CV Asset Allocation Fund
Ticker Symbol [_____]
[
_________
, 2013]
A series of the
Starboard Investment Trust
116 South Franklin Street
Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804
Telephone 1-800-773-3863
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT POLICIES
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2
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INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS
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13
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PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
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14
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DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST
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16
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MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
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17
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ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION
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28
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SPECIAL SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
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29
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NET ASSET VALUE
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31
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ADDITIONAL TAX INFORMATION
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32
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DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
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34
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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36
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APPENDIX A – DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS
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37
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APPENDIX B – PROXY VOTING POLICIES
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41
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This Statement of Additional Information is meant to be read in conjunction with the prospectus for the CV Asset Allocation Fund, dated the same date as this Statement of Additional Information, and is incorporated by reference in its entirety into the prospectus. Because this Statement of Additional Information is not itself a prospectus, no investment in shares of the Fund should be made solely upon the information contained herein. Copies of the Fund’s prospectus, annual report, and/or semi-annual report may be obtained at no charge by writing or calling the Fund at the address or phone number shown above. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the same meanings as in the Fund’s prospectus.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT POLICIES
Starboard Investment Trust (“Trust”) was organized on May 13, 2009 as a Delaware statutory trust and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an open-end management investment company. The CV Asset Allocation Fund (the “Fund”) is a separate, diversified series of the Trust. The Fund’s investment advisor is CV Investment Advisors, LLC (the “Advisor”). The Prospectus describes the Fund’s investment objective and principal investment strategy, as well as the principal investment risks of the Fund. The following descriptions and policies supplement these descriptions, and also include descriptions of certain types of investments that may be made by the Fund but are not principal investment strategies of the Fund. Attached to the Statement of Additional Information is Appendix A, which contains descriptions of the rating symbols used by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations for securities in which the Fund may invest. Appendix B contains copies of the Trust’s Proxy Voting and Disclosure Policy and the Advisor’s Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures.
General Investment Risks.
All investments in securities and other financial instruments involve a risk of financial loss. No assurance can be given that the Fund’s investment program will be successful. Investors should carefully review the descriptions of the Fund’s investments and their risks described in the Fund’s prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information.
Additional Information Regarding the Fund’s Principal Strategies and Risks
Investment Companies.
The Fund will invest in securities of other investment companies, principally unaffiliated open-end mutual funds. The Fund’s investments in such securities involve certain additional expenses and certain tax results, which would not be present in a direct investment in the underlying fund. Due to legal limitations, the Fund will be prevented from: (i) purchasing more than 3% of an investment company’s outstanding shares; (ii) investing more than 5% of the Fund’s assets in any single such investment company, and (iii) investing more than 10% of the Fund’s assets in investment companies overall; unless: (a) the underlying investment company and/or the applicable Fund has received an order for exemptive relief from such limitations from the Securities and Exchange Commission; and (b) the underlying investment company and the Fund take appropriate steps to comply with any conditions in such order. In the alternative, the Fund may rely on Section 12(d)(1)(F) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, which allows unaffiliated mutual funds to exceed the 5% limitation and the 10% limitation, provided that the offering price of the Fund does not include a sales load greater than 1.5%. The foregoing notwithstanding, the Fund, in reliance on Rule 12d1-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, may impose a sales charge in excess of 1.5% where the aggregate sales loads any investor pays (i.e., the combined distribution expenses of both the acquiring fund and the acquired fund) does not exceed the limits on sales loads established by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority pursuant to NASD Rule 2830(d)(3). Also, in the event that there is a proxy vote with respect to shares of another investment company purchased and held by the Fund under Section 12(d)(1)(F), then the Fund will either (i) vote such shares in the same proportion as the vote of all other holders of such securities; or (ii) contact its shareholders for instructions regarding how to vote the proxy. Investments by the Fund in other investment companies entail a number of risks unique to a fund of funds structure. These risks include the following:
Multiple Layers of Fees.
By investing in other investment companies indirectly through the Fund, prospective investors will directly bear the fees and expenses of the Fund’s Advisor and indirectly bear the fees and expenses of other investment companies and other investment companies’ managers as well. As such, this multiple or duplicative layer of fees will increase the cost of investments in the Fund.
Lack of Transparency.
The Advisor will not be able to monitor the investment activities of the other investment companies on a continuous basis and the other investment companies may use investment strategies that differ from its past practices and are not fully disclosed to the Advisor and that involve risks that are not anticipated by the Advisor. The Fund has no control over the risks taken by the underlying investment companies in which they invest.
Valuation of Investment Companies.
Although the Advisor will attempt to review the valuation procedures used by other investment companies’ managers, the Advisor will have little or no means of independently verifying valuations of the Fund’s investments in investment companies and valuations of the underlying securities held by other investment companies. As such, the Advisor will rely significantly on valuations of other investment companies and the securities underlying other investment companies that are reported by other investment companies’ managers. In the event that such valuations prove to be inaccurate, the NAV of the Fund could be adversely impacted and an investor could incur a loss of investment in the Fund.
Illiquidity of Investments By and In Other Investment Companies.
Other investment companies may invest in securities that are not registered, are subject to legal or other restrictions on transfer, or for which no liquid market exists. The market prices, if any, for such securities tend to be volatile and restricted securities may sell at prices that are lower than similar securities that are not subject to legal restrictions on resale. Further, the Fund may not be able to redeem their interests in other investment companies’ securities that it has purchased in a timely manner. If adverse market conditions were to develop during any period in which the Fund is unable to redeem interests in other investment companies, the Fund may suffer losses as a result of this illiquidity. As such, the lack of liquidity and volatility of restricted securities held by other investment companies could adversely affect the value of the other investment companies. Any such losses could adversely affect the value of the Fund’s investments and an investor could incur a loss of investment in the Fund.
Lack of Control.
Although the Fund and the Advisor will evaluate regularly other investment companies to determine whether their investment programs are consistent with the Fund’s investment objective, the Advisor will not have any control over the investments made by other investment companies. Even though other investment companies are subject to certain constraints, the investment advisor to each such investment company may change aspects of their investment strategies at any time. The Advisor will not have the ability to control or influence the composition of the investment portfolio of other investment companies.
Lack of Diversification.
There is no requirement that the underlying investments held by other investment companies be diversified. As such, other investment companies’ managers may target or concentrate other investment companies’ investments in specific markets, sectors, or types of securities. As a result, investments made by other investment companies are subject to greater volatility as a result of this concentration than if the other investment companies had non-concentrated and diversified portfolios of investments. Thus, the Fund’s portfolios (and by extension the value of an investment in the Fund) may therefore be subject to greater risk than the portfolio of a similar fund with investments in diversified investment companies.
Use of Leverage.
The other investment companies may utilize leverage (i.e., borrowing) to acquire their underlying portfolio investments. When other investment companies borrow money or otherwise leverage their portfolio of investments, doing so may exaggerate changes in the net asset value of the shares of the other investment companies and in the return on the other investment companies’ investments. Borrowing will also cost other investment companies interest expense and other fees. As such, the value of the Fund’s investments in other investment companies may be more volatile and all other risks (including the risk of loss of an investment in other investment companies) tend to be compounded or magnified. As a result, any losses suffered by other investment companies as a result of their use of leverage could adversely affect the value of the Fund’s investments and an investor could incur a loss of investment in the Fund.
Equity Securities.
While the Fund will not invest directly in equity securities as a principal investment strategy, the Fund will invest in equity securities indirectly through the Fund’s investment in shares of other investment companies. The equity portion of the Fund’s portfolio may be comprised of common stocks traded on domestic securities exchanges or on the over-the-counter market. In addition to common stocks, the equity portion of the Fund’s portfolio may also include preferred stocks, convertible preferred stocks, and convertible bonds. Prices of equity securities in which the Fund invests may fluctuate in response to many factors, including the activities of the individual companies issuing the equity securities, general market and economic conditions, interest rates, and specific industry changes. Such price fluctuations subject the Fund to potential losses. In addition, regardless of any one company’s particular prospects, a declining stock market may produce a decline in prices for all equity securities, which could also result in losses for the Fund. Market declines may continue for an indefinite period of time, and investors should understand that during temporary or extended bear markets, the value of equity securities will decline.
Fixed-Income Securities.
While the Fund will not invest directly in fixed-income securities as a principal investment strategy, the Fund will invest in such securities indirectly through investments in shares of other investment companies, including government and corporate bonds, money market instruments, junk bonds, and zero-coupon bonds. Zero-coupon bonds are purchased at a discount from their face values and accrue interest at the applicable coupon rate over a period of time. Fixed-income securities purchased by the other investment companies in which the Fund invest may consist of obligations of any rating. Fixed-income securities in the lowest investment grade categories have speculative characteristics, with changes in the economy or other circumstances more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the bonds to make principal and interest payments than would occur with bonds
rated in higher categories. High yield bonds are typically rated below “Baa” by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or below “BBB” by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group (“S&P”) or below investment grade by other recognized rating agencies. The Fund may invest indirectly in unrated securities through other investment companies that invest in unrated securities. Such bonds are subject to greater market fluctuations and risk of loss of income and principal than higher rated bonds for a variety of reasons, including:
Sensitivity to Interest Rate and Economic Change.
The economy and interest rates affect high yield securities differently than other securities. The prices of high yield bonds have been found to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than higher-rated investments, but more sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual corporate developments. Also, during an economic downturn or substantial period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress which would adversely affect their ability to service their principal and interest obligations, to meet projected business goals, and to obtain additional financing. If the issuer of a bond defaults, an underlying mutual fund may incur additional expenses to seek recovery. In addition, periods of economic uncertainty and changes can be expected to result in increased volatility of market prices of high yield bonds and the Fund’s asset value.
Payment Expectations.
High yield bonds present certain risks based on payment expectations. For example, high yield bonds may contain redemption and call provisions. If an issuer exercises these provisions in a declining interest rate market, an investment company in which the Fund invests would have to replace the security with a lower yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for investors. Conversely, a high yield bond’s value will decrease in a rising interest rate market, as will the value of the other investment companies’ assets. If an investment company in which the Fund invests experiences unexpected net redemptions, it may be forced to sell its high yield bonds without regard to their investment merits, thereby decreasing the asset base upon which the other investment companies’ expenses can be spread and possibly reducing the other investment companies’ rate of return.
Liquidity and Valuation.
To the extent that there is no established retail secondary market, there may be thin trading of high yield bonds, and this may impact the ability of the investment companies in which the Fund invests to accurately value high yield bonds and may hinder their ability to dispose of the bonds. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of high yield bonds, especially in a thinly traded market.
Credit Ratings.
Credit ratings evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments, not the market value risk of high yield bonds. Also, because credit rating agencies may fail to timely change the credit ratings to reflect subsequent events, an investment company in which the Fund invests must monitor the issuers of high yield bonds in their portfolios to determine if the issuers will have sufficient cash flow and profits to meet required principal and interest payments, and to assure the bonds’ liquidity so an investment company in which the Fund invests can meet redemption requests.
High-yield securities are deemed speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal over a long period of time. Special tax considerations are associated with investing in high-yield securities structured as zero coupon or “pay-in-kind” securities. The investment companies in which the Fund invests will report the interest on these securities as income even though it receives no cash interest until the security’s maturity or payment date. The payment of principal and interest on most fixed-income securities purchased by an investment company in which the Fund invests will depend upon the ability of the issuers to meet their obligations. An issuer’s obligations under its fixed-income securities are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors, including the Federal Bankruptcy Code, and laws, if any, which may be enacted by federal or state legislatures extending the time for payment of principal or interest, or both, or imposing other constraints upon enforcement of such obligations. The power or ability of an issuer to meet its obligations for the payment of interest on, and principal of, its fixed-income securities may be materially adversely affected by litigation or other conditions.
The ratings of S&P, Moody’s and other nationally recognized rating agencies represent their opinions as to the quality of fixed-income securities. It should be emphasized, however, that ratings are general and are not absolute standards of quality, and fixed-income securities with the same maturity, interest rate, and rating may have different yields while fixed-income securities of the same maturity and interest rate with different ratings may have the same yield. For a more detailed description of ratings, please see Appendix A.
Money Market Instruments.
While the Fund will not invest directly in money market instruments as a principal investment strategy, the Fund will invest in such securities indirectly through investments in shares of other investment companies, including U.S. Government obligations or corporate debt obligations (including those subject to repurchase agreements) provided that they are eligible for purchase by such investment companies. Money market instruments also may include Banker’s Acceptances and Certificates of Deposit of domestic branches of U.S. banks, Commercial Paper, and Variable Amount Demand Master Notes (“Master Notes”). Banker’s Acceptances are time drafts drawn on and “accepted” by a bank. When a bank “accepts” such a time draft, it assumes liability for its payment. When an investment company acquires a Banker’s Acceptance, the bank that “accepted” the time draft is liable for payment of interest and principal when due. The Banker’s Acceptance carries the full faith and credit of such bank. A Certificate of Deposit (“CD”) is an unsecured, interest bearing debt obligation of a bank. Commercial Paper is an unsecured, short-term debt obligation of a bank, corporation, or other borrower. Commercial Paper maturity generally ranges from two to 270 days and is usually sold on a discounted basis rather than as an interest-bearing instrument. Master Notes are unsecured obligations which are redeemable upon demand of the holder and which permit the investment of fluctuating amounts at varying rates of interest.
U.S. Government Securities and U.S. Government Agency Securities.
While the Fund will not invest directly in U.S. Government Securities and U.S. Government Agency Securities as a principal investment strategy, the Fund will invest in such securities indirectly through investments in shares of other investment companies, U.S. Government securities and U.S. Government Agency Securities include (i) U.S. Treasury notes, U.S. Treasury bonds, U.S. Treasury bills, and other U.S. Government obligations; (ii) obligations of the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) and other U.S. Government sponsored entities that are guaranteed by the U.S. Government; and (iii) obligations of the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC), Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Federal Farm Credit Bank (FFCB), Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB), Student Loan Marketing Association (SLMA), The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and other U.S. Government authorities, agencies, and instrumentalities. While obligations of some U.S. Government agencies and sponsored entities are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government (e.g. GNMA), others are not. No assurance can be given that the U.S. Government will provide financial support to U.S. Government agencies or instrumentalities in the future since it is not obligated to do so by law. The guarantee of the U.S. Government does not extend to the yield or value of the Fund’s shares.
Foreign Investment Risk.
While the Fund will not invest directly in foreign securities as a principal investment strategy, the Fund will invest in such securities indirectly through investments in shares of other investment companies. Foreign securities and foreign currency contracts involve investment risks different from those associated with domestic securities. Changes in foreign economies and political climates are more likely to affect the Fund than a mutual fund that invests exclusively in domestic securities. The value of foreign currency denominated securities or foreign currency contracts is affected by the value of the local currency relative to the U.S. dollar. There may be less government supervision of foreign markets, resulting in non-uniform accounting practices and less publicly available information about issuers of foreign currency denominated securities. The value of foreign investments may be affected by changes in exchange control regulations, application of foreign tax laws (including withholding tax), changes in governmental administration or economic or monetary policy (in this country or abroad), or changed circumstances in dealings between nations. In addition, foreign brokerage commissions, custody fees, and other costs of investing in foreign securities are generally higher than in the United States. Investments in foreign issues could be affected by other factors not present in the United States, including expropriation, armed conflict, confiscatory taxation, and potential difficulties in enforcing contractual obligations.
Derivative Instruments.
While the Fund will not invest directly in derivative instruments as a principal investment strategy, the Fund will invest in such securities indirectly through investments in shares of other investment companies. Investments in
options, futures, and other forms of financial derivatives,
including
foreign exchange contracts,
involve risks different from direct investments in the underlying securities
.
While transactions in derivatives may reduce certain risks, these transactions themselves entail certain other risks. Unanticipated changes in interest rates, securities prices, or
currency exchange rates may result in a poorer overall performance of the Fund than if it had not been exposed to derivatives transactions. Derivatives may magnify the Fund’s gains or losses, causing it to make or lose substantially more than it invested. To the extent that the Fund invests directly in
options and futures,
the Fund will comply with the applicable requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the guidance of no-action letters issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, including SEC Release 10666 that require the Fund to segregate assets or otherwise “cover” its positions in a manner that limits the Fund’s risk of loss.
When used for hedging purposes, increases in the value of the securities held or intended to be acquired should offset any losses incurred with a derivative. Use of derivatives for purposes other than hedging could expose the Fund to greater risks.
The ability to hedge securities through derivatives depends on the degree to which price movements in the underlying index or instrument correlate with price movements in the relevant securities. In the case of poor correlation, the price of the securities being hedged may not move in the same amount, or even in the same direction as the hedging instrument. This risk can be minimized by investing only in those contracts whose behavior is expected to resemble the portfolio securities being hedged. However, if a prediction of interest and currency rates, market value, volatility, or other economic factors is incorrect, the use of derivative instruments may result in a loss.
Derivative prices can diverge from the prices of their underlying instruments, even if the characteristics of the underlying instruments are very similar to the derivative. Listed below are some of the factors that may cause such a divergence:
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current and anticipated short-term interest rates, changes in volatility of the underlying instrument, and the time remaining until expiration of the contract;
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a difference between the derivatives and securities markets, including different levels of demand, how the instruments are traded, the imposition of daily price fluctuation limits or trading of an instrument stops; and
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differences between the derivatives, including different margin requirements, different liquidity of such markets, and the participation of speculators in such markets.
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Derivatives based upon a narrow index of securities may present greater risk than derivatives based on a broad index. Since narrower indices are made up of a smaller number of securities, they are more susceptible to rapid and extreme price fluctuations because of changes in the value of those securities.
Derivatives may become illiquid (i.e., difficult to sell at a desired time and price) under a variety of market conditions:
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an exchange may suspend or limit trading in a particular derivative instrument, an entire category of derivatives, or all derivatives, which sometimes occurs because of increased market volatility;
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unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations of an exchange;
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the facilities of the exchange may not be adequate to handle current trading volume;
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equipment failures, government intervention, insolvency of a brokerage firm or clearing house, or other occurrences may disrupt normal trading activity; or
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investors may lose interest in a particular derivative or category of derivatives.
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The prices of derivatives are volatile (i.e., they may change rapidly, substantially, and unpredictably) and are influenced by a variety of factors, including:
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actual and anticipated changes in interest rates;
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fiscal and monetary policies; and
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national and international political events.
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Most exchanges limit the amount by which the price of a derivative can change during a single trading day. Daily trading limits establish the maximum amount that the price of a derivative may vary from the settlement price of that derivative at the end of trading on the previous day. Once the price of a derivative reaches this value, the derivative may not trade at a price beyond that limit. The daily limit governs only price movements during a given day and does not limit potential gains or losses. Derivative prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days, preventing prompt liquidation of the derivative.
Options.
While the Fund will purchase and write put and call options as a principal investment strategy, the other investment companies in which the Fund invests may purchase and write put and call options on securities. The purchase and writing of options involves certain risks. During the option period, a call writer that holds the underlying security has, in return for the premium on the option, given up the opportunity to profit from a price increase in the underlying securities above the exercise price, but, as long as its obligation as a writer continues, has retained the risk of loss should the price of the underlying security decline. The writer of an option has no control over the time when it may be required to fulfill its obligation as a writer of the option. Once an option writer has received an exercise notice, it cannot effect a closing purchase transaction in order to terminate its obligation under the option and must deliver the underlying securities at the exercise price. If a put or call option is not sold when it has remaining value, and if the market price of the underlying security, in the case of a put, remains equal to or greater than the exercise price or, in the case of a call, remains less than or equal to the exercise price, the entire investment in the option will be lost. Also, where a put or call option on a particular security is purchased to hedge against price movements in a related security, the price of the put or call option may move more or less than the price of the related security. There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist when an option position is closed out. Furthermore, if trading restrictions or suspensions are imposed on the options market, it may not be possible to close out a position.
To the extent that the Fund does write a call or put option, it may do so only if the option is “covered” by holding a position in the underlying securities or by other means which would permit immediate satisfaction of the Fund’s obligation as writer of the option. A written call option creates a potential obligation to sell the underlying security. In order to make sure that this obligation can be met, the Fund could (i) hold the security underlying the written option; (ii) hold an offsetting call option (one with a strike price that is the same or lower than the strike price of the written option); or (iii) segregate cash and liquid securities (which can be cash, U.S. Government securities, and other liquid debt or equity securities) that when added to collateral on deposit equals the market value of the underlying security. A written put option creates a potential obligation to buy the underlying security. In order to make sure that this obligation can be met, the Fund could (i) hold an offsetting put option (one with a strike price that is the same or higher than the strike price of the written option); or (ii) segregate cash and liquid securities that when added to collateral on deposit equals the strike price of the option.
Futures Contracts.
While the Fund will not invest in futures contracts as a principal investment strategy, the other investment companies in which the Fund invests may invest in futures contracts. A futures contract is a bilateral agreement
to buy or sell a security (or deliver a cash settlement price, in the case of a contract relating to an index or otherwise not calling for physical delivery at the end of trading in the contracts) for a set price in the future. Futures contracts are designated by boards of trade which have been designated “contracts markets” by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). No purchase price is paid or received when the contract is entered into. Instead, the investment companies in which the Fund invests, upon entering into a futures contract (and to maintain the open positions in futures contracts), would be required to deposit with its custodian in a segregated account in the name of the futures broker an amount of cash, U.S. government securities, suitable money market instruments, or liquid, high-grade debt securities, known as “initial margin.” The margin required for a particular futures contract is set by the exchange on which the contract is traded, and may be significantly modified from time to time by the exchange during the term of the contract. Futures contracts are customarily purchased and sold on margin that may range upward from less than 5% of the value of the contract being traded. By using futures contracts as a risk management technique, given the greater liquidity in the futures market than in the cash market, it may be possible to accomplish certain results more quickly and with lower transaction costs.
If the price of an open futures contract changes (by increase in the case of a sale or by decrease in the case of a purchase) so that the loss on the futures contract reaches a point at which the margin on deposit does not satisfy margin requirements, the broker will require an increase in the margin. However, if the value of a position increases because of favorable price changes in the futures contract so that the margin deposit exceeds the required margin, the broker will pay the excess to the investment companies in which the Fund invests. These subsequent payments, called “variation margin,” to and from the
futures broker, are made on a daily basis as the price of the underlying assets fluctuates, making the long and short positions in the futures contract more or less valuable, a process known as “marking to the market.” Investments in futures contracts are expected to earn interest income on initial and variation margin deposits.
The investment companies in which the Fund invests will incur brokerage fees when they purchase and sell futures contracts. Positions taken in the futures markets are not normally held until delivery or cash settlement is required, but are instead liquidated through offsetting transactions that may result in a gain or a loss. While futures positions taken by the investment companies in which the Fund invests will usually be liquidated in this manner, the investment companies in which the Fund invests may instead make or take delivery of underlying securities whenever it appears economically advantageous to do so. A clearing organization associated with the exchange on which futures are traded assumes responsibility for closing out transactions and guarantees that as between the clearing members of an exchange, the sale and purchase obligations will be performed with regard to all positions that remain open at the termination of the contract.
In addition to the margin restrictions discussed above, transactions in futures contracts may involve the segregation of funds pursuant to requirements imposed by the Securities and Exchange Commission. To the extent that the Fund directly holds a long position in a futures contract, it may be required to establish a segregated account (not with a futures commission merchant or broker) containing cash or certain liquid assets equal to the purchase price of the contract (less any margin on deposit). However, segregation of assets is not required if the Fund “covers” a long position. For a short position in futures or forward contracts held by the Fund, those requirements may mandate the establishment of a segregated account (not with a futures commission merchant or broker) with cash or certain liquid assets that, when added to the amounts deposited as margin, equal the market value of the instruments underlying the futures contracts (but are not less than the price at which the short positions were established).
Short Sales.
While the Fund will not short securities as a principal investment strategy, the Fund will indirectly be subject to short sales risk to the extent an investment company held by the Fund shorts securities. A short sale is a transaction in which a party sells a security it does not own or have the right to acquire (or that it owns but does not wish to deliver) in anticipation that the market price of that security will decline. When a party makes a short sale, the broker-dealer through which the short sale is made must borrow the security sold short and deliver it to the party purchasing the security. The party is required to make a margin deposit in connection with such short sales; the party may have to pay a fee to borrow particular securities and will often be obligated to pay over any dividends and accrued interest on borrowed securities. If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time the party covers the short position, the party will incur a loss; conversely, if the price declines, the party will realize a capital gain. Any gain will be decreased, and any loss increased, by the transaction costs described above.
Temporary Defensive Positions.
The Fund may, from time to time, take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with the Fund’s principal investment strategies in an attempt to respond to adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions. During such an unusual set of circumstances, the Fund may hold up to 100% of its portfolios in cash or cash equivalent positions (e.g., money market securities, U.S. Government securities, and/or similar securities). When the Fund takes a temporary defensive position, the Fund may not be able to achieve its investment objective.
Information Regarding the Fund’s Non-Principal Strategies and Risks
Exchange Traded Funds.
The Fund may invest in exchange traded funds (“ETFs”). An ETF is an investment company that holds a portfolio of common stock or bonds designed to track the performance of a securities index or sector of an index. ETFs are traded on a securities exchange based on their market value. An investment in an ETF generally presents the same primary risks as an investment in a conventional registered investment company (i.e., one that is not exchange traded). In addition, all ETFs will have costs and expenses that will be passed on to the Fund and these costs and expenses will in turn increase the Fund’s expenses. ETFs are also subject to the following risks that often do not apply to conventional investment companies: (i) the market price of the ETF’s shares may trade at a discount to the ETF’s net asset value, and as a result, ETFs may experience more price volatility than other
types of portfolio investments and such volatility could negatively impact the Fund’s net asset values; (ii) an active trading market for an ETF’s shares may not develop or be maintained at a sufficient volume; (iii) trading of an ETF’s shares may be halted if the listing exchange deems such action appropriate; and (iv) ETF shares may be delisted from the exchange on which they trade, or “circuit breakers” (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices used by the exchange) may temporarily halt trading in the ETF’s stock. ETFs are also subject to the risks of the underlying securities or sectors that the ETF is designed to track. Finally, there may be legal limitations and other conditions imposed by rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission on the amount of the ETF shares that the Fund may acquire.
Repurchase Agreements.
A repurchase transaction occurs when an investor purchases a security (normally a U.S. Treasury obligation), and it then resells it to the vendor (normally a member bank of the Federal Reserve or a registered government securities dealer) and is required to deliver the security (and/or securities substituted for them under the repurchase agreement) to the vendor on an agreed upon date in the future. The repurchase price exceeds the purchase price by an amount which reflects an agreed upon market interest rate effective for the period of time during which the repurchase agreement is in effect. Delivery pursuant to the resale normally will occur within one to seven days of the purchase. Repurchase agreements are considered “loans” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, collateralized by the underlying security. The Trust has implemented procedures to monitor on a continuous basis the value of the collateral serving as security for repurchase obligations. The Advisor will consider the creditworthiness of the vendor. If the vendor fails to pay the agreed upon resale price on the delivery date, the Fund will retain or attempt to dispose of the collateral. The Fund’s risk is that such default may include any decline in value of the collateral to an amount which is less than 100% of the repurchase price, any costs of disposing of such collateral, and any loss resulting from any delay in foreclosing on the collateral.
Repurchase agreements that do not provide for payment within seven days will be treated as illiquid securities.
The Fund will not invest in reverse repurchase agreements.
Mortgage-Backed and Asset-Backed Securities.
The Fund may not invest in mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. Mortgage-backed securities are mortgage related securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities, or issued by nongovernment entities. Mortgage-related securities represent ownership in pools of mortgage loans assembled for sale to investors by various government agencies such as GNMA and government-related organizations such as FNMA and FHLMC, as well as by nongovernment issuers such as commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, mortgage bankers and private mortgage insurance companies. Although certain mortgage-related securities are guaranteed by a third party or otherwise similarly secured, the market value of the security, which may fluctuate, is not so secured. These securities differ from conventional bonds in that the principal is paid back to the investor as payments are made on the underlying mortgages in the pool. Accordingly, the Fund will receive scheduled payments of principal and interest along with any unscheduled principal prepayments on the underlying mortgages. Because these scheduled and unscheduled principal payments must be reinvested at prevailing interest rates, mortgage-backed securities do not provide an effective means of locking in long-term interest rates for the investor.
Asset-backed securities are structured like mortgage-backed securities, but instead of mortgage loans or interests in mortgage loans, the underlying assets may include such items as motor vehicle installment sales contracts or installment loan contracts, leases of various types of real and personal property, and receivables from credit card agreements and from sales of personal property. Regular payments received on asset-backed securities include both interest and principal. Asset-backed securities typically have no U.S. Government backing, though they are usually guaranteed up to a certain amount and time period by a letter of credit issued by a financial institution. If the letter of credit is exhausted and the full amounts due on the underlying loans are not received because of unanticipated costs, depreciation, damage, or loss of the collateral securing the contracts, or other factors, certificate holders may experience delays in payment or losses on asset-backed securities. Additionally, the ability of an issuer of asset-backed securities to enforce its security interest in the underlying assets may be limited.
If the Fund purchases a mortgage-backed or other asset-backed security at a premium, the premium may be lost if there is a decline in the market value of the security whether resulting from changes in interest rates or prepayments in the underlying collateral. As with other interest-bearing securities, the prices of such securities are inversely affected by changes in interest rates. Although the value of a mortgage-backed or other asset-backed security may decline when interest rates rise, the converse is not necessarily true, since in periods of declining interest rates the mortgages and loans underlying the
securities are prone to prepayment, thereby shortening the average life of the security and shortening the period of time over which income at the higher rate is received. When the interest rates are rising, the rate of prepayment tends to decrease, thereby lengthening the period of time over which income at the lower rate is received. For these and other reasons, a mortgage-backed or other asset-backed security’s average maturity may be shortened or lengthened as a result of interest rate fluctuations and, therefore it is not possible to predict accurately the security’s return. In addition, while the trading market for short-term mortgages and asset-backed securities is ordinarily quite liquid, in times of financial stress the trading market for these securities may become restricted.
Mortgage-backed securities that are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies, or instrumentalities, are not subject to the Fund’s industry concentration restrictions because securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities are excluded from the restriction. Privately-issued mortgage-backed securities are, however, subject to the Fund’s industry concentration restrictions.
Debentures.
A debenture is long-term, unsecured, debt instrument backed only by the integrity of the borrower, not by collateral, and documented by an indenture. Governments often issue debentures, in part because they generally cannot guarantee debt with assets (government assets are public property). The primary risk with this type of investment is that the issuer will default or go into bankruptcy. As an unsecured creditor, in the event of default or bankruptcy, the holder of a debenture does not have a claim against any specific assets of the issuing firm, so the investor will only be paid from the issuer’s assets after the secured creditors have been paid. The Fund may invest in all types of debentures, including corporate and government debentures.
Forward Commitment and When-Issued Securities.
The Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued basis or for settlement at a future date if the Fund holds sufficient assets to meet the purchase price. In such purchase transactions, the Fund will not accrue interest on the purchased security until the actual settlement. Similarly, if a security is sold for a forward date, the Fund will accrue the interest until the settlement of the sale. When-issued security purchases and forward commitments have a higher degree of risk of price movement before settlement due to the extended time period between the execution and settlement of the purchase or sale. As a result, the exposure to the counterparty of the purchase or sale is increased. Although the Fund would generally purchase securities on a forward commitment or when-issued basis with the intention of taking delivery, the Fund may sell such a security prior to the settlement date if the Advisor feels such action is appropriate. In such a case, the Fund could incur a short-term gain or loss.
Swaps.
The Fund may invest in currency, equity, interest rate, index and other swaps, which involve the exchange by an investor with another party of their respective commitments, in an attempt to obtain a particular return when it is considered desirable to do so, possibly at a lower cost than if the Fund had invested directly in the asset that yielded the desired return. In the case of interest rate swaps, an investor may exchange with another party their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, such as an exchange of fixed rate payments for floating rate payments. Use of swaps subjects the investor to risk of default by the counterparties. If there is a default by the counterparty to such a transaction, there may be contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction although contractual remedies may not be sufficient in the event that the counterparty to the transaction is insolvent. The swap market has grown substantially in recent years with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as principals and agents utilizing standardized swap documentation. As a result, the swap market has become relatively liquid in comparison with the markets for other similar instruments which are traded in the interbank market. An investor may also enter into currency swaps or other swaps which are similar to interest rate swaps but may be surrogates for other instruments such as currency forwards or options.
Liquidity Impact of Margin and Segregation Requirements.
Although the Fund will segregate cash and liquid assets in an amount sufficient to cover its open obligations with respect to written options, futures contracts, swaps, and short sales, the segregated assets will be available to the Fund immediately upon closing out the positions, while settlement of securities transactions could take several days. However, because the Fund’s cash that may otherwise be invested would be held uninvested or invested in other liquid assets so long as the position remains open, the Fund’s returns could be diminished due to the opportunity losses of foregoing other potential investments.
Illiquid Investments.
The Fund may invest up to 15% of net assets in illiquid securities, which are investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the prices at which they are valued. This restriction is not limited to the time of purchase. Under the supervision of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or “Trustees”), the Advisor determines the liquidity of the Fund’s investments, and through reports from the Advisor, the Trustees monitor investments in illiquid instruments. In determining the liquidity of the Fund’s investments, the Advisor may consider various factors including (i) the frequency of trades and quotations; (ii) the number of dealers and prospective purchasers in the marketplace; (iii) dealer undertakings to make a market; (iv) the nature of the security (including any demand or tender features); and (v) the
nature of the marketplace for trades (including the ability to assign or offset the Fund’s rights and obligations relating to the investment). If through a change in values, net assets, or other circumstances, the Fund were in a position where more than 15% of its net assets were invested in illiquid securities, it would seek to take appropriate steps to protect liquidity. Investment in illiquid securities poses risks of potential delays in resale and uncertainty in valuation. Limitations on resale may have an adverse effect on the marketability of portfolio securities and the Fund may be unable to dispose of illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices.
Restricted Securities.
Within its limitation on investment in illiquid securities, the Fund may purchase restricted securities that generally can be sold in privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to an exemption from registration under the federal securities laws, or in a registered public offering. Where registration is required, the Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expense and a considerable period may elapse between the time it decides to seek registration and the time the Fund may be permitted to sell a security under an effective registration statement. If during such a period adverse market conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to seek registration of the security. Restricted securities that can be offered and sold to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933 and are determined to be liquid under guidelines adopted by and subject to the supervision of the Trustees are not subject to the limitations on illiquid securities.
Portfolio Turnover.
Portfolio turnover is a ratio that indicates how often the securities in a mutual fund’s portfolio change during a year’s time. Higher numbers indicate a greater number of changes, and lower numbers indicate a smaller number of changes. The Fund may sell portfolio securities without regard to the length of time they have been held in order to take advantage of new investment opportunities or changing market conditions. Since portfolio turnover may involve paying brokerage commissions and other transaction costs, there could be additional expenses for the Fund. High rates of portfolio turnover could lower performance of the Fund due to increased costs and may also result in the realization of capital gains. If the Fund realizes capital gains when they sell portfolio investments, they must generally distribute those gains to shareholders, increasing their taxable distributions. Under normal circumstances, the anticipated portfolio turnover rate for the Fund is expected to be less than 100%.
Lending of Portfolio Securities.
In order to generate additional income, the Fund may lend portfolio securities in an amount up to 33% of total Fund assets to broker-dealers, major banks, or other recognized domestic institutional borrowers of securities which the Advisor has determined are creditworthy under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. In determining whether the Fund will lend securities, the Advisor will consider all relevant facts and circumstances. The Fund may not lend securities to any company affiliated with the Advisor. Each loan of securities will be collateralized by cash, securities, or equivalent collateral. The Fund might experience a loss if the borrower defaults on the loan.
The borrower at all times during the loan must maintain with the Fund cash or cash equivalent collateral. While the loan is outstanding, the borrower will pay the Fund any interest paid on the loaned securities, and the Fund may invest the cash collateral to earn additional income. Alternatively, the Fund may receive an agreed-upon amount of interest income from the borrower who has delivered equivalent collateral. It is anticipated that the Fund may share with the borrower some of the income received on the collateral for the loan or the Fund will be paid a premium for the loan. Voting rights for loaned securities will typically pass to the borrower, but the Fund will retain the right to call any security in anticipation of a vote that the Advisor deems material to the security on loan. Loans are subject to termination at the option of the Fund or the borrower at any time. The Fund may pay reasonable administrative and custodial fees in connection with a loan, and may pay a negotiated portion of the income earned on the cash to the borrower or placing broker. As with other extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially.
Securities lending involves counterparty risk, including the risk that the loaned securities may not be returned or returned in a timely manner and/or a loss of rights in the collateral if the borrower or the lending agent defaults or fails financially. This risk will be increased if a continuation of the current downturn in the economic conditions in the United States and around the world, particularly the recent failures of several major financial services firms, causes further declines in the securities markets and/or causes further financial instability in the borrowers or lending agents. This risk is increased when
the Fund’s loans are concentrated with a single or limited number of borrowers. There are no limits on the number of borrowers the Fund may use, and the Fund may lend securities to only one or a small group of borrowers. Mutual funds participating in securities lending bear the risk of loss in connection with investments of the cash collateral received from the borrowers, which do not trigger additional collateral requirements from the borrower.
Borrowing.
The Fund may borrow money for investment purposes, which is a form of leveraging. Leveraging investments, by purchasing securities with borrowed money, is a speculative technique that increases investment risk while increasing investment opportunity. Such borrowing may make the Fund’s NAV more volatile than funds that do not borrow for investment purposes because leverage magnifies changes in the Fund’s NAV and on the Fund’s investments. Although the principal of borrowings will be fixed, the Fund’s assets may change in value during the time the borrowing is outstanding. Leverage also creates interest expenses for the Fund. To the extent the income derived from securities purchased with borrowed funds exceeds the interest the Fund will have to pay, the Fund’s net income will be greater than it would be if leverage were not used. Conversely, if the income from the assets obtained with borrowed funds is not sufficient to cover the cost of leveraging, the net income of the Fund will be less than it would be if leverage were not used, and therefore the amount available for distribution to shareholders as dividends will be reduced. The use of derivatives in connection with leverage creates the potential for significant loss. The Fund does not intend to use leverage in excess of 5% of total assets and will not make additional investments when outstanding borrowings exceed 5% of the Fund’s total assets. Any leveraging will comply with the applicable requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the guidance of no-action letters issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Investment Company Act Release No. 10666 (Apr. 18, 1979),
intended to minimize the use of leverage and the possibility that the Fund’s liabilities will exceed the value of its assets
.
The Fund may also borrow money to meet redemptions or for other emergency purposes. Such borrowings may be on a secured or unsecured basis at fixed or variable rates of interest. The Investment Company Act of 1940 requires the Fund to maintain continuous asset coverage of not less than 300% with respect to all borrowings. If such asset coverage should decline to less than 300% due to market fluctuations or other reasons, the Fund may be required to dispose of some portfolio holdings within three days in order to reduce the Fund’s debt and restore the 300% asset coverage, even though it may be disadvantageous from an investment standpoint to dispose of assets at that time. The Fund also may be required to maintain minimum average balances in connection with such borrowing or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a line of credit. Either of these requirements would increase the cost of borrowing over the stated interest rate.
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS
The Fund has adopted the following investment limitations, which cannot be changed without approval by holders of a majority of the outstanding voting shares of the Fund. A “majority” for this purpose means the lesser of (i) 67% of the Fund’s outstanding shares represented in person or by proxy at a meeting at which more than 50% of its outstanding shares are represented; or (ii) more than 50% of its outstanding shares. Unless otherwise indicated, percentage limitations apply at the time of purchase of the applicable securities.
As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund may not:
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(1)
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Issue senior securities, except as permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940;
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(2)
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Borrow money, except to the extent permitted under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (including, without limitation, borrowing to meet redemptions). For purposes of this investment restriction, the entry into options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those relating to indices, and options on futures contracts or indices shall not constitute borrowing;
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(3)
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Pledge, mortgage, or hypothecate its assets, except to the extent necessary to secure permitted borrowings and to the extent related to the deposit of assets in escrow in connection with writing covered put and call options and the purchase of securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis and collateral and initial or variation margin arrangements with respect to options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those relating to indices, and options on futures contracts or indices;
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(4)
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Act as an underwriter except to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities, the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter under certain federal securities laws;
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(5)
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Purchase or sell real estate or direct interests in real estate; provided, however, that the Fund may purchase and sell securities which are secured by real estate and securities of companies that invest or deal in real estate (including, without limitation, investments in REITs, mortgage-backed securities, and privately-held real estate funds);
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(6)
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Invest in commodities, except that the Fund may purchase and sell securities of companies that invest in commodities, options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those relating to indices and currencies, and options on futures contracts, indices or currencies;
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(7)
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Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management over a portfolio company;
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(8)
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Make loans, provided that the Fund may lend its portfolio securities in an amount up to 33% of total Fund assets, and provided further that, for purposes of this restriction, investment in U.S. Government obligations, short-term commercial paper, certificates of deposit, and bankers’ acceptances;
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(9)
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Concentrate its investments. The Fund’s concentration policy limits the aggregate value of holdings of a single industry or group of industries (except U.S. Government and cash items) to less than 25% of the Fund’s total assets; or
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(10)
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With respect to 75% of its total assets, the Fund may not: (i) purchase 10% or more of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer; or (ii) purchase securities of any issuer if, as a result, 5% or more of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in that issuer’s securities. This limitation does not apply to investments in (i) cash and cash items; (ii) securities of other registered investment companies; and (iii) obligations of the United States Government, its agencies, or instrumentalities.
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Senior securities may include any obligation or instrument issued by a fund evidencing indebtedness. The Investment Company Act of 1940 generally prohibits funds from issuing senior securities, although it does not treat certain transactions as senior securities (“Permitted Senior Securities”), such as certain borrowings, short sales, firm commitment agreements, and standby commitments, with appropriate earmarking or segregation of assets to cover such obligations. The Fund’s specific policies for segregation of assets are described in “Additional Information About Investment Policies” above.
The Fund is allowed to pledge, mortgage, or hypothecate assets up to the amounts allowable under the Investment Company Act of 1940, which presently allows the Fund to borrow from any bank (including pledging, mortgaging or hypothecating assets) in an amount up to 33 1/3% of its total assets (not including temporary borrowings not in excess of 5% of its total assets).
The Funds will not make additional investments in securities when outstanding borrowings exceed 5% of the Fund’s total assets.
For purposes of the Fund’s concentration policy,
investments in other investment companies are not considered an investment in any particular industry or group of industries. The Fund will not be concentrated in securities of issuers of a particular industry or group of industries if the portfolio securities of the other investment companies in which the Fund invests were deemed to be owned directly by the Fund rather than such other investment companies.
With respect to the fundamental investment restrictions above (other than those involving senior securities and borrowings), if a percentage limitation is adhered to at the time of investment, a later increase or decrease in percentage resulting from any change in value or net assets will not result in a violation of such restriction (i.e., percentage limitations are determined at the time of purchase).
The Fund may invest up to 15% of net assets in illiquid securities, which are investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the prices at which they are valued. This restriction is not limited to the time of purchase.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Subject to the general supervision of the Trustees, the Advisor is responsible for, make decisions with respect to, and place orders for all purchases and sales of portfolio securities for the Fund. The Advisor shall manage the Fund’s portfolios in accordance with the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement by and between the Advisor and the Trust on behalf of the Fund. This agreement is described in detail under “Management and Other Service Providers.” The Advisor serves as investment advisor for a number of client accounts, including the Fund. Investment decisions for the Fund are made independently from those for any other series of the Trust, if any, and for any other investment companies and accounts advised or managed by the Advisor.
Brokerage Selection.
The Fund has adopted, and the Trustees have approved, policies and procedures relating to the direction of mutual fund portfolio securities transactions to broker-dealers. The Advisor may not give consideration to sales of shares of the Fund as a factor in selecting broker-dealers to execute portfolio securities transactions. The Advisor may, however, place portfolio transactions with broker-dealers that promote or sell the Fund’s shares so long as such transactions are done in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the Trustees that are designed to ensure that the selection is based on the quality of the broker’s execution and not on its sales efforts. In selecting brokers to be used in portfolio transactions, the general guiding principle is to obtain the best overall execution for each trade, which is a combination of price and execution. With respect to execution, the Advisor considers a number of discretionary factors, including, without limitation, the actual handling of the order, the ability of the broker to settle the trade promptly and accurately, the financial standing of the broker, the ability of the broker to position stock to facilitate execution, past experience with similar trades, and other factors that may be unique to a particular order. Recognizing the value of these discretionary factors, the Advisor may select brokers who charge a brokerage commission that is higher than the lowest commission that might otherwise be available for any given trade.
Under Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as well as the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Advisor is authorized to pay a brokerage commission in excess of that which another broker might have charged for effecting the same transaction, in recognition of the value of brokerage and/or research services provided by the broker. The research received by the Advisor may include, without limitation: information on the United States and other world economies; information on specific industries, groups of securities, individual companies, and political and other relevant news developments affecting markets and specific securities; technical and quantitative information about markets; analysis of proxy proposals affecting specific companies; accounting and performance systems that allow the Advisor to determine and track investment results; and trading systems that allow the Advisor to interface electronically with brokerage firms, custodians, and other providers. Research is received in the form of written reports, telephone contacts, personal meetings, research seminars, software programs, and access to computer databases. In some instances, research products or services received by the Advisor may also be used for functions that are not research related (i.e. not related to the making of investment decisions). Where a research product or service has a mixed use, the Advisor will make a reasonable allocation according to the use and will pay for the non-research function in cash using its own funds.
The research and investment information services described above make the views and information of individuals and research staffs of other securities firms available to the Advisor for their analysis and consideration. These services may be useful to the Advisor in connection with advisory clients other than the Fund and not all such services may be useful to the Advisor in connection with the Fund. Although such information may be a useful supplement to the Advisor’s own investment information in rendering services to the Fund, the value of such research and services is not expected to reduce materially the expenses of the Advisor in the performance of its services under the Investment Advisory Agreement and will not reduce the management fees payable to the Advisor by the Fund.
The Fund may invest in securities traded in the over-the-counter market. In these cases, the Fund may initiate trades through brokers on an agency basis and pay a commission in connection with the transaction. The Fund may also effect these transactions by dealing directly with the dealers who make a market in the securities involved, in which case the costs of such transactions would involve dealer spreads rather than brokerage commissions. With respect to securities traded only in the over-the-counter market, orders will be executed on a principal basis with primary market makers in such securities except where better prices or executions may be obtained on an agency basis or by dealing with those other than a primary market maker.
Normally, any fixed income portfolio transactions will be principal transactions executed in over the counter markets and will be executed on a “net” basis, which may include a dealer mark up. With respect to securities traded only in the over the counter market, orders will be executed on a principal basis with primary market makers in such securities except where better prices or executions may be obtained on an agency basis or by dealing with other than a primary market maker.
The Fund may participate, if and when practicable, in bidding for the purchase of Fund securities directly from an issuer in order to take advantage of the lower purchase price available to members of a bidding group. The Fund will engage in this practice, however, only when the Advisor, in its sole discretion, believe such practice to be otherwise in the Fund’s interest.
Aggregated Trades.
While investment decisions for the Fund are made independently of the Advisor’s other client accounts, the other client accounts may invest in the same securities as the Fund. To the extent permitted by law, the Advisor may aggregate the securities to be sold or purchased for the Fund with those to be sold or purchased for other investment companies or accounts in executing transactions. When a purchase or sale of the same security is made at substantially the same time on behalf of the Fund and another investment company or account, the transaction will be averaged as to price and available investments allocated as to amount in a manner which the Advisor believes to be equitable to the Fund and such other investment company or account. In some instances, this investment procedure may adversely affect the price paid or received by the Fund or the size of the position obtained or sold by the Fund.
Portfolio Turnover.
The annualized portfolio turnover rate for the Fund is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the reporting period by the monthly average value of the portfolio securities owned during the reporting period. The calculation excludes all securities whose maturities or expiration dates at the time of acquisition are one year or less. Portfolio turnover of the Fund may vary greatly from year to year as well as within a particular year, and may be affected by cash requirements for redemption of shares and by requirements that enable the Fund to receive favorable tax treatment. Portfolio turnover will not be a limiting factor in making Fund decisions, and the Fund may engage in short-term trading to achieve its investment objectives. High rates of portfolio turnover could lower performance of the Fund due to increased transaction costs and may also result in the realization of short-term capital gains taxed at ordinary income tax rates.
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST
The Trust, which is a statutory trust organized under Delaware law on May 13, 2009, is an open-end management investment company. The Trust’s Declaration of Trust (“Trust Instrument”) authorizes the Trustees to divide shares into series, each series relating to a separate portfolio of investments, and to classify and reclassify any unissued shares into one or more classes of shares of each such series. The Trust currently consists of twenty-three series: the Fund managed by the Advisor; the Arin Large Cap Theta Fund managed by Arin Risk Advisors, LLC; the Caritas All Cap Growth Fund managed by Caritas Capital, LLC; the Crescent Large Cap Macro Fund, Crescent Mid Cap Macro Fund, and Crescent Strategic Income Fund managed by Greenwood Capital Associates, LLC; the ISM Dynamic Growth Fund, ISM Dynamic Total Return Fund, ISM Non Traditional Fund, ISM High Income Fund, ISM Strategic Equity Fund, ISM Strategic Fixed Income Fund, ISM Global Alpha Tactical Fund, ISM Tax Free Fund, ISM Dividend Income Fund, and ISM Premier Asset Management Fund managed by FolioMetrix, LLC; the Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy managed by Deschutes Portfolio Strategies; the Presidio Multi-Strategy Fund managed by Presidio Capital Investments, LLC; the Prophecy Alpha Trading Fund managed by CV Investment Advisors, LLC; the Roumell Opportunistic Value Fund managed by Roumell Asset Management, LLC; the SCS Tactical Allocation Fund managed by Sentinel Capital Solutions, Inc.; the Sector Rotation Fund managed by Navigator Money Management, Inc.; and the Thornhill Strategic Equity Fund managed by Thornhill Securities, Inc. Additional series and/or classes may be created from time to time. The number of shares in the Trust shall be unlimited. When issued for payment as described in the Fund’s prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information, shares of the Fund will be fully paid and non-assessable and shall have no preemptive or conversion rights. The Trust normally does not issue share certificates.
In the event of a liquidation or dissolution of the Trust or an individual series, such as the Fund, shareholders of a particular series would be entitled to receive the assets available for distribution belonging to such series. Shareholders of a series are entitled to participate equally in the net distributable assets of the particular series involved on liquidation, based on the number of shares of the series that are held by each shareholder. If there are any assets, income, earnings, proceeds, funds, or payments, that are not readily identifiable as belonging to any particular series, the Trustees shall allocate them among any one or more of the series as they, in their sole discretion, deem fair and equitable.
Shareholders of all of the series of the Trust, including the Fund, will vote together and not separately on a series-by-series or class-by-class basis, except as otherwise required by law or when the Trustees determine that the matter to be voted upon affects only the interests of the shareholders of a particular series or class. The Trust has adopted a Rule 18f-3 Multi-class Plan for certain series that contain the general characteristics of and conditions under which such series may offer multiple classes of shares. Rule 18f-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 provides that any matter required to be submitted to the holders of the outstanding voting securities of an investment company such as the Trust shall not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of each series or class affected by the matter. A series or class is affected by a matter unless it is clear that the interests of each series or class in the matter are substantially identical or that the matter does not affect any interest of the series or class. Under Rule 18f-2, the approval of an investment advisory agreement or any change in a fundamental investment policy would be effectively acted upon with respect to a series only if approved by a majority of the outstanding shares of such series. However, the rule also provides that the ratification of the appointment of independent accountants, the approval of principal underwriting contracts, and the election of Trustees may be effectively acted upon by shareholders of the Trust voting together, without regard to a particular series or class. Rights of shareholders can only be modified by a majority vote.
When used in the Prospectus or this Statement of Additional Information, a “majority” of shareholders means the vote of the lesser of (i) 67% of the shares of the Trust or the applicable series or class present at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares are present in person or by proxy or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Trust or the applicable series or class.
Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each full share and a fractional vote for each fractional share held. Shares have non-cumulative voting rights, which means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voting for the election of Trustees can elect 100% of the Trustees, and in this event, the holders of the remaining shares voting will not be able to elect any Trustees.
The Trustees will hold office indefinitely, except that: (i) any Trustee may resign or retire, and (ii) any Trustee may be removed: (a) any time by written instrument signed by at least two-thirds of the number of Trustees prior to such removal; (b) at any meeting of shareholders of the Trust by a vote of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Trust; or (c) by a written declaration signed by shareholders holding not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Trust. In case a vacancy on the Board of Trustees shall for any reason exist, the vacancy shall be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining Trustees, subject to certain restrictions under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Otherwise, there will normally be no meeting of shareholders for the purpose of electing Trustees, and the Trust does not expect to have an annual meeting of shareholders.
The Trust Instrument provides that the Trustees will not be liable in any event in connection with the affairs of the Trust, except as such liability may arise from a Trustee’s bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of duties. It also provides that all third parties shall look solely to the Trust’s property for satisfaction of claims arising in connection with the affairs of the Trust. With the exceptions stated, the Trust Instrument provides that a Trustee or officer is entitled to be indemnified against all liability in connection with the affairs of the Trust.
MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
The Trustees are responsible for the management and supervision of the Fund. The Trustees approve all significant agreements between the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and those companies that furnish services to the Fund; review performance of the Advisor, and the Fund; and oversee activities of the Fund. This section of the Statement of Additional Information provides information about the persons who serve as Trustees and officers to the Trust and Fund, respectively, as well as the entities that provide services to the Fund.
Trustees and Officers.
Following are the Trustees and officers of the Trust, their age and address, their present position with the Trust or the Fund, and their principal occupation during the past five years. Those Trustees who are “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) by virtue of their affiliation with the Trust or the Advisor are indicated in the table. The address of each Trustee and officer of the Trust, unless otherwise indicated, is 116 South Franklin Street, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804.
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Name, Age
and Address
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Position
held with
Funds or Trust
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Length
of
Time
Served
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Principal Occupation
During Past 5 Years
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Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Trustee
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Other Directorships
Held by Trustee
During Past 5 Years
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Independent Trustees
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Jack E. Brinson
Age: 80
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Independent Trustee
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Since 7/09
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Retired; previously, President of Brinson Investment Co. (personal investments) and President of Brinson Chevrolet, Inc. (auto dealership).
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23
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Independent Trustee of Brown Capital Management Funds for its three series, DGHM Investment Trust for its two series, Gardner Lewis Investment Trust for its two series, Hillman Capital Management Investment Trust for its one series, and Tilson Investment Trust for its two series (all registered investment companies); previously, Independent Trustee of de Leon Funds Trust for its one series from 2000 to 2005, Giordano Investment Trust for its one series during 2011, and New Providence Investment Trust for its one series from inception until 2011 (all registered investment companies).
|
|
Michael G. Mosley
Age: 59
|
Independent Trustee
|
Since 7/10
|
Owner of Commercial Realty Services (real estate) since 2004.
|
23
|
None.
|
|
Theo H. Pitt, Jr.
Age: 76
|
Independent Trustee
|
Since 9/10
|
Senior Partner, Community Financial Institutions Consulting (financial consulting) since 1999; Partner, Pikar Properties (real estate) since 2001; Account Administrator, Holden Wealth Management Group of Wachovia Securities (money management firm) from 2003-2008.
|
23
|
Independent Trustee of DGHM Investment Trust for its two series, Gardner Lewis Investment Trust for its two series, and Hanna Investment Trust for its one series (all registered investment companies); previously, Independent Trustee of Hillman Capital Management Investment Trust for its two series from 2000 to 2009, NCM Capital Investment Trust for its one series from 2007 to 2009, New Providence Investment Trust from 2008 to 2009, and Tilson Investment Trust for its two series from 2004 to 2009 (all registered investment companies).
|
|
James H. Speed, Jr.
Age: 59
|
Independent Trustee, Chairman
|
Trustee since 7/09, Chair since 5/12
|
President and CEO of NC Mutual Insurance Company (insurance company) since 2003; President of Speed Financial Group, Inc. (consulting and private investments) from 2000 to 2003.
|
23
|
Independent Trustee of the following Brown Capital Management Funds for its three series, Hillman Capital Management Investment Trust for its one series, and Tilson Investment Trust for its two series (all registered investment companies). Member of Board of Directors of NC Mutual Life Insurance Company. Member of Board of Directors of M&F Bancorp. Previously, Independent Trustee of New Providence Investment Trust for its one series from 2009 until 2011 (registered investment company).
|
|
J. Buckley Strandberg
Age: 52
|
Independent Trustee
|
Since 7/09
|
President of Standard Insurance and Realty (insurance and property management) since 1982.
|
23
|
None.
|
|
Name, Age
and Address
|
Position
held with
Funds or Trust
|
Length
of
Time
Served
|
Principal Occupation
During Past 5 Years
|
Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Trustee
|
Other Directorships
Held by Trustee
During Past 5 Years
|
|
Other Officers
|
|
Robert G. Fontana
Age: 42
5950 Fairview Road
Suite 610-A
Charlotte, NC 28210
|
President and Treasurer (Caritas All-Cap Growth Fund)
|
Since 7/09
|
President and CIO of Caritas Capital, LLC (advisor to the Caritas All-Cap Growth Fund) since 2009; Portfolio Manager for Portfolio Capital Management (investment management) since 2006; previously, Portfolio Manager for Covenant Capital, LLC (investment management).
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
|
D. Jerry Murphey
Age: 54
821 Pacific Street
Omaha, Nebraska 68108
|
President (FMX Funds)
|
Since 7/09
|
Manager, President, and CEO of FolioMetrix, LLC (advisor to the FMX Funds) since 2009; principal of Uptrade Research Associates, LLC (investment research) since 2009; previously, Investment Management Consultant for Prudential Investments, Wealth Management Solutions (investment management).
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
|
Julie M. Koethe
Age: 32
821 Pacific Street
Omaha, Nebraska 68108
|
Treasurer (FMX Funds)
|
Since 4/10
|
Chief Operating Officer of FolioMetrix, LLC (advisor to the FMX Funds) since 2010; Insurance Accounting Supervisor for Applied Underwriters (workers compensation and payroll service provider) from 2003-2010.
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
|
Matthew R. Lee
Age: 30
1777 Borel Place,
Suite 415,
San Mateo, CA 94402
|
President (Presidio Multi-Strategy Fund)
|
Since 2/10
|
Chief Executive Officer of Presidio Capital Investments, LLC (advisor to the Presidio Multi-Strategy Fund) since 2006; Financial Planning Specialist with Smith Barney, a division of Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. (now known as Morgan Stanley Smith Barney) from 2004-2006; Associate at Bank of America Investments, Inc. (investment management) from 2003-2004.
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
|
James C. Roumell
Age: 51
2 Wisconsin Circle
Suite 660
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
|
President (Roumell Opportunistic Value Fund)
|
Since 9/10
|
President of Roumell Asset Management, LLC (advisor to the Roumell Opportunistic Value Fund) since 1998.
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
|
Craig L. Lukin
Age:45
2 Wisconsin Circle
Suite 660
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
|
Treasurer (Roumell Opportunistic Value Fund)
|
Since 9/10
|
Chief Operating Officer and Chief Compliance Officer of Roumell Asset Management, LLC since 2007; Research Analyst at Roumell Asset Management, LLC from 2003-2007; Private Equity Analyst for Dent & Company, Inc. (investment services) from 2000-2002; Corporate Value Consulting Manager for PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP (accountancy and professional services) from 1994-2000.
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
|
Name, Age
and Address
|
Position
held with
Funds or Trust
|
Length
of
Time
Served
|
Principal Occupation
During Past 5 Years
|
Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Trustee
|
Other Directorships
Held by Trustee
During Past 5 Years
|
|
Mark A. Grimaldi
Age: 50
1207 Route 9
Suite 10
Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
|
President and Treasurer (Sector Rotation Fund)
|
Since 4/11
|
President and Chief Compliance Officer of Navigator Money Management, Inc. (advisor to the Sector Rotation Fund) since 1996; Vice President of The Prestige Organization, Inc. since 1996; and Co-Fund Manager of ETF Market Opportunity Fund (formerly Navigator Fund) from 2008-2009.
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
|
Cort F. Meinelschmidt
Age: 33
38 S. Potomac Street
Suite 304
Hagerstown, MD
21740
|
President (SCS Tactical Allocation Fund)
|
Since 10/11
|
President of Sentinel Capital Solutions, Inc. (advisor to the SCS Tactical Allocation Fund) since 2011; Financial Advisor for Centra Financial Services (investment services) from 2010-2011; Financial Advisor for Edward Jones (investment services) from 2004-2010.
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
|
J. Philip Bell
Age: 59
104 Maxwell Avenue
P.O. Box 3181
Greenwood, SC 29648
|
President (Crescent Funds)
|
Since 10/11
|
President and Chief Compliance Officer of Greenwood Capital Associates, LLC (advisor to the Crescent Funds) since 1985.
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
|
Michael W. Nix
Age: 39
104 Maxwell Avenue
P.O. Box 3181
Greenwood, SC 29648
|
Treasurer (Crescent Funds)
|
Since 10/11
|
Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Greenwood Capital Associates, LLC since 2011; previously Chief Investment Officer from 2007 to 2011 and Portfolio Manager/Analyst from 2003 to 2007.
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
|
Joseph DeSipio
Age: 46
300 Four Falls Corporate Center, Suite 200
West Conshohocken, PA 19428
|
President (Arin Funds)
|
Since 3/12
|
Co-Founder and Chief Market Strategist of Arin Risk Advisors, LLC (advisor to the Arin Funds) since 2009. Previously, Investment Strategist of SEI Investment Company (financial services) from 2007 until 2009 and Director of Options Strategy Group for Evergreen Investments (investment management) from 2000 until 2007.
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
|
Lawrence Lempert
Age: 44
300 Four Falls Corporate Center, Suite 200
West Conshohocken, PA 19428
|
Treasurer (Arin Funds)
|
Since 3/12
|
Trading Director of Arin Risk Advisors, LLC since 2009 and Chief Compliance Officer since 2011. Previously, managing member of Bullock Capital, LLC (securities brokerage) from 2004 through 2010.
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
|
Bryn H. Torkelson
Age: 55
4949 Meadows Road
Suite 200
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
|
President (Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy)
|
Since 5/12
|
President and Chief Investment Officer of Deschutes Portfolio Strategies, LLC (advisor to the Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy) since 2010, President of Deschutes Investment Advisors, Inc. (investment management) since 1997.
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
|
Name, Age
and Address
|
Position
held with
Funds or Trust
|
Length
of
Time
Served
|
Principal Occupation
During Past 5 Years
|
Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Trustee
|
Other Directorships
Held by Trustee
During Past 5 Years
|
|
Gabriel F. Thornhill
Age: 46
336 South Congress
Suite 200
Austin, TX 78704
|
President and Treasurer (Thornhill Strategic Equity Fund)
|
Since 7/12
|
President and Chief Compliance Officer of Thornhill Securities, Inc. (advisor to the Thornhill Strategic Equity Fund) since 2005.
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
|
Brenda A. Smith
Age: 52
300 Conshohocken State Road, Suite 200
West Conshohocken, PA 19428
|
President (Prophecy Alpha Trading Fund), ), Treasurer (CV Sector Rotational Fund)
|
Since 8/12 and 10/12
|
President of CV Brokerage, Inc. (broker-dealer) since 2010. Managing Member of CV Investment Advisors, LLC (advisor to the Prophecy Alpha Trading Fund) since 2012. Owner of BA Smith & Associates, LLC (accounting and consulting) since 1995.
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
|
Michael Barron
Age: __
390 North Orange Ave.
27th Floor
Orlando, Florida 32801
|
President (CV Sector Rotational Fund)
|
Since 10/12
|
Director and Portfolio Manager of ICC Capital Management, Inc. (sub-advisor to the CV Asset Allocation Fund) since 2011. Previously, founder and Portfolio Manager at Revolution Capital (investment management) from 2008 to 2011 and CEO, Portfolio Manager and Principal at Knott Capital Management (investment management) from 2000 to 2008.
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
|
Jeffrey Spotts, CMT
Age: 46
300 Conshohocken State Road, Suite 200
West Conshohocken, PA 19428
|
Treasurer (Prophecy Alpha Trading Fund)
|
Since 8/12
|
General Partner and principal owner of Prophecy Asset Management Inc. (sub-advisor to the Prophecy Alpha Trading Fund) since 2001.
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
|
T. Lee Hale, Jr.
Age: 34
|
Chief Compliance Officer; Assistant Treasurer; Treasurer (Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy
|
Since 7/09, 4/10, and 5/12
|
Financial Reporting Manager for The Nottingham Company (fund administrator) since 2009; previously, principal of Lee Hale Contracting (marine industry consulting).
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
|
A. Vason Hamrick
Age: 35
|
Secretary
|
Since 7/09
|
Corporate Counsel for The Nottingham Company since 2004.
|
n/a
|
n/a
|
The Board met five times during the twelve-month period ended September 30, 2012. Each Trustee attended all of the Board meetings.
Board Structure.
The Trust’s Board of Trustees includes five independent Trustees, one of which, Mr. Speed, is Chairman of the Board of Trustees. The Board has established several standing committees: the Audit Committee, Nominating Committee, Proxy Voting Committee, Governance Committee, and Qualified Legal Compliance Committee. These standing committees are comprised entirely of the Independent Trustees. Other information about these standing committees is set forth below. The Board has determined that the Board’s structure is appropriate given the characteristics, size, and operations of the Trust. The Board also believes that its leadership structure, including its committees, helps facilitate effective oversight of Trust management. The Board reviews its structure annually.
With respect to risk oversight, the Board considers risk management issues as part of its general oversight responsibilities throughout the year. The Board holds four regular board meetings each year during which the Board receives risk management reports and/or assessments from Trust management, the Fund’s advisor and sub-advisor, administrator, transfer agent, and distributor, and receives an annual report from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”). The Audit Committee also meets with the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm on an annual basis, to discuss among other things, the internal control structure of the Trust’s financial reporting function. When appropriate, the Board may hold special meeting or communicate directly with Trust management, the CCO, the Trust’s third party service providers, legal counsel, or independent public accountants to address matters arising between regular board meeting or needing special attention. In addition, the Board has adopted policies and procedures for the Trust to help detect and prevent and, if necessary, correct violations of federal securities laws
Qualification of Trustees.
The Board has considered each Trustee’s experience, qualifications, attributes and skills in light of the Board’s function and the Trust’s business and structure, and has determined that each Trustee possesses experience, qualifications, attributes, and skills that enable the Trustee to be an effective member of the Board.
Mr. Brinson has experience as an investor, including his role as trustee of several other investment companies and business experience as President of a company in the business of private investing. Mr. Mosley has had business experience as an owner of a real estate company. Mr. Pitt has experience as an investor, including his role as trustee of several other investment companies and business experience as Senior Partner of a financial consulting company, as a Partner of a real estate partnership and as an Account Administrator for a money management firm. Mr. Speed also has experience as an investor as trustee of several other investment companies and business experience as President and CEO of an insurance company and as President of a company in the business of consulting and private investing. Mr. Strandberg also has investment experience as a former trustee of another investment company and business experience as President of an insurance and property management company.
The Board has determined that each of the Trustees’ careers and background, combined with their interpersonal skills and general understanding of financial and other matters, enable the Trustees to effectively participate in and contribute to the Board’s functions and oversight of the Trust.
Trustee Standing Committees.
The Trustees have established the following standing committees:
Audit Committee.
All of the Independent Trustees are members of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee oversees the Fund’s accounting and financial reporting policies and practices, reviews the results of the annual audits of the Fund’s financial statements, and interacts with the Fund’s independent auditors on behalf of all the Trustees. The Audit Committee operates pursuant to an Audit Committee Charter and meets periodically as necessary. The Audit Committee met four times during the twelve-month period ended September 30, 2012.
Governance Committee.
The Independent Trustees are the current members of the Governance Committee. The Governance Committee assists the Board of Trustees in adopting fund governance practices and meeting certain fund governance standards. The Governance Committee operates pursuant to a Governance Committee Charter and normally meets annually, but may also meet as often as necessary to carry out its purpose. The Governance Committee met once during the twelve-month period ended September 30, 2012.
Nominating Committee.
All of the Independent Trustees are members of the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee nominates, selects, and appoints independent trustees to fill vacancies on the Board of Trustees and to stand for election at meetings of the shareholders of the Trust. The Nominating Committee meets only as necessary. The Nominating Committee generally will not consider nominees recommended by shareholders of the Trust. The Nominating Committee did not meet during the twelve-month period ended September 30, 2012.
Proxy Voting Committee.
All of the Independent Trustees are members of the Proxy Voting Committee. The Proxy Voting Committee will determine how the Fund should vote, if called upon by the Board or the Sub-Advisor, when a matter with respect to which the Fund is entitled to vote presents a conflict between the interests of the Fund’s shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the Fund’s Sub-Advisor, principal underwriter, or an affiliated person of the Fund, its investment advisor, investment sub-advisor, or principal underwriter, on the other hand. The Proxy Voting Committee will also review the
Trust’s Proxy Voting Policy and recommend any changes to the Board as it deems necessary or advisable. The Proxy Voting Committee will also decide if the Fund should participate in a class action settlement, if called upon by the Sub-Advisor, in cases where a class action settlement with respect to which the Fund is eligible to participate presents a conflict between the interests of the Fund’s shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the Sub-Advisor, on the other hand. The Proxy Voting Committee meets only as necessary and did not meet during the twelve-month period ended September 30, 2012.
Qualified Legal Compliance Committee.
The Independent Trustees are the current members of the Qualified Legal Compliance Committee. The Qualified Legal Compliance Committee receives, investigates, and makes recommendations as to appropriate remedial action in connection with any report of evidence of a material violation of securities laws or breach of fiduciary duty or similar violation by the Trust, its officers, Trustees, or agents. The Qualified Legal Compliance Committee meets only as necessary and did not meet during the twelve-month period ended September 30, 2012.
Beneficial Equity Ownership Information.
The table below shows for each Trustee, the amount of Fund equity securities beneficially owned by each Trustee, and the aggregate value of all investments in equity securities of the Fund complex, as of valuation date of December 31, 2012 and stated as one of the following ranges: A = None; B = $1-$10,000; C = $10,001-$50,000; D = $50,001-$100,000; and E = over $100,000.
|
Name of
Trustee
|
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*
|
|
Jack E. Brinson
|
A
|
A
|
|
Michael G. Mosley
|
A
|
A
|
|
Theo H. Pitt, Jr.
|
A
|
A
|
|
James H. Speed, Jr.
|
A
|
A
|
|
J. Buckley Strandberg
|
A
|
A
|
* Includes all the funds of the Trust managed by the Advisor.
Ownership of Securities of Advisor, Distributor, or Related Entities.
As of December 31, 2012, none of the Independent Trustees and/or their immediate family members own securities of the Advisor, Distributor, or any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Advisor, Sub-Advisor, or Distributor.
Compensation.
Officers of the Trust and Trustees who are interested persons of the Trust or the Advisor will receive no salary or fees from the Trust. Independent Trustees receive $2,000 per Fund each year. The Trust reimburses each Trustee and officers of the Trust for his or her travel and other expenses relating to attendance at such meetings. Because the Fund has not been in operation for a full year, the following table presents the estimated compensation for each Trustee for the first full fiscal year.
|
Name of Trustee
|
Aggregate
Compensation
From the Fund
|
Pension or
Retirement Benefits
Accrued As Part of
Fund Expenses
|
Estimated Annual
Benefits Upon
Retirement
|
Total Compensation
From Fund and Fund
Complex Paid to
Trustees*
|
|
Jack E. Brinson
|
$2,000
|
None
|
None
|
$46,000
|
|
Michael G. Mosley
|
$2,000
|
None
|
None
|
$46,000
|
|
Theo H. Pitt, Jr.
|
$2,000
|
None
|
None
|
$46,000
|
|
James H. Speed, Jr.
|
$2,000
|
None
|
None
|
$46,000
|
|
J. Buckley Strandberg
|
$2,000
|
None
|
None
|
$46,000
|
*Each of the Trustees serves as a Trustee to all series of the Trust.
Codes of Ethics.
The Trust and Advisor each have adopted a code of ethics, as required under Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, which is designed to prevent affiliated persons of the Trust and Advisor from engaging in deceptive, manipulative, or fraudulent activities in connection with securities held or to be acquired by the Fund (which securities may also be held by persons subject to each such code of ethics). There can be no assurance that the codes will be effective in preventing such activities. The codes permit employees and officers of the Trust and Advisor to invest in securities, subject to certain restrictions and pre-approval requirements. In addition, the Advisor’s code requires that portfolio managers and other investment personnel report their personal securities transactions and holdings, which are reviewed for compliance with the respective code of ethics.
Anti-Money Laundering Program.
The Trust has adopted an anti-money laundering program, as required by applicable law, which is designed to prevent the Fund from being used for money laundering or the financing of terrorist activities. The Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for implementing and monitoring the operations and internal controls of the program. Compliance officers at certain of the Fund’s service providers are also responsible for monitoring the program. The anti-money laundering program is subject to the continuing oversight of the Trustees.
Proxy Voting Policies.
The Trust has adopted a proxy voting and disclosure policy that delegates to the Sub-Advisor the authority to vote proxies for the Fund, subject to oversight by the Trustees. Copies of the Trust’s Proxy Voting and Disclosure Policy and the Advisor’s Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures are included as Appendix B to this Statement of Additional Information. No later than August 31st of each year, the Fund will file Form N-PX stating how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30th. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies as set forth in its most recent filing of Form N-PX will be available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling the Fund at 1-800-773-3863; and (ii) on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
Principal Holders of Voting Securities.
As of December 31, 2012, the Trustees and officers of the Trust as a group owned beneficially (i.e., had direct or indirect voting and/or investment power) none of the then outstanding shares of the Fund. On that same date, the following shareholders owned of record more than 5% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. Except as provided below, no person is known by the Trust to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of the Fund as of December 31, 2012.
|
Name and Address of
Beneficial Owner
|
Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership
|
Percent
|
|
None
|
|
|
Investment Advisor.
Information about CV Investment Advisors, LLC and its duties and compensation as Advisor is contained in the Fund’s prospectus. The Advisor is controlled by CV Investments, LLC, managing member, and Brenda A. Smith, Chief Compliance Officer. The Advisor supervises the Fund’s investments pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Investment Advisory Agreement is effective for an initial two-year period and will be renewed thereafter only so long as such renewal and continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Trustees or by vote of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities, provided the continuance is also approved by a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the Investment Advisory Agreement or interested persons of any such party. The Investment Advisory Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Trust on 60 calendar days’ written notice by the Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities or upon 60 calendar days’ written notice by the Advisor. The Investment Advisory Agreement provides that it will terminate automatically in the event of its “assignment,” as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940.
The Advisor manages the Fund’s investments in accordance with the stated policies of the Fund, subject to the approval of the Trustees. The Advisor is responsible for investment decisions, and provides the Fund with portfolio managers who are authorized by the Trustees to execute purchases and sales of securities.
Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Advisor is not liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund in connection with the performance of such agreement, except a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to the receipt of compensation for services; or a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence on the part of the Advisor in the performance of its duties; or from its reckless disregard of its duties and obligations under the Investment Advisory Agreement.
The Advisor will receive a monthly management fee equal to an annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund’s net assets.
Portfolio Managers.
The Fund’s portfolios will be managed on a day-to-day basis by
Brenda A. Smith
.
Compensation.
The portfolio manager’s compensation varies with the general success of the Advisor as a firm. The portfolio manager’s compensation is based on net revenue after all firm expenses and profit sharing. The portfolio manager’s compensation is not directly linked to the Fund’s performance, although positive performance and growth in managed assets are factors that may contribute to the Advisor’s distributable profits and assets under management.
Ownership of Fund Shares.
The table below shows the amount of the Fund’s equity securities beneficially owned by each portfolio manager as of September 30, 2012 and stated as one of the following ranges: A = None; B = $1-$10,000; C = $10,001-$50,000; D = $50,001-$100,000; E = $100,001-$500,000; F = $500,001-$1,000,000; and G = over $1,000,000.
|
Name of
Portfolio Manager
|
Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in the Fund
|
|
Brenda A. Smith
|
A
|
Other Accounts.
In addition to the Fund, the portfolio manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts. The table below shows the number of, and total assets in, such other accounts as of September 30, 2012.
|
Accounts
|
Registered Investment
Companies
|
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
|
Other Accounts
|
|
Number of Accounts
|
Total Assets
|
Number of Accounts
|
Total Assets
|
Number of Accounts
|
Total Assets
|
|
All Accounts
|
[TBD]
|
[TBD]
|
[TBD]
|
[TBD]
|
[TBD]
|
[TBD]
|
|
Accounts with Performance-Based Advisory Fee
|
[TBD]
|
[TBD]
|
[TBD]
|
[TBD]
|
[TBD]
|
[TBD]
|
Conflicts of Interests.
The portfolio manager’s management of “other accounts” may give rise to potential conflicts of interest in connection with their management of the Fund’s investments, on the one hand, and the investments of the other accounts, on the other. The other accounts consist of separately managed private clients (“Other Accounts”). The Other Accounts might have similar investment objectives as the Fund, be compared to the same index as the Fund, or otherwise hold, purchase, or sell securities that are eligible to be held, purchased, or sold by the Fund.
Knowledge of the Timing and Size of Fund Trades:
A potential conflict of interest may arise as a result of the portfolio manager’s day-to-day management of the Fund. The portfolio manager knows the size and timing of trades for the Fund and the Other Accounts, and may be able to predict the market impact of Fund trades. It is theoretically possible that the portfolio manager could use this information to the advantage of Other Accounts it manages and to the possible detriment of the Fund, or vice versa.
Investment Opportunities:
The Advisor provides investment supervisory services for a number of investment products that have varying investment guidelines. The portfolio manager works across different investment products. Differences in the compensation structures of the Advisor’s investment products may give rise to a conflict of interest by creating an incentive for the Advisor to allocate the investment opportunities it believes might be the most profitable to the client accounts where it might benefit the most from the investment gains.
Administrator.
The Trust has entered into the Fund Accounting and Administration Agreement with The Nottingham Company (“Administrator”), 116 South Franklin Street, Post Office Box 69, Rocky Mount, North 27804. The Administrator assists the Trust in the performance of its administrative responsibilities to the Fund, coordinates and pays for the services of each vendor and the operating expense to the Fund, and provides the Fund with certain administrative, fund accounting, and compliance services. As part of its services and consolidated fee arrangement, the Administrator receives compensation based on the Fund’s average daily net assets. The annual rate is 0.700% if the average daily net assets are under $40 million and gradually decreases to an annual rate of 0.096% if the average daily net assets are $1.81 billion or more. The fee paid to the Administrator is calculated by multiplying the average daily net assets of the Fund by the highest applicable annual rate.
In addition, the Advisor has entered into an Operating Plan with the Fund’s administrator, through January 31, 2015, under which it has agreed to make payments to the Administrator when the Fund is at lower asset levels and assume certain expenses of the Fund in order to help limit the Fund’s operating expenses. The Operating Plan may be terminated by either party at the conclusion of the then current term upon (i) written notice of non-renewal to the other party not less than sixty days prior to the end of the term, or (ii) mutual written agreement of the parties. The Operating Plan can only be terminated prior to the conclusion of the current term with the approval of the Fund’s Board of Trustees. The Advisor cannot recoup from the Fund any amounts paid by the Advisor to the Administrator under the Operating Plan. In part because of the Advisor’s obligations under the Operating Plan, the Trustees review the financial condition of the Advisor, including its stability and profitability, when considering the approval of the Operating Plan.
The Administrator pays all expenses not assumed by the Advisor, including, without limitation: the fees and expenses of its independent accountants and of its legal counsel; the costs of printing and mailing to shareholders annual and semi-annual reports, proxy statements, prospectuses, statements of additional information and supplements thereto; the costs of printing registration statements; bank transaction charges and custodian’s fees; any proxy solicitors’ fees and expenses; ongoing filing fees; any federal, state or local income or other taxes; any interest; any membership fees of the Investment Company Institute and similar organizations; fidelity bond and Trustees’ liability insurance premiums. All of the Fund’s service providers, other than the Advisor, are paid by the Administrator.
The Administrator’s responsibilities include the following services for the Fund: (i) procures on behalf of the Trust, and coordinates with, the custodian and monitors the services it provides to the Fund; (ii) coordinates with and monitors any other third parties furnishing services to the Fund; (iii) provides the Fund with necessary office space, telephones, and other communications facilities and personnel competent to perform administrative and clerical functions for the Fund; (iv) assists or supervises the maintenance by third parties of such books and records of the Fund as may be required by applicable federal or state law; (v) assists or supervises the preparation by third parties of all federal, state, and local tax returns and reports of the Fund required by applicable law; (vi) assists in the preparation and, after approval by the Trust, files and arranges for the distribution of proxy materials and periodic reports to shareholders of the Fund as required by applicable law; (vii) assists in the preparation of and, after approval by the Trust, arranges for the filing of such registration statements and other documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission and other federal and state regulatory authorities as may be required by applicable law; (viii) reviews and submits to the officers of the Trust for their approval invoices or other requests for payment of Fund expenses and instructs the custodian to issue checks in payment thereof; and (ix) takes such other action with respect to the Fund as may be necessary in the opinion of the Administrator to perform its duties under the agreement. The Administrator will also provide certain accounting and pricing services for the Fund.
Transfer Agent.
The Trust has entered into a Dividend Disbursing and Transfer Agent Agreement with Nottingham Shareholder Services, LLC (“Transfer Agent”), a North Carolina limited liability company, to serve as transfer, dividend paying, and shareholder servicing agent for the Fund. For its services, the Transfer Agent is entitled to receive compensation from the Administrator pursuant to the Administrator’s fee arrangements with the Fund. The address of the Transfer Agent is 116 South Franklin Street, Post Office Box 4365, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27803-0365.
Distributor.
The Fund will conduct a continuous offering of their securities. Capital Investment Group, Inc. (“Distributor”), Post Office Box 32249, Raleigh, North Carolina 27622, acts as the underwriter and distributor of the Fund’s shares for the purpose of facilitating the registration of shares of the Fund under state securities laws and assisting in sales of Fund shares pursuant to a distribution agreement (“Distribution Agreement”) approved by the Trustees. In this regard, the Distributor has agreed at its own expense to qualify as a broker-dealer under all applicable federal or state laws in those states that the Fund shall from time to time identify to the Distributor as states in which the Fund wishes to offer its shares for sale, in order that state registrations may be maintained for the Fund. The Distributor is a broker-dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and a member in good standing
of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. The Distributor is entitled to receive an annual fee of $5,000 per Fund for performing certain recordkeeping, communication, and other administrative services for the Fund. Such administrative services shall include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) maintaining records with respect to submissions to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, dealer discounts and brokerage fees and commissions, and selling agreements; (ii) maintaining an account with the National Securities Clearing Corporation’s Fund/SERV System for the purpose of processing account registrations, maintaining accounts, and communicating transaction data; (iii) preparing reports for the Board of Trustees as shall be reasonably requested from time to time; and (iv) performing other services for the Trust as agreed to by the Distributor and the Trust from time to time. The Distributor and Trust agree that the services described above are of an administrative nature and such services, as well as the fee provided in connection therewith, are not, nor are they intended to be, payment for marketing and/or distribution services related to, or the promotion of, the sale of the Fund’s shares. The Distribution Agreement may be terminated by either party upon 60-days’ prior written notice to the other party and will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment. The Distributor serves as exclusive agent for the distribution of the shares of the Fund.
Custodian.
UMB Bank, n.a., with its principal place of business located in Kansas City, Missouri, serves as custodian for the Fund’s assets. The custodian acts as the depository for the Fund, safekeeps its portfolio securities, collects all income and other payments with respect to portfolio securities, disburses monies at the Fund’s request, and maintains records in connection with its duties as custodian. For its services, the custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee from the Administrator based on the average net assets of the Fund plus additional out-of-pocket and transaction expenses as incurred by the Fund. The Custodian’s compensation is subject to a minimum annual amount of $5,000 for the Fund.
Compliance Services Administrator.
The Trust has entered into a compliance services arrangement with Nottingham Compliance Services, LLC, 116 South Franklin Street, Post Office Box 69, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27802-0069, in which Nottingham Compliance Services, an affiliate of the Administrator, will assist the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer in preparing and updating the Trust’s compliance manual and in monitoring and testing compliance with the policies and procedures under the Trust’s compliance manual. Fees paid to Nottingham Compliance Services for these compliance services are paid by the Administrator.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
The Trustees have selected the firm of BBD, LLP to serve as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund for the current fiscal year and to audit the annual financial statements of the Fund, and prepare the Fund’s federal, state, and excise tax returns. The independent registered public accounting firm will audit the financial statements of the Fund at least once each year. Shareholders will receive annual audited and semi-annual (unaudited) reports when published and written confirmation of all transactions in their account. A copy of the most recent annual report will accompany the Statement of Additional Information whenever a shareholder or a prospective investor requests it.
Legal Counsel.
Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC serves as legal counsel to the Trust and the Fund.
ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION
Reference is made to “Purchasing Shares” and “Redeeming Shares” in the Fund’s prospectus for more information concerning how to purchase and redeem shares. The following information supplements the information regarding share purchases and share redemptions in the Fund’s prospectus:
Purchases.
Shares of the Fund are offered and sold on a continuous basis and may be purchased through authorized investment dealers or directly by contacting the Distributor, or the Fund directly. Selling dealers have the responsibility of transmitting orders promptly to the Fund. The purchase price of shares of the Fund is based on the net asset value next determined after the order is received, subject to the order being received by the Fund in good form. Net asset value is normally determined at the time regular trading closes on the NYSE on days the NYSE is open for regular trading, as described under
“Net Asset Value.” The net asset value per share of the Fund is not calculated on business holidays when the NYSE is closed. An order received prior to the time regular trading closes on the NYSE will be executed at the price calculated on the date of receipt and an order received after the time regular trading closes on the NYSE will be executed at the price calculated as of that time on the next business day.
The Fund reserves the right in its sole discretion to (i) suspend the offering of its shares; (ii) reject purchase orders when in the judgment of management such rejection is in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders; and (iii) reduce or waive the minimum for initial and subsequent investments under circumstances where certain economies can be achieved in sales of Fund shares.
Redemptions.
The Fund may suspend redemption privileges or postpone the date of payment (i) during any period that the NYSE is closed for other than customary weekend and holiday closings, or that trading on the NYSE is restricted as determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission; (ii) during any period when an emergency exists as defined by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission as a result of which it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to dispose of securities owned by it, or to determine fairly the value of its assets; and (iii) for such other periods as the Securities and Exchange Commission may permit. The Fund may also suspend or postpone the recordation of the transfer of shares upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions. Any redemption may be more or less than the shareholder’s cost depending on the market value of the securities held by the Fund. No charge is made by the Fund for redemptions other than the possible charge for wiring redemption proceeds.
Involuntary Redemptions.
In addition to the situations described in the Fund’s prospectus under “Redeeming Fund Shares,” the Fund may redeem shares involuntarily to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of the failure of a shareholder to make full payment for shares purchased by the shareholder or to collect any charge relating to a transaction effected for the benefit of a shareholder which is applicable to Fund shares as provided in the Fund’s prospectus from time to time or to close a shareholder’s account if the Fund is unable to verify the shareholder’s identity.
Other Information.
If an investor realizes a gain on the redemption, the reinvestment will not affect the amount of any federal capital gains tax payable on the gain. If an investor realizes a loss on the redemption, the reinvestment may cause some or all of the loss to be disallowed as a tax deduction, depending on the number of shares purchased by reinvestment and the period of time that has elapsed after the redemption, although for tax purposes, the amount disallowed is added to the cost of the shares acquired upon the reinvestment.
SPECIAL SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
The Fund offers the following special shareholder services:
Regular Account.
The regular account allows for voluntary investments to be made at any time. Available to individuals, custodians, corporations, trusts, estates, corporate retirement plans, and others, investors are free to make additions to or withdrawals from their account. When an investor makes an initial investment in the Fund, a shareholder account is opened in accordance with the investor’s registration instructions. Each time there is a transaction in a shareholder account, such as an additional investment or the reinvestment of a dividend or distribution, the shareholder will receive a confirmation statement showing the current transaction and all prior transactions in the shareholder account during the calendar year to date, along with a summary of the status of the account as of the transaction date. As stated in the Fund’s prospectus, share certificates are normally not issued.
Automatic Investment Plan.
The automatic investment plan enables shareholders to make regular monthly or quarterly investments in shares through automatic charges to their checking account. With shareholder authorization and bank approval, the Administrator will automatically charge the checking account for the amount specified ($100 minimum) which will be automatically invested in shares at the public offering price on or about the 21st day of the month. The shareholder may change the amount of the investment or discontinue the plan at any time by writing to the Fund.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan.
Shareholders may establish a systematic withdrawal plan (“Systematic Withdrawal Plan”). A shareholder may receive monthly or quarterly payments, in amounts of not less than $250 per payment, by authorizing the Fund to redeem the necessary number of shares periodically (each month, or quarterly) in order to make the payments requested. The Fund has the capability of electronically depositing the proceeds of the systematic withdrawal directly to the shareholders personal bank account ($5,000 minimum per bank wire). Instructions for establishing this service are included in the Fund Shares Application or are available by calling the Fund. If the shareholder prefers to receive his systematic withdrawal proceeds in cash, or if such proceeds are less than the $5,000 minimum for a bank wire, checks will be made payable to the designated recipient and mailed within seven days of the valuation date. If the designated recipient is other than the registered shareholder, the signature of each shareholder must be guaranteed on the application (see “Redeeming Shares – Signature Guarantees” in the Fund’s prospectus). A corporation (or partnership) must also submit a “Corporate Resolution” (or “Certification of Partnership”) indicating the names, titles, and required number of signatures authorized to act on its behalf. The application must be signed by a duly authorized officer and the corporate seal affixed. No redemption fees are charged to shareholders under this plan. Costs in conjunction with the administration of the plan are borne by the Fund. Shareholders should be aware that such systematic withdrawals may deplete or use up entirely their initial investment and may result in realized long-term or short-term capital gains or losses. The Systematic Withdrawal Plan may be terminated at any time by the Fund upon 60-days’ written notice or by a shareholder upon written notice to the Fund. Applications and further details may be obtained by calling the Fund at 1-800-773-3863 or by writing to:
CV Asset Allocation Fund Fund
c/o Nottingham Shareholder Services
116 South Franklin Street
Post Office Box 4365
Rocky Mount, NC 27803-0365
Purchases In Kind.
The Fund may accept securities in lieu of payment for the purchase of shares in the Fund. The acceptance of such securities is at the sole discretion of the Advisor based upon the suitability of the securities accepted for inclusion as a long-term investment of the Fund, the marketability of such securities, and other factors that the Advisor may deem appropriate. If accepted, the securities will be valued using the same criteria and methods as described in “Purchase and Redemption Price – Determining the Fund’s Net Asset Value” in the Fund’s prospectus.
Redemptions In-Kind.
The Fund does not intend, under normal circumstances, to redeem its securities by payment in kind. It is possible, however, that conditions may arise in the future which would, in the opinion of the Trustees, make it undesirable for the Fund to pay for all redemptions in cash. In such case the Trustees may authorize payment to be made in readily marketable portfolio securities of the Fund. Securities delivered in payment of redemptions would be valued at the same value assigned to them in computing the net asset value per share. Shareholders receiving them would incur brokerage costs when these securities are sold. An irrevocable election has been filed under Rule 18f-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, wherein the Fund committed to pay redemptions in cash, rather than in kind, to any shareholder of record of the Fund who redeems during any ninety day period, the lesser of (a) $250,000 or (b) one percent (1%) of the Fund’s net asset value at the beginning of such period.
Transfer of Registration.
To transfer shares to another owner, send a written request to the Fund at the address shown above. Your request should include the following: (i) the Fund name and existing account registration; (ii) signatures of the registered owners exactly as the signature appear on the account registration; (iii) the new account registration, address, social security or taxpayer identification number, and how dividends and capital gains are to be distributed; (iv) signature guarantees (See the Fund’s prospectus under the heading “Signature Guarantees”); and (v) any additional documents which are required for transfer by corporations, administrators, executors, trustees, guardians, etc. If you have any questions about transferring shares, call or write the Fund.
Employees and Affiliates of the Fund.
The Fund has adopted initial investment minimums for the purpose of reducing the cost to the Fund (and consequently to the shareholders) of communicating with and servicing its shareholders. At the discretion of the Advisor, the Fund may allow investments in the Fund with a reduced minimum initial investment from its Trustees, officers, and employees; the Advisor and certain parties related thereto; including clients of the Advisor or any sponsor, officer, committee member thereof, or the immediate family of any of them. In addition, accounts having the same mailing address may be aggregated for purposes of the minimum investment if they consent in writing to sharing a single mailing of shareholder reports, proxy statements (but each such shareholder would receive his/her own proxy), and other Fund literature.
Dealers.
The Distributor, at its expense, may provide additional compensation in addition to dealer discounts and brokerage commissions to dealers in connection with sales of shares of the Fund. Compensation may include financial assistance to dealers in connection with conferences, sales or training programs for their employees, seminars for the public, advertising campaigns regarding the Fund, and/or other dealer-sponsored special events. In some instances, this compensation may be made available only to certain dealers whose representatives have sold or are expected to sell a significant amount of such shares. Compensation may include payment for travel expenses, including lodging, incurred in connection with trips taken by invited registered representatives and members of their families to locations within or outside of the United States for meetings or seminars of a business nature. Dealers may not use sales of the Fund shares to qualify for this compensation to the extent such may be prohibited by the laws of any state or the Financial Industries Regulatory Authority or any other self-regulatory agency. None of the aforementioned compensation is paid directly by the Fund or its shareholders although the Distributor may use a portion of the payment it receives under the Plan to pay these expenses.
NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value and net asset value per share of the Fund normally is determined at the time regular trading closes on the NYSE (currently 4:00 p.m., New York time, Monday through Friday, provided that certain options and futures contracts trade until 4:15 p.m. Eastern Time). The Fund’s net asset value is not calculated on business holidays when the NYSE is closed. The NYSE generally recognizes the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Any other holiday recognized by the NYSE will be deemed a business holiday on which the net asset value of the Fund will not be calculated.
The net asset value per share of the Fund is calculated by adding the value of the Fund’s securities and other assets belonging to the Fund, subtracting the liabilities charged to the Fund, and dividing the result by the number of outstanding shares. “Assets belonging to” the Fund consist of the consideration received upon the issuance of shares of the Fund together with all net investment income, realized gains/losses and proceeds derived from the investment thereof, including any proceeds from the sale of such investments, any funds or payments derived from any reinvestment of such proceeds, and a portion of any general assets of the Trust not belonging to a particular series of shares. Assets belonging to the Fund are charged with the direct liabilities of the Fund and with a share of the general liabilities of the Trust, which are normally allocated in proportion to the number of or the relative net asset values of all of the Trust’s series at the time of allocation or in accordance with other allocation methods approved by the Trustees. Subject to the provisions of the Trust Instrument determinations by the Trustees as to the direct and allocable liabilities, and the allocable portion of any general assets, with respect to the Fund are conclusive.
The pricing and valuation of portfolio securities is determined in good faith in accordance with procedures established by, and under the direction of, the Trustees. Values are determined according to accepted accounting practices and all laws and regulations that apply. Using methods approved by the Trustees, the assets of each Fund are valued as follows:
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Securities that are listed on a securities exchange are valued at the last quoted sales price at the time the valuation is made. Price information on listed securities is taken from the exchange where the security is primarily traded by the Fund.
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Securities that are listed on an exchange and which are not traded on the valuation date are valued at the bid price.
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Unlisted securities for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the latest quoted sales price, if available, at the time of valuation, otherwise, at the latest quoted bid price.
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Temporary cash investments with maturities of 60 days or less will be valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.
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Securities for which no current quotations are readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith using methods approved by the Trustees. Securities may be valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service when such prices are believed to reflect the fair market value of such securities.
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ADDITIONAL TAX INFORMATION
The following summarizes certain additional tax considerations generally affecting the Fund and its shareholders that are not described in the Fund’s prospectus. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of the tax treatment of the Fund or its shareholders or any particular category of shareholders. The discussions here and in the Fund’s prospectus are not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning and are based on United States federal income tax laws that are in effect on the date hereof and which may be changed by legislative, judicial, or administrative action. In addition, no attempt is made to address tax concerns applicable to an investor with a special tax status such as a financial institution, REIT, insurance company, regulated investment company, individual retirement account, other tax-exempt entity, dealer in securities or non-U.S. investor. Furthermore, this discussion does not reflect possible application of the alternative minimum tax. Unless otherwise noted, this discussion assumes the common shares are held by U.S. persons and that such shares are held as capital assets. Investors are advised to consult their tax advisors with specific reference to their own tax situations.
The Fund, and any other series of the Trust, will be treated as a separate corporate entity under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Code”), and intends to qualify or remain qualified as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. In order to so qualify, the Fund must elect to be a regulated investment company or have made such an election for a previous year and must satisfy certain requirements relating to the amount of distributions and source of its income for a taxable year. At least 90% of the gross income of the Fund must be derived from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stocks, securities, or foreign currencies, and other income derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies and net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership. Any income derived by the Fund from a partnership (other than a qualified publicly traded partnership) or trust is treated as derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing in stock, securities, or currencies only to the extent that such income is attributable to items of income that would have been qualifying income if realized by the Fund in the same manner as by the partnership or trust.
An investment company may not qualify as a regulated investment company for any taxable year unless it satisfies certain requirements with respect to the diversification of its investments at the close of each quarter of the taxable year. In general, at least 50% of the value of its total assets must be represented by cash, cash items, government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and other securities which, with respect to any one issuer, do not represent more than 5% of the total assets of the Fund or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer. In addition, not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in (i) the securities (other than government securities or the securities of other regulated investment companies) of any one issuer; (ii) the securities of two or more issuers (other than securities of another regulated investment company) if the issuers are controlled by the Fund and they are, pursuant to Internal Revenue Service Regulations, engaged in the same or similar or related trades or businesses; or (iii) the securities of one or more publicly traded partnerships. The Fund intends to satisfy all requirements on an ongoing basis for continued qualification as a regulated investment company.
The 2003 Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act reduced the federal tax rate on most dividends paid by U.S. corporations to individuals after December 31, 2002. Through December 31, 2012, these qualifying corporate dividends are taxable at long-term capital gains tax rates. Some, but not all, of the dividends paid by the Fund may be taxable at the reduced long-term capital gains tax rate for individual shareholders. If the Fund designates a dividend as qualified dividend income, it generally will be taxable to individual shareholders at the long-term capital gains tax rate, provided certain holding period requirements are met.
Taxable dividends paid by the Fund to corporate shareholders will be taxed at corporate income tax rates. Corporate shareholders may be entitled to a dividends received deduction (“DRD”) for a portion of the dividends paid and designated by the Fund as qualifying for the DRD.
If the Fund designates a dividend as a capital gains distribution, it generally will be taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long the shareholders have held their Fund shares or whether they received in cash or reinvested in additional shares. All taxable dividends paid by the Fund other than those designated as qualified dividend income or capital gains distributions will be taxable as ordinary income to shareholders, whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares. To the extent the Fund engages in increased portfolio turnover, short-term capital gains may be realized, and any distribution resulting from such gains will be considered ordinary income for federal tax purposes.
Shareholders who hold Fund shares in a tax-deferred account, such as a retirement plan, generally will not have to pay tax on Fund distributions until they receive distributions from their account.
The Fund, and any other series of the Trust, will designate (i) any dividend of qualified dividend income as qualified dividend income; (ii) any distribution of long-term capital gains as a capital gain dividend; and (iii) any dividend eligible for the corporate DRD as such in a written notice mailed to shareholders within 60 days after the close of the Fund’s taxable year. Shareholders should note that, upon the sale or exchange of Fund shares, if such shares have not been held for at least six months, any loss on the sale or exchange of those shares will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of the capital gain dividends received with respect to the shares.
To the extent that a distribution from the Fund is taxable, it is generally included in a shareholder’s gross income for the taxable year in which the shareholder receives the distribution. However, if the Fund declares a dividend in October, November, or December but pays it in January, it will be taxable to shareholders as if the dividend was received in the year it was declared. Every year, each shareholder will receive a statement detailing the tax status of any Fund distributions for that year.
A 4% nondeductible excise tax is imposed on regulated investment companies that fail to currently distribute an amount equal to specified percentages of their ordinary taxable income and capital gain net income (excess of capital gains over capital losses). The Fund intends to make sufficient distributions or deemed distributions of its ordinary taxable income and any capital gain net income prior to the end of each calendar year to avoid liability for this excise tax.
If for any taxable year the Fund does not qualify for the special federal income tax treatment afforded regulated investment companies, all of its taxable income will be subject to federal income tax at regular corporate rates (without any deduction for distributions to its shareholders) at the Fund level. In such event, dividend distributions (whether or not derived from interest on tax-exempt securities) would be taxable as qualified dividends to individual shareholders in taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2012, to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, and would be eligible for the DRD for corporations, provided in each case that certain holding period and other requirements are met.
In general, a shareholder who sells or redeems shares will realize a capital gain or loss, which will be long-term or short-term, depending upon the shareholder’s holding period for the Fund shares. An exchange of shares may be treated as a sale and any gain may be subject to tax.
The Fund will be required in certain cases to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury a percentage equal to the fourth lowest tax rate for unmarried individuals (presently 28%) of taxable dividends or of gross proceeds realized upon sale paid to shareholders who (i) have failed to provide a correct taxpayer identification number in the manner required; (ii) are subject to back-up withholding by the Internal Revenue Service for failure to include properly on their return payments of taxable interest or dividends; or (iii) have failed to certify to the Fund that they are not subject to backup withholding when required to do so. Back-up withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld from payments to you may be refunded or credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided that the required information is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.
Depending upon the extent of the Fund’s activities in states and localities in which its offices are maintained, in which its agents or independent contractors are located, or in which it is otherwise deemed to be conducting business, the Fund may be subject to the tax laws of such states or localities. In addition, in those states and localities that have income tax laws, the treatment of the Fund and its shareholders under such laws may differ from their treatment under federal income tax laws.
Dividends paid by the Fund to non-U.S. shareholders may be subject to U.S. withholding tax at the rate of 30% unless reduced by treaty (and the shareholder files a valid Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN, or other applicable form, with the Fund certifying foreign status and treaty eligibility) or the non-U.S. shareholder files an Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI, or other applicable form, with the Fund certifying that the investment to which the distribution relates is effectively connected to a United States trade or business of such non-U.S. shareholder (and, if certain tax treaties apply, is attributable to a United States permanent establishment maintained by such non-U.S. shareholder). The Fund may elect not to withhold the applicable withholding tax on any distribution representing a capital gain dividend to a non-U.S. shareholder. Special rules may apply to non-U.S. shareholders with respect to the information reporting requirements and withholding taxes and non-U.S. shareholders should consult their tax advisors with respect to the application of such reporting requirements and withholding taxes.
The Fund will send shareholders information each year on the tax status of dividends and distributions. A dividend or capital gains distribution paid shortly after shares have been purchased, although in effect a return of investment, is subject to federal income taxation. Dividends from net investment income, along with capital gains, will be taxable to shareholders, whether received in cash or Fund shares and no matter how long the shareholder has held Fund shares, even if they reduce the net asset value of shares below the shareholder’s cost and thus, in effect, result in a return of a part of the shareholder’s investment.
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
The Trustees have adopted a policy that governs the disclosure of portfolio holdings. This policy is intended to ensure that such disclosure is in the best interests of the shareholders of the Fund and to address possible conflicts of interest. Under the Fund’s policy, the Fund generally will not disclose portfolio holdings to a third party unless such information is made available to the public. The policy provides that the Fund may disclose non-public portfolio holdings information as required by law and under other limited circumstances that are set forth in more detail below.
The Fund will make available to the public a complete schedule of portfolio holdings, as reported on a fiscal quarter basis. This information is generally available within 60 days of the Fund’s fiscal quarter end and will remain available until the next fiscal quarter’s portfolio holdings report becomes available. You may obtain a copy of these quarterly portfolio holdings reports by calling the Fund at 1-800-773-3863. The Fund will also file these quarterly portfolio holdings reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form N-CSR or Form N-Q, as applicable. The Fund’s Form N-CSR and Form N-Q are available on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. The first and third quarter portfolio holdings reports will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form N-Q and the second and fourth fiscal quarter portfolio holdings reports will be included with the semi-annual and annual financial statements, respectively, which are sent to shareholders and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form N-CSR.
To the extent that a Fund’s portfolio holdings have previously been disclosed publicly either through a filing made with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form N-CSR or Form N-Q, or by being posted to the Fund’s website, such holdings may also be disclosed to any third party that requests them.
Consistent with policies approved by the Board, the officers of the Fund will share non-public portfolio holdings information with the Fund’s service providers that require such information for legitimate business and Fund oversight purposes. Recipients of non-public portfolio holdings information have a duty not to trade on that confidential information. The Fund has not (and does not intend to) enter into any arrangement providing for the receipt of compensation or other consideration in exchange for the disclosure of non-public portfolio holdings information, other than the benefits that result to the Fund and its shareholders from providing such information, which include the publication of Fund ratings and rankings.
The Advisor, as well as the custodian, fund accountant and administrator, and compliance services administrator, have full daily access to the Fund’s portfolio holdings. These service providers are subject to obligations requiring them to keep non-public portfolio holdings information confidential. In some, but not all, cases these confidentiality obligations are established by written agreements. The Board of Trustees has concluded that the confidentiality obligations in place for these parties are adequate to safeguard the Fund from unauthorized disclosure of non-public portfolio holdings information. In addition, the Advisor has a code of ethics that prohibits covered persons from disclosing or trading based on non-public portfolio holdings information.
The Fund’s distributor, transfer agent, independent public accountants, and legal counsel have access to the Fund’s portfolio holdings on an ad hoc, as needed basis. The distributor and transfer agent are subject to written agreements that establish confidentiality obligations with respect to the Fund’s portfolio holdings. The independent public accountants and legal counsel are subject to professional obligations that require them to keep non-public portfolio holdings information confidential. The Board of Trustees has concluded that the confidentiality obligations in place for these parties are adequate to safeguard the Fund from unauthorized disclosure of non-public portfolio holdings information.
V.G. Reed & Sons, PrintGrafix (a division of Sunbelt Graphic Systems, Inc.), Riverside Printing, Inc., and PrinterLink Communications Group, Inc. are financial printers the Fund may engage for, among other things, the printing and/or distribution of regulatory and compliance documents. These service providers are subject to written agreements that establish confidentiality obligations with respect to the Fund’s portfolio holdings.
The Fund and its service providers may also provide non-public portfolio holdings information to appropriate regulatory agencies as required by applicable laws and regulations.
The Fund currently does not provide non-public portfolio holdings information to any other third parties. In the future, the Advisor may establish ongoing arrangements with other third parties if the Advisor determines that the Fund has a legitimate business purpose for doing so, determines that the disclosure is in the shareholders' best interest, and the recipient is subject to a duty of confidentiality. These parties could include, by way of example, financial data processing companies that provide automated data scanning and monitoring services for the Fund, research companies that allow the Advisor to perform attribution analysis for the Fund; and the Advisor’s proxy voting agent to assess and vote proxies on behalf of the Fund. The Advisor is responsible for determining which other third parties have a legitimate business purpose for receiving the Fund’s portfolio holdings information.
The Fund’s policy regarding disclosure of portfolio holdings is subject to the continuing oversight and direction of the Trustees. Oversight includes: (i) review and approval of the policy on disclosure of portfolio holdings as necessary, including review of the parties receiving non-public portfolio holdings information; (ii) periodic assessment of compliance in connection with a report from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer, (iii) receipt of reports on any conflicts of interest where disclosure of information about portfolio holdings may conflict or appear to conflict with the interests of the Fund’s investment advisor, any principal underwriter for the Trust, or an affiliated person of the Trust, and (iv) receipt of reports on any known disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings to unauthorized third parties. The Fund and Advisor are obligated to report issues that arise under the policy on disclosure of portfolio holdings to the Chief Compliance Officer. Material compliance matters are then reported to the Board of Trustees.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Because the Fund is newly organized, there is no financial information in this Statement of Additional Information. You may request a copy of the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports, once available, at no charge by calling the Fund at 1-800-773-3863.
APPENDIX A –DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS
The Fund may acquire from time to time certain securities that meet the following minimum rating criteria (“Investment-Grade Debt Securities”) (or if not rated, of equivalent quality as determined by the Advisor). The various ratings used by the nationally recognized securities rating services are described below.
A rating by a rating service represents the service’s opinion as to the credit quality of the security being rated. However, the ratings are general and are not absolute standards of quality or guarantees as to the creditworthiness of an issuer. Consequently, the Advisor believes that the quality of Investment-Grade Debt Securities in which the Fund may invest should be continuously reviewed and that individual analysts give different weightings to the various factors involved in credit analysis. A rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a security, because it does not take into account market value or suitability for a particular investor. When a security has received a rating from more than one service, each rating is evaluated independently. Ratings are based on current information furnished by the issuer or obtained by the rating services from other sources that they consider reliable. Ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of changes in or unavailability of such information, or for other reasons.
Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services.
The following summarizes the highest four ratings used by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”), a division of McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., for bonds which are deemed to be Investment-Grade Debt Securities by the Advisor:
AAA – This is the highest rating assigned by S&P to a debt obligation and indicates an extremely strong capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
AA – Debt rated AA differs from AAA issues only in a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.
A – Debt rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.
BBB – Debt rated BBB 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.
To provide more detailed indications of credit quality, the AA, A, and BBB ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within these major rating categories.
Bonds rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and C are not considered by the Advisor to be Investment-Grade Debt Securities and are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. BB indicates the lowest degree of speculation and C the highest degree of speculation. While such bonds may have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
Commercial paper rated A-1 by S&P indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely payment is strong. Those issues determined to possess extremely strong safety characteristics are denoted A-1+. Capacity for timely payment on commercial paper rated A-2 is satisfactory, but the relative degree of safety is not as high as for issues designated A-1.
The rating SP-1 is the highest rating assigned by S&P to short term notes and indicates strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation. The rating SP-2 indicates a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes. The rating SP-3 indicates a speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.
Moody’s Investor Service, Inc.
The following summarizes the highest four ratings used by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) for fixed-income obligations with an original maturity of one year or more, which are deemed to be Investment-Grade Securities by the Advisor:
Aaa – Bond obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, with minimal credit risk.
Aa – Bond obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.
A – Bond obligations rated A are considered upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.
Baa – Bond obligations rated Baa are subject to moderate credit risk. They are considered medium-grade and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Obligations that are rated Ba, B, Caa, Ca, or C by Moody’s are not considered “Investment-Grade Debt Securities” by the Advisor. Obligations rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements and are subject to substantial credit risk. Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk. Obligations rated Caa are judged to be of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.
Note: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.
Short-Term Ratings.
Moody’s short-term ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor short-term financial obligations. Ratings may be assigned to issuers, short-term programs, or individual short-term debt instruments. Such obligations generally have an original maturity not exceeding thirteen months, unless explicitly noted.
Moody’s employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:
P-1 – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
P-2 – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
P-3 – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
NP – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.
Note: Canadian issuers rated P-1 or P-2 have their short-term ratings enhanced by the senior-most long-term rating of the issuer, its guarantor, or support-provider.
US Municipal Short-Term Debt And Demand Obligation Ratings.
Short-Term Debt Ratings.
There are three rating categories for short-term municipal obligations that are considered investment grade. These ratings are designated as Municipal Investment Grade (MIG) and are divided into three levels – MIG 1 through MIG 3. In addition, those short-term obligations that are of speculative quality are designated SG, or speculative grade. MIG ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation.
MIG 1 – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.
MIG 2 – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.
MIG 3 – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.
SG – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.
Demand Obligation Ratings.
In the case of variable rate demand obligations (VRDOs), a two-component rating is assigned; a long or short-term debt rating and a demand obligation rating. The first element represents Moody’s evaluation of the degree of risk associated with scheduled principal and interest payments. The second element represents Moody’s evaluation of the degree of risk associated with the ability to receive purchase price upon demand (“demand feature”), using a variation of the MIG rating scale, the Variable Municipal Investment Grade or VMIG rating.
When either the long- or short-term aspect of a VRDO is not rated, that piece is designated NR, e.g., Aaa/NR or NR/VMIG 1.
VMIG rating expirations are a function of each issue’s specific structural or credit features.
VMIG 1 – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
VMIG 2 – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
VMIG 3 – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
SG – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
Fitch Ratings.
The following summarizes the highest four ratings used by Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”):
Long-Term Ratings.
AAA – Highest credit quality. The rating AAA denotes that the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.
AA – Very high credit quality. The rating AA denotes a very low expectation of credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.
A – High credit quality. The rating A denotes a low expectation of credit risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in economic conditions than is the case for higher rating.
BBB – Good credit quality. The rating BBB indicates that there is currently a low expectation of credit risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse changes in circumstances and in economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. This is the lowest investment grade category.
Long-term securities rated below BBB by Fitch are not considered by the Advisor to be investment-grade securities. Securities rated BB and B are regarded as speculative with regard to a possible credit risk developing. BB is considered speculative and B is considered highly speculative. Securities rated CCC, CC, and C are regarded as a high default risk. A rating CC indicates that default of some kind appears probable, while a rating C signals imminent default. Securities rated DDD, D, and D indicate a default has occurred.
Short-Term Ratings.
F1 – Highest credit quality. The rating F1 indicates the strongest capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added (+) to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.
F2 – Good credit quality. The rating F2 indicates a satisfactory capacity for timely payment of financial commitment, but the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the higher ratings.
F3 – Fair credit quality. The rating F3 indicates the capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate; however, near-term adverse changes could result in a reduction to non-investment grade.
B – Speculative. The rating B indicates minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus vulnerability to near-term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.
Short-term rates B, C, and D by Fitch are considered by the Advisor to be below investment-grade securities. Short-term securities rated B are considered speculative, securities rated C have a high default risk, and securities rated D denote actual or imminent payment default.
(+) or (-) suffixes may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to long-term ratings “AAA” category, categories below “CCC”, or short-term ratings other than “F1”. The suffix “NR” indicates that Fitch does not publicly rate the issuer or issue in question.
APPENDIX B – PROXY VOTING POLICIES
The following proxy voting policies are provided:
|
(1)
|
The Trust’s Proxy Voting and Disclosure Policy; and
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|
(2)
|
The Advisor’s Proxy Voting and Disclosure Policy, including a detailed description of the Advisor’s specific proxy voting guidelines.
|
|
(3)
|
The Sub-Advisor’s Proxy Voting and Disclosure Policy, including a detailed description of the Sub-Advisor’s specific proxy voting guidelines.
|
Trust’s Proxy Voting Disclosure Policy
The Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted rules and forms under the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the Investment Company Act of 1940 to require registered investment companies to provide disclosure about how they vote proxies for their portfolio securities. Each series of shares of the Trust (individually and collectively referred to as the “Fund”) is required to disclose the policies and procedures used to determine how to vote proxies for portfolio securities. The Fund is also required to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission and to make available to their shareholders the specific proxy votes cast for portfolio securities. This policy is designed to ensure that the Fund complies with these requirements and otherwise fulfills its obligations with respect to proxy voting, disclosure, and recordkeeping. The overall goal is to ensure that the Fund’s proxy voting is managed in an effort to act in the best interests of its shareholders. While decisions about how to vote must be determined on a case-by-case basis, proxy voting decisions will be made considering these guidelines and following the procedures recited herein.
Specific Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
A.
General
The Board of Trustees believes that the voting of proxies is an important part of portfolio management as it represents an opportunity for shareholders to make their voices heard and to influence the direction of a company. The Trust and Fund are committed to voting corporate proxies in the manner that best serves the interests of the Fund’s shareholders.
B.
Delegation to Fund’s Investment Advisor
The Board of Trustees believes that the Fund’s investment advisor is in the best position to make individual voting decisions for the Fund consistent with this policy. Therefore, subject to the oversight of the Board of Trustees, the Fund’s investment advisor is delegated the following duties:
|
1.
|
To make the proxy voting decisions for the Fund; and
|
|
2.
|
To assist the Fund in disclosing the Fund’s proxy voting record as required by Rule 30b1-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, including providing the following information for each matter with respect to which the Fund was entitled to vote: (a) information identifying the matter voted on; (b) whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or by a security holder; (c) whether and how the Fund cast its vote; and (d) whether the Fund cast its vote for or against management.
|
The Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, shall approve the Proxy Voting and Disclosure Policy of the Fund’s investment advisor as it relates to the Fund. The Board of Trustees shall also approve any material changes to such policy no later than six (6) months after adoption by the Fund’s investment advisor.
C.
Conflicts
In cases where a matter with respect to which a Fund is entitled to vote presents a conflict between the interest of the Fund’s shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the Fund’s investment advisor, principal underwriter, or an affiliated person of the Fund, its investment advisor or principal underwriter, on the other hand, the Fund shall always vote in the best interest of the Fund’s shareholders. For purposes of this Policy, a vote shall be considered in the best interest of the Fund’s shareholders (i) when a vote is cast consistent with a specific voting policy set forth in the Proxy Voting and Disclosure Policy of the Fund’s investment advisor, provided such specific voting policy was approved by the Board of Trustees, or (ii) when a vote is cast consistent with the decision of the Trust’s Proxy Voting Committee. In addition, provided the Fund’s investment advisor is not affiliated with the Fund’s principal underwriter or an affiliated person of the principal underwriter and neither the Fund’s principal underwriter nor an affiliated person of the principal underwriter has influenced the advisor with respect to a matter to which the Fund is entitled to vote, a vote by the advisor shall not be considered a conflict between the Fund’s shareholders and the Fund’s principal underwriter or affiliated person of the principal underwriter.
D.
Other Investment Companies
To the extent the Fund invests in shares of other investment companies in accordance with the safe harbor provisions of Section 12(d)(1)(F) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Fund’s investment advisor shall vote proxies with respect to such investment company securities in the same proportion as the vote of all other holders of such securities.
Fund Disclosure
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|
A.
Disclosure of Fund Policies and Procedures With Respect to Voting Proxies Relating to Portfolio Securities
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The Fund shall disclose this policy, or a description of the policy, to its shareholders by including it as an appendix to its Statement of Additional Information on Form N-1A. The Fund will also notify its shareholders in the Fund’s shareholder reports that a description of this policy is available upon request, without charge, by calling a specified toll-free telephone number. The Fund will send this description of the policy within three business days of receipt of any shareholder request, by first-class mail, or other means designed to ensure equally prompt delivery.
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|
B.
Disclosure of the Fund’s Complete Proxy Voting Record
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In accordance with Rule 30b1-4 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Fund will file Form N-PX with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than August 31 of each year, even if August 31 falls on a non-business day. The Fund shall disclose to its shareholders on Form N-PX the Fund’s complete proxy voting record for the twelve-month period ended June 30.
The Fund shall disclose the following information on Form N-PX for each matter relating to a portfolio security considered at any shareholder meeting held during the period covered by the report and with respect to which to the Fund was entitled to vote:
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|
(i)
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The name of the issuer of the portfolio security;
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(ii)
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The exchange ticker symbol of the portfolio security (if available through reasonably practicable means);
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(iii)
|
The Council on Uniform Security Identification Procedures (“CUSIP”) number for the portfolio security (if available through reasonably practicable means);
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(iv)
|
The shareholder meeting date;
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(v)
|
A brief identification of the matter voted on;
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|
|
(vi)
|
Whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or by a security holder;
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|
(vii)
|
Whether the Fund cast its vote on the matter;
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|
|
(viii)
|
How the Fund cast its vote (e.g., for or against proposal, or abstain; for or withhold regarding election of directors); and
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|
|
(ix)
|
Whether the Fund cast its vote for or against management.
|
The Fund shall make its proxy voting record available to shareholders either upon request or by making available an electronic version on or through the Fund’s website, if applicable. If the Fund discloses its proxy voting record on or through its website, the Fund shall post the information disclosed in the Fund’s most recently filed report on Form N-PX on the website beginning the same day it files such information with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Fund shall also include a statement in its annual reports, semi-annual reports, and Statement of Additional Information that information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available (i) without charge upon request, by calling a specified toll-free (or collect) telephone number, or (if applicable) on or through the Fund’s website at a specified internet address; and (ii) on the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission. If the Fund discloses that its proxy voting record is available by calling a toll-free (or collect) telephone number, it shall send the information disclosed in the Fund’s most recently filed report on Form N-PX within three business days of receipt of a request for this information, by first-class mail or other means designed to ensure equally prompt delivery.
Recordkeeping
The Trust shall keep the following records for a period of at least five years, the first two in an easily accessible place:
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(i)
|
A copy of this Policy;
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(ii)
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Proxy statements received regarding the Fund’s securities;
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(iii)
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Records of votes cast on behalf of the Fund; and
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|
(iv)
|
A record of each shareholder request for proxy voting information and the Fund’s response, including the date of the request, the name of the shareholder, and the date of the response.
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The foregoing records may be kept as part of the records of the Fund’s investment advisor.
A Fund may rely on proxy statements filed on the SEC EDGAR system instead of keeping its own copies, and may rely on proxy statements and records of proxy votes cast by the Fund’s investment advisor that are maintained with a third party such as a proxy voting service, provided that an undertaking is obtained from the third party to provide a copy of the documents promptly upon request.
Proxy Voting Committee
The Trust’s Proxy Voting Committee shall be composed entirely of Independent Trustees and may be comprised of one or more such Independent Trustees as the Board of Trustees may, from time to time, decide. The purpose of the Proxy Voting Committee shall be to determine how the Fund should cast its vote, if called upon by the Board of Trustees or the Fund’s investment advisor, when a matter with respect to which the Fund is entitled to vote presents a conflict between the interest of the Fund’s shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the Fund’s investment advisor, principal underwriter, or an affiliated person of the Fund, its investment advisor, or principal underwriter, on the other hand.
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B.
|
Powers and Methods of Operation
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The Proxy Voting Committee shall have all the powers necessary to fulfill its purpose as set forth above and such other powers and perform such other duties as the Board of Trustees may, from time to time, grant or assign to the Proxy Voting Committee. The Proxy Voting Committee shall meet at such times and places as the Proxy Voting Committee or the Board of Trustees may, from time to time, determine. The act of a majority of the members of the Proxy Voting Committee in person, by telephone conference, or by consent in writing without a meeting shall be the act of the Proxy Voting Committee. The Proxy Voting Committee shall have the authority to utilize Trust counsel at the expense of the Trust if necessary. The Proxy Voting Committee shall prepare minutes of each meeting and keep such minutes with the Trust’s records. The Proxy Voting Committee shall review this Policy and recommend any changes to the Board of Trustees as it deems necessary or advisable.
Other
This policy may be amended, from time to time, as determined by the Board of Trustees.
CV Investment Advisors, LLC
Proxy Voting/Class Action Lawsuits
Policy
CV does not vote proxies for separately managed account clients and has no obligation to determine if securities held by the client are subject to a pending or resolved class action lawsuit. It also has no duty to evaluate a client’s eligibility or to submit a claim to participate in the proceeds of a securities class action settlement or verdict. Furthermore, CV has no obligation or responsibility to initiate litigation to recover damages on behalf of clients who may have been injured because of actions, misconduct, or negligence by corporate management of issuers whose securities are held by clients.
CV will vote proxies/participate in class actions for securities held by the Fund in accordance with the policy below. CV will determine how to vote proxies based on CV's reasonable judgment of that vote or act most likely to produce favorable financial results for its clients. Proxy votes generally will be cast in favor of proposals that maintain or strengthen the shared interests of shareholders and management, increase shareholder value, maintain or increase shareholder influence over the issuer's board of directors and management, and maintain or increase the rights of shareholders; proxy votes generally will be cast against proposals having the opposite effect. However, we will consider both sides of each proxy issue. Consistent with the Company’s paramount commitment to the financial investment goals of our clients, social considerations will not be considered absent contrary instructions by a client.
Responsibility
The CCO has the responsibility for the implementation and monitoring of our proxy/class action policy and to ensure that the firm does accept and/or exercise any proxy voting/class action authority on behalf of separately managed clients.
Procedure
The firm’s procedure is:
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•
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CV generally does not receive proxies or notifications of class action lawsuits on behalf of its separately managed account clients. To the extent such materials are received directly by CV, CV shall forward such materials to the client. For the Fund, CV has been given authority to vote proxies or join class action lawsuits. CV believes that each proxy proposal should be individually reviewed to determine whether the proposal is in the best interests of the Fund. As a result, similar proposals for different companies may receive different votes because of different corporate circumstances. Upon receipt of a corporate proxy by the Company, the special or annual report and the proxy are submitted to the Proxy Manager. The Proxy Manager will then vote the proxy in accordance with this policy. CV may satisfy this requirement by relying on a third-party provider, such as a proxy voting service.
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•
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The Proxy Manager shall be responsible for reviewing the special or annual report, proxy proposals, and proxy proposal summaries. The reviewer shall take into consideration what vote is in the best interests of the client and the provisions of the Company’s Voting Guidelines in Section 2 below. The Proxy Manager will then vote the proxies. CV may satisfy this requirement by relying on a third-party provider, such as a proxy voting service.
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•
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The Proxy Manager shall be responsible for maintaining copies of each annual report, proposal, proposal summary, actual vote, and any other information required to be maintained for a proxy vote under Rule 204-2 of the Advisers Act (see discussion in Section 3 below). With respect to proxy votes on topics deemed, in the opinion of the Proxy Manager, to be controversial or particularly sensitive, the Proxy Manager will provide a written explanation for the proxy vote, which will be maintained with the record of the actual vote in the Company’s files.
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•
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While CV's policy is to review each proxy proposal on its individual merits, CV has adopted guidelines for certain types of matters to assist the Proxy Manager in the review and voting of proxies. CV may satisfy this requirement by relying on a third-party provider, such as a proxy voting service
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These guidelines are set forth below:These guidelines are set forth below:
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1.
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Election of Directors and Similar Matters
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In an uncontested election, CV will generally vote in favor of management’s proposed directors. In a contested election, CV will evaluate proposed directors on a case-by-case basis. With respect to proposals regarding the structure of a company’s Board of Directors, CV will review any contested proposal on its merits.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, CV expects to
support
proposals to:
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a.
|
Expand directors’ liability and limit directors’ indemnification rights
|
|
b.
|
Generally
vote against
proposals to Adopt or continue the use of a classified Board structure; and
|
|
c.
|
Add special interest directors to the board of directors (e.g., efforts to expand the board of directors to control the outcome of a particular issue)
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|
2.
|
Audit Committee Approvals
|
CV generally supports proposals that help ensure that a company’s auditors are independent and capable of delivering a fair and accurate opinion of a company’s finances. CV will generally vote to ratify management’s recommendation and selection of auditors.
CV may consider all proposals that will have a material effect on shareholder rights on a case by case basis. Notwithstanding the foregoing, CV expects to generally
support
proposals to:
|
a.
|
Adopt confidential voting and independent tabulation of voting results; and
|
|
b.
|
Require shareholder approval of “poison pills;”
|
And expects to generally
vote against
proposals to:
|
a.
|
Adopt super-majority voting requirements; and
|
|
b.
|
Restrict the rights of shareholders to call special meetings, to amend the bylaws, or to act by written consent.
|
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4.
|
Anti-Takeover Measures, Corporate Restructurings and Similar Matters
|
CV may review any proposal to adopt an anti-takeover measure, to undergo a corporate restructuring (e.g., change of entity form or state of incorporation, mergers, or acquisitions) or to take similar action by reviewing the potential short and long-term effects of the proposal on CV. These effects may include, without limitation, the economic and financial impact the proposal may have on the company, and the market impact that the proposal may have on the company’s stock.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, CV expects to generally
support
proposals to:
|
a.
|
Prohibit the payment of greenmail (i.e., the purchase by the company of its own shares to prevent a hostile takeover);
|
|
b.
|
Adopt fair price requirements (i.e., requirements that all shareholders be paid the same price in a tender offer or takeover context), unless the Proxy Manager deems them sufficiently limited in scope; and
|
|
c.
|
Require shareholder approval of “poison pills.”
|
And expects to generally
vote against
proposals to:
|
d.
|
Adopt classified boards of directors;
|
|
e.
|
Reincorporate a company where the primary purpose appears to the Proxy Manager to be the creation of takeover defenses; and
|
|
f.
|
Require a company to consider the non-financial effects of mergers or acquisitions.
|
|
5.
|
Capital Structure Proposals
|
CV will seek to evaluate capital structure proposals on their own merits on a case-by-case basis. Notwithstanding the foregoing, CV expects to generally
support
proposals to:
|
a.
|
Eliminate preemptive rights.
|
CV generally supports proposals that encourage the disclosure of a company’s compensation policies. In addition, CV generally supports proposals that fairly compensate executives, particularly those proposals that link executive compensation to performance. CV may consider any contested proposal related to a company’s compensation policies on a case-by-case basis.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, CV expects to generally
support
proposals to:
|
a.
|
Require shareholders approval of “golden parachutes;” and
|
|
b.
|
Adopt “golden parachutes” that do not exceed 1 to 3 times the base compensation of the applicable executives.
|
And expects to generally
vote against
proposals to:
|
c.
|
Adopt measures that appear to the Proxy Manager to arbitrarily determine executive or employee benefits.
|
|
2.
|
Stock Option Plans and Share Issuances
|
CV evaluates proposed stock option plans and share issuances on a case-by-case basis. In reviewing proposals regarding stock option plans and issuances, CV may consider, without limitation, the potential dilutive effect on shareholders and the potential short and long-term economic effects on CV. The Company believes that stock option plans do not necessarily align the interest of executives and outside directors with those of shareholders and that well thought out cash compensation plans can achieve these objectives without diluting shareholders ownership. Therefore, the Company generally will vote against stock option plans. However, these proposals will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine that shareholders interests are being represented. CV is in favor of management, directors, and employees owning stock, but prefers that the shares be purchased in the open market.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, CV expects to generally
vote against
proposals to:
|
a.
|
Establish or continue stock option plans and share issuances that are not in the best interest of the shareholders.
|
|
C.
|
Corporate Responsibility and Social Issues
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CV generally believes that ordinary business matters (including, without limitation, positions on corporate responsibility and social issues) are primarily the responsibility of a company’s management that should be addressed solely by the company’s management. These types of proposals, often initiated by shareholders, may request that the company disclose or amend certain business practices.
CV will generally
vote against
proposals involving corporate responsibility and social issues, although CV may vote for corporate responsibility and social issue proposals that CV believes will have substantial positive economic or other effects on a company or CV’s stock.
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D.
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Record-Keeping Requirements Pertaining to Proxy Voting
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Rule 204-2, requires that the following proxy voting records be maintained. The CCO shall be responsible for maintaining these records relating to proxy voting. CV may satisfy this requirement by relying on a third-party service to provide these records
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1.
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Copies of all policies and procedures required by Rule 206(4)-6.
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2.
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A copy of each proxy statement that CV receives regarding a client’s securities. CV may satisfy this requirement by relying on a third-party provider, such as a proxy voting service, or the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (EDGAR) system.
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3.
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A record of each vote cast by the investment CV on behalf of a client. CV may satisfy this requirement by relying on a third-party service to provide these records. The third party must be capable of providing documents promptly upon request.
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4.
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A copy of any document created by CV that was material in making a decision on how to vote proxies on a client’s behalf or that articulates the basis for that decision.
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5.
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A copy of each written client request for information on how CV voted proxies on his or her behalf, as well as a copy of any written response by the investment CV to any written or oral client request for information.
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E.
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Conflicts of Interest Pertaining to Proxy Voting
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Conflicts of interest between CV or a principal of CV and CV’s clients in respect of a proxy issue conceivably may arise, for example, from personal or professional relationships with a company or with the directors, candidates for director, or senior executives of a company that is the issuer of client securities.
If the CCO determines that a material conflict of interest exists, the following procedures shall be followed:
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1.
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CV may disclose the existence and nature of the conflict to the client(s) owning the securities, and seek directions on how to vote the proxies;
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2.
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CV may abstain from voting, particularly if there are conflicting client interests (for example, where client accounts hold multiple client securities in a competitive merger situation); or
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3.
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CV may follow the recommendations of an independent proxy voting service in voting the proxies.
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CV keeps certain records required by applicable law in connection with its proxy voting activities for clients and shall provide proxy-voting information to clients upon their written or oral request. A copy of CV’s proxy-voting policies shall be made available to clients upon request.
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Class Action Litigation
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From time to time, securities held in the accounts of clients may be the subject of class action lawsuits brought by plaintiff attorneys on various grounds. These class action lawsuits will sometimes result in settlements or verdicts in which all shareholders are eligible to participate.
Where CV has disclaimed its responsibility (in Form ADV, Part 2A and client contracts) to evaluate a client’s eligibility or submit a claim to participate in the proceeds of a securities class action settlement or verdict, affecting securities owned by a client, it must follow the notification procedures established below.
Where CV has undertaken the obligation to evaluate the client’s eligibility to participate in the proceeds of a securities class action settlement or verdict and determine whether to submit a claim, CV will inform the client of the action, inform the client that he or she may opt in or opt out of the lawsuit, advise the client that CV cannot render legal services, advise the client to consult with an attorney, and advise the client that the failure to do so may negatively affect his or her rights. CV will take any actions as instructed by the client’s attorney or the client and in the absence of any such instructions, CV shall take any actions (other than those which would be required to be performed by an attorney) which in its sole discretion is determined to be in the best interests of its clients.
Notification Procedures Re: Securities Class Action Lawsuits
Where CV receives written or electronic notice of a securities class action lawsuit, settlement or verdict, the notification procedure is as follows:
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4.
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All notices, proof of claim forms, and other materials will be forwarded upon receipt to the CCO, or a person designated by the CCO.
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5.
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The CCO, or the designated person, will log in the notices, proof of claim forms, and other materials.
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6.
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The CCO, or the designated person, will forward all documentation and proof of claim forms received to the client. Electronic mail is acceptable where appropriate, if the client has authorized contact in this manner.
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CV will retain records of these notifications in accordance with Rule 204-2 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940
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The CEO or CCO reviews and signs all advisory agreements which specifically defines CV 's authority regarding proxy voting and advice on class action lawsuits.
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The CCO also completes a monthly checklist certifying that this procedure has been implemented.
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