Securities Act Registration No. 333-178833
Investment Company Act Registration No. 811-22655
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 24, 2020
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. 465 |
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 ý
ý | Amendment No. 468 |
(Check appropriate box or boxes.)
Northern Lights Fund Trust III
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, OH 45246
(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, Esq. Thompson Hine LLP 41 South High Street, Suite 1700 Columbus, Ohio 43215 614-469-3265 (phone) 614-469-3361 (fax) |
Richard Malinowski Gemini Fund Services, LLC 80 Arkay Drive, Suite 110 Hauppauge, New York 11788 (631) 470-2600 |
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)
ý On May 1, 2020 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.
ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund
Class A Shares ADOAX
Class I Shares ADOIX
ACM Tactical Income Fund
Class A Shares TINAX
Class I Shares TINIX
PROSPECTUS
May 1, 2020
Adviser:
Ascendant Capital Management, LLC
d/b/a ACM Funds
10866 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1600
Los Angeles, California 90024
www.ACM-Funds.com 1-844-798-3833
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.
Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Funds’ shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Funds’ website www.ACM-Funds.com, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.
If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Funds electronically by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by following the instructions included with paper Fund documents that have been mailed to you. You may also elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACM DYNAMIC OPPORTUNITY FUND – FUND SUMMARY | 1 |
Investment Objective | 1 |
Fees and Expenses of the Fund | 1 |
Principal Investment Strategies | 1 |
Principal Investment Risks | 2 |
Performance | 3 |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares | 4 |
Tax Information | 4 |
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries | 4 |
ACM TACTICAL INCOME FUND – FUND SUMMARY | 5 |
Investment Objective | 5 |
Fees and Expenses of the Fund | 5 |
Principal Investment Strategies | 5 |
Principal Investment Risks | 6 |
Performance | 7 |
Investment Adviser | 8 |
Portfolio Manager | 8 |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares | 8 |
Tax Information | 8 |
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries | 9 |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS | 9 |
Investment Objective | 9 |
Principal Investment Strategies | 9 |
Principal Investment Risks | 10 |
Temporary Investments | 14 |
Portfolio Holdings Disclosure | 14 |
Cybersecurity | 14 |
MANAGEMENT | 15 |
Investment Adviser | 15 |
Portfolio Managers | 15 |
HOW SHARES ARE PRICED | 16 |
HOW TO PURCHASE SHARES | 17 |
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES | 20 |
FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF FUND SHARES | 22 |
TAX STATUS, DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS | 23 |
DISTRIBUTION OF SHARES | 24 |
Distributor | 24 |
Distribution Fees | 24 |
Additional Compensation to Financial Intermediaries | 24 |
Householding | 24 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | 25 |
PRIVACY NOTICE | 29 |
ACM DYNAMIC OPPORTUNITY FUND – FUND SUMMARY
Investment Objective: The ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund (the “Fund”) seeks long-term capital appreciation with a short-term focus on capital preservation.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund : This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts on purchases of Class A shares if you or your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in the Fund. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in How to Purchase Shares on page 17 of the Fund’s Prospectus.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
Class A | Class I |
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on purchases
(as a percentage of offering price) |
5.75% | None |
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) | None | None |
Redemption Fee
(as a % of amount redeemed if held less than 30 days) |
1.00% | 1.00% |
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
||
Management Fees | 1.25% | 1.25% |
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees | 0.25% | None |
Total Other Expenses | 0.45% | 0.45% |
Short Selling Dividend and Interest Expense | 0.02% | 0.02% |
Remaining Other Expenses | 0.43% | 0.43% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 1.95% | 1.70% |
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:
Class | 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
A | $762 | $1,152 | $1,567 | $2,719 |
I | $173 | $536 | $923 | $2,009 |
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 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 year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 325% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies: To pursue its investment objective, the Fund invests in domestic and foreign (including emerging markets) equity securities of any market capitalization. The Fund may also take long or short positions in index exchange traded funds (“ETFs”) to hedge the Fund’s equity portfolio.
The Fund’s adviser, Ascendant Capital Management, LLC d/b/a ACM Funds (the “Adviser”), selects equity securities for the Fund’s portfolio that are experiencing meaningful breakouts. A “breakout” is a significant movement that involves a combination of price and trading volume in a given security. The Adviser further screens these breakout candidates to ensure they meet certain fundamental and technical criteria as determined by the Adviser such as the earnings per share growth, revenue growth, and upward revisions of estimates and profitability of the issuers of the securities. The Adviser will sell a security when it drops a certain percentage from its purchase price (“stop-loss”), or if the price drops below a key technical level (such as the 50 day moving price average for the security) in combination with a rise in trading volume. The Fund has no set holding period for any security and actively trades its portfolio investments, which may result in a high portfolio turnover rate.
The Fund’s investment strategies for short positions can include: (1) selling short an ETF or other security that tracks a broad or narrow market index, in hopes of buying the security at a future date at a lower price; (2) selling short common stocks; (3) buying a put option on an ETF or other security that tracks a broad or narrow market index; (4) buying an ETF or other security that is designed to appreciate in value when the value of a broad or narrow market index declines; (5) selling a covered call option on a
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security that the Fund owns for the duration of the option period; and (6) holding a short position in an ETF or other security that tracks a broad or narrow market index and adding to the Fund’s long positions in particular stocks by a corresponding amount.
The use of short positions or “hedges” is designed to adjust the overall net exposure of the portfolio to limit the downside exposure of the portfolio to declines in the overall market. A portfolio’s net exposure is the percentage of assets invested
in long positions minus the percentage of assets invested in short positions (“hedges”). The net long exposure of the portfolio can fluctuate anywhere between 0% long and 100% long. For example, if the portfolio is 50% invested in long positions while simultaneously being 50% invested in hedges, the net long exposure would equal zero percent. The Adviser monitors numerous broad market indexes and several key moving averages. Short positions will be taken off as select market indexes rise above certain moving averages as identified by the Adviser.
Principal Investment Risks: As with all mutual funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Fund. The Fund is not intended to be a complete investment program. Many factors affect the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) and performance.
· | Currency Risk: If the Fund invests in securities that trade in, and receive revenues in, foreign currencies, it will be subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, or, in the case of hedging positions, that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. As a result, the Fund’s investments in foreign currency-denominated securities may reduce the Fund’s returns. |
· | Derivatives Risk: The Fund’s use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities including leverage risk and counterparty default risk. |
· | Emerging Market Risk: Emerging market countries may have relatively unstable governments, weaker economies, and less-developed legal systems with fewer security holder rights. Emerging market economies may be based on only a few industries and security issuers may be more susceptible to economic weakness and more likely to default. Emerging market securities also tend to be less liquid. |
· | ETF Risk: ETFs 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 ETFs and may be higher than other mutual funds that invest directly in stocks. ETFs are subject to specific risks, depending on the nature of the ETF. |
· | Foreign Investment Risk: Foreign investing involves risks not typically associated with U.S. investments, including adverse fluctuations in foreign currency values, adverse political, social and economic developments, less liquidity, greater volatility, less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability and differing auditing and legal standards. Investing in emerging markets imposes risks different from, or greater than, risks of investing in foreign developed countries. |
· | Issuer-Specific Risk: The value of a specific security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and may perform worse than the market as a whole. |
· | Management Risk: The Adviser’s reliance on its strategy and judgments about the attractiveness, value and potential appreciation of particular securities and the tactical allocation among the Fund’s investments may prove to be incorrect and may not produce the desired results. |
· | Market and Geopolitical Risk. The increasing interconnectivity between global economies and financial markets increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market. Securities in the Fund’s portfolio may underperform due to inflation (or expectations for inflation), interest rates, global demand for particular products or resources, natural disasters, pandemics, epidemics, terrorism, regulatory events and governmental or quasi-governmental actions. The occurrence of global events similar to those in recent years may result in market volatility and may have long term effects on both the U.S. and global financial markets. The current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic and the aggressive responses taken by many governments, including closing borders, restricting international and domestic travel, and the imposition of prolonged quarantines or similar restrictions, as well as the forced or voluntary closure of, or operational changes to, many retail and other businesses, has had negative impacts, and in many cases severe negative impacts, on markets worldwide. It is not known how long such impacts, or any future impacts of other significant events described above, will or would last, but there could be a prolonged period of global economic slowdown, which may impact your Fund investment. |
· | Options Risk: Purchased put options may decline in value or expire worthless and may have imperfect correlation to the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities. Written call and put options may limit the Fund’s participation in equity market gains and may amplify losses in market declines. The Fund’s losses are potentially large in a written put or call transaction. If unhedged, written calls expose the Fund to potentially unlimited losses. |
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· | Portfolio Turnover Risk: Increased portfolio turnover causes the Fund to incur higher brokerage costs, which may adversely affect the Fund’s performance and may produce increased taxable distributions. |
· | Short Selling Risk: The Fund will incur a loss as a result of a short position if the price of the short position instrument increases in value between the date of the short position sale and the date on which an offsetting position is purchased. Short positions may be considered speculative transactions and involve special risks, including greater reliance on the ability to accurately anticipate the future value of a security or instrument. The Fund’s losses are potentially large in a short position transaction. |
· | Small and Medium Capitalization 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 : The bar chart and performance table below show the variability of the Fund’s returns over time, which is some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart shows performance of the Fund’s Class I shares for each full calendar year since the Fund’s inception. The performance table compares the performance of the Fund over time to the performance of a broad-based market index and supplemental indices. You should be aware that the Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Although Class A shares would have similar annual returns to Class I shares because the classes are invested in the same portfolio of securities, the returns for Class A shares are different from Class I shares because Class A shares have different expenses than Class I shares. Updated performance information is available at no cost by visiting www.ACM-Funds.com or by calling 1-844-798-3833.
Class I Performance Bar Chart For Calendar Years Ended December 31
Best Quarter: | 9/30/18 | 6.68% |
Worst Quarter: | 12/31/18 | (8.67)% |
The year-to-date return as of the most recent calendar quarter, which ended March 31, 2020, was (6.57)%.
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Performance Table
Average Annual Total Returns
(For periods ended December 31, 2019)
One
Year |
Since Inception
(1-20-15) |
|
Class I Shares | ||
Return before taxes | 2.36% | 3.82% |
Return after taxes on distributions | 2.27% | 3.76% |
Return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares | 1.46% | 2.96% |
Class A Shares | ||
Return before taxes | (3.80)% | 2.36% |
S&P 500 Total Return Index(1)
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
31.49% | 12.22% |
HFRX Equity Hedge Index(2)
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
(10.71)% | (1.69)% |
S&P 500 (Price) Index(3) (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
28. 88 % | 9 . 93 % |
(1) | The S&P 500 Total Return Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of 500 widely held common stocks. Index returns assume reinvestment of dividends. Investors cannot invest directly in an index. |
(2) | Hedge Fund Research (HFRX) Equity Hedge Index. HFRX is the established global leader in the indexation, analysis and research of the hedge fund industry. With over 150 indices ranging from broad composites down to specific, niche areas of sub-strategy and regional investment focus, the HFRX Indices are considered the industry standard benchmarks of hedge fund performance. Investors cannot invest directly in an index. |
(3) | The S&P 500 (Price) Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of 500 widely held common stocks. Investors cannot invest directly in an index. |
After-tax returns were calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
Investment Adviser: Ascendant Capital Management, LLC d/b/a ACM Funds
Portfolio Managers: Jordan Kahn, CFA, Chief Investment Officer of the Adviser, has served the Fund as a Portfolio Manager since it commenced operations in January 2015. Alan Savoian, Portfolio Manager of the Adviser, has served the Fund as a Portfolio Manager since 2017.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares: The investment minimums for the Fund are:
Class | Initial Investment | Subsequent Investment | ||
Regular
Account |
Retirement
Account |
Regular
Account |
Retirement
Account |
|
A | $2,000 | $1,000 | $500 | $250 |
I | $10,000 | $5,000 | $500 | $250 |
The Fund reserves the right to waive any investment minimum. You may purchase and redeem shares of the Fund on any day that the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open. Redemption requests may be made in writing, by telephone, or through a financial intermediary and will be paid by ACH, check or wire transfer.
Tax Information: Dividends and capital gain distributions you receive from the Fund, whether you reinvest your distributions in additional Fund shares or receive them in cash, are taxable to you at either ordinary income or capital gains tax rates unless you are investing through a tax-deferred plan such as an IRA or 401(k) plan. However, these dividend and capital gain distributions may be taxable upon their eventual withdrawal from tax-deferred plans.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries : If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.
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ACM TACTICAL INCOME FUND – FUND SUMMARY
Investment Objective: The ACM Tactical Income Fund (the “Fund”) seeks to generate income, with capital preservation as a secondary objective.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund: This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts on purchases of Class A shares if you or your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in the Fund. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in How to Purchase Shares on page 17 of the Fund’s Prospectus.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) |
Class A | Class I |
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on purchases
(as a percentage of offering price) |
5.75% | None |
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) | None | None |
Redemption Fee
(as a % of amount redeemed if held less than 30 days) |
1.00% | 1.00% |
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) |
||
Management Fees | 1.00% | 1.00% |
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees | 0.25% | None |
Other Expenses | 1.10% | 1.10% |
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses(1) | 0.33% | 0.33% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | 2.68% | 2.43% |
Fee Waiver(2) | (0.10)% | (0.10)% |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver | 2.58% | 2.33% |
(1) | Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are the indirect costs of investing in other investment companies, including exchange traded funds. 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, not the indirect costs of investing in other investment companies. |
(2) | Ascendant Capital Management, LLC d/b/a ACM Funds (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive its fees and reimburse expenses of the Fund, at least until April 30, 2021, to ensure that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Reimbursement (excluding: (i) any front-end or contingent deferred loads; (ii) brokerage fees and commissions; (iii) acquired fund fees and expenses; (iv) borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short); (v) taxes; and (vi) 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))), will not exceed 2.25% and 2.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A and Class I shares, respectively. These fee waivers and expense reimbursements are subject to possible recoupment from the Fund within three years after the fees have been waived or reimbursed, if such recoupment can be achieved within the lesser of the foregoing expense limits and any expense limits in place at time of waiver. This agreement may be terminated only by the Board on 60 days’ written notice to the 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 reflects the fee waiver and expense reimbursements for the duration of the waiver/reimbursement period only.
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:
Class | 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
A | $821 | $1,351 | $1,905 | $3,407 |
I | $236 | $748 | $1,287 | $2,759 |
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 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 year ended December 31, 2019, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 645% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies: To pursue its investment objective, the Fund invests in income-oriented exchange traded funds (“ETFs”) that invest in (i) bonds, bank loans, floating rate bonds and debt and municipal debt issued by domestic, foreign and emerging market issuers; (ii) obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, including U.S. treasuries (with an average duration of 1-20 years); and (iii) cash and cash equivalents
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(including money market funds). The ETF’s investment can include high-yield instruments (“junk bonds”). The Fund may also invest in these types of securities directly. The Fund considers emerging market issues to be those of countries represented in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.
ACM Capital Management, LLC (the “Adviser”) uses a proprietary tactical allocation model to move to cash investments when market conditions become unfavorable. The Fund invests directly or indirectly in securities of any maturity, duration or credit quality when the model determines that the market for those securities is stable or trending upwards and either U.S. Treasuries or cash and cash equivalents when the model determines that the market for those securities is trending downwards. By tactically allocating its investments among the securities described above, the Fund seeks to reduce its exposure to declines in the market, thereby potentially limiting portfolio volatility in down-trending markets. Duration is a measure used to determine the sensitivity of a security’s price to changes in interest rates. The longer a security’s duration, the more sensitive it will be to changes in interest rates. For example, if a bond has a duration of 5 years, a 1% rise in rates would result in a 5% decline in share price. If a bond has a duration of 10 years, a 1% rise in interest rates would result in a 10% decline in share price. Maturity is the date on which a stock issuer must repay the original principal borrowed from a shareholder. For example, if a security has a maturity of 5 years, the issuer will pay the investor the face value of the security 5 years after its purchase.
The Adviser’s model takes into account macro market data and other market-based inputs and metrics to seek to identify market trends. When making investment decisions for the Fund, the portfolio managers consider both the outputs of the model as well as an assessment of current market conditions, the average credit quality of the portfolio, the average duration of the portfolio and other factors. When the Fund is invested in high yield instruments, the portfolio managers consider the net returns of those high yield instruments relative to the risk they pose.
The Fund may use options such as covered calls or protective puts on positions to reduce risk.
Principal Investment Risks: As with all mutual funds, there is the risk that you could lose money through your investment in the Fund. The Fund is not intended to be a complete investment program. Many factors affect the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) and performance.
· | Bank Loan Risk: The market for bank loans may not be highly liquid and the Fund may have difficulty selling them. These investments expose the Fund to the credit risk of both the financial institution and the underlying borrower. |
· | Credit Risk: The risk that the Fund could lose money if the issuer or guarantor of a fixed income security is unwilling or unable to make timely payments to meet is contractual obligations. |
· | Emerging Market Risk: Emerging market countries may have relatively unstable governments, weaker economies, and less-developed legal systems with fewer security holder rights. Emerging market economies may be based on only a few industries and security issuers may be more susceptible to economic weakness and more likely to default. Emerging market securities also tend to be less liquid. |
· | ETF Risk: ETFs 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 ETFs and may be higher than other mutual funds that invest directly in stocks. ETFs are subject to specific risks, depending on the nature of the ETF. |
· | 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 may cause a decline in the value of fixed income securities or equity options owned by the Fund. In general, the market place 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) 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 instrument by the Fund, possibly causing the Fund’s share price and total return to be reduced and fluctuate more than other types of investments. Recently, interest rates have been historically low. Current conditions may result in a rise in interest rates, which in turn may result in a decline in the value of the bond investments held by the Fund. As a result, for the present, interest rate risk may be heightened. |
· | Floating Rate Risk: Changes in short-term market interest rates will directly affect the yield on Fund shares whose investments are normally invested in floating rate debt. If short-term market interest rates fall, the yield on the Fund’s shares will also fall. Conversely, when short-term market interest rates rise, because of the lag between changes in such short-term rates and the resetting of the floating rates on the floating rate debt in the Fund’s portfolio, the impact of rising rates will be delayed to the extent of such lag. |
· | Foreign Securities Risk: Since the Fund’s investments may include foreign securities, the Fund is subject to risks beyond those associated with investing in domestic securities. The value of foreign securities is subject to currency fluctuations. 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. |
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· | High-Yield Fixed Income Risk: The fixed income securities held by the Fund that are rated below investment grade are subject to additional risk factors such as increased possibility of default, illiquidity of the security, and changes in value based on public perception of the issuer. Such securities are generally considered speculative because they present a greater risk of loss, including default, than higher quality fixed income securities. |
· | Management Risk: The Adviser’s reliance on its strategy and judgments about the attractiveness, value and potential appreciation of particular securities and the tactical allocation among the Fund’s investments may prove to be incorrect and may not produce the desired results. |
· | Market and Geopolitical Risk. The increasing interconnectivity between global economies and financial markets increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market. Securities in the Fund’s portfolio may underperform due to inflation (or expectations for inflation), interest rates, global demand for particular products or resources, natural disasters, pandemics, epidemics, terrorism, regulatory events and governmental or quasi-governmental actions. The occurrence of global events similar to those in recent years may result in market volatility and may have long term effects on both the U.S. and global financial markets. The current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic and the aggressive responses taken by many governments, including closing borders, restricting international and domestic travel, and the imposition of prolonged quarantines or similar restrictions, as well as the forced or voluntary closure of, or operational changes to, many retail and other businesses, has had negative impacts, and in many cases severe negative impacts, on markets worldwide. It is not known how long such impacts, or any future impacts of other significant events described above, will or would last, but there could be a prolonged period of global economic slowdown, which may impact your Fund investment. |
· | Model Risk: Like all quantitative analysis, the Adviser’s investment model carries a risk that the mathematical model used might be based on one or more incorrect assumptions. Rapidly changing and unforeseen market dynamics could also lead to a decrease in short term effectiveness of the Adviser’s algorithmic model. No assurance can be given that the Fund will be successful under all or any market conditions. |
· | Municipal Bond Risk: The value of municipal bonds that depend on a specific revenue source or general revenue source to fund their payment obligations may fluctuate as a result of changes in the cash flows generated by the revenue source(s) or changes in the priority of the municipal obligation to receive the cash flows generated by the revenue source(s). In addition, changes in federal tax laws or the activity of an issuer may adversely affect the tax-exempt status of municipal bonds. There is no guarantee that a municipality will pay interests or repay principal. |
· | Options Risk: Purchased put options may decline in value or expire worthless and may have imperfect correlation to the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities. Written call and put options may limit the Fund’s participation in equity market gains and may amplify losses in market declines. The Fund’s losses are potentially large in a written put or call transaction. If unhedged, written calls expose the Fund to potentially unlimited losses. |
· | Portfolio Turnover Risk: Increased portfolio turnover causes the Fund to incur higher brokerage costs, which may adversely affect the Fund’s performance and may produce increased taxable distributions. |
· | Preferred Stock Risk: The value of preferred stocks will fluctuate with changes in interest rates. Typically, a rise in interest rates causes a decline in the value of preferred stock. Preferred stocks are also subject to credit risk, which is the possibility that an issuer of preferred stock will fail to make its dividend payments. |
· |
U.S.
Government Securities Risk: Treasury obligations may differ in their interest rates,
maturities, times of issuance and other characteristics. Obligations of U.S. government agencies and authorities are supported
by varying degrees of credit but generally are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.
No assurance can be given that the U.S. government will provide financial support to its agencies and authorities if it is not obligated by law to do so. In addition, the value of U.S. government securities may be affected by changes in the credit rating of the U.S. government. |
Performance: The bar chart and performance table below gives some indication of the risks of an investment in the Fund by comparing the Fund's performance with a broad measure of market performance. The bar chart shows performance of the Fund’s Class I shares for each full calendar year since the Fund’s inception. The performance table compares the performance of the Fund over time to the performance of a broad-based market index. You should be aware that the Fund’s past performance (before and after taxes) may not be an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Although Class A shares would have similar annual returns to Class I shares because the classes are invested in the same portfolio of securities, the returns for Class A shares are different from Class I shares because Class A shares have different expenses than Class I shares. Updated performance information is available at no cost by visiting www.ACM-Funds.com or by calling 1-844-798-3833.
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Class I Performance Bar Chart For Calendar Years Ended December 31
Best Quarter: | 6/30/19 | 2.43% |
Worst Quarter: | 12/31/19 | 0.43% |
The year-to-date return as of the most recent calendar quarter, which ended March 31, 2020, was (2.29)%.
Performance Table
Average Annual Total Returns
(For periods ended December 31, 2019)
One
Year |
Since Inception
(12-31-18) |
|
Class I Shares | ||
Return before taxes | 5.35% | 5.35% |
Return after taxes on distributions | 3.73% | 3.73% |
Return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares | 3.20% | 3.20% |
Class A Shares | ||
Return before taxes | (0.91)% | (0.91)% |
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index(1) (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
8.72% | 8.72% |
(1) | The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is an unmanaged index comprised of U.S. investment grade, fixed rate bond market securities, including government, government agency, corporate and mortgage-backed securities between one and ten years. Investors cannot invest directly in an index. |
After-tax returns were calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
Investment Adviser: Ascendant Capital Management, LLC d/b/a ACM Funds
Portfolio Manager: Jordan Kahn, CFA, Chief Investment Officer of the Adviser, has served the Fund as a Portfolio Manager since it commenced operations in December 2018.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares: The investment minimums for the Fund are:
Class | Initial Investment | Subsequent Investment | ||
Regular
Account |
Retirement
Account |
Regular
Account |
Retirement
Account |
|
A | $2,000 | $1,000 | $500 | $250 |
I | $10,000 | $5,000 | $500 | $250 |
The Fund reserves the right to waive any investment minimum. You may purchase and redeem shares of the Fund on any day that the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open. Redemption requests may be made in writing, by telephone, or through a financial intermediary and will be paid by ACH, check or wire transfer.
Tax Information: Dividends and capital gain distributions you receive from the Fund, whether you reinvest your distributions in additional Fund shares or receive them in cash, are taxable to you at either ordinary income or capital gains tax rates unless you are investing through a tax-deferred plan such as an IRA or 401(k) plan. However, these dividend and capital gain distributions may be taxable upon their eventual withdrawal from tax-deferred plans.
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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.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS
Investment Objective:
Each Fund’s investment objective may be changed by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) upon 60 days’ written notice to shareholders.
ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation with a short-term focus on capital preservation.
ACM Tactical Income Fund
The Fund seeks to generate income, with capital preservation as a secondary objective.
Principal Investment Strategies:
ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund
To pursue its investment objective, the Fund invests in domestic and foreign (including emerging markets) equity securities of any market capitalization. The Fund may also take long or short positions in index ETFs to hedge the Fund’s equity portfolio.
The Adviser selects equity securities for the Fund’s portfolio that are experiencing meaningful breakouts. A “breakout” is a significant movement that involves a combination of price and trading volume in a given security. The Adviser further screens these breakout candidates to ensure they meet certain fundamental and technical criteria as determined by the Adviser such as the earnings per share growth, revenue growth, upward revisions estimates and profitability of the issuers of the securities. The Adviser will sell a security when it drops a certain percentage from its purchase price, or if the price drops below a key technical level (such as the 50 day moving price average for the security) in combination with a rise in trading volume. The Fund has no set holding period for any security and actively trades its portfolio investments, which may result in a high portfolio turnover rate.
The Fund’s investment strategies for short positions can include: (1) selling short an ETF or other security that tracks a broad or narrow market index, in hopes of buying the security at a future date at a lower price; (2) selling short common stocks; (3) buying a put option on an ETF or other security that tracks a broad or narrow market index; (4) buying an ETF or other security that is designed to appreciate in value when the value of a broad or narrow market index declines; (5) selling a covered call option on a security that the Fund owns for the duration of the option period; and (6) holding a short position in an ETF or other security that tracks a broad or narrow market index and adding to the Fund’s long positions in particular stocks by a corresponding amount.
The use of short positions or “hedges” is designed to adjust the overall net exposure of the portfolio to limit the downside exposure of the portfolio to declines in the overall market. A portfolio’s net exposure is the percentage of assets invested in long positions minus the percentage of assets invested in short positions. The net long exposure of the portfolio can fluctuate anywhere between 0% long and 100% long. For example, if the portfolio is 50% invested in long positions while simultaneously being 50% invested in short positions, the net long exposure would equal zero percent. The Adviser monitors numerous broad market indexes and several key moving averages. Short positions will be taken off as select market indexes rise above certain moving averages as identified by the Adviser.
ACM Tactical Income Fund
To pursue its investment objective, the Fund invests in income-oriented exchange traded funds (“ETFs”) that invest in (i) bonds, bank loans, preferred stock, floating rate bonds and debt and municipal debt issued by domestic, foreign and emerging market issuers; (ii) obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, including U.S. treasuries (with an average duration of 1-5 years); and (iii) cash and cash equivalents (including money market funds). The ETF’s investments can include high-yield (“junk bonds”). The Fund may also invest in these types of securities directly. The Fund considers emerging market issues to be those of countries represented in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.
The Adviser uses a proprietary tactical allocation model to move to cash investments when market conditions become unfavorable. The Fund invests directly or indirectly in securities of any maturity, duration or credit quality when the
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model determines that the market for those securities is stable or trending upwards and either U.S. Treasuries or cash and cash equivalents when the model determines that the market for those securities is trending downwards. By tactically allocating its investments among the securities described above, the Fund seeks to reduce its exposure to declines in the market, thereby potentially limiting portfolio volatility in down-trending markets (“downside volatility”) and downside loss. Duration is a measure used to determine the sensitivity of a security’s price to changes in interest rates. The longer a security’s duration, the more sensitive it will be to changes in interest rates. For example, if a bond has a duration of 5 years, a 1% rise in rates would result in a 5% decline in share price. If a bond has a duration of 10 years, a 1% rise in interest rates would result in a 10% decline in share price. Maturity is the date on which a stock issuer must repay the original principal borrowed from a shareholder. For example, if a security has a maturity of 5 years, the issuer will pay the investor the face value of the security 5 years after its purchase.
The Adviser’s model utilizes a proprietary trend-following formula to determine the Fund’s allocation among 7-12 ETFs. If a certain ETF moves above the proprietary model’s first threshold, the Fund will initiate a position in that ETF. If the ETF moves above the second threshold, the Fund will increase its position in that ETF. If the ETF moves above a third threshold, the Fund will increase its position in that ETF, which is the Fund’s maximum allocation to any one particular ETF. As an ETF begins to move lower and break below the proprietary model’s three thresholds, the Fund’s position will decrease in incremental steps until the position size reaches zero.
The Adviser’s model takes into account macro market data and other market-based inputs and metrics to seek to identify market trends. When making investment decisions for the Fund, the portfolio managers consider both the outputs of the model as well as an assessment of current market conditions, the average credit quality of the portfolio, the average duration of the portfolio and other factors. When the Fund is invested in high yield instruments, the portfolio managers consider the relative risk adjusted net returns of available high yield instruments.
The Fund may use options such as covered calls or protective puts on positions. Covered call writing is when the owner of a security sells the right to someone else to purchase the security at a specified price within a specified time period. The owner receives a premium or payment for giving up the right to gains above the specified price within the defined period. In the event the price does not reach the target within the time period, it expires and the owner of the underlying security keeps the payment. Covered calls are sold on up to 100% of the underlying positions that have options available based upon volatility and their impact on the overall portfolio. Selling cash-security puts is when the Fund sells the right to someone to sell the Fund a security at a specified price within a specified time period. This price is generally below the current market value of the underlying security. Cash is used to secure the transaction so that if the put is exercised, and we are required to purchase the underlying security, the cash has already been set aside. Purchasing protective puts is when the Fund purchases the right to sell someone a security at a specified price within a specified time period. There is an associated cost, but in the event the underlying security declines, ownership of the put can potentially reduce the downside risk. In the event the market rises, the cost of the option can be lost.
Principal Investment Risks:
The following risks may apply to each Fund’s direct investments as well as the Fund’s indirect investments through other investment companies (risks are applicable to both the ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund and ACM Tactical Income Fund, except where noted).
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Fund’s use of derivative instruments involves risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other more traditional investments, and certain derivatives may create a risk of loss greater than the amount invested.
Investing for hedging purposes or to increase the Fund’s return may result in certain additional transaction costs that may reduce the Fund’s performance. When used for hedging purposes, no assurance can be given that each derivative position will achieve a perfect correlation with the security against which it is being hedged. Because the markets for certain derivative instruments are relatively new, suitable derivatives transactions may not be available in all circumstances for risk management or other purposes and there can be no assurance that a particular derivative position will be available when sought by the Adviser or that such techniques will be utilized by the Adviser.
The market value of derivative instruments and securities may be more volatile than that of other instruments, and each type of derivative instrument may have its own special risks, including the risk of mispricing or improper valuation of derivatives and the inability of derivatives to correlate perfectly with underlying assets, rates, and indices. Many derivatives, in particular privately negotiated derivatives, are complex and often valued subjectively. Improper valuations can result in increased cash payment requirements to counterparties or a loss of value to the Fund. The value of derivatives may not correlate perfectly, or at all, with the value of the assets, reference rates or indices they are designed to closely track.
Derivatives are subject to a number of other risks, including liquidity risk (the possibility that the derivative may be difficult to purchase or sell and the Adviser may be unable to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price), leverage risk (the possibility that adverse changes in the value or level of the underlying asset, reference rate or index can result in loss of an amount substantially greater than the amount invested in the derivative), interest rate risk (some derivatives are more sensitive to interest rate changes and market price fluctuations), and counterparty risk (the risk that a counterparty may be unable to perform according to a contract, and that any deterioration in a counterparty’s creditworthiness could adversely affect the instrument). In addition, because derivative products are highly specialized, investment techniques and risk analyses employed with respect to investments in derivatives are different from those associated with stocks and bonds. Finally, the Fund’s use of derivatives may cause the Fund to realize higher amounts of short-term capital gains (generally taxed at ordinary income tax rates) than if the Fund had not used such instruments. Derivative instruments are also subject to the risk that the market value of an instrument will change to the detriment of the Fund. If the Adviser inaccurately forecast the values of securities, interest rates or other economic factors in using derivatives, the Fund might have been in a better position if it had not entered into the transaction at all. Some strategies involving derivative instruments can reduce the risk of loss, but they can also reduce the opportunity for gain or result in losses by offsetting favorable price movements in other investments held by the Fund. The Fund may also have to buy or sell a security at a disadvantageous time or price because regulations require funds to maintain offsetting positions or asset coverage in connection with certain derivatives transactions.
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Current conditions may result in a rise in interest rates, which in turn may result in a decline in the value of the bond investments held by the Fund. As a result, for the present, interest rate risk may be heightened.
· | Floating Rate Risk (ACM Tactical Income Fund): Changes in short-term market interest rates will directly affect the yield on Fund shares whose investments are normally invested in floating rate debt. If short-term market interest rates fall, the yield on the Fund’s shares will also fall. Conversely, when short-term market interest rates rise, because of the lag between changes in such short-term rates and the resetting of the floating rates on the floating rate debt in the Fund’s portfolio, the impact of rising rates will be delayed to the extent of such lag. The impact of market interest rate changes on a Fund’s yield will also be affected by whether, and the extent to which, the floating rate debt in the Fund’s portfolio is subject to floors on the LIBOR base rate on which interest is calculated for such loans (a “LIBOR floor”). So long as the base rate for a loan remains under the LIBOR floor, changes in short-term interest rates will not affect the yield on such loans. In addition, to the extent that the interest rate spreads on floating rate debt in a Fund’s portfolio experience a general decline, the yield on a Fund’s shares will fall and the value of the Fund’s assets may decrease, which will cause the Fund’s net asset value to decrease. With respect to a Fund’s investments in fixed rate instruments, a rise in interest rates generally causes values to fall. The values of fixed rate securities with longer maturities or duration are more sensitive to changes in interest rates. |
· | Foreign Investment Risk (ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund): To the extent the underlying funds invest in foreign securities, the Fund could be subject to greater risks because the Fund’s 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 Fund 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 Fund may be exposed to greater risk and will be more dependent on the Adviser’s ability to assess such risk than if the Fund invested solely in more developed countries. |
· | Foreign Securities Risk (ACM Tactical Income Fund): Since the Fund’s investments may include foreign securities, the Fund is subject to risks beyond those associated with investing in domestic securities. The value of foreign securities is subject to currency fluctuations. 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. Depository receipts maintain substantially the same risks as those associated with investments in foreign securities and may be under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications or pass through any voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. |
· | High Yield Fixed Income Risk (ACM Tactical Income Fund): High-yield fixed income securities or “junk bonds” are fixed income securities rated below investment grade by a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (“NRSRO”). Although junk bonds generally pay higher rates of interest than higher-rated securities, they are subject to a greater risk of loss of income and principal. Junk bonds are subject to greater credit risk than higher-grade securities and have a higher risk of default. Companies issuing high-yield junk bonds are more likely to experience financial difficulties that may lead to a weakened capacity to make principal and interest payments than issuers of higher grade securities. Issuers of junk bonds are often highly leveraged and are more vulnerable to changes in the economy, such as a recession or rising interest rates, which may affect their ability to meet their interest or principal payment obligations. |
· | Issuer-Specific Risk (ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund): The value of a specific security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and may perform worse than the market as a whole. The value of large cap securities, as represented by the S&P 500 Index, can be more volatile than smaller cap securities due to differing market reactions to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments. |
· | Management Risk: The Adviser’s reliance on its strategy and its judgments about the value and potential appreciation securities in which the Fund invests may prove to be incorrect, including the Adviser’s tactical allocation of the Fund’s portfolio among its investments. The ability of the Fund to meet its investment objective is directly related to the Adviser’s proprietary investment process. The Adviser’s assessment of the relative value of securities, their attractiveness and potential appreciation of particular investments in which the Fund invests may prove to be incorrect and there is no guarantee that the Adviser’s investment strategy will produce the desired results. |
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· | Market and Geopolitical Risk: The increasing interconnectivity between global economies and financial markets increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market. Securities in the Fund’s portfolio may underperform due to inflation (or expectations for inflation), interest rates, global demand for particular products or resources, natural disasters, pandemics, epidemics, terrorism, regulatory events and governmental or quasi-governmental actions. The occurrence of global events similar to those in recent years, such as terrorist attacks around the world, natural disasters, social and political discord or debt crises and downgrades, among others, may result in market volatility and may have long term effects on both the U.S. and global financial markets. It is difficult to predict when similar events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects. Any such event(s) could have a significant adverse impact on the value and risk profile of the Fund’s portfolio. The current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic and the aggressive responses taken by many governments, including closing borders, restricting international and domestic travel, and the imposition of prolonged quarantines or similar restrictions, as well as the forced or voluntary closure of, or operational changes to, many retail and other businesses, has had negative impacts, and in many cases severe negative impacts, on markets worldwide. It is not known how long such impacts, or any future impacts of other significant events described above, will or would last, but there could be a prolonged period of global economic slowdown, which may impact your Fund investment. Therefore, the Fund could lose money over short periods due to short-term market movements and over longer periods during more prolonged market downturns. During a general market downturn, multiple asset classes may be negatively affected. Changes in market conditions and interest rates can have the same impact on all types of securities and instruments. In times of severe market disruptions you could lose your entire investment. |
· | Model Risk (ACM Tactical Income Fund): Like all quantitative analysis, the Adviser’s investment model carries a risk that the mathematical model used might be based on one or more incorrect assumptions. Rapidly changing and unforeseen market dynamics could also lead to a decrease in short term effectiveness of the Adviser’s algorithmic model. No assurance can be given that a Fund will be successful under all or any market conditions. |
Municipal Bond Risk (ACM Tactical Income Fund): The value of municipal bonds that depend on a specific revenue source or general revenue source to fund their payment obligations may fluctuate as a result of changes in the cash flows generated by the revenue source(s) or changes in the priority of the municipal obligation to receive the cash flows generated by the revenue source(s). In addition, changes in federal tax laws or the activity of an issuer may adversely affect the tax-exempt status of municipal bonds. There is no guarantee that a municipality will pay interests or repay principal. In addition, the ability of an issuer to make payments or repay interest may be affected by litigation or bankruptcy. In the event of such an issuer’s bankruptcy, the Fund could experience delays in collecting principal and interest, and may not, in all circumstances, be able to collect all principal and interest to which it is entitled. To enforce its rights in the event of a default in the payment of interest or repayment of principal, or both, a debt holder may, in some instances, take possession of, and manage, the assets securing the issuer’s obligations on such securities, which may increase the Fund’s operating expenses. Any income derived from the Fund’s ownership or operation of such assets may not be tax-exempt. Municipal bonds are generally subject to interest rate, credit and market risk. Because many municipal bonds are issued to finance similar projects (such as those relating to education, health care, housing, transportation and utilities), conditions in those sectors may affect the overall municipal securities market. In addition, changes in the financial condition of an individual municipal issue can affect the overall municipal market. Municipal bonds backed by current or anticipated revenues from a specific project or specific assets can be negatively affected by the discontinuance of the supporting taxation or the inability to collect revenues for the specific project or specific assets. Municipal bonds are subject to the risk that the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) may determine that an issuer has not complied with applicable tax requirements and that interest from the municipal bond is taxable, which may result in a significant decline in the value of the security. Municipal bonds may be less liquid than taxable bonds and there may be less publicly available information on the financial condition of municipal bond issuers than for issuers of other securities, and the investment performance of a Fund may therefore, be more dependent on the analytical abilities of the Adviser than if the Fund held other types of investments. The secondary market for municipal bonds also tends to be less well-developed or liquid than many other securities markets, a by-product of lower capital commitments to the asset class by the dealer community, which may adversely affect the Fund’s ability to sell municipal bonds at attractive prices or value municipal bonds. |
· | Options Risk: The Fund may lose the entire put option premium paid if the underlying security does not decrease in value at expiration. Put options may not be an effective hedge because they may have imperfect correlation to the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities. Purchased put options may decline in value due to changes in price of the underlying security, passage of time and changes in volatility. Written call and put options may limit the Fund’s participation in equity market gains and may magnify the losses if the price of the written option instrument increases in value between the date when the Fund writes the option and the date on which the Fund purchases an offsetting position. The Fund will incur a loss as a result of a written options (also known as a short position) if the price of the written option instrument increases in value between the date when the Fund writes the option and the date on |
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which the Fund purchases an offsetting position. The Fund’s losses are potentially large in a written put transaction and potentially unlimited in an unhedged written call transaction.
· | Portfolio Turnover Risk: Increased portfolio turnover causes the Fund to incur higher brokerage costs, which may adversely affect the Fund’s performance and may produce increased taxable distributions. |
· | Preferred Stock Risk (ACM Tactical Income Fund): The value of preferred stocks will fluctuate with changes in interest rates. Typically, a rise in interest rates causes a decline in the value of preferred stock. Preferred stocks are also subject to credit risk, which is the possibility that an issuer of preferred stock will fail to make its dividend payments. Preferred stock prices tend to move more slowly upwards than common stock prices. In an issuer bankruptcy, preferred stock holders are subordinate to the claims of debtholders and may receive little or no recovery. |
· | Short Selling Risk (ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund): The Fund’s long positions could decline in value at the same time that the value of the short positions increase, thereby increasing the Fund’s overall potential for loss. The Fund’s short positions may result in a loss if the price of the short position instruments rise and it costs more to replace the short positions. In contrast to the Fund’s long positions, for which the risk of loss is typically limited to the amount invested, the potential loss on the Fund’s short positions is potentially large. Market factors may prevent the Fund from closing out a short position at the most desirable time or at a favorable price. |
· | Small and Medium Capitalization Risk (ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund): 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. |
· | U.S. Government Securities Risk (ACM Tactical Income Fund): Treasury obligations may differ in their interest rates, maturities, times of issuance and other characteristics. Obligations of U.S. Government agencies and authorities are supported by varying degrees of credit but generally are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. No assurance can be given that the U.S. Government will provide financial support to its agencies and authorities if it is not obligated by law to do so. In addition, the value of U.S. Government securities may be affected by changes in the credit rating of the U.S. Government. |
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, and it could reduce the benefit from any upswing in the market. Furthermore, to the extent that the Funds invests in money market mutual funds for cash positions, there will be some duplication of expenses because shareholders will pay the fees and expenses of the Funds and, indirectly, the fees and expenses of the underlying money market funds. The Funds 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 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 each Fund and its 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 its service providers, systems, networks, or devices potentially can be breached. The Funds 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 the Funds’ business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses; interference with each Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV; impediments to trading; the inability of the Funds, 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 a Fund invests; counterparties with which a Fund engages in transactions; governmental and other regulatory authorities; exchange and other financial market operators, banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies, and other financial institutions
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(including financial intermediaries and service providers for the Funds’ 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 : Ascendant Capital Management, LLC, d/b/a ACM Funds, located at 10866 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1600, Los Angeles, California 90024, serves as investment adviser to the Funds. Subject to the oversight of the Board, the Adviser is responsible for management of each Fund’s investment portfolio. The Adviser is responsible for selecting each Fund’s investments according to the Fund’s investment objective, policies and restrictions. The Adviser was established in 2014 for the purpose of managing the Funds. As of December 31, 2019, the Adviser had approximately $94,400,000 in assets under management/advisement. The Adviser is 100% owned by Mr. Kahn.
Pursuant to an advisory agreement between the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, and the Adviser, the Adviser is entitled to receive, on a quarterly basis, the annual advisory fee listed in the table below as a percentage of the Funds’ average daily net assets.
Fund | Advisory Fee |
ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund | 1.25% |
ACM Tactical Income Fund | 1.00% |
The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees and reimburse expenses of each Fund, at least until April 30, 2021, to ensure that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Reimbursement (excluding: (i) any front-end or contingent deferred loads; (ii) brokerage fees and commissions; (iii) acquired fund fees and expenses; (iv) borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short); (v) taxes; and (vi) 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))), will not exceed 2.40% and 2.15% of the ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund’s and 2.25% and 2.00% of the ACM Tactical Income Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A and Class I shares, respectively. These fee waivers and expense reimbursements are subject to possible recoupment from each Fund within three years after the fees have been waived or reimbursed, if such recoupment can be achieved within the lesser of the foregoing expense limits and any expense limits in place at time of waiver. This agreement may be terminated only by the Board on 60 days’ written notice to the Adviser. Fee waiver and reimbursement arrangements can decrease the Funds’ expenses and boost its performance. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s most recent renewal of the advisory agreement is available in the ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund’s annual report dated December 31, 2019 and the ACM Tactical Income Fund’s semi-annual report dated June 30, 2019. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, the ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund and ACM Tactical Income Fund paid 1.25% and 0.88% of their average daily net assets to the Adviser, respectively, after fee waivers.
Portfolio Managers : The ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund is managed on a day to day basis by Jordan Kahn and Alan Savoian and the ACM Tactical Income Fund is managed on a day to day basis by Jordan Kahn. The SAI provides additional information about the Portfolio Managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers, and the Portfolio Managers’ ownership in the Funds.
Jordan Kahn has been the Chief Investment Officer of the Adviser since 2014. Before founding the Adviser, Mr. Kahn founded KAM Advisors in 2007 where he successfully managed over $200 million. In 2015, KAM Advisors was purchased by HCR Wealth Advisers, where Mr. Kahn acts as Chief Investment Officer. In addition, Mr. Kahn was previously a Managing Partner with Beverly Investment Advisors from 2007 to 2010, and before that a Senior Portfolio Manager for Summit Wealth Management (formerly Berger & Associates) from 2001 to 2007. Mr. Kahn received his Masters of Science in Financial Markets and Trading from the Stuart School of Business at the Illinois Institute of Technology. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst. Mr. Kahn graduated cum laude in Economics with a concentration in Finance from the University of Colorado.
Alan Savoian has been a Portfolio Manager for the Adviser since 2017. Mr. Savoian has over 25 years of experience in the investment industry as a senior portfolio manager and research analyst. Prior to joining the Adviser, Alan was a Senior Portfolio Manager at William O’Neil & Co from March 1990 to September 2016, where he successfully managed proprietary portfolios for the firm’s in-house money management business. He is an expert in analyzing stocks according to the O’Neil CAN SLIM Method, which he learned personally from legendary investor William O’Neil. Mr. Savoian received his Bachelor of Arts in Finance from California State University, Northridge.
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HOW SHARES ARE PRICED
Shares of each Fund are sold at NAV. The NAV of each Fund is determined at close of regular trading (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on each day the NYSE is open for business. NAV is computed by determining, on a per class basis, the aggregate market value of all assets of a 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, on a per class basis, the expenses and fees of a Fund, including management, administration, and distribution fees, which are accrued daily. The determination of NAV for a share class 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, each Fund’s securities are valued each day at the last quoted sales price on each security’s primary exchange. 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 ask prices on such exchanges. 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 using the “fair value” procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security may be materially different from 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 of Trustees has delegated execution of these procedures to a fair value committee composed of one or more officers from each of the (i) Trust, (ii) administrator, and (iii) Adviser. The committee 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 of Trustees 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 each Fund. Because the Funds may invest in underlying ETFs which 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 the Funds’ portfolio securities may change on days when you may not be able to buy or sell Fund shares.
In computing NAV, the Funds value foreign securities held by the Funds 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 each Fund’s portfolio, particularly foreign securities, occur after the close of trading on a foreign market but before each Fund prices its shares, the security may be priced using alternative market prices provided by a pricing service. For example, if trading in a portfolio security is halted and does not resume before the Funds calculate their NAV, alternative market prices may be used to value the security. 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 each 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 each 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 NAV, or from the price that may be realized upon the actual sale of the security.
With respect to any portion of each Fund’s assets that are invested in one or more open-end management investment companies registered under the 1940 Act, each Fund’s NAV is calculated based upon the NAVs 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.
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HOW TO PURCHASE SHARES
Share Classes
This Prospectus describes two classes of shares offered by each Fund: Class A and Class I. Each Fund offers these classes of shares so that you can choose the class that best suits your investment needs. Refer to the information below so that you can choose the class that best suits your investment needs. The main differences between each class are sales charges, ongoing fees and minimum investment. For information on ongoing distribution fees, see Distribution Fees on page 24 of this Prospectus. Each class of shares in the Funds represents interest in the same portfolio of investments within the Funds. There is no investment minimum on reinvested distributions and the Funds may change investment minimums at any time. The Funds reserve the right to waive sales charges, as described below. Each Fund and the Adviser may each waive investment minimums at their individual discretion. Not all share classes may be available for purchase in all states.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Share Class
When deciding which class of shares of the Funds to purchase, you should consider your investment goals, present and future amounts you may invest in the Funds, and the length of time you intend to hold your shares. To help you make a determination as to which class of shares to buy, please refer back to the examples of each Fund’s expenses over time in the Fees and Expenses of the Fund section for the Fund in this Prospectus. You also may wish to consult with your financial adviser for advice with regard to which share class would be most appropriate for you.
Class A Shares
Class A shares are offered at the public offering price, which is NAV per share plus the applicable sales charge. The sales charge varies, depending on how much you invest. There are no sales charges on reinvested distributions. You can also qualify for a sales charge reduction or waiver through a right of accumulation or a letter of intent if you are a U.S. resident. See the discussions of “Right of Accumulation” and “Letter of Intent” below. The Funds reserve the right to waive any load as described below. The following sales charges apply to your purchases of Class A shares of the Funds.
Amount
Invested |
Sales Charge as a
% of Offering Price(1) |
Sales Charge as a
% of Amount Invested |
Dealer Reallowance(2) |
Under $50,000 | 5.75% | 6.10% | 5.00% |
$50,000 to $99,999 | 4.75% | 4.99% | 4.00% |
$100,000 to $249,999 | 3.75% | 3.83% | 3.25% |
$250,000 to $499,999 | 2.50% | 2.56% | 2.00% |
$500,000 to $999,999 | 2.00% | 2.04% | 1.75% |
$1,000,000 and above | 1.00% | 1.01% | 1.00% |
(1) | Offering price includes the front-end sales load. The sales charge you pay may differ slightly from the amount set forth above because of rounding that occurs in the calculations used to determine your sales charge. |
(2) | Represents the amount of the sales charge retained by the selling broker-dealer. |
How to Reduce Your Sales Charge
You may be eligible to purchase Class A shares at a reduced sales charge. To qualify for these reductions, you must notify the Funds’ distributor, Northern Lights Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), in writing and supply your account number at the time of purchase. You may combine your purchase with those of your “immediate family” (your spouse and your children under the age of 21) for purposes of determining eligibility. If applicable, you will need to provide the account numbers of your spouse and your minor children as well as the ages of your minor children.
Rights of Accumulation: To qualify for the lower sales charge rates that apply to larger purchases of Class A shares, you may combine your new purchases of Class A shares with Class A shares of a Fund that you already own. The applicable initial sales charge for the new purchase is based on the total of your current purchase and the current value of all other Class A shares that you own. The reduced sales charge will apply only to current purchases and must be requested in writing when you buy your shares.
Shares of a Fund held as follows cannot be combined with your current purchase for purposes of reduced sales charges:
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Letters of Intent: Under a Letter of Intent (“LOI”), you commit to purchase a specified dollar amount of Class A shares of a Fund, with a minimum of $25,000, during a 13-month period. The 13-month period begins upon the date of the LOI. At your written request, Class A shares purchases made during the 90 days prior to the LOI may be included. The amount you agree to purchase determines the initial sales charge you pay. If the full-face amount of the LOI is not invested by the end of the 13-month period, your account will be adjusted to the higher initial sales charge level for the amount actually invested. You are not legally bound by the terms of your LOI to purchase the amount of your shares stated in the LOI. The LOI does, however, authorize the Fund to hold in escrow 5% of the total amount you intend to purchase. If you do not complete the total intended purchase at the end of the 13-month period, the Fund’s transfer agent will redeem the necessary portion of the escrowed shares to make up the difference between the reduced rate sales charge (based on the amount you intended to purchase) and the sales charge that would normally apply (based on the actual amount you purchased).
Repurchase of Class A Shares: If you
have redeemed Class A shares of a Fund within the past 120 days, you may repurchase an equivalent amount of Class A shares of the
Fund at NAV, without the normal front-end sales charge.
In effect, this allows you to reacquire shares that you may have had to redeem, without repaying the front-end sales charge. You
may exercise this privilege only once and must notify the applicable Fund that you intend to do so in writing. The applicable Fund
must receive your purchase order within 120 days of your redemption. Note that if you reacquire shares through separate installments
(e.g., through monthly or quarterly repurchases), the sales charge waiver will only apply to those portions of your repurchase
order received within 120 days of your redemption.
Sales Charge Waivers
The sales charge on purchases of Class A shares is waived for certain types of investors, including:
The Funds does not waive sales charges for the reinvestment of proceeds from the sale of shares of a different fund where those shares were subject to a front-end sales charge (sometimes called an “NAV transfer”). Whether a sales charge waiver is available for your retirement plan or charitable account depends upon the policies and procedures of your intermediary. Please consult your financial adviser for further information.
Class I Shares
Class I shares of the Funds are sold at NAV without an initial sales charge and are not subject to 12b-1 distribution fees. This means that 100% of your initial investment is placed into shares of the Funds. However, Class I shares have a higher minimum initial investment than Class A shares.
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Minimum Initial and Subsequent Investment Amounts: The minimum initial and subsequent investment by class of shares is:
Initial Investment | Subsequent Investment | |||
Class | Regular Account | Retirement Account | Regular Account | Retirement Account |
A | $2,000 | $1,000 | $500 | $250 |
I | $10,000 | $5,000 | $500 | $250 |
The Funds reserve the right to waive any minimum. There is no minimum investment requirement when you are buying shares by reinvesting dividends and distributions from the Funds.
You may purchase shares of a Fund by sending a completed application form to the following address:
The USA PATRIOT Act requires financial institutions, including the Funds, to adopt certain policies and programs to prevent money-laundering activities, including procedures to verify the identity of customers opening new accounts. As requested on the Application, you should supply your full name, date of birth, social security number and permanent street address. Mailing addresses containing a P.O. Box will not be accepted. This information will assist the Funds in verifying your identity. Until such verification is made, the Fund may temporarily limit additional share purchases. In addition, the Funds may limit additional share purchases or close an account if it is unable to verify a shareholder’s identity. As required by law, the Funds may employ various procedures, such as comparing the information to fraud databases or requesting additional information or documentation from you, to ensure that the information supplied by you is correct.
Purchase through Brokers: You may invest in the Funds through brokers or agents who have entered into selling agreements with the distributor. The brokers and agents are authorized to receive purchase and redemption orders on behalf of the Funds. Such brokers are authorized to designate other intermediaries to receive purchase and redemption orders on the Funds’ behalf. The Funds will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when an authorized broker or, if applicable, a broker’s authorized designee receives the order. The broker or agent may set their own initial and subsequent investment minimums. You may be charged a fee if you use a broker or agent to buy or redeem shares of the Funds. Finally, various servicing agents use procedures and impose restrictions that may be in addition to, or different from those applicable to investors purchasing shares directly from the Funds. You should carefully read the program materials provided to you by your servicing agent.
Purchase by Wire: If you wish to wire money to make an investment in the Funds, please call the Funds at 1-844-798-3833 for wiring instructions and to notify the Funds that a wire transfer is coming. Any commercial bank can transfer same-day funds via wire. The Funds will normally accept wired funds for investment on the day received if they are received by a Fund’s designated bank before the close of regular trading on the NYSE. Your bank may charge you a fee for wiring same-day funds.
Automatic Investment Plan: You may participate in the Funds’ Automatic Investment Plan, an investment plan that automatically moves money from your bank account and invests it in the Funds through the use of electronic funds transfers or automatic bank drafts. You may elect to make subsequent investments by transfers of a minimum of $100 on specified days of each month into your established Fund account. Please contact the Funds at 1-844-798-3833 for more information about the Funds’ Automatic Investment Plan.
The Funds, however, reserve the right, in its sole discretion, to reject any application to purchase shares. Applications will not be accepted unless they are accompanied by a check drawn on a U.S. bank, thrift institutions, or credit union in U.S. funds for the full amount of the shares to be purchased. After you open an account, you may purchase additional shares by sending a check together with written instructions stating the name(s) on the account and the account number, to the above address. Make all checks payable to “ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund,” or “ACM Tactical Income Fund.” The Funds will not accept payment in cash, cashier’s checks or money orders. Also, the Funds will not accept credit cards or third-party checks for the purchase of shares.
Note: Gemini Fund Services, LLC, the Funds’ transfer agent, will charge a $25 fee against a shareholder’s account, in addition to any loss sustained by the Funds, for any check returned to the transfer agent for insufficient funds.
When Order is Processed: All shares will be purchased at the NAV per share (plus applicable sales charges, if any) next determined after a Fund receives your application or request in good order. All requests received in good order by a Fund
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before 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) will be processed on that same day. Requests received after 4:00 p.m. will be processed on the next business day.
Good Order: When making a purchase request, make sure your request is in good order. “Good order” means your purchase request includes:
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Retirement Plans: You may purchase
shares of the Funds for your individual retirement plans. Please call the Funds at
1-844-798-3833 for the most current listing and appropriate disclosure documentation on how to open a retirement account.
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
Redeeming Shares: The Funds typically expect that it will take three business days following the receipt of your redemption request to pay out redemption proceeds by check of electronic transfer. The Funds typically expects to pay redemptions from cash, cash equivalents, proceeds from the sale of fund shares, any lines of credit, and then from the sale of Fund securities. These redemption payment methods will be used in regular and stressed market conditions. You may redeem all or any portion of the shares credited to your account by submitting a written request for redemption to:
Redemptions by Telephone: The telephone redemption privilege is automatically available to all new accounts except retirement accounts. If you do not want the telephone redemption privilege, you must indicate this in the appropriate area on your account application or you must write to the Funds and instruct them to remove this privilege from your account.
The proceeds will be sent by mail to the address
designated on your account or wired directly to your existing account in a bank or brokerage firm in the United States as designated
on your application. To redeem by telephone, call
1-844-798-3833. IRA accounts are not redeemable by telephone.
The Funds reserve the right to suspend the telephone redemption privileges with respect to your account if the name(s) or the address on the account has been changed within the previous 30 days. Neither the Funds, the transfer agent, nor their respective affiliates will be liable for complying with telephone instructions they reasonably believe to be genuine or for any loss, damage, cost or expenses in acting on such telephone instructions and you will be required to bear the risk of any such loss. The Funds or the transfer agent, or both, will employ reasonable procedures to determine that telephone instructions are genuine. If a Fund and/or the transfer agent do not employ these procedures, they may be liable to you for losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. These procedures may include, among others, requiring forms of personal identification prior to acting upon telephone instructions, providing written confirmation of the transactions and/or tape recording telephone instructions.
Redemptions through Broker: If shares of the Funds are held by a broker-dealer, financial institution or other servicing agent, you must contact that servicing agent to redeem shares of the Funds. The servicing agent may charge a fee for this service.
Redemptions by Wire: You may request that your redemption proceeds be wired directly to your bank account. The Funds’ transfer agent imposes a $15 fee for each wire redemption and deducts the fee directly from your account. Your bank may also impose a fee for the incoming wire.
Automatic Withdrawal Plan: If your individual accounts, IRA or other qualified plan account have a current account value of at least $10,000, you may participate in the Funds’ Automatic Withdrawal Plan, an investment plan that automatically moves money to your bank account from the Fund through the use of electronic funds transfers. You may elect to make subsequent withdrawals by transfers of a minimum of $100 on specified days of each month into your established bank account. Please contact the Fund at 1-844-798-3833 for more information about the Funds’ Automatic Withdrawal Plan.
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Redemptions in Kind: The Funds reserve the right to honor requests for redemption or repurchase orders by making payment in whole or in part in readily marketable securities (“redemption in kind”) if the amount is greater than the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of a Fund’s assets. The securities will be chosen by the Fund and valued under the Funds’ NAV procedures. To the extent feasible, the Funds expect that a redemption in kind would be a pro rata allocation of the Funds’ portfolio. A shareholder will be exposed to market risk until these securities are converted to cash and may incur transaction expenses in converting these securities to cash.
When Redemptions are Sent: Once a Fund receives your redemption request in “good order” as described below, it will issue a check based on the next determined NAV following your redemption request. If you purchase shares using a check and soon after request a redemption, your redemption proceeds will not be sent until the check used for your purchase has cleared your bank.
Good Order: Your redemption request will be processed if it is in “good order.” To be in good order, the following conditions must be satisfied: · The request should be in writing, unless redeeming by telephone, indicating the number of shares or dollar amount to be redeemed; · The request must identify your account number; · The request should be signed by you and any other person listed on the account, exactly as the shares are registered; and · If you request that the redemption proceeds be sent to a person, bank or an address other than that of record or paid to someone other than the record owner(s), or if the address was changed within the last 30 days, or if the proceeds of a requested redemption exceed $50,000, the signature(s) on the request must be medallion signature guaranteed by an eligible signature guarantor. |
Redemption Fee: The Funds will deduct a 1.00% redemption fee on your redemption amount if you sell your shares within 30 days of purchase. Shares held longest will be treated as being redeemed first and shares held shortest as being redeemed last. Shares held for 30 days or more are not subject to the 1.00% fee. Redemption fees are paid to the Funds directly and are designed to offset costs associated with fluctuations in Fund asset levels and cash flow caused by short-term shareholder trading.
Waivers of Redemption Fees: The Funds have elected not to impose the redemption fee for:
· | redemptions and exchanges of Fund shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends and distributions; |
· | certain types of redemptions and exchanges of Fund shares owned through participant-directed retirement plans; |
· | redemptions or exchanges in discretionary asset allocation, fee based or wrap programs (“wrap programs”) that are initiated by the sponsor/financial advisor as part of a periodic rebalancing; |
· | redemptions or exchanges in a fee based or wrap program that are made as a result of a full withdrawal from the wrap program or as part of a systematic withdrawal plan; |
· | involuntary redemptions, such as those resulting from a shareholder’s failure to maintain a minimum investment in the Funds, or to pay shareholder fees; or other types of redemptions as the Adviser or the Trust may determine in special situations and approved by the Trust’s or the Adviser’s Chief Compliance Officer. |
When You Need Medallion Signature Guarantees: If you wish to change the bank or brokerage account that you have designated on your account, you may do so at any time by writing to the Funds with your signature guaranteed. A medallion signature guarantee assures that a signature is genuine and protects you from unauthorized account transfers. You will need your signature guaranteed if:
· | you request a redemption to be made payable to a person not on record with the Funds; |
· | you request that a redemption be mailed to an address other than that on record with the Funds; |
· | the proceeds of a requested redemption exceed $50,000; |
· | any redemption is transmitted by federal wire transfer to a bank other than the bank of record; or |
· | your address was changed within 30 days of your redemption request. |
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Signatures may be guaranteed by any eligible guarantor institution (including banks, brokers and dealers, credit unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies and savings associations). Further documentation will be required to change the designated account if shares are held by a corporation, fiduciary or other organization. A notary public cannot guarantee signatures.
Retirement Plans: If you own an IRA or other retirement plan, you must indicate on your redemption request whether the Funds should withhold federal income tax. Unless you elect in your redemption request that you do not want to have federal tax withheld, the redemption will be subject to withholding.
Low Balances: If at any time your account balance in a Fund falls below $1,000, the Fund may notify you that, unless the account is brought up to at least $1,000 within 30 days of the notice; your account could be closed. After the notice period, that Fund may redeem all of your shares and close your account by sending you a check to the address of record. Your account will not be closed if the account balance drops below required minimums due to a decline in NAV. The Funds will not charge any redemption fee on involuntary redemptions.
FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF FUND SHARES
The Funds discourage and do not accommodate market timing. Frequent trading into and out of a Fund can harm all Fund shareholders by disrupting the Fund’s investment strategies, increasing Fund expenses, decreasing tax efficiency and diluting the value of shares held by long-term shareholders. The Funds are designed for long-term investors and are not intended for market timing or other disruptive trading activities. Accordingly, the Board has approved policies that seek to curb these disruptive activities while recognizing that shareholders may have a legitimate need to adjust their Fund investments as their financial needs or circumstances change. The Funds currently uses several methods to reduce the risk of market timing. These methods include, but are not limited to:
Though these methods involve judgments that are inherently subjective and involve some selectivity in their application, the Funds seek to make judgments and applications that are consistent with the interests of the Funds’ shareholders.
Based on the frequency of redemptions in your account, the Adviser or transfer agent may in its sole discretion determine that your trading activity is detrimental to the Fund as described in the Funds’ Market Timing Trading Policy and elect to reject or limit the amount, number, frequency or method for requesting future purchases or exchanges into the Funds.
The Funds reserve the right to reject or restrict purchase requests for any reason, particularly when the shareholder’s trading activity suggests that the shareholder may be engaged in market timing or other disruptive trading activities. Neither the Fund nor the Adviser will be liable for any losses resulting from rejected purchase orders. The Adviser may also bar an investor who has violated these policies (and the investor’s financial advisor) from opening new accounts with the Funds.
Although the Funds attempt to limit disruptive trading activities, some investors use a variety of strategies to hide their identities and their trading practices. There can be no guarantee that the Funds will be able to identify or limit these activities. Omnibus account arrangements are common forms of holding shares of the Funds. While the Funds encourage financial intermediaries to apply the Funds’ Market Timing Trading Policy to their customers who invest indirectly in the Funds, the Funds are limited in their ability to monitor the trading activity or enforce the Funds’ Market Timing Trading Policy with respect to customers of financial intermediaries. For example, should it occur, the Funds may not be able to detect market timing that may be facilitated by financial intermediaries or made difficult to identify in the omnibus accounts used by those intermediaries for aggregated purchases, exchanges and redemptions on behalf of all their customers. More specifically, unless the financial intermediaries have the ability to apply the Funds’ Market Timing Trading Policy to their customers through such methods as implementing short-term trading limitations or restrictions and monitoring trading activity for what might be market timing, the Funds may not be able to determine whether trading by customers of financial intermediaries is contrary to the Funds’ Market Timing Trading Policy. Brokers maintaining omnibus accounts with the Funds have agreed to provide shareholder transaction information to the extent known to the broker to the Funds upon request. If the Funds or their transfer agent or shareholder servicing agent suspects there is market timing activity in the account, the Funds will seek full cooperation from the service provider maintaining the account to identify the underlying participant. At the request of the Adviser, the service providers may take immediate action to stop any further short-term trading by such participants.
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TAX STATUS, DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Any sale or exchange of the Funds’ shares may generate tax liability (unless you are a tax-exempt investor or your investment is in a qualified retirement account). When you redeem your shares you may realize a taxable gain or loss. This is measured by the difference between the proceeds of the sale and the tax basis for the shares you sold. (To aid in computing your tax basis, you generally should retain your account statements for the period that you hold shares in the Funds.)
Each Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net capital gains annually in December. Both distributions will be reinvested in shares of the Fund unless you elect to receive cash. Dividends from net investment income (including any excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss) are taxable to investors as ordinary income, while distributions of net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) are generally taxable as long-term capital gain, regardless of your holding period for the shares. Any dividends or capital gain distributions you receive from a Fund will normally be taxable to you when made, regardless of whether you reinvest dividends or capital gain distributions or receive them in cash. Certain dividends or distributions declared in October, November or December will be taxed to shareholders as if received in December if they are paid during the following January. Each year the Funds will inform you of the amount and type of your distributions. IRAs and other qualified retirement plans are exempt from federal income taxation until retirement proceeds are paid out to the participant. Your redemptions, including exchanges, may result in a capital gain or loss for federal tax purposes. A capital gain or loss on your investment is the difference between the cost of your shares, including any sales charges, and the amount you receive when you sell them.
On the account application, you will be asked to certify that your social security number or taxpayer identification number is correct and that you are not subject to backup withholding for failing to report income to the IRS. If you are subject to backup withholding or you did not certify your taxpayer identification number, the IRS requires each Fund to withhold a percentage of any dividend, redemption or exchange proceeds. Each Fund reserves the right to reject any application that does not include a certified social security or taxpayer identification number. If you do not have a social security number, you should indicate on the purchase form that your application to obtain a number is pending. Each Fund is required to withhold taxes if a number is not delivered to the Fund within seven days.
This summary is not intended to be and should not be construed to be legal or tax advice. You should consult your own tax advisors to determine the tax consequences of owning the Funds’ shares.
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DISTRIBUTION OF SHARES
Distributor : Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, 4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022-3474, is the distributor for the shares of the Funds. Northern Lights Distributors, LLC is a registered broker-dealer and member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. Shares of the Funds are offered on a continuous basis.
Distribution Fees : The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, has adopted the Trust’s Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan for Class A shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (the “Plan”), under Rule 12b-1, pursuant to which the Funds pay the Funds’ distributor an annual fee for distribution and shareholder servicing expenses of 0.25% of the Funds’ average daily net assets attributable to the Class A. Class I shares do not have a Plan. Because these fees are paid out of the Funds’ assets on an on-going basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
The Distributor and other entities are paid under the Plan for services provided and the expenses borne by the Distributor and others in the distribution of Fund shares, including the payment of commissions for sales of the shares and incentive compensation to and expenses of dealers and others who engage in or support distribution of shares or who service shareholder accounts, including overhead and telephone expenses; printing and distribution of prospectuses and reports used in connection with the offering of the Fund’s shares to other than current shareholders; and preparation, printing and distribution of sales literature and advertising materials. In addition, the Distributor or other entities may utilize fees paid pursuant to the Plan to compensate dealers or other entities for their opportunity costs in advancing such amounts, which compensation would be in the form of a carrying charge on any un-reimbursed expenses.
Additional Compensation to Financial Intermediaries : The Distributor, its affiliates, and the Adviser and its affiliates may, at their own expense and out of their own assets including their legitimate profits from Fund-related activities, provide additional cash payments to financial intermediaries who sell shares of the Fund or assist in the marketing of the Funds. Financial intermediaries include brokers, financial planners, banks, insurance companies, retirement or 401(k) plan administrators and others. These payments may be in addition to the Rule 12b-1 fees and any sales charges that are disclosed elsewhere in this Prospectus. These payments are generally made to financial intermediaries that provide shareholder or administrative services, or marketing support. Marketing support may include access to sales meetings, sales representatives and financial intermediary management representatives, inclusion of the Funds on a sales list, including a preferred or select sales list, or other sales programs. These payments also may be made as an expense reimbursement in cases where the financial intermediary provides shareholder services to Fund shareholders. The Distributor may, from time to time, provide promotional incentives to certain investment firms. Such incentives may, at the Distributor’s discretion, be limited to investment firms who allow their individual selling representatives to participate in such additional compensation.
Householding : To reduce expenses, the Funds mail only one copy of a 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 1-844-798-3833 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.
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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Funds’ financial performance for the period of each Fund’s operations. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Funds (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been derived from the financial statements audited by BBD, LLP whose report, along with the Funds’ consolidated financial statements which are incorporated by reference into the SAI, and are included in the Funds’ December 31, 2019 annual report, which is available at no charge upon request.
ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
Per Share Data and Ratios for a Share of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout each Year or Period Presented
Class A | ||||||||||||||||||||
For the Year Ended | For Year Ended | For Year Ended | For the Year Ended | For the Period Ended | ||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | December 31, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | December 31, 2015 (1) | ||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ | 17.33 | $ | 17.71 | $ | 15.07 | $ | 15.85 | $ | 15.00 | ||||||||||
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment loss (2) | (0.20 | ) | (0.25 | ) | (0.25 | ) | (0.24 | ) | (0.32 | ) | ||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 0.56 | 0.04 | (8) | 2.89 | (0.54 | ) | 1.17 | |||||||||||||
Total from investment operations | 0.36 | (0.21 | ) | 2.64 | (0.78 | ) | 0.85 | |||||||||||||
Less distributions from: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net realized gains | (0.06 | ) | (0.17 | ) | — | — | — | |||||||||||||
Total distributions | (0.06 | ) | (0.17 | ) | — | — | — | |||||||||||||
Redemption fees collected (2) | — | 0.00 | (3) | 0.00 | (3) | 0.00 | (3) | 0.00 | (3) | |||||||||||
Net asset value, end of period | $ | 17.63 | $ | 17.33 | $ | 17.71 | $ | 15.07 | $ | 15.85 | ||||||||||
Total return (4) | 2.09 | % | (1.15 | )% | 17.52 | % | (4.92 | )% | 5.67 | % (5) | ||||||||||
Net assets, at end of period (000s) | $ | 3,686 | $ | 8,961 | $ | 4,121 | $ | 28,895 | $ | 28,257 | ||||||||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets including dividends from securities sold short and interest expense (6) | 1.95 | % | 2.04 | % | 2.10 | % | 2.13 | % | 2.41 | % (7) | ||||||||||
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding dividends from securities sold short and interest expense (6) | 1.93 | % | 1.92 | % | 1.98 | % | 2.01 | % | 2.18 | % (7) | ||||||||||
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets (6) | (1.10 | )% | (1.37 | )% | (1.54 | )% | (1.54 | )% | (2.09 | )% (7) | ||||||||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 325 | % | 271 | % | 224 | % | 481 | % | 652 | % (5) |
(1) | The Fund commenced operations on January 20, 2015. | |
(2) | Per share amounts calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the year/period. |
(3) | Represents less than $0.01 per share. | |
(4) | Total returns shown exclude the effect of applicable sales charges and redemption fees and assumes reinvestment of all distributions. | |
(5) | Not annualized. | |
(6) | Does not include the expenses of other investment companies in which the Fund invests. | |
(7) | Annualized for periods less than one full year. | |
(8) | Net realized and unrealized gain on investments does not accord with the net amount reported in the Statement of Operations due to timing of shareholder subscriptions and redemptions relative to fluctuating net asset values during the year. |
25 |
ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
Per Share Data and Ratios for a Share of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout each Year or Period Presented
Class I | ||||||||||||||||||||
For the Year Ended | For Year Ended | For Year Ended | For the Year Ended | For the Period Ended | ||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | December 31, 2017 | December 31, 2016 | December 31, 2015 (1) | ||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ | 17.48 | $ | 17.82 | $ | 15.12 | $ | 15.86 | $ | 15.00 | ||||||||||
Increase (decrease) from investment operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment loss (2) | (0.15 | ) | (0.20 | ) | (0.21 | ) | (0.20 | ) | (0.33 | ) | ||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 0.55 | 0.03 | (9) | 2.91 | (0.54 | ) | 1.19 | |||||||||||||
Total from investment operations | 0.40 | (0.17 | ) | 2.70 | (0.74 | ) | 0.86 | |||||||||||||
Less distributions from: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net realized gains | (0.06 | ) | (0.17 | ) | — | — | — | |||||||||||||
Total distributions | (0.06 | ) | (0.17 | ) | — | — | — | |||||||||||||
Redemption fees collected (2)(3) | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |||||||||||||||
Net asset value, end of period | $ | 17.82 | $ | 17.48 | $ | 17.82 | $ | 15.12 | $ | 15.86 | ||||||||||
Total return (4) | 2.30 | % (5) | (0.92 | )% (5) | 17.86 | % | (4.67 | )% | 5.73 | % (6) | ||||||||||
Net assets, at end of period (000s) | $ | 70,270 | $ | 77,999 | $ | 61,152 | $ | 19,140 | $ | 22,056 | ||||||||||
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets including dividends from securities sold short and interest expense (7) | 1.70 | % | 1.79 | % | 1.85 | % | 1.88 | % | 2.16 | % (8) | ||||||||||
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding dividends from securities sold short and interest expense (7) | 1.68 | % | 1.67 | % | 1.73 | % | 1.76 | % | 1.93 | % (8) | ||||||||||
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets (7) | (0.85 | )% | (1.12 | )% | (1.24 | )% | (1.29 | )% | (2.12 | )% (8) | ||||||||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 325 | % | 271 | % | 224 | % | 481 | % | 652 | % (6) |
(1) | The Fund commenced operations on January 20, 2015. |
(2) | Per share amounts calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the year/period. | |
(3) | Represents less than $0.01 per share. | |
(4) | Total returns shown exclude the effect of applicable sales charges and redemption fees and assumes reinvestment of all distributions. | |
(5) | Includes adjustments in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and, consequently, the net asset value for financial reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset values and returns for shareholder transactions. | |
(6) | Not annualized. | |
(7) | Does not include the expenses of other investment companies in which the Fund invests. | |
(8) | Annualized for periods less than one full year. | |
(9) | Net realized and unrealized gain on investments does not accord with the net amount reported in the Statement of Operations due to timing of shareholder subscriptions and redemptions relative to fluctuating net asset values during the year. |
26 |
ACM Tactical Income Fund |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
Per Share Data and Ratios for a Share of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout the Period Presented
Class A | ||||
For the Period Ended | ||||
December 31, 2019 (1) | ||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ | 10.00 | ||
Increase from investment operations: | ||||
Net investment income (2) | 0.48 | |||
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments | 0.03 | (6) | ||
Total from investment operations | 0.51 | |||
Less distributions from: | ||||
Net investment income | (0.37 | ) | ||
Return of capital | (0.01 | ) | ||
Total distributions | (0.38 | ) | ||
Redemption fees collected (2)(3) | 0.00 | |||
Net asset value, end of period | $ | 10.13 | ||
Total return (4) | 5.13 | % | ||
Net assets, at end of period (000s) | $ | 1,272 | ||
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | ||||
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets including interest expense (5) | 2.25 | % (7) | ||
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense (5) | 2.35 | % | ||
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (5) | 5.08 | % | ||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 645 | % |
(1) | The inception date of the Fund was December 31, 2018 and the Fund commenced operations on January 2, 2019. | |
(2) | Per share amounts calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the year/period. | |
(3) | Represents less than $0.01 per share. | |
(4) | Total returns shown exclude the effect of applicable sales charges and redemption fees and assumes reinvestment of all distributions. | |
(5) | Does not include the expenses of other investment companies in which the Fund invests. | |
(6) | The amount of net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment per share for the year ended December 31, 2019 does not accord with the amounts in the Statements of Operations due to the timing of purchases and sales of Fund shares in relation to fluctuating market values. | |
(7) | Represents less than 0.01% of interest expense. |
27 |
ACM Tactical Income Fund |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
Per Share Data and Ratios for a Share of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout the Period Presented
Class I | ||||
For the Period Ended | ||||
December 31, 2019 (1) | ||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ | 10.00 | ||
Increase from investment operations: | ||||
Net investment income (2) | 0.48 | |||
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments | 0.05 | (6) | ||
Total from investment operations | 0.53 | |||
Less distributions from: | ||||
Net investment income | (0.39 | ) | ||
Return of capital | (0.01 | ) | ||
Total distributions | (0.40 | ) | ||
Redemption fees collected (2)(3) | 0.00 | |||
Net asset value, end of period | $ | 10.13 | ||
Total return (4) | 5.35 | % | ||
Net assets, at end of period (000s) | $ | 19,215 | ||
Ratios/Supplemental Data: | ||||
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets including interest expense (5) | 2.00 | % (7) | ||
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense (5) | 2.10 | % | ||
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (5) | 4.83 | % | ||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 645 | % |
(1) | The inception date of the Fund was December 31, 2018 and the Fund commenced operations on January 2, 2019. | |
(2) | Per share amounts calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the year/period. | |
(3) | Represents less than $0.01 per share. | |
(4) | Total returns shown exclude the effect of applicable sales charges and redemption fees and assumes reinvestment of all distributions. | |
(5) | Does not include the expenses of other investment companies in which the Fund invests. | |
(6) | The amount of net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment per share for the year ended December 31, 2019 does not accord with the amounts in the Statements of Operations due to the timing of purchases and sales of Fund shares in relation to fluctuating market values. | |
(7) | Represents less than 0.01% of interest expense. |
28 |
Rev. February 2014
PRIVACY NOTICE |
|||||
FACTS |
WHAT DOES NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST III DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION? |
||||
Why? | Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do. | ||||
What? | The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include: § Social Security number § Purchase History § Assets § Account Balances § Retirement Assets § Account Transactions § Transaction History § Wire Transfer Instructions § Checking Account Information When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice. | ||||
How? | All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons Northern Lights Fund Trust III chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing. | ||||
Reasons we can share your personal information |
Does Northern Lights
Fund Trust III share? |
Can you limit this sharing? | |||
For our everyday business purposes – such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus |
Yes | No | |||
For our marketing purposes – to offer our products and services to you |
No | We don’t share | |||
For joint marketing with other financial companies | No | We don’t share | |||
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your transactions and experiences |
No | We don’t share | |||
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness |
No | We don’t share | |||
For nonaffiliates to market to you | No | We don’t share | |||
Questions? | Call (402) 493-4603 | ||||
|
|||||
Who we are | |||||
29 |
Who is providing
this notice? |
Northern Lights Fund Trust III
|
What we do | |
How does Northern Lights Fund Trust III 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 III collect my personal information? |
We collect your personal information, for example, when you
We also collect your personal information from other companies. |
Why can’t I limit all sharing? |
Federal law gives you the right to limit only
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.
|
Nonaffiliates |
Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies
|
Joint marketing |
A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.
|
30 |
ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund
ACM Tactical Income Fund
Adviser |
Ascendant Capital Management, LLC d/b/a ACM Funds 10866 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1600 Los Angeles, CA 90024 |
Distributor |
Northern Lights Distributors, LLC
4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100
|
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
BBD, LLP 1835 Market Street, 3rd Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103 |
Legal Counsel |
Thompson Hine LLP 41 South High Street, Suite 1700 Columbus, OH 43215 |
Custodian |
MUFG Union Bank, N.A. 400 California Street San Francisco, CA 94104 |
Transfer Agent |
Gemini Fund Services, LLC
4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100
|
Additional information about the Fund is included in the Fund’s SAI dated May 1, 2020. 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 Fund’s policies and management. Additional information about the Fund’s investments is also available in the Fund’s Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to Shareholders. In the Fund’s Annual Report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during its last fiscal year.
To obtain a free copy of the SAI and the Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to Shareholders, or other information about the Fund, or to make shareholder inquiries about the Fund, please call 1-844-798-3833 or visit www.ACM-Funds.com. You may also write to:
ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund
ACM Tactical Income Fund
c/o Gemini Fund Services, LLC
4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100
Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022-3474
Reports and other information about the Fund is 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.
Investment Company Act File # 811-22655
31 |
ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund
Class A ADOAX
Class I ADOIX
ACM Tactical Income Fund
Class A TINAX
Class I TINIX
a series of Northern Lights Fund Trust III
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
May 1, 2020
This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a Prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus of ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund and ACM Tactical Income Fund (the “Funds”) dated May 1, 2020, which is incorporated by reference into this SAI (i.e., legally made a part of this SAI). Copies may be obtained without charge by contacting the Funds’ Transfer Agent, Gemini Fund Services, LLC, 4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022-3474 or by calling 1-844-798-3833. You may also obtain a prospectus by visiting the Funds’ website at www.ACM-Funds.com.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
THE FUND | 1 |
INVESTMENTS AND RISKS | 2 |
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER | 24 |
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS | 25 |
INVESTMENT ADVISER | 27 |
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS | 28 |
ALLOCATION OF BROKERAGE | 29 |
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS | 31 |
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS | 33 |
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM | 35 |
LEGAL COUNSEL | 36 |
DISTRIBUTOR | 36 |
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES | 38 |
CODE OF ETHICS | 38 |
PROXY VOTING POLICIES | 39 |
PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF FUND SHARES | 39 |
TAX STATUS | 44 |
ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING PROGRAM | 49 |
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES | 50 |
MANAGEMENT | 51 |
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 58 |
APPENDIX A – BOND RATINGS | 59 |
APPENDIX B – PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES | 61 |
THE FUNDS
Each Fund is a diversified series of Northern Lights Fund Trust III, a Delaware statutory trust organized on December 5, 2011 (the "Trust"). The Trust is registered as an Open-End Management Investment Company. The Trust is governed by the Board of Trustees (the "Board," "Trustees," or “Board of Trustees”).
Each Fund may issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest. All shares of the Funds have equal rights and privileges. Each share of the Funds is entitled to one vote on all matters as to which shares are entitled to vote. In addition, each share of the Funds is entitled to participate equally with other shares, on a class-specific basis, (i) in dividends and distributions declared by a Fund and (ii) on liquidation to its proportionate share of the assets remaining after satisfaction of outstanding liabilities. Shares of a Fund are fully paid, non-assessable and fully transferable 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.
Ascendant Capital Management, LLC d/b/a ACM Funds (the "Adviser") is the Funds' investment adviser. The Funds’ investment objectives, 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 offer two classes of shares: Class A shares and Class I shares. Each share class represents an interest in the same assets of the Fund, has the same rights and is identical in all material respects except that (i) each class of shares may be subject to different (or no) sales loads; (ii) each class of shares may bear different (or no) distribution fees; (iii) each class of shares may have different shareholder features, such as minimum investment amounts; (iv) certain other class-specific expenses will be borne solely by the class to which such expenses are attributable, including transfer agent fees attributable to a specific class of shares, printing and postage expenses related to preparing and distributing materials to current shareholders of a specific class, registration fees paid by a specific class of shares, the expenses of administrative personnel and services required to support the shareholders of a specific class, litigation or other legal expenses relating to a class of shares, Trustees' fees or expenses paid as a result of issues relating to a specific class of shares and accounting fees and expenses relating to a specific class of shares and (v) each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to matters relating to its own distribution arrangements. The Board of Trustees may classify and reclassify the shares of the Funds into additional classes of shares at a future date.
Under the Trust's Agreement and Declaration of Trust, each Trustee will continue in office until the termination of the Trust or his/her earlier death, incapacity, resignation or removal. Shareholders can remove a Trustee to the extent provided by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. Vacancies may be filled by a majority of the remaining Trustees, except insofar as the 1940 Act may require the election by shareholders. As a result, normally no annual or regular meetings of shareholders will be held unless matters arise requiring a vote of shareholders under the Agreement and Declaration of Trust or the 1940 Act.
1 |
INVESTMENTS AND RISKS
The investment objective of the Funds and the descriptions of the Funds’ principal investment strategies are set forth under "Investment Objective,” “Principal Investment Strategies,” and “Principal Investment Risks" in the Prospectus. The Funds’ investment objectives are 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 the Funds may invest, strategies the Adviser may employ in pursuit of the Funds’ investment objective and a summary of related risks.
Equity Securities
Equity securities in which a Fund invests 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
The Funds may invest in preferred stock with no minimum credit rating. 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.
The 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.
Fixed Income/Debt/Bond Securities
Yields on fixed income securities are dependent on a variety of factors, including the general conditions of the money market and other fixed income securities markets, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligation and the rating of the issue. An investment in the Funds will be subjected to risk even if all fixed income securities in the Funds’ portfolio are paid in full at maturity. All
2 |
fixed income securities, including U.S. Government securities, can change in value when there is a change in interest rates or the issuer's actual or perceived creditworthiness or ability to meet its obligations.
There is normally an inverse relationship between the market value of securities sensitive to prevailing interest rates and actual changes in interest rates. In other words, an increase in interest rates produces a decrease in market value. The longer the remaining maturity (and duration) of a security, the greater will be the effect of interest rate changes on the market value of that security. Changes in the ability of an issuer to make payments of interest and principal and in the market’s perception of an issuer's creditworthiness will also affect the market value of the debt securities of that issuer. Obligations of issuers of fixed income securities (including municipal securities) are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency, and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors, such as the Federal Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978. In addition, the obligations of municipal issuers may become subject to laws enacted in the future by Congress, state legislatures, or referenda extending the time for payment of principal and/or interest, or imposing other constraints upon enforcement of such obligations or upon the ability of municipalities to levy taxes. Changes in the ability of an issuer to make payments of interest and principal and in the market's perception of an issuer's creditworthiness will also affect the market value of the debt securities of that issuer. The possibility exists, therefore, that, the ability of any issuer to pay, when due, the principal of and interest on its debt securities may become impaired.
The corporate debt securities in which the Funds may invest include corporate bonds and notes and short-term investments such as commercial paper and variable rate demand notes. Commercial paper (short-term promissory notes) is issued by companies to finance their or their affiliate's current obligations and is frequently unsecured. Variable and floating rate demand notes are unsecured obligations typically redeemable upon not more than 30 days' notice. These obligations include master demand notes that permit investment of fluctuating amounts at varying rates of interest pursuant to a direct arrangement with the issuer of the instrument. The issuer of these obligations often has the right, after a given period, to prepay the outstanding principal amount of the obligations upon a specified number of days' notice. These obligations generally are not traded, nor generally is there an established secondary market for these obligations. To the extent a demand note does not have a 7-day or shorter demand feature and there is no readily available market for the obligation, it is treated as an illiquid security.
The Funds may invest in sovereign bonds. Sovereign bonds involve special risks not present in corporate bonds. The governmental authority that controls the repayment of the bonds may be unable or unwilling to make interest payments and/or repay the principal on its bonds. If an issuer of sovereign bonds defaults on payments of principal and/or interest, the Funds may have limited recourse against the issuer. In the past, certain governments of emerging market countries have declared themselves unable to meet their financial obligations on a timely basis, which has resulted in losses to holders of such government’s debt.
A sovereign debtor’s willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its foreign currency reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange, the relative size of the debt service burden, the sovereign debtor’s policy toward principal international lenders and local political constraints. Sovereign debtors may also be dependent on expected disbursements from foreign governments, multilateral agencies and other entities to reduce principal and interest arrearages on their debt. The failure of a sovereign debtor to implement economic reforms, achieve specified levels of economic performance or repay principal or interest when due may result in the cancellation of third-party
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commitments to lend funds to the sovereign debtor, which may further impair such debtor’s ability or willingness to service its debts.
The Funds may invest in debt securities, including non-investment grade debt securities. The following describes some of the risks associated with fixed income debt securities:
Interest Rate Risk. Debt securities have varying levels of sensitivity to changes in interest rates. In general, the price of a debt security can fall when interest rates rise and can rise when interest rates fall. Securities with longer maturities and mortgage securities can be more sensitive to interest rate changes although they usually offer higher yields to compensate investors for the greater risks. The longer the maturity of the security, the greater the impact a change in interest rates could have on the security's price. In addition, short-term and long-term interest rates do not necessarily move in the same amount or the same direction. Short-term securities tend to react to changes in short-term interest rates and long-term securities tend to react to changes in long-term interest rates.
Credit Risk. Fixed income securities have speculative characteristics and changes in economic conditions or other circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of those issuers to make principal or interest payments, as compared to issuers of more highly rated securities.
Extension Risk. The Funds are subject to the risk that an issuer will exercise its right to pay principal on an obligation held by the Funds (such as mortgage-backed securities) later than expected. This may happen when there is a rise in interest rates. These events may lengthen the duration (i.e., interest rate sensitivity) and potentially reduce the value of these securities.
Prepayment Risk. Certain types of debt securities, such as mortgage-backed securities, have yield and maturity characteristics corresponding to underlying assets. Unlike traditional debt securities, which may pay a fixed rate of interest until maturity when the entire principal amount comes due, payments on certain mortgage-backed securities may include both interest and a partial payment of principal. Besides the scheduled repayment of principal, payments of principal may result from the voluntary prepayment, refinancing, or foreclosure of the underlying mortgage loans.
Securities subject to prepayment are less effective than other types of securities as a means of "locking in" attractive long-term interest rates. One reason is the need to reinvest prepayments of principal; another is the possibility of significant unscheduled prepayments resulting from declines in interest rates. These prepayments would have to be reinvested at lower rates. As a result, these securities may have less potential for capital appreciation during periods of declining interest rates than other securities of comparable maturities, although they may have a similar risk of decline in market value during periods of rising interest rates. Prepayments may also significantly shorten the effective maturities of these securities, especially during periods of declining interest rates. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, a reduction in prepayments may increase the effective maturities of these securities, subjecting them to a greater risk of decline in market value in response to rising interest rates than traditional debt securities, and, therefore, potentially increasing the volatility of the Funds.
At times, some of the
mortgage-backed securities in which the Funds may invest will have higher than market interest rates and therefore will be purchased
at a premium above their par value. Prepayments may cause losses in securities purchased at a premium, as unscheduled prepayments,
which are made at par, will cause the Funds to experience a loss equal to any unamortized premium.
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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.
The Funds may invest in 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. The Funds may purchase bank obligations that are 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.
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.
Time Deposits and Variable Rate Notes
The Funds may invest in fixed time deposits, whether or not subject to withdrawal penalties. The commercial paper obligations, which the Funds may buy are unsecured and may include variable rate notes. The nature and terms of a variable rate note (i.e., a "Master Note") permit the Funds to invest fluctuating amounts at varying rates of interest pursuant to a direct arrangement between each Fund as lender, and the issuer, as borrower. It permits daily changes in the amounts borrowed. The Funds have 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 lending arrangements between each 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 the Fund's investment restriction on illiquid securities unless such notes can be put back to the issuer on demand within seven days.
Commercial Paper
The Funds may purchase 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
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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 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.
Repurchase Agreements
The Funds may enter into repurchase agreements. In a repurchase agreement, an investor (such as the Funds) 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 the Funds, or the purchase and repurchase prices may be the same, with interest at an agreed upon rate due to the Funds on repurchase. In either case, the income to the Funds 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 the Funds 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, the Funds 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.
High Yield Securities
The Funds may invest in high yield securities. High yield, high risk bonds are securities that are generally rated below investment grade by the primary rating agencies (BB+ or lower by S&P and Ba1 or lower by Moody's). Other terms used to describe such securities include "lower rated bonds," "non-investment grade bonds," "below investment grade bonds," and "junk bonds." These securities are considered to be high-risk investments. The risks include the following:
Greater Risk of Loss. These securities are regarded as predominately speculative. There is a greater risk that issuers of lower rated securities will default than issuers of higher rated securities. Issuers of lower rated securities generally are less creditworthy and may be highly indebted, financially distressed, or bankrupt. These issuers are more vulnerable to real or perceived economic changes, political changes or adverse industry developments. In addition, high yield securities are frequently subordinated to the prior payment of senior indebtedness. If an issuer fails to pay principal or interest, the Funds would experience a decrease in income and a decline in the market value of its investments.
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Sensitivity to Interest Rate and Economic Changes. The income and market value of lower-rated securities may fluctuate more than higher rated securities. Although non-investment grade securities tend to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than investment grade securities, non-investment grade securities are more sensitive to short-term corporate, economic and market developments. During periods of economic uncertainty and change, the market price of the investments in lower-rated securities may be volatile. The default rate for high yield bonds tends to be cyclical, with defaults rising in periods of economic downturn. For example, in 2000, 2001 and 2002, the default rate for high yield securities was significantly higher than in the prior or subsequent years.
Valuation Difficulties. It is often more difficult to value lower rated securities than higher rated securities. If an issuer's financial condition deteriorates, accurate financial and business information may be limited or unavailable. In addition, the lower rated investments may be thinly traded and there may be no established secondary market. Because of the lack of market pricing and current information for investments in lower rated securities, valuation of such investments is much more dependent on judgment than is the case with higher rated securities.
Liquidity. There may be no established secondary or public market for investments in lower rated securities. Such securities are frequently traded in markets that may be relatively less liquid than the market for higher rated securities. In addition, relatively few institutional purchasers may hold a major portion of an issue of lower-rated securities at times. As a result, the Funds may be required to sell investments at substantial losses or retain them indefinitely when an issuer's financial condition is deteriorating.
Credit Quality. Credit quality of non-investment grade securities can change suddenly and unexpectedly, and even recently-issued credit ratings may not fully reflect the actual risks posed by a particular high-yield security.
New Legislation. Future legislation may have a possible negative impact on the market for high yield, high risk bonds. As an example, in the late 1980s, legislation required federally-insured savings and loan associations to divest their investments in high yield, high risk bonds. New legislation, if enacted, could have a material negative effect on the Fund's investments in lower rated securities.
High yield. High risk investments may include the following:
Straight fixed-income debt securities. These include bonds and other debt obligations that bear a fixed or variable rate of interest payable at regular intervals and have a fixed or resettable maturity date. The particular terms of such securities vary and may include features such as call provisions and sinking funds.
Zero-coupon debt securities. These bear no interest obligation but are issued at a discount from their value at maturity. When held to maturity, their entire return equals the difference between their issue price and their maturity value.
Zero-fixed-coupon debt securities. These are zero-coupon debt securities that convert on a specified date to interest-bearing debt securities.
Pay-in-kind bonds. These are bonds which allow the issuer, at its option, to make current interest payments on the bonds either in cash or in additional bonds. These are bonds sold without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), usually to a relatively small number of institutional investors.
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Convertible Securities. These are bonds or preferred stock that may be converted to common stock.
Preferred Stock. These are stocks that generally pay a dividend at a specified rate and have preference over common stock in the payment of dividends and in liquidation.
Loan Participations and Assignments. These are participations in, or assignments of all or a portion of loans to corporations or to governments, including governments of less developed countries.
Securities issued in connection with Reorganizations and Corporate Restructurings. In connection with reorganizing or restructuring of an issuer, an issuer may issue common stock or other securities to holders of its debt securities. The Funds may hold such common stock and other securities even if it does not invest in such securities.
Municipal Government Obligations
In general, municipal obligations are debt obligations issued by or on behalf of states, territories and possessions of the United States (including the District of Columbia) and their political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities. Municipal obligations generally include debt obligations issued to obtain funds for various public purposes. Certain types of municipal obligations are issued in whole or in part to obtain funding for privately operated facilities or projects. Municipal obligations include general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, industrial development bonds, notes and municipal lease obligations. Municipal obligations also include additional obligations, the interest on which is exempt from federal income tax that may become available in the future as long as the Board determines that an investment in any such type of obligation is consistent with the Funds' investment objectives. Municipal obligations may be fully or partially backed by local government, the credit of a private issuer, current or anticipated revenues from a specific project or specific assets or domestic or foreign entities providing credit support such as letters of credit, guarantees or insurance.
Bonds and Notes. General obligation bonds are secured by the issuer's pledge of its full faith, credit and taxing power for the payment of interest and principal. Revenue bonds are payable only from the revenues derived from a project or facility or from the proceeds of a specified revenue source. Industrial development bonds are generally revenue bonds secured by payments from and the credit of private users. Municipal notes are issued to meet the short-term funding requirements of state, regional and local governments. Municipal notes include tax anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes, tax and revenue anticipation notes, construction loan notes, short-term discount notes, tax-exempt commercial paper, demand notes and similar instruments.
Municipal Lease Obligations. Municipal lease obligations may take the form of a lease, an installment purchase or a conditional sales contract. They are issued by state and local governments and authorities to acquire land, equipment and facilities, such as vehicles, telecommunications and computer equipment and other capital assets. The Funds may invest in underlying funds that purchase these lease obligations directly, or it may purchase participation interests in such lease obligations (See "Participation Interests" section). States have different requirements for issuing municipal debt and issuing municipal leases. Municipal leases are generally subject to greater risks than general obligation or revenue bonds because they usually contain a "non-appropriation" clause, which provides that the issuer is not obligated to make payments on the obligation in future years unless funds have been appropriated for this purpose each year. Such non-appropriation clauses are required to avoid the municipal lease obligations from being treated as debt for state debt restriction purposes. Accordingly, such obligations are subject to "non-appropriation" risk. Municipal leases may be secured by the
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underlying capital asset and it may be difficult to dispose of any such asset in the event of non-appropriation or other default.
Master Limited Partnerships
A master limited partnership (“MLP”) is an entity that is generally taxed as a partnership for federal income tax purposes and that derives each year at least 90% of its gross income from “Qualifying Income.” Qualifying Income for MLPs includes interest, dividends, real estate rents, gain from the sale or disposition of real property, income and gain from commodities or commodity futures, and income and gain from mineral or natural resources activities that generate Qualifying Income. MLP interests (known as units) are traded on securities exchanges or over-the-counter. An MLP’s organization as a partnership and compliance with the Qualifying Income rules generally eliminates federal tax at the entity level.
An MLP has one or more general partners (who may be individuals, corporations, or other partnerships) which manage the partnership, and limited partners, which provide capital to the partnership but have no role in its management. Typically, the general partner is owned by company management or another publicly traded sponsoring corporation. When an investor buys units in an MLP, the investor becomes a limited partner.
MLPs are formed in several ways. A nontraded partnership may decide to go public. Several nontraded partnerships may roll up into a single MLP. A corporation may spin-off a group of assets or part of its business into an MLP of which it is the general partner, to realize the assets’ full value on the marketplace by selling the assets and using the cash proceeds received from the MLP to address debt obligations or to invest in higher growth opportunities, while retaining control of the MLP. A corporation may fully convert to an MLP, although since 1986 the tax consequences have made this an unappealing option for most corporations. Unlike the ways described above, it is also possible for a newly formed entity to commence operations as an MLP from its inception.
The sponsor or general partner of an MLP, other energy companies, and utilities may sell assets to MLPs in order to generate cash to fund expansion projects or repay debt. The MLP structure essentially transfers cash flows generated from these acquired assets directly to MLP limited partner unitholders.
In the case of an MLP, buying assets from its sponsor or general partner the transaction is intended to be based upon comparable terms in the acquisition market for similar assets. To help insure that appropriate protections are in place, the board of the MLP generally creates an independent committee to review and approve the terms of the transaction. The committee often obtains a fairness opinion and can retain counsel or other experts to assist its evaluation. Since both parties normally have a significant equity stake in the MLP, both parties are aligned to see that the transaction is accretive and fair to the MLP.
As a motivation for the general partner to successfully manage the MLP and increase cash flows, the terms of MLPs typically provide that the general partner receives a larger portion of the net income as distributions reach higher target levels. As cash flow grows, the general partner receives a greater interest in the incremental income compared to the interest of limited partners. Although the percentages vary among MLPs, the general partner’s marginal interest in distributions generally increases from 2% to 15% at the first designated distribution target level moving up to 25% and ultimately 50% as pre-established distribution per unit thresholds are met. Nevertheless, the aggregate amount distributed to limited partners will increase as MLP distributions reach higher target levels.
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Given this incentive structure, the general partner has an incentive to streamline operations and undertake acquisitions and growth projects in order to increase distributions to all partners.
Because the MLP itself generally does not pay federal income tax, its income or loss is allocated to its investors, irrespective of whether the investors receive any cash payment or other distributions from the MLP. An MLP typically makes quarterly cash distributions. Although they resemble corporate dividends, MLP distributions are treated differently for tax purposes. The MLP distribution is treated as a return of capital to the extent of the investor’s basis in his MLP interest and, to the extent the distribution exceeds the investor’s basis in the MLP, generally as capital gain. The investor’s original basis is the price paid for the units. The basis is adjusted downwards with each distribution and allocation of deductions (such as depreciation) and losses, and upwards with each allocation of taxable income and gain.
The partner will not incur federal income tax on distributions until: (1) he sells his MLP units and pays tax on his gain, which gain is increased due to the basis decrease due to prior distributions; or (2) his basis reaches zero. When the units are sold, the difference between the sales price and the investor’s adjusted basis is gain or loss for federal income tax purposes.
The business of certain MLPs is affected by supply and demand for energy commodities because such MLPs derive revenue and income based upon the volume of the underlying commodity produced, transported, processed, distributed, and/or marketed. Pipeline MLPs have indirect commodity exposure to gas and oil price volatility because although they do not own the underlying energy commodity, the general level of commodity prices may affect the volume of the commodity that the MLP delivers to its customers and the cost of providing services such as distributing natural gas liquids. The costs of natural gas pipeline MLPs to perform services may exceed the negotiated rates under “negotiated rate” contracts. Specifically, processing MLPs may be directly affected by energy commodity prices. Propane MLPs own the underlying energy commodity, and therefore have direct exposure to energy commodity prices, although the Adviser intends to target high quality MLPs that seek to mitigate or manage direct margin exposure to commodity prices. However, the MLP industry in general could be hurt by market perception that an MLP’s performance and valuation are directly tied to commodity prices.
Real Estate Investment Trusts
The Funds may invest in the equity securities of real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) focused on the energy industry. A REIT is a corporation or business trust that invests in real estate and derives its income from rents or sales of real property or interest on loans secured by mortgages on real property. The market value of REITs may be affected by numerous factors, including decreases in the value of real estate, vacancies, decreases in lease rates, and defaults by lessees, changes in the tax laws or by their inability to qualify for the tax-free pass-through of their income.
Energy Trust Securities.
The Funds may invest in U.S. royalty trusts. U.S. royalty trusts are generally not subject to U.S. federal corporate income taxation at the trust or entity level. Instead, each unitholder of the U.S. royalty trust is required to take into account its share of all items of the U.S. royalty trust’s income, gain, loss, deduction and expense. It is possible that the Funds’ share of taxable income from a U.S. royalty trust may exceed the cash actually distributed to it from the U.S. royalty trust in a given year. In such a case, a Fund will have less after-tax cash available for distribution to shareholders.
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Exchange-Traded Notes
The Funds may invest in exchange-traded notes (“ETNs”), which are senior, unsecured, unsubordinated debt securities whose returns are linked to the performance of a particular market benchmark or strategy, minus applicable fees. ETNs are traded on an exchange (e.g., the New York Stock Exchange) during normal trading hours; however, investors also can hold ETNs until they mature. At maturity, the issuer pays to the investor a cash amount equal to the principal amount, subject to the day‘s market benchmark or strategy factor. ETNs do not make periodic coupon payments or provide principal protection. ETNs are subject to credit risk, including the credit risk of the issuer, and the value of the ETN may drop due to a downgrade in the issuer‘s credit rating, despite the underlying market benchmark or strategy remaining unchanged. The value of an ETN also may be influenced by time to maturity, level of supply and demand for the ETN, volatility and lack of liquidity in underlying assets, changes in the applicable interest rates, changes in the issuer‘s credit rating, and economic, legal, political, or geographic events that affect the referenced underlying asset. When the Funds invest in ETNs, it will bear its proportionate share of any fees and expenses borne by the ETN. A decision by a Fund to sell ETN holdings may be limited by the availability of a secondary market. In addition, although an ETN may be listed on an exchange, the issuer may not be required to maintain the listing, and there can be no assurance that a secondary market will exist for an ETN.
ETNs also are subject to tax risk. No assurance can be given that the IRS will accept, or a court will uphold, how the Funds characterize and treat ETNs for tax purposes.
An ETN that is tied to a specific market benchmark or strategy may not be able to replicate and maintain exactly the composition and relative weighting of securities, commodities or other components in the applicable market benchmark or strategy. Some ETNs that use leverage can, at times, be relatively illiquid, and thus they may be difficult to purchase or sell at a fair price. Leveraged ETNs are subject to the same risk as other instruments that use leverage in any form. The market value of ETNs may differ from their market benchmark or strategy. This difference in price may be due to the fact that the supply and demand in the market for ETNs at any point in time is not always identical to the supply and demand in the market for the securities, commodities or other components underlying the market benchmark or strategy that the ETN seeks to track. As a result, there may be times when an ETN trades at a premium or discount to its market benchmark or strategy.
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. The Funds may also invest in Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (“TIPS”). TIPS are special types of treasury bonds that were created in order to offer bond investors protection from inflation. The values of the TIPS are automatically adjusted to the inflation rate as measured by the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”). If the CPI goes up by half a percent, the value of the bond (the TIPS) would also go up by half a percent. If the CPI falls, the value of the bond does not fall because the government guarantees that the original investment will stay the same. TIPS decline in value when real interest rates rise. However, in certain interest rate environments, such as when real interest rates are rising faster than nominal interest rates, TIPS may experience greater losses than other fixed income securities with similar duration.
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United States Government Agency Obligations
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 ("GNMA"), 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 ("FHLMC"), the Farm Credit Banks, the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA"), 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., GNMA mortgage-backed securities); (iii) supported by the issuing agency's or instrumentality's right to borrow from the United States Treasury (e.g., FNMA Discount Notes); or (iv) supported only by the issuing agency's or instrumentality's own credit (e.g., Tennessee Valley Association). On September 7, 2008, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Federal Housing Finance Authority (the "FHFA") announced that FNMA and FHLMC 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 and the FHFA at the same time established a secured lending facility and a Secured Stock Purchase Agreement with both FNMA and FHLMC 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 FNMA and FHLMC.
Government-related guarantors (i.e., not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government) include FNMA and FHLMC. FNMA is a government-sponsored corporation owned entirely by private stockholders. It is subject to general regulation by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. FNMA 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 FNMA are guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest by FNMA but are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government.
FHLMC 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. FHLMC issues participation certificates ("PCs"), which represent interests in conventional mortgages from FHLMC's national portfolio. FHLMC 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.
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Securities of Other Investment Companies
A Fund's investments in exchange traded funds ("ETFs"), mutual funds and closed-end funds involve certain additional expenses and certain tax results, which would not be present in a direct investment in the underlying fund. Generally, each Fund will not purchase securities of another investment company if, as a result: (i) more than 10% of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in securities of other investment companies, (ii) such purchase would result in more than 3% of the total outstanding voting securities of any such investment company being held by the Fund, or (iii) more than 5% of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in any one such investment company. However, many ETFs have obtained exemptive relief from the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) to permit unaffiliated funds to invest in the ETF’s shares beyond the above statutory limitations, subject to certain conditions and pursuant to a contractual arrangement between the particular ETF and the investing fund. The Funds may rely on these exemptive orders to invest in unaffiliated ETFs. In the alternative, the Funds intend to rely on Rule 12d1-3, which allows unaffiliated mutual funds and ETFs 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 the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) for funds of funds. In addition to ETFs, the Funds may invest in other investment companies such as open-end mutual funds or exchange-traded closed-end funds, within the limitations described above.
Closed-End Investment Companies
The Funds 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 (“NYSE”), the American Stock Exchange, the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System (commonly known as "NASDAQ") and, 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 the Funds), investors seek to buy and sell shares of closed-end funds in the secondary market.
The Funds generally purchases shares of closed-end funds only in the secondary market. Each Fund will incur normal brokerage costs on such purchases similar to the expenses the Funds would incur for the purchase of securities of any other type of issuer in the secondary market. Each 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 the Funds 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 (“NAV”) 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 NAV 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.
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The Funds 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 the Funds will ever decrease. In fact, it is possible that this market discount may increase and the 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 the Funds’ 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 the 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. Each 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.
Open-End Investment Companies
The Funds 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, the Funds’ 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 the Funds when relying on certain exemptions to limitations on investments in other investment companies 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. Therefore, shares held by a Fund when relying on certain exemptions to limitations on investments in other investment companies under the 1940 Act in excess of 1% of an underlying fund's outstanding securities 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 the Funds 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, the Funds 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 the Funds and their 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 the Funds 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 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. ETFs typically have two markets. The primary market is where institutions swap "creation units" in block-multiples of, for example, 50,000 shares for in-kind securities and cash in the form of dividends. The
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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 NAV is calculated. ETFs share many similar risks with open-end and closed-end funds.
Foreign Securities
General. The Funds may invest in foreign securities and ETFs and other investment companies that hold a portfolio of 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. 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 the Funds 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 the Funds 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 the Funds’ currency exchange transactions do not fully protect the Funds against adverse changes in currency exchange rates, decreases in the value of currencies of the foreign countries in which the Funds will invest relative to the U.S. dollar will result in a corresponding decrease in the U.S. dollar value of the Funds’ 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 the Funds invest relative to the U.S. dollar will result in a corresponding increase in the U.S. dollar value of the Funds’ assets (and possibly a corresponding decrease in the amount of securities to be liquidated).
Securities Options
The Funds 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
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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 AMEX Oil and Gas Index or the Computer and Business Equipment Index. Options on stock indices are currently traded on the NYSE, the American 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 the 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 the Funds 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, the Fund realizes a loss equal to the premium paid. If the Fund enters into a closing sale transaction on an option purchased by it, the Fund will realize a gain if the premium received by the 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 the 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 the 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 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
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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, the 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 the Fund. Inasmuch as the Fund's securities will not duplicate the components of an index, the correlation will not be perfect. Consequently, each 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 the 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 the Funds 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, the 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 the Funds have purchased) expose the Funds to an obligation to another party. The Funds will not enter into any such transactions unless they own 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. The Funds 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 the Funds’ custodian in the prescribed amount. Under current SEC guidelines, the Funds segregate assets to cover transactions in which the 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 the Funds’ assets to cover or segregated accounts could impede portfolio management or the Funds’ ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.
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Options on Futures Contracts
The Funds 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.
Dealer Options
The Funds may engage in transactions involving dealer options as well as exchange-traded options. Certain additional risks are specific to dealer options. While the Funds 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 the Funds 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 the Fund originally wrote the option. While the Funds 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 the Funds, there can be no assurance that the Funds 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, the Funds 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 the Fund. For example, because the Funds 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 the Funds’ 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. The Funds 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, the Funds will treat dealer options as subject to the Funds’ limitation on illiquid securities. If the SEC changes its position on the liquidity of dealer options, the Funds will change their treatment of such instruments accordingly.
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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 the Funds purchase or sell a security, no price would be paid or received by the Fund upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract. Upon entering into a futures contract, and to maintain the Funds’ open positions in futures contracts, the Funds 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 the Funds.
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." The Funds expect to earn interest income on its 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, the Funds realize a gain; if it is more, the Funds realize a loss. Conversely, if the offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase price, the Funds realize a gain; if it is less, the Funds realize a loss. The transaction costs must also be included in these calculations. There can be no assurance, however, that the Funds will be able to enter into an offsetting transaction with respect to a particular futures contract at a particular time. If the Funds are not able to enter into an offsetting transaction, the Funds 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.
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Swap Agreements
The Funds may enter into swap agreements for purposes of attempting to gain exposure to equity, debt, commodities or other asset markets without actually purchasing those assets, or to hedge a position. Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a day to more than one year. In a standard "swap" transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments. The gross returns to be exchanged or "swapped" between the parties are calculated with respect to a "notional amount," i.e., the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested in a "basket" of securities representing a particular index.
Most swap agreements entered into by the Funds calculate the obligations of the parties to the agreement on a "net basis." Consequently, the Funds’ current obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the "net amount"). Payments may be made at the conclusion of a swap agreement or periodically during its term.
Swap agreements do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets. Accordingly, if a swap is entered into on a net basis, if the other party to a swap agreement defaults, the Funds’ risk of loss consists of the net amount of payments that the Funds are contractually entitled to receive, if any.
The net amount of the excess, if any, of the Funds’ obligations over its entitlements with respect to a swap agreement entered into on a net basis will be accrued daily and an amount of cash or liquid asset having an aggregate NAV at least equal to the accrued excess will be maintained in an account with the Custodian. The Funds will also establish and maintain such accounts with respect to its total obligations under any swaps that are not entered into on a net basis. Obligations under swap agreements so covered will not be construed to be "senior securities" for purposes of the Funds’ investment restriction concerning senior securities.
Because they are two-party contracts and because they may have terms of greater than seven days, swap agreements may be considered to be illiquid for the Funds’ illiquid investment limitations. The Funds will not enter into any swap agreement unless the Adviser believes that the other party to the transaction is creditworthy. The Funds bear the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counter-party.
The Funds may enter into a swap agreement in circumstances where the Adviser believes that it may be more cost effective or practical than buying the securities represented by such index or a futures contract or an option on such index. The counter-party to any swap agreement will typically be a bank, investment banking firm or broker/dealer. The counter-party will generally agree to pay the Funds the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the swap agreement would have increased in value had it been invested in the particular stocks represented in the index, plus the dividends that would have been received on those stocks. The Funds agree to pay to the counter-party a floating rate of interest on the notional amount of the swap agreement plus the amount, if any, by which the notional amount would have decreased in value had it been invested in such stocks. Therefore, the return to the Funds on any swap agreement should be the gain or loss on the notional amount plus dividends on the stocks less the interest paid by the Funds on the notional amount.
The swap market has grown substantially in recent years with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as principals and as agents utilizing standardized swap
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documentation. As a result, the swap market has become relatively liquid in comparison with the markets for other similar instruments that are traded in the over-the-counter market.
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 the Funds’ operations. Accordingly, the Funds are not currently subject to registration or regulation as a commodity pool operator.
When-Issued, Forward Commitments and Delayed Settlements
The Funds 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") segregates liquid assets equal to the amount of the commitment in a separate account. Normally, the Custodian sets aside portfolio securities to satisfy a purchase commitment. In such a case, the Funds may be required subsequently to segregate additional assets in order to assure that the value of the account remains equal to the amount of the Funds’ commitment. It may be expected that the Funds’ 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.
The Funds do not intend to engage in these transactions for speculative purposes but only in furtherance of its investment objectives. Because the Funds will segregate liquid assets to satisfy its purchase commitments in the manner described, the Funds’ liquidity and the ability of the Adviser to manage them may be affected in the event the Funds’ forward commitments, commitments to purchase when-issued securities and delayed settlements ever exceeded 15% of the value of its net assets.
The Funds 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, the Funds 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 the Funds on the settlement date. In these cases, a Fund may realize a taxable capital gain or loss. When the Funds engage in when-issued, forward commitment and delayed settlement transactions, they rely on the other party to consummate the trade. Failure of such party to do so may result in the Funds 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 the Funds starting on the day the Funds agree to purchase the securities. The Funds do 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
The Funds 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) 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
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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. The Funds might be unable to dispose of illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty in satisfying redemption requests from shareholders. The Funds 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 FINRA.
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. Investing in Rule 144A securities or Section 4(a)(2) commercial paper could have the effect of increasing the amount of the Fund's assets invested in illiquid securities if institutional buyers are unwilling to purchase such securities.
Lending Portfolio Securities
For the purpose of achieving income, each Fund may lend its portfolio securities, provided (1) the loan is secured continuously by collateral consisting of U.S. Government securities or cash or cash equivalents (cash, U.S. Government securities, negotiable certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances or letters of credit) maintained on a daily mark-to-market basis in an amount at least equal to the current market value of the securities loaned, (2) each Fund may at any time call the loan and obtain the return
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of securities loaned, (3) the Fund will receive any interest or dividends received on the loaned securities, and (4) the aggregate value of the securities loaned will not at any time exceed one-third of the total assets of the Fund.
Short Sales
Short Sales “Against The Box.” The Funds may engage in short sales “against the box.” In a short sale, a Fund sells a borrowed security and has a corresponding obligation to the lender to return the identical security. The seller does not immediately deliver the securities sold and is said to have a short position in those securities until delivery occurs. The Funds may engage in a short sale if at the time of the short sale a Fund owns or has the right to obtain without additional cost an equal amount of the security being sold short. This investment technique is known as a short sale “against the box.” It may be entered into by a Fund to, for example, lock in a sale price for a security the Fund does not wish to sell immediately. If a Fund engages in a short sale, the collateral for the short position will be segregated in an account with the Fund’s custodian or qualified sub-custodian. No more than 10% of a Fund’s net assets (taken at current value) may be held as collateral for short sales against the box at any one time.
The Funds may make a short sale as a hedge, when it believes that the price of a security may decline, causing a decline in the value of a security owned by the Fund (or a security convertible or exchangeable for such security). In such case, any future losses in the Fund’s long position should be offset by a gain in the short position and, conversely, any gain in the long position should be reduced by a loss in the short position. The extent to which such gains or losses are reduced will depend upon the amount of the security sold short relative to the amount the Fund owns. There will be certain additional transaction costs associated with short sales “against the box,” but the Funds will endeavor to offset these costs with the income from the investment of the cash proceeds of short sales.
If a Fund effects a short sale of securities at a time when it has an unrealized gain on the securities, it may be required to recognize that gain as if it had actually sold the securities (as a “constructive sale”) on the date it effects the short sale. However, such constructive sale treatment may
not apply if a Fund closes out the short sale with securities other than the appreciated securities held at the time of the short sale and if certain other conditions are satisfied. Uncertainty regarding the tax consequences of effecting short sales may limit the extent to which the Fund may effect short sales.
Short Sales (excluding Short Sales “Against the Box”). The Funds may sell securities short. A short sale is a transaction in which a Fund sells securities it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the market price of the securities.
To deliver the securities to the buyer, the Funds must arrange through a broker to borrow the securities and, in so doing, the Funds become obligated to replace the securities borrowed at their market price at the time of replacement, whatever that price may be. The Funds will make a profit or incur a loss as a result of a short sale depending on whether the price of the securities decreases or increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which a Fund purchases the security to replace the borrowed securities that have been sold. The amount of any loss would be increased (and any gain decreased) by any premium or interest the Fund is required to pay in connection with a short sale.
A Fund’s obligation to replace the securities borrowed in connection with a short sale will be secured by cash or liquid securities deposited as collateral with the broker. In addition, a Fund will place in a segregated account with its custodian or a qualified sub-custodian an amount of cash or liquid securities equal to the difference, if any, between (i) the market value of the securities sold at the time
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they were sold short and (ii) any cash or liquid securities deposited as collateral with the broker in connection with the short sale (not including the proceeds of the short sale). Until it replaces the borrowed securities, the Fund will maintain the segregated account daily at a level so that (a) the amount deposited in the account plus the amount deposited with the broker (not including the proceeds from the short sale) will equal the current market value of the securities sold short and (b) the amount deposited in the account plus the amount deposited with the broker (not including the proceeds from the short sale) will not be less than the market value of the securities at the time they were sold short.
ReFlow Liquidity Program
The Funds may participate in the ReFlow Fund, LLC (“ReFlow”) liquidity program, which is designed to provide an alternative liquidity source for mutual funds experiencing net redemptions of their shares. Pursuant to the program, ReFlow provides participating mutual funds with a source of cash to meet net shareholder redemptions by standing ready each business day to purchase fund shares up to the value of the net shares redeemed by other shareholders that are to settle the next business day. Following purchases of Fund shares, ReFlow then generally redeems those shares when the Funds experience net sales, at the end of a maximum holding period determined by ReFlow (currently 28 days) or at other times at ReFlow’s discretion. While ReFlow holds Fund shares, it will have the same rights and privileges with respect to those shares as any other shareholder. ReFlow will periodically redeem its entire share position in a Fund and request that such redemption be met in kind in accordance with the Funds’ redemption in kind policies described under “Redeeming Shares” below. For use of the ReFlow service, the Funds pay a fee to ReFlow each time it purchases Fund shares, calculated by applying to the purchase amount a fee rate determined through an automated daily auction among participating mutual funds. The minimum fee rate is 0.25% of the value of the Funds’ shares purchased by ReFlow although the Fund may submit a bid at a higher fee rate if it determines that doing so is in the best interest of Fund shareholders. Such fee is allocated among the Funds’ share classes based on relative net assets. ReFlow’s purchases of Fund shares through the liquidity program are made on an investment-blind basis without regard to the Funds’ objective, policies or anticipated performance. ReFlow will purchase Class A shares at NAV and will not be subject to any sales charges and investment minimums applicable to such shares. In accordance with federal securities laws, ReFlow is prohibited from acquiring more than 3% of the outstanding voting securities of the Funds. The Adviser believes that the program assists in stabilizing the Funds’ net assets to the benefit of the Funds and its shareholders. To the extent the Funds’ net assets do not decline, the Adviser may also benefit.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Funds may engage in a high level of trading in seeking to achieve its investment objectives. The portfolio turnover rate for the Funds is calculated by dividing the lesser of the purchases or sales of portfolio investments for the reporting period by the monthly average value of the portfolio investments owned during the reporting period. A 100% portfolio turnover rate results, for example, if the equivalents of all the securities in the Funds’ portfolio are replaced in a one-year period. The calculation excludes all securities, including options, whose maturities or expiration dates at the time of acquisition are one year or less. Portfolio turnover may vary greatly from year to year as well as within a particular year, and may be affected by cash requirements for redemption or shares. The Funds are not restricted by policy with regard to portfolio turnover and will make changes in its investment portfolio from time to time as business and economic conditions as well as market prices may dictate. The Funds’ turnover ratio is affected by buying and selling in either its long positions as well as its short positions, or hedges.
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The following table displays the portfolio turnover rates for the Funds for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 as shown below:
FUND | Portfolio Turnover Rates |
ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund | 271% |
ACM Tactical Income Fund* | N/A |
*The Fund had not yet commenced operations as of December 31, 2018.
The following table displays the portfolio turnover rates for the Funds for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 as shown below:
FUND | Portfolio Turnover Rates |
ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund | 325% |
ACM Tactical Income Fund | 645% |
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The Funds have adopted the following investment restrictions that may not be changed without approval by a "majority of the outstanding shares" of the Funds which, as used in this SAI, means the vote of the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the shares of the Funds represented at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Funds are present or represented by proxy, or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Funds. The Funds may not:
1. | Issue senior securities. This limitation is not applicable to activities that may be deemed to involve the issuance or sale of a senior security by the Funds, provided that the Funds’ engagement in such activities is consistent with or permitted by the 1940 Act, as amended, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder or interpretations of the SEC or its staff; |
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 Funds; or (b) from a bank or other persons for temporary purposes only, provided that such temporary borrowings are in an amount not exceeding 5% of the Funds’ total assets at the time when the borrowing is made. This limitation does not preclude a 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 Funds 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 Funds 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); |
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5. | Invest 25% or more of the market value of its assets in the securities of companies engaged in any one industry (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 through commodity forward contracts, futures contracts or options), except that the Fund may purchase and sell forward and 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 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 (a) through the purchase of debt securities in accordance with its investment objectives and policies, (b) to the extent the entry into a repurchase agreement is deemed to be a loan, and (c) by loaning portfolio securities. |
The Funds observe the following policies, which are not deemed fundamental and which may be changed without shareholder vote. The Funds may not:
1. | Invest in any issuer for purposes of exercising control or management; |
2. | Invest in securities of other investment companies except as permitted under the 1940 Act; |
3. | Invest, in the aggregate, more than 15% of its net assets, measured at time of purchase, in securities with legal or contractual restrictions on resale, securities, which are not readily marketable and repurchase agreements with more than seven days to maturity; or |
4. | Mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or in any manner transfer, as security for indebtedness, any assets of the Fund except as may be necessary in connection with borrowings described in limitation (2) above. Margin deposits, security interests, liens and collateral arrangements with respect to transactions involving options, futures contracts, short sales and other permitted investments and techniques are not deemed to be a mortgage, pledge or hypothecation of assets for purposes of this limitation. |
If a restriction on the Funds’ 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, or change in average duration of the Funds’ investment portfolio, resulting from changes in the value of the Funds’ 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 the fundamental investment restriction regarding concentration, each Fund will consider the concentration of any underlying funds in which it invests when determining whether the Fund has complied with its concentration policy.
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INVESTMENT ADVISER
The Adviser. Ascendant Capital Management, LLC, d/b/a ACM Funds, located at 10866 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1600, Los Angeles, California 90024, serves as investment adviser to the Funds. Subject to the oversight of the Board of Trustees, the Adviser is responsible for management of each Fund’s investment portfolio. The Adviser is responsible for selecting the Funds’ investments according to each Fund's investment objective, policies and restrictions. The Adviser was established in 2014 for the purpose of managing the Funds and is 100% owned by Jordan Kahn.
Pursuant to advisory agreements between the Trust (each an “Advisory Agreement”), on behalf of each Fund, and the Adviser, the Adviser is entitled to receive, on a quarterly basis, the annual advisory fee listed in the table below as a percentage of each Fund’s average daily net assets.
Each Advisory Agreement continues in effect for two (2) years initially and 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 Funds’. The Advisory Agreements may be terminated without penalty on no more than 60 days’ written notice by a vote of a majority of the Trustees or the Adviser, or by holders of a majority of that Trust's outstanding shares. The Advisory Agreements shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment. The Advisory Agreement for the ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund was renewed by the Board of Trustees at a meeting held on November 1927-208, 20198. The Advisory Agreement for the ACM Tactical Income Fund was approved by the Board of Trustees at a meeting held on November 27-28, 2018.
The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its fees and reimburse expenses of the Funds, at least until April 30, 2021 to ensure that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Reimbursement (exclusive of any taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, dividend expense on securities sold short, acquired fund fees and expenses, or extraordinary expenses such as litigation or reorganization costs) will not exceed the percentages show in the table below. These fee waivers and expense reimbursements are subject to possible recoupment from the Fund in future years on a rolling three-year basis (within the three years after the fees have been waived or reimbursed) if such recoupment can be achieved within the foregoing expense limits and any expense limits in place at time of waiver. The Expense Limitation Agreement may be terminated only by the Board of Trustees, on 60 days’ written notice to the Adviser. Fee waiver and reimbursement arrangements can decrease the Fund's expenses and boost its performance.
The table below provides information about the advisory fees paid to the Adviser by the Funds for the fiscal period or year ended December 31, 2017.
Period or Year Ended December 31, 2017 | ||||||
Fund | Management Fee | Fees Earned by the Adviser | Advisory Fees Waived | Net Fees Earned by the Adviser | Expense Reimbursed | Amount Subject to Recoupment |
ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund | 1.25% | $688,279 | - | $688,279 | - | - |
ACM Tactical Income Fund* | 1.00% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | - |
* The Fund had not yet commenced operations as of the end of the fiscal period.
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The table below provides information about the advisory fees paid to the Adviser by the Funds for the fiscal period or year ended December 31, 2018.
Period or Year Ended December 31, 2018 | ||||||
Fund | Management Fee | Fees Earned by the Adviser | Advisory Fees Waived | Net Fees Earned by the Adviser | Expense Reimbursed | Amount Subject to Recoupment |
ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund | 1.25% | $1,065,150 | - | $1,065,150 | - | - |
ACM Tactical Income Fund* | 1.00% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | - |
* The Fund had not yet commenced operations as of the end of the fiscal period.
The table below provides information about the advisory fees paid to the Adviser by the Funds for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.
Year Ended December 31, 2019 | ||||||
Fund | Management Fee | Fees Earned by the Adviser | Advisory Fees Waived | Net Fees Earned by the Adviser | Expense Reimbursed | Amount Subject to Recoupment |
ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund | 1.25% | $1,091,751 | - | 1,091,751 | - | - |
ACM Tactical Income Fund | 1.00% | $112,601 | $13,483 | $99,118 | N/A | $13,483 |
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Portfolio Managers. As described in the Prospectus, the Portfolio Managers listed below are responsible for the management of the Funds and, as of December 31, 2019, the other accounts set forth in the following tables.
Other Registered Investment Companies | Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | Other Accounts | ||||
Portfolio Manager | Number | Total Assets | Number | Total Assets | Number | Total Assets |
Jordan Kahn | None | $0 | None | $0 | 355 | $210,500,000 |
Alan Savoian | None | $0 | None | $0 | 0 | None |
Of the accounts above, the following are subject to performance-based fees.
Other Registered Investment Companies | Other Pooled Investment Vehicles | Other Accounts | ||||
Portfolio Manager | Number | Total Assets | Number | Total Assets | Number | Total Assets |
Jordan Kahn | None | $0 | None | $0 | None | $0 |
Alan Savoian | None | $0 | None | $0 | 0 | None |
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Conflicts of Interest.
As indicated in the table above, the Portfolio Managers may manage numerous accounts for multiple clients. These accounts may include registered investment companies, other types of pooled accounts (e.g., collective investment funds), and separate accounts (i.e., accounts managed on behalf of individuals or public or private institutions). The Portfolio Managers make investment decisions for each account based on the investment objectives and policies and other relevant investment considerations applicable to that portfolio.
When a Portfolio Manager has responsibility for managing more than one account, potential conflicts of interest may arise. Those conflicts could include preferential treatment of one account over others in terms of allocation of resources or of investment opportunities. For instance, the Adviser may receive fees from certain accounts that are higher than the fee it receives from the Funds. In this instance, the Portfolio Manager may have an incentive to favor the higher account over such Fund. The Adviser has adopted policies and procedures designed to address these potential material conflicts. For instance, a Portfolio Manager is normally responsible for all accounts within a certain investment discipline, and do not, absent special circumstances, differentiate among the various accounts when allocating resources. Additionally, the Adviser utilizes a system for allocating investment opportunities among portfolios that is designed to provide a fair and equitable allocation.
Compensation.
Mr. Kahn shares in the profits of the Adviser due to his 100% ownership of the Adviser. Mr. Savoian receives a fixed salary from the Adviser.
Ownership of Securities.
As of December 31, 2019, the Portfolio Managers beneficially owned the following amounts in the Funds:
Portfolio Manager | Dollar Range of Shares Beneficially Owned in the ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund |
Dollar Range of Shares Beneficially Owned in the ACM Tactical Income Fund
|
Jordan Kahn | Over $1,000,000 | Over $1,000,000 |
Alan Savoian | None | None |
ALLOCATION OF BROKERAGE
Specific decisions to purchase or sell securities for the Funds are made by the Portfolio Managers who are employees of the Adviser. The Adviser is also responsible for the implementation of those decisions, including the selection of broker-dealers to effect portfolio transactions, the negotiation of commissions, and the allocation of principal business and portfolio brokerage.
In purchasing and selling the Funds’ portfolio securities, it is the Adviser’s policy to obtain quality execution at the most favorable prices through responsible broker-dealers and, in the case of agency transactions, at competitive commission rates where such rates are negotiable. However, under certain conditions, the Funds may pay higher brokerage commissions in return for brokerage and research services. In selecting broker-dealers to execute the Funds’ portfolio transactions, consideration is given to such factors as the price of the security, the rate of the commission, the size and difficulty of the
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order, the reliability, integrity, financial condition, general execution and operational capabilities of competing brokers and dealers, their expertise in particular markets and the brokerage and research services they provide to the Adviser or the Funds. It is not the policy of the Adviser to seek the lowest available commission rate where it is believed that a broker or dealer charging a higher commission rate would offer greater reliability or provide better price or execution.
Transactions on stock exchanges involve the payment of brokerage commissions. In transactions on stock exchanges in the United States, these commissions are negotiated. Traditionally, commission rates have generally not been negotiated on stock markets outside the United States. In recent years, however, an increasing number of overseas stock markets have adopted a system of negotiated rates, although a number of markets continue to be subject to an established schedule of minimum commission rates. It is expected that equity securities will ordinarily be purchased in the primary markets, whether over-the-counter or listed, and that listed securities may be purchased in the over-the-counter market if such market is deemed the primary market. In the case of securities traded on the over-the-counter markets, there is generally no stated commission, but the price usually includes an undisclosed commission or markup. In underwritten offerings, the price includes a disclosed, fixed commission or discount.
For fixed income securities, it is expected that purchases and sales will ordinarily be transacted with the issuer, the issuer’s underwriter, or with a primary market maker acting as principal on a net basis, with no brokerage commission being paid by the Funds. However, the price of the securities generally includes compensation, which is not disclosed separately. Transactions placed through dealers who are serving as primary market makers reflect the spread between the bid and asked prices.
With respect to equity and fixed income securities, the Adviser may effect principal transactions on behalf of each Fund with a broker or dealer who furnishes brokerage and/or research services, designate any such broker or dealer to receive selling concessions, discounts or other allowances or otherwise deal with any such broker or dealer in connection with the acquisition of securities in underwritings. The prices the Funds pay to underwriters of newly-issued securities usually include a concession paid by the issuer to the underwriter. The Adviser may receive research services in connection with brokerage transactions, including designations in fixed price offerings.
The Adviser receives a wide range of research services from brokers and dealers covering investment opportunities throughout the world, including information on the economies, industries, groups of securities, individual companies, statistics, political developments, technical market action, pricing and appraisal services, and performance analyses of all the countries in which the Fund’s portfolio is likely to be invested. The Adviser cannot readily determine the extent to which commissions charged by brokers reflect the value of their research services, but brokers occasionally suggest a level of business they would like to receive in return for the brokerage and research services they provide. To the extent that research services of value are provided by brokers, the Adviser may be relieved of expenses, which it might otherwise bear. In some cases, research services are generated by third parties but are provided to the Adviser by or through brokers.
Certain broker-dealers, which provide quality execution services, also furnish research services to the Adviser. The Adviser has adopted brokerage allocation policies embodying the concepts of Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which permits an investment adviser to cause its clients to pay a broker which furnishes brokerage or research services a higher commission than that which might be charged by another broker which does not furnish brokerage or research services, or which furnishes brokerage or research services deemed to be of lesser value, if such commission is deemed reasonable in relation to the brokerage and research services provided by the broker, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities of the adviser with respect to
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the accounts as to which it exercises investment discretion. Accordingly, the Adviser may assess the reasonableness of commissions in light of the total brokerage and research services provided by each particular broker.
Portfolio securities will not be purchased from or sold to the Adviser, or the Distributor, or any affiliated person of any of them acting as principal, except to the extent permitted by rule or order of the SEC. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund paid brokerage commissions of $126,741. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund paid brokerage commissions of $277,946. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund and ACM Tactical Income Fund paid brokerage commissions of $248,446 and $54,324, respectively.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
The Trust has adopted policies and procedures that govern the disclosure of the Funds’ portfolio holdings. These policies and procedures are designed to ensure that such disclosure is in the best interests of each Funds’ shareholders.
It is the Trust's policy to: (1) ensure that any disclosure of portfolio holdings information is in the best interest of Trust shareholders; (2) protect the confidentiality of portfolio holdings information; (3) have procedures in place to guard against personal trading based on the information; and (4) ensure that the disclosure of portfolio holdings information does not create conflicts between the interests of the Trust's shareholders and those of the Trust's affiliates.
The Funds disclose its portfolio holdings by mailing the annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders approximately two months after the end of the fiscal year and semi-annual period. In addition, the Funds disclose its portfolio holdings reports on Forms N-CSR, N-PORT and N-CEN two months after the end of each quarter/semi-annual period.
Within thirty days after the end of each month, the Adviser posts on the Funds’ website a profile of each Fund which typically includes the Funds’ top twenty holdings. The Funds may choose to make available, no sooner than thirty days after the end of each month, a complete schedule of its portfolio holdings as of the last day of the month.
The Funds may choose to make portfolio holdings information available to rating agencies such as Lipper, Morningstar or Bloomberg earlier and more frequently on a confidential basis.
Under limited circumstances, as described below, the Funds’ portfolio holdings may be disclosed to, or known by, certain third parties in advance of their filing with the SEC on Form N-CSR, N-PORT or N-CEN. In each case, a determination has been made by the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer that such advance disclosure is supported by a legitimate business purpose of the Funds and that the recipient is subject to a duty to keep the information confidential and to not trade on material non-public information.
Ascendant Capital Management, LLC d/b/a ACM Funds. Personnel of the Adviser, including personnel responsible for managing the Funds’ portfolio, may have full daily access to the Funds’ portfolio holdings since that information is necessary in order for them to provide management, administrative, and investment services to the Fund. As required for purposes of analyzing the impact of existing and future market changes on the prices, availability, demand and liquidity of such securities,
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as well as for the assistance of the 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 transfer agent, fund accountant, administrator and custody administrator for the Funds; therefore, its personnel have full daily access to the Funds’ portfolio holdings since that information is necessary in order for them to provide the agreed-upon services for the Trust.
MUFG Union Bank, N.A. MUFG Union Bank, N.A. is custodian for the Funds; therefore, its personnel have full daily access to the Funds’ portfolio holdings since that information is necessary in order for them to provide the agreed-upon services for the Trust.
BBD, LLP. BBD, LLP is the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm; therefore, its personnel have access to the Funds’ portfolio holdings in connection with auditing of the Funds’ annual financial statements and providing assistance and consultation in connection with SEC filings.
Counsel to the Trust and Counsel to the Independent Trustees. Counsel to the Trust and Counsel to the Independent Trustees, together with their respective personnel, have access to the Funds’ portfolio holdings in connection with the review of the Funds’ 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 in connection with the operation or administration of the Funds, as determined by the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer, 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.
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OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
Fund Administration, Fund Accounting and Transfer Agent Services
Gemini Fund Services, LLC (the “Administrator” or “GFS”), which has its principal office at 4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022-3474, serves as administrator, fund accountant and transfer agent for the Funds pursuant to the Fund Services Agreement (the “Agreement”) with the Trust and subject to the oversight of the Board. GFS is primarily in the business of providing administrative, fund accounting and transfer agent services to retail and institutional mutual funds. GFS is an affiliate of the Distributor. GFS may also provide persons to serve as officers of the Funds. Such officers may be directors, officers or employees of GFS or its affiliates.
The Agreement became effective on February 23, 2012, remained in effect for two years from the applicable effective date for the Funds, and will continue in effect for successive twelve-month periods provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a majority of the Board. The Agreement is terminable by the Board or GFS on 90 days’ written notice and may be assigned by either party, provided that the Trust may not assign this agreement without the prior written consent of GFS. The Agreement provides that GFS shall be without liability for any action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to the Agreement.
Under the Agreement, GFS performs administrative services, including: (1) monitoring the performance of administrative and professional services rendered to the Trust by others service providers; (2) monitoring each Fund’s holdings and operations for post-trade compliance with the Fund’s registration statement and applicable laws and rules; (3) preparing and coordinating the printing of semi-annual and annual financial statements; (4) preparing selected management reports for performance and compliance analyses; (5) preparing and disseminating materials for and attend and participating in meetings of the Board; (6) determining income and capital gains available for distribution and calculating distributions required to meet regulatory, income, and excise tax requirements; (7) reviewing the Trust's federal, state, and local tax returns as prepared and signed by the Trust's independent public accountants; (8) preparing and maintaining the Trust's operating expense budget to determine proper expense accruals to be charged to the Funds to calculate its daily NAV; (9) assisting in and monitoring the preparation, filing, printing and where applicable, dissemination to shareholders of amendments to the Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A, periodic reports to the Trustees, shareholders and the SEC, notices pursuant to Rule 24f-2, proxy materials and reports to the SEC on Forms N-CEN, N-CSR, N-PORT, and N-PX; (10) coordinating the Trust's audits and examinations by assisting the Funds’ independent public accountants; (11) determining, in consultation with others, the jurisdictions in which shares of the Trust shall be registered or qualified for sale and facilitate such registration or qualification; (12) monitoring sales of shares and ensure that the shares are properly and duly registered with the SEC; (13) monitoring the calculation of performance data for the Funds; (14) preparing, or causing to be prepared, expense and financial reports; (15) preparing authorization for the payment of Trust expenses and pay, from Trust assets, all bills of the Trust; (16) providing information typically supplied in the Investment Company industry to companies that track or report price, performance or other information with respect to investment companies; (17) upon request, assisting the Funds in the evaluation and selection of other service providers, such as independent public accountants, printers, EDGAR providers and proxy solicitors (such parties may be affiliates of GFS); and (18) performing other services, recordkeeping and assistance relating to the affairs of the Trust as the Trust may, from time to time, reasonably request.
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GFS also provides the Funds with accounting services, including: (i) computing of NAV daily; (ii) maintaining of security ledgers and books and records as required by the 1940 Act; (iii) producing the Funds’ listing of portfolio securities and general ledger reports; (iv) reconciling accounting records; (v) calculating yield and total return for the Funds; (vi) maintaining certain books and records described in Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act, and reconciling account information and balances among the Funds’ custodian and Adviser; and (vii) monitoring and evaluating daily income and expense accruals, and sales and redemptions of shares of the Funds.
GFS also acts as transfer, dividend disbursing, and shareholder servicing agent for the Funds pursuant to the Agreement. Under the Agreement, GFS is responsible for administering and performing transfer agent functions, dividend distribution, shareholder administration, and maintaining necessary records in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.
For the services rendered to the Funds by the Administrator, the Funds pay the Administrator the greater of an annual minimum fee or an asset based fee, which scales downward based upon net assets for fund administration, fund accounting and transfer agency services. The Funds also pays GFS for any out-of-pocket expenses.
For the fiscal period or year ended December 31, 2019, the Funds incurred the following fees:
Fund | For Administration Services | For Fund Accounting Services | For Transfer Agency Services |
ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund | $81,932 | $55,898 | $28,423 |
ACM Tactical Income Fund | $11,148 | $6,516 | $19,873 |
For the fiscal period or year ended December 31, 2018, the Funds incurred the following fees:
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, the Funds incurred the following fees:
Fund | For Administration Services | For Fund Accounting Services | For Transfer Agency Services |
ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund | $59,600 | $39,836 | $27,862 |
ACM Tactical Income Fund* | N/A | N/A | N/A |
* | The Fund had not yet commenced operations as of the end of the fiscal period. |
Effective February 1, 2019, NorthStar Financial Services Group, LLC, the parent company of GFS, the Distributor, and Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (collectively, the “Gemini Companies”), sold its interest in the Gemini Companies to a third party private equity firm that contemporaneously acquired Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (an independent mutual fund administration firm) and its affiliates (collectively, the “Ultimus Companies”). As a result of these separate transactions, the Gemini Companies and the Ultimus Companies are now indirectly owned through a common parent entity, The Ultimus Group, LLC.
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Custodian
MUFG Union Bank N.A., (the “Custodian”) located at 400 California Street, San Francisco, California 94104, serves as the custodian of the Funds’ assets pursuant to a custody agreement (the "Custody Agreement") by and between the Custodian and the Trust on behalf of the Funds. The Custodian's responsibilities include safeguarding and controlling the Funds’ cash and securities, handling the receipt and delivery of securities, and collecting interest and dividends on the Funds’ investments. Pursuant to the Custody 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 Services
Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (“NLCS”), located at 4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022-3474, 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 services rendered to the Funds by the NLCS, the Funds pay NLCS an annual fixed fee and an asset based fee, which scales downward based upon the Fund’s net assets.
For the fiscal period or year ended December 31, 2019, the Funds incurred the following fees:
Fund | Compliance Service Fees |
ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund | $19,584 |
ACM Tactical Income Fund | $8,330 |
For the fiscal period or year ended December 31, 2018, the Funds incurred the following fees:
Fund | Compliance Service Fees | ||
ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund | $20,082 | ||
ACM Tactical Income Fund* | N/A | ||
* | The Fund had not yet commenced operations as of the end of the fiscal period. | ||
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, the Funds incurred the following fees:
Fund | Compliance Service Fees |
ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund | $23,459 |
ACM Tactical Income Fund* | N/A |
* | The Fund had not yet commenced operations as of the end of the fiscal period. |
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board, on behalf of the Funds, selected BBD, LLP located at 1835 Market Street, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, as the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm for the current fiscal year. The firm provides services including (i) audit of annual financial statements, and (ii) assistance and consultation in connection with SEC filings.
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LEGAL COUNSEL
Thompson Hine LLP, located at 41 South High Street, Suite 1700, Columbus, Ohio 43215 serves as the Trust's legal counsel.
DISTRIBUTOR
Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, located at 4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022-3474 (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 FINRA. The offering of the Funds’ 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 Funds’ 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 Trust’s entire Board 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 following table sets forth the total compensation received by the Distributor from the Funds during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019:
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Rule 12b-1 Plan
The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, have adopted the Trust’s Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan for Class A shares, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the “Plan”) pursuant to which each Fund is authorized to pay the Distributor, as compensation for the Distributor's account maintenance services under the Plans, a distribution and shareholder servicing fee at the rate of up to 0.25% for Class A shares of the Funds’ average daily net assets attributable to the relevant class. 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 of Trustees and the Distributor. The Plan authorizes payments to the Distributor as compensation for providing account maintenance services to a Fund’s 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 its own costs of distribution with respect to its shares. The Funds may make other payments, such as contingent deferred sales charges imposed on certain redemptions of shares, which are separate and apart from payments made pursuant to the Plan.
The services to be provided by Recipients may include, but are not limited to, the following: assistance in the offering and sale of a Funds’ 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 each Fund, 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 of Trustees, specifying in reasonable detail the amounts expended pursuant to the Plans 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 the Funds, unless such amendment is approved by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the affected class of the Funds (as defined in the 1940 Act). All material amendments must be approved by a majority of the Board and a majority of the Trustees by votes cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on a Plan. 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 the Plan will be in writing and provide that: (a) it may be terminated by the Trust or the Funds at any time upon 60 days' written notice, without the payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the 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
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majority of the Board and a majority of the Trustees by votes cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such agreement.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, the ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund and ACM Tactical Income Fund paid $18,502 and $1,896, respectively, in distribution related fees pursuant to the Plan, as allocated below:
Actual 12b-1 Expenditures Paid by | ||||
ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund - Class A Shares | ||||
During the Fiscal Period Ended December 31, 2019 | ||||
ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund - Class A | ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund - Class I | ACM Tactical Income Fund - Class A | ACM Tactical Income Fund - Class I | |
Total Dollars Allocated | Total Dollars Allocated | Total Dollars Allocated | Total Dollars Allocated | |
Advertising/Marketing | None | None | None | None |
Printing/Postage | None | None | None | None |
Payment to distributor | $6,156 | $0 | $823 | $0 |
Payment to dealers | $12,346 | $0 | $1,073 | $0 |
Compensation to sales personnel | None | None | None | None |
Other | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Total | $18,502 | $0 | $1,896 | $0 |
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 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.
CODE OF ETHICS
The Trust, the Adviser and the Distributor have each adopted codes of ethics under Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act that governs the personal securities transactions of their board members, officers and employees who may have access to current trading information of the Trust. Under the code of
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ethics adopted by the Trust, 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, which applies only to the Trust's executive officers (the "Code") 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 a registrant 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 this Code to an appropriate person or persons identified in the Code; and (v) accountability for adherence to the 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 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 the Funds’ 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 Policies is attached hereto as Appendix B.
Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling toll free, 1-844-798-3833 and by accessing the information on proxy voting filed by the Funds on Form N-PX on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. In addition, a copy of the Policies is also available by calling 1-844-798-3833 and will be sent within three business days of receipt of a request.
PURCHASE, REDEMPTION AND PRICING OF FUND SHARES
Calculation of Share Price
As indicated in the Prospectus under the heading "How to Purchase Shares," the NAV of each Fund's shares, by class, is determined by dividing the total value of the Fund's portfolio investments and other assets, less any liabilities, by the total number of shares outstanding of each Fund, by class, respectively.
Generally, the Funds’ domestic securities (including underlying ETFs which hold portfolio securities primarily listed on foreign (non-U.S.) exchanges) are valued each day at the last quoted sales price on each security’s primary exchange. Securities traded or dealt in upon one or more securities
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exchanges 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 NASDAQ National Market System for which market quotations are readily available shall be valued using the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. If market quotations are not readily available, securities will be valued at their fair market value as determined in good faith by the Funds’ fair value committee in accordance with procedures approved by the Board of Trustees and as further described below. 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.
Certain securities or investments for which daily market quotes are not readily available may be valued, pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees, with reference to other securities or indices. 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. Short-term investments having a maturity of 60 days or less may be generally valued at amortized cost when it approximated fair value.
Exchange traded options are valued at the last quoted sales price or, in the absence of a sale, at the mean between the current bid and ask prices on the exchange on which such options are traded. Futures and options on futures are valued at the settlement price determined by the exchange. Other securities for which market quotes are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board of Trustees or persons acting at their direction. Swap agreements and other derivatives are generally valued daily based upon quotations from market makers or by a pricing service in accordance with the valuation procedures approved by the Board of Trustees.
Under certain circumstances, the Funds may use an independent pricing service to calculate the fair market value of foreign equity securities on a daily basis by applying valuation factors to the last sale price or the mean price as noted above. The fair market values supplied by the independent pricing service will generally reflect market trading that occurs after the close of the applicable foreign markets of comparable securities or the value of other instruments that have a strong correlation to the fair-valued securities. The independent pricing service will also take into account the current relevant currency exchange rate. A security that is fair valued may be valued at a price higher or lower than actual market quotations or the value determined by other funds using their own fair valuation procedures. Because foreign securities may trade on days when Fund shares are not priced, the value of securities held by the Funds can change on days when Fund shares cannot be redeemed or purchased. In the event that a foreign security’s market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable (for reasons other than because the foreign exchange on which it trades closed before the Funds’ calculation of NAV), the security will be valued at its fair market value as determined in good faith by the Funds’ fair value committee in accordance with procedures approved by the Board of Trustees as discussed below. Without fair valuation, it is possible that short-term traders could take advantage of the arbitrage opportunity and dilute the NAV of long-term investors. Fair valuation of the Funds’ portfolio securities can serve to reduce arbitrage opportunities available to short-term traders, but there is no assurance that it will prevent dilution of the Funds’ NAV by short-term traders. In addition, because the Funds may invest in underlying ETFs which hold portfolio securities primarily listed on foreign (non-U.S.) exchanges, and these exchanges may trade on weekends or other days when the underlying ETFs do not price their shares, the value of these portfolio securities may change on days when you may not be able to buy or sell Fund shares.
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Investments initially valued in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are converted to U.S. dollars using exchange rates obtained from pricing services. As a result, the NAV of the Funds’ shares may be affected by changes in the value of currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar. The value of securities traded in markets outside the United States or denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar may be affected significantly on a day that the New York Stock Exchange is closed and an investor is not able to purchase, redeem or exchange shares.
Fund shares are valued at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) (the "NYSE Close") on each day that the New York Stock Exchange is open. For purposes of calculating the NAV, the Funds normally use pricing data for domestic equity securities received shortly after the NYSE Close and does not normally take into account trading, clearances or settlements that take place after the NYSE Close. Domestic fixed income and foreign securities are normally priced using data reflecting the earlier closing of the principal markets for those securities. Information that becomes known to the Fund or its agents after the NAV has been calculated on a particular day will not generally be used to retroactively adjust the price of the security or the NAV determined earlier that day.
When market quotations are insufficient or not readily available, the Funds may value securities at fair value or estimate their value as determined in good faith by the Board of Trustees or its designees, pursuant to procedures approved by the Board. Fair valuation may also be used by the Board of Trustees if extraordinary events occur after the close of the relevant market but prior to the NYSE Close.
The Funds may hold securities, such as private placements, interests in commodity pools, other non-traded securities or temporarily illiquid securities, for which market quotations are not readily available or are determined to be unreliable. These securities will be valued at their fair market value as determined using the “fair value” procedures approved by the Board. The Board has delegated execution of these procedures to a fair value committee composed of one of more officers from each of the (i) Trust, (ii) administrator, and (iii) Adviser. The committee 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.
Fair Value Committee and Valuation Process. The fair value committee is composed of one of more officers from each of the (i) Trust, (ii) administrator, and (iii) Adviser. The applicable investments are valued collectively via inputs from each of these groups. For example, fair value determinations are required for the following securities: (i) securities for which market quotations are insufficient or not readily available on a particular business day (including securities for which there is a short and temporary lapse in the provision of a price by the regular pricing source), (ii) securities for which, in the judgment of the Adviser, the prices or values available do not represent the fair value of the instrument. Factors which may cause the Adviser to make such a judgment include, but are not limited to, the following: only a bid price or an asked price is available; the spread between bid and asked prices is substantial; the frequency of sales; the thinness of the market; the size of reported trades; and actions of the securities markets, such as the suspension or limitation of trading; (iii) securities determined to be illiquid; (iv) securities with respect to which an event that will affect the value thereof has occurred (a “significant event”) since the closing prices were established on the principal exchange on which they are traded, but prior to the Funds’ calculation of its NAV. Specifically, interests in commodity pools or managed futures pools are valued on a daily basis by reference to the closing market prices of each futures contract or other asset held by a pool, as adjusted for pool expenses. Restricted or illiquid securities, such as private placements or non-traded securities are valued via inputs from the Adviser valuation based upon the current bid for the security from two or more independent dealers or other
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parties reasonably familiar with the facts and circumstances of the security (who should take into consideration all relevant factors as may be appropriate under the circumstances). If the Adviser is unable to obtain a current bid from such independent dealers or other independent parties, the fair value committee shall determine the fair value of such security using the following factors: (i) the type of security; (ii) the cost at date of purchase; (iii) the size and nature of the Funds’ holdings; (iv) the discount from market value of unrestricted securities of the same class at the time of purchase and subsequent thereto; (v) information as to any transactions or offers with respect to the security; (vi) the nature and duration of restrictions on disposition of the security and the existence of any registration rights; (vii) how the yield of the security compares to similar securities of companies of similar or equal creditworthiness; (viii) the level of recent trades of similar or comparable securities; (ix) the liquidity characteristics of the security; (x) current market conditions; and (xi) the market value of any securities into which the security is convertible or exchangeable.
Standards For Fair Value Determinations. As a general principle, the fair value of a security is the amount that the Fund might reasonably expect to realize upon its current sale. The Trust has adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures ("ASC 820"). In accordance with ASC 820, fair value is defined as the price that the Funds would receive upon selling an investment in a timely transaction to an independent buyer in the principal or most advantageous market of the investment. ASC 820 establishes a three-tier hierarchy to maximize the use of observable market data and minimize the use of unobservable inputs and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk, for example, the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique used to measure fair value including such a pricing model and/or the risk inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, developed based on the best information available under the circumstances.
Various inputs are used in determining the value of each Fund's investments relating to ASC 820. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below.
Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)
Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including a Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
The fair value committee takes into account the relevant factors and surrounding circumstances, which may include: (i) the nature and pricing history (if any) of the security; (ii) whether any dealer quotations for the security are available; (iii) possible valuation methodologies that could be used to determine the fair value of the security; (iv) the recommendation of a portfolio manager of the Funds with respect to the valuation of the security; (v) whether the same or similar securities are held by other funds managed by the Adviser or other funds and the method used to price the security in those funds; (vi) the extent to which the fair value to be determined for the security will result from the use of data or formulae produced by independent third parties and (vii) the liquidity or illiquidity of the market for the security.
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Board of Trustees’ Determination. The Board meets at least quarterly to consider the valuations provided by the fair value committee and to ratify the valuations made for the applicable securities. The Board of Trustees considers the reports provided by the fair value committee, including follow up studies of subsequent market-provided prices when available, in reviewing and determining in good faith the fair value of the applicable portfolio securities.
The Trust expects that the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) will be closed on 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.
Purchase of Shares
Orders for shares received by the Funds in good order prior to the close of business on the NYSE on each day during such periods that the NYSE is open for trading are priced at the public offering price, which is NAV plus any sales charge, or at NAV per share (if no sales charges apply) computed as of the close of the regular session of trading on the NYSE. Orders received in good order after the close of the NYSE, or on a day it is not open for trading, are priced at the close of such NYSE on the next day on which it is open for trading at the next determined NAV per share plus sales charges, if any.
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 the Funds 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:
ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund
ACM Tactical Income Fund
c/o Gemini Fund Services, LLC
4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100
Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022-3474
Redemption of Shares
The Funds will redeem all or any portion of a shareholder's shares of the Fund when requested in accordance with the procedures set forth in the "How to Redeem Shares" section of the Prospectus. Under the 1940 Act, a shareholder's right to redeem shares and to receive payment therefore may be suspended at times: (a) when the NYSE is closed, other than customary weekend and holiday closings; (b) when trading on that exchange is restricted for any reason; (c) when an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by a Fund of securities owned is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to fairly determine the value of net assets, provided that applicable rules and regulations of the SEC (or any succeeding governmental authority) will govern as to whether the conditions prescribed in (b) or (c) exist; or (d) when the SEC by order permits a suspension of the right to redemption or a postponement of the date of payment on redemption.
In case of suspension of the right of redemption, payment of a redemption request will be made based on the NAV next determined after the termination of the suspension.
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Supporting documents in addition to those listed under "How to Redeem Shares" in the Prospectus will be required from executors, administrators, trustees, or if redemption is requested by someone other than the shareholder of record. Such documents include, but are not restricted to, stock powers, trust instruments, certificates of death, appointments as executor, certificates of corporate authority and waiver of tax required in some states when settling estates.
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 adviser regarding their investment in the Funds.
The Funds intend to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Tax Code"), 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, the Funds 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 each Fund will be computed in accordance with Section 852 of the Tax Code.
The Funds intend 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 of net investment income and net capital gain will be made after the end of each fiscal year. Both types of distributions will be in shares of a Fund unless a shareholder elects to receive cash.
At December 31, 2019, utilized remaining capital loss carry forwards for federal income tax purposes were as follows:
Non-Expiring | ||||||||||||||||
Portfolio | Short-Term | Long-Term | Total | CLCF Utilized | ||||||||||||
Dynamic Opportunity | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||
Tactical Income | 59,894 | — | 59,894 | — |
To be treated as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Tax Code, the Funds 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 holdings so that, at the end of each fiscal quarter, (i) at least 50% of the market value of the Funds’ assets are 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 the Funds’ 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
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or more issuers which the Funds control and which 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, each 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 Funds generally would not be liable for income tax on the Funds’ net investment income or net realized capital gains in their individual capacities. Distributions to shareholders, whether from the Funds’ 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 the Funds.
The Funds are 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 the Funds’ 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 the Funds during the preceding calendar year. Under ordinary circumstances, the Funds expect to time their 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 generally taxable to shareholders as ordinary income, unless such distributions are attributable to “qualified dividend income” eligible for the reduced federal income tax rates applicable to long-term capital gains, provided certain holding period and other requirements are satisfied.
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 Funds 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 each Fund and net gains from the disposition of shares of the Fund. U.S. shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers regarding the implications of the additional Medicare tax resulting from an investment in the Funds.
A 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. The gain or loss will generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares were held for more than one year and if not held for such period, as short-term capital gain or loss. 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.
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Distributions of taxable net investment income and net capital gain will be taxable as described above, whether received in additional shares or cash. 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 NAV 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, the Funds are required to report to the Internal Revenue Service all distributions of 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 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 the 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.
Payments to a shareholder that is either a foreign financial institution (“FFI”) or a non-financial foreign entity (“NFFE”) within the meaning of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”) may be subject to a generally nonrefundable 30% withholding tax on: (a) income dividends paid by the Fund after June 30, 2014 and (b) certain capital gain distributions and the proceeds arising from the sale of Fund shares paid by the Funds after December 31, 2016. FATCA withholding tax generally can be avoided: (a) by an FFI, subject to any applicable intergovernmental agreement or other exemption, if it enters into a valid agreement with the IRS to, among other requirements, report required information about certain direct and indirect ownership of foreign financial accounts held by U.S. persons with the FFI and (b) by an NFFE, if it: (i) certifies that it has no substantial U.S. persons as owners or (ii) if it does have such owners, reports information relating to them. The Funds may disclose the information that it receives from its shareholders to the IRS, non-U.S. taxing authorities or other parties as necessary to comply with FATCA. Withholding also may be required if a foreign entity that is a shareholder of the Funds fail to provide the Funds with appropriate certifications or other documentation concerning its status under FATCA.
Options, Futures, Forward Contracts and Swap Agreements
To the extent such investments are permissible for the Funds, the Funds’ 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 a Fund, defer losses to a Fund, cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Funds’ securities, convert long-term capital gains into short-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.
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To the extent such investments are permissible, certain of the Funds’ 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 the Funds’ 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 the Funds’ 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, the Fund could be required to make distributions exceeding book income to qualify as a regular investment company that is accorded special tax treatment.
Passive Foreign Investment Companies
Investment by the Funds 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 they receive any distribution from the company.
The Funds 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 the Funds’ taxable year. Such gains and losses are treated as ordinary income and loss. The QEF and mark-to-market elections may accelerate the recognition of income (without the receipt of cash) and increase the amount required to be distributed for the Funds to avoid taxation. Making either of these elections therefore may require the Funds to liquidate other investments (including when it is not advantageous to do so) to meet its distribution requirement, which also may accelerate the recognition of gain and affect the Funds’ total return.
Foreign Currency Transactions
The Funds’ 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.
Other Regulated Investment Companies
Generally, the character of the income or capital gains that the Funds receive from another investment company will pass through to the Funds’ shareholders as long as the Fund and the other investment company each qualify as a regulated investment company. However, to the extent that another investment company that qualifies as a regulated investment company realizes net losses on its investments for a given taxable year, the Funds will not be able to recognize its share of those losses until it disposes of shares of such investment company. Moreover, even when the Funds do make such a disposition, a portion of its loss may be recognized as a long-term capital loss, which will not be treated as favorably for federal income tax purposes as an ordinary deduction. In particular, the Funds will not be able to offset any capital losses from its dispositions of shares of other investment companies against its ordinary income. As a result of the foregoing rules, and certain other special rules, it is possible that the amounts of net investment income and net capital gains that the Funds will be required to distribute to shareholders will be greater than such amounts would have been had the Fund invested
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directly in the securities held by the investment companies in which it invests, rather than investing in shares of the investment companies. For similar reasons, the character of distributions from the Funds (e.g., long-term capital gain, qualified dividend income, etc.) will not necessarily be the same as it would have been had the Fund invested directly in the securities held by the investment companies in which it invests.
Foreign Taxation
Income received by the Funds 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 the Funds' 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 Funds’ 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 the Funds, 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 Funds’ 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 the Funds’ income will flow through to shareholders of the Fund. With respect to each 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 the Funds. 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.
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 Funds 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 the Funds 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
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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 the Funds 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. The Funds 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 the Funds may be treated as having acquisition discount, or OID in the case of certain types of debt securities. Generally, the Funds 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. The Funds 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.
If the Funds hold the foregoing kinds of securities, it may be required to pay out as an income distribution each year an amount, which is greater than the total amount of cash interest the Funds actually received. Such distributions may be made from the cash assets of the Funds or by liquidation of portfolio securities, if necessary (including when it is not advantageous to do so). The Funds may realize gains or losses from such liquidations. In the event the Funds realize 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 the Funds may be subject to state and local taxes on distributions received from the Fund and on redemptions of the Funds’ shares.
A brief explanation of the form and character of the distribution accompany each distribution. After the end of each year each Fund issues to each shareholder a statement of the federal income tax status of all distributions.
Shareholders should consult their tax advisers about the application of federal, state and local and foreign tax law in light of their particular situation.
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.
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Procedures to implement the Program include, but are not limited to, determining that the Funds’ Distributor and Transfer Agent have established proper anti-money laundering procedures, reporting suspicious and/or fraudulent activity and 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.
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
A principal shareholder is any person who owns of record or beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Funds. A control person is one who owns beneficially or through controlled companies more than 25% of the voting securities of a company or acknowledges the existence of control. A shareholder owning of record or beneficially more than 25% of the Funds’ outstanding shares may be considered a controlling person. That shareholder's vote could have more significant effect on matters presented at a shareholder's meeting than votes of other shareholders.
As of April 14, 2020, the following shareholder(s) of record owned 5% or more of the outstanding shares of each class of the ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund.
Name & Address | Shares | Percentage of Class |
Class A | ||
Charles Schwab & Company, Inc. 211 Main St. San Francisco, CA 64105 |
22,782.9240
|
15.61%
|
Charles Schwab & Company, Inc. 211 Main St. San Francisco, CA 64105 |
55,803.1270
|
38.23%
|
National Financial Services, LLC 499 Washington Blvd Jersey City, NJ 07310 |
8,038.0000 | 5.51% |
Class I | ||
Charles Schwab & Company, Inc. 211 Main St. San Francisco, CA 64105 |
2,237,565.4160 | 57.37% |
TD Ameritrade PO Box 2226 Omaha, NE 68103 |
891,891.6350 | 22.87% |
E*Trade Savings Bank PO Box 6503 Englewood, CO 80155-6503 |
310,102.9400 | 7.95% |
As of April 14, 2020, the following shareholder(s) of record owned 5% or more of the outstanding shares of each class of the ACM Tactical Income Fund.
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Name & Address | Shares | Percentage of Class |
Class A | ||
Charles Schwab & Company, Inc. 211 Main St. San Francisco, CA 64105 |
8,800.9820 | 5.44% |
Charles Schwab & Company, Inc. 211 Main St. San Francisco, CA 64105 |
49,110.0480
|
30.33%
|
Pershing LLC P.O. BOX 2052 JERSEY CITY, NJ 07303-9998 |
17,089.2560 | 10.55% |
Pershing LLC P.O. BOX 2052 JERSEY CITY, NJ 07303-9998 |
11,649.5810 | 7.19% |
Pershing LLC P.O. BOX 2052 JERSEY CITY, NJ 07303-9998 |
9,687.3920 | 5.98% |
Pershing LLC P.O. BOX 2052 JERSEY CITY, NJ 07303-9998 |
16,150.9080 | 9.97% |
Class I | ||
Charles Schwab & Company, Inc. 211 Main St. San Francisco, CA 64105 |
1,576,246.5530 | 75.61% |
TD Ameritrade PO Box 2226 Omaha, NE 68103 |
233,970.9060 | 11.22% |
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. is organized in the state of California and the parent company is Schwab Holdings Inc.; organized in the state of Delaware. The ultimate parent company of Schwab Holdings, Inc. is Charles Schwab Corporation; organized in the state of Delaware. Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
Management Ownership Information. As of April 14, 2020, the Trustees and officers of the Trust, as a group, beneficially owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Funds.
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 SEC and are available upon request. The Board consists of five individuals, all of whom are not "interested persons" (as defined under the 1940 Act) of the Trust and the Adviser ("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 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.
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Board Leadership Structure. The Board is led by John V. Palancia, who has served as the Chairman of the Board since May 2014. The Board has not appointed a Lead Independent Trustee because all Trustees are Independent Trustees. Under the Trust's Agreement and Declaration of Trust and By-Laws, the Chairman of the Board is responsible for (a) presiding at Board meetings, (b) calling special meetings on an as-needed basis, and (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. Generally, the Trust believes it best to have a non-executive Chairman of the Board, who together with the President (principal executive officer), are seen by our shareholders, business partners and other stakeholders as providing strong leadership. 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, the Fund and each shareholder.
Board Risk Oversight. The Board of Trustees is comprised entirely of Independent Trustees with an Audit Committee 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 the 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.
Trustee Qualifications.
Generally, the Fund believes that each Trustee is competent to serve because of his or her individual overall merits including: (i) experience, (ii) qualifications, (iii) attributes and (iv) skills.
James Jensen has over 40 years of business experience in a wide range of industries including the financial services industry. His experience includes over 30 years of mutual fund board experience with service as chairman of the Audit Committee, chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee and, from 2006 to December 31, 2019, as Chairman of the Board of Wasatch Funds. Since April 2008, Mr. Jensen has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Clearwater Law & Governance Group, where he devotes himself full time to corporate law practice, board governance consulting for operating companies and private investing. In May 2014, Mr. Jensen and his firm conducted the 11th Green River Conference on Corporate Governance for lawyers, accountants, directors and service providers. In 2001, Mr. Jensen co-founded Intelisum, Inc., a company pursuing computer and measurement technology and products, and was Chairman of the Board from 2001 to 2008. From 1986 to 2004, Mr. Jensen held key positions with NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc., including Vice President, Corporate Development, Legal Affairs and General Counsel and Secretary. In addition to his business experience, Mr. Jensen was Chairman of the Board of Agricon Global Corporation, formerly BayHill Capital Corporation from 2008 to 2014 and was a Director of the University of Utah Research Foundation from 2000 to 2018. Mr. Jensen was the founder and first President of the MountainWest Venture Group (now "MountainWest Capital Network") in 1983. Mr. Jensen is a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors. Mr. Jensen graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Utah in 1967 and received degrees of Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration from Columbia University in 1971. His three-act play about board governance entitled “Pure Play” was published in the February 2018 issue of the Utah Bar Journal.
Patricia Luscombe, CFA, has more than 30 years in financial advisory and valuation services. She has delivered a broad range of corporate finance advice including fairness opinions and
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valuations. Ms. Luscombe joined Lincoln International in 2007 as a Managing Director and co-head of Lincoln's Valuations & Opinions Group. In this position, she assists regulated investment funds, business development companies, private equity funds and hedge funds in the valuation of illiquid securities for fair value accounting purposes. Ms. Luscombe's clients range from closely-held businesses to large, publicly-traded companies. Previously, Ms. Luscombe spent 16 years with Duff & Phelps Corporation, as a Managing Director in the firm's valuation and financial advisory business. Prior to joining Duff & Phelps Corporation, Ms. Luscombe was an Associate at Smith Barney, a division of Citigroup Capital Markets, Inc., where she managed a variety of financial transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, and equity and debt financings. Ms. Luscombe is a member of the Chicago Chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth, the Chartered Financial Analyst Society of Chicago and former president of the Chicago Finance Exchange. Ms. Luscombe holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Stanford University, a Master's degree in economics from the University of Chicago and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. In addition, Ms. Luscombe is licensed under the Series 24, 79 and 63 of FINRA.
John V. Palancia has over 40 years of business experience in the financial services industry including serving as the Director of Global Futures Operations for Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc. (“Merrill Lynch”). Mr. Palancia possesses an in depth understanding of broker-dealer operations from having served in various management capacities and has held industry registrations in both securities and futures. Based on his service at Merrill Lynch, he also possesses a strong understanding of risk management, balance sheet analysis, compliance and the regulatory framework under which regulated financial entities must operate. Additionally, he is well versed in the regulatory framework under which investment companies must operate based on his service as a member of three other mutual fund boards. This practical and extensive experience in the securities industry provides valuable insight into fund operations and enhances his ability to effectively serve as chairman of the Board. Mr. Palancia holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics.
Mark H. Taylor has 30 years of academic and professional experience in the accounting and auditing fields which makes him particularly qualified to serve as the Trust’s Audit Committee chair. He holds PhD, Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Accounting and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant. Dr. Taylor is a Director of the Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy at the Muma College of Business at the University of South Florida. Commencing August 2017, Dr. Taylor is serving a three-year term as Vice President-Finance on the Board of Directors of the American Accounting Association (AAA). From 2012 to 2015, he served a 3-year term as President of the Auditing Section of the AAA (Vice-President 2012-2013, President 2013-2014, and Past President (2014-2015). Dr. Taylor serves as a member of two other mutual fund boards within the Northern Lights Fund Complex, and completed a fellowship in the Professional Practice Group of the Office of the Chief Accountant at the headquarters of the United States Securities Exchange Commission. He also served a three-year term on the AICPA’s Auditing Standards Board (2010-2012). Dr. Taylor is a member of two research teams that recently received grants from the Center for Audit Quality to study how auditors manage the process of auditing fair value measurements in financial statements and how accounting firms’ tone-at-the top messaging impacts audit performance. Dr. Taylor has published extensively in leading academic accounting journals, teaches corporate governance and accounting policy as well as auditing and assurance services at the graduate and undergraduate levels and possesses a strong understanding of the regulatory framework under which investment companies operate.
Jeffery D. Young has over 40 years of business management experience, including in the transportation industry and operations and information technologies. He is currently Co-owner and Vice President of the Latin America Agriculture Development Corporation, an agribusiness exporting fruit to the United States and other Central American countries. He has served as Assistant Vice President of
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Transportation Systems at Union Pacific Railroad Company, where he was responsible for the development and implementation of large scale command and control systems that support railroad operations and safety. In this position, Mr. Young was heavily involved in the regulatory compliance of safety and mission critical systems. Mr. Young also served as Chairman of the Association of American Railroads Policy Committee and represented both Union Pacific Railroad and the railroad industry in safety and regulatory hearings with the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Railroad Administration in Washington, DC. Mr. Young was a member of the Board of Directors of PS Technologies, a Union Pacific affiliate serving as a technology supplier to the railroad industry. His practical business experience and understanding of regulatory compliance provides a different perspective that will bring diversity to Board deliberations.
Trustees and Officers. The Trustees and officers of the Trust, together with information as to their principal business occupations during the past five years and other information, are shown below. The business address of each Trustee and Officer is 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, OH 45246. All correspondence to the Trustees and Officers should be directed to c/o Gemini Fund Services, LLC, P.O. Box 541150, Omaha, Nebraska 68154.
Independent Trustees | |||||
Name, Address, Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with Registrant | Length of Service and Term | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years | Number of Funds Overseen In The Fund Complex* | Other Directorships Held During Past 5 Years** |
James U. Jensen 1944 |
Trustee | Since February 2012, Indefinite | Chief Executive Officer, ClearWater Law & Governance Group, LLC (an operating board governance consulting company) (since 2004). | 2 | Northern Lights Fund Trust III (for series not affiliated with the Fund since 2012); Wasatch Funds Trust, (since 1986); University of Utah Research Foundation (April 2000 to May 2018); Agricon Global Corporation, formerly Bayhill Capital Corporation (large scale farming in Ghana, West Africa) (October 2009 to June 2014). |
Patricia Luscombe 1961 |
Trustee | Since January 2015, Indefinite | Managing Director of the Valuations & Opinions Group, Lincoln International LLC (since August 2007). | 2 | Northern Lights Fund Trust III (for series not affiliated with the Funds since 2015); Monetta Mutual Funds (since November 2015). |
John V. Palancia 1954 |
Trustee, Chairman | Trustee, since February 2012, Indefinite; Chairman of the Board since May 2014 | Retired (since 2011); Formerly, Director of Global Futures Operations Control, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc. (1975-2011). | 2 | Northern Lights Fund Trust III (for series not affiliated with the Fund since 2012); Northern Lights Fund Trust (since 2011); Northern Lights Variable Trust (since 2011); Alternative Strategies Fund (since 2012). |
Mark H. Taylor 1964 |
Trustee, Chairman of the Audit Committee | Since February 2012, Indefinite | Director, Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy, Muma College of Business, University of South Florida (since August 2019); Chair, Department of Accountancy and Andrew D. Braden Professor of Accounting and Auditing, Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University | 2 | Northern Lights Fund Trust III (for series not affiliated with the Fund since 2012); Northern Lights Fund Trust (since 2007); Northern Lights Variable Trust (since 2007); Alternative Strategies Fund (since June 2010). |
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|
Since February 2012, Indefinite | (2009-2019); Vice President-Finance, American Accounting Association (2017-2020); President, Auditing Section of the American Accounting Association (2012-15); AICPA Auditing Standards Board Member (2009-2012). Former Academic Fellow, United States Securities and Exchange Commission (2005-2006). | |||
Jeffery D. Young 1956 |
Trustee | Since January 2015, Indefinite | Co-owner and Vice President, Latin America Agriculture Development Corp. (since May 2015); Formerly Asst. Vice President - Transportation Systems, Union Pacific Railroad Company (June 1976 to April 2014); President, Celeritas Rail Consulting (since June 2014). | 2 | Northern Lights Fund Trust III (for series not affiliated with the Fund since 2015); PS Technology, Inc. (2010-2013). |
* As of December 31, 2019, the Trust was comprised of 38 active portfolios managed by 15 unaffiliated investment advisers. The term “Fund Complex” applies only to the ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund and the ACM Tactical Income Fund. The Funds do not hold themselves out as related to any other series within the Trust for investment purposes, nor does it share the same investment adviser with any other series.
** Only includes directorships held within the past 5 years in a company with a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or subject to the requirements of Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or any company registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act.
Officers of the Trust
Name, Address, Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with Registrant | Length of Service and Term | Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
Richard Malinowski
1983 |
President |
Since August 2017, indefinite |
Senior Vice President and Senior Managing Counsel, Gemini Fund Services, LLC, (since 2020); Senior Vice President Legal Administration, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2017-2020); Vice President and Counsel (2016-2017) and AVP and Staff Attorney (2012-2016). |
Brian Curley
1970 |
Treasurer |
Since February 2013, indefinite |
Vice President, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (since 2015), Assistant Vice President, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2012-2014); Senior Controller of Fund Treasury, The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (2008-2012); Senior Associate of Fund Administration, Morgan Stanley (1999-2008). |
Eric Kane
1981 |
Secretary |
Since November 2013, indefinite |
Vice President and Managing Counsel, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (since 2020); Vice President and Counsel, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2017-2020), Assistant Vice President, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2014- 2017), Staff Attorney, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2013-2014), Law Clerk, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2009-2013), Legal Intern, NASDAQ OMX (2011), Hedge Fund Administrator, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2008), Mutual Fund Accountant/Corporate Action Specialist, Gemini Fund Services, LLC (2006-2008). |
William Kimme 1962 |
Chief Compliance Officer |
Since February 2012, indefinite |
Senior Compliance Officer of Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (since 2011); Due Diligence and Compliance Consultant, Mick & Associates (2009-2011); Assistant Director, FINRA (2000-2009). |
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Audit Committee. The Board has an Audit Committee that consists solely of 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 of Trustees 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. Dr. Taylor is Chairman of the Audit Committee. During the past fiscal year, the Audit Committee held four meetings.
Compensation of Directors. Effective April 1, 2019, each Trustee who is not affiliated with the Trust or an investment adviser to any series of the Trust will receive a quarterly fee of $21,500, allocated among each of the various portfolios comprising the Trust, for his or her attendance at the regularly scheduled meetings of the Board of Trustees, to be paid in advance of each calendar quarter, as well as reimbursement for any reasonable expenses incurred. From January 1, 2017 through March 31, 2019, each Trustee who is not affiliated with the Trust or an investment adviser to any series of the Trust received a quarterly fee of $20,000 for his or her attendance at the regularly scheduled meetings of the Board of Trustees, paid in advance of each calendar quarter, as well as reimbursement for any reasonable expenses incurred. Since January 1, 2017, in addition to the quarterly fees and reimbursements, the Chairman of the Board receives a quarterly fee of $5,000, and the Audit Committee Chairmen receive a quarterly fee of $3,750.
Additionally, in the event a 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 $2,500 per Special Meeting, as well as reimbursement for any reasonable expenses incurred, to be paid by the relevant series of the Trust or its investment adviser depending on the circumstances necessitating the Special Meeting. None of the executive officers receive compensation from the Trust.
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The table below details the amount of compensation received by the Trustees during the Funds’ fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. The Trust does not have a bonus, profit sharing, pension or retirement plan.
Name and Position | ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund | ACM Tactical Income Fund | Pension or Retirement Benefits Accrued as Part of Fund Expenses | Estimated Annual Benefits Upon Retirement | Total Compensation From Trust and Fund Complex* Paid to Trustees |
James U. Jensen |
$2,286.99
|
$1,703.26
|
None | None |
$3,990.25
|
Patricia Luscombe |
$2,286.99
|
$1,703.26
|
None | None |
$3,990.25
|
John V. Palancia |
$3,049.32
|
$2,271.01
|
None | None |
$5,320.33
|
Mark H. Taylor |
$2,795.21
|
$2,081.76
|
None | None |
$4,876.97
|
Jeffery D. Young |
$2,286.99
|
$1,703.26
|
None | None |
$3,990.25
|
* There are currently numerous series comprising the Trust. The term “Fund Complex” refers only to the ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund and ACM Tactical Income Fund, and not to any other series of the Trust. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, the aggregate independent Trustees’ fees paid by the entire Trust were $457,500.
Trustees' Ownership of Shares in the Funds. As of December 31, 2019, the Trustees beneficially owned the following amounts in the Funds:
Name of Trustee | Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Funds | Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in All Registered Investment Companies Overseen by Trustee in Family of Investment Companies* |
James U. Jensen | None | $10,001-$50,000 |
Patricia Luscombe | None | $10,001-$50,000 |
John V. Palancia | None | $10,001-$50,000 |
Mark H. Taylor | None | $10,001-$50,000 |
Jeffery D. Young | None | None |
* The "Family of Investment Companies" includes the following registered management investment companies in addition to the Trust: Northern Lights Fund Trust, Northern Lights Fund Trust II, Northern Lights Fund Trust IV and Northern Lights Variable Trust.
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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 Report for the Funds for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. You may obtain
a copy of the Annual Report without charge by calling the Fund at 1-844-798-3833.
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APPENDIX A
BOND RATINGS
DESCRIPTION OF MOODY'S CORPORATE BOND RATINGS
Aaa. Bonds rated Aaa are judged to be the best quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as "gilt edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of these issues.
Aa. Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as high-grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
A. Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate but elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.
Baa. Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations, i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.
Ba. Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their future payments cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of interest and principal may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.
B. Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
Moody's applies the numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through B. The modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating category.
DESCRIPTION OF COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
Commercial paper rated Prime-l by Moody's are judged by Moody's to be of the best quality. Their short-term debt obligations carry the smallest degree of investment risk. Margins of support for current indebtedness are large or stable with cash flow and asset protection well insured. Current liquidity provides ample coverage of near-term liabilities and unused alternative financing arrangements are generally available. While protective elements may change over the intermediate or longer term, such changes are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of short-term obligations.
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Issuers (or related supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. This will normally be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, will be more subject to variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
Commercial paper rated A by S&P have the following characteristics. Liquidity ratios are better than industry average. Long-term debt rating is A or better. The issuer has access to at least two additional channels of borrowing. Basic earnings and cash flow are in an upward trend. Typically, the issuer is a strong company in a well-established industry and has superior management. Issuers rated A are further refined by use of numbers 1, 2, and 3 to denote relative strength within this highest classification. Those issuers rated A-1 that are determined by S&P to possess overwhelming safety characteristics are denoted with a plus (+) sign designation.
Fitch's commercial paper ratings represent Fitch's assessment of the issuer's ability to meet its obligations in a timely manner. The assessment places emphasis on the existence of liquidity. Ratings range from F-1+ which represents exceptionally strong credit quality to F-4 which represents weak credit quality.
Duff & Phelps' short-term ratings apply to all obligations with maturities of under one year, including commercial paper, the uninsured portion of certificates of deposit, unsecured bank loans, master notes, bankers acceptances, irrevocable letters of credit and current maturities of long-term debt. Emphasis is placed on liquidity. Ratings range from Duff 1+ for the highest quality to Duff 5 for the lowest, issuers in default. Issues rated Duff 1+ are regarded as having the highest certainty of timely payment. Issues rated Duff 1 are regarded as having very high certainty of timely payment.
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APPENDIX B
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
ASCENDANT CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC d/b/a ACM Funds
Policy
ACM, as a matter of policy and as a fiduciary to our clients, has responsibility for voting proxies for portfolio securities consistent with the best economic interests of the clients. ACM maintains written policies and procedures as to the handling, research, voting and reporting of proxy voting and makes appropriate disclosures about our firm’s proxy policies and practices. Our policy and practice includes the responsibility to monitor corporate actions, receive and vote client proxies and disclose any potential conflicts of interest as well as making information available to clients about the voting of proxies for their portfolio securities and maintaining relevant and required records.
Background
Proxy voting is an important right of shareholders and reasonable care and diligence must be undertaken to ensure that such rights are properly and timely exercised. Investment advisers registered with the SEC, and which exercise voting authority with respect to client securities, are required by Rule 206(4)-6 of the Advisers Act to (a) adopt and implement written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure that client securities are voted in the best interests of clients, which must include how an adviser addresses material conflicts that may arise between an adviser's interests and those of its clients; (b) to disclose to clients how they may obtain information from the adviser with respect to the voting of proxies for their securities; (c) to describe to clients a summary of its proxy voting policies and procedures and, upon request, furnish a copy to its clients; and (d) maintain certain records relating to the adviser's proxy voting activities when the adviser does have proxy voting authority.
Responsibility
The CCO has the responsibility for the implementation and monitoring of our proxy voting policy, practices, disclosures and record keeping, including outlining our voting guidelines in our procedures.
Implementation
Voting Procedures
All employees will forward any proxy materials received on behalf of clients to the CCO;
The CCO will determine which client accounts hold the security to which the proxy relates;
Absent material conflicts, The CCO will determine how ACM should vote the proxy in accordance with applicable voting guidelines, complete the proxy and vote the proxy in a timely and appropriate manner.
Disclosure
ACM will generally use the “Proxy Voting Disclosure Statement” attached hereto as Exhibit A or a disclosure substantially similar that has been approved by the CCO.
ACM will provide required disclosures in response to Item 17 of Form ADV Part 2A, if required to prepare a Form ADV Part 2, summarizing this proxy voting policy and procedures, including a statement that clients may request information regarding how ACM voted a client’s proxies, and that clients may request a copy of the firm's proxy policies and procedures.
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When required by rule or regulation, the CCO will also send a copy of this summary to all existing clients who have previously received ACM’s Form ADV Part 2; or the CCO may send each client the amended Form ADV Part 2.
All client requests for information regarding proxy votes, or policies and procedures, received by any employee should be forwarded to the CCO.
In response to any request, the CCO will prepare a written response to the client with the information requested, and as applicable will include the name of the issuer, the proposal voted upon, and how ACM voted the client’s proxy with respect to each proposal about which client inquired.
Voting Guidelines
In the absence of specific voting guidelines from the client, ACM will vote proxies in the best interests of each particular client. ACM’s policy is to vote all proxies from a specific issuer the same way for each client absent qualifying restrictions from a client. Clients are permitted to place reasonable restrictions on ACM’s voting authority in the same manner that they may place such restrictions on the actual selection of account securities.
ACM will generally vote in favor of routine corporate housekeeping proposals such as the election of directors and selection of auditors absent conflicts of interest raised by an auditor’s non-audit services.
ACM will generally vote against proposals that cause board members to become entrenched or cause unequal voting rights.
In reviewing proposals, ACM will further consider the opinion of management and the effect on management, and the effect on shareholder value and the issuer’s business practices.
ACM shall also consider and use the guidelines set forth in Exhibit B attached to this section as may be applicable for the specific criteria indicated.
Conflicts of Interest
ACM will identify any conflicts that exist between the interests of the Adviser and the client by reviewing the relationship of ACM with the issuer of each security to determine if ACM or any of its employees has any financial, business or personal relationship with the issuer.
ACM may resolve any conflicts in any of a variety of ways, including the following: voting in accordance with the Proxy Guidelines; voting pursuant to client direction by seeking instructions from the Trust’s Board of Trustees; or by voting pursuant to a "mirror voting" arrangement under which shares are voted in the same manner and proportion as shares over which the Fund’s trust does not have voting discretion. The method selected by the ACM’s Investment Committee may vary depending upon the facts and circumstances of each situation.
As an investment adviser to the Fund, ACM may invest in other investment companies that are not affiliated with the Fund or its trust (“Underlying Funds”) and are required by the Investment Company Act, to handle proxies received from Underlying Funds in a certain manner. Notwithstanding the guidelines provided in these procedures, it is the policy of ACM to vote all proxies received from the Underlying Funds in the same proportion that all shares of the Underlying Funds are voted, or in accordance with instructions received from fund shareholders, pursuant to Section 12(d)(1)(F) of the 1940 Act.
ACM’s CCO will maintain a record of all voting resolutions of any conflict of interest.
Recordkeeping
The CCO shall retain the following proxy records in accordance with the SEC’s five-year retention requirement.
These policies and procedures and any amendments;
Each proxy statement that ACM receives;
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A record of each vote that ACM casts;
Any document ACM created that was material to making a decision how to vote proxies, or that memorializes that decision including periodic reports to The CCO or proxy committee, if applicable.
A copy of each written request from a client for information on how ACM voted such client’s proxies, and a copy of any written response.
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PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 28. Exhibits.
(a) Articles of Incorporation.
(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.
(e) Underwriting Contracts.
(f) Bonus or Profit Sharing Contracts. None.
(g) Custodial Agreement.
(h) Other Material Contracts.
(i) Legal Consent is filed herewith.
(j) Other Opinions. Consent of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm is filed herewith.
(k) Omitted Financial Statements. None.
(l) Initial Capital Agreements. None.
(m) Rule 12b-1 Plans.
(ix) Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for ETF Shares
(o) Reserved.
(p) Code of Ethics.
(ix) Code of Ethics of RESQ Investment Partners, LLC is filed herewith.
(xiii) Code of Ethics of Counterpoint Mutual Funds, LLC is filed herewith.
(xviii) Code of Ethics for Gratus Capital, LLC is filed herewith
(q) Powers of Attorney.
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) the breach of any representations, warranties or obligations set forth in the Underwriting Agreement, (iii) 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, (iv) 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, (v) the Trust’s failure to provide NLD with advertising or sales materials to be filed with the FINRA on a timely basis, (vi) the Trust’s failure to properly register Fund Shares under applicable state laws, or (vii) reasonable 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 under the agreement 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 the 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 the agreement; PROVIDED, that nothing contained in the agreement 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 the 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.
Item 31. Activities of Investment Advisor and Sub-Advisor.
Certain information pertaining to the business and other connections of each Advisor of each series of the Trust is hereby 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 31 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:
Swan Capital Management, LLC the Advisor of the Swan Defined Risk Fund, Swan Defined Risk Emerging Markets Fund, Swan Defined Risk Foreign Developed Fund, Swan Defined Risk U.S. Small Cap Fund and Swan Defined Risk Growth Fund – File No. 801-76701.
Swan Global Management, LLC, a Sub-Adviser of the Swan Defined Risk Fund, Swan Defined Risk Emerging Markets Fund, Swan Defined Risk Foreign Developed Fund, Swan Defined Risk U.S. Small Cap Fund and Swan Defined Risk Growth Fund – File No. 801-80552.
Persimmon Capital Management, LP, the Adviser of the Persimmon Long/Short Fund – File No. 801-56210.
Good Harbor Financial, LLC, the Adviser of the Good Harbor Tactical Select Fund, Leland Real Asset Opportunities Fund, Leland Thomson Reuters Venture Capital Index Fund and Leland Thomson Reuters Private Equity Buyout Index Fund – File No. 801-71064.
Gratus Capital, LLC, the Adviser of the Marathon Value Portfolio – File No. 801-40286.
Pinnacle Family Advisors, LLC, the Adviser of the Pinnacle Sherman Multi-Strategy Core Fund and Pinnacle TrendRating Innovative Equity Fund – File No. 801-78013.
Stonebridge Capital Advisors, LLC, the Adviser of The Covered Bridge Fund– File No. 801-53760.
First Associated Investment Advisors, the Adviser of The Teberg Fund – File No. 801-60972.
RESQ Investment Partners, LLC, the Adviser of the RESQ Dynamic Allocation Fund and RESQ Strategic Income Fund – File No. 801-78822.
Horizon Capital Management, Inc., the Adviser of the Issachar Fund – File No. 801-26038.
Newfound Research LLC the Adviser of the Newfound Risk Managed Global Sectors Fund, Newfound Multi-Asset Income Fund and Newfound Risk Managed U.S. Sectors Fund – File No. 801-73042.
Howard Capital Management, Inc. the Adviser of the HCM Tactical Growth Fund, HCM Dividend Sector Plus Fund, HCM Income Plus Fund, HCM Defender 500 Index ETF and HCM Defender 100 Index ETF – File No. 801-69763.
Counterpoint Mutual Funds, LLC the Adviser of the Counterpoint Tactical Income Fund, Counterpoint Tactical Equity Fund, Counterpoint Long-Short Equity Fund, Counterpoint Tactical Municipal Fund and CP High Yield Trend ETF – File No. 801-80197.
Ascendant Capital Management, LLC the Adviser of ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund and ACM Tactical Income Fund – File No. 801-80770.
Absolute Capital Management, LLC the Adviser of Absolute Capital Asset Allocator Fund and Absolute Capital Defender Fund – File No. 801-61336.
Boyd Watterson Asset Management, LLC the Adviser of Boyd Watterson Limited Duration Enhanced Income Fund – File No. 801-57468.
Item 32. Principal Underwriter.
(a) NLD is the principal underwriter for all series of Northern Lights Fund Trust III. NLD also acts as principal underwriter for the following:
AdvisorOne Funds, Arrow ETF Trust, Arrow Investments Trust, Centerstone Investors Trust, Copeland Trust, Miller Investment Trust, Mutual Fund Series Trust, Mutual Fund and Variable Insurance Trust, North Country Funds, Northern Lights Fund Trust, Northern Lights Fund Trust II, Northern Lights Fund Trust III, Northern Lights Fund Trust IV, Northern Lights Variable Trust, OCM Mutual Fund, PREDEX, The Saratoga Advantage Trust, Tributary Funds, Inc.
(b) NLD is registered with Securities and Exchange Commission as a broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). The principal business address of NLD is 4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100 Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022-3474. NLD is an affiliate of Gemini Fund Services, LLC. To the best of the Registrant’s knowledge, the following are the members and officers of NLD:
Name | Positions and Offices with Underwriter | Positions and Offices with the Trust |
William J. Strait | President, Secretary, General Counsel and Manager | None |
Mike Nielsen | Chief Compliance Officer and AML Compliance Officer | None |
Stephen Preston | Financial Operations Principal | None |
David Young | Manager | None |
(c) Not applicable.
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.
Swan Capital Management, LLC 1099 Main Ave., Ste. 260, Durango, CO 81301, pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement with the Trust, maintains all records required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Swan Defined Risk Fund, Swan Defined Risk Emerging Markets Fund, Swan Defined Risk Foreign Developed Fund, Swan Defined Risk U.S. Small Cap Fund and Swan Defined Risk Growth Fund.
Persimmon Capital Management, LP, 1777 Sentry Parkway, Gwynedd Hall, Suite 102, Blue Bell, PA 19422 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with the Trust, maintains all records required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Persimmon Long/Short Fund.
Good Harbor Financial, LLC, 330 East Main Street, Third Floor, Barrington, IL 60010, pursuant to the Advisory Agreements with Trust, maintains all records required pursuant to such agreement with respect
to the Good Harbor Tactical Select Fund, Leland Real Asset Opportunities Fund, Leland Thomson Reuters Venture Capital Index Fund and Leland Thomson Reuters Private Equity Buyout Index Fund.
Gratus Capital, LLC, 3350 Riverwood Parkway, Suite 1550, Atlanta, GA, 30339 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all records required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Marathon Value Portfolio.
Pinnacle Family Advisors, LLC, 620 W. Republic Road, Suite 104, Springfield, MO 65810 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all records required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Pinnacle Sherman Multi-Strategy Core Fund and Pinnacle TrendRating Innovative Equity Fund.
Stonebridge Capital Advisors, LLC, 2550 University Avenue West, Suite 180 South, Saint Paul, MN 55114 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all records required pursuant to such agreement with respect to The Covered Bridge Fund.
First Associated Investment Advisors, Inc., 5161 Miller Trunk Highway Duluth, MN 55811 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all records required pursuant to such agreement with respect to The Teberg Fund.
RESQ Investment Partners, LLC 9383 East Bahia Drive, Suite 120, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all records required pursuant to such agreement with respect to RESQ Dynamic Allocation Fund and RESQ Strategic Income Fund.
Horizon Capital Management, Inc. 106 Valerie Drive, Lafayette, LA 70508 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all records required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Issachar Fund.
Newfound Research LLC, 425 Boylston Street, Third Floor, Boston, MA 02116 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all records required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Newfound Risk Managed Global Sectors Fund, Newfound Multi-Asset Income Fund and Newfound Risk Managed U.S. Sectors Fund.
Howard Capital Management, Inc., 1145 Hembree Road, Rosewell, GA 30076 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all records required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the HCM Tactical Growth Fund, HCM Dividend Sector Plus Fund, HCM Income Plus Fund, HCM Defender 500 Index ETF and HCM Defender 100 Index ETF.
Counterpoint Mutual Funds, LLC 12760 High Bluff Drive, Suite 280, San Diego, CA 92130 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all records required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Counterpoint Tactical Income Fund, Counterpoint Tactical Equity Fund, Counterpoint Long-Short Equity Fund, Counterpoint Tactical Municipal Fund and CP High Yield Trend ETF.
Ascendant Capital Management, LLC 10866 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1600, Los Angeles, CA 90024 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all records required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund and ACM Tactical Income Fund.
Swan Global Management, LLC 41 Shell Castle, Humacao, PR 00791 pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement with Swan Capital Management, Inc., maintains all records required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Swan Defined Risk, Swan Defined Risk Emerging Markets Fund, Swan Defined Risk Foreign Developed Fund, Swan Defined Risk U.S. Small Cap Fund and Swan Defined Risk Growth Fund.
Absolute Capital Management, LLC 101 Pennsylvania Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15228 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all records required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Absolute Capital Asset Allocator Fund and Absolute Capital Defender Fund.
Boyd Watterson Asset Management, LLC 1301 East 9th Street, Suite 2900, Cleveland, OH 44114 pursuant to the Advisory Agreement with Trust, maintains all records required pursuant to such agreement with respect to the Boyd Watterson Limited Duration Enhanced Income Fund.
Item 34. Management Services. Not applicable.
Item 35. Undertakings. The Registrant undertakes
that each Subsidiary and each Director of each Subsidiary hereby consents to service of process within the United States, and to
examination of its books and records.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this registration statement under rule 485(b) under the Securities Act and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Smithtown, and State of New York, on the 24th day of April, 2020.
Northern Lights Fund Trust III
By: /s/ Richard Malinowski
Richard Malinowski, President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the dates indicated.
Northern Lights Fund Trust III
Name | Title |
/s/ Richard Malinowski | President |
Brian Curley* | Treasurer |
James U. Jensen* | Independent Trustee |
Patricia Luscombe* | Independent Trustee |
John V. Palancia* | Independent Trustee |
Mark H. Taylor* | Independent Trustee |
Jeffery D. Young* | Independent Trustee |
*By: | Date: | |||
/s/ Eric D. Kane | April 24, 2020 | |||
Eric D. Kane, Esq. |
*Attorney-in-Fact – Pursuant to Powers of Attorney as previously filed February 26, 2015, June 17, 2016 and October 25, 2017.
EXHIBIT INDEX
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
Between
NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST III
and
HOWARD CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC.
This AGREEMENT is made as of May 7, 2014 between NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST III, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Trust”), and HOWARD CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. a Delaware Corporation (the “Adviser”) located at 555 Sun Valley Drive, Suite B-4, Roswell, GA 30076.
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, the Trust is an open-end management investment company and is registered as such under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”);
WHEREAS, the Trust is authorized to issue shares of beneficial interest in separate series, each having its own investment objective or objectives, policies and limitations;
WHEREAS, the Trust offers shares in the series named on Appendix A hereto (such series, together with all other series subsequently established by the Trust and made subject to this Agreement in accordance with Section 1.3, being herein referred to as a “Fund,” and collectively as the “Funds”);
WHEREAS, the Adviser is or soon will be registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940; and
WHEREAS, the Trust desires to retain the Adviser to render investment advisory services to the Trust with respect to the Fund in the manner and on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Services of the Adviser.
1.1 Investment Advisory Services. Subject to the supervision of the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), the Adviser shall regularly provide the Fund with investment research, advice, management and supervision and shall furnish a continuous investment program for the Fund’s portfolio of securities and other investments. The Adviser shall determine from time to time what securities and other investments and instruments will be purchased, retained, sold or exchanged by the Fund and what portion of the assets of the Fund’s portfolio will be held in the various securities and other investments in which the Fund invests, and shall implement those decisions (including the execution of investment documentation and agreements), all subject to the provisions of the Trust’s Declaration of Trust and By-Laws (collectively, the “Governing Documents”), the 1940 Act and the applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and interpretive guidance issued thereunder by the SEC staff and any other applicable federal and state law, as well as the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund, and any other specific policies adopted by the Board and disclosed to the Adviser. The Adviser is authorized as the agent of the Trust to give instructions to the custodian of the Fund as to deliveries of securities and other investments and payments of cash for the account of the Fund. Subject to applicable provisions of
the 1940 Act and direction from the Board, the investment program to be provided hereunder may entail the investment of all or substantially all of the assets of the Fund in one or more investment companies.
The Adviser will place orders pursuant to its investment determinations for the Fund either directly with the issuer or with any broker or dealer, foreign currency dealer, futures commission merchant or others selected by it. In connection with the selection of such brokers or dealers and the placing of such orders, subject to applicable law, brokers or dealers may be selected who also provide brokerage and research services (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) to the Fund and/or the other accounts over which the Adviser or its affiliates exercise investment discretion. The Adviser is authorized to pay a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a commission for executing a portfolio transaction for the Fund which is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if the Adviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer. This determination may be viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities which the Adviser and its affiliates have with respect to accounts over which they exercise investment discretion. The Board may adopt policies and procedures that modify and restrict the Adviser’s authority regarding the execution of the Fund’s portfolio transactions provided herein.
The Trust hereby authorizes any entity or person associated with the Adviser or any sub-adviser retained by the Adviser pursuant to Section 9 of this Agreement, which is a member of a national securities exchange, to effect any transaction on the exchange for the account of the Trust which is permitted by Section 11(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 11a2-2(T) thereunder, and the Trust hereby consents to the retention of compensation for such transactions in accordance with Rule 11a2-2(T)(a)(2)(iv) provided the transaction complies with the Trust’s Rule 17e-1 policies and procedures.
1.2 Administrative Services. The Trust has engaged the services of an administrator. The Adviser shall provide such additional administrative services as reasonably requested by the Board of Trustees or officers of the Trust; provided, that the Adviser shall not have any obligation to provide under this Agreement any direct or indirect services to Trust shareholders, any services related to the distribution of Trust shares, or any other services which are the subject of a separate agreement or arrangement between the Trust and the Adviser. Subject to the foregoing, in providing administrative services hereunder, the Adviser shall:
1.2.1 Office Space, Equipment and Facilities. Provide such office space, office equipment and office facilities as are adequate to fulfill the Adviser’s obligations hereunder.
1.2.2 Personnel. Provide, without remuneration from or other cost to the Trust, the services of individuals competent to perform the administrative functions, which are not performed by employees or other agents engaged by the Trust or by the Adviser acting in some other capacity pursuant to a separate agreement or arrangement with the Trust.
1.2.3 Agents. Assist the Trust in selecting and coordinating the activities of the other agents engaged by the Trust, including the Trust's shareholder servicing agent, custodian, administrator, independent auditors and legal counsel.
1.2.4 Trustees and Officers. Authorize and permit the Adviser's directors, officers and employees who may be elected or appointed as Trustees or officers of the Trust to serve in such capacities, without remuneration from or other cost to the Trust.
1.2.5 Books and Records. Assure that all financial, accounting and other records required to be maintained and preserved by the Adviser on behalf of the Trust are maintained and preserved by it in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
1.2.6 Reports and Filings. Assist in the preparation of (but not pay for) all periodic reports by the Fund to its shareholders and all reports and filings required to maintain the registration and qualification of the Funds and Fund shares, or to meet other regulatory or tax requirements applicable to the Fund, under federal and state securities and tax laws.
1.3 Additional Series. In the event that the Trust establishes one or more series after the effectiveness of this Agreement (“Additional Series”), Appendix A to this Agreement may be amended to make such Additional Series subject to this Agreement upon the approval of the Board of Trustees of the Trust and the shareholder(s) of the Additional Series, in accordance with the provisions of the Act. The Trust or the Adviser may elect not to make any such series subject to this Agreement.
1.4 Change in Management or Control. The Adviser shall provide at least sixty (60) days' prior written notice to the Trust of any change in the ownership or management of the Adviser, or any event or action that may constitute a change in “control,” as that term is defined in Section 2 of the Act. The Adviser shall provide prompt notice of any change in the portfolio manager(s) responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds.
2. Expenses of the Funds.
2.1 Expenses to be Paid by Adviser. The Adviser shall pay all salaries, expenses and fees of the officers, Trustees and employees of the Trust who are officers, directors, members or employees of the Adviser.
In the event that the Adviser pays or assumes any expenses of the Trust not required to be paid or assumed by the Adviser under this Agreement, the Adviser shall not be obligated hereby to pay or assume the same or any similar expense in the future; provided, that nothing herein contained shall be deemed to relieve the Adviser of any obligation to the Funds under any separate agreement or arrangement between the parties.
2.2 Expenses to be Paid by the Fund. The Fund shall bear all expenses of its operation, except those specifically allocated to the Adviser under this Agreement or under any separate agreement between the Trust and the Adviser. Subject to any separate agreement or arrangement between the Trust and the Adviser, the expenses hereby allocated to the Fund, and not to the Adviser, include but are not limited to:
2.2.1 Custody. All charges of depositories, custodians, and other agents for the transfer, receipt, safekeeping, and servicing of the Fund's cash, securities, and other property.
2.2.2 Shareholder Servicing. All expenses of maintaining and servicing shareholder accounts, including but not limited to the charges of any shareholder servicing agent,
dividend disbursing agent, transfer agent or other agent engaged by the Trust to service shareholder accounts.
2.2.3 Shareholder Reports. All expenses of preparing, setting in type, printing and distributing reports and other communications to shareholders.
2.2.4 Prospectuses. All expenses of preparing, converting to EDGAR format, filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission or other appropriate regulatory body, setting in type, printing and mailing annual or more frequent revisions of the Fund's Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and any supplements thereto and of supplying them to shareholders.
2.2.5 Pricing and Portfolio Valuation. All expenses of computing the Fund's net asset value per share, including any equipment or services obtained for the purpose of pricing shares or valuing the Fund's investment portfolio.
2.2.6 Communications. All charges for equipment or services used for communications between the Adviser or the Trust and any custodian, shareholder servicing agent, portfolio accounting services agent, or other agent engaged by the Trust.
2.2.7 Legal and Accounting Fees. All charges for services and expenses of the Trust's legal counsel and independent accountants.
2.2.8 Trustees' Fees and Expenses. All compensation of Trustees other than those affiliated with the Adviser, all expenses incurred in connection with such unaffiliated Trustees' services as Trustees, and all other expenses of meetings of the Trustees and committees of the Trustees.
2.2.9 Shareholder Meetings. All expenses incidental to holding meetings of shareholders, including the printing of notices and proxy materials, and proxy solicitations therefor.
2.2.10 Federal Registration Fees. All fees and expenses of registering and maintaining the registration of the Fund under the Act and the registration of the Fund's shares under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “1933 Act”), including all fees and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, converting to EDGAR format, setting in type, printing, and filing of any Registration Statement, Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information under the 1933 Act or the Act, and any amendments or supplements that may be made from time to time.
2.2.11 State Registration Fees. All fees and expenses of taking required action to permit the offer and sale of the Fund's shares under securities laws of various states or jurisdictions, and of registration and qualification of the Fund under all other laws applicable to the Trust or its business activities (including registering the Trust as a broker-dealer, or any officer of the Trust or any person as agent or salesperson of the Trust in any state).
2.2.12 Confirmations. All expenses incurred in connection with the issue and transfer of Fund shares, including the expenses of confirming all share transactions.
2.2.13 Bonding and Insurance. All expenses of bond, liability, and other insurance coverage required by law or regulation or deemed advisable by the Trustees of the Trust, including, without limitation, such bond, liability and other insurance expenses that may from time to time be allocated to the Fund in a manner approved by its Trustees.
2.2.14 Brokerage Commissions. All brokers' commissions and other charges incident to the purchase, sale or lending of the Fund's portfolio securities.
2.2.15 Taxes. All taxes or governmental fees payable by or with respect to the Fund to federal, state or other governmental agencies, domestic or foreign, including stamp or other transfer taxes.
2.2.16 Trade Association Fees. All fees, dues and other expenses incurred in connection with the Trust's membership in any trade association or other investment organization.
2.2.18 Compliance Fees. All charges for services and expenses of the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer.
2.2.19 Nonrecurring and Extraordinary Expenses. Such nonrecurring and extraordinary expenses as may arise including the costs of actions, suits, or proceedings to which the Trust is a party and the expenses the Trust may incur as a result of its legal obligation to provide indemnification to its officers, Trustees and agents.
3. Advisory Fee
As compensation for all services rendered, facilities provided and expenses paid or assumed by the Adviser under this Agreement, the Fund shall pay the Adviser on the last day of each month, or as promptly as possible thereafter, a fee calculated by applying a monthly rate, based on an annual percentage rate, to the Fund's average daily net assets for the month. The annual percentage rate applicable to the Fund is set forth in Appendix A to this Agreement, as it may be amended from time to time in accordance with Section 1.3 of this Agreement. If this Agreement shall be effective for only a portion of a month with respect to a Fund, the aforesaid fee shall be prorated for the portion of such month during which this Agreement is in effect for the Fund.
4. Proxy Voting
The Adviser will vote, or make arrangements to have voted, all proxies solicited by or with respect to the issuers of securities in which assets of a Fund may be invested from time to time. Such proxies will be voted in a manner that you deem, in good faith, to be in the best interest of the Fund and in accordance with your proxy voting policy. You agree to provide a copy of your proxy voting policy to the Trust prior to the execution of this Agreement, and any amendments thereto promptly.
5. Records
5.1 Tax Treatment. Both the Adviser and the Trust shall maintain, or arrange for others to maintain, the books and records of the Trust in such a manner that treats the Fund as a separate entity for federal income tax purposes.
5.2 Ownership. All records required to be maintained and preserved by the Trust pursuant to the provisions or rules or regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 31(a) of the Act and maintained and preserved by the Adviser on behalf of the Trust are the property of the Trust and shall be surrendered by the Adviser promptly on request by the Trust; provided, that the Adviser may at its own expense make and retain copies of any such records.
6. Reports to Adviser
The Trust shall furnish or otherwise make available to the Adviser such copies of the Fund's Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information, financial statements, proxy statements, reports and other information relating to its business and affairs as the Adviser may, at any time or from time to time, reasonably require in order to discharge its obligations under this Agreement.
7. Reports to the Trust
The Adviser shall prepare and furnish to the Trust such reports, statistical data and other information in such form and at such intervals as the Trust may reasonably request.
8. Code of Ethics
The Adviser has adopted a written code of ethics complying with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the Act and will provide the Trust with a copy of the code and evidence of its adoption. The Adviser will provide to the Board of Trustees of the Trust at least annually or as more frequently requested by the Trust a written report that describes any issues arising under the code of ethics since the last report to the Board of Trustees, including, but not limited to, information about material violations of the code and sanctions imposed in response to the material violations; and which certifies that the Adviser has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent “access persons” (as that term is defined in Rule 17j-1) from violating the code.
9. Retention of Sub-Adviser
Subject to the Trust's obtaining the initial and periodic approvals required under Section 15 of the Act, the Adviser may retain one or more sub-advisers, at the Adviser's own cost and expense, for the purpose of managing the investments of the assets of one or more Funds of the Trust. Retention of one or more sub-advisers shall in no way reduce the responsibilities or obligations of the Adviser under this Agreement and the Adviser shall, subject to Section 11 of this Agreement, be responsible to the Trust for all acts or omissions of any sub-adviser in connection with the performance of the Adviser's duties hereunder.
10. Services to Other Clients
Nothing herein contained shall limit the freedom of the Adviser or any affiliated person of the Adviser to render investment management and administrative services to other investment companies, to act as investment adviser or investment counselor to other persons, firms or corporations, or to engage in other business activities.
11. Limitation of Liability of Adviser and its Personnel
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. The federal securities laws impose liabilities under certain circumstances on persons who act in good faith, and therefore nothing herein shall in any way constitute a waiver or limitation of such rights which the Trust or the Fund may have under federal securities laws.
12. Effect of Agreement
Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to require to the Trust to take any action contrary to its Declaration of Trust or its By-Laws or any applicable law, regulation or order to which it is subject or by which it is bound, or to relieve or deprive the Trustees of the Trust of their responsibility for and control of the conduct of the business and affairs of the Trust.
13. Term of Agreement
With respect to the Fund, the term of this Agreement shall begin as of the date and year upon which the Fund commences investment operations, and unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided, this Agreement shall remain in effect for a period of two years. Thereafter, this Agreement shall continue in effect with respect to the Fund from year to year, subject to the termination provisions and all other terms and conditions hereof; PROVIDED, such continuance with respect to a Fund is approved at least annually by vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund or by the Trustees of the Trust; PROVIDED, that in either event such continuance is also approved annually by the vote, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of either party hereto. The Adviser shall furnish to the Trust, promptly upon its request, such information as may reasonably be necessary to evaluate the terms of this Agreement or any extension, renewal or amendment thereof.
14. Amendment or Assignment of Agreement
Any amendment to this Agreement shall be in writing signed by the parties hereto; PROVIDED, that no such amendment shall be effective unless authorized (i) by resolution of the Trustees of the Trust, including the vote or written consent of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of either party hereto, and (ii) by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund affected by such amendment if required by applicable law. This Agreement shall terminate automatically and immediately in the event of its assignment.
15. Termination of Agreement
Notwithstanding whatever may be provided herein to the contrary, this Agreement may be terminated at any time with respect to one or more Funds, without payment of any penalty:
(i) By vote of the Trust’s Board of Trustees, including the vote or written consent of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of either party hereto, or by “vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities” of the Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act), in each case, upon not more than 60 days’ written notice to the Adviser;
(ii) By any party hereto upon written notice to the other party in the event of a breach of any provision of this Agreement by the other party if the breach is not cured within 15 days of notice of the breach; or
(iii) By the Adviser upon 60 days’ written notice to the Trust.
16. Use of Name
The Trust is named the Northern Lights Fund Trust III and each Fund may be identified, in part, by the name “Northern Lights.”
17. Declaration of Trust
The Adviser is hereby expressly put on notice of the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Trust's Declaration of Trust and agrees that the obligations assumed by the Trust or a Fund, as the case may be, pursuant to this Agreement shall be limited in all cases to the Trust or a Fund, as the case may be, and its assets, and the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the shareholders or any shareholder of the Trust. In addition, the Adviser shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligations from the Trustees or any individual Trustee. The Adviser understands that the rights and obligations of any Fund under the Declaration of Trust are separate and distinct from those of any and all other Funds. The Adviser further understands and agrees that no Fund of the Trust shall be liable for any claims against any other Fund of the Trust and that the Adviser must look solely to the assets of the pertinent Fund of the Trust for the enforcement or satisfaction of any claims against the Trust with respect to that Fund.
18. Confidentiality
The Adviser agrees to treat all records and other information relating to the Trust and the securities holdings of the Funds as confidential and shall not disclose any such records or information to any other person unless (i) the Board of Trustees of the Trust has approved the disclosure or (ii) such disclosure is compelled by law. In addition, the Adviser and the Adviser's officers, directors, members and employees are prohibited from receiving compensation or other consideration, for themselves or on behalf of a Fund, as a result of disclosing the Fund's portfolio holdings. The Adviser agrees that, consistent with the Adviser's Code of Ethics, neither the Adviser nor the Adviser's officers, directors, members or employees may engage in personal securities transactions based on nonpublic information about a Fund's portfolio holdings.
19. Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
20. Interpretation and Definition of Terms
Any question of interpretation of any term or provision of this Agreement having a counterpart in or otherwise derived from a term or provision of the Act shall be resolved by reference to such term or provision of the Act and to interpretation thereof, if any, by the United States courts, or, in the absence of any controlling decision of any such court, by rules, regulations or orders of the Securities and Exchange Commission validly issued pursuant to the Act. Specifically, the terms “vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities,” “interested persons,” “assignment” and “affiliated person,” as used in this Agreement shall have the meanings assigned to them by Section 2(a) of the Act. In addition, when the effect of a requirement of the Act reflected in any provision of this Agreement is modified, interpreted or relaxed by a rule, regulation or order of the Securities and Exchange Commission, whether of special or of general application, such provision shall be deemed to incorporate the effect of such rule, regulation or order.
21. Captions
The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or delineate any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.
22. Execution in Counterparts
This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but both of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
[Signature Page Follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of the date and year first above written.
NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST III
By: _/s/ Andrew Rogers_
Name: Andrew Rogers
Title: President
HOWARD CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC.
By: __/s/ Vance Howard__
Name: Vance Howard
Title: President
NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST III
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
APPENDIX A
FUNDS OF THE TRUST
NAME OF FUND |
ANNUAL ADVISORY FEE AS A % OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF THE FUND |
HCM Tactical Growth Fund | 1.25% |
April 24, 2020
Northern Lights Fund Trust III
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, OH 45246
Re: Northern Lights Fund Trust III - File Nos. 333-178833 and 811-22655
Ladies and Gentlemen:
A legal opinion (the “Legal Opinion”) that we prepared was filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 439 to the Northern Lights Fund Trust III Registration Statement. We hereby give you our consent to incorporate by reference the Legal Opinion into Post-Effective Amendment No. 465 under the Securities Act of 1933 (Amendment No. 468 under the Investment Company Act of 1940) (the “Amendment”) and consent to all references to us in the Amendment.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Thompson Hine LLP
THOMPSON HINE LLP
ResQ Investment Partners, LLC
Compliance Policies and Procedures Manual
(Code of Ethics, Pages 36-44)
October 17, 2019
(Amended for Proxy Voting Policy, Org Chart Update 12/31/2018)
1. PROTECTION OF NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION
1.1 Code of Ethics – Adoption and Review
I. | Statement of General Principles |
This Code of Ethics has been adopted by ResQ Investment Partners, LLC (the “Adviser”) for the purpose of instructing all employees, officers, and directors of the Adviser in their ethical obligations and to provide rules for their personal securities transactions. All such persons owe a fiduciary duty to the Adviser’s clients. A fiduciary duty means a duty of loyalty, fairness and good faith towards the clients, and the obligation to adhere not only to the specific provisions of this Code but to the general principles that guide the Code. These general principles are:
· | Act with integrity, honesty, competence, diligence, respect, professionalism, and in an ethical manner with the public, existing or prospective clients, and with other supervised persons of the Adviser; |
· | The duty at all times to place the interests of clients first; |
· | The requirement that all personal securities transactions be conducted in a manner consistent with the Code of Ethics and in such a manner as to avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest or any abuse of any individual’s position of trust and responsibility; and |
· | The fundamental standard that such employees, officers, and directors should not take inappropriate advantage of their positions, or of their relationship with clients. |
It is imperative that the personal trading activities of the employees, officers, and directors of the Adviser be conducted with the highest regard for these general principles in order to avoid any possible conflict of interest, any appearance of a conflict, or activities that could lead to disciplinary action. This includes executing transactions through or for the benefit of a third party when the transaction is not in keeping with the general principles of this Code.
All personal securities transactions must also comply with the Adviser’s Insider Trading Policy and Procedures. Employees shall comply at all times with all applicable federal securities laws. Federal securities laws means the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, Regulation S-P, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, Title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, any rules adopted by the Securities & Exchange Commission under any of these statutes, the Bank Secrecy Act as it applies to funds and investment advisers, and any rules adopted thereunder by the Securities & Exchange Commission or the Department of the Treasury. Employees shall at all times maintain the confidentiality of client identities, security holdings, financial circumstances and other confidential information. Employees shall report any violations of this Code of Ethics promptly to the Compliance Officer.
II. | Definitions |
For purposes of this Code of Ethics:
A. | Access Persons (also referred to as Advisory Employees): any employee, officer, or director of the Adviser (or of any company in a control relationship to the Adviser) who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, participates in or makes recommendations with respect to the purchase or sale of securities; and any natural person who controls the Adviser and who obtains information about recommendations with respect to the purchase or sale of securities. Mutual Fund Distributors are not considered to be Access Persons or Advisory Employees. |
B. | Automatic Investment Plan: 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. |
C. | Beneficial Interest: ownership or any benefits of ownership, including the opportunity to directly or indirectly profit or otherwise obtain financial benefits from any interest in a security. |
D. Compliance Officer: the Compliance Officer is Taylor Davis.
E. | Employee Account: each account in which an Employee or a member of his or her family has any direct or indirect Beneficial Interest or over which such person exercises control or influence, including, but not limited to, any joint account, partnership, corporation, trust or estate. An Employee’s family members include the Employee’s spouse, minor children, any person living in the home of the Employee and any relative of the Employee (including in-laws) to whose support an Employee directly or indirectly contributes. |
F. | Employees: (also referred to as Supervised Persons) the employees, officers and directors of the Adviser, including Advisory Employees. The Compliance Officer will maintain a current list of all Employees (see Organizational Chart). |
G. | Exempt Transactions: transactions which are 1) effected in an amount or in a manner over which the Employee has no direct or indirect influence or control, 2) pursuant to an Automatic Investment Plan, 3) in connection with the exercise or sale of rights to purchase additional securities from an issuer and granted by such issuer pro-rata to all holders of a class of its securities, 4) in connection with the call by the issuer of a preferred stock or bond, 5) pursuant to the exercise by a second party of a put or call option, and 6) closing transactions no more than five business days prior to the expiration of a related put or call option. |
H. | Funds: any series of any investment company to which the Adviser provides investment advice. |
I. | Related Securities: securities issued by the same issuer or issuer under common control, or when either security gives the holder any contractual rights with respect to the other security, including options, warrants or other convertible securities. |
J. | Securities: any note, stock, treasury stock, 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, or, in general, any interest or instrument commonly known as a “security,” or |
any certificate or interest or participation in temporary or interim certificate for, receipt for, guarantee of, or warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase (including options) any of the foregoing; except for the following: 1) securities issued by the government of the United States, 2) bankers’ acceptances, 3) bank certificates of deposit, 4) commercial paper, and 5) high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements.
K. | Securities Transaction: the purchase or sale, or any action to accomplish the purchase or sale, of a Security for an Employee Account. The term Securities Transaction does not include transactions executed by the Adviser for the benefit of unaffiliated persons, such as investment advisory and brokerage clients. |
III. Personal Investment Guidelines and Standards of Conduct
A. Personal Accounts
1. | The Personal Investment Guidelines in this Section III do not apply to Exempt Transactions unless the transaction involves a private placement or initial public offering. Employees must remember that regardless of the transaction’s status as exempt or not exempt, the Employee’s fiduciary obligations remain unchanged. |
2. | Any Securities Transactions in a private placement must be authorized by the Compliance Officer, in writing, prior to the transaction. The Pre-Clearance Request Form for Limited Offerings and Initial Public Offerings should be completed. In connection with a private placement acquisition, the Compliance Officer will consider, among other factors, whether the investment opportunity should be reserved for a client, and whether the opportunity is being offered to the Employee by virtue of the Employee’s position with the Adviser. If the private placement acquisition is authorized, the Compliance Officer shall retain a record of the authorization and the rationale supporting the authorization. Employees who have been authorized to acquire securities in a private placement will, in connection therewith, be required to disclose that investment if and when the Employee takes part in any subsequent investment in the same issuer. In such circumstances, the determination to purchase Securities of that issuer on behalf of a client will be subject to an independent review by personnel of the Adviser with no personal interest in the issuer. |
In addition, Employees are prohibited from acquiring any Securities in an initial public offering without the prior written approval of the Compliance Officer. The Pre-Clearance Request Form for Limited Offerings and Initial Public Offerings should be completed. This restriction is imposed in order to preclude any possibility of an Employee profiting improperly from the Employee’s position with the Adviser. If the initial public offering is authorized, the Compliance Officer shall retain a record of the authorization and the rationale supporting the authorization.
3. | Effective May 10, 2018, Access Persons are no longer required to request pre-clearance for trades in their personal accounts with the exception of private placements and initial public offerings as stated above. The Funds primarily own Exchange-Traded Funds with large trading volumes, so personal trading should not move the market in these positions. However, in order to avoid any possible conflict of interest or appearance of a conflict, all Access Persons need to ensure they are not trading positions within their personal accounts on the same day as the Funds, as Access Persons do not have the ability to participate in a block trade with the Funds. |
The Funds utilize a different prime-broker than ResQ Investment Partners’ affiliated companies, as such Access Persons do not execute personal trades through the Funds’ prime-broker and therefore cannot participate in a block trade with the Funds.
Although pre-clearance of trades is no longer required, Access Persons need to check with the portfolio management team before trading a position in their personal account that is currently or was previously owned by the Funds or any other position that could potentially be purchased by the Funds. This is the only way for an Access Person to ensure they are not inadvertently trading positions within their personal accounts on the same day as the Funds.
If an Access Person trades a position prior to the Funds receiving a signal to trade the position on that same day, the Access Person should notify the Compliance Officer immediately, so it can be documented. All Access Persons’ personal account transactions feed into BasisCode Compliance where the transactions are reviewed against the Funds’ transactions. The Compliance Officer should also receive duplicate statements and confirmations for all Access Persons’ personal accounts to ensure compliance with the personal trading policy.
Effective July 8, 2019, an Access Person found in violation of this policy without a reasonable exemption, will receive a written warning after the first offense. After the second offense, the Access Person will be required to complete a training regarding Personal Trading/Insider Trading. Subsequent offenses could result in a probationary period where all personal trades would need to be pre-cleared. In the instance of a personal trading exception, the Compliance Officer will research and document the source and rationale for the trade within the Funds. If it is found that the Access Person knew about the Funds’ trade prior to placing their personal trade, there will be further consequences.
B. Gifts, Gratuities and Entertainment
No Advisory Employee shall, directly or indirectly, give or permit to be given anything of value (including gratuities) in excess of $100 per individual per year where such payment or gratuity is in relation to the business of the Adviser. This limitation does not include customary business entertainment, such as dinners or sporting events, where the Advisory Employee is the host of the dinner or event. Gifts of tickets to sporting events or similar gifts where an Advisory Employee does not accompany the client are subject to the $100 limits cited above.
Any gift to a client or prospective client by an Advisory Employee must be pre-approved by the Chief Compliance Officer. Documentation of the request for pre-approval and the approval granted by the Chief Compliance Officer must be maintained by the Chief Compliance Officer.
Annually, in January, all supervised persons must complete and submit a Gift & Entertainment Reporting Form to the CCO for the prior calendar year for any gifts and expenses that are not already reported on expense reports. Supervised persons should maintain a current and accurate log of all gifts given or received and all entertainment given or received that exceeds $50 that are not already reported on expense reports to ensure accurate reporting in January. The CCO is responsible for reviewing all Gift & Entertainment Reporting Forms and taking appropriate actions.
C. Outside Business Activities and Disciplinary Action
Supervised persons are prohibited from serving on the boards of directors of publicly traded companies, absent prior authorization by the Compliance Officer. The consideration of prior authorization will be based upon a determination that the board service will be consistent with the interests of clients. In the event that board service is authorized, supervised persons serving as directors will be isolated from other supervised persons making investment decisions with respect to the securities of the company in question. No outside employment or business activity will be approved which might pose or create the appearance of a conflict of interest or might otherwise interfere with the supervised person’s regular duties or working effectiveness.
As a supervised person of a registered investment adviser, you may be barred or otherwise disqualified from working for or associating with the Adviser depending on your current or past involvement in certain types of regulatory or legal proceedings. Consequently, all supervised persons are required to promptly notify the CCO of any criminal and other legal proceedings or investigations in which he/she may have been involved or may currently be involved or subject to.
In addition, supervised persons (including partners) are required to complete and submit an Outside Business Activity and Disciplinary Action Disclosure Form to the CCO on an annual basis.
D. Insider Trading Prohibition
In accordance with Section 204A of the Advisers Act, The Adviser is strictly prohibited from trading personally or on behalf of others, directly or indirectly, based on material, non-public, or confidential information. The Adviser additionally prohibits the communication of material non-public information to others in violation of the law. If you become aware of the misuse of material nonpublic information by an employee of The Adviser, you are required to report such to the Compliance Officer promptly.
The SEC defines material by saying that “Information is material if ‘there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable investor would consider it important’ in making an investment decision.” Information is non-public if it has not been disseminated in a manner making it available to investors generally.
If you come into possession of material non-public information, you must report such to the Compliance Officer, refrain from disclosing such information to anyone else at The Adviser or outside of the firm, and refrain from disclosing or issuing a recommendation that is based in whole or in part on that material non-public information. Please keep in mind that The Adviser’s policy with respect to Insider Trading applies to all situations where material, non-public information is received by a supervised person of The Adviser regardless of the source of that information (i.e., it does not matter whether the tipper is an “Insider” or if you obtained the information by overhearing a conversation to which you were not a party).
Upon notification, the Compliance Officer will determine an appropriate course of action to take based on the facts and circumstances of the situation, which may include a firm-wide prohibition on trading securities of, or related to, the issuer for client or personal accounts, a Restricted List, or heightened monitoring of internal and external communications. Any further dissemination of material non-public information may only be made to a party with a valid business reason for their need to know such information and only after obtaining approval from the Compliance Officer.
Additionally, it is the SEC’s position that the term “material nonpublic information” relates not only to information about issuers but also to an investment adviser’s securities recommendations to its clients and to clients’ securities holdings and transactions. This type of material nonpublic information does not need to be reported to the Compliance Officer, however, you should always treat such information as material and nonpublic, the dissemination of which or taking inappropriate advantage of would most likely cause substantial harm to clients.
E. Misleading Rumors
No person associated with the Adviser shall originate, or circulate in any manner outside the Adviser, a rumor concerning any security that such person knows or has reasonable grounds for believing is false or misleading and is likely to influence the market price of such security. A statement will not be considered a “rumor” if it is an expression of an individual or firm’s opinion, such as an analyst’s view of the prospects of a company.
F. | Political Contributions and Other Payments (“Pay to Play Rule” that applies to Contributions made by the Firm or a Firm Employee) |
Employees are prohibited from making political contributions for the purpose of obtaining or retaining advisory contracts with government entities. Furthermore, in no event may payment of anything of value be offered, promised or made to any government, government entity, government official, candidate for political office, political party or official of a political party (including any possible intermediary for any of the above) for the purposes of receiving favorable treatment or influencing any act or decision by any such person, organization or government for the benefit of the Adviser.
G. Other Ethical Matters
In addition to the General Principles, all supervised persons of the Adviser are expressly prohibited from:
• | “Front running” a client trade in their personal account or in an account belonging to the Adviser; |
• | “Piggy backing” a trade placed by a client in their advisory account in other advisory clients’ accounts, without having a separate reasonable basis for recommending such a transaction; |
• | Placing a client trade order based on rumors or engaging in rumormongering; |
• | Making a claim about an investment product unless that claim can be substantiated; |
• | Guaranteeing profit or protection from loss to any third-party; |
• | Representing the Adviser or taking any action on behalf of the Adviser in any transaction where you have a material connection or financial interest unless pre-approved by the Compliance Officer, including, but not limited to, the recommendation or implementation of a securities transaction for an advisory client; |
• | Without prior approval of the Compliance Officer, serving as executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, custodian, or in any other fiduciary capacity, whether for a fee or not, except for persons related to you by blood or marriage; and |
• | Borrowing money from an advisory client of the Adviser unless such borrowing is from a bank or other financial institution made in the ordinary course of business on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with members of the general public and does not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or include other unfavorable features. |
IV. Compliance Procedures
A. Employee Disclosure
1. | Within ten (10) days of commencement of employment with the Adviser, each employee must certify that he or she has read and understands this Code and recognizes that he or she is subject to it. Each Access Person must disclose the following information as of a date no more than 45 days prior to the date the person became an Employee: a) the title, type, CUSIP or ticker symbol, number of shares and principal amount of each Security in which the Employee has a Beneficial Interest when the person became an Access Person, b) the name of any broker/dealer with whom the Access Person maintained an account when the person became an Employee, and c) the date the report is submitted. |
2. | Annually or when amended, each Employee must certify that he or she has read and understands this Code and any amendment and recognizes that he or she is subject to it, that he or she has complied with the requirements of this Code and has disclosed or reported all personal Securities Transactions required to be disclosed or reported pursuant to the requirements of this Code. In addition, each Access Person shall annually provide the following information (as of a date no more than 45 days before the report is submitted): a) the title, type, CUSIP or ticker symbol, number of shares and principal amount of each Security in which the Access Person had any Beneficial Interest, b) the name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom the Access Person maintains an account in which any Securities are held for the direct or indirect benefit of the Access Person, and c) the date the report is submitted. |
B. Compliance
1. | All Access Persons must request and authorize their broker, dealer, mutual fund, and bank custodians to send duplicate account statements and trade confirmations for all securities accounts, over which they have any direct or indirect influence or control and which hold securities for their direct or indirect benefit, to the Adviser. All access persons are also responsible for ensuring that their broker, dealer, mutual fund or bank has appropriate directions on file to ensure that the Adviser receives duplicate trade confirmations and account statements. Transactions in securities that are not affected in such accounts (e.g., private placements) must be manually reported on a Quarterly Transaction Report Form. The CCO will notify access persons if duplicate trade confirmations and/or statements are not being received or are no longer being received. All Employees must certify that he or she has reported all transactions required to be disclosed pursuant to the requirements of this Code. The report will also identify |
any trading account, in which the Access Person has a direct or indirect Beneficial Interest, established during the quarter with a broker, dealer or bank.
2. | The Compliance Officer will, on a quarterly basis, check the trading account statements provided by brokers to verify that the Access Person has not violated the Code. The Compliance Officer shall identify all Access Persons, inform those persons of their reporting obligations, and maintain a record of all current and former Access Persons. |
3. | If an Employee violates this Code, the Compliance Officer will report the violation to the Board of each Fund for appropriate remedial action which, in addition to the actions specifically delineated in other sections of this Code, may include a reprimand of the Employee, or suspension or termination of the Employee’s relationship with the Fund and/or the Adviser. |
4. | All new employees, officers, directors, and supervised persons of the Adviser are required to read this manual as part of the Adviser’s orientation procedures and are required to comply with all provisions contained within. Periodically, the CCO will distribute copies of amendments to the manual that all employees are also required to read and abide by. All employees are required to certify their review and understanding of the contents of this manual and their agreement to abide by it by signing the Initial/Annual Compliance Program Certification Form. The certification will be required upon initial hiring, any time material amendments are made to the policies and procedures, and annually thereafter. |
1.2 Disclosure of Portfolio holdings
Policy: The holdings of advisory clients, including mutual fund clients, are confidential and should not be disclosed or distributed except as authorized in this policy. Complete mutual fund holdings are available to all shareholders and other interested parties in the annual and semi-annual reports of the Funds, which are sent to shareholders within 60 days of the end of the second and fourth fiscal quarters and which are filed with the SEC on Form N-CSR within 70 days of the end of the second and fourth fiscal quarters. A mutual fund also is required to file a schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC on Form N-Q within 60 days of the end of the first and third fiscal quarters. A mutual fund must provide a copy of the complete schedule of portfolio holdings as filed with the SEC to any shareholder of the fund, upon request, free of charge. Additionally, the Adviser, and any affiliated persons of the Adviser, is prohibited from receiving compensation or other consideration, for themselves or on behalf of the fund, as a result of disclosing the fund’s portfolio holdings.
Procedure: If the Adviser wishes to release portfolio holdings information on an ad hoc or special basis, it must submit any proposed arrangement to the Board of Trustees/Directors of the any mutual fund client, which will review such arrangement to determine whether it is (i) in the best interests of fund shareholders, (ii) whether the information will be kept confidential (iii) whether sufficient protections are in place to guard against personal trading based on the information and (iv) whether the disclosure presents a conflict of interest between the interests of fund shareholders and those of the Adviser, or any affiliated person of the Fund or the Adviser.
Responsible Party: Chief Compliance Officer
Counterpoint Mutual Funds, LLC
Code of Ethics
and
Compliance Policies & Procedures
Adopted Upon 2/12/2015
Amended 1/18/2016
Amended 7/10/2017
Amended 9/19/2017
Amended 3/7/2019
Amended 10/21/2019
Amended 1/7/2020
Amended 2/10/2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CODE OF ETHICS AND STANDARDS OF BUSINESS CONDUCT | 4 |
1. Introduction | 4 |
2. Definitions | 4 |
3. Scope of the Code | 7 |
4. Fiduciary Duty | 8 |
5. Standards of Business Conduct | 9 |
6. Personal Trading | 13 |
7. Insider Trading | 17 |
8. Preserving Confidentiality | 20 |
9. Violations of the Code | 20 |
CODE OF ETHICS AND STANDARDS OF BUSINESS CONDUCT
1. | Introduction |
Pursuant to Rule 204A-1 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“the Advisers Act”), an investment adviser is required to establish, maintain, and enforce a written code of ethics that must set forth standards of conduct expected of advisory personnel and address conflicts that arise from personal trading by advisory personnel.
Similar requirements to adopt a written code of ethics exist under Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“Investment Company Act”) for investment advisers to registered investment companies.
As an investment advisory firm registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) under the Advisers Act, Counterpoint Mutual Funds, LLC (“Counterpoint,” “we,” “our,” “the firm” or “us”) has adopted the following Code of Ethics and Standards of Business Conduct (the “Code”), which will govern the activities of all Supervised Persons of the firm.
2. | Definitions |
Defined terms used throughout this Code have the following meanings:
Access Person
An “Access Person” is defined as follows:
Fund Access Person
A “Fund Access Person” means:
1. | Any Advisory Person of a Fund or of a Fund's investment adviser. If an investment adviser's primary business is advising Funds or other advisory clients, all of the investment adviser's directors, officers, and general partners are presumed to be Access Persons of any Fund advised by the investment adviser. All of a Fund's directors, officers, and general partners are presumed to be Access Persons of the Fund. |
2. | Any director, officer or general partner of a principal underwriter who, in the ordinary course of business, makes, participates in or obtains information regarding, the purchase or sale of Covered Securities by the Fund for which the principal underwriter acts, or whose functions or duties in the ordinary course of business relate to the making of any recommendation to the Fund regarding the purchase or sale of Covered Securities. |
Advisory Person of a Fund
An “Advisory Person of a Fund” or of a Fund's investment adviser means:
1. | Any director, officer, general partner or employee of the Fund or investment adviser (or of any company in a control relationship to the Fund or investment adviser) who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes, participates in, or obtains information regarding, the purchase or sale of Covered Securities by a Fund, or whose functions relate to the making of any recommendations with respect to such purchases or sales; and |
2. | Any natural person in a control relationship to the Fund or investment adviser who obtains information concerning recommendations made to the Fund with regard to the purchase or sale of Covered Securities by the Fund. |
Beneficial Owner
An individual is a “beneficial owner” of an account if the individual has or shares a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in the securities in the account. A pecuniary interest means the opportunity, directly or indirectly, to profit or share in any profit derived from a transaction in the securities. An indirect pecuniary interest includes but is not limited to: securities held by members of a person’s immediate family sharing the same household, a person’s interest in securities held by a trust, and a person’s right to acquire equity securities through the exercise or conversion of any derivative security, whether or not presently exercisable.
The definition of “beneficial ownership” is complex. If you have any question whether you have a beneficial interest in a security, please consult with our Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”).
Federal Securities Laws
“Federal securities laws” means the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”), the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Investment Company Act”), the Advisers Act, Title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, any rules adopted by the Commission under any of these statutes, the Bank Secrecy Act as it applies to funds and investment advisers, and any rules adopted thereunder by the Commission or the Department of the Treasury.
Immediate Family
“Immediate family” means any of the following persons who reside in the same household as the Access Person:
Child Grandparent Son-In-Law
Stepchild Spouse Daughter-In-Law
Grandchild Sibling Brother-In-Law
Parent Mother-In-Law Sister-In-Law
Stepparent Father-In-Law
Immediate family includes adoptive relationships and any other relationship (whether or not recognized by law or shown above), which the CCO determines could lead to possible conflicts of interest,
diversions of corporate opportunity, or appearances of impropriety, which this Code is intended to prevent.
Limited Offering
“Limited offering” means an offering that is exempt from registration under the Securities Act pursuant to section 4(2) or section 4(6) or pursuant to Regulation D §§ 230.504, 230.505, or 230.506.
This includes transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering; transactions involving offers by an issuer solely to one or more accredited investors, if the aggregate offering price of an issue of securities offered in reliance on the registration exemption does not exceed the amount allowed under regulation, if there is no advertising or public solicitation in connection with the transaction by the issuer or anyone acting on the issuer’s behalf, and if the issuer files notice with the Commission as the Commission prescribes; or transactions that meet exemptions as provided under Regulation D.
Reportable Security
A “Reportable Security” includes any interest or instrument that is commonly considered a “security,” including, but not limited to:
A “Reportable Security” does not include securities that are:
Supervised Person
Counterpoint’s “Supervised Persons” are:
1. | Counterpoint’s managers, partners, officers, and directors (or other persons occupying a similar status or performing similar functions); |
2. | Counterpoint’s employees; and |
3. | Any other persons who provide advice on behalf of Counterpoint and are subject to Counterpoint’s supervision and control. |
3. | Scope of the Code |
Supervised Persons
1. | All Supervised Persons of Counterpoint are subject to and required to comply with the Code at all times. |
2. | “You” are a Supervised Person of the firm. |
3. | The Code and subsequent Compliance Policies & Procedures (“P&P”) make use of functional titles/roles to identify Supervised Persons and their responsibilities. As a Supervised Person, you should be mindful that you may have multiple functional roles and must take care to identify all of the policies and procedures for which you are responsible. |
4. | At times Counterpoint may have temporary personnel, such as independent contractors or clerical personnel provided by an agency. Generally, the nature of those individuals’ engagements and activities will not be such that they would be Supervised Persons. Counterpoint will decide the status of those personnel on a case-by-case basis. |
Chief Compliance Officer
Supervision
or authority, in order to prevent violation of applicable statutes, regulations, or provisions of the Code.
Amendments
a. | Initially, before it is retained as an investment adviser to the fund; and |
b. | With each material change, no later than six months after adoption of the change. |
Code of Ethics Acknowledgements
4. | Fiduciary Duty |
Counterpoint is an investment adviser and as such is a fiduciary that owes our clients a duty of undivided loyalty. Counterpoint and our Supervised Persons will:
Counterpoint and our Supervised Persons will not:
5. | Standards of Business Conduct |
This Code summarizes the standards of conduct for Supervised Persons of Counterpoint. Its purpose is to promote and maintain the highest level of professional conduct and business ethics among all Supervised Persons, so that we do not compromise our clients’ well-being and interests.
Compliance with Securities Laws & Rules
Conflicts of Interest
Outside Business Activities
a. | Being employed by or compensated by any other entity; |
b. | Being active in any other business, including part-time, evening, or weekend employment; |
c. | Serving as an officer, director or partner in any other entity; |
d. | Serving on the board of a public company; |
e. | Ownership interest in any non-publicly traded company or other private, non-real property investment; |
f. | Engaging in any public speaking or writing activities related to investment management; |
g. | Acting as a trustee for client accounts, with the exception of immediate or close family accounts; |
h. | Acting as a general partner of a client limited partnership, or acting as a managing member of a client limited liability company; |
i. | Holding a seat in public office, or committing to a candidacy or a formal position on a campaign committee; |
j. | Operating a hedge fund or sponsoring or participating in an association or group formed to invest in securities (e.g., an investment club); or |
k. | Recommending another firm’s financial planning, investment management, brokerage or similar services for a referral fee. |
Maintenance of Independence and Objectivity
Gifts and Entertainment
a. | Supervised Persons may not give any gift (including reimbursements or other items of value) to any client, vendor, potential vendor or anyone else that does business or seeks to do business with the firm that is in excess of $200 per calendar year per person/entity, without prior approval from the CCO. |
b. | Supervised Persons may not make gifts (including reimbursements or other items of value) to potential clients with the exception of de minimis items that would be considered exclusions under these policies (see below). |
c. | Supervised Persons may not accept any gift (including reimbursements or other items of value) from any client, potential client, vendor, potential vendor, or anyone else that does business or seeks to do business with the firm that is in excess of $200 per calendar year per person/entity, without approval from the CCO. |
d. | Cash and/or cash equivalents may never be offered or accepted, regardless of the amount. For purposes of this policy, merchant gift cards are not considered cash equivalents. |
e. | Supervised Persons may not provide or accept extravagant or excessive entertainment to or from a client, prospective client, or any person or entity that does or seeks to do business with the firm. Supervised Persons may occasionally provide or accept a business entertainment event, such as a dinner, sporting event, or concert of reasonable value, as well as any transportation and/or lodging accompanying or related to such activity or event. Normally, the person or entity providing the entertainment will be present. Counterpoint does not consider these occasional entertainment expenses to be gifts and therefore does not count them toward the annual gift allowance. However, no entertainment event should be given or accepted in such frequency or amount that would violate Counterpoint’s overriding principle as stated above. Generally, business entertainment of not more than $500 per individual per year is considered reasonable. All entertainment events in excess of $500 given or received must be pre-approved by the CCO. |
f. | From time to time, Supervised Persons may receive offers to attend conferences, seminars, due diligence meetings, or similar events provided by or sponsored by a person or entity that does or seeks to do business with Counterpoint, such as a mutual fund company, issuer, vendor, custodian, or broker-dealer. In addition, the sponsors may offer to cover or reimburse Counterpoint for the costs associated with the attendance of these events such as travel, lodging, meals, and conference fees. Supervised Persons may not accept transportation or lodging offers; rather the cost for these expenses will be borne by the Supervised Person or Counterpoint. Offers for any other expense coverage must be submitted for pre-approval to the CCO, who will make a determination on whether the event and/or any covered or reimbursed expenses associated with the event would present Counterpoint with related real or perceived conflicts of interest. In considering granting approval for such events, the CCO will consider, among other things, the extent to which the event enhances the firm’s management of client accounts or supports the firm’s due diligence process of reviewing securities and issuers. |
g. | Supervised Persons must report all gifts and entertainment in excess of the limits set forth above to the CCO, who will maintain a record of such items, including the name of the person or company giving/receiving the item, the date the item was given/received, a description of the item, and its approximate value. |
Exclusions
The following items are not subject to Counterpoint’s Gifts and Entertainment policies:
Additional Standards
Supervised Persons may be subject to additional codes of conduct mandated by professional organizations of which the Supervised Person is a member or designation holder. As a matter of professional integrity and responsibility, Supervised Persons must always abide by the higher standard in situations where varying procedures among multiple entities exist. Supervised Persons may be subject to an additional Code of Ethics and professional responsibilities as it relates to any professional designations held by each Supervised Person. The provisions of any additional standards are not incorporated into this Code, but examples of other professional standards that may apply are noted below.
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
Certain Supervised Persons of Counterpoint have earned the right to use the CFA designation and are members of the CFA Institute. In addition to the firm’s Code, all such Supervised Persons are also subject to the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct.
6. | Personal Trading |
5. | The CCO will generally consider the following factors when reviewing Reportable Security holdings and transactions reports as well as pre-clearance requests: |
a. | Whether the investment opportunity should be directed to a client’s account; |
b. | Whether the amount or nature of the transaction affected the price or market for the security; |
c. | Whether the Access Person benefited from purchases or sales being made for clients; |
d. | Whether the transaction harmed any client; and |
e. | Whether the transaction has the appearance of impropriety. |
Current Access Persons
Personal Securities Transactions Policy
Pre-Clearance of Trades
a. | That involves the purchase of an initial public offering (“IPO”), both in new issues and secondary offerings, |
b. | That involves the purchase of a limited offering (defined above), including all private placements, or |
c. | In any Reportable Security (as defined above) with the exception of: |
i. | broad market index ETFs and broad market futures and derivatives (such as futures options, options) that track such broad market index ETFs and broad market futures; or |
ii. | individual municipal bonds; or |
iii. | sector and commodity-related ETFs and derivatives (such as futures options, options) that track such sector and commodity-related ETFs and futures |
a. | For subsequent purchases of securities effected pursuant to an automatic investment plan that was previously approved or exempt pursuant to these policies; or |
b. | Reportable funds (registered investment companies for which Counterpoint serves as an investment adviser or whose investment adviser or principal underwriter controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with Counterpoint) |
a. | Pre-approval requests must be submitted using the firm’s Pre-Approval for Securities Transaction Form or other written request (including e-mail) containing the same information as the form. Any pre-approval requests sent via e-mail must be copied to the “trading” e-mail for recordkeeping purposes. |
b. | Only upon the receipt of written approval may the Access Person execute the desired transaction. |
c. | Pre-approvals for limited offerings are granted for 30 days. If the Access Person does not purchase a limited offering within the 30 days, the Access Person must submit a new request if desiring to participate on a later date. |
a. | The proposed transaction is a violation of the Code; |
b. | The proposed transaction is a violation of the P&P; or |
c. | The proposed transaction creates a conflict of interest that may reasonably affect the ability of that Access Person to provide independent, objective advice and to act in the best interest of the client. |
Personal Account Reporting
Personal Holdings Reports
a. | The title and type of security, and as applicable, the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, number of shares and principal amount of each reportable security in which the Access Person has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership; |
b. | The name of any broker, dealer or bank with which the Access Person maintains an account in which any securities are held for the Access Person’s direct or indirect benefit; and |
c. | The date the Access Person submits the report. |
Personal Security Transaction Reports
a. | The date of the transaction, the title, and as applicable the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, interest rate and maturity date, number of shares, and principal amount of each Reportable Security involved; |
b. | The nature of the transaction (i.e., purchase, sale or any other type of acquisition or disposition); |
c. | The price of the security at which the transaction was effected; |
d. | The name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through which the transaction was effected; and |
e. | The date the Access Person submits the report. |
7. | Insider Trading |
The Insider Trading and Securities Fraud Enforcement Act of 1988 requires an investment adviser to establish, maintain and enforce written policies and procedures designed to prevent the misuse of material nonpublic information by its directors, officers and employees.
Counterpoint has adopted the following policies and procedures to reasonably prevent the misuse of material nonpublic information. All Supervised Persons of Counterpoint are required to adhere to the firm’s policy.
Background
Pursuant to Section 204A of the Advisers Act, registered investment advisers are required to maintain and enforce written policies reasonably designed to prevent the misuse of material nonpublic information by the adviser or any person associated with the adviser.
The securities laws prohibit improper disclosure or use of nonpublic information relative to publicly traded securities. Violations of the prohibitions against “insider trading” are punishable by severe sanctions, including criminal penalties. In general, the securities laws prohibit trading by a person while in the possession of material nonpublic information about a company or about the market for that company’s securities. The securities laws also prohibit a person who is in possession of material nonpublic information from communicating any such information to others.
Insider trading violations are likely to result in harsh consequences for the individuals involved, including exposure to investigations by the Commission, criminal and civil prosecution, disgorgement of any profits realized or losses avoided through the use of the nonpublic information, civil penalties of up to $1 million or three times such profits or losses, whichever is greater, exposure to additional liability in private actions, and incarceration.
Insider
The term “insider” includes both traditional insiders and temporary insiders. A traditional insider is generally any officer, director, partner, manager, or employee of a company who obtains material nonpublic information about that company by virtue of his/her position or relationship with the company. A traditional insider who acts on inside information breaches a duty of trust and confidence to the shareholders of his/her corporation. A temporary insider is any person who receives material
nonpublic information about a company in the course of performing services for the company. Temporary insiders may include, but are not limited to, accountants, lawyers, consultants, underwriters, or the immediate family members of traditional insiders. A temporary insider who acts on inside information breaches a duty of loyalty and confidentiality to the person who shared the confidential information with him/her. An insider who becomes aware of and uses or discloses material nonpublic information about a company obtained as the result of his/her relationship with another company may be deemed to have misappropriated such information.
Material
The term “material information” is generally defined as information that a reasonable investor would consider important in making his/her investment decision with respect to a company’s securities or information that is reasonably certain to affect the market price of the company’s securities, regardless of whether the information is directly related to the company’s business. Material information may include, but is not limited to: dividend changes, earnings estimates, changes in previously released earnings estimates, significant new products or discoveries, significant mergers or tender offer proposals or agreements, developments regarding major litigation by or against the company, liquidity or solvency problems, extraordinary management developments, or similar major developments.
Nonpublic
Information is to be considered “nonpublic” until it has been effectively disseminated to the marketplace for a sufficient period of time to be reflected in the security’s price. Information remains nonpublic until it has been publicly disclosed, meaning that it has been broadly distributed to the public in a non-exclusionary manner, such as via a filing with the Commission, or by appearance in publications of general circulation.
Policies
All Supervised Persons must adhere to the following:
Procedures and Responsible Party
a. | Report the matter immediately to the CCO; |
b. | Not purchase, sell or recommend securities on behalf of yourself or others, including accounts managed by Counterpoint; |
c. | Not communicate the information inside or outside Counterpoint other than to the CCO or senior management. |
After the CCO has reviewed the matter, the Supervised Person will be instructed as to the proper course of action to take.
Questions about Counterpoint’s Insider Trading Policy
While compliance with the law and with Counterpoint’s policies and procedures described in this manual is each individual’s responsibility, interpretive questions may arise, such as whether certain information is material or nonpublic, or whether trading restrictions should be applicable in a given situation. Any questions should immediately be addressed to the CCO, who has been designated by Counterpoint to respond to such questions.
Violations of Insider Trading
Violations of Counterpoint’s policies and procedures relative to prohibitions against insider trading will be regarded with the utmost seriousness and will constitute grounds for immediate dismissal and/or reporting to all applicable legal authorities.
8. | Preserving Confidentiality |
Counterpoint has implemented policies and procedures, which are outlined in Counterpoint’s P&P, to limit the sharing of and access to nonpublic personal information regarding the firm’s clients to Counterpoint personnel and third parties, as applicable, who need that information to provide services to those clients.
Supervised Persons must preserve the confidentiality of information communicated by clients, prospects, or employees unless you receive information concerning illegal activities. If a Supervised Person becomes aware of illegal activity, the information should be given directly to the CCO for further action.
9. | Violations of the Code |
Supervised Persons must promptly report any violation or suspected violation of the Code or of any securities laws or rules to the CCO. Such reports will be treated confidentially to the extent permitted by law and investigated promptly and appropriately. Reporting may be on an anonymous basis. No retaliation or retribution of any kind will be taken against a Supervised Person for reporting a violation or potential violation in good faith. Retaliation against a person for reporting an alleged violation is also a violation of this Code.
If the CCO is not available or is suspected of being involved in the reported violation, Supervised Persons may report the violation to the ACO, provided the CCO receives a copy of the report.
All reports will be promptly investigated and, if deemed necessary, appropriate action will be taken. The CCO will be responsible for leading any investigations and reporting violations and investigative findings to the appropriate supervisor and senior management.
Nothing in this section or anywhere else in the Code prohibits any Supervised Person from reporting possible violations of federal law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity, including but not limited to the Department of Justice, the SEC, the Congress, and any agency Inspector General, or from making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation. Supervised Persons are not required to seek or obtain the prior authorization of
Counterpoint before making any such report or disclosure, and Supervised Persons are not required to notify Counterpoint that they have made such a report or disclosure.
Reports to Mutual Fund
Per Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act, investment advisers to registered funds must annually provide to the fund’s board of directors a written report that:
Sanctions/Disciplinary Policy
Counterpoint and senior management may use any or all of the following sanctions against any Supervised Person found to have violated either the Code or the firm’s P&P.
Investment Adviser
COMPLIANCE MANUAL
Gratus Capital, LLC
February 7, 2020
THE REFERENCES TO LAWS AND VARIOUS REGULATIONS CONTAINED WITHIN THIS MANUAL WILL BE PERIODICALLY REVIEWED AND UPDATED TO INSURE THEY ARE CURRENT WITH FUTURE AMENDMENTS OR NEWLY ADOPTED REGULATION.
XIII. | CODE OF ETHICS AND INSIDER TRADING POLICY |
A. | Code of Ethics |
1. | Statement of General Policy |
This Code of Ethics has been adopted by Gratus Capital, LLC and applies to all of its personnel. The basic principle to govern all persons is that their functions should be performed with loyalty to our Clients. All personnel receive annually, in January, a copy of this Code including updates or amendments, if any. Each person must submit an acknowledgement of receipt and certify that he or she has complied with the Code throughout the previous year.
In adhering to the foregoing basic principle of loyalty, a person must not profit, directly or indirectly, from his or her position with the company. No such person shall take for personal benefit any corporate opportunity for profit, which that person learns about from his or her position.
All persons are required to report immediately to the Advisor’s CCO or Managing Directors any violations of this Code of Ethics.
2. | Definition of Terms Used |
(a) | "Advisor" means Gratus Capital, LLC |
(b) | "Fund" means any investment company advised by the Advisor, whether directly or through a subadvisory arrangement, and any entity |
exempt from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940 pursuant paragraphs (1) or (7) of Section 3 (c) of that Act.
(c) | "Client" means any investment Client of the Advisor including a Fund. |
(d) | "Investment department personnel" mean all employees who work in the Advisor's investment department, including portfolio managers, research analysts, trading personnel and staff. |
(e) | "Beneficial interest" includes: (i) the ownership of any security held in the name of a person or a spouse, minor child or relative of a person or relative of a spouse of a person sharing the same household; and (ii) any contract, understanding, relationship, agreement or other arrangement by which a person obtains present or future benefits substantially equivalent to an ownership interest in a security. Beneficial interest does not include activities of such spouse, children or relatives of a person in his or her capacity as an employee or owner of a business that sells or buys securities for non-Advisor (third party) Clients, or advises non-Advisor (third party) Clients as to securities. |
(f) | "Personal benefit" includes any intended benefit for oneself or any other individual, company, group or organization of any kind whatsoever except a benefit for a Client, but such term does not include any investment advisory fee payable to the Advisor by a Client or, in the case of any Fund, payment in the nature of a dividend or distribution paid by the Client on terms governing the payment of such dividends and distributions to all owners of such entity. |
(g) | "Security" includes without limitation any and all stocks, bonds, notes, bills, debentures and any interest commonly known as a security including any interest that might be selected for, or be included in, a Client's portfolio and also includes puts, calls, other options or rights in such securities, securities-based futures contracts and ETFs or inverse index ETF’s. |
3. | Transactions With The Clients |
No person shall sell to, or purchase from, a Client any security or other property (except merchandise in the ordinary course of business), in which such person has or would acquire a beneficial interest, unless such purchase or sale involves solely securities of that Client.
4. | Disclosure of Information |
No person shall discuss with or otherwise inform others of any actual or contemplated security transaction by a Client or the Adviser except in the performance of employment duties or in an official capacity and then only for the benefit of the
Client or the Adviser, as appropriate, and in no event for personal benefit or for the benefit of others.
No person shall release information to dealers or brokers or others (except to those concerned with the execution of the transaction) as to any investment portfolio changes, proposed or in process, except (i) upon the completion of such changes, or
(ii) when the disclosure results from the publication of a Fund prospectus, or (iii) in conjunction with a regular report to Clients or to any governmental authority resulting in such information becoming public knowledge or (iv) in connection with any report to which Clients are entitled.
5. | Preferential Treatment, Gifts, and Entertainment |
No person shall seek or accept favors, preferential treatment, or any other personal benefit because of his or her association with a Client or the Adviser, except those usual and normal benefits directly provided by such Client or the Adviser.
No person shall accept any entertainment, gift or other personal benefit that may create or appear to create a conflict between the interests of such person and any Client or the Adviser. In addition, investment department personnel are prohibited from receiving any gift or other thing of more than de minimis value ($250.00) from any person or entity that does business with or on behalf of any Client or the Adviser.
6. | Conflicts of Interest |
If any person is aware of a personal interest that is, or might be, in conflict with the interest of a Client, that person should disclose the situation or transaction and the nature of the conflict to the President of the Adviser for appropriate consideration.
7. | Service as a Director |
Investment department personnel are prohibited from serving on the boards of directors of publicly traded companies, absent prior authorization by the President of the Adviser based upon a determination that the board service would be consistent with the interests of the Clients and that adequate procedures exist to ensure isolation from those making investment decisions.
8. | Inside Information |
Securities laws and regulations prohibit the misuse of "inside" or "material non- public" information when trading or recommending securities.
Inside information obtained by any person from any source must be kept strictly confidential. All inside information should be kept secure, and access to files and computer files containing such information should be restricted. Persons shall not act upon or disclose material non-public or insider information except as may be necessary for legitimate business purposes on behalf of a Client or the Adviser as
appropriate. Questions and requests for assistance regarding insider information should be promptly directed to the Adviser's legal counsel.
Inside information may include, but is not limited to, knowledge of pending orders or research recommendations, corporate finance activity, mergers or acquisitions, and other material non-public information that could affect the price of a security.
Client and Client account information is also confidential and must not be discussed with any individual whose responsibilities do not require knowledge of such information.
9. | Personal Security Transactions |
No person shall knowingly take advantage of a corporate opportunity of the Adviser or Client for personal benefit, or take action inconsistent with such person's obligations to the Adviser or Clients. All personal securities transactions must be consistent with this Code of Ethics and must avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest or any abuse of any person's position of trust and responsibility. The following rules apply to all accounts in which a person has a beneficial interest:
a) | All Persons: |
(1) No person shall purchase or sell any security which such person knows that the Adviser either is purchasing or selling, or is considering for purchase or sale, for one or more Clients.
(2) No person shall knowingly purchase or sell a security during any period when there is an open order for the purchase or sale of that security by a Client and, subject to sub-paragraph (f) below, for three days after such order has been executed or cancelled.
(3) No person shall purchase any securities in an initial public offering without prior written authorization of the acquisition by the Chief Compliance Officer.
(4) No person shall purchase any securities in a limited offering without prior written authorization of the acquisition by the Chief Compliance Officer.
b) | Related Instruments: |
When anything in this paragraph prohibits the purchase or sale of a security, it also prohibits the purchase or sale of any related securities, such as puts, calls, other options or rights in such securities.
c) | Disgorgement: |
Any person who trades in violation of this paragraph 8 must unwind the trade or disgorge the profits.
d) | Exceptions: |
(1) Under unusual circumstances, such as a personal financial emergency, employee stock ownership plans, stock option plans and certain personal trusts, or when it is clear that no conflict of interest or other breach of duty is involved, application for an exception may be made to the CCO of the Adviser, with a copy of the request delivered to the President of the Adviser, which application may be granted or denied. To request consideration of an exception, submit a written request containing the details of your circumstances, reasons for the exception and the exception requested. The request should be sent to the CCO of the Adviser.
(2) This paragraph shall not apply to transactions involving U.S. Government securities, bankers' acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, and non-volitional purchases and sales, such as dividend reinvestment programs or "calls” or redemptions of securities.
(3) The clearance and reporting provisions of this chapter shall not apply to transactions by or for any client, ownership by the Adviser or an Affiliate of the Adviser of a qualifying interest in a Client (such as shares of a Fund) shall not disqualify the Client from this exception.
(4) Purchases or sales of securities involving less than 2,000 shares of any security included in the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index.
(5) Purchases or sales of securities involving less than 2,000 shares of a security of a company with a market capitalization in excess of
$200 million and average daily trading volume in excess of 50,000 shares for the past ten days.
(6) Purchase or sales of options contracts on a broad-based market index.
(7) Purchases or sales of securities effected in any account in which the Adviser personnel has no beneficial ownership.
e) | Clearance |
A person who wishes to purchase or sell a security which the Adviser is purchasing or selling for a Client, and who is prohibited from executing such transaction, may later request pre-clearance to execute such transaction once
the portfolio manager responsible for the Client transactions confirms to the CCO by a time stamped writing, that all transactions in the subject security have been completed for all Clients, and a transaction may be effected pursuant to this procedure notwithstanding the fact that a Client transaction has occurred within the preceding three day period. For the purposes of approving transactions pursuant to this paragraph (f), the CCO may deem all transactions in a security for Clients to be completed if the only factor which may result in further transactions in such security will be the unanticipated addition of funds to, or removal of funds from, a client account. Trades taking place within proprietary accounts that are included on the firms list of managed accounts and traded alongside client accounts require allocations to be done only after all allocations have been made to client accounts. These trades may take place within the same block trade as client accounts.
f) | Open End Investment Company |
When an employee places a personal securities transaction in shares of an open-end investment company, the employee shall not knowingly request, direct, or authorize the transaction to be placed or executed at any price that is not consistent with the laws and regulations governing pricing of such transactions. An employee shall not place any transaction intended to benefit from short-term trading of any open-end investment company security if such transaction is not consistent with the publicly disclosed policies and practices announced by that investment company. EMPLOYEES MUST PRE- CLEARPERSONAL TRANSACTIONS IN ANY FUND MANAGED BY
GRATUS, and shall never engage in such a practice in any fund with which Gratus is affiliated.
10. | Procedures |
Each person must follow these procedures for all securities or accounts in which he or she has a beneficial interest:
Pre-clearance:
All employees are required to strictly comply with the firm’s policies and procedures regarding personal securities transactions, including transactions in any fund managed by Gratus. Employees are required to custody their investment accounts at Schwab.
IPOs: Employees are required to receive prior approval before acquiring any securities in an initial public offering. Requests are to be submitted through Schwab Compliance Technologies. The CCO reviews and either approves or denies the request.
Focus Financial Partners Inc. (FOCS): Employees are required to receive prior approval for any acquisition of securities in FOCS. Requests are to be submitted through Schwab Compliance
Technologies. The CCO reviews and either approves or denies the request. Selling FOCS short is prohibited. Derivative trades in FOCS that are the equivalent of short sales are prohibited.
Limited Offering/Private Placement: Employees are required to receive prior approval for any acquisition of securities in a limited offering, including private funds managed by Gratus. This prior approval will take into account whether the investment opportunity should be reserved for clients and whether the opportunity is being offered to an individual by virtue of his or her position with the adviser. Investment personnel who have been authorized to acquire securities in a private placement are required to disclose that investment when they play a part in any client’s subsequent consideration of an investment in the issuer and the decision to purchase the securities of the issuer for the client should be made by another employee. Requests are to be submitted through Schwab Compliance Technologies. The CCO reviews and either approves or denies the request.
Trade Approval and Holding Period: Gratus’ ISG team will maintain a list of securities that are restricted from employee trading in their personal investment accounts. The restricted list includes securities where Gratus has a current client who is in a control position within a publically traded company and securities where the ISG has a planned intention to buy or sell in client accounts as part of an overall allocation change or rebalance. Gratus employees who wish to buy or sell individual securities in their personal brokerage account must review the ISG published restricted list prior to making a trade. If the individual security does not conflict with the current ISG published restricted list, the employee must complete a preclearance request form in Schwab Compliance Technologies (SCT) to disclose the trade prior to executing the trade. Note: the employee is not required to wait for CCO approval of their preclearance request prior to executing their individual security trade.
When an employee seeks to trade an individual security in their personal brokerage account and the security conflicts with the ISG published restricted list, the employee may either:
· | Place their trade in the Gratus block account and receive average price along with all client trades in that security on the same trading day or |
· | They may place the trade in their personal brokerage account after confirming in writing with the ISG team that all client account buying or selling in that security is complete for the trading day and there is not further planned buying or selling in client accounts during the next two business days for the individual security. |
Employees who engage in a pattern of day trading securities in their personal accounts as subject to additional review by the CCO.”
Employee Trading Procedure:
1. | Gratus’ ISG team will maintain a list of securities that are restricted from employee trading in their personal investment accounts. |
2. | The restricted list includes securities where Gratus has a current client who is in a control position within a publically traded company and securities where the ISG has a planned intention to buy or sell in client accounts as part of an overall allocation change or rebalance. |
3. | Gratus employees who wish to buy or sell individual securities in their personal brokerage account must review the ISG published restricted list prior to making a trade. |
4. | If the individual security does not conflict with the current ISG published restricted list, the employee must complete a preclearance request form in Schwab Compliance Technologies (SCT) to disclose the trade prior to executing the trade. |
Restricted List:
1. | The Restricted List is stored and maintained as an Excel spreadsheet in W:\Gratus Resource Guide\16. Restricted List\Working List\Restricted List.xlsx |
2. | ISG members will update the Restricted List on a daily basis as necessitated prior to 10:00 am ET |
3. | No notification from ISG members is necessary to indicate the list has been updated |
4. | At 10:00 am ET, a macro dates, copies, and archives the file into W:\Gratus Resource Guide\16. Restricted List\Archive |
5. | The macro then emails the updated, dated file to the GC email distribution list with the subject line “Daily Restricted Securities List” |
6. | Employees are responsible for reviewing the daily Restricted List attachment prior to making a trade in their personal investment accounts |
Restricted List Macro:
1. | The Operations team maintains and runs the macro that archives and distributes the restricted list |
2. | David Godshall engineered the macro and can make updates on an ongoing basis if necessary |
1.
Employees are prohibited from:
· | Executing a securities transaction on a day during which any client has a pending “buy” or “sell” order in the same or a related security until that order is executed unless the employee is participating in a block trade with the client and both the client and employee will receive the same average execution price and a prorate number of shares should the block only partially execute. |
· | Using knowledge about pending or currently considered securities transactions for clients to profit personally, directly or indirectly, as a result of such transactions, including by purchasing or selling such securities or related securities such as options. |
· | Executing a securities transaction in options or other securities related to the holdings in our managed portfolios unless the employee is participating in a block trade with the client and both the client and employee will receive the same average execution price and a prorated number of shares should the block only partially execute. Buying calls in options related to the holdings in our managed portfolios is permitted with prior approval as long as there is not pending buy or sell order in the same or related security until that order is executed. |
· | Executing a securities transaction in the securities or related securities (options) on our Securities Watchlist. |
Reports - All Persons:
(1) Securities positions: Each person shall report to the CCO of the Adviser all purchases or sales of any security in which such person has, or by virtue of such transaction acquires, any beneficial interest via the Schwab Compliance Technologies.
(2) Form of Report: All such reports shall be in shall be made prior to any such purchase or sale that was effected, and shall set forth the title of the security, the date and nature of the transaction, the number or amount of securities involved, the purchase or sale price, the broker/dealer or bank through whom the transaction is to be effected and the extent of such person's interest in the transaction. Reports are compiled and stored using Schwab Compliance Technologies.
(3) Broker confirms and statements: Each person must provide to the CCO of the Adviser all securities or commodities brokerage accounts in which that person has a beneficial interest. Each person
shall cause to be provided on a timely basis copies of periodic statements for all securities accounts in which that person has a beneficial interest. Such Securities and Commodities Brokerage Account Reports and periodic statements shall be directed to the CCO of the Adviser. As of January 2016, all employee statements are compiled and stored using Schwab Compliance Technologies.
11. | Delegation |
The President, Managing Directors or CCO of the Adviser may delegate any of the responsibilities, powers and authorities conferred by this Code of Ethics. Such delegation may be to an individual, such as a compliance officer, or a committee, such as an Ethics Committee, or both.
12. | Research Reports |
The fact that a security has been the subject of a formal or informal research report shall not, in and of itself, indicate that the security is under consideration for purchase or sale. No person shall be considered as knowing, nor be said to be in a position of knowing, that a security was under consideration for purchase or sale or that such security had been purchased or sold solely on the basis of receipt of a research report thereon.
13. | Condition of Employment or Service |
All persons shall conduct themselves at all times in the best interests of the Clients. Compliance with this Code of Ethics shall be a condition of employment or continued affiliation with the Adviser, and conduct not in accordance with this Code of Ethics shall constitute grounds for actions including termination of employment or removal from office. All persons shall certify annually that they have read and agree to comply in all respects with this Code of Ethics and that they have disclosed or reported all personal securities transactions, holdings and accounts required to be disclosed or reported by this Code of Ethics.
14. | Pooled investment vehicles managed by Gratus |
Pooled investment vehicles managed by Gratus will be treated pari-passu with other client entities even if an affiliate of Gratus has an interest in the entity, and Advisor will not prefer this entity over other clients. This will include the right to participate in suitable investments, such as IPOs.
B. | Gratus’s Policy Statement on Insider Trading |
Gratus forbids any officer, director, employee, or their family members from trading, either personally or on behalf of others, including mutual funds and private accounts managed by Gratus, using material non-public information or communicating material non-public information to others in violation of the law. This conduct is frequently referred to as
"insider trading." This policy applies to every officer, director and employee of Gratus and extends to activities within and outside their duties at Gratus. Every officer, director and employee must read and retain this policy statement. Any questions regarding Gratus's policy and procedures should be referred to the CCO, Managing Directors or his/her designee.
The term "insider trading" is not defined in the federal securities laws, but generally is used to refer to the use of material non-public information to trade in securities (whether or not one is an "insider") or to communications of material non-public information to others.
While the law concerning insider trading is not static, it is generally understood that the law prohibits:
-trading by an insider, while in possession of material non-public information, or
-trading by a non-insider, while in possession of material non-public information, where the information either was disclosed to the non-insider in violation of an insider's duty to keep it confidential or was misappropriated, or
-communicating material non-public information to others.
The elements of insider trading and the penalties for such unlawful conduct are discussed below. If, after reviewing this policy statement, you have any questions, you should' consult CCO, Managing Directors or any designee.
1. | Who is an Insider? |
The concept of "insider" is broad. It includes officers, directors and employees of a company. In addition, a person can be a "temporary insider" if he or she enters into a special, confidential relationship in the conduct of a company's affairs and as a result is given access to information solely for the company's purposes. A temporary insider can include, among others, a company's attorneys, accountants, consultants, bank lending officers, and the employees of such organizations. In addition, Gratus may become a temporary insider of a company it advises or for which it performs other services. According to the Supreme Court, in order for an outsider to be considered an insider, the company must expect the outsider to keep the disclosed non-public information confidential.
2. | What is Material Information? |
Trading on inside information is not a basis for liability unless the information is material. "Material information" generally is defined as information for which there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable investor would consider it is important in making his or her investment decisions, or information that is reasonably certain to have a substantial effect on the price of a company's securities. Information that officers, directors and employees should consider material includes, but is not limited to: dividend changes, earnings' estimates, changes in previously released earnings'
estimates, significant merger or acquisition proposals or agreements, major litigation, liquidation problems, and extraordinary management developments.
Material information does not have to relate to a company's business. For example, in Carpenter v. U.S., 108 U.S. 316 (1987), the Supreme Court considered as material certain information about the contents of a forthcoming newspaper column that was expected to affect the market price of a security. In that case, a Wall Street Journal reporter was found criminally liable for disclosing to others the dates that reports on various companies would appear in the Journal and whether those reports would be favorable or not.
In the case of Gratus, weekly Net Asset Values (NAVs) on our publicly traded funds are considered material information.
3. | What is Non Public Information? |
Information is non-public until it has been effectively communicated to the marketplace. One must be able to point to some fact to show that the information is generally public. For example, information found in a report filed with the SEC, or appearing in Dow Jones, Reuters Economic Service, The Wall Street Journal or other publications of general circulation would be considered public.
4. | Bases for Liability |
a) | Fiduciary Duty Theory. |
In 1980, the Supreme Court found that there is no general duty to disclose before trading on material non-public information, but that such a duty arises only where there is a fiduciary relationship. That is, there must be a relationship between parties to the transaction such that one party has a right to expect that the other party will not disclose any material; non-public information or refrain from trading.
In Dirks v. SEC, the Supreme Court stated alternate theories under which non-insiders can acquire the fiduciary duties of insiders: they can enter into a confidential relationship with the company through which they gain information (e.g., attorneys, accountants), or they can acquire a fiduciary duty to the company's shareholders as "tippies" if they are aware or should have been aware that they have been given confidential information by an insider who has violated his fiduciary duty to the company's shareholders.
b) | Misappropriation Theory. |
Another basis for insider trading liability is the "misappropriation" theory, where liability is established when trading occurs on material non-public information that was stolen or misappropriated from any other person. In Carpenter v. U.S., the Court found in 1987 a columnist defrauded The Wall
Street Journal when he stole information from the Journal and used it for trading in the securities markets. It should be noted that the misappropriation theory can be used to reach a variety of individuals (such as printers, taxi drivers, etc.) not previously thought to be encompassed under the fiduciary duty theory.
4. | Penalties for Insider Trading. |
Penalties for trading on or communicating material non-public information are severe, both for individuals involved in such unlawful conduct and their employers. A person can be subject to some or all the penalties below even if he or she does not personally benefit from the violation. Penalties include:
-civil injunctions
-treble damages
-disgorgement of profits
-jail sentences
-fines for the person who committed the violation of up to three times the profit gained or loss avoided, whether or not the person actually benefited
-fines for the employer or other controlling person of up to the greater of
$1,000,000 or three times the amount of the profit gained or loss avoided.
In addition, any violation of this policy statement can be expected to result in serious sanctions by Gratus, including dismissal of the persons involved.
5. | Procedures to Implement Gratus’ Policy. |
The following procedures have been established to aid the officers, directors and employees of Gratus in avoiding insider trading, and to aid Gratus in preventing, detecting and imposing sanctions against insider trading. Every officer, director and employee of Gratus must follow these procedures or risk serious sanctions, including dismissal, substantial personal liability and criminal penalties. If you have any questions about these procedures, you should consult with Gratus's CCO, Managing Directors or any designee.
a) | Identifying Insider Information. |
Before trading for yourself or others, including investment companies or private accounts managed by Gratus, in the securities of a company about which you may have potential inside information, ask yourself the following questions:
Is the information material?
Is this information that an investor would consider important in making his or her investment decisions?
Is this information that would substantially affect the market price of the securities if generally disclosed?
Is the information non-public?
To whom has this information been provided?
Has the information been effectively communicated to the marketplace by being published in Reuters, The Wall Street Journal or other publications of general circulation?
If, after consideration of the above, you believe that the information is material and non-public, or if you have questions as to whether the information is material and nonpublic, you should take the following steps:
-Report the matter immediately to Gratus's CCO, Managing Directors, or any designee.
-Do not purchase or sell the securities on behalf of yourself or others, including investment companies or private accounts managed by Gratus.
-Do not communicate the information believed to be material inside or outside Gratus other than to the CCO or the Managing Directors.
-After Gratus's Managing Directors, or any designee has reviewed the issue, you will be instructed to continue the prohibitions against trading and communication, or you will be allowed to trade and communicate the information.
b) | Quarterly Compliance Review. |
The Compliance Department will circulate copies of the Insider Trading Policy and Procedures to all officers, directors and employees of Gratus annually. Each employee will be requested to read and familiarize themselves with Gratus' Insider Trading Policies and Procedures and will be required to complete and electronically acknowledge a Compliance Acknowledgment that confirms their understanding and compliance with Gratus’ Insider Trading Policy and Procedures.
6. | Restricting Access to Material Non Public Information. |
Information in your possession that you identify as material and non-public may not be communicated to anyone, including persons within Gratus, except as provided in paragraph 1 above. In addition, care should be taken so that such information is secure. For example, files containing material non-public information should be restricted.
C. | Communications with Media |
1) | All requests for interviews should be directed to the Chief Compliance Officer. |
2) | Employees should not identify nor discuss specific private client accounts. |
3) | Employees should not discuss specific client account performance and should use caution when discussing sample account performance. Any performance information provided should include the full information provided in Gratus’ written materials. |
4) | Employees should not guarantee, promise or predict a specific level of investment performance. |
5) | Employees should not discuss firm confidential information, including legal or regulatory issues. |
6) | Employees should not discuss competitors of Gratus. |
7) | Any written materials that will be provided, printed, or displayed, including those that are given for broadcast, must be approved in writing by the CCO prior to use. |
8) | Employees should use care when discussing investments, and should present information in a balanced manner. A discussion of an investments positive attributes should be balanced with its drawbacks or negative features. |
Print Media
9) | Employees should clearly communicate to the reporter when they wish to go “off the record” |
10) | If, after completing or during an interview, an employee becomes uncomfortable with the integrity or agenda of the reporter, the employee should either discontinue the interview or request a list of quotes to be used in the publication before it is published. |
Broadcast Media (e.g., TV and Radio)
11) | Employees should not discuss the firm’s performance in verbal interviews, as the employee would not be able to relate all disclosure language that Gratus requires to be accompanied with performance information. |
12) | Each employee should assume s/he is “on the air” as soon as the employee is seated in front of the interviewer. |
13) | Employees should not answer questions they are not comfortable answering, even with pressure from the media. Rather, the employee should indicate that s/he would need to look into the question further before answering. |
D. | Political Contributions by Investment Advisers (Pay-to-Play) |
1. | Background: |
Rule 206(4)-5 of the Advisers Act provides that an adviser who makes political contributions to an elected official who is in a position to influence the selection of the adviser to provide to a government entity will be barred for two years from providing for compensation to that government entity. The rule applies to the adviser as well as certain executives and employees of the adviser. Form more specific information on this rule, please see Appendix A.
2. | Restrictions on Political Contributions. |
Rule 206(4)-5 makes it unlawful for an adviser to receive compensation for providing to a government entity for a two-year period after the adviser or any of its covered
associates makes a political contribution to an elected official or candidate of a government entity that is in a position to directly or indirectly influence the hiring of the adviser or has the authority to appoint an person who could directly or indirectly influence the hiring of the adviser.
3. | Prohibition on the Use of Third-Party Solicitors. |
Rule 206(4)-5(a)(2)(i) makes it unlawful for an adviser subject to the rule and its covered associates to make or agree to make payments to any third-party solicitor or placement agent, directly or indirectly, to solicit a government entity for advisory business, unless the solicitor or placement agent is a “regulated person” subject to prohibitions against engaging in pay-to-play practices.
4. | Ban on Solicitation or Coordination of Contributions. |
Rule 206(4)-5(a)(2)(ii) makes it unlawful for an adviser subject to the rule and its covered associates to coordinate or solicit any person or PAC to make contributions to an official of a government entity to which the adviser is providing or seeking to provide investment , or to make payments to a political party of a state or locality where the adviser is providing or seeking to provide investment to a government entity.
5. | Prohibition on Certain Indirect Activities. |
To ensure that advisers and government officials do not structure pay-to-play arrangements in a way that attempts to evade the prohibitions of the rule, the rule includes a provision that makes it unlawful for an adviser or any of its covered associates to do anything indirectly that, if done directly, would result in a violation of the rule. As a result, an adviser and its covered associates may not funnel payments through third parties, including, for example, consultants, attorneys, family members, friends, or companies affiliated with the adviser as a means to circumvent the rule.
6. | Application to Covered Investment Pools. |
An adviser to certain pooled investment vehicles in which a government entity invests or is solicited to invest, is treated as though the adviser were providing or seeking to provide investment services directly to the government entity. Thus, a political contribution to a government official that would, under the rule, trigger the two-year time-out from providing advice for compensation to the government entity would also trigger a two-year time-out from the receipt of compensation for the management of those assets through a covered investment pool. Covered investment pools include registered investment companies, hedge funds, private equity funds, and collective investment trusts.
7. | Sub-advisers. |
By the terms of the rule, if an adviser or sub-adviser makes a contribution that triggers the two-year time-out, the sub-adviser or adviser, as applicable, that did not make the triggering contribution could continue to receive compensation from the government entity, unless the arrangement were a means to do indirectly what the adviser or sub-adviser could not do directly under the rule. Advisers to underlying funds in a fund-of-funds arrangement are not required to look through the investing fund to determine whether a government entity is an investor in the investing fund unless the investment was made in that manner as a means for the adviser to do indirectly what it could not do directly under the rule.
8. | SEC Exemptions. |
Rule 206(4)-5 contains a provision authorizing the SEC to exempt advisers from the time-out requirements where the adviser discovers the contributions that trigger the compensation ban only after they have been made or when the imposition of the prohibitions is unnecessary to achieve the rule’s intended purpose. Rule 206(4)-5(e) lists the factors to be considered by the SEC in determining whether to grant an exemption. An adviser seeking an exemption could place into an escrow account any advisory fees earned between the date of the contribution triggering the prohibition and the date on which the SEC determines whether to grant an exemption. The escrow account would be payable to the adviser if the SEC grants the exemption. If the SEC does not grant the exemption, the fees contained in the account would be returned to the government entity client.
9. | Recordkeeping Requirements. |
Rule 204-2 under the Advisers Act requires an adviser who is registered or required to be registered with the SEC to make and keep records of contributions made by the adviser and covered associates to government officials and candidates, payments to state or local political parties and PACs, and the names of regulated persons the adviser pays for solicitation services. The amendments only require advisers to make and keep records of their covered associates, and their own and their covered associates’ contributions, if they provide advisory services to a government client.
However, an adviser who does not maintain these records because it currently does not have any government entity clients risks violating Rule 206(4)-5 and subjecting itself to the two-year time-out if it ultimately obtains a government entity client.
The records of contributions and payments are required to be in chronological order and indicate the name and title of the contributor, the name and title of the recipient, the amount and date of each contribution or payment, and whether the contribution or payment was subject to an exception provided by the rule. The records would need to be maintained for five years, the first two in the office of the investment adviser.
10. | Procedures: |
1. | Prior to commencement of employment, all new covered associates must disclose in writing all political contributions to elected officials or candidates for office made within the last 24 months. The disclosure shall include: |
a. | The name of the elected official or candidate; |
b. | The name of the elected office held by the official or sought by the candidate; |
c. | The date of the contribution; and |
d. | The amount contributed. |
2. | All covered associates must obtain pre-clearance before contributing the following to an elected official or candidate for office: |
a. | Gifts; |
b. | Subscriptions; |
c. | Loans, advances, or deposits of money; |
d. | Payment of debt incurred in connection with an election; |
e. | Transition or inaugural expenses; or |
f. | Anything of value made for the purpose of influencing an election for federal, state, or local office. |
3. | All covered associates must obtain pre-clearance before donating time to the election campaign of an elected official or candidate for elected office. |
4. | Covered associates must obtain pre-clearance before hosting a fundraising meeting or conference for a candidate or official, or volunteering to bear expenses associated with such fundraising meeting or conference. |
5. | On an annual basis, all covered associates must disclose in writing all political contributions to elected officials or candidates for office and volunteer in connection with the campaigns of such elected officials or candidates for office made within the last 24 months. Disclosures are made through Schwab Compliance Technologies. |
6. | If the Advisers discovers a political contributions made in violation of Rule 206(4)-5 for which an exception is not available: |
a. | If assets of the government entity are managed in a separate account, the Adviser shall: |
(1) | Return all compensation promptly upon discovering the triggering contribution; and |
(2) | waive the advisory fee or terminate the contract with the governmental entity. |
b. | If the government entity is invested in a private pool, the Adviser shall: |
(1) | cause the pool to redeem the investment of the government entity; or |
(2) | waive or rebate the portion of its fees or any performance allocation or carried interest attributable to assets of the government client. |
c. | If the government entity is invested in a registered investment company, the Adviser shall: |
(1) | waive its advisory fee for the fund as a whole in an amount approximately equal to fees attributable to the government entity; or |
(2) | rebate the government entities portion of the advisory fee to the fund as a whole. |
EXHIBIT 8
Section 2 (a) (9) of
The Investment Company Act
Investment Company Act and Rules
(9) "Control" means the power to exercise a controlling influence over the management or policies of a company, unless such power is solely the result of an official position with such company
Any person who owns beneficially, either directly or through one or more controlled companies, more than 25 per centum of the voting securities of a company shall be presumed to control such company Any person who does not so own more than 25 per centum of the voting securities of any company shall be presumed not to control such company A natural person shall be presumed not to be a controlled person within the meaning of this title. Any such presumption may be rebutted by evidence, but except as hereinafter provided, shall continue until a determination to the contrary made by the Commission by order either on its own motion or on application by an interested person. If an application filed hereunder is not granted or denied by the Commission within sixty days after filing thereof, the determination sought by the application shall be deemed to have been temporarily granted pending final determination of the Commission thereon. The Commission, upon its own motion or upon application, may by order revoke or modify any order issued under this paragraph whenever it shall find that the determination embraced in such original order is no longer consistent with the facts.
(10) "Convicted" includes a verdict, judgment, or plea of guilty, or a finding of guilt on a plea of nolo contenders, if such verdict, judgment, plea, or finding has not been reversed, set aside, or withdrawn, whether or not sentence has been imposed.
(11) "Dealer" means any person regularly engaged in the business of buying and selling securities for his own account, through a broker or otherwise, but does not include a bank, insurance company, or investment company, or any person insofar as he is engaged in investing, reinvesting, or trading in securities, or in owning or holding securities, for his own account, either individually or in some fiduciary capacity, but not as a part of a regular business.
(12) "Director" means any director of a corporation or any person performing similar functions with respect to any organization, whether incorporated or unincorporated, including any natural person who is a member of a board of trustees of a management company created as a common-law trust.
(13) "Employees’ securities company" means any investment company or similar issuer all of the outstanding securities of which (other than short-term paper) are beneficially owned (A) by the employees or persons on retainer a single employer of two or more employers each of which is an affiliated company of the other, (B) by former employees of such employer or employers, (C) by members of the immediate family of such employees, persons on retainer, or former employees, (D) by any two or more of the foregoing classes of persons, or (E) by such employer or employers together with any one or more of the foregoing classes of persons.
(14) "Exchange" means any organization, association, or group of persons, whether incorporated or unincorporated, which constitutes, maintains, or provides a marketplace or facilities for bringing together purchasers and sellers of securities or for otherwise performing with respect to securities the
functions commonly performed by a stock exchange as that term is generally understood, and includes the market place and the market facilities maintained by such exchange.
EXHIBIT 9
Employee Questionnaire
EXHIBIT 9
GRATUS EMPLOYEE QUESTIONNAIRE
________________________________
Name (please print)
ANY MISREPRESENTATION OR OMISSION OF INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE TERMINATION.
1. | Have you been convicted or pleaded guilty to any FELONY or MISDEMEANOR within the United States within the last ten years? |
YES | NO |
2. | Have you been convicted or pleaded guilty to any criminal or civil offense within the last ten years, which would be considered a FELONY or MISDEMEANOR if committed in the United States or been found to have violated any foreign securities regulation or statute? |
YES | NO |
3. | Have you ever been permanently or temporarily enjoined by any state or federal court from engaging in any conduct relating to any securities, commodities, insurance or banking matters? |
YES | NO |
4. | Have you ever been the subject of any action or proceeding by any regulatory or |
self-regulatory organization, or been found to have violated (or aided, abetted, induced or failed to supervise the violation of) any of the federal securities or commodities laws?
YES | NO |
5. | Have you ever been the cause of an investment related business having its authorization to do business denied, suspended, revoked or restricted? |
YES | NO |
6. | Has any regulatory body ever revoked, suspended or denied your registration or |
license, prevented you from associating with an investment related business, or otherwise restricted your activities (including licensing as an attorney or accountant)?
YES | NO |
7. | Has any regulatory body ever found you to have made a false statement or omission or been dishonest, unfair or unethical? |
YES | NO |
8. | Have you ever been affiliated with a securities firm that has been declared bankrupt, had a trustee appointed under SIPC, or had a direct payment procedure begun? |
YES | NO |
9. | Are you now the subject of any proceeding that could result in a "YES" answer to any of these questions? |
YES | NO |
If "'YES", please explain in detail:
_________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Signature: __________________________________________________________
Print Name: ________________________________________________________
Date: ____________________________________________________________
You must notify the Chief Compliance Officer immediately if any event occurs which renders this information inaccurate.
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the references to our firm in the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of the Northern Lights Fund Trust III and to the use of our report dated March 2, 2020 on the financial statements and financial highlights of ACM Dynamic Opportunity Fund and ACM Tactical Income Fund, each a series of shares of beneficial interest in Northern Lights Fund Trust III. Such financial statements and financial highlights appear in the December 31, 2019 Annual Report to Shareholders which is incorporated by reference into the Statement of Additional Information.
BBD, LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
April 24, 2020