Securities Act Registration No. 333-204808
Investment Company Act Registration No. 811-23066
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 25, 2018
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ý
¨ Pre-Effective Amendment No. |
ý Post-Effective Amendment No. 109 |
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 ý
ý Amendment No. 112 |
(Check appropriate box or boxes.)
Northern Lights Fund Trust IV
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
17605 Wright Street, Omaha, NE 68154
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: (402) 895-1600
The Corporation Trust Company
1209 Orange Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
With copy to:
JoAnn M. Strasser Thompson Hine LLP 41 South High Street, Suite 1700 Columbus, Ohio 43215 614-469-3265 (phone) 614-469-3361 (fax)
|
Jennifer Farrell Gemini Fund Services, LLC 80 Arkay Drive, Suite 110 Hauppauge, New York 11788 (631) 470-2734 (phone) (631) 813-2884 (fax) |
Approximate date of proposed public offering: As soon as practicable after the effective date of the Registration Statement.
It is proposed that this filing will become effective:
( ) Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
(X) On September 28, 2018 pursuant to paragraph (b)
( ) 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
( ) On (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
( ) 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
( ) On (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485.
If appropriate, check the following box:
( ) This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.
FormulaFolios Hedged Growth ETF
FFHG |
FormulaFolios Smart Growth ETF
FFSG |
FormulaFolios Tactical Growth ETF
FFTG |
FormulaFolios Tactical Income ETF
FFTI |
each a series of Northern Lights Fund Trust IV
PROSPECTUS
September 28, 2018
Advised by:
FormulaFolio Investments, LLC
89 Ionia Avenue NW, Suite 600
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
formulafoliosfunds.com | 888-562-8880 |
This Prospectus provides important information about the Funds that you should know before investing. Please read it carefully and keep it for future reference.
These securities have not been approved or disapproved by the Securities and Exchange Commission nor has the Securities and Exchange Commission passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Shares of the Funds are listed and traded on Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. (“Exchange”)
FormulaFolios ETFs
Each a series of the Northern Lights Fund Trust IV (the “Trust”)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FUND SUMMARY- FORMULAFOLIOS HEDGED GROWTH ETF | 1 |
FUND SUMMARY- FORMULAFOLIOS SMART GROWTH ETF | 5 |
FUND SUMMARY- FORMULAFOLIOS TACTICAL GROWTH ETF | 10 |
FUND SUMMARY- FORMULAFOLIOS TACTICAL INCOME ETF | 15 |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT
STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS |
18 |
Investment Objective | 18 |
Principal Investment Strategies | 18 |
Principal Investment Risks | 20 |
Temporary Investments | 24 |
Portfolio Holdings Disclosure | 24 |
Cybersecurity | 24 |
MANAGEMENT | 25 |
Investment Adviser | 25 |
Portfolio Managers | 25 |
HOW SHARES ARE PRICED | 26 |
HOW TO BUY AND SELL SHARES | 27 |
FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF FUND SHARES | 28 |
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN | 28 |
DIVIDENDS, OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES | 28 |
FUND SERVICE PROVIDERS | 30 |
OTHER INFORMATION | 30 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | 32 |
Privacy Notice | 36 |
Fund Summary - FormulaFolios Hedged Growth ETF
Investment Objective: The Fund seeks to provide capital growth.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund: This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. Investors purchasing or selling shares of the Fund in the secondary market may be subject to costs (including customary brokerage commissions) charged by their broker. These costs are not included in the expense example below.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
|
Management Fees | 0.80% |
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees | 0.00% |
Other Expenses | 0.26% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (1) | 0.21% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 1.27% |
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement (2) | (0.11%) |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement | 1.16% |
(1) | Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are the indirect costs of investing in other investment companies. The operating expenses in this fee table will not correlate to the expense ratio in the Fund’s financial highlights because the financial statements include only the direct operating expenses incurred by the Fund. |
(2) | The Fund’s adviser has contractually agreed to reduce its fees and/or absorb expenses of the Fund, until at least September 30, 2019, to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or reimbursement (exclusive of any front-end or contingent deferred loads, taxes, brokerage fees and commissions, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short), acquired fund fees and expenses, fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses), or extraordinary expenses such as litigation) will not exceed 0.95% of the Fund’s net assets. These fee waivers and expense reimbursements are subject to possible recoupment from the Fund in future years (within the three years from the date the fees have been waived or reimbursed), if such recoupment can be achieved within the lesser of the foregoing expense limits or those in place at the time of recapture. This agreement may be terminated only by the Trust’s Board of Trustees on 60 days’ written notice to the Fund’s adviser. |
Example: This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods . The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same . Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based upon these assumptions your costs would be:
1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
$118 | $392 | $687 | $1,526 |
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 fiscal period ended May 31 , 201 8 , the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 138 % of the average value of its portfolio .
Principal Investment Strategies: The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in domestic equity securities of any market capitalization and US Treasuries through other unaffiliated exchange traded funds (“ETFs”) (including leveraged ETFs and inverse ETFs). The adviser allocates the Fund’s assets equally between two proprietary investment models.
The adviser’s first investment model identifies trends in the equity markets. If the model indicates that the Fund should be in the market because the market is doing well as measured by a blend of various technical momentum indicators, the model will suggest investments in leveraged ETFs. Leveraged ETFs are ETFs that use financial derivatives and debt to amplify the returns of an underlying index. If the model indicates that the Fund should not be in the market because the market is doing poorly as measured by a blend of various technical momentum indicators, the model will suggest investments in US Treasuries and/or inverse equity index ETFs. Inverse ETFs are ETFs constructed by using various derivatives for the purpose of profiting from a decline in the value of an underlying benchmark such as an equity index. The Fund will not invest more than 15% of its assets in leveraged and inverse ETFs. The technical momentum indicators used to determine if the market is doing well or poorly include moving average crossovers (bearish when the shorter term averages cross below the longer term averages), oscillators
1 |
(bearish when the current prices are closer to more recent low prices rather than more recent high prices), and price acceleration measurements (bearish when trading volume increases as prices are moving down, indicating faster downward price pressure). The adviser’s second investment model uses two sub-strategies. The adviser allocates the Fund’s assets that are allocated to this investment model equally between the two sub-strategies. The first sub-strategy identifies trends in the equity markets and suggests investments in a diversified mix of US equity ETFs if the market is doing well and suggests investments in US treasury ETFs if the market is doing poorly. If the model indicates that the Fund should be in the market because the market is doing well, the second sub-strategy analyzes the nine sectors of the S&P 500 to determine the sectors with the greatest momentum and lowest volatility. The Fund then invests in the single sector that the model indicates has the highest risk-adjusted returns (lowest volatility and the greatest momentum). If the model indicates that the Fund should not be in the market because the market is doing poorly, the Fund invests in US Treasuries and inverse equity ETFs.
Principal Investment Risks: As with all funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Fund. Many factors affect the Fund’s net asset value and performance.
The following describes the risks the Fund bears directly or indirectly through investments in Underlying Funds. As with any fund, there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its goal.
Equity Securities Risk. Fluctuations in the value of equity securities held by the Fund will cause the net asset value (“NAV”) of the Fund to fluctuate.
o | Common Stock Risks . Common stock of an issuer in the Fund’s portfolio may decline in price if the issuer fails to make anticipated dividend payments. Common stock will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred stocks or debt instruments of the same issuer. In addition, common stocks have experienced significantly more volatility in returns than other asset classes. |
o | Preferred Stock Risks . Generally, preferred stockholders (such as the Fund) have no voting rights with respect to the issuing company unless certain events occur. In addition, preferred stock will be subject to greater credit risk than debt instruments of an issuer, and could be subject to interest rate risk like fixed income securities, as described below. An issuer’s board of directors is generally not under any obligation to pay a dividend (even if dividends have accrued), and may suspend payment of dividends on preferred stock at any time. There is also a risk that the issuer of any of the Fund’s holdings will default and fail to make scheduled dividend payments on the preferred stock held by the Fund. |
ETF Investment Risk : Other investment companies, such as ETFs (“Underlying Funds”), in which the Fund invests are subject to investment advisory and other expenses, which will be indirectly paid by the Fund. As a result, the cost of investing in the Fund will be higher than the cost of investing directly in the Underlying Funds and may be higher than other funds that invest directly in stocks and bonds. Each of the Underlying Funds is subject to its own specific risks, but the adviser expects the principal investments risks of such Underlying Funds will be similar to the risks of investing in the Fund.
ETF Structure Risks : The Fund is structured as an ETF and as a result is subject to the special risks, including:
o | Not Individually Redeemable . Shares are not individually redeemable to retail investors and may be redeemed by the Fund only to Authorized Participants at NAV in large blocks known as “Creation Units.” An Authorized Participant may incur brokerage costs purchasing enough shares to constitute a Creation Unit. |
o Trading Issues . Trading in shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in Shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. There can be no assurance that shares will continue to meet the listing requirements of the Exchange. An active trading market for the Fund’s shares may not be developed or maintained. If the Fund’s shares are traded outside a collateralized settlement system, the number of financial institutions that can act as authorized participants that can post collateral on an agency basis is limited, which may limit the market for the Fund’s shares.
o Market Price Variance Risk . The market prices of shares will fluctuate in response to changes in NAV and supply and demand for shares and will include a “bid-ask spread” charged by the exchange specialists, market makers or other participants that trade the particular security. There may be times when the market price and the NAV vary significantly. This means that shares may trade at a discount to NAV.
§ | In times of market stress, market makers may step away from their role market making in shares of ETFs and in executing trades, which can lead to differences between the market value of Fund shares and the Fund’s NAV. |
2 |
§ | The market price for the Fund’s shares may deviate from the Fund’s net asset value, particularly during times of market stress, with the result that investors may pay significantly more or significantly less for Fund shares than the Fund’s NAV, which is reflected in the bid and ask price for Fund shares or in the closing price. |
§ | When all or a portion of an ETFs underlying securities trade in a market that is closed when the market for the Fund’s shares is open, there may be changes from the last quote of the closed market and the quote from the Fund’s domestic trading day, which could lead to differences between the market value of the Fund’s shares and the Fund’s NAV. |
§ | In stressed market conditions, the market for the Fund’s shares may become less liquid in response to the deteriorating liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio. This adverse effect on the liquidity of the Fund’s shares may, in turn, lead to differences between the market value of the Fund’s shares and the Fund’s NAV. |
Fluctuation of Net Asset Value Risk: The NAV of the Fund’s shares will generally fluctuate with changes in the market value of the Fund’s holdings. The market prices of the shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in NAV as well as the relative supply of and demand for the shares on the Exchange. The adviser cannot predict whether the shares will trade below, at or above their NAV. Price differences may be due, in large part, to the fact that supply and demand forces at work in the secondary trading market for the shares will be closely related to, but not identical to, the same forces influencing the prices of the Fund’s holdings trading individually or in the aggregate at any point in time. In addition, unlike conventional ETFs, the Fund is not an index fund. The Fund is actively managed and does not seek to replicate the performance of a specified index. Index based ETFs have generally traded at prices which closely correspond to NAV per share. Actively managed ETFs have a limited trading history and, therefore, there can be no assurance as to whether and/or the extent to which the shares will trade at premiums or discounts to NAV.
Inverse ETF Risk: Investments in inverse ETFs will prevent the Fund from participating in market-wide or sector-wide gains and may not prove to be an effective hedge. The use of leverage by the inverse ETFs, such as short selling or the use of options, will cause the Fund to incur additional expenses and magnify the Fund's gains or losses. Many inverse ETFs utilize daily futures contracts to produce their returns, and this frequent trading often increases fund expenses. Investments in inverse ETFs are speculative and are not meant to be long-term investments. During periods of increased volatility, inverse ETFs may not perform in the manner they are designed.
Leveraged ETF Risk : Investing in leveraged ETFs will amplify the Fund’s gains and losses. Most leveraged ETFs “reset” daily because leveraged ETF typically use daily futures contracts to magnify the exposure to a particular index. It does not amplify the annual returns of an index; instead, it follows the daily changes. Due to the effect of compounding, their performance over longer periods of time can differ significantly from the performance of their underlying index or benchmark during the same period of time.
Limited History of Operations Risk : The Fund is a new fund with a limited history of operations for investors to evaluate.
Management Risk : The adviser may be incorrect in its assessment of the intrinsic value of the securities the Fund holds which may result in a decline in the value of Fund shares and failure to achieve its investment objective. The Fund’s portfolio managers use qualitative analyses and/or models. Any imperfections or limitations in such analyses and models could affect the ability of the portfolio managers to implement strategies.
Portfolio Turnover Risk . The Fund may buy and sell investments frequently. Such a strategy often involves higher transaction costs, including brokerage commissions, and may increase the amount of capital gains (in particular, short term gains) realized by the Fund. Shareholders may pay tax on such capital gains.
Sector Concentration Risk : The Fund may focus its investments in securities of a particular sector. Economic, legislative or regulatory developments may occur that significantly affect the sector. This may cause the Fund's NAV to fluctuate more than that of a fund that does not focus in a particular sector.
o | Financial Sector Risk. Financial services companies are subject to extensive governmental regulation which may limit both the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, the interest rates and fees they can charge, the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain. Profitability is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds and can fluctuate significantly when interest rates change or due to increased competition. In addition, deterioration of the credit markets generally may cause an adverse impact in a broad range of markets, including U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets generally, thereby affecting a wide range of financial institutions and markets. Certain events in the financial sector may cause an unusually |
3 |
high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestic and foreign, and cause certain financial services companies to incur large losses. Securities of financial services companies may experience a dramatic decline in value when such companies experience substantial declines in the valuations of their assets, take action to raise capital (such as the issuance of debt or equity securities), or cease operations. Credit losses resulting from financial difficulties of borrowers and financial losses associated with investment activities can negatively impact the sector. Insurance companies may be subject to severe price competition. Adverse economic, business or political developments could adversely affect financial institutions engaged in mortgage finance or other lending or investing activities directly or indirectly connected to the value of real estate.
Securities Market Risk : The value of securities owned by the Fund may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to factors affecting particular companies or the securities markets generally. A general downturn in the securities market may cause multiple asset classes to decline in value simultaneously.
Small and Medium Capitalization Stock Risk . The earnings and prospects of small and medium sized companies are more volatile than larger companies and may experience higher failure rates than larger companies. Small and medium sized companies normally have a lower trading volume than larger companies, which may tend to make their market price fall more disproportionately than larger companies in response to selling pressures and may have limited markets, product lines, or financial resources and lack management experience.
Performance: Because the Fund does not have a full calendar year of operations, no performance information is presented for the Fund at this time. In the future, performance information will be presented in this section of this Prospectus. Also, shareholder reports containing financial and performance information will be mailed to shareholders semi-annually. Updated performance information will be available at no cost by visiting www.formulafoliosfunds.com/hedged-growth-etf or by calling 888-562-8880.
Investment Adviser: FormulaFolio Investments, LLC (the “Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers: Jason Wenk, Founder, Director of Product Development and Strategy Consultant of the Adviser and Derek Prusa, CFA, CFP, Senior Market Analyst of the Adviser have served as the Fund’s portfolio managers since it commenced operations in 2017.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares: The Fund will issue and redeem shares at NAV only in large blocks of 50,000 shares (each block of shares is called a “Creation Unit”). Creation Units are issued and redeemed for cash and/or in-kind for securities. Individual shares may only be purchased and sold in secondary market transactions through brokers. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, the shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund.
Shares of the Fund are listed for trading on Cboe BZX Exchange (the “Exchange”) and trade at market prices rather than NAV. Shares of the Fund may trade at a price that is greater than, at, or less than NAV.
Tax Information: The Fund’s distributions generally will be taxable as ordinary income or long-term capital gains. A sale of shares may result in capital gain or loss.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries: If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
4 |
Fund Summary - FormulaFolios Smart Growth ETF
Investment Objective: The Fund seeks to provide capital growth.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund: This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. Investors purchasing or selling shares of the Fund in the secondary market may be subject to costs (including customary brokerage commissions) charged by their broker. These costs are not included in the expense example below.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
|
Management Fees | 0.35% |
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees | 0.00% |
Other Expenses | 1.32% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (1) | 0.10% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 1.77% |
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement (2) | (1.07%) |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement | 0.70% |
(1) | Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are the indirect costs of investing in other investment companies. The operating expenses in this fee table will not correlate to the expense ratio in the Fund’s financial highlights because the financial statements include only the direct operating expenses incurred by the Fund. |
(2) | The Fund’s adviser has contractually agreed to reduce its fees and/or absorb expenses of the Fund, until at least September 30, 2019, to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or reimbursement (exclusive of any front-end or contingent deferred loads, taxes, brokerage fees and commissions, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short), acquired fund fees and expenses, fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses), or extraordinary expenses such as litigation) will not exceed 0.60% of the Fund’s net assets. These fee waivers and expense reimbursements are subject to possible recoupment from the Fund in future years (within the three years from the date the fees have been waived or reimbursed), if such recoupment can be achieved within the lesser of the foregoing expense limits or those in place at the time of recapture. This agreement may be terminated only by the Trust’s Board of Trustees on 60 days’ written notice to the Fund’s adviser. |
Example: This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based upon these assumptions your costs would be:
1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
$118 | $392 | $687 | $1,526 |
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 fiscal period ended May 31, 2018, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 0% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies : The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing through other unaffiliated exchange traded funds (“ETFs”) primarily in domestic and foreign (including emerging markets) growth-oriented equity securities of any market capitalization (which include real estate investment trusts (“REITs”)) and US Treasuries or other cash equivalents. The Fund will generally be 100% invested in growth-oriented equity ETFs when the adviser’s investment models indicate a bullish trend for the equity market, and will generally be 50% invested in growth-oriented equity ETFs and 50% invested in US Treasuries and/or other cash equivalents to hedge risk when the adviser’s models indicate a bearish trend for the equity markets.
Half of the Fund’s portfolio is allocated to a basket of growth-oriented equity ETFs. The growth-oriented equity ETFs in the basket were selected based on their potential to generate higher than average returns, mainly in the form of capital appreciation, over a long period of time (at least two years) while carrying a higher than average level of risk (higher than average potential for large decreases in portfolio value) based on historical fundamental market research of various growth asset classes (e.g. small-
5 |
cap US stocks, large-cap US stocks, emerging market stocks, and developed international stocks). The ETFs in the basket must have competitive expense ratios and closely track the asset class to which the ETF’s strategy is seeking exposure. This half of the Fund’s portfolio is rebalanced once per calendar year.
With the other half of the portfolio, the adviser uses its investment model to identify trends in the equity markets. If the model indicates that the equity markets are in a long-term (at least a year) bullish trend (stock prices are increasing) as measured by a blend of various technical momentum (analysis of price trends and supply and demand in the market in attempt to determine where prices are headed), economic, and behavioral (uses behavioral psychological data to attempt to determine why investors make certain financial decisions) analysis indicators, the model will suggest investments in the same basket of growth-oriented equity ETFs as the other half of the portfolio, so the Fund will be fully invested in growth-oriented equity ETFs. If the model indicates that the equity markets are in a bearish trend (stock prices are decreasing) as measured by a blend of various technical momentum, economic, and behavioral analysis indicators, the model will suggest investments in US treasuries and/or other cash equivalents with the other half of the portfolio, so the Fund will be 50% invested in growth-oriented equity ETFs and 50% invested in US Treasuries and/or other cash equivalents to hedge risk. The technical momentum, economic, and behavioral analysis indicators used to determine if the market is doing well or poorly include moving average crossovers (bearish when the shorter term averages cross below the longer term averages), oscillators (bearish when the current prices are closer to more recent low prices rather than more recent high prices), price acceleration measurements (bearish when trading volume increases as prices are moving down, indicating faster downward price pressure) labor market data (bearish when fewer new jobs are being created and unemployment is trending up), market breadth data (bearish when a higher number of stocks are below their moving averages), earnings data (bearish when earnings estimates are being revised downward and when earnings are falling), and analyst sentiment data (bearish when analysts are revising lower economic growth). This half of the Fund’s portfolio is rebalanced monthly. The Fund will typically hold 6-7 ETFs in its portfolio.
Principal Investment Risks: As with all funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Fund. Many factors affect the Fund’s net asset value and performance.
The following describes the risks the Fund bears directly or indirectly through investments in Underlying Funds. As with any fund, there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its goal.
Risk | Direct Risk of the Fund | Indirect Risk of the Fund |
Emerging Markets | X | |
Equity Securities | X | |
ETF Structure | X | X |
Fluctuation of NAV | X | X |
Foreign | X | |
Growth Stock | X | |
Limited History of Operations | X | |
Management | X | X |
REIT | X | |
Securities Market | X | X |
Small and Medium Capitalization Stock | X | |
Underlying Funds | X | |
US Government Securities Risk | X |
Emerging Markets Risk. Investing in emerging markets involves not only the risks described below with respect to investing in foreign securities, but also other risks, including exposure to economic structures that are generally less diverse and mature, and to political systems that can be expected to have less stability, than those of developed countries. The typically small size of the markets of securities of issuers located in emerging markets and the possibility of a low or nonexistent volume of trading in those securities may also result in a lack of liquidity and in price volatility of those securities.
Equity Securities Risk. Fluctuations in the value of equity securities held by the Fund will cause the net asset value (“NAV”) of the Fund to fluctuate.
· | Common Stock Risks . Common stock of an issuer in the Fund’s portfolio may decline in price if the issuer fails to make anticipated dividend payments. Common stock will be subject to greater dividend risk than preferred stocks or debt |
6 |
instruments of the same issuer. In addition, common stocks have experienced significantly more volatility in returns than other asset classes.
· | Preferred Stock Risks . Generally, preferred stockholders (such as the Fund) have no voting rights with respect to the issuing company unless certain events occur. In addition, preferred stock will be subject to greater credit risk than debt instruments of an issuer, and could be subject to interest rate risk like fixed income securities, as described below. An issuer’s board of directors is generally not under any obligation to pay a dividend (even if dividends have accrued), and may suspend payment of dividends on preferred stock at any time. There is also a risk that the issuer of any of the Fund’s holdings will default and fail to make scheduled dividend payments on the preferred stock held by the Fund. |
ETF Investment Risk. Other investment companies, such as ETFs (“Underlying Funds”), in which the Fund invests are subject to investment advisory and other expenses, which will be indirectly paid by the Fund. As a result, the cost of investing in the Fund will be higher than the cost of investing directly in the Underlying Funds and may be higher than other funds that invest directly in stocks and bonds. Each of the Underlying Funds is subject to its own specific risks. The Fund will be subject to the principal investments risks of Underlying Funds by virtue of the Fund’s investment in each such funds.
ETF Structure Risks . The Fund is structured as an ETF and as a result is subject to the special risks, including:
· | Not Individually Redeemable . Shares are not individually redeemable to retail investors and may be redeemed by the Fund only to Authorized Participants at NAV in large blocks known as “Creation Units.” An Authorized Participant may incur brokerage costs purchasing enough Shares to constitute a Creation Unit . |
· | Trading Issues . An active trading market for the Fund’s shares may not be developed or maintained. Trading in shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. There can be no assurance that shares will continue to meet the listing requirements of the Exchange. If the Fund’s shares are traded outside a collateralized settlement system, the number of financial institutions that can act as authorized participants that can post collateral on an agency basis is limited, which may limit the market for the Fund’s shares. |
· | Market Price Variance Risk . The market prices of shares will fluctuate in response to changes in NAV and supply and demand for Shares and will include a “bid-ask spread” charged by the exchange specialists, market makers or other participants that trade the particular security. There may be times when the market price and the NAV vary significantly. This means that shares may trade at a discount to NAV. |
o In times of market stress, market makers may step away from their role market making in shares of ETFs and in executing trades, which can lead to differences between the market value of Fund shares and the Fund’s NAV.
o To the extent authorized participants (“APs”) exit the business or are unable to process creations or redemptions and no other AP can step in to do so, there may be a significantly reduced trading market in the Fund’s shares, which can lead to differences between the market value of Fund shares and the Fund’s NAV.
o The market price for the Fund’s shares may deviate from the Fund’s net asset value, particularly during times of market stress, with the result that investors may pay significantly more or receive significantly less for Fund shares than the Fund’s NAV, which is reflected in the bid and ask price for Fund shares or in the closing price.
o When all or a portion of an ETFs underlying securities trade in a market that is closed when the market for the Fund’s shares is open, there may be changes from the last quote of the closed market and the quote from the Fund’s domestic trading day, which could lead to differences between the market value of the Fund’s shares and the Fund’s NAV.
o In stressed market conditions, the market for the Fund’s shares may become less liquid in response to the deteriorating liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio. This adverse effect on the liquidity of the Fund’s shares may, in turn, lead to differences between the market value of the Fund’s shares and the Fund’s NAV .
Fluctuation of Net Asset Value Risk. The NAV of the Fund’s shares will generally fluctuate with changes in the market value of the Fund’s holdings. The market prices of the shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in NAV as well as the relative supply of and demand for the shares on the Exchange. The adviser cannot predict whether the shares will trade below, at or above their NAV. Price differences may be due, in large part, to the fact that supply and demand forces at work in the secondary trading market for the shares will be closely related to, but not identical to, the same forces influencing the prices of the Fund’s holdings trading individually or in the aggregate at any point in time. In addition, unlike conventional ETFs, the Fund is not an index fund. The Fund is actively managed and does not seek to replicate the performance of a specified index.
7 |
Index based ETFs have generally traded at prices which closely correspond to NAV per share. Actively managed ETFs have a limited trading history and, therefore, there can be no assurance as to whether and/or the extent to which the shares will trade at premiums or discounts to NAV .
Foreign Securities Risk . Since the Fund’s investments may include ETFs with foreign securities, the Fund is subject to risks beyond those associated with investing in domestic securities. Foreign companies are generally not subject to the same regulatory requirements of U.S. companies thereby resulting in less publicly available information about these companies. In addition, foreign accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards generally differ from those applicable to U.S. companies. The value of foreign securities is also affected by the value of the local currency relative to the U.S. dollar.
Growth Stock Risk . Growth stocks can react differently to issuer, political, market, and economic developments than the market as a whole and other types of stocks. The stocks of such companies can therefore be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than stocks of larger, more established companies or the stock market in general.
Limited History of Operations Risk . The Fund is a new fund with a limited history of operations for investors to evaluate.
Management Risk . The adviser may be incorrect in its assessment of the intrinsic value of the securities the Fund holds which may result in a decline in the value of Fund shares and failure to achieve its investment objective. The Fund’s portfolio managers use qualitative analyses and/or models. Any imperfections or limitations in such analyses and models could affect the ability of the portfolio managers to implement strategies.
REIT Risk . The Fund may invest in REITs. The value of the Fund’s investments in REITs may change in response to changes in the real estate market such as declines in the value of real estate, lack of available capital or financing opportunities, and increases in property taxes or operating costs. Shareholders of the Fund will indirectly be subject to the fees and expenses of the individual REITs in which the Fund invests.
Securities Market Risk . The value of securities owned by the Fund may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to factors affecting particular companies or the securities markets generally. A general downturn in the securities market may cause multiple asset classes to decline in value simultaneously.
Small and Medium Capitalization Stock Risk . The earnings and prospects of small and medium sized companies are more volatile than larger companies and may experience higher failure rates than larger companies. Small and medium sized companies normally have a lower trading volume than larger companies, which may tend to make their market price fall more disproportionately than larger companies in response to selling pressures and may have limited markets, product lines, or financial resources and lack management experience.
US Government Securities Risk . U.S. Treasury obligations are backed by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. government and generally have negligible credit risk. Securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies or authorities and U.S. government-sponsored instrumentalities or enterprises may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. The Fund may be subject to such risk to the extent it invests in securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies or authorities and U.S. government-sponsored instrumentalities or enterprises.
Performance: Because the Fund does not have a full calendar year of investment operations, no performance information is presented for the Fund at this time. In the future, performance information will be presented in this section of this Prospectus. Also, shareholder reports containing financial and performance information will be mailed to shareholders semi-annually. Updated performance information will be available at no cost by visiting www.formulafoliofunds.com/smart-growth-etf or by calling 888-562-8880.
Investment Adviser: FormulaFolio Investments, LLC (the “Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers: Jason Wenk, Founder, Director of Product Development and Strategy Consultant of the Adviser and Derek Prusa, CFA, CFP, Senior Market Analyst of the Adviser have served as the Fund’s portfolio managers since it commenced operations in 2017.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares: The Fund will issue and redeem ahares at NAV only in large blocks of 25,000 shares (each block of shares is called a “Creation Unit”). Creation Units are issued and redeemed for cash and/or in-kind for securities.
8 |
Individual shares may only be purchased and sold in secondary market transactions through brokers. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, the shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund.
Shares of the Fund are listed for trading on Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. (the “Exchange”) and trade at market prices rather than NAV. Shares of the Fund may trade at a price that is greater than, at, or less than NAV.
Tax Information: The Fund’s distributions generally will be taxable as ordinary income or long-term capital gains. A sale of Shares may result in capital gain or loss.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries : If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
9 |
FUND SUMMARY - FormulaFolios Tactical Growth ETF
Investment Objective: The Fund seeks long-term total return.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund: This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. Investors purchasing or selling shares of the Fund in the secondary market may be subject to costs (including customary brokerage commissions) charged by their broker. These costs are not included in the expense example below.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
|
Management Fees | 0.60% |
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees | 0.00% |
Other Expenses | 0.53% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (1) | 0.24% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 1.37% |
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement (2) | (0.33%) |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement |
1.04% |
(1) | Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are the indirect costs of investing in other investment companies. The operating expenses in this fee table will not correlate to the expense ratio in the Fund’s financial highlights because the financial statements include only the direct operating expenses incurred by the Fund. |
(2) | The Fund’s adviser has contractually agreed to reduce its fees and/or absorb expenses of the Fund, until at least September 30, 2019, to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or reimbursement (exclusive of any front-end or contingent deferred loads, taxes, brokerage fees and commissions, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short), acquired fund fees and expenses, fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses), or extraordinary expenses such as litigation) will not exceed 0.80% of the Fund’s net assets. These fee waivers and expense reimbursements are subject to possible recoupment from the Fund in future years (within the three years from the date the fees have been waived or reimbursed), if such recoupment can be achieved within the lesser of the foregoing expense limits or those in place at the time of recapture. This agreement may be terminated only by the Trust’s Board of Trustees on 60 days’ written notice to the Fund’s adviser. |
Example: This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based upon these assumptions your costs would be:
1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
$106 | $401 | $718 | $1,618 |
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 fiscal period ended May 31, 2018, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 56% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies: The Fund is an actively managed exchange traded fund (“ETF”) that is a fund of funds. As an actively managed fund, the Fund will not seek to replicate the performance of an index. It seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in foreign and domestic growth-oriented equity securities of any market capitalization, domestic investment grade fixed income securities (bonds) of any maturity or duration, domestic real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), and commodities (gold) securities through unaffiliated ETFs.
The adviser uses its proprietary investment model to rank 5 major asset classes (US stocks, foreign stocks of developed countries, real estate, gold, and US aggregate bonds) based on the strongest price momentum, which measures the rate of the rise or fall
10 |
in stock prices. The three highest-ranked asset classes are allocated to the portfolio with equal weightings, while the two lowest ranked asset classes are left out of the portfolio. In addition, if an asset class is not displaying positive momentum, it is not included in the portfolio even it is one of the three highest ranked asset classes. To represent the aforementioned asset classes, the adviser generally invests in one low-cost, index-tracking ETF for each represented asset class. These ETFs must, in the adviser’s opinion, have a competitive expense ratio (lowest quartile of peers), illustrate the ability to closely track its index, and maintain an appropriate amount of daily trading volume (the 50-day Average Dollar Volume of the underlying ETFs is at least 20 times greater than the 50-day Average Dollar Volume traded within the Fund) to help avoid liquidity issues.
This process is repeated monthly. The weighting for any individual asset class depends on the prevailing market conditions, with a maximum weight of 33.33% for any one asset class. When few (2 or fewer) or none of the asset classes meet the model’s price momentum criteria, the Fund may invest heavily in short-term treasury bonds until more asset classes become favorable for investing.
Principal Investment Risks: As with all funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Fund. Many factors affect the Fund’s net asset value and performance.
The following describes the risks the Fund bears directly or indirectly through investments in other funds. As with any fund, there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its goal.
Risk | Direct Risk of the Fund | Indirect Risk of the Fund |
Commodity | X | |
Credit | X | |
Equity Securities | X | |
ETF Structure | X | X |
Fixed Income | X | |
Fluctuation of NAV | X | X |
Foreign | X | |
Growth Stock | X | |
Limited History of Operations | X | |
Management | X | X |
REIT | X | |
Sector Concentration | X | X |
Securities Market | X | X |
Small and Medium Capitalization Stock | X | |
Underlying Funds | X |
Commodity Risk . Investing in the commodities markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. Commodity prices may be influenced by unfavorable weather, animal and plant disease, geologic and environmental factors as well as changes in government regulation such as tariffs, embargoes or burdensome production rules and restrictions.
Credit Risk . Credit risk is the risk that the issuer of a security and other instrument will not be able to make principal and interest payments when due.
Equity Securities Risk. Fluctuations in the value of equity securities held by the Fund will cause the net asset value (“NAV”) of the Fund to fluctuate.
11 |
below. An issuer’s board of directors is generally not under any obligation to pay a dividend (even if dividends have accrued), and may suspend payment of dividends on preferred stock at any time. There is also a risk that the issuer of any of the Fund’s holdings will default and fail to make scheduled dividend payments on the preferred stock held by the Fund).
ETF Investment Risk . Other investment companies, such as ETFs (“Underlying Funds”), in which the Fund invests are subject to investment advisory and other expenses, which will be indirectly paid by the Fund. As a result, the cost of investing in the Fund will be higher than the cost of investing directly in the Underlying Funds and may be higher than other funds that invest directly in stocks and bonds. Each of the Underlying Funds is subject to its own specific risks. The Fund will be subject to the principal investments risks of Underlying Funds by virtue of the Fund’s investment in each such funds.
ETF Structure Risks . The Fund is structured as an ETF is subject to the special risks, including:
o In times of market stress, market makers may step away from their role market making in shares of ETFs and in executing trades, which can lead to differences between the market value of Fund shares and the Fund’s NAV.
o To the extent authorized participants (“APs”) exit the business or are unable to process creations or redemptions and no other AP can step in to do so, there may be a significantly reduced trading market in the Fund’s shares, which can lead to differences between the market value of Fund shares and the Fund’s NAV.
o The market price for the Fund’s shares may deviate from the Fund’s net asset value, particularly during times of market stress, with the result that investors may pay significantly more or receive significantly less for Fund shares than the Fund’s NAV, which is reflected in the bid and ask price for Fund shares or in the closing price.
o When all or a portion of an ETFs underlying securities trade in a market that is closed when the market for the Fund’s shares is open, there may be changes from the last quote of the closed market and the quote from the Fund’s domestic trading day, which could lead to differences between the market value of the Fund’s shares and the Fund’s NAV.
o In stressed market conditions, the market for the Fund’s shares may become less liquid in response to the deteriorating liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio. This adverse effect on the liquidity of the Fund’s shares may, in turn, lead to differences between the market value of the Fund’s shares and the Fund’s NAV.
Fixed Income Risk. When the Fund invests in fixed income securities, the value of your investment in the Fund will fluctuate with changes in interest rates. Typically, a rise in interest rates causes a decline in the value of fixed income securities owned by the Fund. In general, the market price of fixed income securities with longer maturities will increase or decrease more in response to changes in interest rates than shorter-term securities. Other risk factors include credit risk (the debtor may default), extension risk (an issuer may exercise its right to repay principal on a fixed rate obligation held by the Fund later than expected), and prepayment risk (the debtor may pay its obligation early, reducing the amount of interest payments). These risks could affect the value of a particular investment by the Fund, possibly causing the Fund’s share price and total return to be reduced and fluctuate more than other types of investments.
Fluctuation of Net Asset Value Risk. The NAV of the Fund’s shares will generally fluctuate with changes in the market value of the
12 |
Fund’s holdings. The market prices of the shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in NAV as well as the relative supply of and demand for the shares on the Exchange. The adviser cannot predict whether the shares will trade below, at or above their NAV. Price differences may be due, in large part, to the fact that supply and demand forces at work in the secondary trading market for the shares will be closely related to, but not identical to, the same forces influencing the prices of the Fund’s holdings trading individually or in the aggregate at any point in time. In addition, unlike conventional ETFs, the Fund is not an index fund. The Fund is actively managed and does not seek to replicate the performance of a specified index. Index based ETFs have generally traded at prices which closely correspond to NAV per share. Actively managed ETFs have a limited trading history and, therefore, there can be no assurance as to whether and/or the extent to which the shares will trade at premiums or discounts to NAV.
Foreign Securities Risk . Since the Fund’s investments may include ETFs with foreign securities, the Fund is subject to risks beyond those associated with investing in domestic securities. Foreign companies are generally not subject to the same regulatory requirements of U.S. companies thereby resulting in less publicly available information about these companies. In addition, foreign accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards generally differ from those applicable to U.S. companies. The value of foreign securities is also affected by the value of the local currency relative to the U.S. dollar.
Growth Stock Risk . Growth stocks can react differently to issuer, political, market, and economic developments than the market as a whole and other types of stocks. The stocks of such companies can therefore be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than stocks of larger, more established companies or the stock market in general.
Limited History of Operations Risk . The Fund is a new fund with a limited history of operations for investors to evaluate.
Management Risk . The adviser may be incorrect in its assessment of the intrinsic value of the securities the Fund holds which may result in a decline in the value of Fund shares and failure to achieve its investment objective. The Fund’s portfolio managers use qualitative analyses and/or models. Any imperfections or limitations in such analyses and models could affect the ability of the portfolio managers to implement strategies.
REIT Risk . The Fund may invest in REITs. The value of the Fund’s investments in REITs may change in response to changes in the real estate market such as declines in the value of real estate, lack of available capital or financing opportunities, and increases in property taxes or operating costs. Shareholders of the Fund will indirectly be subject to the fees and expenses of the individual REITs in which the Fund invests.
Sector Concentration Risk . The Fund may focus its investments in securities of a particular sector. Economic, legislative or regulatory developments may occur that significantly affect the sector. This may cause the Fund’s net asset value to fluctuate more than that of a fund that does not focus in a particular sector.
o | Precious Metals Risk. Prices of precious metals and of precious metal related securities historically have been very volatile. The production and sale of precious metals by governments or central banks or other larger holders can be affected by various economic, financial, social and political factors, which may be unpredictable and may have a significant impact on the prices of precious metals. Other factors that may affect the prices of precious metals and securities related to them include changes in inflation, the outlook for inflation and changes in industrial and commercial demand for precious metals. In addition, the gains derived from trading in precious metals will be closely monitored to avoid potentially negative tax consequences. As a result, the Fund may hold or sell precious metals when it otherwise would not do so. |
Securities Market Risk . The value of securities owned by the Fund may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to factors affecting particular companies or the securities markets generally. A general downturn in the securities market may cause multiple asset classes to decline in value simultaneously.
Small and Medium Capitalization Stock Risk . The earnings and prospects of small and medium sized companies are more volatile than larger companies and may experience higher failure rates than larger companies. Small and medium sized companies normally have a lower trading volume than larger companies, which may tend to make their market price fall more disproportionately than larger companies in response to selling pressures and may have limited markets, product lines, or financial resources and lack management experience.
Performance: Because the Fund does not have a full calendar year of investment operations, no performance information is presented for the Fund at this time. In the future, performance information will be presented in this section of this Prospectus.
13 |
Also, shareholder reports containing financial and performance information will be mailed to shareholders semi-annually. Updated performance information will be available at no cost by visiting www.formulafoliosfunds.com/tactical-growth-etf or by calling 888-562-8880.
Investment Adviser: FormulaFolio Investments, LLC (the “Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers: Jason Wenk, Founder, Director of Product Development and Strategy Consultant of the Adviser and Derek Prusa, CFA, CFP, Senior Market Analyst of the Adviser have served as the Fund’s portfolio managers since it commenced operations in 2017.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares: The Fund will issue and redeem Shares at NAV only in large blocks of 25,000 shares (each block of shares is called a “Creation Unit”). Creation Units are issued and redeemed for cash and/or in-kind for securities. Individual Shares may only be purchased and sold in secondary market transactions through brokers. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, the shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund.
Shares of the Fund are listed for trading on Cboe BXZ, Inc. (the “Exchange”) and trade at market prices rather than NAV. Shares of the Fund may trade at a price that is greater than, at, or less than NAV.
Tax Information: The Fund’s distributions generally will be taxable as ordinary income or long-term capital gains. A sale of shares may result in capital gain or loss.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries: If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
14 |
Fund Summary - FormulaFolios Tactical Income ETF
Investment Objective: The Fund seeks to provide income.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund: This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. Investors purchasing or selling shares of the Fund in the secondary market may be subject to costs (including customary brokerage commissions) charged by their broker. These costs are not included in the expense example below.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
|
Management Fees | 0.60% |
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees | 0.00% |
Other Expenses | 0.15% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (1) | 0.30% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 1.05% |
(1) | Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are the indirect costs of investing in other investment companies. The operating expenses in this fee table will not correlate to the expense ratio in the Fund’s financial highlights because the financial statements include only the direct operating expenses incurred by the Fund. |
Example: This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods . The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same . Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based upon these assumptions your costs would be:
1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
$107 | $334 | $579 | $1,283 |
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 fiscal period ended May 31, 2018, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 48% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies: The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in foreign and domestic fixed income securities through other exchange traded funds (“ETFs”). The fixed income securities in which the Fund will invest are US Treasuries, investment grade US bonds, high-yield US bonds (also known as “junk” bonds), US aggregate bond, and international government bonds of any maturity and duration.
The adviser uses its proprietary investment model to rank 5 major fixed income asset classes (US Treasuries, investment grade US bonds, high-yield US bonds, US aggregate bond, and international government bond) based on the strongest combination of yield spread and price momentum (higher price momentum and lower yield spreads). A yield spread is the difference between yields on fixed income securities of varying maturities, credit ratings and risk, which is calculated by deducting the yield of one instrument from another. Price momentum measures the rate of the rise or fall in stock prices. The three highest-ranked asset classes are allocated to the portfolio, while the two lowest ranked asset classes are left out of the portfolio. In addition, if an asset class is not displaying positive momentum, it is not included in the portfolio even it is one of the three highest ranked asset classes. To represent the aforementioned asset classes, the adviser utilizes low-cost, index-tracking ETFs. These ETFs must have a competitive expense ratio, illustrate the ability to closely track the desired asset class’s benchmark, and maintain an appropriate amount of daily trading volume to help avoid liquidity issues.
This process is repeated monthly. The weighting for any individual asset class depends on the prevailing market conditions, with a maximum weight of 56.67% for high-yield US bonds and US Treasuries and a maximum weight of 21.67% for US aggregate bond, investment grade US bonds, and international government bonds. When few (2 or fewer) or none of the asset classes meet the model’s price momentum criteria, the Fund may invest heavily in short-term treasury bonds until more asset classes become favorable for investing.
15 |
Principal Investment Risks: As with all funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Fund. Many factors affect the Fund’s net asset value and performance.
The following describes the risks the Fund bears directly or indirectly through investments in Underlying Funds. As with any fund, there is no guarantee that the Fund will achieve its goal.
Credit Risk . Credit risk is the risk that the issuer of a security and other instrument will not be able to make principal and interest payments when due. Credit risk may be substantial for the Fund.
ETF Investment Risk : Other investment companies, such as ETFs (“Underlying Funds”), in which the Fund invests are subject to investment advisory and other expenses, which will be indirectly paid by the Fund. As a result, the cost of investing in the Fund will be higher than the cost of investing directly in the Underlying Funds and may be higher than other funds that invest directly in stocks and bonds. Each of the Underlying Funds is subject to its own specific risks, but the adviser expects the principal investments risks of such Underlying Funds will be similar to the risks of investing in the Fund.
ETF Structure Risks : The Fund is structured as an ETF and as a result is subject to the special risks, including:
o | Not Individually Redeemable . Shares are not individually redeemable to retail investors and may be redeemed by the Fund only to Authorized Participants at NAV in large blocks known as “Creation Units.” An Authorized Participant may incur brokerage costs purchasing enough shares to constitute a Creation Unit. |
o Trading Issues . Trading in shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. There can be no assurance that shares will continue to meet the listing requirements of the Exchange. An active trading market for the Fund’s shares may not be developed or maintained. If the Fund’s shares are traded outside a collateralized settlement system, the number of financial institutions that can act as authorized participants that can post collateral on an agency basis is limited, which may limit the market for the Fund’s shares.
o Market Price Variance Risk . The market prices of shares will fluctuate in response to changes in NAV and supply and demand for shares and will include a “bid-ask spread” charged by the exchange specialists, market makers or other participants that trade the particular security. There may be times when the market price and the NAV vary significantly. This means that shares may trade at a discount to NAV.
§ | In times of market stress, market makers may step away from their role market making in shares of ETFs and in executing trades, which can lead to differences between the market value of Fund shares and the Fund’s NAV. |
§ | The market price for the Fund’s shares may deviate from the Fund’s net asset value, particularly during times of market stress, with the result that investors may pay significantly more or significantly less for Fund shares than the Fund’s NAV, which is reflected in the bid and ask price for Fund shares or in the closing price. |
§ | When all or a portion of an ETFs underlying securities trade in a market that is closed when the market for the Fund’s shares is open, there may be changes from the last quote of the closed market and the quote from the Fund’s domestic trading day, which could lead to differences between the market value of the Fund’s shares and the Fund’s NAV. |
§ | In stressed market conditions, the market for the Fund’s shares may become less liquid in response to the deteriorating liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio. This adverse effect on the liquidity of the Fund’s shares may, in turn, lead to differences between the market value of the Fund’s shares and the Fund’s NAV. |
Fixed Income Risk . When the Fund invests in fixed income securities, the value of your investment in the Fund will fluctuate with changes in interest rates. Typically, a rise in interest rates causes a decline in the value of fixed income securities owned by the Fund. In general, the market price of fixed income securities with longer maturities will increase or decrease more in response to changes in interest rates than shorter-term securities. Other risk factors include credit risk (the debtor may default), extension risk (an issuer may exercise its right to repay principal on a fixed rate obligation held by the Fund later than expected), and prepayment risk (the debtor may pay its obligation early, reducing the amount of interest payments). These risks could affect the value of a particular investment by the Fund, possibly causing the Fund's share price and total return to be reduced and fluctuate more than other types of investments.
Fluctuation of Net Asset Value Risk: The NAV of the Fund’s shares will generally fluctuate with changes in the market value of the Fund’s holdings. The market prices of the shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in NAV as well as the relative
16 |
supply of and demand for the shares on the Exchange. The adviser cannot predict whether the shares will trade below, at or above their NAV. Price differences may be due, in large part, to the fact that supply and demand forces at work in the secondary trading market for the shares will be closely related to, but not identical to, the same forces influencing the prices of the Fund’s holdings trading individually or in the aggregate at any point in time. In addition, unlike conventional ETFs, the Fund is not an index fund. The Fund is actively managed and does not seek to replicate the performance of a specified index. Index based ETFs have generally traded at prices which closely correspond to NAV per share. Actively managed ETFs have a limited trading history and, therefore, there can be no assurance as to whether and/or the extent to which the shares will trade at premiums or discounts to NAV.
Foreign Securities Risk: Since the Fund’s investments may include ETFs with foreign securities, the Fund is subject to risks beyond those associated with investing in domestic securities. Foreign companies are generally not subject to the same regulatory requirements of U.S. companies thereby resulting in less publicly available information about these companies. In addition, foreign accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards generally differ from those applicable to U.S. companies.
Junk Bonds Risk . Lower-quality bonds, known as "high yield" or "junk" bonds, present greater risk than bonds of higher quality, including an increased risk of default. An economic downturn or period of rising interest rates could adversely affect the market for these bonds and reduce the Fund's ability to sell its bonds. The lack of a liquid market for these bonds could decrease the Fund's share price.
Limited History of Operations Risk : The Fund is a new fund with a limited history of operations for investors to evaluate.
Management Risk : The adviser may be incorrect in its assessment of the intrinsic value of the securities the Fund holds which may result in a decline in the value of Fund shares and failure to achieve its investment objective. The Fund’s portfolio managers use qualitative analyses and/or models. Any imperfections or limitations in such analyses and models could affect the ability of the portfolio managers to implement strategies.
Securities Market Risk : The value of securities owned by the Fund may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to factors affecting particular companies or the securities markets generally. A general downturn in the securities market may cause multiple asset classes to decline in value simultaneously.
Performance: Because the Fund does not have a full year of investment operations, no performance information is presented for the Fund at this time. In the future, performance information will be presented in this section of this Prospectus. Also, shareholder reports containing financial and performance information will be mailed to shareholders semi-annually. Updated performance information will be available at no cost by visiting www.formulafoliofunds.com or by calling 888-562-8880.
Investment Adviser: FormulaFolio Investments, LLC (the “Adviser”)
Portfolio Managers: Jason Wenk, Founder, Director of Product Development and Strategy Consultant of the Adviser and Derek Prusa, CFA, CFP, Senior Market Analyst of the Adviser have served as the Fund’s portfolio managers since it commenced operations in 2017.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares: The Fund will issue and redeem shares at NAV only in large blocks of 50,000 shares (each block of shares is called a “Creation Unit”). Creation Units are issued and redeemed for cash and/or in-kind for securities. Individual shares may only be purchased and sold in secondary market transactions through brokers. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, the shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund.
Shares of the Fund are listed for trading on Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. (the “Exchange”) and trade at market prices rather than NAV. Shares of the Fund may trade at a price that is greater than, at, or less than NAV.
Tax Information: The Fund’s distributions generally will be taxable as ordinary income or long-term capital gains. A sale of shares may result in capital gain or loss.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries: If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
17 |
Additional Information about Principal Investment Strategies and Related Risks
Investment Objective
Fund | Investment Objective |
FormulaFolios Hedged Growth ETF (“Hedged Growth ETF”) | Seeks to provide capital growth |
FormulaFolios Smart Growth ETF (“Smart Growth ETF”) | S eeks to provide capital growth |
FormulaFolios Tactical Growth ETF (“Tactical Growth ETF”) | S eeks long-term total return |
FormulaFolios Tactical Income ETF (“Tactical Income ETF”) | Seeks to provide income |
Each Fund’s investment objective may be changed by the Board of Trustees upon 60 days’ written notice to shareholders.
Principal Investment Strategies
Hedged Growth ETF
The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in domestic equity securities of any market capitalization and US Treasuries through other unaffiliated exchange traded funds (“ETFs”) (including leveraged ETFs and inverse ETFs). The adviser allocates the Fund’s assets equally between two proprietary investment models.
The adviser’s first investment model identifies trends in the equity markets. If the model indicates that the Fund should be in the market because the market is doing well, as measured by a blend of various technical momentum indicators, the model will suggest investments in leveraged ETFs. Leveraged ETFs are ETFs that use financial derivatives and debt to amplify the returns of an underlying index. If the model indicates that the Fund should not be in the market because the market is doing poorly, as measured by a blend of various technical momentum indicators, the model will suggest investments in US Treasuries and/or inverse equity index ETFs. Inverse ETFs are ETFs constructed by using various derivatives for the purpose of profiting from a decline in the value of an underlying benchmark such as an equity index. The Fund will not invest more than 15% of its assets in leveraged and inverse ETFs. The technical momentum indicators used to determine if the market is doing well or poorly include moving average crossovers (bearish when the shorter term averages cross below the longer term averages), oscillators (bearish when the current prices are closer to more recent low prices rather than more recent high prices), and price acceleration measurements (bearish when trading volume increases as prices are moving down, indicating faster downward price pressure).
The adviser’s second investment model uses two sub-strategies. The adviser allocates the Fund’s assets that are allocated to this investment model equally between the two sub-strategies.
The first sub-strategy identifies trends in the equity markets. When the economy appears to be doing well, the first sub-strategy will suggests investments in a diversified mix of US Equity ETFs. If the economy appears to be doing poorly, the first sub-strategy suggests investments in US treasury ETFs to help hedge against market risk.
If the model indicates that the Fund should be in the market because the market is doing well, the second sub-strategy of the model focuses on the nine individual sectors of the S&P 500. This component measures the sectors based on price and volume patterns. Sectors with lower volatility and stronger price performance trends receive a higher ranking; the sector ranked the highest is selected for the investment by the Fund. If none of the sectors displays a desirable risk-adjusted return, this sub-strategy suggests investments in US Treasuries and inverse equity ETFs.
Smart Growth ETF :
The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing through other unaffiliated ETFs primarily in domestic and foreign (including emerging markets) growth-oriented equity securities of any market capitalization (which includes real estate investment trusts (“REITs”)) and US Treasuries or other cash equivalents. The Fund will generally be 100% invested in growth-oriented equity ETFs when the adviser’s investment models indicate a bullish trend for the equity market, and will generally be 50% invested in growth-oriented equity ETFs and 50% invested in US treasuries and/or other cash equivalents to hedge risk when the adviser’s models indicate a bearish trend for the equity markets.
Half of the Fund’s portfolio is allocated to a basket of growth-oriented equity ETFs. The growth-oriented equity ETFs in the basket were selected based on their potential to generate higher than average returns, mainly in the form of capital appreciation,
18 |
over a long period of time (at least two years) while carrying a higher than average level of risk (higher than average potential for large decreases in portfolio value) based on historical fundamental market research of various growth asset classes (e.g. small-cap US stocks, large-cap US stocks, emerging market stocks, and developed international stocks). The ETFs in the basket must have competitive expense ratios and closely track the asset class to which the ETF’s strategy is seeking exposure. This half of the Fund’s portfolio is rebalanced once per calendar year.
With the other half of the portfolio, the adviser uses its investment model to identify trends in the equity markets. If the model indicates that the equity markets are in a long-term (at least a year) bullish trend (stock prices are increasing) as measured by a blend of various technical momentum (analysis of price trends and supply and demand in the market in attempt to determine where prices are headed), economic, and behavioral (uses behavioral psychological data to attempt to determine why investors make certain financial decisions) analysis indicators, the model will suggest investments in the same basket of growth-oriented equity ETFs as the other half of the portfolio, so the Fund will be fully invested in growth-oriented equity ETFs. If the model indicates that the equity markets are in a bearish trend (stock prices are decreasing) as measured by a blend of various technical momentum, economic, and behavioral analysis indicators, the model will suggest investments in US treasuries and/or other cash equivalents with the other half of the portfolio, so the Fund will be 50% invested in growth-oriented equity ETFs and 50% invested in US treasuries and/or other cash equivalents to hedge risk. The technical momentum, economic, and behavioral analysis indicators used to determine if the market is doing well or poorly include moving average crossovers (bearish when the shorter term averages cross below the longer term averages), oscillators (bearish when the current prices are closer to more recent low prices rather than more recent high prices), price acceleration measurements (bearish when trading volume increases as prices are moving down, indicating faster downward price pressure) labor market data (bearish when fewer new jobs are being created and unemployment is trending up), market breadth data (bearish when a higher number of stocks are below their moving averages), earnings data (bearish when earnings estimates are being revised downward and when earnings are falling), and analyst sentiment data (bearish when analysts are revising lower economic growth). This half of the Fund’s portfolio is rebalanced monthly.
By combining numerous market indicators and various indicator types into a single screen, the model attempts to react only to major market movements while avoiding the numerous “false positive” signals that may be experienced when using a single stand-alone indicator. This can help reduce overall portfolio turnover, resulting in potential greater tax efficiency relative to other actively managed Funds. The Fund will typically hold 6-7 ETFs in its portfolio.
Tactical Growth ETF :
The Fund is an actively managed ETF that is a fund of funds. As an actively managed fund, the Fund will not seek to replicate the performance of an index. It seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in foreign and domestic growth-oriented equity securities of any market capitalization, domestic investment grade fixed income securities (bonds) of any maturity or duration, domestic REITs, and commodities (gold) securities through other unaffiliated ETFs.
The adviser uses its proprietary investment model to rank 5 major asset classes (US stocks, foreign stocks of developed countries, real estate, gold, and US aggregate bonds) based on the strongest price momentum, which measures the rate of the rise or fall in stock prices. The three highest-ranked asset classes are allocated to the portfolio with equal weightings, while the two lowest ranked asset classes are left out of the portfolio. In addition, if an asset class is not displaying positive momentum, it is not included in the portfolio even it is one of the three highest ranked asset classes. To represent the aforementioned asset classes, the adviser generally invests in one low-cost, index-tracking ETF for each represented asset class. These ETFs must, in the adviser’s opinion, have a competitive expense ratio (lowest quartile of peers), illustrate the ability to closely track its index, and maintain an appropriate amount of daily trading volume (the 50-day Average Dollar Volume of the underlying ETFs is at least 20 times greater than the 50-day Average Dollar Volume traded within the Fund) to help avoid liquidity issues.
This process is repeated monthly. The weighting for any individual asset class depends on the prevailing market conditions, with a maximum weight of 33.33% for any one asset class. When few (2 or fewer) or none of the asset classes meet the model’s price momentum criteria, the Fund may invest heavily in short-term treasury bonds until more asset classes become favorable for investing.
By combining numerous price momentum indicators into a single screen, and by ranking the various asset classes based on expected strength, the model attempts to actively accentuate the asset classes with the greatest potential for long term returns with minimal risk. The model seeks to only invest in asset classes with positive price momentum and exclude asset classes with negative (or relatively low) price momentum. The adviser believes that this can help produce more consistent returns through
19 |
maintaining a broadly diversified allocation during periods of economic growth while also maintaining the ability to hedge downside risk during periods of perceived economic stress.
Tactical Income ETF :
The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in foreign and domestic fixed income securities through other ETFs. The fixed income securities in which the Fund will invest are US Treasuries, investment grade US bonds, high-yield US bonds (also known as “junk” bonds), US aggregate bonds, and international government bonds of any maturity and duration.
The adviser uses its proprietary investment model to rank 5 major fixed income asset classes (US treasuries, investment grade US bonds, high-yield US bonds, US aggregate bond, and international government bond) based on the strongest combination of yield spread and price momentum. A yield spread is the difference between yields on fixed income securities of varying maturities, credit ratings and risk, which is calculated by deducting the yield of one instrument from another. Price momentum measures the rate of the rise or fall in stock prices.
The model evaluates the five fixed income asset classes noted above, and, to pass the initial screening process, an asset class must be in an uptrend, which means it must have experienced positive total returns (greater than 0%) over various time horizons. This trend is measured by using a blend of various price momentum indicators over short, intermediate, and long-term time periods.
Asset classes that pass this positive price momentum screen are then ranked based on relative strength as measured by yield spread. The highest-ranking asset classes receive a higher weight in the model, while the lower ranking asset classes receive a lower weight. Only the top three asset classes are allocated to the model, so even if all five asset classes pass the screen, the bottom two receive a weight of 0%. In addition, if an asset class is not displaying positive momentum, it is not included in the portfolio even it is one of the three highest ranked asset classes. Asset classes included in the portfolio are generally equal weighted, though high-yield or treasury bonds can be overweighed depending on various technical and macroeconomic factors (such as price momentum and yield spreads). This screening and ranking process is repeated monthly.
The weighting for any individual asset class depends on the prevailing market conditions, with a maximum weight of 56.67% for high-yield US bonds and US treasuries and a maximum weight of 21.67% for US aggregate bond, investment grade US bonds, and international government bonds. When few (2 or fewer) or none of the asset classes will meet the model’s criteria for price momentum of positive total returns over the short, intermediate, and long-term in the initial screening process, the Fund may invest heavily in short-term treasury bonds until more asset classes become favorable for investing.
Principal Investment Risk
The following describes the risks the Funds bear directly or indirectly through investments in ETFs (the “Underlying Funds”).
Commodity Risk (Tactical Growth ETF only). The Fund’s exposure to the commodities futures markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of commodity-linked derivative instruments, commodity-based notes may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates, or sectors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs, and international economic, political and regulatory developments.
Credit Risk ( Tactical Growth ETF and Tactical Income ETF only): Credit risk is the risk that an issuer of a security will fail to pay principal and interest in a timely manner, reducing the Fund’s total return. The Fund may invest in high-yield, high-risk securities commonly called “junk bonds”, that are not investment grade and are generally considered speculative because they present a greater risk of loss, including default, than higher quality debt securities. Credit risk may be substantial for the Fund.
Emerging Markets Risk (Smart Growth ETF only) . The Fund may invest in countries with newly organized or less developed securities markets. There are typically greater risks involved in investing in emerging markets securities. Generally, economic structures in these countries are less diverse and mature than those in developed countries and their political systems tend to be less stable. Emerging market economies may be based on only a few industries, therefore security issuers, including governments, may be more susceptible to economic weakness and more likely to default. Emerging market countries also may have relatively unstable governments, weaker economies, and less-developed legal systems with fewer security holder rights. Investments in emerging markets countries may be affected by government policies that restrict foreign investment in certain issuers or industries. The potentially smaller size of their securities markets and lower trading volumes can make investments
20 |
relatively illiquid and potentially more volatile than investments in developed countries, and such securities may be subject to abrupt and severe price declines. Due to this relative lack of liquidity, the Fund may have to accept a lower price or may not be able to sell a portfolio security at all. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Fund’s value or prevent the Fund from being able to meet cash obligations or take advantage of other investment opportunities.
Equity Securities Risk Equity securities are susceptible to general stock market fluctuations and to volatile increases and decreases in value. The equity securities held by the Funds may experience sudden, unpredictable drops in value or long periods of decline in value. This may occur because of factors affecting securities markets generally, the equity securities of a particular sector, or a particular company.
ETF Investment Risk : The Underlying Funds are subject to investment advisory and other expenses, which will be indirectly paid by each Fund. As a result, the cost of investing in each Fund will be higher than the cost of investing directly in the Underlying Funds and may be higher than other mutual funds that invest directly in stocks and bonds. Each of the Underlying Funds is subject to its own specific risks, but the adviser expects the principal investments risks of such Underlying Funds will be similar to the risks of investing in each Fund, respectively. Additional risks of investing in ETFs are described below:
· | ETF Tracking Risk: Investment in each Fund should be made with the understanding that passive ETFs in which a Fund invests will 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, the passive ETFs in which a Fund invests will incur expenses not incurred by their applicable indices. Certain securities comprising the indices tracked by the passive ETFs may, from time to time, temporarily be unavailable, which may further impede the passive ETFs' ability to track their applicable indices. |
· | Inverse Correlation Risk: ETFs that are inverse funds should lose value as the index or security tracked by such fund’s benchmark increases in value; a result that is the opposite from traditional mutual funds. Successful use of inverse funds requires that the adviser correctly predict short term market movements. If a Fund invests in an inverse fund and markets rise, the Fund could lose money. Inverse funds may also employ leverage such that their returns are more than one times that of their benchmark. |
· | Management Risk: When a Fund invests in ETFs there is a risk that the investment advisers of those ETFs may make investment decisions that are detrimental to the performance of the Fund. |
· | Net Asset Value and Market Price Risk: The market value of ETF shares may differ from their net asset value (“NAV”). This difference in price may be due to the fact that the supply and demand in the market for fund 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 shares trade at a premium or discount to NAV. |
· | Strategies Risk: Each ETF is subject to specific risks, depending on the nature of the fund. |
ETF Structure Risk: Each Fund is structured as an ETF and as a result is subject to the special risks, including:
o | Not Individually Redeemable . Shares are not individually redeemable and may be redeemed by a Fund at NAV only in large blocks known as “Creation Units.” You may incur brokerage costs purchasing enough shares to constitute a Creation Unit. |
o Trading Issues . Trading in shares on the Exchange may be halted due to market conditions or for reasons that, in the view of the Exchange, make trading in shares inadvisable, such as extraordinary market volatility. There can be no assurance that shares will continue to meet the listing requirements of the Exchange. An active trading market for a Fund’s shares may not be developed or maintained. If a Fund’s shares are traded outside a collateralized settlement system, the number of financial institutions that can act as authorized participants that can post collateral on an agency basis is limited, which may limit the market for a Fund’s shares.
o Market Price Variance Risk . Individual shares of a Fund that are listed for trading on the Exchange can be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. The market prices of shares will fluctuate in response to changes in NAV and supply and demand for Shares. There may be times when the market price and the NAV vary significantly and you may pay more than NAV when buying shares on the secondary market, and you may receive less than NAV when you sell those shares. The market price of shares, like the price of any exchange-traded security, includes a “bid-ask spread” charged by the exchange specialists, market makers or other participants that trade the particular security. In times of severe market disruption, the bid-ask spread often increases significantly. This means that shares may trade at a discount to NAV and the discount is likely to be greatest when the price of shares is falling fastest, which may be the time that you most want to sell your Shares. A Fund’s investment results are measured based upon the daily NAV of the Fund
21 |
over a period of time. Investors purchasing and selling shares in the secondary market may not experience investment results consistent with those experienced by those creating and redeeming directly with the Fund.
§ | In times of market stress, market makers may step away from their role market making in shares of ETFs and in executing trades, which can lead to differences between the market value of Fund shares and a Fund’s NAV. |
§ | The market price for a Fund’s shares may deviate from the Fund’s net asset value, particularly during times of market stress, with the result that investors may pay significantly more or significantly less for Fund shares than the Fund’s NAV, which is reflected in the bid and ask price for Fund shares or in the closing price. |
§ | When all or a portion of an ETFs underlying securities trade in a market that is closed when the market for a Fund’s shares is open, there may be changes from the last quote of the closed market and the quote from the Fund’s domestic trading day, which could lead to differences between the market value of the Fund’s shares and the Fund’s NAV. |
§ | In stressed market conditions, the market for a Fund’s shares may become less liquid in response to the deteriorating liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio. This adverse effect on the liquidity of the Fund’s shares may, in turn, lead to differences between the market value of the Fund’s shares and the Fund’s NAV. |
Fixed Income Risk ( Tactical Growth ETF and Tactical Income ETF only): Fixed income risk factors include credit risk (the debtor may default) and prepayment risk (the debtor may pay its obligation early or later than expected, potentially reducing the amount of interest payments or extending time to principal repayment). These risks could affect the value of a particular investment possibly causing the Funds’ share price and total return to be reduced and fluctuate more than other types of investments. When the Funds invest in fixed income securities the value of your investment in the Funds will fluctuate with changes in interest rates. Typically, a rise in interest rates causes a decline in the value of fixed income securities. In general, the market price of debt securities with longer maturities will increase or decrease more in response to changes in interest rates than shorter-term securities. If the U.S. Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee raises the federal funds interest rate target, interest rates across the U.S. financial system may rise. However, the magnitude of rate changes across maturities and borrower sectors is uncertain. Rising rates may decrease liquidity and increase volatility, which may make portfolio management more difficult and costly to the Fund and its shareholders. Additionally, default risk increases if issuers must borrow at higher rates. Generally, these changing market conditions may cause the Funds’ share price to fluctuate or decline more than other types of equity investments.
Fluctuation of Net Asset Value Risk: The NAV of each Fund’s shares will generally fluctuate with changes in the market value of the Fund’s holdings. The market prices of the shares will generally fluctuate in accordance with changes in NAV as well as the relative supply of and demand for the shares on the Exchange. The adviser cannot predict whether the shares will trade below, at or above their NAV. Price differences may be due, in large part, to the fact that supply and demand forces at work in the secondary trading market for the shares will be closely related to, but not identical to, the same forces influencing the prices of each Fund’s holdings trading individually or in the aggregate at any point in time. In addition, unlike conventional ETFs, each Fund is not an index fund. The Funds are actively managed and do not seek to replicate the performance of a specified index. Index based ETFs have generally traded at prices which closely correspond to NAV per share. Actively managed ETFs have a limited trading history and, therefore, there can be no assurance as to whether and/or the extent to which the shares will trade at premiums or discounts to NAV.
Foreign Securities Risk (Smart Growth, Tactical Growth and Tactical Income ETF only): To the extent the Funds invest in foreign securities, the Funds could be subject to greater risks because the Funds’ performance may depend on issues other than the performance of a particular company or U.S. market sector. Changes in foreign economies and political climates are more likely to affect the Funds than a mutual fund that invests exclusively in U.S. companies. The value of foreign securities is also affected by the value of the local currency relative to the U.S. dollar. There may also be less government supervision of foreign markets, resulting in non-uniform accounting practices and less publicly available information. The values of foreign investments may be affected by changes in exchange control regulations, application of foreign tax laws (including withholding tax), changes in governmental administration or economic or monetary policy (in this country or abroad) or changed circumstances in dealings between nations. In addition, foreign brokerage commissions, custody fees and other costs of investing in foreign securities are generally higher than in the United States. Investments in foreign issues could be affected by other factors not present in the United States, including expropriation, armed conflict, confiscatory taxation, and potential difficulties in enforcing contractual obligations. As a result, the Funds may be exposed to greater risk and will be more dependent on the adviser's ability to assess such risk than if the Funds invested solely in more developed countries.
Growth Stock Risk . ( Hedge Growth ETF, Smart Growth ETF and Tactical Growth ETF only) Growth stocks can react differently to issuer, political, market, and economic developments than the market as a whole and other types of stocks. Growth stocks also tend to be more expensive relative to their earnings or assets compared to other types of stocks. As a result, growth
22 |
stocks tend to be sensitive to changes in their earnings and more volatile in price than the stock market as a whole. In addition, companies that the a dviser believes have significant growth potential are often companies with new, limited or cyclical product lines, markets or financial resources and the management of such companies may be dependent upon one or a few key people. The stocks of such companies can therefore be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than stocks of larger, more established companies or the stock market in general.
Inverse ETF Risk (Hedged Growth ETF only) : Investing in inverse ETFs may result in increased volatility due to the inverse ETF’s possible use of short sales of securities and derivatives such as options and futures. The use of leverage by an ETF increases risk to the Fund. The more a fund invests in leveraged instruments, the more the leverage will magnify any gains or losses on those investments. Many inverse ETFs utilize daily futures contracts to produce their returns, and this frequent trading often increases fund expenses. Investments in inverse ETFs are speculative and are not meant to be long-term investments. During periods of increased volatility, inverse ETFs may not perform in the manner they are designed.
Leveraged ETF Risk (Hedged Growth ETF only) : Investing in leveraged ETFs will amplify the Fund’s gains and losses. Most leveraged ETFs “reset” daily. Due to the effect of compounding, their performance over longer periods of time can differ significantly from the performance of their underlying index or benchmark during the same period of time.
Junk Bonds Risk (Tactical Income ETF only) : Lower-quality bonds, known as "high yield" or "junk" bonds, present a significant risk for loss of principal and interest. These bonds offer the potential for higher return, but also involve greater risk than bonds of higher quality, including an increased possibility that the bond's issuer, obligor or guarantor may not be able to make its payments of interest and principal (credit quality risk). If that happens, the value of the bond may decrease, and the Fund's share price may decrease and its income distribution may be reduced. An economic downturn or period of rising interest rates (interest rate risk) could adversely affect the market for these bonds and reduce the Fund's ability to sell its bonds (liquidity risk). Such securities may also include "Rule 144A" securities, which are subject to resale restrictions. The lack of a liquid market for these bonds could decrease the Fund's share price.
Limited History of Operations : Each Fund is a new mutual fund with a limited history of operations for investors to evaluate.
Management Risk : Each Fund’s ability to identify and invest in attractive opportunities is dependent upon the adviser. If one or more key individuals leave, the adviser may not be able to hire qualified replacements or may require extended time to do so. This situation could prevent each Fund from achieving its investment objectives. Each Fund’s portfolio managers use quantitative analyses and/or models. Any imperfections or limitations in such analyses and models could affect the ability of the portfolio managers to implement strategies. By necessity, these analyses and models make simplifying assumptions that limit their efficacy. Models that appear to explain prior market data can fail to predict future market events. Further, the data used in models may be inaccurate and/or it may not include the most recent information about a company or a security.
Portfolio Turnover Risk . The Fund may buy and sell investments frequently. Such a strategy often involves higher transaction costs, including brokerage commissions, and may increase the amount of capital gains (in particular, short term gains) realized by the Fund. Shareholders may pay tax on such capital gains.
REITs Risk . ( Smart Growth ETF and Tactical Growth ETF only ) The Funds ’ investments in REITs may subject the F und s to the following additional risks: declines in the value of real estate, changes in interest rates, lack of available mortgage funds or other limits on obtaining capital, overbuilding, extended vacancies of properties, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in zoning laws and regulations, casualty or condemnation losses and tax consequences of the failure of a REIT to comply with tax law requirements. The Fund s will bear a proportionate share of the REIT’s ongoing operating fees and expenses, which may include management, operating and administrative expenses in addition to the expenses of the Fund s .
Sector Concentration Risk (Hedged Growth ETF and Tactical Growth ETF only) : Sector concentration risk is the possibility that securities within the same sector will decline in price due to sector-specific market or economic developments. If the Funds invest more heavily in a particular sector, the value of its shares may be especially sensitive to factors and economic risks that specifically affect that sector. As a result, the Funds’ share price may fluctuate more widely than the value of shares of a mutual fund that invests in a broader range of sectors. Additionally, some sectors could be subject to greater government regulation than other sectors. Therefore, changes in regulatory policies for those sectors may have a material effect on the value of securities issued by companies in those sectors.
23 |
Securities Market Risk : Stock market risk is the risk that the value of securities owned by the Funds may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to factors affecting particular companies or the securities markets generally. A general downturn in the securities market may cause multiple asset classes to decline in value simultaneously, although equity securities generally have greater price volatility than fixed income securities. Despite gains in some markets after steep declines during certain periods of 2008-2009, negative conditions and price declines may return unexpectedly and dramatically. In addition, the Funds could experience a loss when selling securities in order to meet unusually large or frequent redemption requests in times of overall market turmoil or declining prices for the securities sold. Stock prices change daily, sometimes rapidly, in response to company activity and general economic and market conditions. Certain stocks may decline in value even during periods when the prices of equity securities in general are rising, or may not perform as well as the market in general. Stock prices may also experience greater volatility during periods of challenging market conditions such as the one that the market recently experienced.
Small and Medium Capitalization Risk (Hedged Growth ETF only) : The stocks of small and medium capitalization companies involve substantial risk. These companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, and they may be dependent on a limited management group. Stocks of these companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than those of larger, more established companies or the market averages in general.
US Government Securities Risk (Smart Growth ETF only) . U.S. Treasury obligations are backed by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. government and generally have negligible credit risk. Securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies or authorities and U.S. government-sponsored instrumentalities or enterprises may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. The Fund may be subject to such risk to the extent it invests in securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies or authorities and U.S. government-sponsored instrumentalities or enterprises.
Temporary Investments
To respond to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, each Fund may invest 100% of its total assets, without limitation, in high-quality short-term debt securities and money market instruments. These short-term debt securities and money market instruments include: shares of money market mutual funds, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances, U.S. Government securities and repurchase agreements. While each Fund is in a defensive position, the opportunity to achieve its investment objective will be limited. Furthermore, to the extent that a Fund invests in money market mutual funds for cash positions, there will be some duplication of expenses because the Fund pays its pro-rata portion of such money market funds’ advisory fees and operational fees. Each Fund may also invest a substantial portion of its assets in such instruments at any time to maintain liquidity or pending selection of investments in accordance with its policies.
Portfolio Holdings Disclosure
A description of the Funds’ policies and procedures regarding the release of portfolio holdings information is available in the Funds’ Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).
Cybersecurity
The computer systems, networks and devices used by the Funds and their service providers to carry out routine business operations employ a variety of protections designed to prevent damage or interruption from computer viruses, network failures, computer and telecommunication failures, infiltration by unauthorized persons and security breaches. Despite the various protections utilized by the Funds and their service providers, systems, networks, or devices potentially can be breached. Each Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result of a cybersecurity breach.
Cybersecurity breaches can include unauthorized access to systems, networks, or devices; infection from computer viruses or other malicious software code; and attacks that shut down, disable, slow, or otherwise disrupt operations, business processes, or website access or functionality. Cybersecurity breaches may cause disruptions and impact each Fund’s business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses; interference with each Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV; impediments to trading; the inability of each Fund, the adviser, and other service providers to transact business; violations of applicable privacy and other laws; regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs; as well as the inadvertent release of confidential information.
Similar adverse consequences could result from cybersecurity breaches affecting issuers of securities in which the Funds invest; counterparties with which the Funds engage in transactions; governmental and other regulatory authorities; exchange and other financial market operators, banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies, and other financial institutions (including financial
24 |
intermediaries and service providers for a Fund’s shareholders); and other parties. In addition, substantial costs may be incurred by these entities in order to prevent any cybersecurity breaches in the future.
Management
Investment Adviser
FormulaFolio Investments, LLC (the “Adviser”), located at 89 Ionia Avenue NW, Suite 600, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, serves as each Fund’s investment adviser. The Adviser is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. As of May 31, 2018, the Adviser manages separate accounts and mutual funds and has approximately $2.9 billion in assets under management.
Subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees (the “Board”), the Adviser is responsible for managing the Fund’s investments, executing transactions and providing related administrative services and facilities under an Investment Advisory Agreement between each Fund and the Adviser.
The management fee set forth in the Investment Advisory Agreement is 0.80% for the Hedged Growth ETF, 0.35% for the Smart Growth ETF, 0.60% for the Tactical Growth ETF and 0.60% for the Tactical Income ETF annually, to be paid on a monthly basis. In addition to investment advisory fees, each Fund pays other expenses including costs incurred in connection with the maintenance of securities law registration, printing and mailing prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information to shareholders, certain financial accounting services, taxes or governmental fees, custodial, transfer and shareholder servicing agent costs, expenses of outside counsel and independent accountants, preparation of shareholder reports and expenses of trustee and shareholders meetings. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees’ approval of the advisory agreement is available in the Fund’s annual report to shareholders dated November 30, 2017.
The Adviser has contractually agreed to reduce its fees and/or absorb expenses of each Fund, until at least September 30, 2019, to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or reimbursement (exclusive of any front-end or contingent deferred loads, taxes, brokerage fees and commissions, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short), acquired fund fees and expenses, fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses), or extraordinary expenses such as litigation) will not exceed 0.95% of the Hedged Growth ETF’s, 0.60% of the Smart Growth ETF’s, 0.80% of the Tactical Growth ETF’s and 0.80% of the Tactical Income ETF’s average daily net assets; subject to possible recoupment from the Fund in future years within the three years from the date the fees have been waived or reimbursed if such recoupment can be achieved within the lesser of the foregoing expense limits or the expense limits in place at the time of the recoupment. Fee waiver and reimbursement arrangements can decrease each Fund’s expenses and boost its performance.
Portfolio Managers
Jason Wenk
Jason Wenk has been the Founder, Director of Product Development and Strategy Consultant of the Advisersince September 2018. Mr. Wenk served as Chief Investment Officer of the Adviser from 2005-2018. Jason has 15 years’ experience as a professional money manager as well as founding another RIA firm called Retirement Wealth Advisors.
Derek Prusa, CFA, CFP
Derek Prusa has been the Senior Market Analyst of the Adviser since 2014. From 2012-2014, Mr. Prusa was a portfolio planner and adviser at Rinvelt & Davide, an investment advisory firm. Prior to that, Mr. Prusa was a student at Ferris State University.
The SAI provides additional information about the Portfolio Managers’ compensation, other accounts managed and ownership of Fund shares.
25 |
How Shares Are Priced
The NAV and offering price of shares is determined at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on each day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open. NAV is computed by determining, on a per class basis, the aggregate market value of all assets of the applicable Fund, less its liabilities, divided by the total number of shares outstanding ((assets-liabilities)/number of shares = NAV). The NYSE is closed on weekends and New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The NAV takes into account the expenses and fees of a Fund, including management, administration, and distribution fees, which are accrued daily. The determination of NAV for the Fund for a particular day is applicable to all applications for the purchase of shares, as well as all requests for the redemption of shares, received by the Fund (or an authorized broker or agent, or its authorized designee) before the close of trading on the NYSE on that day.
Generally, fixed income securities having a remaining maturity of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Fixed income securities having a remaining maturity of greater than 60 days are valued using an independent pricing service. When prices are not available from such services or are deemed to be unreliable, such securities are valued in accordance with procedures approved by the Board. . Securities traded or dealt in upon one or more securities exchanges (whether domestic or foreign) for which market quotations are readily available and not subject to restrictions against resale shall be valued at the last quoted sales price on the primary exchange or, in the absence of a sale on the primary exchange, at the mean between the current bid and ask prices on such exchange. Securities primarily traded in the National Association of Securities Dealers’ Automated Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) National Market System for which market quotations are readily available shall be valued using the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. Securities that are not traded or dealt in any securities exchange (whether domestic or foreign) and for which over-the-counter market quotations are readily available generally shall be valued at the last sale price or, in the absence of a sale, at the mean between the current bid and ask price on such over-the- counter market. Debt securities not traded on an exchange may be valued at prices supplied by a pricing agent(s) based on broker or dealer supplied valuations or matrix pricing, a method of valuing securities by reference to the value of other securities with similar characteristics, such as rating, interest rate and maturity.
If market quotations are not readily available, securities will be valued at their fair market value as determined in good faith by the Adviser in accordance with procedures approved by the Board and evaluated by the Board as to the reliability of the fair value method used. In these cases, the Fund’s NAV will reflect certain portfolio securities’ fair value rather than their market price. Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security may be materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of that security. The fair value prices can differ from market prices when they become available or when a price becomes available. The Board has delegated execution of these procedures to a fair value committee composed of one or more officers from each of the (i) Fund’s management, (ii) administrator, and (iii) Adviser. The team may also enlist third party consultants such as an audit firm or financial officer of a security issuer on an as-needed basis to assist in determining a security-specific fair value. The Board reviews and ratifies the execution of this process and the resultant fair value prices at least quarterly to assure the process produces reliable results.
The Funds may use independent pricing services to assist in calculating the value of each Fund’s securities. In addition, market prices for foreign securities are not determined at the same time of day as the NAV for the Fund. Because the Funds may invest in underlying ETFs that hold portfolio securities primarily listed on foreign exchanges, and these exchanges may trade on weekends or other days when the underlying ETFs do not price their shares, the value of some of a Fund’s portfolio securities may change on days when you may not be able to buy or sell Fund shares.
In computing the NAV, the Funds value foreign securities held by a Fund at the latest closing price on the exchange in which they are traded immediately prior to closing of the NYSE. Prices of foreign securities quoted in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at current rates. If events materially affecting the value of a security in a Fund’s portfolio, particularly foreign securities, occur after the close of trading on a foreign market but before a Fund prices its shares, the security will be valued at fair value. For example, if trading in a portfolio security is halted and does not resume before a Fund calculates its NAV, the Adviser may need to price the security using the Funds’ fair value pricing guidelines. Without a fair value price, short-term traders could take advantage of the arbitrage opportunity and dilute the NAV of long-term investors. Fair valuation of a Fund’s portfolio securities can serve to reduce arbitrage opportunities available to short-term traders, but there is no assurance that fair value pricing policies will prevent dilution of a Fund’s NAV by short term traders. The determination of fair value involves subjective judgments. As a result, using fair value to price a security may result in a price materially different from the prices used by other mutual funds to determine net asset value, or from the price that may be realized upon the actual sale of the security.
26 |
With respect to any portion of a Fund’s assets that are invested in one or more open-end management investment companies registered under the 1940 Act, a Fund’s NAV is calculated based upon the net asset values of those open-end management investment companies, and the prospectuses for these companies explain the circumstances under which those companies will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing.
Premium/Discount Information
Most investors will buy and sell shares of the Funds in secondary market transactions through brokers at market prices and the Fund’s shares will trade at market prices. The market price of shares of the Funds may be greater than, equal to, or less than NAV. Market forces of supply and demand, economic conditions and other factors may affect the trading prices of shares of the Funds.
Information regarding the intraday value of shares of the Funds, also known as the “indicative optimized portfolio value” (“IOPV”), is disseminated every 15 seconds throughout each trading day by the securities exchange on which the Funds' shares are listed or by market data vendors or other information providers. The IOPV is based on the current market value of each Fund’s securities, including cash required to be deposited in exchange for a Creation Unit. The IOPV is generally determined by using both current market quotations and price quotations obtained from broker-dealers and other market intermediaries that may trade in a Fund’s portfolio securities. The IOPV may not reflect the exact composition of a Fund’s current portfolio of securities at a particular point in time or the best possible valuation of a Fund’s current portfolio. As a result, the IOPV should not be confused with the NAV, which is computed only once a day. Information regarding how often the shares of the Funds traded at a price above (at a premium to) or below (at a discount to) the NAV of the Funds during the past four calendar quarters, when available, can be found at www.formulafoliofunds.com .
How to Buy and Sell Shares
Shares of the Funds are listed for trading on the Exchange under the symbols FFHG for the Hedged Growth ETF, FFSG for Smart Growth ETF, FFTG for the Tactical Growth ETF and FFTI for Tactical Income ETF. Share prices are reported in dollars and cents per Share. Shares can be bought and sold on the secondary market throughout the trading day like other publicly traded shares, and shares typically trade in blocks of less than a Creation Unit. There is no minimum investment required. Shares may only be purchased and sold on the secondary market when the Exchange is open for trading. The Exchange is open for trading Monday through Friday and is closed on weekends and the following holidays, as observed: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
When buying or selling shares through a broker, you will incur customary brokerage commissions and charges, and you may pay some or all of the spread between the bid and the offered price in the secondary market on each leg of a round trip (purchase and sale) transaction.
Authorized Participants (“APs”) may acquire Shares directly from the Funds, and APs may tender their shares for redemption directly to the Funds, at NAV per Share only in large blocks, or Creation Units, of 25,000 shares. Purchases and redemptions directly with the Funds must follow each Fund’s procedures, which are described in the SAI.
The Funds may liquidate and terminate at any time without shareholder approval.
Share Trading Prices
The approximate value of shares of the Funds, an amount representing on a per share basis the sum of the current market price of the securities accepted by the Funds in exchange for shares of the Funds and an estimated cash component will be disseminated every 15 seconds throughout the trading day through the facilities of the Consolidated Tape Association. This approximate value should not be viewed as a “real-time” update of the NAV per share of the Funds because the approximate value may not be calculated in the same manner as the NAV, which is computed once a day, generally at the end of the business day. The Funds are not involved in, or responsible for, the calculation or dissemination of the approximate value of the shares, and the Funds do not make any warranty as to the accuracy of these values.
Book Entry
Shares are held in book entry form, which means that no stock certificates are issued. The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) or its nominee is the record owner of all outstanding shares of the Funds and is recognized as the owner of all shares for all purposes.
27 |
Investors owning shares are beneficial owners as shown on the records of DTC or its participants. DTC serves as the securities depository for all Shares. Participants in DTC include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and other institutions that directly or indirectly maintain a custodial relationship with DTC. As a beneficial owner of shares, you are not entitled to receive physical delivery of stock certificates or to have shares registered in your name, and you are not considered a registered owner of shares. Therefore, to exercise any right as an owner of shares, you must rely upon the procedures of DTC and its participants. These procedures are the same as those that apply to any other securities that you hold in book entry or “street name” form.
Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares
Shares can only be purchased and redeemed directly from the Fund in Creation Units by APs, and the vast majority of trading Shares occurs on the secondary market. Because the secondary market trades do not directly involve the Fund, it is unlikely those trades would cause the harmful effects of market timing, including dilution, disruption of portfolio management, increases in the Fund’s trading costs and the realization of capital gains. With regard to the purchase or redemption of Creation Units directly with the Funds, to the extent effected in-kind ( i.e. , for securities), those trades do not cause the harmful effects that may result from frequent cash trades. To the extent trades are effected in whole or in part in cash, those trades could result in dilution to the Funds and increased transaction costs, which could negatively impact a Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective. However, direct trading by APs is critical to ensuring that each Shares trade at or close to NAV. The Funds also employ fair valuation pricing to minimize potential dilution from market timing. In addition, the Funds impose transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of Fund shares to cover the custodial and other costs incurred by the Funds in effecting trades. These fees increase if an investor substitutes cash in part or in whole for securities, reflecting the fact that a Fund’s trading costs increase in those circumstances. Given this structure, the Trust has determined that it is not necessary to adopt policies and procedures to detect and deter market timing of the Funds’ shares.
Distribution and Service Plan
The Funds have adopted a distribution and service plan (“Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, the Funds are authorized to pay distribution fees to the distributor and other firms that provide distribution and shareholder services (“Service Providers”). If a Service Provider provides these services, the Funds may pay fees at an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of average daily net assets, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the1940 Act.
No distribution or service fees are currently paid by the Funds, and will not be paid by the Funds unless authorized by the Board of Trustees. There are no current plans to impose these fees. In the event Rule 12b-1 fees were charged, over time they would increase the cost of an investment in the Funds.
Dividends, Other Distributions and Taxes
Shares are traded throughout the day in the secondary market on a national securities exchange on an intra-day basis and are created and redeemed in-kind and/or for cash in Creation Units at each day’s next calculated NAV. In-kind arrangements are designed to protect ongoing shareholders from the adverse effects on a Fund’s portfolio that could arise from frequent cash redemption transactions. In a conventional mutual fund, redemptions can have an adverse tax impact on taxable shareholders if the mutual fund needs to sell portfolio securities to obtain cash to meet net fund redemptions. These sales may generate taxable gains for the ongoing shareholders of the mutual fund, whereas the shares’ in-kind redemption mechanism generally will not lead to a tax event for the Funds or its ongoing shareholders.
Ordinarily, dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid monthly by the Tactical Income ETF and declared and paid quarterly by the Hedged Growth ETF. The Funds distribute their net realized capital gains, if any, to shareholders annually. The Fund may also pay a special distribution at the end of a calendar year to comply with federal tax requirements.
Distributions in cash may be reinvested automatically in additional whole shares only if the broker through whom you purchased shares makes such option available.
28 |
Taxes
As with any investment, you should consider how your investment in Shares will be taxed. The tax information in this Prospectus is provided as general information. You should consult your own tax professional about the tax consequences of an investment in shares.
Unless your investment in shares is made through a tax-exempt entity or tax-deferred retirement account, such as an individual retirement account, you need to be aware of the possible tax consequences when:
· | A Fund makes distributions, |
· | You sell your Shares listed on the Exchange, and |
· | You purchase or redeem Creation Units. |
Taxes on Distributions
Distributions from each Fund’s net investment income, including net short-term capital gains, if any, are taxable to you as ordinary income, except that each Fund’s dividends attributable to its “qualified dividend income” ( i.e ., dividends received on stock of most domestic and certain foreign corporations with respect to which the Fund satisfies certain holding period and other restrictions), if any, generally are subject to federal income tax for non-corporate shareholders who satisfy those restrictions with respect to their Shares at the rate for net capital gain -- a maximum of 15% for taxable years beginning before 2013. A part of each Fund’s dividends also may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction allowed to corporations -- the eligible portion may not exceed the aggregate dividends each Fund receives from domestic corporations subject to federal income tax (excluding REITs) and excludes dividends from foreign corporations -- subject to similar restrictions. However, dividends a corporate shareholder deducts pursuant to that deduction are subject indirectly to the federal alternative minimum tax.
In general, your distributions are subject to federal income tax when they are paid, whether you take them in cash or reinvest them in the Funds (if that option is available). Distributions reinvested in additional shares of a Fund through the means of a dividend reinvestment service, if available, will be taxable to shareholders acquiring the additional shares to the same extent as if such distributions had been received in cash. Distributions of net long-term capital gains, if any, in excess of net short-term capital losses are taxable as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long you have held the shares.
Distributions in excess of a Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits are treated as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of your basis in the shares and as capital gain thereafter. A distribution will reduce a Fund’s NAV per share and may be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gain (as described above) even though, from an investment standpoint, the distribution may constitute a return of capital.
By law, the Funds are required to withhold 28% of your distributions and redemption proceeds if you have not provided the Fund with a correct Social Security number or other taxpayer identification number and in certain other situations.
Taxes on Exchange-Listed Share Sales
Any capital gain or loss realized upon a sale of shares is generally treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year and as short-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for one year or less. The ability to deduct capital losses from sales of shares may be limited.
Taxes on Purchase and Redemption of Creation Units
An AP who exchanges securities for Creation Units generally will recognize a gain or a loss equal to the difference between the market value of the Creation Units at the time of the exchange and the sum of the exchanger’s aggregate basis in the securities surrendered plus any Cash Component it pays. An AP who exchanges Creation Units for securities will generally recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the exchanger’s basis in the Creation Units and the sum of the aggregate market value of the securities received plus any cash equal to the difference between the NAV of the Shares being redeemed and the value of the securities. The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), however, may assert that a loss realized upon an exchange of securities for Creation Units cannot be deducted currently under the rules governing “wash sales” or for other reasons. Persons exchanging securities should consult their own tax advisor with respect to whether wash sale rules apply and when a loss might be deductible.
29 |
Any capital gain or loss realized upon redemption of Creation Units is generally treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year and as short-term capital gain or loss if the Shares have been held for one year or less.
If you purchase or redeem Creation Units, you will be sent a confirmation statement showing how many shares you purchased or sold and at what price. See “Tax Status” in the SAI for a description of the newly effective requirement regarding basis determination methods applicable to share redemptions and each Fund’s obligation to report basis information to the IRS.
The foregoing discussion summarizes some of the possible consequences under current federal tax law of an investment in the Funds. It is not a substitute for personal tax advice. Consult your personal tax advisor about the potential tax consequences of an investment in the Shares under all applicable tax laws. See “Tax Status” in the SAI for more information.
Fund Service Providers
Gemini Fund Services, LLC is the Funds’ administrator and fund accountant. It has its principal office at 80 Arkay Drive, Suite 110, Hauppauge, NY 11788, and is primarily in the business of providing administrative, fund accounting and transfer agent services to retail and institutional mutual funds. It is an affiliate of the Distributor.
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., 50 Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02110, is the Funds’ transfer agent and custodian.
Northern Lights Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), 17605 Wright Street, Omaha, NE 68130, is the distributor for the shares of the Funds. The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer and member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, p.m. (“FINRA”).
Thompson Hine LLP, 41 South High Street, 17th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215, serves as legal counsel to the Trust.
Cohen & Company, Ltd., 1350 Euclid Avenue, Suite 800 Cleveland, OH 44115, serves as the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for auditing the annual financial statements of the Funds.
Other Information
Investments by Investment Companies
The SEC has granted an exemptive order to the Adviser permitting registered investment companies and unit investment trusts that enter into an agreement with the Trust (“Investing Funds”) to invest in series of the Trust beyond the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act subject to certain terms and conditions. This aspect of the exemptive order is not applicable to the Funds. Accordingly, Investing Funds must adhere to the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act when investing in the Funds.
Continuous Offering
The method by which Creation Units of shares are created and traded may raise certain issues under applicable securities laws. Because new Creation Units of shares are issued and sold by the Funds on an ongoing basis, a “distribution,” as such term is used in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), may occur at any point. Broker-dealers and other persons are cautioned that some activities on their part may, depending on the circumstances, result in their being deemed participants in a distribution in a manner which could render them statutory underwriters and subject them to the prospectus delivery requirement and liability provisions of the Securities Act.
For example, a broker-dealer firm or its client may be deemed a statutory underwriter if it takes Creation Units after placing an order with the Distributor, breaks them down into constituent shares and sells the shares directly to customers or if it chooses to couple the creation of a supply of new shares with an active selling effort involving solicitation of secondary market demand for shares. A determination of whether one is an underwriter for purposes of the Securities Act must take into account all the facts and circumstances pertaining to the activities of the broker-dealer or its client in the particular case, and the examples mentioned above should not be considered a complete description of all the activities that could lead to a characterization as an underwriter.
Broker-dealer firms should also note that dealers who are not “underwriters” but are effecting transactions in shares, whether or not participating in the distribution of shares, are generally required to deliver a prospectus. This is because the prospectus delivery
30 |
exemption in Section 4(3) of the Securities Act is not available in respect of such transactions as a result of Section 24(d) of the 1940 Act. As a result, broker-dealer firms should note that dealers who are not “underwriters” but are participating in a distribution (as contrasted with engaging in ordinary secondary market transactions) and thus dealing with the shares that are part of an overallotment within the meaning of Section 4(3)(C) of the Securities Act, will be unable to take advantage of the prospectus delivery exemption provided by Section 4(3) of the Securities Act. For delivery of prospectuses to exchange members, the prospectus delivery mechanism of Rule 153 under the Securities Act is only available with respect to transactions on a national exchange.
Dealers effecting transactions in the shares, whether or not participating in this distribution, are generally required to deliver a Prospectus. This is in addition to any obligation of dealers to deliver a Prospectus when acting as underwriters.
Householding
To reduce expenses, the Funds mail only one copy of the prospectus and each annual and semi-annual report to those addresses shared by two or more accounts. If you wish to receive individual copies of these documents, please call the Funds at 888-562-8880 on days the Funds are open for business or contact your financial institution. The Funds will begin sending you individual copies thirty days after receiving your request.
31 |
Financial Highlights
The following table is intended to help you better understand each Fund’s financial performance since its inception. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. Total return represents the rate you would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund, assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. The information for the fiscal period May 31 , 201 8 has been audited by Cohen & Company, Ltd. , an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the Funds ’ financial statements, is included in the annual report, which is available upon request .
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
Per Share Data and Ratios for a Share of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout the Period Presented |
FormulaFolios Hedged Growth ETF | ||||
For the Period Ended | ||||
May 31, 2018 | (1) | |||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ | 25.00 | ||
Activity from investment operations: | ||||
Net investment income (2) | 0.12 | |||
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments | 3.06 | |||
Total from investment operations | 3.18 | |||
Less distributions from: | ||||
Net investment income | (0.15 | ) | ||
Total distributions | (0.15 | ) | ||
Net asset value, end of period | $ | 28.03 | ||
Market price, end of period | $ | 28.04 | ||
Total return (3)(7) | 13.03 | % | ||
Net assets, at end of period (000s) | $ | 63,063 | ||
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets (5)(8) | 1.06 | % | ||
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets (5)(8) | 0.95 | % | ||
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets(4)(8) | 0.44 | % | ||
Portfolio Turnover Rate (6)(7) | 138 | % | ||
(1) | The FormulaFolios Hedged Growth ETF commenced operations on June 5, 2017. |
(2) | Per share amounts calculated using the average shares method. |
(3) | Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of shares at net asset value on the first day and a sale at net asset value on the last day of the period. Distributions are assumed, for the purpose of this calculation, to be reinvested at the ex-dividend date net asset value per share on their respective payment dates. |
(4) | Recognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests. |
(5) | Does not include the Fund’s share of the expenses of the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests. |
(6) | Portfolio turnover rate excludes portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of processing capital share transactions in Creation Units. |
(7) | Not annualized for periods less than one year. |
(8) | Annualized. |
32 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
Per Share Data and Ratios for a Share of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout the Period Presented |
FormulaFolios Smart Growth ETF | ||||
For the Period Ended | ||||
May 31, 2018 | (1) | |||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ | 25.00 | ||
Activity from investment operations: | ||||
Net investment income (2) | 0.12 | |||
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments | 1.17 | |||
Total from investment operations | 1.29 | |||
Less distributions from: | ||||
Net investment income | (0.19 | ) | ||
Total distributions | (0.19 | ) | ||
Net asset value, end of period | $ | 26.10 | ||
Market price, end of period | $ | 26.09 | ||
Total return (3)(7) | 5.21 | % | ||
Net assets, at end of period (000s) | $ | 22,834 | ||
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets (5)(8) | 1.67 | % | ||
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets (5)(8) | 0.60 | % | ||
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets(4)(8) | 0.81 | % | ||
Portfolio Turnover Rate (6)(7) | 0 | % | ||
(1) | The FormulaFolios Smart Growth ETF commenced operations on October 31, 2017. |
(2) | Per share amounts calculated using the average shares method. |
(3) | Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of shares at net asset value on the first day and a sale at net asset value on the last day of the period. Distributions are assumed, for the purpose of this calculation, to be reinvested at the ex-dividend date net asset value per share on their respective payment dates. |
(4) | Recognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests. |
(5) | Does not include the Fund’s share of the expenses of the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests. |
(6) | Portfolio turnover rate excludes portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of processing capital share transactions in Creation Units. |
(7) | Not annualized for periods less than one year. |
(8) | Annualized. |
33 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
Per Share Data and Ratios for a Share of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout the Period Presented |
FormulaFolios Tactical Growth ETF | ||||
For the Period Ended | ||||
May 31, 2018 | (1) | |||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ | 25.00 | ||
Activity from investment operations: | ||||
Net investment income (2) | 0.12 | |||
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments | 0.25 | |||
Total from investment operations | 0.37 | |||
Less distributions from: | ||||
Net investment income | (0.21 | ) | ||
Total distributions | (0.21 | ) | ||
Net asset value, end of period | $ | 25.16 | ||
Market price, end of period | $ | 25.16 | ||
Total return (3)(7) | 1.35 | % | ||
Net assets, at end of period (000s) | $ | 30,821 | ||
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets (5)(8) | 1.13 | % | ||
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets (5)(8) | 0.80 | % | ||
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets(4)(8) | 0.82 | % | ||
Portfolio Turnover Rate (6)(7) | 56 | % | ||
(1) | The FormulaFolios Tactical Growth ETF commenced operations on October 31, 2017. |
(2) | Per share amounts calculated using the average shares method. |
(3) | Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of shares at net asset value on the first day and a sale at net asset value on the last day of the period. |
(4) | Recognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests. |
(5) | Does not include the Fund’s share of the expenses of the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests. |
(6) | Portfolio turnover rate excludes portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of processing capital share transactions in Creation Units. |
(7) | Not annualized for periods less than one year. |
(8) | Annualized. |
34 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
Per Share Data and Ratios for a Share of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout the Period Presented |
FormulaFolios Tactical Income ETF | ||||
For the Period Ended | ||||
May 31, 2018 | (1) | |||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ | 25.00 | ||
Activity from investment operations: | ||||
Net investment income (2) | 0.77 | |||
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments | (1.00 | ) | ||
Total from investment operations | (0.23 | ) | ||
Less distributions from: | ||||
Net investment income | (0.75 | ) | ||
Total distributions | (0.75 | ) | ||
Net asset value, end of period | $ | 24.02 | ||
Market price, end of period | $ | 24.06 | ||
Total return (3)(7) | (1.02 | )% | ||
Net assets, at end of period (000s) | $ | 171,739 | ||
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets (5)(8) | 0.75 | % | ||
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets (5)(8) | 0.75 | % | ||
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets(4)(8) | 3.19 | % | ||
Portfolio Turnover Rate (6)(7) | 48 | % | ||
(1) | The FormulaFolios Tactical Income ETF commenced operations on June 5, 2017. |
(2) | Per share amounts calculated using the average shares method. |
(3) | Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of shares at net asset value on the first day and a sale at net asset value on the last day of the period. Distributions are assumed, for the purpose of this calculation, to be reinvested at the ex-dividend date net asset value per share on their respective payment dates. |
(4) | Recognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests. |
(5) | Does not include the Fund’s share of the expenses of the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests. |
(6) | Portfolio turnover rate excludes portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of processing capital share transactions in Creation Units. |
(7) | Not annualized for periods less than one year. |
(8) | Annualized. |
35 |
PRIVACY NOTICE
Northern Lights Fund Trust IV
Rev. August 2018
FACTS | WHAT DOES NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST IV 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 depends on the product or service that you have with us. This information can include: · Social Security number and wire transfer instructions · account transactions and transaction history · investment experience and purchase history When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice. |
How? | All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons Northern Lights Fund Trust IV chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing. |
Reasons we can share your personal information: | Does Northern Lights Fund Trust IV share information? | 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 records. | NO | We don’t share |
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes - information about your credit worthiness. | NO | We don’t share |
For nonaffiliates to market to you | NO | We don’t share |
QUESTIONS? | Call 1-402-493-4603 |
36 |
PRIVACY NOTICE
Northern Lights Fund Trust IV
Page 2 |
What we do: | |
How does Northern Lights Fund Trust IV protect my personal information? |
To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.
Our service providers are held accountable for adhering to strict policies and procedures to prevent any misuse of your nonpublic personal information. |
How does Northern Lights Fund Trust IV collect my personal information? |
We collect your personal information, for example, when you · open an account or deposit money · direct us to buy securities or direct us to sell your securities · seek advice about your investments We also collect your personal information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies. |
Why can’t I limit all sharing? |
Federal law gives you the right to limit only: · sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness. · affiliates from using your information to market to you. · sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you. State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing. |
Definitions | |
Affiliates |
Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies. The following companies may be considered affiliates of NLFT IV : · CLS Investments, LLC · NorthStar Financial Services Group, LLC · NorthStar CTC Holdings, Inc. · NorthStar Topco, LLC · Blu Giant, LLC · Gemini Fund Services, LLC · Gemini Alternative Funds, LLC · Gemini Hedge Fund Services, LLC · Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC · Northern Lights Distributors, LLC · NorthStar EYBA, LLC · Orion Advisor Services, LLC · Constellation Trust Company · FTJ Fundchoice, LLC |
Nonaffiliates |
Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies. · Northern Lights Fund Trust IV does not share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you. |
Joint marketing |
A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you. · Northern Lights Fund Trust IV does not jointly market . |
37 |
FormulaFolios Hedged Growth ETF
FormulaFolios Smart Growth ETF
FormulaFolios Tactical Growth ETF
FormulaFolios Tactical Income ETF
Adviser |
FormulaFolio Investments, LLC 89 Ionia Avenue NW, Suite 600 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 |
Distributor |
Northern Lights Distributors, LLC 17605 Wright Street Omaha, NE 68130 |
Custodian &Transfer Agent |
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. 50 Post Office Square Boston, MA 02110 |
Legal
Counsel |
Thompson Hine LLP 41 South High Street, Suite 1700 Columbus, OH 43215 |
Administrator |
Gemini Fund Services, LLC 17605 Wright Street, Suite 2 Omaha, NE 68130 |
Independent
Registered Public
|
Cohen & Company, Ltd. 1350 Euclid Avenue, Suite 800 Cleveland, OH 44115 |
Additional information about the Funds is included in the Funds’ SAI dated September 28, 2018. The SAI is incorporated into this Prospectus by reference (i.e., legally made a part of this Prospectus). The SAI provides more details about the Funds’ policies and management. Additional information about the Funds’ investments will also be available in the Funds’ Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to Shareholders. In the Funds’ Annual Report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Funds’ performance during the last fiscal period.
To obtain a free copy of the SAI and the Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to Shareholders, or other information about the Funds, or to make shareholder inquiries about the Funds, please call 888-562-8880. The Funds do not have a website; however information relating to the Funds can be found on the website at formulafoliofunds.com. You may also write to:
FormulaFolios Hedged Growth ETF
FormulaFolios Smart Growth ETF
FormulaFolios Tactical Growth ETF
FormulaFolios Tactical Income ETF
c/o Gemini Fund Services, LLC
17605 Wright Street, Suite 2
Omaha, Nebraska 68130
You may review and obtain copies of the Funds’ information at the SEC Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Please call 1-202-551-8090 for information relating to the operation of the Public Reference Room. 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 the information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the Public Reference Section, Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102.
Investment Company Act File # 811-23066
38 |
FormulaFolios Hedged Growth ETF
FFHG |
FormulaFolios Smart Growth ETF
FFSG
FormulaFolios Tactical Growth ETF
FFTG
FormulaFolios Tactical Income ETF
FFTI |
Each a series of Northern Lights Fund Trust IV
STATEMENT
OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
September 28, 2018
Listed and traded on:
Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. (“Exchange”)
This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the combined Prospectus of the FormulaFolios Hedged Growth ETF (“Hedged Growth ETF”), FormulaFolios Smart Growth ETF (“Smart Growth ETF”), FormulaFolios Tactical Growth ETF (“Tactical Growth ETF”) and FormulaFolios Tactical Income ETF (“Tactical Income ETF”) (each a "Fund" and, together, the “Funds”) dated September 28, 2018. The Funds’ Prospectus is hereby incorporated by reference, which means it is legally part of this document. You can obtain copies of the Funds’ Prospectus, annual or semiannual reports without charge by contacting the Funds’ Distributor, Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, 17605 Wright Street, Omaha, NE 68130-2095 or by calling 888-562-8880. You may also obtain a Prospectus by visiting the website at www.formulafoliofunds.com.
FormulaFolios ETFs
Each a series of the Northern Lights Fund Trust IV (the “Trust”)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
THE FUNDS | 1 | |||
TYPES OF INVESTMENTS | 1 | |||
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS | 13 | |||
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS | 14 | |||
MANAGEMENT | 15 | |||
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS | 20 | |||
INVESTMENT ADVISER | 20 | |||
THE DISTRIBUTOR | 22 | |||
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS | 24 | |||
ALLOCATION OF PORTFOLIO BROKERAGE | 25 | |||
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER | 25 | |||
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS | 26 | |||
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES | 27 | |||
ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING PROGRAM | 28 | |||
PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF SHARES | 28 | |||
TAX STATUS | 39 | |||
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM | 42 | |||
LEGAL COUNSEL | 42 | |||
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 43 | |||
APPENDIX A – PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES | A-1 |
The Funds
The Funds are each diversified series of Northern Lights Fund Trust IV, a Delaware statutory trust organized on June 2, 2015 (the "Trust"). The Trust is registered as an open-end management investment company. The Trust is governed by its Board of Trustees (the "Board" or "Trustees").
The Funds may issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest. All shares of each Fund have equal rights and privileges. Each share of each Fund is entitled to one vote on all matters as to which shares are entitled to vote. In addition, each share of each Fund is entitled to participate equally with other shares (i) in dividends and distributions declared by such Fund and (ii) on liquidation to its proportionate share of the assets remaining after satisfaction of outstanding liabilities. Shares of such Fund are fully paid, non-assessable and fully transferable when issued and have no pre-emptive, conversion or exchange rights. Fractional shares have proportionately the same rights, including voting rights, as are provided for a full share.
Each Fund’s investment objective, restrictions and policies are more fully described here and in the Prospectus. The Board may start other series and offer shares of a new fund under the Trust at any time.
The Funds will issue and redeem Shares at net asset value ("NAV") only in aggregations of 50,000 Shares (for Hedged Growth ETF and Tactical Income ETF) or of 25,000 Shares (for Smart Growth ETF and Tactical Growth ETF) (each a "Creation Unit"). The Funds will issue and redeem Creation Units principally in exchange for an in-kind deposit of a basket of designated securities (the "Deposit Securities"), together with the deposit of a specified cash payment (the "Cash Component"), plus a transaction fee. The Funds are expected to be approved for listing, subject to notice of issuance, on Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. (the "Exchange"). Shares will trade on the Exchange at market prices that may be below, at, or above NAV. In the event of the liquidation of the Funds, a share split, reverse split or the like, the Trust may revise the number of Shares in a Creation Unit.
The Funds reserve the right to offer creations and redemptions of shares for cash. In addition, shares may be issued in advance of receipt of Deposit Securities subject to various conditions, including a requirement to maintain on deposit with the Trust cash equal to up to 115% of the market value of the missing Deposit Securities. In each instance of such cash creations or redemptions, transaction fees, may be imposed and may be higher than the transaction fees associated with in-kind creations or redemptions. See PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF SHARES below.
Effective July 7, 2017, the name of FormulaFolios Income ETF was changed to FormulaFolios Tactical Income ETF.
Exchange Listing and Trading
In order to provide additional information regarding the indicative value of shares of the Funds, the Exchange or a market data vendor will disseminate every 15 seconds through the facilities of the Consolidated Tape Association or other widely disseminated means an updated "intraday indicative value" ("IIV") for the Funds as calculated by an information provider or market data vendor. The Trust is not involved in or responsible for any aspect of the calculation or dissemination of the IIV and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the IIV.
Types of Investments
The investment objective of each Fund and the descriptions of each Fund’s principal investment strategies are set forth under "Investment Objective” and Principal Investment Strategies” in the Prospectus. Each Fund’s investment objective is not fundamental and may be changed without the approval of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust.
The following pages contain more detailed information about the types of instruments in which each Fund may invest directly or indirectly as a principal or non-principal investment strategy. These instruments include other investment companies and strategies FormulaFolio Investments, LLC (the “Adviser”) employs in pursuit of each Fund’s investment objective and a summary of related risks.
1 |
Securities of Other Investment Companies
Investments in ETFs and mutual funds involve certain additional expenses and certain tax results, which would not be present in a direct investment in such funds. Due to legal limitations, a Fund will be prevented from: 1) purchasing more than 3% of an investment company's (including ETFs) outstanding shares; 2) investing more than 5% of a Fund’s assets in any single such investment company, and 3) investing more than 10% of a Fund’s assets in investment companies overall; unless: (i) the underlying investment company and/or a Fund has received an order for exemptive relief from such limitations from the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"); and (ii) the underlying investment company and a Fund take appropriate steps to comply with any conditions in such order. In the alternative, a Fund may rely on Rule 12d1-3, which allows unaffiliated mutual funds to exceed the 5% limitation and the 10% limitation, provided the aggregate sales loads any investor pays (i.e., the combined distribution expenses of both the acquiring fund and the acquired fund) does not exceed the limits on sales loads established by Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) for funds of funds. In addition to ETFs, a Fund may invest in other investment companies such as open-end mutual funds or exchange-traded funds, within the limitations described above. Each investment company is subject to specific risks, depending on the nature of a Fund. ETFs and mutual funds may employ leverage, which magnifies the changes in the underlying stock or other index upon which they are based.
Open-End Investment Companies
A Fund and any "affiliated persons," as defined by the 1940 Act, may purchase in the aggregate only up to 3% of the total outstanding securities of any underlying fund. Accordingly, when affiliated persons hold shares of any of the underlying fund, a Fund’s ability to invest fully in shares of those funds is restricted, and the Adviser must then, in some instances, select alternative investments that would not have been its first preference. The 1940 Act also provides that an underlying fund whose shares are purchased by a Fund will be obligated to redeem shares held by a Fund only in an amount up to 1% of the underlying fund’s outstanding securities during any period of less than 30 days. Shares held by a Fund in excess of 1% of an underlying fund’s outstanding securities therefore, will be considered not readily marketable securities, which, together with other such securities, may not exceed 15% of a Fund’s total assets.
Under certain circumstances an underlying fund may determine to make payment of a redemption by a Fund wholly or partly by a distribution in kind of securities from its portfolio, in lieu of cash, in conformity with the rules of the SEC. In such cases, a Fund may hold securities distributed by an underlying fund until the Adviser determines that it is appropriate to dispose of such securities.
Investment decisions by the investment advisers of the underlying fund(s) are made independently of a Fund and the Adviser. Therefore, the investment adviser of one underlying fund may be purchasing shares of the same issuer whose shares are being sold by the investment adviser of another such fund. The result would be an indirect expense to a Fund without accomplishing any investment purpose.
Exchange Traded Funds
ETFs are generally passive funds that track their related index and have the flexibility of trading like a security. They are managed by professionals and typically provide the investor with diversification, cost and tax efficiency, liquidity, marginability, are useful for hedging, have the ability to go long and short, and some provide quarterly dividends. Additionally, some ETFs are unit investment trusts (“UITs”). Under certain circumstances, the adviser may invest in ETFs, known as "inverse funds," which are designed to produce results opposite to market trends. Inverse ETFs are funds designed to rise in price when stock prices are falling.
ETFs typically have two markets. The primary market is where institutions swap "creation units" in block-multiples of, for example, 25,000 or 50,000 shares for in-kind securities and cash in the form of dividends. The secondary market is where individual investors can trade as little as a single share during trading hours on the exchange. This is different from open-ended mutual funds that are traded after hours once the net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated. ETFs share many similar risks with open-end and closed-end funds.
Foreign Securities
Investing in securities of foreign companies and countries involves certain considerations and risks that are not typically associated with investing in U.S. government securities and securities of domestic companies. There may be less publicly available information about a foreign issuer than a domestic one, and foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial standards and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies.
2 |
There may also be less government supervision and regulation of foreign securities exchanges, brokers and listed companies than exists in the United States. Interest and dividends paid by foreign issuers may be subject to withholding and other foreign taxes, which may decrease the net return on such investments as compared to dividends and interest paid to a Fund by domestic companies or the U.S. government. There may be the possibility of expropriations, seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits, confiscatory taxation, political, economic or social instability or diplomatic developments that could affect assets of a Fund held in foreign countries. Finally, the establishment of exchange controls or other foreign governmental laws or restrictions could adversely affect the payment of obligations.
To the extent currency exchange transactions do not fully protect a Fund against adverse changes in currency exchange rates, decreases in the value of currencies of the foreign countries in which a Fund will invest relative to the U.S. dollar will result in a corresponding decrease in the U.S. dollar value of a Fund’s assets denominated in those currencies (and possibly a corresponding increase in the amount of securities required to be liquidated to meet distribution requirements). Conversely, increases in the value of currencies of the foreign countries in which a Fund invests relative to the U.S. dollar will result in a corresponding increase in the U.S. dollar value of a Fund’s assets (and possibly a corresponding decrease in the amount of securities to be liquidated).
Short Sales
A Fund may sell securities short as an outright investment strategy and to offset potential declines in long positions in similar securities. A short sale is a transaction in which a Fund sells a security it does not own or have the right to acquire (or that it owns but does not wish to deliver) in anticipation that the market price of that security will decline.
When a Fund makes a short sale, the broker-dealer through which the short sale is made must borrow the security sold short and deliver it to the party purchasing the security. A Fund is required to make a margin deposit in connection with such short sales; a Fund may have to pay a fee to borrow particular securities and will often be obligated to pay over any dividends and accrued interest on borrowed securities.
If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time a Fund covers its short position, a Fund will incur a loss; conversely, if the price declines, a Fund will realize a capital gain. Any gain will be decreased, and any loss increased, by the transaction costs described above. The successful use of short selling may be adversely affected by imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the security sold short and the securities being hedged.
To the extent a Fund sells securities short, it will provide collateral to the broker-dealer and (except in the case of short sales "against the box") will maintain additional asset coverage in the form of cash, U.S. government securities or other liquid securities with its custodian in a segregated account in an amount at least equal to the difference between the current market value of the securities sold short and any amounts required to be deposited as collateral with the selling broker. A short sale is "against the box" to the extent a Fund contemporaneously owns, or has the right to obtain at no added cost, securities identical to those sold short.
Equity Securities
Equity securities include common stocks, preferred stocks and securities convertible into common stocks, such as convertible bonds, warrants, rights and options. The value of equity securities varies in response to many factors, including the activities and financial condition of individual companies, the business market in which individual companies compete and general market and economic conditions. Equity securities fluctuate in value, often based on factors unrelated to the value of the issuer of the securities, and such fluctuations can be significant.
Common Stock
Common stock represents an equity (ownership) interest in a company, and usually possesses voting rights and earns dividends. Dividends on common stock are not fixed but are declared at the discretion of the issuer. Common stock generally represents the riskiest investment in a company. In addition, common stock generally has the greatest appreciation and depreciation potential because increases and decreases in earnings are usually reflected in a company's stock price.
Preferred Stock
Preferred stock is a class of stock having a preference over common stock as to the payment of dividends and the recovery of investment should a company be liquidated, although preferred stock is usually junior to the debt securities of the issuer. Preferred stock typically does not possess voting rights and its market value may change based on changes in interest rates.
3 |
A Fundamental risk of investing in common and preferred stock is the risk that the value of the stock might decrease. Stock values fluctuate in response to the activities of an individual company or in response to general market and/or economic conditions. Historically, common stocks have provided greater long-term returns and have entailed greater short-term risks than preferred stocks, fixed-income securities and money market investments. The market value of all securities, including common and preferred stocks, is based upon the market's perception of value and not necessarily the book value of an issuer or other objective measures of a company's worth.
Convertible Securities
Convertible securities include fixed income securities that may be exchanged or converted into a predetermined number of shares of the issuer's underlying common stock at the option of the holder during a specified period. Convertible securities may take the form of convertible preferred stock, convertible bonds or debentures, units consisting of "usable" bonds and warrants or a combination of the features of several of these securities. Convertible securities 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 gives an investor the opportunity, through its conversion feature, to participate in the capital appreciation of the issuing company depending upon a market price advance in the convertible security's underlying common stock.
Real Estate Investment Trusts
A Fund may invest in securities of real estate investment trusts ("REITs"). REITs are publicly traded corporations or trusts that specialize in acquiring, holding and managing residential, commercial or industrial real estate. A REIT is not taxed at the entity level on income distributed to its shareholders or unitholders if it distributes to shareholders or unitholders at least 95% of its taxable income for each taxable year and complies with regulatory requirements relating to its organization, ownership, assets and income.
REITs generally can be classified as "Equity REITs", "Mortgage REITs" and "Hybrid REITs." An Equity REIT invests the majority of its assets directly in real property and derives its income primarily from rents and from capital gains on real estate appreciation, which are realized through property sales. A Mortgage REIT invests the majority of its assets in real estate mortgage loans and services its income primarily from interest payments. A Hybrid REIT combines the characteristics of an Equity REIT and a Mortgage REIT. Although a Fund can invest in all three kinds of REITs, its emphasis is expected to be on investments in Equity REITs.
Investments in the real estate industry involve particular risks. The real estate industry has been subject to substantial fluctuations and declines on a local, regional and national basis in the past and may continue to be in the future. Real property values and income from real property continue to be in the future. Real property values and income from real property may decline due to general and local economic conditions, overbuilding and increased competition, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in zoning laws, casualty or condemnation losses, regulatory limitations on rents, changes in neighborhoods and in demographics, increases in market interest rates, or other factors. Factors such as these may adversely affect companies that own and operate real estate directly, companies that lend to such companies, and companies that service the real estate industry.
Investments in REITs also involve risks. Equity REITs will be affected by changes in the values of and income from the properties they own, while Mortgage REITs may be affected by the credit quality of the mortgage loans they hold. In addition, REITs are dependent on specialized management skills and on their ability to generate cash flow for operating purposes and to make distributions to shareholders or unitholders REITs may have limited diversification and are subject to risks associated with obtaining financing for real property, as well as to the risk of self-liquidation. REITs also can be adversely affected by their failure to qualify for tax-free pass-through treatment of their income under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or their failure to maintain an exemption from registration under the 1940 Act. By investing in REITs indirectly through a Fund, a shareholder bears not only a proportionate share of the expenses of a Fund, but also may indirectly bear similar expenses of some of the REITs in which it invests.
Warrants
Warrants are options to purchase common stock at a specific price (usually at a premium above the market value of the optioned common stock at issuance) valid for a specific period of time. Warrants may have a life ranging from less than one year to twenty years, or they may be perpetual. However, most warrants have expiration dates after which they are worthless. In addition, a warrant is worthless if the market price of the common stock does not exceed the warrant's exercise price during the life of the warrant. Warrants have no voting rights, pay no dividends, and have no rights with respect to the assets of the
4 |
corporation issuing them. The percentage increase or decrease in the market price of the warrant may tend to be greater than the percentage increase or decrease in the market price of the optioned common stock.
Depositary Receipts
Sponsored and unsponsored American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), are receipts issued by an American bank or trust company evidencing ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign issuer. ADRs, in registered form, are designed for use in U.S. securities markets. Unsponsored ADRs may be created without the participation of the foreign issuer. Holders of these ADRs generally bear all the costs of the ADR facility, whereas foreign issuers typically bear certain costs in a sponsored ADR. The bank or trust company depositary of an unsponsored ADR may be under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the foreign issuer or to pass through voting rights. Many of the risks described below regarding foreign securities apply to investments in ADRs.
Emerging Markets Securities
Investing in emerging market securities imposes risks different from, or greater than, risks of investing in foreign developed countries. These risks include: smaller market capitalization of securities markets, which may suffer periods of relative illiquidity; significant price volatility; restrictions on foreign investment; possible repatriation of investment income and capital. In addition, foreign investors may be required to register the proceeds of sales; future economic or political crises could lead to price controls, forced mergers, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, seizure, nationalization, or creation of government monopolies. The currencies of emerging market countries may experience significant declines against the U.S. dollar, and devaluation may occur subsequent to investments in these currencies by a Fund. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had, and may continue to have, negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging market countries.
Additional risks of emerging markets securities may include: greater social, economic and political uncertainty and instability; more substantial governmental involvement in the economy; less governmental supervision and regulation; unavailability of currency hedging techniques; companies that are newly organized and small; differences in auditing and financial reporting standards, which may result in unavailability of material information about issuers; and less developed legal systems. In addition, emerging securities markets may have different clearance and settlement procedures, which may be unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions or otherwise make it difficult to engage in such transactions. Settlement problems may cause a Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities, hold a portion of its assets in cash pending investment, or be delayed in disposing of a portfolio security. Such a delay could result in possible liability to a purchaser of the security.
Certificates of Deposit and Bankers' Acceptances
Certificates of deposit are receipts issued by a depository institution in exchange for the deposit of funds. The issuer agrees to pay the amount deposited plus interest to the bearer of the receipt on the date specified on the certificate. The certificate usually can be traded in the secondary market prior to maturity. Bankers' acceptances typically arise from short-term credit arrangements designed to enable businesses to obtain funds to finance commercial transactions. Generally, an acceptance is a time draft drawn on a bank by an exporter or an importer to obtain a stated amount of funds to pay for specific merchandise. The draft is then "accepted" by a bank that, in effect, unconditionally guarantees to pay the face value of the instrument on its maturity date. The acceptance may then be held by the accepting bank as an earning asset or it may be sold in the secondary market at the going rate of discount for a specific maturity. Although maturities for acceptances can be as long as 270 days, most acceptances have maturities of six months or less.
Commercial Paper
Commercial paper consists of short-term (usually from 1 to 270 days) unsecured promissory notes issued by corporations in order to finance their current operations. It may be secured by letters of credit, a surety bond or other forms of collateral. Commercial paper is usually repaid at maturity by the issuer from the proceeds of the issuance of new commercial paper. As a result, investment in commercial paper is subject to the risk the issuer cannot issue enough new commercial paper to satisfy its outstanding commercial paper, also known as rollover risk. Commercial paper may become illiquid or may suffer from reduced liquidity in certain circumstances. Like all fixed income securities, commercial paper prices are susceptible to fluctuations in interest rates. If interest rates rise, commercial paper prices will decline. The short-term nature of a commercial paper investment makes it less susceptible to interest rate risk than many other fixed income securities because interest rate risk typically increases as maturity lengths increase. Commercial paper tends to yield smaller returns than longer-term corporate debt
5 |
because securities with shorter maturities typically have lower effective yields than those with longer maturities. As with all fixed income securities, there is a chance that the issuer will default on its commercial paper obligation.
Information on Time Deposits and Variable Rate Notes
Time deposits are issued by a depository institution in exchange for the deposit of funds. The issuer agrees to pay the amount deposited plus interest to the depositor on the date specified with respect to the deposit. Time deposits do not trade in the secondary market prior to maturity. However, some time deposits may be redeemable prior to maturity and may be subject to withdrawal penalties.
The commercial paper obligations are typically unsecured and may include variable rate notes. The nature and terms of a variable rate note (i.e., a "Master Note") permit a Fund to invest fluctuating amounts at varying rates of interest pursuant to a direct arrangement between a Fund and the issuer. It permits daily changes in the amounts invested. A Fund, typically, has the right at any time to increase, up to the full amount stated in the note agreement, or to decrease the amount outstanding under the note. The issuer may prepay at any time and without penalty any part of or the full amount of the note. The note may or may not be backed by one or more bank letters of credit. Because these notes are direct investment arrangements between a Fund and the issuer, it is not generally contemplated that they will be traded; moreover, there is currently no secondary market for them. Except as specifically provided in the Prospectus, there is no limitation on the type of issuer from whom these notes may be purchased; however, in connection with such purchase and on an ongoing basis, the Adviser will consider the earning power, cash flow and other liquidity ratios of the issuer, and its ability to pay principal and interest on demand, including a situation in which all holders of such notes made demand simultaneously. Variable rate notes are subject to a Fund’s investment restriction on illiquid securities unless such notes can be put back to the issuer (redeemed) on demand within seven days.
Insured Bank Obligations
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") insures the deposits of federally insured banks and savings and loan associations (collectively referred to as "banks") up to $250,000. A Fund may elect to purchase bank obligations in small amounts so as to be fully insured as to principal by the FDIC. Currently, to remain fully insured as to principal, these investments must be limited to $250,000 per bank; if the principal amount and accrued interest together exceed $250,000, the excess principal and accrued interest will not be insured. Insured bank obligations may have limited marketability.
Closed-End Investment Companies
A Fund may invest its assets in "closed-end" investment companies (or "closed-end funds"), subject to the investment restrictions set forth above. Shares of closed-end funds are typically offered to the public in a one-time initial public offering by a group of underwriters who retain a spread or underwriting commission of between 4% or 6% of the initial public offering price. Such securities are then listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange, the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System (commonly known as "NASDAQ") or, in some cases, may be traded in other over-the-counter markets. Because the shares of closed-end funds cannot be redeemed upon demand to the issuer like the shares of an open-end investment company (such as a Fund), investors seek to buy and sell shares of closed-end funds in the secondary market.
A Fund generally will purchase shares of closed-end funds only in the secondary market. A Fund will incur normal brokerage costs on such purchases similar to the expenses a Fund would incur for the purchase of securities of any other type of issuer in the secondary market. A Fund may, however, also purchase securities of a closed-end fund in an initial public offering when, in the opinion of the Adviser, based on a consideration of the nature of the closed-end fund’s proposed investments, the prevailing market conditions and the level of demand for such securities, they represent an attractive opportunity for growth of capital. The initial offering price typically will include a dealer spread, which may be higher than the applicable brokerage cost if a Fund purchased such securities in the secondary market.
The shares of many closed-end funds, after their initial public offering, frequently trade at a price per share, which is less than the net asset value per share, the difference representing the "market discount" of such shares. This market discount may be due in part to the investment objective of long-term appreciation, which is sought by many closed-end funds, as well as to the fact that the shares of closed-end funds are not redeemable by the holder upon demand to the issuer at the next determined net asset value but rather are subject to the principles of supply and demand in the secondary market. A relative lack of secondary market purchasers of closed-end fund shares also may contribute to such shares trading at a discount to their NAV.
6 |
A Fund may invest in shares of closed-end funds that are trading at a discount to NAV or at a premium to NAV. There can be no assurance that the market discount on shares of any closed-end fund purchased by a Fund will ever decrease. In fact, it is possible that this market discount may increase and a Fund may suffer realized or unrealized capital losses due to further decline in the market price of the securities of such closed-end funds, thereby adversely affecting the NAV of a Fund’s shares. Similarly, there can be no assurance that any shares of a closed-end fund purchased by a Fund at a premium will continue to trade at a premium or that the premium will not decrease subsequent to a purchase of such shares by a Fund.
Closed-end funds may issue senior securities (including preferred stock and debt obligations) for the purpose of leveraging the closed-end fund’s common shares in an attempt to enhance the current return to such closed-end fund’s common shareholders. A Fund’s investment in the common shares of closed-end funds that are financially leveraged may create an opportunity for greater total return on its investment, but at the same time may be expected to exhibit more volatility in market price and NAV than an investment in shares of investment companies without a leveraged capital structure.
United States Government Obligations
These consist of various types of marketable securities issued by the United States Treasury, i.e., bills, notes and bonds. Such securities are direct obligations of the United States government and differ mainly in the length of their maturity. Treasury bills, the most frequently issued marketable government security, have a maturity of up to one year and are issued on a discount basis.
United States Government Agencies
These consist of debt securities issued by agencies and instrumentalities of the United States government, including the various types of instruments currently outstanding or which may be offered in the future. Agencies include, among others, the Federal Housing Administration, Government National Mortgage Association ("Ginnie Mae"), Farmer's Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Maritime Administration, and General Services Administration. Instrumentalities include, for example, each of the Federal Home Loan Banks, the National Bank for Cooperatives, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Mac"), the Farm Credit Banks, the Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae"), and the United States Postal Service. These securities are either: (i) backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government (e.g., United States Treasury Bills); (ii) guaranteed by the United States Treasury (e.g., Ginnie Mae mortgage-backed securities); (iii) supported by the issuing agency's or instrumentality's right to borrow from the United States Treasury (e.g., Fannie Mae Discount Notes); or (iv) supported only by the issuing agency's or instrumentality's own credit (e.g., Tennessee Valley Association).
Government-related guarantors (i.e. not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government) include Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Fannie Mae is a government-sponsored corporation owned entirely by private stockholders. It is subject to general regulation by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Fannie Mae purchases conventional (i.e., not insured or guaranteed by any government agency) residential mortgages from a list of approved seller/servicers which include state and federally chartered savings and loan associations, mutual savings banks, commercial banks and credit unions and mortgage bankers. Pass-through securities issued by Fannie Mae are guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest by Fannie Mae but are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government.
Freddie Mac was created by Congress in 1970 for the purpose of increasing the availability of mortgage credit for residential housing. It is a government-sponsored corporation formerly owned by the twelve Federal Home Loan Banks and now owned entirely by private stockholders. Freddie Mac issues Participation Certificates (“PCs”), which represent interests in conventional mortgages from Freddie Mac's national portfolio. Freddie Mac guarantees the timely payment of interest and ultimate collection of principal, but PCs are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government. Commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage insurance companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market issuers also create pass-through pools of conventional residential mortgage loans. Such issuers may, in addition, be the originators and/or servicers of the underlying mortgage loans as well as the guarantors of the mortgage-related securities. Pools created by such nongovernmental issuers generally offer a higher rate of interest than government and government-related pools because there are no direct or indirect government or agency guarantees of payments in the former pools. However, timely payment of interest and principal of these pools may be supported by various forms of insurance or guarantees, including individual loan, title, pool and hazard insurance and letters of credit. The insurance and guarantees are issued by governmental entities, private insurers and the mortgage poolers.
On September 7, 2008, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Federal Housing Finance Authority (the "FHFA") announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac had been placed into conservatorship, a statutory process designed to stabilize a troubled institution with the objective of returning the entity to normal business operations. The U.S. Treasury Department
7 |
and the FHFA at the same time established a secured lending facility and a Secured Stock Purchase Agreement with both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to ensure that each entity had the ability to fulfill its financial obligations. The FHFA announced that it does not anticipate any disruption in pattern of payments or ongoing business operations of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
Securities Options
A Fund may purchase and write ( i.e., sell) put and call options. Such options may relate to particular securities or stock indices, and may or may not be listed on a domestic or foreign securities exchange and may or may not be issued by the Options Clearing Corporation. Options trading is a highly specialized activity that entails greater than ordinary investment risk. Options may be more volatile than the underlying instruments, and therefore, on a percentage basis, an investment in options may be subject to greater fluctuation than an investment in the underlying instruments themselves.
A call option for a particular security gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the writer (seller) the obligation to sell, the underlying security at the stated exercise price at any time prior to the expiration of the option, regardless of the market price of the security. The premium paid to the writer is in consideration for undertaking the obligation under the option contract. A put option for a particular security gives the purchaser the right to sell the security at the stated exercise price at any time prior to the expiration date of the option, regardless of the market price of the security.
Stock index options are put options and call options on various stock indices. In most respects, they are identical to listed options on common stocks. The primary difference between stock options and index options occurs when index options are exercised. In the case of stock options, the underlying security, common stock, is delivered. However, upon the exercise of an index option, settlement does not occur by delivery of the securities comprising the index. The option holder who exercises the index option receives an amount of cash if the closing level of the stock index upon which the option is based is greater than, in the case of a call, or less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option. This amount of cash is equal to the difference between the closing price of the stock index and the exercise price of the option expressed in dollars times a specified multiple. A stock index fluctuates with changes in the market value of the stocks included in the index. For example, some stock index options are based on a broad market index, such as the Standard & Poor's 500® Index or the Value Line Composite Index or a narrower market index, such as the Standard & Poor's 100®. Indices may also be based on an industry or market segment, such as the NYSE Arca Oil and Gas Index or the Computer and Business Equipment Index. Options on stock indices are currently traded on the Chicago Board Options Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ PHLX.
A Fund’s obligation to sell an instrument subject to a call option written by it, or to purchase an instrument subject to a put option written by it, may be terminated prior to the expiration date of the option by a Fund’s execution of a closing purchase transaction, which is effected by purchasing on an exchange an option of the same series ( i.e. , same underlying instrument, exercise price and expiration date) as the option previously written. A closing purchase transaction will ordinarily be effected to realize a profit on an outstanding option, to prevent an underlying instrument from being called, to permit the sale of the underlying instrument or to permit the writing of a new option containing different terms on such underlying instrument. The cost of such a liquidation purchase plus transactions costs may be greater than the premium received upon the original option, in which event a Fund will have paid a loss in the transaction. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular option. An option writer unable to effect a closing purchase transaction will not be able to sell the underlying instrument or liquidate the assets held in a segregated account, as described below, until the option expires or the optioned instrument is delivered upon exercise. In such circumstances, the writer will be subject to the risk of market decline or appreciation in the instrument during such period.
If an option purchased by a Fund expires unexercised, a Fund realizes a loss equal to the premium paid. If a Fund enters into a closing sale transaction on an option purchased by it, a Fund will realize a gain if the premium received by a Fund on the closing transaction is more than the premium paid to purchase the option, or a loss if it is less. If an option written by a Fund expires on the stipulated expiration date or if a Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, it will realize a gain (or loss if the cost of a closing purchase transaction exceeds the net premium received when the option is sold). If an option written by a Fund is exercised, the proceeds of the sale will be increased by the net premium originally received and a Fund will realize a gain or loss.
Certain Risks Regarding Options
There are several risks associated with transactions in options. For example, there are significant differences between the securities and options markets that could result in an imperfect correlation between these markets, causing a given transaction not to achieve its objectives. In addition, a liquid secondary market for particular options, whether traded over-the-counter or on an exchange, may be absent for reasons which include the following: there may be insufficient trading interest in certain
8 |
options; restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions or closing transactions or both; trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options or underlying securities or currencies; unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; the facilities of an exchange or the Options Clearing Corporation may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading value; or one or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options), in which event the secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to exist, although outstanding options that had been issued by the Options Clearing Corporation as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.
Successful use by a Fund of options on stock indices will be subject to the ability of the Adviser to correctly predict movements in the directions of the stock market. This requires different skills and techniques than predicting changes in the prices of individual securities. In addition, a Fund’s ability to effectively hedge all or a portion of the securities in its portfolio, in anticipation of or during a market decline, through transactions in put options on stock indices, depends on the degree to which price movements in the underlying index correlate with the price movements of the securities held by a Fund. Inasmuch as a Fund’s securities will not duplicate the components of an index, the correlation will not be perfect. Consequently, a Fund bears the risk that the prices of its securities being hedged will not move in the same amount as the prices of its put options on the stock indices. It is also possible that there may be a negative correlation between the index and a Fund’s securities that would result in a loss on both such securities and the options on stock indices acquired by a Fund.
The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the options markets close before the markets for the underlying securities, significant price and rate movements can take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the options markets. The purchase of options is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The purchase of stock index options involves the risk that the premium and transaction costs paid by a Fund in purchasing an option will be lost as a result of unanticipated movements in prices of the securities comprising the stock index on which the option is based.
There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an options exchange will exist for any particular option, or at any particular time, and for some options no secondary market on an exchange or elsewhere may exist. If a Fund is unable to close out a call option on securities that it has written before the option is exercised, a Fund may be required to purchase the optioned securities in order to satisfy its obligation under the option to deliver such securities. If a Fund is unable to effect a closing sale transaction with respect to options on securities that it has purchased, it would have to exercise the option in order to realize any profit and would incur transaction costs upon the purchase and sale of the underlying securities.
Cover for Options Positions
Transactions using options (other than options that a Fund has purchased) expose a Fund to an obligation to another party. A Fund will not enter into any such transactions unless it owns either (i) an offsetting ("covered") position in securities or other options or (ii) cash or liquid securities with a value sufficient at all times to cover its potential obligations not covered as provided in (i) above. A Fund will comply with SEC guidelines regarding cover for these instruments and, if the guidelines so require, set aside cash or liquid securities in a segregated account with a Fund’ custodian in the prescribed amount. Under current SEC guidelines, a Fund will segregate assets to cover transactions in which a Fund writes or sells options.
Assets used as cover or held in a segregated account cannot be sold while the position in the corresponding option is open, unless they are replaced with similar assets. As a result, the commitment of a large portion of a Fund’s assets to cover or segregated accounts could impede portfolio management or a Fund’s ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.
Options on Futures Contracts
A Fund may purchase and sell options on the same types of futures in which it may invest. Options on futures are similar to options on underlying instruments except that options on futures give the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in a futures contract (a long position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put), rather than to purchase or sell the futures contract, at a specified exercise price at any time during the period of the option. Upon exercise of the option, the delivery of the futures position by the writer of the option to the holder of the option will be accompanied by the delivery of the accumulated balance in the writer's futures margin account which represents the amount by which the market price of the futures contract, at exercise, exceeds (in the case of a call) or is less than (in the case of a put) the exercise price of the option on the futures contract. Purchasers of options who fail to exercise their options prior to the exercise date suffer a loss of the premium paid.
9 |
Dealer Options
A Fund may engage in transactions involving dealer options as well as exchange-traded options. Certain additional risks are specific to dealer options. While a Fund might look to a clearing corporation to exercise exchange-traded options, if a Fund were to purchase a dealer option it would need to rely on the dealer from which it purchased the option to perform if the option were exercised. Failure by the dealer to do so would result in the loss of the premium paid by a Fund as well as loss of the expected benefit of the transaction.
Exchange-traded options generally have a continuous liquid market while dealer options may not. Consequently, a Fund may generally be able to realize the value of a dealer option it has purchased only by exercising or reselling the option to the dealer who issued it. Similarly, when a Fund writes a dealer option, it may generally be able to close out the option prior to its expiration only by entering into a closing purchase transaction with the dealer to whom a Fund originally wrote the option. While a Fund will seek to enter into dealer options only with dealers who will agree to and which are expected to be capable of entering into closing transactions with a Fund, there can be no assurance that a Fund will at any time be able to liquidate a dealer option at a favorable price at any time prior to expiration. Unless a Fund, as a covered dealer call option writer, is able to effect a closing purchase transaction, it will not be able to liquidate securities (or other assets) used as cover until the option expires or is exercised. In the event of insolvency of the other party, a Fund may be unable to liquidate a dealer option. With respect to options written by a Fund, the inability to enter into a closing transaction may result in material losses to a Fund. For example, because a Fund must maintain a secured position with respect to any call option on a security it writes, a Fund may not sell the assets, which it has segregated to secure the position while it is obligated under the option. This requirement may impair a Fund’s ability to sell portfolio securities at a time when such sale might be advantageous.
The Staff of the SEC has taken the position that purchased dealer options are illiquid securities. A Fund may treat the cover used for written dealer options as liquid if the dealer agrees that a Fund may repurchase the dealer option it has written for a maximum price to be calculated by a predetermined formula. In such cases, the dealer option would be considered illiquid only to the extent the maximum purchase price under the formula exceeds the intrinsic value of the option. Accordingly, a Fund will treat dealer options as subject to a Fund’s limitation on illiquid securities. If the SEC changes its position on the liquidity of dealer options, a Fund will change its treatment of such instruments accordingly.
Spread Transactions
A Fund may purchase covered spread options from securities dealers. These covered spread options are not presently exchange-listed or exchange-traded. The purchase of a spread option gives a Fund the right to put securities that it owns at a fixed dollar spread or fixed yield spread in relationship to another security that a Fund does not own, but which is used as a benchmark. The risk to a Fund, in addition to the risks of dealer options described above, is the cost of the premium paid as well as any transaction costs. The purchase of spread options will be used to protect a Fund against adverse changes in prevailing credit quality spreads, i.e., the yield spread between high quality and lower quality securities. This protection is provided only during the life of the spread options.
Repurchase Agreements
A Fund may enter into repurchase agreements. In a repurchase agreement, an investor (such as a Fund) purchases a security (known as the "underlying security") from a securities dealer or bank. Any such dealer or bank must be deemed creditworthy by the Adviser. At that time, the bank or securities dealer agrees to repurchase the underlying security at a mutually agreed upon price on a designated future date. The repurchase price may be higher than the purchase price, the difference being income to a Fund, or the purchase and repurchase prices may be the same, with interest at an agreed upon rate due to a Fund on repurchase. In either case, the income to a Fund generally will be unrelated to the interest rate on the underlying securities. Repurchase agreements must be "fully collateralized," in that the market value of the underlying securities (including accrued interest) must at all times be equal to or greater than the repurchase price. Therefore, a repurchase agreement can be considered a loan collateralized by the underlying securities.
Repurchase agreements are generally for a short period of time, often less than a week, and will generally be used by a Fund to invest excess cash or as part of a temporary defensive strategy. Repurchase agreements that do not provide for payment within seven days will be treated as illiquid securities. In the event of a bankruptcy or other default by the seller of a repurchase agreement, a Fund could experience both delays in liquidating the underlying security and losses. These losses could result from: (a) possible decline in the value of the underlying security while a Fund is seeking to enforce its rights under the repurchase agreement; (b) possible reduced levels of income or lack of access to income during this period; and (c) expenses of enforcing its rights.
10 |
Trading in Futures Contracts
A futures contract provides for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified amount of a specific financial instrument (e.g., units of a stock index) for a specified price, date, time and place designated at the time the contract is made. Brokerage fees are paid when a futures contract is bought or sold and margin deposits must be maintained. Entering into a contract to buy is commonly referred to as buying or purchasing a contract or holding a long position. Entering into a contract to sell is commonly referred to as selling a contract or holding a short position.
Unlike when a Fund purchases or sells a security, no price would be paid or received by a Fund upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract. Upon entering into a futures contract, and to maintain a Fund’s open positions in futures contracts, a Fund would be required to deposit with its custodian or futures broker in a segregated account in the name of the futures broker an amount of cash, U.S. government securities, suitable money market instruments, or other liquid securities, known as "initial margin." 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 margins 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 underlying instrument or index 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 a 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." A Fund expect to earn interest income on margin deposits.
Although certain futures contracts, by their terms, require actual future delivery of and payment for the underlying instruments, in practice most futures contracts are usually closed out before the delivery date. Closing out an open futures contract purchase or sale is effected by entering into an offsetting futures contract sale or purchase, respectively, for the same aggregate amount of the identical underlying instrument or index and the same delivery date. If the offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, a Fund realizes a gain; if it is more, a Fund realizes a loss. Conversely, if the offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase price, a Fund realizes a gain; if it is less, a Fund realizes a loss. The transaction costs must also be included in these calculations. There can be no assurance, however, that a Fund will be able to enter into an offsetting transaction with respect to a particular futures contract at a particular time. If a Fund is not able to enter into an offsetting transaction, a Fund will continue to be required to maintain the margin deposits on the futures contract.
For example, one contract in the Financial Times Stock Exchange 100 Index future is a contract to buy 25 pounds sterling multiplied by the level of the UK Financial Times 100 Share Index on a given future date. Settlement of a stock index futures contract may or may not be in the underlying instrument or index. If not in the underlying instrument or index, then settlement will be made in cash, equivalent over time to the difference between the contract price and the actual price of the underlying asset at the time the stock index futures contract expires.
Regulation as a Commodity Pool Operator
The Trust, on behalf of each Fund, has filed with the National Futures Association, a notice claiming an exclusion from the definition of the term "commodity pool operator" under the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended, and the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission promulgated thereunder, with respect to both Funds’ operation. Accordingly, each Fund is not subject to registration or regulation as a commodity pool operator.
When-Issued, Forward Commitments and Delayed Settlements
A Fund may purchase and sell securities on a when-issued, forward commitment or delayed settlement basis. In this event, the Custodian (as defined under the section entitled "Custodian") will segregate liquid assets equal to the amount of the commitment in a separate account. Normally, the Custodian will set aside portfolio securities to satisfy a purchase commitment. In such a case, a Fund may be required subsequently to segregate additional assets in order to assure that the value of the account remains equal to the amount of a Fund’s commitment. It may be expected that a Fund’s net assets will fluctuate to a greater degree when it sets aside portfolio securities to cover such purchase commitments than when it sets aside cash.
11 |
A Fund does not intend to engage in these transactions for speculative purposes but only in furtherance of its investment objectives. Because a Fund will segregate liquid assets to satisfy purchase commitments in the manner described, a Fund’s liquidity and the ability of the Adviser to manage them may be affected in the event a Fund’s forward commitments, commitments to purchase when-issued securities and delayed settlements ever exceeded 15% of the value of its net assets.
A Fund will purchase securities on a when-issued, forward commitment or delayed settlement basis only with the intention of completing the transaction. If deemed advisable as a matter of investment strategy, however, a Fund may dispose of or renegotiate a commitment after it is entered into, and may sell securities it has committed to purchase before those securities are delivered to a Fund on the settlement date. In these cases a Fund may realize a taxable capital gain or loss. When a Fund engages in when-issued, forward commitment and delayed settlement transactions, it relies on the other party to consummate the trade. Failure of such party to do so may result in a Fund incurring a loss or missing an opportunity to obtain a price credited to be advantageous.
The market value of the securities underlying a when-issued purchase, forward commitment to purchase securities, or a delayed settlement and any subsequent fluctuations in their market value is taken into account when determining the market value of a Fund starting on the day a Fund agrees to purchase the securities. A Fund does not earn interest on the securities it has committed to purchase until it has paid for and delivered on the settlement date.
Illiquid and Restricted Securities
A Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities. Illiquid securities include securities subject to contractual or legal restrictions on resale (e.g., because they have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act")) and securities that are otherwise not readily marketable (e.g., because trading in the security is suspended or because market makers do not exist or will not entertain bids or offers). Securities that have not been registered under the Securities Act are referred to as private placements or restricted securities and are purchased directly from the issuer or in the secondary market. Foreign securities that are freely tradable in their principal markets are not considered to be illiquid.
Restricted and other illiquid securities may be subject to the potential for delays on resale and uncertainty in valuation. A Fund might be unable to dispose of illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty in satisfying redemption requests from shareholders. A Fund might have to register restricted securities in order to dispose of them, resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of securities.
A large institutional market exists for certain securities that are not registered under the Securities Act, including foreign securities. The fact that there are contractual or legal restrictions on resale to the general public or to certain institutions may not be indicative of the liquidity of such investments. Rule 144A under the Securities Act allows such a broader institutional trading market for securities otherwise subject to restrictions on resale to the general public. Rule 144A establishes a "safe harbor" from the registration requirements of the Securities Act for resale of certain securities to qualified institutional buyers. Rule 144A has produced enhanced liquidity for many restricted securities, and market liquidity for such securities may continue to expand as a result of this regulation and the consequent existence of the PORTAL system, which is an automated system for the trading, clearance and settlement of unregistered securities of domestic and foreign issuers sponsored by NASDAQ.
Under guidelines adopted by the Board, the Adviser may determine that particular Rule 144A securities, and commercial paper issued in reliance on the private placement exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, are liquid even though they are not registered. A determination of whether such a security is liquid or not is a question of fact. In making this determination, the Adviser will consider, as it deems appropriate under the circumstances and among other factors: (1) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (2) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security; (3) the number of other potential purchasers of the security; (4) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; (5) the nature of the security (e.g., debt or equity, date of maturity, terms of dividend or interest payments, and other material terms) and the nature of the marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers, and the mechanics of transfer); and (6) the rating of the security and the financial condition and prospects of the issuer. In the case of commercial paper, the Adviser will also determine that the paper (1) is not traded flat or in default as to principal and interest, and (2) is rated in one of the two highest rating categories by at least two Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations ("NRSROs") or, if only one NRSRO rates the security, by that NRSRO, or, if the security is unrated, the Adviser determines that it is of equivalent quality.
Rule 144A securities and Section 4(a)(2) commercial paper that have been deemed liquid as described above will continue to be monitored by the Adviser to determine if the security is no longer liquid as the result of changed conditions.
12 |
Investing in Rule 144A securities or Section 4(a)(2) commercial paper could have the effect of increasing the amount of a Fund’s assets invested in illiquid securities if institutional buyers are unwilling to purchase such securities.
Sector Risk
To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors of the economy, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors.
Financial Services Sector Risk. This sector can be significantly affected by changes in interest rates, government regulation, the rate of defaults on corporate, consumer, and government debt, the availability and cost of capital, and fallout from the housing and sub-prime mortgage crisis. Insurance companies, in particular, may be significantly affected by changes in interest rates, catastrophic events, price and market competition, the imposition of premium rate caps, or other changes in government regulation or tax law and/or rate regulation, which may have an adverse impact on their profitability. In recent years, cyberattacks and technology malfunctions and failures have become increasingly frequent in this sector and have caused significant losses.
Precious Metals Sector Risk . Prices of precious metals and of precious metal related securities historically have been very volatile. The production and sale of precious metals by governments or central banks or other larger holders can be affected by various economic, financial, social and political factors, which may be unpredictable and may have a significant impact on the prices of precious metals. Other factors that may affect the prices of precious metals and securities related to them include changes in inflation, the outlook for inflation and changes in industrial and commercial demand for precious metals. In addition, the gains derived from trading in precious metals will be closely monitored to avoid potentially negative tax consequences.
Investment Restrictions
Each Fund has adopted the following investment restrictions that may not be changed without approval by a "majority of the outstanding shares" of the Fund, which, as used in this SAI, means the vote of the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the shares of the Fund represented at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present or represented by proxy, or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. Each Fund may not:
1. | Issue senior securities, except as otherwise permitted under the 1940 Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; |
2. | Borrow money, except (a) from a bank, provided that immediately after such borrowing there is an asset coverage of 300% for all borrowings of the Fund; or (b) from a bank or other persons for temporary purposes only, provided that such temporary borrowings are in an amount not exceeding 5% of the Fund’s total assets at the time when the borrowing is made. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from entering into reverse repurchase transactions, provided that the Fund has an asset coverage of 300% for all borrowings and repurchase commitments of the Fund pursuant to reverse repurchase transactions; |
3. | Purchase securities on margin, participate on a joint or joint and several basis in any securities trading account, or underwrite securities. (Does not preclude the Fund from obtaining such short-term credit as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of its portfolio securities, and except to the extent that the Fund may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act, by virtue of disposing of portfolio securities); |
4. | Purchase or sell real estate or interests in real estate. This limitation is not applicable to investments in marketable securities that are secured by or represent interests in real estate. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from investing in mortgage-related securities or investing in companies engaged in the real estate business or that have a significant portion of their assets in real estate (including real estate investment trusts); |
5. | Invest more than 25% of the market value of its assets in the securities of companies engaged in any one industry or group of industries. (Does not apply to investment in the securities of the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.); |
6. | Purchase or sell commodities (unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other investments) or commodity futures contracts, except that the Fund may purchase and sell futures contracts and options to the full extent permitted under the 1940 Act, sell foreign currency contracts in accordance with any rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, invest in securities or other instruments backed by commodities, and invest in |
13 |
companies that are engaged in a commodities business or have a significant portion of their assets in commodities; or
7. | Make loans to others, except that the Fund may, in accordance with its investment objective and policies, (i) lend portfolio securities, (ii) purchase and hold debt securities or other debt instruments, including but not limited to loan participations and sub-participations, assignments, and structured securities, (iii) make loans secured by mortgages on real property, (iv) enter into repurchase agreements, (v) enter into transactions where each loan is represented by a note executed by the borrower, and (vi) make time deposits with financial institutions and invest in instruments issued by financial institutions. For purposes of this limitation, the term "loans" shall not include the purchase of a portion of an issue of publicly distributed bonds, debentures or other securities. |
If a restriction on a Fund’s investments is adhered to at the time an investment is made, a subsequent change in the percentage of Fund assets invested in certain securities or other instruments of the Fund’s investment portfolio, resulting from changes in the value of the Fund’s total assets, will not be considered a violation of the restriction; provided, however, that the asset coverage requirement applicable to borrowings shall be maintained in the manner contemplated by applicable law.
With respect to fundamental investment limitation 2 above, if a Fund’s asset coverage falls below 300%, the Fund will reduce borrowing within 3 days in order to ensure that the Fund has 300% asset coverage.
With respect to Fundamental Investment Restriction #5, if a Fund invests in one or more investment companies that concentrates its investments in a particular industry, the Fund will examine its other investment company holdings to ensure that the Fund is not indirectly concentrating its investments in a particular industry.
Although fundamental investment restriction #7 reserves for a Fund the ability to make loans, there is no present intent to loan money or portfolio securities and additional disclosure will be provided if such a strategy is implemented in the future.
Policies and Procedures for Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings
The Trust has adopted a policy regarding the disclosure of information about each Fund's portfolio holdings. The Funds and their service providers may not receive compensation or any other consideration (which includes any agreement to maintain assets in the Fund or in other investment companies or accounts managed by the Adviser or any affiliated person of the Adviser) in connection with the disclosure of portfolio holdings information of the Funds. The Trust’s policy is implemented and overseen by the chief compliance officer of the Fund, subject to the oversight of the Board. Periodic reports regarding these procedures will be provided to the Board. The Trust, the Adviser and the Distributor will not disseminate non-public information concerning the Trust. The Board must approve all material amendments to this policy.
Each business day, the Fund’s portfolio holdings information will generally be provided for dissemination through the facilities of the National Securities Clearing Corporation ("NSCC") and/or other fee-based subscription services to NSCC members and/or subscribers to those other fee-based subscription services, including Authorized Participants (as defined below), and to entities that publish and/or analyze such information in connection with the process of purchasing or redeeming Creation Units or trading shares of the Funds in the secondary market. This information typically reflects the Fund’s anticipated holdings as of the next Business Day.
Access to information concerning each Fund's portfolio holdings may be permitted to personnel of third party service providers, including the Funds’ custodian, transfer agent, auditors and counsel, as may be necessary to conduct business in the ordinary course in a manner consistent with such service providers' agreements with the Trust on behalf of the Funds.
The Funds disclose on the Adviser’s website at www.formulafoliofunds.com at the start of each Business Day the identities and quantities of the securities and other assets held by the Funds that will form the basis of each Fund’s calculation of its NAV on that Business Day. The portfolio holdings so disclosed will be based on information as of the close of business on the prior Business Day and/or trades that have been completed prior to the opening of business on that Business Day and that are expected to settle on that Business Day. The Funds may also concurrently disclose this portfolio holdings information directly to ratings agencies on a daily basis.
Quarterly Portfolio Schedule . The Trust is required to disclose, after its first and third fiscal quarters, the complete schedule of each Fund's portfolio holdings with the SEC on Form N-Q. The Trust will also disclose a complete schedule of each Fund's portfolio holdings with the SEC on Form N-CSR after its second and fourth quarters.
14 |
Form N-Q and Form N-CSR for the Funds will be available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Each Fund's Form N-Q and Form N-CSR, when available, may also be reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C., and information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 202-551-8090. Each Fund's Form N-Q and Form N-CSR will be available without charge, upon request, by visiting www.formulafoliofunds.com or by writing to the Fund, c/o Gemini Fund Services, LLC, 80 Arkay Drive, Suite 110, Hauppauge, New York 11788.
The Adviser . Personnel of the Adviser, including personnel responsible for managing each Fund’s portfolio, may have full daily access to Fund portfolio holdings since that information is necessary in order for the Adviser to provide its management, administrative, and investment services to the Funds. As required for purposes of analyzing the impact of existing and future market changes on the prices, availability, as demand and liquidity of such securities, as well as for the assistance of portfolio managers in the trading of such securities, Adviser personnel may also release and discuss certain portfolio holdings with various broker-dealers.
Gemini Fund Services, LLC. Gemini Fund Services, LLC is the fund accountant, administrator and custody administrator for the Funds; therefore, its personnel have full daily access to each Fund’s portfolio holdings since that information is necessary in order for them to provide the agreed-upon services for the Trust.
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. is custodian and transfer agent for the Funds; therefore, its personnel have full daily access to each Fund’s portfolio holdings since that information is necessary in order for them to provide the agreed-upon services for the Trust.
Cohen & Company, Ltd. is each Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm; therefore, its personnel have access to each Fund’s portfolio holdings in connection with auditing of each Fund’s annual financial statements and providing assistance and consultation in connection with SEC filings.
Thompson Hine LLP. Thompson Hine LLP is counsel to the Funds; therefore, its personnel have access to each Fund’s portfolio holdings in connection with review of each Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports and SEC filings.
Additions to List of Approved Recipients
The Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer is the person responsible, and whose prior approval is required, for any disclosure of the Funds’ portfolio securities at any time or to any persons other than those described above. In such cases, the recipient must have a legitimate business need for the information and must be subject to a duty to keep the information confidential. There are no ongoing arrangements in place with respect to the disclosure of portfolio holdings. In no event shall the Funds, the Adviser, or any other party receive any direct or indirect compensation in connection with the disclosure of information about the Funds’ portfolio holdings.
Compliance with Portfolio Holdings Disclosure Procedures
The Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer will report periodically to the Board with respect to compliance with the Funds’ portfolio holdings disclosure procedures, and from time to time will provide the Board any updates to the portfolio holdings disclosure policies and procedures.
There is no assurance that the Trust's policies on disclosure of portfolio holdings will protect the Funds from the potential misuse of holdings information by individuals or firms in possession of that information.
Management
The business of the Trust is managed under the direction of the Board in accordance with the Agreement and Declaration of Trust and the Trust's By-laws (the "Governing Documents"), which have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are available upon request. The Board consists of three (3) individuals, each of whom are not "interested persons" (as defined under the 1940 Act) of the Trust or any investment adviser to any series of the Trust ("Independent Trustees"). Pursuant to the Governing Documents, the Trustees shall elect officers including a President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Principal Executive Officer and a Principal Accounting Officer. The Board retains the power to conduct, operate and carry on the business of the Trust and has the power to incur and pay any expenses, which, in the opinion of the Board, are necessary or incidental to carry out any of the Trust's purposes. The Trustees, officers, employees and agents
15 |
of the Trust, when acting in such capacities, shall not be subject to any personal liability except for his or her own bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his or her duties.
Board Leadership Structure
The Trust is led by Joseph Breslin, who has served as the Chairman of the Board since July 2015. The Board of Trustees is comprised of three independent Trustees. Additionally, under certain 1940 Act governance guidelines that apply to the Trust, the Independent Trustees will meet in executive session, at least quarterly. Under the Governing Documents, the Chairman of the Board is responsible for (a) presiding at board meetings, (b) calling special meetings on an as-needed basis, (c) execution and administration of Trust policies including (i) setting the agendas for board meetings and (ii) providing information to board members in advance of each board meeting and between board meetings. The Trust believes that its Chairman, the independent chair of the Audit Committee, and, as an entity, the full Board of Trustees, provide effective leadership that is in the best interests of the Trust, its funds and each shareholder.
Board Risk Oversight
The Board of Trustees has a standing independent Audit Committee and Nominating and Governance Committee, each with a separate chair. The Board is responsible for overseeing risk management, and the full Board regularly engages in discussions of risk management and receives compliance reports that inform its oversight of risk management from its Chief Compliance Officer at quarterly meetings and on an ad hoc basis, when and if necessary. The Audit Committee considers financial and reporting risk within its area of responsibilities. Generally, the Board believes that its oversight of material risks is adequately maintained through the compliance-reporting chain where the Chief Compliance Officer is the primary recipient and communicator of such risk-related information. The primary purposes of the Nominating and Governance Committee are to consider and evaluate the structure, composition and operation of the Board, to evaluate and recommend individuals to serve on the Board of the Trust, and to consider and make recommendations relating to the compensation of the Trust’s independent trustees. The Nominating and Governance Committee may consider recommendations for candidates to serve on the Board from any source it deems appropriate.
Trustee Qualifications
Generally, the Trust believes that each Trustee is competent to serve because of their individual overall merits including: (i) experience, (ii) qualifications, (iii) attributes and (iv) skills. Mr. Breslin has over 20 years of business experience in the investment management and brokerage business and possesses a strong understanding of the regulatory framework under which investment companies must operate based, in part, upon his years of service as an officer and/or Trustee to other registered investment companies. Thomas Sarkany is qualified to serve as a Trustee based on his experience in various business and consulting positions, and through his experience from service as a board member of the Trust and other investment companies. Since 2010, he has been the President of a financial services firm and from 1994 through 2010, held various roles at a publicly held company providing financial research, publications and money management services to retail and institutional investors, including Director of Marketing and Asset Management, Director of Index Licensing, and member of the Board of Directors. In addition to his service as a Trustee of the Trust, Mr. Sarkany serves as a trustee of the Northern Lights Fund Trust II and has previously served as a director of certain public companies. Charles R. Ranson has more than 20 years’ experience in strategic analysis and planning, risk assessment, and capital formation in the operation of complex organizations and entrepreneurial ventures. In addition to his service to the Trust, Mr. Ranson serves as an independent trustee to another mutual fund complex. Each Trustee’s ability to perform his duties effectively also has been enhanced by his educational background and professional training. The Trust does not believe any one factor is determinative in assessing a Trustee's qualifications, but that the collective experience of each Trustee makes them each highly qualified.
The following is a list of the Trustees and executive officers of the Trust and each person’s principal occupation over the last five years. Unless otherwise noted, the address of each Trustee and Officer is 17605 Wright Street, Suite 2, Omaha, Nebraska 68130.
16 |
Independent Trustees
Name, Address and Year of Birth | Position/Term of Office* | Principal Occupation During the Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex** Overseen by Trustee | Other Directorships held by Trustee During the Past Five Years |
Joseph Breslin Year of Birth: 1953 |
Independent Trustee and Chairman of the Board since 2015 |
President and Consultant, Adviser Counsel, Inc. (formerly J.E. Breslin & Co.) (management consulting firm to investment advisers), 2009 to present.
|
4 | Northern Lights Fund Trust IV (for series not affiliated with the Fund since 2015); Director, Kinetics Mutual Funds, Inc. (since 2000); Trustee, Kinetics Portfolios Trust (since 2000); Trustee, Forethought Variable Insurance Trust (since 2013); Trustee, BlueArc Multi-Strategy Fund (2014-2017); Hatteras Trust (2004-2016) |
Thomas Sarkany Year of Birth: 1946 |
Independent Trustee since 2015 | Founder and President, TTS Consultants, LLC (financial services), 2010 to present. | 4 | Northern Lights Fund Trust IV (for series not affiliated with the Fund since 2015); Arrow Investments Trust (since 2014), Arrow ETF Trust (since 2012), Trustee, Northern Lights Fund Trust II (since 2011); Director, Aquila Distributors (since 1981) |
Charles Ranson Year of Birth: 1947 |
Independent Trustee since 2015 |
Principal, Ranson & Associates (strategic analysis and planning, including risk assessment and capital formation for entrepreneurial ventures), (since 2003); GR Group (since 2008).
|
4 | Northern Lights Fund Trust IV (for series not affiliated with the Fund since 2015); Advisors Preferred Trust (since November 2012). |
Officers
Name, Address and Year of Birth | Position/Term of Office* | Principal Occupation During the Past Five Years | Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex** Overseen by Trustee | Other Directorships held by Trustee During the Past Five Years |
Wendy Wang
80 Arkay Drive
|
President since 2015 | Senior Vice President, Director of Tax and Compliance Administration, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (since 2012). | N/A | N/A |
17 |
Sam Singh
80 Arkay Drive
|
Treasurer since 2015 | Vice President, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (since 2015); Assistant Vice President, Gemini Fund Services, LLC, (2011-2014). | N/A | N/A |
Jennifer Farrell
80 Arkay Drive Hauppauge, NY 11788 Born in 1969 |
Secretary since 2017 | Manager, Legal Administration, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (since 2018); Senior Paralegal, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (since 2015); Legal Trainer, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2013-2015); Senior Paralegal, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2006-2012). | N/A | N/A |
Michael Quain Born in 1957 |
Chief Compliance Officer | Consultant, Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (since 2015); Quain Compliance Consulting, LLC (since 2014); Artio Global Management, LLC (formerly Julius Baer), First Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer (2004-2013) | N/A | N/A |
* The term of office for each Trustee and officer listed above will continue indefinitely until the individual resigns or is removed.
** As of September 26, 2018, the Trust was comprised of 21 other active portfolios managed by unaffiliated investment advisers. The term “Fund Complex” applies only to the Fund and the 3 other portfolios managed by the same investment adviser. The Funds do not hold themselves out as related to any other series within the Trust for investment purposes, nor do they share the same investment adviser with any other series.
Board Committees
Audit Committee
The Board has an Audit Committee that consists of all the Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act. The Audit Committee's responsibilities include: (i) recommending to the Board the selection, retention or termination of the Trust's independent auditors; (ii) reviewing with the independent auditors the scope, performance and anticipated cost of their audit; (iii) discussing with the independent auditors certain matters relating to the Trust's financial statements, including any adjustment to such financial statements recommended by such independent auditors, or any other results of any audit; (iv) reviewing on a periodic basis a formal written statement from the independent auditors with respect to their independence, discussing with the independent auditors any relationships or services disclosed in the statement that may impact the objectivity and independence of the Trust's independent auditors and recommending that the Board take appropriate action in response thereto to satisfy itself of the auditor's independence; and (v) considering the comments of the independent auditors and management's responses thereto with respect to the quality and adequacy of the Trust's accounting and financial reporting policies and practices and internal controls. The Audit Committee operates pursuant to an Audit Committee Charter. The Audit Committee is responsible for seeking and reviewing nominee candidates for consideration as Independent Trustees as is from time to time considered necessary or appropriate. The Audit Committee generally will not consider shareholder nominees. The Audit Committee is also responsible for reviewing and setting Independent Trustee compensation from time to time when considered necessary or appropriate. During the fiscal period ended May 31, 2018, the Audit Committee met four times.
Nominating and Governance Committee
The Board has a Nominating and Governance Committee that consists of all the "interested persons" of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act. The Committee’s responsibilities (which may also be conducted by the Board) include: (i) recommend persons to be nominated or re-nominated as Trustees in accordance with the Independent Trustee's Statement of Policy on Criteria for Selecting Independent Trustees; (ii) review the Funds’ officers, and conduct Chief Compliance Officer searches, as needed, and provide consultation regarding other CCO matters, as requested; (iii) review trustee qualifications, performance, and compensation; (iv) review periodically with the Board the size and composition of the Board as a whole; (v) annually evaluate the operations of the Board and its Committees and assist the Board in conducting its annual self-evaluation; (vi) make recommendations on the requirements for, and means of, Board orientation and training; (vii) periodically review the Board’s corporate Governance policies and practices and recommend, as it deems appropriate, any changes to the Board; (ix) consider any corporate governance issues that arise from time to time, and to develop appropriate
18 |
recommendations for the Board; and (x) supervise counsel for the Independent Directors. Mr. Ranson serves as the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee. The Nominating and Governance Committee operates pursuant to a Nominating and Governance Committee Charter. During the fiscal period ended May 31, 2018, the Nominating and Governance Committee met one time.
Valuation Committee
The Valuation Committee is responsible for determining, in good faith, the fair value of securities and other assets of a Fund for which market quotations are not readily available, subject to the supervision and oversight of the Trust’s Board. Such determinations are reported to the Trust’s Board. The Valuation Committee consists of the Trust’s Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer, a representative of the Administrator, and a representative of the Adviser and a member of the Board of Trustees. Mr. Sarkany serves as the Chairman of the Valuation Committee. The Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer also attends the Valuation Committee meetings. The Valuation Committee meets as necessary when a price for a portfolio security is not readily available.
Compensation
Effective January 1, 2018, each Trustee who is not affiliated with the Trust or an investment adviser to any series of the Trust (each an "Independent Trustee") will receive a quarterly fee of $17,500 to be paid by the Trust within 10 days of the commencement of each calendar quarter for his service as a Trustee of the Board of Trustees and for serving in his respective capacity as Chair of the Audit Committee, Nomination and Governance Committee and Valuation Committee, as well as reimbursement for any reasonable expenses incurred for attending regularly scheduled Board and Committee meetings.
Additionally, in the event that an in-person meeting of the Board of Trustees other than its regularly scheduled meetings (a "Special Meeting") is required, each Independent Trustee will receive a fee of $5,000 per Special Meeting, as well as reimbursement for any reasonable expenses incurred, to be paid by the Trust or the relevant series of the Trust or its investment adviser depending on the circumstances necessitating the Special Meeting. The Independent Trustees at their sole discretion shall determine when a particular meeting constitutes a Special Meeting for purpose of the $5,000 fee.
None of the executive officers receive compensation from the Trust.
The table below details the amount of compensation the Trustees received from the Trust during the fiscal period ended May 31, 2018. Each Independent Trustee is expected to attend all quarterly meetings during the period. The Trust does not have a bonus, profit sharing, pension or retirement plan.
Name and Position | Estimated Aggregate Compensation From FFHG |
Estimated Aggregate Compensation From FFSG |
Estimated Aggregate Compensation From FFTG |
Estimated Aggregate Compensation From FFTI |
Pension or Retirement Benefits Accrued as Part of Funds Expenses | Estimated Annual Benefits Upon Retirement | Estimated Total Compensation From Funds and Fund Complex* Paid to Trustees |
Joseph Breslin | $2,704 |
$1,356 |
$1,396 |
$3,511 |
$0 |
$0 |
$8,967 |
Thomas Sarkany | $2,704 |
$1,356 |
$1396 |
$3,511 |
$0 |
$0 |
$8,967 |
Charles Ranson | $2,704 |
$1,356 |
$1,396 |
$3,511 |
$0 |
$0 |
$8,967 |
* | There are currently numerous series comprising the Trust. The term “Fund Complex” refers only to the Funds managed by the Adviser and not to any other series of the Trust. |
* * Ira Rothblut resigned from the Board of Trustees in October 2017. He received $2,840 from the Fund Complex during the period ended December 31, 2017.
19 |
Management and Trustee Ownership
As of December 31, 2017, the Trustees and officers, as a group, owned no shares of the Fund or any of the Fund Complex’s outstanding shares.
Control Persons and Principal Holders
A principal shareholder is any person who owns (either of record or beneficially) 5% or more of the outstanding shares of a fund. A control person is one who owns, either directly or indirectly more than 25% of the voting securities of a company or acknowledges the existence of control. A control person is one who owns beneficially or through controlled companies more than 25% of the voting securities of a company or acknowledged the existence of control.
The Trust does not have information concerning the beneficial ownership of shares held in the names of Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) participants.
Investment Adviser
Investment Adviser and Advisory Agreement
FormulaFolio Investments, LLC, 89 Ionia Avenue NW, Suite 600, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, serves as the Fund’s investment adviser. The Adviser is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.
Subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, the Adviser is responsible for the overall management of each Fund’s investment-related business affairs. Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement (the "Advisory Agreement") with the Trust, on behalf of each Fund, the Adviser, subject to the supervision of the Board of the Trust, and in conformity with the stated policies of the Funds, manages the portfolio investment operations of the Funds. The Adviser has overall supervisory responsibilities for the general management and investment of each Fund’s securities portfolio, as detailed below, which are subject to review and approval by the Board of Trustees. In general, the Adviser's duties include setting each Fund’s overall investment strategies and asset allocation.
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser, under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, agrees to invest the assets of each Fund in accordance with applicable law and the investment objective, policies and restrictions set forth in each Fund’s current Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, and subject to such further limitations as the Trust may from time to time impose by written notice to the Adviser. The Adviser shall act as the investment adviser to the Funds and, as such shall, (i) obtain and evaluate such information relating to the economy, industries, business, securities markets and securities as it may deem necessary or useful in discharging its responsibilities here under, (ii) formulate a continuing program for the investment of the assets of each Fund in a manner consistent with its investment objective, policies and restrictions, and (iii) determine from time to time securities to be purchased, sold, retained or lent by the Funds, and implement those decisions, including the selection of entities with or through which such purchases, sales or loans are to be effected; provided, that the Adviser or its designee, directly, will place orders pursuant to its investment determinations either directly with the issuer or with a broker or dealer, and if with a broker or dealer, (a) will attempt to obtain the best price and execution of its orders, and (b) may nevertheless in its discretion purchase and sell portfolio securities from and to brokers who provide the Adviser with research, analysis, advice and similar services and pay such brokers in return a higher commission or spread than may be charged by other brokers. The Adviser also provides the Funds with all necessary office facilities and personnel for servicing each Fund’s investments, compensates all officers, Trustees and employees of the Trust who are officers, directors or employees of the Adviser, and all personnel of the Fund or the Adviser performing services relating to research, statistical and investment activities.
In addition, the Adviser, subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees, provides the management and supplemental administrative services necessary for the operation of the Funds. These services include providing assistance in the supervision of relations with custodians, transfer and pricing agents, accountants, underwriters and other persons dealing with the Funds; assisting in the preparing of all general shareholder communications and conducting shareholder relations; assisting in maintaining the Funds’ records and the registration of each Fund’s shares under federal securities laws and making necessary filings under state securities laws; assisting in developing management and shareholder services for the Funds; and furnishing reports, evaluations and analyses on a variety of subjects to the Trustees.
20 |
Each Fund pays an annual management fee (computed daily and payable monthly) of 0.80% for the Hedged Growth ETF, 0.35% for the Smart Growth ETF, 0.60% for the Tactical Growth ETF and 0.60% for the Tactical Income ETF of the applicable Fund’s average daily net assets to the Adviser pursuant to the Advisory Agreement. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees’ approval of the Advisory Agreement is available in the Fund’s semi-annual report to shareholders dated November 30, 2017.
The Adviser has contractually agreed to reduce its fees and/or absorb expenses of each Fund, until at least September 30, 2019, to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or reimbursement (exclusive of any front-end or contingent deferred loads, taxes, brokerage fees and commissions, borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short), acquired fund fees and expenses, fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses), or extraordinary expenses such as litigation) will not exceed 0.95% of the Hedged Growth ETF’s. 0.60% of the Smart Growth ETF’s, 0.80% of the Tactical Growth ETF and 0.80% of the Tactical Income ETF’s average daily net assets; subject to possible recoupment from the Fund in future years within the three years after the fees have been waived or reimbursed if such recoupment from each Fund in future years on a rolling three-year basis if such recoupment can be achieved within the lesser of the foregoing expense limits or those in place at the time of recapture. Fee waiver and reimbursement arrangements can decrease the Fund's expenses and boost its performance.
For the fiscal period ended May 31, 2018, the Adviser earned (and waived or reimbursed) the following advisory fees:
Fund | Advisory Fees Earned | Advisory Fees Waived/Expenses Reimbursed |
Hedged Growth ETF |
$358,539
|
$52,260 |
Smart Growth ETF |
$18,702
|
$57,819 |
Tactical Growth ETF |
$76,233
|
$41,961 |
Tactical Income ETF |
$791,664
|
$0 |
Expenses not expressly assumed by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement are paid by the Funds. Under the terms of the Advisory Agreement, each Fund is responsible for the payment of the following expenses among others: (a) the fees payable to the Adviser, (b) the fees and expenses of Trustees who are not affiliated persons of the Adviser or Distributor (as defined under the section entitled ("The Distributor") (c) the fees and certain expenses of the Custodian and Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent, including the cost of maintaining certain required records of the Fund and of pricing the Fund’s shares, (d) the charges and expenses of legal counsel and independent accountants for the Fund, (e) brokerage commissions and any issue or transfer taxes chargeable to the Fund in connection with its securities transactions, (f) all taxes and corporate fees payable by the Fund to governmental agencies, (g) the fees of any trade association of which the Fund may be a member, (h) the cost of fidelity and liability insurance, (i) the fees and expenses involved in registering and maintaining registration of the Fund and of shares with the SEC, qualifying its shares under state securities laws, including the preparation and printing of the Fund’s registration statements and prospectuses for such purposes, (j) all expenses of shareholders and Trustees' meetings (including travel expenses of trustees and officers of the Trust who are not directors, officers or employees of the Adviser) and of preparing, printing and mailing reports, proxy statements and prospectuses to shareholders in the amount necessary for distribution to the shareholders and (k) litigation and indemnification expenses and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund’s business.
The Advisory Agreement will continue in effect for two (2) years initially and thereafter shall continue from year to year provided such continuance is approved at least annually by (a) a vote of the majority of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting specifically called for the purpose of voting on such approval and by (b) the majority vote of either all of the Trustees or the vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. The Advisory Agreement may be terminated without penalty on 60 days written notice by a vote of a majority of the Trustees or by the Adviser, or by holders of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding shares (with respect to the Fund). The Advisory Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
Codes of Ethics
The Trust, the Adviser, and the Distributor have each adopted codes of ethics (each a “Code”) under Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act that governs the personal securities transactions of their board members, officers and employees who may have
21 |
access to current trading information of the Trust. Under the Codes, the Trustees are permitted to invest in securities that may also be purchased by the Funds.
In addition, the Trust has adopted a code of ethics (the “Trust Code”), which applies only to the Trust's executive officers to ensure that these officers promote professional conduct in the practice of corporate governance and management. The purpose behind these guidelines is to promote (i) honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships; (ii) full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that the Trust files with, or submits to, the SEC and in other public communications made by the Funds; (iii) compliance with applicable governmental laws, rule and regulations; (iv) the prompt internal reporting of violations of the Trust Code to an appropriate person or persons identified in the Trust Code; and (v) accountability for adherence to the Trust Code.
Proxy Voting Policies
The Board has adopted Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures ("Policies") on behalf of the Trust, which delegate the responsibility for voting proxies to the Adviser or its designee, subject to the Board's continuing oversight. The Policies require that the Adviser or its designee vote proxies received in a manner consistent with the best interests of the Funds and shareholders. The Policies also require the Adviser or its designee to present to the Board, at least annually, the Adviser's Proxy Policies, or the proxy policies of the Adviser's designee, and a record of each proxy voted by the Adviser or its designee on behalf of the Funds, including a report on the resolution of all proxies identified by the Adviser as involving a conflict of interest.
Where a proxy proposal raises a material conflict between the Adviser's interests and a Fund’s interests, the Adviser will resolve the conflict by voting in accordance with the policy guidelines or at the client's directive using the recommendation of an independent third party. If the third party's recommendations are not received in a timely fashion, the Adviser will abstain from voting the securities held by that client's account. A copy of the Adviser's and proxy voting policies is attached hereto as Appendix A.
More information . Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Funds during the most recent 12-month period ending June 30 will be available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling the Funds at 888-562-8880; and (2) on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, a copy of the Funds’ proxy voting policies and procedures are also available by calling 888-562-8880 and will be sent within three business days of receipt of a request.
The Distributor
Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, located at 17605 Wright Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130 (the "Distributor") serves as the principal underwriter and national distributor for the shares of the Funds pursuant to an underwriting agreement with the Trust (the "Underwriting Agreement"). The Distributor is registered as a broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and each state's securities laws and is a member of the FINRA. The offering of each Fund’s shares is continuous. The Underwriting Agreement provides that the Distributor, as agent in connection with the distribution of each Fund’s shares, will use reasonable efforts to facilitate the sale of the Fund’s shares.
The Underwriting Agreement provides that, unless sooner terminated, it will continue in effect for two years initially and thereafter shall continue from year to year, subject to annual approval by (a) the Board or a vote of a majority of the outstanding shares, and (b) by a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust or of the Distributor by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
The Underwriting Agreement may be terminated by the Funds at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the entire Board of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Funds on 60 days written notice to the Distributor, or by the Distributor at any time, without the payment of any penalty, on 60 days written notice to the Funds. The Underwriting Agreement will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment.
The Distributor may enter into selling agreements with broker-dealers that solicit orders for the sale of shares of the Funds and may allow concessions to dealers that sell shares of the Funds.
22 |
Rule 12b-1 Plans
The Trust, with respect to each Fund, has adopted the Trust’s Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plans pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the "Plan") for Shares pursuant to which the Funds are authorized to pay the Distributor, as compensation for Distributor's account maintenance services under the Plans. The Board has approved a distribution and shareholder servicing fee at the rate of up to 0.25% of each Fund’s average daily net assets. Such fees are to be paid by the Funds monthly, or at such other intervals as the Board shall determine. Such fees shall be based upon the Funds’ average daily net assets during the preceding month, and shall be calculated and accrued daily. The Funds may pay fees to the Distributor at a lesser rate, as agreed upon by the Board and the Distributor. The Plans authorize payments to the Distributor as compensation for providing account maintenance services to Fund shareholders, including arranging for certain securities dealers or brokers, administrators and others ("Recipients") to provide these services and paying compensation for these services. The Funds will bear their own costs of distribution with respect to its shares. The Plan was adopted in order to permit the implementation of the Fund’s method of distribution. No fees are currently paid by the Fund under the Plan, and there are no current plans to impose such fees. In the event such fees were to be charged, over time they would increase the cost of an investment in the Fund.
The services to be provided by Recipients may include, but are not limited to, the following: assistance in the offering and sale of Fund shares and in other aspects of the marketing of the shares to clients or prospective clients of the respective recipients; answering routine inquiries concerning the Funds; assisting in the establishment and maintenance of accounts or sub-accounts in the Funds and in processing purchase and redemption transactions; making the Funds’ investment plan and shareholder services available; and providing such other information and services to investors in shares of the Funds as the Distributor or the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, may reasonably request. The distribution services shall also include any advertising and marketing services provided by or arranged by the Distributor with respect to the Funds.
The Distributor is required to provide a written report, at least quarterly to the Board, specifying in reasonable detail the amounts expended pursuant to the Plan and the purposes for which such expenditures were made. Further, the Distributor will inform the Board of any Rule 12b-1 fees to be paid by the Distributor to Recipients.
The Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of the Distributor's compensation to be paid by each Fund, unless such amendment is approved by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the affected class of the Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act). All material amendments must be approved by a majority of the Board and a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Trustees by votes cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Plans. During the term of the Plans, the selection and nomination of non-interested Trustees of the Trust will be committed to the discretion of current non-interested Trustees. The Distributor will preserve copies of the Plans, any related agreements, and all reports, for a period of not less than six years from the date of such document and for at least the first two years in an easily accessible place.
Any agreement related to a Plan will be in writing and provide that: (a) it may be terminated by the Trust or the Funds at any time upon sixty days written notice, without the payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the respective Rule 12b-1 Trustees, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust or the Funds; (b) it will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act); and (c) it will continue in effect for a period of more than one year from the date of its execution or adoption only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a majority of the Board and a majority of the Rule 12b-1 Trustees by votes cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such agreement.
23 |
Portfolio Managers
Jason Wenk and Derek Prusa serve as the portfolio managers of the Funds. As of May 31, 2018, the portfolio managers are responsible for the portfolio management of the following types of accounts in addition to the Funds:
Jason Wenk
Total Other Accounts By Type |
Total Number of Accounts by Account Type |
Total Assets By Account Type (in millions) |
Number of Accounts by Type Subject to a Performance Fee |
Total Assets By Account Type Subject to a Performance Fee (in millions) |
Registered Investment Companies | 1 | $296 | 0 | 0 |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Other Accounts | 22,522 | $2,622 | 0 | 0 |
Derek Prusa
Total Other Accounts By Type |
Total Number of Accounts by Account Type |
Total Assets By Account Type (in millions) |
Number of Accounts by Type Subject to a Performance Fee | Total Assets By Account Type Subject to a Performance Fee |
Registered Investment Companies | 1 | $296 | 0 | 0 |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Other Accounts | 22,522 | $2,622 | 0 | 0 |
Conflicts of Interest
As a general matter, certain conflicts of interest may arise in connection with a portfolio manager's management of a Fund’s investments, on the one hand, and the investments of other accounts for which the portfolio manager is responsible, on the other. For example, it is possible that the various accounts managed could have different investment strategies that, at times, might conflict with one another to the possible detriment of a Fund. Alternatively, to the extent that the same investment opportunities might be desirable for more than one account, possible conflicts could arise in determining how to allocate them. Other potential conflicts might include conflicts created by specific portfolio manager compensation arrangements, and conflicts relating to selection of brokers or dealers to execute a Fund’s portfolio trades and/or specific uses of commissions from a Fund’s portfolio trades (for example, research, or "soft dollars", if any). The Adviser has adopted policies and procedures and has structured the portfolio managers' compensation in a manner reasonably designed to safeguard the Funds from being negatively affected as a result of any such potential conflicts.
Compensation
Mr. Wenk is compensated through a combination of base salary, discretionary bonus and equity participation in the Adviser. Mr. Prusa is compensated through a combination of base salary and discretionary bonus.
24 |
Ownership of Securities
The following table shows the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the portfolio managers in each Fund as of May 31, 2018.
Name of Portfolio Manager | Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Hedged Growth ETF | Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Smart Growth ETF | Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Tactical Growth ETF | Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Tactical Income ETF |
Jason Wenk | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Derek Prusa | $9,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Allocation of Portfolio Brokerage
Specific decisions to purchase or sell securities for a Fund are made by the portfolio managers who are employees of the Adviser. The Adviser may allocate the orders placed by them on behalf of a Fund to brokers or dealers who may, but need not, provide research or statistical material or other services to a Fund or the Adviser for a Fund’s use. Such allocation is to be in such amounts and proportions as the Adviser may determine.
In selecting a broker or dealer to execute each particular transaction, the Adviser will take the following into consideration:
· | the best net price available; |
· | the reliability, integrity and financial condition of the broker or dealer; |
· | the size of and difficulty in executing the order; and |
· | the value of the expected contribution of the broker or dealer to the investment performance of the Funds on a continuing basis. |
Brokers or dealers executing a portfolio transaction on behalf of the Funds may receive a commission in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for executing the transaction if the Adviser determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in relation to the value of brokerage and research services provided to the Funds. In allocating portfolio brokerage, the Adviser may select brokers or dealers who also provide brokerage, research and other services to other accounts over which the Adviser exercises investment discretion. Some of the services received as the result of Fund transactions may primarily benefit accounts other than the Fund, while services received as the result of portfolio transactions effected on behalf of those other accounts may primarily benefit the Funds.
For the fiscal period ended May 31, 2018, the funds paid the following in brokerage commissions:
Fund | Brokerage Commissions |
Hedged Growth ETF | $16,543 |
Smart Growth ETF | $0 |
Tactical Growth ETF | $3,932 |
Tactical Income ETF | $18,468 |
Portfolio Turnover
Each Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the fiscal year by the monthly average of the value of the portfolio securities owned by the Fund during the fiscal year. The calculation excludes from both the numerator and the denominator securities with maturities at the time of acquisition of one year or less. High portfolio turnover involves correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other transaction costs, which will be borne directly by the Fund. A 100% turnover rate would occur if all of a Fund’s portfolio securities were replaced once within a one-year period. For the fiscal period ended May 31, 2018, the Hedged Growth ETF, Smart Growth ETF, Tactical Growth ETF and Tactical Income ETF’s portfolio turnover rates were 138%, 0%, 56% and 48%, respectively.
25 |
Other Service Providers
Fund Administration
Gemini Fund Services, LLC, (the "Administrator"), which has its principal office at 80 Arkay Drive, Suite 110, Hauppauge, NY 11788, and is primarily in the business of providing administrative, fund accounting and transfer agent services to retail and institutional mutual funds. The Administrator is an affiliate of the Distributor.
Pursuant to a Fund Services Agreement with the Funds, the Administrator provides administrative services to the Funds, subject to the supervision of the Board. The Administrator may provide persons to serve as officers of the Funds. Such officers may be directors, officers or employees of the Administrator or its affiliates.
The Fund Services Agreement is dated July 27, 2016. The Agreement will remain in effect for two years from the effective date of the agreement, and will remain in effect subject to annual approval of the Board for one-year periods thereafter. The Administration Service Agreement is terminable by the Board or the Administrator on ninety days' written notice and may be assigned provided the non-assigning party provides prior written consent. This Agreement provides that in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Administrator or reckless disregard of its obligations thereunder, the Administrator shall not be liable for any action or failure to act in accordance with its duties thereunder.
Under the Fund Services Agreement, the Administrator provides facilitating administrative services, including: (i) providing services of persons competent to perform such administrative and clerical functions as are necessary to provide effective administration of the Funds; (ii) facilitating the performance of administrative and professional services to the Funds by others, including the Fund's Custodian; (iii) preparing, but not paying for, the periodic updating of the Funds' Registration Statement, Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information in conjunction with Fund counsel, including the printing of such documents for the purpose of filings with the SEC and state securities administrators, and preparing reports to the Funds’ shareholders and the SEC; (iv) preparing in conjunction with Fund counsel, but not paying for, all filings under the securities or "Blue Sky" laws of such states or countries as are designated by the Distributor, which may be required to register or qualify, or continue the registration or qualification, of each Fund and/or its shares under such laws; (v) preparing notices and agendas for meetings of the Board and minutes of such meetings in all matters required by the 1940 Act to be acted upon by the Board; and (vi) monitoring daily and periodic compliance with respect to all requirements and restrictions of the 1940 Act, the Internal Revenue Code and the Prospectuses.
The Administrator also provides the Funds with accounting services, including: (i) daily computation of net asset value; (ii) maintenance of security ledgers and books and records as required by the 1940 Act; (iii) production of the Funds’ listing of portfolio securities and general ledger reports; (iv) reconciliation of accounting records; (v) calculation of yield and total return for each Fund; (vi) maintenance of certain books and records described in Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act, and reconciliation of account information and balances among the Fund's custodian and Adviser; and (vii) monitoring and evaluation of daily income and expense accruals, and sales and redemptions of shares of the Funds.
For administrative services rendered to the Funds under the Agreement, the Funds pay GFS the greater of an annual minimum fee or an asset based fee, which scales downward based upon net assets. For the fund accounting services rendered to the Funds under the Agreement, the Funds pay GFS the greater of an annual minimum fee or an asset based fee, which scales downward based upon net assets. The Funds also pay GFS for any out-of-pocket expenses.
For the fiscal period ended May 31, 2018, the Funds paid the following amounts for administrative services.
Fund | Administrative Services Fees |
Hedged Growth ETF | $36,912 |
Smart Growth ETF | $17,808 |
Tactical Growth ETF | $17,824 |
Tactical Income ETF | $80,597 |
Transfer Agent
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (“BBH”), located at 50 Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02110, acts as transfer, dividend disbursing, and shareholder servicing agent for the Funds pursuant to written agreement with Fund (the “Transfer Agent”). Under the agreement, the Transfer Agent is responsible for administering and performing transfer agent functions, dividend distribution, shareholder administration, and maintaining necessary records in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.
26 |
For the fiscal period ended May 31, 2018, the Funds paid the following amounts for transfer agent services.
Fund | Transfer Agent Services Fees |
Hedged Growth ETF | $11,341 |
Smart Growth ETF | $6,352 |
Tactical Growth ETF | $7,911 |
Tactical Income ETF | $9,026 |
Custodian
BBH, located at 50 Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02110 (the "Custodian"), serves as the custodian of each Fund's assets pursuant to a Custodian and Transfer Agent Agreement by and between the Custodian and the Trust on behalf of each Fund. 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 each Fund's investments. Pursuant to the Custodian and Transfer Agent Agreement, the Custodian also maintains original entry documents and books of record and general ledgers; posts cash receipts and disbursements; and records purchases and sales based upon communications from the Adviser. The Funds may employ foreign sub-custodians that are approved by the Board to hold foreign assets.
Compliance Officer
Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (“NLCS”), 17605 Wright Street, Suite 2, Omaha, NE 68130, an affiliate of GFS and the Distributor, provides a Chief Compliance Officer to the Trust as well as related compliance services pursuant to a consulting agreement between NLCS and the Trust. NLCS’s compliance services consist primarily of reviewing and assessing the policies and procedures of the Trust and its service providers pertaining to compliance with applicable federal securities laws, including Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act. For the compliance services rendered to the Funds, the Funds pay NLCS a one-time fee plus an annual asset based fee, which scales downward based upon net assets. The Funds also pay NLCS for any out-of-pocket expenses.
For the fiscal period ended May 31, 2018, the Funds paid the following amounts for compliance services.
Fund | Compliance Services Fees |
Hedged Growth ETF | $18,225 |
Smart Growth ETF | $6,130 |
Tactical Growth ETF | $6,130 |
Tactical Income ETF | $25,294 |
Description of Shares
Each share of beneficial interest of the Trust has one vote in the election of Trustees. Cumulative voting is not authorized for the Trust. This means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voting for the election of Trustees can elect 100% of the Trustees if they choose to do so, and, in that event, the holders of the remaining shares will be unable to elect any Trustees.
Shareholders of the Trust and any other future series of the Trust will vote in the aggregate and not by series except as otherwise required by law or when the Board determines that the matter to be voted upon affects only the interest of the shareholders of a particular series or classes. Matters such as election of Trustees are not subject to separate voting requirements and may be acted upon by shareholders of the Trust voting without regard to series.
The Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest. Each share has equal, per-class, dividend, distribution and liquidation rights. There are no conversion or preemptive rights applicable to any shares of the Funds. All shares issued are fully paid and non-assessable.
27 |
Anti-Money Laundering Program
The Trust has established an Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Program (the "Program") as required by the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 ("USA PATRIOT Act"). To ensure compliance with this law, the Trust's Program provides for the development of internal practices, procedures and controls, designation of anti-money laundering compliance officers, an ongoing training program and an independent audit function to determine the effectiveness of the Program. The Trust's secretary serves as its Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer.
Procedures to implement the Program include, but are not limited to, determining that a Fund’s Distributor and Transfer Agent have established proper anti-money laundering procedures, reporting suspicious and/or fraudulent activity and a providing a complete and thorough review of all new opening account applications. The Trust will not transact business with any person or entity whose identity cannot be adequately verified under the provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act.
As a result of the Program, the Trust may be required to "freeze" the account of a shareholder if the shareholder appears to be involved in suspicious activity or if certain account information matches information on government lists of known terrorists or other suspicious persons, or the Trust may be required to transfer the account or proceeds of the account to a governmental agency.
Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Shares
Calculation of Share Price
As indicated in the Prospectus under the heading "Net Asset Value," the NAV of a Fund's shares is determined by dividing the total value of a Fund's portfolio investments and other assets, less any liabilities, by the total number of shares outstanding of a Fund.
The Administrator calculates a Fund’s NAV at the close of regular trading (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) every day that the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open. NAV is calculated by deducting all of a Fund’s liabilities from the total value of its assets and dividing the result by the number of Shares outstanding, rounding to the nearest cent. All valuations are subject to review by the Trust’s Board or its delegate.
In determining NAV, expenses are accrued and applied daily and securities and other assets for which market quotations are readily available are valued at market value. The NAV for a Fund will be calculated and disseminated daily. The value of a Fund’s portfolio securities is based on market value when market quotations are readily available.
Exchange-traded securities, such as common and preferred stocks, ETFs, ETPs, ETNs, closed-end funds, REITs, MLPs, REOCs and similar instruments, generally are valued by using market quotations, but may be valued on the basis of prices furnished by a pricing service when the Adviser believes such prices accurately reflect the fair market value of such securities. Securities that are traded on any stock exchange or on the Exchange are generally valued by the pricing service at the last quoted sale price. Lacking a last sale price, an equity security is generally valued by the pricing service at its last bid price. When market quotations are not readily available, when the Adviser determines that the market quotation or the price provided by the pricing service does not accurately reflect the current market value, or when restricted or illiquid securities are being valued, such securities are valued as determined in good faith by the Adviser. If a security’s market price is not readily available, the security will be valued at fair value as determined by the Trust’s Fair Value Committee in accordance with the Trust’s valuation policies and procedures approved by the Board. The values of assets denominated in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars based on the mean of the current bid and asked prices by major banking institutions and currency dealers.
Bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments are valued by a pricing service when the Adviser believes such prices are accurate and reflect the fair market value of such securities. If the Adviser decides that a price provided by the pricing service does not accurately reflect the fair market value of the securities, when prices are not readily available from a pricing service, or when restricted or illiquid securities are being valued, securities are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Adviser, subject to review by the Board. Short-term investments having a maturity of 60 days or less may be amortized to maturity, provided such valuations represent par value.
Futures contracts listed for trading on a futures exchange or board of trade for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the last quoted sales price or, in the absence of a sale, at the mean of the last bid and ask prices.
28 |
Even when market quotations are available, they may be stale or unreliable because the validity of market quotations appears to be questionable; the number of quotations is such as to indicate that there is a thin market in the security; a significant event occurs after the close of a market but before the Fund's NAV calculation that may affect a security's value; or the Adviser is aware of any other data that calls into question the reliability of market quotations such as issuer-specific events, which may include a merger or insolvency, events which affect a geographical area or an industry segment, such as political events or natural disasters, or market events, such as a significant movement in the U.S. market. Where market quotations are not readily available, including where the Adviser determines that the closing price of the security is unreliable, the Adviser will value the security at fair value in good faith using procedures approved by the Board. Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that a fair value determination for a security is materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of the security.
Because foreign markets may be open on different days than the days during which a shareholder may purchase Shares, the value of a Fund’s investments may change on days when shareholders are not able to purchase Shares.
Creation Units
Each Fund sells and redeems Shares in Creation Units on a continuous basis through the Distributor, without a sales load, at the NAV next determined after receipt of an order in proper form on any Business Day. A “Business Day” is any day on which the NYSE is open for business. As of the date of this SAI, the NYSE observes 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.
A Creation Unit is an aggregation of 25,000 shares for Smart Growth ETF and Tactical Growth ETF. A Creation Unit is an aggregation of 50,000 shares for Hedged Growth ETF and Tactical Income ETF. The Board may declare a split or a consolidation in the number of shares outstanding of a Fund or Trust, and make a corresponding change in the number of shares in a Creation Unit.
Authorized Participants
To purchase or redeem any Creation Units, you must be, or transact through, an Authorized Participant. In order to be an Authorized Participant, you must be either a broker-dealer or other participant (“Participating Party”) in the Continuous Net Settlement System (“Clearing Process”) of the National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”) or a participant in DTC with access to the DTC system (“DTC Participant”), and you must execute an agreement (“Participant Agreement”) with the Distributor that governs transactions in each Fund’s Creation Units.
Investors who are not Authorized Participants but want to transact in Creation Units may contact the Distributor for the names of Authorized Participants. An Authorized Participant may require investors to enter into a separate agreement to transact through it for Creation Units and may require orders for purchases of shares placed with it to be in a particular form. Investors transacting through a broker that is not itself an Authorized Participant and therefore must still transact through an Authorized Participant may incur additional charges. There are expected to be a limited number of Authorized Participants at any one time.
Orders must be transmitted by an Authorized Participant by telephone or other transmission method acceptable to the Distributor. Market disruptions and telephone or other communication failures may impede the transmission of orders.
Transaction Fees
A fixed fee payable to the Custodian is imposed on each creation and redemption transaction regardless of the number of Creation Units involved in the transaction (“Fixed Fee”). Purchases and redemptions of Creation Units for cash or involving cash-in-lieu (as defined below) are required to pay an additional variable charge to compensate the Fund and its ongoing shareholders for brokerage and market impact expenses relating to Creation Unit transactions (“Variable Charge,” and together with the Fixed Fee, the “Transaction Fees”). With the approval of the Board, the Adviser may waive or adjust the Transaction Fees, including the Fixed Fee and/or Variable Charge (shown in the table below), from time to time. In such cases, the Authorized Participant will reimburse the Fund for, among other things, any difference between the market value at which the securities and/or financial instruments were purchased by a Fund and the cash-in-lieu amount, applicable registration fees, brokerage commissions and certain taxes. In addition, purchasers of Creation Units are responsible for the costs of transferring the Deposit Securities to the account of a Fund.
29 |
Investors who use the services of a broker, or other such intermediary may be charged a fee for such services. The Transaction Fees for the Fund are listed in the table below.
Fee for In-Kind and Cash Purchases | Maximum Additional Variable Charge for Cash Purchases * |
$250 | 2.00% |
* | As a percentage of the amount invested. |
The Clearing Process
Transactions by an Authorized Participant that is a Participating Party using the NSCC system are referred to as transactions “through the Clearing Process.” Transactions by an Authorized Participant that is a DTC Participant using the DTC system are referred to as transactions “outside the Clearing Process.” The Clearing Process is an enhanced clearing process that is available only for certain securities and only to DTC participants that are also participants in the Continuous Net Settlement System of the NSCC. In-kind (portions of) purchase orders not subject to the Clearing Process will go through a manual clearing process run by DTC. Portfolio Deposits that include government securities must be delivered through the Federal Reserve Bank wire transfer system (“Federal Reserve System”). Fund Deposits that include cash may be delivered through the Clearing Process or the Federal Reserve System. In-kind deposits of securities for orders outside the Clearing Process must be delivered through the Federal Reserve System (for government securities) or through DTC (for corporate securities).
Foreign Securities
Because the portfolio securities of the Funds may trade on days that the Exchange is closed or are otherwise not Business Days for the Funds, shareholders may not be able to redeem their shares of the Funds, or to purchase or sell shares of the Funds on the Exchange, on days when the NAV of the Funds could be significantly affected by events in the relevant foreign markets.
Purchasing Creation Units
Portfolio Deposit
The consideration for a Creation Unit generally consists of the Deposit Securities and a Cash Component. Together, the Deposit Securities and the Cash Component constitute the “Portfolio Deposit.” The Cash Component serves the function of compensating for any differences between the net asset value per Creation Unit and the Deposit Securities. Thus, the Cash Component is equal to the difference between (x) the net asset value per Creation Unit of the Fund and (y) the market value of the Deposit Securities. If (x) is more than (y), the Authorized Participant will pay the Cash Component to a Fund. If (x) is less than (y), the Authorized Participant will receive the Cash Component from a Fund.
On each Business Day, prior to the opening of business on the Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m., Eastern Time), the Adviser through the Custodian makes available through NSCC the name and amount of each Deposit Security in the current Portfolio Deposit (based on information at the end of the previous Business Day) for a Fund and the (estimated) Cash Component, effective through and including the previous Business Day, per Creation Unit. The Deposit Securities announced are applicable to purchases of Creation Units until the next announcement of Deposit Securities.
Payment of any stamp duty or the like shall be the sole responsibility of the Authorized Participant purchasing a Creation Unit. The Authorized Participant must ensure that all Deposit Securities properly denote change in beneficial ownership.
Custom Orders and Cash-in-lieu
Each Fund may, in its sole discretion, permit or require the substitution of an amount of cash (“cash-in-lieu”) to be added to the Cash Component to replace any Deposit Security. The Fund may permit or require cash-in-lieu when, for example, a Deposit Security may not be available in sufficient quantity for delivery or may not be eligible for transfer through the systems of DTC or the Clearing Process. Similarly, a Fund may permit or require cash in lieu of Deposit Securities when, for example, the Authorized Participant or its underlying investor is restricted under U.S. or local securities laws or policies from transacting in one or more Deposit Securities. The Funds will comply with the federal securities laws in accepting Deposit Securities
30 |
including that the Deposit Securities are sold in transactions that would be exempt from registration under the Securities Act. All orders involving cash-in-lieu are considered to be “Custom Orders.”
Purchase Orders
To order a Creation Unit, an Authorized Participant must submit an irrevocable purchase order to the Distributor.
Timing of Submission of Purchase Orders
An Authorized Participant must submit an irrevocable purchase order no later than the earlier of (i) 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time or (ii) the closing time of the bond markets and/or the trading session on the Exchange, on any Business Day in order to receive that Business Day’s NAV (“Cut-off Time”). The Cut-off Time for Custom Orders is generally two hours earlier. The Business Day the order is deemed received by the Distributor is referred to as the “Transmittal Date.” An order to create Creation Units is deemed received on a Business Day if (i) such order is received by the Distributor by the Cut-off Time on such day and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. Persons placing or effectuating custom orders and/or orders involving cash should be mindful of time deadlines imposed by intermediaries, such as DTC and/or the Federal Reserve Bank wire system, which may impact the successful processing of such orders to ensure that cash and securities are transferred by the “Settlement Date,” which is generally the Business Day immediately following the Transmittal Date (“T+1”) for cash, and the second Business Day following the Transmittal Date for securities (“T+2”) with regard to the Smart Growth ETF and Tactical Growth ETF or third Business Day following the Transmittal Date for securities (“T+3”) with regard to the Hedged Growth ETF and the Tactical Income ETF.
Orders Using the Clearing Process
If available, (portions of) orders may be settled through the Clearing Process. In connection with such orders, the Distributor transmits, on behalf of the Authorized Participant, such trade instructions as are necessary to effect the creation order. Pursuant to such trade instructions, the Authorized Participant agrees to deliver the requisite Portfolio Deposit to a Fund, together with such additional information as may be required by the Distributor. Cash Components will be delivered using either the Clearing Process or the Federal Reserve System.
Orders Outside the Clearing Process
If the Clearing Process is not available for (portions of) an order, Portfolio Deposits will be made outside the Clearing Process. Orders outside the Clearing Process must state that the DTC Participant is not using the Clearing Process and that the creation of Creation Units will be effected through DTC. The Portfolio Deposit transfer must be ordered by the DTC Participant on the Transmittal Date in a timely fashion so as to ensure the delivery of Deposit Securities (whether standard or custom) through DTC to a Fund account by 11:00 a.m., Eastern time, on T+1. The Cash Component, along with any cash-in-lieu and Transaction Fee, must be transferred directly to the Custodian through the Federal Reserve System in a timely manner so as to be received by the Custodian no later than 12:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on T+1. If the Custodian does not receive both the Deposit Securities and the cash by the appointed time, the order may be canceled. A canceled order may be resubmitted the following Business Day but must conform to that Business Day’s Portfolio Deposit. Authorized Participants that submit a canceled order will be liable to a Fund for any losses incurred by a Fund in connection therewith.
Orders involving foreign Deposit Securities are expected to be settled outside the Clearing Process. Thus, upon receipt of an irrevocable purchase order, the Distributor will notify the Adviser and the Custodian of such order. The Custodian, who will have caused the appropriate local sub-custodian(s) of a Fund to maintain an account into which an Authorized Participant may deliver Deposit Securities (or cash-in-lieu), with adjustments determined by the Fund, will then provide information of the order to such local sub-custodian(s). The ordering Authorized Participant will then deliver the Deposit Securities (and any cash-in-lieu) to a Fund’s account at the applicable local sub-custodian. The Authorized Participant must also make available on or before the contractual settlement date, by means satisfactory to the Fund, immediately available or same day funds in U.S. dollars estimated by a Fund to be sufficient to pay the Cash Component and Transaction Fee. When a relevant local market is closed due to local market holidays, the local market settlement process will not commence until the end of the local holiday period. Settlement must occur by 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the contractual settlement date.
31 |
Acceptance of Purchase Order
All questions as to the number of shares of each security in the Deposit Securities and the validity, form, eligibility and acceptance for deposit of any securities to be delivered shall be determined by a Fund. A Fund’s determination shall be final and binding.
A Fund reserves the absolute right to reject or revoke acceptance of a purchase order transmitted to it by the Distributor if (a) the order is not in proper form; (b) the investor(s), upon obtaining the shares ordered, would own 80% or more of the currently outstanding shares of a Fund; (c) the Deposit Securities delivered do not conform to the Deposit Securities for the applicable date; (d) acceptance of the Deposit Securities would have certain adverse tax consequences to a Fund; (e) the acceptance of the Portfolio Deposit would, in the opinion of counsel, be unlawful; (f) the acceptance of the Portfolio Deposit would otherwise, in the discretion of the Trust, Fund or the Adviser, have an adverse effect on the Trust, Fund or the rights of beneficial owners; or (g) in the event that circumstances outside the control of the Trust, the Distributor and the Adviser make it for all practical purposes impossible to process purchase orders. Examples of such circumstances include acts of God; public service or utility problems resulting in telephone, telecopy or computer failures; fires, floods or extreme weather conditions; market conditions or activities causing trading halts; systems failures involving computer or other informational systems affecting the Trust, the Distributor, DTC, NSCC, the Adviser, the Funds’ Custodian, a sub-custodian or any other participant in the creation process; and similar extraordinary events. The Distributor shall notify an Authorized Participant of its rejection of the order. The Funds, the Custodian, any sub-custodian and the Distributor are under no duty, however, to give notification of any defects or irregularities in the delivery of Portfolio Deposits, and they shall not incur any liability for the failure to give any such notification.
Issuance of a Creation Unit
Once a Fund has accepted an order, upon next determination of the Fund’s NAV, the Fund will confirm the issuance of a Creation Unit, against receipt of payment, at such NAV. The Distributor will transmit a confirmation of acceptance to the Authorized Participant that placed the order.
Except as provided below, a Creation Unit will not be issued until a Fund obtains good title to the Deposit Securities and the Cash Component, along with any cash-in-lieu and Transaction Fee. Except as provided in Appendix C, the delivery of Creation Units will generally occur no later than T+2 with regard to Smart Growth ETF and Tactical Growth ETF or no later than T+3 with regard to Hedged Growth ETF and Tactical Income ETF.
In certain cases, Authorized Participants will create and redeem Creation Units on the same trade date. In these instances, the Trust reserves the right to settle these transactions on a net basis.
With respect to orders involving foreign Deposit Securities, when the applicable local sub-custodian(s) have confirmed to the Custodian that the Deposit Securities (or cash-in-lieu) have been delivered to a Fund’s account at the applicable local sub-custodian(s), the Distributor and the Adviser shall be notified of such delivery, and the Fund will issue and cause the delivery of the Creation Unit. While, as stated above, Creation Units are generally delivered on T+2 with regard to Smart Growth ETF and Tactical Growth ETF or T+3 with regard to Hedged Growth ETF and Tactical Income ETF, the Fund may settle Creation Unit transactions on a basis other than T+3 in order to accommodate foreign market holiday schedules, to account for different treatment among foreign and U.S. markets of dividend record dates and ex-dividend dates (that is the last day the holder of a security can sell the security and still receive dividends payable on the security), and in certain other circumstances.
A Fund may issue a Creation Unit prior to receiving good title to the Deposit Securities, under the following circumstances. Pursuant to the applicable Participant Agreement, the Fund may issue a Creation Unit notwithstanding that (certain) Deposit Securities have not been delivered, in reliance on an undertaking by the relevant Authorized Participant to deliver the missing Deposit Securities as soon as possible, which undertaking is secured by such Authorized Participant’s delivery to and maintenance with the Custodian of collateral having a value equal to at least 115% of the value of the missing Deposit Securities (“Collateral”), as adjusted by time to time by the Adviser. Such Collateral will have a value greater than the NAV of the Creation Unit on the date the order is placed. Such collateral must be delivered no later than 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on T+1. The only Collateral that is acceptable to the Fund is cash in U.S. Dollars.
While (certain) Deposit Securities remain undelivered, the Collateral shall at all times have a value equal to at least 115% (as adjusted by the Adviser) of the daily marked-to-market value of the missing Deposit Securities. At any time, the Fund may use the Collateral to purchase the missing securities, and the Authorized Participant will be liable to the Fund for any costs incurred thereby or losses resulting therefrom, whether or not they exceed the amount of the Collateral, including any Transaction Fee, any amount by which the purchase price of the missing Deposit Securities exceeds the market value of such
32 |
securities on the Transmittal Date, brokerage and other transaction costs. The Trust will return any unused Collateral once all of the missing securities have been received by the Fund. More information regarding the Fund’s current procedures for collateralization is available from the Distributor.
Cash Purchase Method
When cash purchases of Creation Units are available or specified for a Fund, they will be effected in essentially the same manner as in-kind purchases. In the case of a cash purchase, the investor must pay the cash equivalent of the Portfolio Deposit. In addition, cash purchases will be subject to Transaction Fees, as described above.
Notice to Texas Shareholders
Under section 72.1021(a) of the Texas Property Code, initial investors in a Fund who are Texas residents may designate a representative to receive notices of abandoned property in connection with Fund shares. Texas shareholders who wish to appoint a representative should notify the Trust’s Transfer Agent by writing to the address below to obtain a form for providing written notice to the Trust:
FormulaFolios Hedged Growth ETF;
FormulaFolios Smart Growth ETF;
FormulaFolios Tactical Growth ETF; or
FormulaFolios Tactical Income ETF
c/o Gemini Fund Services, LLC
17605 Wright Street, Suite 2
Omaha, Nebraska 68130
Redeeming a Creation Unit
Redemption Basket
The consideration received in connection with the redemption of a Creation Unit generally consists of an in-kind basket of designated securities (“Redemption Securities”) and a Cash Component. Together, the Redemption Securities and the Cash Component constitute the “Redemption Basket.”
There can be no assurance that there will be sufficient liquidity in shares in the secondary market to permit assembly of a Creation Unit. In addition, investors may incur brokerage and other costs in connection with assembling a Creation Unit.
The Cash Component serves the function of compensating for any differences between the net asset value per Creation Unit and the Redemption Securities. Thus, the Cash Component is equal to the difference between (x) the net asset value per Creation Unit of the Fund and (y) the market value of the Redemption Securities. If (x) is more than (y), the Authorized Participant will receive the Cash Component from a Fund. If (x) is less than (y), the Authorized Participant will pay the Cash Component to a Fund.
If the Redemption Securities on a Business Day are different from the Deposit Securities, prior to the opening of business on the Exchange (currently 9:30 a.m., Eastern Time), the Adviser through the Custodian makes available through NSCC the name and amount of each Redemption Security in the current Redemption Basket (based on information at the end of the previous Business Day) for a Fund and the (estimated) Cash Component, effective through and including the previous Business Day, per Creation Unit. If the Redemption Securities on a Business Day are different from the Deposit Securities, all redemption requests that day will be processed outside the Clearing Process.
The right of redemption may be suspended or the date of payment postponed: (i) for any period during which the NYSE is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday closings); (ii) for any period during which trading on the NYSE is suspended or restricted; (iii) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of the shares or determination of the ETF’s NAV is not reasonably practicable; or (iv) in such other circumstances as permitted by the SEC, including as described below.
33 |
Custom Redemptions and Cash-in-lieu
A Fund may, in its sole discretion, permit or require the substitution of cash-in-lieu to be added to the Cash Component to replace any Redemption Security. A Fund may permit or require cash-in-lieu when, for example, a Redemption Security may not be available in sufficient quantity for delivery or may not be eligible for transfer through the systems of DTC or the Clearing Process. Similarly, a Fund may permit or require cash-in-lieu of Redemption Securities when, for example, the Authorized Participant or its underlying investor is restricted under U.S. or local securities law or policies from transacting in one or more Redemption Securities. A Fund will comply with the federal securities laws in satisfying redemptions with Redemption Securities, including that the Redemption Securities are sold in transactions that would be exempt from registration under the Securities Act. All redemption requests involving cash-in-lieu are considered to be “Custom Redemptions.”
Redemption Requests
To redeem a Creation Unit, an Authorized Participant must submit an irrevocable redemption request to the Distributor.
An Authorized Participant submitting a redemption request is deemed to represent to a Fund that it or, if applicable, the investor on whose behalf it is acting, (i) owns outright or has full legal authority and legal beneficial right to tender for redemption the Creation Unit to be redeemed and can receive the entire proceeds of the redemption, and (ii) all of the Shares that are in the Creation Unit to be redeemed have not been borrowed, loaned or pledged to another party nor are they the subject of a repurchase agreement, securities lending agreement or such other arrangement that would preclude the delivery of such shares to the Fund. The Fund reserves the absolute right, in its sole discretion, to verify these representations, but will typically require verification in connection with higher levels of redemption activity and/or short interest in a Fund. If the Authorized Participant, upon receipt of a verification request, does not provide sufficient verification of the requested representations, the redemption request will not be considered to be in proper form and may be rejected by a Fund.
Timing of Submission of Redemption Requests
An Authorized Participant must submit an irrevocable redemption order no later than the Cut-off Time. In case of Custom Orders, the order must be received generally two hours earlier than the cut-off time. The Business Day the order is deemed received by the Distributor is referred to as the “Transmittal Date.” A redemption request is deemed received if (i) such order is received by the Distributor by the Cut-off Time on such day and (ii) all other procedures set forth in the Participant Agreement are properly followed. Persons placing or effectuating Custom Redemptions and/or orders involving cash should be mindful of time deadlines imposed by intermediaries, such as DTC and/or the Federal Reserve System, which may impact the successful processing of such orders to ensure that cash and securities are transferred by the Settlement Date, as defined above.
Requests Using the Clearing Process
If available, (portions of) redemption requests may be settled through the Clearing Process. In connection with such orders, the Distributor transmits on behalf of the Authorized Participant, such trade instructions as are necessary to effect the redemption. Pursuant to such trade instructions, the Authorized Participant agrees to deliver the requisite Creation Unit(s) to a Fund, together with such additional information as may be required by the Distributor. Cash Components will be delivered using either the Clearing Process or the Federal Reserve System, as described above.
Requests Outside the Clearing Process
If the Clearing Process is not available for (portions of) an order, Redemption Baskets will be delivered outside the Clearing Process. Orders outside the Clearing Process must state that the DTC Participant is not using the Clearing Process and that the redemption will be effected through DTC. The Authorized Participant must transfer or cause to be transferred the Creation Unit(s) of shares being redeemed through the book-entry system of DTC so as to be delivered through DTC to the Custodian by 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on received T+1. In addition, the Cash Component must be received by the Custodian by 12:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on T+1. If the Custodian does not receive the Creation Unit(s) and Cash Component by the appointed times on T+1, the redemption will be rejected, except in the circumstances described below. A rejected redemption request may be resubmitted the following Business Day.
Orders involving foreign Redemption Securities are expected to be settled outside the Clearing Process. Thus, upon receipt of an irrevocable redemption request, the Distributor will notify the Adviser and the Custodian. The Custodian will then provide information of the redemption to the Fund’s local sub-custodian(s). The redeeming Authorized Participant, or the investor on whose behalf is acting, will have established appropriate arrangements with a broker-dealer, bank or other custody
34 |
provider in each jurisdiction in which the Redemption Securities are customarily traded and to which such Redemption Securities (and any cash-in-lieu) can be delivered from the Fund’s accounts at the applicable local sub-custodian(s).
Acceptance of Redemption Requests
All questions as to the number of shares of each security in the Deposit Securities and the validity, form, eligibility and acceptance for deposit of any securities to be delivered shall be determined by the Trust. The Trust’s determination shall be final and binding.
Delivery of Redemption Basket
Once a Fund has accepted a redemption request, upon next determination of the Fund’s NAV, the Fund will confirm the issuance of a Redemption Basket, against receipt of the Creation Unit(s) at such NAV, any cash-in-lieu and Transaction Fee. A Creation Unit tendered for redemption and the payment of the Cash Component, any cash-in-lieu and Transaction Fee will be effected through DTC. The Authorized Participant, or the investor on whose behalf it is acting, will be recorded on the book-entry system of DTC.
The Redemption Basket will generally be delivered to the redeeming Authorized Participant within T+3. Except under the circumstances described below, however, a Redemption Basket generally will not be issued until the Creation Unit(s) are delivered to the Fund, along with the Cash Component, any cash-in-lieu and Transaction Fee.
In certain cases, Authorized Participants will create and redeem Creation Units on the same trade date. In these instances, the Trust reserves the right to settle these transactions on a net basis.
With respect to orders involving foreign Redemption Securities, the Fund may settle Creation Unit transactions on a basis other than T+2 with regard to Smart Growth ETF and Tactical Growth ETF or T+3 with regard to Hedged Growth ETF and Tactical Income ETF in order to accommodate foreign market holiday schedules, to account for different treatment among foreign and U.S. markets of dividend record dates and ex-dividend dates (that is the last day the holder of a security can sell the security and still receive dividends payable on the security), and in certain other circumstances. When a relevant local market is closed due to local market holidays, the local market settlement process will not commence until the end of the local holiday period. Listed below are the dates in calendar year 2017 in which the regular holidays in non-U.S. markets may impact Fund settlement. This list is based on information available to the Funds. The list may not be accurate or complete and is subject to change:
Argentina | Australia | Austria | Bahrain | Bangladesh | Belgium | Bermuda |
January 01 February 16, 17 March 23, 24 April 02, 03 May 01, 25 July 09 August 17 October 12 November 06, 27 December 07, 08, 25 |
January 01, 26 March 09 April 03, 06 June 08 August 03 October 05 November 03 December 24, 25, 28, 31 |
January 01, 06 April 03, 06 May 01, 14, 25 June 04 October 26 December 24, 25, 31 |
January 01, 25 May 03 July 19 September 24, 27, 28 October 14, 15, 22, 25, 26 December 16, 17, 23 |
January 04 March 17, 26 April 14, 28 May 03 June 03 July 01, 15, 19 September 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, October 22 November 04 December 16, 24, 31 |
January 01 April 03, 06 May 01 December 25,31 |
January 01 April 03 May 25 June 15 July 30, 31, September 07 November 11 December 25, 28 |
Bosnia-Herzegovina | Botswana | Brazil | Bulgaria | Canada | Chile | China |
January 01, 02, 06, 07, 09 March 02 April 06, 10, 13 May 01 July 17 September 24, 25 November 25 December 25 |
January 01, 02 April 03, 06 May 01, 14 July 01, 20, 21 September 30 October 01 December 25 |
January 01 February 16, 17, 18 April 03, 21, May 01 June 04 July 09 September 07 October 12, November 02, 20 December 24, 25, 31 |
January 01, 02, 24 March 02, 03 April 10, 13 May 01, 06, September 21, 22 December 24, 25, 31 |
January 01 February 16 April 03 May 18 July 01 August 03, September 07 October 12 November 11 December 25, 28 |
January 01 April 03 May 01, 21, June 29 July 16 September 18 October 12 December 08, 25, 31 |
January 01, 02, 19 February 16, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24, 28 April 03, 06, May 01, 25, June 22 July 01 September 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 28 October 01, 02,05, 06, 07, 12, 21 November 11, 26 December 25 |
35 |
36 |
37 |
Singapore | Slovakia | Slovenia | South Africa | South Korea | Spain | Sri Lanka |
January 01 February 18, 19, 20 April 03 May 01 June 01 July 17 August 07, 10 September 11, 24 November 10 December 25 |
January 01, 06 April 03, 06, May 01, 08 September 01, 15 November 17 December 24, 25 |
January 01 April 03, 06, 27 May 01 June 25 December 25 |
January 01 April 03, 06, 27 May 01 June 16 August 10 September 24 December 16, 24, 25 |
January 01 February 18, 19, 20 May 01, 05, 25 August 14 September 28, 29 October 09 December 25, 31 |
January 01 April 03, 06, May 01 December 24, 25, 31 |
January 01, 05, 08, 14, 15 February 03, 04, 17 March 05 April 03, 13, 14, May 01, 04 June 02 July 01, 31 September 24 October 27 November 10, 25 December 24, 25 |
Swaziland | Sweden | Switzerland | Taiwan | Tanzania, United Republic Of | Thailand | Trinidad & Tobago |
January 01, 08 April 03, 06, 20 May 01, 14, July 22 December 25 |
January 01, 05, 06 April 02, 03, 06, 30 May 01, 13, 14 June 19 October 30, December 24, 25, 31 |
January 01, 02 April 03, 06, May 01, 14, 25 December 24, 25, 31 |
January 01, 02 February 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 27, April 03, 06 May 01 June 19 September 28, 29 October 09 |
January 01, 12 April 03, 06, 07 May 01 July 01, 07, 17 September 24 October 14 November 05 December 09, 25 |
January 01, 02 March 04 April 06, 13, 14, 15 May 01, 04, 05 June 01 July 01, 30 August 12 October 23 December 07, 10 |
January 01 March 30 April 03, 06 June 04, 19 August 31 September 24 December 25 |
Tunisia | Turkey | Uganda | Ukraine | United Arab Emirates | United Kingdom | United States |
January 01, 14 March 20 April 09 May 01 July 17 August 13 September 24, 25 October 14, 15 |
January 01 April 23, May 01, 19, July 16, 17, September 23, 24, 25, October 28, 29 |
January 01, 26 April 03, 06, May 01 June 03, 09, September 24 October 09 December 25 |
January 01, 02, 05, 07 March 09 April 13 May 01, 04, 11 June 01, 29 August 24 |
January 01 February 16 May 17 July 19, 20 September 23, 24 October 14, 15 December 02, 03 |
January 01, 19 February 16 April 03, 06 May 01, 04, 25 August 31 December 25, 28 |
January 01, 19 February 16 April 03 May 25 July 03 September 07 October 12 November 11, 26 December 25 |
Uruguay | Venezuela | Vietnam | Zambia | Zimbabwe | ||
January 01, 06 February 16, 17 April 02, 03, May 01, 18 June 19 August 25 October 12 November 02 December 25 |
January 01, 05 February 16, 17 March 19 April 02, 03, May 01, 18 June 08, 24, 29 July 24 October 12 December 07, 24, 25, 31 |
January 01 February 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24, April 28, 29, 30 May 01 September 02 |
January 01, 02, 20 March 09, 12 April 03, 06, May 01, 25 July 06, 07, August 03 December 25 |
January 01 April 03, 06 May 01, 25 August 10, 11 December 22, 25 |
38 |
Cash Redemption Method
When cash redemptions of Creation Units are available or specified for a Fund, they will be effected in essentially the same manner as in-kind redemptions. In the case of a cash redemption, the investor will receive the cash equivalent of the Redemption Basket minus any Transaction Fees, as described above.
Tax Status
The following discussion is general in nature and should not be regarded as an exhaustive presentation of all possible tax ramifications. All shareholders should consult a qualified tax advisor regarding their investment in a Fund.
Each Fund has qualified and intends to continue to qualify and has elected to be treated as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Tax Code"), and intends to continue to so qualify, which requires compliance with certain requirements concerning the sources of its income, diversification of its assets, and the amount and timing of its distributions to shareholders. Such qualification does not involve supervision of management or investment practices or policies by any government agency or bureau. By so qualifying, a Fund should not be subject to federal income or excise tax on its net investment income or net capital gain, which are distributed to shareholders in accordance with the applicable timing requirements. Net investment income and net capital gain of a Fund will be computed in accordance with Section 852 of the Tax Code.
Net investment income is made up of dividends and interest less expenses. Net capital gain for a fiscal year is computed by taking into account any capital loss carryforward of a Fund. Capital losses incurred after January 31, 2011 may now be carried forward indefinitely and retain the character of the original loss. Under pre-enacted laws, capital losses could be carried forward to offset any capital gains for eight years, and carried forward as short-term capital, irrespective of the character of the original loss. Capital loss carry forwards are available to offset future realized capital gains. To the extent that these carry forwards are used to offset future capital gains it is probable that the amount offset will not be distributed to shareholders.
Each Fund intends to distribute all of its net investment income, any excess of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses, and any excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses in accordance with the timing requirements imposed by the Tax Code and therefore should not be required to pay any federal income or excise taxes. Distributions from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid quarterly by the Hedged Growth ETF, Smart Growth ETF and Tactical Growth ETF and monthly by Tactical Income ETF. The Funds distribute their net realized capital gains, if any, to shareholders annually no later than December 31 of each year. Both types of distributions will be in shares of a Fund unless a shareholder elects to receive cash.
To be treated as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Tax Code, a Fund must also (a) derive at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, net income from certain publicly traded partnerships and gains from the sale or other disposition of securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to the business of investing in such securities or currencies, and (b) diversify its holding so that, at the end of each fiscal quarter, (i) at least 50% of the market value of a Fund's assets is represented by cash, U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies, and other securities (for purposes of this calculation, generally limited in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the market value of a Fund's assets and 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer) and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of its assets is invested in the securities of (other than U.S. government securities or the securities of other regulated investment companies) any one issuer, two or more issuers that a Fund controls and that are determined to be engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses, or the securities of certain publicly traded partnerships.
If a Fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M in any fiscal year, it will be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes. As such the Fund would be required to pay income taxes on its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, at the rates generally applicable to corporations. Shareholders of the Fund generally would not be liable for income tax on the Fund's net investment income or net realized capital gains in their individual capacities. Distributions to shareholders, whether from a Fund's net investment income or net realized capital gains, would be treated as taxable dividends to the extent of current or accumulated earnings and profits of a Fund.
39 |
Each Fund is subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on certain undistributed amounts of ordinary income and capital gain under a prescribed formula contained in Section 4982 of the Tax Code. The formula requires payment to shareholders during a calendar year of distributions representing at least 98% of a Fund's ordinary income for the calendar year and at least 98.2% of its capital gain net income (i.e., the excess of its capital gains over capital losses) realized during the one-year period ending October 31 during such year plus 100% of any income that was neither distributed nor taxed to a Fund during the preceding calendar year. Under ordinary circumstances, each Fund expects to time its distributions so as to avoid liability for this tax.
The following discussion of tax consequences is for the general information of shareholders that are subject to tax. Shareholders that are IRAs or other qualified retirement plans are exempt from income taxation under the Tax Code.
Distributions of taxable net investment income and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.
Distributions of net capital gain ("capital gain dividends") generally are taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gain; regardless of the length of time the shares of the Trust have been held by such shareholders.
Certain U.S. shareholders, including individuals and estates and trusts, are 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 a Fund.
Redemption of Fund shares by a shareholder will result in the recognition of taxable gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized and the shareholder's tax basis in his or her Fund shares. Such gain or loss is treated as a capital gain or loss if the shares are held as capital assets. However, any loss realized upon the redemption of shares within six months from the date of their purchase will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as capital gain dividends during such six-month period. All or a portion of any loss realized upon the redemption of shares may be disallowed to the extent shares are purchased (including shares acquired by means of reinvested dividends) within 30 days before or after such redemption.
Distributions of taxable net investment income and net capital gain will be taxable as described above, whether received in additional cash or shares. Shareholders electing to receive distributions in the form of additional shares will have a cost basis for federal income tax purposes in each share so received equal to the net asset value of a share on the reinvestment date.
All distributions of taxable net investment income and net capital gain, whether received in shares or in cash, must be reported by each taxable shareholder on his or her federal income tax return. Dividends or distributions declared in October, November or December as of a record date in such a month, if any, will be deemed to have been received by shareholders on December 31, if paid during January of the following year. Redemptions of shares may result in tax consequences (gain or loss) to the shareholder and are also subject to these reporting requirements.
Under the Tax Code, a Fund will be required to report to the Internal Revenue Service all distributions of taxable income and capital gains as well as gross proceeds from the redemption or exchange of Fund shares, except in the case of certain exempt shareholders. Under the backup withholding provisions of Section 3406 of the Tax Code, distributions of taxable net investment income and net capital gain and proceeds from the redemption or exchange of the shares of a regulated investment company may be subject to withholding of federal income tax in the case of non-exempt shareholders who fail to furnish the investment company with their taxpayer identification numbers and with required certifications regarding their status under the federal income tax law, or if a Fund is notified by the IRS or a broker that withholding is required due to an incorrect TIN or a previous failure to report taxable interest or dividends. If the withholding provisions are applicable, any such distributions and proceeds, whether taken in cash or reinvested in additional shares, will be reduced by the amounts required to be withheld.
Options, Futures, Forward Contracts and Swap Agreements
To the extent such investments are permissible for a Fund, the Fund's transactions in options, futures contracts, hedging transactions, forward contracts, straddles and foreign currencies will be subject to special tax rules (including mark-to-market, constructive sale, straddle, wash sale and short sale rules), the effect of which may be to accelerate income to the Fund, defer losses to the Fund, cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Fund's securities, convert long-term capital gains into short-
40 |
term capital gains and convert short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses. These rules could therefore affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to shareholders.
To the extent such investments are permissible, certain of a Fund's hedging activities (including its transactions, if any, in foreign currencies or foreign currency-denominated instruments) are likely to produce a difference between its book income and its taxable income. If a Fund's book income exceeds its taxable income, the distribution (if any) of such excess book income will be treated as (i) a dividend to the extent of a Fund's remaining earnings and profits (including earnings and profits arising from tax-exempt income), (ii) thereafter, as a return of capital to the extent of the recipient's basis in the shares, and (iii) thereafter, as gain from the sale or exchange of a capital asset. If a Fund's book income is less than taxable income, a Fund could be required to make distributions exceeding book income to qualify as a regulated investment company that is accorded special tax treatment.
Passive Foreign Investment Companies
Investment by a Fund in certain passive foreign investment companies ("PFICs") could subject the Fund to a U.S. federal income tax (including interest charges) on distributions received from the company or on proceeds received from the disposition of shares in the company, which tax cannot be eliminated by making distributions to Fund shareholders. However, a Fund may elect to treat a PFIC as a qualified electing fund ("QEF"), in which case the Fund will be required to include its share of the company's income and net capital gains annually, regardless of whether it receives any distribution from the company.
A Fund also may make an election to mark the gains (and to a limited extent losses) in such holdings "to the market" as though it had sold and repurchased its holdings in those PFICs on the last day of a Fund's taxable year. Such gains and losses are treated as ordinary income and loss. The QEF and mark-to-market elections may accelerate the recognition of income (without the receipt of cash) and increase the amount required to be distributed for a Fund to avoid taxation. Making either of these elections, therefore, may require a Fund to liquidate other investments (including when it is not advantageous to do so) to meet its distribution requirement, which also may accelerate the recognition of gain and affect a Fund's total return.
Foreign Currency Transactions
A Fund's transactions in foreign currencies, foreign currency-denominated debt securities and certain foreign currency options, futures contracts and forward contracts (and similar instruments) may give rise to ordinary income or loss to the extent such income or loss results from fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency concerned.
Foreign Taxation
Income received by a Fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries. Tax treaties and conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes. If more than 50% of the value of a Fund's total assets at the close of its taxable year consists of securities of foreign corporations, the Fund may be able to elect to "pass through" to the Fund's shareholders the amount of eligible foreign income and similar taxes paid by the Fund. If this election is made, a shareholder generally subject to tax will be required to include in gross income (in addition to taxable dividends actually received) his or her pro rata share of the foreign taxes paid by a Fund, and may be entitled either to deduct (as an itemized deduction) his or her pro rata share of foreign taxes in computing his or her taxable income or to use it as a foreign tax credit against his or her U.S. federal income tax liability, subject to certain limitations. In particular, a shareholder must hold his or her shares (without protection from risk of loss) on the ex-dividend date and for at least 15 more days during the 30-day period surrounding the ex-dividend date to be eligible to claim a foreign tax credit with respect to a gain dividend. No deduction for foreign taxes may be claimed by a shareholder who does not itemize deductions. Each shareholder will be notified within 60 days after the close of the Fund's taxable year whether the foreign taxes paid by the Fund will "pass through" for that year.
Generally, a credit for foreign taxes is subject to the limitation that it may not exceed the shareholder's U.S. tax attributable to his or her total foreign source taxable income. For this purpose, if the pass-through election is made, the source of a Fund's income will flow through to shareholders of the Fund. With respect to a Fund, gains from the sale of securities will be treated as derived from U.S. sources and certain currency fluctuation gains, including fluctuation gains from foreign currency-denominated debt securities, receivables and payables will be treated as ordinary income derived from U.S. sources. The limitation on the foreign tax credit is applied separately to foreign source passive income, and to certain other types of income. A shareholder may be unable to claim a credit for the full amount of his or her proportionate share of the foreign taxes paid by a Fund. The foreign tax credit can be used to offset only 90% of the revised alternative minimum tax imposed on corporations and individuals and foreign taxes generally are not deductible in computing alternative minimum taxable income.
41 |
Original Issue Discount and Pay-In-Kind Securities
Current federal tax law requires the holder of a U.S. Treasury or other fixed income zero coupon security to accrue as income each year a portion of the discount at which the security was purchased, even though the holder receives no interest payment in cash on the security during the year. In addition, pay-in-kind securities will give rise to income, which is required to be distributed and is taxable even though the Fund holding the security receives no interest payment in cash on the security during the year.
Some of the debt securities (with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by a Fund may be treated as debt securities that are issued originally at a discount. Generally, the amount of the original issue discount ("OID") is treated as interest income and is included in income over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, usually when the debt security matures. A portion of the OID includable in income with respect to certain high-yield corporate debt securities (including certain pay-in-kind securities) may be treated as a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Some of the debt securities (with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by a Fund in the secondary market may be treated as having market discount. Generally, any gain recognized on the disposition of, and any partial payment of principal on, a debt security having market discount is treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain, or principal payment, does not exceed the "accrued market discount" on such debt security. Market discount generally accrues in equal daily installments. A Fund may make one or more of the elections applicable to debt securities having market discount, which could affect the character and timing of recognition of income.
Some debt securities (with a fixed maturity date of one year or less from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by a Fund may be treated as having acquisition discount, or OID in the case of certain types of debt securities. Generally, a Fund will be required to include the acquisition discount, or OID, in income over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, usually when the debt security matures. A Fund may make one or more of the elections applicable to debt securities having acquisition discount, or OID, which could affect the character and timing of recognition of income.
A Fund that holds the foregoing kinds of securities may be required to pay out as an income distribution each year an amount that is greater than the total amount of cash interest a Fund actually received. Such distributions may be made from the cash assets of a Fund or by liquidation of portfolio securities, if necessary (including when it is not advantageous to do so). A Fund may realize gains or losses from such liquidations. In the event a Fund realizes net capital gains from such transactions, its shareholders may receive a larger capital gain distribution, if any, than they would in the absence of such transactions.
Shareholders of a Fund may be subject to state and local taxes on distributions received from the Fund and on redemptions of the Fund’s shares.
A brief explanation of the form and character of the distribution accompany each distribution. In January of each year the Fund issues to each shareholder a statement of the federal income tax status of all distributions.
Shareholders should consult their tax advisors about the application of federal, state and local and foreign tax law in light of their particular situation.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board has selected Cohen & Company, Ltd., located at 1350 Euclid Avenue, Suite 800, Cleveland, OH 44115, as the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm for the current fiscal period. The firm provides services including (i) audit of annual financial statements, and (ii) assistance and consultation in connection with SEC filings.
Legal Counsel
Thompson Hine LLP, 41 South High Street, Suite 1700, Columbus, Ohio 43215, serves as the Trust's legal counsel.
42 |
Financial Statements
The audited financial statements and report of the independent registered public accounting firm required to be included in this SAI are hereby incorporated by reference to the Annual Reports for the Funds for the fiscal period ended May 31, 2018. You can obtain copies of the Annual Reports without charge by calling the Funds at 888-562-8880.
43 |
Adviser Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
FORMULAFOLIO INVESTMENTS, LLC PROXY VOTING POLICY
PROXY VOTING PROCEDURES
A. | Responsibility of FormulaFolio Investments (“FFI”) to Vote Proxies – FFI’s Proxy Voting Policies and Principles |
FFI serves as investment advisor to the FormulaFolios US Equity Fund and the FormulaFolios US Equity Portfolio under the Northern Lights Fund Trust II. FFI’s proxy voting positions have been developed based on years of experience with proxy voting and corporate governance issues. These principles have been reviewed by various members of FFI’s organization, including portfolio management, legal counsel, and FFI’s officers. The Board of Managers of FFI will approve the proxy voting policies and procedures annually.
B. | How FFI Votes Proxies - Fiduciary Considerations |
FFI does not consider recommendations from any other third party to be determinative of FFI’s ultimate decision. As a matter of policy, the officers, directors and employees of FFI will not be influenced by outside sources whose interests conflict with the interests of FFI’s Clients.
C. | Conflicts of Interest |
All conflicts of interest will be resolved in the interests of FFI’s Clients. In situations where FFI perceives a material conflict of interest, FFI will disclose the conflict to the relevant FFI’s Clients. In these cases, FFI will defer to the voting recommendation of an independent third party provider of proxy services, send the proxy directly to the relevant FFI’s Clients for a voting decision, or take such other action in good faith (in consultation with counsel) which would protect the interests of FFI’s Clients.
D. | Weight Given Management Recommendations |
One of the primary factors FFI considers when determining the desirability of investing in a particular company is the quality and depth of that company’s management. Accordingly, the recommendation of management on any issue is a factor which FFI considers in determining how proxies should be voted. However, FFI does not consider recommendations from management to be determinative of FFI’s ultimate decision. As a matter of practice, the votes with respect to most issues are cast in accordance with the position of the company’s management. Each issue, however, is considered on its own merits, and FFI will not support the position of a company’s management in any situation where it determines that the ratification of management’s position would adversely affect the investment merits of owning that company’s shares.
E. | General Proxy Voting Guidelines |
FFI has adopted general guidelines for voting proxies as summarized below. Although these guidelines are to be followed as a general policy, in all cases each proxy will be considered based on the relevant facts and circumstances. These guidelines cannot provide an exhaustive list of all the issues that may arise nor can FFI anticipate all future situations. Corporate governance issues are diverse and continually evolving and FFI devotes significant time and resources to monitor these changes.
A- 1 |
The following guidelines reflect what FFI believes to be good corporate governance and behavior:
1. | Board of Managers. The election of directors and an independent board are key to good corporate governance. Directors are expected to be competent individuals and they should be accountable and responsive to shareholders. FFI supports an independent board of managers, and prefers that key committees such as audit, nominating, and compensation committees be comprised of independent directors. FFI will generally vote against management efforts to classify a board and will generally support proposals to declassify the board of managers. While generally in favor of separating Chairman and CEO positions, FFI will review this issue on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration other factors including the company’s corporate governance guidelines and performance. |
2. | Ratification of Auditors. In light of several high profile accounting scandals, FFI will closely scrutinize the role and performance of auditors. On a case-by-case basis, FFI will examine proposals relating to non-audit relationships and non-audit fees. FFI will also consider, on a case-by-case basis, proposals to rotate auditors, and will vote against the ratification of auditors when there is clear and compelling evidence of accounting irregularities or negligence attributable to the auditors. |
3. | Management & Director Compensation. A company’s equity-based compensation plan should be in alignment with the shareholders’ long-term interests. FFI evaluates plans on a case-by-case basis by considering several factors to determine whether the plan is fair and reasonable. FFI will review on a case-by-case basis any shareholder proposals to adopt policies on expensing stock option plans, and will continue to closely monitor any future developments in this area. |
4. | Anti-Takeover Mechanisms and Related Issues. FFI generally opposes anti-takeover measures since they tend to reduce shareholder rights. However, as with all proxy issues, FFI conducts an independent review of each anti-takeover proposal. |
5. | Changes to Capital Structure. FFI realizes that a company’s financing decisions have a significant impact on its shareholders, particularly when they involve the issuance of additional shares of common or preferred stock or the assumption of additional debt. FFI will carefully review, on a case-by-case basis, proposals by companies to increase authorized shares and the purpose for the increase. FFI will generally not vote in favor of dual-class capital structures to increase the number of authorized shares where that class of stock would have superior voting rights. FFI will generally vote in favor of the issuance of preferred stock in cases where the company specifies the voting, dividend, conversion and other rights of such stock and the terms of the preferred stock issuance are deemed reasonable. FFI will review proposals seeking preemptive rights on a case- by-case basis. |
6. | Mergers and Corporate Restructuring. Mergers and acquisitions will be subject to careful review by the research analyst to determine whether they would be beneficial to shareholders. FFI will analyze various economic and strategic factors in making the final decision on a merger or acquisition. Corporate restructuring proposals are also subject to a thorough examination on a case-by-case basis. |
7. | Social and Corporate Policy Issues. As a fiduciary, FFI is primarily concerned about the financial interests of its FFI’s Clients. FFI will generally give management discretion with regard to social, environmental and ethical issues although FFI may vote in favor of those issues that are believed to have significant economic benefits or implications. |
A- 2 |
F. | Proxy Procedures |
FFI is fully cognizant of its responsibility to process proxies and maintain proxy records pursuant to SEC rules and regulations. In addition, FFI understands its fiduciary duty to vote proxies and that proxy voting decisions may affect the value of shareholdings. Therefore, FFI will attempt to process every proxy it receives for all domestic and foreign proxies. However, there may be situations in which FFI cannot vote proxies. For example, if the cost of voting a foreign proxy outweighs the benefit of voting, FFI may refrain from processing that vote. Additionally, FFI may not be given enough time to process the vote. For example, FFI may receive a meeting notice from the company too late, or may be unable to obtain a timely translation of the agenda. In addition, if FFI has outstanding sell orders, the proxies for those meetings may not be voted in order to facilitate the sale of those securities. Although FFI may hold shares on a company’s record date, should it sell them prior to the company’s meeting date, FFI ultimately may decide not to vote those shares.
The following describes the standard procedures that are to be followed with respect to carrying out FFI’s proxy policy:
1. | FFI will identify all clients, maintain a list of those clients, and indicate those clients who have delegated proxy voting authority to FFI. FFI will periodically review and update this list. |
2. | In determining how to vote, the relevant portfolio manager(s) will consider the General Proxy Voting Guidelines set forth above, their in-depth knowledge of the company, and any readily available information and research about the company. |
3. | FFI is responsible for maintaining the documentation that supports Company’s voting position. Such documentation will include, but is not limited to, any information provided by proxy service providers, and, especially as to non-routine, materially significant or controversial matters, memoranda describing the position it has taken, why that position is in the best interest of its clients (including separate accounts such as ERISA accounts as well as mutual funds), an indication of whether it supported or did not support management and any other relevant information. Additionally, FFI may include documentation obtained from the research analyst, portfolio manager and/or legal counsel. |
4. | FFI will prepare reports for each client that has requested a record of votes cast. The report will specify the proxy issues that have been voted for the client during the requested period and the position taken with respect to each issue. FFI will send one copy to the client, will retain a copy in the client’s file and will forward a copy to the appropriate portfolio manager. |
5. | FFI will ensure that all required disclosure about proxy voting of the investment FFI’s clients is made in such clients’ disclosure documents. |
6. | Periodically, FFI will verify that: |
§ | All annual proxies for the securities held by Company Clients have been received; |
§ | Each proxy or a sample of proxies received has been voted in a manner consistent with these Procedures and the Proxy Voting Guidelines; |
§ | Adequate disclosure has been made to clients and fund shareholders about the procedures and how proxies were voted; and timely filings were made with the SEC related to proxy voting. |
A- 3 |
G. | Proxies for Other Investment Companies |
FFI serves as investment adviser to open-end investment companies established as exchange traded funds (“ETFs”) under the Northern Lights Fund Trust IV (“ETF Client”). The ETF Client may make investments in other investment companies that are not affiliated (“Underlying Funds”). The ETF Client is required by the 1940 Act to handle proxies received from Underlying Funds in a certain manner. Subject to participation agreements with certain Underlying ETF issuers that have received exemptive orders from the SEC allowing investing funds to exceed the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1)(A) and (B) of the 1940 Act, FFI will mirror vote proxies when required to do so by participation agreements and SEC orders. Specifically, when the ETF clients, FFI, any person controlling, controlled by, or under common control with FFI, and any 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7)fund managed by FFI (the “Advisory Group”) hold, in the aggregate, 25% or more of the shares of the Underlying Fund, such shares will be voted in the same proportion as the vote of all other holders of shares of the Fund. After properly voted, the proxy materials are placed in a file maintained by the Chief Compliance Officer for future reference.
If an ETF Client invests in Underlying Funds that do not have an exemptive order allowing investing funds to exceed the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1)(A) and (B) of the 1940 Act, FFI will mirror vote proxies received from the Underlying Fund in order to rely of Section 12(d)(1)(F).
H. | Recordkeeping |
FFI is responsible for maintaining appropriate proxy voting records. Such records will include, but are not limited to, a copy of all materials returned to the issuer and/or its agent, the documentation described above, listings of proxies voted by issuer and by client, and any other relevant information.
The Chief Compliance Officer and the Institutional Projects Manager are responsible for ensuring that all proxies received by FFI are voted in a timely manner and in a manner consistent with the established FFI’s policies. Although the majority of proxy proposals can be handled in accordance with FFI’s established proxy policies, FFI recognizes that some proposals require special consideration that may dictate that exceptions are made to its general procedures.
A- 4 |
PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 28. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(a) Articles of Incorporation.
(i) | Registrant's Trust Instrument was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on August 14, 2015 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 and is incorporated by reference. |
(ii) | Certificate of Trust was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on June 8, 2015 and is incorporated by reference. |
(b) By-Laws. Registrant's By-Laws was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s
Registration Statement on August 14, 2015 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 and is incorporated by reference.
(c) Instruments Defining Rights of Security Holder. None other than in the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the Registrant.
(d) Investment Advisory Contracts.
(i) | Management Agreement between Anchor Capital Management Group, Inc. and the Registrant with respect to Anchor Tactical Credit Strategies Fund was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on August 14, 2015 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 and is incorporated by reference. |
(ii) | Management Agreement between Main Management Fund Advisors, LLC and the Registrant, with respect to the Main BuyWrite Fund was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on December 21, 2015 in Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 and is incorporated by reference. |
(iii) | Management Agreement between Measured Risk Portfolios, Inc. and the Registrant, with respect to the Measured Risk Strategy Fund was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on December 21, 2015 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 and is incorporated by reference. |
(iv) | Management Agreement between Tree Ring Capital Management LLC and the Registrant, with respect to the Tree Ring Stock Fund was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on March 24, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 and is incorporated by reference. |
(v) | Management Agreement between Moerus Capital Management LLC and the Registrant, with respect to the Moerus Worldwide Value Fund was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on May 20, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 and is incorporated by reference. |
(vi) | Form of Management Agreement between LGM Capital Management, LLC and the Registrant, with respect to the Low Beta Tactical 500 Fund was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on August 26, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 and is incorporated by reference. |
(vii) | Management Agreement between Anchor Capital Management Group, Inc. and the Registrant, with respect to the Anchor Tactical Equity Strategies Fund, Anchor Tactical Municipal Strategies Fund, Anchor Tactical Real Estate Fund, Anchor Tactical Equity Strategies VP, Anchor Tactical Municipal Strategies VP, Anchor Tactical Real Estate VP, and Anchor Tactical Credit Strategies VP was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on August 31, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 and is incorporated by reference. |
(viii) | Management Agreement between Blue Sky Asset Management, LLC and the Registrant, with respect to the QUANTX Risk Managed Growth ETF, QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Income ETF, QUANTX Risk Managed Real Return ETF, QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Total Return ETF and QUANTX Dynamic Beta US Equity ETF was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on January 20, 2017 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 and is incorporated by reference. |
(ix) | Form of Sub-Advisory Agreement between Measured Risk Portfolios, Inc. and Black Peak Capital, LLC was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on December 8, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 and is incorporated by reference. |
(x) | Management Agreement between Regents Park Funds, LLC and the Registrant, with respect to the Affinity Global Franchise Equity ETF and Anfield Capital Diversified Liquid Alternatives ETF was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on October 6, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 and is incorporated by reference. |
(xi) | Sub-advisory Agreement between Regents Park Funds, LLC and Affinity Investment Advisors, LLC with respect to the Affinity Global Franchise Equity ETF was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on May 12, 2017 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 and is incorporated by reference. |
(xii) | Sub-advisory Agreement between Regents Park Funds, LLC and Anfield Capital Management, LLC with respect to the Anfield Capital Diversified Liquid Alternatives ETF was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on October 6, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 and is incorporated by reference. |
(xiii) | Management Agreement between FormuliaFolio Investments, LLC and the Registrant, with respect to the FormulaFolios Hedged Growth ETF and FormulaFolios Income ETF was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on May 5, 2017 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 and is incorporated by reference. |
(xiv) | Management Agreement between FormuliaFolio Investments, LLC and the Registrant, with respect to the FormulaFolios Smart Growth ETF and FormulaFolios Tactical Growth ETF was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on October 23, 2017 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 78 and is incorporated by reference. |
a. | Amended Appendix A to Management Agreement between FormuliaFolio Investments, LLC and the Registrant with respect to the FormulaFolios Flexible Income ETF and FormulaFolios Sector Rotation ETF to be filed by subsequent amendment. |
(xv) | Management Agreement between CWM Advisors, LLC dba Inspire and the Registrant was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on February 10, 2017 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 and is incorporated by reference. |
a. | Amended Appendix A to Management Agreement between CWM Advisors, LLC dba Inspire and the Registrant was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on October 20, 2017 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 77 and is incorporated by reference. |
(xvi) | Management Agreement between Main Management ETF Advisors, LLC and the Registrant, with respect to the Main Sector Rotation ETF was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on July 7, 2017 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 and is incorporated by reference. |
(xvii) | Management Agreement between IQ Capital Strategy, LLC and the Registrant, with respect to the IQ-Striquer Fund was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on October 11, 2017 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 73 and is incorporated by reference. |
(xviii) | Management Agreement between Sage Advisory Services, LTD. Co. and the Registrant, with respect to the Sage ESG Intermediate Credit ETF was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on October 20, 2017 with post-Effective Amendment No. 76 and is incorporated by reference. |
(xix) | Management Agreement between Rule One Partners and the Registrant, with respect to the Rule One Fund to be filed by subsequent amendment. |
(e) Underwriting Contracts.
(i) | Underwriting Agreement with Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on August 14, 2015 with Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 and is incorporated by reference. |
(ii) | Underwriting Agreement with Ceros Financial Services was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on March 24, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 and is incorporated by reference. |
(iii) | Underwriting Agreement with Foreside Fund Services, LLC was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on May 20, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 and is incorporated by reference. |
a. | Underwriting Agreement with Foreside Fund Services, LLC was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on March 26, 2018 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 95 and is incorporated by reference. |
(iv) | ETF Underwriting Agreement with Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on January 20, 2017 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 and is incorporated by reference. |
(f) Bonus or Profit Sharing Contracts. None.
(g) Custodial Agreement.
(i) | Custody Agreement with MUFG Union Bank, N.A. was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on August 14, 2015 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 and is incorporated by reference. |
(ii) | Custody Agreement with The Huntington National Bank was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on December 21, 2015 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 and is incorporated by reference. |
(iii) | Form of Custody Agreement with The Bank of New York Mellon was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on May 20, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 and is incorporated by reference. |
(iv) | Custodian and Transfer Agreement with Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on January 20, 2017 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 and is incorporated by reference. |
(v) | Custody Agreement with Fifth Third Bank was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on October 11, 2017 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 73 and is incorporated by reference. |
(h) Other Material Contracts.
(i) | Fund Services Agreement was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on August 14, 2015 with Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 and is incorporated by reference. |
(ii) | Expense Limitation Agreement between Main Management Fund Advisors, LLC and the Registrant with respect to the Main BuyWrite Fund was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on March 28, 2017 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 52 and is incorporated by reference. |
(iii) | Expense Limitation Agreement between Measured Risk Portfolios, Inc. and the Registrant with respect to the Measured Risk Strategy Fund was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on December 21, 2015 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 and is incorporated by reference. |
(iv) | Expense Limitation Agreement between Anchor Capital Management Group, Inc. and the Registrant with respect to Anchor Tactical Credit Strategies Fund previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on January 11, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 and is incorporated by reference. |
(v) | Expense Limitation Agreement between Tree Ring Capital Management LLC and the Registrant, with respect to the Tree Ring Stock Fund was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on March 24, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 and is incorporated by reference. |
(vi) | Expense Limitation Agreement between Moerus Capital Management LLC and the Registrant, with respect to the Moerus Worldwide Value Fund was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on May 20, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 and is incorporated by reference. |
(vii) | Expense Limitation Agreement between LGM Capital Management, LLC and the Registrant, with respect to the Low Beta Tactical 500 Fund was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on March 28, 2017 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 52 and is incorporated by reference. |
(viii) | Expense Limitation Agreement between Anchor Capital Management Group, Inc. and the Registrant, with respect to the Anchor Tactical Equity Strategies Fund, Anchor Tactical Municipal Strategies Fund, and Anchor Tactical Real Estate Fund was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on August 31, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 and is incorporated by reference. |
(ix) | Expense Limitation Agreement between Regents Park Funds, LLC and the Registrant, with respect to the Affinity Global Franchise Equity ETF and Anfield Capital Diversified Liquid Alternatives ETF was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on October 6, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 and is incorporated by reference. |
(x) | ETF Fund Services Agreement with Gemini Fund Services, LLC was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on October 6, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 and is incorporated by reference. |
(xi) | Amended Expense Limitation between Anchor Capital Management Group, Inc. and the Registrant, with respect to the Anchor Tactical Credit Strategies Fund was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on October 26, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 and is incorporated by reference. |
(xii) | Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement between FormulaFolio Investments, LLC and the Registrant, with respect to FormulaFolios Flexible Income ETF, FormulaFolios Hedged Growth ETF, FormulaFolios Sector Rotation ETF, FormulaFolios Smart Growth ETF, FormulaFolios Tactical Growth ETF and FormulaFolios Tactical Income ETF is filed herewith. |
(xiii) | Expense Limitation Agreement between Anchor Capital Management Group, Inc. and the Registrant with respect to Anchor Tactical Credit Strategies VP, Anchor Tactical Equity Strategies VP, Anchor Tactical Municipal Strategies VP and Anchor Tactical Real Estate VP was filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on December 29, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 and is incorporated by reference. |
(xiv) | Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement between CWM Advisors, LLC dba Inspire and the Registrant was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on March 27, 2018 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 98 and is incorporated by reference. |
(xv) | Fund Services Agreement with Blue Sky Asset Management, LLC and the Registrant, with respect to the with respect to the QUANTX Risk Managed Growth ETF, QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Income ETF, QUANTX Risk Managed Real Return ETF, QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Total Return ETF and QUANTX Dynamic Beta US Equity ETF was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on January 20, 2017 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 and is incorporated by reference. |
(xvi) | Expense Limitation Agreement between Main Management ETF Advisors, LLC and the Registrant with respect to the Main Sector Rotation ETF was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on July 7, 2017 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 and is incorporated by reference. |
(xvii) | Expense Limitation Agreement between IQ Capital Strategy, LLC and the Registrant, with respect to the IQ-Striquer Fund was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on October 11, 2017 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 73 and is incorporated by reference. |
(xviii) | Expense Limitation Agreement between Sage Advisory Services LTD Co. and the Registrant, with respect to the Sage ESG Intermediate Credit ETF was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on October 20, 2017 with post-Effective Amendment No. 76 and is incorporated by reference. |
(xix) | Expense Limitation Agreement between Rule One Partners and the Registrant, with respect to the Rule One Fund to be filed by subsequent amendment. |
(xx) | Amended Expense Limitation between Anchor Capital Management Group, Inc. and the Registrant, with respect to the Anchor Tactical Credit Strategies Fund, Anchor Tactical Equity Strategies Fund, Anchor Tactical Municipal Strategies Fund, and Anchor Tactical Real Estate Fund was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on December 22, 2017 with post-Effective Amendment No. 90 and is incorporated by reference. |
(i) Legal Opinion.
(i) | Legal Opinion of Thompson Hine LLP was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on October 23, 2017 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 78 and is incorporated by reference. |
(ii) | Legal Consent of Thompson Hine LLP is filed herewith. |
(j) Other Opinions.
(i) | Consent of Independent Public Accounting Firm is filed herewith. |
(k) Omitted Financial Statements. None.
(l) Initial Capital Agreements. None.
(m) Rule 12b-1 Plans.
(i) | Plan of Distribution Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Class A shares was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on August 14, 2015 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 and is incorporated by reference. |
(a) | Amended Exhibit A to Plan of Distribution Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Class A shares to add the IQ-Striquer Fund was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on October 11, 2017 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 73 and is incorporated by reference. |
(ii) | Plan of Distribution Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Class C shares was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on December 21, 2015 in Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 and is incorporated by reference. |
(a) | Amended Exhibit A to Plan of Distribution Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Class C shares to was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on October 11, 2017 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 73 and is incorporated by reference. |
(iii) | Plan of Distribution Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Institutional Class shares was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on August 14, 2015 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 and is incorporated by reference. |
(a) | Amended Exhibit A to Plan of Distribution Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Institutional Class Shares was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on August 31, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 and is incorporated by reference. |
(iv) | Plan of Distribution Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Class N Shares was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on May 20, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 and is incorporated by reference. |
(vi) | Plan of Distribution Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Investor Class Shares was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on May 20, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 and is incorporated by reference. |
(a) | Amended Exhibit A to Plan of Distribution Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Investor Class Shares was filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on March 24, 2017 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 51 and is incorporated by reference. |
(vii) | Plan of Distribution Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Non-Designated Shares was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on August 31, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 and is incorporated by reference. |
(viii) | ETF Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on July 7, 2017 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 and is incorporated by reference. |
(a) | Amended Schedule A to ETF Distribution Plan is filed herewith. |
(n)
(i) | Rule 18f-3 Plan was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on December 21, 2015 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 and is incorporated by reference. |
(a) | Amended Appendix A to Rule 18f-3 Plan was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on March 28, 2017 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 52 and is incorporated by reference. |
(b) | Amended Appendix A to Rule 18f-3 Plan to include IQ-Striquer Fund to be filed by subsequent amendment. |
(o) Reserved.
(p) Code of Ethics.
(i) | Code of Ethics for the Trust was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on August 14, 2015 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 and is incorporated by reference. |
(ii) | Code of Ethics for Anchor Capital Management Group, Inc. was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on August 14, 2015 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 and is incorporated by reference. |
(iii) | Code of Ethics for Northern Lights Distributors is filed herewith. |
(iv) | Code of Ethics for Main Management Fund Advisors, LLC and Main Management ETF Advisors, LLC was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on July 7, 2017 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 and is incorporated by reference. |
(v) | Code of Ethics for Measured Risk Portfolios, Inc. was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on December 21, 2015 in Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 and is incorporated by reference. |
(vi) | Code of Ethics for Tree Ring Capital Management LLC was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on March 24, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 and is incorporated by reference. |
(vii) | Code of Ethics for Moerus Capital Management LLC was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on May 20, 2016 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 and is incorporated by reference. |
(viii) | Code of Ethics for LGM Capital Management, LLC was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on April 24, 2017 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 57 and is incorporated by reference. |
(ix) | Code of Ethics for Blue Sky Asset Management, LLC was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on January 20, 2017 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 and is incorporated by reference. |
(x) | Code of Ethics for Regents Park Funds, LLC was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on May 12, 2017 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 and is incorporated by reference. |
(xi) | Code of Ethics for Affinity Investment Advisors, LLC was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on May 12, 2017 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 and is incorporated by reference. |
(xii) | Code of Ethics for Anfield Capital Management, LLC was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on May 12, 2017 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 and is incorporated by reference. |
(xiii) | Code of Ethics for FormuliaFolio Investments, LLC was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on May 5, 2017 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 and is incorporated by reference. |
(xiv) | Code of Ethics for CWM Advisers, LLC dba Inspire was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on February 10, 2017 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 and is incorporated by reference. |
(xv) | Code of Ethics for IQ Capital Strategy, LLC was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on October 11, 2017 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 73 and is incorporated by reference. |
(xvi) | Code of Ethics for Sage Advisory Services LTD Co. was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on October 20, 2017 with post-Effective Amendment No. 76 and is incorporated by reference. |
(xvii) | Code of Ethics for Rule One Partners to be filed by amendment. |
(q) Powers of Attorney. Power of Attorney for the Trust, and a certificate with respect thereto, and each trustee and executive officer, was previously filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on August 14, 2015 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 and is incorporated by reference.
Item 29. Control Persons. None.
Item 30. Indemnification.
Generally, certain of the agreements with the Trust, or related to the Trust, provide indemnification of the Trust’s Trustees, officers, the underwriter, and certain Trust affiliates. Insurance carried by the Trust provides indemnification of the Trustees and officers. The details of these sources of indemnification and insurance follow.
Article VIII, Section 2(a) of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides that to the fullest extent that limitations on the liability of Trustees and officers are permitted by the Delaware Statutory Trust Act of 2002, the officers and Trustees shall not be responsible or liable in any event for any act or omission of: any agent or employee of the Trust; any investment adviser or principal underwriter of the Trust; or with respect to each Trustee and officer, the act or omission of any other Trustee or officer, respectively. The Trust, out of the Trust Property, is required to indemnify and hold harmless each and every officer and Trustee from and against any and all claims and demands whatsoever arising out of or related to such officer’s or Trustee’s performance of his or her duties as an officer or Trustee of the Trust. This limitation on liability applies to events occurring at the time a person serves as a Trustee or officer of the Trust whether or not such person is a Trustee or officer at the time of any proceeding in which liability is asserted. Nothing contained in the Agreement and Declaration of Trust indemnifies, holds harmless or protects any officer or Trustee from or against any liability to the Trust or any shareholder to which such 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 person’s office.
Article VIII, Section 2(b) provides that every note, bond, contract, instrument, certificate or undertaking and every other act or document whatsoever issued, executed or done by or on behalf of the Trust, the officers or the Trustees or any of them in connection with the Trust shall be conclusively deemed to have been issued, executed or done only in such Person’s capacity as Trustee and/or as officer, and such Trustee or officer, as applicable, shall not be personally liable therefore, except as described in the last sentence of the first paragraph of Section 2 of Article VIII.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the provisions of Delaware law and the Agreement and Declaration of the Registrant or the By-Laws of the Registrant, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of the Trust in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
Pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement between the Trust and Northern lights Distributors, LLC (“NLD”), the Trust agrees to indemnify, defend and hold NLD, its several officers and managers, and any person who controls NLD within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act free and harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending such claims, demands or liabilities and any reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which NLD, its officers and managers, or any such controlling persons, may incur under the Securities Act, the 1940 Act, or common law or otherwise, arising out of or based upon: (i) any untrue statement, or alleged untrue statement, of a material fact required to be stated in either any Registration Statement or any Prospectus, (ii) any omission, or alleged omission, to state a material fact required to be stated in any Registration Statement or any Prospectus or necessary to make the statements in any of them not misleading, (iii) the Trust’s failure to maintain an effective Registration statement and Prospectus with respect to Shares of the Funds that are the subject of the claim or demand, (iv) the Trust’s failure to provide NLD with advertising or sales materials to be filed with the FINRA on a timely basis, (v) the Trust’s failure to properly register Fund Shares under applicable state laws, or (vi) actions taken by NLD resulting from NLD’s reliance on instructions received from an officer, agent or legal counsel of the Trust.
Pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, NLD agrees to indemnify, defend and hold the Trust, its several officers and Board members, and any person who controls the Trust within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, free and harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and expenses (including the reasonable cost of investigating or defending such claims, demands or liabilities and any reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) which the Trust, its officers or Board members, or any such controlling person, may incur under the Securities Act, the 1940 Act, or under common law or otherwise, but only to the extent that such liability or expense incurred by the Trust , its officers or Board members, or such controlling person results from such claims or demands: (i) arising out of or based upon any sales literature, advertisements, information, statements or representations made by NLD and unauthorized by the Trust or any Disqualifying Conduct in connection with the offering and sale of any Shares, or (ii) arising out of or based upon any untrue, or alleged untrue, statement of a material fact contained in information furnished in writing by NLD to the Fund specifically for use in the Trust’s Registration Statement and used in the answers to any of the items of the Registration Statement or in the corresponding statements made in the Prospectus, or shall arise out of or be based upon any omission, or alleged omission, to state a material fact in connection with such information furnished in writing by NLD to the Trust and required to be stated in such answers or necessary to make such information not misleading.
The Registrant maintains a mutual fund directors and officers liability policy. The policy, under certain circumstances, such as the inability of the Trust to indemnify Trustees and officers provides coverage to Trustees and officers. Coverage under the policy would include losses by reason of any act, error, omission, misstatement, misleading statement, neglect or certain breaches of duty.
Generally, each management agreement or investment advisory agreement provides that neither the adviser nor any director, manager, officer or employee of the adviser performing services for the Trust at the direction or request of the adviser in connection with the adviser's discharge of its obligations hereunder shall be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Trust in connection with any matter to which this Agreement relates, and the adviser shall not be responsible for any action of the Trustees of the Trust in following or declining to follow any advice or recommendation of the adviser or any sub-adviser retained by the adviser pursuant to Section 9 of this Agreement; PROVIDED, that nothing herein contained shall be construed (i) to protect the adviser against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders to which the adviser would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of the adviser's duties, or by reason of the adviser's reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement, or (ii) to protect any director, manager, officer or employee of the adviser who is or was a Trustee or officer of the Trust against any liability of the Trust or its shareholders to which such 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 person's office with the Trust. Additionally, generally, each sub-advisory agreement provides that the subadviser shall indemnify the adviser, the Trust and each Fund, and their respective affiliates and controlling persons for any liability and expenses, including without limitation reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses, which the adviser, the Trust and/or the Fund and their respective affiliates and controlling persons may sustain as a result of the subadviser's willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, reckless disregard of its duties hereunder or violation of applicable law, including, without limitation, the federal and state securities laws. Generally, each sub-advisory agreement provides that adviser shall indemnify the subadviser, its affiliates and its controlling persons, for any liability and expenses, including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, which may be sustained as a result of the adviser’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, reckless disregard of its duties hereunder or violation of applicable law, including, without limitation, the federal and state securities laws.
Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement (“Agreement”), the Foreside Fund Services, LLC. has agreed to indemnify, defend, and hold the Registrant, its affiliates, and each of their respective trustees, officers, employees, representatives, and any person who controls or previously controlled the Registrant within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, (collectively, the “Registrant Indemnitees”) free and harmless from and against any and all losses, claims, demands, liabilities, damages and expenses (including the costs of investigating or defending any alleged losses, claims, demands, liabilities, damages or expenses and any reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith) (collectively, “Losses”) that any Registrant Indemnitee may incur under the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act, the 1940 Act, any other statute (including Blue Sky laws) or any rule or regulation thereunder, or under common law or otherwise arising out of or based upon (i) the Distributor’s breach of any of its obligations, representations, warranties or covenants contained in the Agreement; (ii) the Distributor’s failure to comply with any applicable securities laws or regulations; or (iii) any claim that the Registration Statement, Prospectus, sales literature and advertising materials or other information filed or made public by the Registrant (as from time to time amended) include or included an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements not misleading, insofar as such statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished to the Registrant by the Underwriter in writing. In no event shall anything contained in the Agreement be so construed as to protect the Registrant against any liability to the Distributor to which the Registrant would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties under the Agreement or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations under the Agreement.
Item 31. Activities of Investment Advisor.
Certain information pertaining to the business and other connections of each Advisor of each series of the Trust is incorporated herein by reference to the section of the respective Prospectus captioned “Investment Advisor” and to the section of the respective Statement of Additional Information captioned “Investment Advisory and Other Services.” The information required by this Item 26 with respect to each director, officer or partner of each Advisor is incorporated by reference to the Advisor’s Uniform Application for Investment Adviser Registration (Form ADV) on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Each Advisor’s Form ADV may be obtained, free of charge, at the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov, and may be requested by File No. as follows:
Anchor Capital Management Group, Inc., adviser to the Anchor Tactical Credit Strategies Fund, Anchor Tactical Equity Strategies Fund, Anchor Tactical Municipal Strategies Fund, Anchor Tactical Real Estate Fund, Anchor Tactical Equity Strategies VP, Anchor Tactical Municipal Strategies VP, Anchor Tactical Real Estate VP, and Anchor Tactical Credit Strategies VP -- File No. 801-19624.
Main Management Fund Advisors, LLC, adviser to the Main BuyWrite Fund – File No. 801-106755.
Main Management ETF Advisors, LLC, adviser to the Main Sector Rotation ETF – File No. 801-110799.
Measured Risk Portfolios, Inc., adviser to the Measured Risk Strategy Fund – File No. 801-80124.
Tree Ring Capital Management LLC, adviser to the Tree Ring Stock Fund – File No. 801-107217.
Moerus Capital Management LLC, adviser to the Moerus Worldwide Value Fund – File No. 801-107225.
LGM Capital Management, LLC adviser to the Low Beta Tactical 500 Fund – File No.801-108408.
Blue Sky Asset Management, LLC adviser to QUANTX Risk Managed Growth ETF, QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Income ETF, QUANTX Risk Managed Real Return ETF, QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Total Return ETF, QUANTX Dynamic Beta US Equity ETF- File No.801-78019.
Black Peak Capital, LLC, sub-adviser to Measured Risk Strategy Fund – File No. 801-108415.
Regents Park Funds, LLC adviser to Affinity Global Franchise ETF and Anfield Capital Diversified Liquid Alternatives ETF- File No. 801-108885.
Affinity Investments Advisors, LLC, sub-adviser to Affinity Global Franchise ETF-File No. 801-42015.
Anfield Capital Management, LLC sub-adviser to Anfield Capital Diversified Liquid Alternatives ETF- File No. 801-77714.
FormuliaFolio Investments, LLC adviser to FormulaFolios Hedged Growth ETF, FormulaFolios Income ETF, FormulaFolios Smart Growth ETF and FormulaFolios Tactical Growth ETF - File No. 801-72780.
CWM Advisers, LLC dba Inspire adviser to Inspire Global Hope Large Cap ETF, Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF, Inspire Corporate Bond Impact ETF and Inspire 100 ETF File No. 801-108947.
IQ Capital Strategy, LLC adviser to IQ-Striquer Fund - File No.801-110960.
Sage Advisory Services LTD Co, adviser to Sage ESG Intermediate Credit ETF - File No. 801-52937.
Rule One Partners adviser to Rule One Fund - File No. [to be provided by subsequent amendment].
Item 32. Principal Underwriter.
(a) Northern Lights Distributors, LLC (“NLD”), the principal underwriter of the Registrant, also acts as principal underwriter for the following:
AdvisorOne Funds, Arrow ETF Trust, Arrow Investment Trust, Centerstone Investors Trust, Copeland Trust, Equinox Funds Trust, Forethought Variable Insurance Trust, Miller Investment Trust, Multi-Strategy Growth & Income Fund, Mutual Fund Series Trust, Mutual Fund and Variable Insurance Trust, Neiman Funds, Nile Capital Investment Trust, North Country Funds, Northern Lights Fund Trust, Northern Lights Fund Trust II, Northern Lights Fund Trust III, Northern Lights Variable Trust, OCM Mutual Fund, PREDEX, The Saratoga Advantage Trust, Tributary Funds, Inc., and Vertical Capital Income Fund.
Ceros Financial Services, Inc., 1445 Research Blvd., Suite 530, Rockville, MD 20850, also acts as the principal underwriter to Advisors Preferred Trust underwriter for certain series of the following investment companies: Northern Lights Fund Trust II and Advisors Preferred Trust.
Foreside Fund Services, LLC, serves as principal underwriter for the following investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended:
1. | ABS Long/Short Strategies Fund |
2. | Absolute Shares Trust |
3. | Active Weighting Funds ETF Trust |
4. | AdvisorShares Trust |
5. | AmericaFirst Quantitative Funds |
6. | American Century ETF Trust |
7. | ARK ETF Trust |
8. | Avenue Mutual Funds Trust |
9. | BP Capital TwinLine Energy Fund, Series of Professionally Managed Portfolios |
10. | BP Capital TwinLine MLP Fund, Series of Professionally Managed Portfolios |
11. | Braddock Multi-Strategy Income Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust |
12. | Bridgeway Funds, Inc. |
13. | Brinker Capital Destinations Trust |
14. | Calvert Ultra-Short Duration Income NextShares, Series of Calvert Management Series |
15. | Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund |
16. | Center Coast MLP Focus Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust |
17. | Context Capital Funds |
18. | CornerCap Group of Funds |
19. | Davis Fundamental ETF Trust |
20. | Direxion Shares ETF Trust |
21. | Eaton Vance NextShares Trust |
22. | Eaton Vance NextShares Trust II |
23. | EIP Investment Trust |
24. | Elkhorn ETF Trust |
25. | EntrepreneurShares Series Trust |
26. | Evanston Alternative Opportunities Fund |
27. | Exchange Listed Funds Trust (f/k/a Exchange Traded Concepts Trust II) |
28. | FEG Absolute Access Fund I LLC |
29. | Fiera Capital Series Trust |
30. | FlexShares Trust |
31. | Forum Funds |
32. | Forum Funds II |
33. | FQF Trust |
34. | Friess Small Cap Growth Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series |
35. | GraniteShares ETF Trust |
36. | Guinness Atkinson Funds |
37. | Horizons ETF Trust I (f/k/a Recon Capital Series Trust) |
38. | Infinity Core Alternative Fund |
39. | Innovator IBD ® 50 ETF, Series of Innovator ETFs Trust |
40. | Innovator IBD ® ETF Leaders ETF, Series of Innovator ETFs Trust |
41. | Ironwood Institutional Multi-Strategy Fund LLC |
42. | Ironwood Multi-Strategy Fund LLC |
43. | John Hancock Exchange-Traded Fund Trust |
44. | Manor Investment Funds |
45. | Miller/Howard Funds Trust |
46. | Miller/Howard High Income Equity Fund |
47. | Moerus Worldwide Value Fund, Series of Northern Lights Fund Trust IV |
48. | MProved Systematic Long-Short Fund, Series Portfolios Trust |
49. | MProved Systematic Merger Arbitrage Fund, Series Portfolios Trust |
50. | MProved Systematic Multi-Strategy Fund, Series Portfolios Trust |
51. | NYSE® Pickens Oil Response™ ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions |
52. | OSI ETF Trust |
53. | Palmer Square Opportunistic Income Fund |
54. | Partners Group Private Income Opportunities, LLC |
55. | PENN Capital Funds Trust |
56. | Performance Trust Mutual Funds, Series of Trust for Professional Managers |
57. | Pine Grove Alternative Institutional Fund |
58. | Plan Investment Fund, Inc. |
59. | PMC Funds, Series of Trust for Professional Managers |
60. | Point Bridge GOP Stock Tracker ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions |
61. | Quaker Investment Trust |
62. | Ranger Funds Investment Trust |
63. | Renaissance Capital Greenwich Funds |
64. | RMB Investors Trust (f/k/a Burnham Investors Trust) |
65. | Robinson Opportunistic Income Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust |
66. | Robinson Tax Advantaged Income Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust |
67. | Salient MF Trust |
68. | SharesPost 100 Fund |
69. | Sound Shore Fund, Inc. |
70. | Steben Alternative Investment Funds |
71. | Steben Select Multi-Strategy Fund |
72. | Strategy Shares |
73. | The 504 Fund (f/k/a The Pennant 504 Fund) |
74. | The Chartwell Funds |
75. | The Community Development Fund |
76. | The Relative Value Fund |
77. | Third Avenue Trust |
78. | Third Avenue Variable Series Trust |
79. | TIFF Investment Program |
80. | Transamerica ETF Trust |
81. | U.S. Global Investors Funds |
82. | VictoryShares Developed Enhanced Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
83. | VictoryShares Dividend Accelerator ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
84. | VictoryShares Emerging Market High Div Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
85. | VictoryShares Emerging Market Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
86. | VictoryShares International High Div Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
87. | VictoryShares International Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
88. | VictoryShares US 500 Enhanced Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
89. | VictoryShares US 500 Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
90. | VictoryShares US Discovery Enhanced Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
91. | VictoryShares US EQ Income Enhanced Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
92. | VictoryShares US Large Cap High Div Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
93. | VictoryShares US Multi-Factor Minimum Volatility ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
94. | VictoryShares US Small Cap High Div Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
95. | VictoryShares US Small Cap Volatility Wtd ETF, Series of Victory Portfolios II |
96. | Vivaldi Opportunities Fund |
97. | West Loop Realty Fund, Series of Investment Managers Series Trust (f/k/a Chilton Realty Income & Growth Fund) |
98. | Wintergreen Fund, Inc. |
99. | WisdomTree Trust |
100. | WST Investment Trust |
(b) Northern Lights Distributors, LLC is registered with Securities and Exchange Commission as a broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. The principal business address of Northern Lights Distributors, LLC is 17605 Wright Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130. To the best of Registrant’s knowledge, the following are the managers and officers of Northern Lights Distributors, LLC:
Name | Positions and Offices with Underwriter | Positions and Offices with the Fund |
William Strait | President, General Counsel, Secretary and Manager | None |
Daniel Applegarth | Treasurer/FINOPand Manager | None |
Mike Nielsen | Chief Compliance Officer and AML Compliance Officer | None |
Kevin Hesselbirg | Manager | None |
Kevin Wolf | Manager | None |
David Young | Manager | None |
Julie Lane | Manager | None |
Bill Wostoupal | Manager | None |
Mike Wagner | Manager | None |
Ceros Financial Services, Inc. is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. The principal business address of Ceros Financial Services, Inc. is 1445 Research Blvd., Suite 530, Rockville, MD 20850. To the best of Registrant's knowledge, the following are the officers of Ceros Financial Services, Inc.:
Name | Positions and Offices with Underwriter | Positions and Offices with the Trust |
Dr. Franz Winklbauer | Chairman | None |
M. Catherine Ayers-Rigsby | Chief Executive Officer, Director | None |
Robert M. Fox | Chief Financial Officer, Chief Compliance Officer | None |
Foreside Fund Services, LLC is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as a broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. The Distributor’s main business address is Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, Maine 04101. The following are the Officers of the distributor:
Name | Address | Position with Underwriter |
Position with the Trust |
Richard J. Berthy | Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 | President and Treasurer | None |
Mark A. Fairbanks | Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 | Vice President | None |
Jennifer K. DiValerio |
899 Cassatt Road, 400 Berwyn Park, Suite 110, Berwyn, PA 19312 |
Vice President | None |
Jennifer E. Hoopes | Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 | Secretary | None |
Nanette K. Chern | Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101 | Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer | None |
Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records.
All accounts, books and documents required to be maintained by the Registrant pursuant to Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and Rules 31a-1 through 31a-3 thereunder are maintained at the office of the Registrant, Adviser, Sub-Adviser, Principal Underwriter, Transfer Agent, Fund Accountant, Administrator and Custodian at the addresses stated in the SAI.
MUFG Union Bank, National Association, 400 California Street, San Francisco, California 94104 (“Union”), provides custodian services to the Anchor Tactical Credit Strategies Fund and the MainBuyWrite Fund.
The Huntington National Bank located at 7 Easton Oval EA4E70, Columbus, OH 43219, provides custodian services to the Measured Risk Strategy Fund and the Tree Ring Stock Fund.
Bank of New York Mellon (“BONY”), located at One Wall Street, New York, New York 10286, provides custodian services to the Moerus Worldwide Value Fund.
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (“BBH”), located at 50 Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02110 provides custodian services to the QUANTX Risk Managed Growth ETF, QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Income ETF, QUANTX Risk Managed Real Return ETF, QUANTX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Total Return ETF, QUANTX Dynamic Beta US Equity ETF, FormulaFolios Hedged Growth ETF, FormulaFolios Income ETF, FormulaFolios Smart Growth ETF, FormulaFolios Tactical Growth ETF, Inspire Global Hope ETF, Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF, Inspire Corporate Bond Impact ETF and Inspire 100 ETF.
Fifth Third Bank, N.A. (“5/3”), located at 38 Fountain Square Plaza, Cincinnati, Ohio 45263 provides custodian services to IQ-Striquer Fund.
NLD, located at 17605 Wright Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130, serves as principal underwriter for all series of Northern Lights Fund Trust, except the Tree Ring Stock Fund. NLD maintains all records required to be maintained pursuant to each Fund’s Distribution Plan and Agreement adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.
Ceros Financial Services, Inc., located at 1445 Research Boulevard, Suite 530 Rockville, MD 20850, serves as principal underwriter for the Tree Ring Stock Fund and maintains all records required to be maintained pursuant to the Fund’s Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan and Agreements adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.
Item 34. Management Services. Not applicable.
Item 35. Undertakings. Not Applicable.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Fund certifies that it has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Hauppauge, State of New York, on the 25 th day of September, 2018.
Northern Lights Fund Trust IV
By: _/s/ Wendy Wang
Wendy Wang, President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following person in the capacities indicated on September 25, 2018.
Name | Title |
Joseph Breslin* | Trustee |
Thomas Sarkany* | Trustee |
Charles Ranson* | Trustee |
Wendy Wang* | President and Principal Executive Officer |
Sam Singh* | Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer |
*By: _/s/ Wendy Wang
Wendy Wang
Attorney-in-Fact
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit: | Exhibit No. |
1. Amended OELA with respect to the FormulaFolios ETFs | (h)(xii) |
2. Legal Consent of Thompson Hine LLP | (i)(ii) |
3. Consent of Independent Public Accounting Firm | (j)(i) |
4. Amended Schedule A to ETF Distribution Plan | (m)(viii)(a) |
5. Code of Ethics for Northern Lights Distributors | (p)(iii) |
NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST IV
AMENDED AND RESTATED OPERATING EXPENSES LIMITATION
AND SECURITY AGREEMENT
FormulaFolio Investments, LLC
THIS OPERATING EXPENSES LIMITATION AND SECURITY AGREEMENT (the Agreement) is made as of the 20 th day of July, 2017, by and between NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST IV, a Delaware statutory trust (the Trust), on behalf of each of the series set forth in Appendix A (each a Fund, collectively the Funds), and the advisor of the Funds, FormulaFolio Investments, LLC (the Advisor).
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, the Advisor renders advice and services to the Funds pursuant to the terms and provisions of an Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and the Advisor dated as of the 20 th day of July, 2017 (the Advisory Agreement); and
WHEREAS, the Funds are responsible for, and has assumed the obligation for, payment of certain expenses pursuant to the Advisory Agreement that have not been assumed by the Advisor; and
WHEREAS, the Advisor desires to limit the Funds Operating Expenses (as that term is defined in Paragraph 2 of this Agreement) pursuant to the terms and provisions of this Agreement, and the Trust (on behalf of the Funds) desires to allow the Advisor to implement those limits; and
WHEREAS, as a condition to the continuation of its contractual relationship with the Advisor, the Trust has required that Advisor grant to the Trust a continuing security interest in and to a designated account of the Advisor established with Gemini Fund Services, LLC, Transfer Agent to the Funds, or its successor and assigns (the Securities Intermediary), for so long as Funds assets remain below $15 million;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and the mutual promises hereinafter set forth, the parties, intending to be legally bound hereby, mutually agree as follows:
1. Limit on Operating Expenses . The Advisor hereby agrees to limit the Funds current Operating Expenses to an annual rate, expressed as a percentage of the Funds average daily net assets for the month, to the amounts listed in Appendix A (the Annual Limit). In the event that the current Operating Expenses of the Funds, as accrued each month, exceed its Annual Limit, the Advisor will pay to the Funds, on a monthly basis, the excess expense within the first ten days of the month following the month in which such Operating Expenses were incurred (each payment, a Fund Reimbursement Payment).
- 1 -
2. Definition . For purposes of this Agreement, the term Operating Expenses with respect to the Funds are defined to include all expenses necessary or appropriate for the operation of the Funds and including the Advisors investment advisory or management fee detailed in the Advisory Agreement, any Rule 12b-1 fees and other expenses described in the Advisory Agreement, but does not include: (i) any front-end or contingent deferred loads; (ii) brokerage fees and commissions, (iii) acquired fund fees and expenses; (iv) fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses); (v) borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short); (vi) taxes; and (vii) extraordinary expenses, such as litigation expenses (which may include indemnification of Fund officers and Trustees, contractual indemnification of Fund service providers (other than the Adviser)).
3. Reimbursement of Fees and Expenses . The Advisor retains its right to receive in future years on a rolling three year basis, reimbursement of any Fund Reimbursement Payments paid by the Advisor pursuant to this Agreement, if such reimbursement can be achieved within the lesser of the Annual Limit in place at the time of waiver or those in place at the time of recapture.
4. Collateral Account and Security Interest . At any time when Funds assets are below $15 million, the Advisor, for value received, hereby pledges, assigns, sets over and grants to the Trust a continuing security interest in and to an account to be established and maintained by the Advisor with the Securities Intermediary and designated as a collateral account (the Collateral Account), including any replacement account established with any successor, together with all dividends, interest, stock-splits, distributions, profits and all cash and non-cash proceeds thereof and any and all other rights as may now or hereafter derive or accrue therefrom (collectively, the Collateral) to secure the payment of any required Fund Reimbursement Payment or Liquidation Expenses (as defined in Paragraph 5 of this Agreement). For so long as this Agreement is in effect, any transfers or conveyances of Collateral to any party shall require the approval of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the Board), except as specified in Section 7(a)(ii) of this Agreement, below. In addition, the Trust will not issue entitlement orders, redeem or otherwise take any action with respect to the Collateral or Collateral Account unless a Collateral Event (defined below under Section 5 of this Agreement) has occurred or is continuing.
5. Collateral Event . In the event that either (a) the Advisor does not make the Fund Reimbursement Payment due in connection with a particular calendar month by the tenth day of the following calendar month or (b) the Board enacts a resolution calling for the liquidation of the Funds (either (a) or (b), a Collateral Event), then, in either event, the Board shall have absolute discretion to redeem any shares or other Collateral held in the Collateral Account and utilize the proceeds from such redemptions or such other Collateral to make any required Fund Reimbursement Payment, or to cover any costs or expenses which the Board, in its sole and absolute discretion, estimates will be required in connection with the liquidation of the Funds (the Liquidation Expenses). Pursuant to the terms of Paragraph 6 of this Agreement, upon authorization from the Board, but subject to the provisions of the Control Agreement, no further instructions shall be required from the Advisor for the Securities Intermediary to transfer any
- 2 -
Collateral from the Collateral Account to the Funds. The Advisor acknowledges that in the event the Collateral available in the Collateral Account is insufficient to cover the full cost of any Fund Reimbursement Payment or Liquidation Expenses, the Funds shall retain the right to receive from the Advisor any costs in excess of the value of the Collateral.
6. Control Agreement; Appointment of Attorney-in-Fact . The Advisor agrees to execute and deliver to the Board, in form and substance satisfactory to the Board, a Control Agreement by, between and among the Trust, the Advisor and the Securities Intermediary (the Control Agreement) pursuant to and consistent with Section 8-106(c) of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, which shall terminate when the Collateral Account is no longer required under this Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing, for so long as the Collateral Account in required under the Agreement, the Advisor hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Trust, through any officer thereof, with full power of substitution, as Advisors true and lawful Attorney-in-Fact, with full irrevocable power and authority in place and stead of the Advisor and in the name of the Advisor or in the Trusts own name, from time to time, for the purpose of carrying out the terms of this Agreement, to take any and all appropriate actions and to execute and deliver any and all documents and instruments which the Board deems necessary to accomplish the purpose of this Agreement, which power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall be irrevocable. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Trust shall have the right and power following any Collateral Event to receive, endorse and collect all checks and other orders for the payment of money made payable to the Advisor representing any interest payment, dividend, or other distribution payable in respect of or to the Collateral, or any part thereof, and to give full discharge for the same. So long as a Collateral Event has occurred and is continuing, the Board, in its discretion, may direct the Advisor or Advisors agent to transfer the Collateral in certificated or uncertificated form into the name and account of the Trust or its designee.
7. Covenants . So long as this Agreement shall remain in effect, the Advisor represents and covenants as follows:
(a) | No later than 120 days after the Funds become operational, the Advisor shall invest at least $30,000 in the Collateral Account, unless the Funds assets have reached $15 million by that time (in which case no Collateral Account is required until the Funds assets fall below $15 million for more than 30 days). Once the Collateral Account is established: (i) the Advisor will maintain at least $30,000 in said account, such that additional amounts will be deposited by the Advisor where Fund outflows or negative Funds performance reduce the Collateral Account below $30,000 for a period of more than thirty days; (ii) when the Funds reach $15 million or more in net assets, the Advisor may withdraw all assets from said account, less the minimum amount required to maintain the account open; and (iii) the Advisor hereby agrees to deposit and maintain $30,000 in the Collateral Account within 30 days of Funds assets falling below $15 million, where assets have not risen above $15 million at the end of that 30-day period. The Collateral Account may be closed completely upon Funds assets reaching $25 million. |
- 3 -
(b) | To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Advisor agrees not to challenge any action taken by the Board or the Trust in executing the terms of this Agreement; provided that the action does not constitute willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties of the Board under this Agreement, the Advisory Agreement, or to the Funds shareholders. |
(c) | The Trust will not issue entitlement orders, redeem or otherwise take any action with respect to the Collateral or Collateral Account unless a Collateral Event (defined above under Section 5 of this Agreement) has occurred or is continuing. |
8. Term . This Agreement shall become effective on each Funds effective date and shall remain in effect until at least the date set forth on Appendix A unless sooner terminated as provided in Paragraph 9 of this Agreement, and shall continue in effect for successive twelve-month periods provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a majority of the Trustees of the Trust.
9. Termination . This Agreement may be terminated at any time, and without payment of any penalty, by the Board, on behalf of the Funds, upon sixty (60) days written notice to the Advisor. This Agreement may not be terminated by the Advisor without the consent of the Board. This Agreement and the Control Agreement will automatically terminate, with respect to the Funds if the Advisory Agreement for the Funds are terminated and the Funds continue to operate under the management of a new investment adviser, with such termination effective upon the effective date of the Advisory Agreements termination for the Funds.
10. Assignment . This Agreement and all rights and obligations hereunder may not be assigned without the written consent of the other party.
11. Severability . If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute or rule, or shall be otherwise rendered invalid, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
12. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to the conflict of laws principles thereof; provided that nothing herein shall be construed to preempt, or to be inconsistent with, any federal law, regulation or rule, including the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(Signature Page follows)
- 4 -
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and attested by their duly authorized officers, all on the day and year first above written.
NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST IV on behalf of each of the Funds |
FormulaFolio Investments, LLC |
By: | By: | |||
Name: Wendy Wang | Name: Jason M. Crump | |||
Title: President | Title: Member Manager |
- 5 -
Appendix A
dated July 19, 2018
Fund | Operating Expense Limit | Initial Expiration Date | ||
FormulaFolios Tactical Income ETF | 0.80% | September 30, 2019 | ||
FormulaFolios Hedged Growth ETF | 0.95% | September 30, 2019 | ||
FormulaFolios Smart Growth ETF | 0.60% | September 30, 2019 | ||
FomulaFolios Tactical Growth ETF | 0.80% | September 30, 2019 | ||
FormulaFolios Flexible Income ETF | 0.80% | September 30, 2019 | ||
FormulaFolios Sector Rotation ETF | 0.80% | September 30, 2019 |
- 6 -
September 25, 2018
Northern Lights Fund Trust IV
17605 Wright Street
Omaha, NE 68154
Dear Board Members:
A legal opinion (the “Legal Opinion”) that we prepared was filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 78 to the Northern Lights Fund Trust IV Registration Statement. We hereby give you our consent to incorporate by reference the Legal Opinion into Post-Effective Amendment No. 109 under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Amendment”) and consent to all references to us in the Amendment.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Thompson Hine LLP
THOMPSON HINE LLP
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 July 27, 2018, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights of FormulaFolios Hedged Growth ETF, FormulaFolios Smart Growth ETF, FormulaFolios Tactical Growth ETF, and FormulaFolios Tactical Income ETF, each a series of Northern Lights Fund Trust IV, for the period ended May 31, 2018, and to the references to our firm under the headings “Fund Service Providers” and “Financial Highlights” in the Prospectus and “Policies and Procedures for Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings” and “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Statement of Additional Information.
/s/ Cohen & Company, Ltd.
Cohen & Company, Ltd.
Cleveland, Ohio
September 25, 2018
SCHEDULE A
NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST IV
Date Last Amended: July 19, 2018
The following series of Northern Lights Fund Trust IV are subject to this Plan, at the fee rates specified:
Fund |
Fee
(as a Percentage of Average
Daily Net Assets of the Fund)* |
|
FormulaFolios Hedged Growth ETF | 0.25% | |
FormulaFolios Smart Growth ETF | 0.25% | |
FormulaFolios Tactical Growth ETF | 0.25% | |
FormulaFolios Tactical Income ETF | 0.25% | |
FormulaFolios Flexible Income ETF | 0.25% | |
FormulaFolios Sector Rotation ETF | 0.25% | |
Inspire 100 ETF | 0.25% | |
Inspire Corporate Bond Impact ETF | 0.25% | |
Inspire Global Hope ETF | 0.25% | |
Inspire Small/Mid Cap Impact ETF | 0.25% | |
Main Sector Rotation ETF | 0.25% | |
QuantX Dynamic Beta US Equity ETF | 0.25% | |
QuantX Risk Managed Growth ETF | 0.25% | |
QuantX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Income ETF | 0.25% | |
QuantX Risk Managed Multi-Asset Total Return ETF | 0.25% | |
QuantX Risk Managed Real Return ETF | 0.25% | |
Sage ESG Intermediate Credit ETF | 0.25% |
* | The determination of daily net assets shall be made at the close of business each day throughout the month and computed in the manner specified in the then current Prospectus for the determination of the net asset value of Creation Units. Plan payments shall be made within ten (10) days of the end of each calendar month unless otherwise agreed by the parties and approved or ratified by the Trustees. | |
Acknowledged and Approved by:
Northern Lights Fund Trust IV: | Northern Lights Distributors, LLC: | |||
By: | By: | |||
Wendy Wang | William J. Strait | |||
President | President |
Code of Ethics
Gemini Companies
Blu Giant, LLC
Gemini Alternative Funds, LLC
Gemini Fund Services, LLC
Gemini Hedge Fund Services, LLC
Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC
Northern Lights Distributors, LLC
August 2018
Gemini Companies |
Code of Ethics |
August 1, 2018 to Current |
Table of Contents
I. | Introduction | 3 |
II. | Definitions | 5 |
III. | General Principles | 8 |
IV. | Standards of Business Conduct | 9 |
V. | Prohibition Against Insider Trading | 11 |
VI. | Personal Securities Transactions | 14 |
VII. | Interested Transactions | 20 |
VIII. | Gifts and Entertainment | 21 |
IX. | Protecting the Confidentiality of Client Information | 22 |
X. | Service as a Director | 24 |
XI. | Certification | 24 |
XII. | Records | 25 |
XIII. | Reporting Violations and Sanctions | 26 |
XIV. | Ethics Training | 27 |
Schedule A – Designated Custodians | 28 |
Schedule B – Frequently Asked Questions about Code of Ethics | 29 |
Schedule C – Summary of Reporting Requirements | 35 |
August 2018
2
I. | Introduction |
This Code of Ethics (this Code) has been adopted by Blu Giant, LLC, Gemini Alternative Funds, LLC (GAF), Gemini Fund Services, LLC, Gemini Hedge Fund Services, LLC, Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC and Northern Lights Distributors, LLC (NLD), collectively, the Gemini Companies and each a Gemini Company.
This Code establishes rules of conduct for all Supervised Persons of the Gemini Companies. As explained further in the Definitions included with this Code (see Article II, Definitions), Supervised Persons include our employees and officers, as well as certain independent contractors and certain registered representatives. The general ethical principles and personal securities reporting provisions of this Code apply to all employees and other Access Persons of the Gemini Companies, although many provisions of this Code are written to specifically address the duties and obligations of employees of NLD, because of its status as a registered broker-dealer and member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA). This Code is based upon the principle that the Gemini Companies and its Supervised Persons owe a fiduciary duty to their clients to conduct their affairs, including their personal securities transactions, in such a manner as to avoid (i) serving their own personal interests ahead of clients, (ii) taking inappropriate advantage of their position with their respective company, and (iii) any actual or potential conflicts of interest or any abuse of their position of trust and responsibility.
This Code is designed to ensure that the high ethical standards long maintained by the Gemini Companies continue to be applied. The purpose of this Code is to preclude activities that may lead to or give the appearance of conflicts of interest, insider trading and other forms of prohibited or unethical business conduct.
In meeting any fiduciary responsibilities to its clients, the Gemini Companies expect every employee to demonstrate the highest standards of ethical conduct. The Gemini Companies reputation for fair and honest dealing with its clients has taken considerable time to build. This standing could be seriously damaged as the result of even a single Securities transaction being considered questionable in light of the fiduciary duty owed to our clients. Strict compliance with the provisions of the Code shall be considered a basic condition of employment and employees should understand that any breach of the provisions of this Code may constitute grounds for disciplinary action, including termination of their employment.
This Code addresses specific elements of the Gemini Companies fiduciary obligations. However, it cannot, and is not intended to, address all circumstances in which fiduciary obligations will arise. Accordingly, the Gemini Companies expect all Supervised Persons to adhere strictly to the specific requirements of this Code and other firm policies and procedures, but to also think beyond them and to conduct themselves with honesty and integrity in accordance with the Gemini Companies fiduciary obligations.
Each Gemini Company, through its compliance officers, legal counsel, and/or other designated personnel, is responsible for the day-to-day administration of this Code with respect to those Access Persons under the direct supervision and control of such Gemini Company. Note that some Gemini Companies may impose greater restrictions than those described in this Code, and those restrictions have been noted where possible within this Code. All questions regarding specific restrictions should be directed to the Chief Compliance Officer of the relevant Gemini Company (as applicable, each such individual is referred to herein as the Chief Compliance Officer) or to such Gemini Companys designated legal counsel.
August 2018
3
To the extent a Supervised Person is registered as a representative of NLD or as an associated person or principal of GAF, such persons are encouraged to seek the guidance from such Gemini Companys respective Chief Compliance Officer for all questions regarding the application of specific restrictions to their activities. It is each Supervised Persons responsibility to understand this Code as well as its requirements and application as they relate to both personal and work related activities.
The Chief Compliance Officer will periodically report to senior management of the Gemini Companies to document compliance with this Code.
The Gemini Companies have engaged Schwab Compliance Technologies, Inc. (Schwab CT), which provides an automated system for administration of the Code. The Schwab CT system provides a means of making all reports and certifications required under the Code in an electronic format. The Schwab CT system will send automatic reminders via email to all persons covered by the Code in order to ensure deadlines are not missed. Should you have any questions about the Code or the Schwab CT system, please contact the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee.
For answers to commonly asked questions about your obligations under this Code, please refer to Schedule B for a list of Frequently Asked Questions and the applicable responses. You may also find it helpful to refer to Schedule C, which includes a summary of your Reporting Requirements under the Code.
August 2018
4
II. | Definitions |
For the purposes of this Code, the following definitions shall apply:
● | Access Person means any Supervised Person who: has access to nonpublic information regarding any clients purchase or sale of Securities, or nonpublic information regarding the portfolio holdings of any Restricted Fund; or is involved in making Securities recommendations to clients; provided, that individuals who are Supervised Persons solely as a result of their service as a non- employee director, manager, or officer or their engagement as an independent contractor shall not be considered Access Persons for purposes of this Code. |
● | Account means accounts of any Access Person and includes accounts of the Access Persons Family Members and any account in which he or she has a direct beneficial interest, such as trusts and custodial accounts subject to control by the Access Person or other accounts in which the Access Person exercises influence or control or has investment discretion; provided, that an employees NorthStar Financial Services Group, LLC (NorthStar) 401(k) account shall be excluded from the Accounts covered under this Code unless the employee participates in the Self-Directed Brokerage Account (SDBA) as part of the 401(k) Plan. |
● | Automatic Investment Plan means a program in which regular periodic purchases (or withdrawals) are made automatically in (or from) investment accounts in accordance with a predetermined schedule and allocation. An Automatic Investment Plan includes a dividend reinvestment plan. |
● | Beneficial Ownership shall be interpreted in the same manner as it would be under Rule 16a- 1(a)(2) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, in determining whether a person is the beneficial owner of a Security for purposes of Section 16 of such Act and the rules and regulations thereunder. Generally, Beneficial Ownership means ownership of Securities or Securities accounts by or for the benefit of a person, or such persons Family Member, including any account in which the person or family member of that person holds a direct or indirect beneficial interest, retains discretionary investment authority or exercises a power of attorney. |
● | Control means the power to exercise a controlling influence over the management or policies of any of the Gemini Companies. See Section 2(a)(9) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the Investment Company Act). |
● | Designated Custodian refers to the custodial firms listed on Schedule A where Access Persons must maintain their covered Accounts. |
● | Family Member means any persons spouse, child or other relative, whether related by blood, marriage, or otherwise, who either resides with, is financially dependent upon, or whose investments are controlled or partially controlled by that person. The term also includes any unrelated individual whose investments are controlled or partially controlled by that person, such as a significant other. |
● | Fund means an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act, including open-end and closed-end investment companies and exchange traded funds. |
August 2018
5
● | Initial Public Offering means an offering of Securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the issuer of which, immediately before the registration, was not subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. |
● | Investment Personnel means (1) any employee of the Gemini Companies (or of any company in a Control relationship to the Gemini Companies) who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes or participates in making recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of Securities, and (2) any natural person who Controls the Gemini Companies and who obtains information concerning recommendations made regarding the purchase or sale of Securities. |
● | Limited Offering means an offering that is exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to Section 4(2) or Section 4(6) or pursuant to Rule 504, 505 or 506 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. |
● | Reportable Security means any Security, except that it does not include: (i) transactions and holdings in direct obligations of the Government of the United States; (ii) bankers acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and other high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements; (iii) shares issued by money market funds; (iv) transactions and holdings in shares of other types of open-end registered mutual funds, other than exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or Restricted Funds; (v) transactions in units of a unit investment trust if the unit investment trust is invested exclusively in mutual funds, unless the Gemini Companies or a Control affiliate acts as the principal underwriter for the Fund; and (vi) transactions and holdings in a spouses retirement plan controlled by the spouses employer, provided the employee does not participate in the investment decisions or provide any advice with respect to the allocation of such Account. |
● | Restricted Fund means any Fund or private fund that the Gemini Companies act as the principal underwriter, distributor, fund accountant, or fund administrator for or provide compliance services to (these Funds are flagged in the Schwab CT system). |
● | Security means any note, stock, treasury stock, security future, bond, debenture, evidence of indebtedness, certificate of interest or participation in any profit-sharing agreement, collateral-trust certificate, pre-organization certificate or subscription, transferable share, investment contract, voting-trust certificate, certificate of deposit for a security, fractional undivided interest in oil, gas, or other mineral rights, any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege on any security (including a certificate of deposit) or on any group or index of securities (including any interest therein or based on the value thereof), or any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege entered into on a national securities exchange relating to foreign currency, or, in general, any interest or instrument commonly known as a security, or any certificate of interest or participation in, temporary or interim certificate for, receipt for, guaranty of, or warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase any of the foregoing. See Section 202(a)(18) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the Advisers Act). |
August 2018
6
● | Supervised Person means managers, officers and partners of the Gemini Companies (or other persons occupying a similar status or performing similar functions); employees of the Gemini Companies; independent contractors accessing non-public information regarding the Gemini Companies clients during such contractors engagement with the Gemini Companies; and any other person who provides advice on behalf of the Gemini Companies and is subject to the Gemini Companies supervision and control. |
● | Third Party Managed Account refers to an Account where a third party has investment management discretion regarding Securities transactions pursuant to a written, executed investment management agreement or advisory agreement addressing the Account or otherwise. Whether an Account is considered a Third Party Managed Account rests in the discretion of the Chief Compliance Officer or his or her designee, in consultation with the legal department, based on its assessment of the risks presented by such arrangement. No Access Person shall consider an Account to be a Third Party Managed Account until he or she has received approval from the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee. The Chief Compliance Officer reserves the right to revoke approval of a Third Party Managed Account at any time, for any reason. |
August 2018
7
III. | General Principles |
This Code is designed to promote the following general principles:
● | The Gemini Companies and their Supervised Persons have a duty at all times to place the interests of clients first. |
● | The Gemini Companies and their Supervised Persons have a duty of loyalty to clients. |
● | Access persons must conduct their personal securities transactions in a manner that avoids an actual or potential conflict of interest or any abuse of trust and responsibility. |
● | Access persons may not use knowledge about current or pending client or portfolio transactions for the purpose of personal profit. |
● | Information concerning clients (including former clients) must be kept confidential, including the clients identity, holdings, and other non-public information. |
● | Independence in the investment decision-making process is paramount. |
● | Supervised Persons may not give or receive gifts or participate in entertainment beyond the parameters set forth in this Code to avoid even the appearance of favoritism or impropriety. |
● | Where the Gemini Companies are in a position to direct brokerage transactions for the client, the Gemini Companies have a duty to obtain best execution for such clients transactions. |
● | The Gemini Companies will ensure that any investment advice given is suitable in light of the clients individual objectives, needs, and circumstances. |
The Chief Compliance Officer may grant exceptions to certain provisions contained in this Code only in those situations when it is clear beyond dispute that the interests of the clients will not be adversely affected or compromised. All questions arising in connection with personal securities trading should be resolved in favor of the client even at the expense of the interests of employees.
August 2018
8
IV. | Standards of Business Conduct |
The Gemini Companies place the highest priority on maintaining its reputation for integrity and professionalism. That reputation is a vital business asset. The confidence and trust placed in the Gemini Companies and its employees by our clients is something we value and endeavor to protect. The following Standards of Business Conduct set forth policies and procedures intended to achieve these goals.
A. | Compliance with Laws and Regulations |
In addition to adhering strictly to the specific requirements of this Code and all other Gemini Companies policies and procedures, the Gemini Companies expect all Supervised Persons to respect and comply with applicable federal and state securities laws and regulations. This includes prohibiting any activity that directly or indirectly:
● | Defrauds a client in any manner; |
● | Misleads a client, including any statement that omits material facts; |
● | Operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit on a client; |
● | Functions as a manipulative practice with respect to a client; or |
● | Functions as a manipulative practice with respect to securities. |
The Gemini Companies and their employees are prohibited from engaging in fraudulent, deceptive or manipulative conduct. This involves more than acting with honesty and good faith alone. It means, where applicable, that the Gemini Companies have an affirmative duty of utmost good faith to act solely in the best interest of its clients.
Section 204A of the Advisers Act requires the establishment and enforcement of policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent the misuse of material, nonpublic information by investment advisers. While the Gemini Companies are not themselves registered investment advisers, such policies and procedures are contained in this Code. This Code also contains policies and procedures with respect to personal securities transactions of all Access Persons as defined herein. These procedures cover transactions in a Reportable Security in which an Access Person has Beneficial Ownership in or Accounts over which the Access Person exercises control as well as transactions by the Access Persons Family Members.
B. | Conflicts of Interest |
Conflicts of interest may come about any time there exists an incentive to favor one party over another. Given the nature of the Gemini Companies businesses and business relationships between Gemini Companies, conflicts can arise in various contexts. Where possible, our objective is to avoid any conflict between the Gemini Companies, Supervised Persons, and the client. For example, a conflict may arise when there is an opportunity to give preferential treatment to one client or portfolio relative to other clients or portfolios. A conflict can also come into play when there is an opportunity to take advantage of information, particularly regarding current or pending client or portfolio trades, for personal profit. Other conflicts may not always be clear-cut.
As an integral part of the Gemini Companies fiduciary obligation, Supervised Persons are obligated to avoid conflicts of interest wherever possible and to fully disclose all facts concerning any conflict that may arise. Questions regarding a potential conflict should be fully vetted with the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee and appropriate legal counsel before any further action is taken.
August 2018
9
C. | Confidentiality |
The Gemini Companies and their Supervised Persons share a duty to ensure the confidentiality of client information, including account numbers, client holdings, transactions, and securities recommendations. Supervised Persons may not misuse or disclose such information, whether within or outside of the Gemini Companies, except to authorized persons who require the information for legitimate business purposes or to fulfill their responsibilities. To ensure this duty is fulfilled, the Gemini Companies have adopted this Code as well as its Employee Policies and Procedures and information securities policies, and each Gemini Company has adopted its own Privacy Policy. All Supervised Persons are required to adhere to each of these policies, as relevant. As explained further in Section IX, all Supervised Persons are prohibited from disclosing confidential information concerning the Gemini Companies, including any trade secrets or other proprietary information, including materials marked for internal use only.
August 2018
10
V. | Prohibition Against Insider Trading |
A. | Introduction |
Trading Securities while in possession of material, nonpublic information, or improperly communicating that information to others may expose Supervised Persons and the Gemini Companies to stringent penalties. Criminal sanctions may include significant fines and/or imprisonment. The SEC can recover the profits gained or losses avoided through the illegal trading, impose a penalty of up to three times the illicit windfall, and/or issue an order permanently barring you from the securities industry. Finally, Supervised Persons and the Gemini Companies may be sued by investors seeking to recover damages for insider trading violations.
The rules contained in this Code apply to Securities trading and information handling by Supervised Persons and their Family Members.
The law of insider trading is continuously developing. An individual legitimately may be uncertain about the application of the rules contained in this Code in a particular circumstance. Often, a single question can avoid disciplinary action or complex legal problems. You must notify the Chief Compliance Officer immediately if you have any reason to believe that a violation of this Code has occurred or is about to occur.
B. | General Policy |
No Supervised Person may trade, either personally or on behalf of others (such as investment funds and private accounts managed by the Gemini Companies) (Client Accounts), while in the possession of material, nonpublic information, nor may any personnel of the Gemini Companies communicate material, nonpublic information to others in violation of the law.
1. | What is Material Information ? |
Information is material where there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable investor would consider it important in making his or her investment decisions. Generally, this includes any information the disclosure of which will have a substantial effect on the price of a companys Securities. No simple test exists to determine when information is material; assessments of materiality involve a highly fact-specific inquiry. For this reason, you should direct any questions about whether information is material to the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee.
Material information often relates to a companys results and operations, including, for example, dividend changes, earnings results, changes in previously released earnings estimates, significant merger or acquisition proposals or agreements, major litigation, liquidation problems, and extraordinary management developments.
Material information also may relate to the market for a companys Securities. Information about a significant order to purchase or sell Securities may, in some contexts, be material. Prepublication information regarding reports in the financial press also may be material. For example, the United States Supreme Court upheld the criminal convictions of insider trading defendants who capitalized on prepublication information about The Wall Street Journals Heard on the Street column.
August 2018
11
You should also be aware of the SECs position that the term material nonpublic information relates not only to issuers but also to the Gemini Companies Securities recommendations and client Securities holdings and transactions.
2. | What is Nonpublic Information? |
Information is public when it has been disseminated broadly to investors in the marketplace. For example, information is public after it has become available to the general public through a public filing with the SEC or some other government agency, the Dow Jones tape or The Wall Street Journal or some other publication of general circulation and after sufficient time has passed so that the information has been disseminated widely.
3. | Identifying Inside Information |
Before executing any trade for yourself or others, including Client Accounts, you must determine whether you have access to material, nonpublic information. If you think that you might have access to material, nonpublic information, you should take the following steps:
● | Report the information and proposed trade immediately to the Chief Compliance Officer. |
● | Do not purchase or sell the Securities on behalf of yourself or others, including Client Accounts. |
● | Do not communicate the information inside or outside the Gemini Companies, other than to the Chief Compliance Officer. |
● | After the Chief Compliance Officer has reviewed the issue and consulted with legal counsel as necessary, the Gemini Companies will determine whether the information is material and nonpublic and, if so, what action the Gemini Companies will take. |
You should consult with the Chief Compliance Officer before taking any action. This degree of caution will protect you, our clients, and the Gemini Companies.
4. | Contacts with Public Companies |
Contacts with public companies may represent an important part of our research efforts. The Gemini Companies may make investment decisions on the basis of conclusions formed through such contacts and analysis of publicly available information. Difficult legal issues arise, however, when, in the course of these contacts, a Supervised Person of the Gemini Companies or other person subject to this Code becomes aware of material, nonpublic information. This could happen, for example, if a companys Chief Financial Officer prematurely discloses quarterly results to an analyst, or an investor relations representative makes selective disclosure of adverse news to a handful of investors. In such situations, the Gemini Companies must make a judgment as to its further conduct. To protect yourself, your clients and the Gemini Companies, you should contact the Chief Compliance Officer immediately if you believe that you may have received material, nonpublic information.
August 2018
12
5. | Tender Offers |
Tender offers represent a particular concern in the law of insider trading for two reasons: First, tender offer activity often produces extraordinary gyrations in the price of the target companys Securities. Trading during this time period is more likely to attract regulatory attention (and produces a disproportionate percentage of insider trading cases). Second, the SEC has adopted a rule which expressly forbids trading and tipping while in the possession of material, nonpublic information regarding a tender offer received from the tender offer or, the target company or anyone acting on behalf of either. Supervised Persons of the Gemini Companies and others subject to this Code should exercise extreme caution any time they become aware of nonpublic information relating to a tender offer.
6. | Restricted/Watch Lists |
Although the Gemini Companies do not typically receive confidential information from portfolio companies, they may, if they receive such information take appropriate procedures to establish restricted or watch lists in certain Securities.
August 2018
13
VI. | Personal Securities Transactions |
A. | General Policy |
The following principles governing personal investment activities by Access Persons have been adopted:
● | The interests of client accounts will at all times be placed first; |
● | All personal Securities transactions will be conducted in such manner as to avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest or any abuse of an individuals position of trust and responsibility; and |
● | Access Persons must not take inappropriate advantage of their positions. |
B. | Covered Accounts |
The specific procedures relating to maintaining Accounts that can transact business in Reportable Securities are set forth below and apply not only to Access Persons themselves, but also to their Family Members. It is the responsibility of the Access Person to adhere to the Reporting Requirements set forth in Section VI.E below. Additionally, Schedule C contains a list of the typical account types that would need to be reported through Schwab CT.
1. | Designated Custodians |
Except as set forth below, Access Persons must maintain personal brokerage and trading accounts with a Designated Custodian included on the list set forth in Schedule A. Accounts trading in shares of open-end investment companies (i.e., mutual funds) (excluding ETFs) may also be custodied directly with the respective fund company. If you are a new Access Person, you must transfer your Account to a Designated Custodian within thirty (30) days from becoming an Access Person unless otherwise approved by the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee. You are responsible for costs associated with transferring your personal Account. All new brokerage and trading Accounts must be established with a Designated Custodian.
The Chief Compliance Officer, at his/her discretion, may approve the maintenance of a personal brokerage or trading account through a custodian that is not a Designated Custodian; provided, that any Access Person who receives such approval shall be assessed a maintenance fee or such other fee, as assessed by By All Accounts (the Maintenance Fee) per registration maintained at any such non-Designated Custodian and such Access Person shall be responsible for authenticating such Account in the Schwab CT system to ensure that transaction information on any such Accounts are electronically downloaded into the Schwab CT system for review and monitoring purposes. The Maintenance Fee is a fee charged by By All Accounts to the Gemini Companies for maintaining such accounts (the fee is currently $100 per year, subject to change at any time in the discretion of By All Accounts). To the extent an electronic feed cannot be established for any such Account, the Access Person will need to follow an alternative reporting process specified by the Chief Compliance Officer.
August 2018
14
2. | Third Party Managed Accounts |
The establishment of Third Party Managed Accounts requires pre-approval by the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee. To request approval, an Access Person must follow the instructions to Add a New Account in the Schwab CT system. Approval or rejection of the Account will typically be sent via email through the Schwab CT system back to the requester.
C. | Trading Rules |
The specific procedures relating to trading in Accounts are set forth below and require, among other things, the reporting of securities transactions and holdings, as well as the pre-approval of certain types of transactions. These procedures apply to transactions for Access Persons themselves, as well as transactions for Family Members.
● | General Pre-Clearance Requirements |
An Access Person may not, directly or indirectly, acquire or dispose of Beneficial Ownership of a Reportable Security in an Account unless: (i) such purchase or sale has been approved by the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee; (ii) the approved transaction is completed within two business days in accordance with this Code after approval is received unless otherwise approved by the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee; and (iii) the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee has not rescinded such approval prior to execution of the transaction. Post-approval is not permitted. Schedule C contains a list of the types of securities that are typically subject to pre-clearance if traded in a covered Account.
Clearance must be obtained by entering the request in the Schwab CT system or as otherwise designated by the Chief Compliance Officer. The Schwab CT system will generate an automatic approval for trades that do not pose any conflicts and certain other trades may be subject to manual review by the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee. Clearance will be obtained by receiving approval in the Schwab CT system or other process designated by the Chief Compliance Officer. The Chief Compliance Officer, or his/her designee, monitors all transactions by all Access Persons in order to ascertain any pattern of conduct that may evidence conflicts or potential conflicts with the principles and objectives of this Code, including a pattern of front-running.
Advance trade clearance in no way waives or absolves any Access Persons of the obligation to abide by the provisions, principles and objectives of this Code.
● | Exemptions from Pre-Clearance Requirements |
Certain types of transactions in Reportable Securities do not present the sort of risks that require pre- clearance at this time; however, Accounts holding such Reportable Securities are still subject to the reporting requirements set forth in the Covered Accounts section above and may be subject to certain reporting obligations described in Section IV.E below. In connection with its review and evaluation of information reported for such exempted transactions, the Chief Compliance Officer reserves the right to change this policy generally or with respect to any individual Access Person at any time. The following transactions generally do not require pre-clearance unless otherwise specified by the Chief Compliance Officer:
August 2018
15
● | Transactions in Reportable Securities in pre-approved Third Party Managed Accounts; |
● | Transactions in Reportable Securities that result solely from Automatic Investment Plans; provided, that the initial establishment of an Automatic Investment Plan and any transaction that overrides the pre-set schedule or allocations of the Automatic Investment Plan must be pre-cleared; and |
● | Transactions in shares of open-end registered investment companies (i.e., mutual funds) but excluding ETFs, Restricted Funds, unit investment trusts, and variable and fixed annuities. |
● | Pre-Clearance Rules and Trade Activity Review |
The following rules provide the basis for approval or denial decisions granted by the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee of personal securities transactions in Reportable Securities in covered Accounts. Pre-clearance approval is effective for up to two business days after approval depending on the timing of submission. For purposes of calculating the two business day requirement, Schwab CT considers the first business day to be the day of approval if that approval is received during business hours. For example, if you pre-clear a trade at market open on a Monday, youd have until market close on Tuesday to complete. If you pre-clear a trade over the weekend, you would also have until market close on Tuesday to complete; however, if you pre-clear a trade immediately prior to market close on a Monday, youd still only have until market close on Tuesday to complete. If you pre-clear a trade after market hours on Monday, youd then have until market close on Wednesday to complete. Pre-clearance is granted via Schwab CT, or if Schwab CT is unavailable, by email from the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee.
● | Black-out Period —No Investment Personnel shall purchase or sell, directly or indirectly, any Security in which he or she has, or by reason of such transaction acquires, any direct or indirect beneficial interest within three (3) calendar days of the purchase or sale of the same Security by a Gemini Companies client under such Investment Personnels supervision or a Gemini Companies client for whom such Investment Personnel otherwise participates in decision making or obtains information in connection with the purchase or sale of Securities. (For example, if a Gemini Companies client trades in a Security on day one, day four is the first day the Investment Personnel may trade in such Security for an Account with respect to which he or she has Beneficial Ownership.) In the event a Securities transaction is executed in a Gemini Companies client account within three (3) calendar days after an Investment Personnel executed a transaction in the same Security, the Chief Compliance Officer, or his/her designee, will review such Investment Personnels and the clients transactions to determine whether any fiduciary duties to the client have been violated. If the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee is not satisfied that the Investment Personnel effected his or her trade without knowledge of the impending client transaction, the Investment Personnel may be required to submit a trade to reverse the transaction, forfeit any resulting gains, and absorb any resulting financial and/or tax consequences based on the investigation and decision of the Chief Compliance Officer. |
● | Pre-Clearance Required for Participation in IPOs |
No Access Person shall acquire any Beneficial Ownership in any Securities in an Initial Public Offering for his or her Account, as defined herein without the prior written approval of the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee after being provided with full details of the proposed transaction (including written certification that the investment opportunity did not arise by virtue of the Supervised Persons activities on behalf of a client) and, if approved, will be subject to continuous monitoring for possible future conflicts.
August 2018
16
● | Pre-Clearance Required for Private or Limited Offerings |
No Access Person shall acquire Beneficial Ownership of any Securities in a Limited Offering or private placement without the prior written approval of the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee who has been provided with full details of the proposed transaction (including written certification that the investment opportunity did not arise by virtue of the Access Persons activities on behalf of a client) and, if approved, will be subject to continuous monitoring for possible future conflicts.
D. | Holding Period Requirements |
Access Persons cannot sell a Reportable Security within 30 days of its purchase or re-purchase a Reportable Security for a period of 30 days of its sale. Approved Securities purchased in an Initial Public Offering also must be held for at least 30 days. Hardship exceptions to this 30-day holding period requirement may be granted at the discretion of the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee.
E. | Reporting Requirements |
Every Access Person shall provide initial and annual holdings reports and quarterly transaction reports relating to their Account(s) to the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee that must contain the information described below. Access Persons are responsible for reporting on any new Account(s) within thirty (30) days of the assignment of an account number to such Account from the brokerage firm/custodian and the availability of an account statement. No transactions may occur in any new Account prior to its approval by the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee.
1. | Initial Holdings Report |
Every Access Person shall, no later than ten (10) days after the person becomes an Access Person, file an initial holdings report through Schwab CT containing the following information:
● | The title and exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, type of Security, number of shares and principal amount (if applicable) of each Security in which the Access Person had any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership when the person becomes an Access Person; |
● | The name of any broker, dealer or bank, account name, account number and location with whom the Access Person maintained an Account in which any Securities were held; and |
● | The date that the report is submitted by the Access Person. |
The information submitted must be current as of a date no more than forty-five (45) days before the person became an Access Person.
2. | Annual Holdings Report |
Every Access Person shall, no later than January 30th each year, file an annual holdings report containing the same information required in the initial holdings report as described above. The information submitted must be current as of a date no more than forty-five (45) days before the annual report is submitted.
August 2018
17
3. | Quarterly Transaction Reports |
Every Access Person must, no later than thirty (30) days after the end of each calendar quarter, file a quarterly transaction report containing the following information:
● | With respect to any transaction during the quarter in a Reportable Security in which the Access Person had any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership: |
● | The date of the transaction, the title and exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, the interest rate and maturity date (if applicable), the number of shares and the principal amount (if applicable) of each Reportable Security; |
● | The nature of the transaction (i.e., purchase, sale or any other type of acquisition or disposition); |
● | The price of the Reportable Security at which the transaction was effected; |
● | The name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through whom the transaction was effected; and |
● | The date the report is submitted by the Access Person. |
The quarterly transaction report must also contain the name of the broker, dealer or bank with whom the Access Person established any account during the period in which Securities are held and the date the Account was established.
4. | Exempt Transactions |
An Access Person may not need to submit an initial holdings report, an annual holdings report, or a quarterly transaction report, and may be exempted from the above pre-clearance or holding period requirements, with respect to transactions effected for Securities held in any account over which the Access Person has no direct or indirect influence or control; provided, however, that in determining that an Access Person has no direct or indirect influence or control over a trust or Third Party Managed Account, the following shall be certified each quarter by the Access Person:
● | That the Access Person does not suggest or direct and did not in the most recent quarter suggest or direct that a third-party discretionary manager or trustee serving the Account make any particular purchases or sales of securities for the Account; and |
● | That the Access Person did not in the most recent quarter consult with the trustee or third- party discretionary manager serving the Account as to the particular allocation of investments to be made in the Account. |
In determining that an Access Person has no direct or indirect influence or control over a trust or Third Party Managed Account and in addition to the quarterly certifications, the Gemini Companies may:
● | Require the Access Person to provide information about a trustee or third-party discretionary managers relationship with such Access Person (i.e., independent professional versus friend or relative; unaffiliated versus affiliated firm); and |
August 2018
18
● | On a periodic or sample basis, request reports on holdings and/or transactions made in the trust or discretionary account; provided, that annual holdings reports will be required for all Third Party Managed Accounts in which Reportable Securities may be held. |
Unless otherwise required by the Chief Compliance Officer, an Access Person need not submit quarterly transaction reports with respect to transactions effected pursuant to (i) an Automatic Investment Plan, or (ii) with respect to transactions that would duplicate information contained in Securities transaction confirmations or brokerage account statements that the Gemini Companies hold in its records so long as the Gemini Companies receive the confirmations or statements no later than 30 days after the end of the applicable calendar quarter.
5. | Monitoring and Review of Personal Securities Transactions |
The Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee will monitor and review all reports required under this Code for compliance with the Gemini Companies policies regarding personal Securities transactions and applicable SEC rules and regulations. The Chief Compliance Officer may also initiate inquiries of Access Persons regarding personal Securities trading. Access Persons are required to cooperate with such inquiries and any monitoring or review procedures employed by the Gemini Companies. Any transactions for any accounts of the Chief Compliance Officer will be reviewed and approved by other compliance or legal personnel responsible for oversight of this Code. The Chief Compliance Officer shall routinely, via the Schwab CT system, identify all Access Persons who are required to file reports pursuant to this Code and will inform such Access Persons of their reporting obligations. The Chief Compliance Officer may exempt temporary or part-time employees or independent contractors from certain reporting requirements of this Code if they are determined not to be an Access Person.
● | Employee Transactions in NorthStar 401(k) Account— While an employee participating in NorthStars 401(k) plan ordinarily is not required to report transactions occurring in such employees respective 401(k) account, the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee reserves the right to monitor such accounts for any abusive trading practices that would violate this Code, including an employees investment allocation changes within his/her NorthStar 401(k) account as they relate to investments in Restricted Funds. For the avoidance of doubt, it is a violation of this Code for an employee to change an allocation to Restricted Funds within his/her NorthStar 401(k) account on the basis of non-public information such employee may have regarding Restricted Funds. |
● | Employee Transactions in NorthStar 401(k) Self-Directed Brokerage Account (SDBA)—E mployees who choose to participate in the NorthStar SDBA will need to add the account to Schwab CT and, once the account has been approved, will need to pre-clear trades within the SDBA. Consistent with this Code, employees will not need to pre-clear the purchase of mutual funds, unless the fund is an ETF or a Restricted Fund, as defined in this Code. |
August 2018
19
VII. | Interested Transactions |
No Supervised Person shall recommend any Securities transactions for a client without having disclosed his or her interest, if any, in such Securities or the issuer thereof, including without limitation:
● | any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership of any Securities of such issuer; |
● | any contemplated transaction by such person in such Securities; |
● | any position with such issuer or its affiliates; and |
● | any present or proposed business relationship between such issuer or its affiliates and such person or any party in which such person has a significant interest. |
August 2018
20
VIII. | Gifts and Entertainment |
Giving, receiving or soliciting gifts or entertainment in a business setting may create an appearance of impropriety or may raise a potential conflict of interest. The Gemini Companies have adopted the policies set forth below to guide Supervised Persons in this area.
A. | General Policy |
The Gemini Companies policy with respect to gifts and entertainment is as follows:
● | Supervised Persons should not accept or provide any gifts, entertainment or favors that might influence the decisions the Supervised Persons or the recipients must make in business transactions involving the Gemini Companies, or that others might reasonably believe would influence those decisions. Entertainment that satisfies these requirements and conforms to generally accepted business practices is permissible. |
● | Modest gifts and favors (e.g., those valued at under $100), which would not be regarded by others as improper, may be accepted or given on an occasional basis. |
● | Where there is a law or rule that applies to the conduct of a particular business or the acceptance of gifts or entertainment of even nominal value, the law or rule must be followed. |
B. | Reporting Requirements |
● | Any Supervised Person who accepts, directly or indirectly, anything of value (other than attendance fees or travel related reimbursements in connection with the participation at an industry related conference or seminar) from any person or entity that does business with or on behalf of the Gemini Companies, including gifts and gratuities, must obtain consent from the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee before accepting such gift. Such consent must be requested and tracked through the Schwab CT reporting system. In the event the circumstances do not permit you to obtain consent prior to accepting such gift, you must notify the Chief Compliance Officer as promptly as possible. |
● | This reporting requirement applies to all entertainment, regardless of whether you are accompanied by the person or representative of the entity that does business with the Gemini Companies; however, this reporting requirement does not apply to bona fide dining if, during such dining, you are accompanied by the person or representative of the entity that does business with the Gemini Companies. |
● | This gift reporting requirement is for the purpose of helping the Gemini Companies monitor the activities of its employees. However, the reporting of a gift does not relieve any Supervised Person from the obligations and policies set forth in this Section or anywhere else in this Code. If you have any questions or concerns about the appropriateness of any gift, please consult the Chief Compliance Officer. |
August 2018
21
IX. | Protecting the Confidentiality of Client Information |
A. | Confidential Client Information |
In the course of providing its services, the Gemini Companies may gain access to non-public information about its clients. Such information may include a persons status as a client, personal financial and account information, the allocation of assets in a client portfolio, the composition of investments in any client portfolio, information relating to services performed for or transactions entered into on behalf of clients, advice provided by the Gemini Companies to clients, and data or analyses derived from such non-public personal information (collectively referred to as Confidential Client Information). All Confidential Client Information, whether relating to the Gemini Companies current or former clients, is subject to this Codes policies and procedures. Any doubts about the confidentiality of information must be resolved in favor of confidentiality.
B. | Non-Disclosure of Confidential Client Information |
All information regarding the Gemini Companies clients is confidential. Information may only be disclosed when the disclosure is consistent with the Gemini Companies policies and the clients direction. The Gemini Companies does not share Confidential Client Information with any third parties, except in the following circumstances:
● | As necessary to provide service that the client requested or authorized, or to maintain and service the clients account. The Gemini Companies will require that any financial intermediary, agent or other service provider utilized by the Gemini Companies (such as broker-dealers or sub-advisers) comply with substantially similar standards for non-disclosure and protection of Confidential Client Information and use the information provided by the Gemini Companies only for the performance of the specific service requested by the Gemini Companies; |
● | As required by regulatory authorities or law enforcement officials who have jurisdiction over the Gemini Companies, or as otherwise required by any applicable law. In the event the Gemini Companies is compelled to disclose Confidential Client Information, the Gemini Companies shall provide prompt notice to the clients affected, so that the clients may seek a protective order or other appropriate remedy. If no protective order or other appropriate remedy is obtained, the Gemini Companies shall disclose only such information, and only in such detail, as is legally required; or |
● | To the extent reasonably necessary to prevent fraud, unauthorized transactions or liability. |
C. | Employee Responsibilities |
All employees are prohibited, either during or after the termination of their employment from disclosing Confidential Client Information to any person or entity outside of the Gemini Companies, including Family Members, except under the circumstances described above. A Supervised Person is permitted to disclose Confidential Client Information only to such other Supervised Persons who need to have access to such information to deliver services to the client.
Supervised Persons are also prohibited from making unauthorized copies of any documents or files containing Confidential Client Information and, upon termination of their employment with the Gemini Companies, must return any and all such documents to the Gemini Companies.
August 2018
22
Any Supervised Person who violates the non-disclosure policy described above will be subject to disciplinary action, including possible termination, whether or not he or she benefited from the disclosed information.
D. | Security of Confidential Personal Information |
The Gemini Companies enforce the following policies and procedures to protect the security of Confidential Client Information:
● | The Gemini Companies restrict access to Confidential Client Information to those Supervised Persons who need to know such information to provide the Gemini Companies services to clients. |
● | Any Supervised Person who is authorized to have access to Confidential Client Information in connection with the performance of such persons duties and responsibilities is required to keep such information in a secure compartment, file or receptacle on a daily basis as of the close of each business day. |
● | All electronic or computer files containing any Confidential Client Information shall be password secured and firewall protected from access by unauthorized persons. |
● | Any conversations involving Confidential Client Information, if appropriate at all, must be conducted by Supervised Persons in private, and care must be taken to avoid any unauthorized persons overhearing or intercepting such conversations. |
E. | Privacy Policy |
The Gemini Companies have adopted a privacy policy to comply with SEC Regulation S-P, which requires the adoption of policies and procedures to protect the nonpublic personal information of natural person clients. Nonpublic personal information, under Regulation S-P includes personally identifiable financial information and any list, description, or grouping that is derived from personally identifiable financial information. Personally identifiable financial information is defined to include information supplied by individual clients, information resulting from transactions and information obtained in providing products or services. The policies and procedures adopted by the Gemini Companies serve to safeguard the information of natural person clients.
F. | Enforcement and Review of Confidentiality and Privacy Policies |
The Chief Compliance Officer, in conjunction with the Gemini Companies legal department, is responsible for reviewing, maintaining and enforcing the Gemini Companies confidentiality and privacy policies and is also responsible for conducting appropriate employee training to ensure adherence to these policies. Any exceptions to this policy require the written approval of the legal department.
August 2018
23
X. | Service as a Director |
Except with respect to Supervised Persons solely as a result of their service as a non-employee director, manager, or officer, or their engagement as an independent contractor, no Supervised Person shall serve on the board of directors of any publicly traded company without prior authorization by the Chief Compliance Officer or a designated supervisory person based upon a determination that such board service would be consistent with the interest of the Gemini Companies clients. Where board service is approved the Gemini Companies shall implement a Chinese Wall or other appropriate procedure to isolate such person from making decisions relating to the companys securities.
XI. | Certification |
A. | Initial Certification |
All Supervised Persons will be provided with a copy of this Code and must initially certify in writing to the Chief Compliance Officer that they have: (i) received a copy of this Code; (ii) read and understand all provisions of this Code; (iii) agreed to abide by this Code; and (iv), reported all account holdings as required by this Code.
B. | Amendments |
All Supervised Persons shall receive any amendments to this Code and agree to abide by this Code as amended.
C. | Annual Certification |
All Supervised Persons must annually certify in writing to the Chief Compliance Officer that they have: (i) read and understood all provisions of this Code, as amended; (ii) complied with all requirements of this Code; and (iii) submitted all holdings and transaction reports as required by this Code.
D. | Further Information |
Supervised Persons should contact the Chief Compliance Officer regarding any inquiries pertaining to this Code or the policies established herein.
August 2018
24
XII. | Records |
The Chief Compliance Officer, in conjunction with the Gemini Companies legal department, shall maintain and cause to be maintained in a readily accessible place the following records:
● | A copy of any code of ethics adopted by the Gemini Companies that is or has been in effect during the past five years; |
● | A record of any violation of any code of ethics adopted by the Gemini Companies and any action that was taken as a result of such violation for a period of five years from the end of the fiscal year in which the violation occurred; |
● | A record of all written acknowledgements of receipt of the Code and amendments thereto for each person who is currently, or within the past five years was, a Supervised Person which shall be retained for five years after the individual ceases to be a Supervised Person; |
● | A copy of each report made pursuant to Investment Company Act Rule 17j-1, including any brokerage confirmations, account statements or data feeds made in lieu of these reports; |
● | A list of all persons who are, or within the preceding five years have been, Access Persons; and |
● | A record of any decision and reasons supporting such decision to approve a Supervised Persons acquisition of Securities in Initial Public Offerings and Limited Offerings within the past five years after the end of the fiscal year in which such approval is granted. |
August 2018
25
XIII. | Reporting Violations and Sanctions |
All Supervised Persons shall promptly report to the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee all apparent violations of this Code. Any retaliation for the reporting of a violation under this Code will constitute a violation of this Code.
The Chief Compliance Officer shall promptly report to senior management all apparent material violations of this Code. When the Chief Compliance Officer finds that a violation otherwise reportable to senior management could not be reasonably found to have resulted in a fraud, deceit, or a manipulative practice in violation of the securities laws or rules, he/she may, in his/her discretion, submit a written memorandum of such finding and the reasons therefore to a reporting file created for this purpose in lieu of reporting the matter to senior management.
Senior management shall consider reports made to it hereunder and shall determine whether or not this Code has been violated and what sanctions, if any, should be imposed. Possible sanctions may include reprimands, monetary fine or assessment, or suspension or termination of the employees employment. In accordance with the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 and other applicable law, nothing in this Code restricts disclosure of trade secrets to the government in relation to the investigation of a known or reasonably suspected violation of applicable law.
If a Supervised Person does not wish to report an apparent violation or unethical behavior to the Chief Compliance Officer, such Supervised Person can utilize the NorthStar Whistleblower/AlertLine (AlertLine).
Unethical behavior can include violations of federal, state or local laws; any material violation of this Code; billing for services not performed or for goods not delivered; and other fraudulent financial reporting. Illegal or dishonest activities may be related to: diversity, equal opportunity and respect in the workplace; employee relations (inappropriate behavior/unfair employment practices); health and safety; misuse or misappropriation of assets or information; violations of SEC and FINRA rules and policies; and/or policy and process integrity.
The AlertLine is not a substitute for meaningful communication between the Supervised Person and their manager. The Chief Compliance Officer or the Supervised Persons manager is often the best and safest option for discussing concerns of an ethical nature. If, however, a Supervised Person believes that to be inappropriate in their case, they can report ethical misconduct or simply get more information by logging on to https://northstar.alertline.com or by calling the AlertLine at 1-855-343-6082 .
The AlertLine is confidential, easy to use, and is operated by a third-party provider, which specializes in this type of service. Supervised Persons will have two options for reporting concerns: 1.) Online by logging on to the website at https://northstar.alertline.com and filling in important information fields regarding the nature of the report, or 2.) Call the AlertLine number at 1-855-343-6082 to speak with a live operator, who will ask relevant questions. Calls are toll-free and both methods are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Regardless of which method an employee chooses, the AlertLine system will prepare a report and forward it to the appropriate person for review and, if necessary, investigation.
August 2018
26
XIV. | Ethics Training |
The Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee will provide training to all Supervised Persons on at least an annual basis regarding the topics included in this Code. It shall be the responsibility of the Chief Compliance Officer to ensure that evidence of any communication and training conducted, including specified dates and attendees. Such training can be provided in-person or electronically, at the Chief Compliance Officers discretion.
With respect to employees and associated persons of GAF, the ethics training shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
● | An explanation of the applicable laws and regulations and rules of self-regulatory organizations or contract markets and registered derivatives transaction execution facilities; |
● | GAFs obligation to the public to observe just and equitable principles of trade; |
● | How to act honestly and fairly and with due skill, care, and diligence in the best interest of customers and the integrity of the markets; |
● | How to establish effective supervisory systems and internal controls; |
● | Obtaining and assessing the financial situation and investment experience of customers; |
● | Disclosure of material information to customers; and |
● | Avoidance, proper disclosure, and handling of conflicts of interest. |
August 2018
27
Schedule A
Designated Custodians*
TD Ameritrade, Inc.
Charles Schwab & Co, Inc.
Fidelity
E*Trade
* | Please note that this list may be amended at the Chief Compliance Officers discretion. |
August 2018
28
Schedule B
Frequently Asked Questions
About Code of Ethics
Persons Subjectto Code:
1. | Why are some Code requirements applicable to Supervised Persons while others refer to Access Persons? As a Gemini Companies employee, what applies to me? |
Under applicable regulatory requirements, certain provisions of the Code are required to be applicable to Supervised Persons while others are focused on Access Persons. You are a Supervised Person if you are an employee or officer of the Gemini Companies, an independent contractor working with the Gemini Companies who obtains confidential information regarding the Gemini Companies clients as part of your engagement, or you provide advice on behalf of the Gemini Companies and youre subject to the Gemini Companies supervision and control. Access Persons are a subset of this group who are given access to nonpublic information regarding any clients purchase or sale of Securities, nonpublic information regarding the portfolio holdings of any Restricted Fund, or youre involved in making Securities recommendations to clients. In reality, because of the close affiliation of our Gemini Companies, almost every Supervised Person will also be considered an Access Person. Non- employee directors/managers and registered representatives of NLD who do not make Securities recommendations to NLD clients are the primary examples of individuals who would be considered Supervised Persons but not AccessPersons.
Bottom Line: If you are an employee of the Gemini Companies, all provisions of the Code apply to you with very limited exception.
Accounts Covered by Code:
1. | What accounts do I need to disclose on Schwab CT? |
Any Account of an employee or their Family Members and any Account in which he or she has Beneficial Ownership, such as trust and custodial accounts or other accounts in which you exercise investment discretion should be disclosed. Please note that for this purpose, Family Member includes not only relatives by blood, marriage, or otherwise, but also an unrelated individual who either resides with, is financially dependent upon, or whose investments are controlled by you, such as a significant other. Any questions regarding the coverage of non-Family Members will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
There are limited exceptions to this definition that include your NorthStar 401(k) account (unless you participate in the Self-Directed Brokerage Account (SDBA) as part of the 401(k) Plan) and any account that you do not exercise control over, as further explained in Section VI.E.5 of the Code. For example, if you are the beneficiary of a trust but have no knowledge of the specific management actions taken by the trustee and no right to intervene in the trustees management, such blind trust account would be
August 2018
29
excluded from the disclosure requirement.
The Gemini Companies do not need information about your checking and savings accounts maintained at a bank, credit union or trust company, unless these accounts maintain Security holdings.
2. | What if I am a beneficiary on an account? |
If you are named as a beneficiary on an account or trust but have no knowledge or control of the specific actions taken by the trustee and no right to intervene in the trustees management, you would not have to disclose the trust account. If you have more contact with the account or trust, you may need to disclose the account on Schwab CT, but you may not have to pre-clear transactions until you become in control of the assets. These situations will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
3. | How do I disclose an account in Schwab CT? |
On your first day of employment, you will receive an email from Schwab CT prompting you to login and complete the required attestations as a new employee. One of your attestations will require you to disclose any accounts you or any Family Member have. For any non-brokerage accounts, you are required to upload a copy of the most recent quarterly or monthly statement. (Non-brokerage accounts would include accounts held directly at a mutual fund, college savings plan account, etc.)
4. | Are there restrictions on the custodians that can hold my trading Account? |
Yes, please refer to Section VI.B.1 which contains the Gemini Companies policy on Designated Custodians. You can find the list of current Designated Custodians on Schedule A; however, please note that the Chief Compliance Officer has discretion to amend this list as necessary in his or her sole discretion.
5. | Why do my personal brokerage and trading Accounts have to be held at a Designated Custodian? |
By using a Designated Custodian, the Gemini Companies are able to obtain daily feeds of trade activities in Accounts, which assists us in administering the Code effectively and efficiently.
6. | If my Family Member or I have Accounts at firms not listed on Schedule A, will they have to be moved? |
Yes, unless the Account is a non-brokerage account holding Securities such as accounts held directly at a mutual fund, college savings plan account, etc., the Account must be transferred within 30 days from initial commencement of employment unless otherwise authorized by the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee. With non-brokerage accounts, you will need to upload a copy of a recent statement for each Account.
7. |
If my current brokerage firm carges me a fee to move my Account, will the Gemini Companies pay that fee?
No, you will have to pay any fees associated with transferring your Account. |
August 2018
30
8. | What if I have a Third Party Managed Account? |
The establishment of a Third Party Managed Account requires pre-approval by the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee. To request approval, please follow the instructions to Add a New Account in the Schwab CT System.
Pre-Clearance:
1. | How do I submit a pre-clearance request for a trade? |
Pre-clearance requests must be approved by the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee prior to executing and can be submitted through the Schwab CT system by clicking on Create a pre-clearance on the home screen under Quick Links.
2. | How long do I have to complete my trade after it has been pre-cleared? |
Pre-clearance approval is effective for up to two business days after approval depending on the timing of submission. For purposes of calculating the two business day requirement, Schwab CT considers the first business day to be the day of approval if that approval is received during business hours. For example, if you pre-clear a trade at market open on a Monday, youd have until market close on Tuesday to complete. If you pre-clear a trade over the weekend, you would also have until market close on Tuesday to complete; however, if you pre-clear a trade immediately prior to market close on a Monday, youd still only have until market close on Tuesday to complete. If you pre-clear a trade after market hours on Monday, youd then have until market close on Wednesday to complete.
3. |
If I want to purchase a mutual fund, do I have to get permission/approval first?
No, unless the fund is an ETF or a Restricted Fund. |
4. | If I want to sell a security (or close out an option position) I purchased before I started working here, does this trade require pre-clearance? |
Yes, all trades (buy or sell orders) made while you are an Access Person of the Gemini Companies must be pre-cleared.
5. | If I place a trade while I am out of the office (on vacation for example), do I need to seek a pre-clearance approval request? |
Yes, all trades (buy or sell orders) made while you are an Access Person of the Gemini Companies must be pre-cleared, regardless of your location.
6. | If my spouse places a trade, not me, do I still need a pre-clearance approval request? |
Yes, regardless of who places the trade, pre-clearance for trades in Reportable Securities in your Accounts or the Accounts of your Family Members must always be received.
August 2018
31
7. | I executed a trade in my Account yesterday and entered in a pre-clearance request this morning, is that okay? |
No. You must always seek pre-clearance approval before placing any trades in your Account.
8. | I want to place a limit order, stop order, or stop-limit order but I only have up to two business days to execute my trade, does this mean I have to seek pre-clearance approval every day? |
The initial establishment of such an order would require pre-clearance; however, if the terms of such order remain unchanged and the order remains active, it is not necessary to withdraw and re-submit the same order if it is not executed within two business days, unless required by the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee. Such orders will be held open for twenty-five business days if no changes are made. After the conclusion of the twenty-five business days, you will need to withdraw and resubmit the order for pre-clearance again. Any changes to an outstanding limit order, stop order, or stop-limit order would need to be submitted for pre-clearance approval.
9. | How long does it take for a pre-clearance request to be approved or denied? |
Pre-clearance requests are reviewed and approved or denied within 24 hours; however, such requests are generally approved or denied much sooner than 24 hours.
10. | Do I need pre-clearance if trades occur in my Third Party Managed Account? |
If your Third Party Managed Account has been pre-approved by the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee, it is not necessary to pre-clear trades if all activity in the Account occurs at the discretion of the third party manager only. However, you will need to comply with the reporting requirements for such a Third-Party Managed Account and ensure that your most recent statement is uploaded on an at least an annual basis for such Account (or more frequently if deemed necessary by the Chief Compliance Officer).
11. | Can I buy shares of an Initial Public Offering (IPO)? |
You may not acquire shares of an IPO unless you receive prior written approval from the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee through the Schwab CT system. You are required to provide full details of the proposed transaction and certify that this opportunity did not arise through activities on behalf of a client. Please note, this restriction applies to spouses, children, and other Family Members and their Accounts. This also applies to private or Limited Offerings.
12. | Do I have to have pre-clearance for trades in the NorthStar 401(k) Self-Directed Brokerage Account (SDBA)? |
Yes, you will generally be required to pre-clear trades in your SDBA. When you establish your SDBA, you will need to add the account to Schwab CT and, once the account has been approved, you will need to pre- clear trades within the SDBA. Consistent with this Code, you will not need to pre-clear the purchase of mutual funds, unless the fund is an ETF or a Restricted Fund, as defined in this Code.
August 2018
32
Holding Requirements:
1. | How long must I hold a Reportable Security or wait before purchasing a Reportable Security? |
You cannot sell a Reportable Security within 30 days of its purchase or purchase a Reportable Security within less than 30 days following its sale. This requirement also applies to Reportable Securities transactions in an Account for one of your Family Members.
Reporting Requirements:
1. | What are my quarterly and annual reporting obligations? |
On an ongoing basis, you will be prompted to certify your understanding and compliance with the reporting requirements of the Code on a quarterly basis. Reporting through Schwab CT to confirm your covered Accounts and investments/transactions is also completed on a quarterly basis.
In addition, you are subject to an annual requirement to update your current holdings in your Accounts and provide your most recent Account statement. This requirement applies even to Third-Party Managed Accounts and other Accounts you are required to disclose but for which transactions are excluded from the pre-clearance requirement.
Further, with respect to Third-Party Managed Accounts or other Accounts for which you have no direct control or influence, you must also confirm your lack of control over such Accounts on a quarterly basis.
Gifts and Entertainment:
1. | May I accept gifts? |
You should not accept or provide any gifts that may influence, or be motivated by, certain employee decisions. Modest gifts and favors, which would not be regarded by others as improper, may be accepted or given on an occasional basis; provided that all gifts should be logged into Schwab CT, regardless of value.
2. | Are there any exceptions to the reporting of gifts? |
There are limited exceptions to the Codes requirement to provide information on any gifts received/given in Schwab CT for approval and you should generally report all gifts in Schwab CT, regardless of the circumstances. Please note, however, that personal gifts such as a wedding gift or a congratulatory gift for the birth of a child would generally not be considered a reportable gift unless the gift is in relation to your business with the third party.
3. | What is my reporting obligation with respect to entertainment? |
All entertainment that is received in connection with a business relationship must be reported, regardless of value and regardless of whether you are accompanied by the person or representative of the entity that does business with the Gemini Companies. For example, if a business contact provides
August 2018
33
you tickets to a concert, you must disclose the concert tickets in Schwab CT. This requirement applies regardless of whether the business contact attends the entertainment with you. Note that there is an exception for meals with business contacts. Industry conferences also are typically excluded from being considered entertainment even if entertainment (e.g., golf) is included as part of the conference agenda as long as the entertainment is generally offered to all conference participants.
4. | Schwab CT asks me to include a value of the gift/entertainment Im reporting. What if I dont know the value? |
In general, gifts and entertainment should be valued at the higher of the cost or market value, exclusive of tax and delivery charges. When valuing tickets, you should use the higher of cost or face value and include not only the value of your ticket but also any other tickets given for your use. For example, if you are given two tickets to the College World Series from a business contact and you take your spouse, you should include the value of both tickets in your Schwab CT report.
Schwab CT Administration:
1. | What is my Schwab CT password? |
If you have forgotten your Schwab CT password, please click on the forgot password link on the Schwab CT login page and a new password will be emailed to you. Your compliance department will not have your password.
2. | How do I know if Ive completed all of my compliance affirmations in Schwab CT? |
The Home page of Schwab CT will show you any outstanding items. Should an item be listed, you must click on that item and complete any required actions.
CodeViolations:
1. | What are the repercussions of a violation of the Code of Ethics? |
Each violation of the Code is considered in relation to the facts and circumstances to determine the materiality of a particular violation. The Chief Compliance Officer will report to senior management all apparent material violations of the Code. Senior management shall consider any Code violations and determine what sanctions, if any, should be imposed. Possible sanctions include reprimands, monetary fines or assessments, or suspension or termination of an employees employment with the Gemini Companies.
August 2018
34
Schedule C
Summary of Reporting Requirements
I. | Account Reporting Requirements |
This list is not all inclusive and may be updated from time to time. Accounts are required to be reported in Schwab CT initially and within 30 days of opening.
Account Type | Reporting Required?* |
Brokerage at Designated Custodian | Yes |
Brokerage at non-Designated Custodian (requires specific approval) | Yes |
Non-Brokerage | Yes |
Mutual Fund (non-ETF and non-Restricted Fund) | Yes |
ETF | Yes |
DRIP (Dividend Reinvestment Program) | Yes |
ESOP (Employee Stock Option Plan) | Yes |
401(k) (excluding NorthStar 401(k)) | Yes |
NorthStar 401(k) Self-Directed Brokerage Account (SDBA) | Yes |
Family Members 401(k) or Other Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plan Account | Yes |
Third Party Managed Account | Yes |
Qualified Tuition Programs (such as 529 Plan) | Yes |
Variable Annuities | Yes |
Certificates of Deposit | No |
Currency | No |
Checking or Other Non-Securities Bank Account | No |
* | If Yes, then reporting is required for your Accounts, your Family Members Accounts, and any other persons Accounts where you may have Beneficial Ownership. |
August 2018
35
II. | Pre-Clearance and Reporting by Security Type |
This list may not be all inclusive and may be updated from time to time.
Security Type | Pre-Clearance | Quarterly | Annual Holdings |
Required? | Transaction | Report Required? | |
Report Required? | |||
Equity Securities (Common, Preferred, Convertible) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Fund (excluding ETF and Restricted Fund) | No | No | Yes |
ETF | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Restricted Fund | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Warrants | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Rights | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Municipal Bond Securities | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Corporate Bond Securities | Yes | Yes | Yes |
High Yield Securities | Yes | Yes | Yes |
U.S. Treasury Securities | No | No | No |
Non-Government Debt Securities | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Foreign Government Issued Securities | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Money Market Instruments | No | No | No |
Limited Offerings (e.g., private placements) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Security Futures | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Options, Forwards, and Futures on Commodities | No | No | No |
Options on Securities | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Options on Securities Indexes | No | No | No |
Futures on Securities Indexes | No | No | No |
Interests in Variable Annuity Products | No | Yes | Yes |
American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Certificates of Deposit | No | No | No |
Commercial Paper | No | No | No |
Currency | No | No | No |
August 2018
36