485APOS 1 mdplowvol485a.htm 485APOS

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM N-1A

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 x
   
Pre-Effective Amendment No. ___ o
Post-Effective Amendment No. 360 x
   
and/or
   
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 x
   
Amendment No. 361 x

 

VALUED ADVISERS TRUST
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

225 Pictoria Dr., Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246
(Address of Principal Executive Offices, Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: (513) 587-3400

 

Capitol Services, Inc.

1675 S. State St., Suite B, Dover, Delaware 19901
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

 

With Copies to:

 

John M. Ford

Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP

3000 Two Logan Square

Philadelphia, PA 19103 

 

It is proposed that this filing will become effective:

 

  o immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b);

 

  o on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b);

 

  o 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1);

 

  o on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1);

 

  x 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2); or

 

  o on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of rule 485.

 

If appropriate, check the following box:

 

  o This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.

 

 

 

 

The information in this Prospectus is not complete and may be changed. The Fund may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This Prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

Subject to Completion, dated December 17, 2021

MDP LOW VOLATILITY FUND

Class A Shares - [ ]

Class I Shares – [ ]

Managed by

Millbank Dartmoor Portsmouth LLC

22 South Pack Square, Suite #401

Asheville, NC 28801

Prospectus

[Effective Date], 2022

[Website] [Phone Number]

Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The Prospectus gives you important information about the fund that you should know before you invest. Please read this Prospectus carefully before investing and use it for future reference.

 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SUMMARY SECTION 1
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS [ ]
HOW TO BUY SHARES [ ]
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES [ ]
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE [ ]
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES [ ]
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND [ ]
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS [ ]
FOR MORE INFORMATION [ ]

 

 
 

 

SUMMARY SECTION

Investment Objective

The MDP Low Volatility Fund (the “Fund”) seeks to provide capital appreciation and mitigate volatility by combining index investments and index options to capture long-term, risk-adjusted returns.

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and example below.

Shareholder fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

  Class A Class I
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a % of offering price) 5.25% None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a % of amount being redeemed) None None
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends and other Distributions None None
Redemption Fee (as a % of amount redeemed) None None
Fee for Redemptions Paid by Wire $15 $15

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

  Class A Class I
Management Fees 0.60% 0.60%
Distribution (12b-1) Fees 0.25% None
Other Expenses 1 [  ]% [  ]%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses 1 [  ]% [  ]%
Total Other Expenses [  ]% [  ]%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses [  ]% [  ]%
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement ([  ]%) ([  ]%)
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement 2 [  ]% [   ]%
1.Other Expenses and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are each based upon estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
2.Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waivers/Expense Reimbursement reflects that, as of the date of this Prospectus, Millbank Dartmoor Portsmouth LLC, the Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser) has entered into an expense limitation agreement where it has contractually agreed to waive
 
 

or limit its fees and to assume other expenses of the Fund until [ ], 2023, so that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses does not exceed 1.50% for Class A Shares and 1.25% for Class I Shares. This contractual arrangement may only be terminated by mutual consent of the Adviser and the Board of Trustees of the Trust, and it will automatically terminate upon the termination of the investment advisory agreement between the Fund and the Adviser. This operating expense limitation does not apply to: (i) interest, (ii) taxes, (iii) brokerage commissions, (iv) other expenditures which are capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, (v) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund's business, (vi) dividend expense on short sales, (vii) expenses incurred under a plan of distribution under Rule 12b-1, and (viii) expenses that the Fund has incurred but did not actually pay because of an expense offset arrangement, if applicable, in any fiscal year. The operating expense limitation also excludes any “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses,” which are the expenses indirectly incurred by the Fund as a result of investing in money market funds or other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds, that have their own expenses. Each waiver or reimbursement of an expense by the Adviser is subject to repayment by the Fund within the three years following such waiver or reimbursement, provided that the Fund is able to make the repayment without exceeding the expense limitation in place at the time of the waiver or reimbursement and the expense limitation in place at the time of the repayment.

Expense Example:

This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The effect of the Adviser’s agreement to waive fees and/or reimburse Fund expenses is only reflected in the first year of the example shown below. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

  1 Year 3 Years
Class A [  ] [  ]
Class I [  ] [  ]

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual operating expenses or in the example above, affect the Fund’s performance. In accordance with industry practice, derivative instruments and instruments with a maturity of one year or less at the time of acquisition are excluded from the calculation of the portfolio turnover rate. If those instruments were included in the calculation, the Fund would have a high portfolio turnover rate. The Fund is newly organized, and therefore, does not have any portfolio turnover history.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund uses a variety of options strategies to obtain exposure to the S&P 500 Index, its primary benchmark, or other broad-based equity market indices through investments in a variety of financial instruments, including but not limited to index derivatives, options, exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), and futures and forward contracts.

 
 

These option strategies are:

1.                  Buying puts. A put option for a particular security gives the purchaser the right to sell the security at the stated exercise price at the expiration date of the option, regardless of the market price of the security.

2.                  Buying a put spread. A put spread is achieved by purchasing put options at a specific strike price while also selling the same number of puts at a lower strike price. The maximum profit to be gained using this strategy is equal to the difference between the two strike prices, minus the net cost of the options.

3.                  A put spread collar. A put spread collar is achieved by purchasing a put spread (see No. 2 above) and then selling a fully covered call option to help offset the premium spent to buy the put spread. It is designed to protect an investor who is long the underlying asset from a falling stock price.

4.                  A risk reversal strategy. A risk reversal is a type of options trading strategy which consists of selling an out of the money call option and buying an out of the money put spread option (see No. 1 above). It is designed to protect an investor who is long the underlying asset from a falling stock price.

The Adviser determines which of these strategies to employ by analyzing the current levels of market volatility as expressed by the VIX and Skew. The “VIX” is the Chicago Board of Options Exchange Volatility Index. The VIX Index is a financial benchmark designed to be an up-to the minute market estimate of the expected volatility of the S&P 500 Index and is calculated by using the midpoint of the real-time S&P 500 Index (SPX) option bid/ask quotes. The “Skew” measures the difference in implied volatility between out-of-the-money options and in-the-money options.

Principal Risks

The Fund’s performance depends in part on the performance of the broader U.S. equity markets, as represented by the S&P 500 Index, and the Portfolio Manager’s evaluation of those developments. Although the Fund’s use of derivative instruments is in combinations designed to reduce overall volatility, investments in these derivative instruments do involve leverage, which can amplify the risks that are associated with these markets. The markets’ behavior can be difficult to predict, particularly in the short term.

All investments involve risks, and the Fund cannot guarantee that it will achieve its investment objective. An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by any government agency. As with any fund investment, the Fund’s returns and share price will fluctuate, and you may lose money by investing in the Fund. Therefore, you should consider the following risks before investing in the Fund.

Management Risk. Fund performance is dependent upon the success of the Adviser in implementing the Fund’s investment strategies in pursuit of its objective. To a significant extent, the Fund’s performance will depend on the success of the Adviser in implementing the Fund’s investment strategies. The Adviser’s assessment of market conditions, including the Adviser’s assessment of market volatility, could significantly affect the Fund’s performance.

 
 

New Fund Risk. The Fund is newly formed and has no operating history as of the date of this Prospectus. Accordingly, investors in the Fund bear the risk that the Fund may not be successful in implementing its investment strategy or growing to an economically viable size.

Lack of Experience of the Adviser. The Adviser has no prior experience as an investment adviser to a mutual fund registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”).

Stock Market Risk. Overall stock market risks may affect the value of the Fund. Factors such as domestic and foreign economic growth and market conditions, interest rate levels, pandemics, natural disasters, and political events affect the securities markets. Movements in the stock market may affect adversely the specific securities held by the Fund on a daily basis, and, as a result, such movements may negatively affect the Fund’s net asset value per share (“NAV”). When the value of the Fund’s investments goes down, your investment in the Fund decreases in value and you could lose money.

ETFs. When the Fund invests in an ETF (Underlying Funds), the Fund indirectly will bear its proportionate share of any fees and expenses payable directly by the Underlying Fund. Therefore, the Fund will incur higher expenses, many of which may be duplicative. In addition, the Fund may be affected by losses of the Underlying Funds and the level of risk arising from the investment practices of the Underlying Funds (such as the use of derivative transactions by the Underlying Funds). The Fund has no control over the investments and related risks taken by the Underlying Funds in which it invests. In addition to risks generally associated with investments in investment company securities, ETFs are subject to the following risks that do not apply to traditional mutual funds: (i) an ETF’s shares may trade at a market price that is above or below their NAV; (ii) an active trading market for an ETF’s shares may not develop or be maintained; (iii) the ETF may employ an investment strategy that utilizes high leverage ratios; or (iv) trading of an ETF’s shares may be halted if the listing exchange’s officials deem such action appropriate, the shares are de-listed from the exchange, or the activation of market-wide “circuit breakers” (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices) halts stock trading generally.

Derivatives Risk. Derivatives, such as options, involve risks different from, and in some respects greater than, the risks associated with investing in more traditional investments, such as stocks and bonds. Derivatives can be highly complex and highly volatile and may perform in unanticipated ways. Derivatives can create leverage, and the Fund could lose more than the amount it invests; some derivatives can have the potential for unlimited losses. Derivatives can be difficult to value and may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. There may be imperfect correlation between a derivative and the reference instrument underlying the derivative. Suitable derivatives may not be available in all circumstances, and there can be no assurance that the Fund will use derivatives to reduce exposure to other risks when that might have been beneficial. Derivatives involve counterparty risk, which is the risk that the other party to the derivative will fail to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the derivative. However, derivatives that are traded on organized exchanges and/or through clearing organizations involve the possibility that the futures commission merchant or clearing organization will default in the performance of its obligations. When the Fund uses derivatives, it will likely be required to provide margin or collateral and/or segregate cash or other liquid assets in a manner that satisfies contractual

 
 

undertakings and regulatory requirements. These practices may not prevent the Fund from incurring losses on derivatives. The need to provide margin or collateral and/or segregate assets could limit the Fund’s ability to pursue other opportunities as they arise. Ongoing changes to regulation of the derivatives markets and potential changes in the regulation of funds using derivative instruments could limit the Fund’s ability to pursue its investment strategies. The extent and impact of the regulation are not yet fully known and may not be for some time. New regulation of derivatives may make them costlier, may limit their availability, or may otherwise adversely affect their value or performance.

Leverage Risk. Leverage amplifies changes in the Fund’s NAV. Derivatives may create leverage and can result in losses to the Fund that exceed the amount originally invested and may accelerate the rate of losses. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s use of any leverage will be successful and the Fund’s investment exposure can exceed its net assets. . Although the Fund’s investment strategy regarding the use of derivatives is designed to reduce the volatility of the Fund relative to the benchmark, it is currently expected that the Fund’s investment program will have the effect of leveraging the Fund, sometimes by a significant amount.

Market Volatility Risk. Markets may be volatile and values of individual securities and other investments, including those of a particular type, may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, economic or other developments that may cause broad changes in market value, public perceptions concerning these developments, and adverse investor sentiment. Heightened market volatility may result in more losses than times when the market is less volatile. It is also possible that in market conditions where market volatility rises, the price of options could rise, which, in turn, could have a detrimental effect on the Fund’s performance.

Options Risk. The use of options involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, or in interest or currency exchange rates, including the anticipated volatility (known as implied volatility), which in turn are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political and economic events. As such, prior to the exercise or expiration of the option, the Fund is exposed to implied volatility risk, meaning the value, as based on implied volatility, of an option may increase due to market and economic conditions or views based on the sector or industry in which issuers of the underlying instrument participate, including company-specific factors. By writing call and put option spreads on underlying instruments, the Fund’s returns over each will be determined by the performance of the underlying instrument. If the underlying instrument appreciates or depreciates sufficiently over the period to offset the net premium received, the Fund may incur losses. Increases in implied volatility of options may affect the value of an option, even if the value of the underlying instrument does not change, which could result in a reduction in the Fund’s share price. In unusual market circumstances where implied volatility sharply increases or decreases causing options spreads to be significantly correlated to the underlying instrument, the Fund’s strategy may not perform as anticipated.

Put Options Risk. By writing put options, the Fund takes on the risk of declines in the value of the underlying instrument, including the possibility of a loss up to the entire strike price of each option it sells but without the corresponding opportunity to benefit from potential increases in the value of the underlying instrument. When the Fund writes a put option, it assumes the risk that it

 
 

must purchase the underlying instrument at a strike price that may be higher than the market price of the instrument. If there is a broad market decline and the Fund is not able to close out its written put options, it may result in substantial losses to the Fund. The Fund will receive a premium from writing options, but the premium received may not be sufficient to offset any losses sustained from exercised put options.

Call Options Risk. By writing a call option, the Fund may be obligated to deliver instruments underlying an option at less than the market price. In the case of an uncovered call option, there is a risk of unlimited loss. When an uncovered call is exercised, the Fund must purchase the underlying instrument to meet its call obligations and the necessary instruments may be unavailable for purchase.

Redemption Risk. The Fund may experience periods of heavy redemptions that could cause the Fund to sell assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value. Redemption risk is heightened during periods of declining or illiquid markets. Heavy redemptions could hurt the Fund’s performance.

Pandemic Risk. The global outbreak of the COVID-19 virus and the resulting governmental responses to address the pandemic have disrupted global economic markets and contributed to significant volatility in certain markets, and the economic impact, duration and spread of the COVID-19 pandemic remains uncertain at this time. The performance of the Fund may be impacted by COVID-19, which may in turn impact the value of your investment.

Performance

Because the Fund does not yet have a full calendar year of operations, no performance information is presented for the Fund at this time. Once available, performance information will be presented in this section of this Prospectus.

Portfolio Management

Investment Adviser – Millbank Dartmoor Portsmouth LLC

Portfolio Management Team

    • Dennis M. Davitt, Managing Member of the Adviser since 2020; Co-Portfolio Manager of the Fund since inception in [ ], 2022.
    • Michael J. McCarty, Managing Member of the Adviser since 2020; Co-Portfolio Manager of the Fund since inception in [ ], 2022.
 
 

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

Minimum Initial Investment To Place Buy or Sell Orders

$2,500 for Class A Shares

$100,000 for Class I Shares

$1,000 minimum amount for subsequent investments (for all account types).

By Mail: MDP Low Volatility Fund

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC

P.O. Box 46707

Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707

  By Phone: [  ]

You can purchase shares of the Fund through broker-dealers or directly through the Fund’s transfer agent. You may sell (redeem) your shares on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open either directly through the Fund’s transfer agent by calling [ ], or through your broker-dealer or financial intermediary. You may also redeem shares by submitting a written request to the address above.

Tax Information

The Fund’s distributions are taxable and will be taxed as ordinary income, capital gains, or some combination of both, unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged account, such as a 401(k) plan, individual retirement account (IRA) or 529 college savings plan. Distributions from a tax-advantaged account may be subject to taxation at ordinary income tax rates when withdrawn from such an account.

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

If you purchase Fund shares through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank or trust company), the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create conflicts of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND’S PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS

Investment Objective

The Fund seeks to provide capital appreciation and mitigate volatility by combining index investments and index options to capture long-term, risk-adjusted returns. The Fund’s investment objective is not fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval. The Fund will provide 60 days’ advance notice of any change in the investment objective.

 
 

Principal Investment Strategies

The Fund uses a variety of options strategies to obtain exposure to the S&P 500 Index, its primary benchmark, or other broad-based equity market indices through investments in a variety of financial instruments, including but not limited to index derivatives, options, ETFs, and futures and forward contracts.

These option strategies are:

1.                  Buying puts. A put option for a particular security gives the purchaser the right to sell the security at the stated exercise price at the expiration date of the option, regardless of the market price of the security.

2.                  Buying a put spread. A put spread is achieved by purchasing put options at a specific strike price while also selling the same number of puts at a lower strike price. The maximum profit to be gained using this strategy is equal to the difference between the two strike prices, minus the net cost of the options.

3.                  Put spread collar. A put spread collar is achieved by purchasing a put spread (see No. 2 above) and then selling a fully covered call option to help offset the premium spent to buy the put spread. It is designed to protect an investor who is long the underlying asset from a falling stock price.

4.                  A risk reversal strategy. A risk reversal is a type of options trading strategy which consists of selling an out of the money call option and buying an out of the money put spread option (see No. 1 above). It is designed to protect an investor who is long the underlying asset from a falling stock price.

The Adviser determines which of these strategies to employ by analyzing the current levels of market volatility as expressed by the VIX and Skew. The “VIX” is the Chicago Board of Options Exchange Volatility Index. The VIX Index is a financial benchmark designed to be an up-to the minute market estimate of the expected volatility of the S&P 500 Index and is calculated by using the midpoint of the real-time S&P 500 Index (SPX) option bid/ask quotes. The “Skew” measures the difference in implied volatility between out-of-the-money options and in-the-money options.

The Fund typically holds options for a one month period (each, an “hedge period”) for the purpose of seeking to provide more predictable returns in any market cycle during the applicable hedge period. The put option spread is generally maintained at a level intended to reduce the Fund's exposure to a market decline by offsetting losses resulting from a decrease in the market. As a result of writing call options to offset the costs associated with the put option spread, some upside may be foregone in certain market environments.

The Fund constructs a Put/Spread Collar by buying a put option on the S&P 500 Index at a higher strike price and writing (or selling) a put option on the same index at a relatively lower strike price, resulting in what is known as a put option spread, while simultaneously selling a S&P 500 Index call option. The Fund may need to construct additional Put/Spread Collars if the size of the Fund increases, either through purchases or appreciation. The Fund’s options overlay strategy is intended to provide the Fund with downside protection, while foregoing some upside potential. A put option spread seeks to protect the Fund against a decline in price, but only to the extent of

 
 

the difference between the strike prices of the put option purchased and the put option sold. Entering into put option spreads is typically less expensive than a strategy of only purchasing put options and may benefit the Fund in a flat to upwardly moving market by reducing the cost of the downside protection; the downside protection of the put option spread, however, is limited as compared to just owning a put option. The premiums received from writing index call options are intended to provide income which substantially offsets the cost of the put option spread, but writing the options also reduces the Fund’s ability to profit from increases in the value of its equity portfolio because in rising markets the call option will be exercised once the market price rises to the option’s strike price. While the Fund typically constructs the Put/Spread Collar utilizing index options, it may also construct the Put/Spread Collar utilizing options on S&P 500 ETFs. The Put/Spread Collar strategy is an actively managed process and is designed to provide a continuous market hedge for the portfolio. The put option spread is generally maintained at a level intended to protect the Fund from a decrease in the market exceeding 30% to 35%, with potential upside generally capped at 60% to 65% relative to the benchmark index. The upside cap could be more or less depending on market conditions. The options are systematically reset on at least a quarterly basis to better capitalize on current market conditions and opportunities while seeking to provide predictable returns in all market cycles.

Options positions are marked to market daily. The value of options is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of the securities represented in the S&P 500 Index underlying the option, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the S&P 500 Index and the remaining time to the options' expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market.

In addition to the use of the Put/Spread Collar strategy described above, the Fund may use ETFs, future contracts, primarily futures on indexes, to more effectively gain targeted equity exposure from its cash positions and to hedge the Fund’s portfolio if it is unable to purchase or write the necessary options for its overlay strategy.

The Fund is also permitted to use other derivatives such as futures, options and swaps in order to hedge various investments, for risk management and to opportunistically enhance the Fund's returns. Under certain market conditions, the Fund's use of other derivatives for cash management or other investment management purposes could be significant.

The Adviser will determine which strategy to employ based on available measures of market volatility and the Adviser’s view on which strategy appears to be best positioned to achieve the Fund’s objectives under current market conditions.

Related Risks of Investing in the Fund

This section provides additional information regarding the principal risks of investing in the Fund. You should carefully consider the Fund’s investment risks before deciding whether to invest in the Fund.

Management and Strategy Risk. The value of your investment depends on the judgement of the Adviser about market volatility and the monitoring of options strike prices for optimal entry points into the market. Investment strategies employed by the Adviser in selecting investments for the

 
 

Fund may not result in an increase in the value of your investment or in overall performance equal to other investments. The Adviser’s ability to choose suitable investments has a significant impact on the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective. The Fund’s investment strategies may not always provide greater market protection than other equity instruments particularly in rising equity markets when the Fund is expected to underperform traditional long-only equity strategies. In addition, as a result of the structure of the options overlay strategy, the Fund is not expected to provide market protection during times of low market volatility; during such periods, the Fund is expected to perform in line with broad equity markets.

Valuation Risk. The Fund may not be able to sell an investment at the price at which the Fund has valued the investment. The Fund’s ability to value its investments in an accurate and timely manner may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by third party service providers, such as pricing services or accounting agents.

Risk Management. Risk is an essential part of investing. No risk management program can eliminate the Fund’s exposure to adverse events; at best, it may only reduce the possibility that the Fund will be affected by such events, and especially those risks that are not intrinsic to the Fund’s investment program.

Strategy Risk. The Fund’s investment strategies may not always provide greater market protection than other equity instruments particularly in rising equity markets when the Fund is expected to underperform traditional long-only equity strategies. In addition, as a result of the structure of the options overlay strategy, the Fund is not expected to provide market protection during times of low market volatility; during such periods, the Fund is expected to perform in line with broad equity markets.

Volatility and Liquidity Risk. Volatility produces various adverse effects. In general, volatility has a tendency to discourage the participation of small investors and reduce the participation of some professionals in the financial market. This lack of participation, in turn, may tend to reduce liquidity, the ability to enter into transactions at a price close to that of the previous transaction. A consequence of illiquidity is that market-makers and specialists tend to increase the spread between the price they are willing to pay for a security (the bid) and the price at which they are willing to sell a security (the offer). For these reasons, illiquid markets and/or securities may be more difficult to trade and may possess greater risk, including the risk that the value of an option will fall in value if trading in the option is limited or absent. Although volatility provides the opportunity for significant profits it can also result in equally significant losses.

Cybersecurity Risk. The Fund and its service providers may be subject, directly or indirectly, to operational and information security risks resulting from breaches in cybersecurity. A breach in cybersecurity refers to both intentional and unintentional events that may cause the Fund to lose or compromise confidential information, suffer data corruption or lose operational capacity. Breaches in cybersecurity include, among other things, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, denial of service attacks on websites, the unauthorized release of confidential information or various other operational disruptions. Successful cybersecurity breaches of the Fund and/or the Fund’s investment adviser, distributor, custodian, transfer agent or other third-party service providers may adversely impact the Fund and its shareholders. For instance, a successful cybersecurity breach may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions,

 
 

cause the release of private personal shareholder information, impede trading, subject the Fund to regulatory fines or financial losses, and/or cause reputational damage. The Fund relies on third-party service providers for many of the day-to-day operations, and is therefore subject to the risk that the protections and protocols implemented by those service providers will be ineffective in protecting the Fund from cybersecurity breaches. Similar types of cybersecurity risks are also present for issuers of securities in which the Fund may invest, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Fund’s investments in such companies to lose value. There is no guarantee the Fund will be successful in protecting against cybersecurity breaches.

An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of any bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

As with any mutual fund investment, the Fund’s returns will vary and you could lose money.

Temporary Defensive Positions

From time to time, the Fund may take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with its principal investment strategies, in attempting to respond to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions. In such instances, the Fund may hold up to 100% of its assets in cash; short-term U.S. government securities and government agency securities; investment grade money market instruments; investment grade fixed income securities; repurchase agreements; commercial paper and cash equivalents. The Fund may invest in the securities described above at any time to maintain liquidity, pending selection of investments by the Adviser, or if the Adviser believes that sufficient investment opportunities that meet the Fund's investment criteria are not available. By keeping cash on hand, the Fund may be able to meet shareholder redemptions without selling securities and realizing gains and losses. As a result of engaging in these temporary measures, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

Information about the Fund's policies and procedures with respect to disclosure of the Fund's portfolio holdings is included in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).

HOW TO BUY SHARES

To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. This means that when you open an account, we will ask for your name, residential address, date of birth, government identification number and other information that will allow us to identify you. We may also ask to see your driver’s license or other identifying documents, and may take additional steps to verify your identity. If we do not receive these required pieces of information, there may be a delay in processing your investment request, which could subject your investment to market risk. If we are unable to immediately verify your identity, the Fund may restrict further investment until your identity is verified. However, if we are unable to verify your identity, the Fund reserves the right to close your account without notice and return your investment to you at the NAV determined on the day in which your account is closed. If we close your account because we are unable to verify your identity, your investment

 
 

will be subject to market fluctuation, which could result in a loss of a portion of your principal investment.

The Fund currently offers two classes of shares: Class A Shares and Class I Shares. The minimum initial investment in the Fund for Class A Shares is $2,500. The minimum initial investment in the Fund for Class I Shares is $100,000. The minimum subsequent investment is $1,000 for all account types. The Adviser may, in its sole discretion, waive these minimums for IRAs, for accounts participating in an automatic investment program, for existing clients of the Adviser and other related parties, and in certain other circumstances. The Fund may waive or lower investment minimums for investors who invest in the Fund through an asset-based fee program made available through a financial intermediary. If your investment is aggregated into an omnibus account established by an investment adviser, broker or other intermediary, the account minimums apply to the omnibus account, not to your individual investment. The financial intermediary may also impose minimum requirements that are different from those set forth in this Prospectus. If you choose to purchase or redeem shares directly from the Fund, you will not incur charges on purchases and redemptions. However, if you purchase or redeem Shares through a broker-dealer or another intermediary, you may be charged a fee by that intermediary. You should select the class of shares that best addresses your investment needs.

Class A Shares

Class A Shares of the Fund are purchased at the public offering price. The public offering price is the next determined NAV per share plus a front-end sales charge as shown in the table below under “Sales Charges.” Class A Shares are sold through broker-dealers and other financial institutions or directly from the Fund through the distributor or the Adviser. The Class A Shares are also subject to 12b-1 fees as discussed in more detail below under “Distribution Plan.”

Class I Shares

The Class I Shares of the Fund are purchased at NAV, are intended for high net worth individual investors and qualified institutions purchasing shares for their own account or for qualifying omnibus accounts, and are not subject to any 12b-1 fees. Qualified institutions include corporations, banks, insurance companies, trusts, endowments, foundations, qualified retirement plans, registered investment advisors and broker-dealers. Class I Shares may also be available on certain brokerage platforms. An investor transacting in Class I Shares through a broker acting as an agent for the investor may be required to pay a commission and/or other forms of compensation to the broker.

Initial Purchase

By Mail - To be in proper form, your initial purchase request must include:

·a completed and signed investment application form; and
·a personal check with name pre-printed (subject to the minimum amount) made payable to the Fund.
 
 

Mail the application and check to:

U.S. Mail:

MDP Low Volatility Fund
c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
P.O. Box 46707
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707

Overnight:

MDP Low Volatility Fund
c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246

By Wire - You may also purchase shares of the Fund by wiring federal funds from your bank, which may charge you a fee for doing so. To wire money, you must call Shareholder Services at [ ] to obtain instructions on how to set up your account and to obtain an account number.

You must provide a signed application to Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, the Fund’s transfer agent, at the above address in order to complete your initial wire purchase. Wire orders will be accepted only on a day on which the Fund and its custodian and transfer agent are open for business. A wire purchase will not be considered made until the wired money is received and the purchase is accepted by the Fund. The purchase price per share will be the NAV (plus any front-end sales charge, if applicable) next determined after the wire purchase is accepted by the Fund. Any delays, which may occur in wiring money, including delays that may occur in processing by the banks, are not the responsibility of the Fund or the transfer agent. There is presently no fee for the receipt of wired funds, but the Fund may charge shareholders for this service in the future.

Additional Investments

You may purchase additional shares of the Fund at any time by mail, wire, or automatic investment. Each additional mail purchase request must contain:

1. Your name

2. The name on your account(s)

3. Your account number(s)

4. A check made payable to MDP Low Volatility Fund

Checks should be sent to the Fund at the address listed under the heading “Initial Purchase – By Mail” in this Prospectus. To send a bank wire, call Shareholder Services at [ ] to obtain instructions.

Automatic Investment Plan

You may make regular investments in the Fund with an Automatic Investment Plan by completing the appropriate section of the account application or completing a systematic investment plan form and attaching a voided personal check. Investments may be made monthly to allow dollar-cost averaging by automatically deducting $100 or more from your bank checking account. You may change the amount of your monthly purchase at any time. If an Automatic Investment Plan purchase is rejected by your bank, your shareholder account will be charged a fee to defray bank charges.

 
 

Tax Sheltered Retirement Plans

Shares of the Fund may be an appropriate investment for tax-sheltered retirement plans, including: individual retirement plans (IRAs); simplified employee pension plans (SEPs); 401(k) plans; qualified corporate pension and profit-sharing plans (for employees); tax deferred investment plans (for employees of public school systems and certain types of charitable organizations); and other qualified retirement plans. You should contact Shareholder Services at [ ] for the procedure to open an IRA or SEP plan, as well as more specific information regarding these retirement plan options. Please consult with an attorney or tax adviser regarding these plans. You must pay custodial fees for your IRA by redemption of sufficient shares of the Fund from the IRA unless you pay the fees directly to the IRA custodian. Call Shareholder Services about the IRA custodial fees at [ ].

Distribution Plan – Class A Shares

The Fund has adopted a plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for its Class A Shares (the “12b-1 Plan”). Under the Fund’s 12b-1 Plan, the Class A Shares of the Fund pay a fee at the annual rate of 0.25% of its Class A Shares’ assets to help pay for expenses incurred in the promotion and distribution of Class A Shares, and to provide compensation for the provision of shareholder support services associated with servicing Class A shareholders. Because these fees are an ongoing expense, over time they reduce the net investment results of the Class A Shares of the Fund and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.

Sales Charges – Class A Shares

Class A Shares of the Fund are purchased at the public offering price. The public offering price is the next determined NAV per share plus a sales charge as shown in the table below. Certain persons may be entitled to purchase shares of the Fund without paying a sales commission. See “Purchases Without a Sales Charge.” The table below also shows the portion of the sales charge that may be re-allowed to the broker-dealer or financial intermediary through whom you purchased your shares.

                         

Amount of Investment

  Sales Charge as a % of:     Dealer Reallowance
As % of Public
Offering Price
 
  Public
Offering
Price
    Net Amount
Invested
   
Less than $50,000     5.25 %     5.54     4.75
$50,000 but less than $99,999     4.50 %     4.71     4.05
$100,000 but less than $249,999     3.50 %     3.63     3.00
$250,000 but less than $499,999     2.50 %     2.56     2.05
$500,000 but less than $999,999     2.00 %     2.04     1.60

Right of Accumulation – Class A Shares

Any “purchaser” (as defined below) may buy shares of the Fund at a reduced sales charge by aggregating the dollar amount of the new purchase and the total net asset value of all shares of

 
 

the Fund then held by the purchaser and applying the sales charge applicable to such aggregate. In order to obtain such discount, the purchaser must provide sufficient information at the time of purchase to permit verification that the purchase qualifies for the reduced sales charge. The right of accumulation is subject to modification or discontinuance at any time with respect to all shares purchased thereafter.

For purposes of determining the applicable sales charge discount, a “purchaser” includes an individual, his spouse and their children under the age of 21, purchasing shares for his or their own account; or a trustee or other fiduciary purchasing shares for a single fiduciary account although more than one beneficiary may be involved; or employees of a common employer, provided that economies of scale are realized through remittances from a single source and quarterly confirmation of such purchases; or an organized group, provided that the purchases are made through a central administrator, or a single dealer, or by other means which result in economy of sales effort or expense.

Letter of Intent – Class A Shares

A Letter of Intent (the “LOI”) for amounts of $50,000 in shares or more provides an opportunity for an investor to obtain a reduced sales charge by aggregating investments over a 13-month period, provided that the investor refers to such LOI when placing orders. For purposes of an LOI, the “Amount of Investment” as referred to in the preceding sales charge table includes all purchases of shares of the Fund over the 13-month period based on the total amount of intended purchases plus the value of all shares previously purchased and still owned. An alternative is to compute the 13-month period starting up to 90 days before the date of execution of an LOI. Each investment made during the period receives the reduced sales charge applicable to the total amount of the investment goal. The LOI imposes no obligation to purchase or sell additional shares and provides for a price adjustment depending upon the actual amount purchased within such period. The LOI provides that the first purchase following execution of the LOI must be at least 5% of the amount of the intended overall purchase, and that 5% of the amount of the intended purchase normally will be held in escrow in the form of shares pending completion of the intended purchase. If the total investments under the LOI are less than the intended amount and thereby qualify for a higher sales charge than actually paid, the appropriate number of escrowed shares is redeemed and the proceeds are used towards satisfaction of the obligation to pay the increased sales charge. If a redemption order is received for an account prior to the satisfaction of the LOI, any shares not held in escrow will be redeemed first. Shares held in escrow will then be redeemed and a portion of the proceeds will be used to satisfy the obligation to pay the higher sales charge. Please contact the Funds’ transfer agent to obtain an LOI application at [ ].

Shareholder’s Responsibility With Respect to Breakpoint Discounts – Class A Shares

In order to obtain any of the sales charge discounts set forth above, you must inform your financial adviser of the existence of any eligible amounts under any Rights of Accumulation or LOI, in accounts held by family members at the time of purchase. You must inform your financial adviser of all shares of the Fund held (i) in your account(s) at the financial adviser, (ii) in your account(s) by another financial intermediary, and (iii) in any other accounts held at any financial intermediary belonging to family members. IF YOU FAIL TO INFORM YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISER OR THE FUND OF ALL ELIGIBLE HOLDINGS OR PLANNED PURCHASES, YOU MAY NOT RECEIVE A SALES CHARGE DISCOUNT TO WHICH YOU WOULD

 
 

OTHERWISE BE ENTITLED. The Fund will require the names and account numbers of all accounts claimed in connection with a request for a sales charge discount. You may also be required to provide verification of holdings (such as account statements and/or copies of documents that reflect the original purchase cost of your holdings) that qualify you for a sales charge reduction. As such, it is very important that you retain all records that may be needed to substantiate an original purchase price of your holdings, as the Fund, its transfer agent, and financial intermediaries may not maintain this information.

Purchases Without a Sales Charge – Class A Shares

The persons described below may purchase and redeem shares of the Fund without paying a sales charge. In order to purchase shares without paying a sales charge, you must notify the Fund’s transfer agent as to which of the conditions apply.

·Trustees, directors, officers and employees of the Fund or other funds advised by the Adviser, the Adviser and other service providers of the Fund, including employees and members of the immediate family of such individuals and employee benefit plans of such entities;
·Broker-dealers with selling agreements with the Fund’s distributor or otherwise entitled to be compensated under the Fund’s 12b-1 Plan (and employees, their immediate family members and employee benefit plans of such entities);
·Registered representatives (and their immediate family members) of broker-dealers with selling agreements with the Fund’s distributor;
·Tax-qualified plans when proceeds from repayments of loans to participants are invested (or reinvested) in the Fund;
·Financial planners, registered investment advisers, bank trust departments and other financial intermediaries with service agreements with the Fund’s distributor (and employees, their immediate family members and employee benefit plans of such entities);
·Clients (who pay a fee to the relevant administrator or financial intermediary) of administrators of tax-qualified plans, financial planners, registered investment advisers, bank trust departments and other financial intermediaries, provided the administrator or financial intermediary has an agreement with the Fund’s distributor or the Fund for this purpose;
·Clients of the Adviser who were not introduced to the Adviser by a financial intermediary and, prior to the effective date of the Fund, executed investment management agreements with the Adviser;
·Separate accounts of insurance companies, provided the insurance company has an agreement with the Fund’s distributor or the Fund for this purpose;
·Participants in wrap account programs, provided the broker-dealer, registered investment adviser or bank offering the program has an agreement with the Fund’s distributor or the Fund for this purpose;
 
 
·Clients solicited by employees of the Adviser and who were not otherwise introduced to the Fund or the Adviser by a financial intermediary within one year of the purchase.

In addition, shares of the Funds may be purchased at NAV through processing organizations (broker-dealers, banks or other financial institutions) that have a sales agreement or have made special arrangements with the Fund’s distributor. When shares are purchased this way, the processing organization, rather than its customer, may be the shareholder of record of the shares. The minimum initial and subsequent investments in the Fund for shareholders who invest through a processing organization generally will be set by the processing organization. Processing organizations may also impose other charges and restrictions in addition to, or different from, those applicable to investors who remain the shareholder of record of their shares. Thus, an investor contemplating investing with the Fund through a processing organization should read materials provided by the processing organization in conjunction with this prospectus.

Other Purchase Information

The Fund may limit the amount of purchases and refuse to sell shares to any person. If your check or wire does not clear, you may be responsible for any loss incurred by the Fund. You may be prohibited or restricted from making future purchases in the Fund. Checks should be made payable to the Fund. The Fund and its transfer agent may refuse any purchase order for any reason. Cash, third party checks, counter checks, starter checks, traveler’s checks, money orders, credit card checks, and checks drawn on non-U.S. financial institutions will not be accepted. Cashier’s checks and bank official checks may be accepted in amounts greater than $10,000. In such cases, a fifteen (15) calendar day hold will be applied to the funds, (which means that you may not receive proceeds from your redeemed shares until the holding period has expired).

The Fund has authorized certain broker-dealers and other financial institutions (including their designated intermediaries) to accept on its behalf purchase and sell orders. The Fund is deemed to have received an order when the authorized person or designee accepts the order, and the order is processed at the NAV next calculated thereafter. It is the responsibility of the broker-dealer or other financial institution to transmit orders promptly to the Fund’s transfer agent.

HOW TO REDEEM SHARES

You may receive redemption payments by check, ACH or federal wire transfer. The proceeds may be more or less than the purchase price of your shares, depending on the market value of the Fund’s securities at the time of your redemption. If you redeem your shares through a broker/dealer or other financial institution, you may be charged a fee by that institution. You should consult with your broker-dealer or other financial institution for more information on these fees.

 
 

By Mail - You may redeem any part of your account in the Fund at no charge by mail. Your request should be addressed to:

U.S. Mail:

MDP Low Volatility Fund
c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
P.O. Box 46707
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707

Overnight:

MDP Low Volatility Fund
c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246

Your request for a redemption must include your letter of instruction, including the Fund name, account number, account names, the address, and the dollar amount or number of shares you wish to redeem. Requests to sell shares that are received in good order are processed at the NAV next calculated after the Fund receives your order in proper form. To be in good order, your request must be signed by all registered share owner(s) in the exact name(s) and any special capacity in which they are registered. The Fund may require that signatures be guaranteed if you request the redemption check be made payable to any person other than the shareholder(s) of record or mailed to an address other than the address of record, or if the mailing address has been changed within 15 days of the redemption request. The Fund may also require a signature guarantee for redemptions of $25,000 or more. Signature guarantees are for the protection of shareholders. You can obtain a signature guarantee from most banks and securities dealers, but not from a notary public. All documentation requiring a signature guarantee must utilize a New Technology Medallion Stamp. For joint accounts, both signatures must be guaranteed. Please call Shareholder Services at [ ] if you have questions. At the discretion of the Adviser or the transfer agent, the signature guarantee requirements may be modified or waived, and you may be required to furnish additional legal documents to insure proper authorization.

By Telephone - You may redeem any part of your account (up to $25,000) in the Fund by calling Shareholder Services at [ ]. You must first complete the optional Telephone Redemption section of the investment application to institute this option. The Fund, and its transfer agent and custodian are not liable for following redemption or exchange instructions communicated by telephone to the extent that they reasonably believe the telephone instructions to be genuine. However, if they do not employ reasonable procedures to confirm that telephone instructions are genuine, they may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. Procedures employed may include recording telephone instructions and requiring a form of personal identification from the caller.

The Fund or its transfer agent may terminate the telephone redemption procedures at any time. During periods of extreme market activity, it is possible that shareholders may encounter some difficulty in telephoning the Fund, although neither the Fund nor the transfer agent has ever experienced difficulties in receiving and in a timely fashion responding to telephone requests for redemptions or exchanges. If you are unable to reach the Fund by telephone, you may request a redemption or exchange by mail.

By Wire - A wire transfer fee of $15 is charged to defray custodial charges for redemptions paid by wire transfer. This fee is subject to change. Any charges for wire redemptions will be deducted from your Fund account by redemption of shares.

 
 

Redemptions In-Kind

Generally, all redemptions will be paid in cash. The Fund typically expects to satisfy requests by using holdings of cash or cash equivalents or selling portfolio assets. On a less regular basis, and if the Adviser believes it is in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders not to sell portfolio assets, the Fund may satisfy redemption requests by using short-term borrowings from the Fund’s custodian. These methods normally will be used during both regular and stressed market conditions. In addition to paying redemption proceeds in cash, the Fund reserves the right to make payment for a redemption in securities rather than cash, which is known as a “redemption in kind.” If the amount you are redeeming is over the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund’s net assets, the Fund has the right to redeem your shares by giving you the amount that exceeds the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund’s net assets in securities instead of cash. A redemption in kind will consist of securities equal in market value to the Fund shares being redeemed, using the same valuation procedures that the Fund uses to compute its NAV. Redemption in kind transactions will typically be made by delivering readily marketable securities to the redeeming shareholder within 7 days after the Fund’s receipt of the redemption order in proper form. Marketable securities are assets that are regularly traded or where updated price quotations are available. Illiquid investments are investments that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. Certain illiquid investments may be valued using estimated prices from one of the Trust’s approved pricing agents. If the Fund redeems your shares in kind, it will value the securities pursuant to policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”). You will bear the market risks associated with maintaining or selling the securities that are transferred as redemption proceeds. In the event that an in-kind distribution is made, a shareholder may incur additional expenses, such as taxes or the payment of brokerage commissions, on the sale or other disposition of the securities received from the Fund.

Fund Policy on Market Timing

The Fund has been designed as a long-term investment and not as a frequent or short-term trading (“market timing”) option. Market timing can be disruptive to the portfolio management process and may adversely impact the ability to implement investment strategies. In addition to being disruptive, the risks presented by market timing include higher expenses through increased trading and transaction costs; forced and unplanned portfolio turnover; large asset swings that decrease the ability to maximize investment return; and potentially diluting the value of the share price. These risks can have an adverse effect on investment performance.

Although the Fund does not encourage frequent purchases and redemptions, the Board has not adopted policies and procedures to detect and prevent market timing in the Fund because the Board does not believe that market timing is a significant risk to the Fund given the type of securities held in the Fund. Accordingly, the Fund will permit frequent and short-term trading of shares of the Fund. Although the Board does not believe that there is a significant risk associated with market timing for the Fund, the Fund cannot guarantee that such trading will not occur. Notwithstanding, the Fund reserves the right to refuse to allow any purchase by a prospective or current investor.

 
 

Additional Information

If you are not certain of the requirements for a redemption please call Shareholder Services at [ ]. Redemptions specifying a certain date or share price cannot be accepted and will be returned. The length of time the Fund typically expects to pay redemption proceeds is similar regardless of whether the payment is made by check, wire, or ACH. The Fund typically expects to pay redemption proceeds for shares redeemed within the following days after receipt by the transfer agent of a redemption request in proper form:

·For payment by check, the Fund typically expects to mail the check within one to three business days;
·For payment by wire or ACH, the Fund typically expects to process the payment within one to three business days.

Payment of redemption proceeds may take longer than the time the Fund typically expects and may take up to 7 days as permitted under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under unusual circumstances as permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the Fund may suspend the right of redemption or delay payment of redemption proceeds for more than 7 days. When shares are purchased by check or through ACH, the proceeds from the redemption of those shares will not be paid until the purchase check or ACH transfer has been converted to federal funds, which could take up to 15 calendar days. You may be assessed a fee if the Fund incurs bank charges because you request that the Fund re-issue a redemption check.

For non-retirement accounts, redemption proceeds, including dividends and other distributions, sent via check by the Fund and not cashed within 180 days will be reinvested in the Fund at the current day’s NAV. Redemption proceeds that are reinvested are subject to the risk of loss like any other investment in the Fund.

Because the Fund incurs certain fixed costs in maintaining shareholder accounts, the Fund may redeem all of your shares in the Fund on 30 days written notice if the value of your shares in the Fund is less than $500 due to redemption, or such other minimum amount as the Fund may determine from time to time. You may increase the value of your shares in the Fund to the minimum amount within the 30-day period. All shares of the Fund also are subject to involuntary redemption if the Board determines to liquidate the Fund. In such event, the Board may close the Fund with notice to shareholders but without obtaining shareholder approval. An involuntary redemption will create a capital gain or capital loss, which may have tax consequences about which you should consult your tax adviser.

DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

The price you pay for your shares is based on the Fund’s NAV per share. The Fund’s NAV is calculated at the close of trading (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for business (the NYSE is closed on weekends, most federal holidays and Good Friday). The Fund’s NAV is calculated by dividing the value of the Fund’s total assets (including interest and dividends accrued but not yet received) minus liabilities (including accrued expenses) by the total number of shares outstanding. Requests to purchase and

 
 

sell shares are processed at the NAV next calculated after the Fund receives your order in proper form. In the event the Fund holds portfolio securities that trade in foreign markets or that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other days when the Fund does not price its shares, the NAV of the Fund’s shares may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem the Fund’s shares.

The Fund’s assets generally are valued at their market value. If market prices are not readily available (including when they are not reliable), or if an event occurs after the close of the trading market but before the calculation of the NAV that materially affects the values, assets may be valued at a fair value, pursuant to guidelines established by the Board. For example, the Fund may be obligated to fair value a foreign security because many foreign markets operate at times that do not coincide with those of the major U.S. markets. Events that could affect the values of foreign portfolio holdings may occur between the close of the foreign market and the time of determining the NAV, and would not otherwise be reflected in the NAV. When pricing securities using the fair value guidelines established by the Board, the Fund (with the assistance of its service providers) seeks to assign the value that represents the amount that the Fund might reasonably expect to receive upon a current sale of the securities. However, given the subjectivity inherent in fair valuation and the fact that events could occur after NAV calculation, the actual market prices for a security may differ from the fair value of that security as determined by the Adviser at the time of NAV calculation. Thus, discrepancies between fair values and actual market prices may occur on a regular and recurring basis. These discrepancies do not necessarily indicate that the Fund’s fair value methodology is inappropriate. The Fund will adjust the fair values assigned to securities in the Fund’s portfolio, to the extent necessary, as soon as market prices become available. The Fund (and its service providers) continually monitors and evaluates the appropriateness of its fair value methodologies through systematic comparisons of fair values to the actual next available market prices of securities contained in the Fund’s portfolio. To the extent the Fund invests in other mutual funds, the Fund’s NAV is calculated based, in part, upon the NAVs of such mutual funds; the prospectuses for those mutual funds in which the Fund will invest describe the circumstances under which those mutual funds will use fair value pricing, which, in turn, affects their NAVs.

DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES

Dividends and Distributions. The Fund typically distributes to its shareholders as dividends all or substantially all of its net investment income and any realized net capital gains. These distributions are automatically reinvested in the Fund unless you request cash distributions on your application or through a written request to the Fund. The Fund expects that its distributions will consist primarily of income and net realized capital gains. The Fund declares and pays dividends at least annually. Net investment income distributed by the Fund generally will consist of interest income, if any, and dividends received on investments, less expenses. The dividends you receive, whether or not reinvested, will be taxed as ordinary income except as described below (including if reinvested in additional shares).

Unless you indicate another option on your account application, any dividends and capital gain distributions paid to you by the Fund will automatically be invested in additional shares of the Fund. Alternatively, you may elect to have: (1) dividends paid to you in cash and the amount of any capital gain distributions reinvested; or (2) the full amount of any dividends and capital gain

 
 

distributions paid to you in cash. The Fund will send dividends and capital gain distributions elected to be received as cash to the address of record or bank of record on the applicable account. Your distribution option will automatically be converted to having all dividends and other distributions reinvested in additional shares if any of the following occur:

  • Postal or other delivery service is unable to deliver checks to the address of record;
  • Your dividend and capital gain distribution checks are not cashed within 180 days; or
  • Your bank account of record is no longer valid.

For non-retirement accounts, dividend and capital gain distribution checks issued by the Fund that are not cashed within 180 days will be reinvested in the Fund at the current day’s NAV. When reinvested, those amounts are subject to risk of loss like any other investment in the Fund.

Selling shares (including redemptions) and receiving distributions (whether reinvested or taken in cash) usually are taxable events to the Fund’s shareholders, as discussed below.

Summary of Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences. The following information is meant as a general summary of the U.S. federal income tax provisions regarding the taxation of the Fund’s shareholders. Additional tax information appears in the SAI. Shareholders should rely on their own tax adviser for advice about the federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences to them of investing in the Fund.

The Fund expects to distribute all or substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gain to its shareholders at least annually. Shareholders may elect to take dividends from net investment income or capital gain distributions, if any, in cash or reinvest them in additional Fund shares. The Fund intends to qualify annually to be treated as a regulated investment company (a “RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Code. As such the Fund will not be taxed on amounts it distributes, and shareholders will generally be taxed on distributions, regardless of whether distributions are paid by the Fund in cash or are reinvested in additional Fund shares. Distributions to non-corporate investors attributable to ordinary income and short-term capital gains are generally taxed as ordinary income, although certain income dividends may be taxed to non-corporate shareholders as qualified dividend income at long-term capital gains rates provided certain holding period requirements are satisfied. Distributions of long-term capital gain are generally taxed as long-term capital gain, regardless of how long a shareholder has held Fund shares. Distributions may be subject to state and local taxes, as well as federal taxes.

Unless you are investing through a tax-deferred retirement account (such as a 401(k) or an IRA), you should consider avoiding a purchase of Fund shares shortly before the Fund makes a distribution, because making such a purchase can increase your taxes and the cost of the shares. This is known as “buying a dividend.” For example: On December 15, you invest $5,000, buying 250 shares for $20 each. If the Fund pays a distribution of $1 per share on December 16, its share price will drop to $19 (not counting market change). You still have only $5,000 (250 shares x $19 = $4,750 in share value, plus 250 shares x $1 = $250 in distributions), but you owe tax on the $250 distribution you received — even if you reinvest it in more shares and have to pay the tax due on the dividend without receiving any cash to pay the taxes. To avoid “buying a dividend,” check the Fund’s distribution schedule before you invest.

 
 

The Fund may invest in foreign securities against which foreign tax may be withheld. If more than 50% of the Fund’s assets are invested in foreign ETFs, foreign index mutual funds, or other foreign issues at the end of the year, the Fund's shareholders might be able to claim a foreign tax credit or take a deduction with respect to foreign taxes withheld.

Taxable distributions paid by the Fund to corporate shareholders will be taxed at the corporate income tax rate. 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 provided certain holding period requirements are met.

In general, a shareholder who sells or redeems Fund 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, provided that any loss recognized on the sale of Fund shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of capital gain dividends received with respect to such shares. An exchange of shares may be treated as a sale and any gain may be subject to tax.

Ordinary income and capital gains distributions paid by the Fund, as well as gains or losses from any sale or exchange of Fund shares, may be subject to state and local income taxes.

The Fund may be required to withhold U.S federal income tax (presently at the rate of twenty-four percent (24%)) on all taxable distributions payable to shareholders who fail to provide the Fund with their correct taxpayer identification numbers or to make required certifications, or who have been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) that they are subject to backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax; rather, it is a way in which the IRS ensures it will collect taxes otherwise due. Any amounts withheld may be credited against a shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability.

Shareholders should consult with their own tax adviser to ensure that distributions and sales of Fund shares are treated appropriately on their income tax returns.

Federal law requires that mutual fund companies report their shareholders' cost basis, gain/loss, and holding period to the IRS on the Fund’s shareholders’ Forms 1099-B when “covered” securities are sold. Covered securities are any regulated investment company and/or dividend reinvestment plan shares acquired on or after January 1, 2012.

The Fund has chosen average cost as the standing (default) tax lot identification method for all shareholders. A tax lot identification method is the way the Fund will determine which specific shares are deemed to be sold when there are multiple purchases on different dates at differing NAVs, and the entire position is not sold at one time. The Fund’s standing tax lot identification method is the method covered shares will be reported on your Forms 1099-B if you do not select a specific tax lot identification method. You may choose a method different than the Fund’s standing method and will be able to do so at the time of your purchase or upon the sale of covered shares. Please refer to the appropriate IRS regulations or consult your tax adviser with regard to your personal circumstances.

For those securities defined as "covered" under current IRS cost basis tax reporting regulations, the Fund is responsible for maintaining accurate cost basis and tax lot information for

 
 

tax reporting purposes. The Fund is not responsible for the reliability or accuracy of the information for those securities that are not "covered." The Fund and its service providers do not provide tax advice. You should consult independent sources, which may include a tax professional, with respect to any decisions you may make with respect to choosing a tax lot identification method.

This section is only a summary of some of the important U.S. federal income tax considerations of taxable U.S. shareholders that may affect your investment in the Fund. This summary is provided for general information purposes only and should not be considered as tax advice and may not be relied on by a prospective investor. This general summary does not apply to non-U.S. shareholders or tax-exempt shareholders, and does not address state, local or foreign taxes. More information regarding these considerations is included in the Fund’s SAI. All prospective investors and shareholders are urged and advised to consult their own tax adviser regarding the effects of an investment in the Fund on their particular tax situation.

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

Adviser. Millbank Dartmoor Portsmouth LLC, a Delaware limited liability company with its principal address at 22 South Pack Square, Suite #401, Asheville, NC 28801, serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. The Adviser is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The Adviser provides investment advisory services to the Fund. The Adviser was formed in 2020. The Adviser also serves high net worth individuals, corporations, pensions and institutions, and as of December 31, 2021 had assets under management of approximately $[ ].

For its investment advisory services to the Fund, the Adviser is paid a fee by the Fund, at the annual rate of 0.60%% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. A discussion of the factors considered by the Board in its approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement, including the Board’s conclusions with respect thereto, will be available in the Fund’s first [semi-]annual report to shareholders for the period ending [ ].

The Adviser has entered into an expense limitation agreement where it has contractually agreed to waive or limit its fees and to assume other expenses of the Fund until [ ], 2023 so that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses does not exceed 1.50% for Class A Shares and 1.25% for Class I Shares. This contractual arrangement may only be terminated by mutual consent of the Adviser and the Board, and it will automatically terminate upon the termination of the investment advisory agreement between the Fund and the Adviser. This operating expense limitation does not apply to: (i) interest, (ii) taxes, (iii) brokerage commissions, (iv) other expenditures which are capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, (v) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund's business, (vi) dividend expense on short sales, (vii) expenses incurred under a plan of distribution under Rule 12b-1, and (viii) expenses that the Fund has incurred but did not actually pay because of an expense offset arrangement, if applicable, in any fiscal year. The operating expense limitation also excludes any “Acquired Funds Fees and Expenses,” which are the expenses indirectly incurred by the Fund as a result of investing in money market funds or other investment companies, including ETFs, that have their own expenses. Each waiver or reimbursement of an expense by the Adviser is subject to repayment by the Fund within the three years following the date of such waiver or reimbursement, provided that

 
 

the Fund is able to make the repayment without exceeding the expense limitation in place at the time of the waiver or reimbursement and the expense limitation in place at the time of the repayment.

If you invest in the Fund through an investment adviser, bank, broker-dealer, 401(k) plan, trust company or other financial intermediary, the policies and fees for transacting business may be different than those described in this Prospectus. Some financial intermediaries may charge transaction fees and may set different minimum investments or limitations on buying or selling shares. Some financial intermediaries do not charge a direct transaction fee, but instead charge a fee for services such as sub-transfer agency, accounting and/or shareholder services that the financial intermediary provides on the Fund’s behalf. This fee may be based on the number of accounts or may be a percentage of the average value of the Fund’s shareholder accounts for which the financial intermediary provides services. The Fund may pay a portion of this fee, which is intended to compensate the financial intermediary for providing the same services that would otherwise be provided by the Fund’s transfer agent or other service providers if the shares were purchased directly from the Fund. To the extent that these fees are not paid by the Fund, the Adviser may pay a fee to financial intermediaries for such services.

To the extent that the Adviser, not the Fund, pays a fee to a financial intermediary for distribution or shareholder servicing, the Adviser may consider a number of factors in determining the amount of payment associated with such services, including the amount of sales, assets invested in the Fund and the nature of the services provided by the financial intermediary. Although neither the Fund nor the Adviser pays for the Fund to be included in a financial intermediary’s “preferred list” or other promotional program, some financial intermediaries that receive compensation as described above may have such programs in which the Fund may be included. Financial intermediaries that receive these types of payments may have a conflict of interest in recommending or selling the Fund’s shares rather than other mutual funds, particularly where such payments exceed those associated with other funds. The Fund may from time to time purchase securities issued by financial intermediaries that provide such services; however, in selecting investments for the Fund, no preference will be shown for such securities.

Portfolio Managers. Dennis M. Davitt and Michael J. McCarty serve as co-portfolio managers of the Fund.

Dennis M. Davitt. Before co-founding the Adviser in September 2020, Mr. Davitt was a Portfolio Manager at Malachite Capital Management LLC from December 2019 until July 2020. Previously he was a Partner and Portfolio Manager at Harvest Volatility Management from September 2012 to November 2019. Mr. Davitt had senior management roles at First New York Securities and Macquarie Securities from 2010 until 2012. Prior to that, he was the Head of US Derivative trading Americas at Credit Suisse where he worked for 10 years. Mr. Davitt holds a Bachelor of Science from the Florida Institute of Technology.

Michael J. McCarty. Before co-founding the Adviser in September 2020, Mr. McCarty was a co-founder of Stream Asset Management from December 2015 until April 2019. Previously he was a Managing Director in the Central Funding Group at RBC Dominion Securities from April 2010 until June 2014. Mr. McCarty held Senior Roles at Duff Capital Management and Mizuho Securities USA from 2008-2010. He also ran US Portfolio Trading and Sales at Morgan Stanley

 
 

from June 2006 until November 2007. He previously also worked at Credit Suisse and Morgan Stanley from 1997 until 2006. Mr. McCarty graduated with Honors from Princeton University.

The Fund’s SAI provides additional information about the Fund’s portfolio managers, including their compensation structure, other accounts managed, and ownership of shares of the Fund.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

As of the date of this Prospectus, the Fund has not yet commenced investment operations. Therefore, there are no financial highlights available at this time. Additional information about the Fund’s investments will be available in the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports when they are prepared. Once the information becomes available, you may request a copy of this information by calling the Fund at [ ].

 
 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

You can find additional information about the Fund in the following documents:

Annual and Semi-Annual Reports: While this Prospectus describes the Fund’s potential investments, the Annual and Semi-Annual Reports detail the Fund’s actual investments as of their report dates. The Annual report includes a discussion by Fund management of recent market conditions, economic trends, and investment strategies that significantly affected Fund performance during the reporting period. Paper copies of the reports are no longer sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the shareholder reports from the Fund or from your financial intermediary. You may elect to receive all future reports in paper, free of charge by contacting your financial intermediary or, if you hold your shares directly, by calling the Fund toll-free at [ ] or writing to the Fund at MDP Low Volatility Fund, Valued Advisers Trust, c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246.

Statement of Additional Information: The SAI supplements the Prospectus and contains detailed information about the Fund and its investment restrictions, risks, policies, and operations, including the Fund’s policies and procedures relating to the disclosure of portfolio holdings by the Fund’s affiliates. A current SAI for the Fund is on file with the SEC and is incorporated into this Prospectus by reference, which means it is considered part of this Prospectus.

How to Obtain Copies of Other Fund Documents

You can obtain free copies of the current SAI and the Fund’s Annual and Semi-Annual Reports, once available, and request other information about the Fund or make shareholder inquiries, in any of the following ways:

The Fund’s website at www.[ ]

You can get free copies of Annual and Semi-Annual Reports, once available, as well as the current SAI, by contacting Shareholder Services at [ ]. You may also request other information about the Fund and make shareholder inquiries. The requested documents will be sent within three business days of receipt of the request.

You may also obtain reports and other information about the Fund on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov.

Investment Company Act #811-22208

 

 
 

 

The information in this Statement of Additional Information is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This Statement of Additional Information is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

Subject to Completion - dated December 17, 2021

MDP LOW VOLATILITY FUND

Class A Shares – [ ]

Class I Shares – [ ]

Series of

VALUED ADVISERS TRUST

225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450

Cincinnati, Ohio 45246

Statement of Additional Information

[ ], 2022

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus for the MDP Low Volatility Fund (the “Fund”) dated [ ], 2022, (the “Prospectus”). This SAI is incorporated by reference in its entirety into the Prospectus. Because this SAI is not itself a prospectus, no investment in shares of the Fund should be made solely upon the information contained herein. Copies of the Prospectus may be obtained without charge, upon request, by writing the Fund at [ ] or by calling toll-free [ ] or by visiting the Fund’s website at [ ].

 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST AND THE FUND  
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT FUND INVESTMENTS AND RISK CONSIDERATIONS  
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER  
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS  
INVESTMENT ADVISER  
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS  
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES  
ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING COMPLIANCE PROGRAM  
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE  
CODES OF ETHICS  
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS  
PROXY VOTING POLICY  
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE  
REDEMPTION IN-KIND  
STATUS AND TAXATION OF THE FUND  
CUSTODIAN  
FUND SERVICES  
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM  
LEGAL COUNSEL  
DISTRIBUTOR  
DISTRIBUTION PLAN  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  
EXHIBIT A:  PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES – VALUED ADVISERS TRUST  
EXHIBIT B:  PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES – MILLBANK DARTMOOR PORTSMOUTH LLC  
EXHIBIT C:  GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE CHARTER – VALUED ADVISERS TRUST  
 
 

DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST AND THE FUND

The MDP Low Volatility Fund (the “Fund”) is an open-end diversified series of Valued Advisers Trust (the “Trust”). The Trust is a management investment company established under the laws of Delaware by an Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated June 13, 2008 (the “Trust Agreement”). The Trust Agreement permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of separate series without par value. The Fund is one of a series of funds authorized by the Trustees. The Fund currently offers two classes of shares: Class A Shares and Class I Shares. Class A Shares are sold subject to a front-end sales charge and have adopted a distribution (i.e., Rule 12b-1) plan. Class I Shares are sold at net asset value, are not subject to a sales charge and do not have any distribution (i.e., Rule 12b-1) plan. The Fund’s investment adviser is Millbank Dartmoor Portsmouth LLC (the “Adviser”).

The Fund does not issue share certificates. All shares are held in non-certificate form registered on the books of the Fund and its transfer agent for the account of the shareholders. Each share of a series represents an equal proportionate interest in the assets and liabilities belonging to that series with each other share of that series and is entitled to such dividends, and distributions out of income belonging to the series as are declared by the Trustees. The shares do not have cumulative voting rights or any preemptive or conversion rights, and the Trustees have the authority from time to time to divide or combine the shares of any series into a greater or lesser number of shares of that series so long as the proportionate beneficial interest in the assets belonging to that series and the rights of shares of any other series are in no way affected. In case of any liquidation of a series, the holders of shares of the series being liquidated will be entitled to receive as a class a distribution out of the assets, net of the liabilities, belonging to that series. Expenses attributable to any series are borne by that series. Expenses attributable to any specific class of a series (e.g., Rule 12b-1 fees) are borne by that class of the series. Any general expenses of the Trust not readily identifiable as belonging to a particular series are allocated by or under the direction of the Trustees in such manner as the Trustees determine to be fair and equitable. No shareholder is liable to further calls or to assessment by the Trust without his or her express consent.

Any Trustee of the Trust may be removed by vote of the shareholders holding not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Trust. The Trust does not hold an annual meeting of shareholders. When matters are submitted to shareholders for a vote, each shareholder is entitled to one vote for each whole share he or she owns and fractional votes for fractional shares he or she owns. All shares of the Fund have equal voting rights and liquidation rights. The Trust Agreement can be amended by the Trustees, except that certain amendments that adversely affect the rights of shareholders must be approved by the shareholders affected. All shares of the Fund are subject to involuntary redemption if the Trustees determine to liquidate the Fund. An involuntary redemption will create a capital gain or a capital loss, which may have tax consequences about which you should consult your tax adviser.

For information concerning the purchase and redemption of shares of the Fund, see “How to Buy Shares” and “How to Redeem Shares” in the Fund’s Prospectus. For a description of the methods used to determine the share price and value of the Fund’s assets, see “Determination of Net Asset Value” in the Prospectus and this SAI. The Fund has authorized one or more brokers to

1
 

receive on its behalf purchase and redemption orders. Such brokers are authorized to designate other intermediaries to receive purchase and redemption orders on the Fund’s behalf. The Fund will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when an authorized broker or, if applicable, a broker’s authorized designee, receives the order.

Customer orders will be priced at the Fund’s net asset value per share (“NAV”) next computed after they are received by an authorized broker or the broker’s authorized designee and accepted by the Fund. The performance of the Fund may be compared in publications to the performance of various indices and investments for which reliable performance data is available. The performance of the Fund may be compared in publications to averages, performance rankings, or other information prepared by recognized mutual fund statistical services. The Annual Report contains additional performance information and will be made available to investors upon request and without charge.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT FUND INVESTMENTS AND RISK CONSIDERATIONS

This section contains additional information about the investments the Fund may make and some of the techniques it may use.

A.       Derivative Instruments. The Fund may invest in derivative instruments, which are financial instruments whose performance and value are derived, at least in part, from another source, such as the performance of an underlying asset or security. Derivatives may generally be purchased or sold for a variety of purposes, including hedging, to enhance returns, as a substitute for purchasing or selling securities, to maintain liquidity or in anticipation of changes in the composition of its portfolio holdings. The Fund’s transactions in derivative instruments may include, among others, the purchase and writing of options.

As part of its principal investment strategy, the Fund will purchase and write (i.e., sell) put and call options on the Standards & Poor’s 500® (“S&P 500”) Index or another SPX index tracking exchange traded fund (“ETF”). Options trading is a highly specialized activity that entails greater than ordinary investment risk. Options may be more volatile than the underlying instruments, and therefore, on a percentage basis, an investment in options may be subject to greater fluctuation than an investment in the underlying instruments themselves.

A call option for a particular security gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the writer (seller) the obligation to sell, the underlying security at the stated exercise price at any time prior to the expiration of the option, regardless of the market price of the security. The premium paid to the writer is in consideration for undertaking the obligation under the option contract. A put option for a particular security gives the purchaser the right to sell the security at the stated exercise price at any time prior to the expiration date of the option, regardless of the market price of the security.

Stock index options are put options and call options on various stock indices. In most respects, they are identical to listed options on common stocks. The primary difference between stock options and index options occurs when index options are exercised. In the case of stock options, the underlying security, common stock, is delivered. However, upon the exercise of an

2
 

index option, settlement does not occur by delivery of the securities comprising the index. The option holder who exercises the index option receives an amount of cash if the closing level of the stock index upon which the option is based is greater than, in the case of a call, or less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option. This amount of cash is equal to the difference between the closing price of the stock index and the exercise price of the option expressed in dollars times a specified multiple. A stock index fluctuates with changes in the market value of the stocks included in the index. For example, the Fund will invest in stock index options based on the S&P 500 Index as part of its principal investment strategies.

The Fund’s obligation to sell an instrument subject to a call option written by it, or to purchase an instrument subject to a put option written by it, may be terminated prior to the expiration date of the option by the Fund’s execution of a closing purchase transaction, which is effected by purchasing on an exchange an option of the same series (i.e., same underlying instrument, exercise price and expiration date) as the option previously written. A closing purchase transaction will ordinarily be effected to realize a profit on an outstanding option, to prevent an underlying instrument from being called, to permit the sale of the underlying instrument or to permit the writing of a new option containing different terms on such underlying instrument. The cost of such a liquidation purchase plus transactions costs may be greater than the premium received upon the original option, in which event the Fund will have incurred a loss in the transaction. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular option. An option writer unable to effect a closing purchase transaction will not be able to sell the underlying instrument or liquidate the assets held in a segregated account, as described below, until the option expires or the optioned instrument is delivered upon exercise. In such circumstances, the writer will be subject to the risk of market decline or appreciation in the instrument during such period.

If an option purchased by the Fund expires unexercised, the Fund realizes a loss equal to the premium paid. If the Fund enters into a closing sale transaction on an option purchased by it, the Fund will realize a gain if the premium received by the Fund on the closing transaction is more than the premium paid to purchase the option or a loss if it is less. If an option written by the Fund expires on the stipulated expiration date or if the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, it will realize a gain (or loss if the cost of a closing purchase transaction exceeds the net premium received when the option is sold). If an option written by the Fund is exercised, the proceeds of the sale will be increased by the net premium originally received and the Fund will realize a gain or loss.

Certain Risks Regarding Options. There are several risks associated with transactions in options. For example, there are significant differences between the securities and options markets that could result in an imperfect correlation between these markets, causing a given transaction not to achieve its objectives. In addition, a liquid secondary market for particular options, whether traded over-the-counter or on an exchange, may be absent for reasons which include the following: there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options; restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions or closing transactions or both; trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options or underlying securities or currencies; unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; the facilities of an exchange or the Options Clearing Corporation may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading value; or one or more

3
 

exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options), in which event the secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to exist, although outstanding options that had been issued by the Options Clearing Corporation as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.

Successful use by the Fund of options on stock indices will be subject to the ability of the Adviser to correctly predict movements in the directions of the stock market. This requires different skills and techniques than predicting changes in the prices of individual securities. In addition, the Fund’s ability to effectively hedge all or a portion of the securities in its portfolio, in anticipation of or during a market decline, through transactions in put options on stock indices, depends on the degree to which price movements in the underlying index correlate with the price movements of the securities held by the Fund. Inasmuch as the Fund’s securities will not duplicate the components of an index, the correlation will not be perfect. Consequently, the Fund bears the risk that the prices of its securities being hedged will not move in the same amount as the prices of its put options on the stock indices. It is also possible that there may be a negative correlation between the index and the Fund’s securities that would result in a loss on both such securities and the options on stock indices acquired by the Fund.

The purchase of options is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The purchase of stock index options involves the risk that the premium and transaction costs paid by the Fund in purchasing an option will be lost as a result of unanticipated movements in prices of the securities comprising the stock index on which the option is based.

There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an options exchange will exist for any particular option, or at any particular time, and for some options no secondary market on an exchange or elsewhere may exist. If the Fund is unable to close out a call option on securities that it has written before the option is exercised, the Fund may be required to purchase the optioned securities in order to satisfy its obligation under the option to deliver such securities. If the Fund was unable to effect a closing sale transaction with respect to options on securities that it has purchased, it would have to exercise the option in order to realize any profit and would incur transaction costs upon the purchase and sale of the underlying securities.

Cover for Options Positions. Selling options exposes the Fund to an obligation to another party. The Fund will not enter into any such transactions unless it owns either (i) an offsetting (“covered”) position in securities or other options or (ii) cash or liquid securities with a value sufficient at all times to cover its potential obligations not covered as provided in (i) above. The Fund will comply with SEC guidelines regarding cover for these instruments and, if the guidelines so require, set aside cash or liquid securities in a segregated account with the Custodian in the prescribed amount. Under current SEC guidelines, the Fund will segregate assets to cover transactions in which the Fund writes or sells options.

Assets used as cover or held in a segregated account cannot be sold while the position in the corresponding option is open, unless they are replaced with similar assets. As a result, the commitment of a large portion of the Fund’s assets to cover or segregated accounts could impede

4
 

portfolio management or the Fund’s ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.

B.       Cash Investments. When the Adviser believes market, economic or political conditions are unfavorable for investors, the Adviser may invest up to 100% of the Fund’s net assets in cash, cash equivalents or other short-term investments. Unfavorable market or economic conditions may include excessive volatility or a prolonged general decline in the securities markets, or the U.S. economy. The Adviser also may invest in these types of securities or hold cash while looking for suitable investment opportunities or to maintain liquidity.

C.       Obligations Backed by the U.S. Government. U.S. government obligations include the following types of securities:

1.       U.S. Treasury Securities. U.S. Treasury securities include direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury, such as Treasury bills, notes and bonds. For these securities, the payment of principal and interest is unconditionally guaranteed by the U.S. government, and thus they are of the highest possible credit quality. Such securities are subject to variations in market value due to fluctuations in interest rates, but, if held to maturity, will be paid in full.

2.       Federal Agency Securities. The securities of certain U.S. government agencies and government sponsored entities are guaranteed as to the timely payment of principal and interest by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. Such agencies and entities include the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), Veteran’s Administration (VA), the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), the Export/Import Bank, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), and the Small Business Administration (SBA).

D.       Other Federal Agency Obligations. Additional federal agency securities are not either direct obligations of, nor guaranteed by, the U.S. government. These obligations include securities issued by certain U.S. government agencies and government sponsored entities. However, they generally involve some form of federal sponsorship: some operate under a government charter; some are backed by specific types of collateral; some are supported by the issuer’s right to borrow from the Treasury; and others are supported only by the credit of the issuing government agency or entity. These agencies and entities include, but are not limited to: Federal Home Loan Bank, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), Tennessee Valley Authority, and Federal Farm Credit Bank System.

E.       Money Market Instruments. The Fund may seek to minimize risk by investing in money market instruments, which are high-quality, short-term securities. Although changes in interest rates may change the market value of a security, the Fund expects those changes to be minimal with respect to those securities, which are often purchased for defensive purposes. However, even though money market instruments are generally considered to be high-quality, low risk investments, recently a number of issuers of money market and money market-type instruments have experienced financial difficulties, leading in some cases to rating downgrades and decreases in the value of their securities.

5
 

F.       Temporary Investments. To maintain cash for redemptions and distributions and for temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest in money market mutual funds and in investment grade short-term fixed income securities including short-term U.S. government securities, negotiable certificates of deposit, commercial paper, banker’s acceptances and repurchase agreements. The Fund may also invest in futures, options, shorts and foreign currency hedging as a defensive measure. To the extent that the Fund engages in a temporary, defensive strategy, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

G.       Illiquid Investments. The Fund may invest in illiquid securities. An illiquid investment is any investment that may not reasonably be expected to be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the conversion to cash significantly changing the market value of the investment. However, the Fund will not acquire any illiquid investment ties if, immediately after the acquisition, the Fund would have invested more than 15% of the value of the Fund's net assets in illiquid investments.

Illiquid securities will be priced at fair value as determined in good faith under procedures adopted by the Board. If, through the appreciation of illiquid securities or the depreciation of liquid securities, the Fund should be in a position where more than 15% of the value of its net assets are invested in illiquid securities, the Fund will take steps in accordance with the Trust’s Liquidity Risk Management Program to protect liquidity.

H.       Restricted Securities. The Fund may invest in restricted securities (securities the disposition of which is restricted under the federal securities laws), including securities that may only be resold pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “1933 Act”). Restricted securities may be sold only in privately negotiated transactions or in a public offering with respect to which a registration statement is in effect under the 1933 Act. Where registration is required, the Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expenses and a considerable period may elapse between the time of the decision to sell 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 that which prevailed when it decided to sell.

I.       Stock Market Risk. The Fund may lose money due to fluctuations within the stock market which may be unrelated to individual issuers and could not have been predicted. The price of the securities which the Fund holds may change unpredictably and due to local, regional, international, or global events. These events may include economic downturns such as recessions or depressions; natural occurrences such as natural disasters, epidemics or pandemics; acts of violence such as terrorism or war; and political and social unrest. Due to the prominence of globalization and global trade, the securities held by the Fund may be affected by international and global events. In the case of a general market downturn, multiple asset classes, or the entire market, may be negatively affected for an extended and unknown amount of time. Although all securities are subject to these risk, different securities will be affected in different manners depending on the event.

In addition, the global outbreak of the COVID-19 virus and the resulting pandemic has disrupted global economic markets and contributed to significant volatility in certain markets, and the economic impact, duration and spread of the COVID-19 pandemic remains uncertain at this

6
 

time. The performance of the Fund may be impacted by COVID-19, which may in turn impact the value of your investment.

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

Although the Fund generally will not invest for short-term trading purposes, portfolio securities may be sold without regard to the length of time they have been held when, in the opinion of the Adviser, investment considerations warrant such action. The Fund’s portfolio turnover rate is a measure of the Fund’s portfolio activity, and is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of securities by the average value of the portfolio securities held during the period. A high rate of portfolio turnover (100% or more) generally leads to higher transaction costs and may result in a greater number of taxable transactions. In accordance with industry practice, derivative instruments and instruments with a maturity of one year or less at the time of acquisition are excluded from the calculation of the portfolio turnover rate. If those instruments were included in the calculation, it is expected that the Fund would have a high portfolio turnover rate. The Fund’s turnover rate will be available after the Fund completes its first fiscal year.

INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS

Fundamental. The investment limitations described below have been adopted by the Trust with respect to the Fund and are fundamental (“Fundamental”), i.e., they may not be changed without the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. As used in the Prospectus and this SAI, the term “majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund” means the lesser of: (1) 67% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present or represented at such meeting; or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.

1.                  Borrowing Money. The Fund will not borrow money, except from: (a) a bank, provided that immediately after such borrowing there is an asset coverage of 300% for all borrowings of the Fund; or (b) a bank or other persons for temporary purposes only, provided that such temporary borrowings are in an amount not exceeding 5% of the Fund’s total assets at the time when the borrowing is made. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from entering into reverse repurchase transactions, provided that the Fund has an asset coverage of 300% for all borrowings and repurchase commitments of the Fund pursuant to reverse repurchase transactions.

2.                  Diversification. The Fund may not, with respect to 75% of its total assets, invest more than 5% of the value of its total assets in the securities of any one issuer or purchase more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any class of securities of any one issuer (except that securities of the U.S. government, its agencies, and instrumentalities are not subject to this limitation).

3.                  Senior Securities. The Fund will not issue senior securities. This limitation is not applicable to activities that may be deemed to involve the issuance or sale of a senior security by the Fund, provided that the Fund’s engagement in such activities is consistent with or permitted by the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder or interpretations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or its staff.

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4.                  Underwriting. The Fund will not act as underwriter of securities issued by other persons. This limitation is not applicable to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities (including restricted securities), the Fund may be deemed an underwriter under certain federal securities laws.

5.                  Real Estate. The Fund will not purchase or sell real estate. This limitation is not applicable to investments in marketable securities that are secured by or represent interests in real estate. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from investing in mortgage-related securities or investing in companies engaged in the real estate business or that have a significant portion of their assets in real estate (including real estate investment trusts (“REITs”)).

6.                  Commodities. The Fund will not purchase or sell commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other investments. This limitation does not preclude the Fund from purchasing or selling options or futures contracts, from investing in securities or other instruments backed by commodities or from investing in companies that are engaged in a commodities business or have a significant portion of their assets in commodities.

7.                  Loans. The Fund will not make loans to other persons, except: (a) by loaning portfolio securities; (b) by engaging in repurchase agreements; or (c) by purchasing non-publicly offered debt securities. For purposes of this limitation, the term “loans” shall not include the purchase of a portion of an issue of publicly distributed bonds, debentures or other securities.

8.                  Concentration. The Fund will not invest more than 25% of its total assets in any one particular industry. This limitation is not applicable to investments in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities or repurchase agreements with respect thereto.

With respect to the percentages adopted by the Trust as maximum limitations on its investment policies and limitations, an excess above the fixed percentage will not be a violation of the policy or limitation unless the excess results immediately and directly from the acquisition of any security or the action taken. This paragraph does not apply to the borrowing policy set forth in paragraph 1 above.

See the Prospectus for more information about the Fund’s investment objective and investment strategies, each of which are not fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval.

Notwithstanding any of the foregoing limitations, any investment company, whether organized as a trust, association or corporation, or a personal holding company, may be merged or consolidated with or acquired by the Trust, provided that if such merger, consolidation or acquisition results in an investment in the securities of any issuer prohibited by said paragraphs, the Trust shall, within ninety days after the consummation of such merger, consolidation or acquisition, dispose of all of the securities of such issuer so acquired or such portion thereof as shall bring the total investment therein within the limitations imposed by said paragraphs above as of the date of consummation.

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INVESTMENT ADVISER

Millbank Dartmoor Portsmouth LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, with its principal place of business at 22 South Pack Square, Suite #401, Asheville, NC 28801, serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. The Adviser was formed in September 2020, and is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The Adviser provides investment advisory services to the Fund. The Adviser also serves high net worth individuals, corporations, pensions and institutions, and as of December 31, 2021 had assets under management of approximately $[ ]. Dennis M. Davitt and Michael J. McCarty are the principal owners of the Adviser. Messrs. Davitt and McCarty are also the co-portfolio managers of the Fund.

For its investment advisory services to the Fund, the Adviser is paid a fee by the Fund, at the annual rate of 0.60% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

The Adviser has entered into an expense limitation agreement where it has contractually agreed to waive or limit its fees and to assume other expenses of the Fund until [ ], 2023 so that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses does not exceed 1.50% for Class A Shares and 1.25% for Class I Shares. This contractual arrangement may only be terminated by mutual consent of the Adviser and the Board, and it will automatically terminate upon the termination of the investment advisory agreement between the Fund and the Adviser. This operating expense limitation does not apply to: (i) interest, (ii) taxes, (iii) brokerage commissions, (iv) other expenditures which are capitalized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, (v) other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Fund's business, (vi) dividend expense on short sales, (vii) expenses incurred under a plan of distribution under Rule 12b-1, and (viii) expenses that the Fund has incurred but did not actually pay because of an expense offset arrangement, if applicable, in any fiscal year. The operating expense limitation also excludes any “Acquired Funds Fees and Expenses,” which are the expenses indirectly incurred by the Fund as a result of investing in money market funds or other investment companies, including ETFs, that have their own expenses. Each waiver or reimbursement of an expense by the Adviser is subject to repayment by the Fund within the three years following the date of such waiver or reimbursement, provided that the Fund is able to make the repayment without exceeding the expense limitation in place at the time of the waiver or reimbursement and the expense limitation in place at the time of the repayment.

A discussion of the factors considered by the Board in its approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement, including the Board’s conclusions with respect thereto, will be available in the Fund’s first [semi-]annual report to shareholders for the period ending [ ].

The Adviser may make payments to banks or other financial institutions that provide shareholder services and administer shareholder accounts. If a bank or other financial institution were prohibited from continuing to perform all or a part of such services, management of the Fund believes that there would be no material impact on the Fund or shareholders. Banks and other financial institutions may charge their customers fees for offering these services to the extent permitted by applicable regulatory authorities, and the overall return to those shareholders availing themselves of the bank services will be lower than to those shareholders who do not. The Fund may from time to time purchase securities issued by banks and other financial institutions that

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provide such services; however, in selecting investments for the Fund, no preference will be shown for such securities.

About the Portfolio Managers

Dennis M. Davitt and Michael J. McCarty are co-portfolio managers of the Fund (“Portfolio Managers”). As of December 31, 2021 the Portfolio Managers were responsible for managing the following types of accounts, in addition to the Fund:

Dennis M. Davitt

Account Type Number of Accounts by Account Type Total Assets By Account Type Number of Accounts by Type  Subject to a Performance Fee Total Assets By Account Type Subject to a Performance Fee
Registered Investment Companies [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
Pooled Investment Vehicles [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
Other Accounts [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

Michael J. McCarty

Account Type Number of Accounts by Account Type Total Assets By Account Type Number of Accounts by Type  Subject to a Performance Fee Total Assets By Account Type Subject to a Performance Fee
Registered Investment Companies [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
Pooled Investment Vehicles [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
Other Accounts [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]

Compensation: Each of the Portfolio Managers are compensated through their equity ownership in the Adviser. They do not receive separate compensation for their services as Portfolio Managers. As equity members of the Adviser, the Portfolio Managers receive compensation in the form of a draw plus distributions and profits from the Adviser.

Potential Conflicts of Interest: Potential conflicts of interest may arise because the Portfolio Managers use the same proprietary investment methodology for the Fund as they use for other clients. This means that the Portfolio Managers will make the investment strategies used to manage the Fund available to other clients. As a result, there may be circumstances under which the Fund and other clients of the Adviser may compete in purchasing available investments and, to the extent that the demand exceeds the supply, may result in driving the prices of such investments up, resulting in higher costs to the Fund. There also may be circumstances under which the Portfolio Managers purchase or sell various investments for other clients and do not purchase or sell the same investments for the Fund, or purchase or sell an investment for the Fund and do not include such investment in purchases or sales for other clients. This is because each client’s investment policy guidelines and/or prevailing market conditions at the time of such purchases or sales are

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made may differ from those of the Fund. Each Portfolio Manager may also carry on investment activities for his own account(s) and/or the accounts of family members.

Ownership of Fund Shares: As of the date of this SAI, the Fund had not yet commenced operations. Accordingly, the Portfolio Managers did not own any shares of the Fund.

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

 

The Board supervises the business activities of the Trust and is responsible for protecting the interests of shareholders. The Chairperson of the Board is Andrea N. Mullins, who is not an “interested person” of the Trust, as that term is defined under the 1940 Act (“Independent Trustee”). The Board has considered the overall leadership structure of the Trust and has established committees designed to facilitate the governance of the Trust by the Trustees generally and the Board’s role with respect to risk oversight specifically. The Trust’s committees are responsible for certain aspects of risk oversight relating to financial statements, the valuation of the Trust’s assets, and compliance matters. The Board also has frequent interaction with the service providers and Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) of the Trust with respect to risk oversight matters. The CCO reports directly to the Board generally with respect to the CCO’s role in managing the compliance risks of the Trust. The CCO may also report directly to a particular committee of the Board depending on the subject matter. The Trust’s principal financial officer reports to the Audit Committee of the Board on all financial matters affecting the Trust, including risks associated with financial reporting. Through the committee structure, the Trustees also interact with other officers and service providers of the Trust to monitor risks related to the Trust’s operations. The Trust has determined that its leadership structure is appropriate based on the size of the Trust, the Board’s current responsibilities, each Trustee’s ability to participate in the oversight of the Trust and committee transparency.

The Trustees are experienced businesspersons who meet throughout the year to oversee the Trust’s activities, review contractual arrangements with companies that provide services to the Fund and review performance. Each Trustee serves as a trustee until termination of the Trust unless the Trustee dies, resigns, retires or is removed.

The following table provides information regarding each of the Independent Trustees.

Name, Address*, Age, Position with Trust**, Term of Position with Trust Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years and Other Directorships Other Directorships
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Ira P. Cohen, 62
Independent Trustee
Since June 2010
Current:  Independent financial services consultant (since February 2005); Executive Vice President of Asset Management Services, Recognos Financial (since August 2015). Trustee and Audit Committee Chairman, Griffin Institutional Access Credit Fund (since January 2017); Trustee and Audit Committee Chairman, Griffin Institutional Real Estate Access Fund (since May 2014); Trustee, Angel Oak Funds Trust (since October 2014) (5 portfolios); Trustee, Chairman, and Nominating and Governance Committee Chairman, Angel Oak Strategic Credit Fund (since December 2017); Trustee, U.S. Fixed Income Trust (since March 2019); Trustee and Chairman, Angel Oak Financial Strategies Income Term Trust (since May 2019); Trustee, Angel Oak Dynamic Financial Strategies Income Term Trust (since June 2020); Trustee, Angel Oak Credit Opportunities Term Trust (since January 2021).

Andrea N. Mullins, 54

Independent Trustee Since December 2013

Chairperson since March 2017

Current:  Private investor; Independent Contractor, SWM Advisors (since April 2014). Trustee, Angel Oak Funds Trust (since February 2019) (5 portfolios); Trustee, Angel Oak Strategic Credit Fund (since February 2019); Trustee, Angel Oak Financial Strategies Income Term Trust (since May 2019); Trustee, Angel Oak Dynamic Financial Strategies Income Term Trust (since June 2020); Trustee, Angel Oak Credit Opportunities Term Trust (since January 2021); Trustee and Audit Committee Chair, Cushing Mutual Funds Trust (since November 2021) (2 portfolios); Trustee and Audit Committee Chair, Cushing NextGen Infrastructure Income Fund (since November 2021); Trustee and Audit Committee Chair, Cushing MLP & Infrastructure Fund (Since November 2021).

* The address for each Trustee and officer is 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246.

** As of the date of this SAI, the Trust consists of 15 series.

The following table provides information regarding the Trustee who is considered an “interested person” of the Trust, as that term is defined under the 1940 Act. Based on the experience of the Trustee, the Trust concluded that the individual described below should serve as a Trustee.

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Name, Address*, Age, Position with Trust**, Term of Position with Trust Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years Other Directorships

Mark J. Seger***, 59

Trustee Since March 2017

Current:  Vice Chairman and Co-Founder, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC and its subsidiaries (since 1999). None.

* The address for each Trustee and officer is 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246.

** As of the date of this SAI, the Trust consists of 15 series.

*** Mr. Seger is considered an “interested person” of the Trust because of his relationship with the Trust’s administrator, transfer agent, and distributors.

The Trust’s committees are responsible for certain aspects of risk oversight relating to financial statements, the valuation of the Trust’s assets, and compliance and governance matters. The Board currently has established three standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Pricing Committee and the Governance and Nominating Committee.

The Trust’s Audit Committee consists of the Independent Trustees. The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the Fund’s accounting and financial reporting policies and practices, its internal controls and, as appropriate, the internal controls of certain service providers; overseeing the quality and objectivity of the Fund’s financial statements and the independent audit of the financial statements; and acting as a liaison between the Fund’s independent auditors and the full Board. During the 2021 calendar year, the Audit Committee met times.

The Pricing Committee of the Board is responsible for reviewing and approving the Fund’s fair valuation determinations, if any. The members of the Pricing Committee are all of the Trustees, except that any one member of the Pricing Committee constitutes a quorum for purposes of reviewing and approving a fair value. During the 2021 calendar year, the Pricing Committee met times.

The Governance and Nominating Committee consists of the Independent Trustees and oversees general Trust governance-related matters. The Governance and Nominating Committee’s purposes, duties and powers are set forth in its written charter, which is included in Exhibit C – the charter also describes the process by which shareholders of the Trust may make nominations. During the 2021 calendar year, the Governance and Nominating Committee met times.

Trustee Qualifications

Generally, no one factor was decisive in the original selection of an individual to join the Board. Among the factors the Board considered when concluding that an individual should serve on the Board were the following: (1) the individual’s business and professional experience and

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accomplishments; (2) the individual’s ability to work effectively with the other members of the Board; and (3) how the individual’s skills, experience and attributes would contribute to an appropriate mix of relevant skills and experience on the Board. In respect of each Trustee, the individual’s substantial professional accomplishments and prior experience, including, in some cases, in fields related to the operations of the Trust, were a significant factor in the determination that the individual should serve as a Trustee of the Trust. In addition to the information provided above, below is a summary of the specific experience, qualifications, attributes or skills of each Trustee and the reason why he or she was selected to serve as Trustee:

Andrea N. Mullins – Ms. Mullins has over 26 years of experience in the mutual fund industry, including experience in management, accounting and financial reporting.

Ira P. Cohen – Mr. Cohen has over 40 years of experience in the financial services industry, including in an executive management role. He was selected to serve as Trustee of the Trust based primarily on his comprehensive understanding of the investment management industry’s operations and distribution related matters.

Mark J. Seger - Mr. Seger has over 34 years of experience in the financial services industry, including extensive experience in an executive management role with two different mutual fund servicing companies, including the Trust’s administrator. Mr. Seger was selected to serve as Trustee of the Trust based primarily on his extensive knowledge of mutual fund operations, including the regulatory framework under which the Trust must operate.

The following table provides information regarding the Officers of the Trust:

Name, Address*, Age, Position with Trust**, Term of Position with Trust Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years Other Directorships

Adam T. Kornegay, 36

Principal Executive Officer and President Since April 2018

Current: Vice President, Business Development Director, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (since June 2018).

 

Previous: Assistant Vice President, Business Development Director, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (March 2015 to June 2018).

None.

Kevin J. Patton, 51

Chief Compliance Officer Since March 2020

Current: Senior Compliance Officer, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (since January 2020).

 

Previous: Partner and Chief Compliance Officer, Renaissance Investment Management (August 2005 to January 2020).

None.
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Carol J. Highsmith, 56

Vice President Since August 2008

 

Secretary Since March 2014

Current: Vice President, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (since December 2015). None.

Matthew J. Miller, 45

Vice President Since December 2011

Current: Assistant Vice President, Relationship Management, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (since December 2015). None.

Zachary P. Richmond, 41

Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer Since September 2021

Current: Vice President, Financial Administration for Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (February 2019 to present).

 

Previous: Assistant Vice President, Associate Director of Financial Administration for Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (December 2015 to February 2019).

None.

Stephen L. Preston, 55

AML Officer since June 2017

Current: Chief Compliance Officer of Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (since June 2011), Vice President, Financial Operations Principal, and Anti-Money Laundering Officer, Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (since April 2021), Treasurer, Financial Operations Principal, Chief Compliance Officer, and Anti-Money Laundering Officer, Northern Lights Distributors, LLC (since April 2021).

 

Previous: Chief Compliance Officer, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (June 2011 to August 2019); Chief Compliance Officer, Unified Financial Securities, LLC (April 2018 to December 2019)

None.

* The address for each Trustee and officer is 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246.

** As of the date of this SAI, the Trust consists of 15 series.

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 funds of the Trust, as of December 31, 2020 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 the Trustees in Family of Investment Companies
Non-Interested Trustees    
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Andrea N. Mullins A A
Ira P. Cohen A A
Interested Trustee    
Mark J. Seger A A

Compensation. Set forth below are estimates of the annual compensation to be paid to the Trustees entitled to receive compensation by the Fund on an individual basis and by the Trust on an aggregate basis. Trustees’ fees and expenses are Trust expenses and the Fund incurs its pro rata share of expenses based on the number of existing series in the Trust and the total assets of each series relative to the overall assets of the Trust. As a result, the amount paid by the Fund will increase or decrease as series are added or removed from the Trust.

Independent Trustees Aggregate Compensation from the Fund Pension or Retirement Benefits Accrued As Part of Fund Expenses Estimated Annual Benefits Upon Retirement Total Compensation from Trust*
Ira P. Cohen** $_______ $0 $0 $_______
Andrea N. Mullins*** $_______ $0 $0 $_______

* As of the date of this SAI, the Trust consists of 15 series. Each series, including the Fund, pays a portion of the overall Independent Trustees’ compensation expenses, which is based on the total number of series in the Trust and the total assets of each series relative to the overall assets of the Trust. The amount for the Aggregate Compensation from the Fund may be higher or lower depending on the allocation over relative net assets of the series in the Trust. Effective January 1, 2022, each Independent Trustee receives base compensation of $ . Each Independent Trustee also receives additional compensation for serving as the chairperson of one or more of the Trust’s standing committees and for participating in special meetings of the Board.

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a fund creates a presumption of control of a fund, under Section 2(a) (9) of the 1940 Act. As a controlling shareholder, each of these persons could control the outcome of any proposal submitted to the shareholders for approval, including changes to the Fund’s fundamental policies or the terms of the investment advisory agreement with the Adviser.

As of the date of this SAI, the Fund had no controlling shareholders. As of the date of this SAI, the Fund has not yet commenced investment operations. Accordingly, the Trustees and officers of the Trust as a group owned no shares of the Fund.

ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING COMPLIANCE PROGRAM

Customer identification and verification is part of the Fund’s overall obligation to prevent money laundering under federal law. The Trust has, on behalf of the Fund, adopted an anti-money

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laundering compliance program designed to prevent the Fund from being used for money laundering or financing of terrorist activities (the “AML Compliance Program”). The Trust has delegated the responsibility to implement the AML Compliance Program to the Fund’s transfer agent, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, subject to oversight by the Trust’s CCO and, ultimately, by the Board.

When you open an account with the Fund, the Fund’s transfer agent will request that you provide your name, physical address, date of birth, and Social Security number or tax identification number. You may also be asked for other information that, in the transfer agent’s discretion, will allow the Fund to verify your identity. Entities are also required to provide additional documentation. This information will be verified to ensure the identity of all persons opening an account with the Fund. The Fund reserves the right to (i) refuse, cancel or rescind any purchase or exchange order, (ii) freeze any account and/or suspend account activities, or (iii) involuntarily redeem your account in cases of threatening conduct or suspected fraudulent or illegal activity. These actions will be taken when, in the sole discretion of the Fund’s transfer agent, they are deemed to be in the best interest of the Fund, or in cases where the Fund is requested or compelled to do so by governmental or law enforcement authority.

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE

Subject to policies established by the Board, the Adviser is responsible for the Fund’s portfolio decisions and the placing of the Fund’s portfolio transactions. In placing portfolio transactions, the Adviser seeks the best qualitative execution for the Fund, taking into account such factors as price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), the execution capability, financial responsibility and responsiveness of the broker or dealer and the brokerage and research services provided by the broker or dealer. The Adviser generally seeks favorable prices and commission rates that are reasonable in relation to the benefits received.

The Adviser is specifically authorized to select brokers or dealers who also provide brokerage and research services to the Fund and/or the other accounts over which the Adviser exercises investment discretion and to pay such brokers or dealers a commission in excess of the commission another broker or dealer would charge if the Adviser determines in good faith that the commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided. The determination may be viewed in terms of a particular transaction or the Adviser’s overall responsibilities with respect to the Fund and to other accounts over which it exercises investment discretion.

Research services include supplemental research, securities and economic analyses, statistical services and information with respect to the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities and analyses of reports concerning performance of accounts. The research services and other information furnished by brokers through whom the Fund effects securities transactions may also be used by the Adviser in servicing all of its accounts. Similarly, research and information provided by brokers or dealers serving other clients may be useful to the Adviser in connection with its services to the Fund. Although research services and other information are useful to the Fund and the Adviser, it is not possible to place a dollar value on the research and other information received. It is the opinion of the Board and the Adviser that the review and study of the research and other information will not reduce the overall cost to the Adviser of performing

17
 

its duties to the Fund under the Agreement. As of the date of this SAI, the Fund has not yet commenced investment operations;. accordingly, the Fund did not direct any Fund brokerage transactions to brokers based on research services provided to the Adviser.

Over-the-counter transactions will be placed either directly with principal market makers or with broker-dealers, if the same or a better price, including commissions and executions, is available. Fixed income securities are normally purchased directly from the issuer, an underwriter or a market maker. Purchases include a concession paid by the issuer to the underwriter and the purchase price paid to a market maker may include the spread between the bid and asked prices. When the broker acts as agent, a commission will be charged on the transaction; when the broker acts as principal, the markup is included in the bond price.

When the Fund and another of the Adviser’s clients seek to purchase or sell the same security at or about the same time, the Adviser may execute the transaction on a combined (“blocked”) basis. Blocked transactions can produce better execution for the Fund because of the increased volume of the transaction. If the entire blocked order is not filled, the Fund may not be able to acquire as large a position in such security as it desires, or it may have to pay a higher price for the security. Similarly, the Fund may not be able to obtain as large an execution of an order to sell, or as high a price for any particular portfolio security, if the other client desires to sell the same portfolio security at the same time. In the event that the entire blocked order is not filled, the purchase or sale will normally be allocated on a pro rata basis.

CODES OF ETHICS

The Trust, the Fund’s distributor, and the Adviser have each adopted a Code of Ethics (each a “Code” and collectively, the “Codes”) pursuant to Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act, and the Adviser’s Code also conforms to Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. The personnel subject to the Codes are permitted to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund. You may obtain a copy of the Codes from the Fund, free of charge, by calling the Fund at [ ]. You may also obtain copies of the Trust’s Code from documents filed with the SEC and available on the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov.

DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

The Fund is required to include a schedule of portfolio holdings in its annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders, which is sent to shareholders within 60 days of the end of the second and fourth fiscal quarters and which is filed with the SEC on Form N-CSR. The Fund files its complete schedules of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The Fund must provide a copy of the complete schedule of portfolio holdings as filed with the SEC to any shareholder of the Fund, upon request, free of charge. This policy is applied uniformly to all shareholders of the Fund without regard to the type of requesting shareholder (i.e., regardless of whether the shareholder is an individual or institutional investor).

The Fund releases portfolio holdings to third party servicing agents on a daily basis in order for those parties to perform their duties on behalf of the Fund. These third party servicing agents include the Adviser, distributor, transfer agent, fund accounting agent, administrator and

18
 

custodian. The Fund also may disclose portfolio holdings, as needed, to auditors, legal counsel, proxy voting services (if applicable), printers, pricing services, parties to merger and reorganization agreements and their agents, and prospective or newly hired investment advisers or sub-advisers. The lag between the date of the information and the date on which the information is disclosed will vary based on the identity of the party to whom the information is disclosed. For instance, the information may be provided to auditors within days of the end of an annual period, while the information may be given to legal counsel or prospective advisers at any time. This information is disclosed to all such third parties under conditions of confidentiality. “Conditions of confidentiality” include (i) confidentiality clauses in written agreements, (ii) confidentiality implied by the nature of the relationship (e.g., attorney-client relationship), (iii) confidentiality required by fiduciary or regulatory principles (e.g., custodial relationships) or (iv) understandings or expectations between the parties that the information will be kept confidential.

Additionally, the Fund has ongoing arrangements to release portfolio holdings to Morningstar, Inc., Lipper, Inc., Bloomberg, Standard & Poor’s, Refinitiv and Vickers-Stock (“Rating Agencies”) in order for those organizations to assign a rating or ranking to the Fund. In these instances portfolio holdings will be supplied within approximately 15 days after the end of the month. The Rating Agencies may make the Fund’s top portfolio holdings available on their websites and may make the Fund’s complete portfolio holdings available to their subscribers for a fee. Neither the Fund, the Adviser nor any of their affiliates receive any portion of this fee. Information released to Rating Agencies is released under conditions of confidentiality and it is subject to prohibitions on trading based on the information. The Fund also may post its complete portfolio holdings to its website, if applicable, within approximately 15 days after the end of the month. The information will remain posted on the website until replaced by the information for the succeeding month. If the Fund does not have a website or the website is for some reason inoperable, the information will be supplied no more frequently than quarterly and on a delayed basis.

From time to time, employees of the Adviser also may provide oral or written information (portfolio commentary) about the Fund, including, but not limited to, how the Fund’s investments are divided among various sectors, industries, countries, investment styles and capitalization sizes, and among stocks, bonds, currencies and cash, security types, bond maturities, bond coupons and bond credit quality ratings. This portfolio commentary may also include information on how these various weightings and factors contributed to Fund performance. Employees of the Adviser may also provide oral or written information (statistical information) about various financial characteristics of the Fund or its underlying portfolio securities including, but not limited to, alpha, beta, R-squared, coefficient of determination, duration, maturity, information ratio, Sharpe ratio, earnings growth, payout ratio, price/book value, projected earnings growth, return on equity, standard deviation, tracking error, weighted average quality, market capitalization, percent debt to equity, price to cash flow, dividend yield or growth, default rate, portfolio turnover, and risk and style characteristics. This portfolio commentary and statistical information about the Fund may be based on the Fund’s portfolio as of the most recent quarter-end or the end of some other interim period, such as month-end. The portfolio commentary and statistical information may be provided to various persons, including members of the press, brokers and other financial intermediaries that sell shares of the Fund, shareholders in the Fund, persons considering investing in the Fund or representatives of such shareholders or potential shareholders, such as fiduciaries of a 401(k) plan

19
 

or a trust and their adviser. The nature and content of the information provided to each of these persons may differ.

The Adviser provides services for individuals, other than the Trust, including institutional investors and high net worth persons. In many cases, these other service offerings are managed in a similar fashion to the Fund and thus have similar portfolio holdings. The owners of separate accounts that are managed by the Adviser may have access to the portfolio holdings of their separate accounts at different times than the Fund discloses its portfolio holdings.

Except as described above, the Fund is prohibited from entering into any arrangements with any person to make available information about the Fund’s portfolio holdings without the prior authorization of the CCO and the specific approval of the Board. The Adviser must submit any proposed arrangement pursuant to which the Adviser intends to disclose the Fund’s portfolio holdings to the Board, which will review such arrangement to determine whether the arrangement is in the best interests of Fund shareholders. Additionally, the Adviser, and any affiliated persons of the Adviser, are prohibited from receiving compensation or other consideration, for themselves or on behalf of the Fund, as a result of disclosing the Fund’s portfolio holdings. Finally, the Fund will not disclose portfolio holdings as described above to third parties that the Fund knows will use the information for personal securities transactions.

The Trust maintains written policies and procedures regarding the disclosure of its portfolio holdings to ensure that such disclosure is for a legitimate business purpose and is in the best interests of the Fund’s shareholders. The Board reviews these policies and procedures on an annual basis. Compliance will be periodically assessed by the Board in connection with a report from the Trust’s CCO. There may be instances where the interests of the Trust’s shareholders respecting the disclosure of information about portfolio holdings may conflict or appear to conflict with the interests of the Adviser, any principal underwriter for the Trust or an affiliated person of the Trust (including such affiliated person’s investment adviser or principal underwriter). In such situations, the conflict must be disclosed to the Board.

PROXY VOTING POLICY

The Trust and the Adviser each have adopted proxy voting policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in shareholders’ best interests. As a brief summary, the Trust’s policy delegates responsibility regarding proxy voting to the Adviser, subject to the Adviser’s proxy voting policy and the supervision of the Board. The Adviser votes the Fund’s proxies in accordance with its proxy voting policy, subject to the provisions of the Trust’s policy regarding conflicts of interests. The Fund’s Proxy Voting Policy and Procedure is attached as Exhibit A. The Adviser’s Proxy Voting Policy and Procedure is attached as Exhibit B.

The Trust’s policy provides that, if a conflict of interest between the Adviser or its affiliates and the Fund arises with respect to any proxy, the Adviser must fully disclose the conflict to the Board and vote the proxy in accordance with the Board’s instructions. The Board shall make the proxy voting decision that in its judgment, after reviewing the recommendation of the Adviser, is most consistent with the Adviser’s proxy voting policies and in the best interests of Fund shareholders.

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You may also obtain a copy of the Trust’s and the Adviser’s proxy voting policy by calling Shareholder Services at [ ] to request a copy, or by writing to Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, the Fund’s transfer agent, at 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246. A copy of the policies will be mailed to you within three days of receipt of your request. You also may obtain a copy from Fund documents filed with the SEC, which are available on the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov. A copy of the votes cast by the Fund with respect to portfolio securities for each year ended June 30th will be filed by the Fund with the SEC on Form N-PX. The Fund’s proxy voting record will be available to shareholders free of charge upon request by calling or writing the Fund as described above or from the SEC’s web site.

DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

The NAV of the shares of the Fund is determined as of the close of trading (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the Trust, its custodian, and transfer agent are open for business and on any other day on which there is sufficient trading in the Fund’s securities to materially affect the NAV. The Trust is open for business on every day on which the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for trading. The NYSE is closed on Saturdays, Sundays and the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. For a description of the methods used to determine the NAV (share price), see “Determination of Net Asset Value” in the Prospectus.

Equity securities generally are valued by using market quotations furnished by a pricing service. Securities that are traded on any stock exchange are generally valued by the pricing service at the last quoted sale price. Lacking a last sale price, an exchange-traded security is generally valued by the pricing service at its last bid price. Securities traded in the NASDAQ over-the-counter market are generally valued by the pricing service at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. When market quotations are not readily available (including when they are not reliable), such securities may be valued at a fair value pursuant to guidelines established by the Board. The Board annually approves the pricing services used by the fund accounting agent. Fair valued securities held by the Fund (if any) are reviewed by the Board on a quarterly basis.

The Fund’s NAV per share is computed by dividing the value of the securities held by the Fund plus any cash or other assets (including interest and dividends accrued but not yet received) minus all liabilities (including accrued expenses) by the total number of shares in the Fund outstanding at such time, as shown below:

Net Assets                            = NAV Per Share

Shares Outstanding

REDEMPTION IN-KIND

The Fund does not intend to redeem shares in any form except cash. However, if the redemption amount is over the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund’s net asset value, pursuant to an election under Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act by the Trust on behalf of the Fund, the Fund has the right to redeem your shares by giving you the amount that exceeds the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund’s net asset value in securities instead of cash. In the event that an in-kind

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distribution is made, a shareholder may incur additional expenses such as the payment of brokerage commissions on the sale or other disposition of the securities received from the Fund.

STATUS AND TAXATION OF THE FUND

The following discussion is a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations affecting the Fund and its shareholders. The discussion reflects applicable federal income tax laws of the U.S. as of the date of this SAI. These tax laws may be changed or subject to new interpretations by the courts or the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”), possibly with retroactive effect.  No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of all U.S. income, estate or gift tax, or foreign, state or local tax concerns affecting the Fund and its shareholders (including shareholders owning large positions in the Fund). The discussion set forth herein does not constitute tax advice.  Investors are urged to consult their own tax advisers to determine the tax consequences to them of investing in the Fund.

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 (“RIC”), individual retirement account, other tax-exempt entity, person holding Fund shares as part of a hedge, straddle or conversion transaction, dealer in securities or Non-U.S. Shareholder, except as specifically addressed below.  Furthermore, this discussion does not reflect possible application of the alternative minimum tax to noncorporate shareholders. Unless otherwise noted, this discussion assumes shares of the Fund are held by U.S. shareholders and that such shares are held as capital assets.

If an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds the Fund’s common stock, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in such partnership generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of such partnership.  A partner of a partnership holding the Fund’s common stock should consult its own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences to the partner of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of the Fund’s common stock by the partnership.

 A “U.S. shareholder” is a beneficial owner of shares of the Fund that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

·a citizen or individual resident of the United States (including certain former citizens and former long-term residents);
·a corporation or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
·an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or
·a trust with respect to which a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over its administration and one or more U.S. shareholders have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions or the trust has made a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.
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A “Non-U.S. shareholder” is a beneficial owner of shares of the Fund that is an individual, corporation, trust or estate and is not a U.S. shareholder.

Taxation as a RIC

The Fund intends to qualify each year for treatment as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”).  There can be no assurance that it actually will so qualify.  The Fund will qualify as a RIC if, among other things, it meets the source-of-income and the asset-diversification requirements.  With respect to the source-of-income requirement, the Fund must derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income (including tax-exempt interest) from (i) dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including but not limited to gains from options, futures and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such shares, securities or currencies, and (ii) net income derived from an interest in a “qualified publicly traded partnership.” A “qualified publicly traded partnership” (“QPTP”) is generally defined as a publicly traded partnership under Internal Revenue Code section 7704.  However, for these purposes, a QPTP does not include a publicly traded partnership if 90% or more of its income is described in (i) above.  Income derived from a partnership (other than a qualified publicly traded partnership) or trust is qualifying income to the extent such income is attributable to items of income of the partnership or trust which would be qualifying income if realized by the Fund in the same manner as realized by the partnership or trust.

If a RIC fails this 90% income test, as long as such failure is due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, such RIC is required to disclose the failure to the IRS and pay a tax equal to the excess of the gross income which is not derived from the sources described in (i) and (ii) above over 1/9 of the gross income that is described above.

With respect to the asset-diversification requirement, the Fund must diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of its taxable year (i) at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets is represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, the securities of other RICs and other securities, if such other securities of any one issuer do not represent more than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets is invested in the securities of (other than U.S. government securities or the securities of other RICs) (a) one issuer, (b) two or more issuers that are controlled by the Fund and that are engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses, or (c) one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.

If a RIC fails this asset-diversification test, such RIC, in addition to other cure provisions, has a 6-month period to correct any failure without incurring a penalty if such failure is “de minimis.”

However, if a RIC does not satisfy the “de minimis” cure provisions, it can still cure a failure if: (a) the RIC files with the Treasury Department a description of each asset that causes the RIC to fail the diversification tests; (b) the failure is due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect; and (c) the failure is cured within six months (or such other period specified by the Treasury).  In such cases, a tax is imposed on the RIC equal to the greater of: (a) $50,000 or (b) an

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amount determined by multiplying the corporate tax rate by the amount of net income generated during the period of diversification test failure by the assets that caused the RIC to fail the diversification test.

If the Fund satisfies the income and asset-diversification tests above and distributes to its shareholders, for each taxable year, at least 90% of the sum of (i) its “investment company taxable income” as that term is defined in the Internal Revenue Code (which includes, among other things, dividends, taxable interest, the excess of any net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses and certain net foreign exchange gains as reduced by certain deductible expenses) without regard to the deduction for dividends paid, and (ii) the excess of its gross tax-exempt interest, if any, over certain deductions attributable to such interest that are otherwise disallowed, then the Fund will be relieved of U.S. federal income tax on any income of the Fund, including long-term capital gains, distributed to shareholders.  However, any ordinary income or capital gain retained by the Fund will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the corporate income tax rate.  The Fund intends to distribute at least annually substantially all of its investment company taxable income, net tax-exempt interest, and net capital gain.

The Fund will generally be subject to a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax on the portion of its undistributed ordinary income with respect to each calendar year and undistributed capital gains if it fails to meet certain distribution requirements with respect to the one-year period ending on October 31 in that calendar year.  In order to avoid the 4% federal excise tax, the required minimum distribution is generally equal to the sum of (i) 98% of the Fund’s ordinary income (computed on a calendar year basis), (ii) 98.2% of the Fund’s capital gain net income (generally computed for the one-year period ending on October 31) and (iii) any prior year undistributed income realized, on which the Fund paid no federal income tax in preceding years.  The Fund generally intends to make distributions in a timely manner in an amount at least equal to the required minimum distribution and therefore, under normal market conditions, does not expect to be subject to this excise tax.

To the extent that the Fund has capital loss carryforwards from prior tax years, those carryforwards will reduce the Fund’s current net capital gains and thus reduce the amount of the Fund’s distribution of capital gain dividends. Capital loss carryforwards are reduced to the extent they offset current-year net realized capital gains, whether the Fund retains or distributes such gains. A RIC is permitted to carry forward net capital losses indefinitely and may allow losses to retain their original character (as short or as long-term). These capital loss carryforwards may be utilized in future years to offset net realized capital gains of the Fund, if any, prior to distributing such gains to shareholders.

The Fund may be required to recognize taxable income in circumstances in which it does not receive cash.  For example, if the Fund holds debt obligations that are treated under applicable tax rules as having original issue discount (such as debt instruments with payment in kind interest or, in certain cases, with increasing interest rates or that are issued with warrants), the Fund must include in income each year a portion of the original issue discount that accrues over the life of the obligation regardless of whether cash representing such income is received by the Fund in the same taxable year.  Because any original issue discount accrued will be included in the Fund’s “investment company taxable income” (discussed below) for the year of accrual, the Fund may be

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required to make a distribution to its shareholders to satisfy the distribution requirement, even though it will not have received an amount of cash that corresponds with the income earned.

Gain or loss realized by the Fund from the sale or exchange of warrants acquired by the Fund as well as any loss attributable to the lapse of such warrants generally will be treated as capital gain or loss.  Such gain or loss generally will be long-term or short-term, depending on how long the Fund held a particular warrant.  Upon the exercise of a warrant acquired by the Fund, the Fund’s tax basis in the stock purchased under the warrant will equal the sum of the amount paid for the warrant plus the strike price paid on the exercise of the warrant. Except as set forth in “Failure to Qualify as a RIC,” the remainder of this discussion assumes that the Fund will qualify as a RIC for each taxable year.

Failure to Qualify as a RIC

If the Fund is unable to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement or otherwise fails to qualify as a RIC in any year, it will be subject to corporate level income tax on all of its income and gain, regardless of whether or not such income was distributed.  Distributions to the Fund’s shareholders of such income and gain will not be deductible by the Fund in computing its taxable income.  In such event, the Fund’s distributions, to the extent derived from the Fund’s current or accumulated earnings and profits, would constitute ordinary dividends, which would generally be eligible for the dividends-received deduction available to corporate shareholders, and non-corporate shareholders would generally be able to treat such distributions as “qualified dividend income” eligible for reduced rates of U.S. federal income, provided in each case that certain holding period and other requirements are satisfied.

Distributions in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits would be treated first as a return of capital to the extent of the shareholders’ tax basis in their Fund shares, and any remaining distributions would be treated as a capital gain.  To qualify as a RIC in a subsequent taxable year, the Fund would be required to satisfy the source-of-income, the asset diversification, and the annual distribution requirements for that year and dispose of any earnings and profits from any year in which the Fund failed to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC.  Subject to a limited exception applicable to RICs that qualified as such under the Internal Revenue Code for at least one year prior to disqualification and that re-qualify as a RIC no later than the second year following the non-qualifying year, the Fund would be subject to tax on any unrealized built-in gains in the assets held by it during the period in which the Fund failed to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC that are recognized within the subsequent 10 years, unless the Fund made a special election to pay corporate-level tax on such built-in gain at the time of its re-qualification as a RIC.

Taxation of U.S. Shareholders

Distributions paid to U.S. shareholders by the Fund from its investment company taxable income (which is, generally, the Fund’s ordinary income plus net realized short-term capital gains in excess of net realized long-term capital losses) are generally taxable to U.S. shareholders as ordinary income to the extent of the Fund’s earnings and profits, whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares.  Such distributions (if designated by the Fund) may qualify (i) for the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders under Section 243 of the

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Internal Revenue Code to the extent that the Fund’s income consists of dividend income from U.S. corporations, excluding distributions from tax-exempt organizations, exempt farmers’ cooperatives or REITs or (ii) in the case of individual shareholders, as qualified dividend income eligible to be taxed at reduced rates applicable to long-term capital gains (e.g., 0%, 15% or 20% depending on the individual’s taxable income) to the extent that the Fund receives qualified dividend income, and provided in each case certain holding period and other requirements are met.

Qualified dividend income is, in general, dividend income from taxable domestic corporations and qualified foreign corporations (e.g., generally, foreign corporations incorporated in a possession of the United States or in certain countries with a qualified comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States, or the stock with respect to which such dividend is paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States).  A qualified foreign corporation generally excludes any foreign corporation, which for the taxable year of the corporation in which the dividend was paid, or the preceding taxable year, is a passive foreign investment company.

Distributions made to a U.S. shareholder from an excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses (“capital gain dividends”), including capital gain dividends credited to such shareholder but retained by the Fund, are taxable to such shareholder as long-term capital gain if they have been properly designated by the Fund, regardless of the length of time such shareholder owned the shares of the Fund.  Long-term capital gain rates applicable to individuals are 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on the nature of the capital gain and the individual’s taxable income.

Distributions in excess of the Fund’s earnings and profits will be treated by the U.S. shareholder, first, as a tax-free return of capital, which is applied against and will reduce the adjusted tax basis of the U.S. shareholder’s shares and, after such adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will constitute capital gain to the U.S. shareholder (assuming the shares are held as a capital asset).

Generally, not later than sixty days after the close of its taxable year, the Fund will provide the shareholders with a written notice designating the amount of any qualified dividend income or capital gain dividends and other distributions.

Under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, "qualified REIT dividends" (i.e., ordinary REIT dividends other than capital gain dividends and portions of REIT dividends designated as qualified dividend income) are treated as eligible for a 20% deduction by noncorporate taxpayers. A Fund may pass through the special character of “qualified REIT dividends” to a shareholder, provided both the Fund and a shareholder meet certain holding period requirements with respect to their shares. The amount of a RIC’s dividends eligible for the 20% deduction for a taxable year is limited to the excess of the RIC’s qualified REIT dividends for the taxable year over allocable expenses. A noncorporate shareholder receiving such dividends would treat them as eligible for the 20% deduction, provided the shareholder meets certain holding period requirements for its shares in the RIC (i.e., generally, RIC shares must be held by the shareholder for more than 45 days during the 91-day period beginning on the date that is 45 days before the date on which the shares become ex-dividend with respect to such dividend).

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For purposes of determining (i) whether the annual distribution requirement is satisfied for any year and (ii) the amount of capital gain dividends paid for that year, the Fund may, under certain circumstances, elect to treat a dividend that is paid during the following taxable year as if it had been paid during the taxable year in question. If the Fund makes such an election, the U.S. shareholder will still be treated as receiving the dividend in the taxable year in which the distribution is made. However, any dividend declared by the Fund in October, November or December of any calendar year, payable to shareholders of record on a specified date in such a month and actually paid during January of the following year, will be treated as if it had been received by the U.S. shareholders on December 31 of the year in which the dividend was declared.

If more than 50% of the value of the Fund’s assets at the close of the taxable year consist of stock or securities in foreign corporations (including certain foreign ETFs or foreign index mutual funds) and certain other requirements are met, the Fund may elect to pass-through to its shareholders the amount of foreign income tax paid by the Fund instead of claiming it on its tax return.  If such an election is made, each shareholder will include in gross income his proportional share of the foreign taxes paid by the Fund. Investors may either deduct their pro-rata amount of such taxes paid in computing their taxable income or use it as a foreign tax credit against federal income tax. If the Fund makes the election, it will furnish the shareholders with a written notice after the close of its taxable year.

The Fund intends to distribute all realized capital gains, if any, at least annually.  If, however, the Fund were to retain any net capital gain, the Fund may designate the retained amount as undistributed capital gains in a notice to shareholders who, if subject to U.S. federal income tax on long-term capital gains, (i) will be required to include in income as long-term capital gain, their proportionate shares of such undistributed amount, and (ii) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the federal income tax paid by the Fund on the undistributed amount against their U.S. federal income tax liabilities, if any, and to claim refunds to the extent the credit exceeds such liabilities.  If such an event occurs, the tax basis of shares owned by a shareholder of the Fund will, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, generally be increased by the difference between the amount of undistributed net capital gain included in the shareholder’s gross income and the tax deemed paid by the shareholders.

Sales and other dispositions of the shares of the Fund generally are taxable events. U.S. shareholders should consult their own tax adviser with reference to their individual circumstances to determine whether any particular transaction in the shares of the Fund is properly treated as a sale or exchange for federal income tax purposes, as the following discussion assumes, and the tax treatment of any gains or losses recognized in such transactions. The sale or other disposition of shares of the Fund will generally result in capital gain or loss to the shareholder equal to the difference between the amount realized and his adjusted tax basis in the shares sold or exchanged, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year at the time of sale. Any loss upon the sale or exchange of shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends received (including amounts credited as an undistributed capital gain dividend) by such shareholder with respect to such shares.  A loss realized on a sale or exchange of shares of the Fund generally will be disallowed if other substantially identical shares are acquired within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date that the shares are disposed.  In such case, the basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Present law taxes both long-

27
 

term and short-term capital gain of corporations at the rates applicable to ordinary income of corporations.  For non-corporate taxpayers, short-term capital gain will currently be taxed at the rate applicable to ordinary income, while long-term capital gain generally will be taxed at a maximum rate of 20%.  Capital losses are subject to certain limitations.

The Fund has chosen average cost as its standing (default) tax lot identification method for all shareholders. A tax lot identification method is the way the Fund will determine which specific shares are deemed to be sold when there are multiple purchases on different dates at differing net asset values, and the entire position is not sold at one time. The Fund’s standing tax lot identification method is the method covered shares will be reported on your Consolidated Form 1099 if you do not select a specific tax lot identification method. You may choose a method different than the Fund’s standing method and will be able to do so at the time of your purchase or upon the sale of covered shares. Please refer to the appropriate Internal Revenue Service regulations or consult your tax advisor with regard to your personal circumstances.

For those securities defined as "covered" under current Internal Revenue Service cost basis tax reporting regulations, the Fund is responsible for maintaining accurate cost basis and tax lot information for tax reporting purposes. The Fund is not responsible for the reliability or accuracy of the information for those securities that are not "covered." The Fund and its service providers do not provide tax advice. You should consult independent sources, which may include a tax professional, with respect to any decisions you may make with respect to choosing a tax lot identification method.

Certain U.S. shareholders, including individuals and estates and trusts, are subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare tax on all or a portion of their “net investment income,” which should include dividends from the Fund and net gains from the disposition of shares of the Fund. U.S. shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the implications of the additional Medicare tax resulting from an investment in the Fund.

Original Issue Discount, Pay-In-Kind Securities, and Market Discount. Some debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance (and zero-coupon debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund may be treated as debt obligations that are issued originally at a discount. Generally, the amount of the original issue discount (“OID”) is treated as interest income and is included in the Fund’s taxable income (and required to be distributed by the Fund) over the term of the debt obligation, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security.

Some debt obligations (with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund in the secondary market may be treated as having “market discount.” Very generally, market discount is the excess of the stated redemption price of a debt obligation (or in the case of an obligations issued with OID, its “revised issue price”) over the purchase price of such obligation. Generally, any gain recognized on the disposition of, and any partial payment of principal on, a debt obligation having market discount is treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain, or principal payment, does not exceed the “accrued market discount” on such debt obligation. Alternatively, the Fund may elect to accrue market discount currently, in which case the Fund will be required to include the accrued market discount in the Fund’s income

28
 

(as ordinary income) and thus distribute it over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security. The rate at which the market discount accrues, and thus is included in the Fund’s income, will depend upon which of the permitted accrual methods the Fund elects. In the case of higher-risk securities, the amount of market discount may be unclear.

Some debt obligations (with a fixed maturity date of one year or less from the date of issuance) that may be acquired by the Fund may be treated as having “acquisition discount” (very generally, the excess of the stated redemption price over the purchase price), or OID in the case of certain types of debt obligations. The Fund will be required to include the acquisition discount, or OID, in income (as ordinary income) over the term of the debt obligation, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security. The Fund may make one or more of the elections applicable to debt obligations having acquisition discount, or OID, which could affect the character and timing of recognition of income.

In addition, payment-in-kind securities will, and commodity-linked notes may, give rise to income that is required to be distributed and is taxable even though the Fund holding the security receives no interest payment in cash on the security during the year.

If the Fund holds the foregoing kinds of securities, it may be required to pay out as an income distribution each year an amount that is greater than the total amount of cash interest the Fund actually received. Such distributions may be made from the cash assets of the Fund or by liquidation of portfolio securities, if necessary (including when it is not advantageous to do so). The Fund may realize gains or losses from such liquidations. In the event the Fund realizes net capital gains from such transactions, its shareholders may receive a larger capital gain distribution than they would in the absence of such transactions.

Tax-Exempt Shareholders. If a shareholder of the Fund is a tax-exempt organization, it is generally not subject to federal income tax on distributions from the Fund or on sales or exchanges of Fund shares. This general exemption from tax does not apply to the “unrelated business taxable income” or UBTI of an exempt organization. UBTI includes dividends, interest, and gains from sales and other dispositions of property held for investment to the extent that such items are attributable to “debt financed property.” For example, UBTI could result if shares in the Fund constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholder within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code Section 514(b). A deduction from one activity that produces UBTI cannot be used to offset income from a different activity that produces UBTI for the same taxable year. UBTI in excess of $1,000 in any year is taxable and will require a member to file a federal income tax return on Form 990-T. In addition, private foundations that are exempt from federal income tax may nonetheless be subject to excise tax on their net investment income and certain private colleges and universities that are exempt from federal income tax may be subject to an excise tax based on the investment income they earn. Shareholders should ask their own tax advisors for more information on their own tax situation.

At the time a private foundation or certain private colleges or universities purchase Fund shares, the Fund’s net asset value may reflect undistributed income or undistributed capital gains. A subsequent distribution of such amounts, although constituting a return of investment, would be

29
 

classified as a taxable distribution whether reinvested in additional shares or paid in cash. This is sometimes referred to as “buying a dividend.” In addition, the Fund’s net asset value may, at any time, reflect net unrealized appreciation, which may result in future taxable distributions. (Private colleges and universities with at least 500 tuition-paying students (more than 50% of which are located in the United States) and non-exempt use assets with a value at the close of the preceding year of at least $500,000 per full-time student (with part-time students taken into account on a full-time student equivalent basis) may be subject to a 1.4% excise tax on their net investment income.).

Furthermore, a tax-exempt shareholder may recognize UBTI if the Fund recognizes “excess inclusion income” derived from direct or indirect investments in residual interests in Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits ("REMICs") or equity interests in Taxable Mortgage Pools ("TMPs") if the amount of such income recognized by the Fund exceeds the Fund’s investment company taxable income (after taking into account deductions for dividends paid by the Fund). Special tax consequences also apply to charitable remainder trusts (“CRTs”) that invest in regulated investment companies that invest directly or indirectly in residual interests in REMICs or equity interests in TMPs. Under legislation enacted in December 2006, a CRT (as defined in section 664 of the Internal Revenue Code) that realizes any UBTI for a taxable year, must pay an excise tax annually of an amount equal to such UBTI. Under IRS guidance issued in October 2006, a CRT will not recognize UBTI solely as a result of investing in the Fund that recognizes “excess inclusion income.” Rather, if at any time during any taxable year a CRT (or one of certain other tax-exempt shareholders, such as the United States, a state or political subdivision, or an agency or instrumentality thereof, and certain energy cooperatives) is a record holder of a share in the Fund that recognizes “excess inclusion income,” then the regulated investment company will be subject to a tax on that portion of its “excess inclusion income” for the taxable year that is allocable to such shareholders, at the corporate income tax rate. The extent to which this IRS guidance remains applicable in light of the December 2006 legislation is unclear. To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, the Fund may elect to specially allocate any such tax to the applicable CRT, or other shareholder, and thus reduce such shareholder’s distributions for the year by the amount of the tax that relates to such shareholder’s interest in the Fund. The Fund has not yet determined whether such an election will be made. CRTs and other tax-exempt investors are urged to consult their tax advisers concerning the consequences of investing in the Fund.

Passive Foreign Investment Companies. A passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) is any foreign corporation: (i) 75% or more of the gross income of which for the taxable year is passive income, or (ii) the average percentage of the assets of which (generally by value, but by adjusted tax basis in certain cases) that produce or are held for the production of passive income is at least 50%. Generally, passive income for this purpose means dividends, interest (including income equivalent to interest), royalties, rents, annuities, the excess of gains over losses from certain property transactions and commodities transactions, and foreign currency gains. Passive income for this purpose does not include rents and royalties received by the foreign corporation from an active business and certain income received from related persons.

Equity investments by the Fund in certain PFICs could potentially subject the Fund to a U.S. federal income tax or other charge (including interest charges) on the distributions received from the PFIC or on proceeds received from the disposition of shares in the PFIC. This tax cannot be eliminated by making distributions to Fund shareholders. However, the Fund may elect to avoid the imposition of that tax. For example, if the Fund is in a position to and elects to treat a PFIC as

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a “qualified electing fund” (i.e., make a “QEF election”), the Fund will be required to include its share of the PFIC's income and net capital gains annually, regardless of whether it receives any distribution from the PFIC. Alternatively, the Fund may make an election to mark the gains (and to a limited extent losses) in its PFIC holdings “to the market” as though it had sold and repurchased its holdings in those PFICs on the last day of the Fund’s taxable year. Such gains and losses are treated as ordinary income and loss. The QEF and mark-to-market elections may accelerate the recognition of income (without the receipt of cash) and increase the amount required to be distributed by the Fund to avoid taxation. Making either of these elections therefore may require the Fund to liquidate other investments (including when it is not advantageous to do so) to meet its distribution requirement, which also may accelerate the recognition of gain and affect the Fund’s total return. Dividends paid by PFICs will not be eligible to be treated as “qualified dividend income.”

Because it is not always possible to identify a foreign corporation as a PFIC, the Fund may incur the tax and interest charges described above in some instances.

Foreign Currency Transactions. The Fund’s transactions in foreign currencies, foreign currency-denominated debt obligations and certain foreign currency options, futures contracts and forward contracts (and similar instruments) may give rise to ordinary income or loss to the extent such income or loss results from fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency concerned. Any such net gains could require a larger dividend toward the end of the calendar year. Any such net losses will generally reduce and potentially require the recharacterization of prior ordinary income distributions. Such ordinary income treatment may accelerate Fund distributions to shareholders and increase the distributions taxed to shareholders as ordinary income. Any net ordinary losses so created cannot be carried forward by the Fund to offset income or gains earned in subsequent taxable years.

Foreign Taxation. Income received by the Fund from sources within foreign countries, including securities held by the RICs and ETFs in which the Fund invest, may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries. Dividends and interest received by a RIC’s holding of foreign securities may give rise to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. If the RIC in which the Fund invests is taxable as a RIC and meets certain other requirements, which include a requirement that more than 50% of the value of such RIC’s total assets at the close of its respective taxable year consists of stocks or securities of foreign corporations, then the RIC should be eligible to file an election with the IRS that may enable its shareholders, including the Fund in effect, to receive either the benefit of a foreign tax credit, or a tax deduction, with respect to any foreign and U.S. possessions income taxes paid the by Fund, subject to certain limitations.

A “qualified fund of funds” is a RIC that has at least 50% of the value of its total interests invested in other RICs at the end of each quarter of the taxable year. If the Fund satisfied this requirement or if it meets certain other requirements, which include a requirement that more than 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets at the close of its taxable year consist of stocks or securities of foreign corporations, then the Fund should be eligible to file an election with the IRS that may enable its shareholders to receive either the benefit of a foreign tax credit, or a tax

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deduction, with respect to any foreign and U.S. possessions income taxes paid by the Fund, subject to certain limitations.

Foreign Shareholders. Absent specific statutory exemptions, as described below, dividends paid by the Fund to a shareholder that is not a “U.S. person” within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code (such shareholder, a “foreign shareholder”) are subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate). However, notwithstanding such exemptions from U.S. withholding at the source, any dividends and distributions of income and capital gains, including the proceeds from the sale of your Fund shares, will be subject to backup withholding at a rate of 24% if you fail to properly certify that you are not a U.S. person.

In general, capital gain dividends reported by the Fund to shareholders as paid from its net long-term capital gains, other than long-term capital gains realized on disposition of US real property interests (see the discussion below), are not subject to U.S. withholding tax unless you are a nonresident alien individual present in the U.S. for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the calendar year.

Ordinary dividends paid by the Fund to foreign investors on the income earned on portfolio investments in (i) the stock of domestic and foreign corporations and (ii) the debt of foreign issuers are subject to U.S. withholding tax.

Generally, dividends reported by the Fund to shareholders as interest-related dividends and paid from its qualified net interest income from U.S. sources are not subject to U.S. withholding tax. “Qualified interest income” includes, in general, U.S. source (1) bank deposit interest, (2) short-term original discount, (3) interest (including original issue discount, market discount, or acquisition discount) on an obligation that is in registered form, unless it is earned on an obligation issued by a corporation or partnership in which the Fund is a 10-percent shareholder or is contingent interest, and (4) any interest-related dividend from another regulated investment company. Similarly, short-term capital gain dividends reported by the Fund to shareholders as paid from its net short-term capital gains, other than short-term capital gains realized on disposition of U.S. real property interests (see the discussion below), are not subject to U.S. withholding tax unless you were a nonresident alien individual present in the U.S. for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the calendar year. The Fund reserves the right to not report interest-related dividends or short-term capital gain dividends. Additionally, the Fund’s reporting of interest-related dividends or short-term capital gain dividends may not be passed through to shareholders by intermediaries who have assumed tax reporting responsibilities for this income in managed or omnibus accounts due to systems limitations or operational constraints.

If the income from the Fund is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business carried on by a foreign shareholder, then ordinary income dividends, capital gain dividends and any gains realized upon the sale or redemption of shares of the Fund will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the rates applicable to U.S. citizens or domestic corporations and require the filing of a nonresident U.S. income tax return.

Special U.S. tax certification requirements may apply to foreign shareholders both to avoid U.S. backup withholding imposed at a rate of 24% and to obtain the benefits of any treaty between

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the U.S. and the shareholder’s country of residence. In general, if you are a foreign shareholder, you must provide a Form W-8BEN (or other applicable Form W-8) to establish that you are not a U.S. person, to claim that you are the beneficial owner of the income and, if applicable, to claim a reduced rate of, or exemption from, withholding as a resident of a country with which the U.S. has an income tax treaty. A Form W-8BEN provided without a U.S. taxpayer identification number will remain in effect for a period beginning on the date signed and ending on the last day of the third succeeding calendar year unless an earlier change of circumstances makes the information on the form incorrect. Certain payees and payments are exempt from backup withholding.

The tax consequences to a foreign shareholder entitled to claim the benefits of an applicable tax treaty may be different from those described herein. Foreign shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors with respect to the particular tax consequences to them of an investment in the Fund, including the applicability of foreign tax.

Backup Withholding. The Fund generally is required to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury a percentage of the taxable distributions and redemption proceeds paid to any individual shareholder who fails to properly furnish the Fund with a correct taxpayer identification number, who has under-reported dividend or interest income, or who fails to certify to the Fund that he or she is not subject to such withholding. The backup withholding tax rate is 24%.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be credited against the shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the appropriate information is furnished to the IRS.

FATCA. Income dividend payments made to a shareholder that is either a foreign financial institution (“FFI”) or a non-financial foreign entity (“NFFE”) within the meaning of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”) may be subject to a 30% withholding tax. After December 31, 2018, FATCA withholding also would have applied to certain capital gain distributions, return of capital distributions, and the proceeds arising from the sale of Fund shares; however, based on proposed regulations issued by the IRS, which can be relied on currently, such withholding is no longer required unless final regulations provide otherwise (which is not expected). The FATCA withholding tax generally can be avoided: (a) by an FFI, subject to any applicable intergovernmental agreement or other exemption, if it enters into a valid agreement with the IRS to, among other requirements, report required information about certain direct and indirect ownership of foreign financial accounts held by U.S. persons with the FFI and (b) by an NFFE, if it: (i) certifies that it has no substantial U.S. persons as owners or (ii) if it does have such owners, reports information relating to them. The Fund may disclose the information that it receives from its shareholders to the IRS, non-U.S. taxing authorities or other parties as necessary to comply with FATCA. Withholding also may be required if a foreign entity that is a shareholder of the Fund fails to provide the Fund with appropriate certifications or other documentation concerning its status under FATCA.

Tax Shelter Reporting Regulations. Under U.S. Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to the Fund’s shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a

33
 

regulated investment company are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders of most or all regulated investment companies. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.

Shareholder Reporting Obligations with Respect to Foreign Financial Assets. Specified individuals and specified domestic entities that have an interest in a “specified foreign financial asset” above a certain threshold amount must disclose annually their interests in such assets on IRS Form 8938, which is filed with their U.S. federal income tax return.

Shares Purchased through Tax-Qualified Plans. Special tax rules apply to investments through defined contribution plans and other tax-qualified plans. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine the suitability of shares of the Fund as an investment through such plans, and the precise effect of an investment on their particular tax situation.

Certain In-Kind Transfers

The Fund may accept in-kind transfers of securities in exchange for Fund shares. Such transactions will be evaluated on a case by case basis by the Fund and the Adviser and there can be no assurance that the Fund will accept any particular in-kind transfer. The tax implications of such a transfer are complex and depend upon various factors including but not limited to whether the securities transferred are adequately diversified and whether the transferring shareholder is deemed to be in "control" of the Fund. Any shareholder or potential shareholder contemplating an in-kind transfer to the Fund should consult his or her own tax advisors.

Summary

The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and the Treasury regulations in effect as they directly govern the taxation of the Fund and its shareholders, and should not be considered tax advice. These provisions are subject to change by legislative and administrative action, and any such change may be retroactive. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding specific questions as to U.S. federal income, estate or gift taxes, or foreign, state, local taxes or other taxes.

CUSTODIAN

Huntington National Bank, 41 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215, is custodian of the Fund’s investments. The custodian acts as the Fund’s depository, safekeeps its portfolio securities, collects all income and other payments with respect thereto, disburses funds at the Fund’s request and maintains records in connection with its duties.

FUND SERVICES

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (“Ultimus”), 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, acts as the Fund’s transfer agent, fund accountant, and administrator.  Ultimus is the parent

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company of the distributor, Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”). Certain officers of the Trust also are officers of Ultimus and/or the Distributor.

Ultimus maintains the records of each shareholder’s account, answers shareholders’ inquiries concerning their accounts, processes purchases and redemptions of the Fund’s shares, acts as dividend and distribution disbursing agent and performs other transfer agent and shareholder service functions.

In addition, Ultimus provides the Fund with fund accounting services, which includes certain monthly reports, record-keeping and other management-related services.

Ultimus also provides the Fund with administrative services, including all regulatory reporting and necessary office equipment, personnel and facilities.

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The firm of [ ], [ ], has been selected as the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the Fund for the [FYE 2022]. [ ] will perform an annual audit of the Fund’s financial statements and will provide financial, tax and accounting consulting services as requested.

LEGAL COUNSEL

Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP serves as legal counsel to the Trust and Fund. Its address is 3000 Two Logan Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

DISTRIBUTOR

Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, is the exclusive agent for distribution of shares of the Fund. An officer of the Trust is also an officer of the Distributor, and each may be deemed to be an affiliate of the Distributor. The Distributor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ultimus.

The Distributor is obligated to sell the shares of the Fund on a best efforts basis only against purchase orders for the shares. Shares of the Fund are offered to the public on a continuous basis.

DISTRIBUTION PLAN

The Fund has adopted a Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act for its Class A Shares (the “Class A Shares 12b-1 Plan”). The Class A Shares 12b-1 Plan was approved by a majority of the Board of Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust or the Fund, and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Class A Shares 12b-1 Plan or in any other Rule 12b-1 agreement.

The Class A Shares 12b-1 Plan provides that the Fund will pay the Distributor and/or any registered securities dealer, financial institution or any other person (the “Recipient”) for the provision of services associated with the promotion and distribution of Class A Shares of the Fund,

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or the provision of shareholder support services to Class A shareholders, including, but not necessarily limited to, advertising, compensation to underwriters, dealers and selling personnel, the printing and mailing of prospectuses to other than current Class A Fund shareholders, the printing and mailing of sales literature and servicing shareholder accounts (the “12b-1 Expenses”). The Fund and/or the Distributor may pay all or a portion of these fees to any Recipient who renders assistance in distributing or promoting the sales of Class A Shares, or who provides certain shareholder support services, pursuant to a written agreement.

The Class A Shares 12b-1 Plan is a compensation plan, which means that compensation is provided regardless of 12b-1 Expenses actually incurred. It is anticipated that the Class A Shares 12b-1 Plan will benefit Class A shareholders because an effective sales program typically is necessary in order for the Fund to reach and maintain a sufficient size to achieve efficiently its investment objective and to realize economies of scale.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Fund is newly organized and therefore no financial information is included in this SAI. You may request a copy of the Fund’s Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to shareholders, once available, at no charge by calling the Fund at [ ], by visiting the Fund’s website at [ ], or upon written request to:

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC

P.O. Box 46707

Cincinnati, Ohio 45246-0707 

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EXHIBIT A

VALUED ADVISERS TRUST

PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES

Valued Advisers Trust (the “Trust”) is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”). The Trust offers multiple series (each a “Fund” and, collectively, the “Funds”). Consistent with its fiduciary duties and pursuant to Rule 30b1-4 under the 1940 Act (the “Proxy Rule”), the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) has adopted this proxy voting policy on behalf of the Trust (the “Policy”) to reflect its commitment to ensure that proxies are voted in a manner consistent with the best interests of the Funds’ shareholders.

Delegation of Proxy Voting Authority to Fund Advisers

The Board believes that the investment advisor of the Fund (each an “Adviser” and, collectively, the “Advisers”), as the entity that selects the individual securities that comprise its Fund’s portfolio, is the most knowledgeable and best-suited to make decisions on how to vote proxies of portfolio companies held by that Fund. The Trust shall therefore defer to, and rely on, the Adviser of the Fund to make decisions on how to cast proxy votes on behalf of such Fund.

The Trust hereby designates the Adviser of the Fund as the entity responsible for exercising proxy voting authority with regard to securities held in the Fund’s investment portfolio. Consistent with its duties under this Policy, each Adviser shall monitor and review corporate transactions of corporations in which the Fund has invested, obtain all information sufficient to allow an informed vote on all proxy solicitations, ensure that all proxy votes are cast in a timely fashion, and maintain all records required to be maintained by the Fund under the Proxy Rule and the 1940 Act. Each Adviser shall perform these duties in accordance with the Adviser’s proxy voting policy, a copy of which shall be presented to this Board for its review. Each Adviser shall promptly provide to the Board updates to its proxy voting policy as they are adopted and implemented.

The Chief Compliance Officer shall maintain, or cause another service provider to the Trust to maintain, a copy of the Trust’s proxy voting policies and procedures and shall maintain, or cause another service provider to the Trust to maintain, a copy of the proxy voting record for each portfolio of the Funds.

Conflict of Interest Transactions

In some instances, an Adviser may be asked to cast a proxy vote that presents a conflict between the interests of the Fund’s shareholders, and those of the Adviser or an affiliated person of the Adviser. In such case, the Adviser is instructed to abstain from making a voting decision and to forward all necessary proxy voting materials to the Trust to enable the Board to make a voting decision. When the Board is required to make a proxy voting decision, only the Trustees without a conflict of interest with regard to the security in question or the matter to be voted upon shall be permitted to participate in the decision of how the Fund’s vote will be cast. In the event that the Board is required to vote a proxy because an Adviser has a conflict of interest with respect to the proxy, the Board will vote such proxy in accordance with the Adviser’s proxy voting policy,

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to the extent consistent with the shareholders’ best interests, as determined by the Board in its discretion. The Board shall notify the Adviser of its final decision on the matter and the Adviser shall vote in accordance with the Board’s decision.

Availability of Proxy Voting Policy and Records Available to Fund Shareholders

Each Fund shall disclose in its statement of additional information the policies and procedures that it uses to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities. In addition, each fund shall make available to shareholders, either on its website or upon request, the record of how the Trust voted proxies relating to portfolio securities.

Each Fund shall disclose in its annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders and in its registration statement the methods by which shareholders may obtain information about the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures and the Fund’s proxy voting record.

If the Fund has a website, the Fund may post a copy of its Adviser’s proxy voting policy and this Policy on such website. A copy of such policies and of the Fund’s proxy voting record shall also be made available, without charge, upon request of any shareholder of the Fund, by calling the applicable Fund’s toll-free telephone number as printed in the Fund’s prospectus. The Trust’s administrator shall reply to any Fund shareholder request within three business days of receipt of the request, by first-class mail or other means designed to ensure equally prompt delivery.

  1. Reporting of the Trust’s Proxy Voting Record

Each Adviser shall provide to the Trust’s Administrator, a certification that the Adviser has cast proxy votes for the relevant securities for each Fund within the Trust for which it acts as investment adviser or sub-adviser, within 15 days following the end of each calendar quarter. The Administrator shall promptly inform the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) in the event that the Adviser fails to provide the certification.

Prior to the filing of Form N-PX on or before August 31 of each year, each Investment Adviser’s chief compliance officer shall review the Investment Adviser’s proxy voting records for completeness and accuracy and to determine whether any proxy votes were cast on behalf of the Fund for which reports were not filed. If an unreported vote is discovered, the Investment Adviser’s chief compliance officer shall contact the Fund manager for an explanation and documentation and report the unreported vote and explanation to the Trust CCO. The Investment Adviser will submit the proxy voting records for the period ended June 30 in the required format to the Administrator upon request or as soon after June 30 as is practicable.

Each Advisor shall provide a complete voting record, as required by the Proxy Rule, for each series of the Trust for which it acts as adviser, to the Trust’s administrator within 15 days following the end of each calendar quarter. The Trust’s administrator will file a report based on such record on Form N-PX on an annual basis with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than August 31st of each year.

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EXHIBIT B

MILLBANK DARTMOOR PORTSMOUTH LLC

PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES

[to be provided] 

 

 

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EXHIBIT C

Governance and Nominating Committee Charter

Valued Advisers Trust

Governance and Nominating Committee Membership

1.The Governance and Nominating Committee (the “Committee”) of Valued Advisers Trust (“Trust”) shall be composed entirely of Independent Trustees.

Governance and Functions

1.The Committee shall assist the Board in adopting fund governance practices and reviewing the Trust’s fund governance standards.
2.To carry out this purpose, the Committee shall have the following duties and powers:
a.To periodically review workload, size, and composition of the Board;
b.To periodically review the qualifications and independence of the members of the Board;
c.To periodically review the compensation of the Independent Trustees;
d.To monitor, as necessary, regulatory developments, rule changes and industry best practices in fund governance;
e.To periodically review the Trust’s committee structure and consider if additional committees or changes to existing committees are needed or warranted; and
f.To report its activities to the Board and to make such recommendations with respect to the above and other matters as the Committee may deem necessary or appropriate.

Board Nominations and Functions

1.The Committee shall make recommendations for nominations for Independent Trustees members on the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) to the incumbent Independent Trustees members and to the full Board. The Committee also shall evaluate candidates’ qualifications and make recommendations for “interested” members on the Board to the full Board. The Committee shall evaluate candidates’ qualifications for Board membership and their independence from the investment advisers to the Trust’s series portfolios and the Trust’s other principal service providers. Persons selected as Independent Trustees must not be “interested person” as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), nor shall an Independent Trustee have any affiliations or associations that shall preclude them from voting as an Independent Trustee on matters involving approvals and continuations of Rule 12b-1 Plans, Investment Advisory Agreements and such other standards as the Committee shall deem appropriate. The Committee shall also consider the effect of any relationships beyond those delineated in the 1940 Act that might impair independence, e.g., business, financial or family
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relationships with investment advisers or service providers. See Appendix A for Procedures with Respect to Nominees to the Board.

2.The Committee shall periodically review Board governance procedures and shall recommend any appropriate changes to the full Board.
3.The Committee may adopt from time to time specific, minimum qualifications that the Committee believes a candidate must meet before being considered as a candidate for Board membership and shall comply with any rules adopted from time to time by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) regarding investment company nominating committees and the nomination of persons to be considered as candidates for Board membership. The Committee shall periodically review Independent Trustee compensation and shall recommend any appropriate changes to the Independent Trustees as a group.

Committee Nominations and Functions

1.The Committee shall make recommendations to the full Board for nomination for membership on all committees of the Board and shall review committee assignments at least annually.
2.The Committee shall review, as necessary, the responsibilities of any committees of the Board, whether there is a continuing need for each committee, whether there is a need for additional committees of the Board, and whether committees should be combined or reorganized. The Committee shall make recommendations for any such action to the Board.

Other Powers and Responsibilities

1.The Committee shall meet as often as it deems appropriate.
2.The Committee shall have the resources and authority appropriate to discharge its responsibilities, including authority to retain special counsel and other experts or consultants at the expense of the Trust.
3.The Committee shall report its activities to the Board and make such recommendations as the Committee may deem necessary or appropriate.
4.A majority of the Committee’s members will constitute a quorum. At any meeting of the Committee at which a quorum is present, the decision of a majority of the members present and voting will be determinatives as to any matter submitted to a vote. The Committee may meet in person or by telephone, and a majority of the members of the Committee may act by written consent to the extent not inconsistent with the Trust’s by-laws. In the event of any inconsistency between this Charter and the Trust’s organizational documents, the provisions of the Trust’s organizational documents shall be given precedence.
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5.The Committee shall review this Charter at least annually and recommend any changes to the Board.

Adopted: April 23, 2010

Amended: June 8, 2016

Amended: June 7, 2018

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APPENDIX A

VALUED ADVISERS TRUST

PROCEDURES WITH RESPECT TO NOMINEES TO THE BOARD

I.Identification of Candidates. When a vacancy on the Board of Trustees exists or is anticipated, and such vacancy is to be filled by an Independent Trustee, the Governance and Nominating Committee shall identify candidates by obtaining referrals from such sources as it may deem appropriate, which may include current Trustees, management of the Trust, counsel and other advisors to the Trustees, and shareholders of the Trust who submit recommendations in accordance with these procedures.
II.Shareholder Candidates. The Governance and Nominating Committee shall, when identifying candidates for the position of Independent Trustee, consider any such candidate recommended by a shareholder if such recommendation contains: (i) sufficient background information concerning the candidate, including evidence the candidate is willing to serve as an Independent Trustee if selected for the position; and (ii) is received in a sufficiently timely manner as determined by the Governance and Nominating Committee in its discretion. Shareholders shall be directed to address any such recommendations in writing to the attention of the Governance and Nominating Committee, c/o the Secretary of the Trust. The Secretary shall retain copies of any shareholder recommendations which meet the foregoing requirements for a period of not more than 12 months following receipt. The Secretary shall have no obligation to acknowledge receipt of any shareholder recommendations.
III.Evaluation of Candidates. In evaluating a candidate for a position on the Board of Trustees, including any candidate recommended by shareholders of the Trust, the Governance and Nominating Committee shall consider the following: (i) the candidate’s knowledge in matters relating to the mutual fund industry; (ii) any experience possessed by the candidate as a director or senior officer of public companies; (iii) the candidate’s educational background; (iv) the candidate’s reputation for high ethical standards and professional integrity; (v) any specific financial, technical or other expertise possessed by the candidate, and the extent to which such expertise would complement the Board’s existing mix of skills, core competencies and qualifications; (vi) the candidate’s perceived ability to contribute to the ongoing functions of the Board, including the candidate’s ability and commitment to attend meetings regularly and work collaboratively with other members of the Board; (vii) the candidate’s ability to qualify as an Independent Trustee and any other actual or potential conflicts of interest involving the candidate and the Trust; and (viii) such other factors as the Governance and Nominating Committee determines to be relevant in light of the existing composition of the Board and any anticipated vacancies. Prior to making a final recommendation to the Board, the Governance and Nominating Committee shall conduct personal interviews with those candidates it concludes are the most qualified candidates.
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PART C

 

FORM N-1A

OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 28. Exhibits.

 

(a)(1) Certificate of Trust - Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed June 16, 2008 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(a)(2) Agreement and Declaration of Trust – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed October 6, 2008 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(a)(3) Amended Schedule A to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust – filed herewith. 
   
(b)(1) Bylaws – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed October 6, 2008 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(b)(2) Amendment, dated September 22, 2009, to Bylaws – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 filed March 16, 2010 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(c) Certificates for shares are not issued. Provisions of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust define the rights of holders of shares of the Trust – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed October 6, 2008 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(d)(1) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Summitry LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 159 filed May 30, 2014 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(d)(2) Amendment to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Summitry LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 328 filed May 29, 2020 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(d)(3) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Long Short Advisors, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 filed June 29, 2010 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(d)(4) Investment Subadvisory Agreement between Long Short Advisors, LLC and Prospector Partners, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 216 filed September 25, 2015 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(d)(5) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Kovitz Investment Group Partners, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 265 filed September 20, 2017 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(d)(6) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Foundry Partners, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 242 filed August 30, 2016 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(d)(7) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and SMI Advisory Services, LLC, with respect to the SMI Dynamic Allocation Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 filed February 20, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(d)(8) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and SMI Advisory Services, LLC, with respect to the Sound Mind Investing Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 101 filed February 22, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(d)(9) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and SMI Advisory Services, LLC, with respect to the SMI 50/40/10 Fund (formerly known as the Sound Mind Investing Balanced Fund and the SMI Conservative Allocation Fund) – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 101 filed February 22, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
 
 

 

   
(d)(10) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 filed September 23, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(d)(11) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Dana Investment Advisors, Inc. with respect to the Dana Large Cap Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 132 filed October 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(d)(12) Amendment to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Dana Investment Advisors, Inc. with respect to the Dana Large Cap Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 296 filed August 31, 2018 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(d)(13) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Dana Investment Advisors, Inc. with respect to the Dana Epiphany ESG Small Cap Equity Fund (formerly known as the Dana Small Cap Equity Fund) – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 222 filed November 2, 2015 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(d)(14) Amendment to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Dana Investment Advisors, Inc. with respect to the Dana Epiphany ESG Small Cap Equity Fund (formerly known as the Dana Small Cap Equity Fund) – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 296 filed August 31, 2018 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(d)(15) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Belmont Capital, LLC dba Belmont Capital Group with respect to the Belmont Theta Income Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 288 filed April 16, 2018 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(d)(16) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Dana Investment Advisors, Inc. with respect to the Dana Epiphany ESG Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 306 filed February 28, 2019 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(d)(17) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Channing Capital Management, LLC with respect to the Channing Intrinsic Value Small Cap Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 346 filed May 10, 2021 (File No. 811-22208). 
   
(d)(18) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Globescan Capital Inc. dba GCI Investors with respect to the Genuine Investors ETF – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 359 filed November 17, 2021 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(d)(19) Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust and Millbank Dartmoor Portsmouth LLC with respect to the MDP Low Volatility Fund – to be filed.
   
(e)(1) Distribution Agreement among the Trust, Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, and Kovitz Investment Group Partners, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 319 filed February 28, 2020 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(e)(2) Distribution Agreement among the Trust, Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, and SMI Advisory Services, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 319 filed February 28, 2020 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(e)(3) Distribution Agreement among the Trust, Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, and Dana Investment Advisors, Inc. – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 319 filed February 28, 2020 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(e)(4) Distribution Agreement among the Trust, Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC and Foundry Partners, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 319 filed February 28, 2020 (File No. 811-22208).
   
 
 

 

(e)(5) Distribution Agreement among the Trust, Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC and Summitry LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 319 filed February 28, 2020 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(e)(6) Amendment to the Distribution Agreement among the Trust, Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC and Summitry LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 328 filed May 29, 2020 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(e)(7) Distribution Agreement among the Trust, Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC and Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 319 filed February 28, 2020 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(e)(8) Distribution Agreement between Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC and Long Short Advisors, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 319 filed February 28, 2020 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(e)(9) Distribution Agreement between the Trust and Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 346 filed May 10, 2021 (File No. 811-22208). 
   
(e)(10) Distribution Agreement between the Trust and Northern Lights Distributors, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 359 filed November 17, 2021 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(f) Not applicable.
   
(g)(1) Custody Agreement between the Trust and Huntington National Bank – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed October 6, 2008 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(g)(2) Amended Appendix B to the Custody Agreement between the Trust and Huntington National Bank – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 328 filed May 29, 2020 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(g)(3) Amended Appendix D to the Custody Agreement between the Trust and Huntington National Bank – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 filed June 29, 2010 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(g)(4) Custody Agreement between the Trust and US Bank, N.A. – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 245 filed September 28, 2016 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(g)(5) Amendment No. 1 to the Custody Agreement between the Trust and US Bank, N.A. - Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 290 filed April 27, 2018 (File No. 811-22208)
   
(g)(6) Amendment No. 2 to the Custody Agreement between the Trust and US Bank, N.A. – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 346 filed May 10, 2021 (File No. 811-22208). 
   
(g)(7) Custodian and Transfer Agent Agreement between the Trust and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. –  Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 359 filed November 17, 2021 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(h)(1) Master Services Agreement between the Trust and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 288 filed April 16, 2018 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(h)(2) First Amendment to the Master Services Agreement between the Trust and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 311 filed May 31, 2019 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(h)(3) Second Amendment to the Master Services Agreement between the Trust and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 319 filed February 28, 2020 (File No. 811-22208).
   
 
 

 

(h)(4) Amendment to the Fund Administration Addendum to the Master Services Agreement between the Trust and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 311 filed May 31, 2019 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(h)(5) Amended Schedule A to the Master Services Agreement between the Trust and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 346 filed May 10, 2021 (File No. 811-22208). 
   
(h)(6) ETF Master Services Agreement between the Trust and Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 359 filed November 17, 2021 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(h)(7) Amended Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Long Short Advisors, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 356 filed September 28, 2021 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(h)(8) Amended Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Kovitz Investment Group Partners, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 321 filed February 28, 2020 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(h)(9) Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Foundry Partners, LLC  Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 340 filed February 26, 2021 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(h)(10) Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and SMI Advisory Services, LLC with respect to the Sound Mind Investing Fund, the SMI 50/40/10 Fund, and the SMI Dynamic Allocation Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 336 filed January 29, 2021 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(h)(11) Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 331 filed September 28, 2020 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(h)(12) Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Dana Investment Advisors, Inc. with respect to the Dana Large Cap Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 339 filed February 26, 2021 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(h)(13) Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Dana Investment Advisors, Inc. with respect to the Dana Epiphany ESG Small Cap Equity Fund (formerly known as the Dana Small Cap Equity Fund)  Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 339 filed February 26, 2021 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(h)(14) Amended Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Summitry LLC with respect to the Summitry Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 349 filed May 28, 2021 (File No. 811-22208) 
   
(h)(15) Amended Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Belmont Capital, LLC dba Belmont Capital Group with respect to the Belmont Theta Income Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 348 filed May 28, 2021 (File No. 811-22208). 
   
(h)(16) Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Dana Investment Advisors, Inc. with respect to the Dana Epiphany ESG Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 339 filed February 26, 2021 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(h)(17) Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Channing Capital Management, LLC with respect to the Channing Intrinsic Value Small Cap Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 346 filed May 10, 2021 (File No. 811-22208). 
   
 
 

 

(h)(18) Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and GCI Investors with respect to the Genuine Investors ETF – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 359 filed November 17, 2021 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(h)(19) Expense Limitation Agreement between the Trust and Millbank Dartmorr Portsmouth LLC with respect to the MDP Low Volatility Fund – to be filed.
   
(i)(1) Opinion and Consent of Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP, Legal Counsel, with respect to Golub Group Equity Fund (now known as Summitry Equity Fund) – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 filed March 10, 2009 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(i)(2) Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to LS Opportunity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 filed June 29, 2010 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(i)(3) Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Green Owl Intrinsic Value Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 53 filed November 10, 2011 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(i)(4) Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund (now known as the Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund) – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 filed February 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(i)(5) Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the SMI Dynamic Allocation Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 filed February 20, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(i)(6) Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel with respect to the Sound Mind Investing Fund and the Sound Mind Investing Balanced Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 filed February 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(i)(7) Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the BFS Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 filed September 23, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(i)(8) Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Dana Large Cap Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 132 filed October 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(i)(9) Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the SMI 50/40/10 Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 289 filed April 30, 2018 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(i)(10) Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Dana Small Cap Equity Fund (now known as the Dana Epiphany ESG Small Cap Equity Fund) – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 222 filed November 2, 2015 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(i)(11) Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the Belmont Theta Income Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 288 filed April 16, 2018 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(i)(12) Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the merger of the SMI Conservative Allocation Fund and the SMI 50/40/10 Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 289 filed April 30, 2018 (File No. 811-22208).
   
 
 

 

(i)(13) Tax Opinion and Consent of the Law Offices of John H. Lively & Associates, Inc., Legal Counsel, with respect to the merger of the SMI Conservative Allocation Fund and the SMI 50/40/10 Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 289 filed April 30, 2018 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(i)(14) Opinion and Consent of Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP, Legal Counsel, with respect to the Dana Epiphany ESG Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 301 filed November 16, 2018 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(i)(15) Opinion and Consent of Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP, Legal Counsel, with respect to the Channing Intrinsic Value Small-Cap Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 338 filed February 24, 2021 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(i)(16) Opinion and Consent of Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP, Legal Counsel, with respect to the Genuine Investors ETF – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 354 filed August 6, 2021 (File No. 811-22208). 
   
(i)(17) Opinion and Consent of Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP, Legal Counsel, with respect to the MDP Low Volatility Fund – filed herewith.
   
(j)(1) Consent of Cohen & Company, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to Summitry Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 349 filed May 28, 2021 (File No. 811-22208) 
   
(j)(2) Consent of Cohen & Company, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to LS Opportunity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 356 filed September 28, 2021 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(j)(3) Consent of Cohen & Company, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Green Owl Intrinsic Value Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 341 filed February 26, 2021 (File No. 811-22208 ).
   
(j)(4) Consent of Cohen & Company, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 340 filed February 26, 2021 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(j)(5) Consent of Cohen & Company, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Sound Mind Funds – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 350 filed June 9, 2021 (File No. 811-22208 ).
   
(j)(6) Consent of Cohen & Company, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the BFS Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 355 filed September 28, 2021 (File No. 811-22208). 
   
(j)(7) Consent of Cohen & Company, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Dana Funds – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 339 filed February 26, 2021 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(j)(8) Consent of Cohen & Company, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Belmont Theta Income Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 348 filed May 28, 2021 (File No. 811-22208). 
   
(j)(9) Consent of BBD, LLP, Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Dana Epiphany ESG Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 303 filed February 28, 2019 (File No. 811-22208).
   
 
 

 

(j)(10) Consent of Cohen & Company, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Channing Intrinsic Value Small Cap Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 346 filed May 10, 2021 (File No. 811-22208). 
   
(j)(11) Consent of Cohen & Company, Ltd., Independent Public Accountants, with respect to the Genuine Investors ETF – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 359 filed November 17, 2021 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(k) Not applicable.
   
(l) Initial Capital Agreement – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed October 6, 2008 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(m)(1) Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for Summitry Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 328 filed May 29, 2020 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(m)(2) Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for the Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund (formerly known as the Dreman Contrarian Small Cap Value Fund) – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 filed February 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(m)(3) Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for BFS Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 126 filed September 23, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(m)(4) Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for Dana Large Cap Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 132 filed October 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(m)(5) Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 for MDP Low Volatility Fund – to be filed.
   
(n)(1) Rule 18f-3 Plan for Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 242 filed August 30, 2016 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(n)(2) Rule 18f-3 Plan for Dana Large Cap Equity Fund – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 132 filed October 28, 2013 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(n)(3) Rule 18f-3 Plan for MDP Low Volatility Fund – to be filed.
   
(o) Reserved.
   
(p)(1) Code of Ethics for the Trust – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 filed October 6, 2008 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(p)(2) Code of Ethics for Summitry LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 328 filed May 29, 2020 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(p)(3) Code of Ethics for Long Short Advisors, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 356 filed September 28, 2021 (File No. 811-22208 ).
   
(p)(4) Code of Ethics for Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC and Northern Lights Distributors, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 346 filed May 10, 2021 (File No. 811-22208). 
   
(p)(5) Code of Ethics for Kovitz Investment Group Partners, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 332 filed September 28, 2020 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(p)(6) Code of Ethics for Foundry Partners, LLC - Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 340 filed February 26, 2021 (File No. 811-22208).
 
 

 

   
(p)(7) Code of Ethics for SMI Advisory Services, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 332 filed September 28, 2020 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(p)(8) Code of Ethics for Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc. – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 332 filed September 28, 2020 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(p)(9) Code of Ethics for Dana Investment Advisors, Inc. – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 332 filed September 28, 2020 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(p)(10) Code of Ethics for Prospector Partners, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 332 filed September 28, 2020 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(p)(11) Code of Ethics for Belmont Capital, LLC dba Belmont Capital Group – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 348 filed May 28, 2021 (File No. 811-22208). 
   
(p)(12)   Code of Ethics for Channing Capital Management, LLC – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 346 filed May 10, 2021 (File No. 811-22208). 
   
(p)(13)   Code of Ethics for GCI Investors – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 359 filed November 17, 2021 (File No. 811-22208).
   
(p)(14) Code of Ethics for Millbank Dartmoor Portsmouth LLC – to be filed.
   
(q)              Powers of Attorney – Incorporated by reference to Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 260 filed May 31, 2017 (File No. 811-22208) and Post-Effective Amendment No. 289 filed April 30, 2018 (File No. 811-22208) and Post-Effective Amendment No. 311 filed May 31, 2019 (File No. 811-22208).

 

ITEM 29. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Registrant.

 

No person is controlled by or under common control with the Registrant.

 

ITEM 30. Indemnification.

 

Reference is made to the Registrant's Declaration of Trust, which is filed herewith. The following is a summary of certain indemnification provisions therein.

 

A person who is or was a Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Registrant, or is or was serving at the request of the Trustees as a director, trustee, partner, officer, employee or agent of a corporation, trust, partnership, joint venture or other enterprise shall be indemnified by the Trust to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, as such may be amended from time to time, the Registrant’s Bylaws and other applicable law. In case any shareholder or former shareholder of the Registrant shall be held to be personally liable solely by reason of his being or having been a shareholder of the Registrant or any series or class of the Registrant and not because of his acts or omissions or for some other reason, the shareholder or former shareholder (or his heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives, or, in the case of a corporation or other entity, its corporate or general successor) shall be entitled, out of the assets belonging to the applicable series (or allocable to the applicable class), to be held harmless from and indemnified against all loss and expense arising from such liability in accordance with the Registrant’s Bylaws and applicable law.

 

Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act") may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the

 
 

payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defenses of any action, suite or proceeding) is asserted by such  

director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

 ITEM 31. Business and Other Connections of the Investment Adviser.

 

See the Trust’s various prospectuses and the statements of additional information for the activities and affiliations of the officers and directors of the investment advisers of the Registrant (the “Advisers”). Except as so provided, to the knowledge of Registrant, none of the directors or executive officers of the Advisers is or has been at any time during the past two fiscal years engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature. The Advisers currently serve as investment advisers to other institutional and individual clients.

 

ITEM 32. Principal Underwriters.

 

  1.  Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC

 

  (a) Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC also serves as a principal underwriter for the following investment companies: AlphaMark Investment Trust, ALTI Private Equity Access Fund, Bruce Fund, Inc., CM Advisors Family of Funds, Caldwell & Orkin Funds, Inc., Capitol Series Trust, Centaur Mutual Funds Trust, Chesapeake Investment Trust, Commonwealth International Series Trust, Conestoga Funds, Cross Shore Discovery Fund, Eubel Brady & Suttman Mutual Fund Trust, F/m Funds Trust, HC Capital Trust, Hussman Investment Trust, Index Funds, MSS Series Trust, Oak Associates Funds, Papp Investment Trust, Peachtree Alternative Strategies Fund, Red Cedar Fund Trust, Schwartz Investment Trust, Seagull Bryant & Hamill Trust, The Cutler Trust, The Investment House Funds, Ultimus Managers Trust, Unified Series Trust, VELA Funds, Volumetric Fund, Waycross Independent Trust, Williamsburg Investment Trust,  and Yorktown Funds.

 

  (b) The officers of Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC are as follows:

 

Name* Title Position with Trust
Kevin M. Guerette* President None
Stephen L. Preston* Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer, Financial Operations Principal, and Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer AML Officer
Melvin Van Cleave* Chief Information Security Officer None
Douglas K. Jones* Vice President None

 

* The principal business address of these individuals is 225 Pictoria Dr., Suite 450, Cincinnati, OH 45246

 

  (c) Not Applicable.

 

  2. Northern Lights Distributors, LLC
 
 

 

  (a) Northern Lights Distributors, LLC also serves as a principal underwriter for the following investment companies: AdvisorOne Funds, Arrow DWA Tactical ETF, Arrow QVM Equity Factor ETF, Arrow Reserve Capital Management ETF, Arrow ETF Trust, Arrow Dogs of the World ETF, Arrow DWA Country Rotation ETF, Boyar Value Fund, Inc., Copeland Trust, Humankind Benefit Corporation, Miller Investment Trust, Mutual Fund and Variable Insurance Trust, Mutual Fund Series Trust, New Age Alpha Trust, North Country Funds, Northern Lights Fund Trust, Northern Lights Fund Trust II, Northern Lights Fund Trust III, Northern Lights Fund Trust IV, Northern Lights Variable Trust, OCM Mutual Fund, PREDEX, Princeton Private Investment Access Fund, The Saratoga Advantage Trust, Tributary Funds, Inc., Two Roads Shared Trust, Ultimus Managers Trust, Uncommon Investment Funds Trust, and Unified Series Trust.

 

  (b) The officers of Northern Lights Distributors, LLC are as follows:

 

Name* Title Position with Trust
Kevin M. Guerette* President None
Bill Strait* Secretary, General Counsel, and Manager None
Stephen L. Preston* Treasurer, Chief Compliance Officer, Financial Operations Principal, and Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer AML Officer
David James* Manager None
Melvin Van Cleave* Chief Information Security Officer None

 

* The principal business address of these individuals is 4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100, Elkhorn, NE 68022-3474.

 

  (c) Not Applicable.

 

 ITEM 33. Location Of Accounts And Records.

 

The accounts, books or other documents of the Registrant required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules promulgated thereunder are kept in several locations:

 

  (a) Huntington National Bank, 41 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215 (records relating to its functions as custodian for Summitry Equity Fund, Green Owl Intrinsic Value Fund, Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund, BFS Equity Fund, Dana Large Cap Equity Fund, Dana Epiphany ESG Small Cap Equity Fund, Dana Epiphany ESG Equity Fund, Sound Mind Investing Fund, SMI Dynamic Allocation Fund, and SMI 50/40/10 Fund).
     
  (b) US Bank, N.A., 1555 N. Rivercenter Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53212 (records relating to its functions as custodian for LS Opportunity Fund and Channing Intrinsic Value Small-Cap Fund).
     
  (c) Summitry LLC, 919 Hillsdale Blvd, Suite 150, Foster City, CA 94404 (records relating to its function as the investment adviser to Summitry Equity Fund).
     
  (d) Long Short Advisors, LLC, 3330 Fairchild Gardens Avenue, Suite 30428, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 (records relating to its function as the investment adviser to LS Opportunity Fund).
     
  (e) Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, 225 Pictoria Dr., Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246 (records relating to its function as transfer agent, fund accountant, and administrator for the Trust).
     
  (f) Kovitz Investment Group Partners, LLC, 71 S. Wacker Dr., Suite 1860, Chicago, IL 60606 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to Green Owl Intrinsic Value Fund).
     
  (g) Foundry Partners, LLC, 323 Washington Ave North, Suite 360, Minneapolis, MN 55401 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to Foundry Partners Fundamental Small Cap Value Fund).
     
  (h) SMI Advisory Services, LLC, 4400 Ray Boll Blvd. Columbus, IN 47203 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to the Sound Mind Funds).
     
 
 

 

  (i) Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Inc., 185 Asylum St., City Place II, Hartford, Connecticut 06103 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to the BFS Equity Fund).
     
  (j) Dana Investment Advisors, Inc., 20700 Swenson Drive, Suite 400, Waukesha, Wisconsin 53186 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to the Dana Funds).
     
  (k) Prospector Partners, LLC, 370 Church Street, Guilford, Connecticut 06437 (records relating to its function as subadviser to the LS Opportunity Fund).
     
  (l) Belmont Capital, LLC d/b/a Belmont Capital Group, 1875 Century Park E., Suite 1780, Los Angeles, California 90067 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to the Belmont Theta Income Fund).
     
  (m) Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC, 225 Pictoria Dr., Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246 (records relating to its function as distributor to certain series of the Trust).
     
  (n) Channing Capital Management, LLC, 10 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 2401, Chicago, IL 60603 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to the Channing Intrinsic Value Small-Cap Fund).
     
  (o) Globescan Capital Inc dba GCI Investors, 7880 San Felipe St., Houston, TX 77063 (records relating to its function as investment adviser to the Genuine Investors ETF).
     
  (p) Millbank Dartmoor Portsmouth LLC, 22 Pack Square, Suite 401, Asheville, NC , 28801  (records relating to its function as investment adviser to the MDP Low Volatility Fund).
     
  (q) Northern Lights Distributors, LLC, 4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100, Elkhorn, NE 68022-3474 (records relating to its function as distributor to certain series of the Trust).
     
  (r) Brown Brothers Harriman & Co, 50 Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02110 (records relating to its function as custodian for Genuine Investors ETF).

 

ITEM 34. Management Services.

 

Not Applicable.

 

ITEM 35. Undertakings.

 

Not Applicable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities Act”) and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 360 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Cincinnati, and State of Ohio on this 17th day of December 2021.

 

  VALUED ADVISERS TRUST
       
  By: *  
    Adam T. Kornegay, President  

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

 

*   December 17, 2021
Andrea N. Mullins, Trustee   Date
       
*   December 17, 2021
Ira Cohen, Trustee   Date
     
*   December 17, 2021
Mark J. Seger, Trustee   Date
       
/s/ Zachary P. Richmond   December 17, 2021
Zachary P. Richmond, Treasurer and Principal   Date
Financial Officer    
       
* By: /s/ Carol J. Highsmith   December 17, 2021
  Carol J. Highsmith, Vice President, Attorney in Fact   Date

 

 

 
 

 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

(FOR REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940)

 

EXHIBIT NO.
UNDER
PART C
OF FORM N-1A
NAME OF EXHIBIT
(a)(3) Amended Schedule A to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust
(i)(17) Opinion and Consent of Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP, Legal Counsel