ck0001027596-20240731
Filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on November 21, 2024
1933 Act Registration File No. 333-17391
1940 Act File No. 811-07959
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
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REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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Pre-Effective Amendment No.
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Post-Effective Amendment No.
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1154
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and
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REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
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Amendment No.
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1156
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(Check appropriate box or boxes.)
ADVISORS SERIES TRUST
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code) (626) 914-7363
Jeffrey T. Rauman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Advisors Series Trust
c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
777 East Wisconsin Avenue, 5th Floor
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Copies to:
Domenick Pugliese, Esq.
Sullivan & Worcester LLP
1251 Avenue of the Americas, 19th Floor
New York, New York 10020
It is proposed that this filing will become effective
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immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
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on November 28, 2024 pursuant to paragraph (b)
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60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
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on __________ pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
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75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
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on __________ pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485.
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If appropriate, check the following box
[ ] this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.
Explanatory Note:This Post-Effective Amendment No. 1154 to the Registration Statement of Advisors Series Trust (the "Trust") is being filed to add the audited financial statements and certain related financial information for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2024, for the Trust's series: O'Shaughnessy Market Leaders Value Fund.
P R O S P E C T U S
November 28, 2024
O'Shaughnessy Market Leaders Value Fund
Class I - OFVIX
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this Prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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SUMMARY SECTION
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1
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O'Shaughnessy Market Leaders Value Fund
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1
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INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES, RELATED RISKS AND PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION
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6
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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
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13
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SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
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15
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PURCHASING SHARES
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16
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REDEEMING SHARES
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21
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DISTRIBUTION OF FUND SHARES
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25
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GENERAL POLICIES
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27
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DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
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28
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INDEX DESCRIPTIONS
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30
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PRIVACY NOTICE
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PN-1
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SUMMARY SECTION
O'Shaughnessy Market Leaders Value Fund
Investment Objective
The O'Shaughnessy Market Leaders Value Fund's (the "Fund") investment objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation and current income.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund. You may be required to pay commissions and/or other forms of compensation to a broker for transactions in Class I shares, which are not reflected in the tables or examples below.
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SHAREHOLDER FEES (fees paid directly from your investment)
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Class I
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None
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ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
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Management Fees
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0.40%
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Other Expenses
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0.14%
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Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
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0.54%
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Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:
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1 Year
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3 Years
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5 Years
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10 Years
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$55
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$173
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$302
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$677
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Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or "turns over" its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund's performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 53.57% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies of the Fund
Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of common stocks and other equity securities of companies of all sizes, including but not limited to, American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), preferred stocks, limited partnerships, and convertible securities. O'Shaughnessy Asset Management, LLC (the "Adviser") employs a bottom-up, quantitative, factor-based approach to security selection based on research and analysis of
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historical data. The Adviser may eliminate or substitute factors at its discretion. Portfolio securities may be sold generally upon periodic rebalancing of the Fund's portfolio. For selling decisions, the Adviser considers the same factors it uses in evaluating a security for purchase and generally sells securities when it believes such securities no longer meet its investment criteria. The Fund may from time to time emphasize investment in certain sectors of the market.
The Adviser screens securities using a factor-based model that seeks to identify market leading companies by analysis of a number of factors including, but not limited to, low valuations, strong financial strength, conservative earnings reporting (earnings quality), strong earnings growth, market capitalization and volume. The Fund selects companies that offer a strong "shareholder yield" - the combination of dividend yield and the rate at which the company is buying back shares of its stock - at the time of initial purchase. While stocks often have both a strong dividend yield and a high rate of share repurchases, that may not always be the case. An individual stock may be deemed to be attractive even if its entire shareholder yield is generated from either dividends or share repurchases. Due to ongoing research, the Adviser may modify the characteristics utilized in the investment strategy, without prior notice to shareholders, in order to better achieve the investment objective.
The Fund will primarily invest in common stocks of U.S. issuers but may also invest up to 20% of its total assets in common stocks of foreign securities and issuers, which may also include issuers located in emerging markets and frontier markets, also known as "pre-emerging markets," as defined by countries listed on the Morgan Stanley Capital International ("MSCI") Emerging Markets Index and/or the MSCI Frontier Markets Index. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in REITs or foreign real estate companies. The Fund may also invest up to 20% of its total assets in depositary receipts of foreign based companies (i.e.,ADRs, European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs"), and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs"), etc.) whose common stock is not itself listed on a U.S. exchange. Depositary receipts may be purchased through "sponsored" or "unsponsored" facilities. A sponsored facility is established jointly by the issuer of the underlying security and a depositary, whereas a depositary may establish an unsponsored facility without participation by the issuer of the depositary security. The Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds ("ETFs").
The Fund may also invest up to 100% of the Fund's total assets in cash, cash equivalents, and high-quality, short-term debt securities, money market mutual funds and money market instruments for temporary defensive purposes. The Fund may also invest up to 50% of its total assets in ETFs that are aligned with the Fund's principal investment strategies, for temporary defensive purposes.
Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund
Losing all or a portion of your investment is a risk of investing in the Fund. The following principal risks could affect the value of your investment:
•Equity Securities Risk.The price of equity securities may rise or fall because of economic or political changes or changes in a company's financial condition, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual companies, sectors or industries selected for the Fund's portfolio or the securities market as a whole, such as changes in economic or political conditions. The values of convertible securities tend to decline as interest rates rise and, because of the conversion feature, tend to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying equity security.
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•General Market Risk.Economies and financial markets throughout the world are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one country or region will adversely impact markets or issuers in other countries or regions. Securities in the Fund's portfolio may underperform in comparison to securities in general financial markets, a particular financial market or other asset classes due to a number of factors, including: inflation (or expectations for inflation); deflation (or expectations for deflation); interest rates; market instability; financial system instability; debt crises and downgrades; embargoes; tariffs; sanctions and other trade barriers; regulatory events; other governmental trade or market control programs and related geopolitical events. In addition, the value of the Fund's investments may be negatively affected by the occurrence of global events such as war, terrorism, environmental disasters, natural disasters or events, country instability, and infectious disease epidemics or pandemics. Conflict, loss of life and disaster connected to ongoing armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia in Europe and Israel and Hamas in the Middle East could have severe adverse effects on the region, including significant adverse effects on the regional or global economies and the markets for certain securities. The U.S. and the European Union imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. The war has contributed to recent market volatility and may continue to do so.
•Value Style Investing Risk.At times when the value investing style is out of favor, the Fund may underperform other funds that use different investing styles. Value stocks may be purchased based upon the belief that a given security may be out of favor; that belief may be misplaced or the security may stay out of favor for an extended period of time.
•Large-Sized Companies Risk.Larger, more established companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges like changes in consumer tastes or innovative smaller competitors. In addition, large-cap companies are sometimes unable to attain the high growth rates of successful, smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
•Small- and Medium-Sized Companies Risk. Small- and medium-sized companies often have less predictable earnings, more limited product lines, markets, distribution channels or financial resources and the management of such companies may be dependent upon one or few key people. The market movements of equity securities of small- and medium-sized companies may be more abrupt and volatile than the market movements of equity securities of larger, more established companies or the stock market in general and small-sized companies in particular, are generally less liquid than the equity securities of larger companies.
•Sector Risk.To the extent the Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in the securities of companies in the same sector of the market, the Fund is more susceptible to economic, political, regulatory and other occurrences influencing those sectors.
•REITs and Foreign Real Estate Company Risk.Investing in REITs and foreign real estate companies makes the Fund more susceptible to risks associated with the ownership of real estate and with the real estate industry in general, as well as tax compliance risks, and may involve duplication of management fees and other expenses. REITs and foreign real estate companies may be less diversified than other pools of securities, may have lower trading volumes and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than the overall securities markets.
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•Management Risk. The Fund is an actively managed portfolio. The Adviser's management practices and investment strategies might not work to meet the Fund's investment objective.
•Depositary Receipts Risk.The Fund's equity investments may take the form of sponsored or unsponsored depositary receipts. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all the costs of such facilities and the depositary of an unsponsored facility frequently is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through voting rights to the holders of such receipts of the deposited securities.
•Foreign Securities and Emerging Markets Risk.The risks of investing in the securities of foreign issuers, including depositary receipts, can include fluctuations in foreign currencies, foreign currency exchange controls, political and economic instability, differences in securities regulation and trading, and foreign taxation issues. These risks are greater in emerging markets.
•Investment Company Risk.When the Fund invests in an ETF or mutual fund, it will bear additional expenses based on its pro rata share of the ETF's or mutual fund's operating expenses, including the potential duplication of management fees. The risk of owning an ETF or mutual fund generally reflects the risks of owning the underlying securities the ETF or mutual fund holds. The Fund also will incur brokerage costs when it purchases ETFs.
•Frontier Markets Risk.There is an additional increased risk of price volatility associated with frontier market countries (pre-emerging markets), which may be further magnified by currency fluctuations relative to the U.S. dollar. Frontier market countries generally have smaller economies or less developed capital markets than in more advanced emerging markets and, as a result, the risks of investing in emerging market countries may be magnified in frontier market countries.
Performance
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. The bar chart shows the annual return for the Fund's Class I shares from year to year. The table shows how the Fund's average annual returns for 1 year, 5 years, and since inception compare with those of a broad measure of market performance and an additional index that reflects the market sectors in which the Fund invests. The Fund's past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available on the Fund's website at www.osfunds.comor by calling the Fund toll-free at 1-877-291-7827.
Calendar Year Total Return as of December 31 - Class I
The Fund's calendar year-to-date return as of October 31, 2024 was 21.46%.
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During the period of time shown in the bar chart, the Fund's highest quarterly return was 20.85% for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 and the lowest quarterly return was -30.77% for the quarter ended March 31, 2020.
Average Annual Total Returns
(for the period ended December 31, 2023)
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Class I Shares
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1 Year
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5 Years
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Since
Inception
(02/26/2016)
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Return Before Taxes
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17.84%
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13.07%
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11.79%
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Return After Taxes on Distributions
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16.68%
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12.17%
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10.83%
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Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares
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11.31%
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10.37%
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9.46%
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Russell 1000 Total Return Index(1)
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
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26.53%
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15.52%
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14.04%
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Russell 1000 Value®Index(2)
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
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11.46%
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10.91%
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10.24%
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(1)Effective October 4, 2024, in connection with the Securities and Exchange Commission's new Tailored Shareholder Reports rule, the Fund's primary benchmark index changed to the Russell 1000 Total Return Index. The Fund will continue to show index performance for the Russell 1000 Value Index, the Fund's prior benchmark index.
(2) The Adviser believes that the additional index reasonably represents the Fund's investment strategy.
The 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 are not relevant to investors who hold shares of the Fund through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts ("IRAs").
Management
Investment Adviser: O'Shaughnessy Asset Management, LLC is the Fund's investment adviser.
Portfolio Managers: The following individuals serve as the Fund's portfolio managers:
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Portfolio Managers
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Since
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Primary Title with the Adviser
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Scott Bartone
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2018
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Principal and Portfolio Manager
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Daniel Nitiutomo
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2022
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Managing Director and Portfolio Manager
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Claire Noel
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2022
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Managing Director and Portfolio Manager
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Ehren Stanhope
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2024
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Principal and Portfolio Manager
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Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
You may purchase, exchange or redeem Fund shares on any business day by written request via mail (O'Shaughnessy Market Leaders Value Fund, c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701), by telephone at 1-877-291-7827, or through a financial intermediary. You may also purchase or redeem Fund shares by wire transfer. Investors who wish to purchase, exchange or redeem Fund shares through a financial intermediary should contact the financial intermediary directly.
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Class I shares require a minimum investment of $10,000, are generally available for purchase only by institutional investors, retirement accounts or high net worth individuals and have no minimum subsequent investment requirements, provided the other eligibility requirements for purchase are met.
Tax Information
The Fund's distributions are taxable, and will be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an IRA. Distributions on investments made through tax-deferred arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of assets from those accounts.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the Fund and/or the Adviser 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.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT
STRATEGIES, RELATED RISKS AND PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION
Market Leaders Value Fund
Investment Objective
The Fund's investment objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation and current income. The Fund's investment objective is a non-fundamental policy and may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval. If the Fund's investment objective changes, the Fund will provide 60 days' prior written notice to shareholders before implementing the change and shareholders should consider whether the Fund remains an appropriate investment in light of the changes. There are risks inherent in all investments in securities; accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
Principal Investment Strategies and Risks
Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of common stocks and other equity securities of companies of all sizes, including but not limited to ADRs, preferred stocks, limited partnerships, and convertible securities. The Adviser employs a bottom-up, quantitative, factor-based approach to security selection based on research and analysis of historical data. The Adviser may eliminate or substitute factors at its discretion. Portfolio securities may be sold generally upon periodic rebalancing of the Fund's portfolio. For selling decisions, the Adviser considers the same factors it uses in evaluating a security for purchase and generally sells securities when it believes such securities no longer meet its investment criteria. The Fund may from time to time emphasize investment in certain sectors of the market.
The Adviser screens securities using a factor-based model that seeks to identify market leading companies by analysis of a number of factors including, but not limited to, low valuations, strong financial strength, conservative earnings reporting (earnings quality), strong earnings growth, market capitalization and volume. The Fund selects companies that offer a strong "shareholder yield" - the combination of dividend yield and the rate at which the company is buying back shares of its stock - at the time of initial purchase. While stocks often have both a strong dividend yield and a high rate of share repurchases, that may not always be the case. An individual stock may be deemed to be attractive even if its entire shareholder yield is generated
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from either dividends or share repurchases. Due to ongoing research, the Adviser may modify the characteristics utilized in the investment strategy, without prior notice to clients, in order to better achieve the investment objective.
The Fund will primarily invest in common stocks of U.S. issuers but may also invest up to 20% of its total assets in common stocks of foreign securities and issuers, which may also include issuers located in emerging markets and frontier markets, also known as "pre-emerging markets," as defined by countries listed on the MSCI Emerging Markets Index and/or the MSCI Frontier Markets Index. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in real estate investment trusts ("REITs") or foreign real estate companies. The Fund may also invest up to 20% of its total assets in depositary receipts of foreign based companies (i.e.ADRs, EDRs, and GDRs, etc.) whose common stock is not itself listed on a U.S. exchange. Depositary receipts may be purchased through "sponsored" or "unsponsored" facilities. A sponsored facility is established jointly by the issuer of the underlying security and a depositary, whereas a depositary may establish an unsponsored facility without participation by the issuer of the depositary security. The Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in other investment companies, including ETFs.
Related Risks
Equity Securities Risk.The Fund is designed for long-term investors who can accept the risks of investing in a portfolio with significant equity holdings. Equity holdings tend to be more volatile than other investment choices such as bonds and money market instruments. The value of a Fund's shares will fluctuate as a result of the movement of the overall stock market or of the value of the individual securities held by the Fund, and you could lose money. The values of convertible securities tend to decline as interest rates rise and, because of the conversion feature, tend to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying equity security.
Value Stock Risk. Value stocks can perform differently from the market as a whole and from other types of stocks. Value stocks may be purchased based upon the belief that a given security may be out of favor; that belief may be misplaced or the security may stay out of favor for an extended period of time. Value investing seeks to identify stocks that have depressed valuations, based upon a number of factors which are thought to be temporary in nature, and to sell them at superior profits when their prices rise in response to resolution of the issues which caused the valuation of the stock to be depressed. While certain value stocks may increase in value more quickly during periods of anticipated economic upturn, they may also lose value more quickly in periods of anticipated economic downturn. Furthermore, there is the risk that the factors which caused the depressed valuations are longer term or even permanent in nature, and that there will not be any rise in valuation. Finally, there is the increased risk in such situations that such companies may not have sufficient resources to continue as ongoing businesses, which would result in the stock of such companies potentially becoming worthless.
General Market Risk. Economies and financial markets throughout the world are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one country or region will adversely impact markets or issuers in other countries or regions. Securities in the Fund's portfolio may underperform in comparison to securities in general financial markets, a particular financial market or other asset classes due to a number of factors, including: inflation (or expectations for inflation); deflation (or expectations for deflation); interest rates; market instability; financial system instability; debt crises and downgrades; embargoes; tariffs; sanctions and other trade barriers; regulatory events; other governmental trade or market control programs and related geopolitical events. In addition, the value of the Fund's
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investments may be negatively affected by the occurrence of global events such as war, terrorism, environmental disasters, natural disasters or events, country instability, and infectious disease epidemics or pandemics. Conflict, loss of life and disaster connected to ongoing armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia in Europe and Israel and Hamas in the Middle East could have severe adverse effects on the region, including significant adverse effects on the regional or global economies and the markets for certain securities. The U.S. and the European Union imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. The war has contributed to recent market volatility and may continue to do so.
The effects of any future pandemic or other global event to public health and business and market conditions may have a significant negative impact on the performance of the Fund's investments, increase the Fund's volatility, exacerbate pre-existing political, social and economic risks to the Fund, and negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations. In addition, governments, their regulatory agencies, or self-regulatory organizations have taken or may take actions in response to a pandemic or other global event that affect the instruments in which the Fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that could have a significant negative impact on the Fund's investment performance. The ultimate impact of any pandemic or other global event and the extent to which the associated conditions and governmental responses impact the Fund will also depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain, difficult to accurately predict and subject to frequent changes.
Large-Sized Companies Risk. The stocks of larger companies may underperform relative to those of small and mid-sized companies. Larger, more established companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes. Many larger companies may not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
Small- and Medium-Sized Companies Risk. The securities of small- or medium-sized companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than securities of larger-sized companies or the market averages in general. In addition, such companies typically are subject to a greater degree of change in earnings and business prospects than are larger companies. Thus, to the extent the Fund invests in small- or medium-sized companies, the Fund may be subject to greater investment risk than that assumed through investment in the equity securities of larger-sized companies.
Sector Risk.To the extent the Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in the securities of companies in the same sector of the market, the Fund is more susceptible to economic, political, regulatory and other occurrences influencing those sectors. Sector risk is the risk that investments within the same economic sector may decline in price due to sector-specific market or economic developments. Although the Adviser selects stocks on their individual merits, it is expected that when the Fund's investments are categorized into its respective economic sectors, some sectors will represent a larger portion of the overall portfolio than other sectors. As a result, potential negative developments affecting one of the larger sectors could have a greater impact on the Fund than a fund with fewer holdings in that sector.
REITs and Foreign Real Estate Company Risk. The Fund may invest in REITs and foreign real estate companies, which are similar to entities organized and operated as REITs in the United States. REITs and foreign real estate companies pool investors' funds for investment primarily in commercial real estate properties or real-estate related loans. REITs and foreign real estate companies generally derive their income from rents on the underlying properties or
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interest on the underlying loans, and their value is impacted by changes in the value of the underlying property or changes in interest rates affecting the underlying loans owned by the REITs and/or foreign real estate companies. REITs and foreign real estate companies are more susceptible to risks associated with the ownership of real estate and the real estate industry in general. These risks can include fluctuations in the value of underlying properties; defaults by borrowers or tenants; market saturation; changes in general and local economic conditions; decreases in market rates for rents; increases in competition, property taxes, capital expenditures, or operating expenses; and other economic, political or regulatory occurrences affecting the real estate industry. In addition, REITs and foreign real estate companies depend upon specialized management skills, may not be diversified (which may increase the volatility of the REITs and/or foreign real estate companies value), may have less trading volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than the overall securities market. REITs are not taxed on income distributed to shareholders provided they comply with several requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). REITs are subject to the risk of failing to qualify for tax-free pass-through of income under the Code. Foreign real estate companies may be subject to laws, rules and regulations governing those entities and their failure to comply with those laws, rules and regulations could negatively impact the performance of those entities. In addition, investments in REITs and foreign real estate companies may involve duplication of management fees and certain other expenses, as the Fund indirectly bears its proportionate share of any expenses paid by REITs and foreign real estate companies in which it invests.
Management Risk. The skill of the Adviser will play a significant role in the Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective. The Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective depends on the ability of the Adviser to correctly identify economic trends, especially with regard to accurately forecasting inflationary and deflationary periods. In addition, the Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective depends on the Adviser's ability to select investments, particularly in volatile stock markets. The Adviser could be incorrect in its analysis of industries, companies and the relative attractiveness of growth and value stocks and other matters.
Depositary Receipts Risk. Depositary receipts involve substantially identical risks to those associated with direct investment in securities of foreign issuers. In addition, the underlying issuers of certain depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary receipts, are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. Investment in ADRs, GDRs and EDRs may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market and GDRs, many of which are issued by companies in emerging markets, may be more volatile.
Foreign Securities, Emerging Markets and Foreign Currency Risk.Securities of foreign issuers may be denominated in U.S. dollars or in currencies other than U.S. dollars. Investments in securities of foreign issuers present certain risks not ordinarily associated with investments in securities of U.S. issuers. These risks include fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, political, economic or legal developments (including war or other instability, expropriation of assets, nationalization and confiscatory taxation), the imposition of foreign exchange limitations (including currency blockage), withholding taxes on income or capital transactions or other restrictions, higher transaction costs (including higher brokerage, custodial and settlement costs and currency conversion costs) and possible difficulty in enforcing contractual obligations or taking judicial action. Securities of foreign issuers may not be as liquid and may be more volatile than comparable securities of domestic issuers.
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In addition, there often is less publicly available information about many foreign issuers, and issuers of foreign securities are subject to different, often less comprehensive, auditing, accounting and financial reporting disclosure requirements than domestic issuers. There is generally less government regulation of exchanges, brokers and listed companies abroad than in the United States and, with respect to certain foreign countries, there is a possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, or diplomatic developments which could affect investment in those countries. Because there is usually less supervision and governmental regulation of foreign exchanges, brokers and dealers than there is in the United States, the Fund may experience settlement difficulties or delays not usually encountered in the United States.
Delays in making trades in securities of foreign issuers relating to volume constraints, limitations or restrictions, clearance or settlement procedures, or otherwise could impact returns and result in temporary periods when assets of the Fund are not fully invested or attractive investment opportunities are foregone.
In addition to the increased risks of investing in securities of foreign issuers, there are often increased transaction costs associated with investing in securities of foreign issuers, including the costs incurred in connection with converting currencies, higher foreign brokerage or dealer costs and higher settlement costs or custodial costs.
Since the Fund may invest in securities denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, the Fund may be affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates (and exchange control regulations) which affect the value of investments in the Fund and the accrued income and appreciation or depreciation of the investments. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar will affect the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's assets denominated in that currency and the Fund's return on such assets as well as any temporary uninvested reserves in bank deposits in foreign currencies. In addition, the Fund will incur costs in connection with conversions between various currencies.
The Fund may purchase and sell foreign currency on a spot (i.e., cash) basis in connection with the settlement of transactions in securities traded in such foreign currency. The Fund also may enter into contracts with banks, brokers or dealers to purchase or sell securities or foreign currencies at a future date ("forward contracts"). A foreign currency forward contract is a negotiated agreement between the contracting to exchange a specified amount of currency at a specified future time at a specified rate. The rate can be higher or lower than the spot rate between the currencies that are the subject of the contract.
The Fund may attempt to protect against adverse changes in the value of the U.S. dollar in relation to a foreign currency by entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale of the amount of foreign currency invested or to be invested, or by buying or selling a foreign currency futures contract for such amount. Such strategies may be employed before the Fund purchases a foreign security traded in the currency which the Fund anticipates acquiring or between the date the foreign security is purchased or sold and the date on which payment therefore is made or received. Seeking to protect against a change in the value of a foreign currency in the foregoing manner does not eliminate fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities or prevent losses if the prices of such securities decline. Furthermore, such transactions reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency should move in the direction opposite to the position taken. Unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not entered into such contracts.
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The Fund's investments in emerging market countries are subject to all of the risks of foreign investing generally, and have additional heightened risks. These risks include less social, political and economic stability; smaller securities markets with low or nonexistent trading volume and greater illiquidity and price volatility; more restrictive national policies on foreign investment, including restrictions on investment in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to national interests; less transparent and established taxation policies; less developed regulatory or legal structures governing private and foreign investment; less financial sophistication, creditworthiness, and/or resources possessed by, and less government regulation of, the financial institutions and issuers with which the Fund transacts; less government supervision and regulation of business and industry practices, stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies than in the U.S.; greater concentration in a few industries resulting in greater vulnerability to regional and global trade conditions; higher rates of inflation and more rapid and extreme fluctuations in inflation rates; greater sensitivity to interest rate changes; increased volatility in currency exchange rates and potential for currency devaluations and/or currency controls; greater debt burdens relative to the size of the economy; more delays in settling portfolio transactions and heightened risk of loss from share registration and custody practices; and less assurance that recent favorable economic developments will not be slowed or reversed by unanticipated economic, political or social events in such countries. Because of these risk factors, the Fund's investments in emerging market countries are subject to greater price volatility and illiquidity than investments in developed markets.
Investment Company Risk.The Fund may invest in other investment companies, including ETFs. ETFs are typically open-end investment companies that are bought and sold on a national securities exchange. The Fund primarily uses such investments to gain exposure to investments in certain foreign markets when local law prohibits the Fund from investing directly in that market and when direct investments in certain countries are not permitted by foreign investors. ETFs may also be utilized to seek to track the performance of various securities indices. Investments in other investment companies, including ETFs, may involve duplication of management fees and certain other expenses.
When the Fund invests in an ETF, it will bear additional expenses based on its pro rata share of the ETF's operating expenses, including the potential duplication of management fees. The risk of owning an ETF generally reflects the risks of owning the underlying securities it holds. Many ETFs seek to replicate a specific benchmark index. However, such an ETF may not fully replicate the performance of its benchmark index for many reasons, including because of the temporary unavailability of certain index securities in the secondary market or discrepancies between the ETF and the index with respect to the weighting of securities or the number of stocks held. Lack of liquidity in an ETF could result in an ETF being more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities it holds. In addition, because of ETF expenses, compared to owning the underlying securities directly, it may be more costly to own an ETF.
If the Fund invests in shares of another mutual fund, shareholders will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the underlying mutual funds in which the Fund invests in addition to the Fund's direct fees and expenses. The Fund also will incur brokerage costs when it purchases ETFs. Furthermore, investments in other mutual funds could affect the timing, amount and character of distributions to shareholders and therefore may increase the amount of taxes payable by investors in the Fund.
Frontier Market Risk.Because frontier markets are among the smallest, least mature and least liquid of the emerging markets, investments in frontier markets generally are subject to a greater risk of loss than investments in developed markets or traditional emerging markets. Frontier
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market countries have smaller economies, less-developed capital markets, more political and economic instability, weaker legal, financial accounting and regulatory infrastructure, and more governmental limitations on foreign investments than typically found in more developed countries, and frontier markets typically have greater market volatility, lower trading volume, lower capital flow, less investor participation, fewer large global companies, and greater risk of a market shutdown than more developed markets. Frontier markets are more prone to economic shocks associated with political and economic risks than are emerging markets generally. Many frontier market countries may be dependent on commodities, foreign trade or foreign aid.
Other Investments and Risk Factors
For cash management purposes, the Fund may engage in repurchase agreements with broker-dealers, banks and other financial institutions to earn a return on temporarily available cash. Repurchase agreements are considered loans by the Fund and are subject to the risk of default by the other party. The Fund will only enter into such agreements with parties deemed to be creditworthy by the Fund's investment adviser under guidelines approved by the Board.
As a non-principal investment strategy, the Fund may hold up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities and certain restricted securities. Such securities may be difficult or impossible to sell at the time and the price that the Fund would like. Thus, the Fund may have to sell such securities at a lower price, sell other securities instead to obtain cash or forego other investment opportunities.
Further information about these types of investments and other investment practices that may be used by the Fund is contained in the Fund's SAI.
Temporary Defensive Strategy
When adverse market, economic, political or other conditions dictate a more defensive investment strategy, the Fund may, on a temporary basis, hold cash or invest a portion or all of its assets in cash equivalents including money-market funds, obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, obligations of foreign sovereignties, other high-quality debt securities, including prime commercial paper, repurchase agreements and bank obligations, such as bankers' acceptances and certificates of deposit. Under normal market conditions, the potential for capital appreciation on these securities will tend to be lower than the potential for capital appreciation on other securities that may be owned by the Fund. The Fund may also invest up to 50% of its total assets in ETFs that are aligned with the Fund's principal investment strategies, for temporary defensive purposes. In taking such a defensive position, the Fund would temporarily not be pursuing its principal investment strategies and may not achieve its investment objective.
Portfolio Holdings Information
A description of the Fund's policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund's portfolio securities is available in the Fund's SAI. Currently, disclosure of the Fund's holdings is required to be made quarterly within 60 days of the end of each fiscal quarter in the Fund's Form N-CSR and in the quarterly holdings report on Part F of Form N-PORT. The annual and semi-annual reports are available by contacting the O'Shaughnessy Funds, c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701, or calling 1-877-291-7827 and on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
Investment Adviser
O'Shaughnessy Asset Management, LLC is the Fund's investment adviser and delivers a broad range of equity portfolios to individual investors, institutional investors and the high net-worth clients of financial advisors. It also serves as a sub-adviser to a family of mutual funds that are registered in Canada. As of July 31, 2024, the Adviser had $11,840,660,573 in assets under management. The Adviser's principal office is located at 100 First Stamford Place, 5th Floor, Stamford, Connecticut 06902.
The Adviser provides the Fund with advice on buying and selling securities. For its services, the Adviser is entitled to receive a monthly management fee based upon the average daily net assets of the Fund. The Fund pays fees calculated at an annual rate of 0.55% of average daily net assets for the first $25 million of assets, 0.45% of the Fund's average daily net assets for the next $75 million of assets, and 0.35% of the Fund's average daily net assets in excess of $100 million. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2024, the Adviser received management fees of 0.40% of the Fund's average daily net assets, net of waivers.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board's approval of the Fund's Advisory Agreement is available in the Fund's semi-annual report for the period ended January 31, 2024.
Portfolio Managers
The Fund is managed by the Adviser. The Adviser's portfolio management team consists of portfolio managers and analysts. Current members of the team jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund's portfolio are portfolio managers, Scott Bartone, Principal and Portfolio Manager, Daniel Nitiutomo, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager, Claire Noel, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager, and Ehren Stanhope, Principal and Portfolio Manager.
Mr. Bartone began managing the Fund in November 2018 and has been associated with the Adviser in an investment capacity since 2008. Mr. Nitiutomo began managing the Fund in November 2022 and has been associated with the Adviser in an investment capacity since April 2015. Ms. Noel also began managing the Fund in November 2022 and has been associated with the Adviser in an investment capacity since June 2021. From 2012 to 2021, Ms. Noel was a Partner at AJO Partners, an institutional investment manager based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At AJO, she served as a senior member of the portfolio management and quantitative research teams responsible for building diversified, value-oriented portfolios of U.S. and international equities. Mr. Stanhope began managing the Fund in February 2024 and has been associated with the Adviser in an investment capacity since 2010.
The Fund's SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation structure, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers' ownership of securities in the Fund.
Similarly Managed Account Performance
The Fund is managed in a manner that is substantially similar to certain other accounts (the "Composite") managed by the Adviser. The Composite has investment objectives, policies, strategies and risks substantially similar to those of the Fund. The individuals responsible for the management of the Composite are the same individuals responsible for the management of the
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Fund. You should not consider the past performance of the Composite as indicative of the future performance of the Fund.
The following table sets forth performance data relating to the Composite which represent the only accounts managed by the Adviser in a substantially similar manner to the portfolio of the Fund. The data is provided to illustrate the past performance of the Adviser and portfolio managers in managing substantially similar accounts as measured against appropriate indices, and does not represent the performance of the Fund. The Composite shown is not subject to the same types of expenses to which the Fund is subject, the Composite is rebalanced differently and less frequently than the Fund which will affect, among other things, transactions costs and may affect the comparability of performance, nor is the Composite subject to the diversification requirements, specific tax restrictions and investment limitations imposed on the Fund by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") or Subchapter M of the Code. Consequently, the performance results for the Composite expressed below could have been adversely affected if it had been regulated as an investment company under the federal securities laws.
|
Performance Results
|
Year to Date
Return
through
September 30,
2024(1)
|
Average Annual Returns for the Periods
Ended December 31, 2023
|
Past 1
Year
|
Past 5
Years
|
Past 10
Years
|
Since
Inception
(12/1/2001)
|
Market Leaders Value Composite (gross of fee)
|
20.91%
|
18.33%
|
13.82%
|
9.68%
|
11.43%
|
Market Leaders Value Composite (net of fee)
|
19.25%
|
16.66%
|
12.46%
|
8.54%
|
9.85%
|
Russell 1000 Value®Index(2)
|
16.68%
|
11.46%
|
10.91%
|
8.40%
|
7.78%
|
(1)As of September 30, 2024, the Market Leaders Value Composite was comprised of 1,161 accounts with approximately $1,419,300,557 in assets.
(2)The Russell 1000® Value Index measures the performance of those Russell 1000®companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values.
The management fee and operating expenses charged to institutional separate accounts in the Market Leaders Value Composite are 0.55% on the first $25 million, 0.45% on assets over $75 million and 0.35% on assets over $100 million. The performance results shown are both gross and net of all fees. The fees of the Value Composite differ from the fees of the Fund. The fees and expenses associated with an investment in the Market Leaders Value Composite are lower than the fees and expenses (after taking into account the Expense Cap) associated with an investment in the Class I shares of the Fund, so that if the Market Leaders Value Composite's expenses were adjusted for these Fund expenses, its performance would have been lower.
Fund Expenses
The Fund is responsible for its own operating expenses. The Adviser has contractually agreed, however, to waive its management fees and pay expenses of the Fund in order to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding AFFE, interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses) to 0.65% of average daily net assets through at least November 28, 2025.
The term of the Fund's contractual operating expenses limitation agreement is indefinite and it can only be terminated upon a vote of the Board. The Adviser may request recoupment of previously waived fees and paid expenses in any subsequent month in the 36-month period from the date of the management fee reduction and expense payment if the aggregate amount actually paid by the Fund toward the operating expenses for such fiscal year (taking into account the reimbursement) will not cause the Fund to exceed the lesser of: (1) the expense limitation in place at the time of the management fee reduction and expense payment; or (2) the
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expense limitation in place at the time of the reimbursement. Any such recoupment is contingent upon the subsequent review and ratification of the recouped amounts by the Board. The Fund must pay current ordinary operating expenses before the Adviser is entitled to any recoupment of fees and expenses.
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
Class I Shares
Class I shares may impose a 0.15% shareholder servicing plan fee, however, the Adviser has voluntarily agreed to waive the shareholder servicing plan fee. Class I shares are not charged a front-end sales load, a CDSC or a Rule 12b-1 distribution and service fee and are generally available for purchase only by institutional investors, retirement accounts or high net worth individuals. Class I shares are available for purchase exclusively by (i) eligible institutions (e.g., a financial institution, corporation, trust, estate, or educational, religious or charitable institution) with assets of at least $10,000, (ii) tax-exempt retirement plans with assets of at least $10,000 (including 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase plans, defined benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans), (iii) fee-based investment programs with assets of at least $10,000, and (iv) qualified state tuition plan (529 plan) accounts.
Class I share participants in tax-exempt retirement plans must contact the plan's administrator to purchase shares. For plan administrator contact information, participants should contact their respective employer's human resources department. Class I share participants in fee-based investment programs should contact the program's administrator or their financial adviser to purchase shares. Transactions generally are effected on behalf of a tax-exempt retirement plan participant by the administrator or a custodian, trustee or record keeper for the plan and on behalf of a fee-based investment program participant by their administrator or financial adviser. Class I shares institutional clients may purchase shares either directly or through an authorized dealer.
Share Price
Class I shares of the Fund are sold at their NAV per share. The Fund normally calculates its NAV per share as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") (normally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) on each day the NYSE is open for trading. Shares of the Fund will not be priced and are not available for purchase when the NYSE and/or Federal Reserve are closed, including the following days: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington's Birthday/Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The Fund calculates its NAV per share based on the market prices or official closing price of the securities (other than money market instruments) it holds.
Purchase and redemption requests are priced based on the next NAV per share calculated after receipt of such requests. The NAV is the value of the Fund's securities, cash and other assets, minus all expenses and liabilities (assets - liabilities = NAV). NAV per share is determined by dividing NAV by the number of shares outstanding (NAV/ # of shares = NAV per share). The NAV takes into account the expenses and fees of the Fund, including management and administration fees, which are accrued daily.
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In calculating the NAV, portfolio securities are valued using current market values or official closing prices, if available. Each security owned by the Fund that is listed on a securities exchange, including ADRs, EDRs and GDRs, is valued at its last sale price on that exchange on the date as of which assets are valued. Where the security is listed on more than one exchange, the Fund will use the price of the exchange that the Fund generally considers to be the principal exchange on which the security is traded. The Fund values most money market instruments it holds at their amortized cost.
When market quotations are not readily available, a security or other asset is valued at its fair value. The Board has designated the Adviser as the Fund's "valuation designee" under Rule 2a-5 of the 1940 Act, subject to its oversight. The valuation designee has adopted fair value procedures. These fair value procedures may also be used to price a security when corporate events, events in the securities market and/or world events cause the valuation designee to believe that a security's last sale price may not reflect its actual market value. The intended effect of using fair value pricing procedures is to ensure that the Fund is accurately priced. The valuation designee will regularly evaluate whether the Fund's fair valuation pricing procedures continue to be appropriate in light of the specific circumstances of the Fund and the quality of prices obtained.
The Fund will process purchase orders that they receive in good order and accept redemption orders that they receive in good order prior to the close of regular trading on a day in which the NYSE is open at the NAV per share determined later that day. They will process purchase orders that they receive and accept and redemption orders that they receive after the close of regular trading at the NAV per share determined at the close of regular trading on the next day the NYSE is open.
Good order means that your purchase request includes (1) the name of the Fund, (2) the dollar amount of shares to be purchased, (3) your account application, and (4) a check payable to the applicable Fund.
PURCHASING SHARES
There are several ways to purchase shares of the Fund. An account application is used if you send money directly to the Fund by mail or wire. Payment should be made by check in U.S. dollars and drawn on a domestic financial institution, savings and loan, or credit union, or sent by wire transfer. Checks should be made payable to the Fund in which you are investing.
The Fund will not accept payment in cash or money orders. To prevent check fraud, the Fund will not accept third party checks, U.S. Treasury checks, credit card checks, traveler's checks or starter checks for the purchase of shares. The Fund is unable to accept post-dated checks or any conditional order or payment.
If your check is returned for any reason, a $25 fee will be assessed against your account. You will also be responsible for any losses suffered by the Fund as a result.
The Fund does not issue share certificates. The Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase in whole or in part. If you have questions about how to invest, or about how to complete the account application, please call an account representative at 1-877-291-7827.
In compliance with the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, please note that the Transfer Agent will verify certain information on your account application as part of the Fund's Anti-Money Laundering
16
Program. As requested on the account application, you must provide your full name, date of birth, social security number and permanent street address. If you are opening the accounts in the name of a legal entity (e.g.,partnership, limited liability companies, business trust, corporation, etc.) you must supply the identity of the beneficial owner. Mailing addresses containing only a P.O. Box will not be accepted. Please contact the Transfer Agent at 1-877-291-7827 if you need assistance when completing your account application.
If the Transfer Agent does not have a reasonable belief of the identity of an investor, the account will be rejected or you will not be allowed to perform a transaction on the account until such information is received. In the rare event that the Transfer Agent is unable to verify your identity, the Fund reserves the right to redeem your account at the current day's net asset value.
Shares of the Fund have not been registered for sale outside of the United States. The Fund generally does not sell shares to investors residing outside of the United States, even if they are United States citizens or lawful permanent residents, except to investors with United States military APO or FPO addresses.
Retirement Accounts
The Fund offers prototype documents for a variety of retirement accounts for individuals and small businesses. Please call 1-877-291-7827 for information on:
•Individual Retirement Plans, including Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs.
•Small Business Retirement Plans, including Simple IRAs and SEP IRAs.
There may be special distribution requirements for a retirement account, such as required distributions or mandatory Federal income tax withholding. For more information, call the number listed above. You may be charged a $15 annual account maintenance fee for each retirement account up to a maximum of $30 annually and a $25 fee for transferring assets to another custodian or for closing a retirement account. Fees charged by institutions may vary.
You May Purchase Shares through an Investment Broker
The Fund has authorized one or more brokers to receive on its behalf purchase and redemption orders. Such brokers are authorized to designate other intermediaries to receive purchase and redemption orders on the Fund's behalf. The Fund will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when an authorized broker or, if applicable, a broker's authorized designee, receives the order. Customer orders will be priced at the Fund's NAV, next computed after they are received by an authorized broker or the broker's authorized designee. Your shares will be held in the broker's name, and the broker will maintain your individual ownership information. The Fund or Adviser may pay the broker for maintaining these records as well as providing other shareholder services. Additionally, investors may be charged a fee if they effect transactions through a broker or agent. The broker is responsible for processing your order correctly and promptly, keeping you advised of the status of your individual account, confirming your transactions and ensuring that you receive copies of the Fund's Prospectus.
You May Send Money to the Fund by Mail
If you wish to invest by mail, simply complete the account application and mail it with a check (made payable to the Fund in which you are investing) to:
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Regular Mail Overnight Delivery
[Name of O'Shaughnessy Fund] [Name of O'Shaughnessy Fund]
c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
P.O. Box 701 615 East Michigan Street, Third Floor
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701 Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
Note: The Fund does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, a deposit in the mail or with such services, or receipt at U.S. Bank Global Fund Services' post office box, of purchase orders or redemption requests does not constitute receipt by the Transfer Agent. Receipt of purchase orders or redemption requests is based on when the order is received at the Transfer Agent's offices.
You May Wire Money to the Fund
If you are making your first investment in the Fund, before you wire funds, please contact the Fund by phone to make arrangements with a telephone service representative to submit your completed account application via mail, overnight delivery or facsimile. Upon receipt of your completed account application, your account will be established and a service representative will contact you to provide your new account number and wiring instructions. If you do not receive this information within one business day, you may call the Transfer Agent at 1-877-291-7827.
You may then instruct your bank to initiate the wire. Prior to sending the wire, please call the Fund at 1-877-291-7827 to advise them of the wire and to ensure proper credit upon receipt. Your bank must include the Fund's name, your name and account number so that your wire can be correctly applied. Your bank should transmit immediately available funds by wire to:
U.S. Bank National Association
777 East Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
ABA #: 075000022
Credit: U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
A/C #112-952-137
FFC: [Name of O'Shaughnessy Fund]
Shareholder Registration
Shareholder Account Number
Wired funds must be received prior to 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, or the close of the NYSE, whichever is earlier, to be eligible for same day pricing. Neither the Fund nor U.S. Bank N.A. is responsible for the consequences of delays resulting from the banking or Federal Reserve wire system, or from incomplete wiring instructions.
Please contact the Transfer Agent prior to sending a wire in order to ensure proper credit. If you are making a subsequent purchase, your bank should wire funds as indicated above. It is essential that your bank include complete information about your account in all wire instructions. If you have questions about how to invest by wire, you may call the Transfer Agent at 1-877-291-7827. Your bank may charge you a fee for sending a wire payment to the Fund.
You May Purchase Additional Shares by Telephone
Unless you have declined the purchase by telephone option on your account application and if your account has been open for at least seven business days, you may purchase additional
18
shares by calling the Transfer Agent at 1-877-291-7827. You may not make your initial purchase of Fund shares by telephone. Telephone orders will be accepted via electronic funds transfer from your pre-designated bank account through the ACH network. You must have banking information established on your account prior to making a telephone purchase. Only bank accounts held at domestic institutions that are ACH members may be used for telephone transactions. If your order is received prior to 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, or the close of the NYSE, whichever is earlier, shares will be purchased at the appropriate share price next calculated. For security reasons, requests by telephone may be recorded. Once you place a telephone transaction request, it cannot be canceled or modified after the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time).
When is Money Invested in the Fund?
Your share price will be the NAV next calculated after the Transfer Agent or your broker receives your request in good order. "Good order" means that your purchase request includes: (1) the name of the Fund, (2) the dollar amount of shares to be purchased, (3) your purchase application or investment stub, and (4) a check payable to the Fund in which you are investing. All requests received in good order before 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), or the close of the NYSE, whichever is earlier, will be processed on that same day. Requests received after 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), or the close of the NYSE, whichever is earlier, will be processed on the next business day.
What is the Price of the Fund?
Class I shares of the Fund are sold at NAV per share. The Fund's NAV per share, or price per share, is calculated by dividing the value of the Fund's total assets, less its liabilities, by the number of its shares outstanding. The Fund's assets are the market value of securities held in its portfolio, plus any cash and other assets. The Fund's liabilities are fees and expenses it owes. The number of Fund shares outstanding is the amount of shares which have been issued to shareholders. The price you will pay to buy Fund shares or the amount you will receive when you sell your Fund shares is based on the NAV per share next calculated after your order is received and accepted.
Minimum Investments
Class I shares require a minimum investment of $10,000, are generally available for purchase only by institutional investors, retirement accounts or high net worth individuals and have no minimum subsequent investment requirements, provided the other eligibility requirements for purchase are met.
Waiving Your Initial Minimum Investment
The Adviser may waive the initial minimum in certain circumstances, including but not limited to the following:
•Transfers of shares from existing accounts if the registration or beneficial owner remains the same.
•Employees of the Adviser and its affiliates and their families.
•Employees benefit plans sponsored by the Adviser.
•Certain wrap programs offered by financial intermediaries.
•Trustees of the Fund and their families.
•Institutional clients of the Adviser.
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•Defined contribution plans or defined contribution plans that the Adviser believes will reach the $10,000 minimum within the first year.
•Registered investment advisers who buy through a broker-dealer or service agent who has entered into an agreement with the Fund's distributor.
•Qualified broker-dealers who have entered into an agreement with the Fund's distributor.
•Shareholders who acquired Class I shares of the Fund in connection with a reorganization. Such shareholders may also purchase additional Class I shares of Fund in the same account.
The initial minimum investment for Class I shares may also be waived for individual accounts of a financial intermediary that charges an ongoing fee for its services or offers Class I shares through a no-load network or platform, provided the aggregate value of such accounts invested in Class I shares is at least $10,000 or is anticipated by the Adviser to reach $10,000.
Subsequent Investments
You may purchase additional shares of the Fund by sending a check, with the stub from an account statement, to the Fund at the address above. Please also write your account number on the check. If you do not have a stub from an account statement, you can write your name, address and account number on a separate piece of paper and enclose it with your check. If you want to invest additional money by wire, it is important for you to first call the Fund at 1-877-291-7827.
Automatic Investment Plan ("AIP")
You may make regular monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual investments in the Fund using the AIP. In order to participate in the AIP, your financial institution must be an Automated Clearing House ("ACH") member. An ACH debit is drawn electronically against your account at a financial institution of your choice for investment into the Fund on the day of the month you selected. There is no charge by the Fund for this service. The Fund may terminate or modify this privilege at any time. You may terminate or modify your participation by notifying the Transfer Agent by telephone or in writing at least five calendar days prior to the effective date. Once the initial minimum investment is made, the subsequent minimum investment amount is $100. A request to change bank information may require a signature authentication from a Signature Validation Program member or other acceptable financial institution source. Additionally, the Transfer Agent will charge a $25 fee for any payment returned as unpaid. You will also be responsible for any losses suffered by the Fund as a result. To establish the AIP, an investor must complete the appropriate section of the account application. For additional information on the AIP, please call the Transfer Agent at 1-877-291-7827.
Other Purchase Programs
Holders of Class I shares of the Fund must contact the plan administrator or their financial adviser to purchase, redeem or exchange shares and to understand the shareholder services available to such holders. Holders of Class I shares in tax-exempt retirement plans should contact the appropriate tax-exempt retirement plan administrator for information regarding the administration of participants' investments in the shares.
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REDEEMING SHARES
You have the right to redeem all or any portion of your shares of the Fund at their next calculated NAV per share, on each day the NYSE is open for trading. A redemption may result in recognition of a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes.
Shareholders who have an IRA or other retirement plan must indicate on their written redemption request whether or not to withhold federal income tax. Redemption requests failing to indicate an election not to have tax withheld will be subject to withholding. Shares held in IRA accounts may be redeemed by telephone at 1-877-291-7827. Investors will be asked whether or not to withhold taxes from any distribution.
When are Redemption Payments Made?
Generally, the Fund typically expects that it will take one to three days following the receipt of your redemption request to pay out redemption proceeds; however, while not expected, payment of redemption proceeds may take up to seven days. As described below, you may receive proceeds of your sale in a check, ACH, or federal wire transfer.
The Fund typically expects that they will hold cash or cash equivalents to meet redemption requests. The Fund may also use the proceeds from the sale of portfolio securities to meet redemption requests if consistent with the management of the Fund. These redemption methods will be used regularly and may also be used in unusual circumstances. The Fund may delay paying redemption proceeds for up to seven calendar days after receiving a request, if an earlier payment could adversely affect the Fund.
The Fund reserves the right to redeem in-kind as described below in the "Other Redemption Information" section. Redemptions in-kind are typically used to meet redemption requests that represent a large percentage of the Fund's net assets in order to minimize the effect of large redemptions on the Fund and its remaining shareholders. As noted, redemptions in-kind are typically used in unusual circumstances.
No redemption request will become effective until the Transfer Agent has received all documents in good order. Shareholders should contact the Transfer Agent at 1-877-291-7827 for further information concerning documentation required for redemption of Fund shares. You may redeem Fund shares at a price equal to the NAV per share next determined after the Transfer Agent receives your redemption request in good order. Your redemption request cannot be processed on days the NYSE is closed. All requests received in good order by the Fund before the close of the regular trading session of the NYSE (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) will usually be sent to the bank you indicate or mailed on the following day to the address of record.
Redemption payments for telephone redemptions are sent on the next business day after the telephone call is received. Payments for redemptions requested in writing are normally made promptly, but no later than seven days after the receipt of a valid request. Before selling recently purchased shares, please note that if the Transfer Agent has not yet collected payment for the shares you are selling, it may delay sending the proceeds until the payment is collected, which may take up to 15 calendar days from the purchase date. This delay can be avoided by investing by wire to make your purchase.
21
Redemptions in Writing
You may redeem your shares by simply sending a written request to the Fund. Please provide the Fund's name, your name, account number and state the number of shares or dollar amount you would like redeemed. The letter should be signed by all of the shareholders whose names appear in the account registration. Please have the signatures guaranteed, if applicable. No redemption requests will become effective until all documents have been received in good order by the Transfer Agent. "Good order" means your redemption request includes: (1) the name of the Fund, (2) the number of shares or dollar amount to be redeemed, (3) the account number and (4) signatures by all of the shareholders whose names appear on the account registration. Payment of your redemption proceeds will be made promptly, but not later than seven days after the receipt of your written request in good order. Shareholders who have an IRA or other retirement plan must indicate on their redemption request whether to withhold federal income tax. You should send your redemption request to:
Regular Mail Overnight Delivery
[Name of O'Shaughnessy Fund] [Name of O'Shaughnessy Fund]
c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
P.O. Box 701 615 East Michigan Street, Third Floor
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701 Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
Note: The Fund does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, a deposit in the mail or with such services, or receipt at U.S. Bank Global Fund Services's post office box, of purchase orders or redemption requests does not constitute receipt by the Transfer Agent. Receipt of purchase orders or redemption requests is based on when the order is received at the Transfer Agent's offices.
Redemptions by Telephone
Unless you have declined the redemption by telephone option on the account application, you may redeem shares, up to $100,000, on any business day the NYSE is open by calling the Transfer Agent at 1-877-291-7827 before the close of trading on the NYSE. Redemption proceeds will be sent on the next business day to the address that appears on the Transfer Agent's records. If you request, redemption proceeds will be wired on the next business day to your designated bank account, or sent via electronic funds transfer through the ACH network to your predetermined bank account. The minimum amount that may be wired is $1,000. Wire charges, currently $15, will be applied. If you are redeeming your entire account balance or a specific share amount, the fee will be deducted from the proceeds. In the case of a partial redemption or the redemption of a specific dollar amount, the fee will be deducted from your remaining account balance. There is no charge to have proceeds sent by electronic funds transfer and credit is typically available in two to three business days. Telephone redemptions cannot be made if you notify the Transfer Agent of a change of address within 15 calendar days before the redemption request. Once a telephone transaction has been placed, it cannot be canceled or modified after the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time). If an account has more than one owner or authorized person, the Fund will accept telephone instructions from any one owner or authorized person.
By establishing telephone redemption privileges, you authorize the Fund and its Transfer Agent to act upon the instruction of any person who makes the telephone call to redeem shares from your account and transfer the proceeds to the financial institution account designated on the account application. The Fund and the Transfer Agent will use procedures to confirm that redemption instructions received by telephone are genuine, including recording of telephone
22
instructions and requiring a form of personal identification before acting on these instructions. If these normal identification procedures are followed, neither the Fund nor the Transfer Agent will be liable for any loss, liability, or cost that results from acting upon instructions of a person believed to be a shareholder with respect to the telephone redemption privilege. The Fund may change, modify, or terminate these privileges at any time upon at least 60 days' notice to shareholders.
You may request telephone redemption privileges after your account is opened; however, the request may require a signature verification from a Signature Validation Program member or other acceptable form of authentication from a financial institution source. Telephone trades must be received by or prior to market close. During periods of high market activity, shareholders may encounter higher than usual call wait times. Please allow sufficient time to ensure that you will be able to complete your telephone transaction prior to market close.
Signature Guarantees
A signature guarantee of each account owner, from either a Medallion program member or a non-Medallion program member, is required in the following situations:
•When ownership is being changed on your account;
•When redemption proceeds are payable to or sent to any person, address or bank account not on record;
•When a redemption is received by the Transfer Agent and the account address has changed within the last 15 calendar days; and/or
•For all redemptions in excess of $100,000 from any shareholder account.
Non-financial transactions, including establishing or modifying certain services on an account, may require a signature guarantee, signature verification from a Signature Validation Program member or other acceptable form of authentication from a financial institution source.
In addition to the situations described above, the Fund and/or the Transfer Agent reserve the right to require a signature guarantee in other instances based on the circumstances relative to the particular situation.
Signature guarantees will generally be accepted from domestic banks, brokers, dealers, credit unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies and savings associations, as well as from participants in the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program and the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program. A notary public is not a signature guarantor.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan ("SWP")
The Fund offers a SWP whereby you may request a predetermined amount be sent to you monthly, quarterly or annually. If you elect this method of redemption, the Fund will send a check to your address of record or will send the payment via electronic funds transfer through the ACH network directly to your bank account. For payment through the ACH network, your bank must be an ACH member and your bank account information must be maintained on your Fund account. To start the SWP, your account must have Fund shares with a value of at least $50,000, and the minimum payment amount is $2,500. The SWP may be terminated or modified by you or the Fund at any time without charge or penalty. Termination and modification of your SWP should be provided to the Transfer Agent five calendar days prior to the next withdrawal. A
23
withdrawal under the SWP involves a redemption of shares of the Fund, and may result in a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes. In addition, if the amount withdrawn exceeds the dividends credited to your account, the account ultimately may be depleted.
Other Redemption Information
The Trust has elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act. Specifically, if the amount you are redeeming is in excess of the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund's net assets, the Fund has the right to redeem your shares by giving you the amount that exceeds $250,000 or 1% of the Fund's net assets in securities instead of cash. If the Fund pays your redemption proceeds by a distribution of securities, you could incur brokerage or other charges in converting the securities to cash, and will bear any market risks associated with such securities until they are converted into cash.
The Fund has the right to pay redemption proceeds to you in whole or in part by a distribution of securities from the Fund's portfolio (redemption-in-kind). It is not expected that the Fund would do so except in unusual circumstances. If the Fund pays your redemption proceeds by a distribution of securities, you could incur brokerage or other charges in converting the securities to cash. A redemption, whether in cash or in-kind, is a taxable event for you.
The Fund may suspend the right of redemption under certain extraordinary circumstances in accordance with rules of the SEC. Specifically, the Fund may suspend the right to redeem shares or postpone the date of payment upon redemption for more than seven business days (1) for any period during which the NYSE is closed (other than customary weekend or holiday closings) or trading on the NYSE is restricted; (2) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by the Fund of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund fairly to determine the value of its net assets; or (3) for such other periods as the SEC may permit for the protection of the Fund's shareholders.
Tools to Combat Frequent Transactions
The Board has adopted policies and procedures with respect to frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares by Fund shareholders. The Fund discourages excessive, short-term trading and other abusive trading practices that may disrupt portfolio management strategies and harm the Fund's performance. The Fund may decide to restrict purchase and sale activity in its shares based on various factors, including whether frequent purchase and sale activity will disrupt portfolio management strategies and adversely affect the Fund's performance or whether the shareholder has conducted four round trip transactions within a 12-month period. The Fund takes steps to reduce the frequency and effect of these activities in the Fund. These steps include monitoring trading activity and using fair value pricing. Although these efforts (which are described in more detail below) are designed to discourage abusive trading practices, these tools cannot eliminate the possibility that such activity may occur. Further, while the Fund makes efforts to identify and restrict frequent trading, the Fund receives purchase and sale orders through financial intermediaries and cannot always know or detect frequent trading that may be facilitated by the use of intermediaries or the use of group or omnibus accounts by those intermediaries. The Fund seeks to exercise judgment in implementing these tools in a manner that is consistent with shareholder interests.
Monitoring Trading Practices
The Fund monitors selected trades in an effort to detect excessive short-term trading activities. If, as a result of this monitoring, the Fund believes that a shareholder has engaged in excessive short-term trading, it may, in its discretion, ask the shareholder to stop such activities or refuse
24
to process purchases in the shareholder's accounts. In making such judgments, the Fund seeks to act in a manner that it believes is consistent with the best interests of shareholders. Due to the complexity and subjectivity involved in identifying abusive trading activity and the volume of shareholder transactions the Fund handles, there can be no assurance that the Fund's efforts will identify all trades or trading practices that may be considered abusive. In addition, the Fund's ability to monitor trades that are placed by individual shareholders within group or omnibus accounts maintained by financial intermediaries is limited because the Fund does not have simultaneous access to the underlying shareholder account information.
In compliance with Rule 22c-2 of the 1940 Act, the Fund's Distributor, on behalf of the Fund, has entered into written agreements with each of the Fund's financial intermediaries, under which the intermediary must, upon request, provide the Fund with certain shareholder and identity trading information so that the Fund can enforce its market timing policies.
Fair Value Pricing
The Fund employs fair value pricing selectively to ensure greater accuracy in its daily NAV and to prevent dilution by frequent traders or market timers who seek to take advantage of temporary market anomalies. The valuation designee has developed procedures which utilize fair value pricing when reliable market quotations are not readily available or the Fund's pricing service does not provide a valuation (or provides a valuation that in the judgment of the Adviser does not represent the security's fair value), or when, in the judgment of the Adviser, events have rendered the market value unreliable. Valuing securities at fair value involves reliance on judgment. Fair value determinations are made in good faith in accordance with procedures adopted by the valuation designee. There can be no assurance that the Fund will obtain the fair value assigned to a security if it were to sell the security at approximately the time at which the Fund determines its NAV per share.
DISTRIBUTION OF FUND SHARES
Shareholder Servicing Plan
The Board has approved a Shareholder Servicing Plan ("Service Plan") for Class I shares of the Fund. Under the Service Plan, Class I shares of the Fund may pay service fees of up to 0.15% of average daily net assets to intermediaries such as banks, broker-dealers, financial advisers or other financial institutions, for sub-administration, sub-transfer agency and other shareholder services associated with shareholders whose shares are held of record in omnibus, other group accounts or accounts traded through registered securities clearing agents. As these fees are paid out of the Fund's assets, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
The Adviser has voluntarily agreed to limit the accrual of the shareholder servicing plan fees for the Class I shares of the Fund to 0.00% through November 28, 2025.
Service Fees - Additional Payments to Third Parties
The Adviser, out of its own resources, and without additional cost to the Fund or its shareholders, may provide additional cash payments or non-cash compensation to intermediaries who sell shares of the Fund. Such payments and compensation are in addition to distribution and service fees paid by the Fund. These additional cash payments are generally made to intermediaries that provide shareholder servicing, marketing support and/or access to sales meetings, sales representatives and management representatives of the intermediary. Cash compensation may also be paid to intermediaries for inclusion of the Fund on its sales list,
25
including a preferred or select sales list, in other sales programs or as an expense reimbursement in cases where the intermediary provides shareholder services to the Fund's shareholders. The Adviser may also pay cash compensation in the form of finder's fees that vary depending on the dollar amount of the shares sold.
The Fund has policies and procedures in place for the monitoring of payments to broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries for distribution-related activities and the following non-distribution activities: sub-transfer agent, administrative, and other shareholder services.
26
GENERAL POLICIES
Some of the following policies are mentioned above. In general, the Fund reserves the right to:
•Refuse, change, discontinue, or temporarily suspend account services, including purchase, or telephone redemption privileges, for any reason;
•Reject any purchase request for any reason. Generally, the Fund will do this if the purchase is disruptive to the efficient management of the Fund (due to the timing of the investment or an investor's history of excessive trading);
•Redeem all shares in your account if your balance falls below a $500 due to redemption activity. If, within 30 days of the Fund's written request, you have not increased your account balance, you may be required to redeem your shares. The Fund will not require you to redeem shares if the value of your account drops below the investment minimum due to fluctuations of NAV; and
•Reject any purchase or redemption request that does not contain all required documentation.
If you elect telephone privileges on the account application or in a letter to the Fund, you may be responsible for any fraudulent telephone orders as long as the Fund has taken reasonable precautions to verify your identity. In addition, a telephone transaction request cannot be canceled or modified after the close of regular treading on the NYSE (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time).
Telephone trades must be received by or prior to market close. During periods of high market activity, shareholders may encounter higher than usual call wait times. Please allow sufficient time to ensure that you will be able to complete your telephone transaction prior to market close. If you are unable to contact the Fund by telephone, you may also mail your request to the Fund at the address listed under "Purchasing Shares."
Your financial intermediary may establish policies that differ from those of the Fund. For example, the organization may charge transaction fees, set higher minimum investments, or impose certain limitations on buying or selling shares in addition to those identified in this Prospectus. Contact your financial intermediary for details.
Lost Shareholders, Inactive Accounts and Unclaimed Property. It is important that the Fund maintains a correct address for each shareholder. An incorrect address may cause a shareholder's account statements and other mailings to be returned to the Fund. Based upon statutory requirements for returned mail, the Fund will attempt to locate the shareholder or rightful owner of the account. If the Fund is unable to locate the shareholder, then it will determine whether the shareholder's account can legally be considered abandoned. Your mutual fund account may be transferred to the state government of your state of residence if no activity occurs within your account during the "inactivity period" specified in your state's abandoned property laws. The Fund is legally obligated to escheat (or transfer) abandoned property to the appropriate state's unclaimed property administrator in accordance with statutory requirements. The shareholder's last known address of record determines which state has jurisdiction. Please proactively contact the Transfer Agent toll-free at 1-877-291-7827 at least annually to ensure your account remains in active status.
27
If you are a resident of the state of Texas, you may designate a representative to receive notifications that, due to inactivity, your mutual fund account assets may be delivered to the Texas Comptroller. Please contact the Transfer Agent if you wish to complete a Texas Designation of Representative form.
Fund Mailings
Statements and reports that the Fund sends to you include the following:
•Confirmation statements (after every transaction that affects your account balance or your account registration); and
•Quarterly account statements.
Householding
In an effort to decrease costs, the Fund intends to reduce the number of duplicate prospectuses, proxy statements and other similar documents you receive by sending only one copy of each to those addresses shared by two or more accounts and to shareholders we reasonably believe are from the same family or household. Once implemented, if you would like to discontinue householding for your accounts, please call toll-free at 1-877-291-7827 to request individual copies of these documents. Once the Transfer Agent receives notice to stop householding, the Transfer Agent will begin sending individual copies thirty days after receiving your request. This policy does not apply to account statements.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
The Fund intends to continue to qualify to be taxed as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). As a regulated investment company, the Fund will not be subject to federal income tax if it distributes its taxable income as required by the tax law and satisfies certain other requirements that are described in the SAI.
Dividends from net investment income, if any, normally are declared and paid by the Fund in December. Capital gain distributions, if any, are also normally made in December, but the Fund may make an additional payment of dividends or capital gain distributions if it deems it desirable at another time during any year.
All distributions will be reinvested in Fund shares unless you choose one of the following options: (1) receive dividends in cash while reinvesting capital gain distributions in additional Fund shares; (2) receive capital gain distributions in cash while reinvesting dividends in additional Fund shares; or (3) receive all distributions in cash. Distributions are taxable whether received in cash or additional Fund shares.
If you elect to receive any distributions paid in cash and the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver the check, or if a check remains outstanding for six months, the Fund reserves the right to reinvest the distribution check in your account, at the Fund's current NAV per share, and to reinvest all subsequent distributions. If you wish to change your distribution option, notify the Transfer Agent in writing or by telephone at 1-877-291-7827 at least five days in advance of the payment date of the distribution.
Any dividend or capital gain distribution paid by the Fund has the effect of reducing the NAV per share on the ex-dividend date by the amount of the dividend or capital gain distribution. You
28
should note that a dividend or capital gain distribution paid on shares purchased shortly before that dividend or capital gain distribution was declared will be subject to income taxes even though the dividend or capital gain distribution represents, in an economic sense, a partial return of capital to you.
Distributions made by the Fund will be taxable to shareholders whether received in shares (through reinvestment) or in cash. Distributions derived from net investment income, including net short-term capital gains, are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income or, under current law, as qualified dividend income, provided certain holding period and other requirements are met. Distributions reported as capital gain dividends are taxable as long-term capital gains regardless of the length of time shares of the Fund have been held. There is no requirement that the Fund takes into consideration any tax implications to shareholders when implementing its investment strategies. Shareholders should note that the Fund may make taxable distributions of income and capital gains even when share values have declined. Depending on the composition of its underlying investments, a portion of ordinary income dividends paid by the Fund may be qualified dividend income eligible for taxation at long-term capital gain rates for individual investors, provided that certain holding period and other requirements are met. Generally none or only a small portion of the income dividends paid to you as a result of the Fund's investment in REITs is anticipated to be qualified dividend income eligible for taxation by individuals at long-term capital gain tax rates. The eligibility for qualified dividend tax rates depends on the underlying investments of the Fund. Some or all of your distributions may not be eligible for this preferential tax rate. A 3.8% surtax applies to net investment income, which generally will include dividends and capital gains from an investment in the Fund, of individual shareholders with adjusted gross income over $200,000 for single filers and $250,000 for married joint filers. Although distributions are generally taxable when received, certain distributions declared in October, November, or December to shareholders of record on a specified date in such a month but paid in the following January are taxable as if received the prior December.
For taxable years beginning after 2017 and before 2025, non-corporate taxpayers generally may deduct 20% of "qualified business income" derived either directly or through partnerships or S Corporation. For this purpose, "qualified business income" generally includes ordinary dividends paid by a real estate investment trust ("REIT") and certain income from publicly traded partnerships. Regulations recently adopted by the United States Treasury allow non-corporate shareholders of a Fund to benefit from the 20% deduction with respect to net REIT dividends received by the Fund if the Fund meets certain reporting requirements, but do not permit any such deduction with respect to publicly traded partnerships.
By law, the Fund must withhold as backup withholding a percentage (currently 24%), at a rate under section 3406 of the Code for U.S. residents, of your taxable distributions and redemption proceeds if you do not provide your correct Social Security or taxpayer identification number and certify that you are not subject to backup withholding, or if the Internal Revenue Service instructs the Fund to do so.
Sale or exchange of your Fund shares is a taxable event for you. Depending on the purchase and sale price of the shares you sell, you may have a gain or a loss on the transaction. You are responsible for any tax liabilities generated by your transaction and your investment in the Fund. The Code limits the deductibility of capital losses in certain circumstances.
Additional information related to the tax status of the Fund and the tax consequences of investing in it is contained in the SAI. Tax consequences are not the primary consideration of the
29
Fund in making investment decisions. You should consult your own adviser concerning federal, state and local taxation of distributions from the Fund.
INDEX DESCRIPTIONS
Please note that you cannot invest directly in an index. The figures presented in the average annual total returns table reflect all dividends reinvested.
The Russell 1000® Total Return Index measures the performance of the large-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes approximately 1,000 of the largest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership.
The Russell 1000 Value®Indexmeasures the performance of the large-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 1000 companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower expected growth values.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial highlights table below is intended to help you understand the financial performance of the Fund for the fiscal periods shown. Certain information reflects financial results for a single share of the Fund. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. This information has been audited by Tait, Weller & Baker LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the Fund's financial statements, are included in the Fund's Form N-CSRfiled with the SEC, which is available upon request.
30
O'Shaughnessy Market Leaders Value Fund
For a share outstanding throughout each year
|
Class I Shares
|
Year Ended July 31, 2024
|
Year Ended July 31, 2023
|
Year Ended July 31, 2022
|
Year Ended July 31, 2021
|
Year Ended July 31, 2020
|
Net asset value, beginning of year
|
$17.75
|
$17.01
|
$17.62
|
$11.95
|
$13.64
|
|
Income from investment operations:
|
Net investment income
|
0.45
|
0.37
|
0.33
|
0.31
|
0.27†
|
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments
|
3.18
|
1.62
|
(0.61)
|
5.67
|
(1.73)
|
Total from investment operations
|
3.63
|
1.99
|
(0.28)
|
5.98
|
(1.46)
|
|
Less distributions:
|
From net investment income
|
(0.40)
|
(0.34)
|
(0.33)
|
(0.31)
|
(0.23)
|
From net realized gain on investments
|
(0.34)
|
(0.91)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Total distributions
|
(0.74)
|
(1.25)
|
(0.33)
|
(0.31)
|
(0.23)
|
|
Redemption fees retained
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
0.00†^
|
|
Net asset value, end of year
|
$20.64
|
$17.75
|
$17.01
|
$17.62
|
$11.95
|
|
Total return
|
21.29
|
%
|
12.38
|
%
|
-1.67
|
%
|
50.66
|
%
|
-10.97
|
%
|
|
Ratios/supplemental data:
|
Net assets, end of year (thousands)
|
$213,220
|
$245,083
|
$255,672
|
$255,000
|
$160,980
|
|
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
|
Before fee waiver
|
0.54
|
%
|
0.53
|
%
|
0.52
|
%
|
0.56
|
%
|
0.57
|
%
|
After fee waiver
|
0.54
|
%
|
0.53
|
%
|
0.52
|
%
|
0.56
|
%
|
0.57
|
%
|
|
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets:
|
Before fee waiver
|
2.16
|
%
|
2.13
|
%
|
1.89
|
%
|
1.98
|
%
|
2.09
|
%
|
After fee waiver
|
2.16
|
%
|
2.13
|
%
|
1.89
|
%
|
1.98
|
%
|
2.09
|
%
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
53.57
|
%
|
63.50
|
%
|
96.82
|
%
|
68.71
|
%
|
83.04
|
%
|
† Based on average shares outstanding.
^Amount is less than $0.01 per share.
31
Investment Adviser
O'Shaughnessy Asset Management, LLC
100 First Stamford Place, 5th Floor
Stamford, Connecticut 06902
Distributor
Quasar Distributors, LLC
Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100
Portland, Maine 04101
Custodian
U.S. Bank National Association
Custody Operations
1555 North RiverCenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212
Transfer Agent
U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Tait, Weller & Baker LLP
Two Liberty Place
50 South 16th Street, Suite 2900
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102
Legal Counsel
Sullivan & Worcester LLP
1251 Avenue of the Americas, 19th Floor
New York, New York 10020
PRIVACY NOTICE
The Fund collects non-public information about you from the following sources:
•Information we receive about you on applications or other forms;
•Information you give us orally; and/or
•Information about your transactions with us or others.
We do not disclose any non-public personal information about our customers or former customers without the customer's authorization, except as permitted by law or in response to inquiries from governmental authorities. We may share information with affiliated and unaffiliated third parties with whom we have contracts for servicing the Fund. We will provide unaffiliated third parties with only the information necessary to carry out their assigned responsibilities. We maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards to guard your non-public personal information and require third parties to treat your personal information with the same high degree of confidentiality.
In the event that you hold shares of the Fund through a financial intermediary, including, but not limited to, a broker-dealer, bank, or trust company, the privacy policy of your financial intermediary would govern how your non-public personal information would be shared by those entities with unaffiliated third parties.
PN-1
O'Shaughnessy Market Leaders Value Fund
You can find more information about the Fund in the following documents:
Statement of Additional Information
The SAI provides additional details about the investments and techniques of the Fund and certain other additional information. A current SAI is on file with the SEC and is incorporated into this Prospectus by reference. This means that the SAI is legally considered a part of this Prospectus even though it is not physically within this Prospectus.
Annual and Semi-Annual Reports
Additional information about the Fund's investments is available in the Fund's annual and semi-annual reports (collectively, the "Shareholder Reports") and in Form N-CSR. In the Fund's annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that affected the Fund's performance during the Fund's last fiscal year. In Form N-CSR, you will find the Fund's annual and semi-annual financial statements.
The SAI and the Shareholder Reports are available free of charge on the Fund's website at www.osfunds.com. You can obtain a free copy of the SAI and Shareholder Reports, request other information, or make general inquiries about the Fund by calling the Fund (toll-free) at 1-877-291-7827 or by writing to:
O'Shaughnessy Marker Leaders Value Fund
c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
615 East Michigan Street, Third Floor
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
Reports and other information about the Fund are also available:
•Free of charge from the Commission's EDGAR database on the Commission's Internet website at http://www.sec.gov; or
•For a fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: [email protected].
(SEC Investment Company Act file number is 811-07959.)
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
November 28, 2024
O'Shaughnessy Market Leaders Value Fund
Class I - OFVIX
A Series of Advisors Series Trust
c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701
1-877-291-7827
This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus dated November 28, 2024, as may be revised, for Class I shares of the O'Shaughnessy Market Leaders Value Fund (the "Fund"), a series of Advisors Series Trust (the "Trust"). O'Shaughnessy Asset Management, LLC (the "Adviser") is the investment adviser to the Fund. Copies of the Prospectus may be obtained by contacting the Fund at the address or telephone number above or by visiting the Fund's website at www.osfunds.com.
The Fund's audited financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2024, and the unqualified reports of Tait, Weller & Baker LLP, the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm, on such financial statements, are included in the Fund's Form N-CSRfor the fiscal year ended July 31, 2024 and are incorporated by reference into this SAI. A copy of the annual report may be obtained without charge by calling or writing the Fund as shown above.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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THE TRUST AND FUND'S HISTORY
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INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS
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B-1
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PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
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B-15
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PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION
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B-16
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MANAGEMENT
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B-18
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CODES OF ETHICS
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B-27
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PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
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B-27
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CONTROL PERSONS, PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS, AND MANAGEMENT OWNERSHIP
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B-27
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INVESTMENT ADVISER
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B-28
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PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
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B-30
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SERVICE PROVIDERS
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B-32
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EXECUTION OF PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
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B-33
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DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
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B-35
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DISTRIBUTION AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICING PLANS
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B-35
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DETERMINATION OF SHARE PRICE
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B-35
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ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION
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B-36
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DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAX INFORMATION
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B-40
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MARKETING AND SUPPORT PAYMENTS
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B-43
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GENERAL INFORMATION
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B-44
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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APPENDIX A
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THE TRUST AND FUND'S HISTORY
The Trust is a Delaware statutory trust organized under the laws of the State of Delaware on October 3, 1996, and is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") as an open-end management investment company. The Trust's Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the "Declaration of Trust") permits the Trust's Board of Trustees (the "Board" or the "Trustees") to issue an unlimited number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share, which may be issued in any number of series. The Trust consists of various series that represent separate investment portfolios. The Board may from time to time issue other series, the assets and liabilities of which will be separate and distinct from any other series. This SAI relates only to the Fund, which is a series of the Trust.
Registration with the SEC does not involve supervision of the management or policies of the Fund. The Fund's Prospectus and this SAI omit certain of the information contained in the Registration Statement filed with the SEC. Copies of such information may be obtained from the SEC upon payment of the prescribed fee or may be accessed free of charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
The Fund commenced operations on February 26, 2016.
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RISKS
The following discussion supplements the discussion of the Fund's investment policies as set forth in the Prospectus.
Diversification
The Fund is a diversified fund. This means that, with respect to 75% of the Fund's total assets, the Fund may not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of a single issuer or hold more than 10% of the voting securities of such issuer. This does not apply to investments in the securities of the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities or securities of other regulated investment companies.
Under applicable federal securities laws, the diversification of a mutual fund's holdings is measured at the time the fund purchases a security. However, if the Fund purchases a security and holds it for a period of time, the security may become a larger percentage of the Fund's total assets due to movements in the financial markets. If the market affects several securities held by the Fund, the Fund may have a greater percentage of its assets invested in securities of fewer issuers. Accordingly, the Fund is subject to the risk that its performance may be hurt disproportionately by the poor performance of relatively few securities despite the Fund's qualifying as a diversified mutual fund under applicable federal securities laws.
Percentage Limitations
Whenever an investment policy or limitation states a maximum percentage of the Fund's assets that may be invested in any security or other asset, or sets forth a policy regarding quality standards, such standards or percentage limitation will be determined immediately after and as a result of the Fund's acquisition or sale of such security or other asset. Accordingly, except with respect to borrowing, any subsequent change in values, net assets or other circumstances will not be considered in determining whether an investment complies with the
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Fund's investment policies and limitations. In addition, if a bankruptcy or other extraordinary event occurs concerning a particular investment by the Fund, the Fund may receive stock, real estate or other investments that the Fund would not, or could not buy. If this happens, the Fund would sell such investments as soon as practicable while trying to maximize the return to its shareholders.
Market and Regulatory Risk
Events in the financial markets and economy may cause volatility and uncertainty and affect performance. Such adverse effect on performance could include a decline in the value and liquidity of securities held by the Fund, unusually high and unanticipated levels of redemptions, an increase in portfolio turnover, a decrease in net asset value ("NAV"), and an increase in Fund expenses. It may also be unusually difficult to identify both investment risks and opportunities, in which case investment objectives may not be met. Market events may affect a single issuer, industry, sector, or the market as a whole. Traditionally liquid investments may experience periods of diminished liquidity. During a general downturn in the financial markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value and the Fund may lose value, regardless of the individual results of the securities and other instruments in which the Fund invests. It is impossible to predict whether or for how long such market events will continue, particularly if they are unprecedented, unforeseen or widespread events or conditions, pandemics, epidemics and other similar circumstances in one or more countries or regions. Therefore, it is important to understand that the value of your investment may fall, sometimes sharply and for extended periods, and you could lose money.
Governmental and regulatory actions, including tax law changes, may also impair portfolio management and have unexpected or adverse consequences on particular markets, strategies, or investments. Policy and legislative changes in the United States and in other countries are affecting many aspects of financial regulation, and may in some instances contribute to decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the financial markets. The impact of these changes on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time. In addition, economies and financial markets throughout the world are becoming increasingly interconnected. As a result, whether or not the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to countries experiencing economic and financial difficulties, the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments may be negatively affected.
Repurchase Agreements
The Fund may engage in repurchase agreements with broker-dealers, banks and other financial institutions to earn a return on temporarily available cash. A repurchase agreement is a short-term investment in which the purchaser (i.e., the Fund) acquires ownership of a security and the seller agrees to repurchase the obligation at a future time and set price, thereby determining the yield during the holding period. Repurchase agreements involve certain risks in the event of default by the other party. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with broker-dealers, banks and other financial institutions deemed to be creditworthy by the Adviser under guidelines approved by the Board. The Fund will not invest in repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days if any such investment, together with any other illiquid securities held by such fund, would exceed such fund's limitation on illiquid securities. The Fund does not bear the risk of a decline in the value of the underlying security unless the seller defaults under its repurchase obligation. In the event of the bankruptcy or other default of a seller of a repurchase agreement, the Fund could experience both delays in liquidating the
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underlying securities and losses including: (a) possible decline in the value of the underlying security during the period while such fund seeks to enforce its rights thereto; (b) possible lack of access to income on the underlying security during this period; and (c) expenses of enforcing its rights.
For the purpose of investing in repurchase agreements, the Adviser may aggregate the cash that certain funds advised or sub-advised by the Adviser or certain of its affiliates would otherwise invest separately into a joint account. The cash in the joint account is then invested in repurchase agreements and the funds that contributed to the joint account share pro rata in the net revenue generated. The Adviser believes that the joint account produces efficiencies and economies of scale that may contribute to reduced transaction costs, higher returns, higher quality investments and greater diversity of investments for the Fund than would be available to such funds investing separately. The manner in which the joint account is managed is subject to conditions set forth in an exemptive order from the SEC permitting this practice, which conditions are designed to ensure the fair administration of the joint account and to protect the amounts in that account.
Repurchase agreements are fully collateralized by the underlying securities and are considered to be loans under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). The Fund pays for such securities only upon physical delivery or evidence of book entry transfer to the account of a custodian or bank acting as agent. The seller under a repurchase agreement will be required to maintain the value of the underlying securities marked-to-market daily at not less than the repurchase price. The underlying securities (normally securities of the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities) may have maturity dates exceeding one year.
Illiquid and Restricted Securities
Pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act, the Fund may not acquire any "illiquid investment" if, immediately after the acquisition, the Fund would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets. An "illiquid investment" is any investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. The Fund has implemented a liquidity risk management program and related procedures to identify illiquid investments pursuant to Rule 22e-4. The 15% limits are applied as of the date the Fund purchases an illiquid investment. It is possible that the Fund's holding of illiquid investment could exceed the 15% limit, for example as a result of market developments or redemptions.
The Fund may purchase certain restricted securities that can be resold to institutional investors and which may be determined not to be illiquid investments pursuant to the Fund's liquidity risk management program. In many cases, those securities are traded in the institutional market under Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") and are called Rule 144A securities.
Investments in illiquid investments involve more risks than investments in similar securities that are readily marketable. Illiquid investments may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments. Investment of the Fund's assets in illiquid investments may restrict the ability of the Fund to dispose of its investments in a timely fashion and for a fair price as well as its ability to take advantage of market opportunities. The risks associated with illiquidity will be particularly acute where the Fund's operations require cash, such as when the
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Fund has net redemptions, and could result in the Fund borrowing to meet short-term cash requirements or incurring losses on the sale of illiquid investments.
Restricted securities sold in private placement transactions between issuers and their purchasers are neither listed on an exchange nor traded in other established markets and may be illiquid. In many cases, the privately placed securities may not be freely transferable under the laws of the applicable jurisdiction or due to contractual restrictions on resale. To the extent privately placed securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices realized from the sales could be less than those originally paid by the Fund or less than the fair value of the securities. A restricted security may be determined to be liquid under the Fund's liquidity risk management programs established pursuant to Rule 22e-4 depending on market, trading, or investment-specific considerations related to the restricted security. In addition, issuers whose securities are not publicly traded may not be subject to the disclosure and other investor protection requirements that may be applicable if their securities were publicly traded. If any privately placed securities held by the Fund are required to be registered under the securities laws of one or more jurisdictions before being resold, the Fund may be required to bear the expenses of registration. Private placement investments may involve investments in smaller, less seasoned issuers, which may involve greater risks than investments in more established companies. These issuers may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or they may be dependent on a limited management group. In making investments in private placement securities, the Fund may obtain access to material non-public information about an issuer of private placement securities, which may restrict the Fund's ability to conduct transactions in those securities.
Equity Securities
Common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible securities, rights, warrants and American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") are examples of equity securities in which the Fund may invest.
All investments in equity securities are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. Historically, the equity markets have moved in cycles and the value of the securities in the Fund's portfolio may fluctuate substantially from day to day. Owning an equity security can also subject the Fund to the risk that the issuer may discontinue paying dividends.
Common Stocks
A common stock represents a proportionate share of the ownership of a company and its value is based on the success of the company's business, any income paid to stockholders, the value of its assets, and general market conditions. In addition to the general risks set forth above, investments in common stocks are subject to the risk that in the event a company in which the Fund invests is liquidated, the holders of preferred stock and creditors of that company will be paid in full before any payments are made to the Fund as a holder of common stock. It is possible that all assets of that company will be exhausted before any payments are made to the Fund.
Preferred Stocks
The Fund may invest in preferred stock. Preferred stock generally has a preference as to dividends and upon liquidation over an issuer's common stock but ranks junior to other income securities in an issuer's capital structure. Preferred stock generally pays dividends in
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cash (or additional shares of preferred stock) at a defined rate but, unlike interest payments on other income securities, preferred stock dividends are payable only if declared by the issuer's board of directors. Dividends on preferred stock may be cumulative, meaning that, in the event the issuer fails to make one or more dividend payments on the preferred stock, no dividends may be paid on the issuer's common stock until all unpaid preferred stock dividends have been paid. Preferred stock also may provide that, in the event the issuer fails to make a specified number of dividend payments, the holders of the preferred stock will have the right to elect a specified number of directors to the issuer's board. Preferred stock also may be subject to optional or mandatory redemption provisions.
Convertible Securities
The Fund may invest in convertible securities. A convertible security includes any bond, debenture, note, preferred stock, warrant or other security which has the right to be converted into cash or another security or which carries with it the right to purchase any other security, any unit including one of the foregoing, or any other security for which it is expected that one of the foregoing will be received in exchange within a reasonably short period of time in a merger, acquisition, reorganization, recapitalization, or otherwise. A convertible security generally entitles the holder to exchange it for a fixed number of shares of common stock or other security, usually of the same company, or into cash at fixed prices within a specified period of time. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive the income of a bond or the dividend preference of a preferred stock until the holder elects to exercise the conversion privilege. The difference between the market price of the convertible security and the market price of the securities into which it may be converted is called the "premium." When the premium is small, the convertible security has performance characteristics similar to an equity security; when the premium is large, the convertible security has performance characteristics similar to a debt security.
Enhanced Convertible Securities. The Fund's investments in convertible securities may include "enhanced" convertibles. There may be additional types of convertible securities with features not specifically referred to herein in which the Fund may invest consistent with its investment objective and policies. "Enhanced" convertible securities are equity-linked hybrid securities that automatically convert to equity securities on a specified date. Enhanced convertibles have been designed with a variety of payoff structures, and are known by a variety of different names. Three features common to enhanced convertible securities are (i) conversion to equity securities at the maturity of the convertible (as opposed to conversion at the option of the security holder in the case of ordinary convertibles); (ii) capped or limited appreciation potential relative to the underlying common stock; and (iii) dividend yields that are typically higher than that on the underlying common stock. Thus, enhanced convertible securities offer holders the opportunity to obtain higher current income than would be available from a traditional equity security issued by the same company in return for reduced participation in the appreciation potential of the underlying common stock. Other forms of enhanced convertible securities may involve arrangements with no interest or dividend payments made until maturity of the security or an enhanced principal amount received at maturity based on the yield and value of the underlying equity security during the security's term or at maturity.
Rights and Warrants
The Fund may invest in rights and warrants. Warrants are in effect longer-term call options. They give the holder the right to purchase a given number of shares of a particular company at specified prices within certain periods of time. Rights are similar to warrants except
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that they have a substantially shorter term. The purchaser of a warrant expects that the market price of the security will exceed the purchase price of the warrant plus the exercise price of the warrant, thus giving him a profit. Of course, since the market price may never exceed the exercise price before the expiration date of the warrant, the purchaser of the warrant risks the loss of the entire purchase price of the warrant. Warrants generally trade in the open market and may be sold rather than exercised.
Warrants are sometimes sold in unit form with other securities of an issuer. Units of warrants and common stock may be employed in financing young, unseasoned companies. The purchase price of a warrant varies with the exercise price of the warrant, the current market value of the underlying security, the life of the warrant and various other investment factors. Rights and warrants may be considered more speculative and less liquid than certain other types of investments in that they do not entitle a holder to dividends or voting rights with respect to the underlying securities nor do they represent any rights in the assets of the issuing company and may lack a secondary market.
Small- and Medium-Sized Companies
The Fund may invest in companies that have limited product lines, services, markets, or financial resources, or that are dependent on a small management group. In addition, because these stocks may not be well-known to the investing public, do not have significant institutional ownership and are followed by relatively few security analysts, there will normally be less publicly available information concerning these securities compared to what is available for the securities of larger companies or companies with larger capitalizations ("large-sized companies"). Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, can decrease the value and liquidity of securities held by the Fund.
Historically, smaller companies and the stocks of smaller or mid-sized companies ("small-sized companies") have been more volatile in price than large-sized companies. Among the reasons for the greater price volatility of these small-sized company stocks are the less certain growth prospects of small-sized companies, the lower degree of liquidity in the markets for such stocks, the greater sensitivity of small-sized companies to changing economic conditions and the fewer market makers and wider spreads between quoted bid and asked prices which exist in the over-the-counter market for such stocks. Besides exhibiting greater volatility, small-sized company stocks may, to a degree, fluctuate independently of large-sized company stocks. Small-sized company stocks may decline in price as large-sized company stocks rise, or rise in price as large-sized company stocks decline. Investors should therefore expect that a fund that invests primarily in small-sized companies will be more volatile than, and may fluctuate independently of, broad stock market indices such as the S&P Global Ratings ("S&P") 500®Index.
Securities of Foreign Issuers
The Fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers. The Adviser generally defines "foreign issuers" based on if they are non-US-domiciled or non-US-incorporated companies who have the majority of their revenue derived from foreign sources; additionally, these companies generally will not be listed on any of the major generally accepted U.S. benchmarks (i.e., S&P 500®Index, Russell 1000® Index, etc.). The Fund also may purchase foreign securities in the form of ADRs, European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs"), Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") or other securities representing underlying shares of foreign companies. These securities may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities but generally are
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denominated in the currency of the market in which they are traded. ADRs are receipts typically issued by an American bank or trust company which evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a foreign corporation. ADRs are publicly traded on exchanges or over-the-counter in the United States and are issued through "sponsored" or "unsponsored" arrangements. In a sponsored ADR arrangement, the foreign issuer assumes the obligation to pay some or all of the depositary's transaction fees, whereas under an unsponsored arrangement, the foreign issuer assumes no obligations and the depositary's transaction fees are paid by the ADR holders. In addition, less information generally is available for an unsponsored ADR than about a sponsored ADR and financial information about a company may not be as reliable for an unsponsored ADR as it is for a sponsored ADR. The Fund may invest in ADRs through both sponsored and unsponsored arrangements. EDRs are receipts issued in Europe by banks or depositaries which evidence similar ownership arrangements. GDRs are receipts issued globally by banks or depositaries which evidence similar ownership arrangements.
Funds that may invest in foreign securities offer the potential for more diversification than a fund that invests only in the United States because securities traded on foreign markets have often (though not always) performed differently from securities traded in the United States. However, such investments often involve risks not present in U.S. investments that can increase the chances that the Fund will lose money. In particular, the Fund is subject to the risk that, because there are generally fewer investors on foreign exchanges and a smaller number of shares traded each day, it may be difficult for the Fund to buy and sell securities on those exchanges. In addition, prices of foreign securities may fluctuate more than prices of securities traded in the United States. Investments in foreign markets may also be adversely affected by governmental actions such as the imposition of punitive taxes. In addition, the governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on foreign investing in their capital markets or in certain industries. Any of these actions could severely affect security prices, impair the Fund's ability to purchase or sell foreign securities or transfer the Fund's assets or income back into the United States, or otherwise adversely affect the Fund's operations. Other potential foreign market risks include exchange controls, difficulties in pricing securities, defaults on foreign government securities, difficulties in enforcing favorable legal judgments in foreign courts, and political and social conditions, such as diplomatic relations, confiscatory taxation, expropriation, limitation on the removal of funds or assets, or imposition of (or change in) exchange control regulations. Legal remedies available to investors in certain foreign countries may be less extensive than those available to investors in the United States or other foreign countries. In addition, changes in government administrations or economic or monetary policies in the United States or abroad could result in appreciation or depreciation of portfolio securities and could favorably or adversely affect the Fund's operations. Also, brokerage commissions and other costs of buying or selling securities often are higher in foreign countries than they are in the United States. This reduces the amount the Fund can earn on its investments.
Many foreign governments supervise and regulate stock exchanges, brokers and the sale of securities less than does the United States. Some countries may not have laws to protect investors comparable to the U.S. securities laws. For example, some foreign countries may have no laws or rules against insider trading. Insider trading occurs when a person buys or sells a company's securities based on nonpublic information about that company. Accounting standards in other countries are not necessarily the same as in the United States. If the accounting standards in another country do not require as much detail as U.S. accounting standards, it may be harder for Fund management to completely and accurately determine a company's financial condition. Sanctions imposed by the U.S. or a foreign country may restrict
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the Fund's ability to purchase or sell foreign securities or may require the Fund to divest its holdings in foreign securities, which could adversely affect global sectors and economies and thereby negatively affect the value of the Fund's investments beyond any direct exposure to the countries or regions subject to the sanctions.
Foreign Currency Exchange Risks. To the extent the Fund invests in securities denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, such Fund will be affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates (and exchange control regulations) which affect the value of investments in such Fund and the income and appreciation or depreciation of the investments. Changes in foreign currency exchange ratios relative to the U.S. dollar will affect the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's assets denominated in that currency and the Fund's yield on such assets. In addition, the Fund will incur costs in connection with conversions between various currencies.
The Fund's foreign currency exchange transactions may be conducted on a spot basis (that is, cash basis) at the spot rate for purchasing or selling currency prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market. The Fund also may enter into contracts with banks, brokers or dealers to purchase or sell securities or foreign currencies at a future date ("forward contracts"). A foreign currency forward contract is a negotiated agreement between the contracting parties to exchange a specified amount of currency at a specified future time at a specified rate. The rate can be higher or lower than the spot rate between the currencies that are the subject of the contract.
The Fund may attempt to protect against adverse changes in the value of the U.S. dollar in relation to a foreign currency by entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale of the amount of foreign currency invested or to be invested or by buying or selling a foreign currency option or futures contract for such amount. Such strategies may be employed before the Fund purchases a foreign security traded in the currency which the Fund anticipates acquiring or between the date the foreign security is purchased or sold and the date on which payment therefor is made or received. Seeking to protect against a change in the value of a foreign currency in the foregoing manner does not eliminate fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities or prevent losses if the prices of such securities decline. Furthermore, such transactions reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency should move in the direction opposite to the position taken. Unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not entered into such contracts. The Fund may also utilize non-deliverable currency forward contracts, which are synthetic short-term forward contracts on a thinly traded or non-convertible foreign currency where the gain or loss is the difference between a specified exchange rate and the spot rate at the time of settlement. Such contracts allow investors to hedge or gain exposure to foreign currencies which are not internationally traded and do not have a forward market for foreign investors. Non-deliverable forward currency contracts are cash settled transactions. In certain less developed countries or with respect to certain currencies, some of these contracts may be relatively illiquid.
The Fund is not required to enter into such transactions with regard to its foreign currency-denominated securities. It also should be realized that this method of protecting the value of portfolio securities against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities. It simply establishes a rate of exchange which one can achieve at some future point in time. In addition, although such contracts tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, at the same time,
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they tend to limit any potential gain which might result should the value of such currency increase.
The Fund may cross-hedge currencies by entering into a transaction to purchase or sell one or more currencies that are expected to decline in value relative to other currencies to which a portfolio has or expects to have portfolio exposure. The Fund may also engage in proxy hedging, which is defined as entering into positions in one currency to hedge investments denominated in another currency, where two currencies are economically linked. The Fund's entry into forward contracts, as well as any use of proxy or cross hedging techniques, will generally require the Fund to segregate cash and/or liquid securities at least equal to the Fund's obligations throughout the duration of the contract. The Fund may combine forward contracts with investments in securities denominated in other currencies to achieve desired security and currency exposures. Such combinations are generally referred to as synthetic securities. For example, in lieu of purchasing a foreign bond, the Fund may purchase a U.S. dollar-denominated security and at the same time enter into a forward contract to exchange U.S. dollars for the contract's underlying currency at a future date. By matching the amount of U.S. dollars to be exchanged with the anticipated value of the U.S. dollar-denominated security, the Fund may be able to lock in the foreign currency value of the security and adopt a synthetic position reflecting the credit quality of the U.S. dollar-denominated security.
To the extent required by the rules and regulations of the SEC, the Fund will segregate cash and/or liquid securities in an amount at least equal to the value of such Fund's total assets committed to the consummation of forward foreign currency exchange contracts. If the value of the segregated assets declines, additional cash and/or liquid securities will be segregated so that the value of the segregated assets will be at least equal to the amount of the Fund's commitments with respect to such contracts.
Brexit. The United Kingdom formally left the European Union ("EU") on January 31, 2020 (a measure commonly referred to as "Brexit"). Following the withdrawal, in December 2020, the United Kingdom and the EU entered into a new trading relationship. The agreement allows for continued trading free of tariffs, but institutes other new requirements for trading between the United Kingdom and the EU. Even with a new trading relationship having been established, Brexit could continue to affect European or world wide political, regulatory, economic, or market conditions. There is the possibility that there will continue to be considerable uncertainty about the potential impact of these developments on United Kingdom, European and global economies and markets. There is also the possibility of withdrawal movements within other EU countries and the possibility of additional political, economic and market uncertainty and instability. Brexit and any similar developments may have negative effects on economies and markets, such as increased volatility and illiquidity and potentially lower economic growth in the United Kingdom, EU and globally, which may adversely affect the value of the Fund's investments. Whether or not the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in Europe or with significant exposure to European issuers or countries, these events could result in losses to the Fund, as there may be negative effects on the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments and/or the Fund's ability to enter into certain transactions.
Investing in Emerging Market Countries
The Fund may invest in securities of issuers in emerging market countries. The Fund may also invest in securities of issuers in frontier market countries. The risks of foreign investment are heightened when the issuer is from an emerging market country. The extent of economic development, political stability and market depth of such countries varies widely and
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investments in the securities of issuers in such countries typically involve greater potential gain or loss than investments in securities of issuers in more developed countries. Emerging market countries tend to have economic structures that are less diverse and mature and political systems that are less stable than developed markets. Emerging market countries may be more likely to experience political turmoil or rapid changes in economic conditions than more developed markets and the financial condition of issuers in emerging market countries may be more precarious than in other countries. Certain countries depend to a larger degree upon international trade or development assistance and, therefore, are vulnerable to changes in trade or assistance which, in turn, may be affected by a variety of factors. The Fund may be particularly sensitive to changes in the economies of certain countries resulting from any reversal of economic liberalization, political unrest or the imposition of sanctions by the U.S. or other countries.
The Fund's purchase and sale of portfolio securities in emerging market countries may be constrained by limitations as to daily changes in the prices of listed securities, periodic or sporadic trading or settlement or limitations on aggregate holdings by foreign investors. Such limitations may be computed based on the aggregate trading volume by or holdings of such funds, such funds' investment adviser, its affiliates or their respective clients or other service providers. The Fund may not be able to sell securities in circumstances where price, trading or settlement volume limitations have been reached. Foreign investment in the securities markets of certain emerging market countries is restricted or controlled to varying degrees which may limit investment in such countries or increase the administrative costs of such investments. For example, certain countries may require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons or limit investment by foreign persons to only a specified percentage of an issuer's outstanding securities or a specific class of securities which may have less advantageous terms (including price) than securities of the issuer available for purchase by nationals. In addition, certain countries may restrict or prohibit investment opportunities in issuers or industries deemed important to national interests. Such restrictions may affect the market price, liquidity and rights of securities that may be purchased by the Fund. The repatriation of both investment income and capital from certain emerging market countries is subject to restrictions such as the need for governmental consents. Due to restrictions on direct investment in securities in certain countries, it is anticipated that the Fund may invest in such countries through other investment funds in such countries.
Many emerging market countries have experienced currency devaluations and substantial (and, in some cases, extremely high) rates of inflation, which have had a negative effect on the economics and securities markets of such countries. Economies in emerging market countries generally are dependent heavily upon commodity prices and international trade and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be affected adversely by the economies of their trading partners, trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures or negotiated by the countries with which they trade.
Many emerging market countries are subject to a substantial degree of economic, political and social instability, governments of some emerging countries are authoritarian in nature or have been installed or removed as a result of military coups, while governments in other emerging market countries have periodically used force to suppress civil dissent. Disparities of wealth, the pace and success of political reforms, and ethnic, religious and racial disaffection, among other factors, have also led to social unrest, violence and/or labor unrest in some emerging market countries. Unanticipated political or social developments may result in sudden and significant investment losses.
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Settlement procedures in emerging market countries are frequently less developed and reliable than those in developed markets. In addition, significant delays are common in certain markets in registering the transfer of securities. Settlement or registration problems may make it more difficult for certain funds to value their portfolio securities and could cause such funds to miss attractive investment opportunities, to have a portion of their assets uninvested or to incur losses due to the failure of a counterparty to pay for securities such funds have delivered or such funds' inability to complete their contractual obligations. The creditworthiness of the local securities firms used by certain funds in emerging market countries may not be as sound as the creditworthiness of firms used in more developed countries. As a result, such funds may be subject to a greater risk of loss if a securities firm defaults in the performance of its responsibilities.
The small size and inexperience of the securities markets in certain emerging market countries and the limited volume of trading in securities in those countries may make the Fund's investments in such countries less liquid and more volatile than investments in countries with more developed securities markets. The Fund's investments in emerging market countries are subject to the risk that the liquidity of a particular investment, or investments generally, in such countries will shrink or disappear suddenly and without warning as a result of adverse economic, market or political conditions or adverse investor perceptions, whether or not accurate. Because of the lack of sufficient market liquidity, the Fund may incur losses because it will be required to effect sales at a disadvantageous time and only then at a substantial drop in price. Investments in emerging market countries may be more difficult to price precisely because of the characteristics discussed above and lower trading volumes.
The Fund's use of foreign currency management techniques in emerging market countries may be limited. Due to the limited market for these instruments in emerging market countries, the Fund does not currently anticipate that a significant portion of the currency exposure in emerging market countries, if any, will be covered by such instruments.
Frontier market countries generally have smaller economies and even less developed capital markets than typical emerging market countries (which themselves have increased investment risk relative to investing in more developed markets) and, as a result, the risks of investing in emerging market countries are magnified in frontier market countries.
Russia/Ukraine. As a result of continued political tensions and armed conflicts, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine commencing in February of 2022, the extent and ultimate result of which are unknown at this time, the United States and the EU, along with the regulatory bodies of a number of countries, have imposed economic sanctions on certain Russian corporate entities and individuals, and certain sectors of Russia's economy, which may result in, among other things, the continued devaluation of Russian currency, a downgrade in the country's credit rating, and/or a decline in the value and liquidity of Russian securities, property or interests. These sanctions could also result in the immediate freeze of Russian securities and/or funds invested in prohibited assets, impairing the ability of a fund to buy, sell, receive or deliver those securities and/or assets. These sanctions or the threat of additional sanctions could also result in Russia taking counter measures or retaliatory actions, which may further impair the value and liquidity of Russian securities. The United States and other nations or international organizations may also impose additional economic sanctions or take other actions that may adversely affect Russia-exposed issuers and companies in various sectors of the Russian economy. Any or all of these potential results could lead Russia's economy into a recession. Economic sanctions and other actions against Russian institutions, companies, and individuals resulting from the ongoing conflict may also have a substantial negative impact on
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other economies and securities markets both regionally and globally, as well as on companies with operations in the conflict region, the extent to which is unknown at this time. The United States and the EU have also imposed similar sanctions on Belarus for its support of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Additional sanctions may be imposed on Belarus and other countries that support Russia. Any such sanctions could present substantially similar risks as those resulting from the sanctions imposed on Russia, including substantial negative impacts on the regional and global economies and securities markets.
Investment Company Securities
The Fund may invest in shares of other registered investment companies, including exchange-traded funds ("ETFs"), money market mutual funds and other mutual funds in pursuit of its investment objective, in accordance with the limitations established under the 1940 Act. This may also include investments in money market mutual funds and ETFs in connection with the Fund's management of daily cash positions and temporary defensive purposes. Investments in the securities of other investment companies may involve duplication of advisory fees and certain other expenses. By investing in another investment company, the Fund becomes a shareholder of that investment company. As a result, Fund shareholders indirectly will bear the Fund's proportionate share of the fees and expenses paid by shareholders of the other investment company, in addition to the fees and expenses Fund shareholders directly bear in connection with the Fund's own operations.
Section 12(d)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act generally prohibits a fund from purchasing (1) more than 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of another fund; (2) securities of another fund having an aggregate value in excess of 5% of the value of the acquiring fund; and (3) securities of the other fund and all other funds having an aggregate value in excess of 10% of the value of the total assets of the acquiring fund. There are some exceptions, however, to these limitations pursuant to various rules promulgated by the SEC.
In accordance with Section 12(d)(1)(F) and Rule 12d1-3 of the 1940 Act, the provisions of Section 12(d)(1) shall not apply to securities purchased or otherwise acquired by the Fund if (i) immediately after such purchase or acquisition not more than 3% of the total outstanding stock of such registered investment company is owned by the Fund and all affiliated persons of the Fund; and (ii) the Fund is not proposing to offer or sell any security issued by it through a principal underwriter or otherwise at a public or offering price including a sales load or service fee that exceeds the limits set forth in Rule 2341 of the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. ("FINRA") applicable to a fund of funds (e.g., 8.5%). In accordance with Rule 12d1-1 under the 1940 Act, the provisions of Section 12(d)(1) shall not apply to shares of money market funds purchased by the Fund, whether or not for temporary defensive purposes, provided that the Fund does not pay a sales charge, distribution fee or service fee as defined in Rule 2341 of the Conduct Rules of FINRA on acquired money market fund shares (or the Advisor must waive its advisory fees in an amount necessary to offset any sales charge, distribution fee or service fee).
Rule 12d1-4 of the 1940 Act permits more types of fund of fund arrangements without an exemptive order, but it imposes conditions, including limits on control and voting of acquired funds' shares, evaluations and findings by investment advisers, fund investment agreements, and limits on most three-tier fund structures.
Exchange-Traded Funds.ETFs are open-end investment companies whose shares are listed on a national securities exchange. An ETF is similar to a traditional mutual fund, but
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trades at different prices during the day on a security exchange like a stock. Similar to investments in other investment companies discussed above, the Fund's investments in ETFs involve duplication of advisory fees and other expenses since the Fund will be investing in another investment company. In addition, the Fund's investment in ETFs is also subject to its limitations on investments in investment companies discussed above. To the extent the Fund invests in ETFs which focus on a particular market segment or industry, the Fund will also be subject to the risks associated with investing in those sectors or industries. The shares of the ETFs in which the Fund will invest will be listed on a national securities exchange and the Fund will purchase or sell these shares on the secondary market at its current market price, which may be more or less than its net asset value ("NAV") per share.
As a purchaser of ETF shares on the secondary market, the Fund will be subject to the market risk associated with owning any security whose value is based on market price. ETF shares historically have tended to trade at or near their NAV, but there is no guarantee that they will continue to do so. Unlike traditional mutual funds, shares of an ETF may be purchased and redeemed directly from the ETFs only in large blocks (typically 50,000 shares or more) and only through participating organizations that have entered into contractual agreements with the ETF. The Fund does not expect to enter into such agreements and therefore will not be able to purchase and redeem its ETF shares directly from the ETF.
Money Market Securities
The Fund may invest in various money market securities for cash management purposes or when assuming a temporary defensive position, which among others may include commercial paper, money market mutual funds, bankers' acceptances, bank obligations, corporate debt securities, certificates of deposit, U.S. government securities, obligations of savings institutions and repurchase agreements.
Real Estate Investment Trusts and Foreign Real Estate Companies
The Fund may invest in equity Real Estate Investment Trusts ("REITs"). Equity REITs pool investors' funds for investment primarily in commercial real estate properties. REITs are not taxed on income distributed to shareholders provided they comply with several requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). Equity REITs generally derive their income from rents on the underlying properties and their value is impacted by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the trusts. REITs are more susceptible to risks associated with the ownership of real estate and the real estate industry in general. REITs are dependent upon specialized management skills, may not be diversified (which may increase the volatility of the REIT's value) and are subject to the risks of financing projects. REITs are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers, self-liquidation and the possibility of failing to qualify for tax-free pass-through of income under the Code and to maintain exemption from the 1940 Act. In addition, the Fund indirectly will bear its proportionate share of any expenses paid by REITs in which it invests.
The Fund may invest in foreign real estate companies. Investing in foreign real estate companies makes the Fund susceptible to the risks associated with the ownership of real estate and with the real estate industry in general, as well as risks that relate specifically to the way foreign real estate companies are organized and operated. Foreign real estate companies may be subject to laws, rules and regulations governing those entities and their failure to comply with those laws, rules and regulations could negatively impact the performance of those entities. In addition, foreign real estate companies, like U.S. REITs and mutual funds, have expenses,
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including management and administration fees that are paid by their shareholders. As a result, shareholders will absorb their proportional share of duplicate levels of fees when the Fund invests in foreign real estate companies.
Temporary Defensive Strategy
When adverse market, economic, political or other conditions dictate a more defensive investment strategy as described in the Fund's prospectus, the Fund may deviate temporarily from fundamental and non-fundamental investment policies without a shareholder vote or without prior contemporaneous notification to shareholders during exigent situations.
Special Risks Related to Cyber Security
The Fund and its service providers are susceptible to cyber security risks that include, among other things, theft, unauthorized monitoring, release, misuse, loss, destruction or corruption of confidential and highly restricted data; denial of service attacks; unauthorized access to relevant systems, compromises to networks or devices that the Fund and its service providers use to service the Fund's operations; or operational disruption or failures in the physical infrastructure or operating systems that support the Fund and its service providers. Cyber attacks against or security breakdowns of the Fund or its service providers may adversely impact the Fund and its shareholders, potentially resulting in, among other things, financial losses; the inability of Fund shareholders to transact business and the Fund to process transactions; inability to calculate the Fund's NAVs; violations of applicable privacy and other laws; regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs; and/or additional compliance costs. The Fund may incur additional costs for cyber security risk management and remediation purposes. In addition, cyber security risks may also impact issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, which may cause the Fund's investment in such issuers to lose value. There can be no assurance that the Fund or its service providers will not suffer losses relating to cyber attacks or other information security breaches in the future.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The Trust (on behalf of the Fund) has adopted the following restrictions as fundamental policies, which may not be changed without the affirmative vote of the holders of a "majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities" as defined in the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, the "vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities" means the vote of the holders of the lesser of (i) 67% of the shares of the Fund represented at a meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of its outstanding shares are represented or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.
As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund may not:
1.With respect to 75% of the Fund's total assets, invest more than 5% of the value of its total assets in the securities of any one issuer (not including federal government securities) or acquire more than 10% of any class of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer, except that the Fund may purchase securities of other investment companies to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, (ii) the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC under the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, or (iii) an exemption or other relief from the provisions of the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time;
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Additionally, as a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund may not:
2.Borrow money, except as permitted under the 1940 Act;
3.Issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act;
4.Act as underwriter (except to the extent the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter in connection with the sale of securities in its investment portfolio);
5.Purchase the securities of issuers conducting their principal business activity in the same industry if, immediately after the purchase and as a result thereof, the value of the Fund's investments in that industry would equal or exceed 25% of the current value of the Fund's total assets, provided that this restriction does not limit the Fund's investments in (i) securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, (ii) securities of other investment companies, or (iii) repurchase agreements, subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act;
6.Purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments (although the Fund may purchase and sell securities which are backed by real estate and securities of companies which invest or deal in real estate);
7.Purchase or sell physical commodities, unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments and provided that this restriction does not prevent the Fund from engaging in transactions involving currencies and futures contracts and options thereon or investing in securities or other instruments that are backed by physical commodities; or
8.Make loans, except as permitted under the 1940 Act.
The Fund observes the following restrictions as a matter of operating but not fundamental policy which may be changed without shareholder vote. Except as noted below, the Fund may not:
1.Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management;
2.Purchase securities on margin or make short sales; or
3.Invest, in the aggregate, more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act.
The Fund is prohibited from investing in derivatives, excluding certain currency and interest rate hedging transactions. This restriction is not fundamental and may be changed by the Fund without a shareholder vote. If the Fund does determine to invest in derivatives in the future, it will comply with Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
Although the Fund generally will not invest for short-term trading purposes, portfolio securities may be sold without regard to the length of time they have been held when, in the opinion of the Adviser, investment considerations warrant such action. Portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing (1) the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the fiscal year by (2) the monthly average of the value of portfolio securities owned during the fiscal year. A 100% turnover rate would occur if all the securities in the Fund's portfolio, with the exception of securities whose maturities at the time of acquisition were one year or less, were sold and
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either repurchased or replaced within one year. A high rate of portfolio turnover (100% or more) generally leads to transaction costs and may result in a greater number of taxable transactions.
The Fund's portfolio turnover rate was as follows for the two most recent fiscal years ended July 31:
|
Portfolio Turnover Rate
|
2024
|
2023
|
53.57%
|
63.50%
|
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION
The Adviser and the Fund maintain portfolio holdings disclosure policies (the "Disclosure Policies") that govern the timing and circumstances of disclosure to shareholders and third parties of information regarding the portfolio investments held by the Fund. These Disclosure Policies have been approved by the Board. Disclosure of the Fund's complete holdings is required to be made quarterly within 60 days of the end of each fiscal quarter in the annual report and semi-annual report to Fund shareholders and in the quarterly holdings report on Part F of Form N-PORT. These reports are available, free of charge, on the EDGAR database on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
From time to time, the Adviser may select certain portfolio characteristics for distribution to the public with such frequencies and lag times as the Adviser determines to be in the best interests of shareholders.
Pursuant to the Disclosure Policies, information about the Fund's portfolio holdings is not distributed to any person unless:
•The disclosure is required pursuant to a regulatory request, court order or is legally required in the context of other legal proceedings;
•The disclosure is made to a mutual fund rating and/or ranking organization, or person performing similar functions, who is subject to a duty of confidentiality, including a duty not to trade on any non-public information;
•The disclosure is made to internal parties involved in the investment process, administration, operation or custody of the Fund, including, but not limited to Fund Services and the Board, attorneys, auditors or accountants;
•The disclosure is made: (a) in connection with a quarterly, semi-annual or annual report that is available to the public; or (b) relates to information that is otherwise available to the public;
•The disclosure is made with the approval of either the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer ("CCO") or his or her designee; or
•The disclosure is made pursuant to a confidentiality agreement.
Certain of the persons listed above receive information about the Fund's portfolio holdings on an ongoing basis. The Fund believes that these third parties have legitimate objectives in requesting such portfolio holdings information and operate in the best interest of the Fund's shareholders. These persons are:
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•A mutual fund rating and/or ranking organization, or person performing similar functions, who is subject to a duty of confidentiality, including a duty not to trade on any non-public information;
•Rating and/or ranking organizations, specifically: Lipper; Morningstar; S&P; Bloomberg; Vickers-Stock Research Corporation; Thomson Financial; and Capital-Bridge, all of which may receive such information between the seventh and tenth business day of the month following the end of a calendar quarter; and
•Internal parties involved in the investment process, administration, operation or custody of the Fund, specifically: Fund Services; the Board; and the Trust's attorneys and auditors (currently, Sullivan & Worcester LLP ("Sullivan & Worcester") and Tait, Weller & Baker LLP, respectively), all of which typically receive such information after it is generated.
Any disclosures to additional parties not described above are made with the prior written approval of either the Trust's chief compliance officer ("CCO") or his or her designee, pursuant to the Disclosure Policies.
The Board exercises continuing oversight of the disclosure of the Fund's portfolio holdings by (1) overseeing the implementation and enforcement of the Disclosure Policies, Codes of Ethics and other relevant policies of the Fund and its service providers by the Trust's CCO, (2) by considering reports and recommendations by the Trust's CCO concerning any material compliance matters (as defined in Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act), and (3) by considering to approve any amendment to these Disclosure Policies. The Board reserves the right to amend the Disclosure Policies at any time without prior notice in its sole discretion.
Neither the Adviser nor the Fund may receive compensation in connection with the disclosure of information about the Fund's portfolio securities. In the event of a conflict between the interests of the Fund and the interests of the Adviser or an affiliated person of the Adviser, the Adviser's CCO, in consultation with the Trust's CCO, shall make a determination in the best interest of the Fund, and shall report such determination to the Adviser's Board of Directors and to the Fund's Board at the end of the quarter in which such determination was made. Any employee of the Adviser who suspects a breach of this obligation must report the matter immediately to the Adviser's CCO or to his or her supervisor.
In addition, material non-public holdings information may be provided without lag as part of the normal investment activities of the Fund to each of the following entities which, by explicit agreement by virtue of their respective duties to the Fund, are required to maintain the confidentiality of the information disclosed: fund administrator, fund accountant, custodian, transfer agent, auditors, counsel to the Fund or the Trustees, broker-dealers (in connection with the purchase or sale of securities or requests for price quotations or bids on one or more securities), and regulatory authorities. Portfolio holdings information not publicly available with the SEC or through the Fund's website may only be provided to additional third parties, in accordance with the Disclosure Policies, when the Fund has a legitimate business purpose and the third-party recipient is subject to a confidentiality agreement.
In no event shall the Adviser, its affiliates or employees, or the Fund receive any direct or indirect compensation in connection with the disclosure of information about the Fund's portfolio holdings.
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There can be no assurance that the Disclosure Policies and these procedures will protect the Fund from potential misuse of that information by individuals or entities to which it is disclosed.
MANAGEMENT
The overall management of the business and affairs of the Trust is vested with its Board, all of whom are independent of the Adviser. The Board approves all significant agreements between the Trust and persons or companies furnishing services to it, including the agreements with the Adviser, administrator, custodian and transfer agent, each as defined herein. The day-to-day operations of the Trust are delegated to its officers, subject to the Fund's investment objective, strategies, and policies and to general supervision by the Board.
The Trustees and officers of the Trust, year of birth, positions with the Trust, term of office with the Trust and length of time served, business addresses, principal occupations during the past five years and other directorships held during the past five years are set forth in the table below.
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Independent Trustees(1)
|
Name, Year of Birth and Address
|
Position Held with the Trust
|
Term of Office and Length of Time Served*
|
Principal Occupation
During Past Five Years
|
Number of Portfolios
in Fund Complex
Overseen by Trustee(2)
|
Other Directorships Held During Past Five Years(3)
|
David G. Mertens
(1960)
615 E. Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
|
Board Chair
Trustee
|
Indefinite term; since October 2023.
Indefinite term; since March 2017.
|
Partner and Head of Business Development QSV Equity Investors, LLC (formerly known as Ballast Equity Management, LLC) (a privately-held investment advisory firm) (February 2019 to present); Managing Director and Vice President, Jensen Investment Management, Inc. (a privately-held investment advisory firm) (2002 to 2017).
|
1
|
Trustee, Advisors Series Trust (for series not affiliated with the Fund).
|
Joe D. Redwine
(1947)
615 E. Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
|
Trustee
|
Indefinite term; since September 2008.
|
Retired; formerly Manager, President, CEO, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, and its predecessors, (May 1991 to July 2017).
|
1
|
Trustee, Advisors Series Trust (for series not affiliated with the Fund).
|
Michele Rackey
(1959)
615 E. Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
|
Trustee
|
Indefinite term; since January 2023.
|
Chief Executive Officer, Government Employees Benefit Association (GEBA) (benefits and wealth management organization) (2004 to 2020); Board Member, Association Business Services Inc. (ABSI) (for-profit subsidiary of the American Society of Association Executives) (2019 to 2020).
|
1
|
Trustee, Advisors Series Trust (for series not affiliated with the Fund).
|
B-19
|
Name, Year of Birth and Address
|
Position Held with the Trust
|
Term of Office and Length of Time Served*
|
Principal Occupation
During Past Five Years
|
Number of Portfolios
in Fund Complex
Overseen by Trustee(2)
|
Other Directorships Held During Past Five Years(3)
|
Anne W. Kritzmire
(1962)
615 E. Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
|
Trustee
|
Indefinite term; since August 2024.
|
Principal Owner of AW Kritzmire Consulting (2021-Present); Business Faculty Lead of Lake Forest Graduate School of Management (2021-Present); Head of Multi-Asset and various other positions of Nuveen Investments (1999-2020).
|
1
|
Lead Independent Director of Thornburg Income Builder Opportunities Trust (a closed end fund) (2020-Present); Trustee, Finance Commissioner, and Acting Treasurer of Village of Long Grove (municipal government) (2017-Present).
|
Craig B. Wainscott
(1961)
615 E. Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
|
Trustee
|
Indefinite term; since August 2024.
|
CEO instaCOVER LLC (Specialized insurance/technology company) 2014-2021, and CFO 2021-2023.
|
1
|
Independent Trustee of iMGP Funds (14 Funds) (2024-Present); Independent Trustee and Board Chair of Brandes Investment Trust (6 Funds) (2011-2024); Board Member of Paradigm Project (social venture company) (2010-2020).
|
Officers
|
Name, Year of Birth and Address
|
Position Held
with the Trust
|
Term of Office and Length of Time Served
|
Principal Occupation
During Past Five Years
|
Jeffrey T. Rauman
(1969)
615 E. Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
|
President, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer
|
Indefinite term; since December 2018.
|
Senior Vice President, Compliance and Administration, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (February 1996 to present).
|
Kevin J. Hayden
(1971)
615 E. Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
|
Vice President, Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer
|
Indefinite term; since January 2023.
|
Vice President, Compliance and Administration, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (June 2005 to present).
|
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|
Name, Year of Birth and Address
|
Position Held
with the Trust
|
Term of Office and Length of Time Served
|
Principal Occupation
During Past Five Years
|
Richard R. Conner
(1982)
615 E. Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
|
Assistant Treasurer
|
Indefinite term; since December 2018.
|
Assistant Vice President, Compliance and Administration, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (July 2010 to present).
|
Joseph R. Kolinsky
(1970)
2020 E. Financial Way, Suite 100
Glendora, CA 91741
|
Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer and AML Officer
|
Indefinite term; since July 2023.
|
Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (May 2023 to present); Chief Compliance Officer, Chandler Asset Management, Inc. (2020 to 2022); Director, Corporate Compliance, Pacific Life Insurance Company (2018 to 2019).
|
Lillian A. Kabakali
(1980)
2020 E. Financial Way, Suite 100
Glendora, CA 91741
|
Vice President and Secretary
|
Indefinite term; since March 2024.
|
Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (April 2023 to present); Vice President, Compliance, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC (April 2019 to April 2023); Senior Associate, Compliance, Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC (January 2018 to April 2019).
|
Elaine E. Richards
(1968)
2020 E. Financial Way, Suite 100
Glendora, CA 91741
|
Assistant Secretary
|
Indefinite term; since March 2024.
|
Senior Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (July 2007 to present).
|
*The Trustees have designated a mandatory retirement age of 75, such that each Trustee, serving as such on the date he or she reaches the age of 75, shall submit his or her resignation not later than the last day of the calendar year in which his or her 75th birthday occurs ("Retiring Trustee"). Upon request, the Board may, by vote of a majority of the Trustees eligible to vote on such matter, determine whether or not to extend such Retiring Trustee's term and on the length of a one-time extension of up to three additional years. At a meeting held December 7-8, 2022, by vote of the majority of the Trustees (not including Mr. Redwine), Mr. Redwine's term as Trustee was extended for three additional years to expire on December 31, 2025.
(1)The Trustees of the Trust who are not "interested persons" of the Trust as defined under the 1940 Act ("Independent Trustees").
(2)As of July 31, 2024, the Trust was comprised of 33 active portfolios managed by unaffiliated investment advisers. The term "Fund Complex" applies only to the Fund. The Fund does not hold itself 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.
(3)"Other Directorships Held" includes only directorships of companies required to register or file reports with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (that is, "public companies") or other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act.
Compensation
Effective January 1, 2024, the Independent Trustees each receive an annual retainer of $108,500 per year allocated among each of the various portfolios comprising the Trust, an additional $6,000 per regularly scheduled Board meeting, and an additional $500 per special meeting, paid by the Trust or applicable advisors/portfolios, as well as reimbursement for expenses incurred in connection with attendance at Board meetings. Prior to January 1, 2024, the annual retainer was $102,500. The Trust Chair, Chair of the Audit Committee, and Chair of
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the Governance and Nominating Committee each receive a separate annual fee of $10,000, $5,000, and $3,000, respectively, provided that the separate fee for the Chair of the Audit Committee will be waived if the same individual serves as both Trust Chair and Audit Committee Chair. The Trust has no pension or retirement plan. No other entity affiliated with the Trust pays any compensation to the Trustees. Set forth below is the compensation received by the Independent Trustees from the Fund for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2024.
|
Market Leaders Value Fund
|
Pension or Retirement Benefits Accrued as Part of Fund Expenses
|
Estimated Annual Benefits Upon Retirement
|
Total
Compensation from Fund Complex Paid to Trustees(1)
|
Independent Trustee
|
David G. Mertens
|
$4,298
|
None
|
None
|
$4,298
|
Raymond B. Woolson(2)
|
$827
|
None
|
None
|
$827
|
Joe D. Redwine
|
$4,202
|
None
|
None
|
$4,202
|
Michele Rackey
|
$4,120
|
None
|
None
|
$4,120
|
Anne W. Kritzmire(3)
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
Craig B. Wainscott(3)
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
(1) There are currently numerous series comprising the Trust. The term "Fund Complex" refers only to the Fund, and not to any other series of the Trust. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2024, aggregate independent Trustees' fees were $526,662.
(2) Mr. Woolson retired from his position with the Board as a Trustee effective as of October 18, 2023 for personal reasons to attend to health-related matters.
(3) Prior to their election as Trustees on August 27, 2024, Ms. Kritzmire and Mr. Wainscott served as paid consultants to the Trust between June 1, 2024 and August 26, 2024.
Additional Information Concerning Our Board of Trustees
The Role of the Board
The Board provides oversight of the management and operations of the Trust. Like all mutual funds, the day-to-day responsibility for the management and operation of the Trust is the responsibility of various service providers to the Trust, such as the Trust's investment advisers, distributor, administrator, custodian, and transfer agent, each of whom are discussed in greater detail in this SAI.The Board approves all significant agreements between the Trust and its service providers, including the agreements with the advisers, distributor, administrator, custodian and transfer agent. The Board has appointed various senior individuals of certain of these service providers as officers of the Trust, with responsibility to monitor and report to the Board on the Trust's day-to-day operations. In conducting this oversight, the Board receives regular reports from these officers and service providers regarding the Trust's operations. The Board has appointed a CCO who administers the Trust's compliance program and regularly reports to the Board as to compliance matters. Some of these reports are provided as part of formal "Board Meetings" which are typically held quarterly, in person, and involve the Board's review of recent Trust operations. From time to time one or more members of the Board may also meet with Trust officers in less formal settings, between formal "Board Meetings," to discuss various topics. In all cases, however, the role of the Board and of any individual Trustee is one of oversight and not of management of the day-to-day affairs of the Trust and its oversight role does not make the Board a guarantor of the Trust's investments, operations or activities.
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Board Leadership Structure
The Board has structured itself in a manner that it believes allows it to effectively perform its oversight function. It has established three standing committees, an Audit Committee, a Governance and Nominating Committee and a Qualified Legal Compliance Committee (the "QLCC"), which are discussed in greater detail under "Board Committees," below. Currently, all of the members of the Board are Independent Trustees, which are Trustees that are not affiliated with the Adviser or its affiliates or any other investment adviser in the Trust or with its principal underwriter. The Independent Trustees have engaged their own independent counsel to advise them on matters relating to their responsibilities in connection with the Trust.
The President, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer of the Trust is not a Trustee, but rather is a senior employee of the Administrator who routinely interacts with the unaffiliated investment advisers of the Trust and comprehensively manages the operational aspects of the Funds in the Trust. The Trust has appointed David Mertens, an Independent Trustee, as Board Chair, and he acts as a liaison with the Trust's service providers, officers, legal counsel, and other Trustees between meetings, helps to set Board meeting agendas, and serves as Chair during executive sessions of the Independent Trustees.
The Board reviews its structure annually. The Trust has determined that it is appropriate to separate the Principal Executive Officer and Board Chair positions because the day-to day responsibilities of the Principal Executive Officer are not consistent with the oversight role of the Trustees and because of the potential conflict of interest that may arise from the Administrator's duties with the Trust. Given the specific characteristics and circumstances of the Trust as described above, the Trust has determined that the Board's leadership structure is appropriate.
Board Oversight of Risk Management
As part of its oversight function, the Board receives and reviews various risk management reports and assessments and discusses these matters with appropriate management and other personnel. Because risk management is a broad concept comprised of many elements (such as, for example, investment risk, issuer and counterparty risk, compliance risk, operational risks, business continuity risks, etc.) the oversight of different types of risks is handled in different ways. For example, the Governance and Nominating Committee meets regularly with the CCO to discuss compliance and operational risks and the Audit Committee meets with the Treasurer and the Trust's independent public accounting firm to discuss, among other things, the internal control structure of the Trust's financial reporting function. The full Board receives reports from the Adviser and portfolio managers as to investment risks as well as other risks that may be also discussed in Audit Committee.
Information about Each Trustee's Qualification, Experience, Attributes or Skills
The Board believes that each of the Trustees has the qualifications, experience, attributes and skills ("Trustee Attributes") appropriate to their continued service as Trustees of the Trust in light of the Trust's business and structure. Each of the Trustees has substantial business and professional backgrounds that indicate they have the ability to critically review, evaluate and access information provided to them. Certain of these business and professional experiences are set forth in detail in the table above. In addition, the majority of the Trustees have served on boards for organizations other than the Trust, as well as having served on the Board of the Trust
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for a number of years. They therefore have substantial board experience and, in their service to the Trust, have gained substantial insight as to the operation of the Trust. The Board annually conducts a 'self-assessment' wherein the effectiveness of the Board and individual Trustees is reviewed.
In addition to the information provided in the table above, below is certain additional information concerning each particular Trustee and certain of their Trustee Attributes. The information provided below, and in the table above, is not all-inclusive. Many Trustee Attributes involve intangible elements, such as intelligence, integrity, work ethic, the ability to work together, the ability to communicate effectively, the ability to exercise judgment, the ability to ask incisive questions, and commitment to shareholder interests. In conducting its annual self-assessment, the Board has determined that the Trustees have the appropriate attributes and experience to continue to serve effectively as Trustees of the Trust.
David G. Mertens. Mr. Mertens has substantial mutual fund experience and is experienced with financial, accounting, investment and regulatory matters. He currently serves as Partner and Head of Business Development of QSV Equity Investors, LLC, (formerly known as Ballast Equity Management, LLC), a privately-held investment advisory firm. Mr. Mertens also gained substantial mutual fund experience through his tenure as Managing Director and Vice President of Jensen Investment Management, Inc. ("Jensen") from 2002 to 2017. Prior to Jensen, Mr. Mertens held various roles in sales and marketing management with Berger Financial Group, LLC from 1995 to 2002, ending as Senior Vice President of Institutional Marketing for Berger Financial Group and President of its limited purpose broker-dealer, Berger Distributors.
Joe D. Redwine. Mr. Redwine has substantial mutual fund experience and is experienced with financial, accounting, investment and regulatory matters through his experience as President and CEO of U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, (now known as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services), a full-service provider to mutual funds and alternative investment products. In addition, he has extensive experience consulting with investment advisers regarding the legal structure of mutual funds, distribution channel analysis and actual distribution of those funds. Mr. Redwine serves as an Audit Committee Financial Expert for the Trust.
Michele Rackey. Ms. Rackey has substantial experience in mutual funds and investment management through her experience as CEO of Government Employees Benefits Association (GEBA) and also with The ARK Funds. Ms. Rackey is experienced with financial, accounting, investment and regulatory matters and serves as an Audit Committee Financial Expert for the Trust. Ms. Rackey was CEO of GEBA for 17 years and Chief Operating Officer of the ARK Funds for nine years. Ms. Rackey has a BS in Business Administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago and has an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management in Chicago. Ms. Rackey previously held FINRA series 6, 7 and 63 licenses as well as a Maryland Life and Health License.
Anne W. Kritzmire.Ms. Kritzmire has substantial experience in registered funds and investment management through her experience as Head of Multi-Asset/Solutions Marketing, Managing Director of Closed-End Funds, Managing Director of Channel Marketing, and Director of Customer Insights at Nuveen Investments. Ms. Kritzmire serves as Lead Independent Director on the Board of Directors and is a member of the Audit Committee and Nominating and Governance Committee of the Thornburg Income Builder Opportunities Trust (2020-Present). With respect to the Thornburg Income Builder Opportunities Trust, she is considered to be a
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qualified financial expert. She has also served on several other boards including as a Trustee, Financial Commissioner, and Acting Treasurer at Village of Long Grove (2017-Present). Ms. Kritzmire has a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from University of Notre Dame and has an MBA in Finance and Marketing from Northwestern University, Kellogg Graduate School of Management.
Craig B. Wainscott.Mr. Wainscott has substantial global executive and advisory experience, including his current position as a mutual fund trustee at iMGP Funds and early-stage business advisor. He formerly served as an Independent Trustee and Board Chair of Brandes Investment Trust. He also has extensive C-Suite Leadership, including his position as Chief Executive Officer at Russell Investments Canada for five years, leading a diverse collection of businesses such as mutual funds, institutional funds, consulting, and brokerage. He has also served as CEO at instaCOVER LLC and CFO at The Paradigm Project. Mr. Wainscott continues to serve as Board Advisor at Cadenced Biomedical (an early-stage medical device company). He has also served as a board member for The Paradigm Project. Mr. Wainscott is a qualified financial expert, having served as the CFO for two organizations, audit committee member, and is a CFA.
Board Committees
The Trust has established the following three standing committees and the membership of each committee to assist in its oversight functions, including its oversight of the risks the Trust faces: the Audit Committee, the QLCC, and the Governance and Nominating Committee. There is no assurance, however, that the Board's committee structure will prevent or mitigate risks in actual practice. The Trust's committee structure is specifically not intended or designed to prevent or mitigate the Fund's investment risks. The Fund is designed for investors that are prepared to accept investment risk, including the possibility that as yet unforeseen risks may emerge in the future.
The Audit Committee is comprised of all of the Independent Trustees. Mr. Redwine is the Chair of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee typically meets once per year with respect to the various series of the Trust. The function of the Audit Committee, with respect to each series of the Trust, is to review the scope and results of the audit and any matters bearing on the audit or the Fund's financial statements and to ensure the integrity of the Fund's pricing and financial reporting. The Audit Committee met two times with respect to the Fund during the Fund's fiscal year ended July 31, 2024.
The Audit Committee also serves as the QLCC for the Trust for the purpose of compliance with Rules 205.2(k) and 205.3(c) of the Code of Federal Regulations, regarding alternative reporting procedures for attorneys retained or employed by an issuer who appear and practice before the SEC on behalf of the issuer (the "issuer attorneys"). An issuer attorney who becomes aware of evidence of a material violation by the Trust, or by any officer, director, employee, or agent of the Trust, may report evidence of such material violation to the QLCC as an alternative to the reporting requirements of Rule 205.3(b) (which requires reporting to the chief legal officer and potentially "up the ladder" to other entities). The QLCC did not meet with respect to the Trust during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2024.
The Governance and Nominating Committee is comprised of all, and only of, the Independent Trustees. The Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for seeking and reviewing candidates for consideration as nominees for Trustees as is considered necessary from time to
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time and meets only as necessary. The Governance and Nominating Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders for vacancies on the Board. Recommendations for consideration by the Governance and Nominating Committee should be sent to the President of the Trust in writing together with the appropriate biographical information concerning each such proposed Nominee, and such recommendation must comply with the notice provisions set forth in the Trust's By-Laws. In general, to comply with such procedures, such nominations, together with all required biographical information, must be delivered to and received by the President of the Trust at the principal executive office of the Trust between 120 and 150 days prior to the shareholder meeting at which any such nominee would be voted on.
The Governance and Nominating Committee meets regularly with respect to the various series of the Trust. The Governance and Nominating Committee is also responsible for, among other things, assisting the Board in its oversight of the Trust's compliance program under Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act, reviewing and making recommendations regarding Independent Trustee compensation and the Trustees' annual "self-assessment." Ms. Rackey is the Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee. The Nominating and Governance Committee met four times with respect to the Trust during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2024.
Trustee Ownership of Fund Shares and Other Interests
The following table shows the dollar amount of shares in the Fund owned by the Trustees as of the calendar year ended December 31, 2023.
|
Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Fund
|
Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in all Registered Investment Companies Overseen by Trustee in Family of Investment Companies
|
David G. Mertens
|
Over $100,000
|
Over $100,000
|
Joe D. Redwine
|
None
|
$50,001 - $100,000
|
Michele Rackey
|
None
|
$10,001 - $50,000
|
Anne W. Kritzmire(1)
|
None
|
None
|
Craig B. Wainscott(1)
|
None
|
None
|
(1) Ms. Kritzmire and Mr. Wainscott began serving as Independent Trustees effective as of August 27, 2024.
As of December 31, 2023, neither the Independent Trustees nor members of their immediate family, own securities beneficially or of record in the Adviser, the Distributor, as defined below, or an affiliate of the Adviser or Distributor. Accordingly, neither the Independent Trustees nor members of their immediate family, have direct or indirect interest, the value of which exceeds $120,000, in the Adviser, the Distributor or any of their affiliates. In addition, during the two most recently completed calendar years, neither the Independent Trustees nor members of their immediate families have conducted any transactions (or series of transactions) in which the amount involved exceeds $120,000 and to which the Adviser, the Distributor or any affiliate thereof was a party.
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CODES OF ETHICS
The Trust and the Adviser have each adopted separate Codes of Ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act. These Codes permit, subject to certain conditions, access persons of the Adviser to invest in securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund. The Distributor, as defined below, relies on the principal underwriter's exception under Rule 17j-1(c)(3) of the 1940 Act, specifically where the Distributor is not affiliated with the Trust or the Adviser, and no officer, director or general partner of the Distributor serves as an officer, director or general partner of the Trust or the Adviser.
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The Board has adopted Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (the "Proxy Policies") on behalf of the Trust which delegate the responsibility for voting proxies to the Adviser, subject to the Board's continuing oversight. The Proxy Policies require that the Adviser vote proxies received in a manner consistent with the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. The Proxy Policies also require the Adviser to present to the Board, at least annually, the Adviser's Proxy Policies and a record of each proxy voted by the Adviser on behalf of the Fund, including a report on the resolution of all proxies identified by the Adviser as involving a conflict of interest.
The Adviser, as a matter of policy and as a fiduciary to its clients, has responsibility for voting proxies for portfolio securities consistent with the best economic interests of its clients. The Adviser maintains written policies and procedures as to the handling, research, voting and reporting of proxy voting and makes appropriate disclosures about its proxy policies and practices. To fulfill its responsibility, the Adviser has retained the use of third party service providers. These third party service providers include Risk Metrics Group and Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. Absent mitigating circumstances and/or conflicts of interest, it is the general policy that proxy votes will be consistent with the recommendation of the senior management of the issuer. Additionally, the Adviser will monitor corporate actions of individual issuers and investment companies to ensure that the proxies are voted in the best interests of the shareholders.
The Trust is required to file a Form N-PX, with the Fund's complete proxy voting record for the 12 months ended June 30, no later than August 31 of each year. Form N-PX for the Fund will be available without charge, upon request, by calling toll-free 1-877-291-7827 and on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
CONTROL PERSONS, PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS, AND MANAGEMENT OWNERSHIP
A principal shareholder is any person who owns of record or beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund. 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. Shareholders with a controlling interest could affect the outcome of voting or the direction of management of the Fund. For control persons only, if a control person is a company, the table also indicates the control person's parent, if any, and the jurisdiction under the laws of which the control person is organized. As of October 31, 2024, the following shareholders were considered to be either a control person or principal shareholder of the Fund.
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Class I
|
Shareholder
|
Parent Company
|
Jurisdiction
|
Percent of Ownership
|
Type of Ownership
|
National Financial Services
499 Washington Blvd, 4th Floor
Jersey City, NJ 07310-2010
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
44.65%
|
Record
|
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
Special Custody Account
Attn: Mutual Funds Department
211 Main St.
San Francisco, CA 94105-1901
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
16.52%
|
Record
|
Management Ownership Information. As of October 31, 2024, the Trustees and officers of the Trust, as a group, beneficially owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of any class of the Fund.
INVESTMENT ADVISER
O'Shaughnessy Asset Management, LLC, 100 First Stamford Place, 5th Floor, Stamford, Connecticut 06902 acts as investment adviser to the Fund pursuant to an investment advisory agreement (the "Advisory Agreement") with the Trust. The Adviser is a wholly owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc.
In consideration of the services to be provided by the Adviser pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser is entitled to receive from the Fund a management fee computed daily and payable monthly, based upon the average daily net assets of the Fund at the following annual rates: 0.55% of average daily net assets up to $25 million, 0.45% of average daily net assets on the next $75 million; and 0.35% of average daily net assets in excess of $100 million.
For the fiscal periods indicated below, the Fund paid the Adviser the following in management fees:
|
Fiscal Year Ended
July 31
|
Management Fees
Accrued
|
Management Fees Waived
|
Management Fees Recouped
|
Net Management Fee Paid to Advisor
|
2024
|
$937,785
|
$0
|
$0
|
$937,785
|
2023
|
$971,504
|
$0
|
$0
|
$971,504
|
2022
|
$1,048,541
|
$0
|
$0
|
$1,048,541
|
|
The Advisory Agreement continues in effect for successive annual periods so long as such continuation is specifically approved at least annually by the vote of (1) the Board (or a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund), and (2) a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of any party to the Advisory Agreement, in each case, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Advisory Agreement may be terminated at any time, without penalty, by either party to the Advisory Agreement upon a 60-day written notice and is automatically terminated in the event of its "assignment," as defined in the 1940 Act.
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In addition to the management fees payable to the Adviser, the Fund is responsible for its own operating expenses, including: fees and expenses incurred in connection with the issuance, registration and transfer of its shares; brokerage and commission expenses; all expenses of transfer, receipt, safekeeping, servicing and accounting for the cash, securities and other property of the Trust for the benefit of the Fund including all fees and expenses of its custodian and accounting services agent; interest charges on any borrowings; costs and expenses of pricing and calculating its daily NAV per share and of maintaining its books of account required under the 1940 Act; taxes, if any; a pro rata portion of expenditures in connection with meetings of the Fund's shareholders and the Trust's Board that are properly payable by the Fund; salaries and expenses of officers and fees and expenses of members of the Board or members of any advisory board or committee who are not members of, affiliated with or interested persons of the Adviser or Administrator; insurance premiums on property or personnel of the Fund which inure to their benefit, including liability and fidelity bond insurance; the cost of preparing and printing reports, proxy statements, prospectus and the statement of additional information of the Fund or other communications for distribution to existing shareholders; legal counsel, auditing and accounting fees; trade association membership dues (including membership dues in the Investment Company Institute allocable to the Fund); fees and expenses (including legal fees) of registering and maintaining registration of its shares for sale under federal and applicable state and foreign securities laws; all expenses of maintaining shareholder accounts, including all charges for transfer, shareholder recordkeeping, dividend disbursing, redemption, and other agents for the benefit of the Fund, if any; and all other charges and costs of its operation plus any extraordinary and non-recurring expenses, except as otherwise prescribed in the Advisory Agreement.
Though the Fund is responsible for its own operating expenses, the Adviser has agreed under the Fund's written operating expenses limitation agreement to waive a portion or all of the management fees payable to it by the Fund and/or to pay Fund operating expenses to the extent necessary to limit the Fund's aggregate annual operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses ("AFFE"), interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses) to the limits set forth in the Fees and Expenses tables in the Fund's Prospectus. The Adviser may request recoupment of previously waived fees and paid expenses in any subsequent month in the 36-month period from the date of the management fee reduction and expense payment if the aggregate amount actually paid by the Fund toward the operating expenses for such fiscal year (taking into account the reimbursement) will not cause the Fund to exceed the lesser of: (1) the expense limitation in place at the time of the management fee reduction and expense payment; or (2) the expense limitation in place at the time of the reimbursement. Any such recoupment is also contingent upon the Board's subsequent review and ratification of the recouped amounts. Such recoupment may not be paid prior to the Fund's payment of current ordinary operating expenses.
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PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Messrs. Scott Bartone, Daniel Nitiutomo, Ehren Stanhope and Ms. Claire Noel each serve as co-portfolio managers of the Fund.
The following table provides information regarding other accounts managed by Mr. Bartone as of July 31, 2024:
|
Category of Account
|
Total Number of Accounts Managed
(excluding the Fund)
|
Total Assets in Accounts Managed
|
Number of Accounts for Which Advisory Fee is Based on Performance
|
Assets in Accounts for Which Advisory Fee is Based on Performance
|
Non-U.S. Registered Investment Companies
|
8
|
$1,104,087,599
|
0
|
$0
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
0
|
$0
|
0
|
$0
|
Other Accounts
|
6,310
|
$10,523,542,757
|
0
|
$0
|
The following table provides information regarding other accounts managed by Mr. Nitiutomo as of July 31, 2024:
|
Category of Account
|
Total Number of Accounts Managed
(excluding the Fund)
|
Total Assets in Accounts Managed
|
Number of Accounts for Which Advisory Fee is Based on Performance
|
Assets in Accounts for Which Advisory Fee is Based on Performance
|
Non-U.S. Registered Investment Companies
|
8
|
$1,104,087,599
|
0
|
$0
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
0
|
$0
|
0
|
$0
|
Other Accounts
|
6,310
|
$10,523,542,757
|
0
|
$0
|
The following table provides information regarding other accounts managed by Ms. Noel as of July 31, 2024:
|
Category of Account
|
Total Number of Accounts Managed
(excluding the Fund)
|
Total Assets in Accounts Managed
|
Number of Accounts for Which Advisory Fee is Based on Performance
|
Assets in Accounts for Which Advisory Fee is Based on Performance
|
Non-U.S. Registered Investment Companies
|
8
|
$1,104,087,599
|
0
|
$0
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
0
|
$0
|
0
|
$0
|
Other Accounts
|
6,310
|
$10,523,542,757
|
0
|
$0
|
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The following table provides information regarding other accounts managed by Mr. Stanhope as of July 31, 2024:
|
Category of Account
|
Total Number of Accounts Managed
(excluding the Fund)
|
Total Assets in Accounts Managed
|
Number of Accounts for Which Advisory Fee is Based on Performance
|
Assets in Accounts for Which Advisory Fee is Based on Performance
|
Non-U.S. Registered Investment Companies
|
8
|
$1,104,087,599
|
0
|
$0
|
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles
|
0
|
$0
|
0
|
$0
|
Other Accounts
|
6,310
|
$10,523,542,757
|
0
|
$0
|
Because the portfolio managers manage assets for other investment companies, pooled investment vehicles, and/or other accounts (including institutional clients, pension plans and certain high net worth individuals), there may be an incentive to favor one client over another resulting in conflicts of interest. For instance, the Adviser may receive fees from certain accounts that are higher than the fee it receives from the Fund, or it may receive a performance-based fee on certain accounts. In those instances, the portfolio managers may have an incentive to favor the higher and/or performance-based fee accounts over the Fund. Except as described above, the portfolio managers of the Fund do not currently manage assets for other investment companies, pooled investment vehicles or other accounts that charge a performance fee. In addition, a conflict of interest could exist to the extent the Adviser has proprietary investments in certain accounts, where portfolio managers have personal investments in certain accounts or when certain accounts are investment options in the Adviser's employee benefits and/or deferred compensation plans. The portfolio manager may have an incentive to favor these accounts over others. If the Adviser manages accounts that engage in short sales of securities of the type in which the Fund invests, the Adviser could be seen as harming the performance of the Fund for the benefit of the accounts engaging in short sales if the short sales cause the market value of the securities to fall. The Adviser has adopted trade allocation and other policies and procedures that it believes are reasonably designed to address these and other conflicts of interest.
Portfolio Manager Compensation Structure
Portfolio managers of the Fund receive a combination of base compensation and discretionary compensation, comprised of a cash bonus and several deferred compensation programs described below. The methodology used to determine portfolio manager compensation is applied across all accounts managed by the portfolio manager.
Base salary compensation. Generally, portfolio managers receive base salary compensation based on the level of their position with the Adviser.
Discretionary compensation. In addition to base compensation, portfolio managers may receive discretionary compensation. Discretionary compensation can include: (i) cash bonus and (ii) equity in O'Shaughnessy Asset Management, LLC. Several factors determine discretionary compensation, which can vary by portfolio management team and circumstances. These factors include: (i) revenues generated by the investment companies, pooled investment
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vehicles and other accounts managed by the portfolio manager; (ii) contribution to the business objectives of the Adviser; (iii) market compensation survey research by independent third parties; and (iv) other qualitative factors, such as contributions to client objectives.
Ownership of Securities. As of July 31, 2024, the portfolio managers beneficially owned equity securities of the Fund in the following amounts.
|
Portfolio Managers
|
Dollar Range of Equity Securities
in the Fund
(None, $1-$10,000, $10,001-$50,000, $50,001-$100,000, $100,001 - $500,000, $500,001 to $1,000,000, Over $1,000,000)
|
Scott Bartone
|
$10,001 - $50,000
|
Daniel Nitiutomo
|
None
|
Claire Noel
|
None
|
Ehren Stanhope
|
$1 - $10,000
|
SERVICE PROVIDERS
Fund Administrator, Transfer Agent and Fund Accountant
Pursuant to an administration agreement (the "Administration Agreement"), U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services ("Fund Services") located at 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, acts as the Administrator to the Fund. Fund Services provides certain services to the Fund including, among other responsibilities, coordinating the negotiation of contracts and fees with, and the monitoring of performance and billing of, the Fund's independent contractors and agents; preparation for signature by an officer of the Trust of all documents required to be filed for compliance by the Trust and the Fund with applicable laws and regulations, excluding those of the securities laws of various states; arranging for the computation of performance data, including NAV per share and yield; responding to shareholder inquiries; and arranging for the maintenance of books and records of the Fund, and providing, at its own expense, office facilities, equipment and personnel necessary to carry out its duties. In this capacity, Fund Services does not have any responsibility or authority for the management of the Fund, the determination of investment policy, or for any matter pertaining to the distribution of Fund shares.
For the fiscal years July 31 indicated below, the Fund paid the following fees to the Administrator:
|
2024
|
2023
|
2022
|
$48,165
|
$48,357
|
$47,810
|
|
Fund Services also acts as transfer agent (the "Transfer Agent"), dividend disbursing agent and fund accountant under separate agreements. Additionally, the Administrator provides CCO services to the Trust under a separate agreement. The cost of the CCO services is allocated to the Fund and approved by the Board annually.
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Custodian
Pursuant to a Custody Agreement between the Trust and U.S. Bank National Association, located at 1555 North RiverCenter Drive, Suite 302, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212 (the "Custodian"), the Custodian serves as the custodian of the Fund's assets, holds the Fund's portfolio securities in safekeeping, and keeps all necessary records and documents relating to its duties. The Custodian is compensated with an asset-based fee plus transaction fees and is reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses.
The Custodian and Administrator do not participate in decisions relating to the purchase and sale of securities by the Fund. The Administrator, Transfer Agent, and Custodian are affiliated entities under the common control of U.S. Bancorp. The Custodian and its affiliates may participate in revenue sharing arrangements with the service providers of mutual funds in which the Fund may invest.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and Legal Counsel
Tait, Weller & Baker LLP, Two Liberty Place, 50 South 16thStreet, Suite 2900, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, is the independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund, whose services include auditing the Fund's financial statements and the performance of related tax services.
Sullivan & Worcester LLP ("Sullivan & Worcester"), 1251 Avenue of the Americas, 19th Floor, New York, New York 10020, serves as legal counsel to the Trust and provides counsel on legal matters relating to the Fund. Sullivan & Worcester also serves as independent legal counsel to the Board of Trustees.
EXECUTION OF PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser determines which securities are to be purchased and sold by the Fund and which broker-dealers are eligible to execute the Fund's portfolio transactions. Purchases and sales of securities in the over-the-counter market will generally be executed directly with a "market-maker" unless, in the opinion of the Adviser, a better price and execution can otherwise be obtained by using a broker for the transaction.
Purchases of portfolio securities for the Fund also may be made directly from issuers or from underwriters. Where possible, purchase and sale transactions will be effected through dealers (including banks) which specialize in the types of securities which the Fund will be holding, unless better executions are available elsewhere. Dealers and underwriters usually act as principal for their own accounts. Purchases from underwriters will include a concession paid by the issuer to the underwriter and purchases from dealers will include the spread between the bid and the asked price. If the execution and price offered by more than one dealer or underwriter are comparable, the order may be allocated to a dealer or underwriter that has provided research or other services as discussed below.
In placing portfolio transactions, the Adviser will seek best execution. The full range and quality of services available will be considered in making these determinations, such as the size of the order, the difficulty of execution, the operational facilities of the firm involved, the firm's risk in positioning a block of securities and other factors. In those instances where it is reasonably determined that more than one broker-dealer can offer the services needed to obtain the most favorable price and execution available, consideration may be given to those broker-
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dealers which furnish or supply research and statistical information to the Adviser that it may lawfully and appropriately use in its investment advisory capacities, as well as provide other services in addition to execution services. The Adviser considers such information, which is in addition to and not in lieu of the services required to be performed by it under its Agreement with the Fund, to be useful in varying degrees, but of indeterminable value. Portfolio transactions may be placed with broker-dealers who sell shares of the Fund subject to rules adopted by FINRA and the SEC.
While it is the Fund's general policy to first seek to obtain the most favorable price and execution available in selecting a broker-dealer to execute portfolio transactions for the Fund, in accordance with Section 28(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, when it is determined that more than one broker can deliver best execution, weight is also given to the ability of a broker-dealer to furnish brokerage and research services to the Fund or to the Adviser, even if the specific services are not directly useful to the Fund and may be useful to the Adviser in advising other clients. In negotiating commissions with a broker or evaluating the spread to be paid to a dealer, the Fund may therefore pay a higher commission or spread than would be the case if no weight were given to the furnishing of these supplemental services, provided that the amount of such commission or spread has been determined in good faith by the Adviser to be reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and/or research services provided by such broker-dealer.
Investment decisions for the Fund are made independently from those of other client accounts or mutual funds managed or advised by the Adviser. Nevertheless, it is possible that at times identical securities will be acceptable for both the Fund and one or more of such client accounts or mutual funds. In such event, the position of the Fund and such client account(s) or mutual funds in the same issuer may vary and the length of time that each may choose to hold its investment in the same issuer may likewise vary. However, to the extent any of these client accounts or mutual funds seek to acquire the same security as the Fund at the same time, the Fund may not be able to acquire as large a portion of such security as it desires, or it may have to pay a higher price or obtain a lower yield for such security. Similarly, the Fund may not be able to obtain as high a price for, or as large an execution of, an order to sell any particular security at the same time. If one or more of such client accounts or mutual funds simultaneously purchases or sells the same security that the Fund is purchasing or selling, each day's transactions in such security will be allocated between the Fund and all such client accounts or mutual funds in a manner deemed equitable by the Adviser, taking into account the respective sizes of the accounts and the amount of cash available for investment, the investment objective of the account, and the ease with which a clients appropriate amount can be bought, as well as the liquidity and volatility of the account and the urgency involved in making an investment decision for the client. It is recognized that in some cases this system could have a detrimental effect on the price or value of the security insofar as the Fund is concerned. In other cases, however, it is believed that the ability of the Fund to participate in volume transactions may produce better executions for the Fund. During the fiscal periods ended July 31 indicated below, the Fund paid the following amounts in brokerage commissions:
|
2024
|
2023
|
2022
|
$81,561(1)
|
$112,570
|
$161,168
|
|
(1)The decrease in brokerage commissions for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2024 was due to a decrease in the Fund's assets and a decrease in trading volume over this period.
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The SEC requires the Fund to provide certain information regarding securities held of its regular brokers or dealers (or their parents) as of the Fund's most recent fiscal year end. As of the Fund's July 31, 2024 fiscal year end, the Fund did not hold securities of its regular brokers or dealers.
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
The Trust has entered into a Distribution Agreement (the "Distribution Agreement") with Quasar Distributors, LLC, Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, Maine 04101 (the "Distributor"), pursuant to which the Distributor acts as the Fund's distributor, provides certain administration services and promotes and arranges for the sale of Fund shares. The offering of the Fund's shares is continuous. The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA.
The Distribution Agreement will continue in effect only if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities and, in either case, by a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the Distribution Agreement or "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any such party. The Distribution Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Trust on behalf of the Fund on 60 days' written notice when authorized either by a majority vote of the Fund's shareholders or by vote of a majority of the Board, including a majority of the Trustees who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust, or by the Distributor on 60 days' written notice, and will automatically terminate in the event of its "assignment" (as defined in the 1940 Act).
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING PLAN
Shareholder Servicing Plan
The Board approved the implementation of a Shareholder Servicing Plan (the "Servicing Plan") under which the Adviser will provide, or arrange for others to provide, certain specified shareholder services. As compensation for the provision of shareholder services, Class I shares of the Fund will pay the Adviser a monthly fee at an annual rate of up to 0.15% of the Fund's average daily net assets. The Adviser has voluntarily agreed to limit the accrual of the shareholder servicing plan fees for the Fund to 0.00% through November 28, 2025. The Adviser will pay certain banks, trust companies, broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries (each, a "Participating Organization") out of the fees the Adviser receives from the Fund under the Servicing Plan to the extent that the Participating Organization performs shareholder servicing functions for the Fund's shares owned by its customers.
For the fiscal years ended July 31, 2022, July 31, 2023, and July 31, 2024, the Fund did not incur any servicing fees under the Servicing Plan.
DETERMINATION OF SHARE PRICE
The NAV per share of the Fund is determined as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") (generally 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time), each day the NYSE is open for business. The NYSE annually announces the days on which it will not be open for trading. It is expected that the NYSE will not be open for trading on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington's Birthday/Presidents' Day,
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Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Generally, the Fund's investments are valued at market value or, in the absence of a market value, at fair value as determined in good faith by the Fund's valuation designee. The Board has designated the Adviser as its "valuation designee" under Rule 2a-5 of the 1940 Act, subject to its oversight. Fair value determinations are then made in good faith in accordance with procedures adopted by the Adviser. Pursuant to those procedures, the valuation designee considers, among other things: (1) the last sales price on the securities exchange, if any, on which a security is primarily traded; (2) the mean between the bid and asked prices; (3) price quotations from an approved pricing service; and (4) other factors as necessary to determine a fair value under certain circumstances.
Securities primarily traded in the NASDAQ Global Market® for which market quotations are readily available shall be valued using the NASDAQ® Official Closing Price ("NOCP"). If the NOCP is not available, such securities shall be valued at the last sale price on the day of valuation, or if there has been no sale on such day, at the mean between the bid and asked prices. OTC securities which are not traded in the NASDAQ Global Market® shall be valued at the most recent sales price. Securities and assets for which market quotations are not readily available (including restricted securities which are subject to limitations as to their sale) are valued at fair value as determined in good faith under the Adviser's procedures.
Debt securities are valued on the basis of valuations provided by independent third-party pricing services, approved by the valuation designee, or at fair value as determined in good faith by procedures approved by the Adviser. Any such pricing service, in determining value, will use information with respect to transactions in the securities being valued, quotations from dealers, market transactions in comparable securities, analyses and evaluations of various relationships between securities and yield to maturity information.
The securities in the Fund's portfolio, including ADRs, EDRs and GDRs, which are traded on securities exchanges are valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which such securities are traded, as of the close of business on the day the securities are being valued or, lacking any reported sales, at the mean between the last available bid and asked price. Securities that are traded on more than one exchange are valued on the exchange determined by the Adviser to be the primary market.
ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION
The information provided below supplements the information contained in the Prospectus regarding the purchase and redemption of Fund shares.
How to Buy Shares
In addition to purchasing shares of the Fund by mail or by telephone, you may purchase shares of the Fund from securities brokers, dealers or financial intermediaries (collectively, "Financial Intermediaries"). Investors should contact their Financial Intermediary directly for appropriate instructions, as well as information pertaining to accounts and any service or transaction fees that may be charged. The Fund may enter into arrangements with certain Financial Intermediaries whereby such Financial Intermediaries are authorized to accept your order on behalf of the Fund. Financial Intermediaries may be authorized by the Fund's principal underwriter to designate other brokers and financial intermediaries to accept orders on the
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Fund's behalf. If you transmit your order to these Financial Intermediaries before the close of regular trading (generally 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) on a day that the NYSE is open for business, your order will be priced at the Fund's NAV (plus applicable sales charge) next computed after it is received by the Financial Intermediary. Investors should check with their Financial Intermediary to determine if it participates in these arrangements. The Fund will be deemed to have received a purchase order when a Financial Intermediary or, if applicable, a Financial Intermediary's authorized designee, receives the order.
The public offering price of Fund Class I shares is the NAV per share. Shares are purchased at the public offering price next determined after the Transfer Agent receives your order in proper form, as discussed in the Fund's Prospectus. In order to receive that day's public offering price, the Transfer Agent must receive your order in proper form before the close of regular trading on the NYSE, generally 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time.
The Trust reserves the right in its sole discretion (i) to suspend the continued offering of the Fund's shares, and (ii) to reject purchase orders in whole or in part when in the judgment of the Adviser or the distributor such rejection is in the best interest of the Fund.
Additionally, the Adviser may waive the initial minimum in certain circumstances, including but not limited to the following:
•current and retired employees, directors/trustees and officers of the Trust, the Adviser and its affiliates and certain family members of each of them (i.e., spouse, domestic partner, child, parent, sibling, grandchild and grandparent, in each case including in-law, step and adoptive relationships);
•any trust, pension, profit sharing or other benefit plan for current and retired employees, directors/trustees and officers of the Adviser and its affiliates;
•current employees of the Transfer Agent, broker-dealers who act as selling agents for the Fund, intermediaries that have marketing agreements in place with the Adviser and the immediate family members of any of them;
•registered investment advisers who buy through a broker-dealer or service agent who has entered into an agreement with the Fund's distributor;
•qualified broker-dealers who have entered into an agreement with the Fund's distributor; and
•existing clients of the Adviser, their employees and immediate family members of such employees.
The initial minimum investment for Class I shares may also be waived for individual accounts of a financial intermediary that charges an ongoing fee for its services or offers Class I shares through a no-load network or platform, provided the aggregate value of such accounts invested in Class I shares is at least $10,000 or is anticipated by the Adviser to reach $10,000.
In addition to cash purchases, Fund shares may be purchased by tendering payment in-kind in the form of shares of stock, bonds or other securities. Any securities used to buy Fund shares must be readily marketable, their acquisition consistent with the Fund's objective and otherwise acceptable to the Adviser and the Board.
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Automatic Investment Plan
As discussed in the Prospectus, the Fund provides an Automatic Investment Plan ("AIP") for the convenience of investors who wish to purchase shares of the Fund on a regular basis. All record keeping and custodial costs of the AIP are paid by the Fund. The market value of the Fund's shares is subject to fluctuation. Prior to participating in the AIP the investor should keep in mind that this plan does not assure a profit nor protect against depreciation in declining markets.
How to Sell Shares and Delivery of Redemption Proceeds
You can sell your Fund shares any day the NYSE is open for regular trading, either directly to the Fund or through your Financial Intermediary. The Fund will be deemed to have received a redemption order when a Financial Intermediary or, if applicable, a Financial Intermediary's authorized designee, receives the order. Shares held less than ninety calendar days are subject to a redemption fee as explained in the Prospectus.
Payments to shareholders for shares of the Fund redeemed directly from the Fund will be made as promptly as possible, but no later than seven days after receipt by the Transfer Agent of the written request in proper form, with the appropriate documentation as stated in the Prospectus, except that the Fund may suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date of payment during any period when (a) trading on the NYSE is restricted as determined by the SEC or the NYSE is closed for other than weekends and holidays; (b) an emergency exists as determined by the SEC making disposal of portfolio securities or valuation of net assets of the Fund not reasonably practicable; or (c) for such other period as the SEC may permit for the protection of the Fund's shareholders. Under unusual circumstances, the Fund may suspend redemptions, or postpone payment for more than seven days, but only as authorized by SEC rules.
The value of shares on redemption or repurchase may be more or less than the investor's cost, depending upon the market value of the Fund's portfolio securities at the time of redemption or repurchase.
Telephone Redemptions
Shareholders with telephone transaction privileges established on their account may redeem Fund shares by telephone. Upon receipt of any instructions or inquiries by telephone from the shareholder the Fund or its authorized agents may carry out the instructions and/or to respond to the inquiry consistent with the shareholder's previously established account service options. For joint accounts, instructions or inquiries from either party will be carried out without prior notice to the other account owners. In acting upon telephone instructions, the Fund and its agents use procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure that such instructions are genuine. These include recording all telephone calls, requiring pertinent information about the account and sending written confirmation of each transaction to the registered owner.
The Transfer Agent will employ reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine. If the Transfer Agent fails to employ reasonable procedures, the Fund and the Transfer Agent may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. If these procedures are followed, however, that to the extent permitted by applicable law, neither the Fund nor its agents will be liable for any loss, liability,
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cost or expense arising out of any redemption request, including any fraudulent or unauthorized request. For additional information, contact the Transfer Agent.
Redemptions In-Kind
The Trust has elected to be governed by Rule 18f-under the 1940 Act so that the Fund is obligated to redeem its shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of its net asset value during any 90-day period for any shareholder of the Fund. The Fund has reserved the right to pay the redemption price of its shares in excess of $250,000 or 1% of its net asset value either totally or partially, by a distribution in-kind of portfolio securities (instead of cash). Redemptions in-kind are typically used in unusual circumstances. The securities so distributed would be valued at the same amount as that assigned to them in calculating the NAV for the shares being sold. If a shareholder receives a redemption in-kind, the shareholder could incur brokerage or other charges in converting the securities to cash. A redemption in-kind is a taxable event.
The Fund does not intend to hold any significant percentage of its portfolio in illiquid securities, although the Fund, like virtually all mutual funds, may from time to time hold a small percentage of securities that are illiquid. In the unlikely event the Fund was to elect to make an in-kind redemption, the Fund expects that it would follow the Trust protocol of making such distribution by way of a pro rata distribution of securities that are traded on a public securities market or are otherwise considered liquid pursuant to the Fund's liquidity policies and procedures. Except as otherwise may be approved by the Trustees, the securities that would not be included in an in-kind distribution include (1) unregistered securities which, if distributed, would be required to be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act"), as amended; (2) securities issued by entities in countries which (a) restrict or prohibit the holding of securities by non-nationals other than through qualified investment vehicles, such as a fund, or (b) permit transfers of ownership of securities to be effected only by transactions conducted on a local stock exchange; and (3) certain Fund assets that, although they may be liquid and marketable, must be traded through the marketplace or with the counterparty to the transaction in order to effect a change in beneficial ownership.
Class I Shares
Class I shares of the Fund are subject to a shareholder servicing plan fee of up to 0.15% of average daily net assets and are offered without any sales charge on purchases or sales and without any ongoing distribution fee.
Class I shares are available for purchase exclusively by (i) eligible institutions (e.g., a financial institution, corporation, trust, estate, or educational, religious or charitable institution) with assets of at least $10,000, (ii) tax-exempt retirement plans with assets of at least $10,000 (including 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase plans, defined benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans), (iii) fee-based investment programs with assets of at least $10,000, and (iv) qualified state tuition plan (529 plan) accounts.
Class I share participants in tax-exempt retirement plans must contact the plan's administrator to purchase shares. For plan administrator contact information, participants should contact their respective employer's human resources department. Class I share participants in fee-based investment programs should contact the program's administrator or their financial
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adviser to purchase shares. Transactions generally are effected on behalf of a tax-exempt retirement plan participant by the administrator or a custodian, trustee or record keeper for the plan and on behalf of a fee-based investment program participant by their administrator or financial adviser. Class I shares institutional clients may purchase shares either directly or through an authorized dealer.
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAX INFORMATION
Distributions
Distributions from net investment income and distributions from net profits from the sale of securities are generally made annually. Also, the Fund typically distributes any undistributed net investment income on or about December 31 of each year. Any net capital gains realized through the twelve-month period ended October 31 of each year will also be distributed by December 31 of each year.
Each distribution by the Fund is accompanied by a brief explanation of the form and character of the distribution. In January of each year, the Fund will issue to each shareholder a statement of the federal income tax status of all distributions.
Tax Information
Each series of the Trust is treated as a separate entity for federal income tax purposes. The Fund, as a series of the Trust, has elected to qualify and intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and to comply with all applicable requirements regarding the source of its income, diversification of its assets and the timing and amount of distributions. The Fund's policy is to distribute to its shareholders all of its taxable income and any net realized long-term capital gains for each fiscal year in a manner that complies with the distribution requirements of the Code, so that the Fund will not be subject to any federal income or excise taxes in any year. However, the Fund can give no assurances that distributions will be sufficient to eliminate all taxes in every year at the Fund level. To avoid the nondeductible 4% Federal excise tax, the Fund must distribute (or be deemed to have distributed) by December 31 of each calendar year (i) at least 98% of its ordinary income for such year, (ii) at least 98.2% of the excess of its realized capital gains over its realized capital losses for the 12-month period ending on October 31 of such year, and (iii) any amounts from the prior calendar year that were not distributed and on which no federal income tax was paid by the Fund.
In order to qualify as a regulated investment company, the Fund must, among other things, derive at least 90% of its gross income each year from dividends, interest, payments with respect to loans of stock and securities, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities or foreign currency gains related to investments in stock or securities, or other income (generally including gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to the business of investing in stock, securities or currency, and net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership. The Fund must also satisfy the following two asset diversification tests. At the end of each quarter of each taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the value of the Fund's total assets must be represented by cash and cash items (including receivables), U.S. government securities, the securities of other regulated investment companies, and other securities, with such other securities being limited in respect of any one issuer to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the
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value of the Fund's total assets may be invested in the securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities or the securities of other regulated investment companies), the securities of any two or more issuers (other than the securities of other regulated investment companies) that the Fund controls (by owning 20% or more of their outstanding voting stock) and that are determined to be engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or related trades or businesses, or the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships. The Fund also must distribute each taxable year sufficient dividends to its shareholders to claim a dividends-paid deduction equal to at least the sum of 90% of the Fund's investment company taxable income before the deduction for dividends paid (which generally includes dividends, interest, and the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss) and 90% of the Fund's net tax-exempt interest, if any.
Net investment income generally consists of interest and dividend income, less expenses. Net realized capital gains for a fiscal period are computed by taking into account any capital loss carryforward of the Fund. Capital losses sustained and not used in a taxable year may be carried forward indefinitely to offset income of the Fund in future years.
At July 31, 2024, the Fund had short-term and long-term capital loss carryforwards of $17,744,558 and $585,741, respectively. These capital losses may be carried forward indefinitely to offset future gains. The Fund's acquired losses are subject to an annual Section 382 limit of $80,485 in 2020 and thereafter.
Distributions of net investment income and net short-term capital gains are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. For individual shareholders, a portion of the distributions paid by the Fund depending on the compositions of its underlying investments may be qualified dividend income currently eligible for taxation at long-term capital gain rates to the extent the Fund reports the amount distributed as a qualifying dividend and certain holding period requirements are met. In the case of corporate shareholders, a portion of the distributions may qualify for the intercorporate dividends-received deduction to the extent the Fund reports the amount distributed as a qualifying dividend. The aggregate amount so reported to either individual or corporate shareholders cannot, however, exceed the aggregate amount of qualifying dividends received by the Fund for its taxable year. In view of the Fund's investment policies, it is not clear to what extent dividends from domestic corporations will be part of the Fund's gross income and therefore, whether distributions by the Fund may be eligible for qualified dividend income treatment for individual shareholders, or for the dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders. The dividends-received deduction may be reduced or eliminated if Fund shares held by a corporate investor are treated as debt financed or are held for fewer than 46 days.
Long-term capital gain distributions are taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gains regardless of the length of time a shareholder held his or her Fund shares. Capital gain distributions are not eligible for qualified dividend income treatment or the dividends-received deduction referred to in the previous paragraph. Distributions of any net investment income and net realized capital gains will be taxable as described above, whether received in shares or in cash. Shareholders who choose to receive distributions in the form of additional shares will have a cost basis for federal income tax purposes in each share so received equal to the net asset value of a share on the reinvestment date. Distributions generally are taxable when received or deemed to be received. However, distributions declared in October, November or December to shareholders of record on a date in such a month and paid the following January are taxable as if received on December 31. Distributions are includable in alternative minimum
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taxable income in computing the liability for the alternative minimum tax of a shareholder who is an individual.
For the taxable years beginning after 2017 and before 2025, non-corporate taxpayers generally may deduct 20% of "qualified business income" derived either directly or through partnerships or S corporations. For this purpose, "qualified business income" generally includes ordinary dividends paid by a real estate investment trust ("REIT") and certain income from publicly traded partnerships. Regulations recently adopted by the United States Treasury allow non-corporate shareholders of a Fund to benefit from the 20% deduction with respect to net REIT dividends received by the Fund if the Fund meets certain reporting requirements, but do not permit any such deduction with respect to publicly traded partnerships.
The Fund may be subject to foreign withholding taxes on dividends and interest earned with respect to securities of foreign corporations.
Redemption of Fund shares may result in recognition of a taxable gain or loss. Any loss realized upon the redemption or sale 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 distributions of long-term capital gains during such six-month period. Any loss realized upon a redemption or sale may be disallowed under certain wash sale rules to the extent shares of the Fund are purchased (through reinvestment of distributions or otherwise) within 30 days before or after the redemption.
Under the Code, the Fund will be required to report to the Internal Revenue Service all distributions of taxable income and capital gains as well as gross proceeds from the redemption of Fund shares. Pursuant to the backup withholding provisions of the Code, distributions of any taxable income and capital gains and proceeds from the redemption of Fund shares may be subject to withholding of federal income tax in the case of non-exempt shareholders who fail to furnish the Fund with their Social Security or taxpayer identification numbers and with required certifications regarding their status under the federal income tax law. Most corporations are exempt from backup withholding. If the withholding provisions are applicable, any such distributions and proceeds, whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares, will be reduced by the amounts required to be withheld. Corporate and other exempt shareholders should provide the Fund with their taxpayer identification numbers or certify their exempt status in order to avoid possible erroneous application of backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax and any amounts withheld may be credited against a shareholder's ultimate federal tax liability if proper documentation is timely provided. The Fund reserves the right to refuse to open an account for any person failing to provide a certified taxpayer identification number.
The foregoing discussion of U.S. federal income tax law relates solely to the application of that law to U.S. citizens or residents and U.S. domestic corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates. Each shareholder who is not a U.S. person should consider the U.S. and foreign tax consequences of ownership of shares of the Fund, including the possibility that such a shareholder may be subject to a U.S. withholding tax at a rate of 30 percent (or at a lower rate under an applicable income tax treaty) on amounts constituting ordinary income.
The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act ("FATCA")
A 30% withholding tax on the Fund's distributions of ordinary income and qualified dividend income generally applies if paid to a foreign entity unless: (i) if the foreign entity is a
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"foreign financial institution," it undertakes certain due diligence, reporting, withholding and certification obligations, (ii) if the foreign entity is not a "foreign financial institution," it identifies certain of its U.S. investors or (iii) the foreign entity is otherwise excepted under FATCA. If applicable, and subject to any intergovernmental agreement, withholding under FATCA is required with respect to ordinary income distributions from your Fund. If withholding is required under FATCA on a payment related to your shares, investors that otherwise would not be subject to withholding (or that otherwise would be entitled to a reduced rate of withholding) on such payment generally will be required to seek a refund or credit from the IRS to obtain the benefits of such exemption or reduction. The Fund will not pay any additional amounts in respect to amounts withheld under FATCA. You should consult your tax advisor regarding the effect of FATCA based on your individual circumstances.
This discussion and the related discussion in the Prospectus have been prepared by Fund management. It has not been reviewed or approved by the Internal Revenue Service. The information above is only a summary of some of the tax considerations generally affecting the Fund and its shareholders. No attempt has been made to discuss the tax consequences to particular investors and this discussion should not be construed as applicable to all shareholders' tax situations. Investors should consult their own tax advisers to determine the suitability of the Fund and the applicability of any state, local or foreign taxation. No rulings with respect to tax matters of the Fund will be sought from the Internal Revenue Service. Sullivan & Worcester LLP has expressed no opinion in respect of the foreign or tax information in the Prospectus or SAI.
MARKETING AND SUPPORT PAYMENTS
The Adviser, out of its own resources and without additional cost to the Fund or its shareholders, may provide additional cash payments or other compensation to certain financial intermediaries who sell shares of the Fund. Such payments may be divided into categories as follows:
Support Payments. Payments may be made by the Adviser to certain financial intermediaries in connection with the eligibility of the Fund to be offered in certain programs and/or in connection with meetings between the Fund's representatives and financial intermediaries and its sales representatives. Such meetings may be held for various purposes, including providing education and training about the Fund and other general financial topics to assist financial intermediaries' sales representatives in making informed recommendations to, and decisions on behalf of, their clients.
Entertainment, Conferences and Events. The Adviser also may pay cash or non-cash compensation to sales representatives of financial intermediaries in the form of (i) occasional gifts; (ii) occasional meals, tickets or other entertainments; and/or (iii) sponsorship support for the financial intermediary's client seminars and cooperative advertising. In addition, the Adviser pays for exhibit space or sponsorships at regional or national events of financial intermediaries.
The prospect of receiving, or the receipt of additional payments or other compensation as described above by financial intermediaries may provide such intermediaries and/or their salespersons with an incentive to favor sales of shares of the Fund, and other mutual funds whose affiliates make similar compensation available, over sale of shares of mutual funds (or non-mutual fund investments) not making such payments. You may wish to take such payment arrangements into account when considering and evaluating any recommendations relating to the Fund shares.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
The Trust's Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest and to divide or combine the shares into a greater or lesser number of shares without thereby changing the proportionate beneficial interest in the Fund. Each share represents an interest in the Fund proportionately equal to the interest of each other share of the Fund. Upon the Fund's liquidation, all shareholders would share pro rata in the net assets of the Fund available for distribution to shareholders.
With respect to the Fund, the Trust may offer more than one class of shares. The Trust has adopted a Multiple Class Plan pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the 1940 Act, detailing the attributes of each class of the Fund, and has reserved the right to create and issue additional series or classes. Each share of a series or class represents an equal proportionate interest in that series or class with each other share of that series or class. Currently, the Fund has one class of shares - Class I.
The shares of each series or class participate equally in the earnings, dividends and assets of the particular series or class. Expenses of the Trust which are not attributable to a specific series or class are allocated among all the series in a manner believed by management of the Trust to be fair and equitable. Shares have no pre-emptive or conversion rights. Shares, when issued, are fully paid and non-assessable, except as set forth below. Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each share held. Shares of each series or class generally vote together, except when required under federal securities laws to vote separately on matters that only affect a particular class, such as the approval of distribution plans for a particular class.
The Trust is not required to hold annual meetings of shareholders but will hold special meetings of shareholders of a series or class when, in the judgment of the Trustees, it is necessary or desirable to submit matters for a shareholder vote. Shareholders have, under certain circumstances, the right to communicate with other shareholders in connection with requesting a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of removing one or more Trustees. Shareholders also have, in certain circumstances, the right to remove one or more Trustees without a meeting. No material amendment may be made to the Declaration of Trust without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of each portfolio affected by the amendment. The Declaration of Trust provides that, at any meeting of shareholders of the Trust or of any series or class, a Shareholder Servicing Agent may vote any shares as to which such Shareholder Servicing Agent is the agent of record and which are not represented in person or by proxy at the meeting, proportionately in accordance with the votes cast by holders of all shares of that portfolio otherwise represented at the meeting in person or by proxy as to which such Shareholder Servicing Agent is the agent of record. Any shares so voted by a Shareholder Servicing Agent will be deemed represented at the meeting for purposes of quorum requirements. Shares, when issued, are fully paid and non-assessable, except as set forth below. Any series or class may be terminated (i) upon the merger or consolidation with, or the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of its assets to, another entity, if approved by the vote of the holders of two thirds of its outstanding shares, except that if the Board recommends such merger, consolidation or sale or disposition of assets, the approval by vote of the holders of a majority of the series' or class' outstanding shares will be sufficient, or (ii) by the vote of the holders of a majority of its outstanding shares, or (iii) by the Board by written notice to the series' or class' shareholders. Unless each series and class is so terminated, the Trust will continue indefinitely.
B-44
The Declaration of Trust also provides that the Trust shall maintain appropriate insurance (for example, fidelity bonding and errors and omissions insurance) for the protection of the Trust, its shareholders, Trustees, officers, employees and agents covering possible tort and other liabilities. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which both inadequate insurance existed and the Trust itself was unable to meet its obligations.
The Declaration of Trust does not require the issuance of stock certificates. If stock certificates are issued, they must be returned by the registered owners prior to the transfer or redemption of shares represented by such certificates.
Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides that as to any investment company which has two or more series outstanding and as to any matter required to be submitted to shareholder vote, such matter is not deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a "majority" (as defined in the Rule) of the voting securities of each series affected by the matter. Such separate voting requirements do not apply to the election of Trustees or the ratification of the selection of accountants. The Rule contains special provisions for cases in which an advisory contract is approved by one or more, but not all, series. A change in investment policy may go into effect as to one or more series whose holders so approve the change even though the required vote is not obtained as to the holders of other affected series.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Form N-CSRfor the Fund for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2024 is a separate document supplied upon request and the financial statements and accompanying notes of the independent registered public accounting firm appearing therein are incorporated by reference in this SAI.
B-45
APPENDIX A
Corporate Bond Ratings
Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
Moody's long-term ratings are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations with an original maturity of one year or more. Such ratings reflect both the likelihood of default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody's for long-term debt:
"Aaa" - Obligations rated "Aaa" are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk.
"Aa" - Obligations rated "Aa" are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.
"A" - Obligations rated "A" are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.
"Baa" - Obligations rated "Baa" are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.
"Ba" - Obligations rated "Ba" are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.
"B" - Obligations rated "B" are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.
"Caa" - Obligations rated "Caa" are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.
"Ca" - Obligations rated "Ca" are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.
"C" - Obligations rated "C" are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.
Note: Moody's appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from "Aa" through "Caa." The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.
S&P Global Ratings ("S&P")
S&P's short-term issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation having an original maturity of no more than 365 days. The following summarizes the rating categories used by S&P for short-term issues:
A-1
"A-1" - A short-term obligation rated "A-1" is rated in the highest category and indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.
"A-2" - A short-term obligation rated "A-2" is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.
"A-3" - A short-term obligation rated "A-3" exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
"B" - A short-term obligation rated "B" is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.
"C" - A short-term obligation rated "C" is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
"D" - A short-term obligation rated "D" is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the "D" rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless Standard & Poor's believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The "D" rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation's rating is lowered to "D" if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.
Local Currency and Foreign Currency Risks - Standard & Poor's issuer credit ratings make a distinction between foreign currency ratings and local currency ratings. An issuer's foreign currency rating will differ from its local currency rating when the obligor has a different capacity to meet its obligations denominated in its local currency, vs. obligations denominated in a foreign currency.
A-2
PART C
(O'Shaughnessy Market Leaders Value Fund)
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 28. Exhibits
|
(d)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement dated December 31, 2021- filed herewith.
|
|
(f)
|
Bonus or Profit Sharing Contracts- not applicable.
|
|
(h)
|
Other Material Contracts
|
1
|
(j)
|
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm- filed herewith.
|
|
(k)
|
Omitted Financial Statements- not applicable.
|
|
(m)
|
Rule 12b-1 Distribution and Service Plan- not applicable.
|
|
(n)
|
Rule 18f-3 Multiple Class Plan- not applicable
|
|
(iii)
|
Code of Ethics for Access Persons of Quasar Distributors, LLC - not applicable.
|
Item 29. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with Registrant.
No person is directly or indirectly controlled by or under common control with the Registrant.
Item 30. Indemnification.
Reference is made to Article VII of the Registrant's Agreement and Declaration of Trust, Article VI of Registrant's Amended and Restated By-Laws and Paragraph 7 of the Distribution Agreement.
Pursuant to Rule 484 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), the Registrant furnishes the following undertaking: "Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that, in the opinion of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities 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 Registrant 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 Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue."
2
Item 31. Business and Other Connections of the Investment Adviser.
With respect to the Adviser, the response to this Item will be incorporated by reference to the Advisor's Uniform Application for Investment Adviser Registration (Form ADV) on file with the SEC (File No. 801-68177), dated August 5, 2024. The Adviser's Form ADV may be obtained, free of charge, at the SEC's website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Item 32. Principal Underwriter.
(a) Quasar Distributors, LLC (the "Distributor") serves as principal underwriter for the following investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended:
1.Advisor Managed Portfolios
2.Capital Advisors Growth Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
3.Chase Growth Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
4.Davidson Multi Cap Equity Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
5.Edgar Lomax Value Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
6.First Sentier American Listed Infrastructure Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
7.First Sentier Global Listed Infrastructure Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
8.Huber Large Cap Value Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
9.Huber Mid Cap Value Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
10.Huber Select Large Cap Value Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
11.Huber Small Cap Value Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
12.Logan Capital Broad Innovative Growth ETF, Series of Advisors Series Trust
13.Medalist Partners MBS Total Return Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
14.Medalist Partners Short Duration Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
15.O'Shaughnessy Market Leaders Value Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
16.PIA BBB Bond Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
17.PIA High Yield (MACS) Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
18.PIA High Yield Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
19.PIA MBS Bond Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
20.PIA Short-Term Securities Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
21.Poplar Forest Cornerstone Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
22.Poplar Forest Partners Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
23.Pzena Emerging Markets Value Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
24.Pzena International Small Cap Value Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
25.Pzena International Value Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
26.Pzena Mid Cap Value Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
27.Pzena Small Cap Value Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
28.Reverb ETF, Series of Advisors Series Trust
29.Scharf Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
30.Scharf Global Opportunity Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
31.Scharf Multi-Asset Opportunity Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
32.Shenkman Capital Floating Rate High Income Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
33.Shenkman Capital Short Duration High Income Fund, Series of Advisors Series Trust
34.VegTech Plant-based Innovation & Climate ETF, Series of Advisors Series Trust
35.The Aegis Funds
36.Allied Asset Advisors Funds
37.Angel Oak Funds Trust
38.Angel Oak Strategic Credit Fund
39.Brookfield Infrastructure Income Fund Inc.
40.Brookfield Investment Funds
41.Buffalo Funds
42.DoubleLine Funds Trust
43.EA Series Trust (f/k/a Alpha Architect ETF Trust)
44.Ecofin Tax-Advantaged Social Impact Fund, Inc.
45.AAM Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
46.AAM Brentview Dividend Growth ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
47.AAM Low Duration Preferred and Income Securities ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
48.AAM S&P 500 Emerging Markets High Dividend Value ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
3
49.AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
50.AAM S&P Developed Markets High Dividend Value ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
51.AAM Sawgrass U.S. Large Cap Quality Growth ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
52.AAM Sawgrass U.S. Small Cap Quality Growth ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
53.AAM Transformers ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
54.AlphaMark Actively Managed Small Cap ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
55.Aptus Collared Investment Opportunity ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
56.Aptus Defined Risk ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
57.Aptus Drawdown Managed Equity ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
58.Aptus Enhanced Yield ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
59.Aptus International Enhanced Yield ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
60.Aptus Large Cap Enhanced Yield ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
61.Bahl & Gaynor Income Growth ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
62.Blue Horizon BNE ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
63.BTD Capital Fund, Series of ETF Series Solutions
64.Carbon Strategy ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
65.ClearShares OCIO ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
66.ClearShares Piton Intermediate Fixed Income Fund, Series of ETF Series Solutions
67.ClearShares Ultra-Short Maturity ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
68.Distillate International Fundamental Stability & Value ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
69.Distillate Small/Mid Cash Flow ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
70.Distillate U.S. Fundamental Stability & Value ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
71.ETFB Green SRI REITs ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
72.Hoya Capital High Dividend Yield ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
73.Hoya Capital Housing ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
74.LHA Market State Alpha Seeker ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
75.LHA Market State Tactical Beta ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
76.LHA Market State Tactical Q ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
77.LHA Risk-Managed Income ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
78.McElhenny Sheffield Managed Risk ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
79.Nationwide Nasdaq-100 Risk-Managed Income ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
80.NETLease Corporate Real Estate ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
81.Opus Small Cap Value ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
82.Range Cancer Therapeutics ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
83.Roundhill Acquirers Deep Value ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
84.The Acquirers Fund, Series of ETF Series Solutions
85.The Brinsmere Fund - Conservative ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
86.The Brinsmere Fund - Growth ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
87.U.S. Global GO GOLD and Precious Metal Miners ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
88.U.S. Global JETS ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
89.U.S. Global Sea to Sky Cargo ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
90.US Vegan Climate ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
91.Vest 10 Year Interest Rate Hedge ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
92.Vest 2 Year Interest Rate Hedge ETF, Series of ETF Series Solutions
93.First American Funds Trust
94.FundX Investment Trust
95.The Glenmede Fund, Inc.
96.The GoodHaven Funds Trust
97.Harding, Loevner Funds, Inc.
98.Hennessy Funds Trust
99.Horizon Funds
100.Hotchkis & Wiley Funds
101.Intrepid Capital Management Funds Trust
102.Jacob Funds Inc.
103.The Jensen Quality Growth Fund Inc.
104.Kirr, Marbach Partners Funds, Inc.
105.Leuthold Funds, Inc.
106.Core Alternative ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
107.Wahed Dow Jones Islamic World ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
4
108.Wahed FTSE USA Shariah ETF, Series of Listed Funds Trust
109.LKCM Funds
110.LoCorr Investment Trust
111.MainGate Trust
112.ATAC Rotation Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
113.Coho Relative Value Equity Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
114.Coho Relative Value ESG Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
115.Cove Street Capital Small Cap Value Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
116.Ecofin Global Renewables Infrastructure Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
117.Jackson Square Large-Cap Growth Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
118.Jackson Square SMID-Cap Growth Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
119.Kensington Active Advantage Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
120.Kensington Defender Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
121.Kensington Dynamic Growth Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
122.Kensington Hedged Premium Income ETF, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
123.Kensington Managed Income Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
124.LK Balanced Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
125.Muhlenkamp Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
126.Nuance Concentrated Value Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
127.Nuance Mid Cap Value Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
128.Olstein All Cap Value Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
129.Olstein Strategic Opportunities Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
130.Port Street Quality Growth Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
131.Principal Street High Income Municipal Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
132.Principal Street Short Term Municipal Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
133.Reinhart Genesis PMV Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
134.Reinhart International PMV Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
135.Reinhart Mid Cap PMV Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
136.Tortoise Energy Infrastructure and Income Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
137.Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Total Return Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
138.Tortoise Global Water ESG Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
139.Tortoise North American Pipeline Fund, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
140.Tremblant Global ETF, Series of Managed Portfolio Series
141.Greenspring Income Opportunities Fund, Series of Manager Directed Portfolios
142.Hood River International Opportunity Fund, Series of Manager Directed Portfolios
143.Hood River New Opportunities Fund, Series of Manager Directed Portfolios
144.Hood River Small-Cap Growth Fund, Series of Manager Directed Portfolios
145.Mar Vista Strategic Growth Fund, Series of Manager Directed Portfolios
146.SanJac Alpha Core Plus Bond ETF, Series of Manager Directed Portfolios
147.SanJac Alpha Low Duration ETF, Series of Manager Directed Portfolios
148.SWP Growth & Income ETF, Series of Manager Directed Portfolios
149.Vert Global Sustainable Real Estate ETF, Series of Manager Directed Portfolios
150.Mason Capital Fund Trust
151.Matrix Advisors Funds Trust
152.Matrix Advisors Value Fund, Inc.
153.Monetta Trust
154.Nicholas Equity Income Fund, Inc.
155.Nicholas Fund, Inc.
156.Nicholas II, Inc.
157.Nicholas Limited Edition, Inc.
158.Oaktree Diversified Income Fund Inc.
159.Permanent Portfolio Family of Funds
160.Perritt Funds, Inc.
161.Procure ETF Trust II
162.Professionally Managed Portfolios
163.Prospector Funds, Inc.
164.Provident Mutual Funds, Inc.
165.Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
166.Abbey Capital Multi-Asset Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
5
167.Adara Smaller Companies Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
168.Aquarius International Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
169.Boston Partners All Cap Value Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
170.Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
171.Boston Partners Global Equity Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
172.Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
173.Boston Partners Global Sustainability Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
174.Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
175.Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
176.Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
177.Campbell Systematic Macro Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
178.F/m 10-Year Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
179.F/m 2-Year Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
180.F/m 3-Year Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
181.F/m Opportunistic Income ETF, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
182.Motley Fool 100 Index ETF, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
183.Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index ETF, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
184.Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
185.Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
186.Motley Fool Next Index ETF, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
187.Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
188.Optima Strategic Credit Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
189.SGI Dynamic Tactical ETF, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
190.SGI Enhanced Core ETF, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
191.SGI Enhanced Global Income ETF, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
192.SGI Global Equity Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
193.SGI Peak Growth Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
194.SGI Prudent Growth Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
195.SGI Small Cap Core Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
196.SGI U.S. Large Cap Core ETF, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
197.SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
198.SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
199.US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
200.US Treasury 12 Month Bill ETF, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
201.US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
202.US Treasury 20 Year Bond ETF, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
203.US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
204.US Treasury 3 Year Note ETF, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
205.US Treasury 30 Year Bond ETF, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
206.US Treasury 5 Year Note ETF, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
207.US Treasury 6 Month Bill ETF, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
208.US Treasury 7 Year Note ETF, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
209.WPG Partners Select Hedged Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
210.WPG Partners Select Small Cap Value Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
211.WPG Partners Small Cap Value Diversified Fund, Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.
212.The RBB Fund Trust
213.RBC Funds Trust
214.Series Portfolios Trust
215.Thompson IM Funds, Inc.
216.TrimTabs ETF Trust
217.Bright Rock Mid Cap Growth Fund, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
218.Bright Rock Quality Large Cap Fund, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
219.CrossingBridge Low Duration High Yield Fund, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
220.CrossingBridge Responsible Credit Fund, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
221.CrossingBridge Ultra-Short Duration Fund, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
222.RiverPark Strategic Income Fund, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
223.Dearborn Partners Rising Dividend Fund, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
224.Jensen Global Quality Growth Fund, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
6
225.Jensen Quality MidCap Fund, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
226.Rockefeller Climate Solutions Fund, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
227.Rockefeller US Small Cap Core Fund, Series of Trust for Professional Managers
228.USQ Core Real Estate Fund
229.Wall Street EWM Funds Trust
230.Wisconsin Capital Funds, Inc.
(b) The following are the Officers and Manager of the Distributor, the Registrant's underwriter. The Distributor's main business address is Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100, Portland, ME 04101.
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Name
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Address
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Position with Underwriter
|
Position with Registrant
|
Teresa Cowan
|
Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100,
Portland, ME 04101
|
President/Manager
|
None
|
Chris Lanza
|
Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100,
Portland, ME 04101
|
Vice President
|
None
|
Kate Macchia
|
Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100,
Portland, ME 04101
|
Vice President
|
None
|
Susan L. LaFond
|
Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100,
Portland ME 04101
|
Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer and Treasurer
|
None
|
Kelly B. Whetstone
|
Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100,
Portland, ME 04101
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Secretary
|
None
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Weston Sommers
|
Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100,
Portland, ME 04101
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Financial and Operations Principal and Chief Financial Officer
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None
|
(c) Not applicable.
Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records.
The books and records required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), are maintained at the following locations:
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Records Relating to:
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Are located at:
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Registrant's Fund Administrator, Fund Accountant and Transfer Agent
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U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
615 East Michigan Street, 3rd Floor
Milwaukee, WI 53202
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Registrant's Custodian
|
U.S. Bank National Association
Custody Operations
1555 North RiverCenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212
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Registrant's Investment Adviser
|
O'Shaughnessy Asset Management, LLC
100 First Stamford Place, 5th Floor
Stamford, CT 06902
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Registrant's Distributor
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Quasar Distributors, LLC
Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100
Portland, ME 04101
|
Item 34. Management Services Not Discussed in Parts A and B.
Not Applicable.
Item 35. Undertakings.
Not Applicable.
7
EXHIBIT LIST
|
Exhibit
|
Exhibit No.
|
|
Investment Advisory Agreement
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EX-99.d
|
|
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
|
EX-99.j
|
|
|
8
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act and the 1940 Act, the Registrant certifies that this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1154 to its Registration Statement on Form N-1A meets all of the requirements for effectiveness pursuant to Rule 485(b) of the Securities Act, and the Registrant has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1154 to its Registration Statement on Form N-1A to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee and State of Wisconsin, on the 21st day of November, 2024.
Advisors Series Trust
By: /s/ Jeffrey T. Rauman
Jeffrey T. Rauman
President and Principal Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1154 to its Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
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Signature
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Title
|
Date
|
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David G. Mertens*
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Trustee
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November 21, 2024
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David G. Mertens
|
|
Joe D. Redwine*
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Trustee
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November 21, 2024
|
Joe D. Redwine
|
|
Michele Rackey*
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Trustee
|
November 21, 2024
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Michele Rackey
|
|
Anne W. Kritzmire*
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Trustee
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November 21, 2024
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Anne W. Kritzmire
|
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Craig B. Wainscott*
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Trustee
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November 21, 2024
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Craig B. Wainscott
|
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/s/ Kevin J. Hayden
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Treasurer, Vice President and
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November 21, 2024
|
Kevin J. Hayden
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Principal Financial Officer
|
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/s/ Jeffrey T. Rauman
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President, Chief Executive Officer
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November 21, 2024
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Jeffrey T. Rauman
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and Principal Executive Officer
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*By: /s/ Jeffrey T. Rauman
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Jeffrey T. Rauman
Attorney-In Fact pursuant to
Power of Attorney
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