emphasize investment in one or more sectors, and as a result the value of its net assets will be more susceptible to the financial, market or economic events affecting issuers and industries within those sectors than would be the case for mutual funds that do not emphasize investment in particular sectors. In addition, this may increase the risk of loss of an investment in the Sector Rotation Fund and increase the volatility of the Sector Rotation Fund’s NAV per share.
PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
The Sector Rotation Fund is new and therefore does not have a performance history for a full calendar year to report. Once the Sector Rotation Fund has returns for a full calendar year, this Prospectus will provide performance information which gives some indication of the risks of an investment in the Sector Rotation Fund by comparing the Sector Rotation Fund’s performance with a broad measure of market performance. How the Sector Rotation Fund has performed in the past (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Sector Rotation Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information, current through the most recent month end, will be available by calling 1-855-784-2399.
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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
The Investment Adviser
Q3 Asset Management Corporation is the Sector Rotation Fund’s investment adviser.
Portfolio Managers | Investment Experience with the Fund | Primary Title with Adviser |
Brad Giaimo | Co-Manager of the Sector Rotation Fund since its inception in December 2019 | Principal/CCO |
Adam Quiring | Co-Manager of the Sector Rotation Fund since its inception in December 2019 | Principal |
Bruce Greig, CFA, CAIA | Co-Manager of the Sector Rotation Fund since its inception in December 2019 | Director of Research |
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
Minimum Initial Investment
The minimum initial investment amounts are as follows:
Investor Class: | No Minimum | |
Institutional Class: | $500,000 |
These amounts may be waived at the Adviser’s discretion.
Minimum Additional Investment
Once an account is open, additional purchases of Sector Rotation Fund shares may be made in any amount.
General Information
You may purchase or redeem (sell) shares of the Sector Rotation Fund on each day that the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for business. Transactions may be initiated by written request, by telephone or through your financial intermediary. Written requests to the Sector Rotation Fund should be sent to the Q3 All-Weather Sector Rotation Fund, c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, P.O. Box 46707, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707. For more information about purchasing and redeeming shares, please see “How to Buy Shares” and “How to Redeem Shares” in this Prospectus or call 1-855-784-2399 for assistance.
TAX INFORMATION
The Sector Rotation Fund’s distributions are generally taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an IRA. Such tax-deferred arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from those arrangements.
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PAYMENTS TO BROKER-DEALERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
If you purchase the Sector Rotation Fund through a broker-dealer or any other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Sector Rotation Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Sector Rotation 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 Sector Rotation Fund over another investment. These payments are sometimes referred to as “revenue sharing”. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
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RISK/RETURN SUMMARY:
Q3 ALL-WEATHER TACTICAL FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Q3 All-Weather Tactical Fund (the “Tactical Fund”) seeks a positive rate of return over a calendar year regardless of market conditions.
FEES AND EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Tactical Fund.
Shareholder Fees
(fees paid directly from your investment) |
Investor Class | Institutional Class |
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) | None | None |
Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (Load) | None | None |
Redemption Fee | None | None |
Annual
Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
Investor Class | Institutional Class |
Management Fees | 1.00% | 1.00% |
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees | 0.25% | 0.00% |
Other Expenses(1) | 1.42% | 1.42% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses | 0.20% | 0.20% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(2) | 2.87% | 2.62% |
Less Management Fee Reductions and/or Expense Reimbursements(3) | (0.48%) | (0.48%) |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Reductions and/or Expense Reimbursements(2)(3) | 2.39% | 2.14% |
(1) | “Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts. |
(2) | “Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses” and “Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Reductions and/or Expenses Reimbursement” will not correlate to the ratios of expenses to the average net assets in the Tactical Fund’s Financial Highlights, which reflect the operating expenses of the Tactical Fund and do not include “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses.” |
(3) | Q3 Asset Management Corporation (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed, until March 31, 2022, to reduce Management Fees and reimburse Other Expenses to the extent necessary to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (exclusive of brokerage costs; taxes; interest; borrowing costs such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short; costs to organize the Fund; acquired fund fees and expenses; and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and merger or reorganization costs; and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Tactical Fund’s business;) to an amount not exceeding 2.19% of the Investor Class shares’, and 1.94% of the Institutional Class shares’, average daily net assets. Management Fee reductions and expense reimbursements by the Adviser are subject to repayment by the Tactical Fund for a period of 3 years after the date on which such fees and expenses were incurred or waived, provided that the repayments do not cause Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (exclusive of such reductions and reimbursements) to exceed (i) the expense limitation then in effect, if any, and (ii) the expense limitation in effect at the time the expenses to be repaid were incurred. Prior to March 31, 2022, this agreement may not be modified or terminated without the approval of the Tactical Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Ultimus Managers Trust (the “Trust”); provided, however, this agreement will terminate automatically as to the Tactical Fund if the Tactical Fund’s investment advisory agreement (the “Tactical Fund’s Advisory Agreement”) with the Adviser is terminated. |
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Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Tactical Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Tactical 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, the operating expenses of the Tactical Fund remain the same and the contractual agreement to limit expenses remains in effect only until March 31, 2022. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
1 Year | 3 Years | |
Investor Class Shares | $242 | $796 |
Institutional Class Shares | $217 | $721 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Tactical 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 Tactical 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 Tactical Fund’s performance. The Fund is a new series and therefore it does not yet have a portfolio turnover rate.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Under normal circumstances, the Tactical Fund will invest in shares of other investment companies and similar products that operate as broad-based index funds, including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), open-end mutual funds, closed-end funds, and real estate investment trusts (collectively, “Portfolio Funds”). The Tactical Fund will purchase Portfolio Funds when that Portfolio Fund’s underlying index (“Segment”) is anticipated to show strength, and divest when market weakness in that Segment is anticipated. Portfolio Funds will generally consist of equity index funds.
In evaluating a Segment’s relative strength, the Tactical Fund will measure the performance of that Segment’s securities against the performance of all other securities in the Tactical Fund’s investing universe, which will typically encompass all U.S. equity and fixed-income securities, but, depending on market conditions, may also encompass international equity and fixed-income securities. The Adviser may, from time to time, utilize leveraged Portfolio Funds in seeking to meet its investment objective, but at no time will more than 25% of the Tactical Fund’s portfolio be invested in leveraged Portfolio Funds. Such leveraged Portfolio Funds may invest in futures, forward, swaps, and/or other types of derivatives. The Tactical Fund will rebalance any such leveraged Portfolio Funds on a daily basis. In addition, the Adviser may, from time to time, invest in Portfolio Funds that invest in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”).
The Tactical Fund will rotate assets into, and out of, positions on a periodic basis, and the Tactical Fund’s portfolio may therefore be traded frequently.
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During certain market conditions, notably those which the Tactical Fund deems to be relatively unattractive for equities (based on certain proprietary quantitative indicators), the Tactical Fund may take positions in Portfolio Funds that focus on fixed-income securities as an alternative to equities in an attempt to preserve capital. This may, at times, result in the Tactical Fund’s portfolio holding Portfolio Funds across both equities and fixed-income securities simultaneously. The Tactical Fund may indirectly invest in equity securities of all capitalization ranges and in fixed-income securities of all credit qualities.
PRINCIPAL RISKS
As with any mutual fund investment, there is a risk that you could lose money by investing in the Tactical Fund. The success of the Tactical Fund’s investment strategy depends largely upon the Adviser’s skill in selecting securities for purchase and sale by the Tactical Fund and there is no assurance that the Tactical Fund will achieve its investment objective. Because of the types of securities in which the Tactical Fund invests and the investment techniques the Adviser uses, the Tactical Fund is designed for investors who are investing for the long term. The Tactical Fund will be subject to the following principal risks:
Active Management Risk. Due to the active management of the Tactical Fund by the Adviser, the Tactical Fund could underperform its benchmark index and/or other funds with similar investment objectives and strategies.
Debt Securities Risk. The Tactical Fund may invest indirectly in corporate debt securities and U.S. Government obligations. Corporate debt securities include, but are not limited to, debt obligations offered by public or private corporations either registered or unregistered. The market value of such securities may fluctuate in response to interest rates and the creditworthiness of the issuer. A debt security’s credit quality depends on the issuer’s ability to pay interest on the security and repay the debt; the lower the credit rating, the greater the risk that the security’s issuer will default. The credit risk of a security may also depend on the credit quality of any bank or financial institution that provides credit enhancement for the security.
Equity Securities Risk. The prices of equity securities in which the Tactical Fund invests indirectly through ETFs and other investment companies may fluctuate in response to many factors, including, but not limited to, the activities of the individual issuers, general market and economic conditions, interest rates, and specific industry changes. Such price fluctuations subject the Tactical Fund to potential losses.
Large-Cap Company Risk. Large-capitalization companies may be unable to respond as quickly as smaller companies to new competitive challenges, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, and may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
Small-Cap and Mid-Cap Company Risk. Investing in small- and mid-capitalization companies involves greater risk than is customarily associated with larger, more established companies. Small- and mid-cap companies frequently have less management depth and experience, narrower market penetrations, less diverse product lines, less competitive strengths and fewer resources. Due to these and other factors, stocks of small- and mid-cap companies may be more susceptible to market downturns and other events, less liquid, and their prices may be more volatile.
Foreign Securities Risk. The Tactical Fund may, directly or indirectly, invest in foreign securities on foreign exchanges or in American Depository Receipts (“ADRs”). Investments in foreign securities involve risks that may be different from those of U.S. securities. Foreign securities are subject to individual country risk, less favorable reporting and disclosure risk, currency exchange risk, greater volatility, and may have higher liquidity risk than U.S.-registered securities.
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ADR Risk. ADRs are subject to risks similar to those associated with direct investments in foreign securities such as individual country, currency exchange, volatility, and liquidity risks.
Foreign Currency Risk. The Tactical Fund may invest in foreign securities and therefore be indirectly exposed to foreign currencies. The value of the Tactical Fund’s assets as measured in U.S. dollars may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency exchange rates and exchange control regulations. The Tactical Fund’s exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Tactical Fund to constantly changing exchange rates and the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. As a result, the Tactical Fund’s exposure to foreign currencies may reduce the returns of the Tactical Fund.
Fund of Funds Structure Risk. Investments in ETFs and other investment companies (e.g. open end and closed end mutual funds) subject the Tactical Fund to paying its proportionate share of fees and expenses from those investments. In other words, by investing in the Tactical Fund, you will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the underlying ETFs and investment companies in which the Tactical Fund invests in addition to the Tactical Fund’s direct fees and expenses. In addition, under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), the Tactical Fund is subject to restrictions that may limit the amount of any particular ETF or other registered investment company that the Tactical Fund may own.
ETF Risk. Investments in ETFs are subject to the risk that the market price of an ETF’s shares may differ from its NAV. This difference in price may be due to the fact that the supply and demand in the market for ETF shares at any point in time is not always identical to the supply and demand in the market for the underlying basket of securities. Investments in ETFs are also subject to the following additional risks:
Investment Limitation Risk. Under the 1940 Act, the Tactical Fund may not acquire shares of an ETF or other investment company if, immediately after such acquisition, the Tactical Fund and its affiliated persons would hold more than 3% of the ETF’s or investment company’s total outstanding shares unless (i) the ETF or the Tactical Fund has received an order for exemptive relief from the 3% limitation from the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) that is applicable to the Tactical Fund; and (ii) the ETF and the Tactical Fund take appropriate steps to comply with any conditions in such order. Accordingly, the 3% limitation may prevent the Tactical Fund from allocating its investments in the manner the Adviser considers optimal, or cause the Adviser to select an investment other than that which the Adviser considers optimal.
Market Value Risk. The market value of an ETF’s shares may differ from its NAV. This difference in price may be due to the fact that the supply and demand in the market for ETF shares at any point in time is not always identical to the supply and demand in the market for the underlying basket of securities. Accordingly, there may be times when an ETF trades at a premium (creating the risk that the Fund pays more than NAV for an ETF when making a purchase) or discount (creating the risks that the Fund’s NAV is reduced for undervalued ETFs it holds, and that the Fund receives less than NAV when selling an ETF).
Tracking Risk. Index-based Portfolio Funds may not be able to replicate exactly the performance of the indices they track because the total return generated by the securities will be reduced by transaction costs incurred in adjusting the actual balance of the securities. In addition, Portfolio Funds may incur expenses not incurred by their applicable indices. Certain securities comprising these indices may, from time to time, temporarily be unavailable, which may further impede a Portfolio Fund’s ability to track its applicable indices or match its performance.
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Sampling Risk. Index-based Portfolio Funds may utilize a representative sampling approach to track their respective underlying indices. Index-based Portfolio Funds that utilize a representative sampling approach are subject to an increased risk of tracking error because the securities selected for the Portfolio Fund in the aggregate may vary from the investment profile of the underlying index. Additionally, if using a representative sampling approach, a Portfolio Fund will typically hold a smaller number of securities than the underlying index, and as a result, an adverse development to a Portfolio Fund could result in a greater decline in NAV than would be the case if the Portfolio Fund held all of the securities in the underlying index.
Fixed-income ETFs Risk. There are risks associated with the potential investment of the Tactical Fund’s assets in fixed-income ETFs, which may include credit risk, interest rate risk and maturity risk as described below:
Credit Risk. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a fixed-income security or counterparty to a transaction involving one or more bonds in an ETF’s portfolio will be unable or unwilling to make timely principal and/or interest payments, or otherwise will be unable or unwilling to honor its financial obligations. If the issuer, guarantor, or counterparty fails to pay interest, an ETF’s income may be reduced. If the issuer, guarantor, or counterparty fails to repay principal, the value of that security and of the particular ETF’s shares may be reduced. ETFs may be subject to credit risk to the extent that they invest in fixed-income securities that involve a promise by a third party to honor an obligation with respect to the fixed-income security. Securities rated BBB by S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) or Fitch Ratings, Inc. (“Fitch”) or Baa by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) are considered investment-grade securities, but are somewhat riskier than more highly-rated investment-grade obligations (those rated A or better) because they are regarded as having only an adequate capacity to pay principal and interest, are considered to lack outstanding investment characteristics, and may be speculative. Such investment-grade securities will be subject to higher credit risk and may be subject to greater fluctuations in value than higher-rated securities. Credit risk is particularly significant for investments in “junk bonds” or lower than investment-grade securities.
Interest Rate Risk. The price of a bond or a fixed-income security is dependent, in part, upon interest rates. Therefore, the share price and total return of an ETF, when investing a significant portion of its assets in fixed-income securities, will vary in response to changes in interest rates. There is the possibility that the value of an ETF’s investment in fixed-income securities may fall because fixed-income securities generally fall in value when interest rates rise. The longer the term of a bond or fixed-income instrument, the more sensitive it will be to fluctuations in value from interest rate changes. Changes in interest rates may have a more pronounced effect if the ETF holds a significant portion of its assets in fixed-income securities with long-term maturities.
In the case of mortgage-backed securities, rising interest rates tend to extend the term to maturity of the securities, making them even more susceptible to interest rate changes. When interest rates drop, not only can the value of fixed-income securities drop, but also the yield can drop, particularly where the yield is tied to changes in interest rates, such as adjustable mortgages. Also when interest rates drop, the holdings of mortgage-backed securities by an ETF can reduce returns if the owners of the underlying mortgages pay off their mortgages sooner than expected since the Fund prepaid must be reinvested at lower prevailing interest rates. This is known as prepayment risk. When interest rates rise, the holdings of mortgage-backed securities by an ETF can reduce returns if the owners of the underlying mortgages pay off their mortgages later than anticipated. This is known as extension risk.
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Maturity Risk. Maturity risk is another factor that can affect the value of an ETF’s fixed-income holdings. Certain ETFs may not have a limitation policy regarding the length of maturity for their fixed-income holdings. In general, fixed-income obligations with longer maturities have higher yields and a greater sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Conversely, fixed-income obligations with shorter maturities generally have lower yields but less sensitivity to changes in interest rates.
Investment Style and Management Risk. The Adviser’s method of security selection may not be successful and the Tactical Fund may underperform relative to other mutual funds that employ similar investment strategies. The Tactical Fund’s sector rotation style may not be implemented successfully, negatively affecting the Fund’s performance. In addition, the Adviser may select investments that fail to appreciate as anticipated.
Leverage Risk. Futures, forward, swaps, and certain other derivatives provide the economic effect of financial leverage by creating additional investment exposure. The Tactical Fund may invest in Portfolio Funds that use derivatives in order to create leveraged portfolios, and therefore the Tactical Fund has the risk of magnified capital losses from losses affecting the underlying asset. As a result of these risks, the NAV of the Tactical Fund employing leverage will be more volatile and sensitive to market movements.
Market Risk. Market risk is the risk that the value of the securities in the Tactical Fund’s portfolio may decline due to daily fluctuations in the securities markets that are generally beyond the Adviser’s control, including fluctuation in interest rates, the quality of the Tactical Fund’s investments, economic conditions and general bond market conditions.
New Fund Risk. The Tactical Fund was formed in 2019 and has no operating history as of the date of this Prospectus. Accordingly, investors in the Tactical Fund bear the risk that the Tactical Fund may not be successful in implementing its investment strategy or growing to an economically viable size.
Portfolio Turnover Risk. Frequent and active trading may result in greater expenses to the Tactical Fund, which may lower the Tactical Fund’s performance and may result in the realization of capital gains, including net short-term capital gains, which must generally be distributed to shareholders. Therefore, high portfolio turnover may reduce the Tactical Fund’s returns and increase taxable distributions to shareholders.
Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”) Risk. REITs are susceptible to real estate risk and their operating expenses are separate from those of the Fund. Therefore, the Tactical Fund’s investments in REITs will result in the layering of expenses, which shareholders will indirectly, but proportionally, bear.
Sector Risk. At times the Tactical Fund may emphasize investment in one or more sectors, and as a result the value of its net assets will be more susceptible to the financial, market or economic events affecting issuers and industries within those sectors than would be the case for mutual funds that do not emphasize investment in particular sectors. In addition, this may increase the risk of loss of an investment in the Tactical Fund and increase the volatility of the Tactical Fund’s NAV per share.
PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
The Tactical Fund is new and therefore does not have a performance history for a full calendar year to report. Once the Tactical Fund has returns for a full calendar year, this Prospectus will provide performance information which gives some indication of the risks of an investment in the Tactical Fund by comparing the Tactical Fund’s performance with a broad measure of market performance. How the Tactical Fund has performed in the past (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Tactical Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information, current through the most recent month end, is available by calling 1-855-784-2399.
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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
The Investment Adviser
Q3 Asset Management Corporation is the Tactical Fund’s investment adviser.
Portfolio Managers | Investment Experience with the Fund | Primary Title with Adviser |
Brad Giaimo | Co-Manager of the Tactical Fund since its inception in December 2019 | Principal/CCO |
Adam Quiring | Co-Manager of the Tactical Fund since its inception in December 2019 | Principal |
Bruce Greig, CFA, CAIA | Co-Manager of the Tactical Fund since its inception in December 2019 | Director of Research |
PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUND SHARES
Minimum Initial Investment
The minimum initial investment amounts are as follows:
Investor Class: | No Minimum | |
Institutional Class: | $500,000 |
These amounts may be waived at the Adviser’s discretion.
Minimum Additional Investment
Once an account is open, additional purchases of Tactical Fund shares may be made in any amount.
General Information
You may purchase or redeem (sell) shares of the Tactical Fund on each day that the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for business. Transactions may be initiated by written request, by telephone or through your financial intermediary. Written requests to the Tactical Fund should be sent to the Q3 All-Weather Tactical Fund, c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, P.O. Box 46707, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707. For more information about purchasing and redeeming shares, please see “How to Buy Shares” and “How to Redeem Shares” in this Prospectus or call 1-855-784-2399 for assistance.
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TAX INFORMATION
The Tactical Fund’s distributions are generally taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an IRA. Such tax-deferred arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of monies from those arrangements.
PAYMENTS TO BROKER-DEALERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
If you purchase the Tactical Fund through a broker-dealer or any other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Tactical 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 Tactical Fund over another investment. These payments are sometimes referred to as “revenue sharing”. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
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INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS
Q3 All-Weather Sector Rotation Fund
Investment Objective
The Sector Rotation Fund seeks long-term growth of capital. The Board reserves the right to change the investment objective of the Sector Rotation Fund without shareholder approval upon at least 60 days’ advance written notice.
Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, the Sector Rotation Fund will invest in shares of other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), open-end mutual funds, and closed-end funds (collectively, “Portfolio Funds”) in an attempt to invest in sectors and subsectors which have exhibited recent relative performance strength, as evaluated on a monthly basis according to the Adviser’s proprietary rules-based analytical approach.
In evaluating a sector’s or subsector’s relative strength, the Sector Rotation Fund will measure the recent performance of that sector’s or subsector’s securities against the recent performance of other sectors’ securities in the Fund’s investing universe, which encompasses all eleven global industry classification standard (“GICS”) sectors across global equities and fixed-income securities. The Sector Rotation Fund will seek to invest in those GICS sectors or subsectors which the Adviser identifies as exhibiting relative total return performance strength, retrospectively, in both the near and long-term. The Adviser may, from time to time, invest in Portfolio Funds that invest in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”).
The Fund will rotate assets into, and out of, sectors and subsector positions on a periodic basis, and the Fund’s portfolio may therefore be traded frequently.
During certain market conditions, notably those which the Sector Rotation Fund deems to be relatively unattractive for equities (based on certain proprietary quantitative indicators) the Sector Rotation Fund may take positions in Portfolio Funds that focus on fixed-income securities as an alternative to equities in an attempt to preserve capital. This may, at times, result in the Sector Rotation Fund’s portfolio holding Portfolio Funds across both equities and fixed-income securities simultaneously. The Sector Rotation Fund may indirectly invest in equity securities of all capitalization ranges and in debt securities of all credit qualities.
The Adviser uses a rules-based approach and a blend of proprietary strategies to identify sectors and subsectors that exhibit relative performance strength compared to the general market at large. The Adviser conducts systematic analysis of all available market sectors and subsectors to determine their near and long-term total-return performance. The Adviser selects those top-ranked sectors and subsectors that appear to be relatively outperforming other sectors and subsectors.
If the Adviser believes that the portfolio should shift into bonds in order to preserve capital, then the strategy ranks all available fixed income sectors to determine their near and long-term total-return performance. The Adviser selects those top-ranked sectors and subsectors that appear to be relatively outperforming other sectors and subsectors.
In both cases, the Adviser uses a proprietary formula that calculates a measure of performance based on the acceleration of a security’s price over varying time periods to determine the ranking of each available sector and subsector. Only the top-ranked sectors and subsectors are then chosen for investment.
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The Adviser monitors sectors and subsectors across the market to determine if there have been any fundamental changes in their relative performance strength. The Adviser may sell a security if:
• | The security subsequently fails to meet the Adviser's initial investment criteria; |
• | A more attractively priced security is found or if funds are needed for other purposes; or |
Revised sector performance strength evaluations suggest the rotation of sectors or subsectors in the portfolio.
Q3 ALL-WEATHER TACTICAL FUND
Investment Objective
The Tactical Fund seeks a positive rate of return over a calendar year regardless of market conditions. The Board reserves the right to change the investment objective of the Tactical Fund without shareholder approval upon at least 60 days’ advance written notice.
Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, the Tactical Fund will invest in shares of other investment companies and similar products that operate as broad-based index funds, including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), open-end mutual funds, closed-end funds, and real estate investment trusts (collectively, “Portfolio Funds”). The Tactical Fund will purchase Portfolio Funds when that Portfolio Fund’s underlying index (“Segment”) is anticipated to show strength, and divest when market weakness in that Segment is anticipated. Portfolio Funds will generally consist of equity index funds.
In evaluating a Segment’s relative strength, the Tactical Fund will measure the performance of that Segment’s securities against the performance of all other securities in the Tactical Fund’s investing universe, which will typically encompass all U.S. equity and fixed-income securities, but, depending on market conditions, may also encompass international equity and fixed-income securities. The Adviser may, from time to time, utilize leveraged Portfolio Funds in seeking to meet its investment objective, but at no time will more than 25% of the Tactical Fund’s portfolio be invested in leveraged Portfolio Funds. Such leveraged Portfolio Funds may invest in futures, forward, swaps, and/or other types of derivatives. The Tactical Fund will rebalance any such leveraged Portfolio Funds on a daily basis. In addition, the Adviser may, from time to time, invest in Portfolio Funds that invest in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”).
The Tactical Fund will rotate assets into, and out of, positions on a periodic basis, and the Tactical Fund’s portfolio may therefore be traded frequently.
During certain market conditions, notably those which the Tactical Fund deems to be relatively unattractive for equities (based on certain proprietary quantitative indicators), the Tactical Fund may take positions in Portfolio Funds that focus on fixed-income securities as an alternative to equities in an attempt to preserve capital. This may, at times, result in the Tactical Fund’s portfolio holding Portfolio Funds across both equities and fixed-income securities simultaneously. The Tactical Fund may indirectly invest in equity securities of all capitalization ranges and in fixed-income securities of all credit qualities.
The Adviser uses a rules-based approach and a blend of proprietary indicators to identify market segments that exhibit relative performance strength compared to the general market at large. The Adviser conducts systematic analysis of several aspects of the market segments on a daily basis. These various indicators are then measured and assessed to generate the systematic trading signals.
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If the Adviser believes that the portfolio should shift into bond funds in order to preserve capital, the Adviser will analyze several quantitative indicators to determine the extent of the bond investment and the segment of the market in which it will invest.
The Adviser monitors index-based segments to determine if there have been any fundamental changes in their relative performance strength. The Adviser may sell a security if:
• | The security subsequently fails to meet the Adviser's initial investment criteria; |
• | A more attractively priced security is found or if funds are needed for other purposes; or |
• | Revised performance strength evaluations suggest the rotation of segments in the portfolio. |
Investment Risks
The principal risks associated with the Sector Rotation Fund’s and Tactical Fund’s (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) principal investment strategies are generally described below. As with any mutual fund investment, there is a risk that you could lose money by investing in the Funds. The success of each Fund’s investment strategy depends largely upon the Adviser’s skill in selecting securities for purchase and sale by that Fund and there is no assurance that a Fund will achieve its investment objective. The risks applicable to each Fund are marked with an "X" in the table below and described in greater detail further below:
Sector Rotation Fund | Tactical Fund | |
Active Management Risk | X | X |
Debt Securities Risk | X | X |
Equity Securities Risk | X | X |
Large-Cap Company Risk | X | X |
Small- and Mid-Cap Company Risk | X | X |
Foreign Securities Risk | X | X |
Fund of Funds Structure Risk | X | X |
ETF Risk | X | X |
Investment Limitation Risk | X | X |
Market Value Risk | X | X |
Tracking Risk | X | X |
Sampling Risk | X | X |
Fixed-income ETF Risk | X | X |
Credit Risk | X | X |
Interest Rate Risk | X | X |
Maturity Risk | X | X |
Investment Style and Management Risk | X | X |
Leverage Risk | X | |
Market Risk | X | X |
New Fund Risk | X | X |
Portfolio Turnover Risk | X | X |
Real Estate Investment Trust Risk | X | X |
Sector Risk | X | X |
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Active Management Risk. Due to the active management of the Fund by the Adviser, the Fund could underperform its benchmark index and/or other funds with similar investment objectives and strategies.
Debt Securities Risk. The Fund may invest indirectly in corporate debt securities and U.S. Government obligations. Corporate debt securities include, but are not limited to, debt obligations offered by public or private corporations either registered or unregistered. The market value of such securities may fluctuate in response to interest rates and the creditworthiness of the issuer. A debt security’s credit quality depends on the issuer’s ability to pay interest on the security and repay the debt; the lower the credit rating, the greater the risk that the security’s issuer will default. The credit risk of a security may also depend on the credit quality of any bank or financial institution that provides credit enhancement for the security.
Equity Securities Risk. The prices of equity securities in which the Fund invests indirectly through ETFs and other investment companies may fluctuate in response to many factors, including, but not limited to, the activities of the individual issuers, general market and economic conditions, interest rates, and specific industry changes. Such price fluctuations subject the Fund to potential losses.
Large-Cap Company Risk. Large-capitalization companies may be unable to respond as quickly as smaller companies to new competitive challenges, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, and may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
Small-Cap and Mid-Cap Company Risk. Investing in small- and mid-capitalization companies involves greater risk than is customarily associated with larger, more established companies. Small- and mid-cap companies frequently have less management depth and experience, narrower market penetrations, less diverse product lines, less competitive strengths and fewer resources. Due to these and other factors, stocks of small- and mid-cap companies may be more susceptible to market downturns and other events, less liquid, and their prices may be more volatile.
Foreign Securities Risk. The Fund may, directly or indirectly, invest in foreign securities on foreign exchanges or in American Depository Receipts (“ADRs”). Investments in foreign securities involve risks that may be different from those of U.S. securities. Foreign securities are subject to individual country risk, less favorable reporting and disclosure risk, currency exchange risk, greater volatility, and may have higher liquidity risk than U.S.-registered securities.
ADR Risk. ADRs are subject to risks similar to those associated with direct investments in foreign securities such as individual country, currency exchange, volatility, and liquidity risks.
Foreign Currency Risk. The Sector Rotation Fund may invest in foreign securities and therefore be indirectly exposed to foreign currencies. The value of the Sector Rotation Fund’s assets as measured in U.S. dollars may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency exchange rates and exchange control regulations. The Sector Rotation Fund’s exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Sector Rotation Fund to constantly changing exchange rates and the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. As a result, the Sector Rotation Fund’s exposure to foreign currencies may reduce the returns of the Sector Rotation Fund.
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Fund of Funds Structure Risk. Investments in ETFs and other investment companies (e.g. open end and closed end mutual funds) subject the Fund to paying its proportionate share of fees and expenses from those investments. In other words, by investing in the Fund, you will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the underlying ETFs and investment companies in which the Fund invests in addition to the Fund’s direct fees and expenses. In addition, under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), the Fund is subject to restrictions that may limit the amount of any particular ETF or other registered investment company that the Fund may own.
ETF Risk. Investments in ETFs are subject to the risk that the market price of an ETF’s shares may differ from its NAV. This difference in price may be due to the fact that the supply and demand in the market for ETF shares at any point in time is not always identical to the supply and demand in the market for the underlying basket of securities. Investments in ETFs are also subject to the following additional risks:
Investment Limitation Risk. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may not acquire shares of an ETF or other investment company if, immediately after such acquisition, the Fund and its affiliated persons would hold more than 3% of the ETF’s or investment company’s total outstanding shares unless (i) the ETF or the Fund has received an order for exemptive relief from the 3% limitation from the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) that is applicable to the Fund; and (ii) the ETF and the Fund take appropriate steps to comply with any conditions in such order. Accordingly, the 3% limitation may prevent the Fund from allocating its investments in the manner the Adviser considers optimal or cause the Adviser to select an investment other than that which the Adviser considers optimal.
Market Value Risk. The market value of an ETF’s shares may differ from its NAV. This difference in price may be due to the fact that the supply and demand in the market for ETF shares at any point in time is not always identical to the supply and demand in the market for the underlying basket of securities. Accordingly, there may be times when an ETF trades at a premium (creating the risk that the Fund pays more than NAV for an ETF when making a purchase) or discount (creating the risks that the Fund’s NAV is reduced for undervalued ETFs it holds, and that the Fund receives less than NAV when selling an ETF).
Tracking Risk. Index-based Portfolio Funds may not be able to replicate exactly the performance of the indices they track because the total return generated by the securities will be reduced by transaction costs incurred in adjusting the actual balance of the securities. In addition, Portfolio Funds may incur expenses not incurred by their applicable indices. Certain securities comprising these indices may, from time to time, temporarily be unavailable, which may further impede a Portfolio Fund’s ability to track its applicable indices or match its performance.
Sampling Risk. Index-based Portfolio Funds may utilize a representative sampling approach to track their respective underlying indices. Index-based Portfolio Funds that utilize a representative sampling approach are subject to an increased risk of tracking error because the securities selected for the Portfolio Fund in the aggregate may vary from the investment profile of the underlying index. Additionally, if using a representative sampling approach, a Portfolio Fund will typically hold a smaller number of securities than the underlying index, and as a result, an adverse development to a Portfolio Fund could result in a greater decline in NAV than would be the case if the Portfolio Fund held all of the securities in the underlying index.
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Fixed-income ETFs Risk. There are risks associated with the potential investment of the Fund’s assets in fixed-income ETFs, which may include credit risk, interest rate risk and maturity risk as described below:
Credit Risk. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a fixed-income security or counterparty to a transaction involving one or more bonds in an ETF’s portfolio will be unable or unwilling to make timely principal and/or interest payments, or otherwise will be unable or unwilling to honor its financial obligations. If the issuer, guarantor, or counterparty fails to pay interest, an ETF’s income may be reduced. If the issuer, guarantor, or counterparty fails to repay principal, the value of that security and of the particular ETF’s shares may be reduced. ETFs may be subject to credit risk to the extent that they invest in fixed-income securities that involve a promise by a third party to honor an obligation with respect to the fixed-income security. Securities rated BBB by S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) or Fitch Ratings, Inc. (“Fitch”) or Baa by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) are considered investment-grade securities, but are somewhat riskier than more highly-rated investment-grade obligations (those rated A or better) because they are regarded as having only an adequate capacity to pay principal and interest, are considered to lack outstanding investment characteristics, and may be speculative. Such investment-grade securities will be subject to higher credit risk and may be subject to greater fluctuations in value than higher-rated securities. Credit risk is particularly significant for investments in “junk bonds” or lower than investment-grade securities.
Interest Rate Risk. The price of a fixed-income security is dependent, in part, upon interest rates. Therefore, the share price and total return of an ETF, when investing a significant portion of its assets in fixed-income securities, will vary in response to changes in interest rates. There is the possibility that the value of an ETF’s investment in fixed-income securities may fall because fixed-income securities generally fall in value when interest rates rise. The longer the term of a bond or fixed-income instrument, the more sensitive it will be to fluctuations in value from interest rate changes. Changes in interest rates may have a more pronounced effect if the ETF holds a significant portion of its assets in fixed-income securities with long-term maturities.
In the case of mortgage-backed securities, rising interest rates tend to extend the term to maturity of the securities, making them even more susceptible to interest rate changes. When interest rates drop, not only can the value of fixed-income securities drop, but also the yield can drop, particularly where the yield is tied to changes in interest rates, such as adjustable mortgages. Also, when interest rates drop, the holdings of mortgage-backed securities by an ETF can reduce returns if the owners of the underlying mortgages pay off their mortgages sooner than expected since the Fund prepaid must be reinvested at lower prevailing interest rates. This is known as prepayment risk. When interest rates rise, the holdings of mortgage-backed securities by an ETF can reduce returns if the owners of the underlying mortgages pay off their mortgages later than anticipated. This is known as extension risk.
Maturity Risk. Maturity risk is another factor that can affect the value of an ETF’s fixed-income holdings. Certain ETFs may not have a limitation policy regarding the length of maturity for their fixed-income holdings. In general, fixed-income obligations with longer maturities have higher yields and a greater sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Conversely, fixed-income obligations with shorter maturities generally have lower yields but less sensitivity to changes in interest rates.
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Investment Style and Management Risk. The Adviser’s method of security selection may not be successful and the Fund may underperform relative to other mutual funds that employ similar investment strategies. The Fund’s sector rotation style may not be implemented successfully, negatively affecting the Fund’s performance. In addition, the Adviser may select investments that fail to appreciate as anticipated.
Leverage Risk. Futures, forward, swaps, and certain other derivatives provide the economic effect of financial leverage by creating additional investment exposure. The Fund may invest in Portfolio Funds that use derivatives in order to create leveraged portfolios, and therefore the Fund has the risk of magnified capital losses from losses affecting the underlying asset. As a result of these risks, the NAV of the Fund employing leverage will be more volatile and sensitive to market movements.
Market Risk. Market risk is the risk that the value of the securities in the Fund’s portfolio may decline due to daily fluctuations in the securities markets that are generally beyond the Adviser’s control, including fluctuation in interest rates, the quality of the Fund’s investments, economic conditions and general bond market conditions.
New Fund Risk. The Fund was formed in 2019 and has no operating history as of the date of this Prospectus. Accordingly, investors in the Fund bear the risk that the Fund may not be successful in implementing its investment strategy or growing to an economically viable size.
Portfolio Turnover Risk. Frequent and active trading may result in greater expenses to the Fund, which may lower the Fund’s performance and may result in the realization of capital gains, including net short-term capital gains, which must generally be distributed to shareholders. Therefore, high portfolio turnover may reduce the Fund’s returns and increase taxable distributions to shareholders.
Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”) Risk. REITs are susceptible to real estate risk and their operating expenses are separate from those of the Fund. Therefore, the Fund’s investments in REITs will result in the layering of expenses, which shareholders will indirectly, but proportionally, bear.
Sector Risk. At times the Fund may emphasizes investment in one or more sectors, and as a result the value of its net assets will be more susceptible to the financial, market or economic events affecting issuers and industries within those sectors than would be the case for mutual funds that do not emphasize investment in particular sectors. In addition, this may increase the risk of loss of an investment in the Fund and increase the volatility of the Fund’s NAV per share.
In addition to the principal strategies and risks described above, each Fund may invest, to a lesser extent, in other types of securities whose risks are described below and/or in the Funds’ SAI.
Investments in Money Market Instruments. The Funds may invest in money market instruments, including cash, cash equivalent securities, and money market mutual fund shares (“Money Market Instruments”). The Funds may invest in Money Market Instruments to maintain liquidity or pending the selection of investments. To the extent that a Fund holds money market funds, the Fund will indirectly bear its pro-rata portion of such money market funds’ advisory fees and other operating expenses.
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Temporary Defensive Positions. From time to time, each Fund also may take temporary defensive positions to respond to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, and in doing so, may invest up to 100% of its assets in Money Market Instruments. During such times, a Fund may not achieve its investment objective.
Additional Information. Whether each Fund is an appropriate investment for an investor will depend largely upon his or her financial resources and individual investment goals and objectives. The Funds may not be appropriate for investors who engage in short-term trading and/or other speculative strategies and styles.
CFTC Regulation Risk. To the extent the Funds make investments regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”), the Funds intend to do so in accordance with Rule 4.5 under the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended (“CEA”). The Trust, on behalf of each Fund, has filed a notice of eligibility for exclusion from the definition of the term “commodity pool operator” in accordance with Rule 4.5 and therefore, the Funds are not subject to registration or regulation as a commodity pool operator under the CEA. If the Funds are unable to comply with the requirements of Rule 4.5, the Funds may be required to modify their respective investment strategies or be subject to CFTC registration requirements, either of which may have an adverse effect on the Funds.
Portfolio Holdings and Disclosure Policy. A description of the Funds’ policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of their respective portfolio holdings is available in the SAI.
FUND MANAGEMENT
The Investment Adviser
Q3 Asset Management Corporation, with a principal address of 2175 Cole Street, Birmingham, MI 48009, serves as the investment adviser to the Funds. Pursuant to Investment Advisory Agreements with the Funds (each an “Advisory Agreement” and collectively, the “Advisory Agreements”), the Adviser provides the Funds with a continuous program of investing the Funds’ assets and determining the composition of the Funds’ portfolios. The Adviser has been registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) since 2013 and also provides investment advisory services to other accounts. Although the Adviser has experience advising clients with strategies similar to that of the Funds, it has limited experience managing open-end mutual funds.
For its services, the Sector Rotation Fund pays the Adviser a monthly investment advisory fee (a “Management Fee”) computed at the annual rate of 1.00% of its average daily net assets. The Adviser has contractually agreed under an expense limitation agreement (the “Expense Limitation Agreement”), until March 31, 2022, to reduce its investment advisory fees and to reimburse Fund expenses to the extent necessary to limit annual ordinary operating expenses of the Sector Rotation Fund (exclusive of brokerage costs; taxes; interest; borrowing costs such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short; costs to organize the Sector Rotation Fund; Acquired Fund fees and expenses; extraordinary expenses such as litigation and merger or reorganization costs and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Sector Rotation Fund’s business) to 2.19% of the Investor Class’, and 1.94% of the Institutional Class’ average daily net assets. Management Fee reductions and expense reimbursements by the Adviser are subject to repayment by the Sector Rotation Fund for a period of three (3) years after such the date on which fees and expenses were incurred, provided that the repayments do not cause Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (exclusive of such reductions and reimbursements) to exceed (i) the expense limitation then in effect, if any, and (ii) the expense limitation in effect at the time the expenses to be repaid were incurred. It is expected that the Expense Limitation Agreement will continue from year-to-year provided such continuance is approved by the Board. The Expense Limitation Agreement may be terminated by the Adviser or the Board, without approval by the other party, at the end of the current term upon not less than 90 days’ notice to the other party as set forth in the Expense Limitation Agreement. The Expense Limitation Agreement will terminate automatically if the Sector Rotation Fund’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser is terminated.
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For its services, the Tactical Fund pays the Adviser a Management Fee computed at the annual rate of 1.00% of its average daily net assets. The Adviser has contractually agreed under an Expense Limitation Agreement, until March 31, 2022, to reduce its investment advisory fees and to reimburse Fund expenses to the extent necessary to limit annual ordinary operating expenses of the Tactical Fund (exclusive of brokerage costs; taxes; interest; borrowing costs such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short; costs to organize the Fund; Acquired Fund fees and expenses; extraordinary expenses such as litigation and merger or reorganization costs; and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Tactical Fund’s business) to an amount not exceeding 2.19% of the Investor Class’, and 1.94% of the Institutional Class’ average daily net assets. Management Fee reductions and expense reimbursements by the Adviser are subject to repayment by the Tactical Fund for a period of three (3) years after the date on which such fees and expenses were incurred, provided that the repayments do not cause Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (exclusive of such reductions and reimbursements) to exceed (i) the expense limitation then in effect, if any, and (ii) the expense limitation in effect at the time the expenses to be repaid were incurred. It is expected that the Expense Limitation Agreement will continue from year-to-year provided such continuance is approved by the Board. The Expense Limitation Agreement may be terminated by the Adviser or the Board, without approval by the other party, at the end of the current term upon not less than 90 days’ notice to the other party as set forth in the Expense Limitation Agreement. The Expense Limitation Agreement will terminate automatically if the Tactical Fund’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser is terminated.
A discussion of the factors considered by the Board in its approval of each Fund’s Advisory Agreement with the Adviser, including the Board’s conclusions with respect thereto, will be available in the Funds’ Semi-Annual Report to shareholders for the six-month period ending May 31, 2020. You may obtain a copy of the Semi-Annual Report (when available) free of charge, upon request to the Fund.
Portfolio Managers
The following individuals have primary responsibility for day-to-day management of the Funds’ portfolios since the Funds’ inception.
Brad Giaimo is a co-portfolio manager of the Funds. Mr. Giaimo joined the Adviser in [Year], and serves as one of the firm’s principals and as its Chief Compliance Officer. Prior to joining the Adviser, Mr. Giaimo was [past 5 years of work history]. Mr. Giaimo earned a [Degree] from [University].
Adam Quiring is a co-portfolio manager of the Funds. Mr. Quiring joined the Adviser in [Year], and serves as one of the firm’s principals. Prior to joining the Adviser, Mr. Quiring was [past 5 years of work history]. Mr. Quiring earned a [Degree] from [University].
Bruce Greig is a co-portfolio manager of the Funds. Mr. Greig joined the Adviser in [Year], and serves as its Director of Research. Prior to joining the Adviser, Mr. Greig was [past 5 years of work history]. Mr. Greig earned a [Degree] from [University].
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The SAI provides additional information about the Portfolio Managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers and their ownership of shares of the Funds.
The Administrator and Transfer Agent
Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (“Ultimus” or the “Transfer Agent”), located at 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, serves as the Funds’ administrator (the “Administrator”), transfer agent (the “Transfer Agent”) and fund accounting agent. Management and administrative services of Ultimus include (i) providing office space, equipment and officers and clerical personnel to the Funds, (ii) obtaining valuations, calculating NAVs and performing other accounting, tax and financial services, (iii) recordkeeping, (iv) regulatory reporting services, (v) processing shareholder account transactions and disbursing dividends and distributions, and (vi) administering custodial and other third party service provider contracts on behalf of the Funds.
The Distributor
Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), located at 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, is the Funds’ principal underwriter and serves as the exclusive agent for the distribution of the Funds’ shares. The Distributor may sell the Funds’ shares to or through qualified securities dealers or other approved entities.
The SAI has more detailed information about the Adviser and other service providers to the Funds.
DISTRIBUTION PLAN
Each Fund has adopted a plan of distribution for its Investor Class shares (the “12b-1 Plan”) in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The 12b-1 Plan allows the Funds to make payments to securities dealers and other financial organizations (including payments directly to the Adviser and the Distributor) for expenses related to the distribution and servicing of the Funds’ Investor Class shares. The annual fees payable under the 12b-1 Plan may not exceed an amount equal to 0.25% of the Investor Class shares’ average daily net assets. Because 12b-1 Plan fees are paid out of the Funds’ assets on an ongoing basis, over time they will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. Expenses related to the distribution and servicing of the Funds’ Investor Class shares may include, but are not limited to, payments to securities dealers and other persons who are engaged in the sale of Investor Class shares of the Funds and who may be advising shareholders regarding the sale or retention of such shares; expenses of maintaining personnel who render shareholder support services not otherwise provided by the Transfer Agent or the Funds; expenses of formulating and implementing marketing and promotional activities, including direct mail promotions and mass media advertising; expenses of preparing, printing or distributing prospectuses and statements of additional information and reports for recipients other than existing shareholders of the Funds; expenses of obtaining such information, analyses and reports with respect to marketing and promotional activities as the Fund may, from time to time, deem advisable; and any other expenses related to the distribution and servicing of the Funds’ Investor Class shares. The Adviser may make additional payments to financial organizations from its own assets. The payment by the Adviser of any such additional compensation will not affect the expense ratio of the Funds.
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ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES PLAN
The Trust has adopted an Administrative Services Plan (the “Administrative Service Plan”) for the Institutional Shares of the Fund. The Administrative Service Plan allows the Fund to use the net assets of the Institutional Shares to pay financial intermediaries that provide services relating to Institutional Shares. The Administrative Service Plan permits payments for the provision of certain administrative, recordkeeping and other non-distribution related services to Institutional Share shareholders. The Administrative Service Plan permits the Fund to make service fee payments at an annual rate of up to [0.10]% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to its Institutional Shares. Because these fees are paid out of the assets of the Institutional Shares on an ongoing basis, over time they will increase the cost of an investment in Institutional Shares.
HOW THE FUNDS VALUE THEIR SHARES
The NAV of each Fund is calculated as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) on each day that the NYSE is open for business. Currently, the NYSE is closed on weekends and in recognition of the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. To calculate NAV, each Fund’s assets are valued and totaled, liabilities are subtracted, and the balance is divided by the number of shares outstanding. Each Fund generally values its portfolio securities at their current market values determined based on available market quotations. Each Fund’s fixed-income securities are valued using price evaluations provided by independent pricing services selected by the Administrator and approved by the Board. If a security price cannot be obtained from an independent pricing service, the Administrator is authorized to use a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary identified by the Adviser that is acting as a market maker in the security. If market quotations are not available or are considered to be unreliable due to market or other events, portfolio securities will be valued at their fair values, as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE, as determined in good faith under procedures adopted by the Board. The Funds’ fixed-income securities are generally valued using prices provided by an independent pricing service approved by the Board. The independent pricing service uses information with respect to transactions in bonds, quotations from bond dealer, market transactions in comparable securities, and various relationships between securities in determining these prices. Occasionally, events affecting the value of such securities may occur between the times trading is completed and the close of the NYSE, which will not be reflected in the computation of each Fund’s NAV. If events materially affecting the value of such securities occur during such period, then these securities may be valued at their fair-value as determined in good faith under procedures approved by the Trustees. When fair value pricing is employed, the prices of securities used by each Fund to calculate its NAV are based on the consideration by each Fund of a number of subjective factors and therefore may differ from quoted or published prices for the same securities. To the extent the assets of each Fund are invested in other registered investment companies that are not listed on an exchange, each Fund’s NAV is calculated based upon the NAVs reported by such registered investment companies, and the prospectuses for these companies explain the circumstances under which they will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing. To the extent a Fund has portfolio securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other days when the Fund does not price its shares, the NAV of the Fund’s shares may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem the Fund’s shares.
Your order to purchase or redeem shares is priced at the NAV next calculated after your order is received in proper form by each Fund. An order is considered to be in “proper form” if it includes all necessary information and documentation related to the purchase or redemption request, and, if applicable, payment in full of the purchase amount.
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HOW TO BUY SHARES
Shares are available for purchase from each Fund every day the NYSE is open for business, at the NAV next calculated after receipt of a purchase order in proper form. Each Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase request and/or suspend its offering of shares at any time. Investors who purchase shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary may be charged a fee by such broker-dealer or intermediary. The Funds mail you confirmations of all purchases or redemptions of Fund shares if shares are purchased through the Funds. Certificates representing shares are not issued.
Minimum Initial Investment
The minimum initial investment amounts for each Fund are as follows:
Investor Class: | No Minimum | |
Institutional Class: | $500,000 |
These amounts may be waived or reduced at the Adviser’s discretion.
Opening an Account
An account may be opened by mail or bank wire if it is submitted in proper form, as follows:
By Mail. To open a new account by mail:
• | Complete and sign the account application. |
• | Enclose a check payable to the applicable Fund. |
• | Mail the application and the check to the Transfer Agent at the following address: |
(Insert name of Fund in which you are investing)
c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
P.O. Box 46707
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707
Shares will be issued at the NAV next computed after receipt of your application, in proper form, and check. All purchases must be made in U.S. dollars and checks must be drawn on U.S. financial institutions. The Funds do not accept cash, drafts, “starter” checks, travelers checks, credit card checks, post-dated checks, non-U.S. financial institution checks, cashier’s checks under $10,000, or money orders. In addition, the Funds do not accept checks made payable to third parties. When shares are purchased by check, the proceeds from the redemption of those shares will not be paid until the purchase check has been converted to federal funds, which could take up to 15 calendar days from the date of purchase. If an order to purchase shares is canceled because your check does not clear, you will be responsible for any resulting losses or other fees incurred by each Fund or the Transfer Agent in the transaction.
By sending your check to the Transfer Agent, please be aware that you are authorizing the Transfer Agent to make a one-time electronic debit from your account at the financial institution indicated on your check. Your bank account will be debited as early as the same day the Transfer Agent receives your payment in the amount of your check; no additional amount will be added to the total. The transaction will appear on your bank statement. Your original check will be destroyed once processed, and you will not receive your canceled check back. If the Transfer Agent cannot post the transaction electronically, you authorize the Transfer Agent to present an image copy of your check for payment.
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By Wire. To open a new account by wire of federal funds, call the Transfer Agent at 1-855-784-2399 to obtain the necessary information to instruct your financial institution to wire your investment. A representative will assist you in obtaining an account application, which must be completed, signed and faxed (or mailed) to the Transfer Agent before payment by wire will be accepted.
The Funds require advance notification of all wire purchases in order to ensure that the wire is received in proper form and that your account is subsequently credited in a timely fashion. Failure to notify the Transfer Agent prior to the transmittal of the bank wire may result in a delay in purchasing shares of the Fund. An order, following proper advance notification to the Transfer Agent, is considered received when U.S. Bank, N.A., the Fund’s custodian, receives payment by wire. If your account application was faxed to the Transfer Agent, you must also mail the completed account application to the Transfer Agent on the same day the wire payment is made. See “Opening an Account – By Mail” above. Your financial institution may charge a fee for wiring funds. Shares will be issued at the NAV next computed after receipt of your wire in proper form.
Through Your Broker or Financial Institution. Shares of each Fund may be purchased through certain brokerage firms and financial institutions that are authorized to accept orders on behalf of the Funds at the NAV next determined after your order is received by such organization in proper form. These organizations are authorized to designate other intermediaries to receive purchase orders on the applicable Fund’s behalf. The Funds will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when an authorized broker or, if applicable, a broker’s authorized designee, receives the order in proper form. Certain financial intermediaries may charge fees for purchase and/or redemption transactions by customers, depending upon the nature and terms of the financial intermediaries’ particular platform. These organizations may charge you transaction fees or require payment of a commission to a broker on purchases of Fund shares and may impose other charges or restrictions or account options that differ from those applicable to shareholders who purchase shares directly through a Fund. These organizations may be the shareholders of record of your shares. The Funds are not responsible for ensuring that these organizations carry out their obligations to their customers. Shareholders investing in this manner should look to the organization through which they invest for specific instructions on how to purchase and redeem shares.
Subsequent Investments
Once an account is open, additional purchases of Fund shares may be made in any amount. Additional purchases must be submitted in proper form as described below. Additional purchases may be made:
• | By sending a check, made payable to the Fund in which you are investing, c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, P.O. Box 46707, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707. Be sure to note your account number on the memo line of your check. The shareholder will be responsible for any fees incurred or losses suffered by the Fund as a result of any check returned for insufficient funds. |
• | By wire to the account of the Fund in which you are investing as described under “Opening an Account – By Wire.” Shareholders should call the Transfer Agent at 1-855-784-2399 before wiring funds. |
• | Through your brokerage firm or other financial institution. |
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Purchases in Kind
Each Fund may accept securities in lieu of cash in payment for the purchase of shares of the Fund. The acceptance of such securities is at the sole discretion of the Adviser based upon the suitability of the securities as an investment for each Fund, the marketability of such securities, and other factors which the Funds may deem appropriate. If accepted, the securities will be valued using the same criteria and methods utilized for valuing securities to compute the Fund’s NAV.
Customer Identification and Verification
To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each person that opens a new account, and to determine whether such person’s name appears on government lists of known or suspected terrorists and terrorist organizations. As a result, the Fund must obtain the following information for each person that opens a new account:
• | Name; |
• | Date of birth (for individuals); |
• | Residential or business street address (although post office boxes are still permitted for mailing); and |
• | Social security number, taxpayer identification number, or other identifying number. |
You may also be asked for a copy of your driver’s license, passport, or other identifying document in order to verify your identity. In addition, it may be necessary to verify your identity by cross-referencing your identification information with a consumer report or other electronic database. Additional information may be required to open accounts for corporations and other entities. Federal law prohibits the Funds and other financial institutions from opening a new account unless they receive the minimum identifying information listed above.
After an account is opened, a Fund may restrict your ability to purchase additional shares until your identity is verified. A Fund also may close your account or take other appropriate action if they are unable to verify your identity within a reasonable time. If your account is closed for this reason, your shares will be redeemed at the NAV next calculated after the account is closed. In that case, your redemption proceeds may be worth more or less than your original investment. The Fund will not be responsible for any loss incurred due to the Fund’s inability to verify your identity.
Frequent Trading Policies
Frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares by a shareholder may harm other Fund shareholders by interfering with the efficient management of a Fund’s portfolio, increasing brokerage and administrative costs, and potentially diluting the value of the Fund’s shares. The Funds do not accommodate frequent purchases or redemptions of Fund shares that result in disruptive trading.
The Board has adopted policies and procedures in an effort to detect and prevent disruptive trading, including market timing in a Fund. Each Fund, through its service providers, monitors shareholder trading activity to ensure it complies with the Fund’s policies. Each Fund prepares reports illustrating purchase and redemption activity to detect disruptive trading activity. When monitoring shareholder purchases and redemptions, the Funds do not apply a quantitative definition to frequent trading. Instead each Fund uses a subjective approach that permits it to reject any purchase orders that it believes may be indicative of market timing or disruptive trading. The right to reject a purchase order applies to any purchase order, including a purchase order placed by financial intermediaries. Each Fund may also modify any terms or conditions of purchase of Fund shares or withdraw all or any part of the offering made by this Prospectus. Each Fund’s policies and procedures to prevent disruptive trading activity are applied uniformly to all shareholders. These actions, in the Board’s opinion, should help reduce the risk of abusive trading in each Fund.
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When financial intermediaries establish omnibus accounts in a Fund for their clients, the Fund reviews trading activity at the omnibus account level and looks for activity that may indicate potential frequent trading or disruptive trading. If a Fund detects potentially disruptive trading activity, the Fund will seek the assistance of the intermediary to investigate that trading activity and take appropriate action, including prohibiting additional purchases of Fund shares by the intermediary and/or its client. Each intermediary that offers the Fund’s shares through an omnibus account has entered into an information sharing agreement with the Fund designed to assist the Fund in stopping future disruptive trading. Intermediaries may apply frequent trading policies that differ from those described in this Prospectus. If you invest in a Fund through an intermediary, please read that firm’s program materials carefully to learn of any rules or fees that may apply.
Although each Fund has taken steps to discourage frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares, it cannot guarantee that such trading will not occur.
HOW TO EXCHANGE SHARES
Shares of a Fund may be exchanged at NAV for shares of the other Fund in this Prospectus. You must meet the minimum investment requirements for the Fund into which you are exchanging. The exchange of shares of one Fund for shares of the other Fund is treated, for federal income tax purposes, as a sale on which you may realize a taxable gain or loss.
Shares of the Fund acquired by means of an exchange will be purchased at the NAV next determined after acceptance of the exchange request by the Fund. Exchanges may be made by sending a written request to the Transfer Agent, or by calling 1-855-784-2399. Please provide the following information:
• | Your name and telephone number; |
• | The exact name of your account and your account number; |
• | Taxpayer identification number (usually your Social Security number); |
• | Dollar value or number of shares to be exchanged; |
• | The name of the Fund from which the exchange is to be made; and |
• | The name of the Fund into which the exchange is being made. |
The registration and taxpayer identification numbers of the two accounts involved in the exchange must be identical. To prevent the abuse of the exchange privilege to the disadvantage of other shareholders, the Funds reserve the right to terminate or modify the exchange privilege upon 60 days’ notice to shareholders.
The Transfer Agent requires personal identification before accepting any exchange request by telephone, and telephone exchange instructions may be recorded. If reasonable procedures are followed by the Transfer Agent, neither the Transfer Agent nor the Funds will be liable for losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions. “Reasonable procedures” include the Transfer Agent confirming that the account is eligible for telephone transactions, requesting some form of personal identification (e.g., social security number, date of birth, etc.) from you prior to acting on telephonic instructions, and getting a verbal confirmation from you on a recorded line at the time of the trade. In the event of drastic economic or market changes, a shareholder may experience difficulty in exchanging shares by telephone. If such a case should occur, sending exchange instructions by mail should be considered.
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HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
Shares of each Fund may be redeemed on any day on which the Fund computes its NAV. Shares are redeemed at the NAV next determined after the Transfer Agent receives your redemption request in proper form as described below. Redemption requests may be made by mail or by telephone.
By Mail
You may redeem shares by mailing a written request to (Insert name of the Fund in which you are seeking a redemption), c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, P.O. Box 46707, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707. Written requests must state the shareholder’s name, the account number and the shares or dollar amount to be redeemed and be signed exactly as the shares are registered with the Funds.
Signature Guarantees
If the shares to be redeemed have a value of greater than $50,000, or if the payment of the proceeds of a redemption of any amount is to be sent to a person other than the shareholder of record or to an address other than that on record with the Funds, you must have all signatures on written redemption requests guaranteed. If the name(s) or the address on your account has changed within the previous 15 days of your redemption request, the request must be made in writing with your signature guaranteed, regardless of the value of the shares being redeemed. The Transfer Agent will accept signatures guaranteed by a domestic bank or trust company, broker, dealer, clearing agency, savings association or other financial institution which participates in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (“STAMP”) sponsored by the Securities Transfer Association. Signature guarantees from financial institutions which do not participate in STAMP will not be accepted. A notary public cannot provide a signature guarantee. The Transfer Agent has adopted standards for accepting signature guarantees from the above institutions. Each Fund and the Transfer Agent reserve the right to amend these standards at any time without notice.
Redemption requests by corporate and fiduciary shareholders must be accompanied by appropriate documentation establishing the authority of the person seeking to act on behalf of the account. Forms of resolutions and other documentation to assist in compliance with the Transfer Agent’s procedures may be obtained by calling the Transfer Agent.
By Telephone
Unless you specifically decline the telephone redemption privilege on your account application, you may also redeem shares having a value of $50,000 or less by telephone by calling the Transfer Agent at 1-855-784-2399.
Telephone redemptions may be requested only if the proceeds are to be sent to the shareholder of record and mailed to the address on record with the Funds. Account designations may be changed by sending the Transfer Agent a written request with all signatures guaranteed as described above. Upon request, redemption proceeds of $100 or more may be transferred electronically from an account you maintain with a financial institution by an Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) transaction, and proceeds of $1,000 or more may be transferred by wire, in either case to the account stated on the account application. Shareholders may be charged a fee of $15 by a Fund’s custodian for outgoing wires.
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The Transfer Agent requires personal identification before accepting any redemption request by telephone, and telephone redemption instructions may be recorded. If reasonable procedures are followed by the Transfer Agent, neither the Transfer Agent nor the Funds will be liable for losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions. In the event of drastic economic or market changes, a shareholder may experience difficulty in redeeming shares by telephone. If such a case should occur, redemption by mail should be considered.
Through Your Broker or Financial Institution
You may also redeem your shares through a brokerage firm or financial institution that has been authorized to accept orders on behalf of the Fund at the NAV next determined after your order is received by such organization in proper form. These organizations are authorized to designate other intermediaries to receive redemption orders on each Funds’ behalf. The Funds calculate their NAV as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time). Your brokerage firm or financial institution may require a redemption request to be received at an earlier time during the day in order for your redemption to be effective as of the day the order is received in proper form. Such an organization may charge you transaction fees on redemptions of Fund shares and may impose other charges or restrictions or account options that differ from those applicable to shareholders who redeem shares directly through the Transfer Agent.
Receiving Payment
The length of time each Fund typically expects to pay redemption proceeds is the same regardless of whether the payment is made by check, wire or ACH. Each Fund typically expects to pay redemption proceeds for shares redeemed within the following days after receipt by the Transfer Agent of a redemption request in proper form:
• | For payment by check, the Fund typically expects to mail the check within one (1) to three (3) business days; and |
• | For payment by wire or ACH, the Fund typically expects to process the payment within one (1) to three (3) business days. |
Payment of redemption proceeds may take longer than the time the Fund typically expects and may take up to 7 days as permitted under the 1940 Act. Under unusual circumstances as permitted by the SEC, the Fund may suspend the right of redemption or delay payment of redemption proceeds for more than 7 days. When shares are purchased by check or through ACH, the proceeds from the redemption of those shares will not be paid until the purchase check or ACH transfer has been converted to federal funds, which could take up to 15 calendar days.
Minimum Account Balance
Due to the high cost of maintaining shareholder accounts, the Funds may involuntarily redeem shares in an account, and pay the proceeds to the shareholder, if the shareholder’s activity causes the account balance to fall below the investment minimum. Such automatic redemptions may cause a taxable event for the shareholder. An automatic redemption does not apply, however, if the balance falls below the Fund’s initial minimum initial investment amount solely because of a decline in a Fund’s NAV. Before shares are redeemed to close an account, the shareholder is notified in writing and allowed 30 days to purchase additional shares to meet the minimum account balance requirement.
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Automatic Withdrawal Plan
If the shares of a Fund in your account have a value of at least $5,000, you (or another person you have designated) may receive monthly or quarterly payments in a specified amount of not less than $100 each. There is currently no charge for this service, but the Transfer Agent reserves the right, upon 30 days written notice, to make reasonable charges. Call the Transfer Agent toll-free at 1-855-784-2399 for additional information.
Other Redemption Information
Generally, all redemptions will be paid in cash. Each Fund typically expects to satisfy redemption requests by using holdings of cash or cash equivalents or selling portfolio assets. On a less regular basis and if the Adviser believes it is in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders not to sell portfolio assets, the Fund may satisfy redemption requests by using short-term borrowing from the Fund’s custodian. These methods normally will be used during both regular and stressed market conditions. In addition to paying redemption proceeds in cash, each Fund reserves the right to make payment for a redemption in securities rather than cash, which is known as a “redemption in kind.” Redemptions in kind will be made only under extraordinary circumstances and if the Fund deems it advisable for the benefit of all shareholders, such as a very large redemption that could affect Fund operations (for example, more than 1% of the Fund’s net assets). A redemption in kind will consist of securities equal in market value to the Fund shares being redeemed, using the same valuation procedures that the Fund uses to compute its NAV. Redemption in kind proceeds will typically be made by delivering a pro-rata amount of the Fund’s holdings to the redeeming shareholder within 7 days after the Fund’s receipt of the redemption order in proper form. If the Fund redeems your shares in kind, you will bear the market risks associated with maintaining or selling the securities that are transferred as redemption proceeds. In addition, when you sell these securities, you will pay taxes and brokerage charges associated with selling the securities.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Each Fund intends to declare and distribute income dividends quarterly, but not less than annually. In addition, each Fund distributes net capital gain distributions, if any, that it earns from the sale of portfolio securities annually in December. Your distributions of dividends and capital gains will be automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Funds unless you elect to receive them in cash. Each Fund’s distributions of income and capital gains, whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares, will be subject to federal income tax.
Each Fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes, and as such, will not be subject to federal income tax on its taxable income and gains that it distributes to its shareholders. Each Fund intends to distribute its income and gains in such a way that it will not be subject to a federal excise tax on certain undistributed amounts.
Distributions attributable to ordinary income and short-term capital gains are generally taxed as ordinary income, although certain income dividends may be taxed to non-corporate shareholders at long-term capital gains rates. In the case of corporations that hold shares of one of the Funds, certain income from the Fund may qualify for a 50% dividends-received deduction. Distributions of long-term capital gains are generally taxed as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long you have held your Fund shares.
When you redeem Fund shares, you will generally realize a capital gain or loss if you hold the shares as capital assets. Except for investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or IRAs, and tax-exempt investors that do not borrow to purchase Fund shares, any gain realized on a redemption of Fund shares will be subject to federal income tax.
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You will be notified by February 15th of each year about the federal tax status of distributions made by the Funds during the prior year. Depending on your residence for tax purposes, distributions also may be subject to state and local taxes.
Federal law requires the Funds to withhold taxes on distributions paid to shareholders who fail to provide a social security number or taxpayer identification number or fail to certify that such number is correct. Foreign shareholders may be subject to special withholding requirements.
Because everyone’s tax situation is not the same, you should consult your tax professional about federal, state and local tax consequences of an investment in the Funds.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Because the Funds are new, there is no financial or performance information included in this Prospectus for the Funds. The fiscal year end of the Funds is November 30th each year. Once the information becomes available, you may request a copy of this information by calling the Funds at 1-855-784-2399.
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CUSTOMER PRIVACY NOTICE
FACTS | WHAT DO THE Q3 ALL-WEATHER SECTOR ROTATION FUND AND THE Q3 ALL-WEATHER TACTICAL FUND (the “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 ▪ Assets ▪ Retirement Assets ▪ Transaction History ▪ Checking Account Information ▪ Purchase History ▪ Account Balances ▪ Account Transactions ▪ Wire Transfer Instructions 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 your 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 Funds choose to share; and whether you can limit this sharing. | ||
Reasons we can share your personal information | Does the 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 |
No | We don’t share | |
For joint marketing with other financial companies | No | We don’t share | |
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes –
information about your transactions and experiences |
No | We don’t share | |
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness | No | We don’t share | |
For nonaffiliates to market to you | No | We don’t share | |
Questions? | Call 1-855-784-2399 |
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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information about the Funds is included in the SAI, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Additional information about each Funds’ investments will be available in each Fund’s Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to shareholders. In the Funds’ Annual Report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and strategies that significantly affected each Funds’ performance during its last fiscal year.
To obtain a free copy of the SAI, the Annual and Semi-Annual Reports or other information about the Funds, or to make inquiries about the Funds, please call Toll-Free:
1-855-784-2399
This Prospectus, the SAI and the most recent shareholder reports are also available without charge on the Adviser’s website at www.Q3AllWeatherFunds.com or upon written request to:
(Insert name of Fund you are inquiring about)
c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
P.O. Box 46707
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707
Only one copy of a Prospectus or an Annual or Semi-Annual Report will be sent to each household address. This process, known as “Householding,” is used for most required shareholder mailings. (It does not apply to confirmations of transactions and account statements, however). You may request an additional copy of a Prospectus or an Annual or Semi-Annual Report at any time by calling or writing the Funds or by downloading free of charge at www.Q3AllWeatherFunds.com. You may also request that Householding be eliminated from all your required mailings.
Reports and other information about the Funds are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of information on the SEC’s Internet site may be obtained, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.
Investment Company Act File No. 811-22680
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Statement of Additional Information
December 30, 2019
Q3 All-Weather Sector Rotation Fund
Investor Class: (QAWSX)
Institutional Class: (QAISX)
Q3 All-Weather Tactical Fund
Investor Class: (QAWTX)
Institutional Class: (QAITX)
Series of
ULTIMUS MANAGERS TRUST
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246
This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus for the Q3 All-Weather Sector Rotation Fund and the Q3 All-Weather Tactical Fund (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) dated December 30, 2019, which may be supplemented from time to time (the “Prospectus”). This SAI is incorporated by reference in its entirety into the Prospectus. Because this SAI is not itself a prospectus, no investment in shares of the Funds should be made solely upon the information contained herein. Copies of the Prospectus may be obtained without charge, upon request, by writing each Fund at 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, or by calling toll-free 1-855-784-2399 or by visiting the Funds’ website at www.Q3AllWeatherFunds.com.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON INVESTMENTS, STRATEGIES AND RISKS | 1 |
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS | 22 |
CALCULATION OF SHARE PRICE | 23 |
ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION | 24 |
SPECIAL SHAREHOLDER SERVICES | 25 |
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST | 25 |
INVESTMENT ADVISER | 30 |
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS | 34 |
THE DISTRIBUTOR | 35 |
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS | 35 |
DISTRIBUTION PLAN | 37 |
GENERAL INFORMATION | 37 |
ADDITIONAL TAX INFORMATION | 42 |
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 45 |
APPENDIX A | 46 |
APPENDIX B | 49 |
APPENDIX C | 51 |
APPENDIX D | 52 |
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Q3 All-Weather Sector Rotation Fund (the “Sector Rotation Fund”) and the Q3 All-Weather Tactical Fund (the “Tactical Fund”) (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) are each a [diversified] series of Ultimus Managers Trust (the “Trust”), an open-end management investment company. The Trust is an unincorporated business trust that was organized under Ohio law on February 28, 2012. The Funds’ investments are managed by Q3 Asset Management Corporation (the “Adviser”). For further information on the Funds, please call 1-855-784-2399.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON INVESTMENTS, STRATEGIES AND RISKS
Information contained in this SAI expands upon information contained in the Prospectus. All investments in securities and other financial instruments involve a risk of financial loss. No assurance can be given that the Funds’ investment programs will be successful. Investors should carefully review the descriptions of the Funds’ investments and associated risks described in the Prospectus and this SAI. No investment in shares of the Funds should be made without first reading the Prospectus. Unless otherwise indicated, percentage limitations apply at the time of purchase of the applicable securities.
General Investment Risks. Prices of securities in which the Funds invest may fluctuate in response to many factors, including, but not limited to, the activities of the individual companies whose securities the Funds own, general market and economic conditions, interest rates, and specific industry changes. Such price fluctuations subject the Funds to potential losses. In addition, regardless of any one company’s particular prospects, a declining bond market may produce a decline in prices for all debt securities, which could also result in losses for the Funds. Market declines may continue for an indefinite period of time, and investors should understand that during temporary or extended bear bond markets, the value of debt securities, including securities held by the Funds, can decline.
U.S. Government Securities. The Funds may invest in United States (“U.S.”) Government securities. U.S. Government securities include U.S. Government obligations such as U.S. Treasury notes, U.S. Treasury bonds, and U.S. Treasury bills, and obligations guaranteed by the U.S. Government such as obligations of Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA” or “Ginnie Mae”) and Overseas Private Investment Corporation (“OPIC”), as well as obligations of U.S. Government authorities, agencies and instrumentalities such as Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA” or “Fannie Mae”), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC” or “Freddie Mac”), Federal Housing Administration, Federal Farm Credit Bank, Federal Home Loan Bank, Student Loan Marketing Association, Small Business Administration and Tennessee Valley Authority. U.S. Government securities may be acquired subject to repurchase agreements. While obligations of some U.S. Government sponsored entities are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government (e.g., GNMA and OPIC), others are not. No assurance can be given that the U.S. Government will provide financial support to U.S. Government agencies or instrumentalities that are not supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, since it is not obligated to do so by law. The guarantee of the U.S. Government does not extend to the yield or value of the Funds’ shares.
Corporate and Municipal Debt Securities. The Funds may invest in corporate or municipal debt securities. Corporate and municipal debt securities purchased by the Funds may be of any credit quality, maturity or yield.
Investment Grade Debt Securities. As discussed in the Prospectus, the Funds’ debt securities will principally be “investment grade” securities (those rated at least Baa3 by Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), BBB- by S&P’s Global Ratings (“S&P”) or Fitch Ratings, Inc. (“Fitch”) or, if not rated, of equivalent quality in the Adviser’s opinion). Descriptions of the quality ratings of Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch are included as Appendix D to this SAI. While the Adviser utilizes the ratings of various credit rating services as one factor in establishing creditworthiness, it relies primarily upon its own analysis of factors establishing creditworthiness.
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High-Yield Debt Securities or Junk Bonds. The Funds may invest up to 5% of their net assets in debt securities that are lower-rated debt securities or, if not rated, of equivalent quality in the Adviser’s opinion, including, without limitation, “junk” bonds whose ratings are below investment grade. Debt securities rated Baa3 by Moody’s or BBB- by S&P or Fitch may be considered speculative and are subject to risks of non-payment of interest and principal. Debt securities rated lower than Baa3 by Moody’s or lower than BBB- by S&P or Fitch are generally considered speculative and subject to significant risks of non-payment of interest and principal and greater market fluctuations than higher-rated debt securities. Lower-rated debt securities are usually issued by companies without long track records of sales and earnings, or by companies with questionable credit strength. The retail secondary market for these “junk bonds” may be less liquid than that of higher-rated debt securities, and adverse conditions could make it difficult at times to sell certain securities or could result in lower prices than those used in calculating a Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”). These risks can reduce the value of a Fund’s shares and the income it earns. Lower-rated securities carry a greater risk of default than investment grade securities.
Private Activity Bonds. The Funds may invest in private activity bonds. The two principal classifications of municipal obligations are “general obligation” and “revenue” bonds. General obligation bonds are secured by the issuer's pledge of its faith, credit, and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest. Revenue bonds are payable from the revenues derived from a particular facility or class of facilities or, in some cases, from the proceeds of a special excise or other specific revenue source, but not from the general taxing power. Private activity bonds are in most cases revenue bonds and do not generally carry the pledge of the credit of the issuing municipality. The Funds’ distributions of any interest each earns on municipal obligations will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. In addition, if the proceeds from private activity bonds are used for the construction, repair or improvement of privately operated industrial or commercial facilities, the interest paid on such bonds may be excluded from gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, although current federal tax laws place substantial limitations on the size of these issues. Sizable investments in these obligations could involve an increased risk to the Funds should any of the related facilities experience financial difficulties. The obligations of issuers may become subject to laws enacted in the future by Congress, state legislatures, or local governments of referenda extending the time for payment of principal or interest, or imposing other constraints upon enforcement of such obligations or upon the ability of municipalities to levy taxes. Furthermore, as a result of legislation or other conditions, the power or ability of any issuer to pay, when due, the principal of and interest on its municipal obligations may be materially affected.
Mortgage-Backed Securities. The Funds may invest in mortgage-backed securities, which may or may not be issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. Mortgage-backed securities are interests in pools of residential or commercial mortgage loans, including mortgage loans made by savings and loan institutions, mortgage bankers, commercial banks and others. Pools of mortgage loans are assembled as securities for sale to investors by private entities or various governmental and government-related entities. The value of some mortgage-backed securities in which the Funds may invest may be particularly sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates, and, like other debt securities investments, the ability of the Funds to successfully utilize these instruments may depend in part upon the ability of the Adviser to forecast interest rates and other economic factors correctly. Prepayment risk is a major risk of mortgage-backed securities.
Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates. The Funds may invest in obligations of GNMA, FNMA, and FHLMC which include direct pass through certificates representing undivided ownership interests in pools of mortgages. The Funds may invest in such certificates, which are guaranteed as to payment of principal and interest (but not as to price and yield) by the issuer. For securities issued by GNMA, the payment of principal and interest is backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. Mortgage pass-through certificates issued by FNMA or FHLMC are guaranteed as to payment of principal and interest by the credit of the issuing U.S. Government agency. Securities issued by other non-governmental entities (such as commercial banks or mortgage bankers) may offer credit enhancement such as guarantees, insurance, or letters of credit. Mortgage pass-through certificates are subject to more rapid prepayment than their stated maturity date would indicate; their rate of prepayment tends to accelerate during periods of declining interest rates or increased property transfers and, as a result, the proceeds from such prepayments may be reinvested in instruments which have lower yields. The impact of prepayments on the price of a security may be difficult to predict and may increase the volatility of the price.
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Collateralized Mortgage Obligations. The Funds may invest in Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (“CMOs”). CMOs are generally backed by mortgage pass-through securities or whole mortgage loans. CMOs are usually structured into classes of varying maturities and principal payment priorities. The prepayment sensitivity of each class may or may not resemble that of the CMO’s collateral depending on the maturity and structure of that class. CMOs pay interest and principal (including prepayments) monthly, quarterly, or semi-annually. The prices and yields of CMOs are determined, in part, by assumptions about cash flows from the rate of payments of the underlying mortgage. Changes in interest rates may cause the rate of expected prepayments of those mortgages to change. These prepayment risks can make the prices of CMOs very volatile when interest rates change. That volatility will affect the Funds’ share price. Most CMOs are AAA rated, reflecting the credit quality of the underlying collateral; however, some classes carry greater price risk than that of their underlying collateral. The Adviser will invest in classes of CMOs only if their characteristics and interest rate sensitivity fit the investment objective and policies of the Funds.
Other Mortgage Related Securities. In addition to the mortgage pass-through securities and the CMOs mentioned above, the Funds may also invest in other mortgage derivative products. In addition to the prepayment risks described above, rapidly rising interest rates could cause prepayments of mortgages to occur at a slower rate than expected, and the expected maturity of short or medium term mortgage-related securities could lengthen as a result. That could cause their values to fluctuate more, and the share price of the Funds to fluctuate more and to fall. Governmental, government-related, and private entities may create other mortgage-related securities offering mortgage pass through and mortgage collateralized instruments in addition to those described herein. As new types of mortgage-related securities are developed and offered to the investment community, the Funds may consider making investments in such new types of mortgage-related securities.
Asset-Backed Securities. In addition to CMOs, the Funds may invest in other asset-backed securities backed by loans such as automobile loans, credit card receivables, marine loans, recreational vehicle loans and manufactured housing loans. Typically asset-backed securities represent undivided fractional interests in a trust whose assets consist of a pool of loans and security interests in the collateral securing the loans. Payments of principal and interest on asset-backed securities are passed through monthly to certificate holders and are usually guaranteed up to a certain amount and time period by a letter of credit issued by a financial institution. In some cases asset-backed securities are divided into senior and subordinated classes so as to enhance the quality of the senior class. Underlying loans are subject to risks of prepayment, which may reduce the overall return to certificate holders. If the letter of credit is exhausted and the full amounts due on underlying loans are not received because of unanticipated costs, depreciation, damage or loss of the collateral securing the contracts, or other factors, certificate holders may experience delays in payment or losses on asset backed securities. The Funds may invest in other asset backed securities (e.g., equipment trust certificates), including those that may be developed in the future.
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Equipment Trust Certificates. The Funds may invest in equipment trust certificates which are a type of asset-backed security that represents undivided fractional interests in a trust whose assets consist of a pool of equipment retail installment contracts or leased equipment. The debt issue is secured by the equipment or physical assets, as the title for the equipment is held in trust for the holders of the issue. Equipment trust certificates are subject to the risk that the lessee or payee defaults on its payments, and risks related to potential declines in the value of the equipment that serves as collateral for the issue.
Variable and Floating Rate Securities. The Funds may invest in variable or floating rate securities that adjust the interest rate paid at periodic intervals based on an interest rate index. Typically, floating rate securities use as their benchmark an index such as the 1-, 3-, or 6-month LIBOR, 3-, 6-, or 12-month Treasury bills, or the Federal Funds rate. Resets of the rates can occur at predetermined intervals or whenever changes in the benchmark index occur. Changes in the benchmark index and the interest rate may be difficult to predict and may increase the volatility of the price, and have adverse effects on the value of the floating rate securities.
Derivatives. The Funds may invest in, or enter into, derivatives for a variety of reasons, including to hedge certain market or interest rate risks, or to provide a substitute for purchasing or selling particular securities or for speculative purposes to increase potential returns. Generally, derivatives are financial contracts whose value depends upon, or is derived from, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate or index, and may relate to stocks, bonds, interest rates, currencies or currency exchange rates, and related indexes. Examples of derivative instruments the Funds may use, to the extent described in the Prospectus and this SAI, include options contracts, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, forward currency contracts, structured notes, swap agreements and credit derivatives, which are described below. Derivatives may provide a cheaper, quicker or more specifically focused way for a Fund to invest than “traditional” securities would. The Adviser, however, may decide not to employ some or all of these strategies and there is no assurance that any derivatives strategy used by a Fund will succeed.
Derivatives can be volatile and involve various types and degrees of risk, depending upon the characteristics of the particular derivative and the portfolio as a whole. Derivatives permit a Fund 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 Fund can increase or decrease the level of risk, or change the character of the risk, of its portfolio by making investments in specific securities. However, derivatives may entail investment exposures that are greater than their cost would suggest, meaning that a small investment in derivatives could have a disproportionately large potential impact on a Fund’s performance.
If a Fund invests in derivatives at inopportune times or judges market conditions incorrectly, such investments may lower the Fund’s return or result in a loss. A Fund also could experience losses if its derivatives were poorly correlated with its other investments, or if the Fund was unable to liquidate its positions because of an illiquid secondary market. The market for many derivatives is, or suddenly can become, illiquid. Changes in liquidity may result in significant, rapid and unpredictable changes in the prices for derivatives.
Derivatives may be purchased on established exchanges or through privately negotiated transactions referred to as over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives. 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 variation margin system operated by the clearing agency in order to reduce overall credit risk. As a result, unless the clearing agency defaults, there is relatively little counterparty credit risk associated with derivatives purchased on an exchange. In 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 a Fund. 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.
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The Funds will be required to “set aside” (often referred to as “asset segregation”) liquid assets, or engage in other U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or staff-approved measures, to “cover” open positions with respect to certain kinds of derivatives. In the case of futures contracts and forward contracts that are not contractually required to cash settle, for example, a Fund must set aside liquid assets equal to such contracts’ full notional value while the positions are open. With respect to futures contracts and forward contracts that are contractually required to cash settle, however, a Fund is permitted to set aside liquid assets in an amount equal to the Fund’s daily marked-to-market net obligations (i.e., the Fund’s daily net liability) under the contracts, if any, rather than such contracts’ full notional value. By setting aside assets equal to only its net obligations under cash-settled futures contracts, a Fund may employ leverage to a greater extent than if the Fund was required to segregate assets equal to the full notional value of such contracts. The Funds reserve the right to modify their asset segregation policies in the future to comply with any changes in the positions from time to time articulated by the SEC or its staff regarding asset segregation.
Swap Agreements. Generally, swap agreements are contracts between a Fund and, typically, a brokerage firm, bank or other institutional buyer (the swap counterparty) for periods ranging from a few days to multiple years. In a basic swap transaction, a Fund would agree with the swap counterparty to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on a particular “notional amount” or value of predetermined underlying reference instruments. The notional amount is the set dollar or other value selected by the parties to use as the basis on which to calculate the obligations that the parties to a swap agreement have agreed to exchange. The parties typically do not actually exchange the notional amount. Instead they agree to exchange the returns that would be earned or realized if the notional amount were invested in given investments or at given interest rates. Examples of returns that may be exchanged in a swap agreement are those of a particular security, a particular fixed or variable interest rate, a particular non-U.S. currency, or a “basket” of securities representing a particular index. A Fund customarily enters into swap agreements that are based on the standard terms and conditions of an International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) Master Agreement. ISDA is a voluntary industry association of participants in the OTC derivatives markets that has developed standardized contracts used by such participants that have agreed to be bound by such standardized contracts.
The Funds will generally enter into swap agreements on a net basis, which means that the two payment streams that are to be made by a Fund and its counterparty are netted out, with a Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net difference in the two payments. A Fund’s obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement that is entered into on a net basis will generally be the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the obligations of each party upon termination of the agreement or at set valuation dates. A Fund will accrue its obligations under a swap agreement daily (offset by any amounts the counterparty owes the Fund). If the swap agreement does not provide for that type of netting, the full amount of a Fund’s obligations will be accrued on a daily basis. During the term of a swap agreement, a Fund is usually required to pledge to the swap counterparty, from time to time, an amount of cash and/or other assets equal to the total net amount (if any) that would be payable by a Fund to the counterparty if the swap were terminated on the date in question, including any early termination payments. Periodically, changes in the amount pledged are made to recognize changes in value of the contract resulting from, among other things, interest on the notional value of the contract, market value changes in the underlying investment, and/or dividends paid by the issuer of the underlying instrument. Likewise, the counterparty may be required to pledge cash or other assets to cover its obligations to a Fund. However, the amount pledged may not always be equal to or more than the amount due to the other party. Therefore, if a counterparty defaults in its obligations to a Fund, the amount pledged by the counterparty and available to the Fund may not be sufficient to cover all the amounts due to the Fund and the Fund may sustain a loss.
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Credit Default Swaps. The “buyer” of protection in a credit default swap agreement is obligated to pay the “seller” a periodic stream of payments over the term of the agreement in return for a payment by the “seller” that is contingent upon the occurrence of a credit event with respect to a specific underlying reference debt obligation (whether as a single debt instrument or as part of an index of debt instruments). The contingent payment by the seller generally is the face amount of the debt obligation, in return for the buyer’s obligation to make periodic cash payments and deliver in physical form the reference debt obligation or a cash payment equal to the then-current market value of that debt obligation at the time of the credit event. If no credit event occurs, the seller would receive a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the contract, while the buyer would lose the amount of its payments and recover nothing. The buyer is also subject to the risk that the seller will not satisfy its contingent payment obligation, if and when due. Purchasing protection through a credit default swap may be used to attempt to hedge against a decline in the value of debt security or securities due to a credit event. The seller of protection under a credit default swap, receives periodic payments from the buyer but is exposed to the risk that the value of the reference debt obligation declines due to a credit event and that it will have to pay the face amount of the reference obligation to the buyer. Selling protection under a credit default swap may also permit the seller to gain exposure that is similar to owning the reference debt obligation directly. As the seller of protection, a Fund would effectively add leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to its total assets, the Fund would be subject to the risk that there would be a credit event and the Fund would have to make a substantial payment in the future.
Generally, a credit event means bankruptcy, failure to timely pay interest or principal, obligation acceleration, or modified restructuring of the reference debt obligation. There may be disputes between the buyer or seller of a credit default swap agreement or within the swaps market as a whole as to whether or not a credit event has occurred or what the payout should be which could result in litigation. In some instances where there is a dispute in the credit default swap market, a regional Determinations Committee set up by ISDA may make an official, binding determination regarding the existence of credit events under the terms of the ISDA Master Agreement. ISDA’s Determination Committees are comprised principally of dealers in the OTC derivatives markets which may have a conflicting interest in the determination regarding the existence of a particular credit event.
The buyer of protection in a credit default swap agreement is subject to the risk that certain occurrences, such as particular restructuring events affecting the value of the underlying reference debt obligation, may not be deemed credit events under the credit default swap agreement. The seller of protection in a credit default swap agreement is subject to the risk that certain occurrences may be deemed to be credit events under the credit default swap agreement that under the circumstances do not adversely impact the value or credit-worthiness of the underlying reference debt obligation.
Risks of Swaps. The use of swap transactions is a highly specialized activity, which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. Whether the Funds will be successful in using swap agreements to achieve their investment goals depends on the ability of the Adviser to predict correctly which types of investments are likely to produce greater returns. If the Adviser, in using swap agreements, is incorrect in its forecasts of market values, interest rates, currency exchange rates or other applicable factors, the investment performance of the Funds will be less than their performance would have been if they had not used the swap agreements.
The risk of loss to the Funds for swap transactions that are entered into on a net basis depends on which party is obligated to pay the net amount to the other party. If the counterparty is obligated to pay the net amount to a Fund, the risk of loss to a Fund is loss of the entire amount that a Fund is entitled to receive. If a Fund is obligated to pay the net amount, the Fund’s risk of loss is limited to that net amount. If the swap agreement involves the exchange of the entire principal value of a security, the entire principal value of that security is subject to the risk that the other party to the swap will default on its contractual delivery obligations.
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Because swap agreements are two-party contracts and may have terms of greater than seven days, they may be illiquid and, therefore, subject to the Funds’ limitation on investments in illiquid securities. If a swap transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is illiquid, a Fund may not be able to establish or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price, which may result in significant losses. Participants in the swap markets are not required to make continuous markets in the swap contracts they trade. Participants could refuse to quote prices for swap contracts or quote prices with an unusually wide spread between the price at which they are prepared to buy and the price at which they are prepared to sell. However, the swap markets have grown substantially in recent years, with a large number of financial institutions acting both as principals and agents, utilizing standardized swap documentation. As a result, the swap markets have become increasingly liquid. Some swap agreements entail complex terms and may require a greater degree of subjectivity in their valuation.
Swap agreements currently are not exchange-traded instruments, but are traded OTC. As a result, swap participants are not as protected as participants on organized exchanges. Performance of a swap agreement is the responsibility only of the swap counterparty and not of any exchange or clearinghouse. As a result, the Funds are subject to the risk that a counterparty will be unable or will refuse to perform under such agreement, including because of the counterparty’s bankruptcy or insolvency. No limitations on daily price movements or speculative position limits apply to swap transactions. Counterparties may, however, limit the size or duration of a swap agreement with a Fund as a consequence of credit considerations. A Fund risks the loss of the accrued but unpaid amounts under a swap agreement, which could be substantial, in the event of a default, insolvency or bankruptcy by a swap counterparty. In such an event, a Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the swap agreements, but bankruptcy and insolvency laws could affect the Fund’s rights as a creditor. If the counterparty’s creditworthiness declines, the value of a swap agreement would likely decline, potentially resulting in losses. The Adviser will only approve a swap agreement counterparty for a Fund if the Adviser deems the counterparty to be creditworthy under guidelines adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”). However, in unusual or extreme market conditions, a counterparty’s creditworthiness and ability to perform may deteriorate rapidly, and the availability of suitable replacement counterparties may become limited.
As a result of the recent turmoil in the financial markets, legislation has been enacted that will likely result in numerous proposals by various entities to regulate the OTC derivatives markets, including, specifically, credit default swaps. The Funds cannot predict the outcome or final form of any of these proposals or if or when any of them would become effective. However, any additional regulation or limitation on the OTC markets for derivatives could materially and adversely impact the ability of the Funds to buy or sell OTC derivatives, including credit default swaps.
Certain Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) positions may limit the Funds’ ability to use swap agreements in a desired tax strategy. It is possible that developments in the swap markets and/or the laws relating to swap agreements, including potential government regulation, could adversely affect the Funds’ ability to benefit from using swap agreements, or could have adverse tax consequences.
Credit Derivatives. The Funds may engage in credit derivative transactions, such as those involving default price risk derivatives and market spread derivatives. Default price risk derivatives are linked to the price of reference securities or loans after a default by the issuer or borrower, respectively. Market spread derivatives are based on the risk that changes in market factors, such as credit spreads, can cause a decline in the value of a security, loan or index. There are three basic transactional forms for credit derivatives: swaps, options and structured instruments. The use of credit derivatives is a highly specialized activity which involves strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio security transactions. If the Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of default risks, market spreads or other applicable factors, the investment performance of a Fund would diminish compared with what it would have been if these techniques were not used. Moreover, even if the Adviser is correct in its forecasts, there is a risk that a credit derivative position may correlate imperfectly with the price of the asset or liability being hedged. A Fund’s risk of loss in a credit derivative transaction varies with the form of the transaction. For example, if a Fund purchases a default option on a security, and if no default occurs with respect to the security, a Fund’s loss is limited to the premium it paid for the default option. In contrast, if there is a default by the grantor of a default option, a Fund’s loss will include both the premium it paid for the option and the decline in value of the underlying security that the default option hedged.
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Foreign Securities. Foreign securities are generally securities of issuers that are tied economically to countries outside of the U.S. The Funds may invest in securities of foreign issuers that trade on U.S. and foreign stock exchanges or in the form of American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”). ADRs are receipts that evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign issuer. ADRs are generally issued by a U.S. bank or trust company to U.S. buyers as a substitute for direct ownership of a foreign security and are traded on U.S. exchanges. ADRs, in registered form, are designed for use in the U.S. securities markets. 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. A depositary may establish an unsponsored facility without participation by the issuer of the deposited security. The depositary of an unsponsored ADR is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through voting rights with respect to the deposited security. Investments in ADRs are subject to risks similar to those associated with direct investments in foreign securities.
Investing in the securities of foreign issuers involves special risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies. The performance of foreign markets does not necessarily track U.S. markets. Foreign investments may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency rates and exchange control regulations. There may be less publicly available information about a foreign company than about a U.S. company, and foreign companies may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. Foreign securities often trade with less frequency and volume than domestic securities and therefore may exhibit less liquidity and greater price volatility than securities of U.S. companies. There may be less governmental supervision of securities markets, brokers and issuers of securities than in the U.S. Changes in foreign exchange rates will affect the value of those securities, which are denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Therefore, to the extent a Fund invests in a foreign security, which are denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, there is a risk that the value of such security will decrease due to changes in the relative value of the U.S. dollar and the securities underlying foreign currency. Additional costs associated with an investment in foreign securities may include higher custodial fees than those applicable to domestic custodial arrangements, generally higher commission rates on foreign portfolio transactions, and transaction costs of foreign currency conversions. Investments in foreign securities may also be subject to other risks different from those affecting U.S. investments, including local political or economic developments, expropriation or nationalization of assets, restrictions on foreign investment and repatriation of capital, imposition of withholding taxes on dividend or interest payments, currency blockage (which would prevent cash from being brought back to the U.S.), limits on proxy voting and difficulty in enforcing legal rights outside the U.S. Currency exchange rates and regulations may cause fluctuation in the value of foreign securities. In addition, foreign securities and dividends and interest payable on those securities may be subject to foreign taxes, including taxes withheld from payments on those securities.
Foreign Fixed-Income Securities. The Funds may invest in non-U.S. based fixed-income securities. Investing in foreign fixed-income securities generally has the same risks as investing in foreign securities generally. In addition, foreign corporate bonds are subject to the risks that foreign companies may not be subject to uniform audit, financial reporting or disclosure standards, practices or requirements comparable to those found in the U.S., which may make it more difficult to evaluate the business and/or financial position of the issuer and the value of the bond. Foreign government bonds are also subject to the risks that governmental issuers of fixed-income securities may be unwilling to pay interest and repay principal when due or may require that conditions for payment be renegotiated.
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Investments in Emerging Markets. The Funds may invest in emerging market fixed-income securities. Emerging market countries may include, among others, countries in Asia, Latin, Central and South America, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa. In addition to the general risk of investing in foreign securities and foreign fixed-income securities described above, investing in emerging markets can involve greater and more unique risks than those associated with investing in more developed markets. The securities markets of emerging countries are generally small, less developed, less liquid, and more volatile than securities markets of the U.S. and other developed markets. The risks of investing in emerging markets include greater social, political and economic uncertainties. Emerging market economies are often dependent upon a few commodities or natural resources that may be significantly adversely affected by volatile price movements against those commodities or natural resources. Emerging market countries may experience high levels of inflation and currency devaluation and have fewer potential buyers for investments. The securities markets and legal systems in emerging market countries may only be in a developmental stage and may provide few, or none, of the advantages and protections of markets or legal systems in more developed countries. Some of these countries may have in the past failed to recognize private property rights and have at times nationalized or expropriated the assets of private companies. Additionally, if settlements do not keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, they may be delayed, potentially causing a Fund’s assets to be uninvested, a Fund to miss investment opportunities and potential returns, and a Fund to be unable to sell an investment. As a result of these various risks, investments in emerging markets are considered to be speculative and may be highly volatile.
Investment Companies. The Funds may, from time to time, invest in securities of other investment companies, including, without limitation, money market funds and exchange traded finds (“ETFs”). Generally, under the Investment Company Act of 1940 Act, as amended (the “1940 Act”), a fund may not acquire shares of another investment company if, immediately after such acquisition, (i) a fund would hold more than 3% of the other investment company’s total outstanding shares, (ii) a fund’s investment in securities of the other investment company would be more than 5% of the value of the total assets of the fund, or (iii) more than 10% of a fund’s total assets would be invested in investment companies. Under certain conditions, a fund may invest in registered and unregistered money market funds in excess of these limitations. The Funds expect to rely on Rule 12d1-1 under the 1940 Act when purchasing shares of a money market fund. Under Rule 12d1-1, the Funds may generally invest without limitation in money market funds as long as the Funds pay no sales charge (“sales charge”), as defined in rule 2830(b)(8) of the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), or service fee, as defined in rule 2830(b)(9) of the Conduct Rules of FINRA, charged in connection with the purchase, sale, or redemption of securities issued by the money market fund (“service fee”); or the Adviser waives its management fee in an amount necessary to offset any sales charge or service fee. The Funds generally expect to rely on Section 12(d)(1)(F) of the 1940 Act when purchasing shares of other investment companies that are not money market funds. Under Section 12(d)(1)(F), the Funds may generally acquire shares of another investment company unless, immediately after such acquisition, the Funds and their affiliated persons would exceed the 3% of the investment company’s total outstanding shares (the “3% Limitation”). To the extent the 3% Limitation applies to an investment the Funds wish to make, the Funds may be prevented from allocating its investments in the manner that the Adviser considers optimal. Also, under the 1940 Act, to the extent that a Fund relies upon Section 12(d)(1)(F) in purchasing securities issued by another investment company, the Fund must either seek instructions from its shareholders with regard to the voting of all proxies with respect to its investment in such securities and vote such proxies only in accordance with the instructions, or vote the shares held by it in the same proportion as the vote of all other holders of the securities. In the event that there is a vote of investment company shares held by the Funds in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(F), the Funds intend to vote such shares in the same proportion as the vote of all other holders of such securities Investment in other investment companies subjects the Funds to additional operating and management fees and expenses. For example, Funds’ investors will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by underlying investment companies in which the Funds invest, in addition to the Funds’ direct fees and expenses.
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ETFs. The Funds may purchase shares of ETFs and other similar instruments. An ETF is typically an investment company registered under the 1940 Act that holds a portfolio of common stocks designed to track the performance of a particular index or market sector. Alternatively, ETFs may be actively managed pursuant to a particular investment strategy, similar to other non-index based investment companies. In addition, ETFs sell and redeem their shares at NAV in large blocks (typically 50,000 of its 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 like ordinary stocks in lots of any size at any time during the trading day. ETFs are traded on a securities exchange based on their market value.
Instruments the Funds may purchase that are similar to ETFs represent beneficial ownership interests in specific “baskets” of securities of companies within a particular industry sector or group. These securities may also be listed on national securities exchanges and purchased and sold in the secondary market, but unlike ETFs, are not registered as investment companies under the 1940 Act. Such securities may also be exchange traded, but because they are not investment companies, they are not subject to the percentage investment limitations imposed by the 1940 Act.
An investment in an ETF generally presents the same primary risks as an investment in a conventional registered investment company (i.e., one that is not exchange traded), including the risk that the general level of securities prices, or that the prices of securities within a particular sector, may increase or decline, thereby affecting the value of the shares of an ETF. In addition, ETFs are subject to the following risks that do not apply to conventional registered investment companies: (1) the market price of the ETF’s shares may trade at a discount to the ETF’s NAV; (2) an active trading market for an ETF’s shares may not develop or be maintained; (3) trading of an ETF’s shares may be halted if the listing exchange deems such action appropriate; (4) ETF shares may be delisted from the exchange on which they trade; and (5) activation of “circuit breakers” (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices) may halt trading of the ETF’s shares temporarily. ETFs are also subject to the risks of the underlying securities or sectors that the ETF is designed to track.
Because ETFs and pools that issue similar instruments bear various fees and expenses, the Funds will pay a proportionate share of these expenses, as well as transaction costs, such as brokerage commissions. As with traditional investment companies, ETFs charge asset-based fees, although these fees tend to be relatively low as compared to other types of mutual funds. ETFs do not charge initial sales loads or redemption fees and investors pay only customary brokerage fees to buy and sell ETF shares.
The SEC has granted orders for exemptive relief to certain ETFs that permit investments in those ETFs by other investment companies (such as the Funds) in excess of the limits discussed under the section entitled “Investment Companies”. The Funds may invest in ETFs that have received such exemptive orders from the SEC, pursuant to the conditions specified in such orders. In accordance with Section 12(d)(1)(F)(i) of the 1940 Act, each Fund may also invest in ETFs that have not received such exemptive orders and in other investment companies in excess of the limits discussed above under the section entitled “Investment Companies”, as long as each Fund (and all of its affiliated persons, including the Adviser) does not acquire more than 3% of the total outstanding stock of such ETF or other investment company, unless otherwise permitted to do so pursuant to permission granted by the SEC. In purchasing ETFs, each Fund will be subject to the 3% Limitation unless (i) the ETF or the Fund has received a SEC order for exemptive relief from the 3% Limitation that is applicable to the Fund; and (ii) the ETF and the Fund take appropriate steps to comply with any conditions in such order. The SEC has issued such exemptive orders to numerous ETFs and their investment advisers, which permit investment companies, including the Funds, to invest in such ETFs (“Exempted ETFs”) beyond the 3% Limitation, subject to certain terms and conditions, including that such investment companies enter into an agreement with the Exempted ETF. The Funds may enter into such agreements with one or more Exempted ETFs so that the Funds will be permitted to invest in such Exempted ETFs in excess of the 3% Limitation. If a Fund seeks to redeem shares of an ETF or other investment company purchased in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(F), the investment company is not obligated to redeem an amount exceeding 1% of the investment company’s outstanding shares during a period of less than 30 days.
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While the creation and redemption of creation units helps an ETF maintain a market value close to NAV, the market value of an ETF’s shares may differ from its NAV. This difference in price may be due to the fact that the supply and demand in the market for ETF shares at any point in time is not always identical to the supply and demand in the market for the ETF’s underlying basket of securities. Accordingly, there may be times when an ETF trades at a premium (creating the risk that a Fund pays more than NAV for an ETF when making a purchase) or discount (creating the risk that a Fund receives less than NAV when selling an ETF).
Leveraged and Inverse ETF Risk. The Funds may invest in leveraged and inverse ETFs. Leveraged and inverse ETFs involve additional risks and considerations not present in traditional ETFs. Typically, shares of an index-based ETF are expected to increase in value as the value of the underlying benchmark increases. However, in the case of inverse ETFs (also called “short ETFs” or “bear ETFs”), shares are expected to increase in value as the value of the underlying benchmark decreases, similar to holding short positions in the underlying benchmark. Leveraged ETFs seek to deliver multiples (e.g., 2X or 3X) of the performance of the underlying benchmark, typically by using derivatives in an effort to amplify returns (or decline, in the case of inverse ETFs) of the underlying benchmark. While leveraged ETFs may offer the potential for greater return, the potential for loss and the speed at which losses can be realized also are greater.
Leveraged and inverse ETFs “reset” over short periods of time, meaning they are designed to deliver their stated returns only for the length of their reset periods (typically daily), and are not designed to deliver their returns intraday or over periods longer than the stated reset period. Because of the structure of these products, their rebalancing methodologies and the math of compounding, holding the ETFs beyond the reset period can lead to results very different from a simple doubling, tripling, or inverse of the benchmark’s average return over the same period of time. This difference in results can be magnified in volatile markets. Further, leveraged and inverse ETFs may have lower trading volumes or may be less tax efficient than traditional ETFs and may be subject to additional regulation. To the extent that leveraged or inverse ETFs invest in derivatives, investments in such ETFs will be subject to the risks of investments in derivatives. For these reasons, leveraged and inverse ETFs are typically considered to be riskier investments than traditional ETFs.
Zero Coupon Securities. The Funds may purchase zero coupon securities. Zero coupon securities do not pay interest or principal until final maturity, unlike debt securities that provide periodic payments of interest (referred to as a coupon payment). Zero coupon securities are bought at a price below the amount payable at maturity. The difference between the purchase price and the amount paid at maturity represents interest on the zero coupon security. One must wait until maturity to receive interest and principal, which increases the market and credit risks of a zero coupon security. A zero coupon step-up security converts to a coupon security before final maturity.
Strips. The Funds may invest in stripped securities (“STRIPS”). STRIPS are created by separating the income and principal components of a debt instrument and selling them separately. U.S. Treasury Separate Trading of Registered Interest and Principal of Securities (“STRIPS”) are created when the coupon payments and the principal payment are stripped from an outstanding Treasury bond by the Federal Reserve Bank. Zero coupon U.S. Government securities such as STRIPS are debt obligations that are issued or purchased at a significant discount from face value. The discount approximates the total amount of interest the security will accrue and compound over the period until maturity or the particular interest payment date at a rate of interest reflecting the market rate of the security at the time of issuance. STRIPS do not require the periodic payment of interest. These investments benefit the issuer by mitigating its need for cash to meet debt service, but generally require a higher rate of return to attract investors who are willing to defer receipt of cash. These investments may experience greater volatility in market value than U.S. Government securities that make regular payments of interest. If a Fund invests in STRIPS, the Fund will accrue income on the investment for tax and accounting purposes, which is distributable to shareholders and which, because no cash is received at the time of accrual, may require the liquidation of other portfolio securities to satisfy the Fund's distribution obligations, in which case the Funds would forgo the purchase of additional income producing assets with these funds. The value of these instruments tends to fluctuate more in response to changes in interest rates than the value of ordinary interest-paying debt securities with similar maturities. The risk is greater when the period to maturity is longer.
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Debentures. The Funds may invest in debentures. A debenture is a long-term, unsecured, debt instrument backed only by the integrity of the borrower, not by collateral, and documented by an indenture. Governments often issue debentures, in part because they generally cannot guarantee debt with assets (government assets are public property). The primary risk with this type of investment is that the issuer will default or go into bankruptcy. As an unsecured creditor, in the event of default or bankruptcy, the holder of a debenture does not have a claim against any specific asset(s) of the issuing firm, so the investor will only be paid from the issuer’s assets after the secured creditors have been paid. The Funds may invest in all types of debentures, including corporate and government debentures.
Demand Notes. The Funds may invest in Variable and Floating Rate Demand Notes. Variable and Floating Rate Demand Notes are notes that bear variable or floating interest rates and carry rights that permit holders to demand payment of the unpaid principal balance plus accrued interest from the issuers or certain financial intermediaries. Variable rate demand notes have a stated maturity in excess of one year, but permit a holder to demand payment of principal plus accrued interest upon a specified number of days’ notice. Frequently, such obligations are secured by letters of credit or other credit support arrangements provided by banks. The issuer has a corresponding right, after a given period, to prepay in its discretion the outstanding principal of the obligation plus accrued interest upon a specific number of days’ notice to the holders. The interest rate of a floating rate instrument may be based on a known lending rate, such as a bank's prime rate, and is reset whenever such rate is adjusted. The interest rate on a variable rate demand note is reset at specified intervals at a market rate. These formulas are designed to result in a market value for the Variable Rate Demand Note or Floating Rate Demand Note that approximates its par value. Variable and Floating Rate Demand Notes are subject to interest rate risks.
Inverse Floaters. The Funds may invest in inverse floaters. Inverse floaters are municipal obligations on which the interest rates typically fall as market rates increase and increase as market rates fall. Changes in market interest rates or the floating rate of the security inversely affect the residual interest rate of an inverse floater. As a result, the price of an inverse floater will be considerably more volatile than that of a fixed-rate obligation when interest rates change. Inverse floaters are a form of derivative investment. Certain derivatives can be used to increase or decrease the Funds’ exposure to changing security prices, interest rates or other factors that affect the value of securities. However, these techniques could result in losses to a Fund if the Adviser judges market conditions incorrectly or employs a strategy that does not correlate well with a Fund’s other investments. These techniques can cause losses if the counterparty does not perform its promises. An additional risk of investing in municipal securities that are derivative investments is that their market value could be expected to vary to a much greater extent than the market value of municipal securities that are not derivative investments but have similar credit quality, redemption provisions and maturities.
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Options. The Funds may purchase and write put and call options on securities. A Fund may write a put or call option only if the option is “covered” by the Fund holding a position in the underlying securities or by other means that would permit immediate satisfaction of the Fund’s obligation as writer of the option. The purchase and writing of options involves certain risks. During the option period, the covered call writer has, in return for the premium on the option, given up the opportunity to profit from a price increase in the underlying securities above the exercise price, but, as long as its obligation as a writer continues, has retained the risk of loss should the price of the underlying security decline. The writer of an option has no control over the time when it may be required to fulfill its obligation as a writer of the option. Once an option writer has received an exercise notice, it cannot effect a closing purchase transaction in order to terminate its obligation under the option and must deliver the underlying securities at the exercise price. If a put or call option purchased by a Fund is not sold when it has remaining value, and if the market price of the underlying security, in the case of a put, remains equal to or greater than the exercise price or, in the case of a call, remains less than or equal to the exercise price, the Fund will lose its entire investment in the option. Also, where a put or call option on a particular security is purchased to hedge against price movements in a related security, the price of the put or call option may move more or less than the price of the related security. There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist when the Funds seek to close out an option position. Furthermore, if trading restrictions or suspensions are imposed on the options market, the Funds may be unable to close out a position.
Futures Contracts. The Funds may invest in futures contracts. A futures contract is a bilateral agreement to buy or sell a security (or deliver a 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 contracts) for a set price in the future. Futures contracts are designated by boards of trade that have been designated “contracts markets” by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”). No purchase price is paid or received when the contract is entered into. Instead, a Fund, upon entering into a futures contract (and to maintain the Funds’ open positions in futures contracts), would be required to segregate cash, cash equivalents, and/or other liquid assets sufficient to satisfy the requirements of Section 18(f) of the 1940 Act. The margin required for a particular futures contract is set by the exchange on which the contract is traded, and may be significantly modified from time to time by the exchange during the term of the contract. Futures contracts are customarily purchased and sold on margin that may range upward from less than 5% of the value of the contract being traded.
If the price of an open futures contract changes (by increase in the case of a sale or by decrease in the case of a purchase) so that the loss on the futures contract reaches a point at which the margin on deposit does not satisfy margin requirements, the broker will require an increase in the margin. However, if the value of a position increases because of favorable price changes in the futures contract so that the margin deposit exceeds the required margin, the broker will pay the excess to the Fund. These subsequent payments, called “variation margin,” to and from the futures broker, are made on a daily basis as the price of the underlying assets fluctuate, making the long and short positions in the futures contract more or less valuable, a process known as “marking to the market”. Each Fund seeks to earn income on its initial and variation margin deposits.
A Fund will incur brokerage fees when it purchases and sells futures contracts. Positions taken in the futures markets are not normally held until delivery or cash settlement is required, but are instead liquidated through offsetting transactions that may result in a gain or a loss. While futures positions taken by the Funds will usually be liquidated in this manner, the Funds may instead make or take delivery of underlying securities whenever it appears economically advantageous for the Funds to do so. A clearing organization associated with the exchange on which futures are traded assumes responsibility for closing out transactions and guarantees that as between the clearing members of an exchange, the sale and purchase obligations will be performed with regard to all positions that remain open at the termination of the contract.
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Securities Index Futures Contracts. Purchases or sales of securities index futures contracts may be used in an attempt to protect the Funds’ current or intended investments from broad fluctuations in securities prices. A securities index futures contract does not require the physical delivery of securities, but merely provides for profits and losses resulting from changes in the market value of the contract to be credited or debited at the close of each trading day to the respective accounts of the parties to the contract. On the contract’s expiration date, a final cash settlement occurs and the futures positions are simply closed out. Changes in the market value of a particular index futures contract reflect changes in the specified index of securities on which the future is based.
By establishing an appropriate “short” position in index futures, the Funds may also seek to protect the value of their portfolios against an overall decline in the market for such securities. Alternatively, in anticipation of a generally rising market, the Funds can seek to avoid losing the benefit of apparently low current prices by establishing a “long” position in securities index futures and later liquidating that position as particular securities are in fact acquired. To the extent that these hedging strategies are successful, the Funds will be affected to a lesser degree by adverse overall market price movements than would otherwise be the case.
Options on Futures Contracts. The Funds may purchase exchange-traded call and put options on futures contracts and write exchange-traded call options on futures contracts. These options are traded on exchanges that are licensed and regulated by the CFTC for the purpose of options trading. A call option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to purchase a futures contract (assume a “long” position) at a specified exercise price at any time before the option expires. A put option gives the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to sell a futures contract (assume a “short” position), for a specified exercise price at any time before the option expires.
The Funds will write options only on futures contracts that are “covered.” A Fund will be considered “covered” with respect to a put option it has written if, so long as it is obligated as a writer of the put, the Fund segregates cash, cash equivalents, and/or other liquid assets at all times equal to or greater than the aggregate exercise price of the puts it has written (less any related margin deposited with the futures broker). A Fund will be considered “covered” with respect to a call option it has written on a debt security future if, so long as it is obligated as a writer of the call, the Fund owns a security deliverable under the futures contract. A Fund will be considered “covered” with respect to a call option it has written on a securities index future if the Fund owns securities the price changes of which are, in the opinion of the Adviser, expected to replicate substantially the movement of the index upon which the futures contract is based.
Upon the exercise of a call option, the writer of the option is obligated to sell the futures contract (to deliver a “long” position to the option holder) at the option exercise price, which will presumably be lower than the current market price of the contract in the futures market. Upon exercise of a put, the writer of the option is obligated to purchase the futures contract (deliver a “short” position to the option holder) at the option exercise price, which will presumably be higher than the current market price of the contract in the futures market. When the holder of an option exercises it and assumes a long futures position, in the case of a call, or a short futures position, in the case of a put, its gain will be credited to its futures margin account, while the loss suffered by the writer of the option will be debited to its account and must be immediately paid by the writer. However, as with the trading of futures, most participants in the options markets do not seek to realize their gains or losses by exercise of their option rights. Instead, the holder of an option will usually realize a gain or loss by buying or selling an offsetting option at a market price that will reflect an increase or a decrease from the premium originally paid.
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If a Fund writes options on futures contracts, the Fund will receive a premium but will assume a risk of adverse movement in the price of the underlying futures contract comparable to that involved in holding a futures position. If the option is not exercised, the Fund will realize a gain in the amount of the premium, which may partially offset unfavorable changes in the value of securities held in or to be acquired for the Fund. If the option is exercised, the Fund will incur a loss in the option transaction, which will be reduced by the amount of the premium it has received, but which will offset any favorable changes in the value of its portfolio securities or, in the case of a put, lower prices of securities it intends to acquire.
Options on futures contracts can be used by the Funds to hedge substantially the same risks as might be addressed by the direct purchase or sale of the underlying futures contracts. If a Fund purchases an option on a futures contract, it may obtain benefits similar to those that would result if it held the futures position itself. Purchases of options on futures contracts may present less risk in hedging than the purchase and sale of the underlying futures contracts since the potential loss is limited to the amount of the premium plus related transaction costs.
The purchase of put options on futures contracts may be used as a means of hedging the Funds’ portfolios against a general decline in market prices. The purchase of a call option on a futures contract may represent a means of hedging the Funds’ portfolios against a market advance when the Funds are not fully invested.
The writing of a call option on a futures contract constitutes a partial hedge against declining prices of the underlying securities. If the futures price at expiration is below the exercise price, a Fund will retain the full amount of the option premium, which provides a partial hedge against any decline that may have occurred in the value of the Fund’s holdings of securities. The writing of a put option on a futures contract is analogous to the purchase of a futures contract in that it hedges against an increase in the price of securities the Fund intends to acquire. However, the hedge is limited to the amount of premium received for writing the put.
Limitations on Purchase and Sale of Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. Options and futures can be volatile instruments and involve certain risks. If the Adviser applies a hedge in a Fund’s portfolios at an inappropriate time or judges market movements incorrectly, options and futures strategies may lower the Fund’s return. A Fund could also experience losses if the prices of its options and futures positions were poorly correlated with its other investments, or if it could not close out its position because of an illiquid market.
In general, the Funds will not directly purchase or sell futures contracts or related options unless either (i) the futures contracts or options thereon are purchased for “bona fide hedging” purposes (as defined under the CFTC regulations); or (ii) if purchased for other purposes, the sum of the amounts of initial margin deposits on the Fund’s existing futures and premiums required to establish non-hedging positions, less the amount by which any such options positions are “in-the-money” (as defined under CFTC regulations) would not exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the Fund’s total assets.
In instances involving the purchase of futures contracts or the writing of put options thereon by the Funds, the Funds will segregate an amount of cash, cash equivalents and/or other liquid assets equal to the market value of such futures contracts or options written (less any related margin deposits), to the extent that such deposits are required under the 1940 Act.
Equity Securities. The Funds will invest, directly or indirectly, in equity securities. Such equity investments may include common stocks traded on domestic or foreign securities exchanges or on the OTC market. In addition to common stocks, such equity investments may also include preferred stocks, convertible preferred stocks, and convertible bonds. Prices of equity securities in which a Fund may indirectly invest may fluctuate in response to many factors, including, but not limited to, the activities of the individual companies of the securities owned, general market and economic conditions, interest rates, and specific industry changes. Such price fluctuations subject the Funds to potential portfolio losses. In addition, regardless of any one company’s particular prospects, a declining stock market may produce a decline in prices for all equity securities, which could also result in losses for the Funds. Market declines may continue for an indefinite period of time, and investors should understand that during temporary or extended bear markets, the value of equity securities, including securities held by a Fund, will likely decline.
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Preferred Stock. The Funds may invest in preferred stock, warrants and rights. Preferred stocks are securities that represent an ownership interest providing the holder with claims on the issuer’s earnings and assets before common stock owners but after bond owners. Unlike debt securities, the obligations of an issuer of preferred stock, including dividend and other payment obligations, may not typically be accelerated by the holders of such preferred stock on the occurrence of an event of default or other non-compliance by the issuer of the preferred stock. Preferred stocks may include the obligation to pay a stated dividend. The price of preferred stocks could depend more on the size of the dividend than on the company’s performance. If a company fails to pay the dividend, its preferred stock is likely to drop in price. Changes in interest rates can also affect the price of preferred stock. Like common stocks, the value of preferred stock may fluctuate in response to many factors, including the activities of the issuer, general market and economic conditions, interest rates, and industry-specific changes.
Warrants and Rights. The Funds may acquire warrants and rights. Warrants are essentially options to purchase equity securities at specific prices and are valid for a specific period of time. Rights are similar to warrants but generally have a short duration and are distributed directly by the issuer to its shareholders. The holders of warrants and rights have no voting rights, and receive no dividends, with respect to the equity interests underlying warrants or rights, and will have no rights with respect to the assets of the issuer, until the warrant or right is exercised. Investments in warrants and rights involve certain risks, including the possible lack of a liquid market for resale, potential price fluctuations as a result of speculation or other factors, and failure of the price of the underlying security to reach or have reasonable prospects of reaching a level at which the warrant or right can be prudently exercised (in which event the warrant or right may expire without being exercised, resulting in a loss of the Fund’s entire investment therein).
Convertible Securities. The Funds may buy securities convertible into common stock if, for example, the Adviser believes that a company’s convertible securities are undervalued in the market.
For example, the Funds may invest in convertible bonds or convertible preferred stock. Convertible bonds are fixed-income securities that may be converted at a stated price within a specified period of time into a certain quantity of the common stock of the same or a different issuer. Convertible bonds are senior to common stocks in an issuer’s capital structure, but are usually subordinated to similar non-convertible securities. Convertible preferred stock is preferred stock, as described above, but with an additional feature that permits the holder, under specified circumstances, to convert the preferred stock at a stated price within a specified period of time into a certain quantity of the common stock of the same or a different issuer.
While providing a fixed-income stream (generally higher in yield than the income derivable from common stock but lower than that afforded by a similar nonconvertible security), a convertible security also provides the investor the opportunity, through its conversion feature, to participate in the capital appreciation of the underlying common stock. Like other debt securities, the value of a convertible bond tends to vary inversely with the level of interest rates. However, to the extent that the market price of the underlying common stock approaches or exceeds the conversion price, the price of the convertible bond will be increasingly influenced by its conversion value (the security's worth, at market value, if converted into the underlying common stock). Although to a lesser extent than with fixed-income securities, the market value of convertible bonds tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, tends to increase as interest rates decline. In addition, because of the conversion feature, the market value of convertible bonds tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying common stock. A unique feature of convertible securities is that as the market price of the underlying common stock declines, convertible securities tend to trade increasingly on a yield basis and so may not experience market value declines to the same extent as the underlying common stock. When the market price of the underlying common stock increases, the prices of the convertible securities tend to rise as a reflection of the value of the underlying common stock. While no securities investments are without risk, investments in convertible securities generally entail less risk than investments in common stock of the same issuer.
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If a convertible security is converted into common stock, the Funds may hold the common stock for an extended period of time. Prices of common stock may fluctuate in response to many factors, including, but not limited to, the activities of the individual companies whose stock a Fund owns, general market and economic conditions, interest rates, and specific industry changes. Such price fluctuations subject the Funds to potential losses. In addition, regardless of any one company’s particular prospects, a declining stock market may produce a decline in prices for all stocks, which could also result in losses for the Funds. Market declines may continue for an indefinite period of time, and investors should understand that during temporary or extended bear markets, the value of common stocks will decline.
Real Estate Securities. The Funds will not invest in real estate (including mortgage loans and limited partnership interests), but the Funds may invest in readily marketable securities issued by companies that invest in real estate or interests therein. The Funds may also invest in readily marketable interests in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”). REITs are generally publicly traded on the national stock exchanges and in the OTC market and have varying degrees of liquidity. Investments in real estate securities are subject to risks inherent in the real estate market, including risks related to changes in interest rates, possible declines in the value of real estate, adverse general and local economic conditions, possible lack of availability of mortgage funds, overbuilding in a given market and environmental problems.
Money Market Instruments. The Funds may invest in money market instruments. Money market instruments include, without limitation, U.S. Government obligations or certain types of corporate debt obligations (including those subject to repurchase agreements), Banker’s Acceptances and Certificates of Deposit of domestic branches of U.S. banks, Commercial Paper, and Variable Amount Demand Master Notes (“Master Notes”). Banker’s Acceptances are time drafts drawn on and “accepted” by a bank. When a bank “accepts” such a time draft, it assumes liability for its payment. When a Fund acquires a Banker’s Acceptance, the bank that “accepted” the time draft is liable for payment of interest and principal when due. The Banker’s Acceptance carries the full faith and credit of such bank. A Certificate of Deposit (“CD”) is an unsecured, interest bearing debt obligation of a bank. Commercial Paper is an unsecured, short-term debt obligation of a bank, corporation, or other borrower. Commercial Paper maturity generally ranges from 2 to 270 days and is usually sold on a discounted basis rather than as an interest-bearing instrument. The Funds may invest in Commercial Paper of any rating. Commercial Paper may include Master Notes of the same quality. Master Notes are unsecured obligations which are redeemable upon demand of the holder and which permit the investment of fluctuating amounts at varying rates of interest. Master Notes will be acquired by a Fund only through the Master Note program of the Fund’s custodian bank, acting as administrator thereof. The Adviser will monitor, on a continuous basis, the earnings power, cash flow, and other liquidity ratios of the issuer of a Master Note held by a Fund.
Repurchase Agreements. The Funds may invest in repurchase agreements. A repurchase agreement transaction occurs when an investor purchases a security (normally a U.S. Government security), from a counterparty (e.g., a Fund) with the understanding that the investor will later resell the security to the same counterparty (normally a member bank of the Federal Reserve or a registered government securities dealer). A Fund’s initial purchase is essentially a load that is collateralized by the security (or securities substituted for them under the repurchase agreement) and is required to deliver the security (and/or securities substituted for them under the repurchase agreements) to the vendor on an agreed upon date in the future. The repurchase price exceeds the purchase price by an amount that reflects an agreed upon market interest rate effective for the period of time during which the repurchase agreement is in effect. Delivery pursuant to the resale normally will occur within one to seven days of the purchase. Repurchase agreements are considered “loans” under the 1940 Act, collateralized by the underlying security. The Trust has implemented procedures to monitor on a continuous basis the value of the collateral serving as security for repurchase obligations. The Adviser will consider the creditworthiness of the counterparty. If the counterparty fails to pay the agreed upon resale price on the delivery date, the Funds will retain or attempt to dispose of the collateral. The Funds’ risk is that such default may include any decline in value of the collateral to an amount which is less than 100% of the repurchase price, any costs of disposing of such collateral, and any loss resulting from any delay in foreclosing on the collateral. A Fund will not enter into any repurchase agreement that would cause more than 15% of its net assets to be invested in repurchase agreements that extend beyond seven days.
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Reverse Repurchase Agreements. The Funds may also enter into reverse repurchase agreements. Reverse repurchase agreements are repurchase agreements in which the Funds are the seller (rather than the buyer) of the securities, and agree to repurchase them at an agreed upon time and price. A reverse repurchase agreement may be viewed as a type of borrowing by the Funds. Reverse repurchase agreements are subject to credit risks. In addition, reverse repurchase agreements create leverage risks because the Funds must repurchase the underlying security at a higher price, regardless of the market value of the security at the time of repurchase.
Illiquid Investments. Each Fund may not purchase or otherwise acquire any investment if, immediately after the acquisition, the value of illiquid investments held by the Fund would exceed 15% of the Fund’s net assets. An illiquid investment is any investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. Illiquid investments pose risks of potential delays in resale and uncertainty in valuation. Limitations on resale may have an adverse effect on the marketability of portfolio investments and the Fund may be unable to dispose of illiquid investments promptly or at reasonable prices.
If through a change in values, net assets, or other circumstances, the Fund were in a position where more than 15% of its net assets were invested in illiquid investments, the Fund would seek to take appropriate steps to bring the Fund’s illiquid investments to or below 15% of its net assets per the requirements of Rule 22e-4 of the 1940 Act. The sale of some illiquid and other types of investments may be subject to legal restrictions.
If the Fund invests in investments for which there is no ready market, it may not be able to readily sell such investments. Such investments are unlike investments that are traded in the open market, and which can be expected to be sold immediately if the market is adequate. The sale price of illiquid investments once realized may be lower or higher than the Adviser’s most recent estimate of their fair market value. Generally, less public information is available about the issuers of such investments than about companies whose investments are publicly traded.
Restricted Securities. Within its limitations on investment in illiquid securities, each Fund may purchase restricted securities that generally can be sold in privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to an exemption from registration under the federal securities laws, or in a registered public offering. Where registration is required, a Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expense and a considerable period may elapse between the time it decides to seek registration and the time the Fund may be permitted to sell a security under an effective registration statement. If during such a period adverse market conditions were to develop, a Fund might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to seek registration of the security.
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Restricted securities are generally considered to be illiquid unless it is determined, based upon a review of the trading markets for a specific restricted security, that such restricted security is liquid because it is so-called “4(a)(2) commercial paper” or is otherwise eligible for resale pursuant the Securities Act of 1933. The purchase price and subsequent valuation of restricted and illiquid securities normally reflect a discount, which may be significant, from the market price of comparable securities for which a liquid market exists.
Master Limited Partnerships (“MLPs”). The Funds may directly invest a portion of their total assets in the equity or debt securities of MLPs, which are limited partnerships in which the ownership units are publicly traded. MLP units are registered with the SEC and are freely traded on a securities exchange or in the OTC market. MLPs often own several properties or businesses (or own interests) that are related to real estate development and oil and gas industries, but they also may finance motion pictures, research and development and other projects. Generally, a MLP is operated under the supervision of one or more managing general partners. Limited partners are not involved in the day-to-day management of the partnership. 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 investors in a MLP than investors in a corporation. Additional risks involved with investing in a MLP are risks associated with the specific industry or industries in which the partnership invests, such as the risks of investing in real estate, or oil and gas industries.
MLPs generally do not pay U.S. federal income tax at the partnership level. Rather, each partner in an MLP is allocated a share of the MLP’s income, gains, losses, deductions, and expenses. A change in current tax law, or a change in the underlying business mix of a given MLP, could result in an MLP being treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. This would result in the MLP being required to pay U.S. federal income tax on its taxable income, and could result in lower income to the Funds and a reduction in the value of the Funds’ investment in the MLP. Additionally, mutual funds seeking to be taxed as regulated investment companies, such as the Funds, are limited in their ability to invest in MLPs by current federal tax rules. If a mutual fund invests more than 25% of the value of its total assets in MLP securities, it will be subject to federal corporate income tax. For more information about the Funds’ tax status, please see “Additional Tax Information” in this SAI.
Lending of Portfolio Securities. In order to generate additional income, the Funds may lend portfolio securities in an amount up to 33% of its total assets to broker-dealers, major banks, or other recognized domestic institutional borrowers of securities which the Adviser has determined are creditworthy under guidelines established by the Board. In determining whether the Funds will lend securities, the Adviser will consider all relevant facts and circumstances. The Funds may not lend securities to any company affiliated with the Adviser. Each loan of securities will be collateralized by cash, securities, or letters of credit. The Funds might experience a loss if the borrower defaults on the loan.
The borrower at all times during the loan must maintain with the Fund collateral in the form of cash or cash equivalents, or provide to the Fund an irrevocable letter of credit equal in value to at least 100% of the value of the securities loaned. While the loan is outstanding, the borrower will pay the Fund any dividends or interest paid on the loaned securities, and the Fund may invest the cash collateral to earn additional income. Alternatively, the Fund may receive an agreed-upon amount of interest income from the borrower who has delivered equivalent collateral or a letter of credit. It is anticipated that the Funds may share with the borrower some of the income received on the collateral for the loan or the Funds will be paid a premium for the loan. Loans are subject to termination at the option of the Funds or the borrower at any time. The Funds may pay reasonable administrative and custodial fees in connection with a loan, and may pay a negotiated portion of the income earned on the cash to the borrower or placing broker. As with other extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. If a Fund invests the cash collateral from the borrower, there is the risk that such investment may result in a financial loss. In such an event, the Fund would be required to repay the borrower out of the Fund's assets.
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Where voting rights with respect to the loaned securities pass with the lending of the securities, the Adviser normally intends to call the loaned securities to vote proxies, or to use other practicable and legally enforceable means to obtain voting rights, when the Adviser believes a material event affecting the loaned securities will occur or the Adviser otherwise believes it necessary to vote.
The Funds are new and have not yet commenced operations as of the date of this SAI, and therefore did not engage in the lending of portfolio securities during the most recent fiscal year.
Investments in Companies with Business Related to Commodities. As explained under “Fundamental Restrictions” below, the Funds do not invest directly in commodities. However, the Funds may from time to time invest in securities of companies whose business is related to commodities, or in registered investment companies or other companies that invest directly or indirectly in commodities. For example, the Funds may invest in companies whose business is related to mining of precious or other metals (e.g., gold, silver, etc.), or in registered investment companies that invest in securities of mining companies and related instruments (including, without limitation, the underlying commodities). Investments in equity securities of companies involved in mining or related precious metals industries, and the value of investment companies and other companies that invest in precious metals and other commodities are subject to a number of risks. For example, the prices of precious metals or other commodities can make sharp movements, up or down, in response to cyclical economic conditions, political events or the monetary policies of various countries, any of which may adversely affect the value of companies whose business is related to such commodities, or the value of investment companies and other companies investing in such businesses or commodities. Furthermore, such companies are subject to risks related to fluctuations of prices and perceptions of value in the commodities markets generally.
Forward Commitments and When-Issued Securities. The Funds may purchase when-issued securities and commit to purchase securities for a fixed price at a future date beyond customary settlement time. The Funds are required to hold and maintain in a segregated account until the settlement date, cash, U.S. Government securities or high-grade debt obligations in an amount sufficient to meet the purchase price. Purchasing securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis involves a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date, which risk is in addition to the risk of decline in value of the Funds’ other assets. In addition, no income accrues to the purchaser of when-issued securities during the period prior to issuance. Although the Funds would generally purchase securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis with the intention of acquiring securities for its portfolio, the Funds may dispose of a when-issued security or forward commitment prior to settlement if the Adviser deems it appropriate to do so. The Funds may realize short-term gains or losses upon such sales.
Borrowing Money. The Funds may, to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, borrow money to meet redemption requests or for extraordinary or emergency purposes. Borrowing involves the creation of a liability that requires a Fund to pay interest. In the event a Fund should ever borrow money under these conditions, such borrowing could increase the Fund’s costs and thus reduce the value of the Fund’s assets. In an extreme case, if a Fund’s current investment income were not sufficient to meet the interest expense of borrowing, it could be necessary for the Fund to liquidate certain of its investments at an inappropriate time.
Economic and Regulatory Risks. As economic activity has improved both domestically and globally, the Federal Reserve and other foreign central banks have begun to retrench from the supportive policies introduced after the global financial crisis that began to unfold in 2007. These policies included open market purchases of fixed-income securities and maintaining interest rates at or near historically low levels. It is unclear how long this support will last and at what levels. It is unclear as to the level which the Federal Reserve will try to keep interest rates in the near future. Further reduction or withdrawal of support by the U.S. and the Federal Reserve and/or by other governments and their central banks, or failure of such efforts or support in response to any future crisis, or investor perception that such efforts or support are not succeeding could negatively affect financial markets generally, as well as result in higher interest rates, increase market volatility and reduce the value and liquidity of certain securities, including securities held by the Funds.
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In addition, policy and legislative changes in the U.S. and in other countries have been implemented that are affecting many aspects of the financial markets and imposing additional regulatory requirements. Given the broad scope, sweeping nature, and relatively recent enactment of some of these changes, the potential impact they could have on securities held by a Fund is unclear and may not be fully known for some time. These changes and any future regulatory changes could adversely affect the Funds.
Operational Risk. An investment in the Funds involve operational risk arising from factors such as processing errors, human errors, inadequate or failed internal or external processes, failures in systems and technology, changes in personnel and errors caused by third-party service providers. Any of these failures or errors could result in a loss or compromise of information, regulatory scrutiny, reputational damage or other events, any of which could have a material adverse effect on a Fund. While the Funds seek to minimize such events through controls and oversight, there is no guarantee that the Funds will not suffer losses due to operational risk.
Cybersecurity Risk. The Funds and their service providers may be subject to operational and information security risks resulting from breaches in cybersecurity. A breach in cybersecurity refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund to lose or compromise confidential, proprietary or private personal information, suffer data corruption or lose operational capacity. Breaches in cybersecurity include, among other things, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, denial of service attacks on websites, the unauthorized release of confidential, proprietary or private personal information or various other operational disruptions. Successful cybersecurity breaches of a Fund and/or a Fund’s investment adviser, distributor, custodian, the transfer agent or other third-party service providers may adversely impact the Fund and its shareholders. For instance, a successful cybersecurity breach may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, impact a Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV, cause the release of confidential, proprietary or private personal shareholder information, impede trading, subject the Fund to regulatory fines or financial losses, and/or cause reputational damage. The Funds rely on third-party service providers for many of the day-to-day operations and are therefore subject to the risk that the protections and protocols implemented by those service providers will be ineffective in protecting the Funds from cybersecurity breaches. Similar types of cybersecurity 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 investments in such companies to lose value. There is no guarantee the Fund will be successful in protecting against cybersecurity breaches.
Temporary Defensive Positions. Each Fund may from time to time take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with its principal investment strategies. If the Adviser believes a temporary defensive position is warranted in view of market conditions, a Fund may hold cash or invest up to 100% of its assets in high-quality short-term government or corporate obligations, money market instruments or shares of money market mutual funds. Taking a temporary defensive position may prevent a Fund from achieving its investment objective.
Portfolio Turnover. The portfolio turnover rate for each Fund is calculated by dividing the lesser of the Fund’s purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the year by the monthly average value of the securities. A Fund’s portfolio turnover rate may vary greatly from year to year as well as within a particular year, and may also be affected by cash requirements for redemption of shares. High portfolio turnover rates will generally result in higher transaction costs to the Fund, including brokerage commissions, and may result in additional tax consequences to the Fund’s shareholders. For the fiscal years ended November 30 listed below, the portfolio turnover rates for each Fund were:
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2019 | 2018 | |
Sector Rotation Fund | NA | NA |
Tactical Fund | NA | NA |
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
Each Fund has adopted the following fundamental investment limitations that may not be changed without the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the applicable Fund. As used in the Prospectus and this SAI, the term “majority” of the outstanding shares of a Fund means the lesser of (1) 67% or more of the outstanding voting securities of that Fund present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund are present or represented at such meeting; or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. Unless otherwise indicated, percentage limitations apply at the time of purchase of the applicable securities. See the Prospectus for more information about each Fund’s investment objective and investment strategies, each of which are not fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval.
FUNDAMENTAL RESTRICTIONS. For each Fund, as a matter of fundamental policy:
1. Borrowing Money. The Fund will not borrow money except as permitted under the 1940 Act. For example, subject to the restrictions of the 1940 Act the Fund may borrow money from banks to meet redemption requests or for extraordinary or emergency purposes.
2. Senior Securities. The Fund will not issue senior securities, except as permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder or interpretations of the SEC or its staff.
3. Underwriting. The Fund will not act as underwriter, except to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities (including restricted securities), the Fund may be deemed an underwriter under certain federal securities laws or in connection with investments in other investment companies.
4. Real Estate. The Fund will not directly purchase or sell real estate. This limitation is not applicable to investments in securities which are secured by or represent interests in real estate. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from holding or selling real estate acquired as a result of the Fund’s ownership of securities or other instruments, investing in mortgage-related securities or investing in companies engaged in the real estate business or that have a significant portion of their assets in real estate (including real estate investment trusts).
5. Commodities. The Fund will not purchase or sell commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other investments. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from purchasing or selling options, forward contracts, or futures contracts, including those relating to indices, or and options on futures contracts or indices, or from investing in securities or other instruments backed by commodities or from investing in companies which are engaged in a commodities business or have a significant portion of their assets in commodities.
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6. Loans. The Fund will not make loans to other persons, provided that the Fund may lend its portfolio securities in an amount up to 33% of total Fund assets, and provided further that, for purposes of this restriction, investment in U.S. Government obligations, short-term commercial paper, certificates of deposit, banker’s acceptances, repurchase agreements and any other lending arrangement permitted by the 1940 Act, any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder or interpretations of the SEC or its staff shall not be deemed to be the making of a “loan”. For purposes of this limitation, the term “loans” shall not include the purchase of a portion of an issue of publicly distributed bonds, debentures or other debt securities.
7. Concentration. The Fund will not invest more than 25% of its total assets in a particular industry. This limitation is not applicable to investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government (including its agencies and instrumentalities) or state or municipal governments (and their political subdivisions) or repurchase agreements with respect thereto, or investments in registered investment companies. If, however, the Fund invests in an investment company that concentrates its investment in a particular industry, the Fund will consider such investment to be issued by a member of the industry in which such investment company invests. In addition, if the Fund invests in a revenue bond tied to a particular industry, the Fund will consider such investment to be issued by a member of the industry to which the revenue bond is tied.
With respect to the “fundamental” investment restrictions above, if a percentage limitation or standard is adhered to at the time of investment, a later increase or decrease in percentage or departure from the standard resulting from any change in value or net assets or other factors will not result in a violation of such restriction (i.e., percentage limitations are determined at the time of purchase); provided, however, that the treatment of the fundamental restrictions related to borrowing money and issuing senior securities are exceptions to this general rule and are monitored on an ongoing basis.
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, standby commitments and trading practices which could be deemed to involve the issuance of a senior security, including options, futures, and forward contracts, with appropriate earmarking or segregation of assets to cover such obligation.
The 1940 Act permits the Funds to borrow money from banks in an amount up to one-third of its total assets (including the amount borrowed) less its liabilities (not including any borrowings but including the fair market value at the time of computation of any other senior securities then outstanding). In general, the Funds may not issue any class of senior security, except that the Funds may (i) borrow from banks, provided that immediately following any such borrowing there is an asset coverage of at least 300% for all Fund borrowings and in the event such asset coverage falls below 300% the Funds will within three days (excluding holidays and Sundays) or such longer period as the SEC may prescribe by rules and regulation, reduce the amount of its borrowings to an extent that the asset coverage of such borrowings shall be at least 300%, and (ii) engage in trading practices which could be deemed to involve the issuance of a senior security, including options, futures, forward contracts and reverse repurchase agreements, provided that the Funds earmarks or segregates liquid assets in accordance with applicable SEC regulations and interpretations.
CALCULATION OF SHARE PRICE
The share price or NAV of shares of each Fund is determined as of the close of the regular session of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) on each day the NYSE is open for trading. Currently, the NYSE is open for trading on every day except Saturdays, Sundays and the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
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For purposes of computing a Fund’s NAV, securities are valued at market value as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally, 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on each business day the NYSE is open. Securities listed on the NYSE or other exchanges are valued based on their last sale prices on the exchanges on which they are primarily traded. If there are no sales on that day, the securities are valued at the mean of the closing bid and ask prices on the NYSE or other primary exchange for that day. National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (“NASDAQ”) listed securities are valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. If there are no sales on that day, the securities are valued at the mean of the most recently quoted bid and ask prices as reported by NASDAQ. Securities traded in the OTC market are valued at the last sale price, if available, otherwise at the mean of the most recently quoted bid and ask prices. In the event that market quotations are not readily available or are considered unreliable due to market or other events, securities and other assets are valued at fair value as determined in good faith in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board. Fixed-income securities are normally valued based on prices obtained from independent third-party pricing services approved by the Board, which are generally determined with consideration given to institutional bid and last sale prices and take into account security prices, yield, maturity, call features, ratings, institutional sized trading in similar groups of securities and developments related to specific securities. Foreign securities are normally valued on the basis of fair valuation prices obtained from independent third-party pricing services approved by the Board, which are generally determined with consideration given to any change in price of the foreign security and any other developments related to the foreign security since the last sale price on the exchange on which such foreign security primarily traded and the close of regular trading on the NYSE. The methods used by independent pricing services and the quality of valuations so established are reviewed by the Adviser and the Funds’ administrator (the “Administrator”) under the general supervision of the Board. One or more pricing services may be utilized to determine the fair value of securities held by the Funds. The methods used by independent pricing services and the quality of valuations so established are reviewed by the Adviser and the Fund’s administrator under the general supervision of the Board. To the extent the assets of a Fund are invested in other open-end investment companies that are registered under the 1940 Act, and not traded on an exchange, the Fund’s NAV is calculated based upon the NAVs reported by such registered open-end investment companies, and the prospectuses for these companies explain the circumstances under which they will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing.
ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION
Shares of the Funds are offered for sale on a continuous basis. Shares are sold and redeemed at their NAV, as next determined after receipt of the purchase or redemption order in proper form.
The Funds may suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date of payment for shares during a period when: (a) trading on the NYSE is restricted by applicable rules and regulations of the SEC; (b) the NYSE is closed for other than customary weekend and holiday closings; (c) the SEC has by order permitted these suspensions; or (d) an emergency exists as a result of which: (i) disposal by a Fund of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable, or (ii) it is not reasonably practicable for a Fund to determine the value of its assets.
The Funds reserve the right to make payment for a redemption in securities rather than cash, which is known as a “redemption in kind”. Redemptions in kind will be made only under extraordinary circumstances and if a Fund deems it advisable for the benefit of its shareholders, such as a very large redemption that could affect Fund operations (for example, more than 1% of a Fund’s net assets). A redemption in kind will consist of liquid securities equal in market value to the Fund shares being redeemed, using the same valuation procedures that the Fund uses to compute its NAV. Redemption in kind proceeds will typically be made by delivering a pro-rata amount of the Fund’s holdings that are readily marketable securities to the redeeming shareholder within 7 days after the Fund’s receipt of the redemption order in proper form. If a Fund redeems your shares in kind, you will bear the market risks associated with maintaining or selling the securities paid as redemption proceeds. In addition, when you sell these securities, you bear the risk that the securities have become less liquid and are difficult to sell. You also will be responsible for any taxes and brokerage charges associated with selling the securities.
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SPECIAL SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
As noted in the Prospectus, the Funds offer the following shareholder services:
Regular Account. The regular account allows for voluntary investments to be made at any time. Available to individuals, custodians, corporations, trusts, estates, corporate retirement plans and others, investors are free to make additions to and withdrawals from their account as often as they wish. When an investor makes an initial investment in a Fund, a shareholder account is opened in accordance with the investor’s registration instructions. Each time there is a transaction in a shareholder account, such as an additional investment or a redemption, the shareholder will receive a confirmation statement showing the current transaction.
Automatic Investment Plan. The automatic investment plan enables investors to make regular periodic investments in shares through automatic charges to their checking account. With shareholder authorization and bank approval, the Fund’s transfer agent will automatically charge the checking account for the amount specified ($100 minimum) which will be automatically invested in shares at the NAV on or about the fifteenth or the last business day of the month, or both. The shareholder may change the amount of the investment or discontinue the plan at any time by writing to the Fund.
Transfer of Registration. To transfer shares to another owner, send a written request to (Insert the name of your Fund), c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, P.O. Box 46707, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707. Your request should include the following: (i) the Fund name and existing account registration; (ii) signature(s) of the registered owner(s) exactly as the signature(s) appear(s) on the account registration; (iii) if it is for a new account, a completed account application, or if it is an existing account, the account number; (iv) Medallion signature guarantees (See the heading “How to Redeem Shares – Signature Guarantees” in the Prospectus); and (v) any additional documents that are required for transfer by corporations, administrators, executors, trustees, guardians, etc. If you have any questions about transferring shares, call or write the Fund.
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST
Overall responsibility for management and supervision of each Fund and the Trust rests with the Board. The members of the Board (the “Trustees”) are elected by the Trust’s shareholders or are existing members of the Board as permitted under the 1940 Act and the Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the “Declaration of Trust”). Each Trustee serves for a term of indefinite duration until death, resignation, retirement or removal from office. The Trustees, in turn, elect the officers of the Trust to actively supervise the Trust’s day-to-day operations. The officers are elected annually. Certain officers of the Trust also may serve as Trustees.
The Trust will be managed by the Board in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio governing business trusts. There are currently six Trustees, five of whom are not “interested persons,” as defined by the 1940 Act, of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”). The Independent Trustees receive compensation for their services as Trustees and attendance at meetings of the Board. Officers of the Trust receive no compensation from the Trust for performing the duties of their offices.
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Attached in Appendix A is a list of the Trustees and executive officers of the Trust, their year of birth and address, their present position with the Trust, length of time served in their position, their principal occupation(s) during the past five years, and any other directorships held by the Trustee. Those Trustees who are “interested persons” as defined in the 1940 Act and those Trustees who are Independent Trustees are identified in the table.
Leadership Structure and Qualifications of Trustees. The Board consists of six Trustees, five of whom are Independent Trustees. The Board is responsible for the oversight of the series, or funds, of the Trust. In addition to the Funds, the Trust has other series managed by other investment advisers. The Board has engaged various investment advisers to oversee the day-to-day management of the Trust’s series. The Board is responsible for overseeing these investment advisers and the Trust’s other service providers in the operations of the Trust in accordance with the 1940 Act, other applicable federal and state laws, and the Declaration of Trust.
The Board meets at least four times throughout the year. The Board generally meets in person, but may meet by telephone as permitted by the 1940 Act. In addition, the Trustees may meet in person or by telephone at special meetings or on an informal basis at other times. The Independent Trustees also meet at least quarterly without the presence of any representatives of management.
Board Leadership
The Board is led by its Chairperson, Ms. Janine L. Cohen, who is also an Independent Trustee. The Chairperson generally presides at all Board Meetings, facilitates communication and coordination between the Trustees and management, and also reviews meeting agendas for the Board and the information provided by management to the Trustees. The Chairperson works closely with Trust counsel and counsel to the Independent Trustees. The Chairperson is also assisted by the Trust’s President, who, with the assistance of the Trust’s other officers, oversees the daily operations of the Fund, including monitoring the activities of all of the Fund’s service providers.
The Board believes that its leadership structure, including having an Independent Trustee serve as Chairperson and five out of six Trustees as Independent Trustees, is appropriate and in the best interests of the Trust. The Board also believes its leadership structure facilitates the orderly and efficient flow of information to the Independent Trustees from Trust management.
Board Committees. The Board has established the following standing committees:
Committee of Independent Trustees (the “Independent Trustee Committee”): The principal functions of the Independent Trustee Committee are: (i) to appoint, retain and oversee the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm; (ii) to meet separately with the independent registered public accounting firm and receive and consider a report concerning its conduct of the audit, including any comments or recommendations it deems appropriate; (iii) to act as the Trust’s qualified legal compliance committee (“QLCC”), as defined in the regulations under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; and (iv) to act as a proxy voting committee if called upon under the Trust’s Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures when a matter with respect to which a series of the Trust is entitled to vote presents a conflict between the interest of the series’ shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the series’ investment manager on the other hand. Messrs. David M. Deptula, Robert E. Morrison, and Clifford N. Schireson and Mses. Janine L. Cohen and Jacqueline A. Williams are the members of the Independent Trustee Committee. Mr. Deptula is the Chairperson of the Independent Trustee Committee and presides at its meetings. The Independent Trustee Committee met six times during the fiscal year ending November 30, 2019.
Nominating Committee (the “Nominating Committee”): The Nominating Committee nominates and selects persons to serve as members of the Board, including Independent Trustees and “interested” Trustees. In selecting and nominating persons to serve as Independent Trustees, the Nominating Committee will not consider nominees recommended by shareholders of the Trust unless required by law. Messrs. Deptula, Morrison, and Schireson and Mses. Cohen and Williams are the members of the Nominating Committee. Ms. Cohen is the Chairperson of the Nominating Committee and presides at its meetings. The Nominating Committee meets only as a necessary, and, unless specially convened. The Nominating Committee met two times during the fiscal year ending November 30, 2019.
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Qualifications of the Trustees. The Nominating Committee reviews the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills of potential candidates for nomination or election by the Board. In evaluating a candidate for nomination or election as a Trustee, the Nominating Committee takes into account the contribution that the candidate would be expected to make to the diverse mix of experience, qualifications, attributes, and skills that the Nominating Committee believes contribute to the oversight of the Trust’s affairs. The Board has concluded, based on the recommendation of the Nominating Committee, that each Trustee’s experience, qualifications, attributes, or skills on both an individual basis and in combination with the other Trustees, that each Trustee is qualified to serve on the Board. The Board believes that the Trustees’ ability to review, critically evaluate, question and discuss information provided to them, to interact effectively with the Adviser, other service providers, legal counsel and the independent registered public accounting firm, and to exercise effective business judgment in the performance of their duties as Trustees support this conclusion. In determining that a particular Trustee is and will continue to be qualified to serve as a Trustee, the Board considers a variety of criteria, none of which, in isolation, is controlling.
In addition to the Trustee qualifications listed above, each of the Trustees has additional Trustee qualifications including, among other things, the experience identified in the “Trustees and Executive Officers” table included in Appendix A and as follows:
Interested Trustee
Robert G. Dorsey is a co-founder of Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (“Ultimus”) and Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”). Mr. Dorsey serves as Vice Chairman of Ultimus and its subsidiaries (except as otherwise noted for FINRA-regulated broker-dealer entities). Mr. Dorsey served as President and Managing Director of Ultimus and the Distributor from their founding in 1999 until April 2018 and served as Co-Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Ultimus from April 2018 until February 2019. Mr. Dorsey has over 30 years of experience in the mutual fund servicing industry. He holds a B.S. from Christian Brothers University and is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive). Mr. Dorsey has been a Trustee since February 2012.
Independent Trustees
David M. Deptula has served as Vice President of Legal and Special Projects for Dayton Freight Lines, Inc. since February 1, 2016. Prior to that position, Mr. Deptula was Vice President of Tax Treasury for Standard Register, Inc. (a company that provides solutions for companies to manage their critical communications, previously The Standard Register Company) since November 2011. (Standard Register, Inc., a newly formed subsidiary of Taylor Corporation, purchased assets of The Standard Register Company on July 31, 2015.) Prior to joining Standard Register, Mr. Deptula was a Tax Partner at Deloitte Tax LLP (“Deloitte”). Mr. Deptula joined Deloitte in 1984 and remained with Deloitte until October of 2011. During his tenure at Deloitte, he was actively involved in providing tax accounting services to open-end mutual funds and other financial services companies. Mr. Deptula holds a B.S. in Accounting from Wright State University and a Juris Doctor from University of Toledo. He is also a Certified Public Accountant. Mr. Deptula has been a Trustee since June 2012.
Janine L. Cohen, retired, was an executive at AER Advisors, Inc. (“AER”) from 2004 through her retirement in 2013. Ms. Cohen served as the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) from 2004 to 2013 and Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) from 2008 to 2013 at AER. During her tenure at AER, she was actively involved in developing financial forecasts, business plans, and SEC registrations. Prior to those roles at AER, Ms. Cohen was a Senior Vice President at State Street Bank. Ms. Cohen has over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. She holds a B.S. in Accounting and Math from the University of Minnesota and is a Certified Public Accountant. Ms. Cohen has been the Chairperson since October 2019 and a Trustee since January 2016.
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Jacqueline A. Williams has served as the Managing Member of Custom Strategies Consulting, LLC since 2017, where she provides consulting services to investment managers. Prior to that, she served as a Managing Director of Global Investment Research for Cambridge Associates, LLC since 2005. Earlier in her career, Ms. Williams served as a Principal at Equinox Capital Management, LLC where she was chairperson of the stock selection committee and the firm's financial services analyst. Ms. Williams also served as an Investment Analyst at IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company where she monitored U.S. financial services stocks. Ms. Williams has over 25 years of experience in the investment management industry. Ms. Williams earned an A.B. in Religion from Duke University and a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Yale University. She has been a Chartered Financial Analyst charter holder since 1990. Ms. Williams has been a Trustee since June 2019.
Clifford N. Schireson is the founder of Schireson Consulting, LLC, which he launched in 2017. Prior to that, from 2004 to 2017, he was Director of Institutional Services at Brandes Investment Partners, LP, an investment advisory firm, where he was a member of the fixed-income investment committee. From 1998 to 2004, he was a Managing Director at Weiss, Peck & Greer LLC specializing in fixed-income products for both taxable and municipal strategies for institutional clients. Mr. Schireson has over 20 years of experience in the investment management industry. Mr. Schireson holds an A.B. in Economics from Stanford University and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. Mr. Schireson has been a Trustee since June 2019.
Robert E. Morrison serves as a Senior Vice President at Huntington Private Bank, where he has worked since 2014. From 2006 to 2014, he served as the CEO, President and Chief Investment Officer of 5 Star Investment Management. Mr. Morrison has a B.S. in Forestry Management from Auburn University and is a graduate of the Personal Financial Planning program of Old Dominion University. Mr. Morrison previously served on the Ultimus Managers Trust Board of Trustees as the Founding Chairman of the Trust in 2012. Mr. Morrison retired from the Board in 2014 as a result of a business conflict that no longer exists. Mr. Morrison has over 32 years of financial services experience, focusing on asset management and wealth management. Mr. Morrison has been a Trustee since June 2019.
References above to the qualifications, attributes, and skills of Trustees are pursuant to requirements of the SEC, do not constitute holding out the Board or any Trustee as having any special expertise or experience, and shall not impose any greater responsibility on any such person or on the Board by reason thereof.
Risk Oversight. The operation of a mutual fund, including its investment activities, generally involves a variety of risks. As part of its oversight of the Funds, the Board oversees risk through various regular board and committee activities. The Board, directly or through its committees, reviews reports from, among others, the Adviser, the Trust’s CCO, the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm, and outside legal counsel, regarding risks faced by the Funds and the risk management programs of the Adviser, with respect to the Funds’ investments and trading activities, and certain service providers. The actual day-to-day risk management with respect to the Fund resides with the Adviser, with respect to the Funds’ investment and trading activities, and other service providers to the Funds. Although the risk management policies of the Adviser and the service providers are designed to be effective, there is no guarantee that they will anticipate or mitigate all risks. Not all risks that may affect the Funds can be identified, eliminated or mitigated and some risks simply may not be anticipated or may be beyond the control of the Board or the Adviser or other service providers. The Independent Trustees meet separately with the Trust’s CCO at least annually, outside the presence of management, to discuss issues related to compliance. Furthermore, the Board receives an annual written report from the Trust’s CCO regarding the operation of the compliance policies and procedures of the Trust and its primary service providers. As part of its oversight function, the Board also may hold special meetings or communicate directly with Trust management or the Trust’s CCO to address matters arising between regular meetings.
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The Board also receives quarterly reports from the Adviser on the investments and securities trading of the Funds, including the Funds’ investment performance, as well as reports regarding the valuation of the Funds’ securities. The Board also receives quarterly reports from the Funds’ administrator (the “Administrator”), transfer agent (the “Transfer Agent”) and the Distributor on regular quarterly items and, where appropriate and as needed, on specific issues. In addition, in its annual review of the Funds’ investment advisory agreements (each an “Advisory Agreement” and collective, the “Advisory Agreements”), the Board will review information provided by the Adviser relating to its operational capabilities, financial condition and resources. The Board also conducts an annual self-evaluation that includes a review of its effectiveness in overseeing, among other things, the number of funds in the Trust and the effectiveness of the Board’s committee structure.
Trustees’ Ownership of the Funds’ Shares. The following table shows each Trustee’s beneficial ownership of shares of each Fund and, on an aggregate basis, of shares of all funds within the Trust overseen by the Trustee. Information is provided as of December 31, 2018.
Dollar Range of Shares owned by Trustee in | |||
Name of Trustee |
Q3 All-Weather Sector Rotation Fund |
Q3 All-Weather Tactical Fund |
Aggregate Dollar Range of Shares of All Funds |
Interested Trustee | |||
Robert G. Dorsey | None | None | Over $100,000 |
Independent Trustees | |||
David M. Deptula | None | None | None |
Janine L. Cohen | None | None | None |
Jacqueline A. Williams** | None | None | None |
Clifford N. Schireson** | None | None | None |
Robert E. Morrison** | None | None | None |
* | Because the Funds are newly organized, none of the Trustees has any beneficial ownership of Fund shares as of the date of this SAI. |
** | Ms. Williams’ and Messrs. Schireson’s and Morrison’s terms as Trustee commenced on June 18, 2019. |
Ownership In Fund Affiliates. As of the date of this SAI, none of the Independent Trustees, nor members of their immediate families, owned, beneficially or of record, securities of the Adviser, the Distributor or any affiliate of the Adviser or the Distributor.
Trustee Compensation. No director, officer or employee of the Adviser or the Distributor receives any compensation from the Trust for serving as an officer or Trustee of the Trust. As of August 1, 2018, each Independent Trustee receives a $500 per meeting fee and a $1,300 annual retainer for each series of the Trust, except the Chairperson who receives a $1,500 annual retainer for serving as Chairperson. The Trust reimburses each Trustee and officer for his or her travel and other expenses incurred in attending meetings.
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The following table provides the estimated amount of compensation payable to each Trustee during the Funds’ first fiscal year of operating, which will conclude November 30, 2020:
Name of Trustee |
Aggregate Compensation From the Funds |
Pension or Retirement Benefits Accrued As Part of Fund Expenses |
Estimated Annual Benefits Upon Retirement |
Total Compensation From all Funds Within the Trust |
Interested Trustee | ||||
Robert G. Dorsey | None | None | None | None |
Independent Trustees | ||||
John J. Discepoli1 | NA | None | None | $58,375 |
David M. Deptula | NA | None | None | $56,625 |
Janine L. Cohen | NA | None | None | $56,625 |
Jacqueline A. Williams2 | NA | None | None | $26,925 |
Clifford N. Schireson2 | NA | None | None | $26,925 |
Robert E. Morrison2 | NA | None | None | $26,925 |
1 | Mr. Discepoli served as Chairperson until his resignation as Chairperson on October 22, 2019, and a trustee until his resignation from the Board on October 25, 2019. |
2 | Ms. Williams’ and Messrs. Schireson’s and Morrison’s terms as Trustee commended on June 18, 2019. |
Principal Holders of Voting Securities. As of November 30, 2019, the Funds had not yet commenced operations, and therefore the Trustees and officers of the Trust as a group owned beneficially (i.e., had direct or indirect voting or investment power) zero of the then-outstanding shares of either Fund. On the same date, the following shareholders owned of record more than 5% of the outstanding shares of beneficial interest of a Fund:
Name and Address of Record Owner |
Percentage Ownership |
Q3 All-Weather Sector Rotation Fund | |
NA | NA* |
Q3 All-Weather Tactical Fund | |
NA | NA* |
* | The Trust believes that such entity does not have a beneficial interest of such shares. |
A shareholder owning of record or beneficially more than 25% of a Fund’s outstanding shares may be considered a controlling person. That shareholder’s vote could have a more significant effect on matters presented at a shareholder’s meeting than the vote of other shareholders.
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Q3 Asset Management Corporation, located at 2175 Cole Street, Birmingham, MI 48009, serves as the investment adviser to each Fund pursuant to the Advisory Agreements, dated December 30, 2019, with respect to the Sector Rotation Fund and dated December 30, 2019, with respect to the Tactical Fund. The Adviser is co-owned by Bradford Giaimo and Adam Quiring. The Adviser has been registered with the SEC since 2013 and provides investment advisory services to other accounts.
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Subject to each Fund’s investment objective and policies approved by the Trustees of the Trust, the Adviser is responsible for providing each Fund with a continuous program of investing the Fund’s assets and determining the composition of the Fund’s portfolio.
Each Advisory Agreement is effective for an initial period of two years, and will be renewed for periods of one year, only so long as such renewal and continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by vote of a majority of the applicable Fund’s outstanding voting securities, provided that the continuance is also approved by a majority of the Independent Trustees. Each Advisory Agreement is terminable without penalty on 60 days’ notice by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the applicable Fund. Each Advisory Agreement provides that it will terminate automatically in the event of its “assignment,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act.
The Sector Rotation Fund pays the Adviser a monthly investment advisory fee (“Management Fee”) computed at the annual rate of 1.00% of its average daily net assets. Under an expense limitation agreement (the “Expense Limitation Agreement”), the Adviser has agreed to reduce the Management Fees and to reimburse Fund expenses to the extent necessary to limit Annual Fund Operating Expenses (exclusive of brokerage costs; taxes; interest; borrowing costs such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short; costs to organize the Fund; Acquired Fund fees and expenses; extraordinary expenses such as litigation and merger or reorganization costs; and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Sector Rotation Fund’s business) to an amount not exceeding 2.19% of the Investor Class’ shares, and 1.94% of the Institutional Class’ shares average daily net assets. Prior to March 31, 2022, the Funds’ Expense Limitation Agreement may be modified or terminated only with the approval of the Board. Management Fee reductions and expense reimbursements by the Adviser are subject to repayment by the Sector Rotation Fund for a period of three years after the date on which such fees and expenses were incurred, provided that the repayments do not cause Total Annual Operating Expenses (exclusive of such reductions and reimbursements) to exceed (i) the expense limitation then in effect, if any, and (ii) the expense limitation in effect at the time the expenses to be repaid were incurred.
The Tactical Fund pays the Adviser a Management Fee computed at the annual rate of 1.00% of its average daily net assets. Under the same Expense Limitation Agreement, the Adviser has agreed to reduce its Management Fees and to reimburse Fund expenses to the extent necessary to limit Annual Fund Operating Expenses (exclusive brokerage costs; taxes; interest; borrowing costs such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short; costs to organize the Fund; Acquired Fund fees and expenses; extraordinary expenses such as litigation and merger or reorganization costs; and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Tactical Fund’s business) to an amount not exceeding 2.19% of the Investor Class’ and 1.94% of the Institutional Class’ average daily net assets. Prior to March 31, 2022, the Expense Limitation Agreement may be modified or terminated only with the approval of the Board. Management Fee reductions and expense reimbursements by the Adviser are subject to repayment by the Tactical Fund for a period of three years after the date on which such fees and expenses were incurred, provided that the repayments do not cause Total Annual Operating Expenses (exclusive of such reductions and reimbursements) to exceed (i) the expense limitation then in effect, if any, and (ii) the expense limitation in effect at the time the expenses to be repaid were incurred.
The table below provides the compensation paid to the Adviser by the Funds after Management Fee reductions and expense reimbursements made by the Adviser during the following fiscal periods indicated:
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Sector Rotation Fund
Fiscal Period/Year Ended November 30, |
Management Fees Accrued |
Management Fee Reductions |
Expense Reimbursements |
Net Advisory Fees Received by Adviser |
2019* | NA | NA | NA | NA |
Tactical Fund
Fiscal Period/Year Ended November 30, |
Management Fees Accrued |
Management Fee Reductions |
Expense Reimbursements |
Net Advisory Fees Received by Adviser |
2019* | NA | NA | NA | NA |
* | Because the Funds are newly organized, no advisory fees were paid to the Advisory as of the date of this SAI. |
The Adviser manages each Fund’s investments in accordance with the stated investment objective and policies of the Fund, subject to the oversight of the Board. The Adviser is responsible for investment decisions, and provides each Fund with a portfolio manager to execute purchases and sales of securities. Each Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or for any loss suffered by the Trust or a Fund in connection with the performance of its duties, except a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to receipt of compensation for services (in which case any award of damages shall be limited to the period and the amount set forth in Section 36(b)(3) of the 1940 Act) 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.
Portfolio Managers
The Funds are managed by Brad Giaimo, Adam Quiring, and Bruce Greig, CFA and CAIA (the “Portfolio Managers”), who have joint responsibility for the day-to-day implementation of investment strategies for each Fund. All investment related decisions are made by committee.
The Portfolio Managers responsibilities are:
Brad Giaimo | All aspects of portfolio management |
Adam Quiring | All aspects of portfolio management |
Bruce Greig | All aspects of portfolio management |
Other Accounts Managed by Portfolio Managers
In addition to the Funds, the Portfolio Managers are responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts. The following table shows the number of, and total assets in, such other accounts as of November 30, 2019.
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Portfolio Manager | Type of Accounts |
Total Number of Other Accounts Managed |
Total Assets of Other Accounts Managed |
Number of Accounts Managed with Advisory Fee Based on Performance |
Total Assets of Accounts Managed with Advisory Fee Based on Performance |
Brad Giaimo | Registered Investment Companies | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 | |
Other Accounts | [8,000] | $400 million | 0 | $0 | |
Adam Quiring | Registered Investment Companies | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 | |
Other Accounts | [8,000] | $400 million | 0 | $0 | |
Bruce Greig | Registered Investment Companies | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 | |
Other Accounts | [8,000] | $400 million | 0 | $0 |
Potential Conflicts of Interest
The Portfolio Managers’ management of other investment pooled vehicles and other accounts (the “Other Accounts”) may give rise to potential conflicts of interest in connection with their management of the Funds’ investments, on the one hand, and the investments of the Other Accounts, on the other. A potential conflict of interest may arise where another account has the same investment objective as a Fund, whereby a Portfolio Manager could favor one account over another. Another potential conflict could include a Portfolio Manager’s 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, or vice versa. However, the Adviser has established policies and procedures to ensure that the purchase and sale of securities among all accounts it manages are fairly and equitably allocated.
Compensation
Messrs. Giaimo, Quiring, and Greig are not compensated directly by the Funds. Messrs. Giaimo and Quiring are owners of the Adviser, may draw profits from the Adviser, and therefore may benefit indirectly from the Fund’s performance. Mr. Greig is compensated by the Adviser by salary, bonus and the Adviser’s retirement plan, and is not compensated based on the Funds’ performance.
Ownership of Fund Shares
The table below shows the value of shares of the Funds beneficially owned by the Portfolio Managers of the Funds as of November 30, 2019 stated as one of the following ranges: A = None; B = $1-$10,000; C = $10,001-$50,000; D = $50,001-$100,000; E = $100,001-$500,000; F = $500,001-$1,000,000; and G = over $1,000,000.
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Name of Portfolio Manager |
Dollar Range of Shares of the Sector Rotation Fund* |
Dollar Range of Shares of the Tactical Fund* |
Brad Giaimo | NA | NA |
Adam Quiring | NA | NA |
Bruce Greig | NA | NA |
* | Because the Funds are newly organized, the Portfolio Managers have no beneficial ownership of Fund shares as of the date of this SAI. |
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Pursuant to each Advisory Agreement, the Adviser determines, subject to the general supervision of the Board and in accordance with each Fund’s investment objective, policies and restrictions, which securities are to be purchased and sold by the Funds and which brokers are eligible to execute the Funds’ portfolio transactions.
Purchases and sales of portfolio securities that are debt securities usually are principal transactions in which portfolio securities are normally purchased directly from the issuer or from an underwriter or market maker for the securities. Purchases from underwriters of portfolio securities generally include a commission or concession paid by the issuer to the underwriter, and purchases from dealers serving as market makers may include the spread between the bid and asked prices. Transactions on stock exchanges involve the payment of negotiated brokerage commissions. Transactions in the OTC market are generally principal transactions with dealers. With respect to the OTC market, the Funds, where possible, will deal directly with the dealers who make a market in the securities involved except under those circumstances where better price and execution are available elsewhere.
Allocation of transactions, including their frequency, to various brokers and dealers is determined by the Adviser in its best judgment consistent with its obligation to seek best execution and in a manner deemed fair and reasonable to shareholders. The primary consideration is prompt execution of orders in an effective manner at the most favorable price. Subject to this consideration, brokers who provide investment research to the Adviser may receive orders for transactions on behalf of the Funds. Information so received is in addition to and not in lieu of services required to be performed by the Adviser and does not reduce the fees payable to the Adviser by the Funds. Such information may be useful to the Adviser in serving both the Funds and other clients and, conversely, supplemental information obtained by the placement of brokerage orders of other clients may be useful to the Adviser in carrying out its obligations to the Funds. While the Adviser generally seeks competitive commissions, the Funds may not necessarily pay the lowest commission available on each brokerage transaction for the reasons discussed above.
Although the Adviser does not currently intend on using soft dollars (i.e. the Adviser’s receipt of brokerage and research services from a broker in connection with brokerage transactions for the Funds), consistent with the foregoing, under Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Adviser is authorized to pay a brokerage commission in excess of that which another broker might have charged for effecting the same transaction, in recognition of the value of brokerage and/or research services provided by the broker. The research received by the Adviser may include, without limitation: information on the United States and other world economies; information on specific industries, groups of securities, individual companies, political and other relevant news developments affecting markets and specific securities; technical and quantitative information about markets; analysis of proxy proposals affecting specific companies; accounting and performance systems that allow the Adviser to determine and track investment results; and trading systems that allow the Adviser to interface electronically with brokerage firms, custodians and other providers. Research is received in the form of written reports, telephone contacts, personal meetings, research seminars, software programs and access to computer databases. In some instances, research products or services received by the Adviser may also be used by the Adviser for functions that are not research related (i.e., not related to the making of investment decisions). Where a research product or service has a mixed use, the Adviser will make a reasonable allocation according to its use and will pay for the non-research function in cash using its own funds.
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Subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act and procedures adopted by the Board, the Funds may execute portfolio transactions through any broker or dealer and pay brokerage commissions to a broker (i) which is an affiliated person of the Trust, or (ii) which is an affiliated person of such person, or (iii) an affiliated person of which is an affiliated person of the Trust, the Adviser or the Trust’s principal underwriter.
Because the Funds are newly organized, the Funds have not paid any brokerage commissions as of the date of this SAI.
THE DISTRIBUTOR
The Distributor, located at 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, is the exclusive agent for distribution of shares of the Funds pursuant to a Distribution Agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”). The Distributor is obligated to sell shares of the Funds on a best efforts basis only against purchase orders for the shares. Shares of the Funds are offered to the public on a continuous basis. The Distributor is compensated for its services to the Trust under a written agreement for such services. The Distributor is an affiliate of Ultimus. Robert G. Dorsey is Vice-Chairman of the Distributor and is a Trustee of the Trust.
By its terms, the Distribution Agreement is for an initial term of two years and will continue in effect year-to-year thereafter so long as such renewal and continuance is approved at least annually by (1) the Board or (2) a vote of the majority of the Funds’ outstanding voting shares; provided that in either event continuance is also approved by a majority of the Independent Trustees, by a vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Distribution Agreement may be terminated at any time, on sixty days’ written notice, without payment of any penalty, by the Trust or by the Distributor. The Distribution Agreement automatically terminates in the event of its assignment, as defined by the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. Under the Distribution Agreement, the Distributor is paid $6,000 per annum per Fund for its services by the applicable Fund and/or the Adviser.
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
Administrator, Fund Accountant and Transfer Agent
Ultimus, located at 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, serves as the Administrator, fund accountant (the “Fund Accountant”) and the Transfer Agent to the Funds pursuant to an Administration Agreement, a Fund Accounting Agreement and a Transfer Agent and Shareholder Services Agreement, respectively (collectively, the “Service Agreements”).
As Administrator, Ultimus assists in supervising all operations of the Funds (other than those performed by the Adviser under each Advisory Agreement). Ultimus has agreed to perform or arrange for the performance of the following services (under the Service Agreements, Ultimus may delegate all or any part of its responsibilities thereunder):
• | prepares and assembles reports required to be sent to the Funds’ shareholders and arranges for the printing and dissemination of such reports; |
• | assembles reports required to be filed with the SEC and files such completed reports with the SEC; |
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• | files the Funds’ federal income and excise tax returns and the Funds’ state and local tax returns; |
• | assists and advises the Funds regarding compliance with the 1940 Act and with its investment policies and limitations; and |
• | makes such reports and recommendations to the Board as the Board reasonably requests or deems appropriate. |
As Fund Accountant, Ultimus maintains the accounting books and records for the Funds, including journals containing an itemized daily record of all purchases and sales of portfolio securities, all receipts and disbursements of cash and all other debits and credits, general and auxiliary ledgers reflecting all asset, liability, reserve, capital, income and expense accounts, including interest accrued and interest received, and other required separate ledger accounts. Ultimus also maintains a monthly trial balance of all ledger accounts; performs certain accounting services for the Funds, including calculation of the NAV per share, calculation of the dividend and capital gain distributions, reconciles cash movements with the custodian, verifies and reconciles with the custodian all daily trade activities; provides certain reports; obtains dealer quotations or prices from pricing services used in determining NAV; and prepares an interim balance sheet, statement of income and expense, and statement of changes in net assets for the Funds.
As Transfer Agent, Ultimus performs the following services in connection with the Funds’ shareholders: maintains records for the Funds’ shareholders of record; processes shareholder purchase and redemption orders; processes transfers and exchanges of shares of the Funds on the shareholder files and records; processes dividend payments and reinvestments; and assists in the mailing of shareholder reports and proxy solicitation materials.
Ultimus receives fees from the Funds for its services as Administrator, Fund Accountant and Transfer Agent, and is reimbursed for certain expenses assumed pursuant to the Service Agreements.
The Service Agreements between the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and Ultimus, unless otherwise terminated as provided in the Service Agreements, are renewed automatically for successive one-year periods.
The Service Agreements provide that Ultimus shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or any loss suffered by the Trust in connection with the matters to which the Service Agreements relate, except a loss from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties, or from the reckless disregard by Ultimus of its obligations and duties thereunder.
During the fiscal periods listed below, Ultimus received the following fees from each Fund for its services as Administrator, Fund Accountant, and Transfer Agent:
Fiscal
Year/Period
Ended November 30, |
Administration | Fund Accounting | Transfer Agent |
Sector Rotation Fund | |||
2019* | NA | NA | NA |
Tactical Fund | |||
2019* | NA | NA | NA |
* | Because the Funds are newly organized, the Funds have not paid any fees to the Ultimus under the Service Agreements as of the date of this SAI. |
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Custodian
U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”), located at 425 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, serves as custodian to the Funds pursuant to a Custody Agreement. The Custodian’s responsibilities include safeguarding and controlling each Fund’s cash and securities, handling the receipt and delivery of securities, and collecting interest and dividends on the Funds’ investments.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
BBD, LLP, located at 1835 Market Street, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, serves as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Funds and audits the annual financial statements of the Funds and assists in preparing the Funds’ federal, state and excise tax returns for the fiscal year ending November 30, 2019.
Legal Counsel
Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, located at 4208 Six Forks Road, Suite 1400, Raleigh, North Carolina 27609, serves as legal counsel to the Trust and the Trust’s Independent Trustees.
Compliance Consulting Agreement
Under the terms of a Compliance Consulting Agreement with the Trust, Ultimus provides an individual with the requisite background and familiarity with the Federal securities laws to serve as the Trust’s CCO and to administer the Trust’s compliance policies and procedures. For these services, each Fund pays Ultimus a base fee, plus an asset-based fee computed as a function of the average net assets of the Fund. In addition, each Fund reimburses Ultimus for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to these compliance services.
DISTRIBUTION PLAN
Each Fund has adopted a Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the “Plan”) for the Investor Class of shares. See the section entitled “Distribution Plan” in the Prospectus for additional information on the specifics of the Plan. As required by Rule 12b-1, the Plan was approved by the Board and separately by a majority of the Independent Trustees who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan. The Plan provides that the Trust’s Distributor or Treasurer shall provide to the Board, at least quarterly, a written report of the amounts expended pursuant to the Plan and the purposes of such expenditures. The Board will take into account the expenditures for purposes of reviewing operation of the Plan and in connection with their annual consideration of the renewal of the Plan.
Under the Plan, the Fund on behalf of the Investor Class shares, may annually expend up to 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Investor Class shares to pay for any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of those shares and the servicing of shareholder accounts, provided that the Board has approved the category of expenses for which payment is being made. In connection therewith, the Investor Class shares of the Fund may pay up to 0.25% of its average daily net assets to the Distributor, as compensation for services or other activities that are primarily intended to result in the sale of shares, or reimbursement for expenses incurred in connection with services or other activities that are primarily intended to result in the sale of shares. The Distributor may enter into selling agreements with one or more selling agents under which such agents may receive compensation for distribution-related services from the Distributor, including, but not limited to, commissions or other payments to such agents based on the average daily net assets of the Investor Class shares attributable to them. The Fund does not participate in any joint distribution activities with other investment companies. Robert G. Dorsey as an owner of the Distributor may be deemed to receive an indirect benefit from the operation of the Plan.
The Plan provides potential benefits to the Fund including, without limitation, improved shareholder services and savings in certain operating expenses. The Plan is also expected to benefit shareholders by providing funds for selling arrangements to assist the Fund to reach and maintain sufficient size to efficiently implement its principal investment strategies and to achieve economies of scale in the Fund’s service provider relationships.
Because the Fund is newly organized, no information regarding the distribution fees paid by the Fund is included in this SAI.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Other Payments by the Funds
A Fund may enter into agreements with financial intermediaries pursuant to which the Fund may pay financial intermediaries for non-distribution-related sub-transfer agency, administrative, sub-accounting, and other shareholder services. Payments made pursuant to such agreements are generally based on either (1) a percentage of the average daily net assets of Fund shareholders serviced by a financial intermediary, or (2) the number of Fund shareholders serviced by a financial intermediary. Any payments made pursuant to such agreements may be in addition to, rather than in lieu of, distribution fees the Fund may pay to financial intermediaries pursuant to the Fund’s distribution plan, in any.
Other Payments by the Adviser
The Adviser and/or its affiliates, in 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 a Fund, their 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.
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These additional payments may be made to financial intermediaries that sell Fund shares or provide services to a 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 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 the Funds; 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 Funds 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.
Investors should understand that some financial intermediaries may also charge their clients fees in connection with purchases of shares or the provision of shareholder services.
Description of Shares
The Trust is an unincorporated business trust that was organized under Ohio law on February 28, 2012. The Declaration of Trust authorizes the Board to divide shares into series, each series relating to a separate portfolio of investments, and to further divide shares of a series into separate classes. The shares of each Fund are currently divided into two classes: Investor Class and Institutional Class, which are described in the Prospectus. Additional classes of shares may be created at any time. In the event of a liquidation or dissolution of the Trust or an individual series or class, shareholders of a particular series or class would be entitled to receive the assets available for distribution belonging to such series or class. Shareholders of a series or class are entitled to participate equally in the net distributable assets of the particular series or class involved on liquidation, based on the number of shares of the series or class that are held by each shareholder. If any assets, income, earnings, proceeds, funds or payments are not readily identifiable as belonging to any particular series or class, the Board shall allocate them among any one or more series or classes as the Board, in its sole discretion, deems fair and equitable. Subject to the Declaration of Trust, determinations by the Board as to the allocation of liabilities, and the allocable portion of any general assets, with respect to the Funds, are conclusive.
Shares of the Funds, when issued, are fully paid and non-assessable. Shares have no subscription, preemptive or conversion rights. Shares do not have cumulative voting rights. Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each full share held and a fractional vote for each fractional share held. Shareholders of all series and classes of the Trust, including the Funds, will vote together and not separately, 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 series or class. Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides, in substance, that any matter required to be submitted to the holders of the outstanding voting securities of an investment company such as the Trust shall not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of each series or class affected by the matter. A series or class is affected by a matter unless it is clear that the interests of each series or class in the matter are substantially identical or that the matter does not affect any interest of the series or class. Under Rule 18f-2, the approval of an investment advisory agreement, a distribution plan or any change in a fundamental investment policy would be effectively acted upon with respect to a series or class only if approved by a majority of the outstanding shares of such series or class. However, the Rule also provides that the ratification of the appointment of independent accountants and the election of Trustees may be effectively acted upon by shareholders of the Trust voting together, without regard to a particular series or class.
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Trustee Liability
The Declaration of Trust provides that the Trustees will not be liable in any event in connection with the affairs of the Trust, except as such liability may arise from his or her own bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of their duties to the Trust and its holders of beneficial interest. It also provides that all third parties shall look solely to the Trust’s property for satisfaction of claims arising in connection with the affairs of the Trust. With the exceptions stated, the Declaration of Trust provides that a Trustee or officer is entitled to be indemnified against all liability in connection with the affairs of the Trust.
Trust Liability
Under Ohio law, liabilities of the Trust to third persons, including the liabilities of any series, extend to the whole of the trust estate to the extent necessary to discharge such liabilities. However, the Declaration of Trust contains provisions intended to limit the liabilities of each series to the applicable series and the Trustees and officers of the Trust intend that notice of such limitation be given in each contract, instrument, certificate, or undertaking made or issued on behalf of the Trust by the Trustees or officers. There is no guarantee that the foregoing steps will prove effective or that the Trust will be successful in preventing the assets of one series from being available to creditors of another series.
Code of Ethics
The Trust, the Adviser, and the Distributor have each adopted a Code of Ethics that is designed to prevent their respective personnel subject to the Codes of Ethics (each a “COE”, and, collectively, the “COEs”) from engaging in deceptive, manipulative, or fraudulent activities in connection with securities held or to be acquired by the Funds (which securities may also be held by persons subject to the codes). These COEs permit personnel subject to the COEs to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by a Fund, but prohibit such personnel from engaging in personal investment activities which compete with or attempt to take advantage of a Fund’s planned portfolio transactions. Each of these parties monitors compliance with its respective COE.
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
The Trust and the Adviser have adopted Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures that describe how the Funds intend to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities. The Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures of the Trust and the Adviser are attached to this SAI as Appendix C and Appendix D, respectively. No later than August 31st of each year, information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the prior twelve-month period ended June 30th is available without charge upon request by calling 1-855-784-2399, or on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
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Portfolio Holdings Disclosure Policy
The Board has adopted a policy to govern the circumstances under which disclosure regarding securities purchased, sold, or held by a Fund (“Portfolio Securities”), may be made to shareholders of a Fund or other persons. The Trust’s CCO is responsible for monitoring the use and disclosure of information relating to Portfolio Securities. Although no material conflicts of interest are believed to exist that could disadvantage the Funds or their shareholders, various safeguards have been implemented to protect the Funds and their shareholders from conflicts of interest, including: the adoption of the Codes of Ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act designed to prevent fraudulent, deceptive or manipulative acts by officers and employees of the Trust, the Adviser and the Distributor in connection with their personal securities transactions; the adoption by the Adviser and the Distributor of insider trading policies and procedures designed to prevent their employees’ misuse of material non-public information; and the adoption by the Trust of a Code of Ethics for Officers that requires the Chief Executive Officer and CFO of the Trust to report to the Board any affiliations or other relationships that could potentially create a conflict of interest with the Funds.
• | Public disclosure regarding Portfolio Securities is made in the Funds’ Annual Reports and Semi-Annual Reports to shareholders, and in quarterly holdings reports on Form N-Q (“Official Reports”), which are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Except for such Official Reports and as otherwise expressly permitted by the Trust’s policy, shareholders and other persons may not be provided with information regarding Portfolio Securities held, purchased or sold by the Funds. |
• | Information regarding 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 is approved and monitored by the Trust’s CCO. Each disclosure arrangement has been authorized by the Funds and/or the Adviser in accordance with the Funds’ disclosure of portfolio holdings policy upon a determination that this disclosure serves a legitimate business purpose of the Funds and that each organization is subject to a duty of confidentiality. |
• | The Trust’s CCO may approve the disclosure of holdings of or transactions in Portfolio Securities that is made on the same basis to all shareholders of the Funds. |
• | The Funds’ policy relating to disclosure of holdings of Portfolio Securities does not prohibit disclosure of information to the Adviser or to other Trust service providers, including the Trust’s administrator, distributor, custodian, legal counsel, accountants and printers/typesetters, N-PORT and N-CEN vendors, pricing and liquidity vendors and consultants, or to brokers and dealers through which the Funds purchases and sells Portfolio Securities. Below is a table that lists each service provider that may receive non-public portfolio information along with information regarding the frequency of access to, and limitations on use of, portfolio information. |
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Such disclosures may be made without approval of the Trust’s CCO because the Board has determined that the Funds and their shareholders are adequately protected by the restrictions on use in those instances listed above.
• | The Trust’s CCO may approve other arrangements under which information relating to Portfolio Securities held by the Funds, or purchased or sold by the Funds (other than information contained in Official Reports), may be disclosed. The Trust’s CCO shall approve such an arrangement only if he or she concludes (based on a consideration of the information to be disclosed, the timing of the disclosure, the intended use of the information and other relevant factors) that the arrangement is reasonably necessary to aid in conducting the ongoing business of the Trust and is unlikely to affect adversely the Funds or any shareholder of the Funds. The Trust’s CCO must inform the Board of any such arrangements that are approved by the Trust’s CCO, and the rationale supporting approval, at the next regular quarterly meeting of the Board following such approval. |
• | Neither the Adviser nor the Trust (or any affiliated person, employee, officer, trustee or director of the Adviser or the Trust) may receive any direct or indirect compensation in consideration of the disclosure of information relating to Portfolio Securities held, purchased or sold by the Funds. |
Other Expenses
In addition to the Management Fee and a Fund’s Plan fees for the Investor Class, each Fund pays all expenses associate with the Fund not expressly assumed by the Adviser, including, without limitation, the fees and expenses of its independent registered public accounting firm and of its legal counsel; the fees of the Administrator, Distributor, and Transfer Agent; the costs of printing and mailing to shareholders Annual and Semi-Annual Reports, proxy statements, prospectuses, SAIs and supplements thereto; bank transaction charges and custody fees; any costs associated with shareholder meetings, including proxy solicitors’ fees and expenses; registration and filing fees; federal, state or local income or other taxes; interest; membership fees of the Investment Company Institute and similar organizations; fidelity bond and liability insurance premiums; and any extraordinary expenses, such as indemnification payments or damages awarded in litigation or settlements made.
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BENCHMARK DESCRIPTIONS
Q3 All-Weather Sector Rotation Fund
Morningstar Moderate Target Risk Index
The Morningstar Moderate Target Risk is an index that represents a portfolio of global equities, bonds, and traditional inflation hedges, such as commodities and Treasury Inflaction-Protected Securities (“TIPS”). This portfolio is held in a static allocation of 60% equities and 40% fixed income, which some consider appropriate for U.S. investors who seek average exposure to equity market risk and returns. The index returns assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not reflect any applicable sales charges or management fees.
Q3 All-Weather Tactical Fund
Morningstar Moderately Aggressive Target Risk Index
The Morningstar Moderately Aggressive Target Risk Index is an index that represents a portfolio of global equities, bonds and traditional inflation hedges such as commodities and TIPS. This portfolio is held in a static allocation that some consider appropriate for U.S. investors who seek a slightly above-average exposure to equity market risk and returns. The index returns assume reinvestment of distributions, but do not reflect any applicable sales charges or management fees.
ADDITIONAL TAX INFORMATION
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. The discussions here and in the Prospectus are not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning and are based on tax laws and regulations that are in effect on the date hereof; such laws and regulations may be changed by legislative, judicial, or administrative action. Investors are advised to consult their tax advisors with specific reference to their own tax situations.
Each Fund intends to qualify and remain qualified as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (the “Code”). In order to so qualify, each Fund must elect to be a regulated investment company or have made such an election for a previous year and must satisfy certain requirements relating to the amount of distributions and source of its income for a taxable year. At least 90% of the gross income of the Fund must be derived from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stocks, securities, or foreign currencies, and other income derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing in such stock, securities, or currencies, and net income derived from an investment in a “qualified publicly traded partnership” as defined in section 851(h) of the Code (the “source-of-income test”). Any income derived by a Fund from a partnership (other than a “qualified publicly traded partnership”) or trust is treated as derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing in stock, securities, or currencies only to the extent that such income is attributable to items of income that would have been qualifying income if realized by the Fund in the same manner as by the partnership or trust.
A Fund may not qualify as a regulated investment company for any taxable year unless it satisfies certain requirements with respect to the diversification of its investments at the close of each quarter of the taxable year (the “asset diversification tests”). In general, at least 50% of the value of a Fund’s total assets must be represented by cash, cash items, government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and other securities which, with respect to any one issuer, do not represent more than 5% of the total assets of the Fund nor more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer. In addition, not more than 25% of the value of a Fund’s total assets may be invested in the securities (other than government securities or the securities of other regulated investment companies) of any one issuer; the securities of two or more issuers (other than securities of another regulated investment company) if the issuers are controlled by the Fund and they are, pursuant to Treasury Regulations, engaged in the same or similar or related trades or businesses; or the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.
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Each Fund intends to satisfy all of the requirements of the source-of-income test and the asset diversification tests on an ongoing basis for continued qualification as a regulated investment company.
If the Fund fails to meet either the asset diversification test with respect to a taxable quarter or the source-of-income test with respect to a taxable year, the Code provides several remedies, provided certain procedural requirements are met, which will allow the Fund to retain its status as a “regulated investment company”. There is a remedy for failure to satisfy the asset diversification tests, if the failure was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, subject to certain divestiture and procedural requirements and the payment of a tax. In addition, there is a remedy for a de minimis failure of the asset diversification tests, which would require corrective action but no tax. In addition, the Code allows for the remedy of a failure of the source-of-income test, if the failure was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, subject to certain procedural requirements and the payment of a tax.
Under current tax law, qualifying corporate dividends are taxable at long-term capital gains tax rates. The long-term capital gains rate for individual taxpayers is currently at a maximum rate of 20%, with lower rates potentially applicable to taxpayers depending on their income levels. For 2019, individual taxpayers with taxable incomes above $434,550 ($488,850 for married taxpayers filing jointly, and $461,700 for heads of households) are subject to a 20% rate of tax on long-term capital gains and qualified dividends. For individual taxpayers with taxable incomes not in excess of $39,375 ($78,750 for married taxpayers filing jointly and $52,750 for heads of household) the long-term capital gains rate and rate on qualified dividends is 0%. All other taxpayers are subject to a maximum 15% rate of tax on long-term capital gains and qualified dividends. The above income thresholds are subject to adjustment for inflation beginning in taxable years after 2018.
If a Fund designates a dividend as a capital gains distribution, it generally will be taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long the shareholders have held their Fund shares or whether the dividend was received in cash or reinvested in additional shares. All taxable dividends paid by a Fund other than those designated as qualified dividend income or capital gains distributions will be taxable as ordinary income to shareholders, whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares. To the extent a Fund engages in increased portfolio turnover, short-term capital gains may be realized, and any distribution resulting from such gains will be considered ordinary income for federal tax purposes.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury (“U.S. Treasury”) recently issued Proposed Regulations which provide that regulated investment companies that receive qualified REIT dividend income may designate such amounts as Section 199A dividends. Qualified REIT dividend income is the excess of qualified REIT dividends received by the regulated investment company over the amount of the regulated investment company’s deductions that are properly allocable to such income. If the Fund designates a dividend as a Section 199A distribution, it may be treated by shareholders as a qualified REIT dividend that is taxed as ordinary income and for non-corporate taxpayers eligible for the 20% deduction for “qualified business income” under Code section 199A. Generally, only non-corporate shareholders who have held their shares for more than 45 days during the 91-day period beginning on the date which is 45 days prior to the ex-dividend date for such dividend are eligible for such treatment.
Shareholders who hold Fund shares in a tax-deferred account, such as a retirement plan, generally will not have to pay tax on Fund distributions until they receive distributions from their account.
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Each Fund will designate (1) any distribution that constitutes a qualified dividend as qualified dividend income; (2) any tax-exempt distribution as an exempt-interest dividend; (3) any distribution of long-term capital gains as a capital gain dividend; (4) any dividend eligible for the corporate dividends received deduction; and (5) any distribution that is comprised of qualified REIT dividend income as a Section 199A dividend as such in a written notice provided to shareholders after the close of the Funds’ taxable year. Shareholders should note that, upon the sale or exchange of a Fund’s shares, if the shareholder has not held such shares for at least six months, any loss on the sale or exchange of those shares will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of the capital gain dividends received with respect to the shares.
Foreign currency gains or losses on non-U.S. dollar denominated bonds and other similar debt instruments and on any non-U.S. dollar denominated futures contracts, options and forward contracts that are not Section 1256 contracts generally will be treated as ordinary income or loss.
To the extent that a distribution from a Fund is taxable, it is generally included in a shareholder’s gross income for the taxable year in which the shareholder receives the distribution. However, if a Fund declares a dividend in October, November, or December, but pays it in January, it will be taxable to shareholders as if the dividend was received in the year it was declared. Each year, shareholders will receive a statement detailing the tax status of any Fund distributions for that year.
A Fund’s net realized capital gains from securities transactions will be distributed only after reducing such gains by the amount of any available capital loss carryforwards. Capital losses may be carried forward to offset any capital gains.
A 4% nondeductible excise tax is imposed on regulated investment companies that fail to currently distribute 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 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.
If for any taxable year a Fund does not qualify for the special federal income tax treatment afforded regulated investment companies, all of its taxable income will be subject to federal income tax at regular corporate rates (without any deduction for distributions to its shareholders). Such distributions will be taxable to the shareholders as dividends to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. Such distributions may be eligible for (i) the dividends-received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders or (ii) treatment as “qualified dividend income” in the case of noncorporate shareholders.
In general, a shareholder who sells or redeems shares will realize a capital gain or loss, which will be long-term or short-term depending upon the shareholder’s holding period for the Fund’s shares. An exchange of shares is treated as a sale and any gain may be subject to tax.
Each Fund will be required in certain cases to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury a percentage (currently 24%) of taxable dividends or of gross proceeds realized upon sale paid to shareholders who have failed to provide a correct taxpayer identification number in the manner required, who are subject to withholding by the IRS for failure to include properly 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.”
Depending upon the extent of a Fund’s 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. In addition, in those states and localities that have income tax laws, the treatment of the Fund and its shareholders under such laws may differ from their treatment under federal income tax laws.
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Certain U.S. shareholders, including individuals and estates and trusts, will be subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare tax on all or a portion of their “net investment income,” which should include dividends from the Funds and net gains from the disposition of shares of the Funds. U.S. shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the implications of the additional Medicare tax resulting from an investment in a Fund.
Each Fund will send shareholders information each year on the tax status of dividends and distributions. A dividend or capital gains distribution paid shortly after shares have been purchased, although in effect a return of investment, is subject to federal income taxation. Dividends from net investment income, along with capital gains, will be taxable to shareholders, whether received in cash or reinvested in Fund shares and no matter how long the shareholder has held a Fund’s shares, even if they reduce the NAV of shares below the shareholder’s cost, and thus, in effect, result in a return of a part of the shareholder’s investment.
Withholding taxes may be imposed on certain types of payments made to “foreign financial institutions” (as specifically defined in the Code) and certain other non-U.S. entities (including financial intermediaries). A 30% withholding tax is imposed on “withholdable payments” to a foreign financial institution or to a foreign non-financial entity, unless (i) the foreign financial institution undertakes certain diligence and reporting obligations or (ii) the foreign non-financial entity either certifies it does not have any substantial U.S. owners or furnishes identifying information regarding each substantial U.S. owner.
For these purposes, a “withholdable payment” includes any U.S. source payments of interest, dividends, rents, compensation and other fixed or determinable annual or periodical gains, profits and income. If the payee is a foreign financial institution, it must enter into an agreement with the U.S. Department of the Treasury requiring, among other things, that it undertake to identify accounts held by certain U.S. persons or U.S.-owned foreign entities, annually report certain information about such accounts, and withhold 30% on payments to account holders whose actions prevent it from complying with these reporting and other requirements. Non-U.S. investors should consult their tax advisors regarding this legislation and the potential implications of this legislation on their particular circumstances.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Funds are newly organized and therefore no financial information is included in this SAI. You may request a copy of each Fund’s Annual and Semi-Annual Reports, once available, at no charge by calling the Fund at 1-855-784-2399 or by visiting the Funds’ website at www.Q3AllWeatherFunds.com.
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APPENDIX A
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
Name and Year of Birth |
Length
of
Time Served |
Position(s)
Held
with Trust |
Principal
Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years |
Number of Funds in the Trust overseen by Trustee |
Directorships of Public Companies Held by Trustee During Past 5 Years |
Interested Trustees: | |||||
Robert G. Dorsey*^
Year of Birth: 1957
|
Since
2012
|
Trustee (February 2012 to present)
President (June 2012 to October 2013) |
Vice Chairman (2019 to present); Managing Director (1999 to 2019), Co-CEO (April 2018 to 2019), and President (1999 to April 2018) of Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC and its subsidiaries (except as otherwise noted for FINRA-regulated broker-dealer entities) | 14 | Interested Trustee of 10 series of the Capitol Series Trust (a registered management company) |
Independent Trustees: | |||||
Janine L. Cohen^
Year of Birth: 1952
|
Since
2016
|
Chairperson (October 2019 to present)
Trustee (January 2016 to present) |
Retired since 2013; previously Chief Financial Officer from 2004 to 2013 and Chief Compliance Officer from 2008 to 2013 at AER Advisors, Inc. | 14 | n/a |
David M. Deptula^
Year of Birth: 1958 |
Since
2012
|
Trustee | Vice President of Legal and Special Projects at Dayton Freight Lines, Inc. since February 2016; Vice President of Tax Treasury at The Standard Register, Inc. (formerly The Standard Register Company) from November 2011 to 2016 | 14 | n/a |
Jacqueline
A. Williams
Year of Birth: 1954 |
Since
June 2019 |
Trustee | Managing Member of Custom Strategy Consulting, LLC (2017 to present); Managing Director of Global Investment Research (2005 to 2017), Cambridge Associates, LLC. | 14 | n/a |
46
Name and Year of Birth |
Length
of
Time Served |
Position(s)
Held
with Trust |
Principal
Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years |
Number of Funds in the Trust overseen by Trustee |
Directorships of Public Companies Held by Trustee During Past 5 Years |
Clifford
N. Schireson
Year of Birth: 1953 |
Since
June 2019 |
Trustee | Founder of Schireson Consulting, LLC (2017 to present); Director of Institutional Services for Brandes Investment Partners, LP (2004-2017). | 14 | Trustee of the San Diego City Employees' Retirement System (August 2019 to present) |
Robert
E. Morrison
Year of Birth: 1957 |
Since
June 2019 |
Trustee | Senior Vice President and National Practice Lead for Investment, Huntington National Bank/Huntington Private Bank (2014 to present); CEO, CIO, President of 5 Star Investment Management Company (2006 to 2014). | 14 | Independent Trustee and Chairman of the Ultimus Managers Trust (2012 to 2014). |
* | Mr. Dorsey is considered an “interested person” of the Trust within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act because of his relationship with the Trust’s administrator, transfer agent, and distributor. Mr. Dorsey was President of the Trust from June 2012 to October 2013. |
Name and Year of Birth |
Length
of
Time Served |
Position(s) Held with Trust | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
Executive Officers: | |||
David R. Carson^
Year of Birth: 1958 |
Since
2013
|
President and Principal Executive Officer of each of its Series (October 2013 to present);
Vice President (April 2013 to October 2013) |
President of Unified Series Trust (January 2017 to present); Vice President and Director of Client Strategies of Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (2013 to present); |
Todd E. Heim^
Year of Birth: 1967 |
Since
2014
|
Vice President (2014 to present)
|
Relationship Management Director and Vice President of Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (2018 to present); Client Implementation Manager of Ultimus Managers Trust (2014 to 2018); Naval Flight Officer of United States Navy (May 1989 to June 2017) |
Jennifer L. Leamer^
Year of Birth: 1976
|
Since
2014
|
Treasurer (2014 to present)
Assistant Treasurer (April 2014 to October 2014) |
Mutual Fund Controller of Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (2014 to present) |
Daniel D. Bauer^
Year of Birth: 1977 |
Since
2016 |
Assistant Treasurer (April 2016 to present) |
Assistant Mutual Fund Controller (September 2015 to present); Fund Accounting Manager (March 2012 to August 2015) of Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC |
47
Matthew J. Beck^
Year of Birth:1988 |
Since
2018
|
Secretary (July 2018 to present)
|
Senior Attorney of Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (May 2018 to present); Chief Compliance Officer of OBP Capital, LLC (2015 to May 2018); Vice President and General Counsel of The Nottingham Company (2014 to May 2018) |
Natalie S. Anderson^
Year of Birth: 1975 |
Since
2016
|
Assistant Secretary (April 2016 to present)
|
Legal Administration Manager (July 2016 to present) and Paralegal (January 2015 to July 2016) of Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC; Senior Paralegal of Unirush, LLC (October 2011 to January 2015) |
Martin Dean^
Year of Birth: 1963
|
Since
2019
|
Interim Chief Compliance Officer (October 2019 to present)
Assistant Chief Compliance Officer (January 2016 to 2017)
|
Vice President, Director of Fund Compliance of Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (January 2016 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, BondHouse Investment Trust (September 2019 to present); Interim Chief Compliance Officer, Fenimore Asset Management Trust (May 2019 to present); Interim Chief Compliance Officer, Valued Advisers Trust (April 2019 to present); Interim Chief Compliance Officer, Capitol Series Trust (April 2019 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, Dupree Mutual Funds (August 2017 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, Peachtree Alternative Strategies Fund (January 2017 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, FSI Low Beta Absolute Return Fund (November 2016 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, Cross Shore Discovery Fund (June 2016 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, First Western Funds Trust (April 2016 to present); Anti-Money Laundering Officer and Chief Compliance Officer of The Huntington Funds (July 2013 to April 2016) and the Huntington Strategy Shares (July 2013 to March 2016); Senior Vice President and Compliance Group Manager, Huntington Asset Services, Inc. (July 2013 to December 2015) |
^ | Address is 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, OH 45246 |
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APPENDIX B
ULTIMUS MANAGERS TRUST
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
1. | Purpose; Delegation |
The purpose of this memorandum is to describe the policies and procedures for voting proxies received from issuers whose securities are held by each series (individually, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) of Ultimus Managers Trust (the “Trust”). The Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) believes that each Fund’s Investment Adviser is in the best position to make individual voting decisions for such Fund. Therefore, subject to the oversight of the Board, each Fund’s Investment Adviser is hereby delegated the duty to make proxy voting decisions for such Fund, and to implement and undertake such other duties as set forth in, and consistent with, these Policies and Procedures.
2. | Definitions |
Proxy. A proxy permits a shareholder to vote without being present at annual or special meetings. A proxy is the form whereby a person who is eligible to vote on corporate matters transmits written instructions for voting or transfers the right to vote to another person in place of the eligible voter. Proxies are generally solicited by management, but may be solicited by dissident shareholders opposed to management’s policies or strategies.
Proxy Manager. Proxy manager, as used herein, refers to the individual, individuals or committee of individuals appointed by the investment advisers to each Fund (each, an “Investment Adviser”) as being responsible for supervising and implementing these Policies and Procedures.
3. | Policy for Voting Proxies Related to Exchange Traded Funds and other Investment Companies. |
Pursuant to Section 12(d)(1)(E)(iii) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, all proxies from Exchange Traded Funds (“ETFs”) or other Investment Companies voted by a Fund, registered in the name of the Fund, will have the following voting instructions typed on the proxy form: “Vote these shares in the same proportion as the vote of all other holders of such shares. The beneficial owner of these shares is a registered investment company.”
4. | Policy for Voting Proxies Related to Other Portfolio Securities |
Fiduciary Considerations. Proxies with respect to securities other than ETFs or other investment companies are voted solely in the interests of the shareholders of the Trust. Any conflict of interest must be resolved in the way that will most benefit the shareholders.
Management Recommendations. Since the quality and depth of management is a primary factor considered when investing in a company, the recommendation of management on any issue should be given substantial weight. The vote with respect to most issues presented in proxy statements should be cast in accordance with the position of the company’s management, unless it is determined that supporting management’s position would adversely affect the investment merits of owning the stock. However, each issue should be considered on its own merits, and the position of the company’s management should not be supported in any situation where it is found not to be in the best interests of the Trust’s shareholders.
49
5. | Conflicts of Interest |
The Trust recognizes that under certain circumstances an Investment Adviser may have a conflict of interest in voting proxies on behalf of a Fund. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to, situations where an Investment Adviser or one or more of its affiliates, including officers, directors or employees, has or is seeking a client relationship with the issuer of the security that is the subject of the proxy vote. The Investment Adviser shall periodically inform its employees that they are under an obligation to be aware of the potential for conflicts of interest on the part of the Investment Adviser with respect to voting proxies on behalf of a Fund, both as a result of the employee’s personal relationships and due to circumstances that may arise during the conduct of the Investment Adviser’s business, and to bring any conflict of interest of which they become aware to the attention of the proxy manager. With respect to securities other than ETFs or other investment companies, the Investment Adviser shall not vote proxies relating to such issuers on behalf of a Fund until it has determined that the conflict of interest is not material or a method of resolving such conflict of interest has been determined in the manner described below. A conflict of interest will be considered material to the extent that it is determined that such conflict has the potential to influence the Investment Adviser’s decision-making in voting a proxy. Materiality determinations will be based upon an assessment of the particular facts and circumstances. If the proxy manager determines that a conflict of interest is not material, the Investment Adviser may vote proxies notwithstanding the existence of a conflict. If the conflict of interest is determined to be material, either (i) the conflict shall be disclosed to the Trust’s Committee of Independent Trustees (the “Committee”) and the Investment Adviser shall follow the instructions of the Committee or (ii) the Investment Adviser shall vote the issue in question based upon the recommendation of an independent third party under a contractual arrangement approved by the Committee. The proxy manager shall keep a record of all materiality decisions and report them to the Committee on an annual basis.
6. | Routine Proposals |
Proxies for routine proposals (such as election of directors, selection of independent public accountants, stock splits and increases in capital stock) with respect to securities other than ETFs or other investment companies should generally be voted in favor of management.
7. | Proxy Manager Approval |
Votes on non-routine matters and votes against a management’s recommendations with respect to securities other than ETFs or other investment companies are subject to approval by the proxy manager.
8. | Proxy Voting Procedures |
Proxy voting will be conducted in compliance with the policies and practices described herein and is subject to the proxy manager’s supervision. A reasonable effort should be made to obtain proxy material and to vote in a timely fashion. Each Investment Adviser shall maintain records regarding the voting of proxies under these Policies and Procedures.
9. | Form N-PX |
A record of each proxy vote will be entered on Form N-PX. A copy of each Form N-PX will be signed by the President of the Trust. The Form is to be filed by August 31 each year. Each reporting period covered by the Form N-PX runs from July 1 to June 30. The Trust will disclose in its annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders and in its registration statement (in the SAI) filed with the SEC on or after August 31 that each Fund’s proxy voting record for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available without charge upon request and is also available on the SEC’s Website at www.sec.gov.
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10. | Investment Advisers’ Voting Procedures |
The Trust acknowledges that the Investment Advisers to the various Funds have adopted voting policies and procedures for their clients that have been delivered to the Trust. To the extent that an Investment Adviser’s policies and procedures are consistent with these Policies and Procedures, the Investment Adviser may implement them with respect to voting proxies on behalf of each Fund managed by such Investment Adviser. However, the provisions of paragraph 5 of these Policies and Procedures relating to conflicts of interest shall supersede any comparable provisions of any Investment Adviser’s policies and procedures.
Securities Lending: If a Fund engages in securities lending, the proxy voting procedures of the Adviser of such Fund will include information on the recall of lent securities for voting purposes. More information can be found in the Securities Lending Procedures of the Trust.
51
APPENDIX C
Q3 Asset Management Corporation
Proxy Voting Policy
52
APPENDIX D
DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS
The Funds may acquire from time to time fixed-income or debt securities as described in the Prospectus and this SAI. The Funds are not restricted with respect to yield, maturity, or credit quality of any fixed-income or debt securities, so that the Funds may purchase fixed-income or debt securities that are of high quality “investment grade” (“Investment-Grade Debt Securities”) or of lower quality with significant risk characteristics (e.g., “junk bonds”). The various ratings used by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (each an “NRSRO”) are described below.
A rating by an NRSRO represents the organization’s opinion as to the credit quality of the security being rated. However, the ratings are general and are not absolute standards of quality or guarantees as to the creditworthiness of an issuer. Consequently, the Adviser believes that the quality of Investment-Grade Debt Securities in which the Funds may invest should be continuously reviewed and that individual analysts give different weightings to the various factors involved in credit analysis. A rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a security, because it does not take into account market value or suitability for a particular investor. When a security has received a rating from more than one NRSRO, each rating is evaluated independently. Ratings are based on current information furnished by the issuer or obtained by the NRSROs from other sources that they consider reliable. Ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of changes in or unavailability of such information, or for other reasons.
S&P® GLOBAL RATINGS. The following summarizes the highest four ratings used by S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”), a division of S&P Global, Inc., for bonds which are deemed to be Investment-Grade Debt Securities by the Adviser:
AAA –An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. 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 lead to weaken the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.
Obligations rated BB, B, CCC, CC, C and D are not considered by the Adviser to be Investment-Grade Debt Securities and 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 risk exposures to adverse conditions. An obligation rated “D” is in default or in breach of an imputed promise.
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.
A short-term obligation rated “A-1” is rated in the highest category by S&P indicates that 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 commitments on these obligations is extremely strong. 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.
53
The rating SP-1 is the highest rating assigned by S&P to short term municipal notes and indicates 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. The rating SP-2 indicates a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes. The rating SP-3 indicates a speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.
MOODY’S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. Ratings assigned on Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) global long-term and short-term rating scales are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations issued by non-financial corporates, financial institutions, structured finance vehicles, project finance vehicles, and public sector entities. Long-term ratings are assigned to issuers or obligations with an original maturity of one year or more and reflect both on the likelihood of default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default. The highest four ratings are deemed to be Investment-Grade Debt Securities by the Adviser:
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.
Obligations which are rated Ba, B, Caa, Ca or C by Moody’s are not considered Investment-Grade Debt Securities by the Adviser. Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk. Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk. Obligations rated Caa are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.
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. Additionally, a “(hyb)” indicator is appended to all ratings of hybrid securities issued by banks, insurers, finance companies, and securities firms.
Short-Term Ratings
Moody’s short-term ratings are assigned to obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect both on the likelihood of a default or impairment on contractual financial obligations and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default or impairment.
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.
54
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.
US Municipal Short-Term Debt And Demand Obligation Ratings
Short-Term Obligation Ratings –While the global short-term ‘prime’ rating scale is applied to U.S. municipal tax-exempt commercial paper, these programs are typically backed by external letters of credit or liquidity facilities and their short-term prime ratings usually map to the long-term rating of the enhancing bank or financial institution and not to the municipality’s rating. Other short-term municipal obligations, which generally have different funding sources for repayment, are rated using two additional short-term rating scales (i.e., the MIG and the VMIG scales discussed below.)
The Municipal Investment Grade (MIG) scale is used to rate U.S. municipal bond anticipation notes of up to five 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.
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.
Demand Obligation Ratings – 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 (VMIG) scale. VMIG ratings of demand obligations with unconditional liquidity support are mapped from the short-term debt rating (or counterparty assessment) of the support provider, or the underlying obligor in the absence of third party liquidity support, with VMIG 1 corresponding to P-1, VMIG 2 to P-2, VMIG 3 to P-3 and SG to not prime. For example, the VMIG rating for an industrial revenue bond with Company XYZ as the underlying obligor would normally have the same numerical modifier as Company XYZ’s prime rating. Transitions of VMIG ratings of demand obligations with conditional liquidity support differ from transitions on the Prime scale to reflect the risk that external liquidity support will terminate if the issuer’s long-term rating drops below investment grade.
55
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.
FITCH RATINGS. The following summarizes the highest four ratings used by Fitch Ratings, Inc. (“Fitch”):
National Long-Term Credit Ratings
AAA –AAA National Ratings denote the highest rating assigned by Fitch in its National Rating scale for that country. This rating is assigned to issuers or obligations with the lowest expectation of default risk relative to all other issuers or obligations in the same country or monetary union.
AA – AA National Ratings denote expectations of a very low default risk relative to other issuers or obligations in the same country or monetary union. The default risk inherent differs only slightly from that of the country or monetary union’s highest rated issuers or obligations.
A –A National Ratings denote expectations of a low default risk relative to other issuers or obligations in the same country or monetary union.
BBB – BBB National Ratings denote a moderate level of default risk relative to other issuers or obligations in the same country or monetary union.
Long-term securities rated below BBB by Fitch are not considered by the Adviser to be Investment-Grade Debt Securities. Securities rated BB denotean elevated default risk relative to other issuers or obligations in the same country or monetary union, and securities rated B have a significantly elevated default risk relative to other issuers or obligations in the same country. A rating CCC denotes a very high level of default risk relative to other issuers or obligations in the same country or monetary union, while a rating CC denotes the level of default risk is among the highest relative to other issuers or obligations in the same country or monetary union. A rating C denotes that a default or default-like process has begun, or the issuer is in standstill, or for a closed funding vehicle, payment capacity is irrevocably impaired. Conditions that are indicative of a C category rating for an issuer include: the issuer has entered into a grace or cure period following non-payment of a material financial obligations, the issuer has entered into a temporary negotiated waiver or standstill agreement following a payment default on a material financial obligations; the formal announcement by the issuer of their agent of a distressed debt exchange; and a closed financing vehicle where payment capacity is irrevocably impaired such that it is not expected to pay interest and/or principal in full during the life of the transaction, but where no payment default is imminent. RD ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch’s opinion has experienced an uncured payment default on a bond, loan or other material financial obligation but that has not entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, and has not otherwise ceased business. This would include the selective payment default on a specific class or currency of debt, the uncured expiry of any applicable grace period, cure period or default forbearance period following a payment default on a bank loan, capital markets security or other material financial obligation, the extension of multiple waivers or forbearance periods upon a payment default on one or more material financial obligations, either in series or in parallel, or execution of a distressed debt exchange on one or more material financial obligations. D ratings denote an issuer that has entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure or that has otherwise ceased business.
56
Note: A (+) or (-) may be appended to a National Rating to denote relative status within a major rating category. Such suffixes are not added to the AAA National Rating category or to categories below CCC.
National Short-Term Credit Ratings
F1 –Indicates the strongest capacity for timely payment of financial commitments relative to other issuers or obligations in the same country or monetary union. Under Fitch’s National Rating scale, this rating is assigned to the lowest default risk relative to others in the same country or monetary union. Where the liquidity profile is particularly strong, a + is added to the assigned rating.
F2 –Indicates a good capacity for timely payment of financial commitments relative to other issuers or obligations in the same country or monetary union. However, the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the higher ratings.
F3 –Indicates an adequate capacity for timely payment of financial commitments relative to other issuers or obligations in the same country or monetary union.
B –Indicates an uncertain capacity for timely payment of financial commitments relative to other issuers or obligations in the same country or monetary union.
Short-term rates B, C, RD, and D by Fitch are considered by the Adviser to be below Investment-Grade Debt Securities. Short-term securities rated C indicates a highly uncertain capacity for timely payment of financial commitments relative to other issuers or obligations in the same country or monetary union. Short-term securities rated RD indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. RD ratings are applicable to entity ratings only. Short-term securities rated D indicate a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.
Note: A (+) or (-) may be appended to a National Rating to denote relative status within major rating category. Such suffixes are not added to Short-Term National Ratings other than F-1.
While the foregoing descriptions of the ratings systems used by the Adviser distinguish between Investment-Grade Debt Securities and more speculative debt securities, as stated above the Funds are not limited with respect to the yield, maturity or credit quality of the debt securities in which it invests. Accordingly, each Fund’s portfolio may be invested in Investment-Grade Debt Securities or debt securities that are not Investment-Grade Debt Securities in any proportion.
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PART C. | OTHER INFORMATION |
Item 28. | Exhibits |
(a) |
Agreement and Declaration of Trust, dated February 28, 2012, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a) of Registrant’s initial Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on March 23, 2012.
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(b) |
Bylaws, dated February 28, 2012, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (b) of Registrant’s initial Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on March 23, 2012.
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(c) |
Instruments Defining Rights of Security Holders are incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a) of Registrant’s initial Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed on March 23, 2012.
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(d)(1)(i) |
Investment Advisory Agreement with Lyrical Asset Management LP, dated January 22, 2013, for Lyrical U.S. Value Equity Fund is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(iv) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on February 1, 2013.
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(d)(1)(ii) |
Investment Advisory Agreement with Lyrical Asset Management, LP, for the Lyrical International Value Equity Fund will be filed by post-effective amendment.
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(d)(2) |
Investment Advisory Agreement with Wavelength Capital Management, LLC, dated October 29, 2018, for Wavelength Interest Rate Neutral Fund is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(4)(ii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 128 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on November 28, 2018.
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(d)(3) |
Investment Advisory Agreement with Edge Capital Group, LLC, dated October 29, 2018, for Blue Current Global Dividend Fund is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(5)(ii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 128 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on November 28, 2018.
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(d)(4) |
Investment Advisory Agreement with Ryan Labs Asset Management Inc. (formerly Ryan Labs, Inc.), dated March 31, 2015, for Ryan Labs Core Bond Fund is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(7) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 108 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on June 28, 2017. |
1
(d)(5)(A) |
Investment Advisory Agreement with Waycross Partners, LLC, dated April 20, 2015, for Waycross Long/Short Equity Fund is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(xi) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on April 29, 2015.
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(d)(5)(B) |
Amended Schedule A to the Investment Advisory Agreement, dated February 2, 2017, for the Waycross Long/Short Equity Fund is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(8)(B) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 108 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on June 28, 2017.
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(d)(6) |
Investment Advisory Agreement with Ryan Labs Asset Management Inc. (formerly Ryan Labs, Inc.), dated November 13, 2015, for Ryan Labs Long Credit Fund and Ryan Labs Core Bond Fund, (collectively, the “Ryan Labs Funds”) is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(11) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on November 12, 2015.
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(d)(7)(A) |
Investment Advisory Agreement with Marshfield Associates, Inc., dated December 27, 2015, for Marshfield Concentrated Opportunity Fund, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(15) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on December 24, 2015.
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(d)(7)(B) |
Amended Schedule A to the Investment Advisory Agreement with Marshfield Associates, Inc., dated July 28, 2016, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(13)(B) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 108 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on June 28, 2017.
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(d)(8) |
Investment Advisory Agreement with Ladder Capital Asset Management LLC for Ladder Select Bond Fund is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(16) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on September 20, 2016.
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(d)(9) |
Investment Advisory Agreement with Hudson Valley Investment Advisors, Inc. for HVIA Equity Fund is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(17) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 86 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on September 20, 2016.
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(d)(10) |
Investment Advisory Agreement with Stralem & Company Incorporated, dated October 10, 2016, for the Stralem Equity Fund is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(17) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on February 28, 2017. |
2
(d)(11) |
Investment Advisory Agreement with Edgemoor Investment Advisors, Inc., dated January 27, 2017, for the Meehan Focus Fund, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(18) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 106 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on May 22, 2017.
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(d)(12) |
Investment Advisory Agreement with Kempner Capital Management, Inc., dated April 14, 2017, for the Kempner Multi-Cap Deep Value Fund is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(19) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on February 6, 2017.
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(d)(13) |
Investment Advisory Agreement with Adler Asset Management, LLC is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(17) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 125 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on July 31, 2018.
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(d)(14) |
Investment Advisory Agreement with Karner Blue Capital, LLC, for the Karner Blue Animal Impact Fund, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(15) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on September 27, 2019.
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(d)(15) |
Investment Advisory Agreement with Q3 Asset Management Corporation, for the Q3 All-Weather Sector Rotation Fund and Q3 All-Weather Tactical Fund (the “Q3 Funds”), will be filed by post-effective amendment.
|
(d)(16)(i) |
Investment Advisory Agreement with Blueprint Fund Management LLC, for the Blueprint Growth Fund (the “Blueprint Fund”), will be filed by post-effective amendment.
|
(d)(16)(ii) |
Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement with Blueprint Investment Partners LLC, for the Blueprint Growth Fund (the “Blueprint Fund”), will be filed by post-effective amendment.
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(e)(1)(A)(i) |
Distribution Agreement with Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, dated February 1, 2019, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (e)(1)(A) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 132 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on February 28, 2019.
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(e)(1)(A)(ii) |
Amended Schedule A to the Distribution Agreement, for the Q3 Funds and the Blueprint Fund, will be filed by post-effective amendment.
|
(f) |
None
|
(g)(1)(A) |
Custody Agreement with U.S. Bank, dated June 5, 2012, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on September 11, 2012. |
3
(g)(1)(B) |
Third Amendment, dated December 31, 2012, to the Custody Agreement with U.S. Bank, dated June 5, 2012, for Lyrical U.S. Value Equity Fund is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g)(iii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on February 1, 2013.
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(g)(1)(C) |
Fifth Amendment, dated September 11, 2013, to the Custody Agreement with U.S. Bank, dated June 5, 2012, for Wavelength Interest Rate Neutral Fund, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g)(v) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on September 27, 2013.
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(g)(1)(D) |
Seventh Amendment, dated August 26, 2014, to the Custody Agreement with U.S. Bank, dated June 5, 2012, for Blue Current Global Dividend Fund, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g)(vii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 25 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on September 15, 2014.
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(g)(1)(E) |
Ninth Amendment, dated March 24, 2015, to the Custody Agreement with U.S. Bank, dated June 5, 2012, for Waycross Long/Short Equity Fund, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g)(x) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on April 29, 2015.
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(g)(1)(F) |
Tenth Amendment, dated April 6, 2015, to the Custody Agreement with U.S. Bank, dated June 5, 2012, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g)(1)(J) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on November 12, 2015.
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(g)(1)(G) |
Eleventh Amendment, dated July 9, 2015, to the Custody Agreement with U.S. Bank, dated June 5, 2012, for the Ryan Labs Long Credit Fund is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g)(1)(M) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 69 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (file No. 333-180308), filed on March 29, 2016.
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(g)(1)(H) |
Fourteenth Amendment to the Custody Agreement with U.S. Bank, for Ladder Select Bond Fund, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (e)(1)(B) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 84 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on September 19, 2016.
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(g)(1)(I) |
Sixteenth Amendment to the Custody Agreement with U.S. Bank, dated May 24, 2017, for Meehan Focus Fund, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g)(1)(N) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 108 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on June 28, 2017. |
4
(g)(1)(J) |
Seventeenth Amendment to the Custody Agreement with U.S. Bank, dated December 3, 2019 for the Q3 Funds, will be filed by post-effective amendment.
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(g)(2)(A) |
Global Custody Agreement with MUFG Union Bank, N.A., dated July 21, 2015, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g)(2) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), for Alambic Small Cap Value Fund, filed on August 19, 2015.
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(g)(2)(B) |
Amended Appendix D to the Global Custody Agreement with MUFG Union Bank, N.A., for the Karner Blue Animal Impact Fund, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g)(2)(B) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on September 27, 2019.
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(g)(3) |
Custody Agreement with Pershing, LLC, dated September 26, 2016, for Stralem Equity Fund, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g)(3) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 90 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on October 11, 2016.
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(h)(1)(A)(i) |
Master Services Agreement with Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC dated July 24, 2018, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(1) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 125 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on July 31, 2018.
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(h)(1)(A)(ii) |
Amended Schedule A to the Master Services Agreement will be filed by Post-Effective Amendment.
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(h)(1)(B) |
Fund Accounting Addendum, dated July 24, 2018 to the Master Services Agreement with Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(1)(A) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 125 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on July 31, 2018.
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(h)(1)(C) |
Amendment, dated January 23, 2019, to the Fund Administration Addendum, dated July 24, 2018 to the Master Services Agreement with Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(1)(B) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 132 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on February 28, 2019.
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(h)(1)(D) |
Transfer Agent and Shareholder Services Addendum, dated July 24, 2018 to the Master Services Agreement with Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(1)(C) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 125 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on July 31, 2018. |
5
(h)(2)(A)(i) |
Administration Agreement with Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, dated January 24, 2017, for Meehan Focus Fund, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(18) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 106 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on May 22, 2017.
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(h)(2)(A)(ii) |
Amendment, dated January 23, 2019, to the Administration Agreement with Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, dated January 24, 2017, for Meehan Focus Fund, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(2)(J)(ii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 132 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on February 28, 2019.
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(h)(3)(A)(i) |
Compliance Consulting Agreement with Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, dated June 5, 2012, is incorporated by reference to Exhibits (h)(xxiv) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 25 of Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on, June 29, 2012.
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(h)(3)(A)(ii) |
Amended Schedule A, to the Compliance Consulting Agreement with Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, will be filed by Post-Effective Amendment.
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(h)(4)(A)(i) |
Fund Accounting Agreement with Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, dated January 24, 2017, for Meehan Focus Fund, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(18) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 106 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on May 22, 2017.
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(h)(4)(A)(ii) |
Amendment, dated August 29, 2018, to the Fund Accounting Agreement with Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, dated January 24, 2017, for Meehan Focus Fund, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(4)(J)(ii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 128 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on November 28, 2018.
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(h)(5)(A) |
Transfer Agent and Shareholder Services Agreement with Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, dated January 24, 2017, for Meehan Focus Fund, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(18) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 106 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on May 22, 2017.
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(h)(6)(A) |
Expense Limitation Agreement with Wavelength Capital Management, LLC, dated April 25, 2019, for Wavelength Interest Rate Neutral Fund, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(6)(A) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 137 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on June 28, 2019. |
6
(h)(6)(B) |
Second Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement with Lyrical Asset Management LP, dated November 1, 2018, for the Lyrical U.S. Value Equity Fund, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(6)(D) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 128 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on November 28, 2018.
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(h)(6)(C) |
Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement with Edge Capital Group, LLC, dated December 17, 2019, for Blue Current Global Dividend Fund – Filed herewith
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(h)(6)(D) |
Amended Expense Limitation Agreement with Ryan Labs Asset Management Inc., dated February 1, 2019, for Ryan Labs Funds, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(6)(E) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 132 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on February 28, 2019.
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(h)(6)(E) |
Second Amended Expense Limitation Agreement with Waycross Partners, LLC, dated February 1, 2019, for Waycross Long/Short Equity Fund, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(6)(F) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 132 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on February 28, 2019.
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(h)(6)(F) | Second Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement with Marshfield Associates, Inc., dated November 1, 2018, for Marshfield Concentrated Opportunity Fund, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(6)(I) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 128 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on November 28, 2018. |
(h)(6)(G) |
Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement with Ladder Capital Asset Management LLC, dated August 1, 2018, for Ladder Select Bond Fund, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(6)(K) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on September 28, 2018.
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(h)(6)(H) |
Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement with Hudson Valley Investment Advisors, Inc., dated August 1, 2018, for HVIA Equity Fund, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(6)(L) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on September 28, 2018.
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(h)(6)(I) |
Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement with Stralem & Company Incorporated, dated October 10, 2016, for Stralem Equity Fund, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(6)(M) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on September 28, 2018. |
7
(h)(6)(J) |
Second Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement with Edgemoor Investment Advisors, Inc., dated November 01, 2018, for Meehan Fund, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(6)(L) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 132 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on February 28, 2019.
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(h)(6)(K) |
Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement with Kempner Capital Management, Inc., dated November 1, 2018, for Kempner Multi-Cap Deep Value Fund is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(6)(N) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 128 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on November 28, 2018.
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(h)(6)(L) |
Expense Limitation Agreement with Adler Asset Management, LLC is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(6)(P) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 125 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on July 31, 2018.
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(h)(6)(M) |
Expense Limitation Agreement with Karner Blue Capital, LLC, for the Karner Blue Animal Impact Fund, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(6)(O) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on September 27, 2019.
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(h)(6)(N) |
Expense Limitation Agreement with Q3 Asset Management Corporation, for the Q3 Funds will be filed by post-effective amendment.
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(h)(6)(O) |
Expense Limitation Agreement with Blueprint Fund Management LLC, for the Blueprint Fund will be filed by post-effective amendment.
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(h)(7)(A) |
Administrative Services Plan for the Karner Blue Animal Impact Fund is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(7) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on September 27, 2019.
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(h)(7)(B) |
Administrative Services Plan for the Q3 Funds will be filed by post-effective amendment.
|
(i) |
Opinion of Counsel filed herewith.
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(j) |
Consents filed herewith.
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(k) |
Inapplicable.
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(l) |
Initial Capital Agreement is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (l) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on September 11, 2012. |
8
(m)(1)(A)(i) |
Distribution (Rule 12b-1) Plan, dated June 5, 2012, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (m) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 25 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on September 15, 2014.
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(m)(1)(A)(ii) |
Amended Appendix A to the Distribution (12b-1) Plan, for the Q3 Funds and Blueprint Fund will be filed by post-effective amendment.
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(n)(1) |
Rule 18f-3 Multi-Class Plan, dated June 6, 2013, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (n) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on June 6, 2013.
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(n)(2) |
Amended Rule 18f-3 Multi-Class Plan, dated April 24, 2017, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (n)(2) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 108 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on June 28, 2017.
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(o) |
Reserved.
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(p)(1) |
Code of Ethics of the Registrant, dated June 5, 2012, amended April 23, 2018, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (p)(1) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 128 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on November 28, 2018.
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(p)(2)(A)(i) |
Code of Ethics of Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, dated September 30, 2011, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (p)(2) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 42 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on June 5, 2015.
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(p)(2)(A)(ii) |
Amended Code of Ethics of Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, dated June 1, 2017, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (p)(2)(ii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 108 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on June 28, 2017.
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(p)(3)
|
Amended Code of Ethics of Lyrical Asset Management LP, dated October 2015, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (p)(5) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 108 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on June 28, 2017.
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(p)(4)
|
Amended Code of Ethics of Wavelength Capital Management, LLC, dated September 1, 2016, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (p)(7) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 99 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on February 6, 2017.
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(p)(5)
|
Amended Code of Ethics of Edge Capital Partners, LLC, dated January 1, 2018, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (p)(7) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 124 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on June 28, 2018. |
9
(p)(6) |
Amended Code of Ethics of Ryan Labs Asset Management, Inc., dated February 2017, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (p)(9) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 108 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on June 28, 2017.
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(p)(7)
|
Code of Ethics of Waycross Partners, LLC is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (o)(xii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on April 29, 2015.
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(p)(8) |
Amended Code of Ethics of Marshfield Associates, Inc. is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (p)(12) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 119 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on February 28, 2018.
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(p)(9) |
Amended Code of Ethics of Ladder Capital Asset Management LLC is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(17) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 125 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on July 31, 2018.
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(p)(10) |
Code of Ethics of Hudson Valley Investment Advisors, Inc. is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (p)(17) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 86 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on September 20, 2016.
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(p)(11) |
Code of Ethics of Stralem & Company Incorporated is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (p)(18) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 90 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on October 11, 2016.
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(p)(12) |
Code of Ethics of Edgemoor Investment Advisors, Inc. is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(18) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 106 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on May 22, 2017.
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(p)(13) |
Code of Ethics of Kempner Capital Management, Inc., dated September 2017, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (p)(17) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 119 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on February 28, 2018.
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(p)(14) |
Code of Ethics of Adler Asset Management, LLC is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (p)(15) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 137 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on June 28, 2019. |
10
(p)(15) |
Code of Ethics of Karner Blue Capital, LLC is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (p)(16) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 143 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on September 27, 2019.
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(p)(16) |
Code of Ethics of Q3 Asset Management Corporation will be filed by post-effective amendment.
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(p)(17) |
Code of Ethics of Blueprint Fund Management LLC will be filed by post-effective amendment.
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(q)(1)(A)(ii) |
Powers of Attorney for David M. Deptula, John J. Discepoli, and Janine L. Cohen, dated July 27, 2018 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (q)(1) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 125 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on July 31, 2018.
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(q)(1)(B)(ii) | Powers of Attorney for Jacqueline A. Williams, Clifford Schireson, and Robert E. Morrison are incorporated by reference to Exhibit (q)(1)(ii) of Post-Effective Amendment No. 136 of Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-180308), filed on June 25, 2019. |
Item 29. | Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with Registrant |
No person is directly or indirectly controlled by or under common control with the Registrant.
Item 30. | Indemnification |
Article VI of the Registrant’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification of officers and Trustees as follows:
“Section 6.4 Indemnification of Trustees, Officers, etc.
Subject to and except as otherwise provided in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the 1940 Act, the Trust shall indemnify each of its Trustees and officers, including persons who serve at the Trust’s request as directors, officers or trustees of another organization in which the Trust has any interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise (hereinafter referred to as a “Covered Person”) against all liabilities, including but not limited to amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromise or as fines and penalties, and expenses, including reasonable accountants’ and counsel fees, incurred by any Covered Person in connection with the defense or disposition of any action, suit or other proceeding, whether civil or criminal, before any court or administrative or legislative body, in which such Covered Person may be or may have been involved as a party or otherwise or with which such person may be or may have been threatened, while in office or thereafter, by reason of being or having been such a Trustee or officer, director or trustee, and except that no Covered Person shall be indemnified against any liability to the Trust or its Shareholders to which such Covered Person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such Covered Person’s office.
11
Section 6.5 Advances of Expenses. The Trust shall advance attorneys’ fees or other expenses incurred by a Covered Person in defending a proceeding to the full extent permitted by the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the 1940 Act, as amended, and Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1707, as amended. In the event any of these Federal laws conflict with Ohio Revised Code Section 1701.13I, as amended, these Federal laws, and not Ohio Revised Code Section 1701.13I, shall govern.
Section 6.6 Indemnification Not Exclusive, etc. The right of indemnification provided by this Article VI shall not be exclusive of or affect any other rights to which any such Covered Person may be entitled. As used in this Article VI, “Covered Person” shall include such person’s heirs, executors and administrators. Nothing contained in this article shall affect any rights to indemnification to which personnel of the Trust, other than Trustees and officers, and other persons may be entitled by contract or otherwise under law, nor the power of the Trust to purchase and maintain liability insurance on behalf of any such person.”
The Investment Advisory Agreements with Lyrical Asset Management LP, Wavelength Capital Management, LLC, Edge Capital Group, LLC, Ryan Labs Asset Management, Inc., Waycross Partners, LLC, Marshfield Associates, Inc., Ladder Capital Asset Management LLC, Hudson Valley Investment Advisors, Inc., Stralem & Company Incorporated, Kempner Capital Management, Inc., Edgemoor Investment Advisors, Inc., Adler Asset Management, LLC, Karner Blue Capital, LLC, Q3 Asset Management Corporation, and Blueprint Fund Management LLC (the “Advisers”) and the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement with Blueprint Investment Partners LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”) provide that the Advisers and Sub-Adviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or for any loss suffered by the Trust or the Funds in connection with the performance of their duties, except a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to receipt of compensation for services (in which case any award of damages shall be limited to the period and the amount set forth in Section 36(b)(3) of the 1940 Act) or a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Advisers in the performance of their duties, or from reckless disregard of its duties and obligations thereunder.
The Distribution Agreement with Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”) provides that the Distributor, its directors, officers, employees, shareholders and control persons shall not be liable for any loss, damage or expense (including the reasonable costs of investigation and reasonable attorneys’ fees) reasonably incurred by any of them in connection with the matters to which the Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from the failure of Distributor or any such other person to comply with applicable law or the terms of the Agreement, or from willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence, including clerical errors and mechanical failures, on the part of any of such persons in the performance of Distributor’s duties or from the reckless disregard by any of such persons of Distributor’s obligations and duties under the Agreement.
12
The Distribution Agreement with the Distributor further also provides that the Distributor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Trust and each person who has been, is, or may hereafter be a Trustee, officer, employee, shareholder or control person of the Trust against any loss, damage or expense (including the reasonable costs of investigation and reasonable attorneys’ fees) reasonably incurred by any of them in connection with any claim or in connection with any action, suit or proceeding to which any of them may be a party, which arises out of or is alleged to arise out of or is based upon (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact, or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact necessary to make the statements not misleading, on the part of Distributor or any agent or employee of Distributor or any other person for whose acts Distributor is responsible, unless such statement or omission was made in reliance upon written information furnished by the Trust; (ii) Distributor’s failure to exercise reasonable care and diligence with respect to its services, if any, rendered in connection with investment, reinvestment, automatic withdrawal and other plans for Shares; and (iii) Distributor’s failure to comply with applicable laws and the Rules of FINRA.
The Registrant intends to maintain a standard mutual fund and investment advisory professional and directors and officers liability policy. The policy shall provide coverage to the Registrant, its Trustees and officers and the Adviser. Coverage under the policy will include losses by reason of any act, error, omission, misstatement, misleading statement, neglect or breach of duty.
Item 31. | Business and Other Connections of the Investment Advisers |
(a) | Lyrical Asset Management LP (“Lyrical”), located at 250 West 55th Street, 37th Floor, New York, New York 10022, has been registered as an investment adviser since 2008. Lyrical provides investment advisory services to high net worth individuals, pension and profit sharing plans, corporations and other businesses and a UCITS fund. |
The directors, officers, and partners of Lyrical are listed below, along with their position(s) within the firm and any other position in the capacity of director, officer, partner, or trustee, in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature that they have engaged at any time during the past two years, if any.
(1) | Andrew Wellington – Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer |
(2) | Jeffrey Keswin – Managing Partner |
(3) | Jeffrey Moses, Chief Compliance Officer |
(4) | Edward Peyton Gage, Chief Financial Officer |
(b) | Wavelength Capital Management, LLC (“Wavelength”), located at 250 West 57th Street, Suite 2032, New York, New York 10107, has been registered as an investment adviser since 2013. |
The directors, officers, and partners of Wavelength are listed below, along with their position(s) within the firm and any other position in the capacity of director, officer, partner, or trustee, in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature that they have engaged at any time during the past two years, if any.
13
(1) | Andrew G. Dassori – Founding Partner and Chief Investment Officer |
a. | Partner at Den LLC / Den II LLC |
(2) | Mark Landis – Founding Partner |
(c) | Edge Capital Group, LLC (“Edge”), located at 1380 Paces Ferry Road, NW, Suite 1000, Atlanta, Georgia 30327, has been registered as an investment adviser since 2006. |
The directors, officers, and partners of Edge are listed below along with their position(s) within the firm and any other position in the capacity of director, officer, partner, or trustee, in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature that they have engaged at any time during the past two years, if any.
(1) | Henry M.T. Jones – Managing Partner |
(2) | Albert Rayle – Partner |
(3) | William Skeean – Partner |
(4) | Barrett Karvis – Chief Operating Officer |
(5) | Mary Johnston – Chief Compliance Officer |
(6) | Dennis Sabo – Partner |
(7) | Elizabeth Mackie - Partner |
(d) | Ryan Labs Asset Management, Inc. (“Ryan Labs”), located at 500 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2500, New York, New York 10110, has been registered as an investment adviser since 1989. |
The directors, officers, and partners of Ryan Labs are listed below, along with their position(s) within the firm and any other position in the capacity of director, officer, partner, or trustee, in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature that they have engaged at any time during the past two years, if any.
(1) | Richard Familetti – Board Member, President, and Chief Investment Officer |
(2) | Stephen Preacher – Chairman of the Board |
a. | President of Sun Life Investment Management under Sun Life Financial |
(3) | Thomas Keresztes, Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Operating Officer |
(4) | William C. Adair – Board Member, Head of Sales, Client Service and Strategy |
(5) | Peter Murphy, Chairman of the Board, Head of Institutional Business, SLC Management |
(6) | James Blue, Board Member, Head of Legal, SLC Management |
(e) | Waycross Partners, LLC (“Waycross”) located at 4965 U.S. Highway 42, Suite 2900, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, has been registered as an investment adviser since 2015. |
14
The directors, officers, and partners of Waycross are listed below, along with their position(s) within the firm and any other position in the capacity of director, officer, partner, or trustee, in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature that they have engaged at any time during the past two years, if any.
(1) | Larry Walker – Member |
a. | Manager at Walker One, LLC |
b. | Member of Boca Properties, LLC |
(2) | John Ferreby – Member |
(3) | Matthew Bevin – Member |
a. | Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky |
b. | Owner of Integrity Holdings, Inc. |
c. | President Board Chair of Brittiney’s Wish, Inc. |
d. | Member of Heart and Soul Candies, LLC |
e. | Member of Golden Rule Signs, LLC |
f. | President of Bevin Bros. |
g. | Board Member and Investor in Neuronetric Solutions |
h. | Investor, Munder Capital Management |
(4) | Emily O’Leary, Chief Compliance Officer |
(f) | Marshfield Associates, Inc. (“Marshfield”), located at 21 Dupont Circle NW, Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20036, has been registered as an investment adviser since 1989. |
The directors, officers, and partners of Marshfield are listed below, along with their position(s) within the firm and any other position in the capacity of director, officer, partner, or trustee, in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature that they have engaged at any time during the past two years, if any.
(1) | Christopher M. Niemczewski – Managing Principal |
(2) | Elise J. Hoffmann – Principal |
(3) | Carolyn Miller – Principal |
(4) | Melissa Vinick – Principal |
(5) | William G. Stott – Principal |
(6) | Chad Goldberg – Principal |
(7) | Kimberly Vinick – Director of Operations |
(8) | Carmen Colt – Chief Compliance Officer |
The above individuals are also all principals and employees of Yogi Advisors, LLC and Bushido Capital Partners LLC.
(g) | Ladder Capital Asset Management LLC (“Ladder”), located at 345 Park Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, New York 10154, has been registered as an investment adviser since July 2016. |
15
The directors, officers, and partners of Ladder are listed below, along with their position(s) within the firm and any other position in the capacity of director, officer, partner, or trustee, in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature that they have engaged at any time during the past two years, if any.
(1) | Brian Harris – CEO and Member |
a. | CEO and Director of Ladder Capital Corp |
(2) | Pamela McCormack – President |
(3) | Marc Fox – Chief Financial Officer |
(4) | Thomas Harney – Head of Merchant Banking & Capital Markets |
(5) | Robert Perelman – Head of Asset Management |
(6) | Kelly Porcella – General Counsel |
(7) | Michelle Wallach – Chief Compliance Officer |
(8) | Kevin Moclair – Chief Accounting Officer |
The above individuals are also co-employed by Ladder Capital Finance LLC, a commercial real estate finance company and subsidiary of Ladder Capital Corp (NYSE: LADR).
(h) | Hudson Valley Investment Advisors, Inc. (“Hudson Valley”), located at 117 Grand Street, Suite 201, Goshen, New York 10924, has been registered as investment adviser since 1995. |
The directors, officers, and partners of Hudson Valley are listed below, along with their position(s) within the firm and any other position in the capacity of director, officer, partner, or trustee, in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature that they have engaged at any time during the past two years, if any.
(1) | Gustave Scacco – CEO and Chief Investment Officer |
a. | Chief Operating Officer and Senior Equity Analyst at TigerShark Management, LLC (February 2011 – February 2015) |
(2) | Mark Lazarczyk –Chief Compliance Officer |
(3) | Louis Heimbach –Director |
a. | Chairman, President and CEO of Sterling Forest LLC |
b. | Chairman of the Board of Directors of Orange County Trust Company |
c. | Director at Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation |
d. | Trustee of Orange County Citizens Foundation |
e. | Chairman of Stewart Airport Commission |
(4) | Michael Gilfeather – Director |
a. | President and CEO of Orange County Trust Company |
(5) | Thomas Guarino – Director |
(6) | Peter Larkin – Director |
(7) | Michael Markhoff – Director |
a. | Partner at Danziger & Markhoff LLP |
(8) | Elizabeth Stradar - Director |
16
(i) | Stralem & Company Incorporated (“Stralem”), located at 551 Madison Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, New York 10022, has been registered as investment adviser since 1966. |
The directors, officers, and partners of Stralem are listed below, along with their position(s) within the firm and any other position in the capacity of director, officer, partner, or trustee, in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature that they have engaged at any time during the past two years, if any.
(1) | Hirschel B. Abelson – Chairman |
(2) | Adam S. Abelson – Chief Investment Officer |
(3) | Andrea Baumann Lustig – President |
(4) | Joanne Paccione – Chief Compliance Officer |
(j) | Edgemoor Investment Advisors, Inc. (“Edgemoor”), located at 7250 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 315, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, has been registered as an investment adviser since 1999. |
The directors, officers, and partners of Edgemoor are listed below, along with their position(s) within the firm and any other position in the capacity of director, officer, partner, or trustee, in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature that they have engaged at any time during the past two years, if any.
(1) | Thomas P. Meehan – President |
(2) | Paul P. Meehan – Managing Director and Chief Compliance Officer |
(3) | R. Jordan Smyth, Jr. – Managing Director |
(k) | Kempner Capital Management, Inc. (“Kempner”), located at 2201 Market Street, Galveston, 12th Floor, Texas 77550, has been registered as an investment adviser since 1982. |
The directors, officers, and partners of Kempner are listed below, along with their position(s) within the firm and any other position in the capacity of director, officer, partner, or trustee, in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature that they have engaged at any time during the past two years, if any.
(1) | Harris Leon Kempner, Jr. – President |
(2) | Diana Bartula – Vice President, Treasurer, and Chief Compliance Officer |
(3) | Vera, Greene – Vice President and Head Trader |
(4) | Michael S. Gault – Vice President and Portfolio Manager |
(5) | Bridgette Landis – Asst. Vice President and Trader |
(l) | Adler Asset Management, LLC (“Adler”), located at 600 Third Avenue, Suite 26, New York, New York 10016 |
17
The directors, officers, and partners of Adler are listed below, along with their position(s) within the firm and any other position in the capacity of director, officer, partner, or trustee, in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature that they have engaged at any time during the past two years, if any.
(1) | David R. Adler – Chief Executive Officer |
(m) | Karner Blue Capital, LLC (“Karner Blue”), located at 2175 Cole Street, Birmingham, MI 48009 |
The directors, officers, and partners of Karner Blue are listed below, along with their position(s) within the firm and any other position in the capacity of director, officer, partner, or trustee, in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature that they have engaged at any time during the past two years, if any.
(1) | Andrew K. Niebler – Managing Member, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer |
(2) | Vicky L. Benjamin – Managing Member, President and Treasurer |
(3) | Wayne P. Pacelle, Managing Member |
(n) | Q3 Asset Management Corporation (“Q3AM”), located at 7315 Wisconsin Avenue, #400, Bethesda, Maryland 20814 |
The directors, officers, and partners of Q3AM are listed below, along with their position(s) within the firm and any other position in the capacity of director, officer, partner, or trustee, in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature that they have engaged at any time during the past two years, if any.
(1) | Bradford Giaimo – President and Chief Compliance Officer |
(2) | Adam Quiring – Vice President |
(o) | Blueprint Fund Management LLC (“Blueprint”), located at 1250 Revolution Mill Drive, Suite 150, Greensboro, NC 27405 |
The directors, officers, and partners of Blueprint, to be added by Post-Effective Amendment, along with their position(s) within the firm and any other position in the capacity of director, officer, partner, or trustee, in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature that they have engaged at any time during the past two years, if any.
18
Item 32. | Principal Underwriters |
(a) | The Distributor also acts as the principal underwriter for the following other open-end investment companies: |
(b) |
Name | Position with Distributor | Position with Registrant |
Kevin M. Guerette | President | None |
Stephen L. Preston | Chief Compliance Officer | None |
Douglas K. Jones | Vice President | None |
Melvin Van Cleave | Vice President | None |
The address of the Distributor and each of the above-named persons is 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246.
(c) | Inapplicable |
Item 33. | Location of Accounts and Records |
Accounts, books, and other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Rules promulgated thereunder will be maintained by the Registrant at the principal executive offices of its administrator or investment advisers:
Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246
Adler Asset Management, LLC
600 Third Avenue, Suite 226
New York, New York 10016
19
Blueprint Fund Management LLC
1250 Revolution Mill Drive, Suite 150
Greensboro, NC 27405
Edge Capital Group, LLC
1380 West Paces Ferry Rd., Suite 1000
Atlanta, Georgia 30327
Edgemoor Investment Advisors, Inc.
7250 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 315
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
Hudson Valley Investment Advisors, Inc.
117 Grand Street, Suite 201
Goshen, New York 10924
Karner Blue Capital, LLC
7315 Wisconsin Avenue, #400
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
Kempner Capital Management, Inc.
2201 Market Street
Galveston, Texas 77550
Ladder Capital Asset Management LLC
345 Park Avenue, 8th Floor
New York, New York 10154
Lyrical Asset Management LP
250 West 55th Street, 37th Floor
New York, New York 10022
Marshfield Associates, Inc.
21 Dupont Circle NW, Suite 500
Washington, District of Columbia 20036
Q3 Asset Management Corporation
2175 Cole Street
Birmingham, MI 48009
Ryan Labs Asset Management Inc.
500 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2520
New York, NY 10110
Stralem & Company Incorporated
551 Madison Avenue, 10th Floor
New York, New York 10022
20
Wavelength Capital Management, LLC
545 Madison Avenue, 16th Floor
New York, New York 10022
Waycross Partners, LLC
4965 U.S. Highway 42, Suite 2900
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
Certain records, including records relating to the possession of Registrant’s securities, may be maintained at the offices of Registrant’s custodians:
U.S. Bank, N.A.
425 Walnut Street
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
MUFG Union Bank, N.A.
350 California Street, Suite 2018
San Francisco, California 94104
Pershing, LLC
One Pershing Plaza
Jersey City, New Jersey 07399
Item 34. | Management Services Not Discussed in Parts A or B |
Inapplicable
Item 35. | Undertakings |
Inapplicable
21
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) and the Investment Company Act of 1940, each as amended, the Registrant certifies that the Fund has caused this Post-Effective Amendment (“PEA”) to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A under Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act, to be signed below on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized, in Cincinnati, Ohio on December 30, 2019.
ULTIMUS MANAGERS TRUST | |||
By: | /s/ David R. Carson | ||
David R. Carson | |||
President |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this PEA has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
22
EXHIBIT LIST
(h)(6)(C) |
Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement with Edge Capital Group, LLC
|
(i) |
Opinion of Counsel
|
(j) |
Consents of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
|
23
AMENDED AND RESTATED EXPENSE LIMITATION AGREEMENT
FOR
ULTIMUS MANAGERS TRUST
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED EXPENSE LIMITATION AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”), dated as of December 17, 2019, is made and entered into by and between the ULTIMUS MANAGERS TRUST, an Ohio business trust (the “Trust”), on behalf of each series of the Trust set forth on Schedule A attached hereto (each a “Fund”), and Edge Capital Group, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Adviser”).
WHEREAS, the Trust is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”); and
WHEREAS, the Adviser has been appointed the investment adviser of the Fund pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and the Adviser (the “Advisory Agreement”); and
WHEREAS, the Trust and the Adviser entered into that certain Expense Limitation Agreement, dated October 29, 2018 (the “Original ELA”), under which the Adviser agreed to limit the expenses of the Fund in order to maintain the Fund’s expense ratio within a certain operating limit; and
WHEREAS, the Trust and the Adviser wish to amend and restate the Original ELA and make other changes; and
NOW, THEREFORE, the Trust and the Adviser hereby agree as follows:
1. The Adviser agrees, subject to Section 2 hereof, to reduce the fees payable to it under the Advisory Agreement (but not below zero) and/or reimburse other expenses of each Fund, through the applicable termination date set forth on Schedule A, to the extent necessary to limit the total operating expenses of each class of shares of the Fund (exclusive of brokerage costs, taxes, interest, borrowing costs such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short, costs to organize the Fund, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and merger or reorganization costs and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of thr Fund’s business), to the amount of the “Maximum Operating Expense Limit” applicable to each Fund and each class of shares thereof as set forth on the attached Schedule A.
2. The applicable Fund agrees to pay to the Adviser the amount of fees (including any amounts foregone through limitation or reimbursed pursuant to Section 1 hereof) that, but for Section 1 hereof, would have been payable by the Fund to the Adviser pursuant to the Advisory Agreement or which have been reimbursed in accordance with Section 1 hereof (the “Deferred Fees”), subject to the limitations provided in this Section 2. Such repayment shall be made monthly, but only if the operating expenses of the applicable Fund (exclusive of brokerage costs, taxes, interest, borrowing costs such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short, costs to organize the Fund, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and merger or reorganization costs and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of such Fund’s business), without regard to such repayment, are at an annual rate (as a percentage of the average daily net assets of the applicable Fund) that is equal to or less than the Maximum Operating Expense Limit of the respective class of shares of the applicable Fund, as set forth on Schedule A. Furthermore, the amount of Deferred Fees paid by the applicable Fund in any month shall be limited so that the sum of (a) the amount of such payment and (b) the other operating expenses of the Fund (exclusive of brokerage costs, taxes, interest, borrowing costs such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short, costs to organize the Fund, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and merger or reorganization costs and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of such Fund’s business) do not exceed (x) the Maximum Operating Expense Limit for the respective class of shares of the applicable Fund then in effect and (y) the Maximum Operating Expense Limit for the respective class of shares of the applicable Fund in effect at the time the expenses to be repaid were incurred.
1
Deferred Fees with respect to any fiscal year of a Fund shall not be payable by the applicable Fund to the extent that the amounts payable by the Fund pursuant to the preceding paragraph during the period ending three years after the end of such fiscal year are not sufficient to pay such Deferred Fees. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, in no event will one Fund be obligated to pay any Deferred Fees with respect to any other series of the Trust.
3. This Agreement with respect to each Fund shall continue in effect until the applicable termination date set forth on Schedule A and from year to year thereafter provided each such continuance is specifically approved by a majority of the Trustees of the Trust who (i) are not “interested persons” of the Trust or any other party to this Agreement, as defined in the 1940 Act, and (ii) have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Agreement (“Non-Interested Trustees”). Nevertheless, this Agreement may be terminated by either party hereto, without payment of any penalty, upon written notice at least ninety (90) days prior to the end of the then-current term of the Agreement to the other party at its principal place of business; provided that, in the case of termination by the Trust, such action shall be authorized by resolution of a majority of the Non-Interested Trustees of the Trust or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the applicable Fund. Any termination pursuant to this Section 3 shall become effective, unless otherwise specifically agreed upon, on the last day of the then-current term of the Agreement. This Agreement will terminate automatically as to a Fund if the Advisory Agreement to that Fund is terminated. Upon the termination of this Agreement for any reason, the Adviser acknowledges and agrees that (i) it remains liable for all fee reductions and reimbursement obligations pursuant to Section 1 hereof that accrued prior to the termination of this Agreement and (ii) the obligations under Section 2 hereof shall cease and terminate as to each of the Funds if the entire Agreement is terminated, and if the entire Agreement is not terminated, as to each Fund with respect to which the Agreement is terminated.
4. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no other way define or delineate any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.
2
5. This agreement may be modified only at the request of either party and with the approval of the Board of Trustees (the “Board”).
Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to require the Trust or any Fund to take any action contrary to the Trust’s Declaration of Trust or By-Laws, or any applicable statutory or regulatory requirement to which it is subject or by which it is bound, or to relieve or deprive the Trust’s Board of its responsibility for and control of the conduct of the affairs of the Trust or the Fund.
Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement, including but not limited to the investment advisory fee, the computations of net asset values, and the allocation of expenses, having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from the terms and provisions of the Advisory Agreement or the 1940 Act, shall have the same meaning as and be resolved by reference to such Advisory Agreement for the applicable Fund or the 1940 Act.
Notice is hereby given that this Agreement is executed by the Trust on behalf of each Fund by an officer of the Trust as an officer and not individually and that the obligations of or arising out of this Agreement are not binding upon any of the Trustees, officers or shareholders individually but are binding only upon the assets and property belonging to the applicable Fund.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
ULTIMUS MANAGERS TRUST | Edge CAPITAL GROUP, LLC | ||||
By: | By: | ||||
Name: | David R. Carson | Name: | Henry M. Jones | ||
Title: | President | Title: | Co-Managing Partner |
3
SCHEDULE A
to
AMENDED AND RESTATED EXPENSE LIMITATION AGREEMENT
Dated December 17, 2019
for
ULTIMUS MANAGERS TRUST
Fund Name | Class |
Maximum Operating Expense Limit* |
Termination Date |
Blue Current Global Dividend Fund | Institutional | 0.99% | April 30, 2021 |
Investor | 1.24% | April 30, 2021 |
* | Expressed as a percentage of a Fund’s average daily net assets. This amount is exclusive of brokerage costs, taxes, interest, borrowing costs such as interest and dividend expenses on securities sold short, costs to organize the Fund, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and merger or reorganization costs and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of such Fund’s business. |
4
December 30, 2019
Ultimus Managers Trust
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246
Re: | Legal Opinion for Q3 All-Weather Sector Rotation Fund and Q3 All-Weather Tactical Fund |
Dear Mr. David Carson:
You have requested my opinion in connection with the registration by Ultimus Managers Trust, an Ohio business trust (the “Trust”), of an indefinite number of shares of beneficial interest (the “Shares”) of its series, Q3 All-Weather Sector Rotation Fund and Q3 All-Weather Tactical Fund and their respective classes (collectively, the “Funds”), authorized by the Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust, which is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) as an exhibit to the Trust’s amended registration statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 333-180308; 811-22680) (the “Registration Statement”), under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, each as amended.
I have examined and relied upon originals and certifications provided by the Secretary to the Trust of records, agreements, documents and other instruments regarding the formation of the Funds and the issuance of their shares. I have made such reasonable inquiries of the officers and representatives of the Trust as I deemed necessary to form the basis for this opinion.
In such examination, I have assumed, without independent verification, the genuineness of all signatures and the authenticity of all documents submitted to me as originals and the conformity to authentic original documents of all documents submitted to me as certified or copies. As to all questions of fact material to such opinion, I have relied upon the certificates provided to me by the Trust’s Secretary. I have assumed, without independent verification, the accuracy of the relevant facts stated therein.
This letter expresses my opinion as to the provisions of the Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust and the laws of the State of Ohio applying to business trusts generally but does not extend to federal securities or other laws or the laws of jurisdictions outside the State of Ohio. My opinion does not cover the adequacy of disclosure in the Funds’ registration statement nor the fairness or disinterestedness of the Trustees who approved the creation of the shares.
Based on the foregoing, and subject to the qualifications set forth herein, I believe the Shares have been duly authorized and, when issued and delivered as described in the Funds’ registration statement, will be validly issued, fully paid, and nonassessable by the Trust.
BO JAMES HOWELL ● PARTNER
6224 Turpin Hills Drive ● Cincinnati, OH 45224 ● p: 509.279.8202
Practus, LLP ● Bo.Howell@Practus.com ● Practus.com
I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Funds’ Registration Statement. In giving such consent, I do not thereby admit that I come within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Rules and Regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.
Very truly yours,
2
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form N-1A of our report dated October 30, 2019, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights of Blue Current Global Dividend Fund, a series of Ultimus Managers Trust, for the year ended August 31, 2019, and to the references to our firm under the headings “Financial Highlights” in the Prospectus and “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Statement of Additional Information.
Cohen & Company, Ltd.
Cleveland, Ohio
December 30, 2019
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form N-1A of our report dated October 30, 2019, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights of Marshfield Concetrated Opportunity Fund, a series of Ultimus Managers Trust, for the year ended August 31, 2019, and to the references to our firm under the headings “Financial Highlights” in the Prospectus and “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Statement of Additional Information.
Cohen & Company, Ltd.
Cleveland, Ohio
December 30, 2019