485APOS 1 rocmuni_485a.htm 485APOS

AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JANUARY 19, 2024

 

Securities Act File No. 333-249652

Investment Company Act File No. 811-23611

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM N-1A

 

|X| REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

[   ] Pre-Effective Amendment No. __
   
[X] Post-Effective Amendment No. 16

and/or

|X| REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940

[X] Amendment No. 17

JAMES ALPHA FUNDS TRUST

(a Delaware statutory trust)

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

515 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10022

(Address of Principal Executive Office)

 

(646) 201-4042

(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

The Corporation Trust Company
Corporation Trust Center
1209 Orange Street
Wilmington, Delaware 19801

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

 

With copy to:

Matthew DiClemente, Esq.

Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP

2005 Market Street, Suite 2600,

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103

 

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)

 

  immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
  On [date] pursuant to paragraph (b)
  60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)
  on [date] pursuant to paragraph (a)
X 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
  on [date] pursuant to paragraph (a) (2) of rule 485.

If appropriate, check the following box:

 

 

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

 
 

This Amendment relates solely to the shares of the Easterly RocMuni High Income Municipal Bond Fund and Easterly RocMuni Short Term Municipal Bond Fund and does not affect the prospectuses and statements of additional information of the Registrant’s other series of shares.

 
 

Subject to Completion, Dated January 19, 2023

The information in this Prospectus 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 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.

 

 

[LOGO]

 

PROSPECTUS DATED [•]

JAMES ALPHA FUNDS TRUST d/b/a EASTERLY FUNDS TRUST

FUND Class A Investor Class Class I
Easterly RocMuni High Income Municipal Bond Fund [•] [•] [•]
Easterly RocMuni Short Term Municipal Bond Fund N/A [•] [•]

 

As with all mutual funds, the Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Fund Summary: Easterly RocMuni High Income Municipal Bond Fund [•]
Fund Summary: Easterly RocMuni Short Term Municipal Bond Fund [•]
Additional Information on Each Fund’s Strategies and Related Risks [•]
Principal Investment Risks [•]
Portfolio Holdings Disclosure [•]
Management of the Funds [•]
Pricing of Fund Shares [•]
Choosing a Share Class [•]
How to Purchase Shares [•]
How to Redeem Shares [•]
Market Timing and Frequent Trading Policy [•]
Dividends and Distributions [•]
Tax Consequences [•]
Distribution of Shares [•]
Financial Highlights [•]
Appendix A A-1
 
 

Fund Summary: Easterly RocMuni High Income Municipal Bond Fund

Investment Objective: The Easterly RocMuni High Income Municipal Bond Fund’s (the “High Income Fund” or “Fund”) primary investment objective is to provide current income exempt from regular federal income tax. The Fund’s secondary investment objective is to seek total return.

Fees and Expenses of the Fund: This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, for transactions in Class I, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.

Shareholder Fees

(fees paid directly from your investment)

Class A Investor Class Class I
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases as a % of offering price 2.00% NONE NONE
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends as a % of offering price NONE NONE NONE
Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (Load) as a % of offering price

 

NONE1

NONE NONE
Redemption Fee

 

NONE

 

NONE

 

NONE

  Class A Investor Class Class I
Management Fees 0.55% 0.55% 0.55%
Distribution and/or Service Rule 12b-1 Fees 0.25% 0.50% NONE
Other Expenses1      
[Interest Expense] [•] [•] [•]
[Remainder of Other Expenses] [•] [•] [•]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses before Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reduction/Reimbursement [•] [•] [•]
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reduction/ Reimbursement [•] [•] [•]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses after Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reduction/Reimbursement2 [•] [•] [•]
  1. Other Expenses are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year. [Interest Expense reflects interest expense paid in connection with borrowing against the Fund’s line of credit.]
2.Pursuant to an operating expense limitation agreement between Easterly Investment Partners LLC, the Fund’s investment manager (“Easterly” or the “Adviser”), and the Fund, Easterly has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or pay expenses of the Fund so that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding front-end and contingent deferred sales loads, leverage, interest and tax expenses, dividends and interest on short positions, brokerage commissions, expenses incurred in connection with any merger, reorganization or liquidation, extraordinary or non-routine expenses and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses) for Class A, Investor Class and Class I do not exceed [ ]%, [ ]% and [ ]%, respectively. The expense limitation agreement for Class A, Investor Class and Class I shares will be in effect through [three years] from the closing date of the reorganization of the [ ] Fund into the Fund. This operating expense limitation agreement cannot be terminated during its term. Easterly is permitted to seek reimbursement from the Fund, subject to limitations, for management fees waived and Fund expenses it paid within three (3) years of the end of the fiscal year in which such management fees were waived or expenses paid, as long as the reimbursement does not cause the Fund’s operating expenses to exceed (i) the expense cap in place at the time the fees were waived or the expenses were incurred; or (ii) the current expense cap, whichever is less.

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. It also shows costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The Example also assumes that your

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investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The Example reflects the contractual fee waiver/expense reimbursement arrangement for the duration of the arrangement only. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs, would be:

If the shares are redeemed at the end of each period:

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

If the shares are not redeemed:

  1 Year 3 Years
Class A [•] [•]
Investor Class [•] [•]
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 fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. No portfolio turnover rate is disclosed because the Fund had not yet commenced operations prior to the date of this prospectus.

Principal Investment Strategies: Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings for investment purposes) in tax exempt debt securities. The Fund expects to invest the majority of its assets in debt securities that are rated below investment grade (or “junk bonds”), including unrated securities, but may invest up to 40% of its total assets in investment grade debt securities. The Fund may invest without limit in municipal securities issued by or on behalf of states and local governmental authorities throughout the United States and its territories. Municipal securities include, among others, private activity bonds and industrial development bonds, as well as general obligation notes, tax anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes, other short-term tax-exempt obligations, municipal leases, obligations of municipal housing authorities, zero coupon bonds and single-family revenue bonds. The Fund may invest in all types of municipal bonds that are exempt from federal income tax, but not necessarily the federal alternative minimum tax (the “AMT”). The Adviser’s security selection process focuses primarily on project revenue bonds in five broad sectors: healthcare; education; housing; transportation; and power, but may also include debt of distressed municipalities.

The Fund may employ effective leverage through investment in municipal securities whose interest payments vary inversely with changes in short-term tax-exempt interest rates (Inverse Floaters”). Inverse Floaters provide leveraged exposure to underlying municipal bonds. These investments are speculative, however, and also create the possibility that income and returns will be diminished. The Fund may also invest in defaulted municipal bonds, debt securities issued in accordance with Rule 144A (“Rule 144A Securities”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), restricted securities and illiquid securities.

The Fund’s investments in debt securities may have fixed or variable principal payments. The Fund’s investments may have varied interest rate payment and reset terms, including fixed and floating rates, inverse floating rate, contingent, deferred, payment in kind and auction rate features. The Fund will typically not invest more than 5% of its assets, at the time of investment, in the securities of any one obligor. From time to time the Fund may focus its investments in the securities of issuers in the same economic sector. The Fund may invest in debt securities with any maturity or duration.

In selecting securities for the Fund, the Adviser employs a top-down/bottom-up research approach with an emphasis on analyzing the stand-alone credit, including financials, bond covenants, management team, and underlying asset value. The Adviser believes that the below investment grade universe represents some of the best value in the fixed income markets.

Additionally, the Fund may utilize leverage (i.e., borrow against a line of credit) as part of the portfolio management process. The Fund may borrow up to one third of the value of its assets for investment purposes.

Principal Risks: There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The Fund share price will fluctuate with changes in the market value of its portfolio investments. When you sell your Fund shares, they may be

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worth less than what you paid for them and, accordingly, you can lose money investing in this Fund.

General Market Risk. The Fund’s net asset value and investment return will fluctuate based upon changes in the value of its portfolio securities. Certain securities selected for the Fund’s portfolio may be worth less than the price originally paid for them, or less than they were worth at an earlier time.

Management Risk. The Fund may not meet its investment objective or may underperform the market or other mutual funds with similar strategies if the Adviser cannot successfully implement the Fund’s investment strategies.

Municipal Securities Risk. The municipal market is volatile and can be significantly affected by adverse tax, legislative or political changes and the financial condition of the issuers of municipal securities.  Changes in a municipality’s financial health may make it difficult for the municipality to make interest and principal payments when due. Failure of a municipal security issuer to comply with applicable tax requirements may make income paid thereon taxable, resulting in a decline in the security’s value. In addition, there could be changes in applicable tax laws or tax treatments that reduce or eliminate the current federal income tax exemption on municipal securities or otherwise adversely affect the current federal or state tax status of municipal securities. A number of municipalities have had significant financial problems recently, and these and other municipalities could, potentially, continue to experience significant financial problems resulting from lower tax revenues and/or decreased aid from state and local governments in the event of an economic downturn. This could decrease the Fund’s income or hurt the ability to preserve capital and liquidity.

Fixed-Income Securities Risks. Fixed-income securities are or may be subject to interest rate, credit, liquidity, prepayment and extension risks. Interest rates may go up resulting in a decrease in the value of the fixed-income securities held by the Fund. Credit risk is the risk that an issuer will not make timely payments of principal and interest. There is also the risk that an issuer may “call,” or repay, its high yielding bonds before their maturity dates. Fixed-income securities subject to prepayment can offer less potential for gains during a declining interest rate environment and similar or greater potential for loss in a rising interest rate environment. Limited trading opportunities for certain fixed-income securities may make it more difficult to sell or buy a security at a favorable price or time. Changes in market conditions and government policies may lead to periods of heightened volatility and reduced liquidity in the fixed-income securities market, and could result in an increase in Fund redemptions. Interest rate changes and their impact on the Fund and its share price can be sudden and unpredictable.

 

Call Risk. During periods of declining interest rates, a bond issuer may “call,” or repay, its high yielding bonds before their maturity dates. In this event a Fund would then be forced to invest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates, resulting in a decline in its income.
Credit Risk. Fixed-income securities are generally subject to the risk that the issuer may be unable or unwilling to make principal and interest payments when they are due. Lower rated fixed-income securities involve greater credit risk, including the possibility of default or bankruptcy.
Interest Rate Risk.  In times of rising interest rates, bond prices will generally decline. Conversely, bond prices generally rise as interest rates fall. Generally, securities with longer maturities and funds with longer weighted average maturities carry greater interest rate risk. The Fund may be exposed to varying levels of interest rate risk due to certain changes in general economic conditions, inflation, and monetary policy, such as interest rate changes by the Federal Reserve.
Extension Risk. In times of rising interest rates, prepayments will slow causing portfolio securities considered short or intermediate term to be long-term securities, which fluctuate more widely in response to changes in interest rates than shorter term securities.
Liquidity Risk. There may be no willing buyer of the Fund’s portfolio securities and the Fund may have to sell those securities at a lower price or may not be able to sell the securities at all, each of which would have a negative effect on performance.
Prepayment Risk. In times of declining interest rates, the Fund’s higher yielding securities may be prepaid and the Fund may have to replace them with securities having a lower yield.
Duration Risk. The Fund can invest in securities of any maturity or duration. Holding long duration and long maturity investments will magnify certain risks, including interest rate risk and credit risk.

High-Yield Fixed-Income Securities Risk. High-yield fixed income securities or “junk bonds” are fixed-income securities held by the Fund that are rated below investment grade are subject to additional risk factors such as increased possibility of default, illiquidity of the security, and changes in value based on public perception of the issuer. Such securities are generally considered speculative because they present a greater risk of loss, including default, than higher quality debt securities.

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Restricted Securities Risk. The Fund may invest in restricted securities (securities with limited transferability under the securities laws) acquired from the issuer in “private placement” transactions. Private placement securities are not registered under the Securities Act, and are subject to restrictions on resale. They are eligible for sale only to certain qualified institutional buyers, like the Fund, and are not sold on a trading market or exchange. While private placement securities offer attractive investment opportunities otherwise not available on an open market, because such securities are available to few buyers, they are often both difficult to sell and to value.

Unrated Securities Risk. Because the Fund purchases securities that are not rated by any nationally recognized statistical rating organization, the Adviser may internally assign ratings to those securities, after assessing their credit quality and other factors, in categories similar to those of nationally recognized statistical rating organizations. There can be no assurance, nor is it intended, that the Adviser's credit analysis process is consistent or comparable with the credit analysis process used by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization. The Adviser’s rating does not constitute a guarantee of the credit quality.

Floating Rate/Variable Rate Obligations Risk. Some municipal securities have variable or floating interest rates. Variable rates are adjustable at stated periodic intervals. Because of the interest rate adjustment feature, floating and variable rate securities provide an investor with a certain degree of protection against rises in interest rates, although the Fund will participate in any declines in interest rates as well. Generally, changes in interest rates will have a smaller effect on the market value of floating and variable rate securities than on the market value of comparable fixed-income obligations. Thus, investing in floating and variable rate securities generally allows less opportunity for capital appreciation and depreciation than investing in comparable fixed-income securities.

Valuation Risk. The price the Fund could receive upon the sale of any particular portfolio investment may differ from the Fund’s valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair valuation methodology or a price provided by an independent pricing service. As a result, the Fund could realize a greater than expected loss or lesser than expected gain upon the sale of the investment. Unlike equity securities, which are valued using market quotations, the municipal bonds in which the Fund primarily invests are fixed income securities which are typically valued by independent pricing services utilizing a range of market-based and security specific inputs and assumptions, including price quotations from broker-dealers making markets in such instruments, transactions in comparable investments and considerations about general market conditions. The Fund’s ability to value its investments may also be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by pricing services or other third-party service providers.

Tax Risks.  Municipal securities may decrease in value during times when federal income tax rates are falling.  The Fund’s investments are affected by changes in federal income tax rates applicable to, or the continuing federal tax exempt status of, interest income on municipal obligations. Any proposed or actual changes in such rates or exempt status, therefore, can significantly affect the liquidity, marketability and supply and demand for municipal obligations, which would in turn affect the Fund’s ability to acquire and dispose of municipal obligations at desirable yield and price levels. If you are subject to the federal AMT, you may have to pay federal tax on a portion of your distributions from tax exempt income. If this is the case, the Fund’s net after-tax return to you may be lower. The Fund would typically not be a suitable investment for investors investing through tax exempt or tax-advantaged accounts.

Municipal Sector Focus Risk. The Fund will not concentrate its investments in issuers in any one industry. The Securities and Exchange Commission has taken the position that investment of more than 25% of a fund's total assets in issuers in the same industry constitutes concentration in that industry. Many types of municipal securities (such as general obligation, government appropriation, municipal leases, special assessment and special tax bonds) are not considered a part of any “industry” for purposes of this policy. Therefore, the Fund may invest more than 25% of its total assets in those types of municipal securities. General obligation bonds are generally secured by the obligor’s pledge of its full faith, credit and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest. However, the taxing power of any governmental entity may be limited by provisions of state constitutions or laws and an entity’s credit will depend on many factors. By contrast, revenue bonds are generally backed by and payable from the revenues derived from a specific facility or specific revenue source or sources. As a result, the revenue bonds in which the Fund invests may entail greater credit risk than the Fund’s investments in general obligation bonds. Legislation that affects the financing of a particular municipal project, or economic factors that have a negative impact on a project, would be likely to affect many other similar projects. At times, the Fund may change the relative emphasis of its investments in securities issued by certain municipalities. If the Fund has a greater emphasis on investments in one or more particular municipalities, or in one or more particular municipalities of a particular state or territory, it may be subject to greater risks from adverse events affecting such municipalities, states, or territories than a fund that invests in different municipalities, states, or territories, or that is more diversified.

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Sector Emphasis Risk. The securities of issuers in the same or related businesses (“industry sectors”), if comprising a significant portion of the Fund’s portfolio, may in some circumstances react negatively to market conditions, interest rates and economic, regulatory or financial developments and adversely affect the value of the portfolio to a greater extent than if such securities comprised a lesser portion of the Fund’s portfolio or the Fund’s portfolio was diversified across a greater number of industry sectors. Some industry sectors have particular risks that may not affect other sectors.

Zero-Coupon Bonds Risk. Zero-coupon bonds do not pay interest on a current basis and may be highly volatile as interest rates rise or fall. The higher yields and interest rates on pay-in-kind securities reflect the payment deferral and increased credit risk associated with such instruments and that such investments may represent a higher credit risk than loans that periodically pay interest.

Inverse Floaters Risk. The use of Inverse Floaters by the Fund creates effective leverage. Due to the leveraged nature of these investments, they will typically be more volatile and involve greater risk than the fixed rate municipal bonds underlying the Inverse Floaters. The price of Inverse Floaters is expected to decline when interest rates rise, and generally will decline further than the price of a bond with a similar maturity. An investment in certain Inverse Floaters will involve the risk that the Fund could lose more than its original principal investment.

Leverage Risk. The use of leverage will allow the Fund to make additional investments, thereby increasing its exposure to assets, such that its total assets may be greater than its capital. However, leverage will also magnify the volatility of changes in the value of the Fund’s portfolio. The effect of the use of leverage by the Fund in a market that moves adversely to its investments could result in substantial losses to the Fund, which would be greater than if the Fund were not leveraged.

Defaulted Bonds Risk. Defaulted bonds are subject to greater risk of loss of income and principal than higher rated securities and are considered speculative. In the event of a default, the Fund may incur additional expenses to seek recovery. The repayment of defaulted bonds is subject to significant uncertainties, and in some cases, there may be no recovery of repayment. Defaulted bonds might be repaid only after lengthy workout or bankruptcy proceedings, during which the issuer might not make any interest or other payments. Workout or bankruptcy proceedings typically result in only partial recovery of cash payments or an exchange of the defaulted bond for other securities of the issuer or its affiliates, which may in turn be illiquid or speculative.

Rule 144A Securities Risk. The market for Rule 144A securities typically is less active than the market for publicly-traded securities. Rule 144A securities carry the risk that the liquidity of these securities may become impaired, making it more difficult for the Fund to sell these bonds.

Liquidity Risk. Liquidity risk occurs when certain investments become difficult to purchase or sell. Difficulty in selling less liquid securities may result in sales at disadvantageous prices affecting the value of your investment in the Fund. Liquid securities can become illiquid during periods of market stress. If a significant amount of the Fund’s securities become illiquid, the Fund may not be able to timely pay redemption proceeds and may need to sell securities at significantly reduced prices.

Deferred Interest and Payment In Kind Securities Risks. Because these securities bear no interest and compound semiannually at the rate fixed at the time of issuance, their value generally is more volatile than the value of other fixed income securities. Accordingly, these securities may involve greater credit risks and their value is subject to greater fluctuation in response to changes in market interest rates than other fixed income securities.

Auction Rate Securities Risks. While the auction rate process is designed to permit the holder to sell the auction rate securities in an auction at par value at specified intervals, there is the risk that an auction will fail due to insufficient demand for the securities. Failed auctions may adversely impact the liquidity of auction rate securities investments. Auction rate securities may also be subject to changes in interest rates, including decreased interest rates. Although some issuers of auction rate securities are redeeming or are considering redeeming such securities, such issuers are not obligated to do so and, therefore, there is no guarantee that a liquid market will exist for a Fund’s investments in auction rate securities at a time when the Fund wishes to dispose of such securities.

Shares of the Fund are not bank deposits and are not guaranteed or insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

Performance: No performance information is available for the Fund because it has not yet completed a full calendar year of operations. In the future, the Fund will disclose performance information in a bar chart and performance table. Such disclosure will give some indication of the risks of an investment in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s performance with a

5 
 

broad measure of market performance and by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of its future performance.

Management

Investment Adviser: Easterly Investment Partners LLC

Portfolio Managers:

[   ] [    ]; Portfolio Manager of the Fund since its inception in [    ].
[   ] [    ]; Portfolio Manager of the Fund since its inception in [    ].

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares: In general, you may purchase, exchange, or redeem shares of the Fund on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business. Redemption requests may be made in writing, by telephone, or through a financial intermediary and will be paid by check or wire transfer.

Generally, the minimum initial purchase for Class A shares is $2,500, the minimum initial purchase for Investor Class shares is $1,000 and the minimum initial purchase for Class I shares is $1 million. The minimum subsequent investment in the Trust is $100, except for employee benefit plans, mutual fund platform programs, supermarket programs, associations and individual retirement accounts, which have no minimum subsequent investment requirements. There is no minimum subsequent investment for the Fund.

Tax Information: The Fund's distributions are primarily exempt from regular federal income tax. A portion of these distributions, however, may be subject to federal alternative minimum tax and state and local taxes. The Fund may also make distributions that are taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains.

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

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FUND SUMMARY: EASTERLY ROCMUNI SHORT TERM MUNICIPAL BOND FUND

Investment Objective: The Easterly RocMuni Short Term Municipal Bond Fund’s (the “Short Term Fund” or “Fund”) primary investment objective is to provide current income exempt from regular federal income tax.

Fees and Expenses of the Fund: This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, for transactions in Class I, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $[50,000] in series of the James Alpha Funds Trust. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in the Choosing a Share Class section on page [•] of this Prospectus. In addition, Appendix A attached to this Prospectus contains information regarding financial intermediary-specific sales charge waivers and discounts.

Shareholder Fees Investor Class Class I
Management Fees 0.45% 0.45%
Distribution and/or Service Rule 12b-1 Fees 0.25% NONE
Other Expenses2 [•] [•]
      [Interest Expense] [•] [•]
      [Remainder of Other Expenses] [•] [•]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses before Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reduction/Reimbursement [•] [•]
Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reduction/ Reimbursement [•] [•]
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses after Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reduction/Reimbursement3 [•] [•]
  1. A contingent deferred sales charge may apply in some cases. See “Choosing a Share Class - Class A Shares.”
  2. Other Expenses are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
3.Pursuant to an operating expense limitation agreement between Easterly Investment Partners LLC, the Fund’s investment manager (“Easterly” or the “Adviser”), and the Fund, Easterly has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or pay expenses of the Fund so that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding front-end and contingent deferred sales loads, leverage, interest and tax expenses, dividends and interest on short positions, brokerage commissions, expenses incurred in connection with any merger, reorganization or liquidation, extraordinary or non-routine expenses and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses) for Investor Class and Class I do not exceed [ ]% and [ ]%, respectively. The expense limitation agreement for Investor Class and Class I shares will be in effect through [three years] from the closing date of the reorganization of the [ ] Fund into the Fund. This operating expense limitation agreement cannot be terminated during its term. Easterly is permitted to seek reimbursement from the Fund, subject to limitations, for management fees waived and Fund expenses it paid within three (3) years of the end of the fiscal year in which such management fees were waived or expenses paid, as long as the reimbursement does not cause the Fund’s operating expenses to exceed (i) the expense cap in place at the time the fees were waived or the expenses were incurred; or (ii) the current expense cap, whichever is less.

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. It also shows costs if you sold your shares at the end of the period or continued to hold them. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. The Example reflects the contractual fee waiver/expense reimbursement arrangement for the duration of the arrangement only. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs, would be:

If the shares are redeemed at the end of each period:

  1 Year 3 Years
Investor Class [•] [•]
Class I [•] [•]

If the shares are not redeemed:

  1 Year 3 Years
Investor Class [•] [•]
Class I [•] [•]
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Portfolio Turnover: The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. No portfolio turnover rate is disclosed because the Fund had not yet commenced operations prior to the date of this prospectus.

Principal Investment Strategies: Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings for investment purposes) in municipal debt securities, the income from which is exempt from federal regular individual income tax. The Fund may invest in all types of municipal bonds that are exempt from federal income tax, but may not invest more than 15% of its net assets in securities that produce income subject to the federal alternative minimum tax (the “AMT”). The Adviser’s security selection process focuses primarily on tax free income-producing securities across sectors and industries.

The Fund’s investments in debt securities may have fixed or variable principal payments. The Fund’s investments may have varied interest rate payment and reset terms, including fixed and floating rates, contingent, deferred, payment in kind and auction rate features. These various features are evaluated in the Adviser’s selection process in the context of certain factors, such as current economic conditions and the current composition of the portfolio. From time to time the Fund may focus its investments in the securities of issuers in the same economic sector, with such focus occurring when a particular sector offers the most opportunities for value. The Fund may invest in debt securities with any maturity or duration.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund seeks to maintain a dollar-weighted average effective portfolio maturity of three (3) years or less; however, it can buy securities that have short, intermediate or long maturities. A substantial percentage (i.e., as much as market opportunities will permit) of the securities the Fund buys may be “callable,” meaning that the issuer can redeem them before their maturity date. Because of events affecting the bond markets and interest rate changes, the effective portfolio maturity might not meet that target for temporary periods.

The Fund will not invest more than 10% of its total assets in securities that are rated below investment grade (sometimes referred to as “junk bonds”) by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization, such as Standard & Poor's, or, if unrated, assigned a comparable rating by the Adviser, Easterly Investment Partners LLC. The Fund also will not invest more than 20% of its total assets in securities rated below the top three investment grade categories. For unrated securities, the Adviser may internally assign ratings to those securities in investment-grade or below-investment-grade categories similar to those of nationally recognized statistical rating organizations, after assessing their credit quality and other factors typically utilized by the nationally recognized statistical rating organizations, such as probability of default calculations. There can be no assurance, nor is it intended, that the Adviser's credit analysis process is consistent or comparable with the credit analysis process used by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization. The Fund will not invest more than 10% of its total assets in securities that are unrated by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization, which includes private placement and restricted securities that are unrated. However, this limitation does not apply to an unrated security that the Adviser, in its discretion, determines to be comparable to another security (i) that has substantially similar characteristics, (ii) that is comparable in priority and security (if applicable), (iii) that is issued by the same issuer or guaranteed by the same guarantor, and (iv) that is rated by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization.

In selecting investments for the Fund, the portfolio managers look for high current income; favorable credit characteristics (e.g., willingness and ability to make payments, credit history, etc.); a wide range of issuers including different municipalities, agencies, sectors and revenue sources (e.g., property tax receipts, sales tax receipts, etc.); unrated bonds or securities of smaller issuers that might be overlooked by other investors, which are typically bonds that are non-rated and trade on secondary markets; and special situations that may offer high current income or opportunities for value because such issuers are facing distressed financial or operating circumstances, but the bonds may additionally have specifically pledged security interest or other credit enhancements which deem them attractive to the portfolio managers. The portfolio managers may consider selling a security if any of these factors no longer apply, but are not required to do so.

In selecting securities for the Fund, the Adviser employs a bottom-up research approach with an emphasis on analyzing the stand-alone credit, including financials, bond covenants, management team, and underlying asset value. The above factors are generally applied uniformly to all bond types being evaluated, as the Fund’s strategy seeks to identify the best value opportunities regardless of bond type.

8 
 

Additionally, the Fund may utilize leverage (i.e., borrow against a line of credit) as part of the portfolio management process when the Adviser identifies viable investment opportunities that would not otherwise be possible. The Fund may borrow up to one third of the value of its assets for investment purposes.

The Fund is a non-diversified fund which means that it may invest more of its assets in fewer issuers than “diversified” mutual funds and, as a result, each position will have a greater impact on the Fund’s returns than would be the case for a “diversified” mutual fund.

Principal Risks: There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The Fund share price will fluctuate with changes in the market value of its portfolio investments. When you sell your Fund shares, they may be worth less than what you paid for them and, accordingly, you can lose money investing in this Fund.

General Market Risk. The Fund’s net asset value and investment return will fluctuate based upon changes in the value of its portfolio securities. Certain securities selected for the Fund’s portfolio may be worth less than the price originally paid for them, or less than they were worth at an earlier time.

Management Risk. The Fund may not meet its investment objective or may underperform the market or other mutual funds with similar strategies if the Adviser cannot successfully implement the Fund’s investment strategies or if the Adviser makes poor strategy choices and/or individual investment decisions.

Municipal Securities Risk. The municipal market is volatile and can be significantly affected by adverse tax, legislative or political changes and the financial condition of the issuers of municipal securities.  Changes in a municipality’s financial health may make it difficult for the municipality to make interest and principal payments when due. Failure of a municipal security issuer to comply with applicable tax requirements may make income paid thereon taxable, resulting in a decline in the security’s value. In addition, there could be changes in applicable tax laws or tax treatments that reduce or eliminate the current federal income tax exemption on municipal securities or otherwise adversely affect the current federal or state tax status of municipal securities. A number of municipalities have had significant financial problems recently, and these and other municipalities could, potentially, continue to experience significant financial problems resulting from lower tax revenues and/or decreased aid from state and local governments in the event of an economic downturn. This could decrease the Fund’s income or hurt the ability to preserve capital and liquidity.

Fixed-Income Securities Risks. Fixed-income securities are or may be subject to interest rate, credit, liquidity, prepayment and extension risks. Interest rates may go up resulting in a decrease in the value of the fixed-income securities held by the Fund. Credit risk is the risk that an issuer will not make timely payments of principal and interest. There is also the risk that an issuer may “call,” or repay, its high yielding bonds before their maturity dates. Fixed-income securities subject to prepayment can offer less potential for gains during a declining interest rate environment and similar or greater potential for loss in a rising interest rate environment. Limited trading opportunities for certain fixed-income securities may make it more difficult to sell or buy a security at a favorable price or time. Changes in market conditions and government policies may lead to periods of heightened volatility and reduced liquidity in the fixed-income securities market, and could result in an increase in Fund redemptions. Interest rate changes and their impact on the Fund and its share price can be sudden and unpredictable.

·Call Risk. During periods of declining interest rates, a bond issuer may “call,” or repay, its high yielding bonds before their maturity dates. In this event a Fund would then be forced to invest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates, resulting in a decline in its income.
·Credit Risk. Fixed-income securities are generally subject to the risk that the issuer may be unable or unwilling to make principal and interest payments when they are due. Lower rated fixed-income securities involve greater credit risk, including the possibility of default or bankruptcy.
·Interest Rate Risk. In times of rising interest rates, bond prices will generally decline.  Conversely, bond prices generally rise as interest rates fall. Generally, securities with longer maturities and funds with longer weighted average maturities and therefore higher durations carry greater interest rate risk. For example, if interest rates increase by 1%, the market value of a portfolio with a duration of three years would decline by approximately 3%. The Fund may be exposed to varying levels of interest rate risk due to certain changes in general economic conditions, inflation, and monetary policy, such as interest rate changes by the Federal Reserve.
·Extension Risk. In times of rising interest rates, prepayments will slow causing portfolio securities considered short or intermediate term to be long-term securities, which fluctuate more widely in response to changes in interest rates than shorter term securities.
9 
 
·Liquidity Risk. There may be no willing buyer of the Fund’s portfolio securities and the Fund may have to sell those securities at a lower price or may not be able to sell the securities at all, each of which would have a negative effect on performance.
·Prepayment Risk. In times of declining interest rates, the Fund’s higher yielding securities may be prepaid and the Fund may have to replace them with securities having a lower yield.
·Duration Risk. The Fund can invest in securities of any maturity or duration. Holding long duration and long maturity investments will magnify certain risks, including interest rate risk and credit risk.

High-Yield Fixed-Income Securities Risk. High-yield fixed income securities or “junk bonds” are fixed-income securities held by the Fund that are rated below investment grade are subject to additional risk factors such as increased possibility of default, illiquidity of the security, and changes in value based on public perception of the issuer. Such securities are generally considered speculative because they present a greater risk of loss, including default, than higher quality debt securities.

Restricted Securities Risk. The Fund may invest in restricted securities (securities with limited transferability under the securities laws) acquired from the issuer in “private placement” transactions. Private placement securities are not registered under the Securities Act, and are subject to restrictions on resale. They are eligible for sale only to certain qualified institutional buyers, like the Fund, and are not sold on a trading market or exchange. While private placement securities offer attractive investment opportunities otherwise not available on an open market, because such securities are available to few buyers, they are often both difficult to sell and to value.

Unrated Securities Risk. Because the Fund purchases securities that are not rated by any nationally recognized statistical rating organization, the Adviser may internally assign ratings to those securities, after assessing their credit quality and other factors, in categories similar to those of nationally recognized statistical rating organizations. There can be no assurance, nor is it intended, that the Adviser's credit analysis process is consistent or comparable with the credit analysis process used by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization. The Adviser's rating does not constitute a guarantee of the credit quality.

Floating Rate/Variable Rate Obligations Risk. Some municipal securities have variable or floating interest rates. Variable rates are adjustable at stated periodic intervals. Because of the interest rate adjustment feature, floating and variable rate securities provide an investor with a certain degree of protection against rises in interest rates, although the Fund will participate in any declines in interest rates as well. Generally, changes in interest rates will have a smaller effect on the market value of floating and variable rate securities than on the market value of comparable fixed-income obligations. Thus, investing in floating and variable rate securities generally allows less opportunity for capital appreciation and depreciation than investing in comparable fixed-income securities.

Valuation Risk. The price the Fund could receive upon the sale of any particular portfolio investment may differ from the Fund’s valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair valuation methodology or a price provided by an independent pricing service. As a result, the Fund could realize a greater than expected loss or lesser than expected gain upon the sale of the investment. Unlike equity securities, which are valued using market quotations, the municipal bonds in which the Fund primarily invests are fixed income securities which are typically valued by independent pricing services utilizing a range of market-based and security specific inputs and assumptions, including price quotations from broker-dealers making markets in such instruments, transactions in comparable investments and considerations about general market conditions. The Fund’s ability to value its investments may also be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by pricing services or other third-party service providers.

Tax Risks. Municipal securities may decrease in value during times when federal income tax rates are falling. The Fund’s investments are affected by changes in federal income tax rates applicable to, or the continuing federal tax exempt status of, interest income on municipal obligations. Any proposed or actual changes in such rates or exempt status, therefore, can significantly affect the liquidity, marketability and supply and demand for municipal obligations, which would in turn affect the Fund’s ability to acquire and dispose of municipal obligations at desirable yield and price levels. If you are subject to the federal AMT, you may have to pay federal tax on a portion of your distributions from tax exempt income. If this is the case, the Fund’s net after-tax return to you may be lower. The Fund would typically not be a suitable investment for investors investing through tax exempt or tax-advantaged accounts.

Municipal Sector Focus Risk. The Fund will not concentrate its investments in issuers in any one industry. The Securities and Exchange Commission has taken the position that investment of more than 25% of a fund's total assets in issuers in the same industry constitutes concentration in that industry. Many types of municipal securities (such as general obligation,

10 
 

government appropriation, municipal leases, special assessment and special tax bonds) are not considered a part of any “industry” for purposes of this policy. Therefore, the Fund may invest more than 25% of its total assets in those types of municipal securities. General obligation bonds are generally secured by the obligor’s pledge of its full faith, credit and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest. However, the taxing power of any governmental entity may be limited by provisions of state constitutions or laws and an entity’s credit will depend on many factors. By contrast, revenue bonds are generally backed by and payable from the revenues derived from a specific facility or specific revenue source or sources. As a result, the revenue bonds in which the Fund invests may entail greater credit risk than the Fund’s investments in general obligation bonds. Legislation that affects the financing of a particular municipal project, or economic factors that have a negative impact on a project, would be likely to affect many other similar projects. At times, the Fund may change the relative emphasis of its investments in securities issued by certain municipalities. If the Fund has a greater emphasis on investments in one or more particular municipalities, or in one or more particular municipalities of a particular state or territory, it may be subject to greater risks from adverse events affecting such municipalities, states, or territories than a fund that invests in different municipalities, states, or territories, or that is more diversified.

Sector Emphasis Risk. The securities of issuers in the same or related businesses (“industry sectors”), if comprising a significant portion of the Fund’s portfolio, may in some circumstances react negatively to market conditions, interest rates and economic, regulatory or financial developments and adversely affect the value of the portfolio to a greater extent than if such securities comprised a lesser portion of the Fund’s portfolio or the Fund’s portfolio was diversified across a greater number of industry sectors. Some industry sectors have particular risks that may not affect other sectors.

Zero-Coupon Bonds Risk. Zero-coupon bonds do not pay interest on a current basis and may be highly volatile as interest rates rise or fall. The higher yields and interest rates on pay-in-kind securities reflect the payment deferral and increased credit risk associated with such instruments and that such investments may represent a higher credit risk than loans that periodically pay interest.

Leverage Risk. The use of leverage will allow the Fund to make additional investments, thereby increasing its exposure to assets, such that its total assets may be greater than its capital. However, leverage will also magnify the volatility of changes in the value of the Fund’s portfolio. The effect of the use of leverage by the Fund in a market that moves adversely to its investments could result in substantial losses to the Fund, which would be greater than if the Fund were not leveraged.

Risks of Shorter-Term Securities. Normally, when interest rates change, the values of shorter-term debt securities change less than the values of securities with longer maturities. The Fund tries to reduce the volatility of its share prices by seeking to maintain a shorter average effective portfolio maturity. However, shorter-term securities may have lower yields than longer-term securities. Shorter-term securities are also subject to extension and reinvestment risk. The Fund is subject to extension risk when principal payments on a debt security occur at a slower rate than expected, potentially extending the average life of the security. For securities with a call date in the near future, there is the risk that an increase in interest rates could result in the issuer of that security choosing not to redeem the security as anticipated on the security's call date. Such a decision by the issuer may effectively change a short- or intermediate-term security into a longer term security, which could have the effect of locking in a below-market interest rate on the security, increasing the security's duration, making the security more vulnerable to interest rate risk, reducing the security's market value and increasing the Fund's average effective portfolio maturity. Under such circumstances, because the values of longer term securities generally fluctuate more widely in response to interest rate changes than shorter term securities, the Fund's volatility could increase. Reinvestment risk is the risk that if interest rates fall the Fund may need to invest the proceeds of redeemed securities in securities with lower interest rates.

Rule 144A Securities Risk. The market for Rule 144A securities typically is less active than the market for publicly-traded securities. Rule 144A securities carry the risk that the liquidity of these securities may become impaired, making it more difficult for the Fund to sell these bonds.

Liquidity Risk. Liquidity risk occurs when certain investments become difficult to purchase or sell. Difficulty in selling less liquid securities may result in sales at disadvantageous prices affecting the value of your investment in the Fund. Liquid securities can become illiquid during periods of market stress. If a significant amount of the Fund’s securities become illiquid, the Fund may not be able to timely pay redemption proceeds and may need to sell securities at significantly reduced prices.

Deferred Interest and Payment In Kind Securities Risks. Because these securities bear no interest and compound semiannually at the rate fixed at the time of issuance, their value generally is more volatile than the value of other fixed

11 
 

income securities. Accordingly, these securities may involve greater credit risks and their value is subject to greater fluctuation in response to changes in market interest rates than other fixed income securities.

Risks of Borrowing and Leverage. The Fund can borrow up to one-third of the value of its assets (including the amount borrowed), as permitted under the Investment Company Act of 1940. It can use those borrowings for a number of purposes, including purchasing securities, which creates “leverage.” In that case, changes in the value of the Fund's investments will have a larger effect on its share price than if it did not borrow.

Auction Rate Securities Risks. While the auction rate process is designed to permit the holder to sell the auction rate securities in an auction at par value at specified intervals, there is the risk that an auction will fail due to insufficient demand for the securities. Failed auctions may adversely impact the liquidity of auction rate securities investments. Auction rate securities may also be subject to changes in interest rates, including decreased interest rates. Although some issuers of auction rate securities are redeeming or are considering redeeming such securities, such issuers are not obligated to do so and, therefore, there is no guarantee that a liquid market will exist for a Fund’s investments in auction rate securities at a time when the Fund wishes to dispose of such securities.

Non-Diversified Fund Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified” and may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer, a decline in the value of an investment in a single issuer could cause the Fund’s overall value to decline to a greater degree than if the Fund held a more diversified portfolio.

Shares of the Fund are not bank deposits and are not guaranteed or insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

Performance: No performance information is available for the Fund because it has not yet completed a full calendar year of operations. In the future, the Fund will disclose performance information in a bar chart and performance table. Such disclosure will give some indication of the risks of an investment in the Fund by comparing the Fund’s performance with a broad measure of market performance and by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of its future performance.

Management

Investment Adviser: Easterly Investment Partners LLC

Portfolio Managers:

[    ] [    ]; Portfolio Manager of the Fund since its inception in [    ].
[    ] [    ]; Portfolio Manager of the Fund since its inception in [    ].

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares: In general, you may purchase, exchange, or redeem shares of the Fund on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business. Redemption requests may be made in writing, by telephone, or through a financial intermediary and will be paid by check or wire transfer.

Generally, the minimum initial purchase for Investor Class shares is $1,000 and the minimum initial purchase for Class I shares is $1 million. The minimum subsequent investment in the Trust is $100, except for employee benefit plans, mutual fund platform programs, supermarket programs, associations and individual retirement accounts, which have no minimum subsequent investment requirements. There is no minimum subsequent investment for the Fund.

Tax Information: The Fund's distributions are primarily exempt from regular federal income tax. A portion of these distributions, however, may be subject to federal alternative minimum tax and state and local taxes. The Fund may also make distributions that are taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains. Financial Intermediary Compensation: If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and/or its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s website for more information.

 

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON EACH FUND’S STRATEGIES AND RELATED RISKS

Investment Objectives:

The High Income Fund’s primary investment objective is to provide current income exempt from regular federal income tax. The High Income Fund’s secondary investment objective is to seek total return. The Short Term Fund’s primary investment objective is to provide current income exempt from regular federal income tax. Each Fund’s investment objective is non-fundamental and may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval.

Principal Investment Strategies: The following provides additional information regarding each Fund’s investment strategies described at the front of this Prospectus.

Easterly RocMuni High Income Municipal Bond Fund

Under normal market conditions, the High Income Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings for investment purposes) in tax exempt debt securities.  Tax exempt debt securities are investments the income from which is exempt from federal income tax but which may be subject to the alternative minimum tax.  The Fund expects to invest the majority of its assets in debt securities that are rated below investment grade (or “junk bonds”), including unrated securities, but may invest up to 40% of its total assets in investment grade debt securities.  The Fund may invest without limit in municipal securities issued by or on behalf of states and local governmental authorities throughout the United States and its territories.  Municipal securities include, among others, bonds issued by 501(c)(3)s, private activity bonds and industrial development bonds, as well as general obligation notes, tax anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes, other short-term tax exempt obligations, municipal leases, obligations of municipal housing authorities, zero coupon bonds and single family revenue bonds.  The Fund may invest in all types of municipal bonds that are exempt from federal income tax, but not necessarily the AMT.

The High Income Fund may employ effective leverage through investment in Inverse Floaters. Inverse Floaters provide leveraged exposure to underlying municipal bonds. These investments are speculative, however, and also create the possibility that income and returns will be diminished. The Fund may also invest in defaulted municipal bonds, Rule 144A Securities, restricted securities and illiquid securities.

The High Income Fund’s investments in debt securities may have fixed or variable principal payments. The Fund’s investments may have varied interest rate payment and reset terms, including fixed and floating rates, inverse floating rate, contingent, deferred, payment in kind and auction rate features. From time to time the Fund may focus its investments in the securities of issuers in the same economic sector. The Fund may invest in debt securities with any maturity or duration.

In selecting securities for the High Income Fund, the Adviser employs a top-down/bottom-up research approach with an emphasis on analyzing the stand-alone credit, including financials, bond covenants, management team, and underlying asset value. The Adviser believes that the below investment grade universe represents some of the best value in the fixed income markets.

Additionally, the Adviser factors in top down economic factors such as interest rates, credit cycles and political trends. Individual local and state analysis is conducted including fiscal policy, political climate, surplus/deficits, as well as industry analysis. While value is the primary focus, duration management, sector allocation, yield curve positioning, buy/sell trade execution, and geographic allocation also play a role in security selection. The Fund will not have any duration or weighted average maturity restrictions.

Easterly RocMuni Short Term Municipal Bond Fund

Under normal market conditions, the Short Term Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (plus borrowings for investment purposes) in municipal debt securities, the income from which is exempt from federal regular individual income tax. Tax exempt debt securities are investments the income from which is exempt from federal income tax but which may be subject to the AMT. The Fund expects to invest the majority of its assets in municipal securities issued by or on behalf of states and local governmental authorities throughout the United States and its territories, but may invest up to 20% of its total assets in securities rated below the top three rating categories, including investment-grade or unrated securities that are assigned similar ratings (measured at the time of purchase). In addition, up to 10% of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in securities rated below investment-grade or unrated securities that are assigned similar ratings (measured at the time of purchase). The Fund may invest without limit in municipal securities issued by

13 
 

or on behalf of states and local governmental authorities throughout the United States and its territories. Municipal securities include, among others:

·bonds issued by 501(c)(3)s (i.e., bonds issued by non-profit organizations),
·private activity bonds and industrial development bonds (i.e., bonds that finance a variety of economic or public development projects for private and public entities),
·general obligation bonds (i.e., bonds backed solely by the credit and taxing power of the issuing jurisdiction),
·tax anticipation notes (i.e., short-term notes that municipalities issue with the intent to repay once tax payments are collected),
·bond anticipation notes (i.e., short-term notes that municipalities issue in advance of a larger bond offering),
·revenue anticipation notes (i.e., short-term notes that municipalities issue with payment to come from a named revenue source),
·other short-term tax exempt obligations,
·municipal leases (i.e., an arrangement where a municipality purchases equipment or makes other capital expenditures through a lease financing),
·obligations of municipal housing authorities,
·zero-coupon bonds, and
·single family revenue bonds (i.e., bonds issued to finance mortgage loans of single-family homes).

The Short Term Fund may invest in all types of municipal bonds that are exempt from federal income tax, but not necessarily the AMT. The Adviser’s security selection process focuses primarily on generating high current income; favorable credit characteristics (e.g., willingness and ability to make payments, credit history, etc.); a wide range of issuers including different municipalities, agencies, sectors and revenue sources (e.g., property tax receipts, sales tax receipts, etc.); unrated bonds or securities of smaller issuers that might be overlooked by other investors, which are typically issuers that are non-rated and trade on secondary markets; and special situations that may offer high current income or opportunities for value because such issuers are facing distressed financial or operating circumstances, but the bonds may additionally have specifically pledged security interest or other credit enhancements which deem them attractive to the portfolio managers.

 

The Short Term Fund’s investments in debt securities may have fixed or variable principal payments. The Fund’s investments may have varied interest rate payment and reset terms, including fixed and floating rates, contingent, deferred, payment in kind and auction rate features. These various features are evaluated in the Adviser’s selection process in the context of certain factors, such as current economic conditions and the current composition of the portfolio. From time to time the Fund may focus its investments in the securities of issuers in the same economic sector, with such focus occurring when a particular sector offers the most opportunities for value. The Fund may invest in debt securities with any maturity or duration. The overall composition of the Fund’s portfolio with respect to these various security types is determined by the best available opportunities when investment decisions are made.

In selecting securities for the Short Term Fund, the Adviser employs a top-down/bottom-up research approach with an emphasis on analyzing credit characteristics, including financials, bond covenants, management team, and underlying asset value. The above factors are generally applied uniformly to all bond types being evaluated, as the Fund’s strategy seeks to identify the best value opportunities regardless of bond type.

General Investment Policies of the Funds

The Funds’ investments in the types of securities described in this Prospectus vary from time to time and, at any time, a Fund may not be invested in all types of securities described in this Prospectus. The Funds may also invest in securities and other investments not described in this Prospectus, but which are described in the SAI. Any percentage limitations with respect to assets of the Funds are applied at the time of purchase, unless otherwise disclosed. For additional information regarding the types of instruments in which a Fund may invest, please see the “Investment of the Trust’s Assets and Related Risks” section of the Fund’s SAI.

Change in Investment Policy. The High Income Fund will not make any change in its investment policy of investing at least 80% of net assets (plus borrowings for investment purposes) in tax exempt debt securities without providing shareholders with at least 60 days’ prior written notice of the change in its investment policy and changing the Fund’s name.

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The Short Term Fund will not make any change in its investment policy of investing at least 80% of net assets (plus borrowings for investment purposes) in municipal debt securities, the income from which is exempt from federal regular individual income tax without providing shareholders with at least 60 days’ prior written notice of the change in its investment policy and changing the Fund’s name.

Temporary or Cash Investments

Each Fund may temporarily depart from its respective principal investment strategy or strategies for defensive purposes, including by making short term investments in cash, cash equivalents, and high-quality, short-term debt securities and money market instruments, including affiliated and unaffiliated instruments, in response to or in anticipation of adverse market, economic or political conditions. While a Fund is in a defensive position, the opportunity to achieve its investment objective will be limited. To the extent that a Fund uses a money market fund for its cash position, there will be some duplication of expenses because a Fund would bear its pro rata portion of such money market fund’s advisory fees and operational expenses.

Shares of the Easterly Funds are not bank deposits and are not guaranteed or insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT RISKS

There is no assurance that a Fund will achieve its investment objective. Each Fund’s share price will fluctuate with changes in the market value of its portfolio securities. When you sell your Fund shares, they may be worth less than what you paid for them and, accordingly, you can lose money investing in the Funds.

The following chart summarizes the principal risks of each Fund. These risks could adversely affect the net asset value, total return, and the value of a Fund and your investment. The risk descriptions below provide a more detailed explanation of the principal investment risks that correspond to the risks described in each Fund’s Fund Summary section of this Prospectus.

 

Risk High Income Fund Short Term Fund
General Market Risk ü ü
Management Risk ü ü
Municipal Securities Risk ü ü
Fixed-Income Securities Risks ü ü
Call Risk ü ü
Credit Risk ü ü
Interest Rate Risk ü ü
Prepayment and Extension Risk ü ü
Liquidity Risk ü ü
Duration Risk ü ü
High-Yield Fixed-Income Securities Risk ü ü
Restricted Securities Risk ü ü
Unrated Securities Risk  ü ü
Floating Rate/Variable Rate Obligations Risk ü ü
Valuation Risk ü ü
Tax Risks ü ü
Municipal Sector Focus Risk  ü ü
Sector Emphasis Risk  ü ü
Zero-Coupon Bonds Risk ü ü
Inverse Floaters Risk ü
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Leverage Risk ü ü
Defaulted Bonds Risk ü
Rule 144A Securities Risk ü ü
Liquidity Risk ü ü
Deferred Interest and Payment In Kind Securities Risks ü ü
Auction Rate Securities Risks ü ü
Risks of Borrowing and Leverage  ü
Non-Diversified Fund Risk ü

General Market Risk. The net asset value (“NAV”) and investment return of a Fund will fluctuate based upon changes in the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities. The market value of a security may move up or down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. These fluctuations may cause a security to be worth less than the price originally paid for it, or less than it was worth at an earlier time. Market risk may affect a single issuer, industry, sector of the economy or the market as a whole. U.S. and international markets have experienced, and may continue to experience, volatility, which may increase risks associated with an investment in a Fund. Certain social, political, economic, environmental and other conditions and events (such as war, natural disasters and weather-related phenomena generally, epidemics and pandemics, terrorism, conflicts and social unrest) may adversely interrupt the global economy and result in prolonged periods of significant market volatility. The market value of securities in which the Funds invest is based upon the market’s perception of value and is not necessarily an objective measure of the securities’ value. In some cases, for example, the stock prices of individual companies have been negatively impacted even though there may be little or no apparent degradation in the financial condition or prospects of the issuers. Similarly, the debt markets have experienced substantially lower valuations, reduced liquidity, price volatility, credit downgrades, increased likelihood of default, and valuation difficulties. As a result of this significant volatility, many of the following risks associated with an investment in a Fund may be increased. Continuing market volatility may have adverse effects on the Funds.

As global systems, economies and financial markets are increasingly interconnected, events that once had only local impact are now more likely to have regional or even global effects. Events that occur in one country, region or financial market more frequently adversely impact issuers in other countries, regions or markets. These impacts can be exacerbated by failures of governments and societies to adequately respond to an emerging event or threat. Investors will be negatively impacted if the value of their portfolio holdings decreases as a result of such events, if these events adversely impact the operations and effectiveness of the Adviser or key service providers, or if these events disrupt systems and processes necessary or beneficial to the management of accounts. These events may negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations and have a significant and rapid negative impact on the performance of the Fund’s investments, increase the Fund’s volatility and exacerbate pre-existing risks to the Fund. The Fund’s shares at any point in time may be worth less than the original investment, even after taking into account any reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if the issuer fails to make anticipated dividend payments because, among other reasons, the issuer of the security experiences a decline in its financial condition.

Management Risk. The ability of the Funds to meet their investment objectives is directly related to the Adviser’s investment strategies for each Fund. The value of your investment in a Fund may vary with the effectiveness of the Adviser’s research, analysis and asset allocation among portfolio securities. If the Adviser’s investment strategies do not produce the expected results, the value of your investment could be diminished or even lost entirely and the Funds could underperform the market or other mutual funds with similar investment objectives.

Municipal Securities Risk. The municipal market is volatile and can be significantly affected by adverse tax, legislative or political changes and the financial condition of the issuers of municipal securities.  Changes in a municipality’s financial health may make it difficult for the municipality to make interest and principal payments when due. Municipal obligations may be more susceptible to downgrades or defaults during recessions or similar periods of economic stress. Municipal securities structured as revenue bonds are generally not backed by the taxing power of the issuing municipality but rather the revenue from the particular project or entity for which the bonds were issued. If the Internal Revenue Service determines that an issuer of a municipal security has not complied with applicable tax requirements, interest from the security could be treated as taxable, which could result in a decline in the security’s value. In addition, there could be changes in applicable

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tax laws or tax treatments that reduce or eliminate the current federal income tax exemption on municipal securities or otherwise adversely affect the current federal or state tax status of municipal securities.

A number of municipalities have had significant financial problems recently, and these and other municipalities could, potentially, continue to experience significant financial problems resulting from lower tax revenues and/or decreased aid from state and local governments in the event of an economic downturn. This could decrease the Fund’s income or hurt the ability to preserve capital and liquidity.

Under some circumstances, municipal securities might not pay interest unless the state legislature or municipality authorizes money for that purpose. Some securities, including municipal lease obligations, carry additional risks. For example, they may be difficult to trade or interest payments may be tied only to a specific stream of revenue.

Since some municipal securities may be secured or guaranteed by banks and other institutions, the risk to the Funds could increase if the banking or financial sector suffers an economic downturn and/or if the credit ratings of the institutions issuing the guarantee are downgraded or at risk of being downgraded by a national rating organization. If such events were to occur, the value of the security could decrease or the value could be lost entirely, and it may be difficult or impossible for a Fund to sell the security at the time and the price that normally prevails in the market. Interest on municipal obligations, while generally exempt from federal income tax, may not be exempt from federal AMT.

Fixed-Income Securities Risks.  Fixed-income securities held by the Funds are or may be subject to interest rate risk, call risk, prepayment and extension risk, credit risk, and liquidity risk, which are more fully described below. Changes in market conditions and government policies may lead to periods of heightened volatility and reduced liquidity in the fixed-income securities market, and could result in an increase in Fund redemptions. Interest rate changes and their impact on a Fund and its share price can be sudden and unpredictable.

·Call Risk.  During periods of declining interest rates, a bond issuer may “call,” or repay, its high yielding bonds before their maturity dates. In this event a Fund would then be forced to invest the unanticipated proceeds at lower interest rates, resulting in a decline in its income.
·Credit Risk.  Fixed-income securities are generally subject to the risk that the issuer may be unable or unwilling to make principal and interest payments when they are due. There is also the risk that the securities could lose value because of a loss of confidence in the ability of the borrower to pay back debt. Lower rated fixed-income securities involve greater credit risk, including the possibility of default or bankruptcy.
·Interest Rate Risk.  Fixed-income securities are subject to the risk that the securities could lose value because of interest rate changes. For example, bonds generally tend to decrease in value if interest rates rise. Conversely, bond prices generally rise as interest rates fall. Fixed-income securities with longer maturities sometimes offer higher yields, but are subject to greater price shifts as a result of interest rate changes than fixed-income securities with shorter maturities. The historically low interest rate environment increases the risk associated with rising interest rates. The Funds may be exposed to varying levels of interest rate risk due to certain changes in general economic conditions, inflation, and monetary policy, such as interest rate changes by the Federal Reserve.
·Prepayment and Extension Risk. Many types of fixed-income securities are subject to prepayment risk. Prepayment occurs when the issuer of a fixed-income security can repay principal faster than expected prior to the security’s maturity. Fixed-income securities subject to prepayment risk can offer less potential for gains during a declining interest rate environment and similar or greater potential for loss in a rising interest rate environment. In addition, the potential impact of prepayment features on the price of a fixed-income security can be difficult to predict and result in greater volatility. On the other hand, rising interest rates could cause prepayments of the obligations to decrease. This is known as extension risk and may increase a Fund’s sensitivity to rising rates and its potential for price declines.
·Liquidity Risk.  Trading opportunities are more limited for fixed-income securities that have not received any credit ratings, have received ratings below investment grade or are not widely held. These features may make it more difficult to sell or buy a security at a favorable price or time. Consequently, a Fund may have to accept a lower price to sell a security, sell other securities to raise cash or give up an investment opportunity, any of which could have a negative effect on its performance. Infrequent trading of securities may also lead to an increase in their price volatility. Liquidity risk also refers to the possibility that a Fund may not be able to sell a security or close out a position in a timely manner. If this happens, the Fund may be required to hold the security or keep the position open, and it could incur losses.
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·Duration Risk. The Funds may invest in securities of any maturity or duration. Holding long duration and long maturity investments will magnify certain risks, including interest rate risk and credit risk.

High-Yield Fixed-Income Securities Risk. High-yield fixed-income securities or “junk bonds” are fixed-income securities rated below investment grade. Although junk bonds generally pay higher rates of interest than higher-rated securities, they are subject to a greater risk of loss of income and principal. Junk bonds are subject to greater credit risk than higher-grade securities and have a higher risk of default. Companies issuing high-yield junk bonds are more likely to experience financial difficulties that may lead to a weakened capacity to make principal and interest payments than issuers of higher grade securities. Issuers of junk bonds are often highly leveraged or undergoing restructuring and are more vulnerable to changes in the economy, such as a recession or rising interest rates, which may affect their ability to meet their interest or principal payment obligations. As a result, junk bonds generally are more sensitive to credit risk and are considered more speculative than securities in the higher-rated categories. The risk of loss due to default by an issuer of these securities is significantly greater than issuers of higher-rated securities because such securities are generally unsecured and are often subordinated to other creditors. The secondary market for securities that are junk bonds may be less liquid than the markets for higher quality securities, and, as such, may have an adverse effect on the market prices of and a Fund’s ability to arrive at a fair value for certain securities.

Restricted Securities Risk. The Funds may invest in restricted securities (securities with limited transferability under the securities laws) acquired from the issuer in “private placement” transactions. Private placement securities are not registered under the Securities Act, and are subject to restrictions on resale. They are eligible for sale only to certain qualified institutional buyers, like the Fund, and are not sold on a trading market or exchange. While private placement securities offer attractive investment opportunities otherwise not available on an open market, because such securities are available to few buyers, they are often both difficult to sell and to value.

Unrated Securities Risk. Because the Funds may purchase securities that are not rated by any nationally recognized statistical rating organization, the Adviser may internally assign ratings to those securities, after assessing their credit quality and other factors, in categories similar to those of nationally recognized statistical rating organizations. There can be no assurance, nor is it intended, that the Adviser's credit analysis process is consistent or comparable with the credit analysis process used by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization. Unrated securities are considered “investment-grade” or “below-investment-grade” if judged by the Adviser to be comparable to rated investment-grade or below-investment-grade securities. The Adviser's rating does not constitute a guarantee of the credit quality. In addition, some unrated securities may not have an active trading market or may trade less actively than rated securities, which means that the Funds might have difficulty selling them promptly at an acceptable price.

In evaluating the credit quality of a particular security, whether rated or unrated, the Adviser will normally take into consideration a number of factors including, but not limited to, the financial resources of the issuer, the underlying source of funds for debt service on a security, the issuer's sensitivity to economic conditions and trends, any operating history of the facility financed by the obligation, the degree of community support for the financed facility, the capabilities of the issuer's management, and regulatory factors affecting the issuer or the particular facility.

A reduction in the rating of a security after a Fund buys it will not require the Fund to dispose of the security. However, the Adviser will evaluate such downgraded securities to determine whether to keep them in the Fund’s portfolio.

Floating Rate/Variable Rate Obligations Risk. Some municipal securities have variable or floating interest rates. Variable rates are adjustable at stated periodic intervals. Floating rates are automatically adjusted according to a specified market rate for those investments, such as, for example, the percentage of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), the SIFMA Municipal Swap Index or the percentage of the prime rate of a bank. These obligations may be secured by bank letters of credit or other credit support arrangements. Because of the interest rate adjustment feature, floating and variable rate securities provide an investor with a certain degree of protection against rises in interest rates, although the Fund will participate in any declines in interest rates as well. Generally, changes in interest rates will have a smaller effect on the market value of floating and variable rate securities than on the market value of comparable fixed-income obligations. Thus, investing in floating and variable rate securities generally allows less opportunity for capital appreciation and depreciation than investing in comparable fixed-income securities.

Valuation Risk. The price a Fund could receive upon the sale of any particular portfolio investment may differ from the Fund’s valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair valuation methodology or a price provided by an independent pricing service. As a result, a Fund could realize a greater than expected loss or lesser than expected gain upon the sale of the investment. Unlike equity securities, which are

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valued using market quotations, the municipal bonds in which the Funds primarily invest are fixed income securities which are typically valued by independent pricing services utilizing a range of market-based and security specific inputs and assumptions, including price quotations from broker-dealers making markets in such instruments, transactions in comparable investments and considerations about general market conditions. A Fund’s ability to value its investments may also be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by pricing services or other third-party service providers.

Tax Risks. Municipal securities may decrease in value during times when federal income tax rates are falling. Each Fund’s investments are affected by changes in federal income tax rates applicable to, or the continuing federal tax exempt status of, interest income on municipal obligations. Any proposed or actual changes in such rates or exempt status, therefore, can significantly affect the liquidity, marketability and supply and demand for municipal obligations, which would in turn affect a Fund’s ability to acquire and dispose of municipal obligations at desirable yield and price levels. If you are subject to the federal AMT, you may have to pay federal tax on a portion of your distributions from tax exempt income.  If this is the case, a Fund’s net after-tax return to you may be lower. The Funds would not be suitable investments for investors investing through tax exempt or tax-advantaged accounts.

Municipal Sector Focus Risk. The Fund will not concentrate its investments in issuers in any one industry. The Securities and Exchange Commission has taken the position that investment of more than 25% of a fund's total assets in issuers in the same industry constitutes concentration in that industry. Many types of municipal securities (such as general obligation, government appropriation, municipal leases, special assessment and special tax bonds) are not considered a part of any “industry” for purposes of this policy. Therefore, the Fund may invest more than 25% of its total assets in those types of municipal securities. General obligation bonds are generally secured by the obligor’s pledge of its full faith, credit and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest. However, the taxing power of any governmental entity may be limited by provisions of state constitutions or laws and an entity’s credit will depend on many factors. By contrast, revenue bonds are generally backed by and payable from the revenues derived from a specific facility or specific revenue source or sources. As a result, the revenue bonds in which the Fund invests may entail greater credit risk than the Fund’s investments in general obligation bonds. Legislation that affects the financing of a particular municipal project, or economic factors that have a negative impact on a project, would be likely to affect many other similar projects. At times, the Fund may change the relative emphasis of its investments in securities issued by certain municipalities. If the Fund has a greater emphasis on investments in one or more particular municipalities, or in one or more particular municipalities of a particular state or territory, it may be subject to greater risks from adverse events (including economic, business, political, tax, or regulatory events) affecting such municipalities, states or territories than a fund that invests in different municipalities, state or territories, or that is more diversified.

Sector Emphasis Risk. The securities of issuers in the same or related businesses (“industry sectors”), if comprising a significant portion of the Fund’s portfolio, may in some circumstances react negatively to market conditions, interest rates and economic, regulatory or financial developments and adversely affect the value of the portfolio to a greater extent than if such securities comprised a lesser portion of the Fund’s portfolio or the Fund’s portfolio was diversified across a greater number of industry sectors. Some industry sectors have particular risks that may not affect other sectors.

Zero-Coupon Bonds Risk.  As interest on zero-coupon bonds is not paid on a current basis, the values of the bonds are subject to greater fluctuations than are the value of bonds that distribute income regularly and may be more speculative than such bonds. Accordingly, the values of zero-coupon bonds may be highly volatile as interest rates rise or fall.  In addition, while zero-coupon bonds generate income for tax purposes and for purposes of generally accepted accounting standards, they do not generate cash flow and thus could cause a Fund to be forced to liquidate securities at an inopportune time in order to distribute cash, as required by Subchapter M of the Code of the Internal Revenue Code in order for the Fund to maintain its status as a regulated investment company.

Investors may purchase zero coupon and pay-in-kind securities at a price below the amount payable at maturity. Because such securities do not entitle the holder to any periodic payments of interest prior to maturity, this prevents any reinvestment of interest payments at prevailing interest rates if prevailing interest rates rise. The higher yields and interest rates on pay-in-kind securities reflect the payment deferral ad increased credit risk associated with such instruments and that such investments may represent a higher credit risk than coupon loans.

Inverse Floaters Risk. The use of inverse floaters by the High Income Fund creates effective leverage. Due to the leveraged nature of these investments, they will typically be more volatile and involve greater risk than the fixed rate municipal bonds underlying the inverse floaters. Inverse Floaters represent interests in bonds with interest rates that vary inversely to changes in short-term rates. As short-term rates rise, inverse floaters produce less income, and as short-term rates decline, inverse floaters produce more income. As a result, the price of inverse floaters is expected to decline when interest rates rise, and

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generally will decline further than the price of a bond with similar maturity. An investment in certain inverse floaters will involve the risk that the Fund could lose more than its original principal investment. Distributions on inverse floaters bear an inverse relationship to short-term municipal bond interest rates. Thus, distributions paid to the Fund on its inverse floaters will be reduced or even eliminated as short-term municipal interest rates rise and will increase when short-term municipal interest rates fall. Inverse floaters generally will underperform the market for fixed rate municipal bonds in a rising interest rate environment.

Leverage Risk. The use of leverage will allow the Funds to make additional investments, thereby increasing its exposure to assets, such that its total assets may be greater than its capital. However, leverage will also magnify the volatility of changes in the value of the Fund’s portfolio. The effect of the use of leverage by the Funds in a market that moves adversely to its investments could result in substantial losses to the Funds, which would be greater than if a Fund were not leveraged.

Defaulted Bonds Risk. Defaulted bonds are subject to greater risk of loss of income and principal than higher rated securities and are considered speculative. In the event of a default, the High Income Fund may incur additional expenses to seek recovery. The repayment of defaulted bonds is subject to significant uncertainties, and in some cases, there may be no recovery of repayment. Defaulted bonds might be repaid only after lengthy workout or bankruptcy proceedings, during which the issuer might not make any interest or other payments. Workout or bankruptcy proceedings typically result in only partial recovery of cash payments or an exchange of the defaulted bond for other securities of the issuer or its affiliates, which may in turn be illiquid or speculative.

Rule 144A Securities Risk. The market for Rule 144A securities typically is less active than the market for publicly-traded securities. Rule 144A securities carry the risk that the liquidity of these securities may become impaired, making it more difficult for a Fund to sell these bonds.

Liquidity Risk. Liquidity risk occurs when certain investments become difficult to purchase or sell. Difficulty in selling less liquid securities may result in sales at disadvantageous prices affecting the value of your investment in a Fund. Causes of liquidity risk may include low trading volumes, large positions and heavy redemptions of Portfolio shares. Over recent years liquidity risk has also increased because the capacity of dealers in the secondary market for fixed-income securities to make markets in these securities has decreased, even as the overall bond market has grown significantly, due to, among other things, structural changes, additional regulatory requirements and capital and risk restraints that have led to reduced inventories. Liquidity risk may be higher in a rising interest rate environment, when the value and liquidity of fixed-income securities generally decline. Municipal securities may have more liquidity risk than other fixed-income securities because they trade less frequently and the market for municipal securities is generally smaller than many other markets.

Deferred Interest and Payment In Kind Securities Risks. Because these securities bear no interest and compound semiannually at the rate fixed at the time of issuance, their value generally is more volatile than the value of other fixed income securities. Accordingly, these securities may involve greater credit risks and their value is subject to greater fluctuation in response to changes in market interest rates than other fixed income securities. Since the bondholders do not receive interest payments, when interest rates rise, these securities fall more dramatically in value than bonds paying interest on a current basis. When interest rates fall, these securities rise more rapidly in value because the bonds reflect a fixed rate of return. If the issuer defaults, a Fund may not receive any return on its investment. These securities may also have unreliable valuations because their continuing accruals require ongoing judgment about the collectability of deferred payments and the value of any associated collateral. Payment in kind securities have the effect of generating investment income and increasing incentive fees payable to the Adviser at a compounding rate. In addition, the deferral of payment in kind interest reduces the loan-to-value ratio at a compounding rate. These securities create the risk that incentive fees will be paid to the Adviser based on non-cash accruals that ultimately may not be realized. The Adviser will be under no obligation to reimburse a Fund for these fees.

Auction Rate Securities Risks. While the auction rate process is designed to permit the holder to sell the auction rate securities in an auction at par value at specified intervals, there is the risk that an auction will fail due to insufficient demand for the securities. Failed auctions may adversely impact the liquidity of auction rate securities investments. Auction rate securities may also be subject to changes in interest rates, including decreased interest rates. Although some issuers of auction rate securities are redeeming or are considering redeeming such securities, such issuers are not obligated to do so and, therefore, there is no guarantee that a liquid market will exist for the Funds’ investments in auction rate securities at a time when the Funds wish to dispose of such securities.

Risks of Borrowing and Leverage. The Short Term Fund can borrow up to one-third of the value of its assets (including the amount borrowed), as permitted under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The Funds can use those

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borrowings for a number of purposes, including purchasing securities, which creates “leverage.” In that case, changes in the value of a Fund's investments will have a larger effect on its share price than if it did not borrow. Borrowing results in interest payments to the lenders and related expenses. Borrowing for investment purposes might reduce a Fund's return if the yield on the securities purchased is less than those borrowing costs. The Funds may also borrow to meet redemption obligations or for temporary and emergency purposes. [The Funds participate in a line of credit for their borrowing.]

Non-Diversified Fund Risk. The Short Term Fund is “non-diversified” and therefore is not required to meet certain diversification requirements under federal laws. The Fund may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer and may have fewer holdings than other mutual funds. As a result, a decline in the value of an investment in a single issuer could cause the Fund’s overall value to decline to a greater degree than if the Fund held a more diversified portfolio.

OTHER NON-PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS

The Funds can also use the investment techniques and strategies described below. The Funds might not use all of these techniques or strategies or might only use them from time to time.

When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Transactions (Both Funds). The Funds may purchase municipal securities on a “when-issued” basis and may purchase or sell such securities on a “delayed-delivery” basis. “When-issued” or “delayed-delivery” refers to securities whose terms and indenture are available and for which a market exists, but which are not available for immediate delivery. During the period between the purchase and the settlement dates, the buyer makes no payment for the security and receives no interest. When-issued or delayed-delivery securities the Funds buy are subject to changes in value as a result of market fluctuations during that period and the value of the security on the delivery date may be more or less than the Funds paid. The Funds may lose money if the value of the security has declined below the purchase price.

Distressed Debt Securities (Short Term Fund). The Short Term Fund may invest in debt securities issued by companies that are involved in reorganizations, financial restructurings or bankruptcy. Such distressed debt securities are speculative and involve substantial risks in addition to the risks of investing in below-investment-grade debt securities. The Fund will generally not receive interest payments on the distressed securities and may also incur costs to protect its investment. In addition, distressed securities involve the substantial risk that principal will not be repaid. These securities may present a substantial risk of default or may be in default at the time of investment. The Fund may incur additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek recovery upon a default in the payment of principal of or interest on its portfolio holdings. In any reorganization or liquidation proceeding relating to a portfolio company, the Fund may lose its entire investment or may be required to accept cash or securities with a value less than its original investment. Distressed securities and any securities received in an exchange for such securities may be subject to restrictions on resale. Distressed securities are subject to the Fund's limitation on holding below-investment-grade securities.

Defaulted Securities (Both Funds). The Funds may purchase defaulted securities if the Adviser believes that there is potential for resumption of income payments or realization of income on the sale of the securities or the collateral or other advantageous developments appear likely in the near future. Notwithstanding the Adviser's belief about the resumption of income payments or realization of income, the purchase of defaulted securities is highly speculative and involves a high degree of risk, including the risk of a substantial or complete loss of the Funds' investment. Defaulted securities are subject to the Funds' limitation on holding below-investment-grade securities. The Adviser does not expect that this will be a significant investment strategy of the Funds.

Taxable Investments (Both Funds). The Funds may invest in taxable investments but do not anticipate investing substantial amounts of their assets in taxable investments under normal market conditions or as part of their normal trading strategies and policies. Taxable investments include, for example, hedging instruments, repurchase agreements, and many of the types of securities the Funds would buy for temporary defensive purposes.

Who Are the Funds Designed For? The Funds are designed for investors seeking tax-free income. Because they invest in tax-exempt securities, the Funds are not appropriate for a retirement plan or other tax-exempt or tax-advantaged account. The Funds are not complete investment programs. You should carefully consider your own investment goals and risk tolerance before investing in the Funds.

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PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS DISCLOSURE

A description of the Funds’ policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of each Fund’s securities is available in the Funds’ SAI.

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS

The Board is generally responsible for overseeing the management and business affairs of the Funds. It oversees the operation of the Funds by its officers. It also reviews the management of each Fund’s assets by Easterly. Information about the Trustees and executive officers of the Easterly Funds is contained in the SAI.

Investment Adviser

Easterly is a registered investment adviser located at 138 Conant Street, Beverly, MA 01915. As of [•], Easterly has approximately $[•] in assets under management.

Subject to the general supervision of the Board of Trustees, Easterly is responsible for managing each Fund in accordance with its investment objective(s) and policies. Easterly also maintains related records for the Funds.

Manager of Managers Order. Easterly has applied for an exemptive order (the “Order”) from the SEC pursuant to which Easterly would be permitted to operate the Funds under a “manager of managers” structure as described herein. The board of trustees has authorized the Funds to operate in a “manager of managers” structure whereby, if the Order is granted, Easterly can appoint and replace sub-advisors, and enter into, amend and terminate sub-advisory agreements with such sub-advisors, each subject to board approval but without obtaining prior shareholder approval (Manager of Managers Structure). If the Order is granted, the Funds will, however, inform shareholders of the hiring of any new sub-advisor within 90 days after the hiring. The Manager of Managers Structure provides the Funds with greater flexibility and efficiency by preventing the Funds from incurring the expense and delays associated with obtaining shareholder approval of such sub-advisory agreements.

 

If the Order is granted, the use of the Manager of Managers Structure with respect to a Fund will be subject to certain conditions that will be set forth in the Order and no-action letter guidance issued by the SEC staff. Under the Manager of Managers Structure, Easterly will have the ultimate responsibility, subject to oversight by the Trust’s board of trustees, to oversee sub-advisors and recommend their hiring, termination and replacement. Easterly will also, subject to the review and approval of the Trust’s board of trustees: set the Fund’s overall investment strategy; evaluate, select and recommend sub-advisors to manage all or a portion of the Fund’s assets; and implement procedures reasonably designed to ensure that each sub-advisor complies with the Fund’s investment goal, policies and restrictions. Subject to review by the Trust’s board of trustees, Easterly will allocate and, when appropriate, reallocate the Fund’s assets among sub-advisors and monitor and evaluate the sub-advisors’ performance.

 

The Funds pay the Adviser an annual fee as set forth below:

Fund Percentage of Average Daily Assets
Easterly RocMuni High Income Municipal Bond Fund 0.55%
Easterly RocMuni Short Term Municipal Bond Fund 0.45%

Each Fund is responsible for its own operating expenses. Easterly has contractually agreed, at least through [three years] from the closing date of the reorganization of the [ ] Fund into the Fund, to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or pay expenses to the extent necessary to ensure that Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding front-end and contingent deferred sales loads, leverage, interest and tax expenses, dividends and interest on short positions, brokerage commissions, expenses incurred in connection with any merger, reorganization or liquidation, extraordinary or non-routine expenses, such as litigation and proxy-related expenses, and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses) will not exceed the percentage indicated in the table below for each Fund’s average daily net assets. Easterly is permitted to seek reimbursement from the Fund, subject to limitations, for management fees waived and Fund expenses it paid within three (3) years of the end of the fiscal year in which such management fees were waived or expenses paid, as long as the reimbursement does not cause the Fund’s operating expenses to exceed (i) the expense cap in place at the time the fees were waived or the expenses were incurred; or (ii) the current expense cap, whichever is less. This agreement may not be modified or terminated during its term. This agreement will terminate automatically if the Fund’s respective Investment Advisory Agreement with Easterly is terminated.

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Fund Name Class A Investor Class Class I
Easterly RocMuni High Income Municipal Bond Fund [ ]% [ ]% [ ]%
Easterly RocMuni Short Term Municipal Bond Fund N/A [ ]% [ ]%

A discussion regarding the basis of the Board’s approval of the investment advisory agreement with Easterly will be available in the Funds’ first report to shareheolders.

Portfolio Manager(s)

Each Fund is managed by the portfolio manager(s) listed below. The SAI provides additional information about each portfolio manager’s compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio manager, and the portfolio manager’s ownership in each Fund they manage.

[ ], portfolio manager, and [ ], portfolio manager, are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds.

The following is additional information regarding the portfolio managers identified above.

[portfolio manager information to be included in 485(b)]

The SAI provides additional information about the Portfolio Managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers and the Portfolio Managers’ ownership of securities in the Funds.

 

Administration

Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., located at 50 Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02110, is the custodian of the assets of the Funds.

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, located at 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, serves as the Funds’ Transfer Agent (the “Transfer Agent”).

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, located at 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, provides administrative (including custody administration) and fund accounting services to the Funds. As such, they manage the administrative affairs of the Funds, calculate the net asset value of the shares of each Fund, and create and maintain the Funds’ required financial records.

PRICING OF FUND SHARES

The price of shares of a Fund is called “net asset value” or “NAV” is based on the value of a Fund’s investments.

The NAV per share of a Fund is determined once daily at the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (typically 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) (“Valuation Time”) on each day that the NYSE is open. Shares will not be priced on days that the NYSE is closed.

Generally, a Fund’s securities are valued each day at the last quoted sales price on each security’s primary securities exchange. Securities traded or dealt in upon one or more securities exchanges (whether domestic or foreign, and including the National Association of Securities Dealers’ Automated Quotation System (“NASDAQ”)) for which market quotations are readily available and not subject to restrictions against resale shall be valued at the last quoted sales price on the primary securities exchange (or in the case of NASDAQ securities, at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price) or, in the absence of a sale on the primary exchange, at the mean between the current bid and ask prices on the primary exchange. When a market price is not readily available, including circumstances under which Easterly determines that a security’s market price is not accurate, a portfolio security is valued by the Adviser, as the Funds’ valuation designee, with the assistance of a pricing committee at its fair value, as determined under procedures established by the Board. In these cases, a Fund’s NAV will reflect certain portfolio securities’ fair value rather than their market price. Debt securities with remaining maturities of sixty days or less at the time of purchase may be valued at amortized cost. The amortized cost valuation method involves valuing a debt obligation in reference to its cost rather than market forces.

Securities traded on a foreign exchange which has not closed by the Valuation Time or for which the official closing prices are not available at the time the NAV is determined may use alternative market prices provided by a pricing service. In addition, with respect to securities that primarily are listed on a foreign exchange, when an event occurs after the close of a foreign exchange that is likely to have changed the value of the foreign securities (for example, a percentage change in value

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of one or more U.S. securities indices in excess of specified thresholds), such securities will be valued at their fair value, as determined under procedures established by the Board. Securities also may be fair valued in the event of a development effecting a country or region or an issuer-specific development, which is likely to have changed the value of the security. To the extent that a Fund invests in ETFs, the Fund’s NAV is calculated, in relevant part, based upon the NAVs of such ETFs (which are registered open-end management investment companies). The prospectuses for these ETFs explain the circumstances under which they will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing.

Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security is materially different than the value that could be realized upon the sale of that security. In compliance with Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board has designated the Adviser (but not the sub-advisers) as the valuation designee. The Adviser, as the valuation designee, performs the fair value determinations relating to Fund investments and is responsible for periodically assessing any material risks associated with the determination of the fair value of a Fund's investments; establishing and applying fair value methodologies; testing the appropriateness of fair value methodologies; and overseeing and evaluating third-party pricing services. The Board oversees the Adviser in its role as valuation designee pursuant to Rule 2a-5.

Each Fund’s current NAV per share will be made available on the Fund’s website at [ ].

CHOOSING A SHARE CLASS

The High Income Fund offers Class A, Investor Class and Class I shares. The Short Term Fund offers Investor Class and Class I shares. The Funds offer multiple classes of shares so that you can choose the class that best suits your investment needs. Refer to the information below so that you can choose the class that best suits your investment needs. The main differences between the share classes are sales charges, ongoing fees, and minimum investment. Class A charges a maximum sales load of 2.00%. Class A and Investor Class shares of the High Income Fund pay an annual distribution fee of up to 0.25% and 0.50%, respectively, of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to such Class for distribution and shareholder servicing expenses pursuant to the shareholder servicing plans adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1. Investor Class shares of the Short Term Fund pay an annual distribution fee of up to 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to such Class for distribution and shareholder servicing expenses pursuant to the shareholder servicing plans adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1. Investor Class and Class I shares do not pay sales loads and Class I shares do not pay 12b-1 fees. For information on ongoing distribution fees, see “Distribution (12b-1) and Shareholder Servicing Fees” in this Prospectus. Each class of shares in a Fund represents interest in the same portfolio of investments within the Fund. There is no investment minimum on reinvested distributions and a Fund may change investment minimums at any time. The Funds reserve the right to waive sales charges, as described below, and investment minimums. All share classes may not be available for purchase in all states.

When deciding which class of shares of a Fund to purchase, you should consider your investment goals, present and future amounts you may invest in a Fund, and the length of time you intend to hold your shares. To help you make a determination as to which class of shares to buy, please refer back to the examples of a Fund’s expenses over time in the “Fees and Expenses of the Fund” section for the Fund in this Prospectus. You also may wish to consult with your financial adviser for advice with regard to which share class would be most appropriate for you.

Shareholder Eligibility and Minimum Investment Amounts

For Class A shares of the High Income Fund, the minimum initial investment in the Fund is $2,500. For Investor Class shares of the Funds, the minimum initial investment is $1,000. For Class I shares of the Funds, the minimum initial investment in the Fund is $1 million, which minimum would be waived for an investment adviser/broker making an allocation to the Fund’s Class I shares aggregating $1 million or more within 90 days. If the adviser/broker does not purchase $1 million or more in the aggregate within 90 days, then the adviser/broker’s next purchase would have to be for a minimum of the difference between $1 million and the aggregate total invested during the 90 days until aggregate purchases total $1 million or more (e.g., if the adviser/broker’s aggregate purchases within 90 days total $500,000 then the adviser/broker would have to make a single aggregate purchase of at least $500,000 to make future purchases of less than $1 million). In addition, the minimum initial investment for Class I shares of the Funds may be waived for certain investments, including sales through banks, broker-dealers and other financial institutions in; (i) discretionary and non-discretionary sponsored advisory programs; (ii) fund supermarkets; (iii) asset allocation programs: (iv) certain retirement plans investing directly with the Fund; (v) retirement plans investing through certain retirement plan platforms; and (vi) certain endowments, foundations and other not-for-profit entities investing directly with the Fund. For employees and relatives of the Adviser, firms distributing shares of the Trust, and the Trust service providers and their affiliates, the minimum initial investment in the Trust is $1,000 with no minimum for any individual Fund. With respect to Class A shares, there is no minimum initial investment for employee benefit plans, mutual fund platform programs, supermarket programs, associations and individual

24 
 

retirement accounts.

 

The minimum subsequent investment in the Trust is $100, except for employee benefit plans, mutual fund platform programs, supermarket programs, associations and individual retirement accounts, which have no minimum subsequent investment requirements. There is no minimum subsequent investment for a Fund. Investment minimums may be waived by the Adviser.

If you received Class [ ] shares as a result of a merger or reorganization of a predecessor fund into any of the Funds, you will be permitted to make additional Class [ ] share purchases, respectively.

Class A Shares

Class A shares are offered at their public offering price, which is NAV plus the applicable sales charge and is subject to 12b-1 distribution fees of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of Class A shares. Over time, fees paid under this distribution and service plan will increase the cost of a Class A shareholder’s investment and may cost more than other types of sales charges. The sales charge varies, depending on how much you invest. There are no sales charges on reinvested distributions. The following sales charges, apply to your purchases of Class A shares of a Fund unless waived as described under “Sales Charge Waivers”:

 

Amount Invested

Sales Charge as a
% of
Offering Price1
Sales Charge as a
% of
Amount Invested
Dealer Reallowance2
Less than $50,000 2.00% 2.04% 1.75%
$50,000 but less than $100,000 1.75% 1.78% 1.50%
$100,000 but less than $250,000 1.50% 1.52% 1.30%
$250,000 or more(3,4) None4 None4 None4
1.Offering price includes the front-end sales load. The sales charge you pay may differ slightly from the amount set forth above because of rounding that occurs in the calculation used to determine your sales charge.
2.At the discretion of the Trust, however, the entire sales charge may at times be reallowed to dealers. The staff of the SEC has indicated that dealers who receive more than 90% of the sales charge may be considered underwriters.
3.Class A shares that are purchased at NAV in amounts of $250,000 or more may be assessed a 0.75% CDSC, if they are redeemed within twelve months from the date of purchase. See below for further information.
4.The Adviser may pay certain commissions to brokers who initiate and are responsible for purchases by any single purchaser who is a resident of the United States as follows: for purchases of $250,000 to $3 million, the Adviser will pay 0.75%, plus 0.50% on any amounts over $3 million up to $5 million, and 0.25% on any amounts over $5 million.

 

The commission rate is determined based on the purchase amount combined with the current market value of existing investments in Class A shares. As shown, investors that purchase $250,000 or more of a Fund’s Class A shares will not pay any initial sales charge on the purchase. However, purchases of $250,000 or more of Class A shares may be subject to a 0.75% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) on shares redeemed during the first 12 months after their purchase. The CDSC is based upon the investor’s original purchase price. Any CDSC paid on the redemptions of Class A shares expressed as a percentage of the applicable redemption amount may be higher or lower than the charge described due to rounding. Brokers may receive distribution and/or shareholder service fees for Class A shares.

 

How to Reduce Your Sales Charge

You may be eligible to purchase Class A shares at a reduced sales charge. To qualify for these reductions, you must notify the Funds’ distributor, Easterly Securities LLC (the “Distributor”), in writing and supply your account number at the time of purchase. You may combine your purchase with those of your “immediate family” (your spouse and your children under the age of 21) for purposes of determining eligibility. If applicable, you will need to provide the account numbers of your spouse and your minor children as well as the ages of your minor children. These variations are separate and apart from those discussed in Appendix A.

You must notify your authorized Financial Intermediary or the Transfer Agent at the time a purchase order is placed that

25 
 

the purchase (or redemption) qualifies for a reduced sales charge (i.e., breakpoint discount), CDSC waiver or eligibility minimum. Similar notification must be made in writing when an order is placed by mail. The reduced sales charge, CDSC waiver or eligibility minimum will not be granted if: (i) notification is not furnished at the time of order; or (ii) a review of the records of the authorized dealer of the Fund’s shares or the Trust’s Transfer Agent does not confirm your represented holdings.

Whether a sales charge waiver is available for your retirement plan or charitable account depends upon the policies and procedures of your intermediary. Please consult your financial adviser for further information.

Rights of Accumulation

For the purposes of determining the applicable reduced sales charge, the right of accumulation allows you to include prior purchases of Class A shares of any of the Trust’s portfolios as part of your current investment as well as reinvested dividends. To qualify for this option, you must be either:

  • an individual;
  • an individual and spouse purchasing shares for your own account or trust or custodial accounts for your minor children; or
  • a fiduciary purchasing for any one trust, estate or fiduciary account, including employee benefit plans created under Sections 401, 403, or 457 of the Code, including related plans of the same employer.

If you plan to rely on this right of accumulation, you must notify the Distributor at the time of your purchase. You will need to give the Distributor your account numbers. Existing holdings of family members or other related accounts of a shareholder may be combined for purposes of determining eligibility. If applicable, you will need to provide the account numbers of your spouse and your minor children as well as the ages of your minor children.

Letter of Intent

The letter of intent allows you to count all investments within a 13-month period in Class A shares of any of the Trust’s portfolios as if you were making them all at once for the purposes of calculating the applicable reduced sales charges. The minimum initial investment under a letter of intent is 5% of the total letter of intent amount. The letter of intent does not preclude the Fund from discontinuing sales of its shares. You may include a purchase not originally made pursuant to a letter of intent under a letter of intent entered into within 90 days of the original purchase. To determine the applicable sales charge reduction, you may also include (1) the cost of shares of a Trust’s portfolio which were previously purchased at a price including a front-end sales charge during the 90-day period prior to the Distributor receiving the letter of intent, and (2) the historical cost of shares of other Trust portfolios you currently own acquired in exchange for shares of Trust portfolios purchased during that period at a price including a front-end sales charge. You may combine purchases and exchanges by family members (limited to spouse and children, under the age of 21, living in the same household). You should retain any records necessary to substantiate historical costs because the Trust, its Transfer Agent and any financial intermediaries may not maintain this information. Shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends are not aggregated to achieve the stated investment goal.

Sales Charge Waivers

The availability of certain sales charge waivers and discounts to Class A Shares of a Fund will depend on whether you purchase your Class A Shares directly from a Fund or through a financial intermediary. Intermediaries may have different policies and procedures (from those described above for Class A Shares generally) regarding the availability of front-end sales load waivers or contingent deferred (back-end) sales load waivers. Please consult your financial intermediary for more information. For specific information with respect to sales charge waivers and discounts available through a specific financial intermediary, please refer to Appendix A attached to this Prospectus.

In all instances, it is the purchaser’s responsibility to notify a Fund or the purchaser’s financial intermediary at the time of purchase of any relationship or other facts qualifying the purchaser for sales charge waivers or discounts. For waivers and discounts not available through a particular intermediary, shareholders will have to purchase shares of the Fund directly from the Fund or through another intermediary to receive such waivers or discounts.

The sales charge on purchases of Class A shares is waived for certain types of investors, including:

26 
 
  • Employees of broker-dealers or other financial institutions (including registered investment advisors and financial planners) having agreements with the Distributor or Easterly (a “Selling Representative”) and their immediate families (or any trust, pension, profit sharing or other benefit plan for the benefit of such persons).
  • Employees of a bank, savings and loan, credit union or other financial institution that utilize a Selling Representative to clear purchases of the Trust’s shares and their immediate families.
  • Participants in certain “wrap-fee” programs, mutual fund platform programs, supermarket programs, or asset allocation programs or other fee-based arrangements sponsored by broker-dealers and other financial institutions that have entered into agreements with the Distributor or Easterly.
  • Clients of financial intermediaries that have entered into arrangements with the Distributor or Easterly (or otherwise have an arrangement with a broker-dealer or other financial institution with respect to sales of Trust shares) providing for the shares to be used in particular investment products made available to such clients and for which such registered investment advisors may charge a separate fee.
  • Institutional investors (which may include bank trust departments and registered investment advisors).
  • Any accounts established on behalf of registered investment advisors or their clients by broker-dealers that charge a transaction fee and that have entered into agreements with the Distributor or Easterly.
  • Insurance company separate accounts, separate accounts used to fund certain unregistered variable annuity contracts, Section 403(b), 401(a), or 401(k) accounts and college savings plans organized under Section 529 of the Code.
  • Employer-sponsored retirement or benefit plans with total plan assets of at least $1 million where the plan’s investments in the Trust are part of an omnibus account. A minimum initial investment of $1 million in the Trust is required. Easterly in its sole discretion may waive these minimum dollar requirements.
  • Reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividends.

More information about existing sales charge reductions and waivers is available free of charge at [ ].

 

CDSC Waivers

Certain shareholders may be eligible for CDSC waivers. Please see the information set forth below for specific eligibility requirements. You must notify your authorized Financial Intermediary or the Transfer Agent at the time a purchase order is placed that the purchase (or redemption) qualifies for a CDSC waiver. Similar notification must be made in writing when an order is placed by mail. The CDSC waiver will not be granted if: (i) notification is not furnished at the time of order; or (ii) a review of the records of the authorized dealer of the Fund’s shares or the Trust’s Transfer Agent does not confirm your represented holdings. In order to verify your eligibility, you may be required to provide account statements and/or confirmations regarding shares of the Fund or other Trust Funds.

A CDSC will not be imposed on: (i) any amount which represents an increase in value of shares purchased within the one year preceding the redemption; (ii) the current NAV of shares purchased more than one year prior to the redemption; and (iii) the current NAV of shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends or distributions. Moreover, in determining whether a CDSC is applicable it will be assumed that amounts described in (i), (ii) and (iii) above (in that order) are redeemed first.

In addition, the CDSC, if otherwise applicable, will be waived in the case of:

(1)redemptions in connection with the following retirement plan distributions: (a) lump-sum or other distributions from a qualified corporate or self-employed retirement plan following retirement (or, in the case of a “key employee” of a “top heavy” plan, following attainment of age 59 1/2); (b) distributions from an IRA or 403(b) Custodial Account following attainment of age 70 1/2; or (c) a tax-free return of an excess contribution to an IRA; and
27 
 
(2)certain redemptions pursuant to the Fund’s Systematic Withdrawal Plan (see “Redemption of Shares—Systematic Withdrawal Plan”).

 

With reference to (1) above, the term “distribution” does not encompass a direct transfer of an IRA, 403(b) Custodial Account or retirement plan assets to a successor custodian or trustee. All waivers will be granted only following receipt by the Distributor of written confirmation of the shareholder’s entitlement.

The sales charge waivers (and discounts) available through financial intermediaries are set forth in Appendix A to this Prospectus (Intermediary-Specific Sales Charge Waivers and Discounts). Please contact your financial intermediary regarding applicable sales charge waivers (and discounts) and for information regarding the financial intermediary’s related policies and procedures.

 

Class I Shares

Class I shares of the Funds are sold at NAV without an initial sales charge and are not subject to 12b-1 distribution fees. This means that 100% of your initial investment is placed into shares of a Fund.

Investor Class Shares

Investor Class shares of the Funds are sold at NAV without an initial sales charge. Investor Class shares of the High Income Fund pay an annual distribution fee of up to 0.50% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to such Class for distribution and shareholder servicing expenses pursuant to the shareholder servicing plans adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1. Investor Class shares of the Short Term Fund pay an annual distribution fee of up to 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to such Class for distribution and shareholder servicing expenses pursuant to the shareholder servicing plans adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1. For information on ongoing distribution fees, see “Distribution (12b-1) and Shareholder Servicing Fees” in this Prospectus.

Exchanges for Class I Shares and Investor Class Shares

Holders of Class A and [Investor Class] shares issued by a Fund may exchange their shares for Class I shares provided that they: (1) hold their shares through a Selling Broker or other financial intermediary or institution that has a distribution agreement with the Fund’s distributor to offer Class I shares and which authorizes such an exchange; and (2) are otherwise eligible to invest in Class I shares in accordance with the terms of this Prospectus. Any such exchange is subject to the Funds’ discretion to accept or reject the exchange. Class A shareholders who purchased $1,000,000 or more of shares, and who then exchange them for Class I shares within eighteen months of the original purchase date, will be subject to a CDSC for such exchange in the same manner as would be applicable to a redemption of Class A shares purchased in an amount of $1,000,000 or more and redeemed within eighteen months of the date of original purchase, unless the Adviser in its sole discretion determines to waive the applicable CDSC. For federal income tax purposes, an exchange of Class A or Investor Class shares for Class I shares within the same Fund will not result in the recognition of a capital gain or loss.

28 
 

HOW TO PURCHASE SHARES

You may purchase shares of a Fund by sending a completed application form to the following address:

via Regular Mail via Overnight Mail

Easterly Funds Trust
c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC

P.O. Box 541150

Omaha, NE 68154

Easterly Funds Trust
c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC

4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100

Elkhorn, NE 68022-3474

The USA PATRIOT Act requires financial institutions, including the Fund, to adopt certain policies and programs to prevent money-laundering activities, including procedures to verify the identity of customers opening new accounts. As requested on the application, you should supply your full name, date of birth, social security number and permanent street address. Mailing addresses containing a P.O. Box will not be accepted. This information will assist the Fund in verifying your identity. Until such verification is made, the Fund may temporarily limit additional share purchases. In addition, the Fund may limit additional share purchases or close an account if it is unable to verify a shareholder’s identity. As required by law, the Fund may employ various procedures, such as comparing the information to fraud databases or requesting additional information or documentation from you, to ensure that the information supplied by you is correct.

A Fund reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to reject any application to purchase shares. A purchase request could be rejected because of, amongst other things, the timing or amount of the investment or because of a history of excessive trading by the investor. You may purchase shares of a Fund by check, by wire, or through a broker.

Purchase by Check

Applications will not be accepted unless they are accompanied by a check drawn on a U.S. bank, thrift institutions, or credit union in U.S. funds for the full amount of the shares to be purchased. After you open an account, you may purchase additional shares by sending a check together with written instructions stating the name(s) on the account and the account number, to the above address. Make all checks payable to a Fund in which you choose to invest. A Fund will not accept payment in post-dated checks, third party checks, travelers’ checks, cash, money orders, cashier checks, credit card convenience checks or “starter” checks for the purchase of shares. Redemptions of shares of a Fund purchased by check may be subject to a hold period until the check has been cleared by the issuing bank.

Automated Clearing House (ACH) Purchase

Current shareholders may purchase additional shares via Automated Clearing House (“ACH”). To have this option added to your account, please send a letter to the Fund requesting this option and supply a voided check for the bank account. Only bank accounts held at domestic institutional that are ACH members may be used for these transactions. You may not use ACH transactions for your initial purchase of Fund shares. All shares purchased via ACH will be purchased at the NAV per share (plus applicable sales charges, if any) next determined after a Fund receives the order in good order. The Fund may alter, modify or terminate this purchase option at any time.

Note: If your check or electronic payment does not clear, you will be you will be responsible for any loss incurred by the Funds. Additionally, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, the Funds’ transfer agent, will charge a $25 fee to defray bank charges.

Purchase by Wire

If you wish to wire money to make an investment in the Funds, please call the Funds at (833) 999-2636 for wiring instructions and to notify a Fund that a wire transfer is coming. Any commercial bank can transfer same-day funds via wire. A Fund will normally accept wired funds for investment on the day received if they are received by the Fund’s designated bank before the close of regular trading on the NYSE. Your bank may charge you a fee for wiring same-day funds.

Purchase through Brokers

You may invest in the Funds through brokers or agents who have entered into selling agreements with the Funds’ distributor. The brokers and agents are authorized to receive purchase and redemption orders on behalf of a Fund. Such brokers are authorized to designate other intermediaries to receive purchase and redemption orders on a Fund’s behalf. The Funds will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when an authorized broker or its designee receives the order. The broker or agent may set their own initial and subsequent investment minimums. You may be charged a fee if you use a broker or agent to buy or redeem shares of a Fund. Finally, various servicing agents use procedures and impose restrictions

29 
 

that may be in addition to, or different from those applicable to investors purchasing shares directly from the Funds. You should carefully read the program materials provided to you by your servicing agent.

Automatic Investment Plans

You may participate in a Fund’s Automatic Investment Plan, an investment plan that automatically moves money from your bank account and invests it in a Fund through the use of electronic funds transfers or automatic bank drafts. You may elect to make subsequent investments by transfers of a minimum of $100 on specified days of each month into your established Fund account. Please contact the Funds at (833) 999-2636 for more information about the Funds’ Automatic Investment Plans.

When Order is Processed

All shares will be purchased at the NAV per share (plus applicable sales charges, if any) next determined after a Fund receives your application or request in good order. All requests received in good order by a Fund before the close of NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)) will be processed on that same day. Requests received after the close will be processed on the next business day.

Good Order

When making a purchase request, make sure your request is in good order.

“Good order” means your purchase request includes:

1)The name of the Fund and share class
2)The dollar amount of shares to be purchased
3)A completed purchase application or investment stub
4)Check payable to a Fund:

Retirement Plans

You may purchase shares of the Funds for your individual retirement plans. Please call the Funds at (833) 999-2636 for the most current listing and appropriate disclosure documentation on how to open a retirement account.

HOW TO REDEEM SHARES

You may redeem all or any portion of the shares credited to your account by submitting a written request for redemption to the relevant Fund:

via Regular Mail via Overnight Mail

Easterly Funds Trust
c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC

P.O. Box 541150

Omaha, NE 68154

Easterly Funds Trust
c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC

4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100

Elkhorn, NE 68022-3474

The Funds typically expect that it will take up to 7 days following the receipt of your redemption request to pay out redemption proceeds by check or electronic transfer. The Funds typically expect to pay redemptions from cash, cash equivalents, proceeds from the sale of Fund shares, any lines of credit, and then from the sale of portfolio securities. These redemption payment methods will be used in regular and stressed market conditions.

The Trust may suspend redemption procedures and postpone redemption payment during any period when (a) trading is restricted, as determined by the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC, (b) the NYSE is closed other than for customary weekend or holiday closing, or (c) when the SEC has determined an emergency exists or has otherwise permitted such suspension or postponement.

If you own an IRA or other retirement plan, you must indicate on your redemption request whether the Fund should withhold federal income tax. Unless you elect in your redemption request that you do not want to have federal tax withheld, the redemption will be subject to withholding.

Redemptions by Telephone

30 
 

The telephone redemption privilege is automatically available to all new accounts. If you do not want the telephone redemption privilege, you must indicate this in the appropriate area on your account application or you must write to the Fund and instruct it to remove this privilege from your account.

The proceeds will be sent by mail to the address designated on your account or wired directly to your existing account in a bank or brokerage firm in the United States as designated on your application. To redeem by telephone, call (833) 999-2636. If redeeming from an IRA account, you will be asked about tax withholding. During periods of high market activity, you may encounter higher than usual wait times. Please allow sufficient time to ensure that you will be able to complete your telephone transaction prior to market close. Neither the Fund nor its transfer agent will be held liable if you are unable to place your trade due to high call volume.

The Funds reserves the right to suspend the telephone redemption privileges with respect to your account if the name(s) or the address on the account has been changed within the previous 30 days. Neither the Funds, the transfer agent, nor their respective affiliates will be liable for complying with telephone instructions they reasonably believe to be genuine or for any loss, damage, cost or expense in acting on such telephone instructions and you will be required to bear the risk of any such loss. The Funds or the transfer agent, or both, will employ reasonable procedures to determine that telephone instructions are genuine. If the Funds and/or the transfer agent do not employ these procedures, they may be liable to you for losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. These procedures may include, among others, requiring forms of personal identification prior to acting upon telephone instructions, providing written confirmation of the transactions and/or tape recording telephone instructions.

Redemptions through Broker

If shares of a Fund are held by a broker-dealer, financial institution, or other servicing agent, you must contact that servicing agent to redeem shares of a Fund. The servicing agent may charge a fee for this service.

Redemptions by Wire

You may request that your redemption proceeds be wired directly to your bank account. The Funds’ transfer agent imposes a $15 fee for each wire redemption and deducts the fee directly from your account, but the transfer agent does not charge a fee when transferring redemption proceeds by electronic funds transfer. Your bank may also impose a fee for the incoming wire.

When Redemptions are Sent

Once a Fund receives your redemption request in “good order” as described below, it will issue a check based on the next determined NAV following your redemption request, which are payable at the next determined NAV following the receipt your redemption request in “good order”, as described below. If you purchase shares using a check and soon after request a redemption, your redemption proceeds will not be sent until the check used for your purchase has cleared your bank.

Good Order

Your redemption request will be processed if it is in “good order.” To be in good order, the following conditions must be satisfied:

1)The request should be in writing, unless redeeming by telephone, indicating the number of shares or dollar amount to be redeemed;
2)The request must identify your account number;
3)The request should be signed by you and any other person listed on the account, exactly as the shares are registered;
4)If you request that the redemption proceeds be sent to a person, bank or an address other than that of record or paid to someone other than the record owner(s), or if the address was changed within the last 30 days, or if the proceeds of a requested redemption exceed $100,000, the signature(s) on the request must be medallion signature guaranteed by an eligible signature guarantor

When You Need Medallion Signature Guarantees

Certain requests require a medallion signature guarantee. To protect you and the Trust from fraud, certain transactions and redemption requests must be in writing and must include a medallion signature guarantee in the following situations (there may be other situations also requiring a medallion signature guarantee in the discretion of the Trust or Transfer Agent):

31 
 
1)Re-registration of the account.
2)Changing bank wiring instructions on the account.
3)Name change on the account.
4)Setting up/changing systematic withdrawal plan to a secondary address.
5)Redemptions greater than $100,000.
6)Any redemption check that is being mailed to a different address than the address of record.
7)Your account registration has changed within the last 30 days.

You should be able to obtain a medallion signature guarantee from a bank or trust company, credit union, broker-dealer, securities exchange or association, clearing agency or savings association, as defined by federal law.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan

A systematic withdrawal plan (the “Withdrawal Plan”) is available for shareholders. Any Fund from which redemptions will be made pursuant to the Plan will be referred to as a “SWP Fund.” The Withdrawal Plan provides for monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual payments in any amount not less than $25, or in any whole percentage of the value of the SWP Fund’s shares, on an annualized basis. A shareholder may suspend or terminate participation in the Withdrawal Plan at any time. The Withdrawal Plan may be terminated or revised at any time by the Fund.

Withdrawal Plan payments should not be considered dividends, yields or income. If periodic Withdrawal Plan payments continuously exceed net investment income and net capital gains, the shareholder’s original investment will be correspondingly reduced and ultimately exhausted. Each withdrawal constitutes a redemption of shares and any gain or loss realized must be recognized for federal income tax purposes. Shareholders should contact their dealer representative or the Trust for further information about the Withdrawal Plan.

Reinstatement Privilege

A shareholder who has had his or her shares redeemed or repurchased and has not previously exercised this reinstatement privilege may, within 35 days after the date of the redemption or repurchase, reinstate any portion or all of the proceeds of such redemption or repurchase in shares of the Fund in the same Class from which such shares were redeemed or repurchased, at NAV next determined after a reinstatement request (made in writing to and approved by Easterly), together with the proceeds, is received by the Transfer Agent.

Involuntary Redemptions

If the Fund is the only holding of a shareholder in the Trust, then due to the relatively high cost of maintaining small accounts, the Trust may redeem an account having a current value of $1,000 or less as a result of redemptions, but not as a result of a fluctuation in the Fund’s NAV after the shareholder has been given at least 30 days in which to increase the account balance to more than that amount. Involuntary redemptions may result in the liquidation of Fund holdings at a time when the value of those holdings is lower than the investor’s cost of the investment or may result in the realization of taxable capital gains.

Redemption-In-Kind

If the Board of Trustees determines that it would be detrimental to the best interests of the Fund’s shareholders to make a redemption payment wholly in cash, the Fund may pay, in accordance with rules adopted by the SEC, any portion of a redemption in excess of the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund’s net assets by a distribution-in-kind of readily marketable portfolio securities in lieu of cash. Redemptions failing to meet this threshold must be made in cash. Shareholders receiving distributions-in-kind of portfolio securities will be subject to market risks on the securities received, and may incur brokerage commissions when subsequently disposing of those securities.

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Exchange Privilege

Shares of the Fund may be exchanged without payment of any exchange fee for shares of another Fund of the Trust of the same Class at their respective NAVs. Please refer to that Fund’s Prospectus with respect to the fees and expenses of investing in shares of the Fund. The Trust may in the future offer an exchange feature involving shares of an unaffiliated fund group subject to receipt of appropriate regulatory relief.

There are special considerations when you exchange Fund shares that are subject to a CDSC. When determining the length of time you held the shares and the corresponding CDSC rate, any period (starting at the end of the month) during which you held shares of a Fund that does not charge a CDSC will not be counted. Thus, in effect the “holding period” for purposes of calculating the CDSC is frozen upon exchanging into a fund that does not charge a CDSC. In addition, shares that are exchanged into or from a Fund subject to a higher CDSC rate will be subject to the higher rate, even if the shares are re-exchanged into a Fund with a lower CDSC rate.

An exchange of shares is treated for federal income tax purposes as a redemption (sale) of shares given in exchange by the shareholder, and an exchanging shareholder may, therefore, realize a taxable gain or loss in connection with the exchange. The exchange privilege is available to shareholders residing in any state in which Fund shares being acquired may be legally sold.

Easterly reserves the right to reject any exchange request and the exchange privilege may be modified or terminated upon notice to shareholders in accordance with applicable rules adopted by the SEC.

With regard to redemptions and exchanges made by telephone, the Distributor and the Trust’s Transfer Agent will request personal or other identifying information to confirm that the instructions received from shareholders or their account representatives are genuine. Calls may be recorded. If our lines are busy or you are otherwise unable to reach us by phone, you may wish to ask your investment representative for assistance or send us written instructions, as described elsewhere in this Prospectus. For your protection, we may delay a transaction or not implement one if we are not reasonably satisfied that the instructions are genuine. If this occurs, we will not be liable for any loss. Additionally, fund share classes and account registrations must match.

The Distributor and the Transfer Agent also will not be liable for any losses if they follow instructions by phone that they reasonably believe are genuine or if an investor is unable to execute a transaction by phone.

MARKET TIMING AND FREQUENT TRADING POLICY

The Funds discourage and do not accommodate market timing. Frequent trading into and out of a Fund can harm all Fund shareholders by disrupting a Fund’s investment strategies, increasing Fund expenses, decreasing tax efficiency, and diluting the value of shares held by long-term shareholders. The Funds are designed for long-term investors and are not intended for market timing or other disruptive trading activities. Accordingly, the Board has approved policies that seek to curb these disruptive activities while recognizing that shareholders may have a legitimate need to adjust their Fund investments as their financial needs or circumstances change. The Funds currently use several methods to reduce the risk of market timing. These methods include:

1)committing staff to monitor, on a continuing basis, recent trading activity in order to identify trading activity that may be contrary to the Funds’ Market Timing and Exchange Policy;

 

2)providing notice to certain investors to cease trading if transactions are deemed excessive or suspicious;

 

3)providing warning letters or emails;

 

4)rejecting specific purchase requests; and

 

5)rejecting purchase requests from certain investors

 

Though these methods involve judgments that are inherently subjective and involve some selectivity in their application, the Funds seek to make judgments and applications that are consistent with the interests of a Fund’s shareholders.

Based on the frequency of redemptions in your account, the Adviser or transfer agent may in its sole discretion determine that your trading activity is detrimental to a Fund as described in the Funds’ Market Timing and Exchange Policy and elect

33 
 

to reject certain purchases or revoke the amount, number, frequency or method for requesting future purchases or exchanges into the Funds. The Funds reserve the right to reject or restrict purchase requests for any reason, particularly when the shareholder’s trading activity suggests that the shareholder may be engaged in market timing or other disruptive trading activities. Neither the Funds nor the Adviser will be liable for any losses resulting from rejected purchase orders. The Adviser may also bar an investor who has violated these policies (and the investor’s financial adviser) from future trading with the Funds.

 

Although the Funds’ attempt to limit disruptive trading activities, some investors use a variety of strategies to hide their identities and their trading practices. There can be no guarantee that the Funds will be able to identify or limit these activities. Omnibus account arrangements are common forms of holding shares of the Funds.

While the Funds will encourage financial intermediaries to apply the Funds’ Market Timing and Exchange Policy to their customers who invest indirectly in the Funds, the Funds are limited in their ability to monitor the trading activity or enforce the Funds’ Market Timing and Exchange Policy with respect to customers of financial intermediaries. For example, should it occur, the Funds may not be able to detect market timing that may be facilitated by financial intermediaries or made difficult to identify in the omnibus accounts used by those intermediaries for aggregated purchases, exchanges and redemptions on behalf of all their customers. More specifically, unless the financial intermediaries have the ability to apply the Funds’ Market Timing and Exchange Policy to their customers through such methods as implementing short-term trading limitations or restrictions and monitoring trading activity for what might be market timing, the Funds may not be able to determine whether trading by customers of financial intermediaries is contrary to the Funds’ Market Timing and Exchange Policy. Brokers maintaining omnibus accounts with the Funds have agreed to provide shareholder transaction information to the extent known to the broker to a Fund upon request. If the Funds or its transfer agent or shareholder servicing agent suspects there is market timing activity in the account, the Funds will seek full cooperation from the service provider maintaining the account to identify the underlying participant. At the request of the Adviser, the service providers may take immediate action to stop any further short-term trading by such participants.

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

Each Fund intends to qualify each year as a regulated investment company under the Code. As a regulated investment company, a Fund generally pays no federal income tax on the income and gains it distributes to you. Each Fund declares daily and pays monthly dividends from net investment income, if any. Distributions of net realized long-term and short-term capital gains, if any, earned by a Fund will be made annually. A Fund may distribute such income dividends and capital gains more frequently, if necessary, in order to reduce or eliminate federal excise or income taxes on a Fund, or should the Board deem it to be in the best interest of shareholders. The amount of any distribution will vary, and there is no guarantee a Fund will pay either an income dividend or a capital gains distribution. Dividends derived from net investment income and distributions of net realized long and short-term capital gains paid by a Fund to a shareholder will be automatically reinvested (at current NAV) in additional shares of a Fund (which will be deposited in the shareholder’s account) unless the shareholder instructs the Funds, in writing, to pay all dividends and distributions in cash. Shares acquired by dividend and distribution reinvestment will not be subject to any CDSC and will be eligible for conversion on a pro rata basis.

Annual Statements

You will be sent annually a statement (IRS Form 1099-DIV) showing the taxable distributions paid to you in the previous calendar year, if any. The statement provides information on your dividends and capital gains for tax purposes. If any dividends are declared in October, November, or December to shareholders of record in such months and paid in January of the following year, then such amounts will be treated for tax purposes as received by the shareholders on December 31 of the prior year. A Fund may reclassify income after your tax reporting statement is mailed to you. Prior to issuing your statement, a Fund will make every effort to search for reclassified income to reduce the number of corrected forms mailed to shareholders. However, when necessary, a Fund will send you a corrected Form 1099-DIV to reflect reclassified information.

Avoid “Buying a Dividend”

At the time you purchase your Fund shares, a Fund’s net asset value may reflect undistributed income, undistributed capital gains, or net unrealized appreciation in value of portfolio securities held by the Fund. For taxable investors, a subsequent distribution to you of such amounts, although constituting a return of your investment, would be taxable. For example, if you buy shares in a Fund shortly before it makes a distribution, you may receive some of your investment back in the form

34 
 

of a taxable distribution. This is known as “buying a dividend.”

TAX CONSEQUENCES

The following tax information in this Prospectus is provided as general information. You should consult your own tax professional about the tax consequences of an investment in the Trust. Unless your investment in the Trust is through a tax- advantaged retirement account, such as a 401(k) plan or IRA, you need to be aware of the possible tax consequences when a Fund makes taxable distributions and when you sell Fund shares, including an exchange to another portfolio.

Taxes on Distributions

Fund distributions will primarily consist of exempt-interest dividends that are exempt from regular federal income tax. A portion of these distributions from private activity bond interest may be subject to the federal AMT. Exempt-interest dividends are taken into account when determining the taxable portion of your social security or railroad retirement benefits. Exempt-interest dividends from interest earned on the municipal securities of a particular state are also generally exempt from that state's personal income tax. Because of these tax exemptions, a tax-free fund may not be a suitable investment for retirement plans or other tax-exempt investors.

Fund distributions of capital gains are generally subject to federal and state income tax. Fund distributions of short-term capital gains are subject to tax at ordinary rates. For federal income tax purposes, Fund distributions of long-term capital gains are taxable at the reduced long-term capital gains rates no matter how long you have owned your Fund shares. An additional 3.8% Medicare tax may also be imposed as discussed below.

The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in securities that pay income that is not tax-exempt. Distributions from this income, if any, are generally subject to federal and state income tax at ordinary rates. The Fund expects that none of its distributions will be qualified dividends subject to reduced rates of tax to individuals. A return-of-capital distribution is generally not taxable but will reduce the cost basis of your shares, and will result in a higher capital gain or a lower capital loss when you later sell your shares.

Taxes on Sales

Your sale of Fund shares normally is subject to federal income tax and may result in a taxable gain or loss to you. Your exchange of Fund shares for shares of another portfolio is treated for tax purposes like a sale of your original Fund shares and a purchase of your new shares. Thus, the exchange may, like a sale, result in a taxable gain or loss to you and will give you a new tax basis for your new shares.

If a shareholder realizes a loss on the redemption or exchange of a Fund’s shares and reinvests in that portfolio’s shares or substantially identical shares within 30 days before or after the redemption or exchange, the transactions may be subject to the “wash sale” rules, resulting in a postponement of the recognition of such loss for tax purposes. The ability to deduct losses is subject to further limitations under the Code.

Cost Basis

A Fund (or its administrative agents) is required to report to the IRS and furnish to Fund shareholders cost basis and holding period information upon a redemption of “covered shares” (those generally purchased on or after January 1, 2012, and sold on or after that date). In the absence of an election, a Fund will use a default cost basis method which is the average cost method. The cost basis method elected by a Fund shareholder (or the cost basis method applied by default) for each sale of Fund shares may not be changed after the close of business on the trade date of each such sale of Fund shares. Fund shareholders should consult with their tax advisers prior to making redemptions to determine the best IRS accepted cost basis method for their tax situation and to obtain more information about the cost basis reporting rules.

Back-up Withholding

By law, a Fund must withhold a portion of your taxable distributions and redemption proceeds unless you provide your correct social security number or taxpayer identification number, certify that this number is correct, certify that you are not subject to backup withholding, and certify that you are a U.S. person (including a U.S. resident alien). A Fund also must withhold if the IRS instructs it to do so. When withholding is required, the amount is currently 24% of your taxable distributions or redemption proceeds.

35 
 

When you open your Fund account, you should provide your social security or tax identification number on your investment application. By providing this information, you can avoid being subject to federal backup withholding on taxable distributions and redemption proceeds. Any withheld amount would be sent to the IRS as an advance tax payment.

Other

Distributions from interest earned on the municipal securities of a particular state are also generally exempt from state income tax for individual residents of that state but will generally be taxable to non-residents.

 

Foreign Shareholders

Shareholders other than U.S. persons may be subject to a different U.S. federal income tax treatment, including withholding tax at the rate of 30% on amounts treated as ordinary dividends from a Fund (and, under certain circumstances, at the rate of 21% on certain capital gain dividends), as discussed in more detail in the SAI.

Medicare Tax

An additional 3.8% Medicare tax is imposed on certain net investment income (including ordinary dividends and capital gain distributions received from a Fund and net gains from redemptions or other taxable dispositions of Fund shares) of U.S. individuals, estates and trusts to the extent that such person’s “modified adjusted gross income” (in the case of an individual) or “adjusted gross income” (in the case of an estate or trust) exceeds certain threshold amounts.

This discussion of “Tax Consequences” is not intended or written to be used as tax advice. Because everyone’s tax situation is unique, you should consult your tax professional about federal, state, local or foreign tax consequences before making an investment in the Fund.

DISTRIBUTION OF SHARES

Easterly Securities LLC is the distributor for the shares of the Funds. The distributor is a registered broker-dealer and member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”). Shares of the Funds are offered on a continuous basis.

Distribution (12b-1) and Shareholder Servicing Fees

The Trust, with respect to each Fund that offers Class A and Investor Class shares, has adopted a Plan of Distribution for each of Class A and Investor Class, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act (the “Plans”), pursuant to which the respective Fund may pay the distributor an annual fee for distribution and shareholder servicing expenses. For the High Income Fund, the Fund may pay 0.25% for Class A shares and 0.50% for Investor Class shares of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to the respective class of shares. For the Short Term Fund, the Fund may pay 0.25% for Investor Class shares of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to the Investor Class shares. Class I shares do not have a Plan. Because these fees are paid out of a Fund’s assets on an on-going basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.

The distributor and other entities, including a broker-dealer affiliate of the Adviser, are paid pursuant to the Plans provided and the expenses borne by the distributor and others in the distribution of Fund shares, including the payment of commissions for sales of the shares and incentive compensation to and expenses of dealers and others who engage in or support distribution of shares or who service shareholder accounts, including overhead and telephone expenses; printing and distribution of prospectuses and reports used in connection with the offering of a Fund’s shares to other than current shareholders; and preparation, printing and distribution of sales literature and advertising materials. In addition, the distributor or other entities may utilize fees paid pursuant to the Plans to compensate dealers or other entities for their opportunity costs in advancing such amounts, which compensation would be in the form of a carrying charge on any un-reimbursed expenses.

Additional Compensation to Financial Intermediaries

The Funds’ distributor, its affiliates, and the Adviser and its affiliates may each, at its own expense and out of its own assets including their legitimate profits from Fund-related activities (and not as an additional charge to a Fund), provide additional cash payments to financial intermediaries who sell shares of a Fund. Financial intermediaries include brokers-dealers, financial advisers, financial planners, banks, insurance companies, retirement or 401(k) plan administrators and others.

36 
 

These payments may be in addition to the Rule 12b-1 fees and any sales charges that are disclosed elsewhere in this Prospectus. These payments are generally made to financial intermediaries that provide shareholder or administrative services, or marketing support. Marketing support may include access to sales meetings, sales representatives and financial intermediary management representatives, inclusion of a Fund on a sales list, including a preferred or select sales list, or other sales programs. These payments also may be made as an expense reimbursement in cases where the financial intermediary provides shareholder services to Fund shareholders. The distributor may, from time to time, provide promotional incentives to certain investment firms. Such incentives may, at the distributor’s discretion, be limited to investment firms who allow their individual selling representatives to participate in such additional compensation.

Such payments may provide incentives for such parties to make shares of a Fund available to their customers and may allow a Fund greater access to such parties and their customers than would be the case if no payments were paid. Such access advantages include, but are not limited to, placement of a Fund on a list of mutual funds offered as investment options to the financial intermediary’s customers; access to the financial intermediary’s registered representatives and/or ability to assist in training and educating the financial intermediary’s registered representatives. These payment arrangements will not change the price an investor pays for shares of a Fund or the amount that a Fund receives to invest on behalf of the investor.

The Adviser does not direct a Fund’s portfolio securities transactions, or otherwise compensate broker-dealers in connection with a Fund’s portfolio transactions, in consideration of sales of Fund shares.

Financial intermediaries that receive these types of payments may have a conflict of interest in recommending or selling a Fund rather than other mutual funds to their client investors, particularly if these payments exceed the amounts paid by other mutual funds.

Householding

To reduce expenses, the Funds mail only one copy of the prospectus and each annual and semi-annual report to those addresses shared by two or more accounts. If you wish to receive individual copies of these documents, please call the Funds at (833) 999-2636 on days the Funds are open for business or contact your financial institution. The Funds will begin sending you individual copies thirty days after receiving your request.

37 
 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Prior to the date of this prospectus, the Funds had not yet commenced operations; therefore, financial highlights are not available.

 

 

 

 

 

38 
 

APPENDIX A

 

Intermediary-Specific Sales Charge Waivers and Discounts

 

The availability of certain initial or deferred sales charge waivers and discounts may depend on the particular financial intermediary or type of account through which you purchase or hold Fund shares.

 

Intermediaries may have different policies and procedures regarding the availability of front-end sales load waivers or contingent deferred (back-end) sales load (“CDSC”) waivers which are discussed below. In all instances, it is the purchaser’s responsibility to notify the fund or the purchaser’s financial intermediary at the time of purchase of any relationship or other facts qualifying the purchaser for sales charge waivers or discounts. For waivers and discounts not available through a particular intermediary, shareholders will have to purchase fund shares directly from the fund or through another intermediary to receive these waivers or discounts.

 

Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. and each entity’s affiliates (“Raymond James”)

 

Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Raymond James platform or account, or through an introducing broker-dealer or independent registered investment adviser for which Raymond James provides trade execution, clearance, and/or custody services, will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Funds’ Prospectus or SAI.

 

Front-end sales load waivers on Class A shares available at Raymond James

  • Shares purchased in an investment advisory program.
  • Shares purchased within the same fund family through a systematic reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same portfolio (but not any other fund within the fund family).
  • Employees and registered representatives of Raymond James or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Raymond James.
  • Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same portfolio family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occurs in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement).

 

CDSC Waivers on Classes A shares available at Raymond James

  • Death or disability of the shareholder.
  • Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Prospectus.
  • Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account.
  • Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching age 70 1/2 as described in the Prospectus.
  • Shares sold to pay Raymond James fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Raymond James.
  • Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.

 

Front-end load discounts available at Raymond James: breakpoints, and/or rights of accumulation, and/or letters of intent

  • Breakpoints as described in this Prospectus.
  • Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Raymond James. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the calculation of rights of accumulation calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.
  • Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, over a 13-month time period. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.

 

A-1 
 

Janney Montgomery Scott LLC (“Janney”)

 

If you purchase fund shares through a Janney brokerage account, you will be eligible for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”), or back-end sales charge, waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund’s Prospectus or SAI.

Front-end sales charge* waivers on Class A shares available at Janney

·                     Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).

·                     Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Janney or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Janney.

·                     Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within ninety (90) days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (i.e., right of reinstatement).

·                     Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans.

·                     Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.

CDSC waivers on Class A shares available at Janney

·                     Shares sold upon the death or disability of the shareholder.

·                     Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund’s Prospectus.

·                     Shares purchased in connection with a return of excess contributions from an IRA account.

·                     Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and other retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching age 701/2 as described in the fund’s Prospectus.

·                     Shares sold to pay Janney fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Janney.

·                     Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.

·                     Shares exchanged into the same share class of a different fund.

Front-end sales charge* discounts available at Janney: breakpoints, rights of accumulation, and/or letters of intent

·                     Breakpoints as described in the fund’s Prospectus.

·                     Rights of accumulation (“ROA”), which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts, will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Janney. Eligible fund family assets not held at Janney may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.

·                     Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, over a 13-month time period. Eligible fund family assets not held at Janney Montgomery Scott may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.

*Also referred to as an “initial sales charge.”

 

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Robert W. Baird & Co. (“Baird”)

 

Shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Baird platform or account will only be eligible for the following sales charge waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and CDSC waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Prospectus or the SAI.

 

Front-End Sales Charge Waivers on Class A shares Available at Baird

  • Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund
  • Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Baird or its affiliate(s) and their family members as designated by Baird
  • Shares purchased using the proceeds of redemptions from a Fund, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same accounts, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge (known as rights of reinstatement)
  • Employer-sponsored retirement plans or charitable accounts in a transactional brokerage account at Baird, including 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans. For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs or SAR-SEPs

 

CDSC Waivers on Class A shares Available at Baird

  • Shares sold due to death or disability of the shareholder
  • Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund’s Prospectus
  • Shares bought due to returns of excess contributions from an IRA Account
  • Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable Internal Revenue Service regulations as described in the Fund’s Prospectus
  • Shares sold to pay Baird fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Baird
  • Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement

 

Front-End Sales Charge Discounts Available at Baird: Breakpoints and/or Rights of Accumulation

  • Breakpoints as described in this Prospectus
  • Rights of accumulation, which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts, will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser’s household at Baird. Eligible fund family assets not held at Baird may be included in the rights of accumulation calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets
  • Letters of Intent (LOI) allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family through Baird, over a 13-month period of time

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“Merrill Lynch”)

Shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Merrill Lynch platform or account will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this prospectus or the SAI.

Front-end Sales Load Waivers on Class A Shares available at Merrill Lynch

  • Employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan.
  • Shares purchased by or through a 529 Plan (does not include 529 Plan units or 529-specific share classes or equivalents).
  • Shares purchased through a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program.
  • Shares exchanged due to the holdings moving from a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program to a Merrill Lynch brokerage (non-advisory) account pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers.
A-3 
 
  • Shares purchased by third party investment professionals on behalf of their advisory clients through Merrill Lynch’s platform.
  • Shares of funds purchased through the Merrill Edge Self-Directed platform.
  • Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).
  • Employees and registered representatives of Merrill Lynch or its affiliates and their family members.
  • Directors or Trustees of the fund, and employees of the fund’s investment adviser or any of its affiliates, as described in this prospectus.
  • Eligible shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement). Automated transactions (i.e. systematic purchases and withdrawals) and purchases made after shares are automatically sold to pay Merrill Lynch’s account maintenance fees are not eligible for reinstatement.

CDSC Waivers on Class A Shares Shares available at Merrill Lynch

  • Death or disability of the shareholder.
  • Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund’s prospectus.
  • Return of excess contributions from an IRA account.
  • Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts pursuant to the Code.
  • Shares sold to pay Merrill Lynch fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Merrill Lynch.
  • Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.
  • Shares held in retirement brokerage accounts, that are exchanged for a lower cost share class due to transfer to certain fee based accounts or platforms (applicable to A and C shares only).
  • Shares received through an exchange due to the holdings moving from a Merrill Lynch affiliated investment advisory program to a Merrill Lynch brokerage (non-advisory) account pursuant to Merrill Lynch’s policies relating to sales load discounts and waivers.

Front-end Sales Charge Discounts Available at Merrill Lynch: Breakpoints and/or Rights of Accumulation

  • Breakpoints as described in this prospectus.
  • Rights of Accumulation (ROA) which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts as described in this prospectus will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts (including 529 program holdings, where applicable) within the purchaser’s household at Merrill Lynch. Eligible fund family assets not held at Merrill Lynch may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial professional about such assets.
  • Letters of Intent (LOI) which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, through Merrill Lynch, over a 13-month period of time.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”)

 

Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Morgan Stanley Wealth Management brokerage account will be

eligible only for the following front-end sales charge waivers with respect to Class A shares, which may differ from and may be more limited than those disclosed elsewhere in this Prospectus or SAI.

 

Front-end Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares available at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

 

·Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans
·Morgan Stanley employee and employee-related accounts according to Morgan Stanley’s account linking rules
·Shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions when purchasing shares of the same fund
A-4 
 
·Shares purchased through a Morgan Stanley self-directed brokerage account
·Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (i) the repurchase occurs within 90 days’ following the redemption, (ii) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (iii) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge.
A-5 
 

Additional information about each Fund’s investments will be available in the Funds’ Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to Shareholders. In the Funds’ Annual Report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected each Fund’s performance during its last fiscal year. The Funds’ SAI also provides additional information about each Fund. The SAI is incorporated herein by reference (legally is part of this Prospectus). For a free copy of the Annual Report, the Semi-Annual Report or the SAI, to request other information about the Funds, or to make shareholder inquiries, please call (833) 999-2636.

You also may obtain information about the Funds, including the Annual and Semi-Annual Reports (when available) and the SAI, by calling your financial advisor or by visiting our Internet site at: at: [•].

Information about the Funds, including the Annual and Semi-Annual Reports (when available) and the SAI, can be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Section. Reports and other information about the Easterly Funds are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at and copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

 

The Trust’s Investment Company Act file number is 811-23611.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Subject to Completion, Dated January 19, 2024

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 state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

 

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JAMES ALPHA FUNDS TRUST D/B/A EASTERLY FUNDS TRUST

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

DATED [•]

 

FUND Class A Investor Class Class I
Easterly RocMuni High Income Municipal Bond Fund [•] [•] [•]
Easterly RocMuni Short Term Municipal Bond Fund N/A [•] [•]

(each a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”)

 

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is not a prospectus. It should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus dated [ • ], as may be further amended or supplemented from time to time. A free copy of the Prospectus or the Annual Report for the Funds (when available) can be obtained by writing the Transfer Agent at c/o Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, P.O. Box 541150, Omaha, NE 68154 or by calling (833) 999-2636. You may also obtain a copy of the Prospectus or the Annual Report by visiting [ • ].


 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
TRUST HISTORY [•]
INVESTMENT OF THE TRUST’S ASSETS AND RELATED RISKS [•]
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS    [•]
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS DISCLOSURE [•]
PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES AND CONTROL PERSONS OF THE FUNDS [•]
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS [•]
MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICES [•]
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE [•]
CERTAIN TAX CONSIDERATIONS [•]
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION [•]
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS [•]
APPENDIX A – RATINGS [•]
APPENDIX B – PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES [•]

 

 
 

TRUST HISTORY

James Alpha Funds Trust d/b/a Easterly Funds Trust (the “Trust”) is an open-end management investment company, commonly known as a “mutual fund,” registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”). The Trust was established under the laws of Delaware pursuant to an Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated September 21, 2020, which was subsequently amended and restated on January 8, 2021 (the “Agreement and Declaration of Trust”). The Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of separate series without par value (the “Shares”).

Easterly Investment Partners LLC (“Easterly” or the “Adviser”) is the investment adviser of each of the Funds.

INVESTMENT OF THE TRUST’S ASSETS AND RELATED RISKS

The Easterly RocMuni High Income Municipal Bond Fund (the “High Income Fund”) is a “diversified” fund within the meaning of the 1940 Act. The Easterly RocMuni Short Term Municipal Bond Fund (the “Short Term Fund”) is a “non-diversified” fund within the meaning of the 1940 Act, which means the Fund can invest a greater percentage of its assets in a small number of issuers or any one issuer than a diversified fund can.

The investment objective and principal investment strategies of each Fund are described in the Prospectus. A further description of each Fund’s investments and investment methods appears below. A Fund might not invest in all of these types of securities or use all of these techniques at any one time. The Adviser may invest in other types of securities and may use other investment techniques in managing the Funds as well as securities and techniques not described.

PERCENTAGE LIMITATIONS. Generally, each Fund’s compliance with its investment policy and limitation will be determined immediately after and as a result of a Fund’s acquisition of such security or other asset. Accordingly, except with respect to borrowing, any subsequent change in values, net assets or other circumstances will not be considered when determining whether an investment complies with a Fund’s investment policies and limitations. In addition, if a bankruptcy or other extraordinary event occurs concerning a particular investment by a Fund, the Fund may receive stock, real estate or other investments that a Fund would not, or could not, buy. If this happens, a Fund will sell such investments as soon as practicable while trying to maximize the return to its shareholders.

MARKET VOLATILITY. U.S. and international markets have from time to time experienced significant volatility. Certain social, political, economic, environmental and other conditions and events (such as war, natural disasters and weather-related phenomena generally, epidemics and pandemics, terrorism, conflicts and social unrest) may adversely interrupt the global economy and result in prolonged periods of significant market volatility. During certain volatile periods, the fixed income markets have experienced substantially lower valuations, reduced liquidity, price volatility, credit downgrades, increased likelihood of default and valuation difficulties. Concerns have spread to domestic and international equity markets. In some cases, the stock prices of individual companies have been negatively impacted even though there may be little or no apparent degradation in the financial conditions or prospects of that company. Continued volatility may have adverse effects on the Funds, and the risks discussed below and in the Prospectus may increase.

The outbreak of the coronavirus COVID-19 has significantly disrupted the global economy and negatively impacted economic growth prospects. It is not possible to estimate the impact that COVID-19 outbreak will continue to have on the companies in a Fund’s portfolio, but the prolonged effect on the global economy will largely depend upon the duration of the pandemic. Such events may adversely affect a Fund’s performance. The Adviser continues to monitor this situation closely.

EQUITY SECURITIES. An equity security represents a proportionate share of the ownership of a company. Its value is based on the success of the company’s business, any income paid to stockholders, the value of its assets and general market conditions. The value of equity securities will be affected by changes in the stock markets, which may be the result of domestic or international political or economic news, changes in interest rates or changing investor sentiment. At times, stock markets can be volatile and stock prices can change substantially. Equity securities risk affects a Fund’s net asset value per share (“NAV”), which will fluctuate as the value of the securities it holds changes. Not all stock prices change uniformly or at the same time, and not all stock markets move in the same direction at the same time. Other factors affect a particular stock’s prices, such as poor earnings reports by an issuer, loss of major customers, major litigation against an issuer, or changes in governmental regulations affecting an industry. Adverse news affecting one company can sometimes depress the stock prices of all companies in the same industry. Not all factors can be predicted. Common stocks and preferred stocks are examples of equity securities. The fundamental risk of investing in common and preferred stock is the risk that the value of the stock might decrease.

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COMMON STOCK. Common stock represents an ownership interest in a company. In addition to the general risks set forth above, investments in common stocks are subject to the risk that in the event a company in which a Fund invests is liquidated, the holders of preferred stock and creditors of that company will be paid in full before any payments are made to a Fund as holders of common stock. It is possible that all assets of that company will be exhausted before any payments are made to a Fund.

PREFERRED STOCK. Preferred stock represents an ownership interest in a company, often pays dividends at a specific rate and has a preference over common stocks in dividend payments and liquidation of assets. A preferred stock is a blend of the characteristics of a bond and common stock. It can offer the higher yield of a bond and has priority over common stock in equity ownership, but does not have the seniority of a bond and, unlike common stock its participation in the issuer’s growth may be limited. Although the dividend is set at a fixed annual rate, in some circumstances it can be changed or omitted by the issuer. In addition, preferred stock usually does not have voting rights.

DEBT SECURITIES. Each Fund may invest in a wide range of debt securities, which may include investment grade debt securities and below investment grade debt securities (commonly known as “junk bonds” or “high yield bonds” or leveraged loans). Investment grade debt securities are those rated BBB- or better by S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) or Baa3 or better by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), or BBB- or better by Fitch Ratings Service (“Fitch”), each of which are considered a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (“NRSRO”), or an equivalent rating by another NRSRO. Securities rated BBB- by S&P are considered investment grade, but Moody’s considers securities rated Baa3 to have speculative characteristics. The Funds will not invest in securities that are rated below D by S&P or Moody’s. A Fund may hold a debt security rated below D if a downgrade occurs after the security has been purchased. Each Fund may also invest in unrated debt securities that the Adviser believes are of comparable quality to the rated securities which a Fund may purchase.

Ratings of Debt Obligations. Moody’s, S&P and other NRSROs are private organizations that provide ratings of the credit quality of debt obligations. The Funds may consider these ratings in determining whether to purchase, sell or hold a security. Ratings are not absolute assurances of quality. Consequently, securities with the same maturity, interest rate and rating may have different market prices. Credit rating agencies attempt to evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments and do not evaluate the risks of fluctuations in market value. Also, rating agencies may fail to make timely changes in credit ratings in response to subsequent events, so that an issuer’s current financial condition may be better or worse than the rating indicates. Credit rating agencies receive fees from rated issuers in connection with the issuance of ratings.

Below Investment Grade Debt Securities. Below investment grade debt securities generally offer a higher current yield than that available for investment grade issues. However, below investment grade debt securities involve higher risks, in that they are especially subject to adverse changes in general economic conditions and in the industries in which the issuers are engaged, to changes in the financial condition of the issuers and to price fluctuations in response to changes in interest rates. During periods of economic downturn or rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress that could adversely affect their ability to make payments of interest and principal and increase the possibility of default. At times in recent years, the prices of many below investment grade debt securities declined substantially, reflecting an expectation that many issuers of such securities might experience financial difficulties. As a result, the yields on below investment grade debt securities rose dramatically, reflecting the risk that holders of such securities could lose a substantial portion of their value as a result of the issuers’ financial restructuring or default. There can be no assurance that such price declines will not recur. The market for below investment grade debt issues generally is thinner and less active than that for higher quality securities, which may limit a Fund’s ability to sell such securities at fair value in response to changes in the economy or financial markets. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may also decrease the values and liquidity of below investment grade debt securities, especially in a thinly traded market. Changes by recognized rating services in their rating of a debt security may affect the value of these investments. A Fund will not necessarily dispose of a security when its rating is reduced below its rating at the time of purchase. However, the Adviser will monitor the investment to determine whether continued investment in the security will assist in meeting a Fund’s investment objective.

Corporate Debt Securities. Corporate debt securities are fixed-income securities issued by businesses to finance their operations, although corporate debt instruments may also include bank loans to companies. Notes, bonds, debentures and commercial paper are the most common types of corporate debt securities, with the primary difference being their maturities and secured or unsecured status. Commercial paper has the shortest term and is usually unsecured.

The broad category of corporate debt securities includes debt issued by domestic or foreign companies of all kinds, including those with small-, mid- and large-capitalizations. Corporate debt may be rated investment grade or below investment grade and may carry fixed, variable, or floating rates of interest.

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Because of the wide range of types and maturities of corporate debt securities, as well as the range of creditworthiness of its issuers, corporate debt securities have widely varying potentials for return and risk profiles. For example, commercial paper issued by a large established domestic corporation that is rated investment grade may have a modest return on principal, but carries relatively limited risk. On the other hand, a long-term corporate note issued by a small foreign corporation from an emerging market country that has not been rated may have the potential for relatively large returns on principal, but carries a relatively high degree of risk.

Corporate debt securities carry credit risk, interest rate risk and prepayment risk. Credit risk is the risk that a Fund could lose money if the issuer of a corporate debt security is unable to pay interest or repay principal when it is due. Some corporate debt securities that are rated below investment grade are generally considered speculative because they present a greater risk of loss, including default, than higher quality debt securities. The credit risk of a particular issuer’s debt security may vary based on its priority for repayment. For example, higher ranking (senior or secured) debt securities have a higher priority than lower ranking (subordinated or unsecured) securities. This means that the issuer might not make payments on subordinated securities while continuing to make payments on senior securities. In addition, in the event of bankruptcy, holders of higher-ranking senior or secured securities may receive amounts otherwise payable to the holders of more junior or unsecured securities.

Interest rate risk is the risk that the value of certain corporate debt securities will tend to fall when interest rates rise. In general, corporate debt securities with longer terms tend to fall more in value when interest rates rise than corporate debt securities with shorter terms. Prepayment risk occurs when issuers may prepay fixed rate debt securities when interest rates fall, forcing a Fund to invest in securities with lower interest rates. Issuers of debt securities are also subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors that may restrict the ability of the issuer to pay, when due, the principal of and interest on its debt securities. The possibility exists therefore, that, as a result of bankruptcy, litigation or other conditions, the ability of an issuer to pay, when due, the principal of and interest on its debt securities may become impaired.

Asset-Backed Securities. Asset-backed securities represent an interest in a pool of assets such as car loans and credit card receivables.  Almost any type of fixed income assets (including other fixed income securities) may be used to create an asset-backed security. However, most asset-backed securities involve consumer or commercial debts with weighted average lives of ten years or less. Asset-backed securities may have a higher level of default and lower recoveries than mortgage-backed securities.  Some tranches of asset-backed securities have substantial amounts of credit enhancement in order to seek to help mitigate or minimize the risk of principal or interest loss as a result of normalized levels of defaults and recoveries, which may increase their overall credit rating. Asset-backed securities may have a higher level of default and lower recoveries than mortgage-backed securities.  Asset-backed securities may take the form of commercial paper or notes, in addition to pass-through certificates or asset-backed bonds.

Collateralized Loan Obligations (“CLOs”) are a type of asset-backed security. CLOs are ordinarily issued by a trust or other special purpose entity and are typically collateralized by a pool of loans, which may include, among others, domestic and non-U.S. senior secured loans, senior unsecured loans, and subordinate corporate loans, including loans that may be rated below investment grade or equivalent unrated loans, held by such issuer.

Mortgage-Backed Securities. Mortgage-Backed Securities generally represent interests in pools of mortgages on residential or commercial property. Mortgages may have fixed or adjustable interest rates. Interests in pools of adjustable rate mortgages are known as ARMs.  Mortgage-backed securities come in a variety of forms. Many have extremely complicated terms. The simplest form of mortgage-backed securities is a “pass-through certificate.” Holders of pass-through certificates receive a pro rata share of the payments from the underlying mortgages. Holders also receive a pro rata share of any prepayments, so they assume all the prepayment risk of the underlying mortgages. Mortgage-backed securities tend to pay higher yields to compensate for prepayment risk.

Collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) are complicated instruments that allocate payments and prepayments from an underlying pass-through certificate among holders of different classes of mortgage-backed securities. This creates different prepayment and market risks for each CMO class. In addition, CMOs may allocate interest payments to one class (Interest Only or IOs) and principal payments to another class (Principal Only or POs). POs increase in value when prepayment rates increase. In contrast, IOs decrease in value when prepayments increase, because the underlying mortgages generate less interest payments. However, IOs’ prices tend to increase when interest rates rise (and prepayments fall), making IOs a useful hedge against market risk.

Residential mortgage-backed securities include securities that reflect an interest in, and are secured by, mortgage loans on residential real property.  Residential mortgages may be issued and guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies,

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some of which do not have an explicit U.S. Government guarantee, or by private issuers. Residential mortgages issued or guaranteed by private issuers typically have more credit risk than those issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies. Generally, homeowners have the option to prepay their mortgages at any time without penalty. Homeowners frequently refinance high rate mortgages when mortgage rates fall. This results in the prepayment of the mortgages underlying residential mortgage-backed securities, which deprives holders of the securities of the higher yields. Conversely, when mortgage rates increase, prepayments due to refinancings decline. This extends the life of residential mortgage-backed securities with lower yields. As a result, increases in prepayments of residential mortgage-backed securities purchased at a premium, or decreases in prepayments of residential mortgage-backed securities purchased at a discount, may reduce their yield and price.  This relationship between interest rates and mortgage prepayments makes the price of residential mortgage-backed securities more volatile than most other types of fixed income securities with comparable credit risks.

Commercial mortgage-backed securities include securities that reflect an interest in, and are secured by, mortgage loans on commercial real property. In addition to prepayment and extension risk, commercial mortgage-backed securities also reflect the risks of investing in the real estate securing the underlying mortgage loans including, the effects of local and other economic conditions on real estate markets, the ability of the property owner to make loan payments, the ability of tenants to make lease payments, and the ability of a property to attract and retain tenants. Commercial mortgage-backed securities may be less liquid and exhibit greater price volatility than other types of mortgage- or asset-backed securities.

Municipal Securities.  Municipal securities are fixed income securities issued by states, counties, cities and other political subdivisions and authorities. Although most municipal securities are exempt from federal income tax, municipalities also may issue taxable securities. Tax-exempt securities are generally classified by their source of payment. A Fund’s investments in municipal securities may include tax anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes and general obligation bonds. Tax anticipation notes are issued to finance working capital needs of municipalities. Generally, tax anticipation notes are issued in anticipation of future seasonal tax revenues, such as from income, sales, use and business taxes and are payable from these future revenues. Revenue anticipation notes are issued in expectation of receipt of non-tax revenue, such as that available under Federal revenue-sharing programs. Bond anticipation notes are securities issued by municipalities to provide interim financing until long-term bond financing can be arranged. In most cases, the long-term bonds provide the funds for the repayment of the bond anticipation notes.

For general obligation bonds, the issuer has pledged its full faith, credit and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest. Revenue bonds are payable only from specific sources; these may include revenues from a particular facility or class of facilities or special tax or other revenue source. Timely payments on general obligation bonds depend on the issuer’s credit quality, ability to raise tax revenues and ability to maintain an adequate tax base.

Project Notes. Project Notes are issued by a state or local housing agency and are sold by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. While the issuing agency has the primary obligation with respect to its Project Notes, they are also secured by the full faith and credit of the U.S. through agreements with the issuing authority which provide that, if required, the Federal government will lend the issuer an amount equal to the principal of and interest on the Project Notes.

Convertible Securities. Convertible securities include fixed income securities that may be exchanged or converted into a predetermined number of shares of the issuer’s underlying common stock or other equity security at the option of the holder during a specified period. Convertible securities entitle the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt or dividends paid or accrued on preferred stock until the security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Convertible securities may take the form of convertible preferred stock, convertible bonds or debentures, units consisting of “usable” bonds and warrants or a combination of the features of several of these securities. The investment characteristics of each convertible security vary widely, which allows convertible securities to be employed for a variety of investment strategies. Each Fund will exchange or convert convertible securities into shares of underlying common stock when, in the opinion of the Adviser, the investment characteristics of the underlying common stock or other equity security will assist a Fund in achieving its investment objectives. Each Fund may also elect to hold or trade convertible securities. In selecting convertible securities, the Adviser evaluates the investment characteristics of the convertible security as a fixed income instrument, and the investment potential of the underlying equity security for capital appreciation.

Contingent Convertible Securities. Contingent convertible securities (“CoCos”) are a form of hybrid debt security that are intended to either convert into equity or have their principal written down upon the occurrence of certain “triggers.” The triggers are generally linked to regulatory capital thresholds or regulatory actions calling into question the issuing banking institution’s continued viability as a going concern. CoCos’ unique equity conversion or principal write-down features are tailored to the issuing banking institution and its regulatory requirements. Some additional risks associated with CoCos include, but are not limited to:

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Loss absorption risk. CoCos have fully discretionary coupons. This means coupons can potentially be cancelled at the banking institution’s discretion or at the request of the relevant regulatory authority in order to help the bank absorb losses.
Subordinated instruments. CoCos will, in the majority of circumstances, be issued in the form of subordinated debt instruments in order to provide the appropriate regulatory capital treatment prior to a conversion. Accordingly, in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of an issuer prior to a conversion having occurred, the rights and claims of the holders of the CoCos, such as the Funds, against the issuer in respect of or arising under the terms of the CoCos shall generally rank junior to the claims of all holders of unsubordinated obligations of the issuer. In addition, if the CoCos are converted into the issuer’s underlying equity securities following a conversion event (i.e., a “trigger”), each holder will be subordinated due to their conversion from being the holder of a debt instrument to being the holder of an equity instrument.
Market value will fluctuate based on unpredictable factors. The value of CoCos is unpredictable and will be influenced by many factors including, without limitation: (i) the creditworthiness of the issuer and/or fluctuations in such issuer’s applicable capital ratios; (ii) supply and demand for the CoCos; (iii) general market conditions and available liquidity; and (iv) economic, financial and political events that affect the issuer, its particular market or the financial markets in general.

Zero-Coupon Securities. Zero-coupon securities make no periodic interest payments, but are sold at a deep discount from their face value. The buyer recognizes a rate of return determined by the gradual appreciation of the security, which is redeemed at face value on a specified maturity date. The discount varies depending on the time remaining until maturity, as well as market interest rates, liquidity of the security, and the issuer’s perceived credit quality. If the issuer defaults, the holder may not receive any return on its investment. Because zero-coupon securities bear no interest, their price fluctuates more than other types of bonds. Since zero-coupon bondholders do not receive interest payments, when interest rates rise, zero-coupon securities fall more dramatically in value than bonds paying interest on a current basis. When interest rates fall, zero-coupon securities rise more rapidly in value because the bonds reflect a fixed rate of return. An investment in zero-coupon may cause a Fund to recognize income and make distributions to shareholders before it receives any cash payments on its investment. Pay-in-kind securities have characteristics similar to those of zero coupon securities, but interest on such securities may be paid in the form of obligations of the same type rather than cash.

Unrated Debt Securities. Each Fund may also invest in unrated debt securities. Unrated debt, while not necessarily lower in quality than rated securities, may not have as broad a market. Because of the size and perceived demand for the issue, among other factors, certain issuers may decide not to pay the cost of getting a rating for their bonds. The creditworthiness of the issuer, as well as any financial institution or other party responsible for payments on the security, will be analyzed to determine whether to purchase unrated bonds.

Bank Loans. Each Fund may invest in bank loans of any seniority. Investing in bank loans involves risks that are additional to and different from those relating to bonds and other types of debt securities.

There is less publicly available, reliable information about most bank loans than is the case for many other types of debt instruments. In certain circumstances, these loans may not be deemed to be securities and bank loans are not subject to many of the rules governing the securities markets, including disclosure requirements. As a result, bank loan investors may not have the protection of the anti-fraud provision of the federal securities laws, and must rely instead on the contractual provisions in the loan agreement and applicable common-law fraud protections. Traditionally, borrowers under bank loans make non-public information available to their lenders. However, as the universe of bank loan market participants has expanded beyond traditional lenders to include dealers, funds, and other investors who are active in the public securities markets, some participants choose not to receive such non-public information and make investment decisions based solely on public information about the borrower. If a Fund purchases a bank loan and elects not to receive non-public information with respect to the loan, it may forego information that would be relevant to its investment decisions.

An economic downturn generally leads to a higher non-payment rate for bank loans, and a loan may lose significant value before a default occurs. Moreover, any specific collateral used to secure a loan may decline in value or become illiquid, which would adversely affect the loan’s value. In the event of the bankruptcy of a borrower, a Fund could experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of the collateral securing a loan. No active trading market may exist for certain loans, which may impair the ability of a fund to realize full value in the event of the need to sell a loan and which may make it difficult to value loans. Adverse market conditions may impair the liquidity of some actively traded loans. To the extent that a secondary market does exist for certain loans, the market may be subject to irregular trading activity and wide bid/ask spreads, which may result in limited liquidity and pricing transparency. In addition, loans may be

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subject to restrictions on sales or assignment and generally are subject to extended settlement periods that may be longer than seven days.

Each Fund may not be able to unilaterally enforce all rights and remedies under a bank loan and with regard to any associated collateral. If a bank loan is acquired through a participation, a Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement, and a Fund may not directly benefit from the collateral supporting the debt obligation in which it has purchased the participation. As a result, each Fund will be exposed to the credit risk of both the borrower and the institution selling the participation.

Each Fund may invest in second-lien loans, which are subordinated to claims of senior secured creditors. Because second-lien loans are subordinated or unsecured and thus lower in priority of payment to senior loans, they are typically lower rated and subject to the additional risk that the cash flow of the borrower and property securing the loan or debt, if any, may be insufficient to meet scheduled payments after giving effect to the senior secured obligations of the borrower. Second-lien loans generally have greater price volatility than senior loans and may be less liquid.

Yankee Bonds. Each Fund may invest in Yankee bonds. Yankee bonds are U.S. dollar denominated bonds typically issued in the U.S. by foreign governments and their agencies and foreign banks and corporations. Each Fund may also invest in Yankee Certificates of Deposit (“Yankee CDs”). Yankee CDs are U.S. dollar-denominated certificates of deposit issued by a U.S. branch of a foreign bank and held in the United States. These investments involve risks that are different from investments in securities issued by U.S. issuers, including potential unfavorable political and economic developments, foreign withholding or other taxes, seizure of foreign deposits, currency controls, interest limitations or other governmental restrictions which might affect and create increased risk relative to payment of principal or interest.

Variable and Floating Rate Securities. Variable and floating rate securities provide for a periodic adjustment in the interest rate paid on the obligations. The terms of such obligations must provide that interest rates are adjusted periodically based upon an interest rate adjustment index as provided in the respective obligations. The adjustment intervals may be regular, and range from daily up to annually, or may be event based, such as based on a change in the base rate. The base rate usually is a benchmark that “floats” or changes to reflect current interest rates, such as (i) the prime rate offered by one or more major U.S. banks, or (ii) the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). The applicable benchmark is defined by the terms of an obligation and will remain the same for the life of such obligation. If the benchmark interest rate on a floating rate security changes, the rate payable will, in turn, change at the next scheduled adjustment date.

Each Fund may invest in floating rate debt instruments (“floaters”) and engage in credit spread trades. While, because of the interest rate reset feature, floaters provide a Fund with a certain degree of protection against rises in interest rates, a Fund will participate in any declines in interest rates as well. A credit spread trade is an investment position relating to a difference in the prices or interest rates of two securities or currencies, where the value of the investment position is determined by movements in the difference between the prices or interest rates, as the case may be, of the respective securities or currencies. The Funds also may invest in inverse floating rate debt instruments (“inverse floaters”). The interest rate on an inverse floater resets in the opposite direction from the market rate of interest to which the inverse floater is indexed. An inverse floating rate security may exhibit greater price volatility than a fixed rate obligation of similar credit quality.

Inflation-Indexed Securities. Inflation-indexed securities are debt securities, the principal value of which is periodically adjusted to reflect the rate of inflation as indicated by the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers before seasonal adjustment (“CPI”). Inflation-indexed securities may be issued by the U.S. government, by agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government, and by corporations. The U.S. Treasury issues Treasury inflation-protected securities (“TIPS”) and some other issuers use a structure that accrues inflation into the principal value of the bond. Most other issuers pay out the CPI accruals as part of a semiannual coupon.

The periodic adjustment of U.S. inflation-indexed securities is tied to the CPI, which is calculated monthly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The CPI is a measurement of changes in the cost of living, made up of components such as housing, food, transportation, and energy. There can be no assurance that the CPI will accurately measure the real rate of inflation in the prices of goods and services.

Inflation, which is a general rise in prices of goods and services, erodes the purchasing power of an investor’s portfolio. For example, if an investment provides a “nominal” total return of 5% in a given year and inflation is 2% during that period, the inflation-adjusted, or real, return is 3%. Inflation, as measured by the CPI, has occurred in almost each of the past 50 years, so investors should be conscious of both the nominal and real returns of their investments.  Although inflation-indexed securities are expected to be protected from long-term inflationary trends, short-term increases in inflation may lead to a decline in value. If interest rates rise because of reasons other than inflation (for example, because of changes in currency

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exchange rates), investors in these securities may not be protected to the extent that the increase is not reflected in the bond’s inflation measure.

If the periodic adjustment rate measuring inflation (i.e., the CPI) falls, the principal value of inflation-indexed securities will be adjusted downward, and consequently the interest payable on these securities (calculated with respect to a smaller principal amount) will be reduced. Repayment of the original bond principal upon maturity (as adjusted for inflation) is guaranteed in the case of TIPS, even during a period of deflation. However, the current market value of the inflation-indexed securities is not guaranteed, and will fluctuate. Other inflation-indexed securities include inflation-related bonds, which may or may not provide a similar guarantee. If a guarantee of principal is not provided, the adjusted principal value of the bond repaid at maturity may be less than the original principal.

The value of inflation-indexed securities should change in response to changes in real interest rates. Real interest rates, in turn, are tied to the relationship between nominal interest rates and the rate of inflation. Therefore, if inflation were to rise at a faster rate than nominal interest rates, real interest rates might decline, leading to an increase in value of inflation-indexed securities. In contrast, if nominal interest rates increased at a faster rate than inflation, real interest rates might rise, leading to a decrease in value of inflation-indexed securities.

Coupon payments that a Fund receives from inflation-indexed securities are included in the Fund’s gross income for the period during which they accrue. Any increase in principal for an inflation-indexed security resulting from inflation adjustments is considered by Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations to be taxable income in the year it occurs. For direct holders of an inflation-indexed security, this means that taxes must be paid on principal adjustments, even though these amounts are not received until the bond matures. By contrast, a Fund holding these securities distributes both interest income and the income attributable to principal adjustments each quarter in the form of cash or reinvested shares (which, like principal adjustments, are taxable to shareholders). It may be necessary for a Fund to liquidate portfolio positions, including when it is not advantageous to do so, in order to make required distributions.

U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS. Each Fund may invest in U.S. government obligations. U.S. government obligations include securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities. Treasury bills, the most frequently issued marketable government securities, have a maturity of up to one year and are issued on a discount basis. U.S. government obligations include securities issued or guaranteed by government-sponsored enterprises.

Payment of principal and interest on U.S. government obligations may be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States or may be backed solely by the issuing or guaranteeing agency or instrumentality itself. In the latter case, the investor must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment, which agency or instrumentality may be privately owned. There can be no assurance that the U.S. government would provide financial support to its agencies or instrumentalities, including government-sponsored enterprises, where it is not obligated to do so (see “Agency Obligations,” below). In addition, U.S. government obligations are subject to fluctuations in market value due to fluctuations in market interest rates. As a general matter, the value of debt instruments, including U.S. government obligations, declines when market interest rates increase and rises when market interest rates decrease. Certain types of U.S. government obligations are subject to fluctuations in yield or value due to their structure or contract terms. Notably, in August 2023, Fitch Ratings downgraded the United States’ long-term foreign credit issuer default rating to AA+ from AAA, citing expected fiscal deterioration over the next three years.

AGENCY OBLIGATIONS. Each Fund may invest in agency obligations, such as the Export-Import Bank of the United States, Tennessee Valley Authority, Resolution Funding Corporation, Farmers Home Administration, Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, Federal Farm Credit Banks, Federal Land Banks, Federal Housing Administration, Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”), commonly known as “Ginnie Mae,” Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”), commonly known as “Fannie Mae,” Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”), commonly known as “Freddie Mac,” and the Student Loan Marketing Association (“SLMA”), commonly known as “Sallie Mae.” Some, such as those of the Export-Import Bank of United States, are supported only by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury; others, such as those of the FNMA and FHLMC, are supported by only the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the agency’s obligations; still others, such as those of the SLMA, are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality. No assurance can be given that the U.S. government would provide financial support to U.S. government-sponsored instrumentalities because they are not obligated by law to do so. As a result, there is a risk that these entities will default on a financial obligation. For instance, in September 2008, at the direction of the U.S. Treasury, FNMA and FHLMC were placed into conservatorship under the Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”), a newly created independent regulator.

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CASH INVESTMENTS. Each Fund may invest in high-quality, short-term debt securities and money market instruments (“Cash Investments”). Cash Investments include shares of other mutual funds, certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances, time deposits, savings association obligations, commercial paper, short-term notes (including discount notes), and other obligations.

Each Fund may hold a substantial position in Cash Investments for long periods of time, which may result in a Fund not achieving its investment objective. If the market advances during periods when a Fund is holding a large Cash Investment, a Fund may not participate to the extent it would have if a Fund had been more fully invested. To the extent that a Fund uses a money market fund for its Cash Investment, there will be some duplication of expenses because a Fund would bear its pro rata portion of such money market fund’s advisory fees and operational expenses.

Cash Investments are subject to credit risk and interest rate risk, although to a lesser extent than longer-term debt securities, due to Cash Investments’ short-term, significant liquidity, and the high credit quality typically associated with such securities.

Each Fund may invest in any of the following Cash Investments:

Money Market Mutual Funds. Generally, money market mutual funds seek to earn income consistent with the preservation of capital and maintenance of liquidity. They primarily invest in high quality money market obligations, including U.S. government obligations, bank obligations and high-grade corporate instruments. These investments generally mature within 397 days from the date of purchase. An investment in a money market mutual fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any government agency.

To the extent that a Fund invests in money market mutual funds, your cost of investing in a Fund will generally be higher since you will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the underlying money market mutual funds in addition to a Fund’s direct fees and expenses. Furthermore, investing in money market mutual funds could affect the timing, amount and character of distributions to you and therefore may increase the amount of taxes payable by you.

The SEC adopted changes to the rules that govern SEC registered money market funds in July 2023 that will affect the manner in which money market funds operate. These changes may affect the investment strategies, performance, yield, operating expenses and continued viability of money market funds in which a Fund may invest.

 

Bank Certificates of Deposit, Bankers’ Acceptances and Time Deposits. Each Fund may acquire certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances and time deposits. Certificates of deposit are negotiable certificates issued against monies deposited in a commercial bank for a definite period of time and earning a specified return. Bankers’ acceptances are negotiable drafts or bills of exchange, normally drawn by an importer or exporter to pay for specific merchandise, which are “accepted” by a bank, meaning in effect that the bank unconditionally agrees to pay the face value of the instrument on maturity. Certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances acquired by a Fund will be dollar-denominated obligations of domestic or foreign banks or financial institutions which at the time of purchase have capital, surplus and undivided profits in excess of $100 million (including assets of both domestic and foreign branches), based on latest published reports, or less than $100 million if the principal amount of such bank obligations are fully insured by the U.S. government.

In addition to purchasing certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances, to the extent permitted under the investment objective and policies stated above and in the Prospectus, a Fund may make interest-bearing time deposits or other interest-bearing deposits in commercial or savings banks. Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained at a banking institution for a specified period of time at a specified interest rate.

Savings Association Obligations. Each Fund may invest in certificates of deposit (interest-bearing time deposits) issued by savings banks or savings and loan associations that have capital, surplus and undivided profits in excess of $100 million, based on latest published reports, or less than $100 million if the principal amount of such obligations is fully insured by the U.S. government.

Commercial Paper, Short-Term Notes and Other Corporate Obligations. Each Fund may invest a portion of its assets in commercial paper, short-term notes, and other corporate obligations. Commercial paper consists of unsecured promissory notes issued by corporations. Issues of commercial paper and short-term notes will normally have maturities of less than nine months and fixed rates of return, although such instruments may have maturities of up to one year.

Commercial paper and short-term notes will consist of issues rated at the time of purchase “A-2” or higher by S&P, “Prime-1” or “Prime-2” by Moody’s, or similarly rated by another nationally recognized statistical rating organization or, if unrated, determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality.

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Corporate obligations include bonds and notes issued by corporations to finance longer-term credit needs than supported by commercial paper. While such obligations generally have maturities of ten years or more, a Fund may purchase corporate obligations which have remaining maturities of one year or less from the date of purchase and which are rated “A” or higher by S&P, “A” or higher by Moody’s, similarly rated by another nationally recognized statistical rating organization, or, if unrated, determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality.

ILLIQUID INVESTMENTS. The Funds may purchase illiquid investments, which may include securities that are not readily marketable and securities that are not registered under the Securities Act. A Fund may not acquire any illiquid investments if, immediately after the acquisition, a Fund would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets. The term “illiquid investments” for this purpose means any investment that a 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, as determined pursuant to the provisions of Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act. The Funds may not be able to sell illiquid investments when the Adviser considers it desirable to do so or may have to sell such investments at a price that is lower than the price that could be obtained if the investments were more liquid. In addition, the sale of illiquid investments also may require more time and may result in higher dealer discounts and other selling expenses than does the sale of investments that are more liquid. Illiquid investments also may be more difficult to value due to the unavailability of reliable market quotations for such investments, and investments in illiquid investments may have an adverse impact on NAV.

Institutional markets for restricted securities have developed as a result of the promulgation of Rule 144A under the Securities Act, which provides a safe harbor from Securities Act registration requirements for qualifying sales to institutional investors. When Rule 144A restricted securities present an attractive investment opportunity and otherwise meet selection criteria, a Fund may make such investments. Whether or not such investments are illiquid depends on the market that exists for the particular investment. It is not possible to predict with assurance exactly how the market for Rule 144A restricted securities or any other security will develop. An investment which when purchased enjoyed a fair degree of marketability may subsequently become illiquid. In such event, appropriate remedies are considered to minimize the effect on a Fund’s liquidity.

INVESTMENT COMPANIES. Each Fund may invest in other investment companies to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. A Fund generally may purchase or redeem, without limitation, shares of any affiliated or unaffiliated money market funds, including unregistered money market funds, so long as a Fund does not pay a sales load or service fee in connection with the purchase, sale or redemption, or if such fees are paid a Fund’s investment adviser waives its management fee in an amount necessary to offset the amounts paid. With respect to other investments in investment companies, Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act generally limits a Fund from acquiring (i) more than 3% of the total outstanding shares of another investment company; (ii) shares of another investment company having an aggregate value in excess of 5% of the value of the total assets of a Fund; or (iii) shares of another registered investment company and all other investment companies having an aggregate value in excess of 10% of the value of the total assets of a Fund.

Investments by a Fund in other investment companies will be subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act (including limitations on sales charges), and the rules and regulations thereunder. By investing in securities of an investment company, a Fund’s shareholders will indirectly bear the fees and expenses of that underlying fund in addition to a Fund’s own fees and expenses.

Rules under the 1940 Act and SEC exemptive orders on which the Funds may rely relax the limits of Section 12(d)(1) of the 1940 Act. Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act allows a fund to acquire the securities of another investment company in excess of the limitations imposed by Section 12 without obtaining an exemptive order from the SEC, subject to certain limitations and conditions. Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act also is designed to limit the use of complex fund structures. Under Rule 12d1-4, an acquired fund is prohibited from purchasing or otherwise acquiring the securities of another investment company or private fund if, immediately after the purchase, the securities of investment companies and private funds owned by the acquired fund have an aggregate value in excess of 10% of the value of the acquired fund’s total assets, subject to certain limited exceptions. Accordingly, to the extent the Fund’s shares are sold to other investment companies in reliance on Rule 12d1-4, the Fund will be limited in the amount it could invest in other investment companies and private funds. In addition to Rule 12d1-4, the 1940 Act and related rules provide certain other exemptions from these restrictions.

 

Open-End Mutual Funds. Open-end mutual funds are investment companies that issue new shares continuously and redeem shares daily. The risks of investment of open-end mutual funds typically reflect securities in which the funds invest. The NAV per share of an open-end fund will fluctuate daily depending upon the performance of the securities held by a fund. Each open-end fund may have a different investment objective and strategy and different investment portfolio. Different funds may also be subject to different risks, volatility and fees and expenses. When a Fund invests in shares of an open-end

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fund, shareholders of a Fund bear their proportionate share of the open-end funds’ fees and expenses, as well as their share of a Fund’s fees and expenses.

Exchange-Traded Funds. Exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) are typically open-end investment companies that are bought and sold on a national securities exchange. When a Fund invests in an ETF, it will bear additional expenses based on its pro rata share of the ETF’s operating expenses, including the potential duplication of management fees. The risk of owning an ETF generally reflects the risks of owning the underlying securities it holds. Many ETFs seek to replicate a specific benchmark index. However, an ETF may not fully replicate the performance of its benchmark index for many reasons, including because of the temporary unavailability of certain index securities in the secondary market or discrepancies between the ETF and the index with respect to the weighting of securities or the number of stocks held. Some ETFs are actively managed and instead of replicating, they seek to outperform a particular index or basket or price of a commodity or currency. In addition, shares of an ETF may trade at a market price that is higher or lower than their net asset value and an active trading market in such shares may not develop or continue. Lack of liquidity in an ETF could result in an ETF being more volatile than the underlying portfolio of securities it holds. In addition, because of ETF expenses, compared to owning the underlying securities directly, it may be more costly to own an ETF.

If a Fund invests in shares of an ETF, shareholders will indirectly bear fees and expenses charged by the underlying ETF in which a Fund invests in addition to a Fund’s direct fees and expenses. Each Fund also will incur brokerage costs when it purchases ETFs. Furthermore, investments in other ETFs could affect the timing, amount and character of distributions to shareholders and therefore may increase the amount of taxes payable by investors in a Fund.

EXCHANGE-TRADED NOTES. Exchange-traded notes (“ETNs”) are senior, unsecured, unsubordinated debt securities whose returns are linked to the performance of a particular market benchmark or strategy minus applicable fees. ETNs are traded on an exchange (e.g., the New York Stock Exchange) during normal trading hours. However, investors can also hold the ETN until maturity. At maturity, the issuer pays to the investor a cash amount equal to the principal amount, subject to the day's market benchmark or strategy factor. ETNs do not make periodic coupon payments or provide principal protection. ETNs are subject to credit risk and the value of the ETN may drop due to a downgrade in the issuer’s credit rating, despite the underlying market benchmark or strategy remaining unchanged. The value of an ETN may also be influenced by time to maturity, issuer call options, level of supply and demand for the ETN, volatility and lack of liquidity in underlying assets, changes in the applicable interest rates, changes in the issuer’s credit rating, and economic, legal, political, or geographic events that affect the referenced underlying asset. When a Fund invests in ETNs it will bear its proportionate share of any fees and expenses borne by the ETN. A Fund’s decision to sell its ETN holdings may be limited by the availability of a secondary market. In addition, although an ETN may be listed on an exchange, the issuer may not be required to maintain the listing and there can be no assurance that a secondary market will exist for an ETN. ETNs are also subject to tax risk. No assurance can be given that the IRS will accept, or a court will uphold, how a Fund characterizes and treats ETNs for tax purposes. Further, the IRS and Congress are considering proposals that would change the timing and character of income and gains from ETNs. An ETN that is tied to a specific market benchmark or strategy may not be able to replicate and maintain exactly the composition and relative weighting of securities, commodities or other components in the applicable market benchmark or strategy. Some ETNs that use leverage can, at times, be relatively illiquid and, thus, they may be difficult to purchase or sell at a fair price. Leveraged ETNs are subject to the same risk as other instruments that use leverage in any form. The market value of ETN shares may differ from their market benchmark or strategy. This difference in price may be due to the fact that the supply and demand in the market for ETN shares at any point in time is not always identical to the supply and demand in the market for the securities, commodities or other components underlying the market benchmark or strategy that the ETN seeks to track. As a result, there may be times when an ETN share trades at a premium or discount to its market benchmark or strategy.

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. Each Fund may enter into repurchase agreements. Under such agreements, a Fund agrees to purchase U.S. government obligations from a counterparty and the counterparty agrees to repurchase the securities at a mutually agreed upon time and price. The repurchase price may be higher than the purchase price, the difference being income to a Fund, or the purchase and repurchase prices may be the same, with interest at a stated rate due to a Fund together with the repurchase price on repurchase. In either case, the income to a Fund is unrelated to the interest rate on the security itself. Such repurchase agreements will be made only with banks with assets of $500 million or more that are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or with government securities dealers recognized by the Federal Reserve Board and registered as broker-dealers with the SEC or exempt from such registration. A Fund will generally enter into repurchase agreements of short durations, from overnight to one week, although the underlying securities generally have longer maturities. A Fund may not enter into a repurchase agreement with more than seven days to maturity if, as a result, more than 15% of the value of a Fund’s net assets would be invested in illiquid investments including such repurchase agreements.

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To the extent necessary to facilitate compliance with Section 12(d)(3) of the 1940 Act and Rule 12d3-1 promulgated thereunder, a Fund will ensure that repurchase agreements will be collateralized fully to the extent required by Rule 5b-3.

For purposes of the 1940 Act, a repurchase agreement is deemed to be a loan from a Fund to the seller of the U.S. government obligations that are subject to the repurchase agreement. It is not clear whether a court would consider the U.S. government obligations to be acquired by a Fund subject to a repurchase agreement as being owned by a Fund or as being collateral for a loan by a Fund to the seller. In the event of the commencement of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings with respect to the seller of the U.S. government obligations before its repurchase under a repurchase agreement, a Fund could encounter delays and incur costs before being able to sell the underlying U.S. government obligations. Delays may involve loss of interest or a decline in price of the U.S. government obligations. If a court characterizes the transaction as a loan and a Fund has not perfected a security interest in the U.S. government obligations, a Fund may be required to return the securities to the seller’s estate and be treated as an unsecured creditor of the seller. As an unsecured creditor, a Fund would be at the risk of losing some or all of the principal and income involved in the transaction. As with any unsecured debt instrument purchased for a Fund, the Adviser seeks to minimize the risk of loss through repurchase agreements by analyzing the creditworthiness of the other party, in this case the seller of the U.S. government security.

Apart from the risk of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, there is also the risk that the seller may fail to repurchase the U.S. government obligations. However, a Fund will always receive as collateral for any repurchase agreement to which it is a party securities acceptable to the Adviser, the market value of which is equal to at least 100% of the repurchase price, and a Fund will make payment against such securities only upon physical delivery or evidence of book entry transfer to the account of its Custodian. If the market value of the U.S. government obligations subject to the repurchase agreement become less than the repurchase price (including interest), a Fund will direct the seller of the U.S. government obligations to deliver additional securities so that the market value of all securities subject to the repurchase agreement will equal or exceed the repurchase price. It is possible that a Fund could be unsuccessful in seeking to enforce on the seller a contractual obligation to deliver additional securities.

REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. Each Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements for temporary purposes with banks and securities dealers if the creditworthiness of the bank or securities dealer has been determined by the Adviser to be satisfactory. A reverse repurchase agreement is a repurchase agreement in which a Fund is the seller of, rather than the investor in, securities and agrees to repurchase them at an agreed-upon time and price. Use of a reverse repurchase agreement may be preferable to a regular sale and later repurchase of securities because it avoids certain market risks and transaction costs.

Reverse repurchase agreements are considered a form of borrowing and the use of reverse repurchase agreements by a Fund creates leverage which increases its investment risk. If the income and gains on securities purchased with the proceeds of these transactions exceed the cost, a Fund’s earnings or NAV will increase faster than otherwise would be the case; conversely, if the income and gains fail to exceed the cost, earnings or NAV would decline faster than otherwise would be the case. Each Fund intends to enter into reverse repurchase agreements only if the income from the investment of the proceeds is expected to be greater than the expense of the transaction, because the proceeds are invested for a period no longer than the term of the reverse repurchase agreement.

DOLLAR ROLL TRANSACTIONS. “Dollar roll” transactions consist of the sale by a fund to a bank or broker-dealer (the “counterparty”) of Ginnie Mae certificates or other mortgage-backed securities together with a commitment to purchase from the counterparty similar, but not identical, securities at a future date. The counterpart receives all principal and interest payments, including prepayments, made on the security while it is the holder. A Fund receives a fee from the counterparty as consideration for entering into the commitment to purchase. Dollar rolls may be renewed over a period of several months with a different repurchase price and a cash settlement made at each renewal without physical delivery of securities. Moreover, the transaction may be preceded by a firm commitment agreement pursuant to which a fund agrees to buy a security on a future date.

The entry into dollar rolls involves potential risks of loss that are different from those related to the securities underlying the transactions. For example, if the counterparty becomes insolvent, a Fund’s right to purchase from the counterparty might be restricted. In addition, the value of such securities may change adversely before a Fund is able to purchase them. Similarly, a Fund may be required to purchase securities in connection with a dollar roll at a higher price than may otherwise be available on the open market. Since, as noted above, the counterparty is required to deliver a similar, but not identical, security to a Fund, the security that a Fund is required to buy under the dollar roll will provide a return that exceeds the transaction costs.

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SECURITIES LENDING. Pursuant to an agreement between the Funds and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (“BBH”) a Fund may lend its securities through BBH as securities lending agent to certain qualified borrowers. As securities lending agent of the Funds, BBH administers the Funds’ securities lending program. These services include arranging the loans of securities with approved borrowers and their return to a Fund upon loan termination, negotiating the terms of such loans, selecting the securities to be loaned and replacing such securities in the event of default.

BBH also marks to market daily the value of loaned securities and collateral and may require additional collateral as necessary from borrowers. BBH may also, in its capacity as securities lending agent, invest cash received as collateral in pre-approved investments in accordance with the Securities Lending Agreement. BBH maintains records of loans made and the value of such loans and makes available such records that the Funds deem necessary to monitor the securities lending program.

Because the Funds are new, the Funds did not earn income or incur costs and expenses as a result of securities lending activities as of the date of this SAI.

Each Fund might experience the risk of loss if the institution with which it has engaged in a portfolio loan transaction breaches its agreement with a Fund. The principal risk of portfolio lending is potential default or insolvency of the borrower. In either of these cases, a Fund could experience delays in recovering securities or collateral or could lose all or part of the value of the loaned securities. As part of participating in a lending program, a Fund may be required to invest in collateralized debt or other securities that bear the risk of loss of principal. In addition, all investments made with the collateral received are subject to the risks associated with such investments. If such investments lose value, a Fund will have to cover the loss when repaying the collateral.

BORROWING. Each Fund may borrow money in amounts of up to one-third of its total assets (including the amount borrowed) from banks. This means that the 1940 Act requires a fund to maintain continuous asset coverage of 300% of the amount borrowed. In addition, a Fund is authorized to borrow money from time to time for temporary, extraordinary or emergency purposes or for clearance of transactions. The use of borrowing by a Fund involves special risk considerations that may not be associated with other funds having similar objectives and policies. Since substantially all of a Fund’s assets fluctuate in value, while the interest obligation resulting from a borrowing will be fixed by the terms of a Fund’s agreement with its lender, the NAV per share of a Fund will tend to increase more when its portfolio securities increase in value and to decrease more when its portfolio assets decrease in value than would otherwise be the case if a Fund did not borrow funds. In addition, interest costs on borrowings may fluctuate with changing market rates of interest and may partially offset or exceed the return earned on borrowed funds. Under adverse market conditions, a Fund might have to sell portfolio securities to meet interest or principal payments at a time when fundamental investment considerations would not favor such sales. To the extent a Fund invests in similar financing transactions, such as inverse floaters or reverse repurchase agreements, such investments are also subject to this 300% asset coverage requirement.

LARGE SHAREHOLDER REDEMPTIONS. Certain account holders may from time to time own (beneficially or of record) or control a significant percentage of a Fund’s shares. Redemptions by large account holders of their shares in a Fund may impact the Fund’s liquidity and NAV. These redemptions may also force the Fund to sell securities at a time when the Adviser would otherwise not choose to sell, which may negatively impact the Fund’s performance, as well as increase the Fund’s trading costs and its taxable distributions to shareholders.

CYBERSECURITY RISK. Each Fund, like all companies, may be susceptible to operational and information security risks. Cybersecurity failures or breaches of a Fund or its service providers or the issuers of securities in which a Fund invests have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, the inability of Fund shareholders to transact business, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, and/or additional compliance costs. Each Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.

In addition to the risks described above, the securities in which the Funds may invest are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors and shareholders, such as the federal bankruptcy laws and federal, state and local laws which may be enacted by Congress or the state legislatures extending the time for payment of principal or interest, or both or imposing other constraints upon enforcement of such obligations.

TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE POSITIONS. Each Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in investments that may be inconsistent with the Fund’s principal investment strategies, including cash equivalents, for temporary defensive purposes in anticipation of or in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, or atypical circumstances such as unusually large cash inflows or redemptions. As a result, a Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

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PORTFOLIO TURNOVER. The Funds do not have prior year portfolio turnover to report because the Funds have not yet commenced operations. Information regarding the portfolio turnover rate for each Fund will be available in the Financial Highlights section of the Funds’ prospectus.

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

The following policies and limitations supplement those set forth in the Prospectus. For purposes of the following restrictions and those contained in each Prospectus: (i) all percentage limitations apply immediately after a purchase or initial investment; and (ii) except for the limitation applicable to borrowing money, any subsequent change in any applicable percentage resulting from market fluctuations or other changes in the amount of total assets does not require elimination of any security from a Fund.

Accordingly, any subsequent change in values, net assets or other circumstances will not be considered when determining whether the investment complies with a Fund’s investment policies and limitations.

A Fund’s fundamental investment policies and limitations may be changed only with the consent of a “majority of the outstanding voting securities” of the particular Fund. As used in this SAI, the term “majority of the outstanding voting securities” means the lesser of (1) 67% of the shares of a Fund present at a meeting where the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of a Fund are present in person or by proxy, or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of a Fund. Shares of each Fund will be voted separately on matters affecting only that Fund, including approval of changes in the fundamental investment policies of that Fund.

The investment objective of each Fund may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval. All investment policies and restrictions that are not identified as fundamental may be changed with Board approval and do not require a shareholder vote.

FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

1.        For the High Income Fund, with respect to 75% of its total assets taken at market value, the Fund may not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of any one issuer, except obligations of, or guaranteed by, the U.S. government, its agencies, or instrumentalities, if, as a result, more than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets would be invested in the securities of any one issuer;

2.        For the High Income Fund, with respect to 75% of its assets, the Fund may not purchase more than 10% of any class of the outstanding voting securities of any issuer;

3.       A Fund may not invest more than 25% of its total assets in securities of issuers in a particular industry or group of industries (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or any of its agencies or securities of other investment companies);1

4.       A Fund may not borrow money or issue senior securities, except as permitted by the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as such statutes, rules, and regulations are amended from time to time or are interpreted from time to time by the SEC or its staff and any exemptive order or similar relief granted to the Fund;

5.        A Fund may not purchase or sell physical commodities except to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and any other governing statute, and by the rules thereunder, and by the SEC or other regulatory agency with authority over the Fund;

6.       A Fund may not purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments. This restriction does not prevent the Fund from investing in REITs, mortgage-related securities, and issuers that invest, deal, or otherwise engage in transactions in real estate or interests therein, or investing in securities that are secured by real estate or interests therein;

7.        A Fund may not underwrite securities of other companies, except to the extent that the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter under the 1933 Act in disposing of a security; and

8.       A Fund may not make loans of money, except for the lending of its portfolio securities, purchases of debt securities consistent with the investment policies of the Fund, and entering into repurchase agreements, and except as otherwise permitted by the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as such statutes, rules, and regulations are amended from time to time or are interpreted from time to time by the SEC or its staff and any exemptive order or similar relief granted to the Fund.

1Although not part of a Fund's fundamental investment restriction, consistent with SEC Staff interpretations and guidance, governments or their political subdivisions that issue tax-exempt municipal securities are not considered by a Fund to be members of any industry.
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Investment limitations and restrictions described above apply at the time of investment, except for the restriction applicable to borrowings, which is ongoing.

NON-FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES

The following policies may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval.

The 80% investment policy of each Fund as noted in the Prospectus is also non-fundamental, but requires 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders before it can be changed.

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS DISCLOSURE

The Trust has adopted policies and procedures regarding disclosure of portfolio holdings (the “Policy”). Pursuant to the Policy, the Trust may disclose information concerning Trust portfolio holdings only if such disclosure is consistent with the antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws and the Trust’s and the Adviser’s fiduciary duties to Trust shareholders. The Adviser may not receive compensation or any other consideration in connection with the disclosure of information about the portfolio securities of the Trust. Consideration includes any agreement to maintain assets in the Trust or in other investment companies or accounts managed by the Adviser or by any of their affiliates. Material non-public information concerning portfolio holdings may be divulged to third parties only when the Trust has a legitimate business purpose for doing so and the recipients of the information are subject to a duty of confidentiality, which has been memorialized in an approved non-disclosure agreement. Such non-disclosure agreement shall also prohibit the recipient from trading on the basis of non-public portfolio holdings information. Persons who owe a duty of trust or confidence to the Trust or the Adviser (such as legal counsel) may receive non-public portfolio holdings information without entering into a non-disclosure agreement. Under no circumstances shall current or prospective Trust shareholders receive non-public portfolio holdings information, except as described below.

Statutory Portfolio Holdings Disclosure. Portfolio holdings of each Fund will be disclosed on a quarterly basis on forms required to be filed with the SEC as follows: (i) portfolio holdings as of the end of each fiscal year ending August 31 will be filed as part of the annual report filed on Form N-CSR; (ii) portfolio holdings as of the end of each month will be filed on Form N-PORT; and (iii) portfolio holdings as of the end of the six-month period ending February 28 will be filed as part of the semi-annual report filed on Form N-CSR. The Trust’s Form N-CSR and Form N-PORT (at quarter-end) will be available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. No later than 60 days after the end of each month, each Fund will make available a complete uncertified schedule of its portfolio holdings as of the last day of that month. In addition to this monthly disclosure, each Fund may also make publicly available its portfolio holdings at other dates as determined from time to time.

Selective Portfolio Holdings Disclosure. Each Fund does not selectively disclose its portfolio holdings to any person, other than to rating agencies and newly hired or prospective investment advisers or sub-advisers. Selective disclosures to newly hired or prospective investment advisers or sub-advisers are made only pursuant to written agreements which require that the information be kept confidential and prohibit the recipient from trading on the basis of the information. Each Fund may disclose its month-end portfolio holdings to rating agencies no sooner than thirty days after the month-end, with the understanding that such holdings may be posted or disseminated to the public by the rating agencies at any time.

Voluntary Portfolio Holdings Disclosure. Approximately one to three weeks after the end of each calendar quarter, Easterly posts on the Trust’s website a profile of each Fund, which typically includes the respective Fund’s top holdings.

Each Fund will make available by telephone at (833) 999-2636, no sooner than thirty days after the end of each month, a complete schedule of its month-end portfolio holdings.

The Trust’s Administrator shall review initial registration statements, and post-effective amendments to ensure that the disclosure referenced above is included and continues to be accurate.

PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES AND CONTROL PERSONS OF THE FUNDS

Persons who own, either directly or through one or more controlled companies, 25% or more of the voting securities of the Funds are deemed to be control persons. A controlling shareholder can control the outcomes of proposals submitted to shareholders for approval. Prior to the date of this SAI, the Funds had not yet commenced operations and, therefore, the Funds did not have any shareholders.

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TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

The Trustees and executive officers of the Trust, and their principal occupations during the past five years, are set forth in the table below. Darrell Crate is an “interested person” of the Trust (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) by virtue of their position as an officer of Easterly.

Name, Year of Birth, and Address

Position(s)
Held with
Trust
Term*/
Length of
Time
Served
Principal
Occupation(s) During
Past 5 Years
Number of
Funds in Fund
Complex Overseen
Other
Directorships
Held by Trustee During Past 5 Years
INTERESTED TRUSTEE:

Darrell Crate,
Year of Birth: 1967

515 Madison Avenue

24th Floor

New York, NY 10022

President and Chairperson of the Board Since 2021

Chief Executive Officer of Easterly Funds LLC (2020 – Present); Managing Principal of Easterly Asset Management LP (2016 – Present)

Managing Partner of Easterly Capital LLC (2015 – Present)

[7] Chairman of the Board and Director of Easterly Government Properties Inc. (2015 – Present); Chairman of the Board and Director of Easterly Acquisition Corp. (2015 to 2018)
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES:

Neil Medugno,

Year of Birth: 1957

515 Madison Avenue

24th Floor

New York, NY 10022

Trustee Since 2021 Retired; Partner, Wellington Management Company LLP, Chief Financial Officer, Wellington Funds Group (investment management) (1994 – 2017) [7] Trustee of Six Circles Trust (2018 – Present)
A. Clayton Spencer,
Year of Birth: 1954
515 Madison Avenue
24th Floor
New York, NY 10022
Trustee Since 2023 President of Bates College (2012 – 2023). [7] None
OFFICERS:

Michael Montague,

Year of Birth: 1975

515 Madison Avenue

24th Floor

New York, NY 10022

Treasurer Since 2021 Chief Operating Officer of Easterly Funds LLC and James Alpha Management, LLC Not Applicable Not Applicable

Emile Molineaux,

Year of Birth: 1962

4221 North 203rd Street,

Ste. 100

Elkhorn, NE 68022

Chief Compliance Officer Since 2021 Senior Compliance Officer (2011 –Present) Northern Lights 
Compliance Services, LLC
Not Applicable Not Applicable

Chad Bitterman,

Year of Birth: 1972

4221 North 203rd Street,

Ste. 100

Elkhorn, NE 68022

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer Since 2021 Compliance Officer (2010 – Present) Northern Lights 
Compliance Services, LLC
Not Applicable Not Applicable
17 
 

 

Amaris Sahota,

Year of Birth: 1992

515 Madison Avenue

24th Floor

New York, NY 10022

Secretary Since 2021 Chief Operating Officer, Easterly Management Operations LLC(2021 – Present); Senior Management Consultant, The Poirier Group (2018 – 2021); Investment Consultant, Sun Life Financial (2015 – 2018) Not Applicable Not Applicable

Ken Juster,

Year of Birth: 1976

515 Madison Avenue

24th Floor

New York, NY 10022

Chief Legal Officer Since 2022 General Counsel of Easterly Asset Management LP (2022 – Present); Partner, Cooley LLP (2018 – 2022); Partner, White & Case LLP (2017 – 2018) Not Applicable Not Applicable

Erik Naviloff,

Year of Birth: 1968

4221 North 203rd Street,

Ste. 100

Elkhorn, NE 68022

Assistant Treasurer Since 2021 Vice President, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (2011 – present) Not Applicable Not Applicable

Timothy Burdick,

Year of Birth: 1986

4221 North 203rd Street,

Ste. 100

Elkhorn, NE 68022

Assistant Secretary Since 2021 Vice President, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (2022 – present); Assistant Vice President, Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (2019 – 2022); Senior Program Compliance Manager, CJ Affiliate (2016 –2019). Not Applicable Not Applicable
* Each Trustee will serve an indefinite term until they resign or retire and/or their successor, if any, is duly elected and qualified. Officers of the Trust serve at the pleasure of the Board.

For each Trustee, the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by the Trustee as of December 31, 2023 is shown in the table below.1

Name of Trustee Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Funds Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Trust
Darrell Crate None [     ]
Neil Medugno None [     ]
A.     Clayton Spencer None [     ]

1 As of December 31, 2023, the Funds had not yet commenced operations.

[As to each Independent Trustee and their immediate family members, no person owned beneficially or of record securities in an investment advisor or principal underwriter of the Trust, or a person (other than a registered investment company) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with an investment adviser, sub-adviser or principal underwriter of the Trust.]

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Board Leadership Structure, Risk Oversight and Trustee Qualifications

The Board of the Trust consists of three Trustees, two of whom are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act), of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”). The Board is responsible for overseeing the management and operations of the Trust, including general supervision of the duties performed by Easterly and other service providers to the Trust. Easterly is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day business affairs of the Trust and for selecting and overseeing one or more sub-advisers to manage one or more investment strategies of the Funds.

The Board believes that each Trustee’s experience, qualifications, attributes or skills on an individual basis and in combination with those of the other Trustees lead to the conclusion that each Trustee possesses the requisite skills and attributes to carry out his oversight responsibilities with respect to the Trust. The Board believes that the Trustees’ ability to review, critically evaluate, question and discuss information provided to them, to interact effectively with the Adviser, other service providers, counsel and independent auditors, and to exercise effective business judgment in the performance of their duties, support this conclusion.

The Board also has considered the following experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills, among others, of its members in reaching its conclusion: such person’s character and integrity; length of service as a Board member of the Trust; such person’s willingness to serve and willingness and ability to commit the time necessary to perform the duties of a Trustee; and as to each Trustee other than Mr. Crate, their status as not being an “interested person” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust. In addition, the following specific experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills apply as to each Trustee:

Darrell Crate

 

Mr. Crate has extensive experience in business and finance as a result of his career in asset management businesses and public companies. Mr. Crate is a managing principal of Easterly Asset Management LP. Easterly Asset Management’s core expertise is in acting as a principal to grow asset management business platforms. Easterly Asset Management is a successor company to Easterly Capital, LLC, a firm Mr. Crate founded in September 2009. Mr. Crate also serves as a chairman of the board of directors of Easterly Government Properties Inc., a NYSE listed company that is the successor entity to Easterly Partners, LLC, a firm he co-founded as a private real estate portfolio company of Easterly Capital, LLC. From 2015 to 2018, Mr. Crate was also the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Easterly Acquisition Corp., a blank check company that combined with Sirius International Insurance Group (NASDAQ: SG). From 1998 to May 2011, Mr. Crate served as the chief financial officer of Affiliated Managers Group, Inc., a publicly traded asset management holding company. Mr. Crate was previously a managing director of the Financial Institutions Group of the Chase Manhattan Corporation based in London and New York, focusing exclusively on investment management firms.

 

Neil Medugno

 

Mr. Medugno has extensive experience in financial reporting, fund accounting and fund governance. Mr. Medugno is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Six Circle Trust, a series trust which contains equity and fixed income mutual funds, and is Chairman of its Audit Committee and a member of its Governance and Nominating Committee. Mr. Medugno most recently served as Partner of Wellington Management Company, LLP and Chief Financial Officer of Wellington Funds Group, which involved oversight of over 400 funds and over $100 billion of assets under management. In this capacity, Mr. Medugno was also a member of several key firm governance committees. Prior to his roles at Wellington, Mr. Medugno worked in the audit practice of Coopers & Lybrand (now PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP), with a focus on financial services, including investment management.

 

A. Clayton Spencer

 

Ms. Spencer served as President of Bates College from 2012 to 2023 and served on various senior leadership teams at Harvard University from 1997, including Vice President for Policy at Harvard, Associate Vice President for Higher Education Policy and Acting Executive Dean of Harvard’s Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. Prior to joining Harvard, Ms. Spencer served as Chief Education Counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources, where she directed education legislation and policy in the Senate. Ms. Spencer previously clerked in the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts, practiced law in private practice, and prosecuted criminal cases as an assistant U.S. attorney.

 

The Trustees of the Trust, their addresses, positions with the Trust, ages, term of office and length of time served, principal occupations during the past five years, the number of funds in the Trust overseen by each Trustee and other directorships,

19 
 

if any, held by the Trustees, are set forth above. The Board of the Trust met five times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023.

 

The Board has an Audit Committee consisting of two Trustees who are Independent Trustees. Neil Medugno (Chair) and A. Clayton Spencer are members of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee has the responsibility, among other things, to: (i) oversee the accounting and financial reporting processes of the Trust and its internal control over financial reporting; (ii) oversee the quality and integrity of the Trust’s financial statements and the independent audit thereof; (iii) oversee or, as appropriate, assist the Board’s oversight of the Trust’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements that relate to the Trust’s accounting and financial reporting, internal control over financial reporting and independent audit; (iv) approve prior to appointment the engagement of the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm and, in connection therewith, to review and evaluate the qualifications, independence and performance of the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm; and (v) act as a liaison between the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm and the full Board. The Audit Committee met four times during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023.

 

Mr. Crate serves as Chairman of the Board and in this capacity presides at all Board meetings of the Trustees and oversees the functioning of the Board activities. In selecting Mr. Crate to serve as Chairman of the Board of the Trust, the Board of Trustees has determined that the use of an interested person as Chairman is appropriate and benefits shareholders. The Board believes that an interested Chairman has a personal as well as a professional stake in the management of the Trust and that the Board’s leadership structure facilitates the orderly and efficient flow of information to the Independent Trustees from management of the Trust.

 

The Independent Trustees also believe that because a majority of the Trustees are independent trustees, the Board is able to operate in a manner that provides for an appropriate level of independent action and oversight. The Independent Trustees regularly meet outside the presence of management during which time they review matters relating to the independent oversight of the Trust. As a result, the Independent Trustees believe that they can act independently and effectively without having an Independent Trustee serving as Chairman of the Board.

 

As an integral part of its responsibility for oversight of the Trust in the interests of shareholders, the Board, as a general matter, oversees risk management of the Trust’s investment programs and business affairs. The function of the Board with respect to risk management is one of oversight and not active involvement in, or coordination of, day-to-day risk management activities for the Trust.

 

The Board recognizes that not all risks that may affect the Trust can be identified, that it may not be practical or cost-effective to eliminate or mitigate certain risks, that it may be necessary to bear certain risks (such as investment-related risks) to achieve the Trust’s goals, and that the processes, procedures and controls employed to address certain risks may be limited in their effectiveness. Moreover, reports received by the Trustees that may relate to risk management matters are typically summaries of the relevant information.

 

The Board exercises oversight of the risk management process primarily through the Audit Committee, and through oversight by the Board itself. The Trust faces a number of risks, such as investment-related and compliance risks. Personnel of the Adviser seek to identify and address risks, i.e., events or circumstances that could have material adverse effects on the business, operations, shareholder services, investment performance or reputation of the Trust. Under the overall supervision of the Board, the Adviser employs a variety of processes, procedures and controls in seeking to identify such possible events or circumstances, to lessen the probability of their occurrence and/or to mitigate the effects of such events or circumstances if they do occur. Different processes, procedures and controls are employed with respect to different types of risks. Various personnel, including the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer, as well as various personnel of the Adviser and other service providers such as the Trust’s independent accountants, may report to the Audit Committee and/or to the Board with respect to various aspects of risk management, as well as events and circumstances that may arise and responses thereto.

 

Compensation

 

Effective January 1, 2024, each Independent Trustee receives fees for attendance, in-person or by telephone, at regular or special Board and Audit Committee and other committee meetings and at non-regular limited purpose Board meetings, according to the following schedule:

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Aggregate Value of

Funds’ Assets

Annual Retainer

 

Additional Retainer for Chair of Audit Committee
Below $200 million $15,000 $5,500
$200 million to $249,999,999 $17,500 $6,000
$250 million to $299,999,999 $20,000 $6,500
$300 million to $349,999,999 $25,000 $7,000
$350 million to $399,999,999 $30,000 $8,000
$400 million to $999,999,999 $35,000 $9,000
$1,000,000,000 to $1,499,999,999 $60,000 $15,000
$1,500, 000,000 to $1,999,999,999 $75,000 $15,000
$2,000,000,000 to $2,499,999,999 $85,000 $15,500
$2,500,000,000 to $2,999,999,999 $95,000 $15,500
$3,000,000,000 to $3,499,999,999 $110,000 $16,000
$3,500,000,000 to $3,999,999,999 $125,000 $16,000
$4,000,000,000 to $4,499,999,999 $135,000 $16,500
$4,500,000,000 to $5,000,000,000 $150,000 $17,000

Such compensation is paid by each Fund in proportion to each Fund’s assets relative to the aggregate of all of the Trust’s Funds’ assets.

The table below shows the compensation paid to the Trustees for the most recent fiscal year ended August 31, 2023.

Trustee Aggregate
Compensation from
Trust
Pension or Retirement
Benefits Accrued As
Part of Fund
Expenses
Estimated Annual
Benefits Upon
Retirement

Total Compensation From

Trust and Fund Complex Paid to Trustee

Darrell Crate N/A N/A N/A N/A
Neil Medugno $44,750 N/A N/A $44,750
A. Clayton Spencer* $27,000 N/A N/A $27,000

 * Ms. Spencer was elected as a Trustee effective January 26, 2023.

General Information about the Board. The Board is responsible for protecting the interests of the Trust’s shareholders. The Trustees meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Trust’s activities, review its performance and review the actions of the Adviser, which is responsible for the Funds’ day-to-day operations.

Committees. The Board of Trustees has appointed a standing Audit Committee comprised solely of Independent Trustees. Currently, the Audit Committee is composed of Neil Medugno (Chair) and A. Clayton Spencer. The Audit Committee, among other matters, approves professional services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm and other accounting firms prior to the performance of the services, makes recommendations to the Board with respect to the engagement of the independent registered public accounting firm and reviews with the independent accountants the plan and results of the audit engagement and matters having a material effect on the Funds’ financial operations.

Because the Funds are new, as of [ ], the Trustees and Officers of the Trust as a group owned less than 1% of each Fund.

MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICES

Advisory Agreements

The Trust, on behalf of each Fund, has entered into an investment management agreement with Easterly (each, an “Advisory Agreement”). Under each Advisory Agreement, subject to the general supervision of the Board of Trustees, Easterly is responsible for managing each Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and policies. Easterly has discretion to invest and reinvest each Fund’s assets in securities and other instruments. Each Advisory Agreement has been approved by the Board of Trustees, each for an initial period of two years. Each Advisory Agreement will continue in effect from year-to-year thereafter if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board of Trustees and a majority of Independent Trustees or by vote of a majority of a Fund’s outstanding voting securities and by a majority of the trustees who are not parties to the Advisory Agreements or interested persons of any such party, at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Advisory Agreements.

Each Advisory Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Trust on behalf of a Fund at any time when authorized either by a majority vote of the Fund’s shareholders or by a vote of a majority of the Board of Trustees, or by Easterly upon 180

21 
 

days’ written notice, and will automatically terminate in the event of its “assignment” (as defined in the 1940 Act). The Advisory Agreements provide that Easterly, under such Agreements, shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss arising out of any investment or for any act or omission in the execution of portfolio transactions for a Fund, except for willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties, or by reason of reckless disregard of its obligations or duties thereunder.

In consideration of the services provided by Easterly pursuant to each Advisory Agreement, Easterly is entitled to receive from each Fund an investment advisory fee at the annual rates set forth in the table below.

Fund Name Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets
Easterly RocMuni High Income Municipal Bond Fund 0.55%
Easterly RocMuni Short Term Municipal Bond Fund 0.45%

Easterly may voluntarily agree to waive a portion of the fees payable to it on a month to month basis, including additional fees above and beyond any written agreement Easterly may have to waive fees and/or reimburse the Funds’ expenses.

Pursuant to an operating expense limitation agreement (the “Expense Limitation Agreement”) between Easterly and the Funds, Easterly has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or pay expenses of each Fund to ensure that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding front-end and contingent deferred sales loads, leverage, interest and tax expenses, dividends and interest on short positions, brokerage commissions, expenses incurred in connection with any merger, liquidation or reorganization, extraordinary or non-routine expenses, such as litigation and proxy-related expenses, and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses) do not exceed a percentage of each Fund’s average net assets for each Class as set forth in the table below.

Fund Name Class A Investor Class Class I
Easterly RocMuni High Income Municipal Bond Fund [ ]% [ ]% [ ]%
Easterly RocMuni Short Term Municipal Bond Fund N/A [ ]% [ ]%

The Expense Limitation Agreement will be in effect through [three years] from the closing date of the reorganization of the [ ] Fund into the Fund and cannot be terminated during its term. Easterly is permitted to seek reimbursement from the Fund, subject to limitations, for management fees it waived and Fund expenses it paid within three (3) years of the end of the fiscal year in which such management fees were waived or expenses paid, as long as the reimbursement does not cause the Fund’s operating expenses to exceed (i) the expense cap in place at the time the fees were waived or the expenses were incurred; or (ii) the current expense cap, whichever is less.

Because the Funds have not yet commenced operations, they do not have any management fees or waived and/or reimbursed expenses to report. Disclosure of the basis for the Board’s approval of each Advisory Agreement will be available in the Funds’ Annual Report or Semi-Annual Report, as applicable, after the Funds commence investment operations.

Portfolio Managers

Other Accounts Managed

The following table lists the number and types of accounts managed by each portfolio manager for the Funds noted in the following table and the assets under management in those accounts as of [•].

Portfolio Manager Funds(s) Managed

Registered Investment

Company Accounts

Assets Managed

($ millions)

Pooled Investment

Vehicle

Accounts

Assets Managed

($ millions)

Other

Accounts*

Assets Managed

($ millions)

Total Assets

Managed

($ millions)

[•] [•] [•] [•] [•] [•] [•] [•] [•]

[•]
[•] [•] [•] [•] [•] [•] [•] [•]
22 
 

* In addition to the accounts included herein, portfolio managers may also manage accounts in a personal capacity that may include holdings that are similar to, or the same as, those of the Funds.

Conflicts of Interest

When a portfolio manager has responsibility for managing more than one account, potential conflicts of interest may arise. Those conflicts could include preferential treatment of one account over others in terms of allocation of resources or of investment opportunities. For instance, the Adviser may receive fees from certain accounts that are higher than the fee it receives from the Fund, or it may receive a performance-based fee on certain accounts. The descriptions of the procedures to address conflicts of interest, if any, have been provided by the Adviser for its respective managers.

An affiliate of Easterly, James Alpha Management, LLC (“JAM”), is the general partner to privately offered funds that may charge higher fees, including an incentive fee, than the fees charged by the Funds. To the extent the personnel involved in making investment decisions for Easterly are also involved in making investment decisions for JAM (i.e., such selection has not been delegated to a sub-adviser), such personnel may therefore have an incentive to favor such private funds over the Funds. Easterly has adopted policies and procedures for fair and consistent allocation of investment opportunities among all of its client accounts that takes into account each account’s investment strategy, cash availability, availability of investments and other factors.

 

Easterly periodically compares holdings and performance of the various accounts that it manages to identify significant performance disparities among similar accounts that could be indicative of favorable treatment. Easterly educates its employees regarding the responsibilities of a fiduciary, including the equitable treatment of all clients, regardless of the fee arrangement.

Easterly is guided by its fiduciary obligations, including its duty to act fairly and in the best interest of its clients, in making all decisions regarding the Funds. 

Compensation

[[ ] and [ ] receive compensation for their services in the form of a fixed salary. The portfolio managers are also eligible for a bonus, which is based on the overall profitability of the Adviser. Additionally, the portfolio managers may receive equity dividends from their ownership in the Adviser. The portfolio managers are eligible to participate in the Adviser’s retirement plan under the same guidelines and criteria established for all employees of the Adviser.]

Ownership of Securities – as of [•]1

Portfolio Manager Fund(s) Managed Dollar Range of Equity Securities Beneficially Owned
[•]

[•]

 

None
     
[•]

[•]

 

None

1 As of the date of this SAI, the Funds had not yet commenced operations.

CODE OF ETHICS. The Trust, Easterly, and Easterly Securities LLC (the “Distributor”) have each adopted codes of ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act with respect to their personnel with access to information about the purchase or sale of securities by the Funds. These codes are designed to protect the interests of the Funds’ shareholders. While these codes contain provisions reasonably necessary to prevent personnel subject to the codes from engaging in unlawful conduct and require compliance review of securities transactions, they do not prohibit such personnel from investing in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Funds so long as such investments are made pursuant to the code’s requirements.

PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES. The Board of Trustees of the Trust has delegated responsibilities for decisions regarding proxy voting for securities held by each Fund to Easterly, which will vote such proxies in accordance with their proxy policies and procedures. In some instances, Easterly may be asked to cast a proxy vote that presents a conflict between the interests of the Funds’ shareholders, and those of Easterly or its affiliates. In such a case, the Trust’s policy requires that Easterly abstain from making a voting decision and to forward all necessary proxy voting materials to the Trust to enable the Board of Trustees to make a voting decision. When the Board of Trustees of the Trust 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

23 
 

matter to be voted upon shall be permitted to participate in the decision of how the Fund’s vote will be cast. Easterly’s proxy voting policies and procedures are attached as Appendix B to this SAI.

More information. The actual voting records relating to Fund securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 will be available without charge, upon request by calling toll-free, (833) 999-2636 or by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, a copy of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures will also be available by calling (833) 999-2636 and will be sent within three business days of receipt of a request.

ADMINISTRATION, FUND ACCOUNTING AND TRANSFER AGENCY SERVICES. The Trust has entered into a servicing agreement with Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (“Ultimus”), whereby Ultimus provides administration, fund accounting and transfer agent services (the “Ultimus Services”) to the Funds. For providing such services, the Trust and Ultimus have entered into a universal fee agreement whereby Ultimus receives from each Fund: (i) a minimum annual fee or basis points in decreasing amounts as assets reach certain breakpoints; and (ii) any related out-of-pocket expenses.

Because the Funds have not yet commenced operations, no administrative services fees have been paid by the Funds as of the date of this SAI.

Administrative Services Payments. Shares of the Funds may be owned or held by financial intermediaries for the benefit of their customers. In those cases, the Fund often does not maintain an account for the shareholder. Thus, some or all of the services provided to these accounts are performed by the financial intermediaries and not the Fund. In these situations, the Funds may make payments to financial intermediaries for certain administrative services, including record keeping and sub-accounting shareholder accounts. Payments for these services typically do not exceed 0.15% of average annual assets of such share classes.

Compliance Services. Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (“NLCS”), 4221 North 203rd Street, Suite 100, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022-3474, an affiliate of Ultimus, provides a Chief Compliance Officer to the Trust as well as related compliance services pursuant to a consulting agreement between NLCS and the Trust.

PLANS OF DISTRIBUTION. The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, has adopted a Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the “Plan”), under which that Fund is authorized to pay up to 0.25% of the High Income Fund’s average daily net assets annually for its Class A shares, 0.50% of the High Income Fund’s average daily net assets annually of its Investor Class shares, and 0.25% of the Short Term Fund’s average daily net assets annually of its Investor Class shares, respectively, all of which may be paid to the Adviser, the Distributor or other entities. The Distributor has informed the Trust that a portion of the fees payable each year pursuant to the Plan equal to 0.25% of such Class’s average daily net assets are currently each characterized as a “service fee” under the Rules of FINRA (of which the Distributor is a member), all of which may be paid to Easterly, the Distributor or other entities. The “service fee” is a payment made for personal service and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The remaining portion of the Plan fees payable by a Class is characterized as an “asset-based sales charge” as defined in the aforementioned Rules of FINRA.

The Distributor, or other entities, including the Adviser, also receive the proceeds and contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSCs”) imposed on certain redemptions of shares, which are separate and apart from payments made pursuant to the Plan.

The Plan was adopted by a majority vote of the Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are not “interested persons” of the Trust (as defined in the 1940 Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan or any agreements related to it (the “Independent 12b-1 Trustees”), cast at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Plan, for an initial one-year term, and will continue in effect from year-to-year if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a majority vote of the Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Independent 12b-1 Trustees. Under the Plan and as required by Rule 12b-1, the Trustees receive and review promptly after the end of each calendar quarter a written report provided by the Distributor of the amounts extended by the Distributor or other entities under the Plan and the purpose for which such expenditures were made.

The Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount to be spent for the services described therein without approval of the shareholders of the affected Class or Classes of the Trust, and all material amendments of the Plan must also be approved by the Trustees in the manner described above. The Plan may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Trust (as defined in the 1940 Act). So long as the Plan is in effect, the election and nomination of Independent Trustees shall be committed to the discretion of the Independent Trustees.

At any given time, the expenses in distributing shares of the Fund may be in excess of the total of (i) the payments made by each Fund pursuant to the Plan, and (ii) the proceeds of CDSCs paid by investors upon the redemption of shares. For

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example, if $1 million in expenses in distributing shares of the Fund had been incurred and $750,000 had been received as described in (i) and (ii) above, the excess expense would amount to $250,000. Because there is not a requirement under the Plan that the Distributor or other entities be reimbursed for all distribution expenses or any requirement that the Plan be continued from year to year, such excess amount does not constitute a liability of the Fund. Although there is no legal obligation for the Fund to pay expenses incurred in excess of payments made to the Distributor under the Plan, and the proceeds of CDSCs paid by investors upon redemption of shares, if for any reason the Plan is terminated the Trustees will consider at that time the manner in which to treat such expenses. Any cumulative expenses incurred, but not yet recovered through distribution fees or CDSCs, may or may not be recovered through future distribution fees or CDSCs. If expenses in distributing shares are less than payments made for distributing shares, the Distributor or other entities will retain the full amount of the payments.

Because the Funds have not yet commenced operations, the Funds do not have any fees paid pursuant to the Plan.

POSSIBLE ADDITIONAL FUND SERIES. If additional funds are created by the Board of Trustees, shares of each such fund will be entitled to vote as a group only to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act (see below) or as permitted by the Board of Trustees.

Under Rule 18f-2 of the 1940 Act (the “Rule”), any matter required to be submitted to a vote of shareholders of any investment company which has two or more series outstanding is not deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a “majority” (as defined in that Rule) of the voting securities of each series affected by the matter. Such separate voting requirements do not apply to the election of trustees or the ratification of the selection of the independent registered public accounting firm. Approval of an investment management or distribution plan and a change in fundamental policies would be regarded as matters requiring separate voting by each Fund. The Rule contains provisions for cases in which an advisory contract is approved by one or more, but not all, series. A change in investment policy may go into effect as to one or more series whose holders so approve the change even though the required vote is not obtained as to the holders of other affected series.

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS. Easterly is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities, futures contracts and options thereon, the selection of brokers, dealers and futures commission merchants to effect the transactions and the negotiation of brokerage commissions, if any. Each Fund will pay brokerage commissions on transactions in listed options and equity securities. Prices of portfolio securities purchased from underwriters of new issues include a commission or concession paid by the issuer to the underwriter, and prices of debt securities purchased from dealers include a spread between the bid and asked prices. Easterly seeks to obtain prompt execution of orders at the most favorable net price. If Easterly believes the prices and executions are obtainable from more than one broker or dealer, it may give consideration to placing portfolio transactions with those brokers and dealers who also furnish research and other services to a Fund or Easterly.

The services may include, but are not limited to, any one or more of the following: information as to the availability of securities for purchase or sale; statistical or factual information or opinions pertaining to investment; wire services; and appraisals or evaluations of portfolio securities. The information and services received by Easterly from brokers and dealers may be utilized by them and any of their asset management affiliates in the management of accounts of some of their other clients and may not in all cases benefit the Funds directly.

Transactions may be directed to dealers during the course of an underwriting in return for their brokerage and research services, which are intangible and on which no dollar value can be placed, and in return for such services, Easterly may pay a higher commission than other brokers would charge if Easterly determines in good faith that the commission is reasonable in relation to the services provided. There is no formula for such allocation. The research information may or may not be useful to one or more of the Funds and/or other accounts of Easterly, or its affiliates; information received in connection with directed orders of other accounts managed by Easterly, or its affiliates may or may not be useful to one or more of the Funds. Such information may be in written or oral form and includes information on particular companies and industries as well as market, economic or institutional activity areas. It serves to broaden the scope and supplement the research activities of the Easterly to make available additional views for consideration and comparison, and to enable Easterly to obtain market information for the valuation of securities held in a Fund’s assets. Easterly is prohibited from directing brokerage transactions on the basis of the referral of clients or the sale of shares of advised investment companies.

Easterly currently serves as investment manager to a number of clients, including other investment companies, and may in the future act as investment manager or adviser to others. It is the practice of Easterly to cause purchase or sale transactions to be allocated among the Funds and others whose assets it manages in such manner as it deems equitable.

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Subject to the above considerations, an affiliated broker may act as a securities broker or futures commission merchant for the Trust. In order for an affiliate of Easterly to effect any Fund transactions for the Trust, the commissions, fees or other remuneration received by an affiliated broker must be reasonable and fair compared to the commissions, fees or other remuneration paid to other brokers in connection with comparable transactions involving similar securities being purchased or sold during a comparable period of time. This standard would allow an affiliated broker to receive no more than the remuneration which would be expected to be received by an unaffiliated broker in a commensurate arm’s-length transaction. Furthermore, the Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested” persons, have adopted procedures which are reasonably designed to provide that any commissions, fees or other remuneration paid to an affiliated broker are consistent with the foregoing standard.

Because the Funds have not yet commenced operations, the Funds have not paid any brokerage commissions, affiliated brokerage commissions, or brokerage commissions to brokers because of research services provided as of the date of this SAI.

DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

The NAV per share for each class of shares of each Fund is determined each day the New York Stock Exchange (the “Exchange”) is open for business, as of the close of the regular trading session of the Exchange that day (typically 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time), (“Valuation Time”) by dividing the value of a Fund’s net assets, less any liabilities, by the total number of Fund shares outstanding, by class.

The Exchange’s most recent annual announcement (which is subject to change) states that it will close on New Year’s Day, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. It may also close on other days.

Securities listed on a national securities exchange or designated national market system securities are valued at the last reported sale price on that day, or, if there has been no sale on such day or on the previous day on which the Exchange was open (if a week has not elapsed between such days), then the value of such security is taken to be the mean between the current bid and ask prices at the time as of which the value is being ascertained. Securities actively traded in the OTC market but not designated as national market system securities are valued at the last quoted bid price. Securities traded on a foreign exchange which has not closed by the Valuation Time or for which the official closing prices are not available at the time the NAV is determined may us alternative market prices provided by a pricing service. Any securities or other assets for which current market quotations are not readily available are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith under procedures established by and under the general supervision and responsibility of the Trust’s Board of Trustees. The value of a foreign security is determined in its national currency and that value is then converted into its US dollar equivalent at the foreign exchange rate in effect on the date of valuation.

The Trust’s Board of Trustees has approved the use of nationally recognized bond pricing services for the valuation of each Fund’s debt securities. The services selected create and maintain price matrices of U.S. government and other securities from which individual holdings are valued shortly after the close of business each trading day. Debt securities not covered by the pricing services are valued upon bid prices obtained from dealers who maintain an active market therein or, if no readily available market quotations are available from dealers, such securities (including restricted securities and OTC options) are valued at fair value under the Board’s procedures. Short-term (having a maturity of 60 days or less) debt securities may be valued at amortized cost.

Puts and calls are valued at the last sales price therefore, or, if there are no transactions, at the last reported sales price that is within the spread, between the closing bid and asked prices on the valuation date. Futures are valued based on their daily settlement value. When a Fund writes a call, an amount equal to the premium received is included in the Fund Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset, and an equivalent deferred credit is included in the liability section. The deferred credit is adjusted (“marked-to-market”) to reflect the current market value of the call. If a call written by a Fund is exercised, the proceeds on the sale of the underlying securities are increased by the premium received.

 

If a call or put written by a Fund expires on its stipulated expiration date or if a Fund enters into a closing transaction, it will realize a gain or loss depending on whether the premium was more or less than the transaction costs, without regard to unrealized appreciation or depreciation on the underlying securities.

If a put held by a Fund is exercised by it, the amount the Fund receives on its sale of the underlying investment is reduced by the amount of the premium paid by the Fund.

 

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In compliance with Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board has designated the Adviser (but not the sub-advisers) as the valuation designee. The Adviser, as the valuation designee, performs the fair value determinations relating to Fund investments and is responsible for periodically assessing any material risks associated with the determination of the fair value of a Fund's investments; establishing and applying fair value methodologies; testing the appropriateness of fair value methodologies; and overseeing and evaluating third-party pricing services. The Board oversees the Adviser in its role as valuation designee pursuant to Rule 2a-5.

 

CERTAIN TAX CONSIDERATIONS

 

GENERAL. The following discussion is only a summary of certain tax considerations generally affecting the Trust, each Fund of the Trust and shareholders of Funds, and is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. The discussion does not purport to deal with all of the federal, state and local tax consequences applicable to an investment in each Fund or to all categories of investors, some of which may be subject to special rules. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisors with specific reference to their own tax situations.

This section is based on the Code, and applicable regulations in effect on the date of this SAI. Future legislative, regulatory or administrative changes or court decisions may significantly change the tax rules applicable to a Fund and its shareholders. Any of these changes or court decisions may have a retroactive effect.

This is for general information only and not tax advice. All investors should consult their own tax advisors as to the federal, state, local and foreign tax provisions applicable to them.

TAXATION OF THE FUNDS. The Fund receives income generally in the form of interest on its investments. This income, less expenses incurred in the operation of the Fund, constitutes the Fund's net investment income from which dividends may be paid to you. This net investment income may either be tax-exempt or taxable when distributed.

INVESTMENT COMPANY TAXATION. Each Fund intends to elect and qualify, as a “regulated investment company” (sometimes referred to as a regulated investment company, RIC or fund) under Subchapter M of the Code. In order for a Fund to qualify as a regulated investment company each year, it must meet certain distribution, income and asset diversification requirements described below. As such, a Fund will not be subject to federal income tax on its net investment income and capital gains, if any, to the extent that it distributes such income and capital gains to its shareholders. If a Fund fails to qualify for any taxable year as a regulated investment company, all of its taxable income will be subject to tax at regular corporate income tax rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders, and such distributions generally will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary dividends to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. Failure to qualify as a regulated investment company would thus have a negative impact on a Fund’s income and performance. Subject to savings provisions for certain failures to qualify for taxation as a regulated investment company which, in general, are limited to those due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, it is possible that a Fund will not qualify as a regulated investment company in any given tax year. Even if such savings provisions apply, a Fund may be subject to a monetary sanction of $50,000 or more.

In order to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company, a Fund must satisfy the following requirements:

·Distribution Requirement ¾ the Fund must distribute an amount at least equal to the sum of 90% of its investment company taxable income and 90% of its net tax-exempt income, if any, for the tax year (including, for purposes of satisfying this distribution requirement, certain distributions made by the Fund after the close of its taxable year that are treated as made during such taxable year).
·Income Requirement ¾ the Fund must derive at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, certain payments with respect to 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 or forward contracts) derived from its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies and net income derived from qualified publicly traded partnerships (“QPTPs”).
·Asset Diversification Test ¾ the Fund must satisfy the following asset diversification test at the close of each quarter of the Fund’s tax year: (1) at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s assets must consist of cash and cash items, U.S. Government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and securities of other issuers (as to which the Fund has not invested more than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets in securities of an issuer and as to which the Fund does not hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer); and (2) no more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in the securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. Government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies)
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or of two or more issuers which the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses, or, in the securities of one or more QPTPs.

Each Fund in the Trust generally intends to distribute sufficient income and gains so that the Fund will not pay corporate income tax on its earnings. Each Fund also generally intends to distribute to its shareholders in each calendar year a sufficient amount of ordinary income and capital gains to avoid the imposition of a 4% excise tax. If a Fund retains all or part of any net long-term capital gains in any year for reinvestment, the Fund will pay federal income tax (and possibly excise tax) on such retained gains (except to the extent of any available capital loss carry forward) at the highest corporate tax rate.

Gains or losses on sales of securities by a Fund will be long-term capital gains or losses if the securities have a tax holding period of more than one year. Gains or losses on the sale of securities with a tax holding period of one year or less will be short-term capital gains or losses.

A Fund may elect to treat part or all of any “qualified late year loss” as if it had been incurred in the succeeding taxable year in determining a Fund’s taxable income, net capital gain, net short-term capital gain, and earnings and profits.

The effect of this election is to treat any such “qualified late year loss” as if it had been incurred in the succeeding taxable year in characterizing Fund distributions for any calendar year (see, “Taxation of Dividends and Distributions” below). A “qualified late year loss” includes:

(i)any net capital loss incurred after October 31 of the current taxable year, or, if there is no such loss, any net long-term capital loss or net short-term capital loss incurred after October 31 of the current taxable year, and
(ii)the sum of (1) the excess, if any, of specified losses incurred after October 31 of the current taxable year, over specified gains incurred after October 31 of the current taxable year, and (2) the excess, if any, of other ordinary losses incurred after December 31 of the current taxable year, over, other ordinary income incurred after December 31 of the current taxable year.

The terms “specified losses” and “specified gains” mean ordinary losses and gains from the sale, exchange, or other disposition of property (including the termination of a position with respect to such property), foreign currency losses and gains, and losses and gains resulting from holding stock in a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) for which a mark-to-market election is in effect. The terms “ordinary losses” and “ordinary income” mean other ordinary losses and income that are not described in the preceding sentence.

If a Fund is a fund of funds, distributions by the underlying funds, redemptions of shares in the underlying funds and changes in asset allocations may result in taxable distributions to shareholders of ordinary income or capital gains. A fund of funds generally will not be able to currently offset gains realized by one underlying fund in which the fund of funds invests against losses realized by another underlying fund. If shares of an underlying fund are purchased within 30 days before or after redeeming at a loss other shares of that underlying fund (whether pursuant to a rebalancing of a Fund’s portfolio or otherwise), all or a part of the loss will not be deductible by the Fund and instead will increase its basis for the newly purchased shares.

Also, except with respect to qualified fund of funds discussed below, a fund of funds (a) is not eligible to pass-through to shareholders foreign tax credits from an underlying fund that pays foreign income taxes and (b) dividends paid by a fund of funds from interest earned by an underlying fund on U.S. Government obligations is unlikely to be exempt from state and local income tax. However, a fund of funds is eligible to pass-through to shareholders qualified dividends earned by an underlying fund for purposes of the reduced rate of taxation on qualified dividend income and the dividends received deduction (see, “Taxation of Dividends and Distributions” below). A qualified fund of funds, i.e. a Fund at least 50 percent of the value of the total assets of which (at the close of each quarter of the taxable year) is represented by interests in other RICs, is eligible to pass-through to shareholders foreign tax credits.

Investment income received by a Fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject to foreign income tax withheld at the source and the amount of tax withheld will generally be treated as an expense of a Fund. The United States has entered into tax treaties with many foreign countries which entitle a Fund to a reduced rate of, or exemption from, tax on such income. Some countries require the filing of a tax reclaim or other forms to receive the benefit of the reduced tax rate; whether or when a Fund will receive the tax reclaim is within the control of the individual country. Information required on these forms may not be available such as shareholder information; therefore, a Fund may not receive the reduced treaty rates or potential reclaims. Other countries have conflicting and changing instructions and restrictive timing requirements which may cause a Fund not to receive the reduced treaty rates or potential reclaims. Other countries may subject capital gains realized by a Fund on sale or disposition of securities of that country to taxation. It is impossible to determine the effective rate of foreign tax in advance since the amount of a Fund’s assets to be invested in various countries is not known. If more than 50% of a Fund’s assets are invested in foreign securities at the end of any fiscal year (and if the Fund is a qualified fund of funds, as discussed above), the Fund may elect to permit shareholders to take a credit or deduction on their federal

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income tax return for foreign taxes paid by the Fund (subject to various limitations). In such a case, the shareholders would need to include the amount of such foreign taxes as additional income and the shareholders would generally be able to take a credit or deduction for such foreign taxes.

TAXATION OF DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS.

Each Fund intends to qualify each year to pay exempt-interest dividends by satisfying the requirement that at the close of each quarter of a Fund’s taxable year at least 50% of a Fund’s total assets consists of municipal securities, which are exempt from federal income tax.

Distributions from a Fund will constitute exempt-interest dividends to the extent of a Fund’s tax-exempt interest income (net of allocable expenses and amortized bond premium). Exempt-interest dividends distributed to shareholders of a Fund are excluded from gross income for federal income tax purposes. However, shareholders required to file a federal income tax return will be required to report the receipt of exempt-interest dividends on their returns. Moreover, while exempt-interest dividends are excluded from gross income for federal income tax purposes, they may be subject to alternative minimum tax (AMT) in certain circumstances for noncorporate taxpayers and may have other collateral tax consequences as discussed below.

Net investment income generally consists of interest, dividends, and short-term capital gains, less expenses. Net realized capital gains for a fiscal period are computed by taking into account any capital loss carryforward of a Fund. Distributions of net investment income may be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. For individual shareholders, a portion of the distributions paid by a Fund may consist of qualified dividends eligible for taxation at the rate applicable to long-term capital gains to the extent a Fund designates the amount distributed as a qualified dividend and the shareholder meets certain holding period requirements with respect to his or her Fund shares. In the case of corporate shareholders, a portion of the distributions may qualify for the intercorporate dividends-received deduction to the extent that a Fund designates the amount distributed as eligible for deduction and the shareholder meets certain holding period requirements with respect to its Fund shares. The aggregate amount so designated to either individuals or corporate shareholders cannot, however, exceed the aggregate amount of such dividends received by a Fund for its taxable year. Part of the distributions by a Fund may be eligible for the qualified dividend income treatment for individual shareholders and the dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders. Any distributions to you in excess of a Fund’s investment company taxable income and net capital gains will be treated by you, first, as a tax-deferred return of capital, which is applied against and will reduce the adjusted tax basis of your shares and, after such adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will generally constitute capital gains.

Any long-term capital gain distributions are taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gains regardless of the length of time shares have been held. Net capital gains distributions are not eligible for the qualified dividend income treatment or the dividends-received deduction referred to in the previous paragraph.

Any distributions to you in excess of a Fund’s investment company taxable income and net capital gains will be treated by you, first, as a tax-deferred return of capital, which is applied against and will reduce the adjusted tax basis of your shares and, after such adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will generally constitute capital gains to you.

Any gain or loss from the sale or other disposition of a tax-exempt security generally is treated as either long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending upon its holding period, and is fully taxable. However, gain recognized from the sale or other disposition of Municipal Security purchased after April 30, 1993, will be treated as ordinary income to the extent of the accrued market discount on such security. Distributions by a Fund of ordinary income and capital gains will be taxable to shareholders.

AMT is imposed in addition to, but only to the extent it exceeds, the regular tax and is computed at a maximum rate of 28% for non-corporate taxpayers on the excess of the taxpayer’s alternative minimum taxable income (AMTI) over an exemption amount. Exempt- interest dividends derived from certain “private activity” Municipal Securities issued after August 7, 1986, generally will constitute an item of tax preference includable in AMTI for non-corporate taxpayers. However, tax-exempt interest on private activity bonds issued in 2009 and 2010 is not an item of tax preference for purposes of the AMT.

Exempt-interest dividends must be taken into account in computing the portion, if any, of social security or railroad retirement benefits that must be included in an individual shareholder’s gross income subject to federal income tax. Further, a shareholder of a Fund is denied a deduction for interest on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry shares of a Fund. Moreover, a shareholder who is (or is related to) a “substantial user” of a facility financed by industrial development bonds held by a Fund likely will be subject to tax on dividends paid by a Fund that are derived from interest on such bonds. Receipt of exempt-interest dividends may result in other collateral federal income tax consequences to

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certain taxpayers, including financial institutions, property and casualty insurance companies and foreign corporations engaged in a trade or business in the United States.

To the extent that exempt-interest dividends are derived from interest on obligations of a state or its political subdivisions or from interest on qualifying U.S. territorial obligations (including qualifying obligations of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam), they also may be exempt from that state’s personal income taxes. Most states, however, do not grant tax-free treatment to interest on state and municipal securities of other states.

Failure of the issuer of a tax-exempt security to comply with certain legal or contractual requirements relating to a Municipal Security could cause interest on the Municipal Security, as well as Fund distributions derived from this interest, to become taxable, perhaps retroactively to the date the Municipal Security was issued. In such a case, a Fund may be required to report to the IRS and send to shareholders amended Forms 1099 for a prior taxable year in order to report additional taxable income. This in turn could require shareholders to file amended federal and state income tax returns for such prior year to report and pay tax and interest on their pro rata share of the additional amount of taxable income.

Distributions of any net investment income and net realized capital gains will be taxable as described above, whether received in shares or in cash. Shareholders who choose to receive distributions in the form of additional shares will have a cost basis for federal income tax purposes in each share so received equal to the NAV of a share on the reinvestment date. Distributions are generally taxable when received. However, distributions declared in October, November or December to shareholders of record on a date in such a month and paid the following January are taxable as if received on December 31. Distributions are includable in alternative minimum taxable income in computing a noncorporate shareholder’s liability for the AMT.

PURCHASES, REDEMPTIONS AND EXCHANGES. Any dividend or capital gains distribution received by a shareholder from any regulated investment company will have the effect of reducing the NAV of the shareholder’s stock in that company by the exact amount of the dividend or capital gains distribution. Furthermore, such dividends and capital gains distributions are subject to federal income taxes. If the NAV of the shares should be reduced below a shareholder’s cost as a result of the payment of dividends or the distribution of realized long-term capital gains, such payment or distribution would represent economically in part a return of the shareholder’s investment but nonetheless would be taxable to the shareholder. Therefore, an investor should consider the tax implications of purchasing Fund shares immediately prior to a distribution record date. In general, a sale of shares results in capital gain or loss and, for individual shareholders, is taxable at a federal rate dependent upon the length of time the shares were held. A redemption of a shareholder’s Fund shares may be treated as a sale for tax purposes. Fund shares held for a period of one year or less will, for tax purposes, generally result in short-term gains or losses and those held for more than one year generally result in long-term gain or loss. The maximum individual rate applicable to long-term capital gains is generally either 15% or 20%, depending on whether the individual’s income exceeds certain threshold amounts. Any loss realized by shareholders upon a redemption of shares within six months of the date of their purchase will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any distributions of net long-term capital gains with respect to such shares during the six-month period.

Gain or loss on the sale or redemption of shares in a Fund is measured by the difference between the amount of consideration received (or the fair market value of any property received) and the tax basis of the shares. Shareholders should keep records of investments made (including shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends and distributions) so they can compute the tax basis of their shares. Under certain circumstances, a shareholder may compute and use an average cost basis in determining the gain or loss on the sale or redemption of shares. The Funds are required to report to you and the IRS annually on Form 1099-B the cost basis of shares purchased in a Fund on or after January 1, 2012 where the cost basis of the shares is known by the Fund (referred to as “covered shares”) and that are disposed of after that date.

However, cost basis reporting is not required for certain shareholders, including shareholders investing in a Fund through a tax-advantaged retirement account, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. The IRS permits the use of several methods to determine the cost basis of mutual fund shares. The method used will determine which specific shares are deemed to be sold when there are multiple purchases on different dates at differing share prices, and the entire position is not sold at one time. The Funds do not recommend any particular method of determining cost basis, and the use of other methods may result in more favorable tax consequences for some shareholders. It is important that you consult with your tax advisor to determine which method is best for you and then notify the Fund if you intend to utilize a method other than the Fund’s default method of average cost. If you do not notify a Fund of your elected cost basis method upon the initial purchase into your account, the Fund’s default method of average cost will be applied to your covered shares. The Funds will compute and report the cost basis of your shares sold or exchanged by taking into account all of the applicable adjustments to cost basis and holding periods as required by the Code and Treasury regulations for purposes of reporting these amounts to you and the IRS.

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However, a Fund is not required to, and in many cases does not possess the information to, take all possible basis, holding period or other adjustments into account in reporting cost basis information to you. Therefore, shareholders should carefully review the cost basis information provided by a Fund. If you hold your Fund shares through a broker (or other nominee), please contact that broker (nominee) with respect to reporting of cost basis and available elections for your account.

Exchanges of a Fund’s shares for shares of another fund, including shares of other Funds in the Trust, are subject to similar tax treatment. Such an exchange is treated for tax purposes as a sale of the original shares in the first fund, followed by the purchase of shares in the second fund.

If a shareholder realizes a loss on the redemption or exchange of a Fund’s shares and receives securities that are considered substantially identical to that Fund’s shares or reinvests in that Fund’s shares within 30 days before or after the redemption or exchange, the transactions may be subject to the “wash sale” rules, resulting in a postponement of the recognition of such loss for tax purposes. The ability to deduct losses is subject to further limitations under the Code.

Under Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to a 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 Internal Revenue Service a disclosure statement on Form 8886.

Shareholders who are not U.S. persons should consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. and foreign tax consequences of selling shares of the Funds, including the risks and special tax consequences to them from a sale of shares of a Fund that is a “U.S. Real Property Holding Corporation” (generally, a Fund 50% or more of the fair market value of whose assets consists of “United States Real Property Interests”, including stock of certain REITs).

Medicare Tax. An additional 3.8% Medicare tax is imposed on certain net investment income (including ordinary dividends and capital gain distributions received from a Fund and net gains from redemptions or other taxable dispositions of Fund shares) of U.S. individuals, estates and trusts to the extent that such person’s “modified adjusted gross income” (in the case of an individual) or “adjusted gross income” (in the case of an estate or trust) exceed certain threshold amounts.

Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (“FATCA”). The Funds will be required to withhold U.S. tax (at a 30% rate) on payments of taxable dividends paid by a Fund to certain non-U.S. entities that fail to comply (or be deemed compliant) with extensive new reporting and withholding requirements designed to inform the U.S. Department of the Treasury of U.S.-owned foreign investment accounts. Shareholders may be requested to provide additional information to the Funds to enable the Fund to determine whether withholding is required.

TAX TREATMENT OF FUND TRANSACTIONS. Set forth below is a general description of the tax treatment of certain types of securities, investment techniques and transactions that may apply to a Fund and, in turn, effect the amount, character and timing of dividends and distributions payable by the Fund to its shareholders.

This section should be read in conjunction with the discussion above under “INVESTMENT OF THE TRUST’S ASSETS AND RELATED RISKS” for a detailed description of the various types of securities and investment techniques that apply to a Fund.

In general. In general, gain or loss recognized by a Fund on the sale or other disposition of portfolio investments will be a capital gain or loss. Such capital gain and loss may be long-term or short-term depending, in general, upon the length of time a particular investment position is maintained and, in some cases, upon the nature of the transaction. Property held for more than one year generally will be eligible for long-term capital gain or loss treatment. The application of certain rules described below may serve to alter the manner in which the holding period for a security is determined or may otherwise affect the characterization as long-term or short-term, and also the timing of the realization and/or character, of certain gains or losses.

Certain fixed-income investments. Gain recognized on the disposition of a debt obligation purchased by a Fund at a market discount (generally, at a price less than its principal amount) will be treated as ordinary income to the extent of the portion of the market discount which accrued during the period of time the Fund held the debt obligation unless the Fund made a current inclusion election to accrue market discount into income as it accrues. If a Fund purchases a debt obligation (such as a zero coupon security or pay-in-kind security) that was originally issued at a discount, the Fund is generally required to include in gross income each year the portion of the original issue discount which accrues during such year. Therefore, a Fund’s investment in such securities may cause the Fund to recognize income and make distributions to shareholders before it receives any cash payments on the securities.

To generate cash to satisfy those distribution requirements, a Fund may have to sell portfolio securities that it otherwise might have continued to hold or to use cash flows from other sources such as the sale of Fund shares.

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Investments in debt obligations that are at risk of or in default present tax issues for a Fund. Tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as whether and to what extent a Fund should recognize market discount on a debt obligation, when a Fund may cease to accrue interest, original issue discount or market discount, when and to what extent a Fund may take deductions for bad debts or worthless securities and how a Fund should allocate payments received on obligations in default between principal and income. These and other related issues will be addressed by a Fund in order to ensure that it distributes sufficient income to preserve its status as a regulated investment company.

Options, futures, forward contracts, swap agreements and hedging transactions. In general, option premiums received by a Fund are not immediately included in the income of the Fund. Instead, the premiums are recognized when the option contract expires, the option is exercised by the holder, or the Fund transfers or otherwise terminates the option (e.g., through a closing transaction). If an option written by a Fund is exercised and the Fund sells or delivers the underlying stock, the Fund generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to (a) sum of the strike price and the option premium received by the Fund minus (b) the Fund’s basis in the stock. Such gain or loss generally will be short-term or long-term depending upon the holding period of the underlying stock. If securities are purchased by a Fund pursuant to the exercise of a put option written by it, the Fund generally will subtract the premium received from its cost basis in the securities purchased. The gain or loss with respect to any termination of a Fund’s obligation under an option other than through the exercise of the option and related sale or delivery of the underlying stock generally will be short-term gain or loss depending on whether the premium income received by the Fund is greater or less than the amount paid by the Fund (if any) in terminating the transaction. Thus, for example, if an option written by a Fund expires unexercised, the Fund generally will recognize short-term gain equal to the premium received.

The tax treatment of certain futures contracts entered into by a Fund as well as listed non-equity options written or purchased by the Fund on U.S. exchanges (including options on futures contracts, broad-based equity indices and debt securities) may be governed by section 1256 of the Code (“section 1256 contracts”). Gains or losses on section 1256 contracts generally are considered 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gains or losses (“60/40”), although certain foreign currency gains and losses from such contracts may be treated as ordinary in character. Also, any section 1256 contracts held by a Fund at the end of each taxable year (and, for purposes of the 4% excise tax, on certain other dates as prescribed under the Code) are “marked to market” with the result that unrealized gains or losses are treated as though they were realized and the resulting gain or loss is treated as ordinary or 60/40 gain or loss, as applicable. Section 1256 contracts do not include any interest rate swap, currency swap, basis swap, interest rate cap, interest rate floor, commodity swap, equity swap, equity index swap, credit default swap, or similar agreement.

In addition to the special rules described above in respect of options and futures transactions, a Fund’s transactions in other derivative instruments (including options, forward contracts and swap agreements) as well as its other hedging, short sale, or similar transactions, may be subject to one or more special tax rules (including the constructive sale, notional principal contract, straddle, wash sale and short sale rules).

These rules may affect whether gains and losses recognized by a Fund are treated as ordinary or capital or as short-term or long-term, accelerate the recognition of income or gains to the Fund, defer losses to the Fund, and cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Fund’s securities. These rules, therefore, could affect the amount, timing and/or character of distributions to shareholders. Moreover, because the tax rules applicable to derivative financial instruments are in some cases uncertain under current law, an adverse determination or future guidance by the IRS with respect to these rules (which determination or guidance could be retroactive) may affect whether a Fund has made sufficient distributions, and otherwise satisfied the relevant requirements, to maintain its qualification as a regulated investment company and avoid a fund-level tax.

Certain of a Fund’s investments in derivatives and foreign currency-denominated instruments, and the Fund’s transactions in foreign currencies and hedging activities, may produce a difference between its book income and its taxable income. If a Fund’s book income is less than the sum of its taxable income and net tax-exempt income (if any), the Fund could be required to make distributions exceeding book income to qualify as a regulated investment company. If a Fund’s book income exceeds the sum of its taxable income and net tax-exempt income (if any), the distribution of any such excess will be treated as (i) a dividend to the extent of the Fund’s remaining earnings and profits (including current earnings and profits arising from tax-exempt income, reduced by related deductions), (ii) thereafter, as a return of capital to the extent of the recipient’s basis in the shares, and (iii) thereafter, as gain from the sale or exchange of a capital asset.

Foreign currency transactions. A 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. This treatment could increase or decrease a Fund's ordinary income distributions to you, and may cause some or

32 
 

all of the Fund's previously distributed income to be classified as a return of capital. In certain cases, a Fund may make an election to treat such gain or loss as capital.

PFIC investments. A Fund may invest in stocks of foreign companies that may be classified under the Code as PFICs. In general, a foreign company is classified as a PFIC if at least one-half of its assets constitute investment-type assets or 75% or more of its gross income is investment-type income. When investing in PFIC securities, a Fund intends to mark-to-market these securities under certain provisions of the Code and recognize any unrealized gains as ordinary income at the end of the Fund’s fiscal and excise tax years.

Deductions for losses are allowable only to the extent of any current or previously recognized gains. These gains (reduced by allowable losses) are treated as ordinary income that a Fund is required to distribute, even though it has not sold or received dividends from these securities. You should also be aware that the designation of a foreign security as a PFIC security will cause its income dividends to fall outside of the definition of qualified foreign corporation dividends. These dividends generally will not qualify for the reduced rate of taxation on qualified dividends when distributed to you by a Fund. Foreign companies are not required to identify themselves as PFICs. Due to various complexities in identifying PFICs, a Fund can give no assurances that it will be able to identify portfolio securities in foreign corporations that are PFICs in time for the Fund to make a mark-to-market election. In addition, if a Fund is unable to identify an investment as a PFIC and thus does not make a mark-to-market election, the Fund may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a portion of any “excess distribution” or gain from the disposition of such shares even if such income is distributed as a taxable dividend by the Fund to its shareholders. Additional charges in the nature of interest may be imposed on a Fund in respect of deferred taxes arising from such distributions or gains.

Investments in non-U.S. REITs. While non-U.S. REITs often use complex acquisition structures that seek to minimize taxation in the source country, an investment by a Fund in a non-U.S. REIT may subject the Fund, directly or indirectly, to corporate taxes, withholding taxes, transfer taxes and other indirect taxes in the country in which the real estate acquired by the non-U.S. REIT is located. A Fund’s pro rata share of any such taxes will reduce the Fund’s return on its investment. A Fund’s investment in a non-U.S. REIT may be considered an investment in a PFIC, as discussed above in “Tax Treatment of Fund Transactions — PFIC investments.” Additionally, foreign withholding taxes on distributions from the non-U.S. REIT may be reduced or eliminated under certain tax treaties, as discussed above in “Investment Company Taxation.” Also, a Fund in certain limited circumstances may be required to file an income tax return in the source country and pay tax on any gain realized from its investment in the non-U.S. REIT under rules similar to those in the United States which tax foreign persons on gain realized from dispositions of interests in U.S. real estate.

Investments in U.S. REITs. A U.S. REIT is not subject to federal income tax on the income and gains it distributes to shareholders. Dividends paid by a U.S. REIT, other than capital gain distributions, will be taxable as ordinary income up to the amount of the U.S. REIT’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. Capital gain dividends paid by a U.S. REIT to a Fund will be treated as long term capital gains by the Fund and, in turn, may be distributed by the Fund to its shareholders as a capital gain distribution. Because of certain noncash expenses, such as property depreciation, an equity U.S. REIT’s cash flow may exceed its taxable income.

The equity U.S. REIT, and in turn a Fund, may distribute this excess cash to shareholders in the form of a return of capital distribution. However, if a U.S. REIT is operated in a manner that fails to qualify as a REIT, an investment in the U.S. REIT would become subject to double taxation, meaning the taxable income of the U.S. REIT would be subject to federal income tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for dividends paid to shareholders and the dividends would be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income (or possibly as qualified dividend income) to the extent of the U.S. REIT’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. Also, see “Tax Treatment of Fund Transactions — Investment in taxable mortgage pools (excess inclusion income)” with respect to certain other tax aspects of investing in U.S. REITs.

Investment in taxable mortgage pools (excess inclusion income). Under a Notice issued by the IRS, the Code and Treasury regulations to be issued, a portion of a Fund’s income from a U.S. REIT that is attributable to the REIT’s residual interest in a real estate mortgage investment conduit (“REMICs”) or equity interests in a “taxable mortgage pool” (referred to in the Code as an excess inclusion) will be subject to federal income tax in all events. The excess inclusion income of a regulated investment company, such as a Fund, will be allocated to shareholders of the regulated investment company in proportion to the dividends received by such shareholders, with the same consequences as if the shareholders held the related REMIC residual interest or, if applicable, taxable mortgage pool directly.

In general, excess inclusion income allocated to shareholders (i) cannot be offset by net operating losses (subject to a limited exception for certain thrift institutions), (ii) will constitute unrelated business taxable income to entities (including qualified pension plans, individual retirement accounts, 401(k) plans, Keogh plans or other tax-exempt entities) subject to tax on

33 
 

unrelated business income (“UBTI”), thereby potentially requiring such an entity that is allocated excess inclusion income, and otherwise might not be required to file a tax return, to file a tax return and pay tax on such income, and (iii) in the case of a foreign stockholder, will not qualify for any reduction in U.S. federal withholding tax. In addition, if at any time during any taxable year a “disqualified organization” (which generally includes certain cooperatives, governmental entities, and tax-exempt organizations not subject to UBTI) is a record holder of a share in a regulated investment company, then the regulated investment company will be subject to a tax equal to that portion of its excess inclusion income for the taxable year that is allocable to the disqualified organization, multiplied by the highest federal income tax rate imposed on corporations. The Notice imposes certain reporting requirements upon regulated investment companies that have excess inclusion income. There can be no assurance that a Fund will not allocate to shareholders excess inclusion income.

These rules are potentially applicable to a Fund with respect to any income it receives from the equity interests of certain mortgage pooling vehicles, either directly or, as is more likely, through an investment in a U.S. REIT. It is unlikely that these rules will apply to a Fund that has a non-REIT strategy.

Investments in partnerships and QPTPs. For purposes of the Income Requirement, income derived by a Fund from a partnership that is not a QPTP will be treated as qualifying income only to the extent such income is attributable to items of income of the partnership that would be qualifying income if realized directly by the Fund. While the rules are not entirely clear with respect to a Fund investing in a partnership outside a master feeder structure, for purposes of testing whether a Fund satisfies the Asset Diversification Test, the Fund is generally treated as owning a pro rata share of the underlying assets of a partnership. In contrast, different rules apply to a partnership that is a QPTP. A QPTP is a partnership (a) the interests in which are traded on an established securities market, (b) that is treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, and (c) that derives less than 90% of its income from sources that satisfy the Income Requirement (i.e., because it invests in commodities or is an MLP). All of the net income derived by a Fund from an interest in a QPTP will be treated as qualifying income but the Fund may not invest more than 25% of its total assets in one or more QPTPs. However, there can be no assurance that a partnership classified as a QPTP in one year will qualify as a QPTP in the next year. Any such failure to annually qualify as a QPTP might, in turn, cause a Fund to fail to qualify as a regulated investment company. Although, in general, the passive loss rules of the Code do not apply to RICs, such rules do apply to a Fund with respect to items attributable to an interest in a QPTP. Fund investments in partnerships, including in QPTPs, may result in the Fund being subject to state, local or foreign income, franchise or withholding tax liabilities.

Investments in commodities —corporate subsidiary and certain ETFs. Gains from the disposition of commodities, including precious metals, will neither be considered qualifying income for purposes of satisfying the Income Requirement nor qualifying assets for purposes of satisfying the Asset Diversification Test. The IRS has issued a revenue ruling which holds that income derived from commodity-linked swaps is not qualifying income for purposes of the Income Requirement. However, in a subsequent revenue ruling, the IRS provided that income from certain alternative investments which create commodity exposure, such as certain commodity index-linked or structured notes, may be considered qualifying income under the Code. Historically, the IRS has issued private letter rulings in which the IRS specifically concluded that income and gains from investments in commodity indexed-linked structured notes (the “Notes Rulings”) or a wholly-owned foreign subsidiary that invests in commodity-linked instruments are qualifying income for purposes of the Income Requirement.

However, a Fund is not able to rely on private letter rulings issued to other taxpayers. The IRS issued final regulations that would generally treat the Fund’s income inclusion with respect to the subsidiary as qualifying income either if (A) there is a distribution out of the earnings and profits of the subsidiary that are attributable to such income inclusion or (B) such inclusion is derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing in stock, securities, or currencies. The IRS also issued a revenue procedure, which states that the IRS will not in the future issue private letter rulings that would require a determination of whether an asset (such as a commodity index-linked note) is a “security” under the 1940 Act. In connection with issuing such revenue procedure, the IRS has revoked the Note Rulings on a prospective basis.

In light of the revocation of the Note Rulings, the Funds intend to limit their investments in commodity index-linked structured notes. If, contrary to a number of private letter rulings issued by the IRS to third-parties, the IRS were to determine such income is non-qualifying, the Fund might fail to satisfy the Income Requirement. In addition, a Fund may gain exposure to commodities through investment in QPTPs such as an ETF that is classified as a partnership and which invests in commodities.

Accordingly, the extent to which a Fund invests in commodities or commodity-linked derivatives may be limited by the Income Requirement and the Asset Diversification Test, which the Fund must continue to satisfy to maintain its status as a regulated investment company. A Fund also may be limited in its ability to sell its investments in commodities, commodity-linked derivatives, and certain ETFs or be forced to sell other investments to generate income due to the Income Requirement. If a Fund does not appropriately limit such investments or if such investments (or the income earned on such

34 
 

investments) were to be recharacterized for U.S. tax purposes, the Fund could fail to qualify as a regulated investment company.

Securities lending. While securities are loaned out by a Fund, the Fund will generally receive from the borrower amounts equal to any dividends or interest paid on the borrowed securities. For federal income tax purposes, payments made “in lieu of” dividends are not considered dividend income. These distributions will neither qualify for the reduced rate of taxation for individuals on qualified dividends nor the 50% dividends received deduction for corporations. Also, any foreign tax withheld on payments made “in lieu of” dividends or interest will not qualify for the pass-through of foreign tax credits to shareholders. Additionally, in the case of a Fund with a strategy of investing in tax-exempt securities, any payments made “in lieu of” tax-exempt interest will be considered taxable income to the Fund, and thus, to the investors, even though such interest may be tax-exempt when paid to the borrower.

Investments in convertible securities. Convertible debt is ordinarily treated as a “single property” consisting of a pure debt interest until conversion, after which the investment becomes an equity interest. If the security is issued at a premium (i.e., for cash in excess of the face amount payable on retirement), the creditor-holder may amortize the premium over the life of the bond. If the security is issued for cash at a price below its face amount, the creditor-holder must accrue original issue discount in income over the life of the debt. The creditor-holder's exercise of the conversion privilege is treated as a nontaxable event. Mandatorily convertible debt (e.g., an exchange traded note or ETN issued in the form of an unsecured obligation that pays a return based on the performance of a specified market index, exchange currency, or commodity) is often, but not always, treated as a contract to buy or sell the reference property rather than debt. Similarly, convertible preferred stock with a mandatory conversion feature is ordinarily, but not always, treated as equity rather than debt. Dividends received generally are qualified dividend income and eligible for the corporate dividends received deduction. In general, conversion of preferred stock for common stock of the same corporation is tax-free. Conversion of preferred stock for cash is a taxable redemption. Any redemption premium for preferred stock that is redeemable by the issuing company might be required to be amortized under original issue discount principles. A change in the conversion ratio or conversion price of a convertible security on account of a dividend paid to the issuer’s other shareholders may result in a deemed distribution of stock to the holders of the convertible security equal to the value of their increased interest in the equity of the issuer. Thus, an increase in the conversion ratio of a convertible security can be treated as a taxable distribution of stock to a holder of the convertible security (without a corresponding receipt of cash by the holder) before the holder has converted the security.

Investments in securities of uncertain tax character. A Fund may invest in securities the U.S. federal income tax treatment of which may not be clear or may be subject to recharacterization by the IRS. To the extent the tax treatment of such securities or the income from such securities differs from the tax treatment expected by a Fund, it could affect the timing or character of income recognized by the Fund, requiring the Fund to purchase or sell securities, or otherwise change its portfolio, in order to comply with the tax rules applicable to regulated investment companies under the Code.

BACKUP WITHHOLDING. A shareholder may be subject to backup withholding (currently, at a rate of 24%) with respect to (a) taxable dividends and distributions and (b) the proceeds of any redemptions of shares of a Fund if he or she fails to furnish a correct taxpayer identification number, certify that he or she has provided a correct taxpayer identification number, certify that he or she is not subject to backup withholding, and certify that he or she is a U.S. person. An individual’s taxpayer identification number is his or her social security number. A Fund also must withhold if the IRS instructs it to do so. Backup withholding is not an additional tax and will be credited against a taxpayer’s regular federal income tax liability.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ARRANGEMENTS PERMITTING FREQUENT PURCHASES AND REDEMPTION OF TRUST SHARES.

Currently, the Trust has not entered into any arrangements to permit frequent purchases and redemptions of Trust shares. Easterly and/or the Distributor may pay additional compensation (out of their own resources and not as an expense of the Funds) to selected affiliated or unaffiliated brokers or other service providers in connection with the sale, distribution, retention and/or servicing of the Funds’ shares. Such fees are in addition to any distribution fees, service fees and/or transfer agency fees that may be payable by the Funds. Easterly and/or the Distributor have entered into agreements with brokers and/or service providers for the provision of such services pursuant to which the Easterly and/or the Distributor pays to the broker and/or service provider a fee that typically does not exceed 0.50% of the value of all sales of Trust shares in which the broker and/or service provider or its affiliates is record owner or broker-dealer of record.

The prospect of receiving, or the receipt of, additional compensation, as described above, by intermediaries, financial advisors and other sales persons may provide them with an incentive to favor sales of shares of the Funds over other

35 
 

investment options with respect to which an intermediary does not receive additional compensation (or receives lower levels of additional compensation). These payment arrangements, however, will not change the price that an investor pays for shares of the Funds. Investors may wish to take such payment arrangements into account when considering and evaluating any recommendations relating to Fund shares. You should review carefully any disclosure by such brokers, dealers or other intermediaries as to their compensation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST. It is not contemplated that regular annual meetings of shareholders will be held. Shareholders of each Fund, together with shareholders of each other Fund in the Trust (together, “Trust Shareholders”) have the right, upon the vote by two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Fund, to remove a Trustee. To the extent required by federal law including the 1940 Act, special meetings of the shareholders shall be called by the Secretary upon the request of the shareholders owning shares representing at least the percentage of the total combined votes of all shares of the Trust issued and outstanding required by federal law including the 1940 Act.

When issued, shares of each class are fully paid and have no preemptive or other subscription rights. Each class of shares represents identical interests in the applicable Fund’s investment portfolio. As such, they have the same rights, privileges and preferences, except with respect to: (a) the designation of each class, (b) the effect of the respective sales charges, if any, for each class, (c) the distribution fees borne by each class, (d) the expenses allocable exclusively to each class, (e) voting rights on matters exclusively affecting a single class and (f) the exchange privilege of each class. Upon liquidation of the Trust or any Fund, shareholders of each class of shares of a Fund are entitled to share pro rata in the net assets of that class available for distribution to shareholders after all debts and expenses have been paid. The shares do not have cumulative voting rights.

The assets received by the Trust on the sale of shares of each Fund and all income, earnings, profits and proceeds thereof, subject only to the rights of creditors, are allocated to each Fund, and constitute the assets of such Fund. The assets of each Fund are required to be segregated on the Trust’s books of account. Expenses not otherwise identified with a particular Fund will be allocated fairly among two or more Funds of the Trust by the Board of Trustees. The Trust’s Board of Trustees has agreed to monitor the Fund transactions and management of each of the Funds and to consider and resolve any conflict that may arise.

The Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the “Declaration”) provides that by virtue of becoming a shareholder of the Trust, each shareholder shall be held expressly to have agreed to be bound by the provisions of the Declaration. Shareholders, however, should be aware that they cannot waive their rights under the federal securities laws. The Declaration generally provides that shareholders will not be subject to personal liability for the obligations of the Funds. There is a remote possibility, however, that, under certain circumstances, shareholders of a Delaware statutory trust may be held personally liable for that trust’s obligations to the extent that the courts of another state that does not recognize such limited liability were to apply the laws of such state to a controversy involving such obligations. The Declaration also provides for indemnification out of assets belonging to the Fund (or allocable to the applicable class, as defined in the Declaration) for all loss and expense of any shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the Fund or such class. Therefore, the risk of any shareholder incurring financial loss beyond their investment due to shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Fund or the applicable class of the Fund is unable to meet its obligations and the express limitation of shareholder liabilities is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction not to be effective.

The Declaration provides a detailed process for the bringing of derivative actions by shareholders for claims other than federal securities law claims beyond the process otherwise required by law. This derivative actions process is intended to permit legitimate inquiries and claims while avoiding the time, expense, distraction, and other harm that can be caused to a Fund or its shareholders as a result of spurious shareholder demands and derivative actions. Prior to bringing a derivative action, a demand by the complaining shareholder must first be made on the Trustees. The Declaration details conditions that must be met with respect to the demand. Following receipt of the demand, the Trustees must be afforded a reasonable amount of time to investigate and consider the demand. The Trustees will be entitled to retain counsel or other advisors in considering the merits of the request and shall require an undertaking by the shareholders making such request to reimburse the Trust for the expense of any such advisors in the event that the Trustees determine not to bring such action. The Trust's process for bringing derivative suits may be more restrictive than other investment companies. The process for derivative actions for the Trust also may make it more expensive for a shareholder to bring a suit than if the shareholder was not required to follow such a process.

The Declaration also requires that actions by shareholders against a Fund be brought only in a certain federal court in New York, or if not permitted to be brought in federal court, then in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware as required by applicable law, or the Superior Court of the State of Delaware (the “Exclusive Jurisdictions”), and that the right to jury trial be waived to the fullest extent permitted by law. Other investment companies may not be subject to similar restrictions.

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In addition, the designation of Exclusive Jurisdictions may make it more expensive for a shareholder to bring a suit than if the shareholder was permitted to select another jurisdiction. Also, the designation of Exclusive Jurisdictions and the waiver of jury trials limit a shareholder's ability to litigate a claim in the jurisdiction and in a manner that may be more favorable to the shareholder. A court may choose not to enforce these provisions of the Declaration.

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM. [•], serves as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Funds. Their services include auditing the annual financial statements and financial highlights of each Fund as well as other related services.

TRUST COUNSEL. Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP, located at 2005 Market Street, Suite 2600, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, acts as the Trust’s legal counsel.

CUSTODIAN. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., located at 50 Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02110, is the custodian of the assets of the Trust.

ADMINISTRATOR. Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, located at 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, serves as the Trust’s Administrator.

DISTRIBUTOR. Easterly Securities LLC, located at 138 Conant Street, Beverly, MA 01915, is the distributor for the shares of the Funds and is an affiliate of the Adviser.

TRANSFER AGENT AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGENT. Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, located at 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246, serves as the Trust’s transfer agent and shareholder servicing agent.

DISTRIBUTION OPTIONS. Shareholders may change their distribution options by giving the Transfer Agent three days prior notice in writing.

TAX INFORMATION. The federal tax treatment of each Fund’s dividends and distributions is explained in the Funds’ Prospectus under the heading “Dividends, Distributions and Taxes.” Each Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax to the extent that it fails to distribute by the end of any calendar year substantially all its ordinary income for that year and capital gains for the one year period ending on October 31 of that year.

REDEMPTION IN KIND. If the Board of Trustees determines that it would be detrimental to the best interests of a Fund’s shareholders to make a redemption payment wholly in cash, the Fund may pay, in accordance with rules adopted by the SEC, any portion of a redemption in excess of the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund’s net assets by a distribution in kind of readily marketable portfolio securities in lieu of cash. Redemptions failing to meet this threshold must be made in cash. Shareholders receiving distributions in kind of portfolio securities may incur brokerage commissions when subsequently disposing of those securities.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of the date of this SAI, the Funds have not commenced operations and financial statements, including financial highlights, are not yet available. The Funds will file financial statements after they complete their first semi-annual period end. Copies of the Funds’ Semi-Annual Report and Annual Report may be obtained, once available, free of charge by calling the Trust at (833) 999-2636 or by downloading a copy at https://www.[ ].com. You may also obtain the Semi-Annual Report or Annual Report, as well as other information about the Trust, from the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

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APPENDIX A—RATINGS

 

The following is a description of the factors underlying the general long- and short-term debt ratings of Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch.

 

DESCRIPTION OF MOODY’S GLOBAL RATING SCALE

 

Ratings assigned on Moody’s global long-term and short-term rating scales are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations issued by non-financial corporates, financial institutions, structured finance vehicles, project finance vehicles, and public sector entities. Moody’s defines credit risk as the risk that an entity may not meet its contractual financial obligations as they come due and any estimated financial loss in the event of default or impairment. The contractual financial obligations addressed by Moody’s ratings are those that call for, without regard to enforceability, the payment of an ascertainable amount, which may vary based upon standard sources of variation (e.g., floating interest rates), by an ascertainable date. Moody’s rating addresses the issuer’s ability to obtain cash sufficient to service the obligation, and its willingness to pay. Moody’s ratings do not address non-standard sources of variation in the amount of the principal obligation (e.g., equity indexed), absent an express statement to the contrary in a press release accompanying an initial rating.

 

Long-term ratings are assigned to issuers or obligations with an original maturity of eleven months or more and reflect both on the likelihood of a default or impairment on contractual financial obligations and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default or impairment. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect both on the likelihood of a default or impairment on contractual financial obligations and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default or impairment. Moody’s issues ratings at the issuer level and instrument level on both the long-term scale and the short-term scale Typically, ratings are made publicly available although private and unpublished ratings may also be assigned.

 

GLOBAL LONG-TERM RATING SCALE

 

Aaa. Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk.

 

Aa. Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.

 

A. Obligations rated A are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.

 

Baa. Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.

 

Ba. Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.

 

B. Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.

 

Caa. Obligations rated Caa are judged to be speculative, of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.

 

Ca. Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.

 

C. Obligations rated C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.

 

A-1 
 

Note: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category. Additionally, a “(hyb)” indicator is appended to all ratings of hybrid securities issued by banks, insurers, finance companies, and securities firms.*

 

*        By their terms, hybrid securities allow for the omission of scheduled dividends, interest, or principal payments, which can potentially result in impairment if such an omission occurs. Hybrid securities may also be subject to contractually allowable write-downs of principal that could result in impairment. Together with the hybrid indicator, the long-term obligation rating assigned to a hybrid security is an expression of the relative credit risk associated with that security.

 

GLOBAL SHORT-TERM RATING SCALE

 

 

P-1. Ratings of Prime-1 reflect a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

P-2. Ratings of Prime-2 reflect a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

 

P-3. Ratings of Prime-3 reflect an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.

 

NP. Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

 

DESCRIPTION OF S&P’S ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS

 

 

An S&P Global Ratings issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion reflects S&P Global Ratings' view of the obligor's capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and this opinion may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.

 

Issue credit ratings can be either long-term or short-term. Short-term issue credit ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant market, typically with an original maturity of no more than 365 days. Short-term issue credit ratings are also used to indicate the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to put features on long-term obligations. S&P would typically assign a long-term issue credit rating to an obligation with an original maturity of greater than 365 days. However, the ratings S&P assigns to certain instruments may diverge from these guidelines based on market practices.

 

LONG TERM ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS

Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on S&P Global Ratings' analysis of the following considerations:

 

-The likelihood of payment--the capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitments on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation;

 

-The nature and provisions of the financial obligation, and the promise we impute; and

 

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-The protection afforded by, and relative position of, the financial obligation in the event of a bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.

 

An issue rating is an assessment of default risk but may incorporate an assessment of relative seniority or ultimate recovery in the event of default. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation may apply when an entity has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.)

 

AAA. Obligations rated AAA have the highest rating assigned by S&P to a debt obligation. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.

 

AA. Obligations rated AA differ from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.

 

A. Obligations rated A are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.

 

BBB. Obligations rated BBB exhibit adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

 

BB, B, CCC, CC and C. Obligations rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.

 

BB. Obligations rated BB are less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

 

B. Obligations rated B are more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated BB, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

 

CCC. Obligations rated CCC are currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

 

CC. Obligations rated CC are currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The CC rating is used when a default has not yet occurred, but S&P expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.

 

C. Obligations rated C are currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared to obligations that are rated higher.

 

D. Obligations rated D are in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the D rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the

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stated grace period or the next 30 calendar days. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation's rating is lowered to D if it is subject to a distressed debt restructuring.

 

NR. This indicates that no rating has been requested, or that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.

 

Ratings from ‘AA’ to ‘CCC’ may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the rating categories.

 

SHORT TERM ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS

 

 

A-1. Obligations rated A-1 are rated in the highest category by S&P. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

 

A-2. Obligations rated A-2 are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.

 

A-3. Obligations rated A-3 exhibit adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

 

B. Obligations rated B are regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.

 

C. Obligations rated C are currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

 

D. Obligations rated D are in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the D rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation's rating is lowered to D if it is subject to a distressed debt restructuring.

 

DESCRIPTION OF FITCH’S CREDIT RATING SCALES

 

Fitch Ratings publishes credit ratings that are forward-looking opinions on the relative ability of an entity or obligation to meet financial commitments. Issuer default ratings (IDRs) are assigned to corporations, sovereign entities, financial institutions such as banks, leasing companies and insurers, and public finance entities (local and regional governments). Issue level ratings are also assigned, often include an expectation of recovery and may be notched above or below the issuer level rating.

 

Issue ratings are assigned to secured and unsecured debt securities, loans, preferred stock and other instruments, Structured finance ratings are issue ratings to securities backed by receivables or other financial assets that consider the obligations’ relative vulnerability to default. Credit ratings are indications of the likelihood of repayment in

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accordance with the terms of the issuance. In limited cases, Fitch may include additional considerations (i.e., rate to a higher or lower standard than that implied in the obligation’s documentation). Fitch Ratings also publishes other ratings, scores and opinions. For example, Fitch provides specialized ratings of servicers of residential and commercial mortgages, asset managers and funds. In each case, users should refer to the definitions of each individual scale for guidance on the dimensions of risk covered in each assessment.

 

Fitch’s credit rating scale for issuers and issues is expressed using the categories ‘AAA’ to ‘BBB’ (investment grade) and ‘BB’ to ‘D’ (speculative grade) with an additional +/-for AA through CCC levels indicating relative differences of probability of default or recovery for issues.

 

The terms “investment grade” and “speculative grade” are market conventions and do not imply any recommendation or endorsement of a specific security for investment purposes. Investment grade categories indicate relatively low to moderate credit risk, while ratings in the speculative categories signal either a higher level of credit risk or that a default has already occurred.

 

Fitch may also disclose issues relating to a rated issuer that are not and have not been rated. Such issues are also denoted as ‘NR’ on its web page.

 

Credit ratings express risk in relative rank order, which is to say they are ordinal measures of credit risk and are not predictive of a specific frequency of default or loss. For information about the historical performance of ratings, please refer to Fitch’s Ratings Transition and Default studies, which detail the historical default rates. The European Securities and Markets Authority also maintains a central repository of historical default rates. Fitch’s credit ratings do not directly address any risk other than credit risk. Credit ratings do not deal with the risk of market value loss due to changes in interest rates, liquidity and/or other market considerations. However, market risk may be considered to the extent that it influences the ability of an issuer to pay or refinance a financial commitment. Ratings nonetheless do not reflect market risk to the extent that they influence the size or other conditionality of the obligation to pay upon a commitment (for example, in the case of payments linked to performance of an equity index).

 

Fitch will use credit rating scales to provide ratings to privately issued obligations or certain note issuance programs, or for private ratings using the same public scale and criteria. Private ratings are not published, and are only provided to the issuer or its agents in the form of a rating letter. The primary credit rating scales may also be used to provide ratings for a narrower scope, including interest strips and return of principal or in other forms of opinions such as Credit Opinions or Rating Assessment Services.

 

Credit Opinions are either a notch- or category-specific view using the primary rating scale and omit one or more characteristics of a full rating or meet them to a different standard. Credit Opinions will be indicated using a lower-case letter symbol combined with either an ‘*’ (e.g. ‘bbb+*’) or (cat) suffix to denote the opinion status. Credit Opinions will be typically point-in-time but may be monitored if the analytical group believes information will be sufficiently available.

 

Rating Assessment Services are a notch-specific view using the primary rating scale of how an existing or potential rating may be changed by a given set of hypothetical circumstances. While Credit Opinions and Rating Assessment Services are point-in-time and are not monitored, they may have a directional Watch or Outlook assigned, which can signify the trajectory of the credit profile.

 

Ratings assigned by Fitch are opinions based on established, approved and published criteria. A variation to criteria may be applied but will be explicitly cited in our rating action commentaries (RACs), which are used to publish credit ratings when established and upon annual or periodic reviews.

 

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Ratings are the collective work product of Fitch, and no individual, or group of individuals, is solely responsible for a rating. Ratings are not facts and, therefore, cannot be described as being “accurate"” or “inaccurate.” Users should refer to the definition of each individual rating for guidance on the dimensions of risk covered by the rating.

 

 

Issuer Default Ratings

 

Rated entities in a number of sectors, including financial and non-financial corporations, sovereigns, insurance companies and certain sectors within public finance, are generally assigned Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs). IDRs are also assigned to certain entities or enterprises in global infrastructure, project finance and public finance. IDRs opine on an entity’s relative vulnerability to default (including by way of a distressed debt exchange) on financial obligations. The threshold default risk addressed by the IDR is generally that of the financial obligations whose non-payment would best reflect the uncured failure of that entity. As such, IDRs also address relative vulnerability to bankruptcy, administrative receivership or similar concepts.

 

In aggregate, IDRs provide an ordinal ranking of issuers based on the agency’s view of their relative vulnerability to default, rather than a prediction of a specific percentage likelihood of default.

 

AAA: Highest credit quality. AAA ratings denote the lowest expectation of default risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

 

AA: Very high credit quality. AA ratings denote expectations of very low default risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

A: High credit quality. A ratings denote expectations of low default risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

 

BBB: Good credit quality. BBB ratings indicate that expectations of default risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.

 

BB: Speculative. BB ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to default risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial flexibility exists which supports the servicing of financial commitments.

 

B: Highly speculative. B ratings indicate that material default risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment.

 

CCC: Substantial credit risk. Very low margin for safety. Default is a real possibility.

 

CC: Very high levels of credit risk. Default of some kind appears probable.

 

C: Near default. A default or default-like process has begun, or the issuer is in standstill, or for a closed funding vehicle, payment capacity is irrevocably impaired. Conditions that are indicative of a C category rating for an issuer include:

 

a. the issuer has entered into a grace or cure period following non-payment of a material financial obligation;

 

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b. the issuer has entered into a temporary negotiated waiver or standstill agreement following a payment default on a material financial obligation; or

 

c. the formal announcement by the issuer or their agent of a distressed debt exchange;

 

d. a closed financing vehicle where payment capacity is irrevocably impaired such that it is not expected to pay interest and/or principal in full during the life of the transaction, but where no payment default is imminent.

 

RD: Restricted default. RD ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch Ratings' opinion has experienced an uncured payment default on a bond, loan or other material financial obligation but which has not entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, and which has not otherwise ceased operating. This would include: a. the selective payment default on a specific class or currency of debt; b. the uncured expiry of any applicable grace period, cure period or default forbearance period following a payment default on a bank loan, capital markets security or other material financial obligation; c. the extension of multiple waivers or forbearance periods upon a payment default on one or more material financial obligations, either in series or in parallel; ord. execution of a distressed debt exchange on one or more material financial obligations.

 

D: Default. D ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch Ratings' opinion has entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, or which has otherwise ceased business.

 

Default ratings are not assigned prospectively to entities or their obligations; within this context, non-payment on an instrument that contains a deferral feature or grace period will generally not be considered a default until after the expiration of the deferral or grace period, unless a default is otherwise driven by bankruptcy or other similar circumstance, or by a distressed debt exchange.

 

Imminent default typically refers to the occasion where a payment default has been intimated by the issuer, and is all but inevitable. This may, for example, be where an issuer has missed a scheduled payment, but (as is typical) has a grace period during which it may cure the payment default.

 

Another alternative would be where an issuer has formally announced a distressed debt exchange, but the date of the exchange still lies several days or weeks in the immediate future. In all cases, the assignment of a default rating reflects the agency's opinion as to the most appropriate rating category consistent with the rest of its universe of ratings, and may differ from the definition of default under the terms of an issuer's financial obligations or local commercial practice.

 

The modifiers + or - may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the ‘AAA’ ratings and ratings below the ‘CCC’ category.

 

SHORT TERM RATINGS

 

A short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-term deposit ratings may be adjusted for loss severity. Short-Term Ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as "short term" based on market convention. Typically, this means up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign, and structured obligations and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets.

 

F1: Highest short-term credit quality. Indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added + to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

 

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F2: Good short-term credit quality. Good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.

 

F3: Fair short-term credit quality. The intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.

 

B: Speculative short-term credit quality. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

 

C: High short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility.

 

RD: Restricted default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only.

 

D: Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.

 

DESCRIPTION OF MOODY’S RATINGS OF US Municipal Short-Term Debt and Demand Obligation Ratings

 

Moody’s use the Municipal Investment Grade (“MIG”) scale for US municipal cash flow notes, bond anticipation notes and certain other short-term obligations, which typically mature in three years or less.

 

MIG 1. This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

 

MIG 2. This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.

 

MIG 3. This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.

 

SG. This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.

 

For variable rate demand obligations ("VRDOs”), Moody’s assigns both a long-term rating and a short-term payment obligation rating. The long-term rating addresses the issuer’s ability to meet scheduled principal and interest payments. The short-term payment obligation rating addresses the ability of the issuer or the liquidity provider to meet any purchase price payment obligation resulting from optional tenders (“on demand”) and/or mandatory tenders of the VRDO. The short-term payment obligation rating uses the VMIG scale. Transitions of Variable Municipal Investment Grade (“VMIG”) ratings with conditional liquidity support differ from transitions of Prime ratings reflecting the risk that external liquidity support will terminate if the issuer’s long-term rating drops below investment grade.

For VRDOs, Moody’s typically assigns a VMIG rating if the frequency of the payment obligation is less than every three years. If the frequency of the payment obligation is less than three years, but the obligation is payable only with remarketing proceeds, the VMIG short-term rating is not assigned and it is denoted as “NR.” Industrial development bonds in the United States where the obligor is a corporate may carry a VMIG rating that reflects Moody’s view of the relative likelihood of default and loss. In these cases, liquidity assessment is based on the liquidity of the corporate obligor.

 

VMIG 1. This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections.

 

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VMIG 2. This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections.

 

VMIG 3. This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections.

 

SG. This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have a sufficiently strong short-term rating or may lack the structural or legal protections.

 

DESCRIPTION OF S&P’S MUNICIPAL SHORT-TERM NOTE RATINGS

 

An S&P Global Ratings U.S. municipal note rating reflects S&P Global Ratings' opinion about the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to the notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes with an original maturity of more than three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. In determining which type of rating, if any, to assign, S&P Global Ratings' analysis will review the following considerations:

 

-Amortization schedule--the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and

 

-Source of payment--the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.

 

SP-1. Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation.

 

SP-2. Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.

 

SP-3. Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

 

D. ‘D’ is assigned upon failure to pay the note when due, completion of a distressed debt restructuring, or the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions.

 

S&P’S DUAL RATINGS

 

Dual ratings may be assigned to debt issues that have a put option or demand feature. The first component of the rating addresses the likelihood of repayment of principal and interest as due, and the second component of the rating addresses only the demand feature. The first component of the rating can relate to either a short-term or long-term transaction and accordingly use either short-term or long-term rating symbols. The second component of the rating relates to the put option and is assigned a short-term rating symbol (for example, 'AAA/A-1+' or 'A-1+/A-1'). With U.S. municipal short-term demand debt, the U.S. municipal short-term note rating symbols are used for the first component of the rating (for example, 'SP-1+/A-1+').

 

 

 

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APPENDIX B – PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Each Fund has delegated responsibility to Easterly to vote proxies in accordance with its Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (which are attached hereto).

 

EASTERLY INVESTMENT PARTNERS LLC

PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES

 

[to be provided]

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PART C

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 28. EXHIBITS

 

(a)(1)Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Registrant is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on January 26, 2021.

 

(a)(2)Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Registrant is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on January 26, 2021.

 

(a)(3)Amended Schedule A to the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Registrant is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on December 29, 2022.

 

(b)Bylaws of the Registrant are incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s initial Registration Statement filed on October 23, 2020.

 

(c)Agreement and Declaration of Trust: Articles II, VI, VII, VIII, and IX; and Bylaws: Articles IV, V, and VI define the rights of security holders.

 

(d)(1)Investment Advisory Agreements by and between the Registrant, on behalf of Easterly Global Real Estate Fund, Easterly Hedged Equity Fund, and Easterly Income Opportunities Fund, and Easterly Funds LLC (formerly known as James Alpha Advisors, LLC) is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on March 22, 2021.

 

(d)(2)Operating Expense Limitation Agreement by and between the Registrant, on behalf of Easterly Global Real Estate Fund, Easterly Hedged Equity Fund, and Easterly Income Opportunities Fund, and Easterly Funds LLC is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on December 29, 2023.

 

(d)(3)Amended and Restated Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement by and between Easterly Funds LLC and Orange Investment Advisors, LLC for Easterly Income Opportunities Fund is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on December 29, 2023.

 

(d)(4)Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement by and between Easterly Funds LLC and Ranger Global Real Estate Advisors, LLC for Easterly Global Real Estate Fund is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on November 8, 2021.

 

(d)(5)Operating Expense Limitation Agreement by and between the Registrant, on behalf of Easterly Snow Small Cap Value Fund and Easterly Snow Long/Short Opportunity Fund, and Easterly Investment Partners LLC is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on November 8, 2021.

 

(d)(6)Amended and Restated Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement by and between Easterly Funds LLC and EAB Investment Group, LLC for Easterly Hedged Equity Fund is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on November 8, 2021.

 

(d)(7)Reserved.
(d)(8)Reserved.

 

 
 
(d)(9)Reserved.

 

(d)(10)Investment Management Agreements by and between the Registrant, on behalf of the Easterly Snow Small Cap Value Fund and Easterly Snow Long/Short Opportunity Fund, and Easterly Investment Partners LLC are incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on November 8, 2021.

 

(e)(1)Form of Distribution Agreement by and between the Registrant and the Distributor is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on December 29, 2023.

 

(f)Not applicable.

 

(g)Custodian Agreement by and between the Registrant and the Custodian is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on September 13, 2021.

 

(h)(1)Master Services Agreement by and between the Registrant and the Administrator is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on March 22, 2021.

 

(h)(2)Amendment No. 1 to the Administration Agreement by and between the Registrant and the Administrator is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on December 29, 2022.

 

(h)(3)Amendment No. 2 to the Administration Agreement by and between the Registrant and the Administrator is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on June 28, 2022.

 

(h)(4)Form of Derivatives Risk Management Program Support Services Addendum by and between the Registrant and the Administrator is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on December 29, 2022.

 

(i)(1)Opinion and Consent of Counsel is incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed on January 26, 2021.

 

(i)(2)Opinion and Consent of Counsel is incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Registration Statement filed on September 13, 2021.

 

(j) Consent of independent registered public accounting firm to be filed by amendment.

 

(k)Not applicable.

 

(l)Not applicable.

 

(m)(1)Amended Distribution and Shareholder Services Plan regarding Class A shares is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on December 29, 2023.

 

(m)(2)Amended Distribution and Shareholder Services Plan regarding Class C shares is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on December 29, 2023.

 

 

(n)(1)Rule 18f-3 Plan is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on January 26, 2021.

 

 
 
(n)(2)Exhibit A to Rule 18f-3 Plan is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on December 29, 2022.

 

(o)Reserved.

 

(p)(1)Code of Ethics for the Registrant is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on January 26, 2021.

 

(p)(2)Code of Ethics for Easterly Funds LLC is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on January 26, 2021.

 

(p)(3)Code of Ethics for the Distributor is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on December 29, 2023.

 

(p)(4)Code of Ethics for Orange Investment Advisors, LLC is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on January 26, 2021.

 

(p)(5)Code of Ethics for Ranger Global Real Estate Advisors, LLC is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on January 26, 2021.

 

(p)(6)Code of Ethics for EAB Investment Group, LLC is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on January 26, 2021.

 

(p)(7)Code of Ethics for Easterly Investment Partners LLC is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on September 10, 2021.

 

(q)Powers of Attorney are incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on January 26, 2021.

 

(q)(1)Power of Attorney for A. Clayton Spencer is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on March 30, 2023.

 

 

Item 29. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT.

 

Not Applicable.

 

Item 30. INDEMNIFICATION.

 

Reference is made to Article VIII of the Registrant’s Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, which is incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement filed on January 26, 2021. Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“1933 Act”), may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

 
 

Item 31. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISERS.

 

See “Management of the Trust” in the Prospectus and “Investment Advisory Services” in the Statement of Additional Information regarding the business of the investment advisers. For information as to the business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature of each of the officers and directors of the investment advisers, reference is made to the Form ADV of Easterly Funds LLC, No. 801-106805, the Form ADV of Easterly Investment Partners LLC, No. 801-114563, the Form ADV of EAB Investment Group, LLC, File No. 801-96306, the Form ADV of Ranger Global Real Estate Advisors, LLC, File No. 801-108081, and the Form ADV of Orange Investment Advisers, LLC, File No. 801-111976 filed under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and Schedules D and F thereto, incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement.

 

Item 32. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS.

 

(a)Easterly Securities LLC (the “Distributor”), 138 Conant Street, Beverly, MA 01915, is the principal underwriter of all series of the James Alpha Funds Trust.

 

(b)       The following list sets forth the directors and executive officers of the Distributor:

 

Name Position with Distributor Position with Registrant
Michael Montague President Treasurer
Kenneth Juster General Counsel Chief Legal Officer
Elizabeth Smith Financial and Operational Principal None

 

The address of the Distributor and each of the above-named persons is 138 Conant Street, Beverly, MA 01915.

 

(c)       Not applicable.

 

Item 33. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS.

 

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246 (records relating to its functions as Registrant’s fund accountant and transfer agent).

 

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC, 80 Arkay Drive, Suite 110, Hauppauge, New York 11788 (records relating to its administration function and Registrant’s Minutes).

 

Easterly Securities LLC, 138 Conant Street, Beverly, MA 01915 (records as distributor).

 

Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., 50 Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02110 (records relating to its function as custodian).


Records required by 31a-1(b) (9) and (b) (10) will be maintained on behalf of the following Funds by their respective Advisers:

 

 

Easterly Global Real Estate Fund

Easterly Funds LLC

515 Madison Avenue, 24th Fl.

New York, New York 10022

 

Ranger Global Real Estate Advisors, LLC

405 Lexington Ave, Suite 3401

New York, NY 10174

 
 

 

Easterly Hedged Equity Fund

 

Easterly Funds LLC

515 Madison Avenue, 24th Fl.

New York, New York 10022

 

EAB Investment Group, LLC

1650 Market Street, 36th Fl.

Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

Easterly Income Opportunities Fund

Easterly Funds LLC

515 Madison Avenue, 24th Fl.

New York, New York 10022

 

Orange Investment Advisers, LLC

243 W. Park Avenue, Suite 201

Winter Park, Florida 32789

Easterly Snow Small Cap Value Fund

Easterly Snow Long/Short Opportunity Fund

Easterly RocMuni High Income Municipal Bond Fund

Easterly RocMuni Short Term Municipal Bond Fund

Easterly Investment Partners LLC

138 Conant Street

Beverly, MA 01915

 

Item 34. MANAGEMENT SERVICES.

Not Applicable.

Item 35. UNDERTAKINGS.

Not Applicable.

 
 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this amendment to its registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the city of Cambridge, and State of Massachusetts, on the 19th day of January, 2024.

 

JAMES ALPHA FUNDS TRUST

 

By: /s/ Darrell Crate*

Name: Darrell Crate

Title: President and Chairperson

 

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

 

SIGNATURE TITLE DATE

/s/ Darrell Crate*

Darrell Crate

President, Trustee and Chairperson of the Board (principal executive officer) January 19, 2024

/s/ Michael J. Montague*

Michael J. Montague

Treasurer

(principal financial officer)

January 19, 2024

/s/ Neil Medugno*

Neil Medugno

Trustee January 19, 2024

/s/ A. Clayton Spencer*

A. Clayton Spencer

Trustee January 19, 2024

 

* By:

/s/ Timothy Burdick

Timothy Burdick, Attorney-in-Fact

Pursuant to Power of Attorney

 

 

 
 

 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

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